mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE RETURN OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN F. MIDDLESWART
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the homecoming of United States Marine Corps Private First Class John Franklin Middleswart, who was previously pronounced deceased and unaccounted for after the attack on Pearl Harbor. On June 8, 2021, PFC Middleswart will be laid to rest in eternal peace at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California, witnessed by living relatives. prgtoken Born in Peoria, Illinois on April 10, 1921, John F. Middleswart enlisted with the Marine Corps at age 19. After finishing boot camp in San Diego, he attended Sea School and was assigned to the Marine detachment aboard the USS Oklahoma stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In October 1941, he was promoted to Private First Class. prgtoken Moored on Battleship Row, the vessel was struck by multiple torpedoes from Japanese aircraft during the assault on the morning of December 7, 1941. When the ship capsized, PFC Middleswart and hundreds of his fellow crewmen were reported missing and later declared dead. For decades, they were memorialized at the Court of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. prgtoken On January 28, 2021, PFC Middleswart was the 300th identification made by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the USS Oklahoma Project. The DPAA works to identify all servicemembers lost during World War II and other conflicts. Specifically, the USS Oklahoma Project seeks to identify the remaining unaccounted-for crewmen of the vessel and is on track to identify 90 percent of the exhumed remains by the end of this year. prgtoken The final burial of PFC Middleswart is made possible by the dedication and fortitude of the men and women of DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System team of scientists. DPAA's noble mission to identify all fallen servicemembers is not yet complete, but each identification is a step closer. And, while we mourn this life that was cut short, we rejoice the reunification of the Middleswart family. Welcome home, PFC Middleswart. Semper Fidelis.
CONGRATULATING THE PLAINVIEW ROTARY CLUB ON 100 YEARS OF ACTION
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Plainview Rotary Club, which is celebrating 100 years of service. prgtoken Since May 1, 1921, the Plainview Rotary Club has consistently served not only the Plainview community, but also the entire Texas Panhandle region and beyond. While times have undoubtedly changed over the past century, the Plainview Rotary Club's foundation of ``Service Above Self'' has not. With almost 60 members, this clubs impact echoes throughout West Texas. prgtoken Whether it is working with the Salvation Army at Christmas, providing dictionaries to Hale County third graders, awarding students with perfect attendance, giving protective equipment to medical personnel, or promoting community improvement projects, Plainview Rotarians are known for putting service into action. prgtoken These individuals exemplify the principles of West Texas exceptionalism. For that, I wish to thank each member of the Plainview Rotary Club for their continuous, dedicated commitment to improving the lives of others. It is an honor to represent these members in our Nation's capital. prgtoken Again, congratulations on 100 outstanding years, and go West Texas
HONORING THE SERVICE OF FIRE CHIEF MIKE FARBER
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the lifelong career of a great Fire Chief, Mike Farber. In a 40-plus-year career, Mike has selflessly risked his life as a firefighter for the people of Arizona. His courageous leadership and expertise was reflected in his role as a serving member of the Mesa Community College Curriculum Committee and Fire Science Advisory Committee. For three consecutive years, Mike facilitated a Leadership Academy and brought numerous recognized leaders from the fire service to share their wisdom and to help mentor the district's officers and staff. prgtoken Mike was also well known for his extensive experience and educational background. For more than 20 years, Mike has taught courses at Mesa Community College and Central Arizona Community College in Tactics & Strategy, Hydraulics, Supervision, Algebra, and Communication. His commitment and work ethic to civic duty and his community is a characteristic that all Americans should strive for. I believe that Fire Chief Mike Farber is a great example of what being an American is about. His impact and involvement will not be forgotten by his local community and state. prgtoken Madam , I express a sincere form of gratitude to Fire Chief Mike Farber, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating a successful career and legacy as a valuable protector to the people of Arizona.
