mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGY
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to offer my support for a new and exciting technology called hyperloop, a modern innovation to enhance our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Hyperloop consists of a network of sealed tubes where trains carrying cargo or passengers can pass through without air resistance or friction. This could drastically reduce travel time from hours to mere minutes. Benefits of this technology are numerous: in addition to shortening travel time, hyperloop is energy efficient and has the potential to dramatically cut greenhouse gasses from our atmosphere. Additionally, while we enter a time of economic uncertainty, hyperloop represents an entirely new sector of the economy and would provide opportunities for new jobs and could stimulate commerce. prgtoken Madam , I am especially excited about this new technology because of its unique tie to Kansas and the Third District. One of our finest constituent companies in Kansas' Third District, Black and Veatch, has been working on hyperloop projects for some time, demonstrating that Kansas City would be a welcome location for any pilot program. Spirit AeroSystems, our neighbors in Wichita, have been tapped to help build the high-tech capsules for Virgin Hyperloop One, which has a project site in Kansas City, Missouri that could serve as the starting point for an eventual Kansas City-to-St.Louis stretch, cutting travel times from a nearly 4 hour drive to just 30 minutes by hyperloop. And Kansas City has long been heralded as a talent center for high-tech and engineering jobs, which aligns well with the growth of this cutting-edge technology sector. Last October, I hosted a Small Business Committee field hearing in my district, bringing together various startups and entrepreneurs to discuss innovation and expanding capital for high-tech small businesses. In that same vein, I would be excited to see hyperloop introduced in the greater Kansas City metro area and look forward to showing what Kansas' Third District has to offer.
HONORING THE CAREER OF CATALINA HORAK
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ms. Catalina Horak for her devoted service to our community as she prepares to enter the next chapter of her life at the end of this month. prgtoken Ms. Horak cofounded and led Building One Community, a nonprofit organization in Stamford, Connecticut. Since its establishment in 2011, Building One Community has served more than 10,000 immigrants from over 100 countries with language, vocational, legal and many other kinds of support. prgtoken The Fourth Congressional District is home to a remarkably diverse range of people. We take pride in embodying key values such as openness, tolerance and altruism. Thanks in large part to Ms. Horak's tireless efforts, Building One Community has helped thousands of immigrants successfully integrate into the broader community. I'm proud that the Fourth Congressional District, in partnership with organizations like Building One Community, continues to serve as an example of the important prgtoken contributions that immigrants make across our country. prgtoken For her 20 years of distinguished experience in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Horak was named an honoree for the 2017 Women of Distinction Awards by the YWCA of Darien and Norwalk. This year, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Americares Free Clinics. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you join me, along with a grateful Fourth Congressional District, in congratulating Ms. Catalina Horak for her extensive public service and in wishing her success in all her future endeavors.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALAN S. BECKER
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of my dear friend, co-founder of Becker and Poliakoff law firm, Alan S. Becker. Alan's quest for a law degree brought him to Florida where he attended the University of Miami School of Law. Alan graduated in 1969 and scored the highest grade on that years legal Bar exam. Early in his career he worked in the Office of the Attorney General and as an assistant public defender. prgtoken At the age of 26, Alan became the youngest person elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving three terms from 1972 to 1978. Alan pioneered community association law with his long-time business partner, Gary Poliakoff, initially working out of the trunk of a car representing condo owners. Their law firm has since grown into one of the largest in Florida, with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. prgtoken The official accolades and honors for Alan are too numerous to count, however, I want to highlight a few. Alan passed the Czech Republic Bar exam in 1992 and served as honorary counsel there until 2016. He was a passionate writer, teacher and painter. He authored two books, taught ``The Business of Law'' at the University of Miami School of Law, and lectured on leadership at Keiser University. Alan sat on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida and received the Governor's Business Ambassador Medallion for his contributions to economic development. prgtoken Madam , Alan was a lifelong , but always reached across the aisle and worked in conjunction with others to find the best solution for our community, a quality that I honor and respect and is one of the many outstanding qualities of his character that made me proud to call him a friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alan's family and friends and I pray that they find comfort during this extremely difficult time. Alan will be dearly missed.
