mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DR. NALO JOHNSON AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as Iowan of the Week. Dr. Nalo Johnson is a public health expert who works with community-based organizations, public and private entities, and everyday Iowans to improve health outcomes for all Iowans. prgtoken While growing up in Des Moines, she learned firsthand how collaboration was key to addressing issues facing her community, and that lesson drives her work to this day. prgtoken She got her start in public health while earning her Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota, where she focused on learning about the economic, social, and environmental barriers to health. At the same time, her husband attended dental school and shared literature on public health issues that furthered her interest in the topic. After she concluded the program, she knew that her life's mission was to break down those barriers and create healthier communities. prgtoken She later joined the Division Director of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention at the Iowa Department of Public Health. There, she worked on the Title V Community-Based Doula Project for African American Families. This project included a collaborative team of Black maternal health experts that had 3 goals--to improve maternal health outcomes and decrease the disparity between Black mothers and white mothers, diversify the prenatal workforce by having doula and lactation certifications, and advocate for a systems change to use the program's data for health insurance reimbursement--including Medicaid-- for using doula services. The project is now concluding its first year of work. prgtoken She now serves as the President and CEO of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, where she partners with leading organizations and stakeholders to view public health challenges through an equity lens and tackle those same challenges in a culturally-competent and effective manner. prgtoken Dr. Nalo Johnson says that one of the best parts of her job is building relationships with local leaders, funding partners, and public health systems to bring everyone to the table to address the unique needs of communities and is excited about the new resources available to do just that in her new role. prgtoken She is grateful for the support of her family--her husband and two children--for always being supportive and proud of the work she does. prgtoken Dr. Nalo Johnson is a stellar example of someone who fights for ALL Iowans, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Her work is critical to the well-being of Iowans, and I am so proud to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as the Iowan of the Week.
RECOGNIZING MS. MAGAZINE
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-10-21

. I rise to recognize Ms. Magazine for its work to provide comprehensive coverage of women's issues and to celebrate the magazine's fiftieth anniversary. prgtoken When feminist activists Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pittman Hughes started Ms. Magazine in December 1971 with a 40-page insert inside New York magazine, few could have predicted its longevity and its far- reaching impact. But the magazine immediately struck a chord with women, selling 300,000 copies in eight days and generating 26,000 subscription orders and more than 20,000 reader letters within weeks. prgtoken While most magazines marketed to women at the time emphasized domestic topics such as the importance of finding a husband, Ms. Magazine featured stories on prominent women's issues including abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. prgtoken In July 1972, the first issue of Ms. Magazine was published with an image of Wonder Woman on the cover. In the same issue, 53 women, including Billie Jean King, Nora Ephron, and Gloria Steinem, signed a ``we have had abortions petition,'' one year before the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. prgtoken In the years following, Ms. Magazine has covered and influenced the feminist movement. On a personal note, the magazine also profoundly impacted my career aspirations and legislative agenda in both the New York City Council and in Congress. prgtoken Over the course of my career, I didn't have to call Ms. Magazine five times to convince them to cover issues and legislation like the Debbie Smith Act, the horrific crime of sex trafficking, and the Equal Rights Amendment. prgtoken Ms. Magazine also faithfully chronicled my 20-year fight to create the National Women's History Museum on the Mall. Without Ms. Magazines' coverage and advocacy, we might still be fighting. prgtoken Women comprise half the population. But we get nowhere near half the attention on critical issues. Most other magazines and new outlets swoop in to cover monumental women's issues like the rollback of Roe. v. Wade. But Ms. Magazine is there every day to cover issues of importance to women and to shine the light on women's often-hidden contributions to all fields. prgtoken I join millions of women worldwide in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Ms. Magazine over the past 50 years, and in wishing them every success in the next 50. Because Ms. Magazine isn't just a magazine. It's a movement.
