mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-9

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and risked their lives to defend our freedoms and way of life and took and lived the oath to ``support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic'' and bore true faith and allegiance to the same, an obligation they took freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.'' prgtoken Veterans are truly heroes walking among us. prgtoken I want to thank all of our armed serviceman and women for their selfless dedication to our protection every day. prgtoken Veterans Day is a reminder to all of us who live in freedom that as President Kennedy said, ``The price of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it.'' prgtoken This Veterans Day is a welcome opportunity to remember that the fallen who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country on battlefields around the world--in places whose names may be unforgettable--or locations that have slipped into the pages of history. prgtoken We will never forget: Revolutionary War: prgtoken Valley Forge prgtoken York Town Civil War: prgtoken The Battle of Antietam prgtoken The Battle of Gettysburg World War I: prgtoken The Battle of Argonne prgtoken Flanders Field prgtoken Verdun World War II: prgtoken Pearl Harbor prgtoken Battle of Bataan prgtoken The Battle of Midway prgtoken D-Day prgtoken Battle of the Bulge prgtoken Battle of Anzio prgtoken Battle of Corregidor Korean War: prgtoken Inchon prgtoken Heart Break Ridge prgtoken Pork Chop Hill Vietnam: prgtoken Tet Offensive prgtoken Battle of Hue Desert Storm: prgtoken September 11, 2001 prgtoken Pentagon Attack (125 killed) Operation Enduring Freedom: prgtoken Battle of Kandahar Operation Iraqi Freedom: prgtoken Second Battle of Fallujah prgtoken The memory of the fallen are never forgotten. prgtoken Madam , each Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who prgtoken have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. prgtoken The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. prgtoken Their sacrifices, and those of their families, are freedom's foundation. prgtoken Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guardsmen and women and their families, our country would not live so freely. prgtoken I offer my deepest gratitude to our nation's troops and reservists, their families, and the 21.6 million veterans, including 29,126 here in the 18th Congressional District. prgtoken 21.6 million brave men and women are veterans of our nation's military service. prgtoken This includes more than 2 million women, 2.7 million African American men and women, 1.5 million Hispanic men and women, 342,000 Asian American Pacific Islanders, and 178,000 American Indians. prgtoken Nine in ten military families believe the public does not understand or appreciate their sacrifices. prgtoken We use Veterans Day to show our veterans and mi
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT DALE EDWARDS
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-11-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Lieutenant Dale Edwards, a beloved community leader and police officer in York, South Carolina. prgtoken Lt. Edwards has dedicated over two decades of his life to serving our community. As York's community officer, Lt. Edwards is responsible for attending local events, organizing the Thanksgiving and Christmas meal drives and holiday gift drive, and training other officers. He has spent his career forging meaningful relationships with our community. As a testament to his commitment to service, Lt. Edwards has celebrated numerous Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by handing out $100 bills and turkeys to needy community members from his patrol car. He also regularly volunteers at Tender Hearts and works with local volunteers to collect donations for gifts, toys, and clothes to distribute. prgtoken Lt. Edwards consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. ln September of 2021, Lt. Edwards helped save the life of a fellow community member. During a morning service at Liberty Church, Glenn Raybon collapsed and suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Two registered nurses, Kelly Stewart and Reeanna Hinkle, jumped into action and began administering CPR. Lt. Edwards retrieved the automated external defibrillator and courageously delivered a shock to Mr. Raybon, who was able to begin breathing on his own and regained a palpable pulse. Mr. Raybon made a full recovery and was back in church three weeks later. prgtoken More recently, Lt. Edwards and his wife Robin organized a welcome home parade for a young woman named Maggie who left the hospital after a lengthy battle with COVID-19. On short notice, Lt. Edwards assembled a fire truck, three police cars, and more than twenty vehicles of community members to ride by and see Maggie's smiling face. The parade was a deeply moving experience for everyone involved. prgtoken These stories are not outliers for a day in the life of Lt. Edwards. His sense of service and selflessness is above reproach, leading him to earn the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. In the words of Mayor Mike Fuesser, Lt. Edwards ``is a true asset to the force and community.'' Others have described Lt. Edwards as a ``miracle from the Lord.'' His career is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our cities. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Lt. Edwards for his continued sacrifice and service. York is truly blessed to have him as a community guardian.
