mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. BILL KATIP
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Bill Katip as he prepares to retire from his position as president of Grace College. prgtoken Having served as Grace College president for the last 22 years, Katip led the institution in several groundbreaking initiatives including an accelerated three-year bachelor's degree program, a four-year bachelor's and master's program and Deploy--Grace's competency-based seminary program. prgtoken As a result of these initiatives, and many more, Katip has led the school through historic milestones, including Aspire, its $40 million comprehensive campaign, and recruiting the school's largest-ever incoming class of students for the 2021-22 school year. prgtoken As successful as Katip was in strengthening Grace College's standing academically and financially, he also maintains a beloved reputation among students. Over the years, Katip made it a point to attend campus events, travel with students on trips and, most importantly, to be someone in a position of authority by whose example Christ's light shines upon the world. prgtoken I have known Dr. Katip for many years and had the opportunity to call upon his assistance several times in preparing for hearings in Congress. I know him to be not only an outstanding college president and counselor, but also a consummate friend and Christian. prgtoken I wish him and his wife, Debbie, Godspeed in a most deserved retirement. Even with his departure from Grace College, his legacy will endure, and his presence will be felt on the campus and beyond for years to come.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF PASTOR LEON JONES
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor a great friend, Pastor Leon Jones of First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals in Ware Shoals, SC, on his retirement. During his nearly twenty-five years of service, Pastor Jones has been a spiritual leader of the community and continues to put others before himself. prgtoken Ware Shoals First Baptist Church was founded in 1908 and has seen sixteen pastors in its time. Pastor Jones will retire as the longest serving pastor of the church, with nearly twenty-five years of service to the church and the community. His ministry came to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church in 1997, and I, along with many others in the Third District of South Carolina, have been personally impacted by his message of faith. prgtoken When I think of Pastor Jones, I am reminded of Jeremiah 3:15: ``Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'' Pastor Jones is a shepherd and teacher in his community, and his compassion and love for others has been exemplified through his service to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church. prgtoken After his retirement, Pastor Jones will settle in Elgin, SC, with his wife. There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to be a leader in ministry and change the lives of everyone he meets. His unconditional love for others reflects the Lord in every way. I am grateful to call Pastor Jones my friend and to have attended First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals while he served. prgtoken Madam , it is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor those, like Pastor Jones, who have made an immeasurable impact on communities, like Ware Shoals, SC, in faith.
COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF MOJO DONUTS' NEWEST LOCATION
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the opening of Mojo Donuts' newest location in Florida's 26th Congressional District. Since its inception in 2013, what started as one small business, today has expanded to several locations throughout the Miami area that specialize in gourmet donuts. Jimmy Piedrahita had a vision to bring his delicious donuts from his first location in Miami to South Florida including Kendall, Homestead, and the Florida Keys. He teamed up with Shawn Neifeld and Willie Munoz to make his vision a reality. prgtoken The owners have taken a distinct approach that has allowed for them to create and craft unique donuts that incorporate South Florida flavors. Their achieved success has been a direct result of revolutionizing and fostering innovative ideas. These ideas have led to numerous customer favorites that include Guava and Cheese Donut, Creme Brulee Donut, and Abuelita Donut. Over the last few years, Mojo Donuts has notably achieved significant milestones. They were the first donut shop to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a well-known program featured on the Food Network that spotlights America's best food establishments. prgtoken When not working on crafting the next customer favorite, Mojo Donuts takes every opportunity to give back to the community. prgtoken Whether it be hosting events in honor of community members who have inspired Floridians all around or running a yearly campaign for cancer awareness at their shops, Jimmy Piedrahita, Shawn Neifeld, and Willie Munoz understand the importance of giving back to the community and ensuring that those who are less fortunate are met with the assistance they need. prgtoken In is an honor to join the South Florida community in celebrating Mojo Donuts' newest location. I congratulate Jimmy Piedrahita, Shawn Neifeld, and Willie Munoz on this grand achievement. This new location will allow and accommodate residents from all of Florida and around the world. Small businesses such as this one are the backbone of this great nation and are the economic engine of America. I look forward to their continued success and prosperity in the future.
