mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE JEFFCO PROSPERITY PARTNERS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise today to recognize Ambrosia Williamceau, Maria Abeyta, and Charlotte Williams for earning this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Achievement Awards. prgtoken The Achievement Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully graduate from the JPP Program, gaining skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy education. prgtoken This year's Achievement Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional district, it is my honor to congratulate Ambrosia, Maria, and Charlotte on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2024 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Achievement Award.
HONORING DR. TIMOTHY MURPHY
Timothy M. Kennedy (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise to congratulate Timothy Murphy as one of this year's recipients of the University of Buffalo's President's Medal. The University of Buffalo's President's Medal recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to the quality of life and development in the University's community. I can think of no one who is more deserving of this award than Dr. Timothy Murphy. prgtoken Dr. Murphy is an internationally recognized expert in respiratory infections and has transformed the way the medical community approaches them. His research has made significant breakthroughs in the understanding of bacterial infections in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and vaccine development for both ear infections and COPD. prgtoken Outside of his groundbreaking research, Dr. Murphy is the founding director of the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute, which advances research throughout the University and its partners to reduce health disparities in our community. With a team of approximately 40 faculty and 118 staff members, the Institute has catalyzed a transformation of the clinical and translational research environment. More recently, the University at Buffalo launched the Community Health Equity Research Institute under Dr. Murphy's leadership. Working closely with community partners and faculty from all 12 schools at UB, the Institute works to support research that address the root cause of health disparities while developing and testing solutions to the social determinants that cause them. prgtoken Once again, I would like to congratulate Dr. Timothy Murphy on his well-deserved achievement of receiving the University of Buffalo's President's Medal. I thank him for his tremendous efforts to advance the medical field all while supporting his community.
HONORING SECOND CLASS OF DHS ICDF PROGRAM
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise to honor the second class of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program. The ICDF Program intends to help DHS cultivate diverse talent to enter public service in Federal cybersecurity offices and components. This exemplary fellowship class is working across the homeland security enterprise--in DHS Headquarters, the Office of Intelligence and Analysts, Coast Guard, Secret Service, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. prgtoken This year's class includes four returning fellows and eleven new fellows. They represent 10 States and hail from universities of all sizes. Six of this year's class attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and three attend other Minority Serving Institutions. This talented class of fellows represents the diverse perspectives that are needed to help strengthen DHS's ability to analyze the evolving threats facing our Nation. I am proud that the fellowship program I passed through the House has provided pathways to success for each of these future homeland security leaders. prgtoken Congratulations to Veronica Kyles, Christian Lopez, Erin Sullivan, Reyben Cortes, Kiara Kelly, Ariel Henderson, Ethan Polhemus, Sage Despignes, Sharanya Padithaya, Zaria Gibbs, Daryan Lassiter, Kamryn Brown, Shaqandra Roberson, Tori Johnson, and Kaari Harsila. prgtoken , I look forward to following their careers as they progress toward making our homeland even safer.
HONORING PRETRIAL, PROBATION AND PAROLE SUPERVISION WEEK
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise to recognize the Nation's community supervision professionals, who are dedicated public servants and perform many vital roles in their work with justice-involved adults and juveniles. Community supervision professionals identify opportunities and services to help justice-involved individuals contribute to society, while holding them accountable for their actions. They remain mindful of their role in protecting public safety. prgtoken In honor of Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2024, we salute all those who have chosen this important career. In the District of Columbia, we especially thank the employees of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) for their service. CSOSA and PSA are models of excellence in community supervision. The theme of Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2024 is ``Wellness Unveiled: Navigating the Journey.'' prgtoken Community supervision agencies are valuable partners of other government agencies, nonprofits, neighborhood-based groups and all who strive to make our Nation safer and stronger. We extend out gratitude to community supervision professionals and encourage all people to recognize their many achievements as we proclaim July 21-27, 2024, as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2024.