HONORING VETERAN EMILY QUILLEN
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-11-9

. Madam , I rise today to highlight a veteran constituent of mine, Emily Quillen of Anderson, Indiana. Emily is a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) peer mentor at Aspire Indiana. prgtoken As a veteran of the United States Army, Emily understands the difficulty of finding the necessary resources when returning home after service in the Armed Forces. In her current role, she connects veterans with available housing and assists them with needs like transportation, child care support, and the search for full-time employment. prgtoken I thank Emily for her continued service to our nation's veterans and Indiana's Fifth Congressional District.
ARIZONA MARINE PREVENTS ROBBERY
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-11-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and commend Marine veteran James Kilcer, whose exceptional heroism and extraordinary courage prevented an armed robbery at a Yuma, Arizona convenience store. prgtoken On October 20, three men, one of whom was armed, entered the convenience store where Mr. Kilcer was shopping. Acting without hesitation, Mr. Kilcer disarmed the gunman and detained him until police arrived. prgtoken Because of his heroism and swift action, no one was hurt and the robbers were all arrested. James Kilcer is well-deserving of the Citizen's Valor Award recently presented to him by the Yuma Sheriff Department. Madam , I commend Mr. James Kilcer for putting his own life on the line while aiding his fellow citizens.
LOST AT SEA MEMORIAL
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-9

. Madam , in August, I had the pleasure of attending the Fisherman Memorial ceremony in Gardner's Basin in Atlantic City. The Fisherman Memorial memorializes local South Jersey individuals who have been lost at sea, including veterans and Coastguardsman. This ceremony started the year after three men, Ed ``Hacksaw'' Peterson, Steve Hayes and Jeff Giannini, were lost at sea while traveling on a boat in August of 1999. Now, the ceremony is held every August on or near the anniversary of when the Hacksaw Crew went missing. May all the individuals that have been honored at the ceremony rest in peace. God Bless those lost at sea, and God Bless America.
RECOGNIZING ANTONIO ``TONY'' D'AGOSTINI FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND HIS COMMUNITY
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Antonio ``Tony'' D'Agostini of Sterling Heights, Michigan, for his decades long service to our country and his community. prgtoken Born in Italy, Tony soon moved with his family to Canada and then Michigan. In September of 1965, Tony was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 9th Infantry Division, 15th Engineer Battalion. After spending time at Fort Riley in Kansas, Tony was sent to Vietnam, spending a year there before returning home and leaving the service in August 1967. More than 50 years later, Tony still pays tribute and keeps the memory of his fallen comrades alive. Just this past week, Tony and his wife came to Washington for Veterans Day in order to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. prgtoken After his service, Tony spent some time in college before joining his dad and brother in the family construction company. Tony retired a few years ago, after roughly a half century of work. Outside of work, Tony has given back to his community. For example, he has an annual car show that raises money for soup kitchens, and he has given money to organizations such as Forgotten Harvest, who help ensure food that would otherwise go to waste is delivered to the hungry. His philosophy is simple, as he said, ``we just help people that really need help.'' For his philanthropic efforts, Tony was the recent recipient of a humanitarian award. prgtoken Madam , Tony D'Agostini is a selfless American patriot. He has served his country with honor and his community with compassion. The legacy he has built is one of altruism and of thoughtfulness for others. I hope he is proud of the contributions he has made to this country and its citizens. I thank Tony for his service, for keeping the memory of America's heroes alive, and for his devotion to others. He has set an example I hope all will follow. I wish him nothing but the best as he continues to lead a life of selfless dedication to others.
SENATOR JIM JONES BIRTHDAY
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , today I rise to recognize former Nebraska State Senator, Jim Jones, on the occasion of his 90th Birthday. prgtoken I had the honor to serve alongside Senator Jones as a Member of Nebraska's Unicameral Legislature, allowing me to witness his dedication to rural communities. His commitment assured that our farmers, ranchers, and all Sandhills residents had a passionate voice in the Legislature. prgtoken His family, friends, and community know well his passion for rural life. We are all grateful for his servant leadership. Congratulations again to Jim Jones on his 90th Birthday.