HONORING THE 2021 UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMY-BOUND STUDENTS
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , it is my great honor to come before my colleagues today to recognize those young men and women from Texas' Third Congressional District who have accepted an appointment to one of our prestigious United States Service Academies. I am honored to have this opportunity to congratulate these young patriots and wish them success as they strive to fulfill their maximum potential in defending our nation. prgtoken The United States Services Academies have a long-standing tradition of offering its students the highest caliber education and officer military training in the world. Each of the individuals recognized today began their journey of service by applying through their Member of Congress or qualified source via a highly competitive process. However, only a select few are found to meet the necessary standards set forth by the Academies. prgtoken These outstanding students have proven they are the gold standard by demonstrating their excellence in academics, athletics, and commitment to their community both inside and outside of the classroom. I am confident these young men and women will achieve great success while further developing the qualities of leadership, honor, and self- sacrifice as they prepare to lead our Nation's Armed Forces. prgtoken As one who has worn the uniform, I thank these young patriots for their courage, conviction, and commitment to our Nation, and it is my privilege to congratulate these leaders as they embark on this new mission of service. Class of 2025 Appointments U.S. Air Force Academy Tylan Hines, Plano Senior High School* Arjun Kersten, Plano West Senior High School Rushaan Mahajan, Plano East Senior High School Christopher Park, Spring Creek Academy Dylan Rogers, McKinney North High School Chase Spencer, Plano West Senior High School Autumn Thill, John Paul II High School U.S. Naval Academy Owen Archer, Liberty High School Matteo Bianchi, McKinney Boyd High School* Charles Flanigen III, Allen High School* Jonah Johnson, Lebanon Trail High School* Inaki Romero-Garza, John Paul II High School Zeta Williamson, Allen High School* U.S. Military Academy Katherine Beeler, Plano West Senior High School Quynh-Tien Kerri Do, Plano East Senior High School Madeline Graham, Melissa High School* Timothy Johnson, U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School Aiden Kim, Independence High School Cade Patton, Allen High School Haden Ray, Plano Senior High School Orion Rolater, Plano East Senior High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy William Boese, New Mexico Military Institute Sheridan Harvey, Lone Star High School Eric Jiang, Plano West Senior High School Margaret Ripperger, McKinney Boyd High School
HONORING COUNTY MANAGER PAULA STEWART FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARNETT COUNTY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor County Manager Paula Stewart for 25 years of service to Harnett County, located in North Carolina's Eight Congressional District. prgtoken Over the years, Mrs. Stewart has played an instrumental role in shaping the history of our prgtoken community. She joined Harnett County in 1996 as Director of Information Technology and retires after three years as County Manager. Appointed in 2018 by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, Mrs. Stewart is the first woman to serve as County Manager. prgtoken Mrs. Stewart has led a career of distinction and is a strong and effective leader. During her tenure with Harnett County, she improved customer service, expanded access to public services, enhanced public communications, and managed growth by embracing new opportunities while preserving the rich history of our community. She is credited with revising Harnett County's fiscal policy, coordinating response efforts to emergency events such as Hurricane Florence and the coronavirus pandemic, and oversaw construction of the Harnett County Resource Center and Library. prgtoken Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Stewart for her years of exemplary service to Harnett County, which is a better place today due to her work. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing her and her family continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring County Manager Paula Stewart for 25 years of service to Harnett County.
CONGRATULATING INDIANA SECRETARY OF STATE CONNIE LAWSON ON HER RETIREMENT
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate former Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson on her recent retirement and to thank her for many years of dedicated service to Hoosiers. prgtoken Throughout her years of public service, Connie has dedicated herself to moving Indiana forward. She was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1996, and, in 2006, she became the first woman to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader. In 2012, she was appointed to serve as Indiana's 61st Secretary of State. In these roles, she worked tirelessly to strengthen our communities and advance opportunities for future generations. Connie truly made our state a better place for Hoosiers to live, work, and thrive. prgtoken I am grateful to have worked with Connie on behalf of our state's businesses, workers, families, and voters. Her strong conservative values and Hoosier common sense have helped bring Indiana's businesses into the 21st century and ensured our elections remained free, fair, and secure. Her unmatched leadership, tenacity, and integrity, both in the Indiana Senate and as Secretary of State, have helped secure Indiana's status as an economic powerhouse. With a AAA credit rating, fiscally responsible budget, and low unemployment rate, our state is among the best places in the country to start and grow a business. prgtoken Governor Eric Holcomb has dubbed Connie ``Indiana's own Iron Lady,'' and I couldn't agree more. She is a true patriot with a servant's heart, and her passion for helping her fellow Hoosiers has always been clear. I have no doubt her legacy will last far into the future. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Indiana's 61st Secretary of State Connie Lawson for her lifelong commitment to serving our communities. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I wish her the best as she embarks on this next chapter in life.
