mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING EMMANUEL SMITH AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , 30 years ago--on July 26, 1990--the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all facets of life ranging from employment and transportation to public accommodations and government services. prgtoken That is why today, in light of the anniversary of this revolutionary legislation, I rise to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Emmanuel Smith, Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security advocate at Disability Rights Iowa, as this week's Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Emmanuel was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease, which causes his bones to break easily. Disability rights is a critical aspect of his life--and he's turned to giving back to this community and advocated on their behalf as his driving force. Emmanuel also found inspiration from meeting our Senator, Tom Harkin, the author and chief sponsor of the ADA, at its 10-year anniversary celebration. prgtoken After graduating from Drake University, Emmanuel began working for Disability Rights Iowa. He works hard to ensure others don't have to face the same difficulties that he has in the past, and seeks to take down barriers to employment and fight workplace discrimination against individuals with disabilities. prgtoken Emmanuel's role within DRI has evolved as they address the additional challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emmanuel stepped up to the challenge and continues to fight for equitable employment services by teaching people about their rights in the context of working during a pandemic. prgtoken Emmanuel attributes many of the opportunities he's had to the ADA, claiming that without its protections, his life would look very different. prgtoken Without the ADA, he would not have had access to traditional education in high school or college. Accessible busing and Paratransit--services Emmanuel and many others rely on so they may travel independently--would not be possible if not for the ADA. prgtoken But while Emmanuel believes that the ADA has given people the possibility not to be restricted by their disabilities, he knows that there is still a long way to go before the intentions of the bill are fully realized. Emmanuel continues to advocate for universal, accessible design in Iowa cities and towns, push for an inclusive design for the Iowa caucuses, and push for putting more individuals with disabilities in leadership positions. prgtoken As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must remember the importance of equality for all Americans. I am proud to know that there are people in Iowa like Emmanuel Smith who advocate for equal opportunities for their fellow Iowans and inspire the rest of us to join in this fight. prgtoken It is my honor to share Emmanuel Smith's story today, and recognize him as our Iowan of the Week.
HONORING MELISSA GIRMSCHEID
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the achievement of Melissa Girmscheid, an extraordinary teacher at a public high school in my district. prgtoken Melissa has dedicated the last nine years to teaching Physics and STEM classes at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona. This year, she was selected as the Air Force Association of Arizona Teacher of the Year and placed second overall in the Air Force Association Rolls Royce 2020 National Aerospace STEM Teacher of the Year award. prgtoken Melissa's leadership has influenced organizations throughout the nation to increase educational opportunities and advocate for the value of STEM education and employment in their communities. prgtoken Melissa has created innovative STEM engagement opportunities that will continue to shape the perceptions of STEM education and employment into the future. I am confident that because of her efforts to expand access to high school physics and foundational STEM courses, Arizona students will be inspired to pursue careers as STEM professionals or future educators. prgtoken On this day, we as a community would like to congratulate Melissa Girmscheid on her selection as Air Force Association of Arizona STEM Teacher of the Year and thank her for her dedication and advocacy for quality education for our nation's youth.
CADET LAITYN TIPPY SELECTED AS OVERALL AFJROTC AND AFA CADET LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor Cadet Laityn Tippy from Westside High School and the Air Force JROTC, Unit No. AR20061, in Jonesboro, AR, prgtoken as the Overall AFJROTC and AFA Cadet Leadership Award Winner for 2019- 2020. Cadet Tippy was selected from 890 AFJROTC Units and over 125,000 AFJROTC cadets in the United States and on military installations overseas. The selection process started with each unit nominating their top cadet for the award. From there, 48 state winners were selected, followed by eight regional winners and then finally, one national winner, recognizing the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet in the world. prgtoken Cadet Tippy has a 4.0 GPA, putting her at the top of her graduating class going into her senior year, despite a demanding schedule with college level courses and an extracurricular schedule that includes National Honor Society, Student Council, Track, and Cross Country. She holds the unit record in every category of the AFJROTC Physical Fitness Test, including the mile run, push-ups, and crunches. She finished first, from over 100 female competitors, in two local physical fitness competitions with other JROTC units from Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Mississippi. prgtoken Earlier in the school year, Cadet Tippy was one of only 200 AFJROTC cadets, from over 3,000 applicants, to be selected to attend the AFJROTC Flight Academy, a summer scholarship program valued at over $25,000, which allows cadets to earn their private pilot license during a 10-week course at a college or university. Because of COVID-19, this course has been postponed until the summer of 2021. She is in the process of applying for the Air Force Academy and plans to be an Air Force officer and pilot. prgtoken It is obvious to all that read her accolades that Cadet Tippy is more than deserving of this achievement. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Cadet Tippy a congratulations.
