mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MIKE MASTOVICH
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise to congratulate Johnstown Tribune- reporter Mike Mastovich on being named CNHI LLC's 2020 top sportswriter in CNHI's Division I. Mike has been with the Johnstown Tribune- since 1986 and has covered the Johnstown sports community for over 35 years. prgtoken Throughout his career, Mike has told important stories for the Johnstown community--from record-setting coaching achievements at UPJ to Johnstown's professional hockey journey and countless high school sports milestones. Mike is at the center of our region's sports history and is a treasured member of this community. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is my privilege to congratulate Mike Mastovich on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF WYATT MILLER FOR WINNING THE DIVISION III WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school wrestler in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Wyatt Miller of Oak Harbor High School has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division III State wrestling title. Wyatt overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the Division III State Wrestling Championship. prgtoken In pursuing the State championship, Wyatt Miller defeated his opponent in the finals of the 195-pound classification. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the mat, in prgtoken achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He has achieved an impressive season record bringing pride to his school and community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Wyatt Miller of Oak Harbor High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.
ZACHARY HAMILTON EARNS EAGLE SCOUT RANK
Scott Franklin (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Zachary Hamilton for earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 79 of Valrico, FL. Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can earn. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank. This honor requires years of effort to develop the necessary leadership, service, and outdoor skills. To earn it, Zachary's project consisted of raising funds, collecting clothes, and repairing bikes for a local homeless project. Zachary and many of his fellow Scouts then handed out these items and provided food for the homeless. The leadership skills he has learned through the Boy Scouts already benefit our community and will continue to help in countless ways. prgtoken Zachary began his Scouting Career as a Tiger Cub in Second Grade. He has been active in Scouting as well as National Honor Society and Junior ROTC organizations. On behalf of the Fifteenth Congressional District of Florida, congratulations again to Zachary Hamilton for becoming an Eagle Scout. We are proud of his continued success and thank him for his dedication to making our community a better place.
HONORING GERALDINE O'MARA ON HER 95TH BIRTHDAY
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Geraldine O'Mara who will celebrate the milestone of her 95th birthday on April 4, 2021. prgtoken A New Yorker through and through, Geraldine was born in Queens and grew up in Sag Harbor and Steward Manor. One of 12 brothers and sisters, Geraldine has always held family as a guiding light and source of strength. Geraldine was married to the late Thomas J. O'Mara, a World War II veteran, and together they had three children, Sharon, James, and Michael. She has dedicated her life to being a role model for her children and giving them every opportunity to learn, grow, and find the path to success. prgtoken Coming from a large family, one of Geraldine's greatest blessings in life is spending time with her seven grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. To this day, she enjoys reading scripture and tending to her garden, and is known for giving back to those in need and lifting others up with her strength. prgtoken Madam , people like Geraldine make our country a better place, and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her good health and many more birthdays.