RECOGNIZING MR. DAVID JOSEPH BORCKY
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Dave Borcky, who passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. prgtoken A native of McFarland, California, Mr. Borcky served our country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his return, Dave worked tirelessly in the community to ensure veterans receive the recognition they deserve through the McFarland Veterans Community Center. prgtoken Mr. Borcky was an active member of many organizations in the Central Valley. He was a member of the Lions Club and American Legion Post, participated in Boys and Girls State activities, and coached students from McFarland High School in the LEOS Club. He organized local food drives, back to school drives, and many other activities that improved the lives of the McFarland residents. In December 2011, Mr. Borcky was named Grand Marshall for the McFarland Christmas Parade. prgtoken Mr. Borcky was a key player in McFarland's community for several years. It is with great pride that I recognize him for his service and leadership to his country and his community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Dave Borcky. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE DANIEL A. MANION ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Honorable Daniel A. Manion as he celebrates his 80th birthday. A lifelong Hoosier, Judge Manion has devoted his life to serving our community and our great nation. prgtoken Judge Manion has deep roots in northern Indiana and has played an important part in our region's history. He was born on February 1, 1942, in South Bend to his parents, Clarence and Virginia Manion. Judge Manion graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1960. At Culver, he participated with the Black Horse Troop in the Inaugural Parade for President Dwight Eisenhower in 1957. prgtoken Judge Manion matriculated to the University of Notre Dame in 1960, where he was a member of the University's ROTC. During his senior year, he served as Brigade Commander and received the Father John J. Cavanaugh Award. At Notre Dame, Judge Manion was a member of the wrestling and lacrosse teams. He was also a three-time champion of the annual Bengal Bouts boxing tournament. Judge Manion graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1964 with a degree in Political Science. prgtoken Following college graduation, he was a Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1965 to 1966, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. Later, Judge Manion served as the Director of Industrial Development for the Indiana Department of Commerce from 1969-1973 and earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University in 1973. He then served as Indiana's Deputy Attorney General from 1973 to 1974. prgtoken In 1978, Judge Manion was elected to the Indiana Senate, where he served until 1982. An avid runner, he earned a reputation for jogging door to door across his district to meet Hoosiers. prgtoken Judge Manion practiced law at Doran, Manion, Boynton, Kamm & Esmont from 1974 to 1986, when he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to serve as a circuit judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He was confirmed in November 1986 and served as an active judge until December 2007 when he took senior status. He still serves in this capacity, regularly hearing appeals. prgtoken During his tenure on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Manion has authored numerous opinions. Additionally, he has mentored 65 law clerks, several of whom have gone on to become judges. Most notably, Judge Manion is the only currently sitting Judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals to have one of his former law clerks as a colleague--the Honorable Judge Michael B. Brennan. After taking senior status, Judge Manion also was succeeded as an active judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals by the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. prgtoken Judge Manion is married to his wife, Ann, who serves as President of the Women's Care Center. He has four children; Mary (husband, Tom), Katherine (husband, Joey), Patrick, and Michael; two grandchildren and two more on the way. Madam , I would like to congratulate the Honorable Daniel A. Manion and his
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN AND LEGENDARY REPORTER MORTON A. MINTZ
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Morton Abner Mintz, a World War II veteran and legendary investigative reporter who turned 100 years old this week. And what a century it has been for this great and modest man of exceptional gifts. prgtoken Born January 26, 1922, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mr. Mintz enlisted in the Navy after graduating from the University of Michigan. He served as Communications Officer and then Commanding Officer in World War II on USS LST 505, which supported troops in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy from June 6 to June 25, 1944; the Invasion of Southern France from August 15 to September 25, 1944; and in the Pacific Theater during the assault and occupation of Okinawa from May 29 to June 10, 1945, and subsequently in China. prgtoken Married for 68 years to the lovely Anita Inez Franz until she passed away in 2015, he has two daughters, Margaret and Roberta, and a son Daniel, 10 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Mintz became a newspaper reporter and editor in St. Louis, then moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Washington Post in 1958. He was to become one of America's most independent, highly respected, and public-interested reporters. For decades he was a first- class investigative journalist and peerless muckraker. prgtoken Widely recognized by his peers for his relentless focus on protecting the public against both corporate and governmental abuses of power, the prodigious Mr. Mintz covered a wide range of topics, including anticompetitive business practices, automobile safety, air pollution, the tobacco, pharmaceutical and medical device industries, waste and fraud in military contracting, the