mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING LTC(RET) NICHOLAS M. LAIACONA ON RECEIVING THE 2018 VETERAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to congratulate LTC(Ret) Nicholas Laiacona on receiving the 2018 Veteran of the Year Award. prgtoken Each year, the Friends of the NYS Military Museum and the Capitol District of NY Chapter, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) recognize an outstanding veteran from the local community. This year's awardee, LTC Laiacona, has made distinguished contributions to his country as a soldier and to his community as a veteran. prgtoken LTC Laiacona entered the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander in the Mobile Riverine Force, 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. After returning home, he transferred to the Ordnance Corps, fulfilling assignments in the United States, Germany, and Korea. In 1985, he was selected as one of the first certified U.S. Army Material Acquisition Managers and became one of the first officers in the Army Acquisition Corps. LTC Laiacona retired in 1991 with over 24 years of service and numerous awards and decorations, among them the Purple Heart and Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars. prgtoken After retiring, LTC Laiacona continued to contribute to the Army by applying his expertise to several corporations in support of U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering. He also remains active in several Veterans organizations, including the AUSA where he served as President of the Capital District Chapter and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate LTC(Ret) Nicholas Laiacona on his well-deserved award of 2018 Veteran of the Year. We are thankful for his service and dedication to both his country and community
CONGRATULATING THE PICKFORD COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOR WINNING THE 2018 SCHOLASTIC SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-10-19

it's my honor to recognize the Pickford Community Library for winning the 2018 Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Through its trusted service and dedication to its local community, the Pickford Library has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. prgtoken The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free online reading program designed to help students turn the ``summer slide'' learning loss over the summer months into a ``summer leap'' by encouraging reading for fun. Schools, libraries, and local communities across the country participate in this 18-week challenge. Working with Pickford Public Schools, home school students, and readers throughout the eastern U.P the Pickford Community Library helped a total of 152 local students read 338,057 minutes--making it the top library in the country. This success was thanks in part to the support of the local community, which helped the library operate its ``piggyback rewards program'' to incentivize reading and reward students for their efforts. Its dedication to this challenge and efforts to encourage summer reading are just the most recent examples of the Pickford Library's unwavering commitment to the growth and enrichment of the residents of the U.P. In total, the Summer Reading Challenge helped encourage more than 135 million minutes of reading by American students. prgtoken , it's my honor to congratulate the Pickford Community Library, its staff, and its readers for winning the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Day after day, they continue to set a positive example of what can be achieved when the people of a community work together for the common good. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Pickford Library all the best in its future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to commemorate the National Adoption Day celebration that will take place in Ector County on November 16th at the Crossroads Fellowship Church. Throughout the day, local courts in Ector County will finalize the adoption process for families in the community. prgtoken It is no coincidence that National Adoption Awareness Month falls in the same month of Thanksgiving. During this time of year, we reflect on the many blessings in our lives, such as family. Our families play an instrumental role in our lives by helping shape our character, providing unconditional love, motivating us through challenging times, and giving us a lifetime of memories that we will always cherish. prgtoken Sadly, over 100,000 children are waiting to find their permanent home. Many of these children have various medical, developmental, and emotional needs that require special nurturing from parents and families. Our world is fortunate enough to be blessed by people who open their hearts and homes to these children. These selfless individuals provide an important service not only to these children, but also to our communities and country. prgtoken These new families hold a special place in my heart because I am adopted myself. My father adopted my little brother, sister, and me, so seeing other children who have the benefit of a loving family warms my heart. prgtoken I want to thank the Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Permian Basin and other adoption organizations across the nation that make National Adoption Day possible. I also want to thank the dedicated individuals who make a powerful difference in the lives of children through adoption.