RECOGNIZING THE AUBURN MEN'S GOLF TEAM'S NCAA DIVISION I NATIONAL TITLE
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise today to recognize the Auburn University Men's Golf team for winning the NCAA Division I National Title. prgtoken On May 29th, the Auburn Tigers held off Florida State University three matches to two to secure their title win. The tournament came down to the last match of the day and was finally won on the 17th hole with a par. The tournament was played at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. prgtoken This is the first national championship for the Auburn Men's Golf Team and advanced the team to 4-1 all-time in NCAA championship match play. Previously, the team had not advanced past a semifinal round. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating Coach Clinard, the Auburn University Men's Golf team, students, faculty, and all the fans. War Eagle.
COMMEMORATING TIARA YACHTS
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tiara Yachts for 50 years of operation in West Michigan. Founded in 1974 by Mr. Leon Slikkers, this locally owned and operated boat manufacturer has remained committed to manufacturing the highest quality watercraft. prgtoken As a multi-generational, family-owned and operated business, the story of Tiara Yachts is a true representation of the American Dream. Mr. Slikkers began building boats in 1946 and founded his own boat company, Slickcraft, shortly after. He then sold this company to launch S2 Yachts, later known as Tiara Yachts, with his sons David and Robert. Together, they worked to revolutionize the marine industry, introducing the Tiara Powerboat in 1976. prgtoken With the next generation now at the helm, Tiara Yachts has stayed true to the vision Mr. Slikkers first established: designing and delivering a legacy of quality, innovation, and unrivaled customer experiences that withstand the test of time and continue to evolve with their customers' desires. It is evident that this family organization remains committed to producing the highest quality, American-made boats that provide a lifetime of joy and entertainment on the water. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating Tiara Yachts as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. I wish them all the best as they continue their legacy of success.
HONORING MAGGIE VALLEY
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-7-18

this year marks the 50th anniversary of Maggie Valley's incorporation as a municipality in North Carolina. Home to about 1,800 North Carolinians, Maggie Valley's rich history predates the town's official incorporation by many years. prgtoken Located in Haywood County, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians occupied this region prior to the first White settlers. In the early 1800s, mountain settlers began to move into the valley and brought with them the characteristics that still define Maggie Valley--self- sufficiency, resourcefulness, independence and free-thinking. prgtoken In 1890, one of the valley's residents, Jack Setzer, became fed up with having to pay someone to take and pick up mail from the nearest post office located five miles away. Setzer began contacting officials with the United States Postal Service to establish a post office in his area that everyone in the valley could use. prgtoken When the U.S. postmaster general approved the creation of the post office, authorities requested that Setzer submit three potential names. He gave them the names of his three daughters: Cora, Mettie, and Maggie Mae. prgtoken On May 10, 1904, Jack received a letter from the U.S. Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock that postal authorities had decided on a name: Maggie, North Carolina. prgtoken In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to approve Maggie Valley as an official municipality and approved the town's formation of a local government, consisting of a mayor and a five-member board of aldermen. prgtoken Maggie Valley serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town's proximity to these two attractions allows thousands of visitors to experience the beauty of Maggie Valley each year. prgtoken This year commemorates Maggie Valley's five decades as an official town. As residents celebrate the 50th anniversary this week, they honor the virtues and traditions that have defined Maggie Valley for half a century and look to carry those forward for 50 more years.
HONORING MR. GENE LEEHAN'S RETIREMENT FROM CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR NORTH AMERICA
Troy E. Nehls (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-18

today, I rise to congratulate a fellow Texan upon his retirement on July 19th. Mr. Gene Leehan is a past president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas (OAAT) and has worked in the out of home advertising industry for 38 years. Mr. Leehan is retiring from his position as Executive Vice President and Senior Regional President of Clear Channel Outdoor North America (CCOA). prgtoken Over the years, CCOA and the Texas association have been key partners with federal and state agencies in times of emergency, using outdoor advertising assets to display important public messaging. This partnership has been valuable to constituents in my district, and to all Texans, including recently with Hurricane Beryl. prgtoken In recognition of his many industry contributions, Mr. Leehan was inducted into the out of home advertising Hall of Fame in 2015. Mr. Leehan's public service also includes work with the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, a Texas non-profit that recognizes pioneers of the American western frontier. prgtoken Again, I want to congratulate Mr. Leehan on a long and fulfilling career.
