mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MACK HAYNES HORNBEAK
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and memory of Lt. Col. Mack Haynes Hornbeak for his service to our country, Louisiana State University, and the community of Baton Rouge. prgtoken Lt. Col. Hornbeak was born on June 23rd, 1906, to Pleasant and Ada Hornbeak in Hornbeak, Tennessee. Although he was born in Tennessee, Lt. Col. Hornbeak soon became a proud Louisianian and Tiger fan. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Louisiana State University. He even became a part of LSU's faculty as an Associate Professor of Business Administration and Accounting. He served the university during a time of great need and financial strain and was appointed as the university's purchasing agent to ensure responsible spending. However, he most loved teaching and greatly missed LSU's campus and its students when they were let out of school in the summer. prgtoken Like so many brave men and women, Lt. Col. Hornbeak paused his career in academia and readily enlisted in the United States Armed Forces at the outbreak of World War II. He served in the European theatre from 1942 to the war's end in 1945. A decorated veteran, he was recognized for his valiant service in combat and earned the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Croix de Guerre of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and one oak leaf cluster. After the war, he returned to Baton Rouge, where he married Barbra Marie Thomas on June 5th, 1958, and they welcomed their daughter Anne Haynes Hornbeak on August 12th, 1961. Anne fondly recalls her father's love for fishing and taking her back to Tennessee every summer to fish in Lake Reelfoot. prgtoken Lt. Col. Hornbeak played an active role in his community of Baton Rouge and was a member of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and served as president from 1958-1959. He worked in the banking industry until his retirement. I am pleased to honor his memory and am thankful for his service to our great country and state. I wish his family all the best as they continue to uphold his legacy.
BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Veronica Escobar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Bowie High School's Centennial Celebration. prgtoken On September 7, 2022, Bowie High School will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. Bowie High School was founded in 1922 and is one of El Paso's oldest schools. Situated within 100 yards of the United States- Mexico border, Bowie High School encapsulates our city's history of integrated cultures between El Paso and our sister city, Ciudad Juarez. prgtoken Over the last century, this beloved El Paso institution has been central to the education of South side, mostly Mexican-American families who live at our Nation's front door. The school and its students have seen many hardships, including persecution and racial discrimination, but Bowie High School has built a strong and resilient community that has always persevered. prgtoken Today, it continues to stand as a high school powerhouse of spirit and pride that has produced decades of distinguished alumni who have transformed our borderland. I am grateful for the commitment of all the administrative staff and teachers to educate every student who has attended this historic institution. prgtoken I commend Bowie High School's 100 years of loyalty, tradition, and service to generations of El Pasoans who call themselves proud Bowie Bears.
REMEMBERING JOSEPH RYAN FERRALL
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Joseph Ryan Ferrall, who passed on August 19, 2022, at the age of 34. prgtoken Joseph was born on August 13, 1988, in Alliance, Ohio. The son of Nicholas and Anna Marsico, he would become a graduate of Marlington High School's 2006 class. After achieving this, Joseph would become a furnace attendant for Timken Steel. prgtoken Joseph was the definition of a true family man. He was the husband of Amber Ferrall, whom he proclaimed was the love of his life at eight years old and married on January 22, 2015. They would raise three handsome boys: Tucker, Colton, and Jaxon. Alongside that, Joseph was a lover of fishing, golf, and baseball; the latter of which he passed along to his sons by coaching their teams. prgtoken Unfortunately, Joseph was one of three employees injured by the furnace explosion at the Timken Steel plant on July 26, 2022. While he fought valiantly, Joseph eventually succumbed to his wounds. Joseph leaves behind his wife and his three sons; his parents, Rhonda and Eric; his brothers Tony (Kaitlyn) Ferrall, and Scott Ferrall; his sister, Erica Ferrall; his grandparents, Robert and Carol Swonger; his in-laws, Wendy and Tim Saunders; sisters-in-law, Melissa and Erin Saunders; brothers-in-law, Tim Saunders and Jon Fracchione; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his best friend, Justin King. prgtoken Joseph's passing is one that should rightfully affect us. This should not have happened. While we await the results from the investigation on what caused the explosion, let us make a commitment, as a community and as a nation, to do what is necessary to prevent incidents like this from reoccurring. Let us surround his wife and kids with love and prayer. Joseph's life was one that should have never been lost, but let's make sure his passing is not in vain.
