mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING SERGEANT SARAH PARKE, 2023 OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to honor Sergeant Sarah Parke of the West City, Illinois Police Department in recognition of her being named the 2023 Officer of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. prgtoken Over Sgt. Parke's decade of service with the West City Police Department, she has received numerous accolades for her performance and professionalism. And her quick actions have helped save multiple lives. prgtoken Sgt. Parke received an award for saving the life of a man who collapsed on a treadmill in 2019. If not for her intervention before paramedics arrived, he may well not have survived. In 2021, Sgt. Parke again saved the life of an unresponsive man by performing CPR until a delayed medical response could arrive. prgtoken In July of last year, the West City Police Dispatch received a 911 call only stating, ``It's so hot.'' Sgt. Parke raced to the scene of the house fire and courageously saved a man by dragging him from a burning building while putting out the flames on his clothes. prgtoken Last November, she performed CPR on a man who collapsed outside of a restaurant, obtaining a pulse before medical staff arrived. prgtoken Sgt. Parke's service does not end when her work shift does. In her personal time, she gives back to her community, including by initiating the ``Backpack Project,'' which aims to help homeless people by providing them with warm clothing. toiletries. and other essentials. prgtoken Sgt. Parke also oversees the West City Police Department's ``Shop with a Cop'' program, which raises funds for children in need and provides shopping trips, decorating, and a major Christmas party for them and their families. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Sergeant Sarah Parke, 2023 Illinois Officer of the Year, and wish her continued success in strengthening and protecting her community for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE MARY HORN, DENTON COUNTY JUDGE
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life of the Honorable Mary Horn, Denton County Judge. Her relentless dedication to public service and remarkable contributions to our community will always be remembered. prgtoken Judge Horn began her public service in 1993 as Denton County's Tax Assessor-Collector, breaking barriers as the first woman to hold this position. She served in this role for nine years before making history once again in 2002, becoming the first woman to serve as Denton County Judge . prgtoken During her unprecedented 16-year tenure serving as Denton County's chief elected official, Judge Horn played a vital role in managing Denton County's unprecedented growth. She accomplished so much, including completing the I-35E expansion, bringing in over 3 billion dollars in road improvements by leveraging 335 million dollars in local funds with state, federal, and regional partners, and helping Denton County achieve a AAA bond rating. prgtoken Beyond her noteworthy professional accomplishments, Judge Horn was a loving wife to Jim, mother to Jennifer and James and a dear friend to many, including myself. She was a role model for all, and her passion for serving the community was contagious, prgtoken I was deeply saddened to learn of Judge Horn's passing on April 21, 2023. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. Judge Horn will always be remembered for her unmatched contributions to Denton County, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. prgtoken I thank Judge Horn for all that she has done for our community. She will be greatly missed.
RECOGNIZING JIM WORTHINGTON
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Mr. Jim Worthington. Jim is the owner and operator of the Newtown Athletic Club based in Newtown, Pennsylvania. For over 40 years, Jim has been a leader and great friend of our district. prgtoken Jim is highly regarded in the Health and Sports club industry. He was appointed to serve on the ``President's Council for Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.'' He has also served as President of the International Sports Club and is a strong believer in giving back to those who have served our country in the Armed Forces, both past and present. prgtoken Jim has taken special attention to the issue of suicide amongst servicemembers and Veterans. After seeking out the expertise of professionals working with the cognitive-physical relationship of Veterans health issues, Jim Worthington partnered with local Veterans advocates to enable the Victor Six Veterans Health and Fitness Organization, resulting in zero suicides amongst its military and veteran graduates. He continues to selflessly give his time, finances, and facilities to Victor Six's participants to ensure that our community's heroes are cared for in both body and mind prgtoken Jim's pursuit for better health does not stop at the local level. He was instrumental in the push for allowing patients with life- threatening diseases to access experimental treatments through his advocacy for the ``Right to Try'' Act. prgtoken We are all incredibly grateful for Jim's dedication to mental and physical health. His selfless service to our community is an incredible example of citizenship and we are all fortunate to call him a neighbor and friend.
