mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS, ADMIRAL MIKE GILDAY
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to honor the diligent and honorable service of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday. On August 14, Admiral Gilday is slated to retire from his four-year term as the U.S. Navy's 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, and it is more than fitting that this chamber take a moment to recognize his extraordinary record leading our Nation's Navy. prgtoken A New England native hailing from Massachusetts, Mike Gilday was raised in a family with a strong Navy tradition. His innate intelligence, his patriotism and his leadership qualities stood out at an early age, foreshadowing a promising career as a naval officer. Upon graduating high school, he received a congressional nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy, and after graduation was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in 1985. During his career he continued his passion for learning and obtained an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School and an MS from the National War College. prgtoken Admiral Gilday's record at sea is impressive. He commanded the Destroyers USS Higgins and USS Benfold, was Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7, and Commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. As Vice Admiral, he was the fourth commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command developing and enhancing the Navy's information network operations, offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, space operations and signals intelligence. In the 21st century, proficiency in cyber command-- something which didn't exist until recently, provides an immense benefit to naval readiness. Admiral Gilday is the first to bring skill to the CNO position. prgtoken Ashore he served our Nation with distinction during a remarkable career. He completed several tours as a staff officer working for the Chief of Naval Operations and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He served as the executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and naval aide to the President. prgtoken His commitment to our allies and partners were not only reflected during his work as the Chief of Naval Operations, but during his distinguished service as the director of operations for NATO's Joint Force Command Lisbon and as Chief of Staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. prgtoken Appointed to the role of Chief of Naval Operations in August 2019, Admiral Gilday has, in conjunction with the Congress's constitutional mandate in Article One, Section 8 ``To provide and maintain a Navy'', done outstanding work to keep our fleet relevant and oriented to challenges across the globe. Equipped with his striking educational background, as well as his history of deployments and command, his competent service as the head of naval operations has come to no surprise. It speaks volumes that he was the first three-star admiral to be appointed, to the position of Chief of Naval Operations in nearly half a century. prgtoken Each of his prior missions have influenced a modernized national security perspective within him, and by extens
TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-8-11

I am here today to extend my deepest appreciation and profound gratitude to the extraordinary legislative fellows who have graced my office with their unwavering dedication and unyielding commitment. prgtoken Members of Congress know well, perhaps better than most, how blessed our Nation is to have in reserve such exceptional young men and women who will go on to become leaders in their local communities, states and the Nation in the areas of business, education, law, government, philanthropy, the arts and culture, and the military. prgtoken We know this because we see them and the benefits from their contributions everyday. Many of them work for us in our offices as junior staff members, congressional fellows, or interns and they do amazing work for and on behalf of the constituents we are privileged to represent. prgtoken , I believe there in no higher calling than the call to serve a cause larger than ourselves. prgtoken That is why I ran for public office. I was inspired to serve by so many great public figures that came before me. I was inspired to serve by President Kennedy who said,'' Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,'' and by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. . . . You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.'' prgtoken By this measure there are several other great young men and women who served as legislative fellows this Spring and Summer in my office. Each day, they exemplified the highest standards of excellence, bringing forth fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unrelenting drive to effect positive change prgtoken within our cherished community. Their tireless efforts to address the diverse needs and pressing concerns of our constituents resonate deeply with the values we hold dear. prgtoken In the pursuit of serving the constituents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, their contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. prgtoken That is why today I rise to pay tribute to fourteen extraordinary young persons for their service to my constituents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas and to the American people. They are: prgtoken Panashe Siachitema, Texas Tech University prgtoken Ramanpreet Kaur, Indiana University prgtoken Amy Arceo, Texas A&M University prgtoken Ainsley Gill, Vanderbilt University prgtoken Joel Crawford, Harvard University prgtoken Kevin Darmadi, Geroge Washington University prgtoken Lindsey O'Neal, Payne International Development Fellowship prgtoken Niyonsaba Magnifique, Payne International Development Fellowship prgtoken Vanessa Rogers-Wright, Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program prgtoken Wilson Pemboh, Texas Tech University prgtoken Alexandra Wilhelm, Pepperdine University prgtoken Parker Milligan, Oglethorpe University prgtoken J Hardy, Howard University prgtoken Carrington Blair, Jackson State University prgtoken , the energy, in
RECOGNIZING PASTOR EDDIE WILLIAMS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to recognize Pastor Eddie Williams for his 17 years of service to the congregation at Lakeridge Ministries Church of God in Christ. prgtoken Lakeridge Village Ministries was founded on the principle of uplifting people from all walks of life in spirituality and that the gift of spirituality is not limited to clergy. Pastor Williams has sought to lead his flock under that guidance, fostering a true sense of community and caring for the most vulnerable. In addition to his work in ministry, Pastor Williams has sought to expand resources and options for people suffering from the pain of addiction and mental illness. His work at Lakeridge Village has accomplished so much in fighting the stigma around mental health issues and connecting those struggling with substance abuse to the assistance they need. In short Pastor Williams has performed outstanding service to the community through his ministry and charitable work. prgtoken Please join me in tribute to Pastor Eddie Williams in celebration of his 17 years in spiritual service to Lakeridge Ministries Church of God in Christ.
