mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYING TRIBUTE TO MIKE DEAN FOR HIS DECADES OF SERVICE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise to honor the House's lead upholsterer, Mike Dean--a master craftsman from Maryland's Fifth Congressional District whose work has touched the lives of every person who serves the House of Representatives. After nearly four decades of hard work on Capitol Hill, Mike recently announced his well-deserved retirement. prgtoken If you have ever sat on a bench, chair, or sofa in the Capitol, you have benefited from Mike's steadfast commitment to his craft. To Mike, upholstery is an art as much as it is a trade. He and his colleagues do not cut corners. From the ``eight-way tie'' to the ``fox edge,'' Mike and his team have mastered traditional techniques that most people in their field have sacrificed to save time and money. He operates perhaps the most interesting contraption in the Capitol complex: a vintage horsehair picker from the 1930's. Most of the House's furniture contains horsehair that Mike has recycled and fluffed using the picker, and experts at the Smithsonian believe it is the only machine of its kind still in active use today. prgtoken To reupholster just one of the beautiful, century-old Turkish chairs you see around the Capitol, it can take Mike and his team eighty hours of labor and forty pounds of horsehair. Unsurprisingly, the chairs remain just as comfortable today as I imagine they did in Joseph Cannon's time. Although modern techniques and materials would be easier to use, Mike knows that there is no substitute for quality and durability. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we strive to uphold longstanding political and procedural norms and traditions to treat this institution with the reverence it deserves. Mike's work is not so different. He is committed to historical preservation and authenticity because he knows it is the only way to produce and maintain furniture worthy of adorning the People's House. For as long as the Capitol has stood, artisans like Mike have served as its custodians. For that, they will always be a part of its history. prgtoken I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking Mike Dean for his decades of diligent service and in wishing him a happy retirement.''
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF OFFICER DANIEL VASQUEZ
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart and an indescribable sadness. I rise, on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, to honor and celebrate the life of Officer Daniel Vasquez. Our community has lost a remarkable man, one who dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of North Kansas City as a police officer. Officer Vasquez was described by his colleagues as a ``shining star'' in the department, always working with a smile. He worked tirelessly to keep his hometown safe, putting his life on the line each and every day until making the ultimate sacrifice on July 19 of this year, when he was senselessly killed in the line of duty. Officer Vasquez was only 32 years old. prgtoken Daniel was born on January 19, 1990, in North Kansas City. Daniel is the youngest of three children and the first of his Mexican-American family to be born in Kansas City. In his childhood, Daniel's carefree nature led to a variety of interests, ranging from playing the drums in church to tackling kids on the football field. In his adult life, Daniel's free time consisted of playing video games, going to the gym, and trying new restaurants. Officer Vasquez was a loving son, brother, fiance, uncle, and friend; he brought joy to all those who had the great fortune of knowing him. prgtoken Officer Vasquez began his career in security with the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District, serving both Wyandotte County and Jackson County as an ``Avenue Angel.'' In 2019, Daniel continued his service by joining the Kansas City Missouri Police Department as a Detention Officer. Here, Officer Vasquez worked diligently each day in hopes of achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. After years of hard work and perseverance, Daniel joined the police force in January of 2021 and, after completing his training at the KCPD Regional Police Academy with Graduating Class No. 171, he was sworn into office. He embodied the highest standards of ethics each day as he devoted himself to making our community a safer, stronger, and better place to call home. Even with his short time on the force, those he worked with speak highly of Daniel and recount his positive attitude, cheerful spirit, and infectious smile. prgtoken On July 19, 2022, a tragedy ensued, and Daniel's life was cut short by an act of unspeakable violence. When a police officer is slain in the line of duty, the whole community grieves. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Daniel Vasquez. With his passing, Daniel leaves behind a long list of loving family and friends. To his parents, Francisco and Guadalupe, I mourn with you. No parent should outlive their child. I hope that you may find some comfort in seeing the outpouring of love and support Daniel has received. The world now knows what's always been clear to you, that Daniel was a remarkable young man destined for great things. prgtoken The highest form of recognit
