mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF DOROTHY M. SWEENY
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I'm honored and humbled to recognize the remarkable life of Mrs. Dorothy M. Sweeney, who left our earthly bounds on April 7, 2021. ``Mother Sweeney,'' as she affectionately was called, leaves behind an eternal and meaningful legacy not only to her family and loved ones, but to the entire York County Community. prgtoken Mother Sweeney's life began on January 16, 1934, born to Eddie and Rhoda Hawkins. She was the youngest child--and only girl--in a household of older brothers, Edward Jr Clyde, and Herman. prgtoken Mother Sweeney married Arthur Sweeney in 1951, when they planted their roots in York. Together, they raised four wonderful children-- Takanii, Tomoa Tanya, Tanoue Onishi, and Arleta Maria--with a resilient sense of love and respect for their legacy. prgtoken After a tragic work-related accident claimed the life of her beloved husband, Mother Sweeney was thrust into single parenthood. As obstacles were placed along her path, she persevered--like her mother, Rhoda Hawkins. prgtoken Mother Sweeney would go on to graduate from York College with a degree in Nursing, all while managing a household of four beautiful, albeit sometimes unruly, children. She raised her children with a strong and powerful image of womanhood. She served as the head nurse at York County Homes, and as a private duty nurse while also volunteering for the local PTA--later serving as its president for over six years. She would go on to accept a position with Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12 as a teacher for special needs children. prgtoken Mother Sweeney made sure that her children knew their elders and family history, making sure to surround her daughters with family and love, as well as a connection to their roots. Her family soon began to grow, as her daughters welcomed children of their own. Her oldest, Takanii, had 11 children (Damaine, Tak, TakaKhan, Asaii, Ishni, Kiya, Azijah, Adonysha, Zebulon, Masata, and Amasa), Tomoa had four children (Angela, Yahselah, Nashon, and Ashir), Tanoue had one son (Emneko), and Arleta had five children (Tazaa, Taza Todd, Tyleta, T-Hara, and Tynaketa). prgtoken When Mother Sweeney retired professionally, she certainly was kept busy with 21 grandchildren--and all the birthdays, holidays, and celebrations a large family brings. When asked about the number of great-grandchildren she has, Dorothy's response was, ``after 10, I stopped counting.'' The branches of her great family tree have continued to grow with 45 great-grandchildren--and counting. prgtoken Mother Sweeney was always an energetic and active young lady, serving her family, church, and community. As a faithful and dedicated member of Emmanuel COGIC in York--of which her mother was one of the founding members--she has served under founding pastor Elder Wise until his home going. Until now, Mother Sweeney was the only living founding member. Remaining steadfast under the leadership of Pastor Leighton McMillan, she held various leade
HONORING FORT WAYNE WORLD WAR II VETERAN DON THEURER)
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of Mr. Don Theurer of Fort Wayne. prgtoken Mr. Theurer just celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday, April 26. Congratulations on this wonderful occasion. I hope his heart is filled with joy knowing he has experienced our country's greatest blessings, including the affection of family and friends over a long, well-lived life. prgtoken Our Nation owes Mr. Theurer a debt of gratitude for his dedicated service to our country. Serving in the United States Army during World War II, he landed at Normandy less than 20 days after D-Day, saw combat in Holland and took part in the Allied liberation of Western Europe and occupation of Germany. prgtoken After the war, Theurer returned home to northeast Indiana, where he attended college, married his sweetheart Thelma, and began work at Magnavox, for whom he would work the entirety of his career. A longtime, active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Theurer today remains in good health, as he reads daily and drives frequently. prgtoken As one of the oldest veterans in Indiana, I, and the entirety of Congress, send to him best wishes as he celebrates this historic milestone. prgtoken The story of Don Theurer is the story of American greatness. As a patriot who served his country in war and community in peace, this record is a testament to his commitment to the American people and ideals to which our Nation strive.