HONORING MR. FRANK SCARFO OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Frank Scarfo, a 94-year-old U.S. Army veteran in my Congressional District who has quite an interesting history. Mr. Scarfo served our country as a counterintelligence officer based in Italy during the Korean War. In a little-known Army operation, Mr. Scarfo helped identify and report communist party operatives who were attempting to infiltrate the Army's leadership by working as support staff in Italy. prgtoken Born and raised in a small coal-mining town called Norton in West Virginia, Mr. Scarfo was brought up speaking only Italian in his parent's household until the age of eight. After graduating from college, he registered for the draft in December 1950 and after making the Army aware of his fluency in Italian was sent to Fort Holabird, Maryland, home of the Army's Intelligence School from 1945 to 1972, where he was trained as a counter-intelligence officer. prgtoken Assigned to the 7617 Military Post in Livorno, Italy, Mr. Scarfo served his country for two years supporting the 4th Logistical Command, uncovering potentially dangerous enemy operatives who were working for the U.S. Army in Livorno, Pizza, and Florence, Italy. The cover name for the operation was the ``Labor Control Detachment'' and it remains somewhat secretive to this day. Mr. Scarfo went on to serve for an additional four years in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of sergeant. prgtoken Proud of his contributions to the American occupation of Europe in the early 1950s, Mr. Scarfo would have continued his service in the Army if he didn't need to return home to West Virginia to take care of his ailing parents. He later moved to California and worked with space pioneer Wernher von Braun's operation at the Aerospace Corporation, which led to the successful moon landings in the late 1960s and early 1970s. prgtoken In honor of Frank Scarfo's participation in this little-known military operation in the European theater, I am pleased to bring to light his service to our country and thank him for a job well done.
RECOGNIZING CLEVELAND UNIVERSITY-KANSAS CITY'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , it is my honor to rise today to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Cleveland University-Kansas City. For an entire century, Cleveland University-Kansas City has been recognized as a leader in the chiropractic care field, serving as one of the oldest nonprofit chiropractic colleges in the Nation. This institution prepares thousands of healthcare professionals that prioritize creating a healthier world for our community. It is truly an honor to celebrate the Cleveland University-Kansas City and its 100 years of history. prgtoken Since its inception, Cleveland University-Kansas City has been an integral contributor in teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals. Originally named Central College of Chiropractic, the institution enrolled their first class of students in 1922 and celebrated the graduation of its first doctor of chiropractic in 1924. Founded by graduates of the world's first school of chiropractic care, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. C.S. Cleveland Sr Dr. Ruth R. Cleveland, and Dr. Perl B. Griffin became one of the first established families in chiropractic care in the Nation. After two years of operation, Central College of Chiropractic was renamed to Cleveland Chiropractic College, reflecting the influential contributions of the founding family. prgtoken As enrollment at the institution began to grow, it remained centered on creating a tight-knit community amongst students, staff, and faculty to ensure there was an existing support system as students continued their academic and professional journeys. As a result of the institution expanding, Cleveland Chiropractic College acquired the Ratledge System of Chiropractic Schools located in Los Angeles in 1951 and was renamed as Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles in 1955. With roots in Kansas City and Los Angeles, the college became known across the country, attracting students from every corner of the Nation. After Dr. C.S. Cleveland Sr.'s leadership was over, his son, Dr. C.S. Cleveland Jr. served as chancellor of both campuses and saw the establishment of a new bachelor's degree in human biology and a new program focused on pre-professional Health Science. Known as a worldwide chiropractic lecturer, Dr. C.S. Cleveland Jr. began the process of expanding the college's degrees while keeping chiropractic care as the foundation of the institution. prgtoken To provide students with more hands-on experience and access to advanced technological facilities, a newly developed facility was created in 2008 and by 2011, the Los Angeles campus consolidated operations with the Kansas City campus. Under the leadership of fourth- generation chiropractor and grandson of the founders, Carl S. Cleveland III spearheaded the transition to university status, changing the institution's name to Cleveland University-Kansas City. Under the new name, the university was able to support the addition of multiple degrees such as ne
IN HONOR OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Filipino American History Month. Across the United States, Filipino Americans have played a crucial role in this country's success and have built a remarkable legacy that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. prgtoken In our community especially, Filipino Americans have a rich and storied history. In the early 1900s, thousands of Filipinos immigrated to the United States, with many settling in and around Stockton, California. In fact, according to 1930s census data, over half of all Filipinos in the United States were in San Joaquin County. From this large population grew Little Manila, a Filipino neighborhood in Stockton that served as a home for the newly formed immigrant community. Little Manila was a safe harbor from discrimination and became a place for Filipino culture and families to thrive. While only a small portion of Little Manila remains, its impact can still be felt throughout Stockton all these years later. prgtoken Today, Filipino Americans have built on the legacy started by their parents and grandparents and continue to enrich our nation. In San Joaquin County, we have a strong and vibrant Filipino American community of nearly 30,000. They work in every industry, serve our community in numerous ways, and have brought immense value to the Central Valley. The history of Filipino Americans is preserved prgtoken and rightfully applauded thanks to the hard work of advocacy groups like the Filipino American National Historical Society, which chose Stockton as the location for the organization's museum. prgtoken In countless ways, the history of Filipino Americans embodies the ideals of the American Spirit: hard work, dedication, resiliency, and a firm belief that better days lie ahead. Filipino Americans are an integral part of our area and have played an irreplaceable role in the larger American story. I am incredibly proud to celebrate October as Filipino American History Month and eagerly anticipate the role that Filipino Americans will play in our community's future.