RECOGNIZING WESTMORELAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today in recognition of the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department's 75th anniversary. Since 1948, the department has provided critical services and support to Westmoreland residents. prgtoken The WVFD covers over 150 miles of roads and serves approximately 5,000 residents of Westmoreland County, Virginia. The WVFD's membership consists of 28 active volunteers committed to community service and public safety. From rescuing boaters on the Potomac River to responding to house fires in Montross, these volunteer first responders are always ready to serve those in need. prgtoken On May 6, 2023, the WVFD will host a celebration of its 75th anniversary. The event will feature local food vendors, fire safety challenges, and demonstrations of fire prevention equipment. I look forward to attending the event, and I commend WVFD for its 75 years of excellent service in Virginia's First District. prgtoken , I ask you to rise with me today to honor and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department. May God bless the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department as it continues its dedication to community service.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND CAREER OF CHIEF HAROLD DAVID ROSSMAN, JR., OF THE LAKE ORION POLICE DEPARTMENT
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to honor the retirement of Chief Harold David Rossman, Jr who has dedicated his life to serving the people of the Lake Orion community and of our great state. prgtoken Harold began his police career in 1987 as a reserve police officer in Lake Orion, and over the years, he also served Almont and Clarkston as a part-time officer. Chief Rossman began his full-time career in law enforcement with the Wayne County Sheriffs Office in 1995 while he was still part-time with the Lake Orion Police Department. Chief Rossman became a full-time police officer in Lake Orion that same year, was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, and after almost 20 years of distinguished service, was tapped for chief of police. prgtoken Chief Rossman's selfless and tireless dedication to law enforcement and the safety of our community serves as an inspiration to all of us who value public safety. prgtoken One of the most fundamental services in any community is law enforcement. Throughout his extensive career, Harold Rossman accepted great responsibility and faced many unique challenges requiring courage, preparation, and skill. In his service, Chief Rossman has guided Lake Orion through many new pressures to the balance of public safety and the rights of individuals. His distinguished leadership, coupled with his integrity, professionalism, and kind presence throughout the community, has earned him well-deserved appreciation and respect. Chief Rossman's extraordinary tenure in public service is something we should all be proud of. prgtoken Beyond his service as a dedicated law enforcement officer, Chief Rossman deeply enjoys NASCAR, spending time with his grandchildren, and interacting with the Lake Orion community. prgtoken I know that the Lake Orion Police Department and the wider community will miss his presence as chief. Chief Rossman's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers and community leaders. I look forward to his continued presence as he navigates the reward of retirement. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Michigan's Ninth District, I want to thank Harold David Rossman, Jr for his tireless dedication and service to our communities. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we know that he will continue to be a great resource to our community in whatever capacity he chooses to serve.
HONORING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT LEVIN FOR HIS EXEMPLARY MILITARY SERVICE IN WORLD WAR II
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to honor Private First Class Robert Levin for his exemplary military service to our Nation during World War II. prgtoken After graduating from North Carolina State College, PFC Levin was called to service after the U.S. entered World War II. He was sent to prgtoken Camp Upton in New York before being relocated to Camp Wheeler in Georgia for basic training. He applied for Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, but before a new class could begin, he was sent to Baltimore to ship out overseas to North Africa as an infantryman in the 36th Division. The division moved from North Africa to Italy where PFC Levin was wounded and taken captive by the Germans in the Battle of the Rapido River near Monte Cassino. He spent 13 months as a prisoner of war at numerous prison camps, most notably Oflag 64. Here, PFC Levin was deprived of food and dug through trash cans to survive. In January 1945, he was rescued by Soviet Russian forces and later returned home to the U.S. in April. After the war, he was discharged and returned to civilian life on account of his Adjusted Service Rating Score. prgtoken In recognition of his outstanding military service, PFC Levin was awarded a Purple Heart and the POW Medal for his time as an American in Prisoner of War Camps. As a civilian, he returned to North Carolina State to complete graduate study before moving to Danville, Virginia to pursue a career in the textile industry with Dan River Mills. In Danville, he met Carlene Hardy, his wife of 71 years. They now reside in Southern Pines, North Carolina. prgtoken On April 30, 2023, PFC Levin turned 103 years old. His incredible service and sacrifice in World War II represent the best our Nation has to offer, and we will look up to his leadership for generations to come. On behalf of North Carolina's Ninth District and our entire country, I would like to extend him my most heartfelt appreciation for his courage and leadership. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him and his family the best going forward. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring Private First Class Robert Levin for his outstanding service and leadership during World War II.