HONORING CABARRUS COUNTY LIBERTY BELL AWARD RECIPIENT HOWARD IRVIN
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Howard Irvin on receiving the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award. prgtoken A native of North Carolina, Mr. Irvin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School before beginning his legal career in 1965 as a lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corps for the United States Navy. After his service to our nation, Mr. Irvin joined the law practice of his father, E. Johnston Irvin, before limiting his practice to real estate law in 1971. prgtoken Mr. Irvin is a consummate professional and boasts over fifty years of legal service to his community and has continuously adapted to changes in real estate law to best protect his clients. He has handled over thirty-five thousand real estate closings during his career. prgtoken The Liberty Bell Award is presented to an individual that goes forth to educate on and upholds laws that support American freedom. Throughout his involvement in Cabarrus County, Mr. Irvin has helped many people regain their confidence in our judicial system by being a constant resource of knowledge. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Irvin will continue to help the people of Cabarrus County with his unwavering commitment to the law and serving others. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in congratulating Howard Irvin as the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to uphold our American freedom.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FIREFIGHTER PEYTON MORSE OF LA FARGEVILLE, NY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Firefighter Peyton Morse of the Watertown Fire Department. On March 12, 2021, Peyton tragically passed away after suffering a medical emergency during a training exercise at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. prgtoken Peyton's lifelong dream was to become a firefighter and help others in any way that he could. During his time at Siena College, he participated in the associate firefighter program to gain hands-on experience training with the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department. When he had the opportunity to attend the fire academy, Peyton took a leave of absence from his final semester to pursue his passion and eventually became a permanent member of the Watertown Fire Department. Peyton officially received his firefighter badge, Badge No. 94, while hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit as he fought to recover from his tragic accident. prgtoken Peyton's colleagues remember him as an exceptionally dedicated firefighter who was always enthusiastic in his role. He had a true servant's heart and always put others above himself, even after he passed on as an organ donor. The recent celebrations of Peyton's life are proof of the impact he made on those in his community. Hundreds of North Country firefighters, police and other emergency responders gathered to welcome Peyton's motorcade home. The community rallied together to pay their respects and show their support for Peyton's family by placing yellow hearts in the windows of homes and businesses. Siena College will posthumously present Peyton's family with his diploma at a ceremonial graduation on May 1, 2021. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize Peyton for his selfless service to his community. It is my hope that his fearless spirit and positivity will be carried on by those who knew and loved him, and I ask this House to remember his sacrifice and legacy forever.
TRIBUTE TO SHELIA PAYTON
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Shelia Payton who is retiring from my district office on April 30, 2021, after 16 years of dedicated and distinguished service to my office and the constituents of the 4th Congressional District. prgtoken I have known Shelia for over 30 years. She joined my district office in 2005 immediately after I began my first term in the House of Representatives where she worked as a caseworker on the following issues: small business and minority business matters, Internal Revenue Service concerns and outreach to business groups and faith-based organizations. She assisted constituents in obtaining their money on their federal returns and she created awareness and shared resources to small businesses and minority businesses looking for opportunities. Over the years, she established and maintained strong working relationships with many federal agencies, business groups, business chambers, and community based and faith-based organizations. Shelia took immense pride in her work product and throughout her tenure in my office ensured the constituents of the 4th Congressional District were well served. prgtoken I am happy that Shelia will start a new chapter in her life having had such an illustrious career as a journalist, business owner, marketing and copy freelance producer, author, playwright, and most recently as a public servant in my office. prgtoken Shelia began her career by earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University and working for the Miami Herald. She also received a master's degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She worked in public relations for Miller Brewing and went on to work for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Minority Entrepreneurship Program. She also held jobs as a prgtoken freelance producer for Milwaukee Profiles, a program on Milwaukee Public Television. She has owned the Wisconsin Black Pages for the last two decades, which not only serves as a directory for African-American owned businesses, but also provides resources to the community. prgtoken Shelia's belief in the power of education inspired her and her parents to create the Payton-Price Family Scholarship Fund. The scholarship helps African American students from the City of Milwaukee pursue higher education at historically black colleges and universities. It is clear that Shelia has a passion for education, community, advancing the economic power of African Americans and people of color. prgtoken She also possesses a strong interest and numerous accomplishments in the creative arts. She authored two non-fiction books, Cultures of America: African Americans and What Counts Most Is How You Finish: Thoughts on Living Life to the Fullest. As a playwright she wrote her first professionally produced play, Facing the Shadow, which was staged in 2012 at the Black Rep in St. Louis. Shelia has also written a libretto for an African American themed opera, Black
