mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MS. KAREN APONTE
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor Ms. Karen Aponte on the occasion of her retirement from the Los Angeles Police Department. After 42 years of dedicated civic service to the people and communities of Los Angeles, Ms. Aponte will be deeply missed. prgtoken Ms. Aponte's career began in June 1980 with the City of Los Angeles as a parking attendant. In April 1986, she joined the Los Angeles Police Department as a Police Service Representative, where she answered to 9-1-1 emergency calls as a frontline responder to those in need of help. In times of crisis and major events, Ms. Aponte provided consistent and critical support to law enforcement. Ms. Aponte's achievements have resulted in more than 27 well-deserved commendations during her career. prgtoken She earned recognition for her performance during the 1992 Civil Unrest, the devasting 1994 earthquake, her professionalism during situations with distressed children, and during the Lakers Championship parade in 2000 when a tactical alert was declared after 250,000 people filled the streets of Los Angeles. During the ic National Convention in 2020, Ms. Aponte received praise for her commitment to service excellence. prgtoken In 2001 Ms. Aponte was assigned to the Timekeeping Unit where she evolved as the timekeeping subject expert. She worked diligently to ensure the smooth function of the unit as she exceptionally performed all her duties. There was no task too big or too small that Ms. Aponte did not welcome. prgtoken For her remarkable accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Police Service Representative II Karen Aponte. Her decades of public service and commitment to the Department and the people of Los Angeles are worthy of the highest commendation.
RECOGNIZING GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , I rise today to recognize six young men and women in my district who were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years. This program's mission to ``expand the number of young American citizens gaining knowledge, linguistic, and cultural skills that are critical to our national security and prosperity'' is admirable, and our community is incredibly proud of the following students' achievement: prgtoken Humna Chaudhry of Bensalem, PA, studying in Singapore; prgtoken Sabrina De Nicola of Churchville, PA, studying in Spain; prgtoken Humna Rub of Doylestown, PA, studying in the United Kingdom; prgtoken Ryan Smith of Warrington, PA, studying in Indonesia; prgtoken Ian Yannuzzi of Southampton, PA, studying in New Zealand; prgtoken Mikaila Harper of Chalfont, PA, studying in Uganda. prgtoken At a time where our Nation's policy approach to security and diplomacy is actively challenged and adapting, the conviction of these young men and women is exceptional. We commend their participation in the Gilman Scholarship and are grateful for their commitment to strengthening the relationships and standing of the United States around the world.
HONORING THE 21ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS 2022 SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , today we congratulate the 2022 Service Academy appointees from the 21st Congressional District of Texas. prgtoken The following individuals have accepted Academy Appointments: prgtoken Hudson T. Baese, Canyon High School, New Braunfels, United States Air Force Academy. Austin G. Curtis, Robert G. Cole High School, San Antonio, United States Air Force Academy. Walker L. Cunningham, Robert G. Cole High School, San Antonio, United States Merchant Marine Academy. Bradley J. DeMeritt, UTSA, Franklin High School, New Braunfels, United States Military Academy. Joseph G. Drastata, Canyon High School, New Braunfels, United States Military Academy. Logan J. Kitchen, Claudia Taylor Lady Bird Johnson High School, San Antonio, United States Military Academy. Austin W. Locke, UTSA, Boerne High School, Boerne, United States Merchant Marine Academy. John T. Murphy, Wimberly High School, Wimberly, United States Naval Academy. Noah A. Purify, USNAPS, Claudia Taylor Lady Bird Johnson High School, San Antonio, United States Naval Academy. Ella M. Rudik, BASIS Shavano, San Antonio, United States Air Force Academy. prgtoken These outstanding students have much to contribute to their chosen Academy and to our country. We appreciate their talents and their patriotism. prgtoken I hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating these truly heroic young men and young women.
HONORING THE PATRIOTIC SERVICE OF OUR FALLEN HEROES
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor the patriotic service of the men and women who have given their lives in defense of the United States. From the icy waters of General Washington's crossing of the Delaware River to the burning sands of the Middle East, our armed forces have continuously devoted themselves to the cause of freedom and liberty for all Americans and our allies. prgtoken Today, this great Nation takes a moment to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion that we might continue to proclaim the United States as the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Our warriors have ensured with their very blood that all Americans might live in peace and security. Our warriors have fought in the trenches, on the beaches, in the streets, and on the seas. They have faced the most violent and evil foes in human history and have claimed victory. prgtoken From my very own district hailed one of the finest examples of American bravery, First Lieutenant Audie Murphy. He remains the most decorated American Soldier in our Nation's history having received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Star Medals, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and many other citations. Lt. Murphy hailed from Kingston, Texas in Hunt County. While he is a shining example of American heroism, this same spirit lives on in all who have heeded the call to serve their Nation from the Fourth District. Others from the Texas' Fourth Congressional District who heeded the call of duty include the following heroes: prgtoken First Lieutenant Allen Arthur Brill served our nation during the Second World War as a Pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Born in Franklin County in 1916, Lt. Brill was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Oren Calvin Atchley of Hunt County gave the last full measure of devotion for us in the mountains of the Korean Peninsula. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. prgtoken U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Lasaule Chappell of Camp County was KIA in the dense forests of South Vietnam defending the free world. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his selfless courage. prgtoken Staff Sergeant Ennis Murry Bankhead of Lamar County, Specialist Four Jose Sanchez Monetmayor of Fannin County, Lieutenant Warren Bacon Wisdom, Private First Class Darrel D. Council, and many other servicemembers of the Fourth District who have given their lives bearing the torch of freedom for all of us. prgtoken I have requested a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize our warriors and their families whose sacrifices have secured the blessings of freedom and liberty for generations. It is my hope that we never forget these individuals and may God rest their souls.
