mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE VANNIE E. COOK, JR. CHILDREN'S CANCER AND HEMATOLOGY CLINIC
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic by recognizing the month of September 2019 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. prgtoken Childhood Cancer remains the number one cause of non-accidental death in children. Every year, approximately 1,700 Texas families will hear the words, ``Your child has cancer'' and about 105 of those brave children are from the Rio Grande Valley. prgtoken For the last 18 years, the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic, the first comprehensive pediatric cancer and hematology clinic in the Rio Grande Valley, has provided quality care and treatment to over 10,000 South Texas children battling cancer and blood disorders, regardless of their family's financial capacity. prgtoken On September 5, 2019, the Vannie Cook Children's Cancer Clinic and community members committed to fighting pediatric cancer will join together to host the Celebration of Life Carnival in McAllen, Texas. This community event will raise awareness of pediatric cancer, remember the young children we have lost, and honor the survivors as well as the courageous children and families fighting this disease every single day. It will be a day dedicated to children fighting cancer and l find it fitting to enter this important date in history into the record of the U.S. House of Representatives. I also plan to continue to do all I can, through my work in the Congress, to end all forms of cancer that afflict people all over the world. prgtoken Madam , I commend all associated with the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic on the occasion of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is an honor to represent these courageous young people currently fighting cancer as well as those at the clinic for their invaluable work on behalf of children and families from the Rio Grande Valley.
IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise to honor the City of San Mateo upon the occasion of the 125th anniversary of its incorporation. An election was held on September 1, 1894 and voters overwhelmingly supported becoming a city. With 125 votes supporting incorporation to 25 opposed, the election was certified on September 3rd and the first council-- known as a Board of Trustees--was convened the following day. prgtoken One hundred twenty-five years later, San Mateo has about 110,000 residents and a place in our global economy. Every time you use Survey Monkey, you are relying upon a business in San Mateo. At one point in recent years, first Solar City and then Tesla were either founded or had major facilities in this community. GoPro is next door. These offices were originally occupied by Visa International, since relocated in a nearby community. If you have a Franklin Templeton fund in your 401(k), it was created and managed by the diligent financial experts at their headquarters in San Mateo. prgtoken I love San Mateo because on its broad, leafy, streets you can find people and hear languages from around the globe. One third of the city's population was born outside the United States. About 94 percent of all households have a computer. About 90 percent have a broadband internet connection, and 51 percent of all residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. Gone are the days when horses galloped around the Bay Meadows race track. That area is now the site of high technology. Women and men are making modern bets in this part of the city, but this time on the emerging global economy rather than on successors to Secretariat. prgtoken The history of San Mateo did not begin with the arrival of Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola in the 1700's. The Ohlone Native Americans lived in the area and the available evidence indicates that they largely lived in harmony with the land and water around them. There is also evidence of healthy trade between villages that were once on the San Mateo Coast and the edge of San Francisco Bay, including in San Mateo. The forested land and grasslands of the foothills were seen by the Spanish as a rich opportunity. First Spain, and then Mexico, granted extensive land holdings to early settlers. Farming and ranching were the norm. prgtoken However, the admittance of California as a state in 1850 was soon followed by the arrival of extensive development. The railroad sparked the land rush, starting in 1863. Suddenly, what had been a weekend retreat for a handful became a suburban home for wealthy refugees from San Francisco. By the turn of the century, the early founder of Bank of America--A.P. Giannini--was making daily commutes from his San Mateo home to his bank in San Francisco. prgtoken San Mateo is enormously patriotic. During the darkest days of the Vietnam War, and alone amongst cities in the Bay Area, the residents of San Mateo adopted a unit of the 101st Airborne, 1st Brigade, 327th Infantry Regimen
HONORING MS. VIRGINIA ``PIXIE'' FLYNN BELL
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the exemplary life of Ms. Virginia ``Pixie'' Flynn Bell. Ms. Bell passed away on August 2, 2019 at the age of 85 and is survived by ten of her thirteen children and three granddaughters. prgtoken Ms. Bell was born in 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Maine, where she graduated from Edward Little High School in 1952. Ms. Bell valued education, and in December 1997 at the age of 63 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. prgtoken Ms. Bell spent her life in dedicated service to her country and local community. She served in the Air Force and worked as a senior advisor to elected officials in Virginia, including governors, U.S. Senators, U.S. Congressmen, state Senators, state Delegates, and Fairfax County Supervisors and Chairmen. As a longtime member of the Virginia ic Party, Ms. Bell was passionate about political organizing. She was a hard worker and strategic thinker, committed to bringing greater diversity to the ic party. Her colleagues and friends remember her for her welcoming spirit and mentorship. prgtoken Madam , for these reasons, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life of Ms. Virginia ``Pixie'' Flynn Bell.
