mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING ELGIN LOWE
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise to recognize the dutiful work of my former colleague, Mr. Elgin Lowe, on the occasion of his receiving the South Alameda County NAACP 40th Annual Service Award. prgtoken Elgin joined the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in 1996 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in History from UC Santa Barbara followed by his Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. prgtoken Elgin's accomplishments over the course of the last twenty-two years are innumerable. There are, however, a few achievements I will mention for the extraordinary impact they had on our community. In 2011, Elgin began prosecuting cases that resulted from gang violence on the south side of our county. His work resulted in the successful prosecution of several high-profile murders and brought resolutions and a restorative sense of justice to several victims and families whose cases were previously considered ``unsolvable.'' prgtoken Elgin's deep understanding of criminal prosecutions is sought whenever the county is in need of someone to train newer attorneys in the areas of case investigation, testimony, trial preparation, and the unique set of challenges that prosecutions of gang members bring to the courtroom. prgtoken Our community is only in debt to Elgin not only for the work he completes in and around the courtroom, but also for the countless hours he volunteers in the community at large. He has prioritized speaking to at-risk youth about the perils that await those who enter the criminal realm or affiliate with a gang. Elgin has also actively participated with our local Regional Occupation Program center and mentored first- year law students in Berkeley's Boalt Hall moot court program. prgtoken Elgin draws his support from his amazing family. His wife, Briggitte, also works at the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, and together they have two wonderful children, their son Kendall, and daughter Kori. It goes without saying that Elgin has made his mother Evelyn quite proud. prgtoken I want to thank Elgin Lowe for the contributions he has made to the 15th Congressional District and all of Alameda County. His work is consequential and appreciated.
RECOGNIZING SARAH CARPENTER OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to honor Ms. Sarah Carpenter of Burlington, Vermont for her distinguished career in affordable housing and her tireless dedication to improving the lives of Vermonters. prgtoken At the end of 2018, Sarah will retire as Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) after 20 years of leading that organization. Sarah's extraordinary career has created opportunities for thousands of Vermonters to achieve their dream of owning a home. Since its inception in 1974, VHFA's main goal has been to finance low- cost and flexible mortgages to individuals seeking affordable housing. VHFA has helped over 29,000 Vermonters and their families to purchase primary residences. Sarah leads a team of 38 employees that provides diverse and innovative services. They finance mortgages, coordinate rental housing programs, analyze housing market data, and inform state housing policy. During Sarah's tenure, the volume of VHFA mortgages provided to Vermonters grew by $1.3 billion. prgtoken Sarah and VHFA's leadership has influence far beyond Vermont's borders. In 2000, VHFA successfully campaigned for Congress to increase the caps on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and private activity bonds. Additionally, she advocated for state tax credit programs that supplement the federal funds due to Vermont's dire need for a greater supply of affordable rental housing. prgtoken Sarah's contributions to the housing community began long before her time at VHFA. From 1983 to 1998, she served as the Executive Director of Cathedral Square Corporation, an organization that has become a national model in providing service-enriched housing for older adults and people with special needs. prgtoken Sarah has also served in leadership roles on numerous boards including Leading Age, the National Council of State Housing Agencies, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, and Fletcher Allen Healthcare (now the University of Vermont Medical Center). prgtoken It comes as no surprise that Sarah has been the recipient of a number of awards including the Government Service Award from NeighborWorks America and the Vermont YWCA Susan B. Anthony A ward for Woman of the Year. prgtoken Sarah is a native of Burlington, Vermont, and a graduate of University of Vermont and Harvard University. prgtoken We are in the midst of a housing crisis across this country. Chronic homelessness is alarmingly high, people are paying an ever-increasing portion of their paychecks on housing, and homeownership is out of reach for many. Despite the challenges, Sarah Carpenter and her colleagues throughout the state of Vermont have continued to make progress through innovative approaches and deep collaboration. Sarah has left her mark on the housing community in Vermont and the lives of many who have benefited from her good work. prgtoken , Sarah's exceptional work on behalf of Vermont communities will surely be missed, and I wish her well in her retiremen
HONORING DOROTHY JOHNSON WITH CALIFORNIA'S THIRD DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to honor Dorothy Johnson as a woman of the year. She has spent her career as an educator and established a reputation for her dedication to community service. She serves on the executive board of the Solano County Retired Teachers Association, working to support measures that advance the financial security of retired educators and further safeguarding the state's commitment to these educators. Dorothy is an active voice in pressing for issues affecting teachers and the public education system. She is instrumental in supporting the educational needs in her community and beyond. As a teacher for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity, Dorothy has served and taught the children of military service members at the American military bases in Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Additionally, she generously volunteers her time to help members of her community who are in need by supporting toy drives, fundraisers, and assisting the Vacaville Police Department during their community outreach events. Dorothy Johnson's generosity and volunteerism are an example for future leaders and her work has been vital in strengthening her community and supporting Solano County residents of all ages.
