mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIDDLE EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-10-30

I rise to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Middle Eastern District of the Original Free Will Baptist Church, which is headquartered in my congressional district in Wilson, North Carolina. The Middle Eastern District has been prgtoken a beacon of light in its community and has positively impacted generations of families in eastern North Carolina for a century and a half. prgtoken The Middle Eastern District of the Original Free Will Baptist Church is one steeped in family, fellowship, and faith. Founded in 1868, two years after the U.S. Congress passed the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, Brothers Daniel Davis, R.C. Jackson, T.H. on, J.M. Barfield, and Reverend C.C. Forbes led the verification of the founding principles upon which the Middle Eastern District was rooted. In the early years, the Middle Eastern Conference was small, but that did not deter its leaders' devotion to spreading the word of God. The oldest components of the Middle Eastern Conference are the Bible Church School, the Women Home Mission, the Sunshine Band, and the Usher's Convention. prgtoken , much of the Middle Eastern District's growth over the years can be attributed to the dedication and vision of its leadership. In the early 1950's, Reverend D.W. Dupree became Moderator, with Rev. G.W. Little serving as Vice Moderator. In 1957, Reverend K.L. Smith, who succeeded Reverend G.W. Little as Vice Moderator and would later become Moderator, organized the Young People Christian League (YPCL) Convention. Brother L.N. Forbes (now Bishop L.N. Forbes) was elected President of the YPCL Convention. prgtoken In 1968, my personal friend, Elder L.N. Forbes, became Moderator and Elder Bernard Newsome served as Vice Moderator. The title ``Moderator'' was then changed to ``Bishop.'' Under Bishop L.N. Forbes' leadership, the Middle Eastern District of the Original Free Will Baptist Church continued to prosper and serve its community. In order to accommodate the rapidly growing attendance, the Conference meetings were moved to the Auditorium of Charles H. Darden Middle School in Wilson, North Carolina. As the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Forbes spearheaded the construction of the L.N. Forbes Tabernacle in Wilson, North Carolina, which was dedicated in 1975. The Choir Convention was organized in 1983, recommended by Sister Sallie Dupree. In 1984, Brother Haywood Waters became the Editor of the quarterly Original Free Will Baptist news publication. In 1985, Bishop Forbes established the L.P. Manning Scholarship, which supported the educational pursuits of countless young people through the years. Bishop Forbes was the longest serving leader of the Middle Eastern District. prgtoken , by the grace of God, the Middle Eastern District of the Original Free Will Baptist Church has been standing strong for 150 long years. Her outstanding leadership and devoted members have created significant growth in its membership and ministry, as well as, i
HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF WHITEY'S ICE CREAM
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-10-30

I rise today to recognize Whitey's Ice Cream from the Quad Cities for placing first with their ice cream sandwiches at the National Dairy Expo. Whitey's Ice Cream has been serving Illinois since 1933, and has a large following in our Congressional district. prgtoken Whitey's Ice Cream was founded and owned by Chester ``Whitey'' Lindgren until 1953, when he sold it to Bob and Norma Tunberg. Their sons, Jon and Jeff Tunberg, serve as its current owners, but leave the President position open for Bob, who has passed on. Whitey's expanded in 1977 from just Moline to East Moline and Rock Island. In 1984, they expanded to Bettendorf, Iowa and other locations. Since 1988, their ice cream has been able to be purchased in grocery stores across the Midwest. Their ice cream sandwiches, or ``Chippers'' as they call them, have now placed first at the National Dairy Expo. prgtoken It is because of businesses such as Whitey's Ice Cream that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr I would like to again formally congratulate Whitey's Ice Cream for placing first at the National Dairy Expo for their ``Chippers.''
HONORING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to honor Jefferson County, Missouri, created on December 8, 1818 by an ``Act of the Territory,'' uniting portions of St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve Counties. It was named for our nation's third president, Thomas Jefferson, the father of the Louisiana Purchase which included the land that became Missouri. Jefferson County's earliest settlers were French and they settled along the area's many waterways that include the Mississippi River, the Meramec River and the Big River. prgtoken Jefferson County is home to sites where archeologists say mastodons roamed 12,000 years ago. Lead shot made in the county was used in the War of 1812 and there are 10 sites in Jefferson County on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical societies in local cities are dedicated to preserving their history with a county museum established in Festus as part of the 200th birthday celebration. prgtoken With its rich history and promise of progress, Jefferson County is a treasure that continues to be a vital part of Missouri's economy and future growth. I am proud to congratulate Jefferson County on its bicentennial today before the United States House of Representatives.
CONGRATULATING THE NORTH COUNTRY PRENATAL/PERINATAL COUNCIL ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to honor and recognize the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council on its 30th Anniversary. prgtoken Founded in 1988, the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council (NCPPC) became the first perinatal network in New York State, serving Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Since then, the NCPPC has worked hard to bolster maternal and family health by developing a number of services and programs to improve access to this crucial form of care. As the regional coordinating council for maternal and child health issues, the NCPPC also manages grants for teen pregnancy prevention, community enrollment in insurance programs, Healthy Families Jefferson County, and a family resource center. As a result of the NCPPC's persistent outreach and dedication, our North Country women, children, and families can continue to access the care they need. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I want to congratulate the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council and their dedicated employees on their 30th anniversary. We are thankful for their service to our local communities, and we look forward to watching them continue to thrive for many years to come.
TRIBUTE TO ELLA MAE WRIGHT
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-11-2

