mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WELCOMING CHIEF MINISTER Y.S. JAGAN MOHAN REDDY TO NORTH TEXAS
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I stand today in recognition of India's newly-elected Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. It is my honor to congratulate him on his recent election and to welcome him on his visit to Dallas, Texas on August 17, 2019. prgtoken The Chief Minister's visit represents an ongoing effort to promote economic development between the United States and India, and his participation will help facilitate a discussion about business opportunities that currently exist between both countries. This bilateral relationship that has been fostered over the years has proven especially valuable to the economies of Texas and Andhra Pradesh, both of which benefit from strong business ties. prgtoken The 24th District of Texas is home to a booming information technology industry, world-class medical facilities, and the Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport. It is also home to a large Indian- American population, many of whom immigrated from Andhra Pradesh and have contributed to the District's status as a magnet for world-class professionals. Cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship is clearly valuable to the economies of Texas and Andhra Pradesh and we look forward to the continued collaboration between our countries. prgtoken Madam , I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in welcoming Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to the United States of America and to the great to the State of Texas.
CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AI ROOT COMPANY
Anthony Gonzalez (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Root Candles of Medina, Ohio on their 150th anniversary. Founded in 1869, this family owned, and operated company has consistently produced the highest quality candles our country has to offer. Now in its fifth generation, the Root family continues to uphold the same values that their founder, Amos Ives Root, first instilled: honesty, integrity, and diligent craftsmanship. prgtoken Today, Root Candles continues to be a leader of industry; combining the latest technology in manufacturing with five generations of mastered craftsmanship to create unmatched fragrances and sophisticated color palettes. With their rich history, tradition of excellence, and commitment to customer satisfaction, the next 150 years are sure to be just as successful as the last. prgtoken I am pleased to have this opportunity to share the history of Root Candles with the House and want to join in congratulating them and their fine employees as they prepare to celebrate 150 years of service to the people and communities of Northeast Ohio.
COMMENDING MR. RICHARD D. MILTON ON HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE HELLFIRE MISSILE
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Richard D. Milton, a key contributor to the development of the Hellfire missile. prgtoken In the 1960s, Mr. Milton worked with a team at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on Redstone Arsenal to find practical uses for lasers in the medical and military fields. By 1965, Mr. Milton found a unique role for lasers on the battlefield, and that by illuminating a target with a laser, a missile could be guided to that target. prgtoken In March of 1979, Richard Milton's invention, the Missile System Using Laser Illuminator, became U.S. Patent 4,143,835. U.S. Patents 6,166,803, 6,296,803, and U.S. Patent 6,305,797 can also be attributed to Mr. Milton. The invention of laser guided missiles contributed to the creation of the Hellfire missile, and this revolutionized America's defense. The ability to be launched from various platforms, the use of missiles by military personnel under the protection of cover, the ability for long range and multiple launches, and accuracy of hit are all battlefield advantages of the Hellfire missile. prgtoken Mr. Milton's coworkers often refer to him as ``Dick'' and speak highly of his brilliance and everyday problem-solving skills. Mrs. Debbee Jordan, a coworker, says, ``Working with Dick and watching how he thought and attacked each problem was a great gift for a just out of college engineer.'' prgtoken Madam , the new-age ideas Richard Milton offered in the 1960s revolutionized many U.S. ally's missile systems and the U.S. precision in missile defense we have today. prgtoken I commend Mr. Richard D. Milton for his innovation and passion for public service to the American people.
