mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DR. EMILE-BACKER
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to include in the Record a Proclamation honoring Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer. prgtoken Whereas, Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer is a native of the Republic of Haiti and migrated to the United States as a child. prgtoken Whereas, beyond science, Dr. Emile-Backer is an entrepreneur, investor, trusted community leader and advocate for global diaspora communities. From research to her community advocacy in global development, her life's work and vision is to leave a legacy of economic freedom in low middle income countries (LMICs) and to service the vulnerable by being a vessel for God's work. prgtoken Whereas, as a community advocate, Magalie spearheaded COVID-19- related initiatives throughout the African-Caribbean diaspora to address vaccine hesitancy, economic impacts of COVID and other civil society engagement programs including World AIDS Day, Malaria Nothing but Net campaigns, COVID townhalls, and advocacy for recent Census, etc. prgtoken Whereas, she is a global health advocate committed to health systems strengthening in the U.S particularly, in developing nations. Her life's work is improving global health and eradicating poverty through creative community-based development solutions for economic empowerment. prgtoken Whereas, since 2010, Magalie and her husband Firmin Backer, Co- Founded the Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA), a non-profit based in the Washington, DC area committed to promoting business development and foreign/diaspora direct investment for the socioeconomic growth of the Caribbean, especially, Haiti. HRA's motto is building sustainable institutions through infrastructure and trade opposed to perpetuation of aid and charity. prgtoken Whereas, HRA convenes, connects and brokers through strategic community engagement partnership models. In 2021, HRA launched another platform in partnership with USAID, diaspora partnership accelerator (DPA), in response to the growing call to action around diaspora direct funding models. HRA's Diaspora Framework and integration models provide innovative solutions in a resource constraint global development landscape. prgtoken Whereas, after the 2021 Haiti Earthquake, through her advocacy for empowering localization, she helped raise 1M through HRA's corporate donor strategy and other govt donor grants to help direct funding to diaspora locally led projects. prgtoken Whereas, the campaign also help create OneDiaspora, a network of diaspora, private sector and local NGOs committed to strengthening community-based initiatives and localization priorities. HRA has become a leading prgtoken institution focused on strategic global development consulting, effective community-based engagement, particularly, diaspora and private sector integration for sustainable growth and investment. prgtoken Whereas, Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer has over 20 years experience conducting research in the biopharmaceutical industry and federal government. She is currently a Director in Vaccin
RECOGNIZING KEVIN KLINKENBERG
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to congratulate and celebrate Kevin Klinkenberg for his service to the New Coalition. Kevin has been an incredible and integral member of the New Dem team, and we thank him for his 2 years of service. prgtoken In my capacity as New Dem Vice Chair of Outreach, I have had the sincere pleasure of working closely with Kevin to strengthen our Coalition's outreach efforts to key stakeholder groups. From relationships with labor organizations to the business community, Kevin has undoubtedly strengthened the New Dem brand through his ability to convene diverse groups and facilitate important dialogues. prgtoken Throughout my tenure as Vice Chair, I have had the privilege to observe Kevin's dedication and remarkable work ethic firsthand. I can say with certainty that the Coalition's success would not be possible without Kevin's contributions. prgtoken As Kevin departs to join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Senior Advisor and Congressional Liaison, New Dems can be sure he will continue to demonstrate the qualities that made him such an integral member of our team. I wish him well, and I look forward to witnessing all the incredible work he will accomplish throughout his career.
