mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS JOHN WESLEY DAHR
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the Tenth District of Pennsylvania and a grateful Nation to honor the memory and exceptional service and sacrifice of Specialist Fourth Class John Wesley Dahr of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Specialist Dahr earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his unhesitating and selfless bravery in combat during the Vietnam War, and made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of his fellow Soldiers, and for our Nation. prgtoken On 8 January 1967, Specialist Dahr was participating in search and destroy missions near Cu Chi with elements of the 25th Infantry Division, when his company was pinned down by Viet Cong and received heavy incoming fire. Specialist Dahr willingly subjected himself to enemy fire and waded through waist-deep water to aid a wounded comrade. After carrying the wounded Soldier 100 meters to safety, he repeated his heroic actions, rescuing two more Soldiers before returning to the center of the battlefield to combat the enemy. prgtoken As he fired upon the Viet Cong, he saw yet another wounded Soldier and ran to his aid. Despite extreme risk to his own life, he stood up in the open to hold the injured warrior above water while he sought help to get them both to safety. Specialist Dahr was mortally wounded during his attempt to rescue a fourth Soldier. prgtoken Specialist Dahr's actions set the standard by which all others should be judged. Our Country owes him a debt of eternal gratitude for his extraordinary actions in the line of duty and in the face of terror. Specialist Dahr's tireless, selfless and heroic actions are a credit to himself, his Family, the United States Army and the United States of America.
HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ELIS A. BARRETO ORTIZ
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise to commemorate the life of Sergeant 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. prgtoken Sergeant Barreto Ortiz grew up in Morovis, Puerto Rico. Following in the footsteps of his father, he joined the Army in 2010 and was assigned to the 259th Transportation Battalion. In 2013, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was deployed to Afghanistan for a nine-month stint. Four years later, he graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School and was assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion of the 82 Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. prgtoken This past June, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz left for his third deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. His mission was to support and operate alongside a contingent of special operations forces. prgtoken On Thursday, September 5th, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was killed in action when his vehicle was hit by a suicide car bomber. Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was 34 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. prgtoken He is described by those who knew him as a kind and compassionate leader who was proud to serve his country. prgtoken During his distinguished and decorated career Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Action Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Army Driver and Mechanic Badge. prgtoken Sergeant Barreto Ortiz's death is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our service members and their families make to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. prgtoken While Sergeant Barreto Ortiz will be dearly missed, he will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace, with the humble thanks of a grateful Nation.
RECOGNIZING JOHN J. DAY, JR. AND HIS NOMINATION FOR THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of John J. Day, Jr in honor of his nomination and confirmation of France's highest distinction of military and civil merits, the French Legion of Honor. prgtoken In October of 1942, during the height of World War II, John answered his nation's call and joined the United States Army as a member of the 90th Infantry Division, a regiment that later earned the title of ``Tough Hombres.'' Deployed to Europe two years later, the Tough Hombres arrived on English soil on Easter Sunday, 1944. Soon after their arrival, John, along with his regiment, boarded a ship for Normandy. At the young age of 21, John courageously defended his country two days after D-Day in the Battle of the Seves River. Taken off the front line on July 22, 1944, John completed his assignment at a Postal Unit in Avon, France. John was finally discharged from the Army in November 1945, six months after World War II ended. prgtoken John returned to civilian life and to his work with the Pennsylvania Central Railroad system in New York. Following his retirement, John and his late wife, Mary Ann, enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting children and grandchildren. John currently resides in Galena, Ohio, where he is an active member of the Westerville Chapter of the VFW. prgtoken A decorated veteran, John has been awarded numerous awards such as the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge, just to name a few. The French Legion of Honor adds to the extensive list of awards and recognitions John received throughout his distinguished career, though it does not scratch the surface of the number of reasons we owe a debt of gratitude to John for his service to our country. prgtoken Consul General of France will officially present John with his medal on October 8 in Westerville, Ohio. I am confident that John's impact will be an enduring one, and that this ceremony will be cherished by his family and friends. I thank John for his service, and I am proud to join in recognizing John J. Day, Jr as he receives this distinguished and well-deserved honor.
CELEBRATING POLK COUNTY'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary of Polk County, Arkansas. This county, set right on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, is named after former President James Polk and is currently home to more than 20,000 people. prgtoken Almost half of Polk County lies in the Ouachita National Forest, and as a forester by trade, I've seen how important this forest is to our state's ecosystem and wildlife habitats. I'm grateful to the land managers that live in Polk County and steward our resources well. prgtoken In addition to the beautiful landscapes and fertile valleys, Polk County is home to many incredible people that I am privileged to know. I'm honored to recognize Polk County and its history today, and I hope this legacy is passed down for generations to come.
