mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO DR. HUGHES MELTON
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I pay tribute to Dr. Hughes Melton of Bristol, Virginia, a military veteran, public servant, and compassionate physician who most recently was Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Dr. Melton passed away on August 2, 2019, at the age of 52 following a car wreck. prgtoken Dr. Melton was born in Florida but made Virginia his home. After studying at Washington and Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Medicine, he served in the United States Army. Following his time in the service, he opened a practice in Lebanon, Russell County. There, he focused intently on the needs of his rural community and developed a specialty for treating addiction. His medical skill and care for his patients earned him recognition by the American Academy of Family Physicians as the Family Physician of the Year in 2011. prgtoken He eventually took on work as an administrator, first as Chief Medical Officer for Mountain States Health Alliance's Virginia facilities and then as Vice President of Medical Education for its northeast and northwest markets. Among his objectives as an administrator, he recognized the need for more physicians to serve Southwest Virginia. To that end, he helped to start a family medicine residency. During his time at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, he won the Servant's Heart Award and furthered his education with a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. prgtoken After serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Health Department, he was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in 2018. As Commissioner, Dr. Melton was able to apply his considerable talent and deep empathy to addressing the mental and prgtoken behavioral health challenges facing Virginians. He traveled the state and worked with public officials, medical professionals, and all invested in our Commonwealth to find answers. Before the tragic car accident, he had been in onburg attending a conference of advocates for Virginians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where he gave a speech and talked with the attendees. prgtoken In addition, Madam , I knew him and talked to him over the years about health challenges in our home of Southwest Virginia, including the opioid crisis. As was typical, I last saw him volunteering his time alongside his wife Dr. Sarah Melton at the Remote Area Medical clinic in Wise on June 29. It is a loss for all the Commonwealth of Virginia and particularly Southwest Virginia. prgtoken He is survived by Sarah, daughters Maggie and Claire, and his father Howard. My prayers are with them. As they grieve the loss of their family member, Virginia grieves the loss of an outstanding public servant.
MARK DALLAS--AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor an American hero and good friend, Officer Mark Dallas, for being named the National Officer of the Year by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. prgtoken On the morning of Wednesday, May 16, 2018, a student open fired inside Dixon High School. Without hesitation, Officer Dallas chased down the gunman and returned fire. He disarmed the shooter and took him into custody. Officer Dallas' selflessness and professionalism saved the lives of hundreds of students and staff, including his own son. prgtoken On August 11, 2019, Officer Dallas will receive this award given to those who protect the thin blue line. Congratulations to Officer Mark Dallas on receiving this momentous award and being enshrined with the other men and women who have devoted their lives to protect the people of the United States. It is my great honor to once again recognize his actions in the House of Representatives.
HONORING KATHERINE RAPP, NATIONAL JUNIOR MISS AGRICULTURE USA
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , it is with great respect and excitement that I rise today to honor Katherine Rapp of Paxinos, Pennsylvania. Katherine is this year's National Junior Miss Agriculture USA. prgtoken Katherine is an exceptional young woman who is incredibly engaged in her community. This Fall, she will attend Danville Area High School and participate in Future Farmers of America and the National Honor Society. At her young age, she has already won Grand and Reserve market hogs at the Bloomsburg Fair and was Grand Champion Market Steer at the Montour-Delong Fair. Given her passion for agriculture, she chose to participate in this year's Miss Agriculture USA competition. I can think of nobody better to promote American agriculture, and our strong Pennsylvania farms and dairies than Katherine. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Katherine on her commitment to agriculture. On behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, and the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate Katherine on her crown and wish her the best in this and all her future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING SHIRLEY COMBS