HONORING BILL JONES
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Mr. Bill Jones, the former Executive Director of the Melissa Area Chamber of Commerce. Following a distinguished thirty-eight-year career in public service, a grateful community thanks Mr. Jones for his leadership and dedication. prgtoken Prior to role with the Melissa Area Chamber of Commerce, Bill served for an impressive thirty years as President and Executive Director of chambers and economic development organizations in various municipalities including those of Grove, Oklahoma; Branson, Missouri; Dumas, Texas; Rosenberg-Richmond, Texas; and Bonham, Texas. Bill's steadfast leadership generated financial and membership growth in each of these organizations enhancing their effectiveness and ability to serve members of the community. prgtoken Mr. Jones would go on to enjoy a brief two-year retirement in Bonham, Texas where he spent his time managing the Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex, a facility which he was instrumental in developing. prgtoken Shortly after moving to Melissa, Texas, on January 6, 2014, Bill would come out of retirement to begin his tenure as the Executive Director of the Melissa Area Chamber of Commerce. Due to his vast knowledge and experience in economic development, he would guide the Chamber during a pivotal time of rapid growth. prgtoken Bill Jones is highly esteemed within the community as evidenced by his election as the first President of the Trails of Melissa Homeowners Association, appointment to the Texas Chamber of Commerce and Business Executives, and role as the Community Partner for McKinney Buick GMC. prgtoken Now as he enters retirement, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in commending Bill Jones for his many efforts and his dedication to serving the Melissa business community.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF AIDAN SWARTZ ON HIS OFFER OF APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Aidan Swartz of Sylvania, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. prgtoken Aidan's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. prgtoken Aidan brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Northview High School in Sylvania, Ohio, Aidan participated in Leadership Academy and Football Leadership. Throughout high school, Aidan played football earning his varsity letter and becoming team captain. After high school, he attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Aidan Swartz on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Aidan will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.
CONGRATULATING PHILLIPS DINER ON ITS DESIGNATION AS A HISTORIC BUSINESS
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate an incredible North Country establishment that has been recognized as a historic business, Phillips Diner in Ogdensburg. Phillips Diner has been named to the New York State Historic Preservation Registry for operating for over fifty years and contributes greatly to the Ogdensburg community. prgtoken Phillips Diner has been owned and operated by members of the Phillips family since 1948. In 1930, the Diner got its start as the Theater Dining Car and was owned by M&F Dining Corp. The restaurant quickly became a favorite dining spot for those seeing a movie at the Strand Theater located next door. In 1948, Russell and Ollie Phillips purchased the Theater Dining Car with their son, Bud, and renamed it Phillips Diner. Phillips Diner was extremely successful for several decades, until a devastating fire destroyed the building in 1970. Not discouraged by this setback, the Phillips family rebuilt and opened once again in 1973, proudly serving their community ever since. prgtoken The Diner is now owned and operated by Judi Ashley, the granddaughter of the original owners, and her husband. Over seventy years later, the diner staff still use Russell and Ollie's original recipes to prepare their famous dishes. Phillips Diner is a true community staple priding themselves on serving great meals at a great value. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am proud to celebrate the rich history of Phillips Diner. This establishment has been an important asset to the Ogdensburg community for several decades and will undoubtedly continue to provide service for many more to come. Congratulations to Phillips Diner for their recognition on the New York State Historic Preservation Registry.
