mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE MICHAEL A. RULLI TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-25

I am pleased to welcome a new chapter for Ohio's Sixth Congressional District and all of us from the delegation on both sides of the aisle gather to extend a warm welcome to Congressman Michael Rulli, who steps into the shoes of our former colleague, the esteemed Bill Johnson. prgtoken For 13 years, Bill served Ohio's Sixth District with dedication and commitment. Congressman Rulli prepares to continue this legacy of service to the people of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, on, Jefferson, prgtoken Mahoning, Monroe, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Washington Counties. prgtoken As the dean of Ohio's delegation and a fellow Ohioan who understands the profound responsibility that comes with representing the hardworking people of our State, I welcome Congressman Rulli to Congress. His background as the director of operations for Rulli Brothers Markets, a century-old family-owned grocery store in Youngstown brings a refreshing perspective to our delegation. prgtoken Having grown up in a family business myself that also operated our family's grocery called Supreme Market in Rossford, Ohio, I already feel a special kinship with Michael. prgtoken I hold high hope that his experience in business and community service, coupled with his time in the Ohio State Senate will help our delegation craft policies that foster economic growth and community well-being for our Buckeye State. prgtoken , I welcome Michael. May he never lose sight of what brought him here. May he be guided by his faith to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. prgtoken As members of the Ohio delegation, we are middle America and we know the importance of bipartisanship as we work together, across party lines, to tackle the challenges that face our State and Nation. The people of Ohio and our Nation deserve no less. prgtoken , I look forward to embracing a spirit of collaboration with him and all of our colleagues with a shared commitment to the common good. prgtoken Together, let us commit to working side by side, not as partisans, but as partners in progress for Ohio and America. We welcome his new ideas and energy that he will bring to our discussions and legislative discourse. prgtoken Once again, I welcome Congressman Rulli. May his tenure in Congress be marked by success, fulfillment, good health, and a legacy of service. prgtoken , from Ohio (Mr. Turner), our diligent friend and chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
CELEBRATING DULCE QUINTERO
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dulce Quintero, a champion, an organizer, and a public servant who has dedicated their life to advocating for marginalized communities and those impacted by trauma. prgtoken Born in Mexico to migrant farmworkers, Dulce moved to Chicago at the age of 9. In their dedication to our city, they have impacted young people, the unhoused, and immigrant communities in Illinois' Third District and beyond. prgtoken A 2017 Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame inductee, Dulce is a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQI+ community, especially our young people. Last year, they made history in Illinois as the very first nonbinary statewide public official, serving as secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. prgtoken Dulce inspires us to embrace our whole selves and each other in our struggles for justice and liberation. prgtoken On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Dulce Quintero for their extraordinary service and unwavering courage.
CELEBRATING CHEF AMBROCIO GONZALEZ DURING IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , during Immigrant Heritage Month, I want to honor my constituent, Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez. Chef Ambrocio and his family moved to Chicago over 20 years ago when he was 16 years old. prgtoken At a young age, he found cooking was his passion and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. After graduating, he worked on gaining more experience in the food and beverage industry, but he had a dream. Chef Ambrocio wanted to open his own restaurant. prgtoken He worked hard and, in 2011, opened La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant in my neighborhood of Little Village, which is so popular that there is always a long line of people waiting to get in. prgtoken Fast forward to 2024, and Chef Ambrocio now owns four restaurants throughout Chicagoland and has been named one of Chicago's 40 under 40 by a local business magazine. prgtoken Chef Ambrocio is the embodiment of what immigrants bring to this country: hard work, ambition, and ``desire,'' ``ganas.''
RECOGNIZING THE 127TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATER WARD CHAPEL AME CHURCH
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-6-25