COLLIER-LEE HONOR FLIGHT
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Collier-Lee Honor Flight for their above and beyond service to the veterans of our district. Every year, Collier-Lee Honor Flight works to take hundreds of veterans from Southwest Florida to our nation's capital to visit the memorials that honor their bravery and sacrifice in service to our country. These moments are cherished by those who served, and many of our veterans would never have the opportunity to see them without the help of the honor flight. prgtoken This past weekend, when one veteran, Paul Jordan, needed to remain in D.C. due to medical reasons and missed the hero's welcome home ceremony event at our airport, Collier-Lee Honor Flight took it upon themselves to organize a second patriotic ceremony for Paul--leaving no man behind. Collier-Lee Honor Flight members, members of our community, airport staff, and fellow veterans, all came together to give him an unforgettable welcome home. prgtoken This above and beyond spirit shines through in all the efforts of Collier-Lee Honor Flight. Thank you to Collier-Lee Honor Flight and all who make these trips possible, those who welcome home our veterans, and most importantly to the veterans who served our country so bravely.
GREAT PLAINS HONOR FLIGHT 2019
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , in honor of America's heroic veterans, the Honor Flight Network conducts annual trips to Washington, D.C. This is the first ever High Plains Honor Flight, following the conclusion of the Northern Colorado Honor Flight which had taken more than 3,000 of our nation's heroes to visit and reflect at their war memorials over the past decade. On September 15, 2019, High Plains Honor Flight Northern held an Honor Flight that gave many of our courageous veterans this extraordinary opportunity. I am pleased to recognize the September I5, 2019 Honor Flight honoring World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans of Colorado. prgtoken Madam , those who participated in this flight are as follows: prgtoken World War II: Charles Assmus, Clarence Carlson, John Dutton, Gordon Norton, Willis Sibley. prgtoken Korean War: Michael Abramovich, George Edinger, James Forrest, Alan Gates, Charles Hall, Jason Laguna, Richard Lindemann, Richard McCown, James McWilliams, Gerald Mitchell, Erlis Morse, John Oliver, Bernard Pisciola, Donald Price, Earle Ridgeway, Richard Stoltzfus, Wayne Tobey, Johnny West, Benjamin Zimmerman. prgtoken Korean War & Vietnam War: Robert Davison, Gerald McDuffee, Jed Pancoast. prgtoken Vietnam War: Ronald Adams, Ronald Albers, Leon Bartholomay, Richard Belt, Hal Bennett, Kenneth Blum, Clyde Bullard, Jr Kenneth Butcher, Jan Carlson, Allan Cazer, Terry Chandler, Spencer Chapin, Daniel Crego, James Crowell, James Davies, Robert Delva, William Dowling, Gerald Ecker, Carl England, Thomas Evans, Ricky Farrier, Markton Gadbury, Roy George, Don Gooding, Jack Hall, Calvin Hamilton, Robert Jacobson, Charles Jett, Larry Johnson, Daniel Katze, James Keeler, Gene Keys, Daniel King, Raymond Kirchner, Jr Damian Kisner, Richard Knight, Terrence Kullbom, Dale Langholf, Noel LaRose II, Harvey Lawson, Richard Lawson, Robert Loner, Jerald Lucas, Antonio Luna, Thomas Mason, Tony Mathias, Bobby Matthews, Charles McConnell, Timothy McGinnis, Allen Meyer, Blythe Miley, Richard Miller, Thomas Mitchell, Robert Montgomery, James Morgan, Richard Morris, Paul Niebel, Larry Odegard, Carol Jean Padilla, Theron Parlin, David Patterson, Mark Patterson, Robert Pennington, Randall Peonio, Arturo Perez, Floyd Peterson, Christopher Petroff, Linda Pickett, Gary Pitt, Donald Posselt, Richard Ranabargar, John Rasmussen, Robert Righi, Gary Schuler, Curtis Shaffer, John Shaffner, Lee Sherbenou, Donald Simmons, Jerry Skelton, Richard Smith, Richard Smith Jr Jimmy Spence, Donald Spotanski, Roger Stocker, Thomas Tedesco, Virgil Treadway, Ted Turner, Thomas Wartella, Arthur Weidner, Mark Williamson, Garry Wilson, William Woolman, Darell Zimbelman. prgtoken It is my distinct pleasure as the U.S. Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of these heroes, along with all members of America's Armed Forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this nation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TROOPER GERALD ELLIS
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I would like to honor Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald ``Jerry'' Ellis, who passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019, while on duty. prgtoken Gerald Ellis was born and raised in Colchester, Illinois, and in 2002, graduated from Colchester Highschool. It was clear early on that Ellis was destined for a career in public service. As a child, he was a member of the Macomb Police Department Explorers post. Ellis also bravely served in Iraq as a soldier in the United States Army. Ellis continued his schooling at Western Illinois University. While pursuing his education, he was selected to participate in the Illinois State Police internship program. This led to Ellis eventually deciding to become a full-time member of the force. prgtoken Trooper Ellis had always been committed to his work and his community. He had a tendency to put others before himself. In school, Ellis was known as a hard worker, great student, and to be the one to reach across social lines and bring different groups of people together. Ellis was injured by a distracted motorist earlier in his career while attempting to prevent a man from jumping from an overpass. prgtoken In honor of the sacrifice that Trooper Ellis made, it is my privilege to commemorate his life and service today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, who have lost a loving husband and father. We are all blessed to have those like State Trooper Gerald Ellis serving and protecting us.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE WEDDING OF CONGRESSMAN DEAN PHILLIPS AND ANNALISE GLICK
