mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN COMMEMORATION OF FRANK FAT'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the late Frank Fat and the 80th anniversary of Frank Fat's Restaurant. As the staff and loyal patrons gather to celebrate this wonderful achievement, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the Fat family for their profoundly positive contributions to the Sacramento community. prgtoken Frank Fat immigrated to the United States in 1919 at the age of 16. In the 1930's Frank would get his lucky break while managing his uncle's Hong Kong Lum restaurant. A customer asked Frank to play a bet on a Keno game in the basement gambling hall. A 50-cent ticket would end up winning the patron $900, but the official had left before the game even began. Frank held onto the winnings for two months before the customer returned. That thankful customer rewarded Frank for his honesty by giving him a business loan--a loan which would materialize into his down payment on a rundown speakeasy that would become the iconic Frank Fat's restaurant. prgtoken Frank and his wife, Mary, first opened their humble restaurant on August 31, 1939. When asked his philosophy, Frank stated, ``You give people good food, a nice place to eat and make them happy. Pretty simple, really,'' words that continue to define the restaurant's success. His restaurant at 806 L Street in Sacramento--where it still stands today--quickly became a favorite location for legislators and locals alike. It is said more legislative decisions were made here than in any office at the Capitol, including the legendary ``Napkin deal'' of 1987 that introduced landmark tort reform. prgtoken After Frank's passing in 1992, the Fat family ensured that his legacy lived on by continuing the tradition of serving iconic food and ensured that the restaurant remained an important pillar in our community. Under the continued leadership of the Fat family, the restaurant remains a destination for good food. Frank Fat's has remained an iconic institution, receiving accolades such as the America's Classic James Beard award and most recently, a 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Fat family not only continues the culinary legacy created by Frank, they remain dedicated in honoring the community they serve by giving back to the region and remain strong advocates for the API community. prgtoken Madam , I hereby commemorate and honor the late Frank Fat, the restaurant that bears his name, its staff, and the entire Fat Family for their dedication to the culinary arts and the people of Sacramento for more than 80 years. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing them continued success and thanking them for their service to the Sacramento region.
HONORING REGAN SMITH
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor Regan Smith, a rising senior from Lakeville North who just won the World Championship in the 200 meter backstroke set a new world record for this race. Regan's time--2 minutes, 3.35 seconds--shaved over half a second off the previous record. prgtoken Regan is the youngest member of the US team. This is only her second year competing at the World Championships, and she's already making waves. Right after winning the 200 meter backstroke, she went on to set yet another world record and win gold in the women's 400-meter relay. prgtoken It's an honor to represent a district with such talented athletes competing on the world stage. Seeing Regan and her team at the World Championships has been a joy to watch over the past few weeks. Congratulations to Regan and the entire women's national team. I'm excited to see what they continue to accomplish.
REMEMBERING GEORGE MITROVICH
Joseph P. Kennedy III (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of a dear friend, inspiring public servant and brilliant writer, George Mitrovich. prgtoken A native, proud San Diegan, his fingerprints can be found across the city he loved dearly. prgtoken Even when careers and callings drew him across the country to the East Coast, George's heart never strayed from home. prgtoken And one of those jobs that pulled him away was the presidential campaign of my grandfather, Robert F. Kennedy. He was a devoted member of the press team, and his friendship with my family never waned. As the years turned into decades, George was always there. His enthusiasm as infectious as ever as he rattled through stories of politics and baseball, and the pity he felt for anyone silly enough to live anywhere but San Diego. prgtoken In the years that followed, George worked for politicians on both sides of the aisle and became a trusted advisor and close friend for countless Members of Congress and Senators. prgtoken After his work in Washington came to an end, he returned home to found The City Club of San Diego in 1975 to leverage his greatest skill, building relationships and creating connections. prgtoken Over nearly five decades, George brought presidents, senators, authors, athletes, journalists and friends to The City Club to tell stories, confront challenges and strengthen friendships. prgtoken But through it all, his greatest love never strayed far from his heart or mind, baseball. prgtoken It was that love that helped him as he shepherded Petco Park into San Diego. prgtoken And in the months before his passing, he was known to travel with his 2018 Red Sox World Series ring and share it with anyone he came across. prgtoken George was a man whose spotlight exposed the greatest traits of every person he met. He will be dearly missed. prgtoken As we mourn his loss, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, La Verle, and his children, Carolyn, Mark and Tim.