RECOGNIZING TEXAS MEMORIAL ILLUMINATION AT SAN JACINTO IN LA PORTE, TX
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association, the Texas Historical Commission, and the volunteers honoring the thousands of Texans who selflessly gave their lives in armed conflict around the world. From the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 through the war in Afghanistan, 21,500 Texan lives have been lost. prgtoken On November 13, 2021, volunteers will place and light 21,500 luminaries on the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to honor every Texan who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each luminary reminds us that freedom is not free and honors all those who humbly gave their lives to protect our liberties, prgtoken Madam , I would like to recognize and express my gratitude to ``The Texas Memorial Illumination at San Jacinto'' and their volunteers for their hard work to honor those Texans who died fighting for what they believed in.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF WILLARD KINZER
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to my long-time friend Willard Kinzer, a World War II veteran, racecar driver, and successful businessman in Eastern Kentucky. He is a loyal patriot of this great nation, a generous philanthropist for Kentucky's Appalachian communities and an innovative leader for the Kinzer Drilling Company. prgtoken One of the most iconic symbols in Eastern Kentucky has become the giant American flag flying in front of the Kinzer Drilling headquarters in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. It represents Willard's consummate pride in the American way of life, our military, and his dedication to the people of our region. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Willard joined the U.S. Navy when he was only 16 years old--he adjusted his birth certificate, determined to help his country in World War II. He narrowly missed the deadly explosion on ammunition ship USS Mount Hood just before he was sent back home to the United States. That explosion killed the entire 300-plus crew on board and nearly 100 more crew members on the nearby USS Mindanao. It injured 371 more, sank 22 small boats and damaged 18 larger ships. On that day, Willard's perspective forever changed, and he began living with a new fearless lease on life. prgtoken Willard Kinzer is the type of person who wakes up and hits the ground running. In fact, he has a sign at home that says ``Life begins at 200 mph.'' With a passion for fast cars, he has won countless trophies and awards for drag racing and hill climbing competitions over the years, and he holds the record for being the first person in history to drive a stock suspension car faster than 230 miles per hour. It should come as no surprise that he celebrated his 90th birthday winning a drag race championship in Bristol, Tennessee. He is truly a thrill-seeker at heart. prgtoken For 70 years, he was blessed to share every adventure with his wife, Lucy. Together, they raised a beautiful family and invested in local communities, helping build the Mountain Arts Center, the Wesley Christian School in Allen, and Hope in the Mountains in Prestonsburg. They also grew the Kinzer Drilling Company into a successful gas and oil business, spanning 800 miles in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. prgtoken On this Veterans Day, I count it a great honor to join the people of Eastern Kentucky in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of Willard Kinzer, saluting him for his valiant service during World War II and his continued work across Eastern Kentucky.
RECOGNIZING THE WWI MOBILE MUSEUM
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , as we gather this Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the valiant men and women who dedicated their lives to preserving our freedoms through service to our great nation. prgtoken What was proclaimed as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919 in commemoration of the end of the first World War, is now a day to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve in times of peace and war. By remembering the service and sacrifice of those who have borne the battle, we acknowledge their courageous efforts and work towards preserving peace for future generations. prgtoken Today, I recognize Keith Colley, founder of the WWI Mobile Museum, who provides an invaluable opportunity for all generations to honor the rich history of the Great War through the display of the various artifacts ranging from trench warfare, to photographic and cinematic treatment of the war. Appropriately named the ``Lest We Forget'' exhibit, stemming from President Woodrow Wilson's speech following the war, keeping the memory of WWI alive is a show of respect for the men and women who served and who ultimately perished during the conflict. prgtoken In his time as a bereavement counselor in hospice care, Mr. Colley found by sharing his own experience visiting the National WWI Museum and Memorial, he was able to tap into patient memories that were previously not accessible. Mr. Colley's initial collection of artifacts and photographs fully immersed his patients in their own memories, providing a meaningful experience that extended beyond traditional care. prgtoken In partnership with the WWI Centennial Commission, the WWI Mobile Museum began touring around the country in 2015, making stops at multiple sites including schools, senior living communities, and historical museums. The museum has since provided citizens of all ages and stages with an opportunity to learn and reflect on the significance of WWI through its display of artifacts from what was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. prgtoken Now, as we recognize the contributions of the WWI Mobile Museum in preserving these historical artifacts as a learning tool for future generations, I ask that you join me in honoring efforts to help others to remember the past by preserving our culture.
