mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE WORKERS AT THE ADVANCED MIXED WASTE TREATMENT PLANT
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today with great respect and gratitude for the 480 men and women of the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP) as they complete the facility's waste treatment mission for the State of Idaho and the country. prgtoken The State of Idaho didn't generate the waste treated at AMWTP, but the citizens of Idaho along with the entire nation benefitted from our nation's unrelenting drive to keep the peace through our strength. In many ways, the waste that the AMWTP team retrieved, characterized, treated, certified, and shipped out of the state was the byproduct of our freedom. It was the legacy of the Cold War. Through their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices, they helped close the chapter on this part of the Cold War. prgtoken In addition to the AMWTP employees, we owe Idaho governors Cecil Andrus, John Evans, Dirk Kempthorne, Jim Risch, Phil Batt, C.L. ``Butch'' Otter, and Brad Little a great thanks for their insistence that this waste would not remain in Idaho in perpetuity over our precious Snake River Plain Aquifer. Our aquifer, our citizens, and our nation are safer with this waste safely disposed of at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. prgtoken We also owe the Department of Energy (DOE) a heartfelt thank you for committing to this project in the mid-1990s and staying with it until the end. It wasn't easy; it wasn't without contention or disagreements, but all sides worked together for a common goal of success. prgtoken The contractors that have been associated with the AMWTP also must be recognized, from BNFL Inc to Bechtel BWXT, to the Idaho Treatment Group, to the current contractor; Fluor Idaho. The amount of ingenuity, engineering, and technology at this waste treatment facility is unmatched anywhere else in the world. AMWTP, backed by the DOE and its contractors and committed management and employees, had the brawn and brains to prgtoken complete its transuranic debris waste treatment mission. prgtoken But none of this would have been possible without the men and women of the AMWTP. Each and every one of them made sacrifices to support this mission. They sacrificed quality time with family members to commute to the facility in the early hours of the morning, often leaving at night--never seeing the light of day. They knew they were effectively working themselves out of a job, just as all employees of the Idaho Cleanup Project are doing. prgtoken The employees of the AMWTP should be the models for the entire workforce of the DOE Complex. When they encountered challenging waste types and containers, they developed the procedures and processes to safely and compliantly address them. When the specialized equipment didn't exist, they fabricated it, tested it, and put it to work. They adapted and found solutions to the most complex challenges they encountered. prgtoken Several more years will be needed to ship out the balance of the 65,000 cubic meters of waste to WIPP. For those who stay
CONGRATULATING THE ALLEGHANY RESCUE SQUAD ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise to congratulate the Alleghany Rescue Squad in North Carolina's Fifth District on its 50th anniversary. The story behind this rescue squad is a truly remarkable testament to the strength and character of this community. prgtoken On September 12, 1969, high school students, Linda Pennington and Johnny Johnson, collided with a tree while driving from the school football game. Both were trapped inside the car for hours before they could be taken to the hospital. prgtoken At the scene of the wreck, hundreds gathered and did what they could to help, but without jaws of life and other rescue equipment, they were not able to save Linda and Johnny. The community responded to this horrible tragedy by coming together to make sure next time disaster struck, it would be prepared. prgtoken Local leaders gathered men and women to form the rescue squad. Soon, with the help of the Elkin Rescue Squad, CPR classes were underway, and so was the squad's fundraising campaign. The rescue squad made appeals to the community for money to buy a truck, all-purpose first-aid kit, resuscitator, jaws of life and many other life-saving tools. prgtoken The response from community members was incredibly generous and the Alleghany Rescue Squad continues strong today, comprised entirely of volunteer workers--including three of its charter members--who raise all funding for equipment and rescue classes. These men and women are true heroes, always ready to save when lives are in danger. prgtoken They prove that when neighbors are in need, the community around them can provide the best help, and I am very proud to represent citizens who so selflessly serve their fellow citizens.
