mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING REV. DR. TOMMIE JACKSON, FROM JANUARY 18, 1954 TO JULY 26, 2023
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to remember the life of a tremendously impactful leader and my good friend, Stamford's own Reverend Tommie Jackson. Dr. Jackson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the third of 6 children. Dr. Jackson was raised in Baltimore City and was a product of the Baltimore Public School System. He graduated from Baltimore City College High School and attended the prestigious Morehouse University in Georgia. He later attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he met his wife, and life partner, Dorye Michelle Emory. prgtoken Dr. Jackson and Dorye were married in 1977 and shortly after moved to Houston, Texas where he attended Texas Southern University in pursuit of his Juris Doctor. The Jacksons would later return to Baltimore, Maryland where he completed law school at the University of Maryland Law School. prgtoken Dr. Jackson was enormously proud of his daughters, Erin Marie and Evinn Leigh. He answered his first call to Pastorship in 1990, at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. While there, Dr. Jackson, Dorye and his daughters touched the lives of the community. Dr. Jackson's dedication to God's work then brought him and his family to Stamford, Connecticut in 1997, where he answered his second calling to Pastorship at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. prgtoken For 20 years, Dr. Jackson served as the Pastor of Faith Tabernacle. During his tenure at Faith, he spearheaded the expansion of his church. He served the Stamford community with a weekly food bank and held back- to-school drives to equip children and families with supplies. Dr. Jackson was a proponent of education and took the time to mentor and prepare students in the congregation and in the community for academic excellence. Upon completing his doctorate degree at New York Theological Seminary, he went on to become prgtoken part of the faculty, leading, guiding and mentoring aspiring faith leaders. Dr. Jackson served as a spiritual advisor and mentor for the congregation and for the community. prgtoken In 2018, Dr. Jackson founded the Rehoboth Followship Church. He was diligent in fostering this ministry and created a welcoming place of worship for all. He loved his Rehoboth family and was always thinking of ways to expand the ministry. prgtoken I was honored to join Dr. Jackson in his tireless work to bring together faith leaders, register and empower voters, combat the scourge of gun violence in our communities, remedy the historic wrongs of our criminal justice system, and inspire the next generation to seize opportunities to get an education and improve the world they will soon enter. prgtoken Whenever they needed something good for the community done, they didn't have to seek out Dr. Jackson. He was already there, and he welcomed them with open arms. Dr. Jackson was a tremendous advocate for his community, at the local and state level, and I was proud to call him my friend. prgtoken This world has lost a
HONORING KBBF RADIO
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to honor KBBF and the Bilingual Broadcasting Foundation to recognize their 50 years of providing reliable, bilingual public radio for the North Bay. prgtoken The Bilingual Broadcasting Foundation was founded in 1971 with KBBF's first broadcast airing in 1973. Spurred on by the Chicano movement, KBBF's founders pioneered a new model to engage our entire community in all public broadcastings benefits of education, culture, and news access. KBBF is the first bilingual, bicultural radio station in the United States of America. Today, the station reaches five million households and specializes in English, Spanish, and several indigenous languages. Of their many listeners, one million are from primarily Spanish-speaking households. prgtoken Since 1973, KBBF has been primarily run by volunteers. Their team remains a critical source of information for many Spanish-speaking members of our community. In 2017, when numerous wildfires devastated Sonoma and Napa Counties, KBBF was instrumental in helping to translate lifesaving evacuation guidance for Spanish-speaking residents of our region who were seeking critical public safety news. prgtoken In recognition of their decades of work, KBBF was honored with the 2020 Silver Heart Award by the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The station has been a vital resource of information and services for the Latino community. KBBF is vital in increasing access to information at the local, state, and national level. prgtoken , it is evident that that, for half a century, KBBF has been an outstanding public broadcasting service for our multilingual population in Northern California.
