mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYING REMEMBRANCE TO AIDEN ORTIZ ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PASSING
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-11

. Pro Tempore, it is with a heavy heart I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Aiden Ortiz, who was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle at age twelve on September 25, 2023. His family, friends, and community are devastated by this sudden loss. A sixth grader at Melva Davis Academy of Excellence. Aiden Ortiz was known as a selfless, caring son and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. prgtoken As a father of two myself, it is nearly impossible to imagine losing one's child. I treasure every moment with my sons, and losing a child so suddenly is every parent's greatest fear. prgtoken Aiden was caring and always put others ahead of himself. According to his baseball coach, Rodney McNealy, Aiden has been a part of the league since Tee-ball and made a name for himself in the Majors Division of the Adelanto Little League, where he played for the Rockies last spring. Aiden was a true sportsman whose passion for baseball and life was contagious. prgtoken While Aiden's life was tragically cut short, he made a tremendous impact on every life he touched. Aiden is survived by his mother Allyssa, his stepfather, Alex, and his two siblings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Aiden's family as they navigate this difficult loss. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning Aiden's passing and celebrating his life.
LORI HERNDON
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations to an exceptional healthcare executive, Ms. Lori Herndon, on her recent retirement as President and CEO of AtlantiCare. Throughout her exceptional forty-year career, which began as a critical care nurse on the healthcare frontlines, Ms. Herndon, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strategic growth, operations, and development. Since 2016, Ms. Herndon, has led a team of over 6,000 AtlantiCare staff, providers, and volunteers serving the community in more than 100 locations in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, and Ocean counties of southern New Jersey. Ms. Herndon's focus on listening to patients, a critical aspect of her role as a bedside nurse, has become a hallmark of her leadership. Under Ms. Herndon's visionary leadership, ARMC received Magnet designation for the fifth time, one of only thirty-five Magnet-designated organizations to do so out of 608. In 2022, US News & World Report recognized ARMC as the sixth best hospital in New Jersey. Her work at AtlantiCare has garnered state-wide and national recognition, with Ms. Herndon, recently named one of Modern Healthcare's 100 most influential leaders. The year prior, Herndon, was named one of NJBIZ's Best fifty Women in Business. In January 2022, Ms. Herndon was appointed as chair of the New Jersey Hospital Association, where she has worked to protect healthcare workers, redesign care delivery and develop the workforce. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Ms. Lori Herndon, on her retirement after an outstanding career spanning more than four decades. God Bless Lori Herndon, and God Bless our United States of America.
RECOGNIZING NICK ADAMS
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize Nick Adams and the incredible work of his organization, the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, or FLAG. Mr. Adams was born in Sydney, Australia, and immigrated to the United States in 2016 as the recipient of the Extraordinary Ability Green Card. He became a naturalized citizen on December 20, 2021, and I was proud to be there with him for that special moment. prgtoken After coming to the United States, Mr. Adams founded the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, also known as FLAG, dedicated to educating Americans about the values and principles that make our nation exceptional. To date, FLAG has provided educational resources to more than 1.6 million students around the country. prgtoken Mr. Adams is of the Greek-Orthodox faith, is a Stage IV cancer survivor, a patriot, and the embodiment of the American Dream. His life is a testament to the free spirit that has made America great. I am proud to call him friend.
HONORING GARY KROESCHEN FOR RETIRING AS CHAIR OF THE MARSHALL COUNTY BOARD
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I would like to honor and congratulate Gary Kroeschen on his retirement as Marshall County Board Chairman. prgtoken Gary Kroeschen has devoted almost two decades to serving the people of Marshall County. From his early efforts as a Bennington Township Board trustee and Toluca Park District trustee, Gary established himself as a strong advocate for the people with a keen eye for the future. In 2007 he was appointed to the Marshall County Board, a position he would go on to be elected to five times. It was on the Marshall County Board that Gary would demonstrate his strong leadership skills and fiscal conservatism. His peers elected him as Chairman of the Board in 2012. Under his leadership, Marshall County was able to navigate the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Citizens and constituents lauded Gary's twenty-four hour a day availability. As a fiscal watchdog, Gary pushed for an expansion of the County's efforts to secure grants for modernization projects, including but not limited to the Marshall County Courthouse parking lot. prgtoken In addition to serving the people of Marshall County as an elected official. Gary thrived as a small business owner. Under his leadership, Kroeschen Plumbing and Heating Inc. in Toluca was lauded for its outstanding customer service and reliability. Much like he treats his constituents, employees were treated like members of his family. prgtoken I want to express the utmost gratitude to Gary for his two decades of public service. He is the epitome of a great public servant and his absence on the Marshall County Board will be felt for years to come. Gary has left a legacy which will live on for decades for those who follow him in service to Marshall County. I wish Gary the best as he begins his retirement.