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Congressman Dean Phillips and Annalise Glick on their remarkable partnership and to wish them well on a lifetime of marriage. prgtoken Congressman Phillips and Annalise were wed in a beautiful ceremony on September 14th, 2019 in Washington, DC. Surrounded by friends and family, their intimate wedding symbolizes their dedication to all who love them and the tremendous bond they share. prgtoken As Congressman Phillips has gracefully navigated his first term in Congress standing up to corruption and advocating for transparency, we credit much of his success to the steady and creative hand of his wife, Annalise. Her life's work brings joy to so many, and we know it truly provides inspiration and solace to her husband. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Congressman Phillips and Annalise Glick for embarking on a new chapter in their lives and wishing them well on this profound journey of companionship through all their years.
MR. ANTHONY WHITE AND DETROIT YOUTH CONCERT CHOIR & PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to the Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company for its recent stellar run on America's Got Talent. prgtoken The Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company was founded in 1996 on the premise of educating Detroit Youth about the arts through music education and dance. Under the nurturing direction and leadership of Creative Director Anthony White, the young people of Detroit Youth Choir have worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to perfect and hone their craft. The culmination of their hard work and dedication was proudly displayed on the nationally televised show America's Got Talent. From receiving a golden buzzer to placing second in the competition, the Detroit Youth Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company has represented metropolitan Detroit in a remarkable manner and set a wonderful example for young people everywhere. The Detroit Youth Choir continues to embody the true spirit of Detroit, which shines through in all of their performances everywhere they go. prgtoken I ask you to please join me in honoring the Detroit Youth & Performing Arts Company on its outstanding achievement as they bring pride to the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PATRICIA ``TRISH'' B. (PAINTER) ANDRE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to remember Patricia B. ``Trish'' Andre of Wauseon, Ohio, who left this world for a higher grace-filled existence on Friday, August 2, 2019. prgtoken As we remember Trish, we are reminded of a life dedicated to our earth's fabric in agriculture. A graduate of Purdue University, her academic studies were based in science where she received a degree in Agronomy. Serving as a Certified Crop Advisor, a 4-H Advisor, a member of the Ohio Jersey Breeder's Association, and a member of the Farm Bureau, Trish led an extraordinary life dedicated to agriculture. prgtoken I can still see her stooping in the fields picking off tiny creatures on plants, studying their meaning, marveling at nature and its infinite connection to a higher cosmos. Her work raising the next generation of her own family and the larger 4-H youth family is legendary. She was a prophetess in her own time. prgtoken Trish's deep dedication to agriculture was shared with her loving husband of 34 years, Nathan (Nate) L. Andre who survives her. Nate and Trish formed a strong bond in marriage and as agricultural stewards. He is a proud organic and fanning consultant for Andre Farms, a family- owned business that has served Ohio and Michigan communities for over 60 years. I know Nate will honor his wife's memory by upholding the Andre Farms' mission of integrity driven land stewardship. prgtoken As a parishioner of the North Clinton Church in Wauseon, Ohio, Trish was a devout woman of faith. As a member of Gideon International Auxiliary, a Christian nonprofit, and a Bible Quiz Coach, her service to community was firmly rooted in faith. prgtoken Trish will be profoundly missed by her friends, family, and the community she served. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with Nate, their children Perry, Kira, and Ross, and her granddaughter Esther. Although their beloved Trish was taken well before her time, may they find peace in knowing she is peacefully at rest in the earth she faithfully tended. Now her power for betterment of life on earth assumes new dimension and one that is eternal. May God provide her angelic spirit soft clouds and rising suns so her goodness showers upon humankind in unending waves.
HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIG SUR HEALTH CENTER
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Big Sur Health Center. Big Sur Health Center opened in 1979 with a mission to bring quality medical care to the rural community of Big Sur and continues to serve as the only medical facility in the immediate area. The non-profit center provides affordable, culturally sensitive healthcare centering on diverse patient needs to both residents and visitors alike. When it opened, Big Sur Health Center offered services one day a week and facilitated 850 patient visits a year. Recognizing the need in the area and with community-wide fundraising support, the center quickly expanded to a 2,100 square-foot medical facility providing services five days a week. To date, they have administered more that 73,000 patient visits. prgtoken In its 40 years of service to the central coast of California, Big Sur Health Center has grown to meet the needs of our local community. Their team has developed vital programs and services, including a pharmaceutical service for urgent care medications and supplies, a fully-equipped dental suite to provide full-service oral healthcare, chiropractic care, acupuncture care, and a multicultural outreach program. Their bilingual staff aims to provide personalized, comprehensive, and holistic care to the diverse cultures and communities in Big Sur. prgtoken With unpredictable coastal hazards and frequent geographic and climate challenges, the Big Sur community faces unique medical needs. Big Sur Health Center has responded to these needs by offering 24-hour- on-call service and home visits and coordinates with local emergency teams during extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. In recent years, the center has offered healthcare services to thousands of firefighters during six large-scale fires. They have remained innovative in their response to local needs, working in partnership with medical facilities on the Monterey Peninsula to limit the need for residents to commute 30-miles for laboratory testing and other immediate medical services. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Big Sur Health Center and its important contributions to the health of residents on the Central Coast over the past 40 years. They have made incredible progress from their small clinic in 1979 and will undoubtedly continue to evolve with the needs of the community to provide quality, affordable healthcare services to our rural coastline. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Big Sur Health Center for 40 years of service to our community.
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT FOR H.R. 1595, THE SAFE BANKING ACT
Denny Heck (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1595, the SAFE Banking Act, which passed the House on September 25, 2019. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Banking and Securities, burg, PA, September 24, 2019. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: As state banking supervisors, we are responsible for ensuring the safety and soundness of state-chartered banks and credit unions, as well as the regulation of non-depository financial service providers that may provide services to these entities. The financial services industry in state authorized marijuana jurisdictions is unable to effectively service the needs of this new and growing industry because of conflicting federal and state regulation for marijuana. Medical marijuana is available to 67 percent of the country's population, and 11 states have legalized adult recreational use. This significant portion of the country's population is funding a growing cannabis industry. The lack of federal safe harbors or authorization for financial service providers is creating commercial risk for the legitimate marijuana industry, due to the lack of financial servicing of these monies. This absence of servicing encourages a grey economy, as the industry's participants are unable to use safe, regulated, and verifiable money services. Until financial institutions can serve the industry without violating federal laws, then tax collection, consumers, and the financial system will remain at risk. Until Congress can take broader action to more comprehensively address cannabis, we support the passage of H.R. 1595 to provide a safe harbor for depository institutions that supply financial services to legitimate marijuana businesses and allow for the transparent and safe banking of the marijuana industry. We urge a YES vote on H.R. 1595. Robin L. Wiessmann, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities; Candace Frank, Bank Commissioner, Arkansas State Bank Department; Kenneth Boldt, Bank Commissioner, Colorado Division of Banking; Kevin B. Hagler, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Banking and Finance; Iris Ikeda, Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Deborah Hagan, Secretary, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Anita G. Fox, Director, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services; John Ducrest, Commissioner, Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions; Lloyd P. LaFountain III, Superinten
IN MEMORY OF MR. JARRED ROME
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-10-8

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and distinguished athletic career of Mr. Jarred Rome of Marysville, Washington, who died on Saturday, September 21 , 2019. prgtoken Mr. Rome attended Marysville Pilchuck High School, where he began his career as a discus thrower, graduating in 1995. prgtoken He was a six-time All-American at Boise State University, a two-time national champion and a two-time Olympian in the discus. prgtoken After finishing fourteenth at Nationals in 2003, Mr. Rome worked to improve, finishing first at the 2004 Olympic trials, qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team. prgtoken He spent 10 years at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, where he trained and coached the next generation of Olympic. athletes. prgtoken He was inducted into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. prgtoken He is survived by his spouse, former U.S. National Women's Field Hockey Team midfielder Pamela Spuehler Rome, who he met while training in Southern California, his parents and two sisters. prgtoken I would like to honor Mr. Rome for the legacy he created for his Washington state community, his lifelong commitment to athletic excellence and for his work to help others attain the same.