mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BELVIN D. WARE AND MACEDONIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN MACON, GEORGIA
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today to recognize the appointment of a dedicated servant leader and a true visionary for the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Macon, Georgia, Minister Belvin D. Ware. Minister Ware was elected by the church to serve as Head Pastor in December of 2023, and he was officially installed at the church on February 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. prgtoken A native of Macon, Georgia, Belvin D. Ware was born to the union of Denise T. Jones and Lawrence F. Ware, Jr. both of Macon, Georgia. Minister Ware completed his childhood education in Macon and is a graduate of Central High School's Class of 1996. He is currently in the process of completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies. Minister Ware is also a United States Marine, joining in 1998 and reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6) where he served for over sixteen years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. prgtoken Minister Ware first accepted Christ at the young age of seven years old at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, and he accepted the call to ministry in December of 2012. He gave his initial sermon on September 29, 2013, at New Life Family Worship in Jacksonville, North Carolina where he also received his License of Ministry. In July of 2018, Minister Ware accepted a full-time position at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church as the Servant Leader of Children, Youth, and Young Adults. After one year of successfully mentoring the church's youth and bringing them closer to the Lord, Lead Pastor Eddie Smith ordained Mr. Ware as a Minister of Gospel in October 2019 and named him Assistant to the Pastor. prgtoken During his tenure as Servant Leader of Children, Youth, and Young Adults, Minister Ware was responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing a thorough course of action for the youth to grow in their faith. He facilitated Bible Study and Youth Church, oversaw the baptisms of eight young people and grew youth membership at Macedonia through outreach at local colleges and universities. Furthermore, Minister Ware has been instrumental in local community outreach--most notably his ministry at Bruce Elementary School where he visited at least twice a month to mentor at risk youths and facilitate two coat drives in which Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church donated over 250 winter coats to underprivileged youth. Following his efforts at the school, the Bibb County Board of Education selected Minister Ware to be a sitting member on the board to hire Bruce Elementary's next principal. Additionally, as Assistant to the Pastor, Minister Ware began the process and coordinated training with Middle Georgia Food Bank to establish Macedonia as a local agency to establish a food bank on church grounds. prgtoken Minister Ware has been recognized numerous times for his professional achievements. He is a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Certificate of Commendation, and Letter of Appreciation. He was recognized b
NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today to recognize the more than 160,000 Black-owned employer businesses in the U.S. during National Entrepreneurship Week. prgtoken Black businessowners experience pervasive barriers to accessing capital--more than any other demographic. prgtoken According to the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, two-thirds of Black employers seek financing to expand business operations, yet half of them are denied loans and lines of credit. prgtoken Micael Habte is the owner of Upper Cup Coffee, an Eritrean-based coffee shop and wholesale coffee supplier located in the Old Towne East neighborhood of Columbus. Despite capital challenges due to COVID-19, today Micael is running two cafes, and a coffee kiosk, and has even expanded his roasting facility. prgtoken I'm proud of the fortitude businessowners like Micael have displayed, and I urge my colleagues to closely consider the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. prgtoken We must work together to build a stronger, more equitable economy for all.
GRATITUDE TO CITIZEN ADVOCATES
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-2-20

today I would like to include in the Record an important article from consumer advocate, lawyer, and author Ralph Nader that celebrate the determination and courage of citizen activists like Nadia Milleron. Nadia's daughter, Samya Rose Stumo, tragically died in a plane crash when the defective Boeing 737 Max she was in, crashed in Ethiopia on March 10, 2019, killing all 156 people on board. Nadia was determined to fight for justice, and successfully pushed for action to ensure that the families of victims of such tragedies could collect punitive damages. Her story is an inspiration that should be read by all as a reminder that in our democracy, one person truly can make a difference. That Lady from New England Who Shamed Us All (Ralph Nader) The mass media is reluctant to recognize civic heroes unless they display physical bravely such as rushing into a burning building to save a child. The media also lavishes vast coverage on sports heroes and entertainers. Unnoticed by the mass media was how it came about that the Illinois legislature, overcome by corporate lobbyists, passed legislation allowing punitive damages for wrongful death disasters, and sent the bill to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker who signed it last Friday. In the words of one state lawmaker, this effort started with ``that lady from New England who drove down here (to Springfield, Illinois) and shamed us all.'' That lady was my niece Nadia Milleron, who lost her daughter Samya Rose Stumo--an emerging leader in global health--to the defective Boeing 737 Max that crashed in Ethiopia on March 10, 2019, killing all 156 people on board. (Earlier on October 29, 2018, a similar also new Boeing 737 Max crashed off Indonesia's coast, killing