HONORING TANNERS TEAM SPORTS AS A FOURTH DISTRICT HERO
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the exceptional work of Tanners Team Sports in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The local company stepped up to the plate during COVID-19, transitioning the production of their famed baseball and pickleball products into developing high- quality face masks. prgtoken As an economic shutdown approached, the cancellation of the spring baseball season put Tanners' peak shipping season on hold. While many businesses shut down, Tanners got creative with a way to move forward, keep local jobs available and support the health and well-being of the communities around them. prgtoken Owner Vince Signorelli and his staff worked tirelessly with their existing network to create a mask that would not only meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's protection recommendations, but also allow athletes to wear and still perform. Within just three weeks of planning and design, Tanners and their in-house clothing brand, Vulcan Sporting Goods, had these masks in production and distribution. prgtoken This team of Fourth District citizens are heroes who have battled the COVID-19 pandemic directly. It is my hope that all Arkansans will see the value of their labor. Mr. Signorelli said it best when he said, ``I can't help but marvel at how the American Spirit is alive and well right here in Hot Springs, Arkansas.''
TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BRYAN BALTIERRA, USMC
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class (Pfc) Bryan Baltierra. Throughout the history of our republic we have asked young men and women to voluntarily step forward to guard and protect the freedoms we hold so dear. Pfc. Baltierra of Corona, California, took that step forward and assumed the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices that are required of all Americans who join the finest military in history. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country. prgtoken Pfc. Baltierra was born September 18, 2001, to Carlos and Evelyn Baltierra. As a child, he aspired to serve his country by joining the military and after graduating from Centennial High School, Bryan achieved his dream. On July 30, 2019, at the age of only 17, he was sworn into the U.S. Marine Corps. After graduating from basic training, Bryan was stationed at Camp Pendleton where he remained close to his family and was able to visit with them. Bryan is described as someone who radiated positivity, which you can clearly see from his bright smile. He shared with his parents and sisters how he loved the brotherhood that accompanied being a Marine and how he also came to enjoy the rigorous training and fitness that was required of him. prgtoken On July 30, 2020, exactly one year after he was sworn into the Marine Corps, Pfc. Baltierra boarded an amphibious assault vehicle for a routine exercise in training for his upcoming September deployment. The vehicle sank off the coast of San Clemente Island, resulting in the death of Pfc. Baltierra, seven other marines, and a sailor. prgtoken As we look at the rich history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women, just like Pfc. Baltierra, who so bravely chose a life of military service. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they will be called to face, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. Pfc. Baltierra is survived by his father, Carlos, mother, Evelyn, and three sisters, Natalie, Emily, and Sara. prgtoken While we send our deepest sympathies to his family, there are no words that can express or alleviate the grief of losing a son and brother. Pfc. Baltierra's parents and sisters have given a part of themselves in the loss of Bryan. and I hope they know that their son and brother, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will always be remembered.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS EVAN BATH OF OAK CREEK
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , today I rise to remember the life, service, and sacrifice of Private First Class Evan Bath of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. prgtoken Pfc. Bath grew up wanting to serve our country and become a Marine. Evan's mother, Aleta, said he enjoyed typical hobbies for a teenager: drawing, playing video games, and studying his ancestry. However, unlike most his age, Evan answered a higher call--the call to service. After attending Oak Creek High School and graduating from Connections Academy, Bath joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Pfc. Bath was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California when he lost his life during a naval exercise on an amphibious assault vehicle. prgtoken At only 19, Private First Class Bath displayed courage, strength, and a sense of duty beyond his years. prgtoken Those who knew Evan said he was a loyal, loving, and caring man. Pfc. Bath is a hero. prgtoken His bravery, dedication, and love of country will never be forgotten. prgtoken Pfc. Bath's mother, Aleta, said her son died doing what he loved-- protecting his country. prgtoken Evan embodied true selflessness and patriotism. prgtoken Our nation will be forever grateful for Pfc. Bath's sacrifice. prgtoken On behalf of Wisconsin's First Congressional District, I thank Private First Class Evan Bath for his service and pray for his family and friends. We will never forget.
