mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 2018 AGRICULTURIST OF THE YEAR GARY SERRATO
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise today alongside my colleagues, David Valadao, to commemorate Mr. Gary Serrato as the Fresno Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Agriculturist of the Year. For over 30 years, Gary has devoted himself to the Fresno agricultural community by serving as an advocate and leader in his position as General Manager of the Fresno Irrigation District. prgtoken A third-generation farmer, Gary gained appreciation for agricultural work at an early age. He worked on his father's ranch near Fowler, California and eventually received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno in 1978. prgtoken Gary joined the Fresno Irrigation District in 1986, where he held the positions of Watermaster and Assistant Manager of Operations. As a result of Gary's hard work and significant contributions, he was appointed the General Manager of the Fresno Irrigation District in 2000. prgtoken As General Manager, Gary has skillfully navigated the district through some of the most trying times for California Agriculture. He is considered a leading advocate for Fresno County farmers and has effectively communicated numerous water issues to the public. Gary is a fervent believer in ensuring all Central Valley communities are provided with clean and accessible water. prgtoken Gary has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service throughout his career. Gary is involved with the Fresno County Water Advisory Committee, Kings River Water Association and Upper Kings River Water Forum. He served on the board of the Community Food Bank for two terms and was elected to two terms as council member in the City of Fowler. Gary was also appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and was appointed as the executive officer of North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me, Mr. Valadao, and Mr. Nunes today in recognizing the career achievements of Mr. Gary Serrato. It is both fitting and appropriate that he is named the 2018 Agriculturist of the Year, as he retires from his position as General Manager of the Fresno Irrigation District at the end of this year. Gary has left his mark on the community and we are all grateful for his vision and leadership. I ask that you join me in wishing Gary and his family continued success and prosperity.
HONORING RONALD SYLVESTRI
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-9

Saint Joseph's Medical Center located in my district will host its annual Ball on November 3 and has chosen an outstanding slate of honorees for the event. One of those wonderful honorees, Ronald Sylvestri, has been working to improve the community for many years. prgtoken Ron was born in Yonkers on September 1, 1942. He attended Yonkers schools and attended C.W. Post College, LIU, graduating with a B.S. degree in Business in 1966. He is a distinguished alumnus and has served as a member of Long Island University's Board of Trustees since 1975. He is a recipient of the University's Chancellor's Award, the C.W. Post President's Medal. prgtoken Ron was Senior Vice President/Regional Manager of Hudson Valley Bank, New York City and formerly held high level executive posts with Fleet Bank Investment Group, Barclays Bank of New York and D.B.G. Development Corporation. He was a Charter Member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Governing Boards (CGB) since its founding in 1976. After having served in leadership positions as its Secretary and Vice Chairman, Ron became Chairman of CGB in 2005. Throughout, he led with dedication, tenacity and merit. prgtoken At Saint Joseph's, Ron serves as the Vice Chairman of St. Joseph's Health Fund. His extensive knowledge and expertise in banking and finance have been a tremendous asset to Saint Joseph's Medical Center. He has also been Vice Chairman of the Friends of Saint Dominic's Foundation since its formation in 2005 and chaired Saint Dominic's Golf Tournament for the past 25 years. Saint Dominic's dedicated the ``Sylvestri Residence'' in Rockland County for mentally challenged women in 1998. Ron was inducted into Saint Patrick's Cathedral as a Knight of Malta, American Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1982. He was honored with the St. Bartholomew School Distinguished Recognition and Community Service Award in 2001. The New York City Correction Officer's Association gave their Distinguished Service Award to Ron in 2002. He also received the New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation Dedicated Dad Award in 2009. prgtoken Ron and his wife Donna, whom he founded and chaired the Alzheimer's Golf Tournament for 17 years with, were married in 1972. They have two children, Ronald Jr. (Melissa) and Allyson (John). They are also blessed with four grandchildren; Madison Reagan Sylvestri, Ellie, Jack and Bobby Griffin. prgtoken Ron has accomplished a great deal and is most deserving of this warm recognition. Congratulations to him on the occasion.