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise to offer some additional thoughts in support of our historic legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA or the Act). prgtoken The electric power sector presents unique issues because it is evolving rapidly. Renewable and other low-emitting electricity generation are rapidly replacing coal-fired generation. The costs of the former continue to fall, leaving many of the coal-fired plants that remain in operation with thin profit margins. prgtoken The IRA includes numerous provisions and substantial funding designed to accelerate this transition to clean energy. Of particular relevance, Section 13204 of the IRA creates a new federal tax credit (at Internal Revenue Code Section 45V) for production of clean hydrogen, and Section 13104 extends and increases the federal tax credit (at Internal Revenue Code Section 45Q) for carbon oxide capture, also referred to as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Congress anticipates that while this tax credit will make CCUS more affordable for coal-fired electricity generating plants and will allow some to continue to operate while reducing their GHG emissions, power companies will also continue to choose to retire such plants in favor of cleaner forms of generation. prgtoken The IRA also includes provisions that support EPA rulemaking to reduce GHG emissions from the electric power sector. Congress understands that this rulemaking will have the incidental effect of expediting the transition to clean energy because by requiring fossil fuel-fired power plants to reduce emissions, it will require additional investments by these plants that will not be needed for plants using cleaner forms of generation. In particular, Section 60107 establishes new CAA Section 135 that requires EPA to account for this transition to clean energy in promulgating regulations to reduce GHG emissions. Section 60107(a)(1) through (4) provide EPA $68 million to support actions--such as consumer-related education and technical assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments--to reduce GHG emissions that result from domestic electricity generation and use, and Section 60107(a)(5) provides $1 million for EPA to conduct an assessment of the reductions in GHG emissions that will result from changes in domestic electricity generation and use anticipated to occur on an annual basis through fiscal year 2031. Section 60107(a)(6), as previously noted, provides $18 million for EPA to promulgate additional requirements under its CAA authorities to ensure reductions in GHG emissions, incorporating the assessment under paragraph (5). prgtoken Congress has full confidence that EPA has sufficient expertise to make the assessment under Section 60107(a)(5) and conduct the rulemakings contemplated under Section 60107 through the authority of CAA Section 111 and other CAA provisions. EPA has a long history of action in this sector. In fact, EPA initiated rulemaking to control air
HONORING DETECTIVE JAMIE R. HUNTLEY-PARK
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the late San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Detective Jamie R. Huntley-Park. prgtoken A San Diego native, Detective Huntley-Park grew up in the La Jolla area, where she excelled as a hockey player, going on to play at Elmira College (EC) in New York. At EC, Detective Huntley-Park was a four-year letter winner on the women's ice hockey team. She helped the EC Soaring Eagles win two Eastern College Athletic Conference West titles and reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Tournament three times, including a runner-up finish as a senior in the 2009 national championship game. prgtoken Detective Huntley-Park was honored as a member of the All-ECAC West Second Team after scoring a career-high 40 points (19g-21a) in her senior season. She also spent two seasons as an outfielder on the softball team. As a sophomore in 2007, Detective Huntley-Park started 18 games and recorded nine hits, 14 runs, and a team-high eight stolen bases. Additionally, Detective Huntley-Park earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice. prgtoken In 2012, Detective Huntley-Park enrolled as a recruit in the San Diego Police Academy. It was there where she would meet her future husband, and fellow recruit, SDPD Detective Ryan Park. They married in February of 2016 and were both promoted to homicide detectives on the same day two years later. Detective Huntley-Park went on to work in the SDPD Southern Division, her husband, Detective Park, in the SDPD Homicide Unit. prgtoken Amongst her peers, Detective Huntley-Park was tremendously respected. Her rapid ascent to a homicide detective in the department's Southern Division was a testament to her ability as an officer as well as her desire to serve the public. She gracefully and diligently upheld this promise to her community until her End of Watch on June 4, 2021. prgtoken Detective Huntley-Park also gave back to her community through the sport she loved, coaching and refereeing girl's hockey during her free time. She was a referee for USA Hockey, the International Ice Hockey Federation, and the National Women's Hockey League. She was a role model for many girls and young women in Southern California, she coached several age groups in the San Diego Angels and Jr. Gulls programs. Detective Huntley-Park also made history as part of the first-ever all-female officiating crew for the 2021 National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) season. prgtoken As an official, Detective Huntley-Park had worked for the NWHL since its inaugural season in 2015. She also gained significant experience in big games on the international stage. She officiated three International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championships in 2015, 2016, and 2019, and, before her passing, bad been assigned to work the 2021 championship tournament in August. Detective Huntley-Park was a giving community member who will be remembered for her selflessness and positive character.