HONORING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF GENERAL DANIEL R. HOKANSON
Anna Paulina Luna (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise today to honor General Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau. prgtoken General Hokanson was born on June 27th, 1963, in Happy Camp, California, where he graduated from Happy Camp High School and attended the College of the Siskiyous before being accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. prgtoken General Hokanson graduated from West Point with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army on May 28, 1986. Upon his graduation, General Hokanson spent several years in the United States Army where he served as an aviator with the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California, including a deployment to Panama for Operation Just Cause from 1989 to 1990. In 1990, he attended the Aviation Officer Advanced Course and AH- 64 Combat Aircraft Qualification Course where he became qualified as an Apache pilot. He subsequently served with the 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment, including command of Company B at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. prgtoken In 1995, General Hokanson left the United States Army and joined the Oregon Army National Guard where he initially served as the Aide-de- Camp for the Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard. Following this assignment, he served in the Oregon Army National Guard in numerous roles to include Deputy Director of Army Aviation, Commander of the 641st Medical Battalion, and Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. prgtoken General Hokanson decided to leave the great northwest in 2010 and pursue a career at the national level by accepting a promotion to brigadier general and assuming the position of Deputy Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In 2012, General Hokanson was given the opportunity to move further east and serve as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC, where he was subsequently promoted to Major General. prgtoken After spending a few years away and gaining national-level experience, General Hokanson decided to move back home to Oregon in 2013 when he was selected to serve as the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard. Without a doubt, this assignment accelerated his leadership trajectory and set him up for future assignments in the National Guard, including the Deputy Commander of the United States Northern Command, the 11th Vice Chief of the National Guard, the 21st Director of the Army National Guard, and eventually his current position as the 29th Chief of the National Guard, where he has served since August 2020. prgtoken As Chief, General Hokanson led the National Guard through the COVID- 19 pandemic, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, multiple major disasters, the overseas deployment of tens of thousands of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and the
WISHING WORLD WAR II VETERAN ROBERT BOHYER A VERY HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-7-18

I rise to celebrate and wish a very happy and special 100th birthday to World War II veteran Robert Bohyer. prgtoken Robert embodies what it means to be a member of the ``Greatest Generation.'' When the forces of fascism threatened the peace, security, and freedom of millions upon millions, Robert answered the call to serve, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps--which later became the Air Force--when he was only 18 years old. prgtoken As a B-17 tail gunner, Robert was assigned to the 486th Bombardment Group near Sudbury, England and then later to the 483rd Bombardment Group in Italy. All told, Robert flew 35 missions from England and Italy, and he faced down mortal danger with the kind of heroic courage and valor that we desperately need more of today. Robert succinctly captured the danger he confronted by saying ``We were shot up but never shot down.'' Robert distinguished himself in service, and he has the medals and citations to prove it. prgtoken President Ronald Reagan reminded us that freedom is fragile and must constantly be fought for and guarded by each generation. That noble mission is exactly what Robert helped carry out when he wore the uniform of the United States Military. Because of the service and sacrifice of veterans, generations of Americans have been able to experience the blessings of liberty and live in a land that is free. For that, all of us owe Robert and his fellow veterans a debt that we can never fully repay. prgtoken As Robert celebrates a century of life lived to the fullest, I join his family and countless Hoosiers in wishing Robert Bohyer a very Happy 100th Birthday. I commend him for his loyal service to our Nation in uniform and the many great contributions he has made to our country. May God bless Robert.
DIRE SITUATION IN GAZA
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I would like to highlight a report that came out last week from Oxfam on the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure inside of Gaza by Israeli military operations. prgtoken The Israeli military offensive has amounted to a total siege against the water infrastructure on which civilians rely. The report provides a detailed breakdown of the significant damage to water wells, storage reservoirs, desalination plants, and wastewater facilities. prgtoken Oxfam's attempts to import critical supplies like water desalination units and repair materials have also been obstructed by Israeli restrictions. The impact on public health has been catastrophic, with reported cases of waterborne diseases skyrocketing. prgtoken , the people of Gaza need a cease-fire now. They need a surge in humanitarian aid and an end to the obstruction of the supplies entering Gaza and for those supplies to be safely delivered to the people of Gaza. prgtoken President and Prime Minister Netanyahu have the power to make this happen. They can do it today.