HONORING RANDY RANDAZZO
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a beloved member of our community on the central coast of California, Mr. Randy Randazzo. Mr. Randazzo made a career out of service and fostered an environment of collectiveness and compassion in his tight-knit community of Carmel Valley, California. His presence in the community cannot be replaced, and his contributions will live on for generations to come. prgtoken Randy Randazzo's served not only his community in Carmel Valley, but also his country. As a Marine during World War II, Mr. Randazzo heroically served in the Bougainville campaign in the Solomon Islands. He served on the fleet that facilitated the Japanese surrender, signaling the close of World War II. Upon returning to Carmel Valley, Mr. Randazzo's turned to his community. He and his wife, Charlene, owned and operated the local market in Carmel Valley Village, a centric cornerstone for the community. Randy was also active in the Kiwanis, where he worked to empower youth to change the world by investing in their futures. prgtoken Among his many achievements, Mr. Randazzo was awarded the Carmel Valley's Good Egg Award for Citizen of the Year twice for his unfailingly generous reputation in the community. Additionally, he was recognized by the Carmel Historical Society for his contributions in organizing and establishing the Carmel Valley Community Center. Many called Mr. Randazzo the unofficial mayor of Carmel Valley, a tribute to his invaluable and irreplaceable leadership. prgtoken I am immensely grateful for Mr. Randy Randazzo's distinguished service to the people of the United States and the residents of the central coast of California. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Randy Randazzo's distinguished career, outstanding citizenship, and immense contributions to both Carmel Valley and the United States of America.
COMMEMORATING THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I include in the Record the following proclamation: prgtoken Whereas, it is the privilege and duty of the American people to commemorate the two hundred and thirty-second anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and prgtoken Whereas, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its creation; and prgtoken Whereas, public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week; prgtoken Now, therefore, I, Tom Rice by virtue of the authority vested in me as Representative of the Seventh District of the State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 17 through 23, 2019 to be Constitution Week and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787.
HONORING AUGUST VETERAN OF THE MONTH KEN PENNINGTON
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor World War II veteran Warrant Officer One Kenneth A. Pennington, U.S. Navy Retired. prgtoken Mr. Pennington enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. After spending time in the European theater, he was assigned to the newly commissioned aircraft carrier, USS Princeton. After 9 major engagements in the Pacific, the Princeton was sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944, resulting in 108 casualties and over 200 injured. Many consider this battle is to be the largest naval battle of World War II and possibly the largest in history. prgtoken In 1946, Mr. Pennington was assigned as deck chief on the USS Midway aircraft carrier, and eventually saw action in the Korean conflict while aboard the USS Mount McKinley. He continued to serve over 30 years until 1967, and was recognized for his commitment, bravery, and heroism with 10 medals during that time. prgtoken This past March, Mr. Pennington celebrated his 100th birthday. However, it is our community and I who celebrate him, his career, and lifetime of service. Our nation owes you a debt of gratitude for all you have endured to protect our freedoms and faith, one that brought you through the darkest days of war. I thank him for blessing us with his life of sacrifice, and am humbled to honor him before the United States Congress.
HONORING THE VILLAGE OF COPENHAGEN ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Village of Copenhagen on its 150th Anniversary. I am proud to represent a district that is so steeped in history and I want to congratulate every resident of Copenhagen on this occasion. prgtoken The Village of Copenhagen grew around the Munger's Mills on the banks of the Deer River starting in 1801. The Village grew up within the Town of Denmark and received its name in protest of the British bombardment of Copenhagen that year; however, the Village of Copenhagen would not be incorporated until 1869. Copenhagen is home to many historically significant sites including the Pinckney Corners Cemetery, founded in 1810, where the bodies of veterans from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 are located. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate Mayor Clarke and every resident of Copenhagen on this historic occasion. As we look back on and celebrate the decades and centuries behind us, I encourage everyone to also look forward to our bright future ahead.