HONORING THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in celebration of its 20 years of operation in California's Fifth Congressional District. prgtoken Founded in 2002, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center commemorates Charles M. Schulz, creator of the ``Peanuts'' comic strip, and his artwork. As a longtime Sonoma County resident, Mr. Schulz made a tremendous impact on the community of Santa Rosa, and the museum aims to honor the famed cartoonist himself as well as his comic strip legacy. prgtoken Mr. Schulz, or ``Sparky'' to those who knew him, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1922 and moved to Sonoma County, California in 1958. He passed away in Santa Rosa in 2000 after writing and drawing ``Peanuts'' for almost 50 years. His creations ran in more than 2,600 newspapers and he personally created and drew 17,897 strips, even after a tremor in his hand affected his ability to draw. Along with its 20th anniversary, the museum plans to honor Mr. Schulz's 100th birthday on November 26, 2022, making this an especially eventful year for the institution. prgtoken In the recent years, the museum has worked to represent and diversify exhibits, speakers, and cartoons. The staff hope to honor the memory of Mr. Schulz by encouraging a new generation of cartoon artists from a variety of backgrounds as the museum continues to fulfill its mission to encourage understanding and appreciation of comic strip art. prgtoken In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the museum welcomed more than a dozen professional cartoonists from Sonoma County for a panel discussion and book signings, bringing local talent into the mix of those being represented by the museum. prgtoken Madam , it is evident that the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center has been a meaningful establishment in our community, providing joy and entertainment for so many in our district. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the museum here today.
HONORING THE LIFE OF GARY GUSTAFSON
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Staff Sgt. Gary Gustafson, USAF, Ret. Born on August 16, 1932, Gary peacefully entered the arms of our Lord on August 21, 2022. He was a family man, military veteran, and beloved member of his community. prgtoken Gary was born and raised in the ``Swedish village'' of Kingsburg, California, where he grew up on the banks of the Kings River. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life, building his family home on acreage in the country. He helped operate the Royal Oak Resort family campground business, and he farmed grapes and tree fruit for the Central Valley. Gary was a man of simple tastes and pleasures who immensely valued family and hard work. prgtoken A varsity football player at Kingsburg High School, Gary continued playing football after joining the Air Force, where he served 4 years working on various top-secret projects and assignments. While stationed in Utah, Gary met the love of his life, Elma Lee Kerr, and the two married in April 1955 shortly before Gary retired from military service. The couple moved back to Kingsburg, where they welcomed their two children, Gregg and LeeAnn, into their lives. Gary and Elma Lee shared many wonderful memories together over their 52 years of marriage before Elma Lee suddenly passed and peacefully made her way to our Lord in 2007. prgtoken Gary retained his passion for planes long after his retirement from the Air Force. He spent many years flying his plane to Air Force reunions, where he reminisced with old friends and football buddies. Gary was a man of few words but many actions. He worked tirelessly to support his family and deeply loved his community--he spent nearly his entire life in Kingsburg, where he has left a lasting impression as a hardworking husband, father, and U.S. military veteran. prgtoken He is survived by his companion, Greta Williams, along with his daughter and her husband, LeeAnn and Jim McClusky, as well as six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Gary Gustafson. His service to our country and contributions to the Central Valley will be widely celebrated and long remembered by those who knew and loved him.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF DANIEL H. WHITELEY
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor Chief Danny Whiteley who will soon retire after proudly serving as Poplar Bluff's Police Chief for 22 years. prgtoken Chief Whiteley is the proud husband to Gale Whiteley of 53 years and father to Jason Whiteley and Erika Boucher. Chief Whiteley also has 3 wonderful grandchildren. He has served the community as Mayor Pro Tem and as a member of the Poplar Bluff City Council. Additionally, he has served on the Poplar Bluff School Board, the Public Water District Board, and the Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport Board. Chief Whiteley is currently serving as project director for the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and is on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Police Chiefs' Association. Prior to his career serving the community, he was a professional rodeo athlete and toured the country competing in many events, including bull riding and steer wrestling. prgtoken As the longest-serving police chief in Poplar Bluff history, it is obvious to the Poplar Bluff community that Chief Whiteley loved and took great pride in his job. He has never wavered in his commitment to serving and protecting the town in which he grew up and has always been there for the community during challenging times. He did not limit himself to only working with local law enforcement, but reached out to other law enforcement agencies at the state and federal level to share his prgtoken knowledge and offer his assistance to help make a positive difference in communities far beyond Poplar Bluff. Thanks to his innovative approach and strong leadership, he transformed the Poplar Bluff Police Department into a 21st century law enforcement agency, an achievement that will benefit the city for years to come. prgtoken Chief Whiteley is retiring after successfully moving the police department into their new facility. The residents of Poplar Bluff are sad to see Chief Whiteley go, but also hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. We thank him for over two decades of outstanding service and for selflessly protecting Missouri. I thank Chief Whiteley.