WAR CRIMINAL PUTIN, NOW IRAN
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, the murderous invasion of Israel by Iran proxies is the latest step of the war we did not choose between Dictators with Rule of Gun opposing Democracies with Rule of Law. The dictators are murderously united, and it is encouraging to see democracies stand with Ukraine and now Israel, as I personally saw this weekend attending the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Copenhagen. prgtoken Conflict began with war criminal Putin murderously invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and now Iran proxy Hamas is heinous in its October 7th mass murder of Israelis and other nationalities being American, Thai, German, and French, as the Chinese Communist Party awaits its time threatening the 24 million people of Taiwan. prgtoken Iran is actually attacking Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Iran's proxies are murdering today to stop Saudi Arabia from extending the Abraham Accords which have been so successful for prosperity with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Morocco. The regime in Tehran is sabotaging the billion-dollar efforts by Qatar for a functioning civil society in the Gaza Strip. Tehran's aggression is a direct threat from the Middle East to India with disruption of supply lines causing chaos. prgtoken Last month I was grateful to visit with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to see their world-class developments in tourism and golf which Iran seeks to destroy, putting all tourists at risk of kidnapping. prgtoken The mass murdering terrorists of Iran must be stopped, as should war criminal Putin who have declared their insidious goals of Death to Israel, Death to America, and the re-creation of the Evil Soviet Empire. Every effort by democracies must be made for the courageous Ukrainians and Israelis to win territorial integrity. prgtoken Peace through strength must be established as Putin threatens the existence of Moldova, Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia today with more murderous invasions later. Iran must be stopped from death to Israel and America as the Chinese Communist Party is to be deterred from mass murder. The proven Reagan success is Peace Through Strength.
RECOGNIZING MAYOR JOSEPH THALLEMER'S SERVICE TO WARSAW, INDIANA
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I am proud to recognize and congratulate Mayor Joseph Thallemer, who is completing his tenure of dedicated service to Warsaw. Indiana at the end of this year. prgtoken Currently serving in his third term as Mayor. Joe Thallemer has long advocated solutions that make Warsaw a better place to live, work, and raise a family, and that maintain and build on Warsaw's status as the Medical Device and Orthopedic Capital of the World. prgtoken Prior to becoming Mayor. Joe Thallemer also served on the City Council and the Warsaw Plan Commission, meaning his record of faithfully serving Warsaw runs nearly three decades deep. prgtoken Beyond City Hall, many Hoosiers know Joe through his Optometry practice that he established in Warsaw in 1980. prgtoken Outside of his medical practice and elected office, Joe has also given back to the community he and his wife Jill call home by serving on the local YMCA board as well as in church and school activities with Jill and their four children. prgtoken As he prepares to step down as Mayor, spend more time with his family, and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Joe Thallemer on a distinguished career and a job well done. The Warsaw community is unquestionably better off thanks to this good man with a servant's heart. prgtoken I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second Congressional District in expressing our gratitude to Mayor Thallemer for his service and in wishing him and his wonderful family nothing but the very best going forward.
HONORING CHIEF GARY GACEK OF CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chief Gary Gacek on his retirement from the Concord Police Department and to honor his many years of faithful service to the people of Concord, North Carolina. prgtoken Gacek began his career in law enforcement with the Milwaukee Police Department. where he served in a variety of roles over the course of 25 years. He began his role as Chief of Police of the Concord Police Department in July 2015. Under his leadership, Concord became one of the safest cities in the state, with crime prgtoken rates hitting their lowest levels in over twenty years. prgtoken Gacek implemented numerous reforms and initiatives that helped modernize the department, reduce crime and develop the community. Some of these reforms include the implementation of an evidence-based community policing strategy. updating the department's technology and information systems, expanding the department's analytical and intelligence capabilities. and developing several community engagement initiatives, among many others. Perhaps one of his greatest initiatives was the creation of the Concord Police Foundation, which supports Concord Police Department employees and their families and helps make Concord a safer community to live and work. Gacek established this program in 2021 in honor of Concord Officer Jason Shuping who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 16, 2020. prgtoken I have known Chief Gacek for many years and witnessed firsthand the tremendous work he has done for the people of Concord. I am proud to call him my friend and know I speak for the whole community when I wish him well in this next chapter of his life. prgtoken Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating Gary Gacek on his retirement and to thank him for his many years of dedicated service.
