mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING RUGGIERO REALTY LLC FOR RECEIVING THE FULTON MONTGOMERY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor Ruggiero Realty LLC for receiving the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award. prgtoken Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and I am proud of the strong small business community in the North Country. Lana Ruggiero, owner of Ruggiero Realty LLC, is a Fulton County native and lifelong resident of Gloversville. Lana holds numerous real estate designations, is a notary public, and has been honored numerous times; including as a top producing agent and REALTOR of the year in Fulton County. She is very active in the community and in various business organizations, currently serving as a member of the Fulton-Montgomery County Regional Chamber of Commerce, President of the Gloversville Women's Alumni Club, and on the board of the Parkhurst Field Foundation. She previously served as treasurer of the Fulton County Board of REALTORS. Heading into her sixteenth year as a REALTOR, Lana attributes her success to her desire to serve her clients as if they were part of her own family. prgtoken Lana's deep knowledge and passion for the community has led to her continued success. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to congratulate Lana and the Ruggiero Realty LLC for this well-deserved recognition. I look forward to their future success.
IN MEMORY OF FIRE CHIEF TIM TITTLE
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to remember Tim Tittle, the Fire Chief for the City of Lewisville, Texas. He served with the Lewisville Fire Department for over four decades and was named Fire Chief in 2011. His lifelong commitment and dedication prgtoken to the fire service will continue to be an ideal of servanthood and integrity for his colleagues. prgtoken Under his leadership, Chief Tittle was responsible for oversight of the 155 fire fighters who compose the Lewisville Fire Department. As Fire Chief, he oversaw the department's response to over 11,000 incidences annually in the City of Lewisville from eight fire stations. prgtoken Chief Tittle was born and raised in Lewisville, and he graduated from Lewisville High School in 1974. He played basketball and was captain of the varsity baseball team. Years later, he was named to the Lewisville High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments both as a student and for his public service as an adult. prgtoken Chief Tittle was a ``Fireman's Fireman;'' he joined the Lewisville Fire Department in 1977 and worked his way up the ranks, serving in nearly every position within the department. He had the distinction of being one of the city's first paramedics and fulfilled a lifelong dream and reached the pinnacle of his career when he was named Lewisville Fire Chief in 2011. prgtoken Tim Tittle was married to Lisa for more than twenty years and raised two sons. According to their proud and loving father, these young men were the greatest accomplishments of his life. Chief Tittle passed away on January 20, 2020 after a courageous battle against leukemia. prgtoken Since being diagnosed in 2013, he aggressively battled the cancer into remission several times. prgtoken His leadership, professionalism and dedication will not be forgotten in the City of Lewisville and Denton County. Chief Tim Tittle's devotion to his profession and his fellow firefighters was absolute and his service to the community made it a safer place to live and work. His service and leadership will be deeply missed.
HONORING IRENE G. NORMAN
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-27

I rise to honor Yeoman 3rd Class Irene G. Norman, an American hero who served in World War II. prgtoken Irene Norman enlisted in the Navy WAVES on October 28, 1944. She began her service in Bronx, New York, where she learned the trade of sheet metal fabrication. She was then assigned to her permanent duty station at Naval Air Station Miami in Florida, where she was responsible for repairing damaged aircraft so that they could continue to be used in the war effort. prgtoken Yeoman 3rd Class Norman was honorably discharged in 1946 after 2 years of service to her country. Mrs. Norman returned home and attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee. She went to work for the local newspaper after graduation and did everything, from writing articles to selling ads. She wrote a column for the paper called ``Heads and Hearts'' that she was very proud of. prgtoken Additionally, Mrs. Norman married and raised three wonderful children after she completed her service. prgtoken , our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, like Mrs. Norman, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. It is my honor to recognize Yeoman 3rd Class Irene G. Norman as the Tennessee Second District's January 2020 Veteran of the Month.
REMEMBERING LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-1-27

75 years ago today, Allied armies liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. Unfortunately, more than 6 million of God's children perished before that happened. This can never be forgotten. prgtoken I agree with General Eisenhower's comments at the time: Educate people on the atrocities committed so they don't happen again. prgtoken That is why I am proud to have cosponsored the Never Again Education Act. The bill authorizes Federal funds to be used to teach about the Holocaust. Ensuring that citizens know the uncensored truth of history will help punctuate the message that anti-Semitism is abhorrent and will not be tolerated. prgtoken , , Representative Carolyn Maloney from New York, who took the lead on initiating this bill. prgtoken Finally, to the families of the victims so tragically lost: They will never be forgotten.