CONSTITUENT COMMENTS ON SOBER LIVING HOME PROBLEMS
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise again regarding the hearing held by the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on September 28, 2018 on the issue of sober living homes. At that hearing, I had the privilege of testifying in support of my bill, H.R. 5724, to restore local oversight over sober living homes. As part of my testimony, I submitted to the Subcommittee letters from many of my constituents about problems with sober living homes caused by current federal law preventing appropriate local oversight. For the benefit of my colleagues and the American people, I include in the Record the fifth group of these constituent letters: Thank you for bringing our issues with Sober Living Homes (SLH) in our neighborhoods to congress. Here is the nightmare my husband, two young sons and I have endured over the past 1.5 years. We live in downtown Huntington Beach that had been known for our lovely beaches and quaint surf culture community, now we are called Rehab Riviera. My nightmare began in April 2017, when the owner of the house across the street from me opted turn down $3800 in rent per month to dozens of families wanting to rent it and instead he sold out the neighborhood for $9000 a month in rent to a business, [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] was started by two addicts, [NAME] and [NAME] 1 year and 4 months out of a recovery. They have no special training, they are not licensed by the State of California, DHHS does not regulate their business and they especially do not have hand-picked doctors, per their website, taking care of the young lives at [ADDRESS]. On February 24, 2018, a handsome, sweet young man, [NAME], overdosed, in the care of [REDACTED], at [ADDRESS]. His body laid in his bed for over 8 hours before it was discovered. Then his fluid-soaked mattress laid on the sidewalk between the home and the wall separating the houses for 2 weeks before it was finally disposed of properly. On March 13, 2018 [NAME] co-owner of [REDACTED] overdosed at his home in Fountain Valley. According to the reports, [NAME] was apparently facing pressure on several fronts. Last year, a text exchange between [NAME]'s business partner, [NAME], and an addict, went public in that forum, laying bare an increasingly-common scam: Addicts demanding to be paid to get surgical implants of opioid-blocking drugs. The idea is that the addicts know rehab operators and doctors can bill insurance companies thousands of dollars per procedure. I shared the above so you have an idea of the type of so- called Sober Living Home I am dealing with. A business opened by two addicts just to make money while they scam the system and allow young men to die and overdose (survive) in their care. After [NAME] overdose at the unlicensed home I was sure that someo
RECOGNIZING COX TOYOTA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Cox Toyota in Burlington, North Carolina. Founded by the Cox family, Cox Toyota has remained a family business and has become a key part of the Sixth District. For five decades, Mr. Don Cox has used the success of his family owned business to serve the community, through his work with organizations such as Toys for Tots and the Wounded Warriors project. I am proud to represent businesses such as Cox Toyota who have had such a positive impact on our local economies as well as our communities in need. I offer my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Don Cox and the rest of his family and the Cox Toyota team on this amazing milestone
TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF STEVE MOORE
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to recognize Sheriff Steve Moore of San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department and his more than 30 years of outstanding service and commitment to public safety in our community. prgtoken Sheriff Moore grew up in Ventura, California. He began his journey into law enforcement as a police explorer at the early age of sixteen. In June 1972 he graduated from Hueneme High School joining the Oxnard police department as a cadet from shortly thereafter. He then served in the Fresno County Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy, starting in 1976. prgtoken In 1982, Sheriff Steve Moore joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff's office as a Deputy Sheriff. By 1986, he was sergeant in the custody training unit of San Joaquin County, a position he held until 1990. During his tenure, Moore has been in command of each of the major divisions in the County Sheriff's Office, including as a Sheriff's patrol area commander from 1999 to 2002. There he grew in his capacity as a leader, overseeing all private operations. In 2006, he put his considerable leadership skills to use and was elected Sheriff in San Joaquin County. prgtoken Sheriff Steve Moore earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology Law Enforcement California State University Fresno with a single-subject teaching credential. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy, 185th Session. He is a longtime board member and previously served as chairman on the California State Sheriff's Association Board of Directors for the Audit, budget, and finance committee. He is also a recipient of the Linden's Lions Club ``Melvin Jones Fellowship Award'' as well as the California Peace Officers Association's ``Award of Distinction.'' prgtoken In addition to all of this, Sheriff Moore is an active community leader and volunteer. He served on the California Council for Interstate Adult Supervisions, as well as the California Department of Boating and Waterways Commission. Steve Moore and his wife Robyn have two children, their daughter Stephanie and son Gregory. Mr. Moore enjoys working, traveling, running, dining with friends, and, above all, spending time with his family. prgtoken , please join me in honoring Sheriff Steve Moore for his more than 30 years of service and outstanding contributions to San Joaquin County as well as our country.
