mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING ANDREW FRENCH, 2020 CHAIR OF THE MICHIGAN RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Andrew French of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the 2020 Chair of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and President of Aubree's Flagstar. His decades of service to Michigan's restaurant and lodging industry and to our local community is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Aubrey William ``Bill'' and Sandee French opened Aubree's, a bar in Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town neighborhood in 1972. Raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Mr. French grew up in the restaurant industry. At age 15 he could be found in the back of his parent's bar washing dishes. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1997, he returned home to help his mom and dad revamp the family bar. In 1998, they purchased the space next door to the bar and expanded to become Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill. prgtoken In 2005, Mr. French became Vice President of the organization and when his father passed in 2015, he became President and CEO. The pizzeria quickly became a neighborhood favorite and gathering spot for family and friends in the area. With the success of the original Depot Town location, Aubree's has expanded to ten locations across the state of Michigan. To him the most important part of the job is creating a great customer experience for guests--Aubree's employees are part of the family. prgtoken In 2012, Mr. French was appointed to Board of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. A strong advocate for Michigan's restaurant industry, he was appointed Chair of the Board in 2020. A voice for hospitality on the local, state, and federal levels, Mr. French is a tireless advocate for Michigan restaurants and their employees. Even during the pandemic, he has continued to help keep hundreds of small businesses afloat. Active in his own neighborhood, he serves on the Depot Town Community Development Corporation, as the Vice Chair of the Ypsilanti DDA, and on the board of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He previously served on the boards for the Hope Clinic and the Ypsilanti Area Community Foundation. He resides in Ann Arbor with his family. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Mr. Andrew French for his exceptional leadership and extraordinary time. We are grateful for his commitment to the local community and economy and wish him and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continued success in the years ahead.
RECOGNIZING MARY ANNE CHERN ON HER DECADES OF SERVICE TO ADVENTIST HEALTH WHITE MEMORIAL AND TO THE HEALTHCARE FUNDRAISING INDUSTRY
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , today I recognize my good friend Mary Anne Chern, ACFRE, FAHP, a highly regarded healthcare fundraiser who has retired from Adventist Health White Memorial in Los Angeles after 24 years of dedicated service. White Memorial is the region's leading faith-based, nonprofit hospital and is located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles. For years, Mary Anne served as president of the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation and as a member of the hospital's Executive Team. I thank Mary Anne for her years of friendship and counsel and her unrelenting dedication to the healthcare fundraising profession. prgtoken Over the course of her 40-year career, Mary Anne has raised over $500 million for healthcare institutions in principal and major gifts, private grants, and government funding. She is highly respected by her peers and is a friend and mentor to healthcare development professionals across the nation and worldwide. Mary Anne is one of only seven fundraising professionals in the world to have achieved both the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) and the Fellow of Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (FAHP) certifications. She is also a Si Seymour Award winner for ``career excellence and outstanding leadership.'' The Si Seymour Award is the highest international recognition in healthcare fundraising and has only been given to a total of 41 fundraising professionals since 1970. prgtoken In 2010, Mary Anne was elected to be the international chair of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) by its over 5,000 members. The AHP is the leading authority on healthcare philanthropy and it represents development professionals at more than 2,000 nonprofit hospitals, medical centers, health systems and related facilities throughout North America and abroad. prgtoken Mary Anne has extensive experience teaching fundraising best practices and she served on the two boards that certify professional fundraisers internationally: the CFRE Board of Directors and the AHP Board of Certification, the latter of which she chaired. She also served on the national board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and its greater Los Angeles chapter, as well as the boards of CFRE International, which credentials fundraising professionals; the Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy, which develops the expertise of nonprofit leaders; and the Southern California Association for Healthcare Development (SCAHD). prgtoken Mary Anne is the co-author of a book and the author of numerous articles on fundraising. She won the AHP Journal Award in 2009 for her article, ``Hispanic Fundraising: Myths and Realities.'' She has a special interest in social determinants of both individual and population health, and she currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Los Angeles County Community Health Assessment and Action Partnership. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in
HONORING PATRICIA THOMPSON
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Patricia Thompson and wish her well in her retirement after 43 years of dedicated service to the township of Willingboro, New Jersey. prgtoken Patricia first joined the Willingboro Police Department in 1978 as a traffic guard and since day one, she has been a comforting presence to Willingboro students and residents. Having lived in the town for most of her life, I was not surprised to hear that throughout her tenure, Patricia was eager to take on additional responsibilities like overseeing the bicycle auction. Her commitment to Willingboro earned her a promotion to Crossing Guard Supervisor in 2011, where she has been a vital addition to training the next generation of crossing guards. prgtoken On behalf of our entire district, I want to thank Patricia for her tireless commitment to the township of Willingboro, New Jersey. I wish Patricia every enjoyment in retirement with her husband and children.
CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join prgtoken me in celebrating Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School's 150th anniversary and particularly Carrie Thornhill for her phenomenal leadership with the Dunbar Alumni Federation. I am fortunate to be an alumna of Dunbar High School and a member of the class of 1955. prgtoken Dunbar High School, which started in a church basement, was the first public high school for African Americans in the United States and remained segregated until 1954, when the District of Columbia was one of the six Brown v. Board of Education jurisdictions that successfully challenged segregated schools in the United States. Dunbar was instrumental in making the District of Columbia a bulwark of education for almost a century, attracting students from across the District, who were drawn by the school's excellent reputation. That same reputation was reinforced by Dunbar's remarkable record of graduating more distinguished African Americans than any high school in the country. Among them were Edward Brooke, the first Black popularly elected United States Senator; Robert C. Weaver, the first Black cabinet secretary; Benjamin O. Davis Sr the first Black general in the U.S. Army; Wesley Brown, the first Black graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Charles R. Drew, the discoverer of blood plasma; and Mary Jane Patterson, the first African American to achieve a college degree. Dunbar also drew teachers with advanced degrees who would have been college professors but for segregation in higher education. prgtoken In 2002, Dunbar High School established the Dunbar Alumni Federation, which works in partnership with school leadership to create better futures for Dunbar students and graduates, which has already awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to over 700 students. Dunbar has been recently rebuilt into a state-of-the-art facility and became a neighborhood school following the Brown decision. Its storied history continues to inspire generations of students. prgtoken I have introduced a bill directing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the proceeds from the sale of which would benefit of the Dunbar Alumni Association. prgtoken Madam , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dunbar High School for 150 years of educating the students of the District of Columbia.
HONORING THE LATE DAPHNE BROOKINS
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Daphne Brookins an incredible mentor, mother, and friend to the people of Fort Worth's 4th District. prgtoken Brookins was a young adult motivational speaker, writer, Fort Worth ISD District 4 trustee, and most recently served as an adjunct instructor at her alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University. She and her late husband, Carl Brookins, leave behind three sons. prgtoken Brookins served previously as council member and mayor pro tempore for the city of Forest Hill. Brookins' other affiliations include leadership roles with the One Star Foundation board, which she was appointed to by Gov. Greg Abbott, as well as the YMCA Metropolitan Board, Director's Circle with Girls Inc Tarrant County Challenge Inc. board member, Advisory Board member for Expanding Your Horizon, Tarrant County CHIP Coalition co-chairperson for the Marketing Task Force, and the Ladder Alliance board member. prgtoken In 2019, Brookins was elected to the FWISD Board of Trustees. She was later elected to a full term in May 2021. As a FWISD board member Brookins' main focus was on advancing opportunities for young women and children and ensuring all daycare facilities in Fort Worth were on the same page as the district's early learning program. She was also an early supporter and board member for the district's Young Women's Leadership Academy. prgtoken As a part of Fort Worth's 4th District, she represented 13 schools which included O.D. Wyatt High School, I.M. Terrell Academy, Morningside Middle School, Morningside Elementary School, W.M. Green Elementary School, David K. Sellars Elementary School, Harlean Beal Elementary School, Clifford Davis Elementary School, Carter Park Elementary School, Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School, Carroll Peak Elementary School, Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School, and Versia Williams Elementary School. prgtoken It was said that Brookins was always focused on students and never allowed any opportunity to further their needs to be lost. She always wanted to ensure that families received resources that allowed stability and a good education for their children. Brookins was a champion for kids and a person who embraced her board work with collegiality and dedication. prgtoken Daphne Brookins leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to service that will be missed by all in the Fort Worth community.