IRS FREE FILE RESOLUTION
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , the IRS Free File program is an innovative public-private partnership between tax preparation software companies, the IRS, 22 States, and the District of Columbia offering free online tax preparation and e-filing services to low- and moderate- income taxpayers at no cost to the Federal Government. prgtoken Since 2003, over 51 million American taxpayers have filed their taxes for free through Free File, collectively saving over $1.5 billion in tax preparation fees. prgtoken A recent independent study of the Free File program highlighted the value of this critical public-private partnership and reaffirmed that the IRS would not be able to offer the Free File program without the financial support of the private sector. prgtoken With over 100 million taxpayers eligible for Free File each year, I believe it is important to make sure more eligible taxpayers are aware of this Free File service, which is an outstanding complement to the other free tax preparation services offered to low- and mid-income families. prgtoken Today, I am introducing a resolution formally recognizing the contributions Free File has made to our country and expressing the House's support for this vital program. prgtoken I would like to take this opportunity to thank my cosponsor, Congressman Butterfield, for joining me in introducing this resolution and for his continued work as co-chair of the House Free File Caucus.
RECOGNIZING EAGLE SCOUT DANIEL PAOLELLO
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-27

today, I recognize Daniel Paolello from Mullica Hills in south Jersey on his attainment of an Eagle Scout rank. prgtoken Eagle Scout is the highest rank obtainable from the Boy Scouts of America. Only a very small percentage of all Boy Scouts will ever make it to this prestigious recognition. prgtoken Eagle Scouts continue to be more likely to dedicate their lives to service throughout their entire lives, becoming future leaders in military, business, or politics, and joining the ranks of other Eagle Scouts like Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg, and Gerald Ford, just to name a very few. prgtoken I was proud to attend Daniel's Court of Honor ceremony earlier this month. prgtoken , I extend congratulations to Daniel, and we look forward to big things from him in the future. prgtoken We all look for heroes. We look to Washington. We look to celebrities. I know where my heroes are, and one of them, without a doubt, is Daniel. May God bless him.
NEVER AGAIN EDUCATION ACT
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today in support of the Never Again Education Act. prgtoken Madam , I recognize Congresswoman Maloney for her decades of leadership on this issue, as well as Congresswoman Stefanik, who served as co-leads on this effort. prgtoken Today, we have 300 of our Members cosponsoring this bill, compared to only 53 Members in the last Congress, and it took the leadership of many to make today a reality. prgtoken Madam , I also thank the Nebraska State Education Association for raising awareness of this bill to their counterparts at the National Education Association. We appreciate their efforts to secure the NEA endorsement. prgtoken As we remember the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps, we must pledge to each other and ourselves to never forget the victims and the lessons learned. prgtoken This cannot be a partisan issue. We must remember that the fight against anti-Semitism is an American endeavor and does not belong to s or . Stamping out this evil is an endeavor for all humanity. If we allow it to become the agenda of just a single party or to be used as a partisan weapon, then we will provide the fertile ground for the growth of this evil. prgtoken Anti-Semitism and all of its manifestations are plain evil, and the Holocaust illustrates the ultimate and horrible endpoint of where hatred leads. prgtoken As the firsthand witnesses of these crimes pass away, it becomes incumbent upon us to ensure that they are never forgotten and that their pain and suffering never become just a footnote in history. prgtoken In addition, the eyes of future generations are upon us, and this legislation is needed now more than ever. According to recent studies, nearly half of our millennials are unaware that 6 million Jews were murdered, and two-thirds of American millennials surveyed were not familiar with Auschwitz. Another statistic shows that over prgtoken 60 percent of religious hate crimes are anti-Semitic in nature. prgtoken Our schools need the resources that this bill provides, and education is one of our strongest tools against anti-Semitism. This bill is especially important considering the increase in anti-Semitic attacks both in this country and around the world. prgtoken Even in my home State, we have seen this evil. Most recently, the South Street Temple in Lincoln, Nebraska, was the target of anti- Semitic vandalism, and last November, the Temple Israel Cemetery in Omaha was desecrated. The cemetery attack also happened near Veterans Day, which, unfortunately, provided a dark reminder that the cause of defending freedom and combating hate never rests and that this is a cause that we all share the responsibility for, to fight. prgtoken When liberating the camps, General Eisenhower brought journalists, government officials, and military personnel to the camps, as he believed ``the evidence should be immediately placed before the American and British public
HONORING SPECIALIST JOSEPH A. RAYMOND
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Specialist Joseph A. Raymond of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, for outstanding achievement during the Soldier of the Year board for the 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery. prgtoken Specialist Raymond's outstanding skills and high level of motivation contributed directly to him being selected as the Soldier of the Year, competing at the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldier of the Year board. prgtoken Specialist Raymond's exceptional performance reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery, the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the United States Army. prgtoken He is a credit to Adams County, to our Commonwealth, and to the entire United States of America. prgtoken Madam , today I salute Specialist Joseph Raymond and congratulate him and his entire family.