RECOGNIZING ELLIOT BERRY
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise today alongside my colleague Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster to honor Elliot Berry and his forty- seven years of service to New Hampshire Legal Assistance. Through his impactful career, Elliot embodied the highest values of service to our state's most vulnerable community members. prgtoken Witnessing the systematic and legal challenges faced by the residents he served, Elliot dedicated his efforts to not only helping his clients navigate the system but making positive changes to our state's housing policies. New Hampshire residents enjoy more protective renter's rights and housing laws thanks to Elliot's work. These protections will continue to benefit hundreds of families across New Hampshire long after his retirement, making our state safer and more economically viable for the future. prgtoken In 1975, Elliot began his journey with New Hampshire Legal Assistance after graduating from Boston College Law School and starting out as a VISTA volunteer. Throughout thousands of cases for individual clients, appeals, and class-action lawsuits, Elliot stayed resolute in his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. This spirit of service was exemplified in Elliot's challenges to a series of local zoning laws proposed in the 1990s that precluded the development of low-to-moderate income housing units. Elliot's advocacy extended past housing issues to include representing incarcerated men and women across New Hampshire, resulting in the construction of a new prison facility for women in Concord and improved access to mental health and drug counseling services for men and women. prgtoken Elliot's belief in the right to safe and affordable housing distinguishes him as a true champion for low-income families, and the legacy of his service will continue to improve the lives of residents across the Granite State for years to come. prgtoken On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First and Second Congressional Districts, we thank Elliot for his many years of service, and for being part of what makes the Granite State such a special place to live. We are honored to recognize and congratulate Elliot on his retirement and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.
RECOGNIZING PASTOR RONALD K. BENSON
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , today, I want to recognize Pastor Ronald K. Benson of Greater Haven of Rest Church of God in Christ, in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as he celebrates his fifty years of service in faith. prgtoken Pastor Ronald K. Benson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He is the eldest of ten siblings. Pastor Benson is the fourth generation of his family to be raised in the Church of God in Christ. He was called to the ministry as a young man and member of the Conner Avenue Church of God in Christ. Pastor Benson's mission has been to be a faithful servant of the Lord and the people of his flock. Pastor Benson has served over the years in many capacities; he is the Superintendent of the Progressive District, Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction, Executive Secretary and Liaison to the late Honorable Bishop P.A. Brooks, Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction, Finance Committee member and Trustee Board member and Secretary. prgtoken Pastor Benson possesses a true passion for community service. He has assisted and coordinated numerous programs and events, including an annual school supplies giveaway, winter coats for children in need program, and a community health screening fair. He also spearheaded the creation of a resource center for adults. The 13th Congressional District is grateful for Pastor Benson's compassion and humble spirit by the many people he has helped on his journey. prgtoken Please join me in celebrating Pastor Ronald K. Benson for fifty years of service to Greater Haven of Rest Church of God in Christ and the community of Detroit.