IN HONOR OF THE MINEOLA MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I include in the Record the following proclamation. prgtoken Whereas, in January 1989 the city of Mineola was chosen from several applicants throughout the state to participate in the Texas Main Street Program. The city has been a continuous member of the program for 30 years and is the seventh oldest program in the state; and prgtoken Whereas, the program's mission is to use the Main Street Four Point Approach to restore a positive image to downtown, while creating economic growth for our community. Our Main Street Program will be the vehicle to continue historic revitalization of downtown Mineola; and prgtoken Whereas, monthly, quarterly and annual reports are filed with the Texas Historic Commission to document the economic aspects of the program; and prgtoken Whereas, the Mineola Main Street District is bounded on the north by Blair and McDonald Streets, south to the city limits on Highway 69, east to the city limits, and west to the intersection of Kilpatrick Street with Highway 80; and prgtoken Whereas, the Meredith Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the Mineola Main Street Program, providing over $1.2 million in grants for projects from its beginning through end of this year; and prgtoken Whereas, in the past 10 years, the Mineola Main Street Board had approved 44 incentive grants in the amount of $35,765 for improvements in the Main Street District. The money for these grants was raised by the board and other volunteers; and prgtoken Whereas, the Main Street Board has operated a successful Wine Train fundraiser with Amtrak to Fort Worth for 16 years; and prgtoken Whereas, in the last decade, total reinvestment in the Mineola Main Street District by private ventures, public investment and joint projects has totaled $19,963,731; and prgtoken Whereas, the grand total of reinvestment reported to the Texas Historic Commission over the 30 years of Main Street in Mineola is more than $32 million; and prgtoken Whereas, over the 30 years, the Main Street Program has purchased, placed and overseen the placement of Christmas decorations downtown; and prgtoken Whereas, in 2013 the city's Historic District was named to the U.S. Department of Interior's National Register of Historic Places; and prgtoken Whereas, the Mineola Historical Museum was opened under the umbrella of the Main Street Program and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year; and prgtoken Whereas, an interactive model train set in scenery replicating 1930s Mineola and its trains was purchased and is on display at the depot; and prgtoken Whereas, a railroad track for a miniature train was constructed at Iron Horse Square by volunteers. A quarter-scale miniature Union Pacific train is operated on a regular schedule by volunteers for the public on this track; and prgtoken Whereas, a mural depicting several iconic images of Mineola was a Main Street project completed in 2018. Ideas for the concept were sought from Mineola students, and the co
DEDICATION OF ONU'S JAMES LEHR KENNEDY ENGINEERING BUILDING
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the dedication of Ohio Northern University's James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building. The 105,000 square foot building is already fostering a community of technological growth, innovation, and collaboration at the university. The additional room and lighting make it easier for students to work with faculty in an environment conducive to learning. prgtoken Ohio's 5th Congressional District is home to more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs, and facilities like this state-of-the-art engineering building will help prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. prgtoken The construction of this building would not have been possible without countless people that provided financial support. Special recognition is reserved for James Lehr Kennedy, who has given his continuous support and dedication to the university. prgtoken This new facility will provide students with excellent new learning opportunities and will help them to reach their maximum potential. The dedication of this new building is great for students, great for the university, and great for the region. Congratulations to Ohio Northern University!
RECOGNIZING RICK AND MARY McQUEARY
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the incredible work and life of Rick and Mary McQueary. prgtoken Rick McQueary and Mary Haseltine McQueary are a couple with a deep love and respect for the rich history in Springfield and Greene County. Each of their families arrived in Greene County in the mid to late 1800s. Rick's family began a pharmacy business in Ash Grove, Missouri and later moved it to Springfield where it grew into the premier drug wholesaler in southwest Missouri. Mary's family was active in farming and had the largest apple orchards in Missouri. Others in her family, including her father, were interested in practicing law and were noted lawyers in the area. Family stories fostered a love of learning about the history of this community still exist for both of them today. prgtoken Mary currently serves as the president of the Board of Directors of History Museum on the Square, has been an active volunteer with the Museum for over 19 years, and has spent the last several years spearheading the development and construction of the Museum's new facility that opened in August of 2019. She and Rick are the co-chairs of the capital campaign for the Museum and she has served as the project manager for the Museum's construction project, overseeing a team of industry professionals, steering the direction of museum content, writing copy and even picking out finishes. This project is one of the largest historic revitalization projects in downtown Springfield. The ultra-modern History Museum on the Square is projected to attract 30,000 visitors each year with galleries featuring the Birthplace of Route 66, the first Wild West shootout with Wild Bill Hickok, and many other stories of the unique Ozarks crossroads. prgtoken Rick and Mary have been able to show others that historic buildings and local history are worth preserving. The new facility allows the Museum to provide additional educational and community programming for both children and adults. Downtown is the heart of our community and this museum is the perfect place to tell the rich history of Springfield. So much of the area's history occurred right outside the windows of the Museum--the Trail of Tears, Civil War encampments, the first quick draw shootout in the Wild West, the Butterfield-Overland Stage route, and Route 66. Preserving and promoting this history while also contributing to downtown revitalization and improved tourism is a gift to the entire community. prgtoken Their love of this community is only rivaled by the great love they have for their alma mater Greenwood Laboratory School and surpassed by their love for their family. They have been married for forty-four years and have three children and eight grandchildren. prgtoken Rick and Mary's willingness to serve has led them to participate in all parts of the community including boards of major medical facilities, schools, universities, civic organizations, and their church. They have wor
