mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MAYOR MICHAEL COPELAND OF OLATHE
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2020-8-25

. Madam , it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the life and service of Mayor Michael Copeland, who passed away on August 19, 2020. Mayor Copeland was a devoted father and husband, who is survived by his wife Maria, and children Olivia, Abigail and Joshua. prgtoken Mayor Copeland began his career in public service in 1993, when he was elected as Ward 4 Councilmember in Olathe. He went on to be elected mayor in 2001, an office he held until his passing. As Olathe's longest-serving mayor, he was a wonderful champion for his beloved community. During his tenure, he guided Olathe through a time of unprecedented growth and pioneered several programs to improve the city. One of these initiatives, a children's literacy program called ``I Read with Mayor Mike,'' reached thousands of kids in Olathe and was recognized by First Lady Laura , who visited Olathe in 2008 to celebrate the program. prgtoken Not only did Mayor Copeland dedicate his life to public service, he also devoted his time to charity work. He created the Olathe Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which raised more than $1.5 million for children's charities since 2007. He received numerous accolades, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award given by the Olathe Branch of the NAACP, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year Award, and the Daily Points of Light Award. prgtoken Mayor Copeland leaves behind a legacy that has touched the lives of many in the Olathe community. During his 20 years of service, he added 18 parks and 29 miles of trails, opened the new Olathe Community Center and new Indian Creek Library, and completed the Santa Fe railroad grade separation--among many other notable accomplishments. prgtoken Personally, I will miss Mayor Copeland's wise counsel. I very much enjoyed each one of our many conversations since I took office. He was always generous with his time and knowledge, willing and eager to represent the people of Olathe. prgtoken Madam , I offer my deepest condolences to Mayor Copeland's family and friends, and all of those who will miss his kindness and leadership.
CITIZEN COSPONSORS OF THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-8-25

. Madam , on June 25, the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism and police misconduct, increase accountability and transparency, and change the culture of law enforcement. Since passage, thousands of Americans have visited the website JusticeinPolicing.us to learn about the bill, weigh in with their support, and sign on as citizen cosponsor in support. I include in the Record the following names of citizen cosponsors: Jenna Ford, Denville, NJ; Patricia Smith, Plainfield, IL; Peggy Sands, Boulder, CO; Lana Fritz, New York, NY; Jolene Travis, New York, NY; Bella Bejm, Northbrook, IL; Leslie Gold, New York, NY; Priscilla Lambarri, Brownsville, TX; Pam Parker, New York, NY; Alicia Chaffee, New York, NY; Eileen v Green, New York, NY; Jennifer Jones, New York, NY; Tammen Nicholson, Brooklyn, NY; Sandra York, New York, NY; Olivia Beltrani, Troy, NY; Maynard Kent, New York, NY; Atlee Austin- Taylor, Kalaheo, HI; Peter Crosta, New York, NY; Deborah Quilter, New York, NY; Mark Hardy, Houston, TX. Reid Phillips, Summit, NJ; D. Jackson, Troy, NY; Jillian, Dagmar, MT; Lynne Hertzog, New York, NY; Cynthia Najdowski, Albany, NY; Jusin Nuttall, New York, NY; Cate