HONORING THE 193RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING OF MIDDLETOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor and congratulate the outstanding men and women of the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for earning the Wing's 18th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. This highly prestigious award recognizes the Wing's exceptionally meritorious service from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017. prgtoken During this period, 772 Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing deployed in support of contingency operations overseas, advancing our military's effectiveness on the battlefield while protecting our Nation and our American way of life. prgtoken During the same period, the Wing also distinguished itself through its domestic operations. The unit is at the cutting edge in its disaster relief capabilities. After Hurricane Harvey and again after Hurricane Maria, the unit performed vital life-sustaining activities, working around the clock to deliver personnel and critical cargo to the affected areas and to restore communications to advance disaster relief efforts. prgtoken The Airmen of the 193rd Special Operations Wing consistently demonstrate their excellence in their training and their operations across the country and around the word. Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District is honored to be the home of such a distinguished unit. I commend them for earning this Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their hard work, dedication and steadfast service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the United States.
TRIBUTE TO MR. CURT SMITH
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Curt Smith, a distinguished Hoosier who has spent nearly four decades fighting to advance faith, family, and freedom in the great state of Indiana. Curt truly embodies what it means to have a servant's heart. He has served our state with honor and integrity in various roles including 15 years as an aide for U.S. Senator Dan Coats and U.S. Rep. John Hostettler and 18 years as President of the Indiana Family Institute. prgtoken Curt has truly established himself as a thought leader and advocate for the preservation of our First Amendment rights. He has heavily contributed to Indiana's many pro-life achievements including banning abortion up to 20 weeks and defunding Planned Parenthood of state tax- dollars. Curt also has taken it upon himself countless times to defend the religious liberty of all Hoosiers at the state and local level. prgtoken Furthermore, under Curt's leadership, the Indiana Family Institute has implemented countless groundbreaking programs and initiatives including the ``5 Freedom's Project'', a program which works to address social and economic problems facing Hoosiers through effective policy and research. Most notably, Curt was instrumental in developing the Hoosier Leadership Series, a program that seeks to develop leadership, worldview training, and create a network of future conservative leaders across Indiana. My wife, Amanda, and I are both proud graduates of this program and we are thankful for the impact it has had on our lives. prgtoken Madam , Curt is a once in a generation type of leader and the state of Indiana is proud to have someone of his caliber guiding us into a brighter tomorrow. I wish him many more years of success in his new role as Chairman of the Indiana Family Institute.
CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The arts are very important to the Eighth District of Virginia, and play a crucial role in our economic growth, community development, and educational opportunities. prgtoken The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Alexandria opened a century ago and has served many unique roles in its lifetime. During World War II it was used as a munitions plant before being turned into a storage facility. In 1969, the City of Alexandria bought the building for use by its residents. prgtoken The President of The Art League of Alexandria, Marian Van Landingham, proposed converting the space into art studios in 1974. Today, 45 years later, the Torpedo Factory Art Center continues to be a thriving creative community in the City of Alexandria. The center hosts over 500,000 visitors every year and is the nation's largest collection of working-artists' open studios under one roof. It is a significant part of the City of Alexandria's history and, I hope, its future. prgtoken Madam , for these reasons I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Torpedo Factory Art Center on reaching this milestone anniversary, and in thanking all those who have contributed their time and talent to the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
RECOGNIZING BEVERLY LEE OF LOS ANGELES
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise to honor the accomplishments of Beverly Lee in 40 years of service to the Los Angeles Communications Center, or LACC. prgtoken A Public Safety Operator at LACC is responsible for answering any and all 911, public information, and allied agency calls in the 88 cities within Los Angeles County. LACC is the largest dispatch center in the state and Los Angeles County and answers an average of 7,000 calls a day, and over 10,000 calls a day during holidays, special events, or catastrophes. prgtoken Beverly Lee's journey at LACC began on July 23, 1979. Her younger brother was a dispatcher at LACC, and he encouraged Beverly to apply and test for a position. Beverly worked hard during her training and passed probation; the rest is history. prgtoken Beverly's career is historic in many ways. She was part of the last training class to document critical information on cards and the first to learn the computer-aided dispatch system. Throughout her 40-year career, she has handled innumerable high-priority emergency calls proficiently and calmly, being the voice of help in many hopeless moments. She was an integral part of rendering safety, service, and security to the public during the 1984 Olympics, 1991 LA Riots, 1994 Northridge Earthquake, 2000 ic National Convention, Y2K computer changeover, numerous LA Lakers Championships, the LA Kings 1st Championship, and many other notable emergencies. She has spent an untold number of holidays away from family and friends to assist others that need her help. prgtoken Beverly has an excellent work ethic and displays it daily. She physically, mentally, and emotionally exceeds her job expectations and does it with a smile. She is a strong and dedicated supporter of LACC's training program, and her guidance has led to many supervisorial and managerial promotions. She has donated food, clothing, and monetary gifts to the homeless and to Hurricane Katrina Victims, and is an active member of ``Team CHP'', supporting the Revlon Breast Cancer Walks and CHIPS for Kids. Her infectious laugh contributes to the morale of LACC, and her willingness to go above and beyond is truly an inspiration. prgtoken Beverly never imagined having a 40-year career at LACC, but has maintained her goal of having an excellent work ethic and a grateful attitude. She says the most rewarding gift of working at LACC has been the friendship, loyalty and support she has experienced here. Beverly's health and attitude are an example to us all.
