mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BRENDA LAWRENCE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-17

today I want to recognize Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for her more than 30 years of service to the people of Michigan. prgtoken A true servant of the people, Congresswoman Lawrence has inspired countless women to pursue better for their communities in public service. As an Eastsider of Detroit, her experience helped to shape her impact. Her career in politics began when as an active member in the PTA at her children's school, she ran for and won a seat on the Southfield Public Schools Board. She went on to serve on Southfield's City Council and broke barriers by being elected as the city of Southfield's first Black Mayor. She served four terms as mayor before she was elected to serve as a member of U.S. Congress in 2014. prgtoken Over the course of her career, Brenda Lawrence never wavered in her service to the people she represented. She has been an advocate, leader, and partner in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 12th Congressional District will forever remember her impact on our communities. We thank her for uplifting the voices of everyday people. prgtoken In honor of her remarkable career, please join me in celebrating Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and her legacy of public service.
RECOGNIZING FARMINGTON WATER AND SEWER'S THIRD PLACE ACHIEVEMENT
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise in recognition of Farmington Water and Sewer on receiving third place in the Great American Water Taste Test at the National Rural Water Association's 2023 Rural Water Rally. Farmington attended in partnership with the Granite State Rural Water Association and was recognized among entries from across the nation for having the third-best tasting public water supply, thanks to their committed team at the Water and Wastewater Department. This recognition is a testament to the work of Chief Operator Chuck Tiffany and his hardworking staff composed of Steve Deinstadt, Jonathan Forbes, Jason Forbes, and John Donnelly. prgtoken Through their efforts, the Town of Farmington proudly supplies over 3,000 residents with high quality drinking water that meets or exceeds all current state and federal standards. Supplying from 250,000 to 300,000 gallons of water per day via 2 pump stations, the Farmington Water and Sewer System is uniquely qualified to handle public demands for high quality drinking water through prolonged investment in their wastewater treatment facility. The town has made considerable improvements to their facility in recent years, including a state-of- the-art Sequence Batch Reactor. This new technology allows for improved handling of all current wastewater flow while ensuring that additional flow can be handled in the years to come as the town grows. prgtoken Proactive planning and investment in public health by the Farmington Water and Sewer system will serve as a blueprint for other public water systems looking to innovate and provide their communities with safe drinking water. As the Representative for New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend the staff at the Farmington Water and Sewer system for their outstanding contributions to our public health and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF CINDY GAULKE
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise to remember my friend and former colleague, Cindy Gaulke. During my time as a Portland city commissioner, Cindy was our office's scheduler and a dedicated public servant in the truest sense of the term. prgtoken Cindy was an integral team player, focused, and determined. She was the heart and soul of our City Hall office. She was dedicated to doing her job well, sorting things out, and was there when you needed her. And she had a great sense of humor. prgtoken When I won a special election to serve in Congress, I turned to Cindy to ask if she would come out to Washington, D.C. to help set up our Congressional office. I was thankful to have a friend and terrific partner as the team figured out how Capitol Hill worked. I will forever be grateful Cindy was willing to share some of her competence with me and my team. prgtoken Cindy was a bright spot of confidence, good cheer and dedication that made our lives function in our Nation's Capital. I am honored to have known her and to have worked with her.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LINSEY EBERT
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-17

