mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF HENRY S. BARBOSA
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise to honor Henry S. Barbosa for his outstanding prgtoken and impactful work in the community. Mr. Barbosa has invested tremendous time, talent, and passion to his community and OCCC has honored Mr. Barbosa with their prestigious Legacy Award. Mr. Barbosa serves as a long-time board chair for the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC), which provides a safety net and career pathway for at- risk adults residing in Orange County by offering both career and workforce development programs. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa began his young professional career by earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles and his Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law in 1973. He then began his legal career as the Deputy District Attorney for the City of Los Angeles. His passion for public service is known by the community and for 27 years, Mr. Barbosa practiced private law primarily representing local cities as a city attorney. He also served as Special Counsel for public agencies like the LA Unified School District. prgtoken Most recently, Mr. Barbosa served as Assistant General Counsel to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and within two years of serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board, Mr. Barbosa was also Chairman of the Engineering, Operations and Real Property Committee, as well as many others. Mr. Barbosa was very effective and influential while serving on the negotiations team that set key terms for the historic Quantifications Settlement Agreement, resulting in the first major agricultural to urban water transfer within the Law of the Colorado River. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa's areas of expertise include land use and zoning, public works and condemnation, environmental law, water resources, civil rights, including election law, political campaigns, and CATV. Notably, his expertise in land use and environmental law was recognized by former of the California State Assembly, Willie Brown, who appointed Mr. Barbosa to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee that developed statewide regulations for landfills management. prgtoken Furthermore, Mr. Barbosa has been instrumental as lead counsel in several published appellate decisions including Salazar v. City of Montebello 1987, an election law challenge to the candidacy of a homeless person in a municipal election. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa's receipt of the ``Legacy Award'' from OCCC is a true testament of his dedication and service to his community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Barbosa on his lifelong accomplishments.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I was unable to cast my votes on the following dates, September 24, 25, and 27, due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' Roll Call No. 541; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 542; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 543; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 544; ``nay'' Roll Call No. 545; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 546; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 547; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 548; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 553; ``yea'' Roll Call No. 554; and ``yea'' Roll Call No. 555.
AMBER ALERT NATIONWIDE ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , today, I introduce the AMBER Alert Nationwide Act, so that all families and first responders in our country have access to this critical tool to save children who are victims of abduction and exploitation. prgtoken Since its creation in 1996, the AMBER Alert system has saved the lives of nearly a thousand children through its network of instant alerts sent through radio, television and text messages. However, the system is not available nationwide. Funding Congress initially authorized under the PROTECT Act to expand the reach of AMBER Alerts was only available to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This has left families and first responders in tribal communities as well as the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Guam to search for missing children without the help of this life-saving technology. Last year, Congress recognized the need to include Indian tribes in the system by passing the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act. The AMBER Alert Nationwide Act includes all U.S. territories so our first responders can access the federal resources their counterparts receive to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to help keep our children safe. prgtoken The gentlelady from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen, is an original cosponsor of the bill. And the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has endorsed the legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill to help reunite all our nation's missing children with their families no matter where they live.
RECOGNIZING DR. HECTOR NAVA FOR SAVING THE LIVES OF SOLDIERS ON THE BATTLEFIELD AND THOSE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER IN OUR COMMUNITY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the incredible career and military service of Dr. Hector Nava. His story is like that of the millions of immigrants who came to America with a desire to seek a better future for themselves, and in doing so, making our nation a better place. prgtoken Upon earning his medical degree in 1967 in Mexico, Dr. Nava immigrated to the United States for training. Dr. Nava took an atypical route into the field of healthcare when he volunteered his medical expertise to the United States Army. He spent a year as a General Medical Officer in El Paso, Texas and from there he dedicated another year of his career as a Captain Battalion Surgeon in the 23rd Medical Battalion in Vietnam. For this commendable work saving the lives of American soldiers in combat, Dr. Nava earned the Bronze Star. prgtoken After leaving Vietnam, Dr. Nava continued to save the lives of others. He ventured to Western New York and spent four more years as a General Medical Officer at General Hospital in Niagara Falls while simultaneously pursuing his residency at Buffalo General Hospital. Once his residency was completed, he was employed by Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a Cancer Research Surgeon and Endoscopist, where he would spend the rest ofhis career. prgtoken While working at Roswell Park, Dr. Nava secured seven federal research grants, and conducted lectures around the world, from Egypt to Batavia. In academia, it is argued that the quality one's of research is reflected in how frequently it has been published and used by other researchers. Dr. Nava's research has been published in over one-hundred journals, has been used in seven different books, and has been referenced hundreds of times by other researchers in the field. prgtoken Throughout his career he has received many awards including the Research Surgeon Award, the Hispanic American Hall of Fame--Field of Medicine, ranked in the top 100 of WNY's top doctors by Buffalo Spree Magazine, a Surgical Oncology Fellows Apple prgtoken Teaching Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Nava also invented a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer of the esophagus. prgtoken Madam , I recognize Dr. Hector Nava. From teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at local universities on surgical oncology and gastroenterology, to working and partnering with other WNY hospitals, and participating in local service events like the Mexican Musical Performance, Dr. Nava has made his mark on our community.