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE STEVE WORTHLEY
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise today, along with my colleague, Devin Nunes, to recognize Tulare County Supervisor Steve Worthley. This year, Steve is retiring from his position on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, where he currently serves as chairman, following two decades of service to his community. prgtoken Born and raised in Tulare County, Steve graduated from Dinuba Union High School in 1971 as valedictorian, earned a degree in history from Occidental College, and got his law degree at the University of the Pacific. He started practicing law in 1978 and opened his own firm, where he still practices law, in 1981. prgtoken Steve was elected to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors in 1998, and represents the communities across the northern part of Tulare County, including Dinuba, Cutler Orosi, Woodlake, Ivanhoe, Goshen, and Visalia. These cities are part of a keystone region of California's Central Valley, an area famous for its rich legacy of leadership in our nation's agricultural industry. prgtoken Recognizing the importance that life-giving water plays in our community, Steve has been a tireless advocate for the Temperance Flat Reservoir project, which will improve water supplies and availability for local farmers and Central Valley and Tulare County communities. In fact, he serves as the President of the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Board, which is dedicated to developing funding sources for the Temperance Flat Reservoir project. Steve also understands that the Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoias are critical to the local economy, bringing tourists from all over the country and world to see these natural wonders. As a Tulare County Supervisor, he has helped lead the fight to ensure our National Forests are healthy and managed in a fashion that can reduce the threat of catastrophic fires, which can threaten the Giant Sequoias, release pollution into the air we breathe, and damage the Sequoia National Forest's critical watershed. Steve is also a former chairman and member of the Governing Board of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, where he has been a consistent voice for commonsense reforms to the myriad of Federal air pollution regulations, all the while continuing to clean up the air we breathe. prgtoken Outside of his official duties with Tulare County, Steve is locally known for his membership and leadership as a past president of the Dinuba Elementary School Board, as well as for his active role in Dinuba's Rotary Club and at his church, Dinuba Christian Church. prgtoken Steve retires leaving a lasting positive mark on our community, and we will forever be grateful for his advice, insights, and counsel over the years to advance the interests of Tulare County. He will be remembered fondly in Tulare County for his tireless dedication to his constituents and his advocacy on the issues that impacted them the most. As Steve begins this new chapter of his life, we wish him,
RECOGNIZING GARTON TRACTOR
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Garton Tractor for their induction into the Ag Hall of Fame as the 2018 Legend of Agriculture by the National AG Science Center. prgtoken Garton Tractor is a 4th generation, family owned business that has been in operation since 1954 in and around the Central Valley, providing agricultural machinery to their customers. They pride themselves on quality product and service and assisting the agricultural industry. prgtoken Garton Tractor has nine different locations that range from Ukiah to Merced. The family is also deeply involved in giving back, supporting local charities that work to improve education and the quality of life in their local communities. prgtoken Since its official opening over six decades ago, Garton Tractor has thrived in the Central Valley. They have become a bedrock of our local agricultural community. Their service to the farm families has expanded and improved over the years, and we are proud to acknowledge their most recent achievement. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating Garton Tractor for their significant contributions to agriculture and their induction in the AG Hall of Fame.
THANK YOU TO GENERAL CHARLES F. ``CHUCK'' WALD
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise today to recognize the retirement of General Charles F. ``Chuck'' Wald (USAF, Ret.) from Deloitte Services, LP. Having served in the United States Air Force for 35 years as a command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours and 430 combat hours, rising to the ranks of four-star general, and then going to advise top Department of Defense officials, he is a true patriot. prgtoken General Wald earned his commission in the United States Air Force (USAF) through the Air Force ROTC program in 1971 at North Dakota State University. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-law from North Dakota State University, and earned his Master's Degree in International Relations from Troy University. He has completed coursework at Harvard University and the National War College. He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from North Dakota State University. prgtoken General Wald served combat time as an O-2A forward air controller in Vietnam and as an F-16 pilot flying over Bosnia, in addition to serving as a T-37 instructor pilot and F-15 flight commander. During his tenure in the USAF he also served as the Chief of the U.S. Air Force Combat Terrorism Center, Support Group Commander, Operations Group Commander, and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for the Quadrennial Defense Review. He was the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, served on the Joint Staff as the Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, and was the U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for the Air and Space Operations at the Pentagon. His tenure