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2021 AS ``PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH''
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I am pleased to introduce a bipartisan resolution today with my colleagues, Representatives Eshoo, McKinley, and McClain. Our resolution raises awareness about pancreatic cancer and the importance of increased Congressional funding for research by expressing support for the designation of the month of November 2021 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. I am grateful for Representatives Eshoo, McKinley, and McClain's leadership in helping to combat pancreatic cancer. prgtoken Recently, pancreatic cancer has killed three American icons: Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Alcee Hastings, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Accurately described as a silent killer, this disease does not have an early detection test, so unfortunately, by year's end, pancreatic cancer will have killed an estimated 47,050 Americans and is the third largest cause of cancer-related death in our country. As COVID-19 continues to rob us of our fellow Americans, pancreatic cancer continues to devastate thousands of American families and communities. In my home state of Indiana, nearly 1,000 Hoosiers will be killed by pancreatic cancer by year's end, and almost 2,000 Hoosiers will be newly diagnosed with this terrible disease. Nationwide, an additional 60,430 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. prgtoken These horrific statistics highlight how few tools exist to detect this disease and, as a result, the immense pain and suffering it causes. Alarmingly, pancreatic cancer still has no early detection test to quickly and accurately determine the presence of this cancer. As a result, it is very difficult to detect this cancer before it has advanced to later--and more deadly--stages. Tragically, 72 percent of pancreatic cancer patients live less than one year following their diagnosis. This was the case for our colleague, Congressman John Lewis, who was killed by pancreatic cancer less than a year following his diagnosis. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted how longstanding health disparities and lack of access to care results in disproportionate numbers of infections and deaths from this virus in communities of color. Sadly, the same is true with pancreatic cancer. The incidence rate for pancreatic cancer among Black Americans is twenty percent higher than that of any other racial demographic and the death rate is seventeen percent higher for Black men than for white men. In this way, the lack of pancreatic cancer early detection research accelerates the racial inequities in our health care system, with devastating consequences for minorities. prgtoken To help detect pancreatic cancer earlier and to help address racial inequities, the 117th Congress has a unique opportunity to make historic investments in pancreatic cancer research at the Department of Defense (DoD). Congress can do this by increasing funding to pancreatic cancer research. Within this research funding, DoD shoul
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DR. MICHAEL EDUARDO CORTES
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-11-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Michael prgtoken Eduardo Cortes and congratulate him on his retirement. Throughout his career, Dr. Cortes has played an integral role in strengthening and empowering our district's Latino community. prgtoken Cortes' career in academia has taken him across the nation, with faculty and administrative appointments at the University of Colorado Denver, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught graduate courses in social policy advocacy and public policy analysis. Cortes also served as Scholar in Residence and Special Community Member at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work where he tackled questions surrounding income security and care for disabled Latino elders, policy analysis and advocacy by public charities, and improvement of curricula in schools of social work. prgtoken His contribution to the community did not stop there. Dr. Cortes spends much of his time outside work volunteering to help Latinos in Colorado solve problems facing their communities. Recently, Dr. Cortes was honored by the Latino Caucus in the Colorado General Assembly for his work as executive director at the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization (CLLARO). In this role, he led the organization in its effort to empower Latinos across Colorado through leadership development, advocacy, and policy research. prgtoken Dr. Cortes' extraordinary career and service to our community has caused a positive ripple effect across our community that has certainly not gone unnoticed. I congratulate Dr. Cortes on his retirement and thank him for his incredible dedication to our community.