HONORING MAUDIE BEATTY
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to honor Maudie Beatty for her selfless and dedicated service to the children, families, and community of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. For 35 years Maudie has taken in and cared for over 300 foster children, demonstrating the valuable attributes of compassion and generosity to those around her who are the most vulnerable and in need. prgtoken As a beacon of hope in the community, Maudie is one of the exemplary constituents that it is my honor to represent from the 16th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. It is, undoubtedly, these heroes who too often go unrecognized that are the foundation of what makes this country the greatest country in the world.
RECOGNIZING KEVIN NIKOLAI
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-5-5

today I rise to recognize and honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Corrections Officer Kevin Nikolai. prgtoken Officer Kevin Nikolai was born in Wausau to Joanne Carol (Baars) and Terrence Nikolai on January 26, 1982. He was raised in Kronenwetter, WI with his two older siblings, Kim and Scott. After graduating from Mosinee High School in 2000, Officer Nikolai attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After graduation he began his employment with the Outagamie County Jail serving as a Collections Officer. Serving with the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office, Officer Nikolai dedicated his life to serving the people of Outagamie County and Northeast Wisconsin and I thank him for his years of unwavering service. prgtoken Throughout Officer Nikolai's career with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, he was known by his fellow officers as the one who was always willing to lend a helping hand and for his ability to communicate with those around him. Serving as an instructor, Officer Nikolai positively impacted his coworkers and endeavored to leave a positive impact on the world. Officer Nikolai's legacy will live on and be remembered by everyone who knew him. prgtoken , today the people of Northeast Wisconsin thank Officer Kevin Nikolai for his extraordinary service and devotion to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, including his son Logan, and to all of the people who were touched by his life.
APRIL CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-5

it is my great honor to recognize Joe Jackson as my April Constituent of the Month. prgtoken Joe Jackson is the President of Federal Firefighters of Camp Pendleton. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is located in the heart of my district. The Camp Pendleton Fire Department operates a training base that equips firefighters to prevent fires from running into residential areas and surrounding communities. Their work ensures the families of Marines on Camp Pendleton and the surrounding communities are kept safe from worsening year-round fires. prgtoken Joe has over a decade of experience with the Marine Corps Fire. He is an experienced Paramedic and an amazing example of the commitment and drive of the thousands of DOD Firefighters. prgtoken Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Firefighters are brave individuals who put their prgtoken lives on the line to fight fires. With worsening wildfires affecting our district and state, their work is instrumental in preventing further damage to our natural resources and protecting our community. I have no doubt this work will continue to make a difference in our region. prgtoken In honor of Earth Month, I want to recognize Joe as a strong example of one of the many Camp Pendleton Firefighters who respond to wildfires and fires in order to protect our region and the families on the base. His work and leadership are admirable and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. His experiences and commitment to the Camp Pendleton Fire Department are why I'm proud to honor Joe Jackson as my April Constituent of the Month.