INDIGENOUS STEM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , today, I introduce the Indigenous STEM Professional Development Act, which would expand opportunities for Native American students to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through partnerships between schools from the elementary to postsecondary level and the private sector. prgtoken Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and the indigenous peoples of the Pacific U.S. territories, are among the most underrepresented groups in the STEM professions. Efforts to increase Native students entering the STEM workforce have seen success with programs like the University of Alaska's Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP). Based on a model incorporating indigenous language and culture in STEM instruction, intensive academic support and hands-on learning from middle school through graduate school, ANSEP has produced over 800 STEM graduates whose job placement rates exceed the national average. According to a 2015 Urban Institute evaluation, ANSEP participants have a 95 percent course completion rate with 84 percent reported being employed within one year of graduation. The evaluation also found the majority of ANSEP students earn a median annual salary over $60,000 with 17 percent earning over $100,000. prgtoken In 2008, Congress recognized the benefits of the ANSEP model in authorizing grants under the Higher Education Act to support similar programs focused on Native Hawaiians as well as Alaska Natives. However, we must do more to encourage all indigenous students to enter STEM careers, including Chamorro, Refaluwasch, and American Indians. The Indigenous STEM Professional Development Act reauthorizes and expands the grant program to include all indigenous peoples of the United States. Under the bill, schools can continue to use the grant to develop programs to help Native students succeed in completing STEM coursework, transitioning into college, gaining practical experience through internships, and working in their career fields after graduation. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to help strengthen our nation's STEM prgtoken workforce by expanding opportunities for indigenous students to succeed as STEM professionals.
HONORING VERDINE DAY, DETROIT'S FIRST BLACK WOMAN FIRE ENGINE OPERATOR
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Ms. Verdine Day for her many years of service to the City of Detroit's Fire Department, on the occasion of her retirement. prgtoken Ms. Day has served the Detroit Fire Department for more than thirty- three years. She has risen through the ranks to become the department's first Black woman Fire Engine Operator. Ms. Day possesses a strong work ethic and has always remained generous and willing to mentor or help out a colleague in need. Her dedication to fair and just treatment was also instrumental in adopting a pregnancy policy for women of the Detroit Fire Department with the assistance of the late City Councilmember, Mary Ann Mahaffey. Ms. Day has been recognized for her achievements by being awarded the Spirit of Detroit Award and being named 2019 Woman of the Year by the City of Detroit, at the Annual Women in Blue ceremony. Her heroism in the line of duty has earned her two citations for the rescue of civilians. prgtoken During her tenure, Ms. Day has represented fire fighters on several fronts with proven results. She served as an elected union official with the Detroit Fire Fighters Association for fourteen years. In that capacity she has served as 8th Battalion Director, Secretary, Vice President, and currently holds the position of Treasurer of the Association. During those terms she also chaired various committees to include the Political Action Committee, the Joint Health and Safety Committee, Public Relations, Human Relations and Grievance committees. prgtoken Beyond her service to the public, Ms. Day has been an active community volunteer. For the last nineteen years, she has orchestrated the ``Engine 40 Back to School Backpack project'', securing thousands of backpacks loaded with school supplies for youth. For the last fourteen years, she has led the ``Fill the Boot Campaign'', raising money for children for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ms. Day has also coordinated with Gleaners to provide bryakfast for children in the summer, served as a camp coach in Burn Camps and the Junior Fire Cadet Program. prgtoken Outside of her many commitments, Ms. Day still finds time to enjoy traveling, riding motorcycles, and playing softball. Her stellar softball skills landed her in the Michigan United States Specialty Sports Association Hall of Fame. Ms. Day shares her life with her loving family, spouse Ronald Day and her four children. prgtoken Please join me in saluting Senior Fire Engine Operator Verdine Day for her thirty-three years of bravery and service to the public as we wish her well on her retirement.