SPORTS LEAGUES' CONCERNS ON FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS WAIVER
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-8-8

I include in the Record a Statement of Administration Policy about protected airspace over major sporting events. Temporary Flight Restrictions over stadiums and related facilities have been in effect for over 20 years, since Congress first enacted them into law in 2002. Congress acted not to protect the stadiums themselves, but the millions of fans who attend events and the athletes who compete in them. I submit as well a letter from the security directors of the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and NASCAR, in which they affirm that the Temporary Flight Restrictions. which Congress created, form an essential part of the security architecture that protects these events. Section 813 of the pending bill opens up this airspace, putting those fans and athletes at undue risk. There is no valid public policy reason for it. I urge that before this legislation becomes public law, the decision to weaken these restrictions be reversed and the current law be left undisturbed. Statement of Administration Policy prgtoken H.R. 3935--Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act July 17, 2023 The Administration supports enactment of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and applauds the bipartisan work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Administration is focused on ensuring that the aviation sector works well for the American people, and reauthorizing the FAA in a timely manner will help achieve that goal. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, would enhance aviation safety; invest in, and improve on-the-job safety for, our aviation workforce; integrate into the national airspace system new entrants such as Advanced Air Mobility and Commercial Space operators; strengthen passenger rights; and improve our aviation infrastructure. The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address the Administration's concerns with this legislation, a number of which are outlined below. prgtoken Protection of Aviation Consumer Rights and Promotion of Competition. The Administration is strongly committed to protecting the rights of aviation consumers and promoting competition in the aviation industry. The Administration opposes provisions in the bill that would reverse important gains made by this Administration to combat junk fees in the airline industry and would eliminate longstanding consumer protections. The Administration believes that the disclosure requirements currently in place for passenger tickets are necessary to help consumers comparison shop for a ticket. The Administration encourages the Congress to include the
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PAY COMPRESSION RELIEF ACT OF 2023
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-8-8

today, I introduce the Federal Employee Pay Compression Relief Act of 2023, which would allow federal employees who reach the pay cap in their pay system to receive the base and locality pay adjustments they would otherwise be entitled to. Currently, federal employees who reach the pay cap do not receive such adjustments. prgtoken This bill would allow many of the longest-serving federal employees, District of Columbia residents among them, to receive the pay adjustments they would otherwise be entitled to but for the pay cap. This bill would help the federal government hire and retain the most qualified individuals. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.
REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER MATTHEW HARE
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to honor the life and service of Easley, South Carolina Police Officer, Matthew Hare, who was killed in the line of duty on August 2, 2023, while saving the life of an individual suffering from a mental health crisis. Officer Hare was driven by a desire to serve his community which led to his pursuing a career in law enforcement upon graduation from Easley High School. Officer Hare is survived by his mother, Ashley Hare, in addition to his brother, Easton Hare. prgtoken At only 22 years of age, Officer Hare had just begun his career in 2022 and showed great promise after completing the SC Criminal Justice Academy. prgtoken When not on duty, he loved to be with his family and friends at the dinner table, outside on their next adventure, or playing the latest video game. Despite many hobbies, Officer Hare always found time to cheer on his favorite football team, the Clemson Tigers. prgtoken On August 2, Officer Hare displayed the greatest form of love and act of service that can be asked of any police officer. He responded to a call for an individual who was suffering from a mental health crisis and was precariously on the train tracks in Easley. Knowing a train was coming and committed to saving this person he didn't know, Officer Hare sacrificed himself to save a member of the community he swore to serve and protect. prgtoken , South Carolina's Third District is known for its people and is home to countless heroes. I'm honored to recognize Officer Matthew Hare, a hero who was taken from us far too soon. Ashley and Easton will carry the fond memories of Officer Hare in their hearts forever, and Easley will remember this demonstration of selfless service. Officer Hare's final actions truly exemplify John 15:13, ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' Thank Officer Hare for choosing to serve and giving us a great example of how we ought to love others. The Easley community learned this lesson as is evident by the outpouring of support for him and his family since his passing. Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the Hare family and the Easley Police Department as they lay to rest Officer Hare.