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ms. Shirley Combs for the lifechanging impact she has made on the homeless community in Toccoa, Georgia. prgtoken Nineteen years ago, Ms. Combs opened Shirley's Sole Food Cafe in Toccoa. It was opening day, and she had just prepared heaps of homemade creamed corn, fried chicken, sweet potato cobbler--every southern food you could ever imagine. Lunchtime rolled around, and she opened her doors with excitement, but there was just one small problem--there wasn't a customer in sight. In an effort to ensure her delicious food didn't go to waste, Ms. Shirley walked out outside, found a homeless man, and told him to round up everyone he knew to come eat. prgtoken Nearly two decades later, and Ms. Shirley is still nurturing the homeless in more ways than one. Each afternoon when her restaurant closes to the general public, a line begins to form at the back door; a line of people looking for a second chance and a full belly. As one of her customers recently said, ``discarded food nourishes the soul of another.'' prgtoken But Ms. Shirley's mission to nourish souls in need doesn't stop there. Listed on her menu is the option to donate to Shirley's Shelter--a 501c3 that has helped over 300 people get off the streets in the last 12 years, which is funded thanks to customer donations and a monthly breakfast. Through Shirley's Shelter, Ms. Shirley maintains three homes for previously homeless men and women who help at the restaurant until they get back on their feet while remaining drug free. Ms. Shirley also works to reconnect them to their families, often distanced due to addiction. prgtoken Reflecting on her restaurant and shelter, Ms. Shirley recently remarked, ``all glory and honor goes to God. We are called to care for the least among us.'' prgtoken Ms. Shirley is certainly caring for the least among us, and in the most beautiful way--by turning her passion of cooking into care and compassion for those less fortunate. On behalf of the Ninth District, I want to thank her for transforming lives in Toccoa and beyond.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MR. ROBERT HERRING
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Robert Spencer Herring, who passed away on Monday, August 5th at the age of 79. prgtoken Robert, a lifelong resident of Guntown, Mississippi, dedicated his life to bettering his community. prgtoken He served Lee County as both the Justice Court Judge and the Sheriff for two terms. Robert was also a former Mayor of Guntown. He and his wife, Jo Ann, attended Guntown First Baptist Church. prgtoken Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jo Ann Robison Herring of Guntown; his sons--Barry Herring of Hattiesburg and Darren Herring of Guntown; his six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as many more family members and friends. prgtoken Robert's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to join East Hill Family Medical in Auburn, New York in recognizing National Health Center Week from August 4, 2019 through August 18, 2019. This week honors the significant impact of Community Health Centers, like East Hill Family Medical, on America's healthcare system. For over 50 years, Community Health Centers have provided high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare services in our nation's underserved communities. prgtoken As the country's largest primary care network, Community Health Centers currently serve 28 million Americans across the country. These centers are a critical element of our healthcare system, providing healthcare to both rural and urban populations. Often, Community Health Centers serve as the only accessible and dependable source of primary care for underserved communities. prgtoken Every day, Community Health Centers work to develop new approaches to healthcare, integrating a wide-range of services beyond just primary care. Further, they are on the frontlines of emerging healthcare crises, providing access to care for our nation's veterans, addressing the opioid epidemic, and responding to public health threats in the wake of natural disasters. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me during National Health Center Week in recognizing the great contributions of East Hill Family Medical in Auburn, New York as well as Community Health Centers across the country.
RECOGNIZING MR. RONALD E. FEILE FOR HIS SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO AMERICA'S SPACE PROGRAM
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , today I rise in recognition of Mr. Ronald E. Feile of Titusville, Florida, a constituent who recently retired after thirty-six years of working at the Kennedy Space Center as an air traffic controller, and, most recently as a lead contractor for the Washington Consulting Group. prgtoken Ronald Feile began his aviation career in the U.S. Army where he served as part of a mobile VFR tower crew in Vietnam from April prgtoken 1970 through November 1971. In 1971, he became control chief of combined tower and radar facility and was placed in charge of training personnel and scheduling logistical supply which was vital to our operation in Vietnam. He also served as flight operations liaison to the South Vietnamese army and earned the Army Commendation Medal. prgtoken Following his military service and service as an air traffic controller with the FAA, Ron was recruited to work on our space program at the Cape serving as the lead Air Traffic Controller for the Shuttle Landing Facility and the Military Radar Unit. In that role, Ron was intimately involved with our Shuttle program, coordinating air and ground support for Shuttle launch and landing events. He also provided his expertise for major satellite and launch payload deliveries. prgtoken Throughout his career, Ron has been awarded NASA's Silver Snoopy Award and NASA's Space Flight Awareness Award. He was also interviewed by NASA as part of its oral history of the Shuttle program. In addition to these honors, he will receive the highest tribute for those in aviation history. Ronald Feile's name will be inscribed in the wall of the Air and Space Museum. Ron's name will join the names of Buzz Aldrin, the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindberg, John Glenn, Ameila Earhart, and countless other pioneers of our aviation history. prgtoken Having worked on our nation's space program as a young man, I have come to know many of the great Americans like Ron who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation and making our space program so successful. I ask Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me and Ron's family, friends, and colleagues at the Washington Consulting Group in recognizing his work and contribution to America's mission in space.