CALLING FOR RECOGNITION OF MILITARY FUNERAL HONOR GUARDS
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to draw attention to an important issue facing our service members and veterans. prgtoken According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, over 500,000 veterans are dying each year. Under a law passed in 2000, many of these men and women qualify for military honors at their funerals, including a two-person honor guard. These honor guards perform an impressive ceremony that includes folding and presenting the flag of the United States and playing Taps. This demonstration of our nation's unceasing appreciation is incredibly important to family, friends, and the entire veterans community. prgtoken The Indiana National Guard, like in other states, strives to provide funeral teams whenever possible. Unfortunately, with so many veterans passing each year, there are too few men and women prepared to render honors. Service members and veterans in my hometown of Indianapolis recognized this shortage and organized the Indy Metropolitan Military Honor Guard to meet the need, averaging 400 funerals per year and amassing over 9,600 man hours and 56,000 miles traveled. prgtoken Those who serve in our Armed Forces never do so for accolades or honors. Yet, we honor them with medals and ribbons to recognize their service and tell the story of their achievements. In Indiana, the National Guard decorates funeral team members and the Metro Military Honor Guard provides a ribbon to be worn by its participants. Yet, this is not the case across much of the country. Service members and veterans who serve on honor guards are providing a valuable service and should be decorated for their contribution. prgtoken , today I'm pleased to recognize all the service members and veterans who serve on honor guards across the country. I call on all states to follow Indiana's example and adopt a ribbon to recognize these dedicated individuals.
RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF DAVID AYALA-ZAMORA
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to recognize David Ayala- Zamora, who died on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. David's passing is a huge loss for the City of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region. As a union organizer and immigrant rights organizer, David was a true champion for justice. prgtoken David was born into a middle-class family in El Salvador. During the 1980s, David was one quarter away from graduating with a degree in electrical engineering when he decided to put his studies on hold to organize with teachers during El Salvador's civil war. He also worked for a government institute that managed pensions for public employees as the grievance secretary, often putting him in very challenging and dangerous situations. prgtoken David's visibility as a union leader and his calls to end the war eventually led to his arrest and torture by Salvadoran security forces. His early experiences being tortured shaped the core of his character and he brought that strength and resilience to everything he did. David described being tortured as ``The best experience in my life. Being tortured is like running a marathon. It taught me how committed I am in the struggle for justice. And it has fortified me in some ways, because you learn how much capacity you have in this body.'' prgtoken Forced into exile in the United States where he eventually became a U.S. citizen, David returned to organizing work in his new home. He was driven to continue this work, saying that ``Those of us who were touched by people who gave everything for justice, we have to try to keep them alive and with us through the work we do.'' prgtoken David's work continues to be felt across the Pacific Northwest region. He was one of the organizers who launched the day laborer organizing project that became Casa Latina, which continues to advocate for immigrant workers' rights. Many years later, he worked with me as the Organizing Director at OneAmerica, the organization that I founded and where I served as Executive Director for 11 years. David was a true partner to me, helping me to expand our organization across Washington State as we grew OneAmerica to be the state's largest immigrant rights organization. David was exceptional at seeing leadership qualities in ordinary people and helping them to develop that leadership to do extraordinary things. Thanks to his work, OneAmerica was able to strengthen power within underrepresented immigrant communities and win major policy victories from maintaining driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, to organizing for the creation of Washington State's first and only majority-minority congressional district, and pushing for a state Voting Rights Act. prgtoken David also worked for many years at SEIU in Portland and Seattle, organizing low-wage workers to bring justice to the workplace; as the Field Director at Working Washington where he organized airport workers at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to fight for fa
HONORING COLONEL ROBERT A. CLIFFORD FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND INDUCTION INTO THE INDIANA MILITARY VETERANS HALL OF FAME
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-11-6