Ella Mae Wright passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 27th, at the age of 101. She was a great wife, mother, business woman, and all-around good citizen of the type that has made this country great. prgtoken Mrs. Wright and her husband J.B. were married for 67 years. They founded Wright's Cafeteria which still today is one of Knoxville's most popular eating establishments. It was once described in a Knoxville newspaper as my ``favorite restaurant.'' prgtoken Mrs. Wright's pride and joy were her three children, David, Janice, and Calvin, and her seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. prgtoken She could often be found in the Cafeteria, greeting customers, most of whom she considered as longtime friends. She was always smiling and offering encouraging words to everyone. prgtoken During her 101 years, she lived her Christian faith every day and touched thousands of lives in good and positive ways. This Country is a better place today because of the life Ella Mae Wright led. prgtoken I wanted my colleagues and others to know about this good woman and great American.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. FIRMAN BALZA
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-11-2

today I rise in honor of the life, legacy, and service of Green Bay native, Mr. Firman Balza. prgtoken Mr. Firman Balza was one of America's last surviving servicemen from the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. Answering the call from his country, Firman signed up for the 34th Division of the U.S. Naval Reserves in Green Bay in 1940 at the age of 17. He entered the Navy a few months later and was assigned to the USS Maryland in April of 1941. The USS Maryland would leave for Pearl Harbor in July of 1941; Firman was aboard the vessel as a gunner's mate first-class at the time of the attacks. prgtoken The morning of December 7, 1941, Firman was preparing for Mass when he saw the first Japanese bombers flying overhead. Mass that morning would have been aboard the USS Oklahoma. The USS Oklahoma was moored next to the USS Maryland in the harbor when it suffered major damage and capsized. Firman bravely ran into the face of danger and took up arms as he defended the base with anti-aircraft guns. He later helped pull his deceased brothers-in-arms from the sunken ship. Four hundred- sixty men perished on the Oklahoma that day, and the Maryland lost five. prgtoken During the four days following the attacks, Firman and his fellow soldiers rescued 32 men from the hull of the Oklahoma. Firman continued his brave service to the country for three years on the USS Maryland participating in Guadalcanal, the Battle of Tarawa, and the Battle of Kwajalein Atoll. After the war, Firman was assigned to the USS Bayfield APA 33 and was sent to the Marshall Islands for atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. On February 7, 1947, he was discharged from the Navy after six years and seven days on active duty. prgtoken Firman was one of more than 16 million ordinary people who did extraordinary acts during World War II. His willingness to begin sharing his story in 2003 at the age of 80 allowed many across Wisconsin, including students across northeast Wisconsin, to hear his account of that day. It was in 2003 that he first visited the Punch Bowl Cemetery in Hawaii and realized he wanted to be a voice to tell part of the story of those 2,335 servicemen and women who perished on that day of infamy. If Firman left one message with all he spoke to, it was ``Truly, man has got to learn to get along with each other.'' prgtoken Mr. Balza was 95 when he passed away on October 10, 2018. He was born September 25, 1923, to Theophile and Mary Balza, the prgtoken youngest of 11 sons. On April 23, 1949, he married Nathalie M. Larscheid. He was a true lover of the outdoors; he enjoyed camping with his family and hunting and fishing with his brother-in-law, Carlton Larscheid. He was very proud of becoming a licensed pilot at the age of 63. prgtoken Words cannot justly thank Mr. Balza for his many years of service to our country. A treasure for a community and nation Mr. Balza cannot be replaced. May his service, dedication, and sacrifice be remembered by a g
IN RECOGNITION OF ANDREW CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to recognize Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, of Montross, Virginia on their 170th anniversary. prgtoken The church was founded in 1848 when land was deeded from Joseph and Susan Lyell, and its name honors Bishop James O. Andrew who helped found the Southern branch of Methodism in the 1840's. Originally located under a grove of oak trees, Andrew Chapel has been served by more than 58 clergy and is currently led by Rev. Kevin F. Elmore. Through the years, the congregation has seen many changes in facilities and programs, yet Andrew Chapel continues to leave an invaluable impact on the Montross community. Currently, Andrew Chapel has a congregation of over 100 members who show unwavering commitment to loving their neighbors in a Christ-like manner. They facilitate free health prgtoken clinics, deliver ``meals on wheels'' every month, help supply the local food pantry, donate gifts during the holidays to local families in need, and support scholarships to high school graduates pursuing higher education opportunities. Their vision statement, ``Hope and grace for all God's children through Christ,'' is a fitting anthem that embodies all their efforts in bringing glory to God. prgtoken , I pray for Christ's guidance as the congregation comes together in this time of celebration and reflection. May God continue to bless Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church as they spread the good news of the Gospel and live out Christ's love in our community.