RECOGNIZING PASTOR ROBERT BROWNLEE, SR.
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Pastor Robert Brownlee, Sr. of Louisville, Mississippi. prgtoken On August 25, Pastor Brownlee will be celebrating 30 years in the Gospel Ministry. Pastor Brownlee currently serves at Agape Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi. He previously served at Union Chapel Mission Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi, New Zion Church in Houston, Mississippi, and Bluff Creek Church in Phoebe, Mississippi. prgtoken During his 30 years, Pastor Brownlee has done incredible things for the state. He led his community through Helping Hand Ministries, participated in health fairs, clothing drives, disaster recovery, mentored the youth, organized summer feeding programs, led jailhouse ministry, and led foreign mission trips. prgtoken Pastor Brownlee is a husband, father, and friend to many. I thank him for his many years of service, and I pray that God continues to bless and work through him.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , had I been present, I would have voted: ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 324, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 325, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 326, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 327, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 328, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 329, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 330, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 331, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 332, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 334, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 335, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 336, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 337, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 338, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 339, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 340, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 341, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 342, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 343, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 344, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 345, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 346, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 347, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 348, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 349, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 350, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 351, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 352, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 353, ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 354, and ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 355.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL FINDLEY
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , I would like to honor and remember the life of Congressman Paul Findley, who passed away on August 9, 2019, at age 98. prgtoken Born in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1921, Congressman Findley displayed a natural gravitation towards public service. Congressman Findley graduated from Illinois College in 1943. After finishing his schooling, Congressman Findley served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. prgtoken Following Congressman Findley's service to our country, he returned to Illinois to become the editor and publisher of the Pike Press, in Pittsfield, Illinois. In 1960, Mr. Findley was elected to represent the 20th Congressional District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Findley served eleven terms in Congress. prgtoken While he was a Member of Congress, Mr. Findley served on the Agriculture Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. During his time in Washington, Congressman Findley was known for his outspoken support of civil rights legislation, and as a strong advocate for agriculture in our country. prgtoken We mourn the passing of Congressman Findley, a friend and hero to many. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HARVEYS LAKE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , it is with great appreciation that I rise today to recognize and honor the Harveys Lake Protective Association on its 100 years of service. prgtoken Northeast Pennsylvania is home to an abundance of natural beauty, and chief among the many natural treasures found in the Ninth District is Harveys Lake in Luzerne County. For a century now, the Harveys Lake Protective Association (HLPA) has been a faithful steward of this lake, ensuring it remains a place where friends and families can enjoy and continue to make memories that will last a lifetime. prgtoken We owe a great deal of gratitude to HLPA for conserving the lake, establishing local emergency services, and preserving this peaceful spot in our great Commonwealth. A 1920 record from the Association's meeting reads, ``Nature has given us, in the lake, a most beautiful spot for a summer home. By working together through our Association, we can prevent many things which would tend to mar its attractiveness and can accomplish much in the making it a better place at which to live.'' A testament to HLPA's dedicated efforts, Harveys Lake has retained its beauty every summer and in every season. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I extend my sincerest gratitude to HLPA as we celebrate its centennial anniversary. This great milestone serves as a reminder of all the great work HLPA has done over the last 100 years and the good work it will continue to do to preserve this gem for the next 100 years and beyond.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PRETRIAL SERVICES...