WISHES FOR PEACE BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , it has been over a year since the end of the 2020 44-day prgtoken war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This short, but furious and deadly, conflict stemmed from historical differences regarding geographic territory based on ethnicity and religion. I do not pretend to know the details of this conflict. The seeds for this conflict were sown decades ago, perhaps even a century ago, with the advent of the Soviet Union as well as the decline of the Ottoman Empire. prgtoken Here is what I do know. The Armenians and the Azerbaijanis deserve to live and prosper in peace. Nations require territorial integrity. The boundaries of a given nation should also reflect history, ethnicity, and religious differences to minimize conflict. prgtoken I am hopeful for the future that these two nations, both with a proud and great history, will be able to resume their relationship in peace and that the parties work, in good faith, to resolve their issues without bullets. prgtoken God bless the people there and through His will it is my hope peace will prevail.
HONORING THE 77TH NATIONAL PEANUT FESTIVAL IN DOTHAN, ALABAMA
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , today, I rise to recognize the 77th National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama, the ``Peanut Capital of the World.'' prgtoken As the men and women of my home state of Alabama know well, we have been blessed with a rich history in agriculture--largely thanks to the peanut. prgtoken In the early 1900s, as boll weevils devastated cotton crops and producers across the southeastern United States, Alabama farmers began to instead plant peanuts. This decision to diversify ultimately preserved the struggling region and led to new levels of success for its people. prgtoken Having grown up on a family farm, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed in farming. Genesis 2:15 says, ``then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.'' That is exactly what our farmers continue to do in South Alabama. prgtoken Today, we are proud to boast that the majority of all peanuts produced in the United States are grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. prgtoken Since November of 1938, when Dr. George Washington Carver addressed the very first National Peanut Festival, countless friends and families have gathered to celebrate the annual harvest and the many successes the peanut has brought to the Wiregrass. prgtoken The festival has grown from a three-day event in 1938 to a full ten- day celebration in 2021, with over 200,000 expected attendees. prgtoken I am proud that Alabama has continued this tradition--a tradition that commemorates the true grit of our people and the pride we have in our history. prgtoken I join the Second Congressional District of Alabama, as well as the entire state, in congratulating the National Peanut Festival on its 77th year, and I look forward to celebrating with this community for many years to come.
RECOGNIZING BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Bakersfield College for their incredible work and commitment to higher education. prgtoken Bakersfield College is a vital institution in our community. The staff, students, and faculty of this school are completely dedicated to quality education and are a model to all of us in California's Central Valley. prgtoken This year, Bakersfield College has once again received statewide recognition for their commitment to excellence by being awarded the Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity. This award recognizes Bakersfield College for their creative work to advance educational success among their students, many of whom are first generation Americans. prgtoken This is the fourth consecutive year that Bakersfield College will be receiving recognition as a Champion of Higher Education. Winning this award year after year demonstrates their commitment to creative solutions that help students grow academically, as well as reduce barriers to entry. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the incredible work of both the students and faculty of Bakersfield College. They are a vital part of our community, and I wish them continued success in their enduring pursuit to provide high-quality education opportunities to our community.
RECOGNIZING TIEFFA ``TI'' HARPER AND HER SERVICE TO THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise, along with myy colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chair of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, to prgtoken thank Tieffa ``Ti'' Harper for her service to the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken Ti came to the Committee as a detailee from the Federal Public Defender's Office earlier this year, and she has contributed greatly to the work of the committee. Ti has worked on a broad range of issues, including, among other areas, reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, oversight of the Bureau of Prisons, sentencing reform-- including addressing the crack cocaine sentencing disparity through the EQUAL Act--and juvenile justice. prgtoken The Committee has significantly benefited from Ti's insight as a public defender, her sophisticated legal analysis skills, and her knowledge of the criminal justice system. Ti was able to quickly jump into the work of the Committee when her detail began, expertly analyzing complex legislation, drafting policy options to address some of the most pressing criminal justice issues of our time, and preparing for hearings and markups. prgtoken The Committee and the American people have been fortunate to have Ti as a strong advocate for a more just legal system during her time working in Congress. While we will miss Ti greatly, we congratulate her on her new position with the Southern Poverty Law Center. prgtoken We thank Ti for her service to the Committee and wish her the best of luck with this new chapter.