mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING COOPER KUPP'S VICTORY IN SUPER BOWL LVI
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate one of Central Washington's native sons on his remarkable accomplishments, and to commend him on his sportsmanship, character, and honorable representation of his community. From his time as a student athlete at Davis High School in Yakima to his impressive career at Eastern Washington University to leading the Los Angeles Rams to a show- stopping win and being named MVP at Super Bowl LVI, Cooper Kupp prgtoken is an inspiration and source of pride for Central Washingtonians and Americans across the country. prgtoken While his achievements on the field are truly laudable, it is Cooper's character off the field that makes him a role model to whom we can all look up to. prgtoken A dedicated teammate, father, and husband, Cooper has demonstrated sportsmanship, humility, faith, and gratitude--offering thanks to God and family for his successes, rather than taking credit for himself. His words in the wake of winning the most anticipated sporting event in the country remind us that we should all live in service of something greater than ourselves, and that we should operate ``from victory, not for victory.'' prgtoken As someone who has spent my life in the Yakima Valley, I want to thank Cooper Kupp for serving as a shining example of the very best our community has to offer. I congratulate him and his teammates on their victory in Super Bowl LVI, and I wish the entire Kupp family a joyous and restful period of celebration. Cooper's hometown couldn't be more proud of him.
IN HONOR OF DETECTIVE DANNY NG, UNITED STATES PARK POLICE
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor Danny Ng, a detective with the Department of the Interior, United States Park Police, who is retiring on February 26, 2022, after twenty-seven years of federal service. Mr. Ng is the first Asian American to serve as a detective investigator within the New York Field Office of the U.S. Park Police. prgtoken In July 1994, Detective Danny Ng began his federal law enforcement career in the United States Customs, New York Field Office, and was assigned to JFK Int'l Airport. On January 26, 1997, Danny Ng was sworn in as a U.S. Park Police Officer assigned to Rock Creek Park Station, Washington, DC. prgtoken In 1998, Detective Ng transferred to the New York Regional office of the United States Park Police and patrolled the National Park Service lands within the confines of Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens as well as Manhattan iconic sites: the Statue of Liberty and Federal Hall. In November 2009, Mr. Ng was promoted to detective and was assigned to the New York Field Office, Criminal Investigations Branch where he investigated felony and violent crimes in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. As the senior detective, Detective Ng, trained and mentored new officers and detectives. prgtoken Detective Ng participated and earned recognition in the following high-profile investigations: The September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks; Flight 587 plane crash in Rockaway, Queens as well as other unit citation awards. Detective Ng also was detailed to Washington D.C. on occasions where he served as a protection officer for several Presidential Inaugurations including the Inauguration of former President Donald J. . prgtoken Mr. Danny Ng is also a 25-year member and former NYS Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Police, USPP Lodge.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF DR. WILLIAM SLIKKER, JR.
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the service of Dr. William Slikker, Jr a committed servant of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in Jefferson, Arkansas. Dr. Slikker will soon retire from his role as NCTR Director, where he served the American people and his local Arkansas community with distinction since his appointment in 2005. prgtoken Dr. William Slikker, Jr has been a leader in his field, holding committee chairmanships or elected offices in several scientific societies including the Teratology Society and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He has authored or co-authored over 350 publications in the areas of transplacental pharmacokinetics, developmental neurotoxicology, neuroprotection, systems biology, and risk assessment. And he recently co-edited the Second Edition of the ``Handbook of Developmental Neurotoxicology,'' which is a comprehensive and updated view of important research in the field bridging developmental neuroscience with the principles of neurotoxicology. Leaders and educators like Dr. Slikker are what make the Fourth District of Arkansas so special and why NCTR is such an exceptional institution worthy of continued support. prgtoken I take this time today to congratulate Dr. William Slikker, Jr on his service. I thank him for his dedication to our fellow citizens and our beloved Fourth District of Arkansas, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.