RECOGNITION OF HOPE OF DETROIT ACADEMY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the students at Hope of Detroit Academy for their outstanding achievement in STEM and being recognized as a Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition semifinalist. prgtoken Under the guidance of their teacher Ms. Allie Langwald, students Abrahan Salas, Yaritza Campos, and ltzel Martinez worked diligently to find innovative solutions to address issues in their community in Southwest Detroit. I had the opportunity to meet with them earlier this year and was impressed with their dedication to addressing environmental issues, like illegal dumping and abandoned buildings open to trespass. prgtoken Their hard work culminated in the creation of the Green Warrior app which utilizes technology to help residents quickly and easily report illegal dumping sites in need of clean up and dangerous buildings. In partnership with the City of Detroit and other community-based organizations, their app will ensure that neighborhood streets and parks are cleaned up and dangerous building boarded up so the community can enjoy the use of public spaces. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing the hard work of Hope of Detroit on behalf of the communities of Detroit, Wayne County, and Michigan's 13th Congressional District and congratulate them on this well-deserved honor.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF HELEN BANDYKE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Helen Bandyke of Dearborn on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 29, 1921, Mrs. Bandyke attended Cass Technical High School, but moved to Dearborn in 1952 with her young family to be closer to her sister May. During World War II she worked at the Chrysler DeSoto factory building warplanes while her husband Ted served in the war. prgtoken Mrs. Bandyke recalls being told by her supervisors to ``slow down'' as she was working too fast for the production line. To this day she objects to the request because she was determined to singlehandedly win the war and bring her husband home. Beyond her efficient riveting of the plane wings, she frequently gave blood at the Red Cross. As a Rosie the Riveter, Helen's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of working women. After her time on the factory floor ended, she worked as an optician until the age of 81. prgtoken An active member of her church, St. Anselm's Parish in Dearborn Heights, Mr. and Mrs. Bandyke served as chaperones for the teen club. She is known for being a friendly face at the Arab American Museum and Wayne County Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, where she served as a volunteer. Her lifelong commitment to service reminds us all of the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and nation. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Helen Bandyke on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including her three children Sylvia, Mary, and Martin--and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation.
RECOGNIZING DESSERAY ``DEZ'' VEGA AND ALUM ROCK COUNSELING CENTER ON THE OCCASION OF PRESIDENT BIDEN'S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , I rise to today to recognize Desseray ``Dez'' Vega, a Program Manager at Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC) in my Congressional district. I was proud to invite Ms. Vega to be my virtual guest to President 's Joint Address to Congress on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. prgtoken ARCC provides behavioral health and community support services for more than 10,000 children and families in Santa Clara County each year. Before the Joint Address, I spoke to Ms. Vega about the effect the COVID relief bills have had on ARCC, the counselors she manages, her clients, and her family. I was glad to hear that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) kept ARCC from laying off around 80 people, helping both the employees and their families as well as the children they serve. prgtoken Ms. Vega works one-on-one with in-need children in San Jose and manages a team of 15 counselors as part of ARCC's Prevention and Early Intervention program. Ms. Vega said, ``I was able to see firsthand how the PPP really made a difference. Having income and stability helps us [counselors] be more present and helps our clients and their families. During the pandemic, there has been trauma for the families we serve, and everything has been inconsistent except for the therapy we provide. From my personal experience, I'm so grateful'' for COVID relief legislation. prgtoken Madam , the truth is, it is us who should be grateful for Ms. Vega, counselors like her. and organizations like ARCC that serve our communities. It is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Vega and her positive contributions to the lives of children and families in my Congressional district before, during, and after the pandemic. I also call on all my colleagues to join me in continuing to meet the needs of communities across the country during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTRODUCTION OF IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR STUDENTS ACT OF 2021
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-30

. Madam , unfortunately, in 2017, there were more than 47,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened an already serious problem. prgtoken Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24. prgtoken For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and universities also offer mental health resources on campus. prgtoken To raise awareness of these available resources, the bill simply requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is available on their website. prgtoken Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.