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , s, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Congressman Jonathan Jackson, for co- chairing our Special Order hour for the Congressional Black Caucus. prgtoken I rise tonight with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus with a heavy heart to pay my personal respects and to remember a woman who meant so much to this body. prgtoken The loss that we all feel for our dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, is truly immeasurable. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I offer our sincerest condolences to Congresswoman Jackson Lee's husband, Elwyn; her children, Jason and Erica; the entire Lee family; and, of course, her staff in Houston as well as here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken For nearly 30 years, Congresswoman Jackson Lee served in this body with honor, integrity, loyalty, and her signature style. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, it was a tremendous honor to be able to work with Congresswoman Jackson Lee each and every day. prgtoken A woman of deep conviction, she was disciplined and principled. She was fearless in the face of challenge and adversity, and she always put her family, her community, and her country first. prgtoken Her impact on Houston, the Congress, and the country will not soon be forgotten. From her time serving on the Houston City Council to her service here in the House of Representatives, she has advocated for social and economic justice and the advancement of the most marginalized. She made children, working families, and the safety of our Nation the cause of her life. prgtoken From leading the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act legislation this Congress to H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, to the Violence Against Women Act, to the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a bold and courageous leader who always worked to make her community a better place. prgtoken I join my colleagues in honoring her memory and her legacy by continuing the fight for the issues she cared for the most. prgtoken She was a patriot and fighter to the very end, and this House was made better for her leadership. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed by members of the Congressional Black Caucus, by the entire body, and by the constituents who she served. prgtoken May God rest her soul. We love Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. May she rest in peace.
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I thank the Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, my co-anchor on this Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour, for yielding. prgtoken I affiliate myself with all the comments that my colleagues have shared regarding this remarkable woman, our colleague and dear friend, Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken Madam , I rise tonight to lend my voice to the chorus of those who have gathered in this Chamber to honor and give mournful recompense to the life and legacy of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a woman of such grave significance who even in repose remains a towering figure among us. prgtoken Sheila Jackson Lee was no shrinking violet, She was no harbinger of demure expectations, and she did not cower in the face of adversity, nor did she retreat in the midst of a storm. prgtoken Sheila Jackson Lee did not do as some have already done; namely, get elected to political office and forget where they come from. Sheila Jackson Lee carried the people of Houston with her because her dreams were their dreams too. Their adversities were her adversities too. She wanted for them no less what she wanted for herself. prgtoken Here is a woman who in her lifetime had to deal with policies who told her she had to sit in the back of the bus. She went from having people tell her she had to go through the back door to being a Member of Congress who passed laws to make America a better place for all people. prgtoken She lived long enough to see President ascend to the Presidency. She lived long enough to see Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown elevated to the Supreme Court. She was just a few days away from living to see Vice President selected to be the ic nominee for the Presidency of the United States. What a life. What a witness. What a legacy. prgtoken Tonight, I say to you, a mighty oak has fallen. I shared so many evenings and days and times with Congresswoman Lee, my heart is filled, and I thank God for her having come this way. prgtoken I felt in many ways like the words in the book of ``Animal Farm,'' ``All animals are equal, but some are more equal. . . . `' I never looked at myself as a peer of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. I was honored to carry her bags. I was honored to walk beside her. I was honored to be in the midst of her company. I thank God for having put me in a place where I could be from afar and then in my lifetime be able to work up close and hand in hand with her. prgtoken In this place where she will no longer stand is a hole that will never be filled in this Chamber because while none of us are indispensable, some of us can never be replaced. That is the legacy of Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken This is the brightness of the one who we remember, who in death has become both the singer and the song. Let the word go forth from this time and place that Sheila Jackson Lee was a steel magnolia, one of the daughters of thunder, a woman of such invention and personal power t