corrupting power of the campaign finance regime and the corrosive influence of lobbying and large corporate donations on elected officials. He knew much could be learned from covering seemingly obscure congressional hearings and reading the fine print in legislation and administrative rulemaking processes. prgtoken Mr. Mintz' dogged investigative work repeatedly exposed corporate actions undertaken to prgtoken increase profit at the expense of consumer safety, leading to significant government regulations that curbed corporate misconduct and saved lives. prgtoken In 1962, he broke the story of how FDA scientist Frances Kelsey had discovered the dangers of the drug Thalidomide, which led to the last- minute banning of the drug from entering the US market and likely avoiding thousands of horrifying birth defects as were experienced in Europe. In the late 1960s, Mr. Mintz chronicled the inadequate testing of the original birth control pills and, years later, tracked the story of how a pharmaceutical corporation willfully ignored the safety hazards of the contraceptive Dalkon Shield, causing serious injury to thousands of women. He broke the extraordinary story of General Motors' corporate surveillance of Ralph Nader, the automaker's biggest public critic
IN RECOGNITION OF JOE GRAUPENSPERGER AND HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise to thank Joe Graupensperger for his many years of service to the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken Joe came to the Committee after working at the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he handled a range of issues related to federal criminal law. He had previously practiced law in Washington, DC, and got his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. prgtoken Joe was already a veteran of the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice when he came to the Hill in 2009. Our Chairman at the time, John Conyers, Jr brought him onto the team to handle crime policy for the Committee. Chairman Conyers's faith in Joe was well placed. Joe is, today, the Chief Counsel of our Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security--and in his span of service, Joe has drafted dozens of laws, run hundreds of hearings, and, without question, helped to improve the lives of millions of Americans. prgtoken Joe's track record speaks for itself. He has played a role in every major criminal justice reform effort that has been signed into law in the past dozen years, including the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, as well as laws to improve the National Instant Background Check System, address the rape kit backlog, reform surveillance practices, and establish rights for survivors of sexual assault. prgtoken In fact, last Congress alone, under Joe's leadership, the Crime Subcommittee advanced more than a dozen bills that were ultimately signed into law--despite a divided Congress and a President. He has ensured that several other measures were signed into law this Congress as well. prgtoken This is Joe's last month as Chief Counsel for our Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Although we congratulate him on his engagement and wish him well on his move to Texas, we will miss his leadership, his friendship, and his steadfast dedication to justice for all. Simply put, our country is better off because of Joe's work as a public servant. prgtoken I thank Joe for his service to the Committee, and wish him the best of luck with this exciting next chapter.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BETTY WHITE
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Betty White, who passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 99, three weeks before what would have been her 100th birthday. A longtime resident of California's 33rd Congressional District, Betty was a Hollywood icon and a devoted animal welfare advocate whose career in theater, film, television, and radio spanned eight decades. In that time, she earned numerous awards and accolades and endeared herself to audiences across America and around the world. prgtoken Betty was born on January 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Horace and Tess White. The family moved to Beverly Hills when Betty was a child, and she graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1939. Betty's entertainment career began as a recent graduate, when she took part in one of the first ever experimental television broadcasts. She put her career on pause because of World War II, when she served in the American Women's Voluntary Services, delivering supplies to soldiers stationed along the Santa Monica Mountains. prgtoken After the war, she dabbled in both radio and television, appearing in radio shows like Blondie and This is Your FBI and hosting the talk shows Hollywood on Television and The Betty White Show. She established herself as a force for justice on one of her eponymous shows, willing to stand up for what was right. After featuring Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her nationally syndicated show, Betty received calls from television stations in the Jim Crow South to fire Duncan or risk being taken off the air. Rather than accede to racist demands, Betty invited him back three more times. prgtoken Though Betty had married twice before, it wasn't until her stints in the early 1960s on various game shows as a celebrity guest on To Tell the Truth, I've Got a Secret, and What's My Line? that she met her true love. After appearing on Password, she and host Allan Ludden got to know each other, and he eventually proposed. They married in 1963 and remained together until his death by stomach cancer in 1981. The couple had had no children of their own, but she helped raise Ludden's three sons and daughters from a previous marriage. Of Ludden, she said ``I'll never get over him'' and never remarried. prgtoken Betty played her best-known roles in the latter part of her career. She played Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1973 to 1977 and Rose Nyland on The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992. As Sue Ann, Betty was wily, crafty, and cunning behind her wide, beaming smile, which contrasted with Rose's naivete and innocence. Both roles helped her win Emmy Awards, of which she won eight in total: five Primetime, two Daytime, and a Los Angeles regional. She also won three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy. prgtoken Appearances in a Super Bowl commercial for Snickers, 2009's romantic comedy The Proposal, and a guest host spot on Saturday Night Live reintro