HONORING CONSOLIDATED TRIBAL HEALTH, INC.
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Consolidated Tribal Health Project, Inc. on the 35th anniversary of their founding. Formed in 1984 through a Title V compact with the Indian Health Service, Consolidated Tribal Health has served the health needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native populations in Mendocino County for three and a half decades. prgtoken Consolidated Tribal Health purchased its current location in 1998 in Redwood Valley after many years renting office space in nearby Ukiah, and then constructed an additional clinic building and Wellness Center in order to better serve its expanded population. Today, the clinic serves over 3,000 patients, a majority of whom are American Indian and Alaska Native people. prgtoken Consolidated Tribal Health Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit ambulatory community health clinic governed by a consortium of eight federally recognized tribes, including the Cahto Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California, Guidiville Rancheria of California, Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, Potter Valley Tribe, Redwood Valley or Little River Band of Pomo Indians of the Redwood Valley Rancheria California, and Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California. The organization is committed to providing excellent medical, dental, and behavioral health care to the people it serves, and counts among its many accolades the 2018 National Dental GPRA Award for Best Overall Performance. prgtoken Madam , Consolidated Tribal Health Project has for the past 35 years been a tireless advocate for tribal healthcare in Mendocino County, meeting the needs of indigenous Americans by honoring traditional Native American values and maintaining the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing of the community it serves. Therefore, please join me in recognizing this vital organization and wishing them success for many more years to come.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF WALTER E. GOOD
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Walter E. Good of Boardman, Ohio, who passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the age of 80. prgtoken Walter will always be remembered as a caring, loyal and faithful man that stood by the principles of duty, honor and country. He was born October 9, 1938, in Youngstown, the son of Walter P. and Marguerite (Clark) Good and was a lifelong area resident. prgtoken Walter was proud to have grown up on the east side, where he graduated from East High School. He then continued his education at Youngstown State University, where he earned his two bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Engineering, and his master's degree in Business Administration. With his love for education, Walter taught part-time at Youngstown State University. prgtoken He was a proud United States Army veteran, who served during the Vietnam Era. For his service to our country, Walter received the Good Conduct Medal, the Marksman Badge and received an Honorable Discharge on June 6, 1963. Walter celebrated his career as an industrial engineer in the steel industry, ultimately retiring from the United States Postal Service. prgtoken He was a member of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, its Vestibule Club, and was a lector for Sunday mass. He also belonged to the Penguin Club, the Theta Chi Fraternity and the Smoky Hollow Golden Eagle Club. Upon his retirement, Walter took great pride in maintaining the Smoky Hollow Memorial. prgtoken Walter had many passions in his life. He enjoyed reading history books and tailgating prior to the YSU football games. He had a true passion for sporting events, especially for Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University. Walter was so proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, and always put them at the center of his life. prgtoken Walter leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of over 57 years, the former Dolores Lariccia, whom he married June 9, 1962; two children, Walter Michael (Tracy) Good of Boardman and Nannette (Terry) Jacobs of Youngstown; five grandchildren, whom he adored, Christine, Michael and Riley Good, and Caila and Alexis Jacobs; and a sister, Sr. Brigid (Jeraldine Good) of the Poor Clares Monastery, Rockford, Illinois. All of whom will continue Walter's legacy of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. prgtoken I am honored to be a long-time friend of Mr. Good's son, Walt, who undoubtably inherited his passion for our community from his father. Our Valley certainly owes both father and son a great debt for their service to the community. My condolences go out to anyone whose life was touched by Walter.