HONORING THE SELFLESS CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEBBIE LAIRD ON THE EVENT OF HER RETIREMENT
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Debbie Laird on the occasion of her retirement from Janus Developmental Services. Debbie has spent her career helping people, including her most recent role as the Senior Vice President of Development at Janus Developmental Services. She is a selfless, caring person with whom I am fortunate to know and call my friend. prgtoken Janus is a non-profit agency that has served our community for nearly forty years. I visited Janus multiple times throughout my time in Congress and I strongly believe in the work they do. The group provides opportunities for clients with developmental disabilities such as autism or cerebral palsy. They provide them an opportunity to get real world work experience and use their creativity to better our community. For many years, Debbie dedicated herself to helping these individuals. This speaks to her selflessness and her desire to better the lives of those in her community. prgtoken Along with her tremendous work at Janus, Debbie is the mother of fallen Indianapolis Police Officer Jake Laird, who was killed in the line of duty in 2004. She and her husband Mike have used their loss to create good in our community as well as in the law enforcement community. They were fervent advocates for red flag legislation named for their son that was enacted into law in the State of Indiana the year after his death. In honor of Jake's passion for public service, the Lairds created the Jake Laird Memorial Fund in 2004. For sixteen years Debbie and Mike have been raising money for those with the same passion as their son Jake. prgtoken The mission of the memorial fund is to provide financial contributions to law and fire department agencies for the purchase of new equipment, the institution of new instructional programs, or financial assistance to officers injured in the line of duty. The main event that contributes to this fund is the annual Jake Laird Memorial Golf Outing. What started as an event with eighty golfers in 2004, has grown to one with over 360 golfers in 2019. As of January 2020, the Jake Laird Memorial Fund donated over $950,000 to various police and firefighter causes throughout the state of Indiana. prgtoken I am very proud to be able to call Debbie a friend. Her advocacy for so many throughout her career has produced real and lasting change throughout our community. On behalf of the people of Indiana's Fifth District, I thank Debbie for her life-changing dedication to our community. I wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement, although I know her service will continue.