CONGRATULATING DEANNA PRICE FOR BREAKING THE AMERICAN HAMMER THROWING RECORD
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating DeAnna Price for breaking the American hammer throwing record with her throw of 256 feet and 8 inches. prgtoken Overcoming severe injuries that put her athletic career in jeopardy, DeAnna bounced back even stronger to make history. DeAnna should be commended for her hard work and dedication throughout this past year and for breaking the national record. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing DeAnna Price for a job well done.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I join the community of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen, New Jersey in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the church. Through its long history, Mount Moriah Baptist Church has provided a spiritual center for prayer and fellowship to the community. prgtoken The church property was purchased from Gelhaus White and Charles H. White in 1914 and deeded in 1919. While the church members worked on raising money to erect the building, they held services in each other's homes. The church, originally named Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, was led at the time by Reverend J.W. Coakly and five additional trustees, T.M. Lester, Joseph Boles, Bearl Smith, Fred Coakly and Edward D. Causy. prgtoken Today, Mount Moriah Baptist Church remains a close-knit congregation. Its 60 members are led by Pastor Eddie Aikens and board members Deacon Marvin Fisher, Trustee Deputy Maor Robert Swindle, Financial Secretary Van Lane and Treasurer Betty Duncan. Throughout its long history, the church's spiritual leaders, Board of Trustees, staff and members have endeavored to carry on its mission of faith and service. prgtoken Madam , once again, it is my great honor to pay tribute to Mount Moriah Baptist Church as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. This incredible milestone is truly deserving of this body's recognition.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER AMBASSADOR TO UKRAINE, WILLIAM GREEN MILLER
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise to pay respectful tribute to the gifted, compassionate, and persevering life of American diplomat William Green Miller, our nation's second Ambassador to Ukraine following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. prgtoken A highly trusted advisor and valued friend to Members of Congress, and the diplomatic and intelligence communities, Ambassador Miller's distinguished service to our nation elevated the possibilities and promise of liberty to people living in nations that had never known freedom. prgtoken He dedicated his life at liberty's edge with great humility. His steady, unselfish, and tenacious nature allowed him to tackle infinitely complex situations-- Iran, the Soviet Union, Ukraine--and advise ways forward. He never really retired and remained engaged and insightful during his golden years. prgtoken A renaissance man, Ambassador Miller's career spanned assignment in Iran, staff director of the Senate Intelligence Committee, senior Administrator and professor at Tufts University, chairman of the board of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation, and president of the American Committee on U.S.-Soviet Relations. Upon leaving Congress, the U.S. Senate recognized his leadership by passing a special resolution commending him for ``contributions and for his dedication, loyalty, integrity, and service.'' prgtoken Simply, he was exceptional. prgtoken It is with deepest condolences that I offer sympathy to his beautiful wife Suzanne, their two sons, and extended family at this difficult time. prgtoken May the life he has lived continue to inspire a new generation of Americans to embrace his calling to scholarship, service, and patriotic commitment to liberty's cause at home and abroad. [From the Kyiv Post Sept. 24, 2019] William Green Miller, Second US Ambassador to Independent Ukraine, Dies at Age 88 William Green Miller, who served as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine in the 1990s as the euphoria of national independence gave way to the misery of economic destitution for many Ukrainians. died in his home in northern Virginia on Sept. 23, according to friends. He was 88. He served as America's second ambassador in Kyiv, from 1993-1998, and is the first of nine American ambassadors to independent Ukraine to have died. His death was confirmed by friends, including Marta Farion, a Ukrainian-American in Chicago who worked with Miller on the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, raising money to support the university with 5,000 students in Kyiv. Farion spoke to Miller's wife, Suzanne Lisle Miller, and said that the ambassador died in his home ``one minute before noon'' on Sept. 23, in the company of their two sons, William and Christopher, and grandchildren. ``He was surrounded by his leather-bound books, in front of the beautiful garden that he and Suzanne cultivated and
RECOGNIZING MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY IN SOUTH FLORIDA ON NATIONAL PASTOR DAY
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the work of the ministers, pastors, and priests in my district for Clergy Appreciation Day. Also known as National Pastor Day, this annual celebration falls on the second Sunday of each October. On this day, congregations around the country recognize the clergy and take up special offerings to bless them. prgtoken Members of the clergy provide their congregations spiritual guidance with words of wisdom, healing, and inspiration. But they also serve their larger communities, especially those of us who find ourselves most in need. It is an honor to recognize their leadership in promoting our shared values of love, service, and community. prgtoken I ask that all my colleagues join me today in thanking the members of the clergy in your districts for the selfless work they do. I look forward to continuing to work together with the clergy in my district to improve the lives of everyone in our community.
IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID P. HIGGERSON
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the service and retirement of David P. Higgerson, Director of Field Operations at the Laredo Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He is a great friend, and I sincerely appreciate his service. prgtoken Mr. Higgerson was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. He attended St. John's Military Academy, Canal Zone College in Panama, and Valparaiso University where he was awarded an associate degree in Accounting. He then chose to serve in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in 1971. Thereafter, he worked as a Customs Inspector in the Panama Canal Zone for seven years, until the treaty of Panama. Mr. Higgerson was then transferred to Laredo, Texas as a Supervisory Inspector. He continued to hold various leadership roles, including Port Director in Hidalgo, Texas and Director in the El Paso and Tucson Field Offices, totaling forty-nine years of experience in the federal government. prgtoken As Director, Field Operations for Laredo Field Office, Mr. Higgerson was responsible for 8 international ports of entry and the Machinery, Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) processing nearly 59.4 million people, more than 21 million vehicles, over 3 .5 million commercial trucks, and over $194 billion in international trade in 2018. prgtoken He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2018 DHS Secretary's Leadership Award and the South Texas Railroad Strategic Problem-Solving Initiative--Commissioner's Strategic Problem Solving Award. prgtoken Mr. Higgerson is married to Maria Teresa Higgerson and is the father of five wonderful children. In his free time, he is an avid reader of military and historical tomes. After retirement, Mr. Higgerson plans to spend time with his family and play some golf. prgtoken Madam , I have known Mr. Higgerson for many years now and I have always appreciated his friendship and dedication to his work. I am honored to recognize his service and I wish him many more years of happiness.
CONGRATULATING THE RECIPIENTS OF AFL-CIO LABOR AWARDS IN NORTHWEST INDIANA
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , it is my distinct honor to congratulate several of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens. The Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation, American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), recognized several individuals and organizations for their dedication and service during the Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation Community Labor Awards Reception, which was held at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, Indiana, on Thursday, October 10, 2019. These individuals, in addition to all Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation members who have served Northwest Indiana so diligently for such a long period of time, are the epitome of the ideal American worker: loyal, dedicated, and hardworking. prgtoken At this year's event, Indiana State Representatives Carolyn Jackson, Ragen Hatcher, Ross Deal, Pat Boy, Chris Chyung, Lisa Beck, and Chris Campbell were the recipients of the Service to Labor Award for their outstanding support to the labor movement. prgtoken The Union Labor Award was presented to Vern Beck, President, USW Local 12775, for his selfless devotion to the labor movement through the union's promotion in all areas: social, civic, educational, and political. prgtoken Carpenters Local 1005 and President Steve Toth were recognized with the Community Services Award for enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana through their exemplary work on behalf of the community. prgtoken Earl Cox, retired UAW member and Indiana United Way Labor Liaison of Greater Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of labor activism and his commitment to his community. For the exceptional service he has provided to the people of Northwest Indiana, he is worthy of our admiration and respect. prgtoken Sharon Patterson, NALC Local 1624, 1st Vice President NIALF, and Mark Slonaker, Battalion Chief, Hobart Firefighters Association Local 1641, were presented the George Meany Award for their significant contributions to the youth of their communities through their involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. prgtoken The President's Award was presented to Mike Millsap, Director USW District 7, for his dedication to the labor movement and his noteworthy service to the organization. He is truly worthy of the honor bestowed upon him. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and exemplary leaders, while commending all of the hardworking union men and women locally and throughout America. They have shown commitment and courage toward their pursuits, and I am proud to represent each of them in Washington, D.C.