mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH OTIS WASHINGTON
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of a great man who exemplified the true meaning of being a trailblazer, Coach Otis Washington. From St. Augustine High School, to Louisiana State University (LSU), to Southern University, Coach Washington positively touched the lives of so many young men. Through the game of football, he taught valuable lessons about the importance of leadership, perseverance, and teamwork. prgtoken Coach Washington was a giant whose career transcended wins, losses, first downs, and touchdowns. A man who dedicated his life to making others better, he also broke down barriers to make one of our most venerated institutions better. As the first African-American coach hired at LSU, he paved the way for all of those who have since followed in his footsteps and reached coaching heights once unknown and unseen. In his earlier days, Coach Washington played a pivotal role for St. Augustine High School when the integration of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association was in its nascent stages. Dunng his time there he amassed a remarkable 113-17 record despite pervasive racial tension. prgtoken As we look back on his storied life, his profound commitment to excellence on every level was clear and his on-field success was unmatched. Today I offer my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time as they cope with the pain of losing someone so dear to so many people. prgtoken The state of Louisiana is forever indebted to Coach Washington for all he did for the community. Moving forward, it is now the responsibility of all of us he impacted to passionately carry on his legacy of greatness, selflessness, and leadership. prgtoken Madam , I celebrate the life and legacy of Coach Otis Washington
JENNY FORREST
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise to recognize and congratulate Jenny Forrest, who will be attending Columbia University in New York beginning this August to earn her Master of Business Administration. Jenny has been an invaluable member of Team Walden for more than three years. prgtoken Starting as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office, Jenny rose to staff assistant, for a moment, before rapidly rising to the role of scheduler, all without skipping a beat, even as she learned that she would soon be scheduling for a committee chairman. prgtoken Anyone who is familiar with the inner workings of Capitol Hill-- whether you're a member of Congress, a staffer, reporter, or advocate-- knows that the title ``scheduler'' simply does not capture the sheer importance and scope of the role. prgtoken Schedulers are the gatekeepers of time, a precious and finite resource on the Hill for any Congressional office, but especially for Team Walden and especially for the Energy and Commerce Committee. Schedulers are constantly asked to ``hold,'' ``make,'' and ``find'' time for people with competing interests and either ignorance or disregard for the fragile house of cards that is a congressional calendar. prgtoken One would expect and understand schedulers to be short-tempered, overwhelmed, and perhaps even difficult to work with; but anyone who had the pleasure of interacting with Jenny knows nothing could be further from the truth. prgtoken If you walked into 2185 Rayburn House Office Building for the last couple of years, you were always treated warmly with a smile from Jenny. She was the face of the office at the front desk, and thankfully so. prgtoken If you ever reached out to Jenny to request time for a meeting, an interview, or a speech, you were always treated with fairness, honesty, and a kind directness. If there was no time to be made, held, or found, there would be no mistake about it if you were talking to Jenny. prgtoken And if you were an Oregonian visiting for business or pleasure-- especially from Oregon's Second District--Jenny went out of her way to make sure you felt at home on the Hill and was ready, at the drop of a hat, to be your tour guide, restaurant recommender, or trip advisor in the nation's capital. Jenny respected and understood well that she, along prgtoken with our entire team, works first and foremost for the people of the Second District. prgtoken Most importantly, Jenny was a team player. Anyone on Team Walden will tell you that if you needed a hand with anything--a meeting memo, Congressional Record, or folded American flag--Jenny was there to jump in, even if it had nothing to do with the schedule. She patiently coordinated our intern program, facilitated thousand-person town hall meetings, and wrote excellent letters of support for grants that brought needed resources to Oregon's communities. prgtoken Jenny will be missed but will always be a part of Team Walden. My colleagues, please join me in thanking Jenny F
USC WINS STUDENT PHARMACIST COMPOUNDING COMPETITION
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy is the champion of MEDISCA's 2019 Student Pharmacist Compounding Competition. prgtoken A special congratulations to Rebecca Caughman, Amee Shah, Jessica Shue, and their supervisor Kathy Quarles Moore for being a part of the winning team. prgtoken According to Kathy Quarles Moore, `this competition is comprised of three categories: the teams were required to develop a unique innovation piece to better serve patients, pharmaceutics knowledge, and a pharmacy compounding formulations portion where the teams had to come up with a formulation and then compound the medication based on a unique patient scenario.' prgtoken These are `National Champion Scholars and pharmacy student leaders that will soon be making a difference within the pharmacy profession.' prgtoken Congratulations to our Gamecocks. Best wishes to this team as they continue to reach new heights in the future. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and We Will Never Forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.
