mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING COLONEL AARON W. REISINGER
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I am grateful for the opportunity to honor Colonel Aaron W. Reisinger, Commander and District Engineer of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)--Chicago District. Throughout his command, Colonel Reisinger's dedication and steadfast leadership has proven worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Reisinger will relinquish his command to Colonel Paul B. Culberson at a change of command ceremony on September 18, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois. prgtoken In 1994, Colonel Reisinger graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. He went on to earn a master's degree in engineer management from the University of Missouri at Rolla prgtoken and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University. In addition, he is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval War College where he earned a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. prgtoken Colonel Reisinger's lifetime of service to the United States Army and to the citizens of our great country is to be highly commended. The Colonel served as a platoon leader and executive officer in the 14th Engineer Battalion from 1994 to 1998. From 2000 to 2002, he was a company commander in the 299th Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. Later, from 2012 to 2014, Colonel Reisinger commanded the 84th Engineer Battalion at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In addition, he has served as a trainer at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, an action officer for the Joint Staff, Plans and Strategy within the Deputy Directorate for the War on Terrorism, as military transition team chief within an Iraqi infantry battalion, operations officer in the 65th Engineer Battalion and 130th Engineer Brigade, and chief of operations for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. He also completed two combat deployments to Iraq and one operational deployment in the South Pacific. prgtoken For his distinguished service, Colonel Reisinger is the recipient of two Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, one Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and multiple Iraq campaign stars. prgtoken Colonel Reisinger assumed command of the USACE-Chicago District in 2017. During his time as District Commander in Chicago, his leadership has played an integral role in the agency's accomplishments, most notably in Northwest Indiana. In partnership with local municipalities, the USACE implemented more than $14 million in stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality throughout the region and ultimately improve the quality of life and place in these communities. Colonel Reisinger's command saw the completion of the Little Calumet River Flood Control and Recreation Project, protecting residents from the devastating effects of flooding and providing
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. LANCE GERSHEN
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Lance Gershen, M.D. prgtoken Dr. Gershen was born in 1944 in New York City, where he spent his childhood. He attended Stuyvesant High School and then went on to study at Brooklyn College of The City University of New York. After graduating in 1965, Dr. Gershen received his M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1969. prgtoken Dr. Gershen's professional ambitions were delayed when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, during which time he served at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago. Upon discharge from the military, Dr. Gershen moved to California where he completed his residency at The Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Gershen then made his way to Contra Costa County and began working as a pediatrician at Diablo Valley Pediatrics where he became a principal partner. Dr. Gershen was also the Pediatric Department Chairman at several local hospitals and President of the East Bay Pediatric Society. One of Dr. Gershen's many achievements came when he developed the first alternative birthing center in the East Bay. Dr. Gershen's professional legacy, which spanned over 40 years, is one of thoughtfulness and dedication to children and families. prgtoken In his personal life, Dr. Gershen was an active participant in his community. He was a member of Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek, the J Mensch men's group, and helped found JBL, a Jewish men's softball team. Above all else, Dr. Gershen loved spending time with his family. Dr. Gershen's faith in humanity was seen in his compassionate nature and his work to improve the lives of others. prgtoken Following Dr. Gershen's diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease, he learned about the Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo. Serving as co- president, he worked to support and provide resources to others living with the disease. Dr. Gershen's own battle with Parkinson's never impacted his work to help others. prgtoken Sadly, Dr. Gershen passed away this year at the age of 75. He is survived by his eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and his wife Cindy. Please join me in honoring Dr. Lance Gershen for his many contributions to our community and this country. Dr. Gershen was a cherished member of Contra Costa County and he will be missed.
COST ESTIMATE FOR H.R. 2694, PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I am hereby including in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U. S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, September 9, 2020. Hon. Bobby Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Sofia Guo. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.
IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN ``JACK'' FRANCIS DWYER (1921-2015) FOR HIS SERVICE AS PART OF THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICE (OSS) DURING WWII AS PART OF OPERATION CARPETBAGGER
Jahana Hayes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the late Sargent John Francis Dwyer and his service to our country. As a member of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII as part of Operation Carpetbagger, Sargent Dwyer was among the men and women who comprised America's first spy agency, a predecessor to the CIA. On March 21, 2018, Congress bestowed its highest civilian honor upon the group by presenting them with the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken The archivists of the Air Force Historical Research Agency, the repository of the United States Air Force's official unit histories, have researched their files and found that after enlistment on August 5, 1942, Sergeant John F. Dwyer arrived in England on March 18, 1945 and was subsequently assigned to the 406th Bombardment Squadron at Harrington Airdrome. After theater and aircrew orientation, Sergeant Dwyer and his crew, under the command of Captain Maurice W. Freeman, become operational on May 17, 1945. Captain Freeman and his crew flew eight successful missions between May 17 and June 9. Sergeant Dwyer was honorably discharged on November 10, 1945. prgtoken In addition to the dangers from German night fighters and flak, the Carpetbaggers always ran the risk of crashing into hillsides as they made low-level parachute deliveries to the resistance forces waiting below. From January 1944 to May 1945, they completed 1,860 sorties and delivered 20,495 containers and 11,174 packages of vital supplies to the resistance forces in western and northwestern Europe. Overall, more than 1,000 parachutists were dropped into enemy territory. prgtoken The OSS Congressional Gold Medal Act states that the group was America's first effort to implement a system of strategic intelligence during World War II and provided the basis for the modern-day American intelligence and special operations communities. At its peak in late 1944, it employed almost 13,000 individuals, a third of whom were women. prgtoken The OSS organized, trained, supplied, and fought with resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia which played an important role in America's victory during World War II. The OSS invented and employed new technology through its Research and Development Branch, inventing new weapons and revolutionary communications equipment. Its X-2 branch pioneered counterintelligence with the British and established the modern counterintelligence community. The network of contacts built by the OSS with foreign intelligence services led to enduring Cold War alliances. OSS ``Mercy Missions'' at the end of World War II saved the lives of thousands of Allied prisoners of war. prgtoken Present-day Special Operations Forces trace their lineage to the OSS. Its Maritime Unit was a precursor to the U.S. Navy SEALs. The OSS Operational Groups and Jedburghs were forerunners to U.S. Army Special Forces. The 801st/492nd Bombardment Group were progenitors to the Air Force Special Operations Command
IN RECOGNITION OF MARSHALL J. HUNT
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Marshall J. Hunt's many contributions to the communities of Wayne County, Michigan and statewide, particularly his nearly four decades of service to Accounting Aid Society, one of southeast Michigan's largest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance non-profit organizations. prgtoken A Certified Public Accountant for more than fifty years, Marshall Hunt accumulated more than thirty years of federal service to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and in tax administration before joining the team at Accounting Aid Society. Mr. Hunt possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise on income tax issues and tax code. More importantly, Marshall Hunt recognizes the need for financial and income tax services in metropolitan Detroit's most vulnerable communities. prgtoken As director of Accounting Aid's income tax program, Mr. Hunt has been instrumental in the organization's growth to provide free income tax preparation at multiple locations throughout southeast Michigan, including mobile pop-up sites. This work is vital in putting deserved dollars in the form of income tax refunds back into the pockets of the people who need it most. prgtoken Beyond his work with Accounting Aid Society, Marshall Hunt is an educator. He teaches accounting at University of Michigan Dearborn and is instrumental in Accounting Aid's volunteer income tax preparers' education each year. In addition, he has served on the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council. He is a member of the Michigan Department of Treasury Individual Tax Advisory Group, the Tax Practice and Procedures Committee of the American Institute of CPAs, and the Steering Committee of the Taxpayer Opportunity Network. Mr. Hunt is also active in the Michigan Association of CPAs and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Marshall Hunt's numerous outstanding contributions and his thirty-nine years of service to Accounting Aid Society.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BILLIE DEAN
Val Butler Demings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of City of Apopka Commissioner, Billie Dean. Commissioner Dean passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, but his life of service will continue to make a difference in the lives of others for decades to come. prgtoken Mr. Dean proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star for his heroism on the battlefield. prgtoken After his military service, Commissioner Dean attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and received a master's degree in Agriculture. Commissioner Dean was a proud, ``rattler'' and everyone knew it! He was one of the most enthusiastic alumnus and served as an inspiration to young adults in college or preparing for the journey. Commissioner Dean had a long-standing career spanning 38 years as an agriculture teacher at both Phyllis Wheatley High School and Apopka High School. He fully understood that education was the key to success, and he committed to ensuring that his students were prepared for the future. prgtoken Billie Dean loved Apopka and he was willing to do the work necessary to make the place he called home a great place to live, work, and visit. After retiring from the school system, he was elected to the Apopka City Commission. A visionary with a powerful voice, Commissioner Dean worked tirelessly to revitalize South Apopka by creating state of the art facilities, enhancing affordable housing opportunities, and increasing public safety. prgtoken Commissioner Dean served on the city commission with honor and distinction for 24 years before retiring as the Vice Mayor. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Dean was a true public servant. His unselfish service to his country and community has truly made a positive difference in the city of Apopka, in the State of Florida, and the United States of America. We are grateful for a life well lived.