CELEBRATING HALL COUNTY'S BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of my home, Hall County, Georgia. prgtoken Hall County is Northeast Georgia's center for banking, industry, and health care. It was established on December 15, 1818 by the state legislature and was named in honor of Lyman Hall. Hall was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and served as a physician and Georgia governor. prgtoken In its two-century history, Hall County has become home to many great attractions, including Lake Lanier, which has brought millions of visitors to the area. Any discussion of Hall County begins with chicken, as Gainesville is the poultry capital of the world. Jesse Jewell, a Gainesville native, pioneered the vertically integrated poultry farming method that revolutionized the industry. Flowery Branch is home to the training complex of the Atlanta Falcons. Lula, the hometown of my wife, Lisa, is a heritage-minded community that welcomes the annual Railroad Days each spring. prgtoken From north to south, east to west, those who call Hall County home know just how special it is from the beautiful lake to the foothills of Hall County area, where I was raised and still call home. I celebrate Hall County's two centuries of rich history and wish the citizens generations of success that last long into the future.
DEPARTURE OF MATHEW WEIDINGER FROM THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE STAFF
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-2

I would like to recognize a trusted advisor, a good friend, and by any standard one of the best to ever serve the House Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Mathew Weidinger. prgtoken With all of Matt's insight into how this Committee functions and his knowledge of its many storied traditions, it'd be easy to think he began his career under Chairman Fitzsimons when this Committee was founded in 1789, but that just goes to show how truly valuable Matt is around here. prgtoken For over 25 years, Matt has played an important role in the major accomplishments of this Committee. From each hearing, markup, and piece of legislation our Committee has led, Matt has been there, ready to serve and willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job not only gets done but done well. His name and reputation are nearly synonymous with the Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken Serving five different GOP Chairmen--Archer, Thomas, Camp, Ryan, and Brady--and being an integral part of our Human Resources and Social Security Subcommittees throughout his tenure, Matt's voice and unparalleled attention to detail has helped shepherd through laws that have directly benefited the lives of millions of children and families. From foster care and adoption, to child support, disability, and unemployment--especially the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Act and the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act--it has always been about what is best for taxpayers and families. prgtoken Most notably, Matt is our last connection to the successful 1996 welfare reforms that set consistent policies for non-citizens and led to the greatest increase in single mothers returning to work and decrease in poverty. We learned as a nation that in expecting more, more can be achieved, and we seek each day to build upon that success. prgtoken When the Great Recession hit our nation, Matt again provided the focus on work and expectation that was needed, reforming the unemployment insurance program in ways that will improve the success of the unemployed for decades to come. prgtoken Any Member of this Committee going back almost three decades could tell story after story about Matt's sharp intellect, incredible recall, and dedication to serving the American people. Matt is a true patriot who could have picked a career in any field. Instead, he chose to serve. We are all so grateful for that choice. prgtoken With the many demands from his busy schedule, Matt has never ceased being a mentor to dozens and dozens of staffers, all who today would testify that they are better at their jobs because of Matt. prgtoken As I was first joining this Committee, outgoing Chairman Bill Archer was singing Matt's praises and advising me to seek his insight on welfare reform and the other myriad programs that make up our Committee's work on Human Resources. Chairman Archer gave me good advice, and my respect and admiration for Matt has only grown throughout the years. I have turned to Mat
HONORING MR. JEFF STRACK WITH THE 2018 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-11-2