RECOGNIZING WORLD WAR II VETERAN FELIX J. LISOVICH
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Felix J. Lisovich, a World War II veteran from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken In 1943, three weeks after graduating from Charleroi High School, Mr. Lisovich enlisted as a Surgical Technician in the United States Army. After completing his training, Mr. Lisovich deployed to the Pacific Theater from March 1994 to January 1946, where he participated in amphibious operations to liberate the Philippines and he encountered kamikaze attacks from Japanese fighter planes prgtoken In 1945, Mr. Lisovich fought in the Battle of Luzon with the 172nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division. During the battle, he engaged the enemy under intense fire and aided casualty evacuations while tasked with capturing a hill overlooking Rosario-Damortis Road. Mr. Lisovich was wounded by grenade shrapnel while aiding a fallen soldier and survived multiple banzai attacks. prgtoken For his service and his actions in World War II, Mr. Lisovich was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars and one arrow, Army of Occupation Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Lisovich represents the very best of southwestern Pennsylvania. Please join me in recognizing Felix J. Lisovich for his service, courage, and sacrifice.
RECOGNIZING THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY (AUSA) REDSTONE- HUNTSVILLE CHAPTER ON THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Redstone-Huntsville Chapter on their 60th anniversary. I join the entire Redstone Arsenal defense community in congratulating the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter on reaching this momentous milestone. prgtoken Established in 1959, the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter is the Tennessee Valley's premier private, nonprofit, educational association of individual, business and organization members dedicated to supporting and maintaining a strong national defense with emphasis on the role of the United States Army. prgtoken The AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter has been recognized year after year as one of America's best chapters. Twelve times in the past fifteen years, the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter has been named the ``Best Chapter Overall of the Year'' by AUSA National for chapters in the largest category, those over 1,350 members. prgtoken The AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter plays a vital role in major armed forces events such as the Army Birthday/Flag Day/Installation of Chapter Officers Dinner, Army National Guard Birthday Breakfast, Army Reserve Birthday Breakfast, Missiles Symposium, Blast-Off Bash during AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville. prgtoken In closing, I would like to again congratulate the AUSA Redstone- Huntsville Chapter on their 60th anniversary and thank this outstanding chapter for their contributions to the Army and the Tennessee Valley. I look forward to what the AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter will accomplish in the future.
