mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF DAVID J. WEILAND
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Mr. David J. Weiland, for being inducted into the San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame. prgtoken David was born and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1972. David was motivated to work in engineering after working his first job on a sandy survey crew in the City of Armona in the hot summer of 1965. During his engineering years, David designed many public works and private projects in Kings, Fresno and Tulare counties. prgtoken In 1988, while still working full time, David fulfilled his lifelong intent of becoming an attorney and enrolled in San Joaquin College of Law. He was a founding member of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and served as its Managing Editor. David received his Juris Doctorate in 1992, retired his slide rule, and opened The Law Office of David J. Weiland that December. prgtoken David went on to build a successful career in law serving as partner, member of the Board of Directors, President and chair of the litigation department of the Fresno firm Dowling Aaron Incorporated. prgtoken In 2014, David joined Coleman & Horowitt, LLP as a partner and heads the firm's litigation department. David represents clients in complex commercial, construction, real estate, professional liability defense, tort defense, municipal law, real estate transactions and most recently, election law. prgtoken David was named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters from 2009 to 2018 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of several associations including the American Bar Association, Fresno County Bar Association, and a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. prgtoken David's track record as an attorney has earned him great respect in the Central Valley and throughout the state of California. In addition to the numerous clients he takes on and associations of which he takes part, David serves on the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law, and as Judge Pro Tempore for the Fresno and Merced Superior Courts. prgtoken Most important, David is an outstanding friend and husband to his wife, Lillian, and father to Julia, David, and Alice, grandfather to Carl, Michael, Stephanie, Catalina, and Karl and great-grandfather to Reese Marie. prgtoken Madam , I call upon my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and paying tribute to my good friend, Mr. David J. Weiland, for being inducted into the San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame. David's dedication to practicing law and his track record in California's San Joaquin Valley is to be commended.
IN RECOGNITION OF GUADALUPE CENTER INC.'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Guadalupe Centers Inc. Throughout the century since the Guadalupe Center's formation, they have remained steadfast to their founding objective to play an integral role in the development and wellbeing of the Mexican, Mexican-American and the Latino community-at-large in Kansas City. Guadalupe Centers Inc. has expanded exponentially, growing beyond its original Westside location to provide immeasurable services for the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. prgtoken Many families immigrated from Mexico to Kansas City in the 1910s and 20s for the growing meat packing and railroad industry. Although there were a multitude of jobs, they were often erratic and poorly paid. It was out of the needs of this new community that the idea for the Guadalupe Center was generated. Guadalupe Centers Inc. was established by eighteen young Catholic women in 1919 as a part of the local Catholic Church in Kansas City's historic Westside. Both the Mexican and Mexican-American population in the area used the Center to create a unique cultural environment, separate from American mainstream society at the time. Their idea was to unite the growing population of Mexican and Mexican-American families predominantly living in Westside at the time into a ``Colonia Mexicana,'' or a Mexican community. prgtoken Throughout the following decades, the Guadalupe Center became a central pillar of the Westside neighborhood, as well as Kansas City at large. The leadership of Ms. Dorothy Gallagher in the 1930s and 40s instigated a new chapter in the Center's history, as she organized the development of the Center and spearheaded new initiatives. The original stone building, purchased in 1919, remained central to the organization and the large room of the first floor was the ``living room of the neighborhood,'' where weddings and other events were held. Women cooked enormous amounts of food in the kitchen, and a constant stream of residents flowed in and out of the space as it expanded to the building next door. Celebrations like the Noche Buena party in 1940 were viewed as cornerstones of the year's social calendar. prgtoken While expanding their range of programs, the Guadalupe Center remained steadfast in their commitment to social justice and empowerment. In the pivotal decades of the 1960s and 70s, when the Chicano movement was gaining force in cities across the country, the Guadalupe Center influenced the local movement in Kansas City. Guadalupe Center encouraged Mexican American communities to flourish by creating a space where individuals could have their unique cultural identity both nourished and encouraged. American civil rights leader Cesar Chavez acknowledged the Center as a formidable force, visiting the Center during his travels throughout the Midwest. prgtoken Today, Guadalupe Centers Inc. reflects the same socially-minded ideas for which it was originally founded
HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SALUD PARA LA GENTE
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Salud Para La Gente. Since 1978, Salud Para La Gente has provided comprehensive primary healthcare to low income community members of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. This non-profit healthcare provider is dedicated to the values of service, dignity and equity. Salud Para La Gente provides excellent care by ensuring that patients are treated with respect, regardless of income. The organization started with a single free clinic, offering care primarily to farmworkers on the central coast of California. Since then, it has expanded to 11 clinic sites with over 90 providers serving nearly 27,000 patients. Salud Para La Gente provides wide-ranging services including family health, reproductive health, pediatrics, dental, vision, wellness, counseling, and other types of specialty services. prgtoken California's Central Coast produces much of our country's fruits and vegetables but suffers from poor health among its working community. Salud Para La Gente has tackled this problem by focusing on issues including poor nutrition, obesity and diabetes to ensure that farmworkers and other low-income families on the Central Coast can lead healthy lives. The clinics of Salud Para La Gente work under the motto, ``even if you are unable to pay, you will not be turned away.'' This ensures that the most vulnerable residents of the Central Coast can receive quality healthcare. Salud Para La Gente focuses on all facets of care including testing, treatment, prevention and long-term treatment. prgtoken I am also proud to recognize Salud Para La Gente as an exemplary women's healthcare provider. Their clinics in Santa Cruz County include family planning, pregnancy care, childbirth and breast cancer screening. With their two women's healthcare offices, Salud Para La Gente has reached many milestones. For example, in 2016, they established the first Santa Cruz County OBGYN Hospitalist Team, which provides around-the-clock care at Watsonville Community Hospital. Through this program, the team delivers roughly 90 newborn babies each month to low-income families. prgtoken Salud Para La Gente is more than just a health care provider. From assisting patients with applying for CalFresh to providing mental health support and healthy diet counseling, it is a pillar of community well-being. Having made such incredible progress from their first free clinic in 1978, I am honored to recognize Salud Para La Gente and its important contributions to the health of residents on the Central Coast of California over the past 40 years. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Salud Para La Gente for 40 years of service to our underserved communities.
IN HONOR OF RAUDE RAYCHEL
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Raude Raychel for her tireless work on behalf of the Indonesian community in New Hampshire. prgtoken Raude serves as President of the Indonesian Community Connect (ICC), a non-profit organization based in Somersworth, NH. ICC hosts community events for the Indonesian community, shares Indonesian culture and values with the broader community, and provides support and information for those building lives in the United States. prgtoken The daughter of immigrants, Raude's parents always instilled in her a drive to always make her community stronger. Throughout her life, Raude has been more than just a model citizen--she is truly a pillar of our community. prgtoken In her role as President of ICC, Raude has not only upheld and carried on the traditions of the Indonesian community but also shared these with the entire Seacoast region. The contributions of the Indonesian community have made Somersworth and all of New Hampshire a better place to live. I am particularly proud of her efforts to bring local municipal officials and the Indonesian Consulate and Embassy together to discuss creating the country's first `Little Indonesia' in Somersworth. prgtoken Like so many other Granite Staters, I have been lucky enough to learn about Indonesian culture through ICC's events and festivals. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Raude for her decades of dedication to our community. I thank her for her tireless work for our community, and for helping to make our state such a wonderful place to learn, live, and grow.
RECOGNIZING NORMA GIBBS FOR A LIFE DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Norma Gibbs. Mrs. Gibbs, the City of Huntington Beach's first female City Council member and Mayor, lived a life marked by extraordinary compassion and public service. prgtoken Mrs. Gibbs passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019, but the impact she made during her lifetime will continue for generations. prgtoken During a time when politics was dominated by men, Mrs. Gibbs encouraged women to vote and play an active role in community development. She would serve as the inspiration for many women to run for office, and because of her hard work, the City where she served as Mayor now boasts a City Council whose members are primarily women. prgtoken In 1979, Mrs. Gibbs founded Interval House, a nonprofit that cares for and supports survivors of abuse. From Interval House to the opening of the Huntington Central Park Library, Mrs. Gibbs lived a life dedicated to uplifting everyone around her. Her lifetime of public service would earn her the President's Lifetime Achievement award in 2015. prgtoken Today I ask that all Members join me in recognizing the amazing life and works of Norma Gibbs.