IN RECOGNITION OF MEALS FOR HEROES MIAMI
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , founded on April 1, 2020, Meals for Heroes Miami has become foundational to South Florida's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This organization was founded by Miami natives Will Osborne and Karen Bechtel, and Will's son Mac, a New York- based restauranteur. prgtoken This non-profit, donation-based organization emerged to address two issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic: feeding the stressed and exhausted frontline workers risking their lives daily and protecting jobs at Miami restaurants. Meals for Heroes Miami, powered by community donations, serves both these needs by purchasing and delivering meals from local restaurants to frontline workers. prgtoken By mid-May, Meals for Heroes Miami had purchased and delivered 10,000 meals to workers; fed teams at 24 hospitals, testing centers, first responder departments, prisons, and other locations; and preserved approximately 50 jobs at 22 partner restaurants. The organization has only continued to grow in the time since. prgtoken This kind of innovation is precisely what we need in communities across the country to conquer this pandemic and help families support themselves. I commend Will, Karen, Mac, and all those who have donated to this fantastic cause for their service to our shared community.
CONGRATULATING SANJAY REDDY
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud my outstanding constituent and staffer, Sanjay Reddy, as he makes his departure from my Washington, D.C. office to attend Georgetown University Law Center. prgtoken Sanjay joined my staff upon my being sworn into Congress, and he quickly helped to develop and establish our office. He built our constituent correspondence program from the ground up as my Legislative Correspondent, and he met regularly with constituents regarding health care and developing medical technologies as my Legislative Aid. In every project he took on, Sanjay demonstrated the utmost thoughtfulness and professionalism. He was an exemplary Hill staffer, and I have no doubt that he will exhibit the same character and commitment in all his future accomplishments. prgtoken Madam , I extend my deepest gratitude to Sanjay Reddy for his dedication to our team, and to the constituents of Michigan's 11th District. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sanjay much success in his upcoming studies and future law career.
HONORING EMMA SANDERS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable leader, Emma Sanders. prgtoken Known as one of the ``unofficial'' slate of Black Mississippians who sought to displace the nonrepresentative all-white delegation at the 1964 ic National Convention, Emma Sanders became active force in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. She was one of the people who helped organize local citizens and some of the 700 or so young people from the North who flooded Mississippi to help Black citizens surmount Jim Crow-era barriers that had kept their voter registration at 7 percent of those eligible. prgtoken She graduated from Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State University) in Lorman, Miss the nation's first Black land grant college, and studied toward a master's degree in business at Indiana University in Bloomington. prgtoken Mrs. Sanders taught in Jefferson County, Miss and in Jackson, and later served as the executive director of Hinds County community action programs. While working as an assistant to Representative Wayne Dowdy, a Mississippi , she played a role in the naming of the first federal building in the nation for a Black person, the Dr. A.H. McCoy Federal Building in Jackson, which honored a local dentist, insurance executive, and civic leader. prgtoken Mrs. Sanders would live to witness great progress on civil rights, but one breakthrough that she had hoped for--the removal of the Confederate battle emblem from Mississippi's state flag--would not occur until four days after her death. prgtoken Sanders, who was 91, died in her home on June 24, 2020. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Emma Sanders for her dedication to the civil rights movement in the State of Mississippi.
MONSIGNOR MICHAEL DOYLE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commend Camden, New Jersey resident Monsignor Michael Doyle on their retirement from Sacred Heart Parish. prgtoken Monsignor Michael Doyle came to the United States in 1959 and shortly after being ordained as a priest, he choose the Catholic Diocese of Camden for his priestly vocation in the late 1950's and started serving the City of Camden in 1967. Monsignor Doyle has dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others whether they are in his parish or not, and he embodies the principals of transformational love. prgtoken Monsignor Michael Doyle is a celebrated poet, pacifist, and provocateur. In 1971, he was a member of the Camden 28, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who plotted to raid the Camden draft board office until the plan was revealed to the authorities. Doyle and three other Catholic priests were eventually acquitted of their charges. In addition, Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. Monsignor Michael Doyle is also a champion of education, improved medical care, community beautification, and expanding affordable housing options. prgtoken Doyle solidified his reputation as an advocate for the City of Camden when he established the housing nonprofit, Heart of Camden in 1984. The charity focuses on restoring dignity and improving the quality of life through programs of housing restoration, economic expansion, and human development. For almost 40 years Heart of Camden has transformed the Waterfront South neighborhood of Camden by building affordable housing, cleaning and greening the neighborhood, building new play spaces, adding community gardens, and created a vibrant art and cultural district. Through putting his heart and soul into transforming the Waterfront South District he has made the neighborhood a beautiful up and coming community for first time homeowners. prgtoken The retirement of the celebrated Monsignor Michael Doyle from Sacred Heart Parish in Camden, New Jersey after more than forty years of serving the parish community is well deserved. He has made no plans to cease his altruism, as he will continue his fundraising efforts for the pre-K to 8 school in the city. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring Monsignor Michael Doyle, of Camden, New Jersey, a dedicated and selfless religious leader in the City of Camden, New Jersey.
