mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today for myself and Members of the Illinois delegation to speak about Northern Illinois University, my alma mater and a major contributor to the life, health and future of the Midwest and beyond. prgtoken This year, NIU celebrates its 125th anniversary. Like so many state universities across our great country, NIU began as a ``normal school,'' or teachers college. In the late 1800s, 11 million people had moved from farms to cities, and our country had welcomed 25 million new immigrants. The need for better access to education was exceeded only by the need for more teachers--and schools like NIU were created to meet those needs. prgtoken From the beginning, NIU has been an institution committed to providing opportunity for underserved students--students who are the first in their families to attend college, students of color and students with high financial need. Today nearly 75 percent of NIU students fall into one or more of those categories, with about 45 percent Pell grant-eligible, 50 percent students of color and 50 percent first generation college students. At the same time, NIU excels in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge. In 2017, the Brookings Institution gave NIU high rankings for excellence at the intersection of research accomplishments and the creation of social mobility for students exposed to hands-on research and other opportunities they might not otherwise experience. prgtoken NIU faculty are not only great teachers, but many are world-renowned scientists, authors, and policy experts. They study climate change, look for ways to improve physical and mental health, create fuel-saving vehicles, expand the boundaries of visual and performance art, explore ancient and modern cultures and much more. A host of federal agencies have expressed confidence in NIU through grant awards for study of such diverse areas as Southeast Asian languages and cultures, assistive technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired, and new devices for the Department of Homeland Security to keep air travel safe. prgtoken Nearly 250,000 alumni in the northern Illinois region and around the world are making a difference in their chosen fields. The impact of this outstanding institution has earned the respect and attention of a grateful state and nation. As a proud alumna, I am honored to join my colleagues to congratulate Northern Illinois University on this, its 125th anniversary.
HONORING ALAN TURING AS A DISTINGUISHED MATHEMATICIAN AND HERO
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , Alan Turing was a brilliant English mathematician, founder of modern computer science and a World War II hero. prgtoken His contributions during the war, especially his work alongside others in cryptography, were hailed as ``priceless'' by our own President Eisenhower. By breaking German military-codes, Turing helped to quickly win the Battle of the Atlantic, without which the Allies may not have been able to launch D-Day in 1944. His efforts helped to shorten the war, possibly by years, saving incalculable human life. prgtoken Even today, our lives are impacted by his work. Turing is credited with creating the modern computer concept and helping to found computer science by theorizing a programmable machine capable of computing anything computable. prgtoken Yet Turing was more than just a mathematician, an inventor or a hero. Turing was a gay man. Because he was gay, he faced persecution for merely being who he was. In 1952, just seven years after he had helped defeat the Nazis, he was prosecuted for being in a gay relationship and forced to undergo chemical castration to avoid prison. prgtoken Two years later, in 1954, he died, possibly by suicide. He was only 41. prgtoken Turing's life is a reminder of how brilliant anyone could be, no matter what the world perceived them or of whom they loved. His life also serves as a reminder of the harm and costs that accompany discrimination and prejudice. We will never know what else Alan Turing might have discovered had he been accepted, and what he might have accomplished had his life not been cut so short. We do know that the world owes him a great deal of gratitude, and for that, we honor him for LGBTQ History Month.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LESLIE ``LES'' OUTERBRIDGE
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Leslie ``Les'' Outerbridge, a man who lead a life of selfless bravery and held a keen devotion to justice. Born in 1936, Les Outerbridge was raised in Chicago's Cabrini--Green Homes and initially attended Wells Community Academy High School at the age of 12, later leaving high school in 1953 at the age of 15 and volunteering to serve his country in the United States Air Force. An avid athlete as a young man, Outerbridge played three sports, football, basketball, and baseball on his Air Force installation. Later in his life, Outerbridge would return to school, receiving a Bachelor's in Science from Chicago State University in 1981. prgtoken Feeling that he still had more to give to his community and country after serving in the armed forces, Outerbridge joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1961. While dutifully and bravely serving his community, Outerbridge was not afraid to simultaneously fight the fires of injustice within the fire department. For much of the 1960s and 1970s, the percentage of minorities serving in the fire department was under five percent. Furthermore, when African-American or Hispanic firefighters were given the opportunity to put their lives on the line for their fellow Chicagoans, they found themselves stifled by a systemically racist department that made promotion unattainable. prgtoken Unable to stand by and watch this injustice pervade the department he was a part of, Outerbridge sprang into action. Working with key community leaders and activists including Father George Clements and Kermit Coleman, an attorney, and civil rights organizations including Operation PUSH and the Urban League, Outerbridge set out to end the unfair treatment of African-Americans in the Chicago Fire Department. Along with his fellow firefighters Jim Winbush and Wesley