TRIBUTE TO THE LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Los Angeles LGBT Center upon its 50th Anniversary. prgtoken The center has worked tirelessly for over half a century to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community, combat bigotry, and create a more tolerant and equitable world. The center has promoted its values of integrity, respect, inclusiveness, innovation, and excellence throughout its prestigious history, helping LGBTQ people to thrive. prgtoken The Los Angeles LGBT Center assists over half a million people each year through its housing, healthcare, legal aid, and education programs, among countless other services. The Anita May Rosenstein Campus, opened in April, 2019, embodies the center's continuing mission, providing housing and wellness services to LGBTQ youth and seniors and serving as a symbol of the LGBTQ community's resilience and creativity. In addition, the center has provided free Internet access, computer skills, and resume creation through its David Bohnett CyberCenter, cultivating a more informed and well-connected community. prgtoken The center has been on the frontline of the fight against HIV/AIDS since the earliest days of the epidemic in the 1980s. The center provides HIV and AIDS specialty care, maintains HIV and STD testing and prevention programs, and conducts studies and clinical trials aimed at ending the epidemic. prgtoken Today, supported by hundreds of volunteers and employees, the center works from local to global, training activists and advancing LGBTQ advocacy as nearby as Los Angeles and as far away as China. Additionally, the center shares information and expertise with sister organizations in order to support LGBTQ people around the globe. prgtoken I am proud to recognize the Los Angeles LGBT Center for five decades of outstanding service to the LGBTQ community. I ask all members to join me in congratulating them for their remarkable achievements.
11TH ANNUAL BLACK WOMEN'S WELLNESS DAY
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I include in the Record the following Proclamation. prgtoken Whereas, Investments today that improve the quality of life for African American Women and their families will ensure that Dane County becomes the healthiest county in the state, and that Wisconsin becomes the healthiest state in the U.S. for all of its citizens as well as the health care leader of the world; and prgtoken Whereas, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness was established for the purpose of empowering women and girls of African descent to live healthy, balanced, thriving lives by promoting mind-body-spirit wellness as a core quality for being productive members and leaders of their families, communities and society; and prgtoken Whereas, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness works to eliminate health disparities impacting black women and their communities by partnering with the community to provide educational outreach programs, conferences and seminars including the Annual Black Women's Wellness Day to inform, inspire and empower Black Women and Girls to build and sustain healthy, wellness-centered lives; now, therefore, I hereby proclaim September 21st, 2019 as the 11th annual Black Women's Wellness Day and urge all citizens to support this worthy and life sustaining endeavor by celebrating this day with pride and distinction, and recognizing its organizers as advocates and ambassadors of health and healing in our community.