COMMEMORATING THE GRANT COTTAGE HISTORIC SITE AS IT IS DESIGNATED A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the christening of the Grant Cottage Historic Site as a National Historic Landmark. This home was the final dwelling place of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, and continues to be of great historical significance. prgtoken Ulysses S. Grant rose to prominence during the American Civil War where he played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Confederate Army. In 1863, then-President Lincoln promoted Grant to Major General and then in 1864, Lieutenant General, holding command over all Union Armies. After the Civil War, Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States in 1868 and is largely credited with reunifying the North and South. During his tenures, he created the Justice Department and oversaw the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited denying any citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. prgtoken The Grant Cottage Historic Site serves as both an educational experience, recounting Grant's storied place in American History, and a time-capsule, displaying artifacts untouched since the day of his death. This cottage, at the top of Mount McGregor, served as a refuge for Grant and his family in his final days and is where the former President completed his autobiography, Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, just days before his death. After years of advocacy to the National Park Service, I am proud to stand in support with the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage as this site is designated a National Historic Landmark. This designation ensures that the site will be eligible for federal funding to preserve and protect this important piece of history. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize the work of the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage for their dedication and perseverance in promoting this historic landmark. Their work will ensure that generations to come are able to visit the Cottage and recall the great importance of knowing our Nation's history.
REMEMBERING BELOVED BASKING RIDGE, NJ CROSSING GUARD
Tom Malinowski (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , Carolyn Maaitis was a beloved crossing guard from Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Carolyn passed away on May 17, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. prgtoken Carolyn was a cherished member of her community, who spent the last 28 years ensuring the safety of Basking Ridge children as a crossing guard near the Liberty Corner School. Along with her husband, George, Carolyn was a source of love and support to the students and families who knew her. prgtoken Carolyn prepared goody bags full of snacks and stickers on holidays, gave cards and small gifts on birthdays, and always had treats on hand for the neighborhood dogs. She never forgot to ask how a sick family member was doing and continually kept up to date with those around her. prgtoken I join the Basking Ridge community in mourning her loss. Carolyn exemplified what it means to be an upstanding citizen and neighbor. Her presence will be missed by all.
RECOGNIZING DR. EDWARD TIRYAKIAN'S DONATION TO YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Edward Tiryakian, Duke University Professor Emeritus of Sociology, for the creation of a library wing in his honor at Yerevan State University in Yerevan, Armenia. Dr. Tiryakian donated his professional library to the university and was recognized in an official dedication ceremony on May 24, 2021. prgtoken Dr. Tiryakian is a renowned scholar, widely published in sociological theory, sociology of religion, and sociology of development. As a leading sociologist for 65 years, Dr. Tiryakian has amassed a large collection of important works in the field, ranging from 19th century texts written by founding sociologists to mid-20th century works written by prominent sociologists he has studied under. Over two years ago, Dr. Tiryakian approached Yerevan State University about donating his professional library to the university. The university enthusiastically agreed and constructed a dedicated wing in their main library to house the collection. prgtoken This generous gift included over 300 published books, many of which are rarities in the field and are no longer in print. Dr. Tiryakian cited his desire to honor his Armenian heritage as a source of inspiration for the generous donation. The University held an official commemoration this month for the library wing that will hold Dr. Tiryakian 's beloved books. prgtoken Dr. Tiryakian's donation is the latest demonstration of his dedication to students and study of sociology as well as his leadership in the field. He joined Duke University as a professor in 1965, and he and I became friends and colleagues when I joined the faculty a decade later. At Duke, he has served as the Sociology Department Chair as well as Director of International Studies and was instrumental in internationalizing the university. He also has held national leadership positions as President of the American Society for the Study of Religion and Chair of the American Sociological Association History of Sociology Section. Dr. Tiryakian received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Harvard University. He taught at both institutions before joining the faculty at Duke. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dr. Tiryakian has remained steadfast not only in his own pursuit of knowledge, but in his dedication to supporting the next generation of scholars at home and abroad. His generous donation opens the door for the university's students to learn from great scholars in the field of sociology, including Dr. Tiryakian himself. prgtoken Madam , it has been a pleasure to know and work alongside Dr. Tiryakian during his extraordinary career. We have had many conversations about Armenian history and politics over the years, but I had never visited the country until 2019, when, as chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, we engaged the Armenian parliament in the wake of the country's Velvet Revolution. I thought of Ed Tiryakian of
