mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
A TRIBUTE TO KAREN VOLPEI-GUSSOW--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-14

I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Karen Volpei- Gussow of Burbank, California. prgtoken For over twenty years, Ms. Volpei-Gussow has symbolized the tireless and dedicated work of a true pillar of her community. She has given of herself with joy, humility, and grace and, along the way, has changed so many lives for the better in Burbank. Her kind and relaxed demeanor is not only evident in her treasured relationships with her husband Barry, her family and friends, but also in her charitable work in the community. prgtoken Ms. Volpei-Gussow has brought her incredible talent, insight, time, and energy to numerous boards and special committees over the years. She currently sits on the Boards of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, City of Burbank Heritage Commission, Burbank Arts for All, Burbank on Parade, Burbank Business Partners, and Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council. She serves on committees for the Providence Saint Joseph Foundation Emergency Service Campaign, Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, and Family Service Agency of Burbank. prgtoken Her past community involvement includes Ambassador Chair of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, Docent at the Burbank Historical Society's Gordon R. Howard Museum, and Board Member of both the Kids Community Dental Clinic and The Burbank Association of REALTORS, Community Service Foundation. prgtoken Ms. Volpei-Gussow's charitable and professional work has not gone unnoticed as she was awarded 2012 Realtor of the Year by the Burbank Association of REALTORS and named Community Leader of the Year at the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley 2013 Gala Dinner. prgtoken Ms. Volpei-Gussow rarely says no when asked to give a helping hand, and once given, her level of leadership, support, and generosity never waivers. She is a community leader who is unafraid of challenging the ways things were done in the past as she looks towards the future with a bold new plan to make the organizations she is involved with and the City of Burbank grow and thrive. prgtoken I ask all Members to join me in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Karen Volpei-Gussow.
CONGRATULATING CAROL STREAM
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-4-17

I rise today to congratulate Carol Stream on being named one of the safest cities in the United States. The Village of Carol Stream was named the eighty-ninth safest city on Neighborhood Scout's list of America's 100 Safest Cities. Working together, law enforcement, local officials, and the community have made Carol Stream a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. The residents of Carol Stream should never underestimate the impact each citizen's positive actions can have. Everyday there are members of the community helping to change lives, while also inspiring their peers to do the same. I would be remiss to not also mention the wonderful job of the Carol Stream Police and Fire Departments. Day in and day out the men and women of the Carol Stream Police and Fire Departments risk their lives to protect our community. Their bravery and courage are very deserving of our recognition and admiration, and I am pleased to see their service has led to Carol Stream being named one of the safest cities in America please join me in recognizing the Village of Carol Stream, Illinois and congratulating them on being named one of the safest cities in America.
REMEMBERING MARY PEARSON
Mark Sanford (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-4-17

I rise today in remembrance of Mary Lee Alcock Pearson, the Dorchester County Treasurer since December 2006. She died March 27 at home in Summerville, South Carolina. Accordingly, I want to take a moment to offer my condolences to a host of family and friends she leaves behind. It was Ernest Hemingway who said, ``Every man's life ends the same way. It's only the details of how he lived . . . that distinguish one man from another.'' In that vein, Mary distinguished her life by serving others--her community, in particular. Indeed, she loved Dorchester County, and she was in turn loved back. Mary was loyal almost to a fault and certainly extended me grace in the ups and downs of my life, and for that, I am indebted. She also cared about conservative ideals and good government. It is for that reason that I appointed her Dorchester County Treasurer back during my time as governor. In short, she was a great friend, a real leader, and a committed participant in the Lowcountry who will be sorely missed. In her memory, I would ask that we take a moment today for reflection, and pause in asking how we can live up to the legacy of giving and care that Mary embodied. For those of us who knew her, she will be missed. I look forward to our reunion in the heavens above. Until that meeting, Godspeed.