HONORING THE JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its Western New York Chapter upon its fiftieth anniversary. For years, this organization has been the leading global organization to fund Type One Diabetes research, and I am honored to recognize their work today. prgtoken Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin suddenly, and has no link to diet or lifestyle and impacts both adults and children. prgtoken The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1970 upon the desire to cure Type One Diabetes. The organization was founded by parents hoping to find a cure for their children who had the disease. Since that time, the organization has worked to cure this disease that affects so many by raising funds and advocating for research. Currently, there are dozens of locations across the nation and six international affiliates. The organization has raised more than two billion dollars for research. prgtoken This organization has done great work throughout the country, including the Western New York Chapter that I have often been involved with over the years. This year, we are glad to also be celebrating the Gala's twentieth anniversary, Journey To A Cure Gala, one of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Western New York's largest fundraisers. This extraordinary event draws about six hundred community members together, united for the cause of raising funds for Type One Diabetes research. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its Western New York Chapter upon its fiftieth anniversary.
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-1-27

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Today, we remember one of the darkest chapters in our history, the Shoah, when 6 million Jews were brutally murdered in a genocide that left an indelible mark on humanity. prgtoken This year marks 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz- Birkenau Nazi death camp. prgtoken There alone, 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed. Today, we remember them, and we say again: ``Never again.'' prgtoken International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of what depravity humans are capable of prgtoken when we don't make it a priority to end hate and intolerance. We must remember the victims now and always, and that includes making Holocaust education a priority in our schools. I am thankful that today my colleagues and I passed legislation to do just that. prgtoken There is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, hate, or intolerance in 2020. I join with my colleagues today in saying: ``Never again.''
RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to announce the introduction of a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. prgtoken Today, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this day in 1945, Allied troops entered the Auschwitz concentration camp and liberated the more than 7,000 still-living prisoners. prgtoken During World War II, the Nazi regime systematically killed approximately 6 million Jews, as well as millions of other minority populations. At least 1.3 million of these people were deported to Auschwitz, 1.1 million of whom were murdered. prgtoken Today, we not only remember the Jewish lives cut short by the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Nazi regime, but we honor the prgtoken nearly 80,000 Holocaust survivors still living in the United States and telling their stories to ensure that the adage ``never again'' is realized. prgtoken Anti-Semites in America and around the world continue to invoke Nazi ideology and use symbols like the swastika to vandalize synagogues and Jewish institutions. This resolution emphasizes the importance of Holocaust education in schools, urges Federal agencies and the American people to commit to addressing unchecked intolerance and prejudice, and encourages Federal and local social services agencies to support Holocaust survivors so they may live their remaining years in dignity and comfort. prgtoken s, Congressmen Ted Deutch and Lee Zeldin, for leading this bipartisan resolution with me, to the 98 original cosponsors of the resolution, and to over a dozen American Jewish organizations who have endorsed it. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join with me and pass this important resolution.