IN HONOR OF RUTH LINDSAY BURGESS
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a special woman, Ruth Lindsay Burgess, of Lexington, Kentucky. Born in 1923 in Connersville, Pennsylvania as the only daughter in her family, she grew up hunting with her father and brothers. She was known as quite a sharp shooter. prgtoken Ruth Lindsay enlisted in the Army on May 15, 1945. She bravely served in the South Pacific as a nurse, caring for injured American soldiers during heavy fighting. She earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and earned a Victory Medal. prgtoken Ms. Lindsay was discharged on March 11, 1946. She returned home where she met and married her husband Frank Burgess, who also served in World War II. They had three daughters. Mrs. Burgess worked as a hospital nurse and then did private care nursing until she retired. She was an avid volunteer for American Legion Post 24. Ruth Lindsay Burgess passed away on July 27, 2019 at the age of 95. prgtoken Mrs. Burgess and her fellow veterans are true heroes. As members of the ``Greatest Generation'', they willingly served to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. I am humbled to honor the service of Mrs. Ruth Burgess before the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING VERMALENE SMITH'S VSO SERVICE
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Vermalene Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas, who faithfully served as the Craighead County Veterans Service Officer the past 12 years. Without a doubt, our country's 18-plus million veterans would be much better served if every VSO had Ms. Smith's knowledge, determination, and passion. prgtoken When I first took office in 2011, Ms. Smith literally opened her office doors to my veteran's caseworker, allowing her to observe and learn the VA processes so we could best serve veterans in the first congressional district of Arkansas. Since then, Ms. Smith readily made herself available to my office, offering us advice and direction when veterans experienced complex issues or bureaucratic red tape. prgtoken If a veteran had a need, Ms. Smith pinpointed a resource to fill it. She often located suits or clean clothes for veterans facing job interviews. She found places for veterans to live while in transition, even contacting local hotels to provide lodging. She made sure no veteran was buried without a proper funeral. And in situations where Ms. Smith did not have an available resource, she organized efforts to create one. prgtoken Yes, finding Ms. Smith's replacement will prove daunting. She, however, leaves behind the most treasured legacy of all--that of investing in people, including the veterans for whom she cares so deeply and the individuals seeking to help them. Consequently, I have no doubt Craighead County is left in good hands based on the leadership example Ms. Smith set. prgtoken My office formally congratulates Ms. Vermalene Smith on her retirement, and we wish her many happy years ahead reflective of the stellar service she provided veterans in Northeast Arkansas.
HONORING JORDAN HALL
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a member of my staff that has been with me since the beginning of my campaign. prgtoken Jordan Hall, 23, has served in my District office since January. Before that, he traveled with me across the District during our campaign. prgtoken Folks across the 6th District know Jordan for his work ethic, warm smile, and friendly demeanor. prgtoken We are losing a strong member of the team, but Jordan will remain a member of our Hoosier, and 6th District, family. prgtoken Jordan will be studying at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. prgtoken I wish Jordan luck, though I know it will be his work ethic and determination that gets him though this next chapter of life. prgtoken I wish Jordan, and his wife Chelsea, all the best as they continue to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
HONORING DR. WILLARD LEWALLEN
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the retiring Superintendent-President of Hartnell Community College District, Dr. Willard Lewallen, for his career in higher education and commitment to serving the people of the central coast of California. His leadership has touched the lives of many, and I am honored to acknowledge his legacy today in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Throughout his seven years in his role as Superintendent-President, Dr. Lewallen has remained committed to a philosophy of ``students first.'' He has set an inspiring example for Hartnell College employees and its supporters, leading initiatives and partnerships that have yielded tremendous success and strengthened Hartnell and the entire Salinas Valley. The continual growth and development of the college itself is due in large part to Dr. Lewallen's investment of time and expertise into improvement of campus programs and facilities. Dr. Lewallen's record of service to Hartnell and the Salinas Valley has certainly left a lasting impact on the City of Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula. prgtoken Student success has been a priority of Dr. Lewallen throughout his time at Hartnell and is reflected by an overwhelming increase in completion of degrees and certificates. The number of students pursuing four-year degrees has also risen during Dr. Lewallen's tenure, preparing these students to transfer to the California State University and University of California systems to complete their degrees. prgtoken Dr. Lewallen has left an indelible mark on the central coast with Hartnell's recently developed partnerships with California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Dr. Lewallen helped initiate programs like the CSin3 program, which allows students to complete a B.S. in computer science in three years, and the Teacher Transfer Pathway program, which enables students to begin at Hartnell and continue seamlessly at CSUMB and earn a teaching certificate within five years. prgtoken Growth and development have been remarkable under the leadership of Dr. Lewallen prgtoken and has impacted faculty and staff in constructive ways. The steady increase in the number of employees and full-time faculty and has been paired with substantial investments made in future construction sites within the Hartnell College system. Dr. Lewallen has helped to secure funding for the construction of new Hartnell education outreach centers in Soledad and Castroville, a state-of-the-art nursing and health sciences building on the Main Campus in Salinas. He has also overseen efforts to refurbish classroom buildings on the Main Campus and the transformation of the Central Plaza. prgtoken As Dr. Lewallen celebrates his retirement, I am proud to commend him on his invaluable work as a higher education leader. On behalf of residents across the Central Coast, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Willard Lewallen for his service
HONORING FLOYD ``SKIP'' BRANCH, JR.
