mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I am pleased to speak on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). prgtoken American society today embraces a remarkable breadth of cultures, and Hispanics are an integral part of this diversity. prgtoken The Hispanic American community is a beautiful array of distinct groups, including people with roots in Central and South America, including our neighbors in Mexico and the Caribbean, and Spain. prgtoken In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson designated a National Hispanic Heritage Week because of the growing impact of the Latin American culture in shaping the Nation and society. prgtoken The week was expanded in 1988 to a 31-day period by President Reagan to provide all Americans the opportunity to participate and commemorate the important contributions of the Hispanic culture to mainstream America. prgtoken Today in communities across the Nation millions of American families come together to celebrate in this facet of American culture and participate in traditional comidas and fiestas. prgtoken There are over 63.7 million Hispanics living in the U.S. and Hispanics continue to be the fastest growing ethnic group. prgtoken In County, Texas there are 43.1 percent Hispanic, approximately 2.02 million people. prgtoken In 2022, 44.5 percent of the Houston population identified as Hispanic or Latino in the Census. prgtoken Not only is this a month to celebrate Hispanic culture and traditions, but it is also a time to reunite and celebrate the importance of keeping traditions alive through family gatherings and fiestas. prgtoken Yet, in the time we currently live in many families are separated from one another. prgtoken While we must acknowledge the challenges at our border, we should never forget that behind the statistics given to us are real families, real children, and real people in desperate need. prgtoken One of my own staffers, Amy Arceo, had her grandmother rejected USA entry and banned for 10 years due to crossing the border from Mexico, when all she wanted to do was to see her family and return home. prgtoken After those 10 long years and an additional 3 years to work her way through our immigration system, her grandmother Ma. Esperanza Bugarin was finally able to receive her papers to re-enter the USA. prgtoken Her family has been reunited after 13 long years of being separated from one another, the ban having forced her to miss many important family events. prgtoken During this month, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and most importantly unity. prgtoken It is essential that we continue working together to break down barriers and ensure that all Americans, regardless of their background, have equal access to opportunities and the chance to achieve their dreams. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents and in my duties as a U.S. Representative, I am committed to speaking up for the rights of Hispanics and confronting the issues that affect them. prgtoken From l
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAYOR KOKA BOOTH
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, it's with great reverence that I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mayor Koka Booth, Jr a cherished leader who dedicated his life to the town of Cary, North Carolina. Koka Booth's enduring impact on our community is immeasurable, and I'm honored to pay tribute to his memory. prgtoken Koka Booth was born on August 12, 1932, in Kenova, West Virginia. His journey through life was filled with remarkable achievements and selfless service to others. After graduating from Kenova High School in 1950, Koka's path led him to Rocky Mount where he met his beloved wife, Blanche W. Booth. The two were wed in 1954, embarking on a lifelong journey together. prgtoken Koka later made his home in Cary, North Carolina, and rejoined Aeroglide Corporation before he devoted his talents to the SAS Institute, until his retirement in 2007. Koka Booth held an unwavering love for the town of Cary, often saying that he may not have been from Cary, but he got there as swiftly as he could. prgtoken This love for his community led him to serve on the Cary town council from 1977 to 1987, followed by a distinguished tenure as the town's Mayor until 1999. Koka's visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping Cary from a town of 18,000 residents to a thriving, family- friendly community of 94,000 by the 1990's. His groundwork paved the way for Cary to become North Carolina's seventh largest city. prgtoken In addition to his political and business accomplishments, Koka Booth was a man of exceptional character and a dedicated mentor. He shared his wealth of experience with the youth of his community as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. prgtoken In 2001, Cary honored Koka Booth's dedication and passion by naming the iconic Koka Booth Amphitheater in his honor. This gesture encapsulates the town's profound gratitude for his unwavering commitment to its betterment and his profound love for music. Koka Booth saw his life's mission as one of community service, and he fulfilled that mission with an unwavering dedication to the town of Cary and its cherished residents. prgtoken As we mourn the loss of a true Cary luminary, we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Koka Booth's impact on our community is undeniable, and we are fortunate to have been touched by his enthusiastic efforts and innovative leadership. prgtoken Pro Tempore, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Koka Booth, Jr. and to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire community of Cary, North Carolina. prgtoken May his memory inspire us to continue his work in building and nurturing the wonderful town he loved so dearly.
HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE TROOPERS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, today I rise to recognize the 60th Anniversary of the State Troopers Fraternal Association (STFA). Established in 1963, the STFA represents brave New Jersey State Troopers. With a current membership of 1,700, the STFA has dedicated themselves to collectively bargain for improved working conditions and compensation for these courageous law enforcement officers. prgtoken STFA has made great strides to improve working conditions for New Jersey State Troopers. The STFA established an efficient and fair process to settle grievances for and against its members. They also provide financial resources for members and families of members who have been tragically killed in the line of duty. These efforts have helped improve public safety across the State of New Jersey. prgtoken During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the STFA were asked to attend to the front lines of this massive medical crisis. They answered the call. New Jersey State Troopers helped protect the efficiency of our medical infrastructure so that patients across our state could receive the care they desperately needed. prgtoken The STFA is a trusted resource for the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. As this organization's longtime Co-Chairman, I count on the STFA to inform my decisions in making federal policy affecting law enforcement. prgtoken President Wayne Blanchard exemplifies the leadership qualities paramount to the successes of the STFA. His vision for public safety has given countless New Jersey families peace of mind. I am pleased to call Wayne a friend. prgtoken I ask every Member to join me in recognizing the outstanding work of the STFA, supporting the mission of State Troopers who willingly put their lives on the line every day in the spirit of honor, duty, and fidelity. The STFA remains dedicated to providing leadership to its members and the public. Here's to the next 60 years of the STFA.
COMMEMORATING THE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS OF GABE SEGAL
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise to commemorate Gabe Segal for the humanitarian work he's done as an educator to end school meal debt for all grade school students. Gabe has been an active teacher in the Fairfax County Public School district and is committed to helping students by raising funds and tackling an issue of school meal debt that has been impacting the lives of many families. prgtoken Gabe was 9 months old and living in an orphanage in Moscow, Russia, when two Fairfax County Public School teachers, David Segal and Saranne Segal, adopted him and brought him to Virginia. Both of Gabe's parents were teachers at Herndon High School in 1993, and Gabe is now a fellow teacher at the same high school. As a child, his mother would bring Gabe into the high school. While literally growing up in the high school, he learned valuable lessons and had first-hand knowledge of the hardships students were facing in and out of the classroom at an early age. prgtoken Today as an educator, Gabe keeps his classroom door open every day after school to let his students have a safe place to meditate. His number one core value in the field of education is relationships. To many students he is a father figure, role model, and even more importantly, a trusted and caring adult. There are many students who don't have a warm, welcoming home, so he does everything he can to create that environment in his classroom. prgtoken During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabe paid-off the lunch debt at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Fairfax County. During the course of the 2022-2023 school year and summer. Gabe organized fundraisers and pulled in donations to raise over $32,000 to pay all outstanding school meal debt at his previous school, Herndon Middle School. In total, $50,000 has been raised for school meal debt in Fairfax County. Gabe has been actively meeting with local leaders throughout the commonwealth in hopes of one day having free, universal school meals for all students. The cost for a student to have adequate nutrition during their school day with a meal provided by their educational institution is alarmingly over five dollars a day. Many families can't afford to pay that cost. Pro Tempore, the impact of school meal debt has a lasting impact on low-income families both in and out of the classroom. prgtoken As a teacher, Gabe sees firsthand how school meal debt impacts students' performance in school and he's continued to lead the awareness. Gabe's work has been published in the Washington Post, WJLA- TV as well as other news organizations. He remains devoted to helping struggling students and families deal with their debt as this issue continues to impact student achievement and burden families. prgtoken Pro Tempore, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the tremendous humanitarian efforts of Gabe Segal for tackling the crisis of school meal debt impacting the lives of many.
INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT THE TRANSFER OF PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT OF THE D.C. NATIONAL GUARD TO ANOTHER NATIONAL GUARD
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, today, I introduce a bill that would prohibit the Department of Defense (DOD) and the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) from transferring personnel and equipment of the DCNG to DOD or the National Guard of a state or territory. The DOD has indicated it will restructure the DCNG. The DOD is considering, among other things, transferring the aviation units of the DCNG to the Maryland and Virginia National Guards. Transferring the aviation units would make D.C. residents and the nation's capital less safe. prgtoken The DCNG is unique. The National Guards of the states and territories operate under dual federal and state/territorial jurisdiction, while the DCNG operates solely under federal jurisdiction. The governors of the states, as well as of the three territories with National Guards, control their National Guards, and the president has the authority to federalize the National Guards. The president controls the DCNG. prgtoken The proposed transfer of aviation units is especially troubling. If the DCNG had no aviation units, the DCNG would be reliant on the National Guards of the states and territories or active-duty forces for aviation matters, such as intercepting aircraft, patrolling the skies and rescuing or evacuating people in emergencies. While the D.C. mayor or DCNG could request assistance from a state or territory in the event air assets were needed in D.C there is no guarantee the air assets would be provided in a timely manner--or at all. While the president could use active-duty troops or federalize a state or territorial National Guard for aviation matters to assist D.C the circumstances under which the president may federalize a National Guard are very limited. prgtoken I note that I have introduced legislation, which the House passed twice last Congress, to give the D.C. mayor the same control over the DCNG that the governors have over their National Guards. I also note that I was outraged by the attacks on protestors by the DCNG after the killing of George Floyd. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DANIELLE "DANI" DUGGAN
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-10-12

. Pro Tempore, I rise today in honor of the life of Danielle ``Dani'' Duggan. prgtoken Born on May 7, 1966, Dani was raised in Middleborough, Massachusetts, where she found a passion for the arts at a young age. After graduating as an honors student from Middleborough High School in 1984, Dani went on to study at St. Michael's College, where she received an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts and theatre and was the recipient of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Society Departmental Award for outstanding achievement in fine arts. prgtoken Dani then moved to Dublin, Ireland to work for the famous Abbey Theatre. This is where she also met her husband, Gerry Clements. She lived in Ireland for eight years receiving an honors master's degree in modern drama from University College Dublin and would later form the Salem Willows Theatre Company. prgtoken Dani returned to the U.S. with her husband, Gerry, moving to Pembroke, Massachusetts, and over the next 24 years, she taught drama at Middleborough High School. During her time at MHS, she became chair of the fine arts department and played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the new Middleborough High School Performing Arts Center and Blackbox Theatre. At MHS, Dani directed numerous school productions and the speech & theater workshop, as well as several productions with the Plymouth Community Theatre. prgtoken Sadly, Dani left us too soon on October 15, 2022, after a two year battle with cancer. Whether during her time at Middleborough High School or her work with the Abbey Theatre, Dani's passion for sharing her love for the arts serves as an example to all. Throughout her years at Middleborough High School, Dani laid the groundwork for the school district to hold an annual event celebrating students' work in the fine arts. On May 20, 2023, Middleborough held its inaugural Dani Duggan Fine Arts Festival to honor Dani's legacy. prgtoken Pro Tempore, I am proud to honor the life of Dani Duggan. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her life's commitment to serving her community through the arts.
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE KHOURY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, today, I want to recognize the outstanding contributions of George Khoury, a community leader who proudly served as founding board member of ACCESS, a leading service organization in Michigan's 12th District, as we mourn his loss. prgtoken Mr. Khoury was born in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1942 and immigrated to the United States in 1961, eventually making his home in southeast Michigan. Mr. Khoury knew first-hand the challenges facing immigrants and new Americans. Through his strong connections to the Arab American community, Mr. Khoury came together with others who saw the need for an organization that would create a welcoming space, as well as connect people with critical human services, such as English as a Second Language classes, career training, and healthcare. George Khoury was incredibly proud of seeing his vision for community empowerment come to life and to see ACCESS thrive and grow in the services it offers. prgtoken In addition to his monumental work with ACCESS, Mr. Khoury served in leadership roles at a number of local and national organizations. He co-founded the Detroit chapter of Arab American University Graduates as well as the Organization of Arab Students (OAS) at Wayne State University. He was an active member of the Arab American Anti- Discrimination Committee of Michigan. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing the legacy of George Khoury. He was an inspiration and a leader, whose loss is deeply felt.
CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAMPA DIVISION OF VETERANS TREATMENT COURT
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to congratulate the nationally renowned Tampa division of Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) and the Veteran Mentor Program on their 10th anniversary. It is my honor to express my deep appreciation for this incredible milestone and for the impact that this team of mentors, judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys continues to have on helping veterans to recover from challenging times and the criminal justice system. prgtoken Started in 2013 by retired U.S. Army Colonel DJ Reyes, the Tampa VTC was formed to approach and mitigate the gap on many veteran requirements and needs often unavailable by the courts, local government or community services. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to build a platform to support, advocate and train veterans who find themselves in trouble with the law due to substance abuse disorders or conditions incurred during military service. prgtoken The Tampa VTC launched with six veterans and one mentor. Limited to about 25 veterans at any time and created with existing resources without additional funding from the county, state or federal government. The Tampa VTC soon overcame adversities, such as no additional funding or staff, to provide support to this vulnerable community. The initiative established strong roots and the trust of the community grew. It now operates with a consistent budget and small judiciary support staff. I am proud of the more than 900 veterans who graduated over the last 10 years and of Tampa VTC's graduation rate of 88 to 92 percent, making it one of the most successful among the 623 divisions throughout the Nation. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic and other legal procedure issues, when numbers decreased, 50 mentors are actively serving and around 60 veteran defendants are on the docket. In addition. with the passage of the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act, the Tampa VTC was able to access grants and technical assistance from the Department of Justice. prgtoken I would also like to honor two Tampa Bay veteran leaders for their unwavering dedication to serving our community: Retired U.S. Army Colonel DJ Reyes and the Honorable Judge Michael J. Scionti. Colonel Reyes and his contributions, commitment and invaluable work with the Tampa VTC have shined light in the life of many of my neighbors. Judge Scionti, a highly decorated military officer and advocate for this vulnerable community, brings his own military experience to the bench to help address the unique challenges that our veteran community faces with a fair and impartial administration of justice. I am proud to have Colonel Reyes and Judge Scionti as allies in our commitment to improving the quality of life for those who sacrificed so much for our country. They exemplify the spirit of public service and represent the best of Florida. prgtoken Pro Tempore, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to the s
HONORING MARCELA RESTREPO FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, Marcela Restrepo has been a professional in the construction industry for more than 24 years. She is the co-owner of SkyBuilders USA, general contractors, and co-founder of the nonprofit SkyBuilders 4 ALL. prgtoken Marcela has served on several boards through Orange County. She is the vice president of Casa de Mexico, a member of the Women Business Advisory Board in Seminole College, a former member of the BOD Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board in Orange County, and a former member of the BOD Community Development Advisory Board in Orange County. prgtoken Marcela advocates for minority-owned businesses. She vigorously promotes to get certification through seminars that she is invited to or through her foundation. Her company was awarded the Don Quijote award in 2022 by HCCMO. She was also recognized as Mujer de Impacto 2023 by Mujer Emprende Latina. prgtoken Marcela loves her community. With SkyBuilders 4 ALL, she created a food pantry in one of Orlando's local schools and they provided food during the pandemic to families that were struggling. Her foundation also provides financial education to young kids and promotes reading. prgtoken Marcela also helps the community through space that the Mexican Consulate provides, with financial education for the Hispanic community six days a week at no cost. That program counts on about 20 allies, including banks, financial institutions, accountants, and realtors all working as volunteers. prgtoken Additionally, housing is a priority. With her foundation, she has been able to help people in the community improve their way of living. Giving back to the community is a must in her life because she wants to leave her children, Manuela, Pablo, David, and Ximena, and her grandson Valentino, a legacy of pride in their roots. She will continue serving as long as God lets her.
RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN GOJMERAC FOR HELPING TO LIBERATE FRANCE DURING WORLD WAR II
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize John Gojmerac, an American World War II war hero, who will be receiving the highest French military honor, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, for his service in liberating France during World War II. prgtoken John Gojmerac was born in Croatia and he and his family moved to the United States when World War II broke out for fear that their home had become unsafe. Drafted into the Army in 1943, John was required to serve as a field telephone installer, first scout, and combat infantryman. Over the course of World War II, John nearly died three times. During his recovery from surgery after a nearby mortar shell explosion sent shrapnel into his shoulder, the war in Europe finally ended. After a long and hard-fought war, John was able to come home to the United States where he would later marry his wife, Jean Gojmerac (nee Roberts), and settle down in Tonawanda, New York. prgtoken For his service, John Gojmerac received a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and several other medals for saving lives during the key battles of World War II. During his time in the Army, John fought throughout France, Italy, and Germany. At 99 years of age, John will finally be receiving the Legion of Honor Medal from the French government for his part in the liberation of France. prgtoken I want to invite all present to join me in thanking John Gojmerac for his service to both the United States and France and congratulate him on receiving the recognition that he deserves.