HONORING THE LIFE OF AMEDIO THOMAS FERDINANDI
Connie Conway (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Amedio Thomas ``Tom'' Ferdinandi. Born in 1930 on Valentine's Day, Tom peacefully entered the arms of our Lord on June 23, 2022. He was a family man and charismatic leader who helped and supported many members of our community. prgtoken In 1945, Tom and his younger brother John moved with their parents, John and Natalina (Cicellini) Ferdinandi, to Fresno, where Tom started his sophomore year at the newly built San Joaquin Memorial High School. There, he first met the love of his life, Anna Laura ``Jane'' Ochinero. Jane was a cheerleader at San Joaquin Memorial High School, and Tom was a football player. Tom and Jane married shortly after high school and welcomed four children into their lives, Laura, Tom, John, and David. Tom and Jane would go on to celebrate 72 years of marriage, sharing true love for each other and for their family. prgtoken Over 60 years ago, Tom, with his partner and high school friend Jim DeMera, were selling pizzas from Me-n-Ed's original location in Fresno, as well as from locations in Hanford and in Orange County. They grew the pizzerias from the original three locations to over twenty restaurants by the mid-1980s. Headquartered in Fresno and still family operated, the company now owns, operates and franchises over 60 restaurants under the Me-n-Ed's, Piazza del Pane, and Blast & Brew brands, and is one of the top 50 U.S. pizza chains. The company has been honored with community service and philanthropy awards for its many contributions to schools, churches, hospitals, and other Central Valley non-profits. prgtoken Tom was an avid supporter of numerous community organizations and institutions, including the Fresno State Bulldogs, San Joaquin Memorial High School, Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Saint Agnes Hospital, the Serra Club, Catholic Charities, the Catholic Diocese of Fresno and the Poverello House. He was also a member of the Young Men's Institute and the Italian Catholic Federation, a president of the Serra Club, and a board member of Catholic Charities. prgtoken He is survived by his loving wife Jane Ochinero Ferdinandi; their children and spouses, John and Laura Mahoney, Tom Jr. and Karen Ferdinandi, John and Christine Ferdinandi, and David and Wendy Ferdinandi; and their twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Amedio Thomas ``Tom'' Ferdinandi. His service and contributions to the San Joaquin Valley will long be remembered.
HONORING THE 172ND ANNIVERSARY OF PLEASANT VIEW MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , on September 4 of this year Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, will celebrate 172 years, a major historical milestone by any measure. Established prior to the American Civil War, the church is one of the oldest active historical African-American churches in the Southeast Region of the United States and is the mother church of several churches in the local area. prgtoken In the year 1850, a group of devoted Christians assembled together and organized the church. A bush shelter was constructed on property purchased in Hickory Hall, now known as Calabash, North Carolina. The group agreed to the name Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church. The first pastor was Reverend Bateman. The first ordained deacon was Deacon Sam Satchel. prgtoken For the past ten years, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist has been under the leadership of Pastor Nathan Vereen, who continues the church's legacy of great evangelical outreach, worship and service to the community. While many churches were no longer meeting in person during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pastor Vereen continued worship in person while implementing and maintaining critical safety measures. Pastor Vereen continues to lead the church by prioritizing youth ministry, community outreach, and serving others. prgtoken Since its founding, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist has stood the test of time because of the church's adherence to the Word of God and work to spread the Gospel. The church's foundational roots are held firm by her commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. prgtoken I am proud to represent this dedicated congregation and the leadership of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in the U.S. House of Representatives. One hundred seventy-two years of Godly worship, instruction and service is a notable achievement in our country's history. May God continue to bless this church, her members, and outreach for years to come.
CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BONHAM, TEXAS
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-8-26

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonham, Texas. Since its founding on the third Sunday in August of 1872, it has continued to deliver exceptional worship services to the people of Bonham and Fannin County. prgtoken The great state of Texas was granted statehood only 27 years prior to the First Presbyterian Church's establishment. Since then, it has served as a safe place of worship and focal point of the community. Its members have organized many charitable events including food drives and back-to-school initiatives. prgtoken I have no doubt that every man, woman, and child of First Presbyterian are upstanding citizens who wish to preserve the word of Christ. First Presbyterian exemplifies our Nation's resolve and has helped countless individuals through difficult times. I am honored to recognize their anniversary and devotion to God on the floor of the House of Representatives. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the First Presbyterian Church's contributions to the Bonham community, and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring them today. I thank them, and God Bless.