REMEMBERING LEANDER WETTER
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Leander Wetter who passed away earlier this month. prgtoken Leander was born in the summer of 1940 and quickly fell in love with life on the farm. He was a leader in the agriculture community and was often the first in the area to try a new farming technique. All farmers are dedicated to their farms and animals, but Leander was special. Through decades of hard work, he grew his farm to one of the largest in the area. prgtoken Leander was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was married to his beloved wife, Mary, for 48 years and the pair were blessed with three children and three grandchildren. prgtoken Leander was also an avid lover of history. He was a longstanding member of the Wright County Historical Society where he spent countless hours telling stories and educating the community about our local history. prgtoken His love of history was melded with his love of agriculture in his antique tractors and steam engines collection. Leander was a proud founding member of the Rogers Threshing Show and often would show his collection at these events. I had the pleasure of attending a threshing show with the Wetters and was impressed by Leander's collection and encyclopedia-like knowledge of these machines. As events grew, so did his involvement in the group, at one point Mary and Leander even donated a large shed to the show to ensure its future success. prgtoken Leander and his wife Mary were heavily involved in local politics as well. I have many fond memories of bumping into them while attending events in Wright County and throughout the Sixth District. Our team will miss seeing Leander by Mary's side at these events. prgtoken From his work on the family farm to his involvement in Wright County, Leander was a leader in his community. To his wife Mary and the rest of the Wetter family, we offer our sincerest condolences and pray that Leander's memory will comfort them all during this difficult time.
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF TONI COCKERAM
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable career and retirement of a truly exceptional leader, Toni Cockeram. prgtoken After 23 years of dedicated and loyal service to the Golden Isles Association of Realtors. Toni is leaving behind a remarkable legacy of achievement. prgtoken With prestigious designations such as Realtor Association Certified Executive, Home with Diversity and e-PRO certifications, Toni's career has been a true example of professional development and education. prgtoken Ms. Cockeram has held significant leadership positions throughout her career, including six years as the Georgia Association of Realtors Chairman and co-Chairman for the MLS Forum. prgtoken Her leadership experience and achievements are truly too numerous to list in just one speech, which speaks volumes about who Toni is as a person. prgtoken I congratulate Toni on her amazing career and on her upcoming retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE WILSON FAMILY'S FARM, COTTON HILLS FARM IN LOWRYS, SOUTH CAROLINA
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognzie the outstanding work of the Wilson Family in Lowrys, South Carolina and their dedication to providing locally grown produce for over 140 years. prgtoken Cotton Hills Farm was given to Joseph Wilson and Theodosia Abel as a wedding gift by the bride's father in 1880. It has been passed down multiple generations and is now run by JEB Wilson along with his brother, Pete, and his father, Jeff. prgtoken For 100 years, cotton had been the primary crop planted on Cotton Hills Farm. Starting in the 1940s, JEB's grandfather started planting peaches as well. Today, the family farm has expanded to pumpkins, peaches, watermelon, and cantaloupe. JEB Wilson has proudly said, ``basically anything that can be grown in South Carolina, we grow it.'' The family also operates three retail locations in Chester County, South Carolina and sells wholesale produce. prgtoken Conservation and sustainability have been a key element to the long- term success of Cotton Hills Farm. The Wilson family is constantly looking for ways to improve the farm and keep it sustainable for years to come. prgtoken I would like to recognize that the entire family is also very accomplished in their community. Jeff is a long-serving member of the Soil and Water Conservation District in Chester County and currently serving as the vice chairman. Additionally, JEB and Pete have been named Conservationist of the Year in Chester County. JEB credits the family's success to their adaptability to challenges and willingness to try new farming methods that will continue to decrease their environmental impact. prgtoken The Wilson family continues to be devoted to their farm and are looking forward to passing it down the family line. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Cotton Hills Farm and the Wilson family for their great service to our state. Please join me in recognizing the farm on its advancements in agricultural innovation and conservation.