I rise today to honor The Greater Ward Chapel African American Episcopal Church as they celebrate their 127th church anniversary. An event to celebrate this singular occasion was held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the church in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken Ward Chapel rose from humble beginnings in 1897 under a bush at the corner of Thirteenth Avenue and 24th Street in Columbus, Georgia. The first pastor of the church was Reverend R.W. Miller. After that, Reverend Swindom assumed the mantle of leadership and pastored for one year. Rev. W.J. Ferguson became the next pastor and moved the church to 26th Street, helping to rebuild it. In 1913, the church was reconstructed a second time. prgtoken In 1937, The Reverend R.D. Griffin was appointed as the next pastor. In 1939, the church was forced to move from the 26th Street location by the Government Housing Authority. The church was moved to Pou Street and was rebuilt in 1940 for the third time. The dedication of this building in honor of God was held on April 16, 1944, by the Presiding Elder of the Savannah District at the time, the Reverend R.L. Butler. This location included the first parsonage built in the history of the church. prgtoken Reverend C.K. Knight took the helm of the church in 1949. Blessed by a spirit of benevolence, he made it possible for any child that desired to matriculate at Morris Brown College to improve their quality of life. Because of the passing of the Reverend M.C. Davis, Reverend Knight became the Presiding Elder of the Columbus District in January 1955. Reverend Knight never forgot about this love for Ward Chapel and helped to select its next visionary leader, the Reverend S.F. Jackson. prgtoken Reverend Jackson was driven by his desire to serve the Lord and to make Ward Chapel the best church in the East Columbus District. Many contributions happened under his leadership to include the renovation of the parsonage and church; the organ was paid off and new pews were purchased. Furthermore, an additional choir was formed--the Cathedral Choir which was later renamed the S.F. Jackson Choir. Rev. Jackson was reassigned to Americus, Georgia in 1961. prgtoken The Reverend M.L. Hood was appointed as the next pastor and served at the church briefly. He was followed by the Reverend M.B. Mclendon. The greatest accomplishment of Rev. Mclendon, besides bringing souls to Christ, was the building of a new church edifice. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 16, 1967, to celebrate this great milestone in the life of the church. prgtoken Another parsonage of the church was purchased in 1984 at the cost of $60,000. The Reverend R.B. Bass was appointed pastor in 1984 and his family was its first occupants. Rev. Bass served the church faithfully from April 1984 to May 1997. Among his many accomplishments included the mortgage burnings of both the church and the parsonage, the installation of new carpet, and the cushioning of th
KOREAN AMERICAN DIVIDED FAMILIES NATIONAL REGISTRY ACT
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2024-6-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in strong support of H.R. 7152. First, I thank Representative Wexton for her inspiring leadership on this important bill, and I thank Chairman McCaul for working in a bipartisan way to move this important legislation forward. This bill addresses a deeply human issue: the separation of Korean families caused by the Korean war. prgtoken One of the most painful outcomes of the Korean war was the division of families, a wound that, 70 years after the war's end, has yet to heal. This separation has caused immense suffering, not only for those in Korea but also for Korean Americans here in the United States. Over 100,000 Korean Americans have been unable to see or hear from their loved ones in North Korea. prgtoken Despite its ongoing tensions with North Korea, South Korea has managed to facilitate some family reunions through video calls, letters, and in-person meetings. Unfortunately, Korean Americans have not had similar opportunities. Currently there is no formal U.S. Government process to help them reunite with their relatives in North Korea. prgtoken H.R. 7152 aims to fill this gap. It calls on the State Department to gather information from Korean Americans who wish to reunite with their families and work toward facilitating those reunions. This bill also calls on the State Department to make family reunions a priority in any discussions with North Korea. prgtoken , this bill is about honoring families and ensuring that our Korean-American constituents can stay connected to those taken from them as a result of war and borders. Let's give them a chance to reunite, to heal, and to find peace. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and .
PAYING TRIBUTE TO STANLEY GOLDSTEIN
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Stanley Goldstein, who passed away last month. prgtoken Born and raised in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Stanley came from humble beginnings before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and serving in the United States Army. prgtoken Upon his return home in 1963, Stan and his brother Sid opened the first CVS store in Lowell, Massachusetts. He believed that success would stem from prioritizing customer satisfaction over easy profits. He was right. prgtoken By the time Stan retired as CEO of CVS in 2006, the company had become the largest drug store chain in the U.S with over 4,000 stores. Today, CVS has over 9,000 stores and employs more than 300,000 people. prgtoken Stanley never forgot his roots. CVS is still headquartered in his hometown of Woonsocket, and he remained in Rhode Island his entire life, raising his family there. prgtoken In his retirement, he was sometimes seen digging for clams or listening to Red Sox games on the radio. prgtoken Stanley Goldstein leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication that has created jobs for thousands and improved the health outcomes for millions. prgtoken He will be deeply missed, but his legacy endures.
IT IS TIME FOR CONGRESS TO ENHANCE SOCIAL SECURITY
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-6-25