2019 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION AWARD WINNER MADELINE MICHEL
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , last week The Tony Awards announced that Theater Director Madeline Michel from Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, will receive the 2019 Excellence in Theatre Education Award. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theatre industry selected Michel from finalists across the nation. prgtoken The Excellence in Theatre Education Award was co-founded in 2014 by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University to recognize exceptional drama teachers and to celebrate arts education. Michel will receive her award at the 73rd Annual Tony Awards on June 9, 2019, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. prgtoken Teachers throughout the nation have the great responsibility of helping to develop the next generation, and Madeline Michel has demonstrated herself to be an exceptional educator; having received praise from many students, parents, and theater professionals across our community. Michel has shown through her creative, innovative approaches to theater, that she is committed to both training her students in theater arts and developing their character and integrity outside of the classroom. prgtoken Madam , I hope you'll join me in congratulating Madeline Michel for her outstanding achievements in theater education for the students of Virginia's 5th Congressional District.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT-
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , this year is the 100th year anniversary of the United States House of Representatives approving the resolution for the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. I have looked forward to this day literally since my first day in Congress because it holds very special meaning for my wife's family. prgtoken Prior to the 1920 election, sample ballots were distributed in Boston. My wife Ann's great-grandmother, Abby Mayhew Cushing, received a sample ballot that she used to prepare for that election. After voting that day she wrote the following note on the back side of the sample ballot, ``November 2, 1920 Cast my first vote for President of these United States.'' prgtoken Reading those words gives a sense of the immense pride that Ms. Cushing felt, a sincere sense of patriotism at the opportunity to participate in the selection of the leaders who would guide as she wrote, ``these United States.'' prgtoken These United States . . . even though women had been denied the right to vote since the beginning of our nation, there was no sense of resentment from Ms. Cushing, only a sense of great pride that comes from a genuine love of country. prgtoken To be totally transparent, I should include the rest of what she wrote on the back of her sample ballot. She wrote, ``Straight ticket. Smashing victory for Harding and Coolidge. Abby Mayhew Cushing Age 67.'' prgtoken Almost three years later she added this note: ``President Harding died very suddenly August 2nd 1923 in California. Burial in Marion, Ohio, Friday August 10th.'' prgtoken My wife and her family have held on to this treasured piece of American history, with Ms. Cushing's simple yet inspiring words written on the back, for almost 100 years as a reminder of how far our nation has come. It is with great pride and honor that I share them with this Congress on this 100th anniversary of the passage of the House resolution to give the women of America the right to vote.
NATIONAL SOJOURNERS WEEK
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the National Sojourners for their 100th year of service to our nation and for National Sojourners week which is June 3rd through June 8th. prgtoken The National Sojourners was born of wartime requirements and nurtured by the desire of displaced military Masons to seek each other's company, counsel and aid. Their purpose is to organize current and former members of the uniformed forces of the United States and Honorary Members, who are Master Masons, into Chapters to promote good fellowship, cultivate Masonic ideals, support all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, and develop patriotism and Americanism throughout the nation. prgtoken For a century, the National Sojourners have counted among their ranks leaders from every facet in American society. From three U.S. Presidents, to Generals and Admirals, to our junior enlisted personnel, National Sojourners have served patriotically for the cause of freedom. Among their ranks have been several Medal of Honor recipients, some of whom made the supreme sacrifice to ensure our liberty. prgtoken National Sojourners accomplishes its mission of education through 160 National Sojourner Chapters located throughout the United States and Europe, as well as its Headquarters located in Virginia, which provides support to all Chapters. prgtoken Love of country is promoted by local Chapters through educational information and programs in Americanism and Patriotism specifically directed to the youth of our nation in the form of Youth Leadership Conference scholarships, high school- and college-level ROTC Awards, and patriotic essay contests. prgtoken I would also like to welcome our military veterans and National Sojourners to Nebraska, the Heartland of America, where they will host their Centennial Annual National Convention. Thank you for your service and continued patriotism for our country.
IN MEMORY OF ROY APPLETON, JR.
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Mr. Roy Appleton, Jr who passed away on Monday, April 8, 2019 after a lifetime of service to our nation and his North Texas neighbors. prgtoken As a young man, Roy Appleton, Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He saw combat action for more than 35 months in the South Pacific, taking part in the invasion of Iwo Jima and fighting in multiple battles including the retaking Guadalcanal and Saipan. prgtoken Upon his return home to Texas, Mr. Appleton married Margie Lee Monroe of Denton in 1947. He earned a degree from the University of North Texas in 1949. Even before he graduated, Mr. Appleton began working at the Denton Record-Chronicle. He was employed by the paper for more than four decades, retiring in 1991 as president and general manager. Aside from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Appleton spent his entire career at the paper. prgtoken An engaged community leader, Mr. Appleton served in a variety of leadership roles for the Denton Chamber of Commerce, the Denton Economic Development Advisory Board, and United Way of Denton County. He was an active member of the Denton Rotary Club and Denton Jaycees, as well as a director of First State Bank and a ruling elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. prgtoken In 2014, the Greater Denton Arts Council renamed their home the ``Patterson-Appleton Center for the Visual Arts'' in recognition of Mr. Appleton's contributions to the art culture of Denton County, which include the creation of the Campus Theatre, annual Holiday Lighting Festival, and Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. prgtoken In recognition of his many contributions to the North Texas community, the Greater Denton Arts Council (GDAC) will honor Mr. Appleton's legacy of philanthropy and civic engagement at its annual awards event on May 31, 2019. prgtoken I am grateful for Mr. Appleton's many decades of selfless service to our nation and our community. On behalf of the 26th District of Texas, I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and neighbors.