RECOGNIZING JAMES NATHANIAL SHORT JR.
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing James Nathanial Short Jr a District of Columbia native and retired 33-year veteran of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday. prgtoken James Short Jr who can trace his lineage in the United States as far back as 1781, was born to James N. Short Sr. and Ollie W. Short. The couple raised their six children in the historic Langston Terrace Dwellings, named for John Mercer Langston, who was Dean of Howard University Law School. Langston Terrace, the first public housing complex in Washington, D.C. (3rd in our Nation), was erected in 1938, designed by African-American architects and managed by Mr. Short's father. James Short Jr. learned the value of God, family and community in this nurturing setting. prgtoken During his tenure in the fire department, Mr. Short continuously put his life on the line to protect D.C. residents. At one point during his career, a building collapsed on him, yet his injuries did not hold him back and he rose to become Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Short worked with his colleagues to stop illegal businesses in the District and to curb drug sales. prgtoken Mr. Short has been a member of Brown Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, on Capitol Hill since 1966 and is also a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia (Redemption Lodge #24). prgtoken Mr. Short has been a leader in the civic life of the District. He is the former Chairman of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Executive Board Member of the National Kidney Foundation, former Boy Scout master for Brown Memorial AME Church and a member of the Hillcrest Community Civic Association. prgtoken Mr. Short was educated in D.C. public schools and became a certified public manager upon graduating from the George Washington University Graduate School of Business and Public Management. He also received the District of Columbia's ``Center for Excellence in Municipal Management'' certificate. He was a D.C. Master Barber for over 40 years and owned and operated the Le Droit Park Barbershop on Florida Avenue, Northwest. Currently, Mr. Short is President and CEO of Short Consultation, LLC. prgtoken Mr. Short was granted membership in the University Club of the District of Columbia in 2013 and remains a member in good standing. He enjoys hosting family, community and business gatherings and celebrations there. prgtoken Mr. Short is blessed with two daughters, Kym Elder and Nicole Short, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a host of family members scattered across the country. prgtoken Madam , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing James Nathanial Short Jr. for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the District of Columbia on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DENA GROSS LEAVENGOOD
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Dena Gross Leavengood, a tireless advocate for Florida, our Tampa Bay community and indeed our planet. Her determined advocacy has left a profound impact on our community and almost impossible shoes to fill. prgtoken A Florida native, Dena graduated with a bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Florida and received her master's degree right here at the University of South Florida. Dena was a driving force behind The Florida Aquarium because, even then, she realized its key role in fighting climate change and saving our planet. Dena served the Aquarium in key positions, including director of educational outreach and community liaison. prgtoken There are so many areas where Dena was indispensable. I remember her perhaps most fondly when in my time as a County Commissioner, she worked with me to fight for health care for working families in her role as the founder of the Hillsborough Health Care Coalition. Dena was legendary in leadership roles for women with the League of Women Voters and Athena, to name a few. Tomorrow Matters and the Sierra Club were among so many other places where Dena left her inimitable and indelible stamp. As a Hillsborough County Commissioner, Member of Congress and as her friend, I witnessed Dena's tenacity and steadfast commitment on behalf of her neighbors, friends, Tampa Bay families and people she would never know, except in her heart. prgtoken Dena's decades of activism and professional accomplishments earned her the love of our community and numerous accolades, including the 2010 Education Award from the Health Council of Pinellas County, the 2003 Human Rights Award from the Tampa Human Rights Council. She also received national recognition as community liaison with The Florida Aquarium. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of a grateful and saddened Tampa Bay community, we promise to reflect on Dena's life of service to improve the lives of our neighbors, our community and our country, and have it serve as a beacon and inspiration as we undertake the hard work of going forward without her--as Dena would certainly insist on us doing. Dena earned a special place in my heart and of the entire Tampa Bay community. Dena would be sorely missed in all times but especially in these challenging times--we will strive to remember our indefatigable, Happy Warrior, Dena, if ever we get discouraged.