RECOGNIZING KEVIN KLINKENBERG FOR TWO YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to recognize Kevin Klinkenberg for his incredible 2 years of service to the New Coalition as Senior Policy and Outreach Advisor. prgtoken Under my tenure as Chair of the New Dems, Kevin was an invaluable member of the Coalition team, leading our work on health care, trade, and immigration. His unbridled commitment to expanding the reach and influence of the New Dems on these critical issues will continue to positively impact the work of the Coalition, and the well-being of the American people, for years to come. prgtoken Kevin was key to growing the Coalition's outreach initiatives, helping to foster strong relationships with outside stakeholders. His efforts strengthened our various initiatives and helped solidify our Coalition's reputation as a group of pragmatic lawmakers who deliver results for our constituents. prgtoken Beyond his exceptional contributions to the Coalition, Kevin has been a warm and helpful presence to all who have had the pleasure of working with him. While we will miss him dearly, we could not be more excited for his next chapter as a Senior Advisor and Congressional Liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
RECOGNIZING WHEELERSBURG SOFTBALL TEAM
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to congratulate the Wheelersburg High School Softball Team on winning the 2023 Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III Softball State Championship. prgtoken The Wheelersburg Pirates won their second straight state championship following a 6-0 shutout victory over Indian Lake. The Pirates have posted an impressive 57-1 record over the past two seasons and a perfect 32-0 this season. Wheelersburg head coach Teresa Ruby remarked that she was ``speechless'' and so proud of how her team played this season. prgtoken The Pirates broke the game open in the 3rd inning, scoring four runs, and Pitcher Andi Jo Howard took control after, recording two strikeouts and only allowing two hits in a shutout. prgtoken I want to congratulate Coach Ruby and her players, including four of whom were named to the All-State team, on their amazing season. I look forward to watching them chase a three-peat next spring.
HONORING WHITLEY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to pay tribute to the Whitley County High School Colonel Baseball Team and Coach Jeremy Shope for winning the 2023 Kentucky High School Athletic Association State Championship at the Kentucky Proud Park. prgtoken The Colonels brought home the 13, Region's-first-ever state baseball title, returning top honors to the mountains for the first time since 2001. Rising from defeat after a district championship loss, Whitley County closed out the season with an impressive 39-4 record, defeating LaRue County, South Warren, Henderson County, and finally beating the Shelby County Rockets 2-1 to earn the state tournament crown. Our mountain student athletes have a long-held legacy of competing with tremendous grit, talent, and pride, and I am personally proud of their determination and tenacity to show the entire state what our students are capable of achieving. prgtoken When Coach Shope took over the helm of the baseball program in 2018, the Colonels had not made a tournament appearance since 2005. The team has since improved by leaps and bounds, steam rolling past their opponents, winning the regional title in 2021 and 2023, and sweeping the state tournament this prgtoken year with skillful plays that they have tirelessly trained for. prgtoken The Colonels were visibly determined to bring the state title back to the mountains. Grant Zehr, a senior pitcher, dominated the baseball mound with 96 pitches in the final game, earning the MVP award for the tournament. Bryce Anderson scored the first run thanks to an RBI ground out by Sam Harp, who scored again in the sixth inning by courageously stealing home plate, a rare feat at any level of competition. The team's stellar defense then held the Rockets to one run, securing the highly coveted banner for Whitley County High School. prgtoken It is with great enthusiasm that I join the people of southern and eastern Kentucky in celebration of the Whitley County High School Baseball Team and the coaching staff for winning the state championship. Their achievement will undoubtedly encourage our young mountain student athletes to dream bigger, knowing the state title is always within reach with sheer perseverance, excellent coaching, and hard work.
CELEBRATING THE 190TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-THAILAND ALLIANCE
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-30

. I rise today to commemorate and honor the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand. As our two nations celebrate this historic milestone, I want to acknowledge the enduring bond of trust and collaboration since the signing of the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce. prgtoken I want to reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared with our oldest treaty ally in the Asia-Pacific region and celebrate the invaluable partnership that has flourished between our nations. Thailand was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003 and is one of the strongest security partners of the United States. The annual Cobra Gold Exercise remains the largest multinational military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. Our two countries have fought side by side in countless conflicts such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and most notably Thailand was one of the first Asian nations to commit troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. prgtoken The longstanding friendship and partnership between The United States and Thailand has been a cornerstone of stability and progress in the Asia-Pacific region with multilateral agreements that have furthered our shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, and economic cooperation. This is reflected in the U .S.-Thailand Communique on Strategic Alliance and Partnership, signed last year, and the first ever U.S.-Thailand Strategic and Defense Dialogue held last year. prgtoken We must recognize Thailand's unwavering commitment to our shared values throughout the ebbs and flows of shared adversity and prosperity. Therefore, I warmly thank the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. for organizing the Sawasdee Thai Festival, which commemorates the enduring friendship between our two nations. prgtoken As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is essential to recognize the individuals who have contributed to enhancing the understanding and strengthening the ties between our nations. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation and recognition to Park Boonnuch, who has provided invaluable assistance to my Congressional Office and been a valuable help in various matters of Foreign Affairs. prgtoken Through Mr. Boonnuch's dedication and expertise, we have gained a deeper understanding of the Thai people's rich culture, history, and aspirations. Mr. Boonnuch has also demonstrated a strong passion for understanding the intricacies of the United States government system. We have witnessed his desire to acquire knowledge and share this newfound wisdom to improve U.S.-Thailand cooperation . prgtoken As a result of his tireless efforts, not only have we witnessed an enhanced spirit of cooperation between our nations, but we have also borne witness to the blossoming of a profound fellowship that unites us ever closer. prgtoken As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to the enduring friendship between Thailand and the United States--``as long as heav
HONORING THE MEMORY OF FRANCIS H. ``FRANK'' SUITS, SR.