RECOGNIZING REVEREND CORDY TINDELL ``C.T.'' VIVIAN-
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to my good friend, Reverend Cordy Tindell ``C.T.'' Vivian. prgtoken Born on July 30, 1924 in Howard County, Missouri as the only child to Robert Cordie and Euzetta Tindell Vivian, C.T. grew up in Macomb, Illinois, where he attended Lincoln Grade School and Edison Junior High School. Raised primarily by his doting mother and grandmother, Annie Woods Tindell, C.T. was often the only African-American in his classroom. Make no mistake; it was not easy, but he managed to adapt, survive, and thrive. Throughout his childhood, his grandmother often instilled the values and teaching of Williams Wells Brown's the Black Man: His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements. She believed that education would be his key to success and dedicated every resource and tool she had to inspire and encourage C.T. to stay the course with his studies. prgtoken In 1942, their collective hard work and determination paid off. C.T. graduated from Macomb High School and continued his studies at Western Illinois University. He moved to Peoria, Illinois, where he met Octavia Geans, his beloved wife of 58 years, who worked with him at the Carver Community Center. I was only seven years old when Reverend Vivian ignited his life-long flame for equality, equity, and freedom. While in Peoria, C.T. completed his first act of civil disobedience in 1947 when he participated in his first sit-in that successfully integrated Barton's Cafeteria. With that social justice action, he committed all his energy and soul to the movement. prgtoken A few years later, faith and fate brought him to Nashville, Tennessee, where Reverend Vivian resumed his studies at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and joined a group of other ministers in cofounding the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference, an affiliate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). As an undergraduate student at the American Baptist College, I first met C.T. as we learned about the doctrine of nonviolence, and the way of peace, the way of love, and the power of satyagraha--or truth force and nonviolent civil resistance from the esteemed visionary, Reverend James Lawson. Older than many of the other students in the workshops, C.T. was like our big brother--graceful, thoughtful, and inspirational. In Nashville, we formed an unbreakable, life-long bond as we committed our minds, bodies, and spirits to tearing down the barriers of hate, racism, and segregation across the United States and around the world. prgtoken Throughout those pivotal years of the Civil Rights Movements, Reverend Vivian was on the front lines--at the lunch counters, on the Freedom Rides, in Parchman Prison, at the March on Washington, and in the fight for voting rights in Marion and Selma. If there was action, he was there. We, along with so many others, continue to bear the scars of those long days and endless nights, as we dedicated our very l
HONORING HENRY ONG, JR.
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Henry Ong, Jr who passed away on July 2, 2020, at the age of 98. A native son of Arizona, Henry was a part of the Greatest Generation who fought to preserve our freedom and American way of life. As a nation, state, and community, we are forever indebted to Henry's service and sacrifice. prgtoken Henry was born to Henry Ong, Sr. and Mar Lai Hing Ong in Phoenix, Arizona. After he graduated from Phoenix Union High School, and despite the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment of the time, Henry and his three brothers answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army. He became a bombardier, forming part of a B-24 crew that carried out 29 successful bomber missions. On June 6, 1944, Henry participated in the D-Day invasion of the beaches of Normandy, helping deliver the victory that marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. prgtoken In his final mission before coming home, the German Army shot down Henry's plane deep in enemy territory. Alive but wounded, Henry was captured, interrogated, and taken as a prisoner of war by the Nazis, surviving nearly nine months of suffering and starvation. As Allied troops advanced through Europe, the Nazis began liquidating the camps and Henry, along with thousands of prisoners, was forced to march over 1,000 miles during the brutal winter. Many perished. prgtoken On May 4, 1945, Allied forces liberated Henry and four days later declared victory in Europe. Henry was the only Chinese American from the state of Arizona to have been captured as a prisoner of war. For his selfless sacrifice and wounds sustained in war, he was awarded the Purple Heart. prgtoken After the war, Henry returned home to build a life in Arizona. He attended college and married his bride Priscilla (Pat), and together they prgtoken raised four children: Pamela, Michael, Curtis (Buddy), and Kevin. Even though he hung up his uniform, Henry continued to serve his community. A man of deep faith, he was a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix. He became a successful real estate and insurance broker and was known for his contagious energy, charismatic spirit, and love and devotion to his wife and family. prgtoken Although Henry had survived the depths of darkness, invisible wounds of the war remained with him. After 40 years of silence, Henry began to speak about his encounters with the horrors of war and his imprisonment by the Nazis. He cared deeply for his fellow veterans and encouraged other POWs to share their own experiences and heal from their memories. He was a past commander and life member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, and he maintained a lifelong friendship with members of his crew. prgtoken The American people must never forget Henry's patriotism and bravery. A man of courage and conviction, our nation is better for his presence among us. Godspeed, Henry.