in the USAF was matched by top leadership positions that catapulted him to success within the organization. prgtoken In September 2001, as the Supporting Commander, General Wald led the development of the coalition air campaign in Operation Enduring Freedom, including the idea of embedding tactical air control parties in ground special operations forces which resulted in the elimination of Taliban forces in Afghanistan. This was a critical mission for U.S. national security following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. prgtoken In his last position with the USAF, General Wald served as Deputy Commander of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) from 2002 until his retirement in July 2006. In this position, he was responsible for U.S. forces operating across 91 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and most of the Atlantic Ocean. This position was of paramount responsibility and General Wald demonstrated his expertise and passion for ensuring U.S. interests abroad by implementing the European Command Strategic Plan that included energy assurance and sustainment for the EUCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR). prgtoken General Wald currently serves as the Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor for Government and Public Services Practice at Deloitte Services, LP. In this role, he is responsible for providing senior leadership
HONORING DIWALI
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-11-9

it is my honor to recognize Diwali, a festival of lights celebrating the Hindu New Year. Originating in India, Diwali is the largest and one of the most important celebrations observed within the Hindu religion. Diwali's festival of lights symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. prgtoken Diwali festivities include deep cleaning and extensive decorating of office buildings, temples, and homes. The celebration begins by lighting clay lamps in temple windows in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. Traditional Indian feasts take place with friends and loved ones, during which, sweets and presents are prepared and shared. prgtoken The significance of this event is not exclusive to India. Today, where there are Hindus they honor their traditions and observe this important day. Here in Colorado, for example, we have a thriving and growing Hindu community. The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies located in the City of Littleton and the 6th Congressional District exemplifies this. prgtoken It is with great pride that I join all in recognizing President Sudhir Verma and Vice President Sridhar Talanki of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies also known as the Hindu Temple of Colorado, and I wish them and all the Temple's members, well as they celebrate Diwali.
TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I wish to pay special tribute to the nearly 600,000 Michigan residents who have proudly served in our Nation's Armed Forces. prgtoken Today's veterans have served on many fronts, from the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, to the rice fields of Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the Cold War, to the deserts of the Persian Gulf, to the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq, and right here at home. prgtoken This spirit of service lives on in so many different ways across our State. Whether they are supporting military families, providing help for fellow veterans, giving back through religious organizations and community nonprofits, or inspiring the next generation while coaching Little League or the local softball team, these patriots show us that service is more than something you do once. Instead, it is a way of life all of us should strive for. prgtoken Our veterans have done so much for us. It is our solemn duty to keep the promises we have made to them. prgtoken We must also ensure that our veterans receive each and every military honor they have earned while defending our country. I have been so fortunate to get to know Jim McCloughan of South Haven, who was awarded the Medal of Honor earlier this year for saving the lives of 10 of his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam war. Like so many of our veterans, Jim has spent the decades since then continuing to serve his community. prgtoken I know the sacrifices our veterans made because I have seen it firsthand. My own father served in the Navy during World War II, and he always said that veterans shouldn't stand in the back of any line, not for healthcare, education, housing, the chance at a good job, or the military honors, they have earned. He was absolutely right, and I have made it my mission to ensure that every promise made to our veterans is a promise kept. prgtoken Michigan's veterans are the best of us. On this Veterans Day--and every day--we salute them, we honor them, and we thank them for their service. prgtoken Thank you.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I wish to recognize Audubon Greenwich as it celebrates 75 years of dedication to the protection and preservation of local bird species and their habitats. prgtoken Founded in 1943, the organization began as the Greenwich Main Sanctuary, thanks to the property gifted by Eleanor and Hall Clovis. This sanctuary is recognized as the National Audubon Society's first educational nature center. Two years later, Audubon Greenwich expanded thanks to the donation of the Fairchild Wildflower Sanctuary by Mrs. Elon Huntington Hooker and garden clubs in the area. prgtoken For three-quarters of a century, Audubon Greenwich has continued to expand its impact on protecting local wildlife. Today, 686 acres of protected habitat, including seven sanctuaries, provide protection for many species of birds. Though the organization's underlying focus is to support Important Bird Areas and protect bird species of concern, Audubon Greenwich has an even wider ranging set of goals. As part of the National Audubon Society, they advocate for