today l rise to pay tribute to a beloved teacher, athlete, coach, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who inspired so many during her 45 years on earth, and continues to inspire and teach us even in death. Linsey Anne Ebert was born on September 12, 1977 in Howell, Michigan. She grew up in Fowlerville with her parents, Cecelia and Randy, and her older sister, Tonya. Active in many sports from a young age, Linsey found her true passion on the volleyball court, playing on the varsity team as a high school freshman, earning all-state honors and eventually signing to play for the University of Michigan on a full scholarship. prgtoken There, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 while racking up victories for the Wolverine volleyball team and helping lead them to the NCAA tournament. To this day, she holds numerous university records, and even played internationally for a brief time after graduation. prgtoken As significant as her collegiate and athletic accomplishments were, they were just the beginning for Linsey, who went on to earn not one but two Master's degrees from the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, along with her teaching certifications. Her abiding faith was evident in all she did, including her early years teaching at-risk youth in Chicago Public Schools. The tug of family brought her back to Michigan, and in 2012 she was hired to teach middle school science and social studies in Dansville Public Schools, and as a volleyball coach at Fowlerville High School. prgtoken There are those who were born to teach, and Linsey was a prime example. She poured her heart into her lesson plans and her students and was passionate about implementing the most effective, research- based strategies. She mentored thousands of students and always sought to ensure they knew they were seen, valued, and loved, while pushing them to become academically proficient. Linsey was the first to step up to lead an extracurricular activity or club, to chaperone a trip, or to fill a void, including learning a whole new curriculum when the district needed a high school biology teacher. She was passionate about understanding systemic racism, educational inequities, and reaching marginalized students. It's no surprise that in 2018, Linsey was chosen as the Dansville Teacher of the Year for her outstanding teaching and service to the school and community. prgtoken I had the chance to meet Linsey a few years ago and hear firsthand her passionate belief in the power of education to change lives. She was active and engaged on every issue, and radiated love for her students and her craft. prgtoken Every one of us can look back and identify a teacher who made a difference. For thousands of students, Linsey Ebert was exactly that. She was brilliant, accomplished, and humble, and her sudden death rips a hole in the fabric of this small community. But even in death, Linsey, a registered organ donor, continues to teach us w
CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF TONY DePRIMA
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise today to honor the career of Anthony DePrima, who is retiring from his position as Energize Delaware's Executive Director on March 17th. prgtoken Tony moved to the First State in the 1990's to work for the city government of Dover, the capital of my home state of Delaware. He rose from planning director to city manager, and always kept a special focus on green energy. Tony has been instrumental in bringing renewable energy and environmentally friendly energy production to our state. prgtoken Energize Delaware knew that Tony was the perfect choice as their first Executive Director when they brought him on board in 2011. Since then, he has overseen the nonprofit's expansion into several sectors and has had a constant passion for helping all Delawareans live more energy efficient lives. Tony was recently recognized for his work by the Delaware Business Times as Medium Nonprofit CEO of the Year in 2022. prgtoken Along with his work with Energize Delaware, Tony is the vice president of the Capital School District Board of Education, the board treasurer of NeighborGood Partners, the board treasurer of Kent County Conservancy, the past president of the Dover Library Foundation, and a member of the Capital City Rotary in Dover. Among it all, he found the time to earn a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware in 2018. prgtoken Tony DePrima's commitment to serving his community and the state of Delaware is nothing short of admirable. I am proud to salute him for his work and wish him all the best in retirement.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-2-17

I was not present for 7 Roll Call votes in the House on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, and for 3 Roll Call votes in the House on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 110, McGovern Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 185; NAY on Roll Call No. 111, Boebert Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 185; YEA on Roll Call No. 112, Golden Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 185; YEA on Roll Call No. 113, Rose Amendment No. 4 to H.R. 185; YEA on Roll Call No. 114, Torres Amendment No. 5 to H.R. 185; YEA on Roll Call No. 115, Motion to Recommit H.R. 185; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 116, Passage of H.R. 185, ``To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes;'' prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 117, H. Res. 104, ``Condemning the Chinese Communist Party's use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty;'' prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 118, H.J. Res. 24, ``Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022;'' and prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 119, H.J. Res. 26, ``Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act.''