HONORING THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND FAMILIES IMPACTED BY THE MARSHALL FIRE
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor the families who lost so much during the Marshall Fire in Colorado as well as the brave and selfless first responders who answered the call following this tragedy. prgtoken On December 30, 2021, the Marshall fire started near Marshall Road and Highway 93 in Boulder County. This massive fire engulfed several neighborhoods, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses, caused more than $575 million in damage, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Rather than celebrating the new year with their loved ones, families in Boulder County, the Town of Superior, and the City of Louisville were displaced and left wondering how they would recover from the terrible disaster. prgtoken Firefighters, law enforcement officers, search and rescue crews, National Guardsmen, emergency medical technicians, nurses, and others from across Colorado stepped up and came rushing in to control the fire and help local communities evacuate safely and begin the process of rebuilding. In the face of tremendous tragedy, they ran to help. prgtoken The Marshall Fire was the most destructive fire in Colorado history. Despite the dangerous conditions, our emergency responders worked tirelessly to save property and lives. I am so proud of these Colorado heroes. prgtoken I will continue to pray for those who lost so much during the Marshall Fire, their families and loved ones, our first responders, and all of those who suffered loss from the Marshall Fire. May God bless them, may God bless the state of Colorado, and may God bless America.
INTRODUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise to introduce the United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. Approximately 200,000 African American men served in the Union Army and 19,000 African American men served in the Union Navy. I am proud to present this overdue expression of our national appreciation for these remarkable individuals. Senator Cory Booker has introduced the companion bill. prgtoken Since the colonial era, African Americans have served the United States in times of war. prgtoken While African American men served in the Navy since its establishment, there was resistance to enlisting them to take up arms for the Union Army at the start of the Civil War. It was not until January 1, 1863, when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, that the Union Army was ordered to receive African American men. On May 22, 1863, the United States War Department issued General Order Number 143, which established the Bureau of Colored Troops for the recruitment and organization of regiments of the Union Army composed of African American men, called the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Leaders such as Frederick Douglass encouraged African Americans to enlist to advance the cause of citizenship: ``Once let the [B]lack man get upon his person the brass letter, `U.S.', let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on [E]arth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship,'' wrote Douglass. prgtoken African American sailors constituted a significant segment of the Union Navy, making up 20 percent of the Navy's total enlisted force. Although there were rank restrictions on African Americans in the Navy before the Civil War, this policy changed after the establishment of the USCT, when the Union Navy started to compete with the Union Army for enlistment of African Americans. Yet, in practice, most African Americans could not advance beyond the lowest ranks of ``boy'' and ``landsman.'' In the Union Army, USCT fought at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana; in Petersburg, Virginia; and in Nashville, Tennessee, among other sites. The USCT at first were paid less, were given used uniforms and poor equipment and could never become officers. Many USCT were assigned as guards on fortifications throughout the Union, including the Defenses of Washington, which, by 1865, was one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world. During the Civil War, African American women were not allowed to formally enlist as soldiers or sailors, though they served as nurses, cooks, spies and scouts for the Union Army and the Union Navy. prgtoken For generations after the Civil War, the contributions of the African Americans who served with Union forces were excluded from historical memory. Not until Public Law No. 102-412, which I sponsored and whic
IN RECOGNITION OF VANESSA FLUKER
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Vanessa Fluker, a Detroit resident and our guardian for housing rights, as she begins her positions of Attorney General and Law Commissioner of the Maipuri Arauan Nation. prgtoken Vanessa Fluker has been practicing law for more than a decade in Michigan. We call her the ``People's Lawyer'' for tremendous amount of pro-bono work she provides on behalf of Detroit's working families. With a long record of court victories, she continues to fight to stop illegal evictions and uses her experience to change policies that hurt our most vulnerable. Attorney Fluker has also launched a campaign against predatory lending practices and real estate scams that target our communities. Her work has been recognized in the halls of Congress as she was asked to testify before the 111th Congress' Judiciary and the 116th Congress' Financial Services Committees. She has also been awarded the Harriet Tubman Award in 2010, the Golden Gavel Award from the Wolverine Bar Association in 2011, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from United Community Housing Coalition in 2012. prgtoken I am proud to have worked along her side as a young college student and later fighting with her for housing justice. Michigan's 13th District is indebted to her for protecting us from predatory lending practices and abusive habits of mortgage companies. prgtoken Vanessa Fluker's appointment as the Attorney General and Law Commissioner for the Maipuri Arauan Nation is a reflection of her hard work and commitment to her community. Please join me in recognizing Vanessa Fluker and congratulate her on the next journey to seeking justice for all.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF ANN D. CARLSON