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to honor the memory of Frank Suits who passed prgtoken away on June 22nd of this year. Frank was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. prgtoken Frank will long be remembered for the many meaningful contributions he made to his business and community. He successfully ran the Suite- Kote Corporation for many years while also serving on the Homer School Board and many other Homer-based community programs. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the memory of Frank Suits. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his life and memory always be a blessing.
CONGRATULATING DR. CHRISTOPHER COLLIVER
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-6-30

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Christopher Colliver, a recipient of the coveted Presidential Rank Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the Federal career civil service. prgtoken Dr. Colliver is one of a small percentage of career members of the Senior Executive Service to be chosen by the President for exceptional performance in their field over an extended period of time. He began his career at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) in 1988, where he helped revolutionize digital intelligence analysis, production, and modeling and simulation architectures. prgtoken Since 2012, Dr. Colliver has served as Technical Advisor for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Acquisition Intelligence at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base. He advises the AFLCMC Commander, Engineering Director, Intelligence Director, and Program Executive Officers, to deliver superior war-winning capabilities on time and on cost. prgtoken Dr. Colliver has distinguished himself through sustained extraordinary service to the Department of Defense and the United States of America. His visionary threat predictions and engineering solutions drove the acceleration of a $10 billion modernization program to defend all Department weapon systems. prgtoken Dr. Colliver led a multi-agency team responding to new terrorist tactics and provided solutions for warfighting operations, which drove enemy effectiveness to zero. He conceived and led novel experimentation resulting in a reprioritization of $1 billion to implement enhanced flight security and safety. prgtoken Dr. Colliver's guidance mitigated critical technology threats to an advanced program, enabling an early $2 billion decision with 20-year risk and threat reductions. He assured accurate global threat warning for ballistic missile launches by improving data fidelity and timeliness by 75 percent with $10 million in savings. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dr. Colliver has been awarded numerous honors for his outstanding contributions to the Department of Defense and our Nation, including the Director of Central Intelligence Exceptional Analyst of the Year Award (2000); the Air Force Civilian Achievement Award (2002, 2003, 2005); and the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award (2012, 2021). prgtoken I want to personally thank Dr. Colliver for his 35 years of service at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the significant contributions he has made in a life and career dedicated to our national security. His accomplishments bring great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
BIDEN SUBVERTS RULE OF LAW
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-6-30

the failure to lawfully secure the border by and liberal have encouraged dangerous surges in crossings of illegal aliens. This invasion exposes families to potential terrorists, human trafficking, and dangerous drugs. prgtoken The intentional failure at the border will be further documented on July 4th with the release of the movie ``Sound of Freedom'' at theaters nationwide. In it, Americans can see the true story of the rescue of children from sex traffickers, directed by Alejandro Monteverde with cast of Jim Caviezel, Mira Servino, Kurt Fuller, Bill Camp, Jose Zuniga, Scott Haze, Gerardo Taracena, and Eduardo Verastegui. prgtoken Since took office, over 5.2 million illegal aliens have crossed the Southern Border and 1.5 million aliens have evaded apprehension. Among these numbers include over 200 on the terrorist watchlist, putting families everywhere at risk of mass murder. Rule of law is subverted benefiting illegal aliens and the Family with the Hunter plea deal as President is targeted with fabricated hoaxes. prgtoken Over 100,000 Americans die annually by drug overdose, including those affected by materials supplied by the Chinese Communist Party. In the last six months, over 19,000 pounds of the deadly drug fentanyl have been seized at the border. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with open borders.