TRIBUTE TO THE WHITLEY HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Whitley Heights Civic Association of Los Angeles, California. prgtoken The Whitley Heights Civic Association, founded in 1923 as a garden club, has represented the members of the Whitley Heights neighborhood for 100 years. This notable achievement also earns the association the honor of being one of the longest continually operating civic associations in Los Angeles. prgtoken The Whitley Heights community was established when major land developer Hobart Johnstone Whitley commissioned architect Arthur Barnes to begin the design and construction of a new Mediterranean-style neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. The arched doorways and windows, iconic red-tiled roofs, and balconies were new to Los Angeles, inspired by Barnes' tour of the Mediterranean; in particular, Italy and its historic hillside towns. With many of the homes constructed between 1918 and 1928, Whitley Heights was one of the first Hollywood developments. The style and aesthetic of the homes as well as the secluded hillside setting, attracted many prominent residents, including Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, William Faulkner, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. In fact, the neighborhood's design was so highly regarded that many exterior features became popular in other contemporary Los Angeles developments. prgtoken Preservation of this iconic neighborhood has been a challenge in the decades since the initial development. Construction and alteration of the Hollywood Freeway divided the original development in the 1940's and 1960's, during which almost 50 homes were demolished. In the 1980's, after the demolition of a historic bungalow to make space for potential tract homes, actor Brian Moore, president of the civic association, began advocating for the historical preservation of Whitley Heights; this resulted in the neighborhood being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and later, into a Los Angeles Historical Preservation Overlay Zone. The civic association works with the residents, city agencies and elected officials to ensure the preservation of this beautiful neighborhood. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize the Whitley Heights Civic Association for its commitment to preserving a historic neighborhood of Los Angeles, and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating this organization upon their centennial anniversary.
IN MEMORIAM OF MRS. ZINETTA MARIE NASSIF
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to honor the life of Mrs, Zinetta Marie Nassif. prgtoken Mrs. Nassif was born on June 3, 1944, and lived an incredible life serving her family, community, and country. She had a passion for her loved ones and a remarkable giving spirit. Mrs. Nassif was often described as the most fun to be around at a party, as she had a keen sense for bringing people together. Her ability to connect was best exemplified during her tenure abroad with her husband, Ambassador Thomas Nassif. prgtoken Mrs. Nassif served alongside her husband, Thomas Nassif, when he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Morocco. Mrs. Nassif's diplomatic efforts were highly regarded by those she worked with. Her commitment to public service and unwavering support for her husband made her a beloved figure in Morocco and at home in the United States. The Nassifs' legacy of service to their country will always be remembered and admired by those who knew them. prgtoken On August 5, 2023, Mrs. Zinetta Marie Nassif passed away at her home in La Jolla, California. Mrs. Nassif left a noteworthy impact across the globe with her servant's heart, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Americans.