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of my constituent and friend Ann D. Carlson, who is retiring from her position as the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor after 33 years of federal service. I had the privilege of working with Ann to ensure our National Forests in California were healthy and effectively managed. prgtoken Ann began her career at Tahoe National Forest serving as a fish biologist, where she conducted stream surveys, built partnerships with local groups to provide aquatic restoration opportunities, environmental education and improved fishing, including coordinating kids fishing events. After 13 years of improving fish habitat and community relations, Ann took her skills to Missoula, Montana to work as the R1 Regional Aquatic Ecologist. Following her time in Montana, Ann was detailed to South Dakota as Acting District Ranger for Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and then to Boise as Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor at the Boise National Forest. She then went onto Lassen National Forest in California to serve as the Eagle Lake District Ranger. In addition, she was also detailed to Modoc and Sequoia National Forests as Acting Forest Supervisor. prgtoken Ann concluded her career while serving as Forest Supervisor at Mendocino National Forest. At Mendocino National Forest, Ann tirelessly worked on wildfire prevention and forest management to protect the communities who are frequently impacted by forest fires. Ann was critically important for disaster response and forest recovery efforts to numerous conflagrations including the 2019 Complex Fire. Throughout her career Ann supplemented her work with additional training programs, such as participating in the Senior Leadership Program (SLP6) in 2009 to learn more about common and emerging leadership and management issues while developing strategies for effective change prgtoken Beyond Ann's passion for our National Forests, she is also very active and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities including biking, running, cross-country skiing, fly fishing and hiking. The same year that she participated in Senior Leadership Program she also completed the New York Marathon--what an achievement. Ann is also a dedicated mother, when she began her career she had not accrued enough leave and had to bring her daughter, Tess, into the office and field. I'm sure this contributed to Tess's love for the outdoors just like her mom. prgtoken I congratulate Ann on her prestigious career with the United States Forest Service and wish her well in retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MOTHER BEULAH MAXWELL
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman who held her family together through strength and prayer: Mother Beulah Maxwell. prgtoken Mother Beulah was the mother of my late wife of 37 years and my beloved mother-in-law. She was a rock of inspiration, wisdom, and confirmation to me. prgtoken The daughter of Lorraine Oliver and Leo Dewitt, Mother Beulah was born April 20, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from Fayette County Training High School in 1952, later known as Fayette Ware High School. Mother Beulah made friends everywhere she went and found Christ at the early age at Beulah Baptist Church, where she remained a loyal member for 60 years. She had four children: Carolyn, Vanesa, Kenneth, and Stephanie. She deeply loved her children and raised them to be upstanding citizens who valued community and service. Mother Beulah was active in the community as a church leader and as a Boy Scout leader-- she was a constant presence in her children's lives. prgtoken As the matriarch of the family, Mother Beulah extended her support to family members, including myself and my late wife, Carolyn. prgtoken Mother Beulah worked as a school bus driver for nearly 15 years and proudly served the children of Shelby County--never once receiving a moving violation. Later, she would live in the care of her family in both Chicago and Memphis. prgtoken She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank Maxwell; and her daughter, Carolyn Rush. She is survived by her sister, Lizzy Stevenson; daughters, Vanessa Dennis and Stephanie Lemon; her son, Kenneth Shields--and grandchildren in addition to several great- grandchildren. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with Mother Beulah's family and with all who loved and were impacted by her.
CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FILIPINO LADIES ASSOCIATION OF GUAM
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary. I extend my sincere congratulations for their decades of achievements and commend them for their steadfast commitment to the People of Guam. prgtoken Founded in 1962, FLAG aims to positively impact both the lives of its members and our larger island community. With a mission to foster unity and connection, FLAG has created opportunities for both its members and groups outside their organization to come together to cultivate a thriving Guam. In addition to spreading the richness of Filipino culture and strengthening relationships with the Philippines and other countries, the women of FLAG have dedicated their invaluable time, efforts, and finances to increasing the availability of resources to our community. From supporting the construction of iconic physical landmarks prgtoken such as the Ypao Beach Sampaguita Pavillion, Two Lovers Point, and the Santa Maria Kamalen Statue in Malesso', to donating much-needed medical equipment to the Guam Memorial Hospital, FLAG has made conscious efforts to elevate our quality of life. Moreover, the organization has focused on improving lives at the individual level with annual scholarships provided at the University of Guam. prgtoken Madam , I express my deepest gratitude to the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam for the outstanding work they have accomplished for our people, and their selfless resolve to contribute to a better tomorrow. Once again, I would like to congratulate them for over six decades of meaningful service, and may the future ahead bring continued success to both their organization and our beloved island.