I rise today to talk about the Nation's number one antipoverty program for the elderly and the number one antipoverty program for our Nation's children, which is Social Security. prgtoken , I am here today to talk about why we need to vote in this Chamber and why we need to take action. Astoundingly, Congress hasn't taken action in over 53 years, which may surprise the members in the gallery and you as well, . prgtoken Richard Nixon was President of the United States the last time Congress enhanced Social Security. Congress is the only body that can do this. The President can't do it through executive order, and it is nothing that the Supreme Court is going to take up. Only Members of this institution can help out people. prgtoken There are more than 70 million Social Security recipients in the country today, . More than 10,000 baby boomers a day become eligible for Social Security, and we haven't enhanced a benefit for them in over 53 years. prgtoken Now, the Study Committee has come up with a plan. They say what we need to do is cut $1.5 trillion out of Social Security over the next 10 years, and they say they want to raise the age. prgtoken , as you know, for every year you raise the age, that is a 7 percent cut in benefits. Raising the age to 70 is a 21 percent across-the-board cut to people that haven't had a benefit enhancement since 1971. prgtoken I don't know how that makes any sense, given the needs of our senior citizens and also, quite frankly, given prgtoken the needs of our children. Also, more veterans rely on Social Security disability than they do on the VA. prgtoken That is why we have proposed Social Security 2100, which will enhance Social Security across the board for everyone. Let no one work all their lives and retire into poverty. prgtoken Currently, more than 5.5 million people who have paid into Social Security and worked all their lives get below-poverty-level checks from the United States Government. That is unfair. That is unjust. That is wrong, and Congress needs to take action. prgtoken If you just want to say how much you like Social Security, but you don't have a plan and you don't want to vote, then you are not doing anything for Social Security and you are content with its cuts. prgtoken If you want a study commission as some have said, what is it that you are going to study? What is it that you don't know about the last 51 years? People at home at their kitchen tables pretty clearly know that Congress needs to act and enhance Social Security and increase the benefits that haven't been given to them in more than 53 years. It is outrageous. prgtoken More Americans need to know about it, but Congress needs to act. The Ways and Means Committee has cognizance over Social Security. We should be taking this up. prgtoken If you have got a better idea than our plan to enhance Social Security, by all means bring it out. By all means, let's have a debate on it. For God's sake,
CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is more than just a historical marker. It is a cause for celebration. prgtoken Eastern North Carolinians of all ages came together from across the district to celebrate. We had a tremendous time watching talented local artists showcase their skills. Events were filled with vibrant art and music. There was food, vendors, and parades. prgtoken We had a fantastic time honoring history and coming together as a community. The sight of so many young people engaging was truly inspiring. I was thrilled to join so many constituents to celebrate this historic and powerful day of freedom.
HONORING JOHN WILEY WROTEN, JR.
Keith Self (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-25

I rise today to salute our soldiers of tomorrow, the service-bound academy students of the Third Congressional District of Texas. This district of Texas is home to some of the best and the brightest young people, and it is always an honor to recommend such fine students to our Nation's service academies. I am confident that they are ready to join the premier service academies and ultimately serve with the best of the United States Armed Forces. prgtoken This year, Texas' Third District is going to send six cadets to the United States Military Academy, two midshipmen to the United States Naval Academy, four cadets to the United States Air Force Academy, three midshipmen to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, two candidates to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, one candidate to the United States Military Academy Civil Preparatory School, one candidate to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and two candidates to the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. prgtoken To these 15 appointees and 6 preparatory candidates, God bless them. God bless America. I salute them. prgtoken To the United States Military Academy: Jack Alexander Clutter, David Ross Graham, Chelsie Son, Samantha Jean Tillson, Jayden Prescott Walker, and Nicholas David Yarad. prgtoken To the United States Naval Academy: Pope Akanna and Duncan Keith Sullivan. prgtoken To the United States Air Force Academy: Jonah Rae Aron Bowman, Julia Chang, DeSean Caleb Davis, and Jalen Joshua Davis. prgtoken To the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Timothy Maximilian Koeppl, Rhett Ownby Sawyer, and Parker Lenwood Tinsley. prgtoken To the United States Military Academy Preparatory School: Nathan Ooreoluwa Adejokun and Khristian L. Turner. prgtoken To the United States Military Academy Civil Preparatory School: Blake Ryan McKenna. prgtoken To the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School: Nickole Sophia Rios. prgtoken To the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School: Taylor Rae Carroll and Corbin Benzi Glass. prgtoken I congratulate each of them.
CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION OF THOMAS AUSTIN, ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-6-25

