mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 8888 IN NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8888, which represents nearly 10,000 shipbuilders at the Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. These dedicated men and women build and repair our Navy's nuclear aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines at this shipyard, which is the largest private sector employer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. prgtoken The birth of this local union began with a secret ballot vote on January 31, 1978. While they received their charter from USW months later on September 15, 1978, it took the courageous efforts of thousands of workers to carry forward a difficult campaign to ultimately win recognition by the shipyard. Since that time, USW Local 8888 has advanced economic progress for tens of thousands of shipyard workers and has made the Newport News community more vibrant. prgtoken The union's advocacy has produced contracts over many years with higher wages, improved health benefits and better pensions. The USW Local 8888 contract established a health and safety committee, and created a fairer workplace by providing for wage progression and a grievance and arbitration procedure. The first six years following the first contract between Local 8888 and the shipyard resulted in more than a half-billion dollars in additional wages and benefits. The USW's current 52-month collective bargaining agreement with Huntington Ingalls Industries--the current owner of the shipyard--will increase average wages and benefits by over $15,000 per worker. prgtoken These gains did not come easily. Forty years ago, the shipyard workers had been represented by the Peninsula Shipbuilders Association (PSA)--which was a small association that many workers viewed as a company union. Wages and pensions for these shipbuilders were lower than those at other shipyards in the country. Some workers were stuck in jobs that never had a pay raise. The PSA held no membership meetings, no election of shop stewards, and did not have a safety clause in its ``contract.'' Workers wanted and demanded a better deal. prgtoken A group of shipyard workers reached out to the United Steelworkers to try to secure a stronger and more progressive union to represent them. Known as the ``front four,'' Oscar Pretlow, Eddie Coppedge, Ellis Cofield, and WT Hayes were amongst the early organizers. The effort to build support was not easy. The company sought to terminate those who were organizing support for the USW as a way to discourage support. However, in January 1978 thousands of shipyard workers voted through a secret ballot election to affiliate with the USW. prgtoken But the shipyard owner at that time--Tenneco--refused to recognize or bargain with USW, and it joined with the PSA to challenge the validity of election before the National Labor Relations Board. These delaying tactics were intended to wear down support for the union the workers had freely chosen. prgtoken
10TH ANNUAL BLACK WOMEN'S WELLNESS DAY
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-9-20

I include in the Record the following Proclamation: prgtoken Whereas, African American women and their families continue to have a positive impact on the growth and development of our county, our state, and our nation's identity and future; and prgtoken Whereas, Investments today that improve the quality of life for African American women and their families will ensure that Dane County becomes the healthiest county in the state, and that Wisconsin becomes the healthiest state in the United States, as well as the health care leader of the world; and prgtoken Whereas, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness was established for the purpose of empowering women and girls of African descent to live healthy, balanced, and thriving lives by promoting mind-body- spirit wellness as a core quality for being productive members and leaders of their families, communities, and society; and prgtoken Whereas, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness works to eliminate health disparities impacting black women and their communities by partnering with the community to provide educational outreach programs, conferences, and seminars including the Annual Black Women's Wellness Day to inform, inspire, and empower Black women and girls to build and sustain healthy, wellness-centered lives; now, therefore, be it prgtoken Resolved, that I, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan of the 2nd District of Wisconsin, hereby proclaim September 22, 2018 as the 10th Annual Black Women's Wellness Day, and urge all citizens to support this worthy and life sustaining endeavor by celebrating this day with pride and distinction, and by recognizing its organizers as advocates and ambassadors of health and healing in our community.
IN RECOGNITION OF MERCY PEDALERS 1ST ANNIVERSARY
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to recognize Mercy Pedalers and its volunteers and supporters as they celebrate their 1st Anniversary. As the community gathers today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them and their successful first year of service to the Sacramento region and beyond. prgtoken On September 1st Sister Libby Fernandez founded Mercy Pedalers after serving as the Executive Director of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes for eleven years. During her many years of service for the people in our community experiencing homelessness, she realized that compassion and personal connections were what made a difference in people's daily lives. Through her small but meaningful, individual actions, the inspiration for the organization was fostered. prgtoken Mercy Pedalers is comprised of local, kindhearted individuals, who cycle through the streets of Sacramento, reaching out to men and women who are in crisis and living on the streets. They emphasize their outreach and actions based on the ``Works of Mercy'' and ``Welcoming the Stranger.'' The work and care that the volunteers bring into the streets of our city cannot be overstated. As we struggle to address the causes and symptoms of homelessness, Mercy Pedalers bring a ministry approach to day to day outreach. The dignity and respect that Sister Libby and the Mercy Pedalers show homeless men and women is one that should be present in all of us. prgtoken , as the members and volunteers of Mercy Pedalers celebrate their first year of service to the Sacramento community, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their dedication to our neighbors through their charitable work.