HONORING WWII VETERAN PAUL ENGLEHART IN RECOGNITION OF HIS 98TH BIRTHDAY
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to recognize Paul Englehart, who celebrated his 98th birthday on June 27, 2023. I am honored to pay tribute to him for his service and loyalty to his Nation during wartime. prgtoken Born in 1925 to Calvin Englehart and Margaret Squire, Paul grew up in Toledo, Ohio alongside his twin sister, Pauline, and older brother, Russell. prgtoken After the outbreak of the war, Russell served in the South Pacific until its end in 1945. But after Paul graduated from Libbey High School in 1943, he too decided to enlist in the United States Army. prgtoken Paul received his training at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan. At the time, his training assignment was to guard prisoners of war. He was then sent to Roswell, New Mexico, to guard German prisoners. prgtoken In July 1944, along with 5,000 other soldiers, Paul was dispatched to the Philippines where he would continue his assignments, and on January 14, 1946, he was honorable discharged. prgtoken In 1950, Paul married his wife, Loulla, and had three children, Roy, Ann, and Kathy. Paul then began work as a draftsman for the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit where he stayed for two years. prgtoken Paul then worked for GM-Truck and Bus in Pontiac, Michigan, to continue his specialization as a draftsman. He remained there for 25 years, retiring in 1981. While at GM, Paul was specially recognized for not missing a day of work in over a decade of service. prgtoken During his much-earned retirement, he has enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada--and especially the Grand Canyon. For over 25 years, Paul has also been an active participant in the VFW. prgtoken On behalf of Michigan's 9th Congressional District, I am proud to offer my warmest birthday wishes and a debt of gratitude for his honorable service to the United States Army. We are proud to have Paul Englehart in our community.
RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION ON THEIR 90TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-6-30

I rise today to commemorate the power of the sportfishing industry and to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). ASA has played a vital role in preserving and promoting our cherished fishing tradition in this great Nation. From striped bass off the Atlantic coast, grouper species in the southeastern United States and Gulf of Mexico, catfish and trout throughout America's rivers and lakes, to salmon and mahi on the west coast, the United States is truly the envy of anglers throughout the world. Over 52.4 million Americans participate in recreational fishing every year and thanks to ASA's efforts, this number continues to rise. prgtoken Anglers contribute over $148 billion in economic output, contribute $1.8 billion towards conservation, and support 945,500 jobs across the country. Sportfishing is a powerful driver of the U.S. economy, thanks in large part to efforts that ASA and all its members within the sportfishing industry have accomplished since their inception. prgtoken For the past 90 years, the American Sportfishing Association has been at the forefront of protecting and advancing the interests of recreational fishermen across the United States. Through collaborative partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations and industry stakeholders, they have played a pivotal role in shaping policies that promote responsible fishing practices, support habitat restoration, and safeguard the rights of anglers. ASA has supported meaningful legislation that has advanced conservation efforts throughout the years, such as the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, which established an excise tax for the conservation, management and enhancement of sport fisheries and their habitats. More recently, ASA has been a leading advocate for pivotal conservation legislation such as the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act, America's Conservation Enhancement Act and the Great American Outdoors Act. To this day, ASA supports conservation efforts on Capitol Hill and beyond and is a champion of access to fish, abundant fisheries, fair trade and commerce. prgtoken ASA has also been instrumental in fostering a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and inspiring future generations to enjoy the sport of fishing. Their educational initiatives and angler retention campaigns, such as ``Fishing, Share the Fun,'' help to introduce new anglers, both young and old, to fishing and provide them with a lifetime of enjoyment in the sport. ASA is also a supporter of legislation that introduces children to fishing, as seen in their efforts to support the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act. prgtoken Beyond their advocacy efforts, ASA serves as a unifying force within the angling community, bringing together diverse stakeholders, manufacturers, retailers, and fishing enthusiasts under one common purpose: the preservation and promotion of our Nation's rich fishing heritage. E