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , today I introduced a bill to require the Directors of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and the District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to reside in the District of Columbia during their tenure. prgtoken CSOSA is an independent federal agency that supervises offenders only in D.C. PSA is an independent agency within CSOSA that supervises defendants only in D.C. This bill would not apply to those already in office upon enactment. prgtoken Congress has justifiably required that certain federal officials live in the jurisdiction they serve to ensure in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges residents and these federal officials face, but federal officials serving the District are not required to do so. This patronizing leftover from when the District was governed by the federal government has real effects on residents. There is no reason that the Directors of CSOSA and PSA, federal agencies that uniquely serve D.C. residents, should not be required to live in the District, engage with local communities and work closely with local officials. Adding residency requirements for federal officials serving the District is a matter of fairness for the residents they serve. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY BOXER EMANUEL ``MANNY'' STEWARD
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Emanuel ``Manny'' Steward, a legend in the sport of boxing. prgtoken After moving to Detroit from Virginia as an adolescent, Steward became interested in boxing, training at Detroit's Brewster Recreation Center before moving on to Kronk Gym. Over the years, he honed his skills as an amateur boxer, but is most well known for his career as one of boxing's most successful coaches. Steward trained countless athletes, including Hilmer Kenty, his first world champion, and most famously, Thomas ``The Hitman'' Hearn. Over the course of his career, Steward trained 41 world champions, and as further testament to his coaching skills, his heavyweights accumulated a remarkable record of 34-2-1 in title fights. Steward's work brought world renown to Kronk Gym and secured Detroit's reputation as an incubator for up and coming boxers. prgtoken Emanuel Steward embodied the true spirit of Detroit--determination, grit, and success through hard work. It is with great honor that I ask you to join with me in honor of his memory and upon the dedication of a street named to recognize his remarkable life and many accomplishments.
NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGE VITALIZATION ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , today, I introduce the Native American Language Vitalization Act, which would help preserve the indigenous languages of the United States through grants to postsecondary institutions to support Native American language education programs and the pipeline of language instructors. prgtoken Native American languages are part of our nation's cultural heritage and are as diverse as the rich cultures of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and the Native peoples of the Pacific U.S. territories. Over the course of our nation's history, Native Americans have faced discrimination and government policies that restricted or banned the use of their indigenous languages. These policies have contributed to the decline in speakers of Native American languages. Without action, many of these languages, from Chamorro to Refaluwasch to Cherokee, are at risk of disappearing. Congress recognized this urgency in passing the Esther Martinez Act in 2006 to strengthen Native American language immersion programs. However, we must do more at the postsecondary level so that future generations have the programs and quality instructors necessary to not only preserve but increase the use of their ancestral languages. prgtoken The Native American Language Vitalization Act invests in indigenous language education by creating a dedicated grant program under the Higher Education Act to provide the resources Native-serving colleges and universities need to develop or strengthen their indigenous language programs. Schools can use the grant to provide in-service training for language teachers, develop curriculum, professional development of faculty, and create innovative programs, including language immersion. Eligible institutions can also partner with other organizations to reach students in early childhood education programs through grade 12. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to help preserve the indigenous languages of the United States for future generations.
ASSYRIAN MEMORIAL DAY
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-8-13

. Madam , I rise to honor the memory of the Assyrian people. On the occasion of Assyrian Memorial Day, we pay our respects to and remember those Assyrians who have lost their lives to genocide and persecution. prgtoken The Assyrian people have faced systematic persecution from the early 20th century to the present day. From 1915 to 1918, 750,000 men, women, and children of Assyrian descent were killed under the Ottoman Empire, while still hundreds of thousands more became homeless and stateless refugees. In the Simele Massacre on August 7, 1933, 3,000 Assyrians were killed at the hands of the then-government of Iraq. In recent years, ISIS committed a brutal genocide against religious and ethnic minorities, including Assyrians, killing thousands of people. prgtoken We will ensure these tragedies are never forgotten. I would like to recognize New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh for his work in highlighting the valuable contributions that members of the Assyrian- American community have made in my state and across the country. We must recall the commitment of the United States to promoting freedom and human rights for all people regardless of their national, religious, or ethnic identity and remain steadfast in our conviction. We must continue to speak out against injustice everywhere and contribute to a world in which all people can live without fear of genocide or persecution.