HONORING MAJOR GENERAL JON A. JENSEN
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Major General Jon A. Jensen on his appointment as Director of the Army National Guard. prgtoken Major General Jensen has led a dedicated life of service to our military and the American people. After graduating from the Northwest Missouri State University, he earned his commission from the United States Army Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions in the Iowa and Minnesota Army National Guards--including commands at all levels of Minnesota's storied 34th Red Bull Infantry Division--and earned a master's degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. prgtoken Following his graduate studies, Major General Jensen served in military operations around the globe, deploying to Kuwait in 2001 as a Major, and Iraq in 2007 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He also served as Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Africa. prgtoken Since returning home, Major General Jensen has delivered steadfast leadership as the 31st Adjutant General of Minnesota's National Guard. While our state will feel the loss of Major General Jensen's presence, we are fortunate to see his years of dedication and service elevate him to this prestigious post. prgtoken Thank you, Major General Jensen, for your friendship and service to Minnesota. I wish you, your wife Cindy, and your entire family all the best in your new role. Our nation is safer because of you.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FORMER TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN CLIFFORD OTTO
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of former Texas State Representative John Clifford Otto who passed away after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer on August 1, 2020. Representative Otto served the people of House District 18 with distinction for six terms in the Texas House of Representatives. prgtoken John Otto was born on October 14, 1948 in Dayton, Texas to John Clifford Coffelt Otto and Susan Eugenia Forrest. John graduated from Dayton High School in 1966 where he was a pitcher on the baseball team, member of FFA, and was drum major for the DHS band. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Whitman, in 1969. prgtoken In 1970, Otto graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration Accounting. While at Texas A&M, John Otto was a member of the Corps of Cadets; Ross Volunteer Honor Guard, official Honor Guard of the Governor of Texas; and the nationally famous Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. In his senior year at Texas A&M, he was head drum major of the Texas Aggie Band. On July 24, 2020, Texas A&M University announced that the Aggie Band will forever be led with the ``John C. Otto '70 Drum Major Baton.'' prgtoken Following his graduation as a Distinguished Military Graduate, Otto received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army where he served as a finance officer at Fort Benjamin on. Otto served in the Army for eight years on active duty and in the Army Reserves before being honorably discharged. After his military service, John and Nancy Otto returned to Texas. John worked for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell in Houston for five years, then returned to Dayton to open a private practice, as a Certified Public Accountant serving clients for 35 years. prgtoken Prior to his service in the Texas Legislature, John was a member of the Dayton City Council, trustee of the Dayton Independent School District, board member of the Liberty County Central Appraisal District and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and director of the Dayton Community Development Corporation. prgtoken In November 2004, John Otto was elected to the Texas House of Representatives where he served House District 18 for six terms. During his service, Representative Otto represented the people of Liberty, San Jacinto, Walker, Polk, and Montgomery Counties. Representative Otto served on numerous committees in the Texas House, but the bulk of his time was spent on the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. Representative Otto served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, during his final legislative session he drafted and authored a bill that balanced the State Budget of more than 200 billion dollars. He loved serving in the Texas House and considered it a high honor and privilege to represent District 18. prgtoken During his tenure in the Texas Legislature, Representative Otto received numerous awards and distinctions. During his first term Otto was named ``F
HONORING VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY AND THE WORK OF THE HILLMAN VFW POST 2356
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the observance of Victory over Japan (V-J) Day and the efforts of VFW Post 2356 in Hillman, Michigan. prgtoken On August 15, 1945, Imperial Japan surrendered to Allied forces in the Pacific--effectively bringing an end to the hostilities of World War II. More than 150,000 American Servicemembers died in the Pacific Theater of WWII, including many Michiganders. Victory over Japan Day honors their sacrifice and celebrates the victory they helped ensure. In honor of V-J Day, VFW Post 2356 in Hillman, Michigan, hosts an annual community celebration. This celebration has been held for the past 75 years and includes a breakfast for local Veterans and parade-- making Hillman the only town in Michigan that still celebrates the occasion with a parade. By coming together to honor those who stood up to defend and to serve, the people of Michigan's First District can ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring the men and women who helped ensure victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and in thanking the Hillman VFW Post 2356 for its efforts to ensure their sacrifice and devotion to our nation is never forgotten.
CORONAVIRUS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-8-10

today our national public health and economic crisis continues without additional legislative action. Reports over the weekend indicate that the Senate minority leader believes that he can hold out for a massive, unwieldy bill that even includes unrelated policies, yet refuse to consider action where there is already consensus. The New York Times reported that the ``believes she has the upper hand'' and ``does not intend to lose it.'' prgtoken The other side refuses to support even the relief measures where there is broad bipartisan agreement, such as providing additional funds for unemployment benefits, the Paycheck Protection Program, education, State and local governments, recovery checks, and hiring and employee- retention incentives. This shows us where their priorities are-- politics, not people. That is a shame. prgtoken .