RECOGNIZING MAYOR GRACE VARGAS
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent the late Honorable Grace Vargas for her countless years of dedication to the Inland Empire as the former Mayor of Rialto. prgtoken Grace served her community for nearly 35 years and shined as a trailblazer for women of color throughout the Inland Empire. As a single mother of seven children, Grace moved from Yuma, Arizona, to Fontana, California, in 1959. She joined the California Employment Training Act (CETA) program, gaining new skills and turning towards a life of public service for the City of Rialto. prgtoken She began her career in 1979 with the City Clerk's office, later transferring to clerk for the Rialto Police Department and the City Treasurer's Office. She was elected to the City Council in 1998, where she served for two years. prgtoken In 2000, Grace Vargas was elected Mayor, becoming the first woman and first Latina to hold that position. She served as Mayor for 12 years, retiring in 2012. During her tenure, she accomplished several crucial economic development projects, such as Renaissance Rialto and a new senior center. Her legacy would later be memorialized as the city established the center as the Grace Vargas Senior Center in 2016. prgtoken Her work in Rialto and the Inland Empire uplifted residents and businesses, leaving an impact that will be felt for decades to come. Grace's coworkers and friends gave her the nickname ``Amazing Grace,'' exemplifying her dedication and influence on the community. Grace Vargas will be missed in the Inland Empire, but she will remain in our memory through her contributions to the community. prgtoken Today, Madam , it is my honor to recognize the Honorable Grace Vargas on the House floor for the contributions she has made to the greater community of the Inland Empire. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort during this time.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , today, I introduce the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Inspector General Act of 2022, which would create an independent Inspector General (IG) for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB). The FRTIB administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees. prgtoken On June 1, 2022, FRTIB launched a new system with the goal of modernizing TSP's recordkeeping, improving customer service and bolstering cybersecurity. There have been widespread problems with the new system, including account access, account balances, missing or incomplete information in accounts and hours-long wait times to reach customer service. prgtoken As of December 2021, TSP had approximately 6.5 million participants and $838,052,933,000 in assets, making it the world's largest defined contribution plan. Federal employees dedicate their careers to serving our country, and they deserve a retirement savings and investment plan that provides top-tier customer support and security. prgtoken While the Employee Benefits Security Administration has the audit responsibility for the FRTIB, as it does for all private sector 401(k) plans, there is currently no IG for the FRTIB. The problems with the new TSP system are evidence enough that the FRTIB needs an independent IG.
RECOGNIZING AMY LUNSTRA
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Amy Lunstra, owner of Festive Cup Coffee and Gift Boutique in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, for creating an inclusive work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). prgtoken A former special needs teacher at ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Amy recognized a space where our community fell short--in the lack of employment and community engagement opportunities for those with IDD outside of school. prgtoken In July 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, Amy purchased Festive Cup Coffee with the intention of providing a space for those with IDD to work. Her goal was to break down barriers, promote tolerance and acceptance, and prove that individuals with IDD could thrive in a work environment. In January 2021, Amy began hiring workers with IDD at Festive Cup and fostered a unique partnership between employees with and without IDD. prgtoken Amy has tackled stigmas about IDD workers and provided the chance for those with IDD to gain independence and self-sufficiency. It goes without saying that Amy has had an incredible impact, not only on those with IDD that she employs, but on our community as a whole. Amy epitomizes how we should all live our lives--as tireless and dedicated advocates for the diversity and inclusion of all people. I am proud to recognize Amy and thank her for being an inspiration to all of us.