INTRODUCTION OF THE UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ACT OF 2019
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , today, I introduce a bill similar to one I have introduced in six previous Congresses, the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2019. My bill would establish and expand prekindergarten programs in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-old children. The District of Columbia has made considerable strides since I first introduced this bill, but today's bill is still needed for the nation to fill a gap in the ``Every Student Succeeds Act,'' which addresses elementary and secondary education, but ignores the prekindergarten years, the most critical years for children's brain development. prgtoken My bill seeks a breakthrough in public education by providing funding for states to add prekindergarten for children at three and four years of age, like kindergarten programs for five-year-olds now routinely available in public schools. This bill would eliminate major shortcomings of unevenly available ``day care'' and, importantly, would take advantage of the safe facilities required in public schools. Unless early education becomes a necessary part of a child's education, it almost surely will continue to be unavailable to the majority of families with children. prgtoken My bill provides federal funds to states, which must be matched by at least 20 percent of a state's own funds; to establish or expand universal, voluntary prekindergarten in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-olds, regardless of income. The classes, which would be full-day and run throughout the entire school year, must be taught by teachers who possess equivalent or similar qualifications to those teaching other grades in the school. The funds would supplement, not supplant, other federal funds for early childhood education. The unique money-saving aspect of my bill is that it uses the existing public-school infrastructure and trained teachers to make early childhood education available to all, saving billions of dollars for its implementation. prgtoken The success of Head Start and other prekindergarten programs, combined with new scientific evidence concerning the importance of brain development in early childhood, virtually mandate the expansion of early childhood education to all children today. Early learning programs have been available only to the affluent, who can afford them, and to some low-income families in programs such as Head Start, which would be unaffected by my bill. My bill provides a practical way to universal, public preschool education for the majority of families. The goal of the bill is to afford the benefits of early childhood education prgtoken to the American working poor, lower-middle-class and middle-class families, most of whom have been left out of this essential education for their children. prgtoken We cannot afford to allow the most fertile years for childhood development to pass unenriched. My bill responds both to the great needs of pa
IN HONOR OF NICK BUONICONTI
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise in honor of my friend Nick Buoniconti, the humanitarian and football legend who contributed to two Miami Dolphins Super Bowl wins in the 1970s. He passed away on July 30, 2019, at the age of 78. prgtoken Mr. Buoniconti grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, before enrolling in Notre Dame, where he began his football career. Small for the N.F.L he began playing for the American Football League (A.F.L.) in 1962. An ambitious student as well as an excellent athlete, he studied at the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston during his tenure with the Patriots, graduating with his law degree in 1968. prgtoken Mr. Buoniconti was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1969. After the A.F.L. and N.F.L. merged, he helped the Dolphins win the Super Bowl VII, capping off a season in which the team went undefeated. The Dolphins continued to dominate the next year, winning the following Super Bowl as well. Mr. Buoniconti played with the team through 1976, when he retired from professional football. prgtoken In 1985, Mr. Buoniconti's son Marc sustained a spinal cord injury in a college football game that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Mr. Buoniconti left his job at U.S. Tobacco to focus on his son's health and support the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, of which Marc Buoniconti currently serves as president. The Miami Project is a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where I have seen the groundbreaking research it has supported in the fields of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Mr. Buoniconti and his family also founded the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, which has raised over $500 million in support of the Miami Project's research objectives. prgtoken Nick Buoniconti dedicated his life to excellence, both in his football career and in his work with the Miami Project. His influence will be felt in Miami for years to come. We will remember him with love and pride.