IN HONOR OF FORT BRAGG'S XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to honor the brave members of the XVIII Airborne Corps from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who deployed September 13, 2018 to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. prgtoken Established in 2014, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to play an essential role on the front lines of the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This Combined Joint Task Force is comprised of elite soldiers who have supported many successful efforts, from rescuing Yazidi victims to defending strategic territories in Iraq and Syria, such as Baghdad and Mosul. These troops work closely with partner forces, such as Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition fighters, delivering strategic blows to ISIS. Notable successes include Operation Tidal Wave II, which destroyed nearly 80% of ISIS oil collection infrastructure and the successful liberation of Ramadi, Iraq and Shaddadi, Syria. Today, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to execute successful operations and uphold its mission to defeat the threat of ISIS and to increase regional stability. prgtoken I am immensely proud of the members of the XVIII Airborne Corps of Ft. Bragg who will be deployed to support this mission and grateful for their tireless service. These brave men and women represent the best our nation has to offer and their bravery and dedication to our nation deserves the utmost respect. I would also like to acknowledge the sacrifice of their families, and commend them for their support throughout deployment.
IN MEMORY OF TIM JOHNSON
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-10-19

I am honored to commend to the House the memory of a former staffer who served the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District for more than twelve years: Timothy Mills Johnson. Tim died on Sunday after a lengthy battle against multiple myeloma. prgtoken Tim was a native of Jamestown, New York, and took great pride in his hometown and his alma mater, Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, where he graduated with a double major in journalism and political science, he started working in radio. After graduation, he returned to Jamestown, where he anchored local radio and television broadcasts for many years. prgtoken A fellowship from the American Political Science Association brought him to Washington in 1994, where he began working for my predecessor, the late Congressman Michael G. Oxley. Tim handled a wide range of legislative issues for Mr. Oxley through the years, earning a reputation for professionalism in dealing with members, fellow staffers, outside groups, and constituents. He also put his communication skills to good use, working for several years as both legislative director and communications director. prgtoken Tim developed a solid grasp of finance issues during his time in Congressman Oxley's office, serving as liaison between the office and the House Financial Services Committee. Following Mr. Oxley's retirement, Tim moved to the staff of former Congressman Spencer Bachus of Alabama, Mr. Oxley's successor as the top on that committee. prgtoken Tim was known all over the Capitol for his tireless work in support of the annual Congressional Baseball Game alongside Congressman Oxley, who played for and managed the team throughout his congressional career. For two decades, Tim attended every practice, kept statistics, helped set lineups, and served as bench coach, in addition to working behind the scenes to coordinate press coverage and solicit donations for this exceptional charity event. He was a board member of the Washington Literacy Center, one of the many beneficiaries of the game's proceeds. prgtoken His passion for the sport of tennis rivaled his devotion to baseball. As president of the Capitol Hill Tennis Club, he introduced hundreds of congressional staffers to the game and encouraged them as they honed their skills. He helped coordinate the annual Multiple Myeloma Charity Classic, a tennis and golf tournament for members of Congress and others that has raised more than $1.2 million in support of multiple myeloma research. prgtoken Tim was widely praised as a mentor to younger staffers, always taking time to advise newcomers to Washington on how to be effective at their jobs and navigate the legislative process. prgtoken Tim's good humor, professionalism, and devotion to others will long be remembered. We are grateful that good people like Tim Johnson commit themselves to public service and actively inspire so many others to follow in their footsteps.