CELEBRATING LOU MAIELLO'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Mr. Lou Maiello's 100th birthday. Born in 1920 to his Italian immigrant parents Elena and Benjamin, Lou is the fourth of seven siblings. He attended PS 78 and Benjamin Franklin High School, then moved out to Idaho as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Eventually Lou moved back to New York City to work for a series of construction companies. At the Rockefeller Construction Company, he met the love of his life, Nancy. Nancy and Lou will celebrate their 64th anniversary in June. Although Lou retired in 1990, he has kept himself busy. An avid golfer, Lou won the Staten Island Senior League Club Championship against a man 43 years his junior. He followed up his victory a week later with the first hole in one of his golfing career. During his retirement, Lou learned to paint while watching Bob Ross on PBS. His artwork now hangs in the homes of his friends and family. Lou is also known for his gardening skills, often sharing his harvest with the neighbors. Lou and Nancy moved to Staten Island in 1960 from the Bronx. They raised their four children, Anne Marie, Barbara, Robert and Rick, in Westerleigh. Lou's children are all proud of their father and thrilled to be celebrating this huge milestone together, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating with them. I wish Lou a very happy 100th birthday surrounded by his loving family.
NEVER AGAIN EDUCATION ACT
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in support of H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, introduced by my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. prgtoken The Never Again Education Act will help ensure the atrocities of the Holocaust are never repeated. It will authorize $10 million over 5 years for a new program to help teach the Holocaust in schools. The program will be run by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which will develop curricula, train teachers, and partner with local organizations to promote Holocaust education. prgtoken The Holocaust was the systematic and state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews and an additional 5 million others who the Nazis deemed inferior. Yet, while it might seem hard for the older generations to believe, many younger Americans today do not know the basic facts about the Holocaust. prgtoken A new study from the Pew Research Center found that half of Americans know that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The research found that education and trips to Holocaust museums directly impact respondents' knowledge. The figures highlight the need for greater Holocaust education in America. prgtoken Today, anti-Semitism is on the rise. I hosted an event last week with leaders of the Jewish community and law enforcement. They talked about their security concerns, and they made a pledge to stand up for others by challenging bigotry in any form. prgtoken We must speak out against hate and educate one another to prevent and stop the rise of anti-Semitism. prgtoken Soon, younger generations will not be able to hear from Holocaust survivors, as we have firsthand. They will depend on their schools and their teachers to learn the facts. prgtoken We were recently in Belgium on a trip led by Pelosi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, where over 19,000 Americans were killed in that battle, joining with the Allies to fight against hate and evil. prgtoken We won, and after World War II, we said, ``Never again.'' But we realize this struggle continues, and it is very real today. prgtoken On the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, I urge my fellow Members to support the Never Again Education Act and keep the lessons of the Holocaust alive. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING MARIA PAPANASTASSIOU
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the work and dedication of Ms. Maria Papanastassiou, a librarian and Kids' World assistant manager at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Ms. Papanastassiou was one of 10 librarians in the country to receive the national ``I Love My Librarian Award'' for 2019-2020 from the American Library Association. prgtoken Maria Papanastassiou was nominated by her colleagues who felt that through her work, families with diverse needs have found a home and a welcoming, inclusive place at the library. Ms. Papanastassiou works hard to help families connect with one another and receive crucial support. prgtoken Ms. Papanastassiou leads play groups for children with Down Syndrome, Cerebal Palsy, sensory processing disorders and language delays. She organizes creative learning opportunities such as story boards with felt characters to help with language development, crafts for fine motor development, instant snow powder for sensory exploration, a circus tent for children who require low-sensory environments, stepping stones for gross motor skills, and activities to facilitate imaginative play. And she instituted ``Early Open for Families'' so that children of diverse needs can experience library exhibits in a quiet setting before the library opens the door to the public. prgtoken In addition to her service to children with special needs, Ms. Papanastassiou created meetups for parents, caregivers, and developmental therapists to get together in an informal setting. She also leads the Arlington Heights Memorial Library's partnership with C.I.T.Y. of Support, a nonprofit that aids families with children in therapy. prgtoken My office has worked closely with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library to ensure that our shared constituents receive effective and efficient assistance. My district staff holds regular neighborhood office hours in the library. prgtoken Maria Papanastassiou is a dedicated, compassionate and creative librarian and I deeply admire her conscientious work to provide a safe place and learning environment for families with diverse needs. On behalf of the constituents of the 9th Congressional District, I thank Maria for her service and congratulate her on this award.