IN RECOGNITION OF JOSHUA CHU
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to congratulate Joshua Chu of Wissahickon High School, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on receiving the Congressional Award's Bronze Medal. The Congressional Award is Congress' award for young Americans who dedicate themselves to public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration. It motivates young people to improve themselves, try new things and learn new skills. Joshua served his community through volunteering in a soup kitchen, packing food, sorting donated items and aiding the kitchen's staff. He also broadened his knowledge by traveling to Boston and Hawaii to learn more about their culture and history. I congratulate Joshua on earning this honor and I congratulate his parents on raising such a fine young man.
IN RECOGNITION OF SEAN ENGLISH
David A. Trott (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today in recognition of the heroic actions of Sean English of Northville, Michigan. prgtoken As he and his family drove down I-96 in Detroit, they witnessed a rolled over SUV and selflessly pulled over to help a fellow Michigander. However, at the scene of the accident, Sean and another Good Samaritan, Cynthia Ray, were struck by another vehicle. Tragically, Cynthia Ray, a doctor at Henry Ford Hospital, passed. However, thanks to the actions of Michigan State Police Trooper Patrick Arena, we are blessed to have Sean still with us. prgtoken As a junior at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Sean is admired by his classmates and teachers alike. His dedication to service and kind and uplifting spirit make him the true embodiment of his high school's motto--``men for others.'' prgtoken A shining star on his school's cross country and track teams, he is a talented runner who challenges not only himself, but his teammates and his friends to give it their all and be the best they can at everything they do. prgtoken I am so thankful that Sean will continue to be a vibrant presence in our community, surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow Michiganders who will continue to recognize his selflessness on that day and as he continues to serve others. prgtoken Sean's a fighter with an unbreakable spirit--a spirit that will sustain him as he experiences life's peaks and triumphs over its hurdles. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and his family--John, Peggy, and Megan--as he makes a speedy recovery
COMMEMORATING CALVARY TEMPLE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Charles W. Dent (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I have the privilege of recognizing Calvary Temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. During the last century, Calvary Temple has served as a place of spiritual enlightenment and refuge to the City of Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley. prgtoken Calvary Temple began in 1917 as an informal gathering of 12 believers who met in one another's houses to pray for the salvation of close friends and family members. Led by layman Edwin C. Conrad from the 12th Street Baptist Church of Allentown, the group devoted itself to building a new meeting space that could accommodate their growing attendance numbers. By 1922, a ground-breaking was held for the new building, and the group officially deemed their organization the Pentecostal Prayer Band--Assembly of God. prgtoken The church wasted no time in establishing ministries, both locally and internationally. Sister Mary Lindberg became the church's representative in India, establishing missionary outreach, which continues to this day. In Allentown, the church began to work with the elderly and inmates at the Lehigh County Prison. Additionally, baptismal services for new members were held at Jordan Park in the nearby river. In the following decades, despite initial hardships, the church continued to devise creative ways of ministering to the surrounding community, including radio and television broadcasts, an annual summer camp, and eventually, Allentown Christian School. Finally, after a number of name changes, the church adopted the name Calvary Temple, and ultimately decided to withdraw from the Assemblies of God in order to become a self-governing, non-denominational body of believers. prgtoken Today, Calvary Temple remains a beacon of innovation and community service in its current location. In addition to its four Sunday services, the church hosts small group ministries across the Lehigh Valley throughout the week, and they remain a dedicated and hospitable presence in Allentown. prgtoken It is with the utmost respect and appreciation that I ask the House to join me in offering well wishes and congratulations to the men and women of Calvary Temple. May the next century bring about continued congregational growth and meaningful outreach to the Lehigh Valley.
TRIBUTE TO BRIANNE SANCHEZ
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brianne Sanchez for being named a 2017 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. prgtoken Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious honor based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2017 class of Forty Under 40 honorees will join an impressive roster of 680 past business leaders and growing. prgtoken Brianne is the Community Relations Manager at Des Moines University, and is very active in the young professional's community in prgtoken Des Moines. She was honored as the 2015 YPC Amy Jennings YP Impact Award winner, and co-founded the Des Moines Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Brianne enjoys spending time with her husband Joe and children Emmett and Eileen, especially going for family bike rides. prgtoken , it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Brianne in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Brianne on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2017 Forty Under 40 class a long and successful career.