RECOGNIZING THE ELLINGTON WHIPPETS
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Ellington High School Lady Whippets who made school history March 12, 2021 when they became the Missouri Class 2 State Basketball Champions. prgtoken It's the school's first ever state basketball championship and it came in the Whippets' 63-56 come-from-behind win over the Wellington- Napoleon Tigers. prgtoken From the very beginning of the season, Coach David Burrows told his team he believed they could have a great year. They ended their season with a 23-5 record. prgtoken I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Coach Burrows, Assistant Coach Paula King and team members: Millie Barnett, Briley Bouma, Hiley Brewer, Holly Burrows, Megan Copeland, Laura Gore, Gretchen Hackworth, Abbi Harper, Kaylee King, Sadie Lloyd, Shemaine Lovell, Ellarae Morton, Lyndy Nash, and Dylan Price. prgtoken It is my great privilege to recognize the Ellington High School Whippets as the 2021 Class 2 Missouri State Championship Basketball team today before the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING OFFICER ADAM FARNSLER AS THE SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT 2017 OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I'm honored to congratulate Officer Adam Farnsler upon earning the Springettsbury Township Police Department (STPD) 2017 Officer of the Year award. prgtoken Officer Farnsler started his career with the STPD in January 2016, after serving two years with the Southern Regional Police Department. From the very first day of field training, it was obvious that Officer Farnsler would give his best every day. He was motivated to learn and get involved with all types of police work. prgtoken In 2017, Officer Farnsler was assigned to the night shift and spent the entire year in this position. He was relentless in his efforts to patrol Springettsbury Township and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth. He focused on all forms of violations--from DUIs to drug offense to personal injury crime. Officer Farnsler's efforts resulted in a shift-leading performance on felony and misdemeanor arrests, non- traffic arrests, youth aid panel referrals, and total incidents handled. Officer Farnsler led the night shift with a total of 160 arrests, as well as led the department in officer-initiated reports. This again shows his level of motivation and dedication to duty. He conducted all of this while still handling an even share of crashes, traffic citations, and traffic warnings. prgtoken In a notable 2017 arrest, Officer Farnsler observed the occupants of a vehicle acting suspiciously. He began to follow the vehicle, which resulted in the driver turning off his lights to avoid police. Officer Farnsler conducted a traffic stop and was provided a false name by the driver. His diligent pursuit of the truth resulted in his discovery of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and arrest of the subject for multiple offenses. prgtoken Officer Farnsler's yearly stats only touch the surface of his law enforcement performance. He also focuses on one of the most important areas of policing--community policing. He assists citizens during myriad and numerous sensitive and emotional situations. Officer Farnsler's efforts were commended in writing by at least three different citizens writing to the department to describe how Officer Farnsler positively affected their lives during a sensitive or emotional situation. This is on top of known instances of Officer Farnsler randomly paying for someone's food or drink just to be nice or helpful. His motivation to find criminal violations is matched only by his motivation to support the community of Springettsbury Township. prgtoken Throughout calendar year 2017, Officer Farnsler continuously performed at a high level. He maintained a heavy workload that included numerous self-initiated arrests for serious criminal and traffic investigations, in addition to his normal calls for service that he handled in an outstanding and diligent manner. Officer Farnsler continually investigated each complaint thoroughly. He did all this while continually showing compassion and empathy. prgtoken For exemplary
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize, celebrate, and honor the frontline healthcare workers of the great gate of South Dakota. prgtoken Some of these South Dakota heroes are: Kasey Hanson, Jane Hanson, Laura Hanson, Jenny Hanson, Diane Hanson, Kimberly Hanson, Kathryn Hanson, Sandra Hanson, Sara Hanson, Mylynn Hanson, Sherri Hanson, Brooke Hanson, Jill Hanson, Alissa Hanson, Chelsea Hanson, Melissa Hanson, Molly Hanson, Andrew Hanson, Jennifer Hanson, Kimberly Hanson, Dena Hanson, Tyler Hanson, Michelle Hanson, Lyndsey Hanson, Brandilyn Hanson, Jenny Hanson, Courtney Hanson, Sarah Hanson, Amanda Hanson, Connie Hanson, Kara Hanson, Brittany Hanson, Kayla Hanson, Hailey Hanson, Meggie Hanson, Alexis Hanson-McNeil, Randi Hanssen, Rita Hanten, Theresa Hanten, Angie Hanten, Emily Hanten, Rebecca Hanten, Kayla Hanten, Micalanne Hanten, Patricia Hanten-Duerr, Jacquelyn Hanthorn, Jennifer