HONORING THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE OHIO CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
James B. Renacci (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise to pay tribute to the Ohio Contractors Association, an organization of more than 500 members involved in Ohio's heavy, highway and utility industry, which turned 100 years on October 10, 2018. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, OCA is a recognized voice for needed transportation funding, rational regulatory and legislative accountability, workforce development, improving construction practices and relationship building within the industry. prgtoken While OCA has grown in membership, its mission, although expanded, can be traced to its origin when 50 contractors across the state signed an agreement to form the association. The first meeting of the ``Ohio Road Contractors' Association'' was October 10, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio. That initial meeting not only adopted a resolution to drop ``Road'' from its name and become the Ohio Contractors Association, it also created and individually voted upon the acceptances of 10 sections of its constitution. prgtoken Today, more than 200 Contractor Members and 300 Associate Members provide support, unity and leadership to Ohio's heavy, highway and utility industry. OCA maintains its statewide relevance through its nine, Ohio local chapters. Chapter events in combination with statewide committees, events and publications assure that members have the opportunity to provide input and interact with OCA staff so the association remains aware of the issues and concerns of its members and can represent them in a meaningful way it is my honor to recognize an organization that has and continues to lead the heavy- highway and utility construction industry in Ohio
HONORING BLOSSOM ROZMAN OF ELLENVILLE
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-10-23

I rise today to recognize and honor Mrs. Blossom Rozman of Ellenville, New York. For decades, Blossom has dedicated herself to serving and being an active member of the greater Ulster community. Through her passion and dedication, Blossom continues to work to change the world around her--for the better. prgtoken Among her many activities and accomplishments, Blossom was vital to the implementation of the holocaust studies program in the Ellenville Central school--the first full-year program of its kind in the country. She has also participated in numerous organizations, including serving on the executive board of the Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary and as past president of the Sisterhood of Congregation Ezrath Israel. prgtoken Throughout Upstate, I am thankful for the driven and compassionate individuals like Blossom who have committed themselves to strengthening our communities and building a better future. Ellenville shines a little brighter thanks to Blossom's tireless volunteerism and participation in civil society. prgtoken I am grateful for Blossom's many years of dedicated service to the 19th District and to New York state. Her many contributions will be felt for generations to come.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND SERVICE OF MR. FIRMAN BALZA
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-10-23

today I rise in honor of the life, legacy, and service of Green Bay native, Mr. Firman Balza. prgtoken Mr. Firman Balza was one of America's last surviving servicemen from the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. Answering the call from his prgtoken country, Firman joined the 34th division of the U.S. Naval Reserves in Green Bay in 1940 at the age of 17. He entered the Navy a few months later and was assigned to the USS Maryland in April of 1941. When the USS Maryland left for Pearl Harbor in July of 1941, Firman was aboard the vessel as a gunner's mate first-class at the time of the attacks. prgtoken The morning of December 7, 1941, Firman was preparing for Mass aboard the USS Oklahoma when he saw the first Japanese bombers flying overhead. The USS Oklahoma was next to the USS Maryland in the harbor when it suffered major damage and capsized. Firman bravely ran into the face of danger and took up arms as he defended the base with anti- aircraft guns. He later helped pull his deceased brothers in arms from the sunken ship. On that tragic day, 460 men perished on the USS Oklahoma and the USS Maryland lost five brave souls. The 4 days following the attacks, Firman and his fellow soldiers rescued 32 men from the hull of the USS Oklahoma. prgtoken Firman continued his brave service to the country for three years on the USS Maryland participating in Guadalcanal, the Battle of Tarawa, and the Battle of Kwajalein Atoll. After the war, Firman was assigned to the USS Bayfield APA 33 and was sent to the Marshall Islands for atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. On February 7, 1947 he was discharged from the Navy after six years and seven days on active duty. prgtoken Firman was one of more than 16 million ordinary people that did extraordinary things during World War II. His willingness to share his story in 2003 at the age of 80 allowed many across Wisconsin, including students throughout Northeast Wisconsin, to hear his account of that day. It was in 2003 that he first visited the Punch Bowl Cemetery in Hawaii and realized he wanted to be a voice to tell part of the story of those 2,335 servicemen and women who perished on that day of infamy. With each retelling of his story, Firman shared an important message: ``Truly, man has got to learn to get along with each other.'' Firman's wise words still ring true today. prgtoken Mr. Balza was 95 when he passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. He was born September 25, 1923, to Theophile and Mary Balza, the youngest of 11 sons. On April 23, 1949, he married Nathalie M. Larscheid. He was a true lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed camping with his family and hunting and fishing with his brother-in-law, Carlton Larscheid. He was very proud of becoming a licensed pilot at the age of 63. prgtoken Words cannot justly thank Mr. Balza for his many years of service to our country. A treasure for a community and nation, Mr. Balza cannot be replaced. May his service, dedication, and sacrifi