FL-16 LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. prgtoken Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage, and dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. prgtoken Twelve years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. prgtoken This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community: prgtoken Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award: Lt. Sean Felton, Deputies Kelsey Belloise, Timothy Downey, Hugo Garcia, Grace King, Alexander Nikias, Monica Ruiz, Todd Sellitto, Logan Wilson and Robert Wildt of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Dedication and Professionalism Award: Lt. Phillip Waller and Sgt. Aaron Pilant of the Bradenton Police Department; Officer Chris Bennett of the Holmes Beach Police Department; Deputies Maria Gillum and Rafael Ortegon, and Detective Derek Pollock of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award: Assistant Chief Josh Cramer and Detective James Curulla of the Bradenton Police Department; Barbara Ehrhart of the Florida Highway Patrol; Detective John Lake of the Sarasota Police Department; Lt. Christopher Montalbano of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Preservation of Life Award: Deputies Ryan Banning, Michael Beers, Leonel Garcia, Zameul Sanchez Garcia, Kyle Kaskiw, Joshua Langieri, Micah Osornio, Benjamin Quick, Grant Weisman, and Detective Scott Williamson of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office; Detective Vincent Diorio of the Palmetto Police Department; Officers Adam Bearden, Whitney Bentz, Ridge Collins, Terry Crenshaw, Timothy Dederick, Julius Gonzalez, Nathan Lynn, Molly Spencer, and Officer Eric Urbain of the Sarasota Police Department. prgtoken Unit Citation Award: Lt. Mark Morie, Sergeants Seamus Dwyer, Stephen Ives, Brian Quiles, and Theron Robinson and Detectives Bryan Lake, Carmine Luper, Steven Luke, and James Parrish of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Technical Services Unit; Sergeants Stephen Barron and Paul Bulso, Detectives Kelsey Belloise, Ernest Bichsel, Keith English, Philip Fellows, Lucas Freitas-Ferreira, Cody Hobbs, Grace King, Jeremy Martin, Matthew Schwartz, and Austyn Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit; Sergeants Sean Carter and Jonathan Misiewicz, Officers Ni
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLOTTE KLEEMAN
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life, memory, and legacy of a great Californian and one of the great philanthropists in California's 25th District, Charlotte Kleeman. A devoted servant to her community, a loving wife, and an amazing mother, Charlotte exemplified what it means to give back and live your life in the service of others. prgtoken Like many who are blessed to call the 25th District home, Charlotte was not a native of Santa Clarita. Born in Chicago and raised in North Hollywood, she came to Santa Clarita in 1965 with her family, where she wasted no time in immersing herself in the philanthropic community. Throughout her life, she served on the board of the local Child and Family Center, Boys and Girls Club, Foundation for Children's Dental Health, and Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, in addition to serving on the Foundation committee for College of the Canyons and as an ambassador to the local Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Both Charlotte and her late husband Frank, were recognized as Santa Clarita's Woman and Man of the Year in 1996 and 2002, respectively. Even after earning this prestigious award recognizing her lifetime of contribution to charitable causes in her community, she was still driven to continue finding ways to give back in any way that she could. Her contributions to the many non-profits and organizations in our valley are immeasurable, and our city is a better place because of her efforts. prgtoken I have long held the belief that charity is one of the most important moral cornerstones of our great nation. There are few things more honorable than living your life in the service of others, and Charlotte Kleeman is the benchmark for what it means to give back, help others, and blaze a trail of light that touches countless lives. We will always remember her service to the Santa Clarita Valley, and we will continue to honor her memory through acts of charity and by helping those in need.
REMEMBERING JOHN A. DUTRA
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise along with Representatives Khanna and Lofgren, to recognize the life of John A. Dutra, former member of the California State Legislature, Vice Mayor, and 10-year member of the Fremont City Council, who passed away on May 29, 2022. prgtoken A son of immigrants, John was raised in Oakland and began his career as an engineer in the private sector and then worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. prgtoken While working at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, John began working part-time as a realtor at California Realty. In 1972, John moved to Fremont to begin his own company, John A. Dutra Realty, which expanded to a large presence in Pleasanton with over 95 agents. The company would later open offices in Castro Valley, Livermore, and Tracy, and became the Number One Real Estate Company in the East Bay. The company flourished as a real estate development and investment firm. prgtoken During this same period, John was appointed to the Fremont Planning Commission, where he served four years, followed by the Fremont City Council, where he served ten years. He vigilantly oversaw the city's fiscal status while pushing for new social services, including the construction of the city's first homeless shelter and one of the city's first affordable housing projects. prgtoken John was subsequently elected to the State Assembly, and during his six-year tenure was a member of numerous standing committees, including, Budget, Housing and Community Development, Judiciary, and Insurance. He also chaired the Transportation, Information Technology, and Veteran Affairs Committees. Among other accomplishments, he led the funding for the retrofitting of the east and west spans of the Bay Bridge and secured over $1,000,000 to retrofit the historic Mission Church in Mission San Jose. prgtoken Beyond his impressive public service and private sector career, nothing was more important to him than family. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bernadine F. Dutra; his children, John, Cynthia, Anthony, Dominic, and Diana; his 13 grandchildren; and 9 great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bernadette. prgtoken His dedication to his family and service to his community was always at the forefront of his mind and a trait that lives on in his family and every life he touched. John will be remembered by all those he impacted by his strength, brilliance, vision, and heart.
RECOGNIZING MICHIGAN'S CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions of Caribbean- Americans to Michigan's 13th Congressional District and all across our Nation. prgtoken National Caribbean American Heritage Month was first recognized in 2005. This was the culmination of many years of efforts by organizations around the world to spotlight the numerous contributions to our Nation. Caribbean Community Services, a nonprofit organization based in Detroit, Michigan, has proudly uplifted that history. They routinely host numerous events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and its impact on our communities in southeastern Michigan. I am incredibly proud of the important work Caribbean Social Services undertakes to foster diverse and welcoming communities. I especially want to highlight their leadership in ensuring these contributions are recognized and valued as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the contributions of Caribbean Americans across our Nation and the 13th Congressional District.