HONORING DR. LAWRENCE AND GILLIAN GERATY
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Dr. Lawrence ``Larry'' T. Geraty and his esteemed wife, Gillian, for their unwavering commitment to Seventh-Day Adventist higher education. Their dedication has fostered growth and allowed the communities they have touched not only in California's 39th Congressional District, but across the globe, to flourish. prgtoken Larry and Gillian epitomize the essence of servant-leadership, serving as beacons of inspiration for all of us who aspire to elevate the quality, impact, reach, and visibility of our educational institutions. Their unwavering efforts have left an indelible mark on our schools, by raising the bar for education and cultivating an environment where students can genuinely flourish. prgtoken Larry and Gillian met while abroad in Beirut, Lebanon, where their families served in missionaries, and have been inseparable ever since. After returning to the States and marrying, Gillian advocated for and established the first Kindergarten program at Andrews University in Boston, Massachusetts, while Larry joined the faculty and founded the university's Institute of Archaeology. prgtoken In 1993, Larry and Gillian relocated to Riverside, California, when Larry assumed the presidency of La Sierra University. Under his leadership, La Sierra University remained true to its commitment to authenticity, embracing diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff, and resulting in its recognition as the most diverse campus in the United States. Larry tirelessly worked to enhance the university's visibility in the community, ensuring support for its developmental endeavors. These initiatives transformed the campus and its surroundings, establishing a substantial funding prgtoken source for La Sierra. Larry served as president until 2007 when he transitioned into retirement--and a fundraising role for the university's Office of Advancement. prgtoken I'd like to honor this remarkable couple on receiving the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition they truly deserve. Larry and Gillian's efforts have not only touched the lives of countless students, but have also shaped the trajectory of our educational institutions. May their journey inspire generations to come, and may their legacy continue to shape the future of education for all.
HONORING SUZANNE SMITH
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today, along with my colleague, Rep. Jared Huffman, to honor Suzanne Smith for her dedicated service to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority where she worked to build both agencies from the ground up. prgtoken Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, where she also studied urban planning. Suzanne would later receive her Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. prgtoken The Sonoma County Transit Authority (SCTA) and the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) represent Sonoma County and the area's nine cities. They work together to balance the interests of each local government while spearheading transit projects, and climate protection initiatives. Ms. Smith was hired as the SCTA's first independent executive director in 1997 and later was assigned to lead RCPA as well. Since then, she has grown the team to sixteen curated employees, and worked tirelessly to implement crucial transportation and climate projects and programs in Sonoma County and the North Bay. prgtoken Ms. Smith led the organizational process that created the Measure M Traffic Relief Act (Measure M). She worked to include it on the 2004 ballot and to ensure it passed. This quarter cent sales tax has been successfully used to improve transportation, transit, safety, and the widening of Highway 101 for carpool lanes. In addition, she oversaw long range planning, and collaborated with partner agencies and the public on policy priorities. Additionally, she was instrumental in the founding legislation for Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) and the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority. prgtoken In 1997, Ms. Smith had three goals: to get a sales tax measure passed to support transportation, widen Highway 101, and establish train service. She not only accomplished her goals, but she has also acted as an incredible leader for the community of Sonoma County. She has made and maintained effective partnerships with agencies and elected officials nationwide and has directed the Sonoma County Transit Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority through economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has served with integrity, foresight, thoughtfulness, and unquestionable dedication and commitment. Ms. Smith demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and an innate understanding of how politics work and how to move projects forward. prgtoken Throughout her professional career, Ms. Smith also served as the district director for State Assembly Member Valerie Brown. She worked on policy issues such as transportation, education, and local government. prgtoken Ms. Smith is revered by her colleagues not just for her work but also for her friendliness and collegiality. When she is not working, she also loves to spend time with her famil
HONORING THE 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR: DR. MELVINIA KING
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Dr. Melvinia King as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As the Executive Director of Fighting Back Partnership, Melvinia helps lead the organization's drive to alleviate and eliminate poverty and substance abuse amongst youth in Solano County. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has spearheaded an agenda rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of ``Creating the Beloved Community,'' addressing the complex issues of poverty and racism while simultaneously empowering families and nurturing the potential of our youth. Beyond this important work, Melvinia serves on several local committees, including the Solano County Workforce Development Board, Black Infant Healthcare Advisory Board, and Solano County Home Visiting Community Advisory Board. She is known by her colleagues as not only a strong advocate for change, but also an active contributor to it. Her work has created a lasting legacy that will touch the lives of countless individuals throughout our district. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Dr. Melvinia King for her positive contributions to our community.