mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF EDDIE GOSSAGE
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the lifetime accomplishments of Eddie Gossage, President and Manager of Texas Motor Speedway. Mr. Gossage retires following a career spanning over 25 years at Speedway Motorsports, LLC. It is my privilege to commend him for his tremendous support of North Texas and the creation of one of Fort Worth's most famous landmarks. prgtoken Mr. Gossage was personally instrumental in the founding, management, and ultimate success of Texas Motor Speedway. Since the facility's groundbreaking in 1995, it has not only become a go-to sporting destination for countless North Texans, it has also hosted the largest single-day crowd in Texas sports history. In addition, Mr. Gossage's motorsports accomplishments include hosting the first ever Indy night race. TMS has been the site of major music festivals and venue for countless civic and corporate events. prgtoken I applaud Mr. Gossage for his philanthropic efforts in bolstering the health and wellbeing of our community. Mr. Gossage serves on the Board of Directors for Speedway Children's Charities, and, most recently, offered the speedway as a ``super'' venue for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Texas Motor Speedway's partnership with the Denton County Public Health Department resulted in the administration of over 375,000 vaccines from early February to mid-May. Thanks to Mr. prgtoken Gossage's opening TMS to facilitate large-scale vaccine delivery, over 10,000 North Texans were immunized on multiple days at the Speedway's drive-through vaccine clinic. prgtoken Mr. Gossage's illustrious career has been punctuated by both commercial success and charitable service. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and thank him for all he has done for our community and state.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MELISSA F. JAMES ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to take this opportunity to recognize Melissa F. James, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after 26 years of exemplary service. prgtoken Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1994, Melissa relocated to Washington, D.C to begin her career with the Honorable Tom Coburn, newly elected from her hometown in Oklahoma. Melissa's hard work, problem-solving skills, and cando attitude quickly made her a valued member of Congressman Coburn's staff. After starting as a staff assistant, Melissa eventually was promoted to be Congressman Coburn's scheduler, a position she held until Mr. Coburn retired from the House in 2001. prgtoken Melissa remained in the House, next serving for 10 years as the scheduler and office manager to Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas. In 2011, after Mr. Tiahrt's departure from Congress, Melissa joined the office of Congressman Randy Neugebauer of Texas. In her time with Mr. Neugebauer, Melissa frequently displayed a deft touch with difficult questions from both other staff and constituents. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a finer office representative than Melissa, who embodies the true spirit of public service. Melissa proved herself to be an irreplaceable member of every team on which she served, as demonstrated by the fact that she never left a Member's staff until the Member left the House. prgtoken After Congressman Neugebauer's retirement from the House in 2017, Melissa joined the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as its administrative director. Melissa took on new tasks and responsibilities with aplomb and immediately became an indispensable part of the OGC team. It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but among them, she has taken a lead role with regard to all aspects of office management and administration, including with the office budget and computer systems. During her time with OGC, Melissa demonstrated herself to be dedicated to serving Members, Officers, and employees of the House, remarkably trustworthy and utterly fearless when faced with novel, sensitive, and difficult matters. Melissa's unwavering resolve and commitment to the House and OGC was always evident, as was her ability to find a solution to seemingly any problem. prgtoken Beyond her incredible dedication to her work, Melissa has been a kind and thoughtful coworker to all, treating everyone from the Members to the mail-carriers with the utmost respect and kindness. As scores of current and former colleagues can attest, Melissa is a true joy to work with, and is someone who makes the workday better for everyone with whom she comes into contact. It is no exaggeration to say that she has become family to many over her years on the Hill. Melissa is always eager to share her passion and contagious enthusiasm for golf--and really any sport in which an alum of her cherished OSU Cowboys (Go Pokes) plays--so much so that anyone who knows her soon becomes a
HONORING BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK & PLANETARIUM ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2021