HONORING VIVIAN LEE BATTLE SIMS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Vivian Lee Battle Sims for her lifetime of work in education and for her longstanding contributions to the communities in which she has resided throughout her life. prgtoken Vivian Sims was born and raised in New York City, where she graduated from Girls' High School in Brooklyn, a highly regarded institution of the public school system. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She also attended Columbia University, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Columbia State Community College and the Tennessee Technology Center at Pulaski. Vivian Sims returned to school at the age of 85 to begin work on a doctorate at Tennessee State University. prgtoken She began her career in education as an art teacher in 1950 at Nashville city schools, eventually moving on to be art supervisor for Metro Nashville Public Schools' District 3 and Giles County's elementary schools. She served as the first high school art teacher at Giles County High School from 1976 to 1985, as Assistant Principal for Pulaski Elementary School from 1985 to 1991 and was the first African American woman principal at Southside Elementary School before her retirement in 1997. prgtoken During her career as an educator that spanned over 47 years, Vivian Sims participated in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and was a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. She also served as president of the Giles County Schools Teachers Association and on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Education Association, among other national, state and local organizations. prgtoken In addition to her work in public schools, Vivian Sims has always been an active member of her community. Some of these community activities include her work for Giles County Senior Citizens, Inc the Community Council for the Adult Developmentally Handicapped, the Community Development Corporation of North Pulsaki, Help A Talented Student (HATS), the Pulaski Boys and Girls Club and the Pulaski Area Vocational-Technical School. prgtoken My pride in Vivian is also personal because she is my cousin. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Vivian Lee Battle Sims for her outstanding contributions to education and the arts, as well as for her enduring service and attention to the greater Tennessee community.
LIZABETH LIEBESKIND
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-20

it is with a heavy heart that I honor today a dedicated member of the Hastings on Hudson community, Lizabeth Liebeskind, a woman who brought art, beauty and insight to all she encountered. Lizabeth passed away on July 26, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a valiant battle with cancer. But for those who knew her, the legacy Lizabeth has left will last forever. prgtoken Lizabeth graduated from Syracuse University, BFA, and devoted her life to developing the arts in Tribeca, Woodstock, Hastings on Hudson and Brooklyn. As Co-Founder and Creative Director of 12 Miles North, Liz founded the wonderful ``Take Me to The River Festival'' for which she was awarded a Key to the City on September 9, 2017. That day from here forth will forever be ``Lizabeth Sipes-Liebeskind Day'' in Hastings on Hudson. Liz wrote and performed plays, most recently her own one woman play about her battle with breast cancer in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. prgtoken Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to a loving family of seven, Lizabeth is survived by her mother, Beverly Sipes and siblings: Terry, John, and Scott Sipes and Marianne Brown. Liz leaves behind her beloved husband, Hank Liebeskind and her adored children, Samantha, Charlee and Lila Liebeskind. prgtoken , Lizabeth was a wonderful, warm individual who did so much to better our community. Her contributions were many, as were all the different lives she touched. Lizabeth will be deeply missed, and I am humbled to be able to honor her legacy as a Member of Congress.