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF WILLIAM C. DEMENT, M.D., PH.D.
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Dr. William C. Dement, a distinguished Stanford scientist and professor who died on June 17, 2020, at the age of 91. prgtoken Known as ``The Father of Sleep Medicine'', Dr. Dement made unparalleled contributions to the field of sleep medicine. Dr. Dement's contributions to sleep research include the association of REM sleep with dreaming; the neuropharmacology of sleep; the quantification and causes of daytime sleepiness; the pathophysiology and genetics of narcolepsy; the assessment of jet lag and other circadian disorders; the behavioral and cardiovascular impact of sleep apnea; and pharmacotherapy for insomnia. prgtoken Dr. Dement was an ardent supporter of insurance coverage for sleep analysis and treatment, and advocated widely and effectively about the dangers of sleep deprivation and need for sufficient sleep for students, drivers and others, and he had a deep impact on the lives of the Stanford University students who enrolled in his iconic Sleep and Dreams course. prgtoken Dr. Dement founded the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and helped to establish the professional society that is now the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and additional professional organizations such as the Sleep Research Society. He was often seen on Capitol Hill in his role as Chairman of the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research. The cornerstone recommendation of the National Commission was the establishment of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, and in 1993, during the reauthorization bill for the National Institutes of Health, Congress followed through with the statutory establishment of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. prgtoken Madam , I consider myself fortunate to be among those who knew Dr. Dement and benefited from his wise counsel and his warm friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and contributions of Dr. William C. Dement and in extending our sincere condolences to his two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine, his son Nick, his son-in-law Gary, and six grandchildren. Dr. Dement bettered our community and strengthened our country by a life lived well and with high purpose for so many.
TRIBUTE TO 1ST LIEUTENANT DAVID JOHN SCHMITZ
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and true American patriot, United States Air Force First Lieutenant David John Schmitz. Today we ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country. prgtoken 1st Lt. Schmitz was born in Santa Barbara, California on February 17, 1988 to Brian and Sherrie Schmitz. At the age of only 17, 1st Lt. Schmitz earned his private pilot's license marking the start to his career in aviation. He attended San Diego State University where he enrolled in the University's Air Force ROTC program in hopes of becoming an Air Force pilot. His success in the program was evident and before completing his degree he enlisted in the United States Air Force. prgtoken His first duty station was as a loadmaster and instructor on a C-17 cargo plane where he participated in critical missions, such as delivering supplies to troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was during his time as a loadmaster that he met the love of his life and his future wife, Valerie Rudolph. With Valerie living in New Mexico and David stationed in Tacoma, Washington, the two began their relationship, which they navigated through long-distance and two deployments. They were married in 2013. prgtoken 1st Lt. Schmitz completed his undergraduate degree through Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, keeping up his studies even while deployed. Once he completed his degree, 1st Lt. Schmitz earned a slot as a fighter pilot and was commissioned through Officer Training School. He completed his undergraduate pilot training with high honors and earned numerous accolades. prgtoken His great success led him to be selected to fly F-16 aircraft at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. On June 30, 2020, 1st Lt. Schmitz was tragically killed when his F-16 crashed during a training mission. He is survived by his wife Valerie, their dog Toby, his parents Brian and Sherrie Schmitz, sister Laura Schmitz (Issac Stewart), and his grandmother Louise Schmitz, along with numerous relatives and friends. prgtoken As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men and women, just like 1st Lt. Schmitz, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Schmitz family learned of their husband, son, and brother's death was probably the hardest day they have ever faced, and our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to them. His sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom triumphing over oppression. 1st Lt. Schmitz's family has given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and we hope they know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will never be forgotten.