Thompson, Outerbridge founded the Afro American Firefighters League (AAFL). prgtoken Madam , it is difficult to understate the positive impact of the Afro American Firefighters league on the Chicago Fire Department. Outerbridge and the AAFL worked diligently to document the racial discrimination they found within the Department, and their work would lead to the United States Department of Justice filing suit against the City of Chicago, resulting in a consent decree that mandated the Department increase its total number of African-American firefighters from 125 to at least 400. prgtoken While work remains to be done to build a Chicago Fire Department that is reflective of the city it serves, the legacy of Outerbridge's work continues. In 2011, a lawsuit brought by African-American Chicago firefighters made it all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, which ruled that over 6,000 African-American applicants for positions within the Chicago Fire Department could pursue a disparate impact claim against the city. The Supreme Court's ruling helped pave the way to a settlemen
SALUTING COAST GUARD SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG
Charlie Crist (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I am honored to express my gratitude to the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard stationed at Coast Guard Sector Saint Petersburg, and all the units within Pinellas County. They consistently perform with honor, respect, and devotion to duty throughout Florida, our nation, and among our international maritime community; even in times of crisis, uncertainty, and emerging threats. prgtoken Between fiscal years 2019 and 2020 alone, Sector St. Petersburg ran over 1400 Search and Rescue cases, the third highest across the nation. More importantly, they saved 320 and assisted 1858 lives. In addition, they helped keep our waterways beautiful and clean by conducting 726 Marine Environmental Protection cases. To keep the Marine Transportation System moving safely and efficiently, often described as the lifeblood or our economy, with $5.4 trillion in annual impact, they expertly conducted 294 Marine Safety cases. And, among the many other accomplishments, Sector St. Pete helped maintain our security by leading 173 Security missions, and 761 Law enforcement missions. prgtoken If that body of work was not impressive enough, I am particularly proud of how they've managed to step up to the plate in the face of adversity. From our ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and hurricanes, or an uncertain budgetary environment--they continue to live up to their motto of ``Semper Paratus''--Always Ready.
REMEMBERING BISHOP LEE WARD
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor Bishop Lee Ward, the former senior pastor of Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ in Memphis, who passed on Tuesday at the age of 97. Bishop Ward, a native of Abbeville, Alabama, joined the Marine Corps in April 1943 and was later recognized with a 2012 Congressional Gold Medal as one of the remaining 362 Montfort Point Marines for their service during World War II. On the reverse of that cherished medal reads this inscription: ``For Outstanding Perseverance and Courage that Inspired Social Change in the Marine Corps.'' Bishop Ward went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam Wars in 26 years with the Marines, retiring as a master gunnery sergeant. As pastor of Greater Harvest COGIC, Bishop Ward served for 42 years before turning over his legacy to his son, Elder Renardo Ward. I express my condolences to Bishop Ward's wife, Julia, his children and grandchildren, his many friends and the entire Greater Harvest and COGIC community. Bishop Ward led an exemplary life, and he will be missed.
OVERDUE RECOGNITION OF VALOR FOR VETERAN RENE TALBOTT
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I would like to call attention to bravery that has gone unrecognized until now. Sergeant Rene Talbott served honorably in the United States Air Force from November 2, 1967 to November 1, prgtoken 1973, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 2018, Mr. Talbott requested his service records from the National Archive and discovered in an evaluation from 1968 that his superior officer had recommended him for a Bronze Star Medal. No further action was taken at the time, and Sgt. Talbott was not informed. Upon discovering the recommendation, former Sgt. Talbott, now in his 80s, took immediate action and applied to have his service record changed to reflect the Medal. Unfortunately, the passage of over half a century between then and now means that Airmen and others who witnessed his actions and who could provide evidence of his valor have all died. His request to have his record amended was denied. Though he has appealed, the likelihood of a change is very small. prgtoken Nonetheless, Rene Talbott deserves to have his actions acknowledged. With this entry into the official proceedings of the Congress of the United States, I call attention to the strength and courage he displayed during his active duty service with this excerpt from Airman Talbott's evaluation: prgtoken During his training, he showed an outstanding ability to learn and to retain what he learned. This was demonstrated on 30 May 1968, when as assistant machine gunner during a fire fight with an enemy of unknown strength and size, he reacted in a professional manner. He assisted the machine gunner in spotting targets and directing his fire. His self- control under fire showed his good discipline and outstanding ability to react under adverse conditions. For his action in this incident Airman Talbott was recommended for the Bronze Star. prgtoken While I still hope that Mr. Talbott will succeed in having his service record reflect the awarding of the Bronze Star, with this entry into the official record of the Proceedings of the U.S. Congress, I call attention to his dedication, his courage, and his integrity. The heroic actions that originally inspired Airman Talbott's chain of command to recommend him for the Bronze Star are now on full display for public recognition.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF LISA SU, PH.D.