Hantke, Misty Hanvey, Kristyn Hanzel, Kristen Hanzlik, Lynn Hanzlik, Nachelle Harbaugh, Deanna Harber, Kendra Harberts, Sandra Harder, Marcy Harder, Shelley Hardie, Christina Hardin, Payton Hardin, Elisabeth Harding, Asheley Harding, Barbara Hardwick, Erin Hardy, Lisa Hardy, Kate Hardy, Linda Hardy, Heidi Harer, Elizabeth Harford, Kari Hargens, Matthew Hargens, Justin Hargrave, Cierra Harkema, La Donna Harkin, Michele Harkin-Meverden, Wendy Harkness, Jamie Harlan, Kaitlyn Harlan, Margaret Harlow, Katherine Harlow, Laura Harmelink, Andrea Harmelink, Joseph Harmes, Valerie Harmon, Jean Harms, Allissa Harms, Alicia Harms, Haley Harms. prgtoken Nychole Haroldson, Arlene Harper, Darci Harper, Molly Harr, Chelsea Harr, Leeann Harrell, James Harrilal, Ruth Harrington, Lisa Harrington, Barbara Harrington, Tracy Harrington, Sharon Harrington, Karen Harrington, Anne Harrington, Lauren Harrington, Shelley Harrington, Maria Harrington, Elizabeth Harrington, Cyline Harriott, Mary , Kathleen , Janice , David , Richelle , Sara , Lindsee , Julie , Amber , Jill , Allison , Brandon , Nathan , Jennifer , Julie , Lauri Jobbins, Tracy on, Tavane on, Kayla on, Ellen Harroun, Tina Harrowa, Christy Harry, Jadi Hars, Connie Harstad, Kelly Hart, Lynda Hart, Barbara Hart, Rachel Hart, Tabitha Hart, Tasia Hart, Jessica Hart, Alyssa Hart, Danielle Hart, Aubrey Hart, Dawn Harter, Jennie Harter, Breanna Hartfiel, Erin Hartig, Tonya Hartje, Nicholas Hartje, Kelsey Hartka, Debra Hartland, Jolene Hartley, Elizabeth Hartley, Kaleb Hartley, Pamela Hartman, Susanne Hartman, Gregory Hartman, Caitlin Hartman, Julie Hartmann, Jodi Hartmann, Donna Hartmann, Sarah Hartmann, Tessa Hartmann, Lexi Hartness, Joan Hartung, Nancy Hartung, Kindra Hartung, Jamie Hartung, Taylor Hartwick, Rebekah Harty, Deborah Hartz, Lucretia Harvey, Lisa Harvey, Heather Harvey, Matthew Harvey, Christi Harwood, Vicki prgtoken Hasart, Tammie Haseleu, Michelle Haselhorst, Judith Hasen
TEACHING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HISTORY ACT
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , throughout this pandemic, Asian Americans have been facing a second virus--that of hate and discrimination. In fact, since the beginning of the pandemic, hate incidents against Asian Americans have skyrocketed 150 percent. Our community is being scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, have been victim to the most hateful, cowardly, and despicable attacks. Our children and elderly especially are being ruthlessly under attack. There are nearly 4,000 reported incidents of Asian Americans being spat on, stabbed, verbally abused, beaten, slashed, and most recently murdered in a tragic and senseless mass shooting. Our parents are scared to leave their homes and walk down the street. Parents are scared to let their children go outside and play or to even go to school. prgtoken Asian Americans, however, know this violence and racism directed at our community is not new. From the ``yellow peril'' scare of the 1800s, which paved the way for the Page Act of 1875 and the Chinese Exclusion Act, to the unjust incarceration of the Japanese Americans during World War II, our history includes shameful accounts of institutionalized discrimination and racism towards Asian Americans. prgtoken Madam , since the 1700s, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have made immeasurable contributions to our nation throughout its history. AAPIs have shaped the fabric of our country with contributions to our infrastructure, economy, and our military. Unfortunately, for generations, Asian Pacific American history has been poorly represented in our K-12 education system and social studies textbooks. This misrepresentation renders AAPIs invisible and leads to the perception that we are ``forever foreigners.'' prgtoken In fact, growing up, I was never taught of the expansive contributions of Asian Americans throughout our history. I barely learned about Chinese immigrants who built the transcontinental railroad connecting the East and West Coasts. My history textbooks never taught that slaves built the U.S. Capitol, the very heart of our democracy. prgtoken Madam , the gaps in our collective history prevent our nation from moving forward in in solidarity and allyship. We cannot create a shared future where all can achieve the American Dream unless we learn from our shared history. In this time of great misinformation and discrimination against Asian Americans, we need greater cultural awareness and understanding of our community's history within the foundations of our U.S. history. prgtoken That is why I rise today to announce the reintroduction of my Teaching Asian Pacific American Act to promote the teaching and learning of Asian Pacific American history in K-12 schools. Specifically, my bill would require Presidential and Congressional Academies' grant applicants and recipients to include Asian Pacific American history as part of their history and civics programs offered to students and teachers. Further
RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S COMMENDABLE RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise to recognize and commend our ally South Korea's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Chung Sye-Kyun, who took office just prior to the World Health Organization's declaration of a pandemic, the Republic of Korea's response to COVID-19 should be applauded. prgtoken I am proud to represent one of the most vibrant Korean American communities in the nation in the Ninth District of New Jersey. Korean Americans have contributed greatly to North Jersey and to our nation in myriad ways, from business and science, to sports, the arts, and public service. I share the pride of many Korean Americans across our country and the Ninth District in South Korea's response to the pandemic. prgtoken From the outset of the pandemic, the Republic of Korea engaged in a coordinated national strategy to control viral spread. This included reactivating contact tracing tools last used to combat the 2012 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, which allowed South Korea to rapidly collect and analyze real-time data on COVID-19 cases. prgtoken Equipped with an effective tracing program, South Korea quickly made use of a smartphone application to help ensure compliance with isolation or quarantine following exposure to the virus. prgtoken Critically, the Republic of Korea made a concerted and early effort to provide accurate information on the COVID-19 pandemic to the general public. From the very first reported cases in the country, South Korea ensured its citizens knew to social distance, practice good hygiene, and wear a mask in public. prgtoken Together, these measures led to the Republic of Korea's notably low infection and death counts over the past year, despite being one of the first nations to experience recorded cases. prgtoken In the 73 years since the founding of the Republic of Korea, our two nations have enjoyed a powerful and enduring alliance, marked by a shared belief in the values of democracy and freedom. prgtoken I have always been deeply dedicated to upholding our commitment to the security and defense of the Republic of Korea, who continue to serve as one of our most valued economic and strategic partners. I sincerely hope the bonds that tie our two nations will only grow stronger as we continue to collaborate on the many issues that face us, including quashing COVID-19 with science, good governance, and effective communication. On that task, the world ought to look to the Republic of Korea as a role model.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL DAN HELIX
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Major General Dan Helix. prgtoken Dan grew up in West Berkeley, California and in 1948 he began his 41- year career with the United States Army and Army Reserve. He enlisted as a private, but was soon commissioned as an Infantry second lieutenant in 1951. Dan continued to rise through the ranks, serving as a platoon leader and company commander of a rifle company with the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. Following the end of the war, Dan worked for Army Intelligence in Japan where he met his future wife, Mary Lou. The couple dated for a few short months before getting married in 1953. prgtoken Dan and Mary Lou moved to Concord, California in 1955. Dan attended the University of California, Berkeley where he earned a bachelor's degree in History. He later went on to obtain a master's degree in political science from San Francisco State University. It was while teaching high school government that Dan decided to enter local politics. He was first elected to the Concord City Council in 1968, serving for eight years before eventually going on to serve as a director of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District. During Dan's time with the BART District, he worked to provide discounts for senior riders and supported the promotion of a woman to the then all-male board of directors. He returned to the Concord City Council in 2010 as an appointee and was elected to one final term in 2012. During both of his tenures on the City Council, Dan served terms as mayor. prgtoken In 1989, Dan retired from the U.S. Army as a Major General. As a Korean War Veteran, Dan earned the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster among other commendations prgtoken during a distinguished career spent both in active duty and with the Army Reserve. He is also a member of the U.S. Army's Infantry Hall of Fame. prgtoken As a leader in Concord, Dan was a former president of both the Concord Rotary Club and the former Mt. Diablo Hospital Foundation, Concord campus, as well as a member of a U.S. Congressional commission that evaluated potential changes to the Department of the Army. He also advocated for the preservation of the Lime Ridge Open Space, helped establish the Family Justice Center, and was instrumental in the building of the Senior Center. prgtoken Sadly, Dan passed away in March at the age of 91. He was a cherished resident of Concord who dedicated his life to helping others. Please join me in honoring Major General Dan Helix for his many contributions to our country and our community.