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today in great sadness to share the passing of Floyd ``Skip'' Branch, Jr. and honor his life and legacy. prgtoken For generations of children, Skip, as he was known to the community, was a fixture of their daily lives. prgtoken In 1995, Skip founded the NYC Bombsquad Basketball Classic, where he worked each summer with nearly 300 young boys and girls. But his impact was not merely honing basketball skills, although he certainly did. On the court and off the court, his lessons transcended basketball and made better the lives he touched and the community he loved. prgtoken Skip displayed an unyielding love for his community and inimitable belief that basketball was a constructive tool for the development and enrichment of children and adolescents. Responsibility. Teamwork. Academic achievement. Community engagement. Fraternity. Sorority. These are the tenets that Skip inculcated in every one of his students and will remain a part of his indelible legacy. prgtoken His program grew and had such an impact on young people's lives that many of them returned to teach and coach new participants. Skip believed that basketball and the fundamental lessons he taught should not only be shared with his students at Rice High School, Cardinal Hayes, or Hostos Community College. He also used the playground at East 100th Street and Third Avenue as a haven for youth in East Harlem where he instilled the fundamentals of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect in his students. Anyone who knew Skip knows he loved every moment spent doing this important work. prgtoken Floyd ``Skip'' Branch, Jr. was a beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather. To his wife Carole, son Floyd III, brother Dr. Kent Branch, and all those close to Skip, I share my sincerest condolences in this time of grief and hope they find solace in knowing his legacy lives on in the many young lives he impacted.
HONORING THE MARTINEZ ARTS ASSOCIATION
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Martinez Arts Association for its dedication to promoting the arts in our community and to celebrate its 50th annual Arts in the Park Festival, an event to support local art teachers and Martinez students who study art in college. The Martinez Arts Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides opportunities to local artists and fosters arts education in Martinez schools. prgtoken Founded in 1968, the Martinez Arts Association has a long history of supporting local artists and creativity in our community. The organization is led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated to increasing accessibility to the arts. The Martinez Arts Association is backed financially by Association members and generous local sponsors who are invested in cultivating the arts in Martinez. prgtoken The Arts in the Park festival draws a larger crowd with each passing year. This year there are over sixty vendors, live music, activities, and a silent auction to spark people's imaginations and enable them to give back to our community. The Martinez Arts Association puts on other incredible events including the SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day Celebration, participates in local parades, and contributes rotating art exhibits at the library. prgtoken Every year, the Martinez Arts Association awards $3,000 grants to Martinez elementary and high school teachers to help offset budget cuts to arts education. In addition, the organization runs a scholarship program that awards over $3,000 each year to local high school seniors who intend to study visual arts in college. prgtoken Madam , the Martinez Arts Association has been an ardent advocate of the arts in our community since 1968. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Martinez Arts Association here today.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF JOHN SCRIBNER
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions of Mr. John Scribner and his well-deserved retirement. Through his leadership and devotedness, he has influenced and dedicated a life-time service to the people of California. prgtoken In the 1970s, Mr. Scribner began his public service career to better the lives of Californians. Mr. Scribner has dedicated his life's career to leading and assisting Elected Officials. In 1980, as a young professional he assisted in various assembly campaigns throughout the State of California. By 1992, Mr. Scribner successfully ran for office in the Sacramento County Board of Education. A few years later, in 1997 Mr. John Scribner worked under Freshman Assemblymember Scott Wildman, catering to the needs of our fellow Californians. In 1999, I had the honor to work alongside Mr. Scribner as he became Capitol Director to my Sacramento office. His passion and enthusiasm reflected in his work for the constituents of my district. prgtoken In 2006, Mr. Scribner became Political Director in my Capitol office, where he continued to fight for the welfare of Californians. He focused on various issues including infrastructure and addressing school bullying. prgtoken Mr. Scribner continues to believe that when ordinary people come together to work towards a common goal, they can make the world a better place. He demonstrates tremendous leadership and serves as a great example and inspiration for many. He empowers others to give back to their communities and inspires others to choose the path of public service. prgtoken Today we celebrate Mr. Scribner's well-deserved retirement and wish him many more years of success. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. John Scribner's civil service career to the State of California.