HONORING JOSEPH E. TIGHUE
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Joseph E. Tighue, who passed away on August 24, 2019. prgtoken Joe was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1932 to Eugene and Elizabeth Tighue. After graduating Trenton High School in 1952, Joe joined the Army and served overseas during the Korean War. After his services, Joe studied business, real estate, and insurance at Rider College and Rutgers University. prgtoken His natural skill and ingenuity led Joe to a long and storied career in real estate and New Jersey politics. With his high school sweet heart, Marie Dileo, by his side, the young couple started the Tighue Realty Co. Later in life, Joe returned to school to earn the MAI Appraisal Designation. He served as president of Certified Appraisal Service and as president of the Mercer County Board of Realtors. Joe's efforts to give back to his community did not go unnoticed and he was named ``Realtor of the Year'' when he was recognized nationally for starting a work release program that utilized county workhouse inmates to rehab run-down city houses. prgtoken In 1969, Joe was selected to run for Mercer County Freeholder, and he went on to serve for three terms. Later from 1980 to 1990, Joe served as the Mercer County Surrogate and Judge of the Probate Court. prgtoken Over the course of his 87 years, Joe and his wife, Marie, built a large and loving family that will continue to carry his legacy, including his brother Thomas; children Gary, Robert, and Susan; six grandchildren; and many nephew and nieces. prgtoken Madam , I send my condolences to the family and friends of Joe Tighue. I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating his incredible life and legacy. prgtoken Rest in peace, Joe.
OATH CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2019
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate twenty-nine individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on September 6, 2019. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. prgtoken America is a county founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. prgtoken On September 6, 2019, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Mohamed Refaat Ahmed Saleh, Dominic Thomas Chaloner, Phennapha Flood, Jose Luis Perea, Ubaid Mohammed, Rosalinda Martinez Canales, Cirilo Favela, Margaret Sophie Foster, Mimzy Vanessa Bohannon, Maria Ysabel Coria, Jazmin Alejandra Lang, Henry Javier Alavez, Rosa Janeski, Kadir Cizreliogullari, Magdaleno Vargas, Hanan Misbah Abdel Qader, Nisreen Marji Ziadat, John V. Pollalis, Concepcion C. Arroyo, Maysa Katbi, Sam Farah, Nicolas Lehner, Virginia Lehner, Ralph Maximiliano Cortes, Eder Jahir Nunez Benitez, Jose Luis Martinez, Jessika Alejandra Lemere, Devashish Ratankumar Pal, and Sumedha Dhar. prgtoken Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country `` . . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. prgtoken Madam , I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on September 6, 2019. They, too, will be American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.
HONORING MARGIE CARLSON ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-9-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Margie Carlson on her 100th Birthday. Ms. Carlson was born August 7, 1919 in rural Prophetstown, Illinois to the late Letha and August Carlson. prgtoken Ms. Carlson grew up in Prophetstown and went on to get her degree at Northern College in DeKalb, now known as Northern Illinois University. Ms. Carlson went on to start her teaching career at a country school called Highland, and then taught in the Tampico school system for 40 years before she retired. She is a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown, where a birthday reception was held in her honor. Ms. Carlson enjoys working with her quilting group every Monday morning at church, and weather permitting, taking walks every day. I am touched to have such an example of heart in our community. prgtoken Madam , I would like to again formally honor Ms. Carlson on her 100th Birthday. It is because of community leaders such as Ms. Margie Carlson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District.