IN MEMORY OF ZENOBIA VIOLA HARRIS BIVENS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , today I rise with a heavy heart, to remember the life of a special young woman, and to celebrate a life interrupted too soon. prgtoken Zenobia Viola Bivens, 40, of Houston, Texas, passed away on January 8, 2022 after a sudden and unexpected case of meningitis. prgtoken Zenobia was a mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was born on September 15, 1981, in Goldsboro, North Carolina at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to Johnny Jr. and Major Regina V. . She is preceded in death by her father, Johnny Jr. and is survived by her husband, Darvell Bivens; son, Dean Roque Bivens; mother, Regina V. ; sister, LaGina R. ; and brother, Johnny B. III and his wife, Jessica M. Saulter . prgtoken Zenobia's greatest impact was sharing her heart and time with those that knew and loved her, especially Darvell, her college sweetheart and best friend for over 20 years. Together they gathered a `Village' of educators, friends and family to create a loving, fun, and nurturing environment for their son Dean. Zenobia based her actions on her family values of `God, Family, and Education'. prgtoken Zenobia graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1999 and went on to attend college at West Texas A&M where she won a National Title in Speech and Debate was named University Woman of the Year, was featured in Glamour Magazine, and met the love of her life--Darvell Bivens. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication--Broadcasting. prgtoken She received the Future Faculty Fellowship (full scholarship to receive master's degree and doctorate) to attend the University of Alabama. While at the University, Zenobia was the co-founder of the Coalition for Change (organization dedicated to identifying and preserving historic Civil Rights sites including discovering unmarked graves of the enslaved on the campus grounds). prgtoken She graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Alabama. Zenobia then attended Northwestern University--Pritzker Law School where she was a legal extern to former Senator and graduated cum laude with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. prgtoken In her profession, Zenobia's achievements are numerous and impressive. Zenobia served as clerk for the Honorable Carl E. Stewart of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and the Honorable Justice Dale Wainwright (ret.) of the Texas Supreme Court. She was a renowned trial and appellate lawyer. prgtoken She served as counsel in cases involving NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development among many. Her cases were featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Houston Chronicle. prgtoken Zenobia successfully argued a case before the United States Supreme Court. At the time of her death, Zenobia was a Managing Partner for the Frost, Brown & Todd Law Firm. <|p
HONORING THE MUNSTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , it is with great admiration that I take this time to recognize the Munster Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates its 66th Annual Gala. This year, the Chamber will honor Damian Rico with the Volunteer of the Year award, and the Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Wendy Mis. To commemorate this special occasion, the Munster Chamber will host a celebratory event on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. prgtoken Damian Rico is this year's recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. Mr. Rico gives of his time and efforts to numerous charitable organizations throughout the region including the Salvation Army, the Crystal Taliefero Journey with the Arts Foundation, Schererville Shock Travel Baseball, and the Munster Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. As Community Relations Director at Hospice of the Calumet Area, Mr. Rico has touched the lives of countless individuals. He believes that his career at Hospice is a calling, and I admire Damian's ability to provide support to patients and their families during such difficult times. Mr. Rico's compassion and generosity of spirit make him a perfect fit for this role. For his many contributions to the Northwest Indiana community, Damian is worthy of our highest praise. prgtoken The Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Wendy Mis, Clerk- Treasurer for the Town of Munster. Throughout her career, Mrs. Mis has served the community of Munster and Northwest Indiana in numerous capacities. In 2010, she became the Executive Director for the Munster Chamber of Commerce, a position she held for many years. Mrs. Mis was also active in the Munster School Corporation and served as a past PTO President. In addition, she has given of her time and expertise to many organizations and boards including the Munster Education Foundation, the Munster Booster Club, Friends of Hospice, the Rotary Club of Munster, and the Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, to name a few. For her outstanding and constant dedication to the community of Munster and beyond, Wendy is worthy of the highest commendation. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the Munster Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates its 66th Annual Gala and in honoring Damian Rico as Volunteer of the Year and Wendy Mis as Citizen of prgtoken the Year. Damian and Wendy continue to serve as exemplary leaders for the Northwest Indiana community, and they are undeniably deserving of the awards bestowed upon them. Their exceptional devotion to the region and to the wellness of our community will have a positive impact for generations to come.