HONORING AL MAGGINI
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Al Maggini in celebration of his 105th birthday on September 5, 2020. prgtoken Mr. Maggini was born and raised in San Francisco, California. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1933, he began his career in the financial industry. At the onset of World War II, Mr. Maggini put his career on pause to join the United States Army Air Corps as a B-17 aerial navigator in the Eighth Air Force. After the war, Mr. Maggini returned to San Francisco to continue his career as a stockbroker before moving to Santa Rosa in 1965. prgtoken After moving to Santa Rosa, Mr. Maggini joined the faculty of Santa Rosa Junior College to teach night classes, including a course on flying to returning soldiers and a basic finance class. After more than eleven years of teaching, he was invited to serve on the Santa Rosa Junior College's board of trustees. During his 33-year tenure as a trustee, he helped guide the board through many difficult decisions by urging his fellow trustees to consider what is in the best interest of the students that they serve. prgtoken Mr. Maggini's service to his community extends beyond his time at Santa Rosa Junior College. He has dedicated his time and energy to ensure the health and quality of life of his fellow community members, both through his efforts to fundraiser for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and through his endowment of the Al and Helen Maggini Legacy. In 2018, he was presented with the Frank P. Doyle Philanthropy Award, which honors local business leaders who use their time, money, and energy to help meet critical community needs. prgtoken Madam , Al Maggini is the kind of community member we should all strive to be. His life has been dedicated to serving the people around him, from his time in the Army to his work in Santa Rosa. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
COMMEMORATING THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CHEROKEE CHARTER ACADEMY
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the grand opening of the Cherokee Charter Academy of Gaffney, South Carolina. prgtoken The Cherokee Charter Academy offers a quality, well-rounded education to students of South Carolina cost-free. Their mission is simple: to be the best educational institution in the Upstate developing the next generation of American citizens. prgtoken A core belief of the Cherokee Charter Academy is that a good education is not one-size-fits-all. Their commitment to a holistic approach to learning is rooted in the belief that education is best when individual growth is of higher priority than judging a student by the performance of their peers. The academy recognizes the importance of a diverse, rigorous education for young minds which is why in addition to core subjects, students have physical education and are exposed to either music or art class every single day. The Cherokee Charter Academy is where kids get to be kids. prgtoken Gaffney will not only be the peach capital of South Carolina, but also home to some of the brightest students the state has to offer. prgtoken I congratulate the town of Gaffney and Cherokee County on their beautiful new elementary school and the students on the bright future ahead of them as the next generation of leaders. Go Patriots.
HONORING TROY AND TANNER BARABY, FOUNDERS OF SOUTH JUNCTION ENTERPRISES, FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL REVITALIZATION OF THE PLATTSBURGH RAIL YARD
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the tremendous effort Troy and Tanner Baraby have put into revitalizing the rail yard in Plattsburgh, New York. prgtoken In 2017, the Baraby brothers established South Junction Enterprises to provide local businesses the opportunity to ship inventory in and out of the area by rail. The company has facilitated local farmers in reaching a wide customer base as their cars ship products across the North Country, New England and Canada. This project has successfully repurposed an abandoned rail yard to a thriving business. In the first two years of operations, South Junction Enterprises has quadrupled its rail car capacity to greater fulfill the community needs. prgtoken Local businesses are the backbone of the North Country economy and push innovation forward. Job creation and economic growth stemming from entrepreneurship are vital for long term sustainable development in our community. I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit that runs within the Baraby family and their commitment to serving our community that has continued over many generations. In addition to South Junction Enterprises, the brothers continue to operate Moore Recycling in Keeseville, New York which was founded by their grandfather, George Moore. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the Baraby family and the entire South Junction Enterprises team for their dedication to the community and congratulate them on their hard-earned achievements thus far.