CONGRATULATING HENRY S. BARBOSA ON RECEIVING THE ORANGE COUNTY CONSERVATION CORPS LEGACY AWARD
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I am honored to recognize Mr. Henry S. Barbosa as the recipient of the Legacy Award, which will be presented during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC). prgtoken Mr. Barbosa has served for seven years on the Board of OCCC, which is a voluntary work and learn program that provides an opportunity for at- risk and disadvantaged youths, age 18 to 25. Corpsmembers have a chance to earn a living while learning valuable employment skills through job training and attending an on-site charter school. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa's long and distinguished record of service to his community stretches well beyond his time with OCCC. His legal career began as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County and continued over 27 years in private practice, primarily representing cities and other public agencies throughout California. Mr. Barbosa also acted as Assistant General Counsel to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. prgtoken In recognition of his community leadership, Mr. Barbosa was designated as a member of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commission's Blue Ribbon Panel to analyze the causes of and response to the Rampart area police corruption scandal. He was an elected public official for 10 years, serving as the President and a Director of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District representing Rowland Heights and as a member of the Board for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Mr. Barbosa was appointed to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee that developed statewide regulations for landfills management. prgtoken Mr. Barbosa continues to advocate for inclusion in our communities. He has served for 10 years as Vice-Chair of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, a nation-wide advocacy group for greater access by minorities in film and broadcast media. prgtoken I thank Mr. Barbosa for his leadership and commitment to service and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.
RECOGNIZING THE EZIBU MUNTU AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY AND THE ``REMEMBER THEM'' AFRICAN HOLOCAUST COMMEMORATION
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company and all of the attendees of the ``Remember Them'' convocation on October 1, 2019, which commemorated the 400-year anniversary of the African Holocaust. The Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company has helped increase awareness about the transatlantic slave trade, and I am grateful for their efforts in organizing this important commemoration. prgtoken The 400-year African Holocaust commemoration is an opportunity to mourn and reflect on the enduring impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, and to celebrate all that our community has overcome and achieved since 1619. We must always remember those who were affected by this horrific and painful chapter of history, and learn from our shared past. As we reflect, let us honor the resilience of our community, and reinvigorate our commitment to justice. Together, I know we can create an equitable and fair future for all generations. prgtoken Madam , please join me in expressing my gratitude to the Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company and all of the attendees of the ``Remember Them'' convocation for their work to better our community. As we look toward our next chapter, let us never forget where we have come from, nor the experiences of those who came before us. I wish them the best for a successful and healing event.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. EVA FELDMAN
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Eva Feldman for receiving the 2019 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Michigan Medicine Alumni Society. Her esteemed work in neurology is worthy of commendation and makes her an excellent recipient of this great honor. prgtoken Dr. Eva Feldman received her Ph.D. and M.D. in neuroscience at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1979 and 1983, respectively. After performing her residency in neurology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital--becoming the first neurologist to receive The Johns Hopkins Award for Medical Teaching and Excellence--she returned home to the University of Michigan to complete a Neuromuscular fellowship in 1988. She has been part of the University of Michigan faculty ever since and continues to devote her career to understanding neurological disorders and developing new and innovative treatments. Under her supervision, nine scientists have received their Ph.D. degrees, and over 100 postdoctoral fellows and neurologists have been trained to treat neurological diseases. prgtoken Today, Dr. Feldman serves as the Director of the University of Michigan ALS Center of Excellence and runs the Program for Neurology Research & Discovery, her own 30-scientist laboratory. In addition, she is the principle investigator of the first two FDA-approved human trials of intraspinal stem cell implantation therapy for ALS. Furthermore, Dr. Feldman formerly directed the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute until 2017. prgtoken Dr. Feldman is renowned for her neurological expertise. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Feldman has published over 420 original peer-reviewed articles, four books, and 70 book chapters, and has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health for more than 30 years. She is the Past President of the Peripheral Nerve Society and served as President of the American Neurological Association from 2011 to 2013. In addition to being an elected member of the Association of American Physicians and National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Feldman has earned a vast list of awards and recognitions including the 2016 Castle Connolly National Clinician of the Year Award and the 2017 Endocrine Society Gerald D. Aurbach Award for Outstanding Translational Research, to name only a few. Most recently, Dr. Feldman was honored with the 2019 PNS Alan J. Gebhart Prize for Excellence in Peripheral Nerve Research. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Dr. Eva Feldman for her extraordinary work in neurology. We are grateful for her lifetime of impactful work and wish her many years of continued success. The 2019 Distinguished Achievement Award is well deserved.