Esposito, Summit, NJ; Hana Roggendorf, West Hartford, CT; Maira Pedraza, Sunnyvale, CA; Betsy Goldberg, New York, NY; Alice Shields, New York, NY; Michael Kirk, New York, NY; Kate Rapoza, Acushnet, MA; Sam, Aurora, CO; Olivia Davis, Leesburg, VA; Elisa Hays, Puyallup, WA; Emily Swanson, New York, NY; Camila Velarde, Charlotte, NC; Bryan McAllister, New York, NY; Lorenzo Trujillo, Clearfield, UT. Sophia Michelen, New York, NY; Samantha St. Lawrence, Apex, NC; Arianna, Mcdonough, GA; Sophia Michelen, New York, NY; James Fisher, New Rochelle, NY; Jill Larson, New York, NY; Maryann Peronti, New York, NY; Daniela Markowicz, New York, NY; Theresa Peronti, New York, NY; Hector Caban, San Juan, PR; C McKenney, New York, NY; Michele Artt, Farmington, MI; Addison Hill, Phoenix, AZ; Renee Richards, Pasadena, CA; Valerie, Los Angeles, CA; Elaina Primeau, Flat Rock, MI; Murat Haner, Sarasota, FL; Elora Giancola, Corvallis, OR; Kat, Shawnee, KS; Jazmyn, Romulus, MI. Savannah Krupa, Beaverton, OR; Melissa, Bellmore, NY; Marc Korashan, Brooklyn, NY; Alexis Greenberg, Alachua, FL; Shelby Breda, Dallas, TX; Julia Yaris, Beverly Hills, CA; Frank Kimbrough, Long Island City, NY; Priscilla Trubin, Dayton, MD; Bianca, Palm Springs, CA; Laura Stahl, Pacoima, CA; Noah Fagello, Columbus, OH; Denis Richardson, Fargo, ND; Rachel, Jefferson, MD; G. Ergas, Detroit, MI; Sarah Pope, New York, NY; Jennifer S North Bergen, NJ; Dwayne Tatum, Harper Woods, MI; Roberta Waddell, New York, NY; Audrey Baime, Granite Bay, CA; Richard Lewis, Dayton,
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF JAMES ``JEB'' BEALER
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-8-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Chief James ``Jeb'' Bealer, who tragically passed away on March 22, 2020. A loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and a 50-year member of the Howlett Hill Fire Department, Chief Bealer will be dearly missed. prgtoken After graduating from Marcellus Central Schools and SUNY Cobleskill, Chief Bealer went on to serve with the Howlett Hill Fire Department. Starting as an Assistant Secretary, he worked his way up the ranks and was eventually named Chief of the Department. An active member of the Howlett Hill Fire Department for 50 years, Chief Bealer was only the second person in the Department's history to reach this milestone. In addition to his work with the Howlett Hill Fire Department, he also gave his time to the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, Onondaga County Fireman's Association, New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Firemen's Association of New York, and Western Section Line Officers Association. Outside of his career in firefighting, for 35 years Chief Bealer worked for the Town of Onondaga Highway Department and most recently worked as a bus driver for West Genesee Central Schools. prgtoken Personally, Chief Bealer was dedicated to his family and friends. He was married to his wife Denice for 48 years, and together, they have four children and ten grandchildren. A role model to his family, Chief Bealer inspired his granddaughter to join the Howlett Hill Fire Department. Before his passing, he was set to present her with an award, celebrating her successful completion of fire training. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the life and career of Chief James ``Jeb'' Bealer. A cherished member of our Central New York community, Chief Bealer will truly be missed. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind as we celebrate his life.