it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize Colonel Robert A. Clifford, a fellow Gary, Indiana native, who has been selected for induction into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Robert's remarkable military career and his outstanding service to our country is truly admirable and worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Clifford will be honored at an induction ceremony taking place on Friday, November 9, prgtoken 2018, at the National Guard Armory in Indianapolis. prgtoken Robert Clifford was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. His military training began at Pennsylvania Military College. With each passing year, the Colonel proved himself to be a leader among his peers, which resulted in him being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Colonel Clifford's career was both outstanding and extensive, and throughout his time in the service, he was recognized by his commanding officers. In 1967, Robert was ordered to Vietnam as Infantry Platoon Leader, 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. During his time in Vietnam, he spent 324 consecutive days in combat operations. For his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. prgtoken The Colonel worked in the Indiana National Guard armory as a traditional weekend soldier before he returned to active status to work with the Indiana National Guard. Entrusted with many responsibilities, he served in many capacities including Commander, 13th Engineer Battalion; Commander, 138th Signal Battalion; Commander of the State Maintenance Program; and 38th Infantry Division General Staff (G3) Training and Operations Officer, a role in which he was responsible for approximately 12,500 soldiers. During his career, Robert was assigned as the Indiana National Guard Engineer and Environmental Officer, overseeing all National Guard facilities for maintenance and repair. In addition, Colonel Clifford was able to help build five new armories, two maintenance shops, the first ammunition supply center, and numerous support facilities. At one point in his career, he was one of three officers assigned by the Pentagon to start a military to military relationship with the newly created country of Slovakia. The successful partnership of these two groups is now in its 24th year. Colonel Clifford also served as the State of Indiana Public Health and Preparedness Director and was tasked with creating a comprehensive plan, involving all necessary state organizations, to provide an immediate response to weapons of mass destruction. This plan was not only implemented; it was made an example of by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a strategy that states should incorporate. prgtoken Throughout the years, Colonel Clifford was bestowed numerous awards for his service. He has received the prestigious Legion of Merit Award for his truly exceptional efforts and de
HONORING SAMUEL BEAMON
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise to honor and celebrate the life of one of Waterbury's finest sons, Samuel K. Beamon, Sr who died this past Sunday, October 28, 2018. With Sam's passing, we lost a great American, a proud Marine, and I lost a very dear friend. prgtoken A graduate of W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and was deployed to South Vietnam. He became a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and aerial gunner, flying more than 320 combat missions. Sam earned numerous awards while in the Marine Corps including 16 Air Medals and Combat Air Crew Wings, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Presidential Unit Citations, and the Good Conduct Medal. He wrote about his time in the Marine Corps in his book, Flying Death: The Vietnam Experience, which was published in 2007. prgtoken After returning home, Sam worked at Pratt & Whitney before answering the call to service again--but this time, as a police officer. In 1970, he joined the Waterbury Police Department. He was the first African American Accident Investigator, radar operator and instructor, and member of the SWAT Team. As the first African American promoted to Lieutenant in the Waterbury Police Department, Sam paved the way for others. He mentored many in the department, including Vernon Riddick, who later became the first African American Police Chief of Waterbury and now West Hartford, and Patrick Riddenhour, now the first African American Police Chief of Danbury--both of whom credit Sam Beamon with teaching them how to be an effective leader. Sam's legacy includes his work to improve the lives of the youth of Waterbury. He served many years as the Commander of the Juvenile Division and was active in the Waterbury Department of Children and Families Extended Team and ``Project Hometown Support.'' He served on both Governor Rowland's and Mayor O'Neill's juvenile task forces to identify the issues pertaining to the youth of Connecticut, implement policies to protect young people, engage in practices that promote character building opportunities for at-risk students, and work with law enforcement officials to encourage dialog in the community to identify issues that negatively impact at-risk students. prgtoken Sam was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2011. He was extremely active in the veterans' community serving as the Commandant of both Department of Connecticut and the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League. He was a life member of VFW Post 201 and a member of American Legion Post 135. In 2014, he was named Chairman of the City of Waterbury's Veterans Memorial Committee. Sam also served for six years on my Veterans Advisory Board, helping me better serve veterans in Connecticut and across the nation. prgtoken As a founding member of the ``Forever Wave Program'' that visits local schools to teach proper flag etiquette, he enjoyed passing on the love of his country, the military,