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise to recognize Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium located in the City of Kingsport, in our First Congressional District in Tennessee, that is celebrating their golden anniversary of 50 years. Since 1971, Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium has been a continuing resource to the citizens of Kingsport. prgtoken Since the region's humble beginnings in the late 1700s, Bays Mountain provided for the families who settled there with land to farm and wood to build houses, a church, and a school. From the early 1800s to the early 1900s, Bays Mountain was the source of life for settlers and citizens. In 1914, one of Kingsport's founders, J. Fred Johnson, began buying up land on the mountain in order to create a lake. The next year, work began on a dam with much of that work being done by family members of those living on and around the mountain. The lake created by the dam served the city until 1944 when the city outgrew the capacity. Over the next two decades, the Mountain segued into a source of sustenance for its citizens to a resource to be recognized for its history and contribution to the livelihood of Kingsport. It was this transition that in 1965 led to the appointment of a committee to study ways to develop the mountain into a park by then Kingsport Mayor, Hugh Rule. After completion of the study, the City of Kingsport hired the National Audubon Society to help in the design of a park. The National Audubon Society's recommendations were to designate the area as a nature preserve to also allow hiking, naturalist-led activities, natural history studies, research, and leisure activities such as photography, painting wildlife observation and school day-use. They also recommended building a maintenance shed, a residence for a caretaker and an interpretive nature center. In short, the park was to be of great service to the public, including schools, while also serving to preserve the natural habitat it featured. prgtoken Development of these plans began in 1968 and, with assistance from Tennessee Eastman Company, as well as a bond referendum voted on by the citizens, the work culminated on May 24, 1971, with the opening of what our citizens know today as Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. prgtoken Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is the largest city owned park in the State of Tennessee with its 3,650-acre nature preserve, 40 miles of recreational trails, an adventure ropes course, and the original 44- acre lake. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium as a jewel and part of the rich history of Tennessee's First Congressional District.
HONORING GILES COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise to honor the service of all the selfless men and women of law enforcement in Giles County, Virginia who ensured Noah Trout was brought home safely. prgtoken On May 2, 2021, 2-year-old Noah Gabriel Trout was abducted from his church nursery. Within a day, he was located by the police and securely returned to his mother. The Giles County Sheriffs Office and the Virginia State Police Department handled the case with great care and diligence. Virginia local and state police partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Pearisburg Police Department, and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to fulfill this duty to the best of their abilities. prgtoken Southwest Virginia is lucky to have law enforcement officers that hold their jobs to the highest regard and fight vigorously to keep the people of our region safe.
HONORING THE CAREER OF MR. JOHN SAMPSON
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Mr. John Sampson of Fort Wayne. prgtoken As the President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, John has been indispensable in making possible the economic growth and general welfare that Hoosiers in northeast Indiana have enjoyed the last 15 years and will continue to enjoy for a long time to come. prgtoken John led the partnership since its founding in 2006. Prior to the partnership's creation, cities and counties in the region competed, more than did they cooperate, for investment. The region was experiencing a declining per-capita income and change was needed. prgtoken Thanks to John's leadership and his vision to make northeast Indiana a globally competitive economy, investment started corning in and the region began a transfonnation. prgtoken In his own words, ``Working together, our region has overcome challenges and achieved major milestones many thought not possible. In collaboration with our partners from the private and public sectors throughout the 11 counties, we have built a foundation of regional strength and momentum that will serve the residents of Northeast Indiana for years to come.'' prgtoken John has been described as having ``Unabashed passion for all things Northeast Indiana,'' Anyone who has met him agrees. prgtoken As John retires, I wish him the best for all that he has done after a long and distinguished career. This record is testament to his service for which northeast Indiana is grateful.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CORPORAL WILLIAM JAMES McCOLLUM