HONORING MARK MALCHOFF, FOUNDING MEMBER OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN SEA GRANT INSTITUTE, FOR HIS LONGTIME SERVICE TO THE NORTH COUNRY COMMUNITY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-8-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mark Malchoff, a founding member of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Institute, for his 21 years of service to the North Country community, protecting and preserving our lakes and native aquatic life. prgtoken Founded in 1999, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Institute aims to raise awareness to improve the environmental health of Lake Champlain, Lake George, and their respective watersheds, and encourage sustainable economic development. Throughout the 21-year partnership between State University of New York--Plattsburgh and the University of Vermont, grantees, like Mr. Malchoff, have espoused research excellence, public service, and a strong dedication to preserving the natural environment and resources these Lakes offer. prgtoken Mr. Malchoff has been a vital part of the program's success from the very beginning. He has worked as an Aquatic Resource Specialist for 21 years based at SUNY--Plattsburgh and is one of two original staff members to still be with the Institute. He has authored or co-authored 26 research publications which are cataloged by the National Sea Grant Library and advanced our understanding of the natural eco-system in and around Lake Champlain. His expertise has shaped groundbreaking research on many pressing issues in the environment including the transport of crude oil and the prevention of aquatic invasive species spread. He has also spent some time as an adjunct professor at SUNY--Plattsburgh, passing on his knowledge to the next generation and inspiring students to follow in his footsteps. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Mr. Malchoff for his contributions to the community and congratulate him on reaching this important milestone. I wish him well in this next chapter of his life.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-8-25

. Madam , I missed votes during the weeks of July 20th and 27th and on August 22nd due to full-time military duties with South Carolina Air National Guard. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 139; NAY on Roll Call No. 140; NAY on Roll Call No. 141; NAY on Roll Call No. 142; YEA on Roll Call No. 143; NAY on Roll Call No. 144; NAY on Roll Call No. 145; NAY on Roll Call No. 146; NAY on Roll Call No. 147; NAY on Roll Call No. 148; NAY on Roll Call No. 149; NAY on Roll Call No. 150; YEA on Roll Call No. 151; YEA on Roll Call No. 152; NAY on Roll Call No. 153; NAY on Roll Call No. 154; YEA on Roll Call No. 155; NAY on Roll Call No. 156; NAY on Roll Call No. 157; NAY on Roll Call No. 158; NAY on Roll Call No. 159; NAY on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; YEA on Roll Call No. 162; NAY on Roll Call No. 163; YEA on Roll Call No. 164; YEA on Roll Call No. 165; NAY on Roll Call No. 166; YEA on Roll Call No. 167; NAY on Roll Call No. 168; NAY on Roll Call No. 169; YEA on Roll Call No. 170; NAY on Roll Call No. 171; NAY on Roll Call No. 172; NAY on Roll Call No. 173; NAY on Roll Call No. 174; NAY on Roll Call No. 175; YEA on Roll Call No. 176; YEA on Roll Call No. 177; NAY on Roll Call No. 178; NAY on Roll Call No. 179; NAY on Roll Call No. 180; YEA on Roll Call No. 181; and NAY on Roll Call No. 182.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIA McENEANY
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Maria Desiderio McEneany, a constituent of the 49th Congressional District who recently passed away. prgtoken Maria spent her life in service to her family and community. With a ready smile and a helping hand, Maria was always ready to use her talent, knowledge, and experience to assist others. Often with her husband Paul at her side, Maria organized events including weddings at St. James Church and fundraisers for her favorite causes. prgtoken Maria's heart was large enough to embrace causes from Jubilee USA to fight for international debt relief to the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls where she elevated her voice to fight the scourge of human trafficking and promote opportunity and equity. prgtoken Maria will long be remembered as a long-serving executive board member of the Rancho Santa Fe ic Club where her welcoming spirit, collaborative style, and hard work contributed to the growth and success of the club. She also served as a member of the San Diego County ic Party Central Committee and North Area Caucus at a pivotal time when the changing political landscape led to the election of many of the candidates who she worked tirelessly to elect. prgtoken Maria will long be remembered and loved by all those whose life she touched.
CELEBRATING THE FOUNDING OF COMMONWEALTH OF FAITH CHURCH
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Nehemiah Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church and its partner World Harvest United Churches for their work to bring resources to the families of Wayne County, Michigan. prgtoken Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Calvin B. Davis, Sr Bishop George W. Thigpen III, Bishop J. V. Williams, Bishop Kenneth W. Jones, Sr Pastor Rachelle Gibson, Pastor Jackie Taylor, and Pastor Kathy Deane, faith-based organizations will converge with the goal of sharing meals, supplies, and fellowship to our most vulnerable populations. During this time of unprecedented challenges, this group, united in their faith, are taking up the mantle in service to others. More than providing comforts of meal, this day of service brings a greater sense of kinship and spirituality. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Nehemiah Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church and World Harvest United Church's day of community service.