I rise, along with my fellow members of the Architect of the Capitol Congressional Commission-- of the House Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, former Chairwoman Kay Granger and incumbent Chairman Tom Cole of the Committee on Appropriations, and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as my Senate colleagues, the Senate Majority and Minority leaders, the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations--to congratulate Thomas Austin on his appointment to the role of Architect of the Capitol. prgtoken The Architect of the Capitol plays a vital role in welcoming millions of visitors to our Capitol and ensuring it is a functional workplace. Thomas Austin has managed construction projects and facilities of all sizes, maintained one of our nation's most hallowed landmarks, and served our country in the military. We are confident that with his extensive experience, Thomas Austin will be an adept and capable Architect of the Capitol. prgtoken The Commission also wants to thank Chief Engineer Chere Rexroat and Chief of Operations Joe DiPietro for their service as successive acting Architects of the Capitol over the past year. Their leadership over the past year provided stability for the AOC and reassured us all that the AOC could continue to fulfill its important mission to serve Congress and the public. They have the appreciation of a grateful congressional community.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHITLEY COUNTY 4-H FAIR
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-6-25

I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Whitley County 4-H Fair. prgtoken Though 1924 marked the first year of the fair's uninterrupted, century-long run, its history extends all the way back to 1856 in various forms. This long-standing tradition has made Whitley County a leader in Indiana fairs since before the American Civil War. prgtoken The fair has always been about helping, educating, and entertaining Hoosiers. But it has also fulfilled an even deeper role for Whitley County residents: fostering a sense of community. This is its most significant and cherished contribution. prgtoken Whether through its ball games, picnics, or opportunities for proud farmers to display their finest produce for neighbors, the fair has fostered countless moments of community over the past century. prgtoken This legacy is perhaps best exemplified by a 1935 article in the Prairie Farmer. When the marshal of that year's parade was thrown from his horse and broke his ankle, the farmers at the fair took up a collection to pay his medical bills and lost wages. The article states, ``That's the kind of folks these big-hearted Whitley County farmers are. They're always ready to help a neighbor . . .'' That was true then, and it remains true today. prgtoken The 4-H fair has made an indelible impact on the families, farmers, and businesses of Whitley County, and it will continue to do so for another hundred years or more. As the slogan for the fast-growing fair in 1935 declared: ``Forward, Whitley County!''
KOREAN AMERICAN DIVIDED FAMILIES NATIONAL REGISTRY ACT
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-6-25

the balance of my time for closing. prgtoken As a member of the AI task force, that was pretty cool to watch that actually go down just now for Ms. Wexton. prgtoken For far too long, the totalitarian regime in P'yongyang has denied Korean-American families the opportunity to reconnect with their family members in North Korea. prgtoken The Divided Families National Registry Act helps to lay the groundwork for those eventual reunions for which we continue to hope and work for. May that day arrive soon. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
CONGRATULATING JOHN EUNICE ON HIS RETIREMENT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate one of Georgia's best on his retirement from government service. prgtoken On June 27, Mr. John Eunice will retire after 43 years of service to the Department of the Air Force. Mr. Eunice has served on both Active Duty and in the career civil service. prgtoken Prior to taking his current position in 2008, John served in Active Duty for 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of colonel. While on Active Duty, he served two command tours, serving as commander of the 36th and the 347th Civil Engineer prgtoken Squadrons. He deployed three times over the course of his Active-Duty career, including twice into combat zones. prgtoken He received numerous awards and commendations over the course of his career, including the prestigious Newman Medal, which is awarded each year to the Air Force officer with the most significant contribution to military engineering in the entire U.S. Air Force. prgtoken John has dedicated his entire life to serving the United States, and today, I am proud to thank him for his service. I wish him well on a much-deserved retirement.
STOP THE WAR ON AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVERS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-6-25

. Madam , I would like to talk about the latest front in the administration's war on the middle class. They are all for the welfare class, and they are all for the superrich, but not the middle class. prgtoken We are used to hearing about the massive increase in costs of cars and light trucks as we are forced into electric vehicles. At least as I understand it, talking to my dealers, the cost of a car is probably going to go up about 25 percent. We are used to also hearing about the massive increase in car insurance that we are going to have as we go to electric vehicles. prgtoken We don't hear about the huge hammer coming down on the backbone of the American middle class, the American truck driver. I found out today that the cost of a new semi going from diesel to electric vehicle will go from $130,000 to over $300,000 a semi. As far as the amount that you are able to drive before refueling: from 1,200 miles back down to only 325 miles. prgtoken Congress must act to prevent President 's latest war on the truck driver, the backbone of the American middle class.