HONORING DOUGLAS CATER
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to honor the life and dedication of Douglas Cater, Director of the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair and President of the Cobleskill Agricultural Society. For nearly 50 years, Mr. Cater has been a leader in his community and a staple of Schoharie County for his efforts overseeing every aspect of the Fair and his deep roots in Schoharie County. prgtoken Mr. Cater has been involved with the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair since his youth as an exhibitor and an auctioneer and has been on the Fair Board since 1975. As a 1966 graduate of the Reisch American School of Auctioneers, Mr. Cater has the voice and tempo needed for what he is best known for; he has announced the New York Sire Stakes Harness Races in Schoharie since 1973. prgtoken Mr. Cater has also been a long-term member of the Cobleskill Agricultural Society and is a very active fundraiser in the community. He works with many local organizations, such as the Albany County Community Caregivers, Schoharie Valley Animal Shelter, and the Schoharie County ARC. prgtoken For his years of dedication, Mr. Cater has been awarded the United States Trotting Association Blue Ribbon Fair Award, the New York State Association of Agriculture Fairs Hall of Fame Award in 2013, was named the President of the New York State Association of Agriculture Fairs in 1992, and the Sunshine Fair was named the Business of the Year by the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce in 2010. prgtoken I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Cater on a lifetime of achievement and success, and it is my honor on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District to recognize the commendable life and inspiring legacy of Douglas Cater.
RECOGNIZING THE HOMER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Homer Fire Department in Cortland County, New York. prgtoken The Homer Fire Department was established on April 10, 1873 as part of the Village of Homer. Since then, the all-volunteer department has worked tirelessly to protect the citizens of Homer and has served as a backbone of their community. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the Homer Fire Department on their 150th anniversary. It is my sincere privilege to honor all the volunteer firefighters who have kept Homer safe since 1873 and continue to do so today.
RECOGNIZING TOM SIGMUND
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to recognize Tom Sigmund for his service and accomplishments as the executive director of NEW Water and president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. prgtoken Mr. Sigmund has committed his career to improving water quality throughout Wisconsin, as well as promoting a national water policy to create a more equitable water future. On July 13, 2023, Mr. Sigmund completed his service as president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. I stand today to recognize Mr. Sigmund's impressive leadership at NACWA as well as his service to the clean water industry. prgtoken Since 2007, Mr. Sigmund has led NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, as its executive director, facilitating the delivery of the utility's wholesale conveyance and treatment services to 238,000 people throughout 15 municipalities in Northeast Wisconsin. Under Mr. Sigmund's leadership, NEW Water has achieved 100 percent permit compliance and ushered in a new era for the utility in recognizing that material sent to the facilities is a valuable resource to be recovered and reused. He orchestrated the Resource Recovery and Electrical Energy, or R2E2, project, which recovers valuable resources from the wastewater stream to produce electricity and recovers heat for processes that run the facility. prgtoken Mr. Sigmund aided in creating a circular reclaimed water system that was developed with a national paper mill, boosting economic development for the region, and providing a sustainable solution for the industry. Mr. Sigmund launched an adaptive management approach to achieve water quality improvements more cost effectively by working collaboratively across rural landscapes in the Green Bay watershed. These efforts target a reduction of sediment and excess nutrient run-off into impaired waterways, an improved ecosystem, and a pathway for continued success. prgtoken Under his leadership, NEW Water entered a partnership with NASA to advance scientific knowledge of harmful algal blooms and their impact on public health. This initiative is housed under NEW Water's Aquatic Monitoring Program, which was established in 1986 and is one of the longest running water quality monitoring programs on the Great Lakes. Mr. Sigmund also supports his community by creating an educational STEAM Superheroes Camp with the local Boys & Girls Club to build critical skillsets, inspire water stewardship, and establish a talent pipeline for future employees. prgtoken During the early stages of the pandemic, NEW Water joined the Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program to advance public health efforts to understand COVID-19 in the community. Mr. Sigmund received his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. A licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin and Ohio, he has served and continues to serve on board and leadership positions at various
CELEBRATING RAYMOND PATNAUDE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-8-8

it is my honor to recognize and celebrate World War II veteran Raymond Francis Patnaude, who turns 100 years old this week. prgtoken Born on August 9, 1923, Raymond 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, Raymond answered the call to serve, enlisting in the Army and eventually serving in the 97th Infantry ``Trident'' Division. 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 Raymond 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 Raymond and his fellow veterans a debt that we can never fully repay. prgtoken Following his military service, Raymond and his late wife Beulah settled in South Bend, where Raymond bought and successfully operated McDonald Studio, the oldest photography studio in the South Bend area. In fact, many high school alumni from South Bend from the past half- century came to McDonald Studio for their senior photos. Others came to know Raymond and his professionalism along with his kind, generous nature at weddings, communions, and community engagements. prgtoken Together, Raymond and Beulah also had five children together: Ray Jr David, Philip, Chris and Paulette. All five children worked in the studio at some point, which is a testament to the loving and tight-knit family that Raymond and Beulah built. prgtoken As Raymond celebrates with his family a century of life well lived, I join countless Hoosiers in wishing Raymond a very Happy 100th Birthday. I also commend him for his loyal service and the many, many contributions he has made to the South Bend community, Indiana's Second Congressional District, and our country. Godspeed Raymond.