HONORING KARIN STRASSER KAUFFMAN
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to honor Karin Strasser Kauffman for her lifetime of environmental stewardship efforts to improve the quality of life for the women and children of the central coast of California. prgtoken Views of the Pacific coast from Highway 1 would be less spectacular without Karin's efforts. As Chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, Karin helped to restrict on-shore oil facility development in Monterey County and worked to ensure that breathtaking views of the Pacific remain unobscured for public enjoyment. Through the Big Sur Coastal Plan, Karin was also responsible for preventing the transfer of water out of Big Sur, thereby maintaining its verdant fields, waterways, forests, and biodiversity. prgtoken As a member of the Carmel River Watch citizen's group, Karin's efforts helped to create ecologically sound regulations for flood control, restore the riparian corridor, and improve water quality and wildlife corridors. This work led directly to the establishment of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. As its director, Karin was deeply involved in water conservation, water reclamation, and water resource allocations for Central Coast residents, including those living in affordable housing. Under Karin's leadership, Monterey County revised flood-way and flood plain issues relating to the Carmel River and Toro Creek, safeguarding residents from historic flood control issues. prgtoken Karin is also deeply committed to women's empowerment. Elected for the first time in 1984 and again in 1988, Karin was the second woman ever to serve on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. She utilized her platform to appoint many other qualified women to positions and committees previously controlled by men alone. For her years of public service and commitment to the advancement of women's representation, Karin was awarded the Paula Wainwright Peace and Justice Award in 2008 by the Carmel Valley Women's Network--in addition to the Outstanding Political Woman of Monterey County award in 1985, Professional Woman of the Year in 1986, and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Award from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments in 1993. prgtoken I am grateful for Karin's dedication to service to the Central Coast and have no doubt that she is an inspiration to all who have been impacted by her work I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Karin Strasser Kauffman's service to the Central Coast.
COMMEMORATING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOHN AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH--WILSON, NC
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, located in my congressional district and hometown of Wilson, North Carolina. St. John has been a beacon of light in the Wilson community for 150 long years and has positively affected generations of families. I ask prgtoken my colleagues to join me today in congratulating St. John's faithful congregation and their ancestors on this auspicious occasion. prgtoken In 1865, the New England Conference of the AME Zion Church deployed Reverend James Walker Hood to North Carolina to provide spiritual guidance to the 331,000 former slaves and to establish Churches throughout the state. Among the first churches established was St. John AME Zion Church (1868). Though Hood was met with fierce opposition from white Northern Methodists in establishing AME Zion Churches, he was unwavering in his commitment to the cause of Christianity as he established dozens of Churches across North Carolina. prgtoken , much of St. John's growth over the years can be attributed to its dedicated leadership and congregation. After a fire destroyed the Church's frame in 1909, the Reverend B. P. Coward led the Church in building the beautiful and stately building that the Church resides in today. Under Reverend Allen J. Kirk's leadership, the Church erected a recreational center, started a day nursery, and renovated the parsonage. Reverend Dr. Ulysses S. Johnson is the Church's longest serving pastor, serving the congregation for over fifteen years. Reverend Dr. Johnson led numerous renovations to the Church and served the entire community during his tenure. Reverend Staccato Powell (now Bishop Staccato Powell) was assigned to St. John early in his pastoral career, becoming a ministerial giant who led the Church into continued growth. His pastoral leadership became nationally recognized and he now serves as Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal District. prgtoken Over the years, the Church has been deeply involved in the community, providing, among many other things, daily hot lunches to senior citizens and educational enrichment to children in Wilson during the summer recess as a part of the Youth Enrichment Program. In earlier years, St. John operated a Boy Scott organization that impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. prgtoken In recent years, the church established St. John Community Development Corporation, Inc. and the Smith Street Project to enhance the Church's community outreach. St. John continues to meet the spiritual and physical needs of its growing congregation through the vision and devoted work of its current pastor, Dr. Charlean B. Mapson, Presiding Elder and former Pastor, Dr. Michael S. Bell, and Presiding Bishop the Right Reverend Dr. Kenneth Monroe. prgtoken , by the grace of God, St. John AME Zion Church has been standing strong for 150 long years. Her outstanding leadership and devoted members have created
CHINA CAMP VILLAGE