RECOGNIZING REVEREND KENNETH NELSON'S OPENING PRAYER BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Reverend Kenneth Nelson, a Senior Pastor of the Seneca Community Church. For over a decade, Reverend Nelson has helped his church foster a vibrant and robust community. His passion and leadership have had a resounding impact on the people of Maryland. prgtoken Throughout his time with the church, Reverend Nelson has gone to great lengths to meet the hunger, health, and job development needs of his community. As Montgomery College's Director of Business and Community Outreach for the Department of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Reverend Nelson offers academic and career advice to community members. Among his many other roles, Reverend Nelson has also lent his expertise to the International Council of Community Churches Ministers Group and the Montgomery County Black Minister's Conference as a Ministerium President and an Officer respectively. prgtoken Over the years, Reverend Nelson's work has received broad recognition. Notably, in 2007 and 2010, he was program presenter for annual Montgomery County's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. He is one of the 2018 Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame Inductees. prgtoken On behalf of the great state of Maryland, I thank Reverend Nelson for his dedicated service and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN CARBRAY
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of Mr. John Carbray, who passed away on August 10, 2019. John was the founder and first president of the Fresno Grizzlies, Fresno, California's Triple-A franchise. He will be remembered for his vision and efforts to bring baseball back to Central California. prgtoken John Carbray was born in Paris, Arkansas on November 9, 1938. John and his brother Sam were raised by their mother Helen. When John was six years old his family moved to Inglewood, California. Sports played an integral part of his childhood and his biggest passion was baseball. He played at the collegiate level, first at El Camino Junior College and Pepperdine University. John would go on to play semi-pro baseball in Wyoming and even played in Canada for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Western Canada League. prgtoken Eventually John traveled back to Los Angeles to work in a swimming pool business, before returning to Canada in 1963 after he was named manager of the Calgary Giants. This was the first stop of a storied career as a sports executive, with stops in Oregon, Washington DC, Sacramento and a tenure as general manager of two North American Soccer League teams. prgtoken John pursued his love for athletics and entertainment in different avenues. During his time away from baseball, he founded Projects West, a consulting firm that worked with major sports teams to bring concerts to sporting venues. However, he would not be away from baseball for very long. After realizing the need for baseball in Fresno, John and his wife Diane worked tirelessly to return baseball to the city after a ten-year absence. After much hard work and persistence, the Tucson Toros were purchased by the Fresno Diamond Group and reborn as the Fresno Grizzlies. John then pursued building a state-of-the-art baseball stadium in downtown Fresno. On May 1, 2002, the stadium, now known as Chukchansi Park, hosted its first game with a sell-out crowd of 12,792. The stadium paved the way for the revitalization of downtown and continues to host baseball game, concerts and festivals. prgtoken Throughout his career, John was awarded with recognitions for his dedication to the world of sports. This includes being named Sporting News Executive of the Year, Pacific Coast Executive of the Year, his induction into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame and he and his wife Diane were honored by the Grizzlies with the Al Radka Award in honor of their contributions to the community and baseball. His contributions to the City of Fresno spanned beyond sports; he was also actively involved with many nonprofits, including the prgtoken Boys and Girls Club, the annual City-County All-Star Football Game, and the Fresno Rotary. prgtoken John is survived by his loving wife Diane, and their sons David, and Kyle. He will be greatly missed by many friends, associates and those who had the pleasure of working with him. prgtoken Madam , I ask my coll
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR JOHNNY NEAL MARLOW
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of Command Sergeant Major Johnny Neal Marlow, who passed away on August 20th at the age of 68. prgtoken Mr. Marlow was born in Eupora, Mississippi on May 28, 1951. He answered the call to serve our great nation as Command Sergeant Major for the United States Army. He previously served with the Mississippi Army National Guard and was a retired Master Sgt. with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol. Command Sergeant Major Marlow set an example for his community by his extensive military and public service. Before he passed, he was currently serving as a Command Sergeant Major with the Mississippi State Guard, as a Carroll County Sheriffs Deputy, as the Carroll County Veterans Service Officer, and was the president of Veterans Helping Veterans in Carroll County. prgtoken Left to cherish his memory is his wife Christy Costilow Marlow of Carrollton, Mississippi; his sons, Chris Marlow of Long Beach, Mississippi and Jeff Marlow of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; his sisters, Sheila Newsom, Carolyn Hodges, Peggy Brister, and Billie Garner; his brother Gayle Marlow; as well as eight grandchildren, one great- grandchild and many nieces and nephews. prgtoken Command Sergeant Major Johnny Neal Marlow's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL GASTROPARESIS AWARENESS MONTH
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the millions of gastroparesis patients from across the country in recognition of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month. prgtoken This devastating digestive disorder can be detrimental to a patient's quality of life, and current treatments are only able to help patients manage these symptoms. It's for these reasons that I'm a proud cosponsor of H.R. 3396, the Functional GI and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act. This important legislation would help to expand, advance, and better coordinate research activities on functional GI and motility disorders and support innovative approaches to educate patients and health care providers about strategies that improve care. prgtoken In recognition of the plight of these patients and the uncertainty they often face, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting efforts to expand research, improve education, and raise awareness by cosponsoring H.R. 3396 and recognizing August as National Gastroparesis Awareness Month.