HONORING CARL CAMPBELL
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today to honor Public Affairs Director Carl Campbell, on his retirement after twenty years of service for Kaiser-Permanente in the Marin-Sonoma Service area. prgtoken Mr. Campbell was born in Melbourne, Florida. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Arts and Radio and Television from San Diego State University. In 1998, Mr. Campbell joined Kaiser-Permanente Santa Rosa. He worked in multiple capacities in Public Affairs until 2004, when he became the Public Affairs Director for the Marin-Sonoma Service Area Administrative Team. Mr. Campbell has served as the Public Affairs Director for fourteen years. In this role, he has overseen the creation and implementation of numerous programs, including Public Affairs, Communications, Community Benefit, Community and Government Relations, Media Relations, Situation/Crisis Management, and Membership Growth and Retention. prgtoken Mr. Campbell has been vital in promoting Kaiser Permanente and their reputation reflects his effort. With his intellect and expertise, Mr. Campbell has leveraged strategic prgtoken partnerships to better serve Kaiser Permanente members and our communities. Kaiser Permanente Marin-Sonoma has greatly expanded under Mr. Campbell's leadership. Over 100 employees serve on more than 150 boards and committees as part of the effort to support our communities. Additionally, Marin's membership has grown thirty-one percent and Sonoma's membership has grown forty-six percent. prgtoken Mr. Campbell has been active in other local organizations and has won awards for his dedication. He has served as Board Chair and on the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Advocacy Council and BEST: Building Economic Success Together Board of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Campbell was awarded the Leadership Excellence in the Field of Health Care Award by the SRMCC in 2009 and was the Spirit of Sonoma Award recipient in 2012. prgtoken , Mr. Campbell is an admirable leader who is dedicated to serving our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
GUN VIOLENCE
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today because this weekend 11 Americans were shot and killed while at a bris at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. prgtoken This synagogue is a staple of the Squirrel Hill community and a place used by Jewish Americans and their neighbors to celebrate life moments, community achievements and their faith in God. prgtoken Sadly, one man, with a hate-filled heart and an AR-15, turned this peaceful, loving community into victims of one of America's worst and most shocking mass shootings. prgtoken These are the names of the Americans that this -controlled House failed with our failure to pass commonsense, broadly-supported bans of military-style assault weapons, like the AR-15: Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Rose Mallinger, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Joyce Fienberg, Dr. Richard Gottfried, DMD, Irving Younger, and Melvin Wax. prgtoken In addition to the 11 fatalities within the synagogue, four Pittsburgh police officers were shot and wounded, two remain in critical condition. prgtoken Sadly, this hate crime was not the only hate-related shooting in America in recent days. prgtoken Another man, with a hate-filled heart and a gun, shot and killed two Americans at a grocery store in Jeffersontown, KY. prgtoken In Jeffersontown, we lost fellow Americans: Maurice E. Stallard and Vickie Lee Jones, to senseless gun violence. Mr. Stallard was at the store with his 12-year old grandson to buy poster board for a school project. Tragically, he witnessed the entire event. prgtoken , by this Congress' negligence and inaction, we have created a situation where grandparents and grandkids aren't even safe going to the store for school supplies. Where will the madness end? prgtoken Before entering the Kroger and beginning his rampage, the shooter had attempted to enter a predominately African American church--we sadly could have seen another Mother Emanuel had he been successful in entering that church. prgtoken So, once again, , I ask you: ``where does it end?'' prgtoken Our houses of worship are no longer safe. In fact, in the last three years, our nation has experienced not one, not two but three mass shootings in houses of worship around the country. prgtoken Nine were killed at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. prgtoken Twenty-six were killed at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. prgtoken Now, eleven were killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Where will it end, ? How many more praying people need to be gunned down before you will have the courage to act and save lives? prgtoken Even the 's own Congressional District--Wisconsin's first-- experienced as mass shooting at a Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, which killed six. prgtoken Yet, still he did not act to save lives, even though his own constituents were gunned down for the loving and worshipping their God. prgtoken At what point did Congress