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise in recognition of the 150th anniversary of China Camp Village. Welcoming more than 260,000 visitors each year to its 1,500 acres of parkland, natural resources, and recreation areas, China Camp is an important part of the Bay Area's past, present, and future. prgtoken One of a few fishing villages in the San Pablo Bay in the mid-1800s, China Camp was home to thousands of Chinese American immigrants who came to work at newly built dairy ranches and brick manufacturing plants in the area, while continuing to fish for income and for their families. China Camp Village still maintains a 300-foot wooden pier and several wooden homes where the former Chinese fishing camp once stood, preserving the area's rich and diverse history. prgtoken As fresh water was diverted from rivers that entered San Pablo Bay, it became too salty for shrimping. China Camp transitioned to a state park in 1977 when a developer donated the 36-acre village as a living memorial to the important Chinese American history it represents. Years later, the Friends of China Camp helped save the park when it was threatened for closure during a state funding crisis. In 2011, I authored legislation, Assembly Bill 42, to allow California state parks to be managed by non-profit operators. The bill was approved and signed into law, and the Friends of China Camp entered an agreement with California State Parks to manage China Camp. prgtoken Today, China Camp is still operated by the Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization comprised of dedicated staff and volunteers, who are hard at work to increase campgrounds and picnic sites and expand interpretive programs for visitors while also attracting the community to engage in protecting its important natural and cultural resources. prgtoken In keeping with its past, China Camp continues to evolve and grow with changing times and the environment it is therefore appropriate that we stand together today, in celebration of 150 years of China Camp Village, as a living tribute to the Bay Area's history and future.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRIAN LEWINSTEIN
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-20

it is with great sadness that I rise in remembrance of Brian Lewinstein, who served as an intern in my district office from December 2015 to March 2016. Brian was a bright young man who assisted my office's casework operations, conducted research for my staff and helped organize a constituent issue survey for thousands of my constituents. prgtoken Brian planned to devote his life to social justice, equality, and civil rights. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles and would have started his second year at UC Berkeley School of Law this fall. After interning in my district office, Brian went on to intern at the Congressional Management Foundation in Washington, DC. Brian also worked as an intern in juvenile defense at the East Bay Community Law Center in Berkeley helping at-risk youth; he hoped to start a career in public interest law helping people in underserved communities. prgtoken Everyone in my district office who worked with him spoke of his intelligence, work ethic, and professionalism, in addition to those who knew him outside the office for his sensitivity, compassion, and humility. His efforts helped ensure that my constituents received assistance from federal agencies and helped me hear directly from them about their policy priorities. prgtoken Brian is survived by his parents, Marc Lewinstein and Felicia Lewinstein, and his sister, Jenna Lewinstein, who was his first and biggest fan. I want to thank Brian for his service to California's 33rd Congressional District and commitment to making our society more equal and just. Though Brian was taken from us too soon, I hope that his family is comforted in knowing that Brian made a difference in his community helping those in need. May he rest in peace.
HONORING PATTI ROSCOE
Susan A. Davis (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to celebrate a San Diego business and civic leader, Patti Roscoe as she is honored as the 2018 ``Ms. San Diego.'' More personally, I rise today to congratulate a wonderful friend on her lifelong achievements in service to others. prgtoken Started in 1952, this annual tribute was limited only to men. It wasn't until 40 years ago that both men and women were eligible for this honor. Patti will be the sixth woman to hold this distinction in its 66-year history. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Patti discovered a career in hospitality spending fifteen years in the hotel and destination management industry. Patti was the founder of PRA Destination Management Company; San Diego Rotary Club President from 2003 to 2004; board member for San Diego State University's Campanile Foundation, as well as the board of advisors for San Diego State University's Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, of which she was a co-founder; Plank Owner of the USS Midway; and trustee of the San Diego Library Foundation. This is just to name a few of her many achievements. prgtoken In 2010, Patti helped create an endowment at the Institute of Meetings and Events, the first of its kind in the nation, which provides scholarships in the MFA Musical Theater graduate program and Hospitality & Tourism Management program, as well as an endowment for student athletes. In 2015, Patti was recognized by the Global Society of Incentive Travel Excellence for embodying integrity and making notable contributions with long-term service to incentive travel and motivational events industry. prgtoken In June, she received the Neil Morgan Visionary Award for Lifetime Achievement from LEAD and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Three organizations have recognized Patti with Lifetime Achievement Awards: The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, San Diego Rotary Club, and The International Special Events Industry. prgtoken I commend Patti for her many accomplishments and contributions. A mother to three children and a grandmother to three grandchildren Patti truly understands the meaning of empathy and service to the community. Patti knows how to take care of business and work overtime for the betterment of the San Diego community and beyond.