HONORING THE PAGE FENCE GIANTS BASEBALL TEAM
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Page Fence Giants, an all-black baseball team that was founded in 1894 in Adrian, Michigan. At a time when Jim Crow laws swept the nation and racial segregation largely divided sports, the all-black Page Fence Giants persevered, ultimately claiming their place in history in the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. prgtoken The team was founded by Bud Fowler and Grant ``Home Run'' Johnson, both of whom went on to play for the Giants. The team was a knockout, winning over 100 games in each of their four seasons. And in 1897 they went on a winning streak, claiming 82 consecutive victories. The team's four-year run was an early success towards integration--but was phased out of the league decades before Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut. prgtoken The Page Fence Giants traveled around the Midwest and Canada on a 60- foot railcar. While the team was celebrated and welcomed in some communities, they were discriminated against and disparaged in others, often barred from eating at the local restaurants or sleeping in the hotels. This railcar provided the basic necessities for the ball players when they were unwelcome to stay or dine in the whites-only establishments. prgtoken One of the full-time cooks on the train was William Wendell Gaskin, who is believed to be Lansing-born. Gaskin traveled with the team, cooking meals and even joining the team in a couple of games as the Giants' pitcher. prgtoken Last year, on June 19, our very own Lansing Lugnuts paid tribute to the Page Fence Giants by wearing historically accurate black and burgundy Giants jerseys. prgtoken While the Giants dissolved after four solid seasons in 1898, their contributions to sports and to Michigan's history will be forever remembered.
COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 JUAN ALEJANDRO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor a true public servant, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Juan Alejandro, and congratulate him on his retirement from the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG) after over 21 years of service to our island and nation. prgtoken Launching his military career in 1998, CW4 Alejandro first enlisted as a Military Occupational Skill (MOS) 25R, Audio, Visual Electronics Technician. He then served two years with the 3rd Psychological Operations Battalion in Fort Bragg, NC, and went on to complete both Warrant Officer Candidate School and the Army Aviation Flight Training Program. With a firm determination to build on his skills and expand his professional capacities, he later earned a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alongside a minor in Management. Stepping into the field of aviation, CW4 Alejandro served as a Pilot in Command with the 1-25 Attack Aviation Battalion and 2-6 Cavalry Squadron, participated in three Operation Iraqi Freedom campaigns, and accumulated over 2,000 flight hours across 350 missions in combat. prgtoken Resigning from Active Duty in 2009, CW4 Alejandro joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Commander of the Pennsylvania Counterdrug Joint Task Force Aviation. Throughout his six-year tenure, CW4 Alejandro coordinated numerous local, state, and federal counterdrug operations responsible for over $20 million in drug and illegal weapon seizures, facilitated the successful transition between aircraft models, and developed crucial training and maintenance programs for the State's integration of the Lakota helicopter. prgtoken In 2015, CW4 Alejandro brought his expertise to the GUARNG and has since been a critical asset in standing up its Army Aviation program. Taking on significant roles as a State Aviation Safety Officer and Standardization Pilot, he has provided valuable guidance and support to our unit and enabled them to attain nearly 2,000 hours of flight, pass a multitude of high-level inspections, and assist the community with the completion of 13 Search and Rescue missions. prgtoken Having earned a wealth of recognitions that include two Meritorious Service Medals, five prgtoken Air Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with 3 stars, Master Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and 2 Valor Devices, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Juan Alejandro demonstrates an outstanding commitment to excellence and leadership. prgtoken Madam , I rise on behalf of the People of Guam, his beloved wife Magdeline, and daughters Miranda, Melody, and Miriah, offering my greatest appreciation for his dedication to our island and country. I sincerely thank CW4 Alejandro for his many years of service and sacrifice, congratulate him on his well-earned retirement, and wish him the best during the next chapter of his life.