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS AND AMERICAN SAMOA COLLEGE ACCESS ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , today, I introduce the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa College Access Act, which would authorize tuition assistance grants to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs for Northern Marianas and American Samoa community college graduates seeking to attend a four-year public university. prgtoken The importance of having an educated citizenry is a bedrock principle of our nation and has been since our founding. And in today's competitive job market, a postsecondary education is increasingly becoming a critical necessity for obtaining a decent job with a decent wage. prgtoken The Northern Mariana Islands has only been part of America for forty years. We understand well that education is key to our continued growth, but the reality is that household incomes in the Northern Marianas are less than half the national median. The U.S. territory of American Samoa is in similar economic straits. Poverty and unemployment rates there are among the highest in the country. prgtoken I believe the best way to improve economic conditions in these territories is to improve the educational opportunities of our residents. Unfortunately, however, neither the Northern Marianas nor American Samoa has a four-year institution of higher education. In fact, they are the only two congressional districts in the country without a public four-year college or university. Each has an accredited community college, but academic offerings are substantially limited. prgtoken Students from these U.S. territories wanting the advantages of a four-year university in another state or territory face significant financial difficulty. Nonresident students spend an average of $16,380 in out-of state tuition and fees more per year than their resident peers at public four-year colleges, according to College Board. And many students in the Marianas and American Samoa wanting to attend a four-year university not only face the cost-of-nonresident-tuition, but also the significant expense of travel. The Marianas are over 3,700 miles from the nearest state, Hawaii--a $1,100 one-way trip by plane. American Samoa to Hawaii is over 2,500 miles, over $800 one-way. prgtoken The bill follows the model of P.L. 106-98, the D.C. College Access Act, which allows students residing in the District of Columbia to apply for grants to help pay the cost of attending colleges outside D.C but much smaller in scope and cost. It creates a program through which public four-year schools in the 50 states, D.C and other U.S. territories may be reimbursed for offering in-state tuition to undergraduate students from the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. prgtoken The gentlewoman from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen, is an original cosponsor of the bill. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and help give students from the Northern Marianas and American Samoa the means needed to make their educational dream
CONGRATULATING REBA WARREN ON HER RETIREMENT AND RECORD OF SERVICE TO HER COMMUNITY AND THE NATION
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Reba Warren, a phenomenal woman, and a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc on her retirement after a long and distinguished career as a senior Corporate Counsel for a Fortune 500 company. prgtoken After graduating from Howard University in 1981, Reba Warren was admitted to Duke Law School, from which she graduated in 1984. prgtoken As a corporate counsel for Reynolds, Reba Warren helped pave the way for African-American women to follow in a professional sector, in which they are woefully underrepresented. prgtoken This daughter of AKA took to heart the guidance that her fellow Howard alum, Vice-President , received from her mother: ``You may be the first you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last.'' prgtoken For more than two decades, Reba Warren exhibited excellence in her professional duties and also mentored and encourage women, especially women of color, as they strove to create career paths in male-dominated environments. prgtoken A civic-minded community member, Reba Warren has served on several non-profit boards, is active in her church, and prgtoken Reba Warren currently serves as a member of the Second Harvest Food Bank to end food insecurity for Forsyth County, which is but the latest civic engagement in a lifetime of service to her community, which includes Big Brothers Big Sisters, Neighborhood Justice Center Board, Salvation Army Girls Club Committee, Crosby Scholars Community Partnership Board, Novant Health/Forsyth Medical Center Foundation Board, Jack & Jill of America, Winston Salem Chapter, Winston Salem Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, Girl Scouts of America, and the North Association of Black Lawyers. prgtoken Madam , I wish this phenomenal woman and mother of three sons well in her retirement, but I know that her ethic to serve her community will continue as we will all be better off for it.