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Lisa Su, President and Chief Executive Officer at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) who is being presented with the Spirit of Silicon Valley Lifetime of Achievement Award by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG). This annual Award honors an individual who has had a transformative impact on Silicon Valley. prgtoken Lisa Su was born in Taiwan and came to the United States with her family at the age of three. She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and earned her Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. degrees at MIT. prgtoken Dr. Su is being honored by SVLG for her extraordinary leadership of AMD and her commitment to our community and to Silicon Valley. She has served as Co-Chair of San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo's Silicon Valley Recovery Roundtable. In October 2014, Dr. Su was named President and Chief Executive Officer of AMD, and is a member of the company's Board of Directors. Dr. Su joined AMD in January 2012 as Senior Vice President and General Manager of global business units. prgtoken Prior to joining AMO, she was Senior Vice President at Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. where she was responsible for global strategy, marketing and engineering for the company's embedded communications and applications processor business. Prior to Freescale she spent 13 years at IBM in various engineering and business leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of IBM's Semiconductor Research and Development Center, responsible for the strategic direction of the company's silicon technologies, joint development alliances and semiconductor R&D operations. Prior to IBM, she was a member of the technical staff at Texas Instruments from 1994-1995. prgtoken Dr. Su has published more than 40 technical articles and was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers in 2009. In 2018, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, was named ``Businessperson of the Year'' by Fortune Magazine and received the prestigious Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award. In 2019, Dr. Su was named one of the World's 50 Best CEOs by Barron's, one of the ``Most Powerful Women in Business'' by Fortune Magazine and was included in The Bloomberg 50 list of people who defined the year. In 2020, Dr. Su was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Science. prgtoken Dr. Su serves on the Boards of Cisco Inc. and the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association and is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA). prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring Dr. Lisa Su as she is presented with the Spirit of Silicon Valley Lifetime of Achievement Award. She has earned and richly deserves this great honor.
HONORING KRISTOPHER THIGPEN
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Kristopher Thigpen, a native of Taylorsville, Mississippi. Football and athletics have always been a very important part of his life growing up. After having a stellar career in high school, he signed with Jackson State University and was a member of the football team. He then transferred and played at Jones College. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor's degree. prgtoken He has served as a middle and high school coach with stops in North Forest High School, Collins High School and Carver Middle School, Coffeeville High School and Ridgeland High School before going to Terry High School last year as offensive coordinator. Over the course of ten years as an educator and a coach, he has helped 33 football players receive college scholarships, was Head Coach of the Year at Ridgeland High School in 2019, and won a total of four state championships as a player and a coach. prgtoken He resides in Byram, Mississippi, with his wife, Mrs. Michele Thigpen, and has three children: Jekhyla, Krishon, and Kasen. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Kristopher Thigpen.