CONGRATULATING UKRAINE ON THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-8-11

I would like to congratulate the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston, and all the people of Ukraine, on their Independence Day. The spirit of Ukraine is an inspiration to all freedom loving peoples in the world. The rights that we so often take for granted are under constant threat from dictators like Vladimir Putin. There is no stronger example of what it takes to stand up for liberty in the world today than the struggle fought every day in Ukraine. prgtoken I take a special pride in offering this congratulations as Texans and Ukrainians are most assuredly kindred spirits. In a book he wrote after a 1946 trip to the Soviet Union, the late John Fischer concluded that Ukrainians are ``Texans in Fur Hats.'' It's no surprise that a significant portion of the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants to the United States settled in Texas. Our histories are intertwined, as is our love of liberty. Glory to Ukraine (Slava Ukraini).
RECOGNIZING THE EXCELLENCE OF THE MARCHING CENTURIONS
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Saugus High School's 2022-2023 Marching Centurions for their selection to represent California's 27th Congressional District in the National Memorial Day Parade held in our Nation's capital. Their designation as a distinguished participant in this year's festivities is a testament to not only their performative excellence, but their resilience through several years of challenges from which they have emerged stronger than ever. prgtoken It is important to recognize that this distinction is one that very few marching bands and color guards across the United States have the privilege of touting, and it is certainly one that is earned rather than given. For years leading up to their participation in the National Memorial Day Parade, the Marching Centurions of Saugus High School have distinguished themselves as a benchmark of virtuosity and dedication to craft. Time and time again, students throughout the years have prgtoken represented their fellow classmates with unmatched pride and skill and it is heartening to see this program be rewarded with such an honor. prgtoken I also want to pay special recognition to the members who graduated with the Class of 2023. Since they began high school in 2019, their graduating class has faced a gauntlet of trials and tribulations that many of their contemporaries or even most adults have not. After the tragic shooting in November of 2019, they were immediately confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and virtual learning which forced them to press on with rehearsals over Zoom. These challenges were of course coupled with the typical obstacles a teenager faces when navigating high school: homework, crushes, college applications, and anxiety about the future. As their representative in the halls of Congress, I could not be prouder of their resilience in the face of the impossible, and the manner in which they relied on each other to overcome the odds. prgtoken Once again, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Marching Centurions for this great honor that they had to commemorate our Nation's heroes who have been killed in the defense of freedom for Memorial Day. As a Saugus alumnus myself, my heart swelled with pride seeing these students clad in blue and silver marching along the streets of Washington to honor our great country.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF COLLIN MICHAEL MORRISON
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to recognize the life of Collin Michael Morrison, devoted American patriot and late President/CEO of LionHeart Security Services in Tempe, Arizona. prgtoken Born at a British military base in Singapore, Michael was the son of Scottish U.S. Army servicemembers. He spent his childhood in the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia where his father worked in intelligence. prgtoken After moving to the United States, Michael's core values in teamwork and equal justice led him to serve in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, in the Monterey County Sheriff's Department, and later in international security. prgtoken Notably, his international work landed him at U.S. embassies in Africa, including roles as a Project Manager for security forces in Guinea, West Africa, and as a security consultant for U.S. embassies in Burundi, the ic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Senegal. Here, he developed security training modules for local security forces assigned to these embassies. prgtoken After 7 years in Africa, Michael returned to the United States to foster his continued sense of duty and create LionHeart Security Services in Arizona. As a business owner, he held an ``always can do and will do'' attitude with intense follow through. Every time the United States of America asked Michael to step up, you can guarantee he did. prgtoken Beyond his accomplishments in the security industry, Michael was also a strong Conservative . He was instrumental in drafting Congressional legislation to ensure U.S. Security Force project managers only report to U.S. Diplomatic Security Agents at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Similarly, he assisted in the Arizona House to pass a law to allow honorably discharged veterans to obtain a security guard I.D. card without a waiting period, thus enabling veterans to begin working as soon as their discharges were complete. prgtoken He did not consider himself a hero, but an ordinary man in service of the nation he so loved. However, Michael's greatest service was not in work, but in friendship. He lived by the following words: If you cannot stand, I will lift you. If you cannot walk, I will carry you. If you are blind, I will see for you. If you are mute, I will speak for you. If you are deaf, I will hear for you. If you are in fear, I will comfort you. If you are lost, I will guide you. If you are in danger, I will protect you. If you need courage, I will be brave for you. If you are confused, I will reassure you. If you cannot fight, I will defend you. And if you just need a friend, I am here for you. prgtoken After contracting COVID-19, Michael spent his final days surrounded by friends, family, and his loving wife Mariam. He will be remembered as a man of courage, honor, and integrity. But most of all, a friend of mine.