RECOGNIZING WAUKEGAN TO COLLEGE
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor Melanie Antonio, Rafael Bonilla, Nyah Brown, Melissa Bueno, Armonie Collins, Cristian Diaz-Santos, Alejandro Garcia, Marlenny Gonzalez, Syed Hussaini, Donville James, Lizbeth Jaquez-Mena, Michelle Martinez, Valeria Mencia, Gabriel Murray, Natalia Ocampo, Pedro Ocampo, Noemi Padilla, Alex Palomar, Aliyah Plummer, Lori Ruiz, and Kaitlyn Torres for their admittance into the Waukegan to College (W2C) program. prgtoken A year-round college readiness service, W2C launched in 2009 and seeks to advance local students' intellectual and emotional development, cultivating a strong commitment to community and a profound belief that they can build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. By establishing high academic expectations and counseling students and their families on the college application process, W2C helps students realize their full potential by making the dream of college a reality. prgtoken All of these students will be the first in their families to attend college, and were selected for the W2C program due to both their impressive academic achievements as well as their contributions to their communities. As leaders inside and outside the classroom, these students show tremendous dedication and potential. prgtoken Strengthening our communities requires rebuilding the ladders of opportunity so that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. This begins with providing each and every child, regardless of zip code, access to a high quality, affordable education and continues by ensuring all families can afford to send their sons and daughters to college. prgtoken When our nation's talented young people pursue their passions and follow their dreams, they accomplish far more than personal growth. They serve as role models in their communities and their achievements inspire and motivate other young people to equally strive and achieve. These students truly are Champions of Change. I wish them the very best of luck in their higher education and in all their future endeavors.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF ROSE MARY HANSHAW
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Rose Mary Cicero Hanshaw, who passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 11, 2019, at the age of 81. prgtoken Born Aug. 12, 1937, in Warren, Rose was the daughter of Nicholas and Carmella Nardo Cicero. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rose's family meant everything to her. prgtoken She was a licensed beautician for many years, working for Helen Accordino's Beauty Salon. She later worked as a cook at her cousin's and godfather's grocery store: Cicero's Market in Niles. During those years, she built lifelong friendships with many of her co-workers and customers. prgtoken Engaging her Italian heritage, Rose enjoyed baking, cooking and Sunday macaroni dinners with her entire family. She always looked forward to family celebrations for birthdays and holidays. She loved yardwork as well as working in her flower beds. prgtoken She was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Class of 1956, and was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles. In her younger years, she was active at working the parish festival in the sausage booth as well as being a part of the ladies auxiliary group who cleaned the Church before the celebrations of Christmas and Easter and special events. prgtoken On June 13, 1959, Rose married the love of her life, Marvin Hanshaw, who died June 4, 2018, and during their 58 years together, they enjoyed the love and joy that family brought to them. prgtoken She will be deeply missed by three sons, Deacon Michael Hanshaw and his wife, Stacey, of Liberty, David Hanshaw of Lordstown and Frank Hanshaw and his wife, Jessica, of Howland. prgtoken Her grandchildren brought much joy and pride into Nana's life, as she was affectionately known as, and she delighted in sharing in all of the significant moments of their lives from school sporting events to high school graduations. They include Nick Hanshaw, Kyle Hanshaw, Chance (Jaclyn) Hanshaw, Melissa Hanshaw, Arianna Hanshaw and Nathaniel Hanshaw. Great-grandchildren include Bentley Edward Lane, Madalynne Rose Hanshaw and Braelynn Rae Meely. prgtoken Rose is also survived by one brother, Carmen Cicero of Garden Grove, California. prgtoken My wife Andrea and I are blessed to be long-time friends of her son, Mike, who is the deacon at my childhood church. I give my deepest condolences to Rose's family. She will certainly be missed.