far-reaching innovative steps to reduce the impact of global climate change, prevent air and water pollution, and reduce pesticide use, among other missions. prgtoken One of the most notable aspects of Audubon Greenwich is how accessible it is to the public. For 75 years, the sanctuaries have welcomed people to visit and explore, appreciating the preserved areas and the wildlife that resides there. Audubon Greenwich now sees over 20,000 visitors every year. The sanctuaries, nature center, and trails provide many opportunities for public learning and enjoyment, enhanced by the organization's nature education programs for children and adults. prgtoken Audubon Greenwich boasts an array of bodies of water, forests, an apple orchard, and even original New England homestead buildings. Their conservation efforts play a vital role in keeping Greenwich and the surrounding area safe for wildlife and well preserved. prgtoken Dedicated to preserving the past and preparing natural ecosystems and people for the future, Audubon Greenwich is a positive model for environmental education and wildlife conservation. I applaud its accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Audubon Greenwich on 75 years of excellence.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ANN ELIASER
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to honor the life and legacy of a trailblazing, transformative leader, Ann Eliaser, who passed away on October 24 in her beloved city of San Francisco. prgtoken Ann was a woman of exceptional vision and determination, who fearlessly spoke truth to power to reshape the face of our state and national politics during her decades in the political arena. She was driven by the extraordinary strength of her convictions and by her remarkable independence of thought, making history as she rose through the ranks of the state ic Party. prgtoken Ann did not merely observe political history; she shaped it. As a California delegate at the ic National Convention and as the California ic Party's National Committeewoman, she played a vital role in determining who sat at the decision-making table in our state and country. She fought relentlessly for candidates who would champion ic values, regardless of conventional wisdom or political popularity. Her advocacy was critical to the success of leaders up and down the ballot, from Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter to local politicians in our city of Saint Francis. prgtoken Ann was a San Francisco native, who dedicated her full life and spirit to building better futures for the people of the Golden State. As an appointee to the San Francisco Board of Permit Appeals, she held our city's business leaders accountable for ensuring fair pay and better working conditions for employees. As the first woman member of the Lake Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, she fought relentlessly to protect the beauty of God's creation for generations to come. Through her leadership on numerous city, state, national and international boards, she advocated relentlessly for our nation's fundamental promise of liberty and justice for all, fighting to overturn the death penalty, end unjust wars and support the State of Israel. prgtoken Ann's deep belief that strength lies in diversity was essential in bringing more women and greater diversity into the halls of power in our country. Her courage to defy history and demand a seat at the table has inspired and empowered generations of strong women leaders, leaving a beautiful and lasting legacy for our nation. prgtoken Ann's many friends will forever remember and cherish her profound love for family. May it bring some measure of comfort to Ann's daughter, Mary Powell, her grandchildren Blair Shane and Alexander Rosenblatt, her four great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know and love her, that so many grieve with them and pray for them during this sad time.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JOSEPH D. MORELLE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-13

. I thank the and his staff for the courtesies they have extended to me. prgtoken , I want to thank, first of all, my wife, Mary Beth; my entire family; and many dear friends who have traveled to be with us today and those at home watching for their unwavering love and support. I would also like to thank my long-time friend, Congressman Eliot Engel, for that prgtoken kind introduction and the warm welcome all my colleagues in the New York delegation have extended to me. prgtoken I am humbled to take the oath of office. It is truly the honor of a lifetime to serve New York's 25th District as a Member of the House of Representatives. prgtoken Indeed, I have very big shoes to fill. Congresswoman Slaughter was truly a remarkable individual who shattered ceilings and blazed trails. More than that, she was a dear friend to me for over 30 years, and I will be forever grateful for her guidance, devotion, and friendship. It is a special privilege to be able to carry on her vital and important work. prgtoken I look forward to the days ahead and our work together to support our neighbors in need, to advance society for future generations, and to build a stronger, more vibrant America. prgtoken Thank you, .
APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today to nominate Dr. Steve Chien to sit on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, pursuant to section 105 of H.R. 5515, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Dr. Chien is the Technical Group Supervisor of the Artificial Intelligence Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. prgtoken The commission was established to review advances in artificial intelligence, competitiveness of the United States in artificial intelligence and machine learning and the means prgtoken to maintain a technological advantage in areas of national security and defense. The commission will consist of 15 members appointed by legislative and executive branch leaders and will terminate on October 1, 2020.