HONORING SUE ELLEN ALLEN
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Sue Ellen Allen, who passed away on February 24, 2021. A woman whose fiery passion matched her red hair, Sue Ellen was a fearless champion for criminal justice reform in Arizona and across the nation--guided by her steadfast belief that everyone deserved a second chance. She loved fiercely, and her infectious southern charm brought light to every room she entered. Sue Ellen's story is an inspiration to us all, and Arizona is a better place for her presence among us. prgtoken She lived many lives as an educator, business owner, community leader, and as a former inmate at Arizona State Prison. Sue Ellen put it best, she was a ``contradiction in terms.'' It was during her time as an inmate when she encountered systemic inequities and became acutely aware of the hardships faced for those behind bars. Her cell mate, Gina--despite many pleas for medical attention--died of leukemia. This loss altered the course of Sue Ellen's life and inspired her to fight not only for her own reentry into society, but for all those formerly incarcerated, especially girls and women. prgtoken When talking about her experience, Sue Ellen used to say, ``Being released from prison is like being shot out of a cannon naked into a brick wall.'' Even through hardship, she never lost her sense of humor. Upon her release, she authored ``The Slumber Party from Hell'' detailing her time in prison. She then founded the nonprofit organization ReInventing ReEntry to educate and reshape society's perception of former inmates to help them reintegrate and give them a fair shot for employment, housing, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities--without shame or stigma. prgtoken Sue Ellen courageously chose to confront and relive these challenges with hope that she could help others see their purpose and potential again. She visited prisons and detention centers to tell her story and prepare women and girls for life inside and after reentry. She would talk to anyone who listened, from judges and elected officials--even President . For her seminal leadership on criminal justice issues, she joined First Lady Michelle as a guest of honor for the President's final State of the Union address. prgtoken Sue Ellen saw life as a grand adventure and moved mountains to inspire hope in those she saw herself in. We owe her a debt of gratitude and are thankful we bore witness to her life's work in Arizona and across the nation. She inspired many Arizonans to seek justice, treat others with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to keep up the good fight. prgtoken In this spirit of remembrance, I rise to honor the tremendous life and legacy of Sue Ellen Allen. I thank Sue Ellen, and wish her Godspeed.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF AUTOMOTIVE COLOR & SUPPLY CORP.
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate northeast Indiana-based automotive and industrial paint supplier and distributor Automotive Color & Supply Corporation for 70 years of business. prgtoken Richard Byers Sr. acquired part ownership of the company and began to operate the business shortly after its founding in 1951. Richard attained full ownership of the company in 1970, and the Byers family has owned and operated Automotive Color as a family business since. prgtoken Automotive Color has established itself as one of the leading automotive and industrial paint and supply distributors not just in the Midwest but throughout the United States. Paint from Automotive Color is used on race cars, commercial and private aircraft, spacecraft, ocean vessels, movies and TV show sets, and more. prgtoken At a time when American industry is in convalescence from the coronavirus pandemic, this historic milestone is even more extraordinary. prgtoken Hoosiers are thankful for and proud of Automotive Colors' contributions to northeast Indiana and the country. This record is testament to the exceptional service and quality they have provided, and will continue to provide, for generations.