HONORING PRIVATE SECOND CLASS ROBERT HAROLD SUDBRINK
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-5-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the accomplishments of an extraordinary man and hero, Private Second Class Robert Harold Sudbrink of Youngstown, New York. prgtoken Robert was born and raised in Astoria, New York, the son of William Sudbrink, an electrician who worked on the World Trade Center, and Mary Normoyle Sudbrink, a homemaker. He is the sixth of seven children. Two of his older brothers, William and Thomas, worked as New York City firefighters. prgtoken Robert was named after his uncle, Robert J. Sudbrink, who also had a decorated military career--he received the Silver Star from General John ``Blackjack'' Pershing for his service in World War I. prgtoken Continuing his family's history of decorated military service, Robert enlisted in the Army after graduating from Valley Stream South High School in 1968 at age seventeen. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He went on to complete his Airborne infantry training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Special Forces training at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. prgtoken On July 4, 1969, Robert was deployed to the Central Highlands of Vietnam as part of the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade. There, he worked closely with the South Vietnamese Army. prgtoken On March 13, 1970, Robert distinguished himself in the village of Loc Thai. There, he encountered a home in flames and acted on his instincts to assist the family inside. Instead of waiting for help, he entered the home multiple times to save a child's life, the family's food supply, and their personal belongings. He also helped the village extinguish the fire before it could spread to the rest of the village. For his heroic efforts, Robert was awarded the Soldier's Medal two months later. prgtoken After the war, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and returned home to New York City. In 1982, he met his wife, Bonnie Sudbrink. Together, they moved to Western New York and eventually built a home in Alden, New York. prgtoken In Alden, Robert worked as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service for twenty-two years. Now retired, Robert enjoys traveling, playing the banjo, and creating artwork in his free time. prgtoken He and his wife Bonnie have two daughters, both residing in New York: Courtney Lennon, an author and historian; and Maggie Matullo, an artisan. He also has two granddaughters: Gia and Olivia. prgtoken Our country could not be prouder of Private Second Class Robert Harold Sudbrink, a fellow New Yorker and true American hero. Madam , please join me in honoring Robert for his heroism, in thanking him for service, and recognizing him as the New York 27th Congressional District's Veteran of the Month of May 2021.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND VALOR OF DEPUTY SHERIFF JASON LOPEZ
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-5-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and valor of law enforcement hero, Deputy Sheriff Jason Lopez upon the 20th anniversary of his passing. As a part of the Pinal County Sheriff's Department for six years, Lopez used his talent to valiantly serve and protect Arizonans and their communities. Deputy Sheriff Lopez emulated all the traits of a selfless public servant as he fought to ensure the safety and security we take for granted. prgtoken While on duty and serving a lawfully issued warrant, Officer Lopez was brutally murdered by a suspect who pulled out a weapon unexpectedly. The suspect then fled and took a hostage and engaged in a gunfight with pursuing officers before being arrested, convicted and jailed. Deputy Lopez faced the risk all law enforcement officers face-- the constant threat of a dangerous encounter. Deputy Lopez was only 26 when he was killed and left behind a then 3 year old and a one month old child. I continue to be deeply inspired and moved by his deep commitment to our nation and its laws. May his sacrifice in the face of danger serve as a consistent reminder of our law enforcement officers' service to this nation. prgtoken Madam , I am here to express my deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Sheriff Lopez and recognize the sacrifices made as we approach the 20th anniversary of his death. His brave sacrifice will never be forgotten by the people of Pinal County, Arizona.