RECOGNIZING ILIR ZHERKA
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ilir Zherka's service as Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange. For nearly seven years, Ilir has devoted himself to advancing person-to-person exchanges and fostering greater global connectivity. During that time, the Alliance has forged deeper relationships between its members and federal officials, and federal funding for educational and cultural exchange programs has reached record levels. prgtoken Ilir's tenure coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which derailed countless exchange opportunities and threatened the short-term viability of any international linkages. Under Ilir's steady hand, however, the Alliance helped expand on line programming and worked to ease barriers to participation. prgtoken Ilir also recognizes the role that exchanges play in strengthening global democratic networks. I commend the Alliance's work to promote freedom and American values within the international exchange community as a means for reversing the global decline of democracy. prgtoken While the exchange community will feel his absence, Ilir's legacy will endure through new and fortified international relationships. I join the Alliance in thanking Ilir for his years of steadfast service, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
HONORING DOROTHY LOUISE LEONARD
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dorothy (Dot) Louise Leonard of Stevensville, Maryland, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Ms. Leonard has contributed enormous energy and talent over the years to the protection of our Nation's coastal resources, particularly our shellfish and the industry they support. Not surprisingly--for Dot--she is still immersed in shellfish restoration work as we speak. prgtoken A public policy graduate of New York's Syracuse University, Dot Leonard's local government land use planning work soon drew her into coastal conservation matters following Congress' adoption of the 1972 Coastal Zone Management Act. Dot took on the monumental task of creating an atlas of shellfish production areas around the Nation's entire coastline for the purpose of protecting those areas. She proceeded to develop Best Management Practices for Shellfish Restoration, now used by State and local governments to set sanitary control standards for our Nation's shellfish waters and industry. prgtoken Dot was recruited by the State of Maryland to lead its Department of Fisheries where she worked with all her might to help her Chesapeake Bay `watermen' protect and restore their oyster grounds and other fishery resources. She worked with the State of Washington, as executive director of the non-profit Willapa Alliance, to improve shellfish culture in the southwest corner of that State. prgtoken Dot has been a `mover and shaker' in the international shellfish restoration scene, helping to pull together the initial gathering of what has become the International Shellfish Restoration Conference, now in its 20th year. Some of her favorite international shellfish restoration gatherings are those that have taken place in Ireland, from where her grandparents immigrated to America more than a century ago. As Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, I know Dot's contributions to shellfish restoration and coastal conservation are far-reaching. prgtoken Madam , it is appropriate to recognize Dot Leonard for her extraordinary commitment to coastal conservation and shellfish restoration as she celebrates her 90th birthday in Ireland surrounded by many of the friends that she has won over the years from the U.S Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Please join me in expressing deep appreciation for her service and in prgtoken wishing her `La breithe shona duit'--Happy Birthday, Dot.
RECOGNIZING MS. MOLLY McFADDEN
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the significant contributions of Ms. Molly McFadden, as she steps down as Director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG) Department of Emergency Preparedness. I'm pleased to join Ms. McFadden's friends and colleagues to celebrate her twenty years of committed service to the safety of North Texas. prgtoken Ms. McFadden, a University of North Texas alumna, first began working for the NCTCOG in September 2002 as an Emergency Preparedness Specialist. During her time as a student, her involvement in the International Emergency Management Student Association in the aftermath of 9/11 garnered numerous awards. She also briefly served on the municipal level as the Emergency Management Specialist for the town of Flower Mound in 2003. In 2005, she also earned her Master of Public Administration at UNT and continues to be a devoted proponent of her beloved alma mater. prgtoken Throughout her lengthy tenure with NCTCOG, Ms. McFadden's passionate dedication to public preparedness and safety has expanded and strengthened North Texas' emergency response capabilities and infrastructure. Ms. McFadden was personally instrumental in forming the NCTCOG Emergency Preparedness (EP) Department, which effectively coordinates and fosters collaboration between local, county, regional, State, and Federal agencies to execute and heighten regional emergency preparedness and homeland security programs. After being promoted to EP Supervisor and then EP Manager, Ms. McFadden was selected as the Director of the EP Department in 2010, where she has served for the past 12 years. prgtoken In addition to her leadership at the NCTCOG, Ms. McFadden served on the Board of Directors for the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT), and, from 2006-2008, as the organization's Vice President. Her involvement with EMAT also included significant contributions to educational programming for the Association's annual conference, which she capably chaired for several years. In addition, she is a member of the FBI's InfraGard program, The International Association of Emergency Managers, and the World Affairs Council. prgtoken Her emergency response deployments include Emergency Operation Center assignments in the wakes of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, and Hurricane Ike, where her selfless devotion helped to provide effective disaster relief to citizens and communities across Texas. On the local level, Ms. McFadden has implemented new training initiatives, such as Urban Shield and Big-X, to equip civilians and government entities for emergency response. I am also personally grateful to her and her staff for their efforts to educate and equip my constituents to prepare for all hazards, both natural and man made. At my annual Emergency Preparedness Summit, she has often served as a subject matter expert on intergovernmental cooperation and as a panel moderator. prgtoken Ms. McFadden's exper
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF IRVIN ADAIR, JR.