REMEMBERING ANN RAPSON
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise today with Congresswoman Barbara Lee to honor the life of Ann Rapson, an active member of the Piedmont community who recently passed away from advanced-stage brain cancer. prgtoken In addition to her professional achievements as an attorney with the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, Ann served her community, as chairwoman of the Piedmont Park Commission and as a talented glockenspiel player for the Piedmont Community Marching Band. prgtoken Furthermore, Ann was an accomplished baker, winning the Alameda County Fair blue ribbon award for multiple pie contests over 15 years, most notably for her chocolate pecan pie. prgtoken Ann was also a local political organizer, where she volunteered for candidates whom she felt passionately would provide stable and steady leadership for her community. This has included candidates for district attorney, city council, mayor, and county judges. prgtoken In addition, Ann was active in the Jewish community as Vice President and active congregant of Temple Beth Abraham, an American Israel Public Affairs Committee lay leader, and a supporter of the Jewish Community Relations Council. prgtoken We're grateful for her leadership in the community and the legacy she created. Ann is survived by her loving family, including her husband David, daughters Pearl Mizrahi and Lilly Rapson, brother Louis Goodman, son-in-law Aron, mother-in-law Ellen Rapson, brother-in-law Jeff Rapson, and granddaughters Grace and Lilah Mizrahi.
RECOGNIZING TEMPLE BETH EL
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise today to honor the work of Temple Beth El, a religious organization in Bakersfield, as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. prgtoken Founded in 1947, Temple Beth El was created to help Central Valley residents embrace a lifetime of Jewish fulfillment--through faith, culture, and community. That same year, they inaugurated their first Rabbi and installed a religious school for children. Since its founding, Temple Beth El has been an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to explore and maintain their spiritual and emotional connection to Judaism. prgtoken Temple Beth El is a place where all are welcomed--whether they were born Jewish or found Judaism later in life. The teachings provided can open the door to a lifetime of Jewish fulfillment and commitment. The members of Temple Beth El have dedicated their lives to promoting Jewish ideas and beliefs through education and community. In December 2007, Temple Beth El opened its Torah Learning Center, which offered 8 new classrooms to teach students about Judaism and Jewish heritage. In addition to its wide range of classes, the Temple Beth El Beginning Learning Center serves as a preschool and daycare for its members and their children. prgtoken For decades, Temple Beth El has played a vital role in the Jewish community throughout the Central Valley, particularly in Bakersfield. Through their religious services and education centers, they have created a safe environment for the Bakersfield Jewish community to come together. prgtoken I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Temple Beth El as it celebrates its 75-year anniversary.
HONORING THE LIFE OF GENERAL ALBEN ``AL'' HOPKINS
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise today to celebrate the life or General Alben ``Al'' Norris Hopkins. Al, who passed away on February 12, 2023, was a giant who contributed to his community through his practice in law, military service, and business ventures. His life exemplified leadership, mentorship, and scholarship. He was also known as a man of integrity, work ethic, and faith. prgtoken Al was born in Ripley, Mississippi, on February 14, 1941. He grew up in Walnut, Mississippi where he also attended school, graduating from Walnut Center High School in 1959. In addition to being on the Honor Roll, an FFA Star Farmer, and achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout, he was a four-year varsity letterman in both basketball and baseball. prgtoken His scholarship included the obtaining of several degrees. He began his studies by attending Delta State University on an athletic scholarship, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in both English and history. Subsequently, he attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he completed his juris doctorate in 1965. In time, he would attend William Carey University, receiving his Bachelors of Biblical Studies. In 2010, he received an honorary Master of Laws degree prgtoken from Mississippi College School of Law. Additional theological studies included scholarship through Jerusalem, Israel; the Biblical Archeological Society at Oxford University; Keble College and St. Edmund Hall; and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. prgtoken Once he completed his studies in law, he became part of the third- largest law firm in Mississippi. He would go on to found his own law firm in 1977 in Gulfport, Mississippi: Hopkins, Barvie & Hopkins. He later devoted 13 years of his life as chief judge of the Court of Military Appeals. Additionally, to his own law firm, Al was president of ANH Enterprises and Muddy River Farms. prgtoken Al enlisted in military service in 1965, joining the 31st Infantry Division. As part of his military career, he graduated from the Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia, serving as a Staff Judge Advocate for the Mississippi Army National Guard for over two decades. In his final four years of military service, he was the Assistant Adjutant General of the State of Mississippi. He retired as a Major General in 1996, having earned many awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the MS Magnolia Cross, the MS Magnolia Medal, the MS War Medal, the MS Emergency Service Medal, and the MS Longevity Medal. He was also a Mississippi National Guard Foundation Life Member. prgtoken More recently, Al was known for his work with the Mississippi Gaming Commission. He had been reappointed for a third term, which would have lasted until 2025. He
HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHELE JENKINS
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-2-17

I rise today to remember the life, memory, and service of Michele Jenkins, a loving mother, generous friend, and selfless servant of her community. A resident of the Santa Clarita Valley since 1964, Michele dedicated herself to bettering the lives of others through decades of service. prgtoken After graduating from William S. Hart High School, Michele attended the College of the Canyons before receiving a bachelor's degree from UCLA and a master's degree from the University of North Dakota. Grateful for the opportunities she had received as part of College of the Canyon's 1969 inaugural class, Michele was elected by the community to serve on college's Board of Trustees in 1984. prgtoken Michele remained on the board until her passing earlier this month, making her the Board of Trustees' longest-serving member. During this time, Michele served 6 terms as president, 5 as vice president, and 7 as clerk. Michele also participated in numerous groups and committees for the Board and led robust fund-raising efforts for the college. Among one of her most notable and lasting impacts on the board was her role in spearheading the effort to hire Dr. Dianne Van Hook as COC Chancellor. From 1988 onwards, Michele and Dr. Van Hook would work closely together to successfully transform the College of the Canyons from a local community college into a renowned institution which educates 20,000 Californians every year. prgtoken While her work with COC was the cornerstone of her life in public service, Michele's giving back to the community did not begin and end with the college. She also helped start the Santa Clarita Valley chapter of the League of Women Voters, as well as the local branch of the American Association of University Women. Additionally, Michele received the Single Mother's Outreach award for her efforts to support single parents. In what time remained, Michele enjoyed entertaining others, especially COC faculty and staff, and most importantly, spending time with her family. prgtoken While she will be dearly missed, Michele's impact on her family, the College of the Canyons, and the Santa Clarita Valley will not be forgotten. We will continue to honor Michele's incredible life and keep the Jenkins family in our prayers.
RECOGNIZING JOHNNY ``THE JET'' RODGERS
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-2-17

in honor of African American History Month, we recognize a leader who has helped people of all ages thrive in sports, education, and life. North Omaha's and Nebraska's Johnny ``the Jet'' Rodgers is more than a sports legend; he is a community champion. prgtoken Johnny became known as ``the Jet'' because of his speed and agility. Even in his teenage years, participating in football, track, and basketball, the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame described Johnny's performance as ``nothing short of legendary.'' He would go on to establish an incredible football career as a punt returner, pass receiver, and running back at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. prgtoken On his way to winning the Heisman in 1972, Johnny set an all-purpose 5,586-yard NCAA record; 72 yards were attributed to a punt return during the ``Game of the Century'' between Nebraska and Oklahoma in 1971. Not only did this gain him national acclaim, but College Football News and former coach Tom Osborne would go on to recognize Johnny as one of the best kick returners in college football history. He would later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame after a professional career in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers and the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. prgtoken When he returned to his hometown, he began building a legacy as an entrepreneur and community leader. While mentoring and teaching life skills to young athletes, Johnny served as the President of the 100 Black Men of Omaha and began the prestigious ``Jet Award'' honoring the best return specialist in NCAA Division 1 college football, all while creating the Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Scholarship--serving students from ages 18 to 62, emphasizing thevalue and accessibility in education. prgtoken Beyond his commitment to education is his belief in representation. Johnny and I have had the honor of working together to achieve one of the country's highest response rates to the Decennial U.S. Census. Johnny lent his time and community connections to advocate for a complete and detailed census where ``Everybody Counts.'' prgtoken On and off the field, Johnny has continued to accelerate and elevate his community. We thank him for his dedication to his hometown and his willingness to lead. On behalf of our Omaha community, I thank my friend for his leadership and service to our community.