CITIZEN COSPONSORS OF THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , on June 25, the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism and police misconduct, increase accountability and transparency, and change the culture of law enforcement. Since passage, thousands of Americans have visited the website JusticeinPolicing.us to learn about the bill, weigh in with their support, and sign on as citizen cosponsor in support. I would like to include in the Record the following names of citizen cosponsors: Elizabeth Marzotto Taylor, Saint Clair Shores, MI; William Fader, Ferndale, MI; Corey McClain, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Mahalia Mathelier, East Meadow, NY; Randolph Brown, New York, NY; Ty Buffington, Royal Oak, MI; Lucy A. Gothro, Warren, MI; James Pappas, Ferndale, MI; Alexa McClain, Ferndale, MI; Dalbin A Osorio, Gaithersburg, MD; Hank Linhart, East Jewett, NY; Dennis J. Hess, Mount Clemens, MI; Kathryn Jorgensen, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Kelli Livermore, Tijeras, NM; Khalil Pettus, New York, NY; Paris Kooklan, Pasadena, CA; Debra Van Zegeren, Eastpointe, MI; Dontae Watson, Albuquerque, NM; Jennifer Loftis, Sterling Heights, MI; Leanna Sullivan, Ferndale, MI. Matt Nieboer, Hudsonville, MI; Katherine A. Stevens, Sterling Heights, MI; Michelle Hall, Clinton Township, MI; Evelyn Garcia, Lake Worth, FL; Sophia M Moederzoon, Caledonia, MI; Tederial Hall, Clinton Township, MI; Angela McClain, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Darrel Dennis, Warren, MI; Melissa Coleman, Sterling Heights, MI; Louise Thompson, New York, NY; Jane Sloss, Chicago, IL; Rebecca Espinoza, Hollister, CA; Ann M. Steslicke, Ferndale, MI; Jennifer Collins, New York, NY; Kole Gojcaj, Clinton Township, MI; Sumi Thaiveettil, Eugene, OR; Andrea Sperl, Huntington Woods, MI; Ricki Liang, Salinas, CA; Gary Gaines, Beltsville, MD; Maxx Castillo, Royal Oak, MI. Tracy Shanon Feverish, Butte Falls, OR; Grace E. Culos, Warren, MI; Jerome Joseph Patryjak, Roseville, MI; Cathy Moras, Berkley, MI; Rosanne Freed, Ferndale, MI; Willow Goldfarb, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Andrea Jeromos, New York, NY; Catherine Peet, Royal Oak, MI; Scott Riggs, Berkley, MI; Linda, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Nicholas Robinson, Detroit, MI; Jayne H. Chapman, Boca Raton, FL; Leila Eltouny, Puyallup, WA; Sherry A Wells, Ferndale, MI; Andrea Kreit, Franklin, MI; Susan K. Martin, MI; ADA LAM, South Pasadena, CA; Dale B. Sollars, Madison Heights, MI; Aggie Monfette, Royal Oak, MI; Richard Salomonson, West Bloomfield, MI. Gary Jones, Franklin, MI; Marion Ball, Albuquerque, NM; David Malkowski, Saint Clair Shores, MI; William J. Atkins, Marietta, GA; Hope M Cassano, Berkeley Heights, NJ; Cynthia Chalfant, Fairport, NY; Laura Macaravage, Pittston, PA; Kennon B. Raines, Los Angeles, CA; Radeen A Warren, MI; Josh Money, Seas
HONORING DOUG KEEGAN
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing D. Douglas (Doug) Keegan's more than 3 decades of service to the central coast of California. prgtoken Doug is a graduate of Holy Cross College and Boston College Law School and was licensed by the California State Bar to begin practicing attorney in 1977. His career on the Central Coast began at California Rural Legal Assistance and then moved to the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. (CAB). prgtoken At CAB, Doug has been a tireless advocate for the organization's mission to partner with the community to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services, envisioning a thriving, equitable and diverse community free from poverty and injustice informed by the values of equity, dignity and diversity, service, inclusion and community action. Specifically, Doug has served as the Program Director of CAB's Santa Cruz County Immigration Project (SCCIP, promoting the wellbeing of the immigrant community by helping immigrants acquire legal status, reuniting immigrant families, and making U.S. Citizenship more accessible. prgtoken For more than 20 years, Doug's leadership at SCCIP has provided professional legal services, tenure. He has mentored hundreds of staff and volunteers, motivating and acting as a role model for future community leaders and attorneys who will continue to fight for human rights, the immigrant community and overall support of underrepresented groups. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize Doug Keegan's commitment to service with honesty, humility, intelligence, compassion, and integrity as he has advocated tirelessly for immigration justice on a local, statewide, and national level. It is no surprise that Doug's reputation as a trusted source of solid, unbiased, and plain-spoken answer to complex immigration questions has made him a trusted expert and advisor to countless elected officials, journalists, educators, service providers, and, most importantly, immigrant families. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Doug Keegan's lifetime of service.