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Irvin Adair's 100th birthday. Mr. Adair is a dedicated father, grandfather, WWII veteran, and former public servant for the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado. prgtoken On September 3, 1922, Irvin was born in a small farmhouse near El Dorado, Kansas. Mr. Adair has lived a full life dedicated to his country and family. Irwin had seven siblings, four younger brothers and three sisters. prgtoken When World War II began, Irvin was only sixteen years old, but when he was old enough to enlist, he did so. He was sworn into the United States Navy on December 7, 1942, on the USS Oregon in Portland, Oregon--one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Irvin served on two destroyers during his service--the USS Frankford and the USS Uhlmann. The USS Frankford escorted supply ships from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Casa Blanca, Africa. prgtoken Seaman 1st Class Adair proudly served on the USS Uhlmann, a ship with extensive combat engagement during WWII. Irvin and his fellow sailors provided aircraft carrier support for air strikes in many Pacific Theater battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. In addition, they participated in the Okinawa, Leyte Gulf, Western Carolines, Lueon, and Japan operations. When WWII ended, the USS Uhlmann docked at Tokyo Bay, Japan, next to the USS Missouri, where the Empire of Japan signed the official Instrument of Surrender to the Allied forces. Irvin could see the military dignitaries on the bow of the USS Missouri from where he stood on the USS Uhlmann. prgtoken For his steadfast dedication and service, Irvin received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with six stars. Irvin's combat experience can only be described in volumes as he bravely fought in most of the WWII Pacific Theater Sea battles. prgtoken After being Honorably Discharged from the US Navy, civilian life began for Irvin. In 1948, he started working for the City of Colorado Springs as the Supervisor of the Peterson Airport Service Facility. During this time, he was lucky to meet and marry Ms. Barbara Campbell in September 1952. Barbara was a wonderful wife (of 66 years), mother, and grandmother until her passing in January 2017. Together, they have three children: Cathy, David, and Judy. Their legacy continues with six grandchildren. Irvin retired in 1980 after 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Colorado Springs. prgtoken Today, Irvin continues to enjoy life in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His life may seem simple, but that is undoubtedly the Lord's gift for his heroism and the sacrifices he made during his service in WWII. prgtoken Mr. Adair remains connected with fellow service members as he is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. prgtoken I wish Mr. Adair a very happy 100th b
HONORING DAVE FRISCH UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS CHIEF OF POLICE FOR LAPEER MICHIGAN
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor and celebrate Lapeer Chief of Police Dave Frisch, who will be retiring on September 23, 2022, after more than 30 years of serving our community in law enforcement. prgtoken Chief Frisch has lived the mantra of ``to protect and to serve''. His leadership has enabled Lapeer to be a peaceful community for the families and individuals who make it their home. It may not have always been easy, but Chief Frisch has served with honor, dignity, and grace. prgtoken The community of Lapeer and the State of Michigan thank Chief Frisch for his decades of service. I wish him and his wife, Arlene, the best as they embark upon their next chapter together. He has left big shoes to fill, but I am prgtoken confident the leadership he has displayed in his decades of service will be followed in the Lapeer community for years to come.
HONORING THE HEROIC LIFE AND SERVICE OF HAROLD McAFEE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the heroic life and service of World War II veteran and United States Army Sergeant Harold McAfee. prgtoken Harold McAfee was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 9th, 1923. Harold was a star hockey player in high school and was offered a scholarship to Fordham University. Instead, Harold enlisted in the newly formed 10th Mountain Division in 1943, where he trained in mountain combat and utilized his substantial hockey experience to learn skiing and mountaineering skills. He was deployed as a Combat Infantry Squad leader in Italy and held the line against Tito's movements on the Italy-Yugoslav border. prgtoken During World War II, Harold played an integral role in one of the 10th Mountain Division's most iconic attacks. After two other divisions had previously failed, the 10th Mountain Division was tasked with securing Mount Belvedere in Italy's North Apennines to ensure Allied forces could safely advance into northern Italy. The 10th Mountain Division valiantly overran the Germans, clearing them from the high ground and laying the groundwork for an Allied victory. In 1946, Harold was honorably discharged and was awarded a Bronze Star and two Oak Leaf Clusters. prgtoken After his time in the military, Harold dedicated more than thirty years of his life working for the United States Postal Service. In 1989, Harold and his wife Loraine relocated from Long Island to Queensbury. They spent a-large amount of their time enjoying the outdoors through hiking, skiing, camping, and golf. Harold prioritized sharing his passion for winter sports with children. For many years, he volunteered as a coach for Adirondack Youth Hockey, where he mentored hundreds of children. In addition, he was a member of several clubs in his community such as the Lions Club and the High Flyers. Harold remained active until he reached the age of 97, when his attention became fully devoted to caring for his wife who developed dementia. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary life of Harold McAfee. It is my hope that his active spirit and community service will be carried on by those who knew and loved him.