RECOGNIZING THE 97TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the government and people of the Republic of Turkey on the 97th anniversary of October 29, 1923, when Turkey became a Republic. prgtoken It was on this day in 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the visionary leader of modern Turkey, became its first President. Under his leadership, Turkey rose from the ashes of a war-torn country into a confident, stable, and growing democracy. prgtoken Turkey and the United States have been NATO Allies since 1952. Our soldiers have been serving side by side for almost seven decades in crises and conflicts in a vast geography, ranging from Afghanistan to Kosovo. prgtoken Turkey is an important ally and partner of the United States in facing 21st century challenges. prgtoken According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Turkey is now the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. prgtoken Turkish Americans are an important part of the fabric of the United States, as evidenced by their contributions to the arts, science, academia, and business. prgtoken Turkish Americans serve as goodwill ambassadors promoting greater understanding between the United States and Turkey, by educating people in the United States about Turkey's rich cultural heritage, and the importance of the partnership to advance mutual interests between the United States and Turkey. prgtoken I rise today to congratulate my friends in the United States and Turkey on the 97th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF KENNETH E. JONES
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of Mr. Kenneth E. Jones of Whitley County. prgtoken Next week, on Sunday, November 1, Mr. Jones will celebrate his 100th birthday. To Mr. Jones: congratulations on this wonderful occasion. I hope his heart is filled with joy knowing he has experienced our country's greatest blessings, including the affection of family and friends over a long, well-lived life. prgtoken Our Nation owes Mr. Jones a tremendous debt of gratitude for his dedicated service to our country in the United States Navy during World War II. Serving as a landing craft operator in the South Pacific, his sacrifices were critical to the defense of our homeland and ensured security and prosperity for millions of people. prgtoken As the oldest veteran in Whitley County, I, and the entirety of Congress, send Mr. Jones best wishes as he celebrates this historic milestone. prgtoken Mr. Jones' legacy of service is a proud part of our Nation's remarkable story. This record is a testament to his commitment to the American people and ideals to which our Nation strive.
TRIBUTE TO RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL FRANK TONEY, JR., UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL FORCES
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Retired Brigadier General Frank Toney, Jr United States Army Special Forces, who passed away on August 6, 2020, at the age of 70. prgtoken Frank Toney was born in Tampa, Florida, on March 1, 1950, where he was raised until he graduated from Henry B. Plant High School in 1968. He attended Arkansas State University on an athletic scholarship and was a part of Arkansas State's championship football team that went undefeated in 1970. He graduated in 1972 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the Red Wolf Battalion ROTC program and received an active duty commission as an infantry officer with the United States Army. prgtoken As a Lieutenant, Toney served with the 7th Psychological Operations Group, 1st Special Forces Group, and the 51st Infantry Regiment. After graduating the Advanced Infantry Officer Course, Captain Toney assumed his first company command with the highly esteemed 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. Following this command, Toney became a Special Forces officer after earning his green beret. Toney was then promoted to Major in 1981 and served four years with the 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College in 1986 and was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School where his incredible leadership shaped the intensive Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course responsible for evaluating and selecting the best candidates to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course. prgtoken Toney was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, and his leadership would shape special operations in the Middle East and Africa throughout the 1990s. He led 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group in combat during Operation Desert Storm. He was promoted to Colonel after attending the National War College and commanded the 10th Special Forces Group between 1992 and 1994. Toney then served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and then as Deputy Commander of Anny Special Operations Command before he was promoted to Brigadier General and commanded all Special Operations Forces under Special Operations Command Central during Operation Desert Fox. prgtoken Toney is best known as the Commander of the United States Special Forces Command during the initial push into Afghanistan where he radically shifted the Special Forces mission towards unconventional warfare to effectively fight the Taliban. Under his command, Special Forces were able to rally together and lead the Northern Alliance of tribes to liberate Afghanistan from the Taliban. prgtoken Toney retired from the United States Army in January 2002, but even in retirement he continued to serve as an advisor upholding United States interests throughout Africa and the Middle East. In fact, in February 2012, the United States Army Special Forces Regiment recognized Toney as a Distinguished Member in
IN MEMORY OF EARL ``JIM'' LINEBAUGH
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-10-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an outstanding Pennsylvanian, Mr. Earl E. ``Jim'' Linebaugh. A member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Linebaugh served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. A lifelong resident of Adams County, he was an incredible member of our community throughout his life. prgtoken Mr. Linebaugh was born on September 23, 1922, in Washington Township, the son of the late Amos and Lucy L. (Stine) Linebaugh. prgtoken In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, Mr. Linebaugh was employed with East Berlin Feed Mills for many years before retiring from Sprenkle Feed Mills in York. prgtoken He was the husband to Mildred E. (McManus) Linebaugh, who died in 1986, and the late wife Loretta (Crook) Linebaugh. Mr. Linebaugh had ten children and numerous grandchildren, whom he adored. In addition to his work and life with his family, Mr. Linebaugh also was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Abbottstown and a robust member of the Adams County community. prgtoken When he passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at 97, Mr. Linebaugh left an indelible impression on both our community and our nation. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, it is my privilege to honor the life and service of Earl ``Jim'' Linebaugh. I offer my deepest sympathies to prgtoken the Linebaugh family and Jim's many loved ones. This American hero will not be forgotten, and I will continue to honor his remarkable legacy in Adams County and America.