INSULAR AREA LIQUIDITY ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , today, I introduce the Insular Area Liquidity Act, which requires any department or agency of the federal government, awarding a grant to any of the four smaller insular areas, to provide at least 50 percent of the award amount up front in an advance payment as defined in 2 CFR 200.3. My bill will also require the awarding department or agency to provide enhanced grant management assistance and technical assistance to the recipients to assure the advanced funds are properly used. prgtoken Unlike most states, the insular areas have limited cash flow. Our districts generally rely heavily on a single economy, tourism, that is highly sensitive to natural disasters and the economic fallout that follows. When that happens, and even in the best of times, insular government have little or no fiscal cushion. prgtoken Of course, I am very grateful for the many grants the Marianas receives to shore up the limited resources of our islands and, of course, especially now to help respond to the coronavirus crisis. But many grants awarded require that the awardee spend their own capital up front to be reimbursed later. prgtoken One result is that federal funds are slow to be spent and the projects and programs those funds are intended to support wait to be implemented. The legislation I am introducing today addresses this problem by providing an advanced payment of at least 50 percent of any grant awarded. Projects and programs would be less subject to delay. prgtoken This advance award is not a new concept. Some federal grant programs already provide for an advance payment to recipients. The FEMA Public Assistance Grant program, to name one, under section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288 provides a 100 percent advance on project cost estimates, thereby removing the burden of capital availability from the awardee. prgtoken In the Marianas, we are still recovering from the devastation caused by 2018 Super Typhoon Yutu. And now we have the coronavirus pandemic, which has ground our tourism reliant economy to a halt and left our government short of funds. But capital limitations are not unique to the Marianas--it is a challenge shared by all of the insular areas. That is why I introduce this bill today, alongside my colleagues Mr. San Nicolas, Ms. Plaskett, and Mrs. Radewagen. I urge all my prgtoken colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.
HONORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF GARDNER HOUSE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mercy Housing Northwest's Gardner House in Seattle, Washington for receiving the 2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. The Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award recognizes excellence in the affordable housing industry and projects that have demonstrated the most impactful use of the Low- Income Housing Tax Credit. prgtoken The Gardner House provides 95 new affordable homes and quality services for families, formerly homeless individuals, and people with disabilities in the Mount Baker neighborhood. It was developed with the use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which is an enormously important tool to increase the development of affordable housing for families in Washington state and across the country. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten our economy, jobs, and our constituents' ability to afford rent. Projects such as the Gardner House help to ease the burden of rent and provide critical services when it is needed most. It provides resources for residents and people in the community at risk for homelessness and much-needed family-sized housing and services near transit and schools. This includes educational services for children, out-of-school activities, and community development. In addition, two units are designed to be licensed in-home childcare units to provide affordable, convenient childcare for residents. prgtoken The Gardner House is a great example of the use of public and private funding to benefit the community and increase the desperately needed supply of affordable housing. I applaud Mercy Housing Northwest, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, the City of Seattle, and everyone that made the development of Gardner House in Seattle possible and congratulate them on this much-deserved award.