TRIBUTE TO CINDY COOKE, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-4-20

it is with great pride that I recognize a constituent of mine, Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, of Huntsville, Alabama, for her service over the last two years as President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). prgtoken Dr. Cooke has an exemplary career of service with 42 years as an experienced nurse and nurse practitioner. As a nationally board certified family nurse practitioner, Dr. Cooke has provided care to patients for 18 years and for over 12 years exclusively to active duty and retired military members and their families prgtoken Dr. Cooke has been involved in local, state, and national nurse practitioner organizations. Prior to her term as AANP President, Dr. Cooke was past President of North Alabama Nurse Practitioner Association (NANPA), the founding President of the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama (NPAA), past American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Representative for Alabama, and past AANP Regional Director. Dr. Cooke has been active in speaking locally and nationally on various clinical and health policy topics. She was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2009. prgtoken The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is a national professional membership organization representing over 225,000 nurse practitioners nationally. Under Dr. Cooke's tenure, AANP membership has grown to more than 75,000 members, making AANP the largest nurse practitioner organization in the world. Dr. Cooke has helped lead nurse practitioners in transforming patient-centered health care and has made tremendous strides in ensuring that policy makers and the public understand the care that nurse practitioners provide to millions of Americans each year. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Cooke on a successful term as President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and in thanking her for the excellent care she has provided to her patients, the nurse practitioner profession, and the constituents in the Fifth District of Alabama.
ROGER THOMAS PROMOTED TO BISHOP, CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN THIRD ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to recognize the exemplary service and promotion of Bishop Roger Thomas to his current position. As a result of his keen awareness, understanding of humankind, his unquestionable devotion to serve God is boundless. prgtoken It is his effective stewardship that leads men and women to successful conclusions within the church and in their private lives. The sincerity of his voice moves individuals to be at their best regardless of the challenges they face. prgtoken He inspires youth and adults to further their education in higher institutions of learning. Individuals in search of counseling, guidance, advice, employment and legal matters are aided directly and/ or indirectly by his influence. prgtoken Bishop Roger Thomas proves regularly that the service of God's children is more than an obligation but rather to care for the needs of all humankind is an honor.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. BILL GASKIN
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-20

I would like to recognize Mr. Bill Gaskin of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who for the past forty years has committed his life to growing manufacturing in Northeast Ohio and around the country. Having worked at the Precision Metalforming Association, based in Independence, Ohio, since 1977, Bill has spent the past seventeen years as its President, and helped guide the metalworking industry through some perilous times and lately, through significant growth. Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, not just in Ohio but throughout the country. Businesses like those in my district are providing family-sustaining careers to more than 12 million Americans now working in manufacturing. Upon his retirement this year, Bill will leave the metalworking industry in much stronger shape than when he first became involved forty years ago. The industry is more vibrant than ever, in part due to the efforts of Bill and others who have committed themselves to strengthening manufacturing in America. I hope that Bill's dedication will serve as an example to future generations of manufacturing leaders.