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Corporal William James McCollum, who was killed in action during the Korean War on December 2, 1950. prgtoken Born in Anderson, South Carolina on June 19, 1931, Corporal McCollum was affectionately known by his friends and family as ``Billy.'' At the age of 17, he was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC and subsequently to the battlegrounds when the Korean War began. After enduring repeated enemy attacks at the Chosin Reservoir, Corporal McCollum was declared missing in action on December 2, 1950. It was not until December 3, 1953, that Corporal McCollum was officially declared dead, still with no knowledge of the location of his body. prgtoken Following the summit between President Donald J. and the ic Peoples' Republic of Korea Kim Jong-Un in July of 2018, an agreement was reached to return 55 boxes of remains to the USA. The remains were believed to be those of U.S. soldiers who had been killed at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Due to the tremendous leadership of President Donald J the body of Corporal McCollum's body was accounted for on September 11, 2019. After 71 years, Corporal McCollum can return home and rest in his home city of Anderson. His funeral service, with military honors, will be held on June 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery. prgtoken Reflecting on the life of Corporal McCollum, I am reminded strongly of the verse John 15:13: ``Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.'' From a young age, Corporal McCollum selflessly and nobly served his country. The United States is blessed to have the finest troops in the world, where so many heroes like Corporal McCollum are willing to put on our country's uniform in defense of our freedoms. prgtoken I am proud of the leadership demonstrated by President Donald J and it brings me comfort knowing that families were able to be reunited with their loved ones after so many years, especially in the Third District of South Carolina. Corporal McCollum's funeral service will be held on the anniversary of his 90th birthday. prgtoken Madam , it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor the lives of those lost in conflict, like Corporal McCollum. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
CONGRATULATING THE LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL LADY PANTHERS ON THEIR SECOND SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Liberty High School Lady Panther Softball Team for winning the 2021 Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) 4A High School Softball State Championship. prgtoken The Lady Panthers finished the 2020-2021 season, with 33 wins and seven losses. In the playoffs, Liberty faced Wharton, Sealy, Carthage, Lake Belton, and Bullard before facing Calallen for the State Championship. On June 5, 2021, the Lady Panthers beat the Calallen Wildcats by a score of ten to three winning their second state title in just four years. prgtoken Kaci West, a senior Pitcher, was named the State Tournament Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career after winning as a freshman in 2018. Six Panthers were selected by the Texas Girls Coaches Association to play on the Conference 4A All-Tournament Team: Kaci West, Hollie Thomas, Jaylen Prichard, Reese Evans, Kamdyn Chandler, and Bailee Slack. prgtoken I would like to personally recognize each individual that contributed to this team's winning season. Players: Reagan Williamson, Jaylen Prichard, Bailee Slack, Kamdyn Chandler, Maci Beam, Hollie Thomas, Kaci West, Reese Evans, Kylie Bishop, Mikaelah Burkland, Ashlyn Cordova, and Alex Wiley. Head Coach: Karen Slack. Assistant Coaches: Joe Slack and Katherine McAdams. Athletic Trainer: Michael Pope. Athletic Director: Chad Taylor. Superintendent: Dr. Cody Abshire. Principal: Benicia Bendele. prgtoken I wish each of these young ladies continued success in the classroom and athletics. Go Panthers.
RECOGNIZING JIMMY UKEGAWA AS MY CONSTITUENTS OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Jimmy Ukegawa for my May Constituent of the Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed numerous burdens on constituents in my district, including a troubling rise in food insecurity. As a third-generation farmer who has been in business for more than three decades, Jimmy is no stranger to the stress of business ups and downs. Last March, after witnessing so many neighbors and friends struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy, his staff, and partners donated more than 500,000 pounds of food to those affected by food insecurity. prgtoken His effort began when the pandemic first hit, partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Senior Center to ensure children and those most vulnerable had something to eat. Since then, Jimmy's food donation efforts have grown to include Head Start programs, North County Lifeline, schools, and affordable living residences throughout Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista. Additionally, as the course of the pandemic played out, Jimmy wanted to make sure vulnerable and at-risk people in the district could still shop for nutritious fresh food, so he created an open-air market in his warehouse. prgtoken Over the course of this pandemic, I witnessed first-hand, residents lining up for food just to place a nourishing meal on the table for their families. I am incredibly grateful for constituents like Jimmy who stepped up to help the most vulnerable and in need families in CA- 49. Our community is brighter and better because of Jimmy and his staffs generosity. I prgtoken thank him from the bottom ofmy heart for his leadership and compassion in supporting our community, and I'm honored to recognize him as my May Constituent of the Month.
RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING REAR ADMIRAL JOHN MENONI
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rear Admiral John Menoni on his exemplary leadership as Commander of Joint Region Marianas. prgtoken As the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command representative for our region, Rear Admiral Menoni has embodied a leadership that truly speaks to the best of our human qualities and is critical to efforts made in overcoming the present global pandemic, facing future adversity, and effectively moving our communities and Nation forward. prgtoken Over the course of his 18-month assignment to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, he and his team transcended in their greatest responsibility to preserve the mission of ensuring our Nation's security. Alongside their dedication to defending our Constitution, preserving human rights, and encouraging opportunities for our allies and partners around the world, they embedded a revitalized relationship between military and civilian populations across the region. prgtoken Rear Admiral John Menoni collaborated closely with the Government of Guam and other important community members for a comprehensive COVID-19 response, which greatly contributed to the health, safety, and recovery of the crew of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. He worked tirelessly to cement an open forum for locals to identify their concerns and work together with the defense administration to address them. From establishing open lines of communication with local leaders to introducing a cultural sensitivity training program for all incoming Department of Defense parties, he has been a formidable force in cultivating greater understanding among all those who call our islands home and elevating our collective quality of life. prgtoken With recognitions such as three Legions of Merit, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Strike-Flight Medals, a Guam Commendation Medal, and various other campaign and unit awards, Rear Admiral Menoni's service in numerous positions as support personnel and Commander of operations demonstrates an impressive capacity for excellence in any role he achieves subsequent to prgtoken his service as Commander of Joint Region Marianas. His determination to strengthen community ties and fortitude amid the greatest of challenges have further contributed to a reinvigorated mission of defense and unwavering freedom in the Pacific. prgtoken Throughout his career and especially during his time in Guam, Rear Admiral Menoni has given new meaning to the Naval legacy of serving country before self. Moreover, he leaves behind a lasting impact on our community rooted in collaboration and problem-solving. Madam , I rise on behalf of the people of Guam, offering my greatest appreciation for his commitment to our country, region, and island. I sincerely thank Rear Admiral Menoni for his service and wish him the best in his next chapter of duty and future endeavors.
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , today I introduced the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund with $60 billion in additional funding. prgtoken The restaurant industry has been uniquely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting or a quarter of all job losses. The pandemic has cost restaurants and bars more than $280 billion in sales and left devastating impacts on the entire food supply chain. Ninety-thousand restaurants have permanently closed and hundreds of thousands more have significantly scaled down their operations. prgtoken The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, created in Section 5003 of the American Rescue Plan Act (Pub. L. 117-2), provided $28.6 billion for restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers, tasting rooms, and taprooms to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days of opening the Fund, the SBA received requests for more funding than was available. Just three weeks after opening, the SBA received more than 362,000 applications requesting more than $75 billion in funding--nearly triple available funding. Due to unprecedented need and a lack of funds, the SBA closed the application portal on May 24, 2021, meaning there is nearly $50 billion in outstanding need that will go unmet unless Congress acts. prgtoken Even with months of positive steady job growth, restaurant and bars are still nearly one million jobs below their pre-pandemic averages. Dining restrictions still exist in 27 states, and consumer hesitancy threatens to prolong the hardship with 36 percent of diners saying they won't resume their regular dining behavior until at least after September 2021. Without congressional action, tens of thousands of beloved restaurants and bars simply won't survive. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and work to get this battered industry back on its feet.
RECOGNIZING EUGENE DOLLARD
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the distinguished service of Mr. Eugene Dollard of Hamlin, New York. On June 9, 2021, Mr. Dollard was presented with the Legion of Honor Medal, an honor given to those who demonstrate unparalleled courage and patriotism in the face of mortal danger and France's highest accolade conferred for military bravery and service. In 1943, when he turned eighteen, Mr. Dollard enlisted in the United States Navy. A year later, on June 4, 1944, Mr. Dollard participated in the largest naval invasion in history, D-day. On that fateful morning, Mr. Dollard sailed with the U.S.S. Henrico under the command of Rear Admiral John Hall. Departing from Portland, England, the Henrico crossed the English Channel transporting the 16th Regiment of the First Infantry Division. Under heavy fire, the Henrico delivered the infantry to Omaha Beach. During the fighting, Mr. Dollard manned twenty-millimeter machine guns while under attack from German artillery and aircraft. Then, under continued fire, he landed on the beach and administered first aid to the wounded. As the fighting raged on, Mr. Dollard did what he could to assist the wounded soldiers who were taken back to the Henrico. After D-day, he moved on to the Mediterranean theatre serving his country honorably in Morocco, Algeria, and Italy. Mr. Dollard was then transferred to the U.S.S. Chilton in the Pacific where he fought in the Battle of Okinawa. During a Japanese bombing raid, he was sheltering in a bunker when he spotted shadowy figures moving on the beach. Crawling out into the darkness, he tackled a Japanese General. Although unarmed, Mr. Dollard was able to overpower the General and capture him, eventually turning the Japanese General over to the Military Police. After three years of service, Mr. Dollard was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1945. Returning to Hamlin, he has lived a full life: running a business, raising a family, and leaving his mark on the world for generations to come. Mr. Dollard is an extraordinary example of commitment and selfless service. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring Mr. Eugene Dollard.