TRIBUTE TO DR. FRENCH HARMON
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to my long-time friend and pastor, Dr. French Harmon, who has been elected to lead the Kentucky Baptist Foundation. prgtoken During a time of great unrest in our nation, the church remains our guiding light as an invisible enemy attacks the health of Americans, our economy, and our way of life. It is spiritual leaders like Dr. Harmon who will ensure that our sovereign God is still recognized as the cornerstone of our blessed and sovereign nation. prgtoken His servant's heart has never been resigned to ministry inside a building. Rather, Dr. Harmon has embodied the love of Christ through his outreach in every community where he has resided, and through mission work in foreign countries, including Brazil, Israel, Kenya, and South Africa. Successful ministries are often defined by congregation size, tithing growth and doctoral achievements; to that end, Dr. Harmon is among the elite as a Doctor of Philosophy, a Doctor of Ministry, a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity and upwards of prgtoken 200% growth in church membership and giving throughout his pastoral assignments. However, it is with great humility that Dr. Harmon would suggest that there is no greater success in ministry than simply sharing the gospel of Christ to a lost world in need of a Savior. As a member of his congregation at First Baptist Church in Somerset, Kentucky, I can personally attest that countless lives have changed as a result of his dedication to Christ's Great Commission. prgtoken In recent years, Dr. Harmon has been a consummate advocate for the needs of the people of southern and eastern Kentucky. He organized an anti-drug abuse march and rally in partnership with Operation UNITE to combat the opioid abuse epidemic in our Appalachian region. I recruited him to share his wisdom and expertise as a board member, and now Vice Chair, of SOAR--Shaping Our Appalachian Region, an initiative to revitalize and diversify our coal-producing region. I deeply appreciate his ingenuity and guidance as we collectively work to inspire and generate new economic development opportunities in the mountains. prgtoken In addition to serving as my pastor, I count Dr. Harmon as a true friend and trusted advisor. In fact, I invited him to lead prayer on Capitol Hill for the U.S. House of Representatives and to join me during meetings with prominent leaders over the years, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been a tremendous ambassador for the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the City of Somerset. prgtoken For those reasons, I find it bittersweet to congratulate Dr. Harmon as he begins a new chapter as President of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation. My prayer for Dr. Harmon and his family is written in Numbers 6:24-26, ``The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.''
RECOGNIZING AMBER HARBIN
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to remember the 2,977 victims who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and four hijacked planes. prgtoken For all Americans, September 11th will be marked in our minds and hearts forever as a solemn day where innocent men and women were killed in what became the greatest attack on this nation since Pearl Harbor. prgtoken After the attacks, the Conway Fire Department sent firefighters to Ground Zero in New York to help. In October 2011, the Conway Fire Department requested and received a large piece of steel from the World Trade Center. prgtoken That piece sat inside Central Station until Conway resident Kevin Bass took it upon himself to create a memorial, launching the Citizens for Conway 9-11 Memorial page. prgtoken Thanks to the efforts of the Conway Fire Department, Conway city officials, and Mr. Bass, that piece of the World Trade Center is now a memorial to honor those who lost their lives. prgtoken The Searcy Fire Department also was selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive an I-beam of steel from the World Trade Center. prgtoken The Searcy Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary organized a fundraiser to cover the costs of that memorial. They had businesses and residents in Searcy to sponsor one of 343 American flags that were placed along the Beebe-Capps Expressway. The flags were placed on September 11, 2011, and each bore a ribbon with the name of a firefighter killed on 9/11. prgtoken Thanks to the community's help, the 9/11 Memorial is a focal point at the Searcy Fire Department today. prgtoken Both memorials stand as stark reminders of the constant bravery and heroism displayed by our nation's firefighters. prgtoken This year, on the 19th anniversary of September 11, I pray for the families who lost loved ones and friends who no longer have their companions. prgtoken May their cherished memories of good times, laughter, and happiness never fade.