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE RIGHT TO DEMAND THE PRESIDENT RELEASE HIS TAX RETURNS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-4-20

every year at this time tens of millions of Americans are completing their tax returns and rushing to the nearest post office to mail them before the deadline. prgtoken No one likes to pay taxes but the vast majority of Americans voluntarily comply out of their respect for law and because paying taxes is one of the responsibilities of citizenship. prgtoken That responsibility is placed upon and assumed by struggling wage earners to the wealthiest individuals in America. prgtoken And that even includes the President of the United States. prgtoken Americans have the right to expect and to know that the leader of their country, and the most powerful person on Earth, is paying his fair share of taxes that fund the government he heads, the Armed Forces he commands, the nuclear arsenal he controls, the Secret Service protection he receives, and the White House he lives in. prgtoken And that is why thousands of persons took to the streets last Saturday in peaceful protest to demand that the President of the United States do what every President since Gerald Ford in 1976 has done. prgtoken And that is to release his tax returns while in office. prgtoken is the first President since Watergate to refuse to release his tax information to the public. prgtoken Full release of 's tax returns will provide the public with clear information as to his potential conflicts of interest and entanglements with foreign governments and businesses. prgtoken A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 74 percent of Americans, including 53 percent of s, believe should release his tax returns. prgtoken All roads lead back to the President's tax returns, and the light they can shine on his actions. prgtoken As chief steward of America's extensive domestic, global, and national security interests, the fidelity of the President of the United States to the national interest must never be subject to question or doubt. prgtoken 's extensive financial interests in more than 100 companies operating in more than 18 countries and on five continents potentially represent major conflicts of interest between his personal financial interests and the national interests of the American people. A preliminary analysis of 's extensive financial arrangements reveals dozens of potential conflicts of interest. prgtoken For example, has received more than $10 million from his interest in the Towers Istanbul in Turkey, a country with which the United States has extensive, complicated, and politically sensitive military and diplomatic relations. prgtoken Since August 2015, 's business organizations have registered eight separate companies connected to hotel deals in Saudi Arabia, which is located in one of the world's most critical geopolitical regions. prgtoken Based on the limited and inadequate financial disclosures he has made to date, it appears that 's business organization is financially dependent u
HONORING THE LIFE OF FRITZ GERHARD HETZEL
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to recognize the life of Fritz Gerhard Hetzel, a devoted husband, father and grandfather; successful businessman and civic leader; and the prgtoken Godfather of the Toledo-area German-American Festival. prgtoken Fritz was born on July 4, 1931, and grew up in war-torn Germany. He lost his father and other members of his family during the conflict. These tragedies and the difficulty that his mother and his sister and he lived through taught him many things. One such lesson was one that he passed down to his children and grandchildren: ``Tough times don't last but tough people do.'' As his wife Ann says, ``That was his mantra with the kids, and even for himself. He went through a lot.'' prgtoken After the war, Fritz learned to be a barber and cut hair at the U.S. 7th Army headquarters in Heidelberg. It was appropriate that Fritz was born on the Fourth of July because his time spent working on the base inspired him to move to the United States. He first immigrated to Canada where he worked as a barber and then earned enough to be granted a U.S. visa. prgtoken In 1958, Fritz moved to Toledo, Ohio and began his new life by purchasing a barber business. He later went into sales at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park and was a co-owner of Fritz and Alfredo's, where the German and Mexican dishes on the menu were very popular. prgtoken Fritz thrived in Toledo, meeting his loving wife Ann, whom he married on September 9, 1961. He and Ann had 2 daughters, Susan Molloy and Tina Zientarski, and were blessed with six grandchildren: Mitchell, Michael, Matthew, Katherine, Zachary and Grace. prgtoken He dedicated himself to his family and to sharing his pride of his German heritage. He was an active member of the American Turners Club, Bavarian Sports Club and the Toledo Schwaben Verein. At one point there were seven separate German societies in Toledo, and Fritz, along with his friends, was instrumental in bringing the seven societies together to organize one major event, the annual German-American Festival which attracts over 35,000 people annually. The first German-American festival was held in 1966. prgtoken Fritz was passionate about music as well, where he led one of the area's most popular German bands, The Tirolers. The band played German music at festival and functions in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. prgtoken In 1977, he received the Bundesverdienstkreuz, or, the Federal Cross of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany, an honor given to citizens of other countries who work to promote German cultural activities in the United States. prgtoken Upon his retirement from the restaurant business in Toledo in 2005, Fritz and Ann moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where he immediately joined the Lantana German-American Club and led as the Director of the Club Choir. prgtoken Fritz Gerhard Hetzel had never-ending energy and gave his all to his family, community, businesses, and cultural activities. We should all