National Adoption Month (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-11-15

the Senate has unanimously passed a bill entitled Protecting America's First Responders Act. I authored this legislation to expand benefits to first responders who are injured in the line of duty. prgtoken The Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program, or PSOB for short, offers a one-time lump sum payment to first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. I think that legislation has been on the books since the 1970s. prgtoken I started investigating this program when I heard complaints about long delays in processing payments. Those delays reached up to 3 years, on average. It is just not understandable why it should take 3 years for somebody who is killed in the line of duty to decide if the family should have help from that program. We fixed that particular issue with my 2017 bill entitled the Public Safety Officers' Benefit Improvement Act. prgtoken However, my investigation uncovered a lot of other problems with that program, now 50 years old. The Justice Department was denying payments to folks who should have received those payments. In one case, a disabled police officer suffered a traumatic brain injury. The Department said that he wasn't disabled because he held a part-time position at Home Depot as a greeter. prgtoken In another case, again, a police officer with brain injury was denied the benefit. Why? Because the officer tinkered around with motorcycles in his garage. It would take this officer months to do simple things that would otherwise have taken him just days. Still, the Department said that he wasn't disabled. They said it. It is unreasonable. prgtoken But my bill that I described to you, which has now passed the Senate recently, will correct this problem. This legislation clarifies that first responders who are totally and permanently disabled but can still perform some very simple tasks can still get benefits. It adds a fair boost in payments to first responders who have waited years for these benefits. It provides the Justice Department with more tools so that it can process claims more quickly. prgtoken Finally, my bill extends a presumption in the law that ensures that first responders who contract COVID on duty don't have to jump through hoops to prove it, because, you know, with COVID--did you get it when you were actually policing, or did you get it when you were in a restaurant, or did you get it when you were in church?--you don't really know. This bill will go a long ways in helping our first responders where it is impossible to show whether you got it when you were actually on duty. prgtoken I would like to thank Senators Gillibrand and Booker, as well as all the other cosponsors. prgtoken I also want to thank our House counterparts, specifically, Congressman Pascrell and his staff, who led the effort to pass the bill in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Lastly, I want to thank the Justice Department for working closely with us to im
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Executive Session)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-11-15

for many years now, there is a joke that Presidents have what is called infrastructure week, where they talk about infrastructure and the need for us to move our country forward and fix our outdated system of roads and bridges, freight lines, our ports. prgtoken We are, as a country, behind others countries in terms of investing in infrastructure, yet infrastructure week comes and goes without any progress. prgtoken Well, today, we had a true infrastructure week because the President of the United States signed legislation that came out of this body--it was bipartisan--that helps to repair our infrastructure in ways that is historic in the sense that it is a broader infrastructure bill than we have passed around here in decades. prgtoken It is a big day for infrastructure and, therefore, a good day for my constituents in Ohio and people all around the country--people who are stuck in a traffic jam or maybe people who are worried about the bridge they are going over, whether it is safe or not, which is the case of a big bridge in my community; or whether it is people who don't have access to high-speed internet and, therefore, can't do their school work or can't start a business or be able to get their telehealth. If you are a veteran in Ohio and you want to access telehealth, it is tough to do it in about one-third of our State because you don't have high-speed internet. prgtoken So there are a lot of different things that are in this legislation that will help the people who I represent. We have a lot of aging infrastructure in Ohio on the water side, so our water infrastructure includes a lot of lead pipes still, as an example, and, therefore, drinking water issues. prgtoken But we also have a lot of edicts that have come down from the Federal Government that say you have to stop the combined sewer overflow. Our municipalities can't pay for the changes. This will help them as well. prgtoken In Cleveland, OH, we have a two-decade-old--I think it is a 47-year- old transit system. The cars, frankly, are being taken off track because they have gotten to a point where they can't be used any more, and yet it is way too expensive. The funding for transit will be very helpful in Cleveland, OH. prgtoken In my own community, we have a bridge people have been talking about fixing for, literally, 25 years, because I have been involved in that discussion when I was in the House and now in the Senate. The problem is the bridge was constructed assuming a certain amount of traffic, and yet the amount of traffic has more than doubled. As a result, they have taken the shoulders off the bridge in order to create more room for another lane. As a result, when you have a flat tire or an accident, God forbid, on the bridge--which, unfortunately, happens too often-- there is no place to go and, therefore, causes even more safety hazards. The bridge is a bottleneck every single day, not just in rush hour. I can go there
HONORING THE DEDICATED SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF MIRIAM FLORES
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Miriam Flores, a dedicated public servant from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. prgtoken After 14 years of service with the Missouri Veterans Commission, Miriam will officially retire on November 30, 2021. During her time with the Missouri Veterans Commission, Miriam has been the first person with whom veterans and their family members see whenever they come to the Commission offices. While her role has officially been the Senior Office Support Assistant located in the St. Robert office, everyone knew Miriam went well beyond her role to impact people's lives in meaningful ways. She was the friendly smile and compassionate voice to veterans seeking assistance and the support for many Veteran Service Officers, always looking for ways to make their jobs easier and more efficient to serve those who served. During her tenure, she was the main administrative contact person for the southwestern and the new central region of Missouri. prgtoken After her retirement, Miriam is looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren. Please join me in congratulating Miriam Flores for her dedicated service to Missouri's veterans and their families.