V-J DAY 2023
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to commemorate the end of World War II and the 78th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, otherwise known as V-J Day. The sacrifices of our World War II veterans paid for the end to what was one of the most horrific wars in human history. prgtoken On this day in 1945, Japan signed the terms of surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This day marks the heroic triumph of American forces for the good of the whole world. prgtoken Our World War II veterans may be dwindling in number, but their legacy as the greatest generation continues to grow. We must continue to esteem the truly incredible men and women who showed what a unified America can do to secure hope and liberty in the face of the most formidable adversary. prgtoken I am grateful for the work of Frank Reisinger who recalls the celebrating of V-J Day in downtown Tulsa with his father as a young man. Frank has diligently held a celebration of this important day in Broken Arrow for the last 8 years so that his community understands the cost of war and the price of freedom. prgtoken May we never forget that freedom is never free and that we are but 1 generation away from losing what so many have fought and died to secure.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF T.R. MERICKEL
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-8-11

I rise today to recognize Chief T.R. Merickel for his 26 years of dedicated service to the Kern County Probation Department and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. Chief Merickel became a resident of the Central Valley as a young man when he began attending California State University, Bakersfield in 1992. Not only did he excel academically during his time in school, but he also was a renowned member of the Roadrunner Wrestling team--even being selected for a two time PAC-10 All-Academic team selection. In 1996, he graduated summa cum laude with degrees in history and religious studies. Following graduation, Chief Merickel began his career with the Kern County Probation Department, where he worked as a Group Counselor in Juvenile Hall. He was quickly promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and worked in Juvenile Supervision, Investigations, and Intake. In 2004, Chief Merickel became a Probation Supervisor and oversaw the Adult and Juvenile Divisions. During his time as Supervisor, he became an expert in sentencing and case law and was responsible for the implementation of the Static Risk and Needs Assessment (SRNA) tool for the Adult Division. Seven years later, Chief Merickel was promoted to Division Director of Adult Services. In this role, he was critical in the implementation of Assembly Bill 109, the Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011, in Kern County. As Director, Chief Merickel was a member of the Community Corrections Partnership and worked with local partners on the bill's implementation to focus on safety, alternative sanctions, and reducing recidivism in Kern County. In 2014, the Kern County Superior Court named Chief Merickel as Chief Probation Officer. Chief Merickel has been committed to the Kern County Probation Department's mission of public safety for decades. His dedication to his colleagues, his work, and his community is a true testament to Chief Merickel's character and leadership. I know that his service to the Department and his commitment to the safety of Kern County will have a lasting impact for years to come. prgtoken , I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Chief Merickel for his decades of service to the Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.
RECOGNIZING GEORGE PEDERSEN
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-8-15

I rise today in honor of the life and memory of George J. Pedersen, who passed away on May 22, 2023, at age 87. My prayers are with his family and loved ones, especially his wife, Marilyn. prgtoken George was a caring individual and dedicated entrepreneur who lived his life serving others. He co-founded and led ManTech for more than 50 years. With a fierce love for his country and visionary genius, George evolved and grew ManTech as the government expanded its need for high- end engineering and innovative technology for national security missions. George's leadership in instilling expectations of excellence and success has made ManTech to be a successful partner with the government during threats of war, the space race, and 9/11. I am personally grateful for his leadership in Virginia, and I know that our communities are safer because of George's dedication and service to innovate ManTech's technology and solutions. prgtoken Not only did George dedicate his life to building and expanding ManTech, but he also was an amazing mentor and friend to all. He focused on helping people within the ManTech community and the community beyond. He prioritized successful outcomes for his customers and held himself to the highest standard in everything he did. George took a personal interest in the well-being of those around him and lived a life of service and dedication to others. prgtoken George will be remembered for his legacy of service, sacrifice, and care. I pray that his family and loved ones may be comforted as they mourn his loss. Therefore, , l ask that you join me in honoring the life and legacy of George Pedersen.