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND JAMES A. JAMISON
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend James A. Jamison, who has retired after 32 years of dedicated service as the Assistant Pastor at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina. Reverend Jamison is a native of Cayce, South Carolina, and is married to the former Marilyn Garvin. He attended the public schools of Lexington School District No. 2 and is a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School. Prior to his graduation, he received and accepted the call to the ministry. prgtoken Rev. Jamison attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy. He graduated with the highest average in Religion and Philosophy and was a member of the National Dean's List. He was also named in the 1987 and 1989 Editions of Outstanding Young Men of America. prgtoken He pursued seminary studies at Morehouse School of Religion of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1990. Rev. Jamison earned a Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, in May 2014. He also completed one certified year of residency in Clinical Pastoral Education at the Columbia Area Academy in 1991 and completed requirements for a Doctor of Ministry degree at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois in 2019. prgtoken Rev. Jamison has pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church of Forest City, North Carolina; Hall Hill Baptist Church of Pelion, South Carolina; and New Hope Baptist Church of Crawfordville, Georgia; and has preached and taught abroad. In 1989, he was invited to do research on the continents of Africa and Europe in Italy, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. prgtoken In June of 1994, he participated in the Kenya Partnership as a preacher, teacher, and group leader. He was invited in 2007 to travel to Liberia on a preaching and mission trip. He is also in demand as a lecturer, and teacher on the state and district level. He is a former member of the faculty of the State Congress of Christian Education and served as an instructor and director of the Minister's Division. He has served as an instructor for the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education as well as Dean of the Congress and President of the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education. prgtoken Rev. Jamison is a former Commissioner of Education with the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education and has served as Dean of the Gold Hill Association in Forest City, North Carolina. He also served as an instructor for the Southern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Rev. Jamison has served as an instructor of religion at Morris College for twenty years and was selected for ``Who's Who among America's Teachers'' in 2003-2004. He previously taught at Claflin University and Dickerson-Green Seminary Allen University and serves as a peer group facilitator for the Styberg
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ROOFING WEEK
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to recognize the National Roofing Contractors Association headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and its efforts to designate the week of June 4 through 10, 2023, as National Roofing Week. prgtoken The roof is one of the most important components of any home or business. It is the first line of defense against natural elements, such as rain, snow or wind, and yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. National Roofing Week honors the thousands of roofing-related businesses and workers across the country, as well as the industry's commitment to public service. National Roofing Week is a valuable reminder of the significance that quality roofing has on every home and business in the U.S. prgtoken Established in 1886, NRCA is one of the Nation's oldest trade associations and the voice of professional roofing contractors worldwide. NRCA has nearly 4,000 roofing company members who represent the entire roofing supply chain. Using its vast network of roofing contractors and industry-related members, NRCA is responsible for the installation of new construction and replacement roof systems on commercial and residential structures across America. Most of its members are small, privately held businesses that provide family- sustaining jobs for thousands of hardworking individuals who are the backbone of our economy prgtoken Professional roofing contractors provide vital services to their communities, on and off the clock. NRCA members will recognize National Roofing Week June 4 through 10 by supporting numerous charitable projects, employee training programs and other activities across the Nation. I commend NRCA and the vital role the organization and its members play in every community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging their contributions during National Roofing Week.
HONORING JANELLE SELLICK
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-5

I rise today to honor Janelle Sellick, whom I have named the 2023 Climate Crisis Champion for Napa County because of the important work she has done to address the threat and impacts of the climate crisis on California's Fourth Congressional District. prgtoken Ms. Sellick was born in Westlake, California, and attended California State University, Chico, and California State University, Sacramento, where she obtained her master's degree in recreational administration. prgtoken Ms. Sellick has been an extremely active and devoted community member. She began her service in 2013 on the City of American Canyon Parks and Community Services Commission, on which she served until 2020. In 2015, she founded the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation. prgtoken In addition to holding these positions, Ms. Sellick has made many major environmental contributions such as leading the development of the Napa River Ecology Center Project which created an environmental legacy for Napa County. The Napa River Ecology Center at the American Canyon Wetlands will provide a home for important conversations on climate change and environmental action while developing the next generation of environmental stewards. Ms, Sellick worked with the City of American Canyon, partners, and donors to design, fund, and manage the capital project for the ecology center. Ms. Sellick has raised over $500,000 in seed funding for project development through the capital campaign for the ecology center. prgtoken Additionally, Ms. Sellick has led the development of the Watershed Explorers Environmental Education program, which now serves every fourth grader in American Canyon. As a result of this development, 305 students spend over 2,000 hours annually in environmental and watershed education. When Ms. Sellick is not fighting for climate justice, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family, gardening, reading, and traveling to national parks. prgtoken , Janelle Sellick is a dedicated leader in energy and environmental advocacy.