HONORING BRUCE BENSON
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I would like to recognize Bruce Benson for his dedication and service to the University of Colorado. prgtoken Bruce Benson is the longest-serving president of the University of Colorado in more than half a century. Since becoming the President of his alma mater in 2008, Bruce has enhanced the university's standing as one of our country's leading public universities. prgtoken Throughout his tenure, he's been a national leader in ensuring that campuses are forums for free speech, he has welcomed intellectual diversity, and he has a long history of bettering the lives of Coloradans. He will also be remembered for the tremendous strides he made to advance conservative thought and policy, as well as his fundraising efforts to support the Center for Western Civilization, Thought and Policy at the University of Colorado--Boulder. prgtoken Before joining the University of Colorado, he established a career in business, where he had been involved in banking, real estate, cable television, and the restaurant industry. He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and founded the Benson Mineral Group in 1965. Later, in 2009, he was named to the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. prgtoken This July, Bruce will be retiring as the President of the University of Colorado system--where he oversees four campuses and roughly 70,000 students. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I would like to thank Bruce for his service to our great state of Colorado.
HONORING DAVID SCHORMANN
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize David Schormann. David is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 389, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. prgtoken David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. David has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. For his project, David installed fishing line recycling stations throughout a local lake, to ensure a higher quality of life for wildlife within the area. prgtoken Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Schormann for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE HONOR GUARD OF AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 56 AND NO. 635
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the remarkable work that the Honor Guard of Bloomington American Legion Post No. 56 and Normal American Legion Post No. 635 do for our community. The Bloomington-Normal Honor Guard is an integral organization for veterans and their families in Central Illinois. prgtoken The Bloomington and Normal Posts have worked together for decades to ensure the Honor Guard Units are there to provide irreplaceable services for the veterans in our community. Over the past twelve years, the Bloomington-Normal Honor Guard has conducted over 1,000 funerals and 500 Color Guard events. prgtoken Not only do Post No. 56 and Post No. 635 serve veterans and their families, but they also work to improve the well-being of our community. Over the past 25 years, both posts have presented the colors at the Illinois Special Olympics State Track and Field competition at Illinois State University. Also, Post No. 56 and Post No. 635 Honor Guard played a significant role at the dedication ceremony for the renaming of the Normal Post Office in honor of Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, which my office and I helped to facilitate. prgtoken I would like to thank the Bloomington American Legion Post No. 56 and Normal American Legion Post No. 635 for their commitment and service to our veteran community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Post Honor Guard Members. I include in the Record the names of the Honor Guard members. prgtoken Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard Members and Support Personnel Jim Allen, Thomas Asis, Derek Bishop, David Brown, Roger Cann, Tom Crawford, Brandon Cruz, Chuck Downs, Butch Ekstam, Mike Ellsworth, Milt Emmerson, Tom Fatten, Howard Hallstein, Mike Hammons, Bob Handley, Roy Hanks, Jill Henry, Clayton James, Royden Jones, Gina Keller. Kevin Keller, Ken Kemp, Ted Kerrn, Tom Laskowski, Bob Littel, Dan Maffeo, Denny Meeks, Jack Menssen, Gus Miller, Clarence Mitchell, Jerry Monical, Rich Moran, Carl Powell, Kirby Reese, Steve Riesenberg, Chris Riley, Mike Rimshas, Rick Ross, Thomas Rutherford, Bob Sable. Denis Sackett, John Schroeder, Mike Scott, Larry Stokowski, Greg Struve, Keith Throop, Roger Troxel, Steve Turbett, Jim Ulbrich, Jerry Vogler, Bill Warren, Paul Whittmer, Roger Wilke, Bill Zimmerman.