it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award, presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization will host a celebratory event on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. prgtoken For 26 years, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council has presented the Distinguished Citizen Award to individuals whose selfless efforts have tremendously impacted their communities in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council will honor Mr. Jeff Strack. prgtoken In May of 2016, Jeff Strack was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Grocery Group/Strack & Van Til. As a third-generation head of the company, Jeffs legacy began with his fondest memories of shadowing his father as he worked tirelessly to keep Strack & Van Til successful. After eighth grade, Jeff was officially hired into the company, eventually working his way through every department within the store before leaving for college. After obtaining his master's degree, Jeff embarked on a journey with Strack & Van Til that helped him learn every aspect of the business, rightfully earning his way to leading the company. prgtoken Almost a year after Jeff's appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, he was faced with challenges that to many would have seemed insurmountable. In 2017, after its parent company, Central Grocers, filed for bankruptcy, Strack & Van Til was forced to shut down numerous stores. However, Jeff was determined to save the family business that has served as an economic driver in Northwest Indiana for almost six decades. After he and a group of investors formed Indiana Grocery Group and successfully purchased back Strack & Van Til, Mr. Strack vowed to keep it a family-owned business. Jeff fought for the business and for the jobs of many individuals by securing twenty locations in communities throughout Northwest Indiana. In addition, Mr. Strack's many contributions to the community have supported local schools, military, first responders, and families in need. prgtoken , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the steadfast leadership and dedication of Mr. Jeff Strack. Mr. Strack's family business continues to serve as a cornerstone of Northwest Indiana, and their continued charitable efforts and service in our local communities are to be admired. Jeff is undeniably deserving of the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award. His exceptional leadership and commitment to Northwest Indiana will have a positive impact on generations to come.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF NASA'S KEPLER SPACE TELESCOPE
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-2

I rise today to honor NASA's Kepler Space Telescope on its retirement and to commend the many thousands of NASA personnel who designed and maintained Kepler and analyzed data received from it. prgtoken Launched in March, 2009, Kepler spent nine years in deep space collecting data that indicate our sky is filled with billions of hidden planets--even more planets than stars. Now prgtoken Kepler has run out of fuel, and will be retired in its current safe orbit, away from Earth. ``As NASA's first planet-hunting mission, Kepler has wildly exceeded all our expectations and paved the way for our exploration and search for life in the solar system and beyond,'' said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. ``Not only did it show us how many planets could be out there, it sparked an entirely new and robust field of research that has taken the science community by storm. Its discoveries have shed a new light on our place in the universe, and illuminated the tantalizing mysteries and possibilities among the stars.'' prgtoken Kepler showed us the diversity of planets in our galaxy, and concluded that 20 to 50 percent of the stars visible in the night sky are likely to have small, possibly rocky planets similar in size to Earth. Many of these could possibly sustain life. ``When we started conceiving this mission 35 years ago we didn't know of a single planet outside our solar system,'' said the Kepler mission's founding principal investigator, William Borucki, now retired from NASA's Ames Research Center and the recipient of the 2013 United States National Academy of Sciences' Henry Draper Medal for his work with Kepler and the 2015 recipient of the Shaw Prize in Astronomy. ``Now that we know planets are everywhere, Kepler has set us on a new course that's full of promise for future generations to explore our galaxy.'' prgtoken Kepler's retirement doesn't mean the end of its contributions to our scientific knowledge. Future missions will build on its results and scientists will mine the data Kepler collected for years to come. prgtoken NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley manages the Kepler and K2 missions for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. prgtoken , I'm very proud to represent NASA Ames and its extraordinary programs that advance our knowledge of our planet and beyond. I ask the entire House of Representatives to honor Kepler and each person and organization who contributed to its extraordinary success.