all 189 passengers and crew.) Nadia was determined that families in the future who lost their loved ones to reckless corporate actions and crimes would not be told by Illinois courts that, were people rendered disabled, they could collect punitive damages--but not if their lives were taken. The cruel absurdity of this perverse rule that lets companies escape punitive damages under the law of torts (wrongful injuries) if their recklessness or greed kills their victims, but not if they injure them, was too much for Nadia to tolerate. Driven by her love of Samya and her determination to end this gross injustice, she spent months away from her Massachusetts home in 2022 getting appointments with every Illinois Assembly person--177 of them--to plead her case in person. None of the naysayers she encountered in the lobbying circles around the legislature deterred her, not even some plaintiff trial lawyers. By the sheer force of her legal and factual arguments, her moral author
HONORING ERNA JE'NEEN FRENCH
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-2-20

I, along with the people of St. Louis, rise to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Erna Je'Neen French. Erna was a giant in the gospel community, a mother, grandmother, and sister who dedicated her life to spreading the joy and love of God through her powerful voice. prgtoken Erna professed her devotion to Jesus Christ at the early age of five, and she knew she would one day be a famous gospel singer. Inspired by her mother Lavera, gospel music was always central to Erna's life. Erna was a scholar of spiritual hymns, and she understood the weight those verses carried. Before the age of 12, Erna recorded three national gospel records with the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses under the St. Louis Gospel Choral Union, the O'Neal Twins, and the Stan Lee Gospel Music Workshop. Later in her life, Erna recorded with numerous artists and ministries nationally and internationally and was a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Sanctified POSSE, GEMCA, Dello Thedford and the Gospel Symphonic Choir, Rusty Watson, One Voice, the Psalms of David, and countless other ministries. In 2018, Erna accomplished a lifelong dream releasing her project ``Always'' with the help of Levi Too King. prgtoken A student of the University City School District, she was a proud member of the graduating class of 1985. In 1986, Erna began a career as a professional driver. She drove school buses until 1998 when she joined the Bistate Development Agency/Metro St. Louis Transit Agency, from which she retired in 2021. prgtoken Most importantly, Erna loved spending time with her family. Her daughter Alysha De'Nise French and grandson CJ were the lights of her life. Erna shared her deep passion for gospel music with her older sister, Monica. I offer my deepest condolences on behalf of Missouri's First District to Erna's entire family and all those who loved her.
INTRODUCTION OF THE McINTIRE-STENNIS ACT DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EQUALITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-2-20

today, I introduce the McIntire-Stennis Act District of Columbia Equality Act, which would correct an apparent oversight in the exclusion of the District of Columbia from eligibility for funding under the McIntire-Stennis Act. prgtoken The Act provides the states and certain territories with formula funding to support state designated institutions' cooperative forestry research programs. The funding available under this Act assists the states and territories in carrying out forestry research programs at state forestry schools and colleges and developing a trained pool of forest scientists capable of conducting needed forestry research. prgtoken District of Columbia residents pay full federal taxes and therefore District of Columbia is treated as a state under federal programs, with limited exceptions. The Act defines ``State'' to include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam, whose residents do not pay full federal taxes. D.C.'s exclusion from the Act makes it ineligible for federal funding that would support research at D.C.'s public university, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences at UDC, the nation's only urban land-grant university, offers programs that complement D.C.'s ongoing forestry efforts and serve individuals in D.C. and beyond. Rectifying D.C.'s exclusion from the Act would ensure equal treatment for D.C. and provide UDC a fair share of resources. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
CELEBRATING WHIO-TV'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today in celebration of the 75th anniversary of WHIO-TV, a leader in local news in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. prgtoken WHIO was the first television station to begin broadcasting in Dayton, and has remained a CBS affiliate since that first broadcast. For nearly their entire history, WHIO has aired on Channel 7 in the Miami Valley and residents have routinely tuned in to the `coverage they can count on.' prgtoken For three quarters of a century, WHIO has provided their audience with vital weather updates, local and national news coverage, and in- depth reports from their investigative unit, the I-Team. Our community also relies on Channel 7 for their sports coverage, faithfully airing both Bengals and Browns CBS games on Sundays. prgtoken The WHIO news team plays a vital role in keeping the Miami Valley informed and up to date on affairs that affect our everyday life. The Storm Center 7 weather team prepares viewers for their day, but also provides lifesaving information when severe weather strikes. The news team holds business and government accountable to the citizens they serve, as well as informing viewers of local and national news stories. prgtoken Local journalism is a critical part of our community and is instrumental to our democratic experiment. WHIO embraces that responsibility and has established itself as a trusted news source for the Dayton area. I join the Miami Valley in saying thank you for a steadfast 75 years, looking forward to tuning in for many more.