RECOGNIZING MISS SOLIE STENGER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-8-8

I rise today to congratulate and recognize the athletic accomplishments of Solie Stenger, from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, who at 16 years old, has excelled in the sport of water skiing. prgtoken Utilizing the beautiful Lake Heritage to practice her sport, the local community has rallied behind her to support her travels to high- level tournaments across North America. prgtoken Recently, Solie came in first place in the U17 Girls Slalom at the Jr. Canadian Open and pulled in two other top-three finishes. She was one of only five Americans who won titles at the open and is on track to reach her goal of competing professionally one day. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the athletic ability of Miss Solie Stenger and look forward to her continued success.
HONORING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Over the last seven decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration has played a vital role in supporting and empowering small businesses. Providing entrepreneurs important guidance on financial products, the SBA has proven to be an invaluable resource. prgtoken Small businesses and their employees drive growth and innovation and play an essential role in the American economy. In the United States, there are over 33 million small businesses that employ approximately 61.7 million Americans. In the past 28 years, these businesses have created 17.3 million net new jobs, which accounts for 62.7 percent of jobs created since 1995. prgtoken The Lower Rio Grande Valley District of the U.S. Small Business Administration serves 14 counties in south Texas. In 2020, over 179,000 jobs were supported by approximately 10,000 establishments in the 34th Congressional District alone. Through their various programs and initiatives, the SBA has provided small businesses access to capital, Federal contracting certifications and opportunities, and disaster recovery. prgtoken , I have witnessed the U.S. Small Business Administration open doors for and provide a lifeline to small business owners across south Texas and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge this agency's invaluable contributions to our region and country.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF ALICE DAVIS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise to celebrate Alice Davis, a tenacious servant/leader, astute fundraiser and compassionate and committed humanitarian who is turning 100 this week. prgtoken A fourth generation Washingtonian, Alice Tompkins Davis is a product of the District of Columbia public school system, whose love of mathematics led to a Bachelor of Science degree from Miner Teachers College (now the University of the District of Columbia) in 1943 and graduate studies in mathematics at Catholic University. This career path of critical thinking helped refine her methodical, detail-oriented intellect and provided a background for organized planning and execution abilities--all of which make her an invaluable leader and team player on several local and national organization and association boards and committees. It is these specific talents and skills that served her well for decades and served the Howard University Medical Alumni Association (HUMAA) so well from 1982 to 1996 in her role as Executive Director. prgtoken While Alice Tompkins grew up in the segregated town of the District of Columbia, she was never handicapped by race or sex. She was a 20th century leader in women's rights, civil rights, children's rights, mental health and housing, by example. In recognition of her talents, she was chosen for several mayoral appointments including member on the DC Commission for Women, the DC Health Plan, State Health Coordinating Committee (SHCC) and 8 years on the District of Columbia Lottery and Charitable Games Board. Her extensive leadership roles on the national and local levels for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began in 1945. One of her most significant achievements was the establishment of the Delta Housing Corporation of Washington, D.C. in 1977. This landmark development project, with HUD funding of over $6.5 million, built affordable housing. It was the first of its kind awarded to a Black women's organization. To date, it has continued as an ongoing legacy. prgtoken As a member since 1948 and a past president of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, her work in health education and volunteer services set a national standard as did her National Youth Forum leadership in conjunction with the March of Dimes. Her service to the D.C. Mental Health Association began in 1967 with policy development and lobbying and being a media spokesperson and program coordinator. Her service contribution awards, spanning over 60 years, are numerous. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to wish Alice Tompkins Davis a happy 100th birthday, in recognition of her distinguished life of service to others.