RECOGNIZING UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS REPORT ON DROUGHT RAVAGING CALIFORNIA'S SACRAMENTO VALLEY
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the work by the University of California, Davis to quantify the ongoing, unprecedented drought's devastating impacts on the Sacramento Valley economy. This ravaging drought has left hundreds of thousands of acres of Sacramento Valley farmland unplanted this year, causing dramatic harm to people, fish, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. prgtoken On August 29, 2022, researchers at UC Davis in my Congressional district published a report entitled ``Continued Drought in 2022 Ravages California's Sacramento Valley Economy.'' I encourage all Members of Congress to review this important study and work with me to help mitigate this historic drought impacting the Sacramento Valley, other parts of California, and the American West. The report reads as follows: Drought in 2022 is severe by any measure. The 2020 and 2021 water years left California, and especially California agriculture, damaged and vulnerable (Sumner et al. 2021, Medellin-Azuara, et al. 2022). After a promising start, the record failure of precipitation in January and February left the state with such a deficit that despite some snow and rain in March and April, levels of water tables, snowpacks, and reservoirs have left the available irrigation water supply in a perilous condition. The water situation for Sacramento Valley agriculture is as bad as it has ever been. The depth of this drought was reflected in repeated dismal announcements during the spring of huge reductions in projected irrigation availability. In this report, we assess the likely economic impacts of drought for farms and ranches on the Sacramento Valley in 2022. First, we briefly describe the economics of Sacramento Valley agriculture in 2019, which, while still drought impacted, was relatively ``normal'' in the water situation and in the broader economic situation. We used data from Sacramento Valley county agricultural commissioners' reports for values of farm output and the IMPLAN data set on linkages across sectors of the economy to extend implications of farm economics of the 2022 drought to the broader Sacramento Valley economy. The Sacramento Valley, which here is taken to include Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo, and Yuba Counties, has a large, diverse, and vibrant agricultural economy. Farms and ranches rely on precipitation within the Valley as well as the surrounding hills and mountains for production of crops and livestock. Several key assumptions and limitations of any projections of economic effects of the current drought must be listed at the outset. These are important to interpret our results. First, irrigation water availability for the rest of the growing season and water year has been mostly determined; ho
HONORING EDNA LEWIS
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a distinguished Virginian, Ms. Edna Lewis. prgtoken Edna was born in Freetown, Orange County, Virginia in 1916. As a child growing up in a small farming community of emancipated slaves, Edna learned how to grow and cultivate food on her grandfather's farm. Drawing upon the heritage and culture of her African-American ancestors, Edna developed her distinct style of traditional Southern cooking. prgtoken At the age of sixteen, Edna left Freetown and eventually settled in New York City. Working as a seamstress and dressmaker, it wasn't until 1949 that she began cooking professionally as the head chef at Cafe Nicholson, a new restaurant in Manhattan. The restaurant and Edna's unique style of Southern cooking quickly gained a dedicated following-- including prominent individuals ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to Truman Capote. prgtoken Even after Edna eventually left Cafe Nicholson, demand for her cooking and culinary expertise did not diminish. She published her first cookbook in 1972, followed shortly after by The Taste of Country Cooking in 1976. The Taste of Country Cooking, her seminal work, combines recipes and stories from her childhood in Freetown. Edna's ability to impart her voice and heritage in the cookbook made it loved and adored by many. prgtoken Edna published two more cookbooks over the course of her life. She was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the James Beard Living Legend Award and International Association of Culinary Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others. In 2014, she was honored by the creation of a U.S. postal stamp with her image. prgtoken Now, in honor of Edna's life and achievements, the Orange County community will be installing a historical marker so that visitors can learn more about her and her contributions to our Commonwealth and our Nation. As the U.S. Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, I thank Orange County for creating an enduring memory of Edna so that future generations can remember one of the great champions of Southern cuisine.
HONORING JEFFREY SIEGEL
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-10-21

. Madam , I rise to honor a cherished friend, Jeffrey Siegel. For over the past six decades, Jeffrey Siegel has graced concert halls around the globe as a solo pianist for the world's greatest orchestras. As Jeffrey Siegel celebrates his 80th birthday, I wanted to join the huge chorus of grateful music lovers who continue today to be inspired and enthralled by his performances. prgtoken Jeffrey grew up in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, as did I. He attended grammar school at Rogers School and graduated from Sullivan High School--as I did, just a couple of years behind him. With home- town pride, we watched Jeffrey advance in the world of classical music. I was more than a little impressed when Marion Block, my neighborhood piano teacher, invited the young Jeffrey to our very modest recital at her home to expose us to the wonders of a truly talented young pianist. I never forgot it. prgtoken Jeffrey Siegel is a remarkable communicator as well as performer, bringing music to life in a unique way. For several decades, he has presented ``Keyboard Conversations,'' during which he gives the audience fascinating background about the composers, the world and times they lived in, and the important features of the composition that deserve special attention. Everyone from the newest to the most experienced listeners have a richer musical experience. prgtoken Each ``Keyboard Conversation'' ends with a Q and A and a lively discussion with the audience. Jeffrey presents these well-attended programs on a regular basis throughout the country including at Northwestern University where my husband and I try to never miss a concert, and occasionally spend an evening talking politics and policy over dinner. prgtoken Jeffrey Siegel is a remarkable human being and one of America's most esteemed pianists. ``An achievement of the sort seldom heard.'' The New York Times. prgtoken Jeffrey Siegel has everything: massive technique, musical sensitivity and character-wide tonal resonance, immense reserve of power, and ability to communicate.'' Los Angeles Times. prgtoken I wish my dear friend a Happy Birthday.