RECOGNIZING MARK HAFNER
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today to recognize Keller City Manager, Mark Hafner, who is retiring after more than four decades of public service. At just 18 years old, Mr. Hafner started his career as a police officer. In 2001, he moved his family to Texas to lead the Keller Police Department as the Chief of Police. Under his watch, Keller's first Crime Control and Prevention District sales tax was passed, allocating a portion of the tax dollars toward ensuring public safety. Keller Police Department also earned its state and national accreditations and forged cutting-edge partnerships in 911 dispatch, animal services, detention, municipal court services, and policing with the cities of Colleyville, Roanoke, Southlake, and Westlake. He also oversaw two major police station expansions and renovation projects. prgtoken After 14 years as the Chief of Police, including three as Keller's Director of Public Safety, Mr. Hafner was promoted to the organization's top spot in June 2015 as the City Manager. In this position, he's overseen historic investments in public infrastructure, parks, and recreation amenities, helped attract vibrant commercial development, and worked to ensure Keller's long-term financial security. The new Keller Senior Activities Center and renovations to Fire Stations 2 and 3 were also completed under his tenure. prgtoken I Thank Mr. Hafner for all he has done to protect and serve the people of North Texas. His career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, service and innovation. I congratulate him on his well- deserved retirement, he will be missed.
HONORING THE LIFE OF KEITH KING
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2024-2-20

I am pleased to honor the life, legacy, and faith of Keith King, who died of pancreatic cancer on February 3, 2024, at the age of 75. Keith was a champion for the Pikes Peak region as a successful and generous business entrepreneur, elected official, and advocate for school choice and charter schools. Keith had a tremendous impact on those around him, but it was only possible because he was driven and directed by his love for Jesus Christ and his family. Keith King was truly a giant in advancing policies that helped families, children, schools, and the state of Colorado. In addition to being a personal colleague in the Colorado legislature for seven years and a brother in Christ, Keith was my friend. prgtoken Born in Tekoa, Washington, Keith moved to Colorado and completed his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University, Pueblo in industrial education in 1970. He continued his education at Oregon State University in 1976 with a master's degree in vocational education. It was through his studies that his already budding desire to see children succeed in school and have as many education choices as possible available to them bloomed. Keith served on the Cheyenne Mountain School board from 1991 to 1995; and was president of Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy, which he co-founded, from 1995 to 1998. Keith also started Colorado Springs Early Colleges and Colorado Early Colleges which provided high schoolers the opportunity to take college classes and receive job training. Education choice and specifically the emergence and growth of charter schools in Colorado became one of Keith's main passions in his legislative career. prgtoken First elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1999, Keith's first year in the legislature showed immediate results. During his first session in office, Keith was the lead sponsor of two bills that improved charter school structures and operations that were signed into law. This impressive success record was only the beginning of Keith's impact on Colorado. Keith sponsored the annual school finance act three times and sponsored the landmark College Opportunity Fund which created substantial change to the funding system for public colleges and universities. prgtoken Keith and his wife Sandi of more than fifty years enjoyed the blessings of their sons Jeremy and Brandon, their families, and their five grandchildren. A devoted husband and Christian, Keith embodied 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 in every way that he lived his life, especially in the public square as a legislator: ``Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.'' prgtoken Education remains one of the most important pillars of our society today. Keith recognized that high-quality and well-funded education gave each child the best chance at an impactful life. Keith's faith and his family provided Keith with his ``North Star'' as he used his gifts and abilities to make lif
HONORING DON BLOOMER
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, Mr. Don Bloomer, who is retiring after nearly 50 years of service at Citizens National Bank in Somerset, Kentucky. Over the last five decades, Don has been a trusted leader in the Lake Cumberland area, dedicating countless hours of volunteer service to other community entities, and helping local families and businesses reach or exceed their financial goals. prgtoken Raised on a small farm in Pulaski County, Don knew the value of hard work and loyalty from an early age. His life's dream was to be a successful citizen in his hometown community and a strong family man, both of which he has accomplished through diligent work and compassion. prgtoken Don first arrived at Citizens National Bank as a Management Trainee in 1976, under the guidance of former bank president Clay Davis. From there he climbed the banking ladder as auditor, comptroller, and cashier, until he was promoted to President and CEO in 2007, where he has guided the bank and the local community through unexpected changes in technology and financial shifts ever since. Clay encouraged Don to learn every aspect of the industry through advanced educational opportunities, strengthening the future of the institution he serves and the local community. prgtoken May his life's story be an inspiration to our aspiring youth who hope to one day follow in Don's footsteps, working hard from the family farm to become the local bank president in their hometown. We can all make a difference in our communities, like Don Bloomer, with a tireless work ethic and sheer resolve to make this region a better place to live. prgtoken My wife Cynthia and I deeply appreciate the loyal friendship of Don and Rhonda Bloomer, and we wish them the most joyful years of retirement in the years ahead.