HONORING JENNIE ADSIT FOR HER CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Jennie Adsit on the occasion of her retirement from the Jefferson County Board of Legislators. prgtoken Jennie was first elected to the County Board of Supervisors in 1977. She has served on the board of legislators since its inception in 1996 until 1999 and then from 2006 to the present. During her tenure on the board, she has served as the Chair of the Finance and Rules Committee from 1996 through 1997 and served on the committee a total of sixteen years. Additionally, she served as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee between 2002 and 2003 and has served on that committee since 2006. She has also been a member of the Planning and Development Committee and is currently a member of the General Services Committee. In all of these roles, Jennie has consistently worked to better the lives of her fellow residents of Jefferson County. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Jennie for her lifetime of dedicated public service. She has made a lasting positive impact on Jefferson County prgtoken and the North Country as a whole. I wish her well on this next chapter in her life.
CELEBRATING MR. JOHN T. STEINMETZ
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's 15th Congressional District to celebrate Mr. John T. Steinmetz as he receives the French Legion of Honor. prgtoken Mr. Steinmetz, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, has continuously demonstrated his commitment to our nation's values and cemented his standing as a true American hero and a pillar of our community. Since Mr. Steinmetz began active duty service on February 4, 1944, he has been a part of our nation's proud tradition of military service. His dedication and commitment to protecting and serving our nation and our allies is unparalleled. prgtoken Mr. John T. Steinmetz has made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. Although it is nearly impossible to quantify his impact, Americans have an excellent example of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. From his service on the USS SC-515, to his participation in the Southern France Landing in August of 1944 at Baie de Bougnon and his ascension to Seaman First Class, he, rightfully, earned the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. prgtoken I can say, without a doubt, that truly all of Ohio, our nation, and our world is a better and freer place because of his service and leadership. prgtoken I wish to congratulate Mr. John T. Steinmetz on this tremendous honor and convey my most sincere appreciation for his dedication to service.
RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WEST HARPETH PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 150th Anniversary of the West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church. prgtoken The West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church was founded circa 1869 under the leadership of Elder Peter Starnes. The first congregants were former slaves upon whose strong Christian faith the church was founded. prgtoken The land was purchased in 1881 and the initial facility was constructed on the property. The land, located near Old West Harpeth Road, is the same site on which their building prgtoken stands today. The facility was rebuilt in 1948 and around that time, a separate building was constructed, consisting of a dining room and two restrooms accessed from the outside. prgtoken The church was remodeled in 1968 under the pastorate of Elder Walter E. Rodgers. Later in 1986, under the pastorate of Elder Hewitt C. Sawyers, the building was expanded to include a baptistry and indoor restrooms. In 1998, a major renovation was done which included the construction of a new sanctuary, offices, and classrooms. Throughout the church's 150 years, there have been only six pastors. prgtoken The church is hosting the 150th Church Anniversary Celebration on October 27, 2019 at 3 p.m where they will dedicate a historical marker. prgtoken Madam , I would like to congratulate West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church and their congregants on the historic occasion of their 150th Anniversary, and I know there will be many more years in kingdom building for Christ and service to their community.
THANKING KEVIN MILLER
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , today, I rise to honor Kevin Miller of Star, Idaho. Kevin is a dear friend, beloved colleague, humble inspiration, and profound joy to the multitudes of people that know him. Kevin is quiet about the work he has done to enhance our communities, improving the lives of countless Idahoans. You may not know it, but Kevin spends two weeks a year living in a trailer, broadcasting his radio show at Walmart to raise money for a local homeless shelter. He may not tell you, but Kevin has been visiting public and private schools for years to help draw attention to their events and fundraisers. Kevin might not mention it, but his faith in action to promote the life of the unborn has been felt in the hearts of those affected by abortion. Quietly, off the air, Kevin is the local hero that we celebrate today. Kevin fights for the average Joe and highlights the challenges and champions of our great state, our home, Idaho. Kevin, your work means so much to the people of Idaho. It is my pleasure to honor Kevin Miller for the dedication, commitment, and love he has for Idaho.