RECOGNIZING JOHN GRAHAM, JR.
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-2-20

I rise today to honor and recognize the late John Graham, Jr. as the committed family man he was and will continue to be in memory. prgtoken While at Poquoson High School, he won notable achievements such as: becoming Virginia's Boys State Representative, being elected President of his Senior class, and was a brilliant athlete. John was such a brilliant athlete he not only received the role of Captain his junior and senior years of high school, he also was recognized as ``Little All American'' during his football career in college. His drive to play and contribute to his teams got him inducted into the RMC Hall of Fame in 2015. prgtoken While working for NASA he was a fundamental contributor to groundbreaking missions. John was critical in developing and building the budding space program, even working alongside the original astronauts. He also held crucial roles in the development of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. prgtoken Unfortunately, right before John was eligible to retire from NASA, he was confronted with a decision that would change his life forever. His father was fighting through a tough battle with pancreatic cancer and asked John to take over the family business in his stead. prgtoken Showing true sacrifice and dedication to his family, John decided to leave his career at NASA in order to preserve his family's seafood business: Graham & Rollins. Keeping the spirit of a true family business, John brought his children and wife Sandra Graham to work alongside him, further cementing how his family was always a top priority. As President of Graham & Rollins, John expanded the company threefold, leaving a family legacy to his children and grandchildren. prgtoken During his successful career within the family business, John also took the time to mentor his sons and grandsons in wrestling. Due to his mentorship, his sons were able to blossom in the sport and each hold notable records. With a renewed sense of love for the sport, John had a vision to expand the fan base of wrestling. That's why he helped create the Peninsula Wrestling Association as well as founding the Virginia Duals. He even went on to serve as the team leader for the Olympic wrestling team in 1988 and 1996. Due to his contributions to the sport, John was awarded the Order of Merit for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and was inducted into both the Virginia Wrestling and Lower Peninsula Halls of Fame. prgtoken John will always be known for his devotion to his family, his love for sports, and his unwavering commitment to give back to his community. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in recognizing John Graham, Jr. and to thank his wonderful family for giving me the pleasure of acknowledging him and recognizing the kindness he shared with the world around him.
HONORING CLAY FIRE TERRITORY CHIEF TIMM SCHABBEL'S CAREER IN SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-2-23

it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Chief Timm Schabbel, who recently retired as Fire Chief of the Clay Fire Territory in South Bend, Indiana, after 35 impressive years with the department. prgtoken During his nearly four decades in public safety, Timm has served in different roles within the fire department, including as a firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Chief of Operations, and Fire Chief. Timm was promoted to Fire Chief in 1997, making him the longest tenured chief officer in the agency's 75-year history. prgtoken Under Chief Schabbel's leadership, Clay Fire became the first internationally accredited fire department in Indiana. In addition, Clay Fire also expanded under Chief Schdbbel's tenure, essentially tripling the area the department covers. These achievements were only possible thanks to Timm's vision and determination. prgtoken The many awards and accolades he has received over the years-- including Firefighter of the Year from Clay Township, Fire Chief of the Year from the state of Indiana, the President's Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Sagamore of the Wabash award--are all a testament to Timm's commitment to excellence and an accomplished career spent in the service to others. prgtoken The broader South Bend community and St. Joseph County are unquestionably better off and safer thanks to this good man who exemplifies what it means to be a leader and a true public servant. prgtoken Timm's example and leadership are also reminders that first responders are on the frontlines of some of the most difficult situations our communities face. When there is a problem, first responders like Timm answer the call and willingly put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and for that all of us are extremely grateful. prgtoken I am proud to join so many Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second District in expressing our appreciation to Chief Schabbel for his service and in wishing him and his family all the best going forward during Timm's very well-deserved retirement. I thank Timm.