mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL NATHAN E. COOK II
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-6-8

today I honor a superb leader, liaison, and soldier for his tireless commitment to the U.S. Army, which includes 2 years of service with the Army Office of the Legislative Liaison, as the chief of the Army's Senate Liaison Division. As COL Nathan E. Cook II prepares to retire after 28 years of dedicated and distinguished service to our Nation, I believe it is fitting to recognize his exceptional service and relationship with this Chamber. prgtoken Colonel Cook's congressional liaison assignment is only the capstone to what has been an outstanding career of service to the Army and our Nation. Colonel Cook is a 1993 graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point. He was commissioned into the Army as a field artillery officer and has served in command and staff positions from the tactical to the strategic level in the 2d Armored Division, 4th Infantry Division, 8th Army, 3d Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division, Headquarters Resolute Support, and Headquarters Department of the Army. He has led our Nation's soldiers during multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, OPERATION NEW DAWN, and OPERATION RESOLUTE SUPPORT. Likewise, he commanded our soldiers in combat as the commander of the 3d Battalion, 82d Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Hood, TX, and the 75th Field Artillery Brigade from Fort Sill, OK. Prior to his assignment as the chief of the Army's Senate Liaison Division, he served as the senior advisor to the Afghan Minister of Defense, where he provided timely and critical advice across the Ministry of Defense and the NATO coalition. The Army has continuously relied upon Colonel Cook for his exceptional leadership and unparalleled work ethic throughout his career. prgtoken Over the course of the last few years, Colonel Cook's tireless efforts proved invaluable in broadening the understanding of Members and staff on Army priorities, policies, and initiatives that ultimately provided resources and authorities for the Army and enhanced trust and confidence across the Senate. He managed all of this while leading and managing numerous congressional delegations to various locations around the world. Colonel Cook has become a trusted adviser and friend to many of us, distinguishing himself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress. prgtoken This Chamber will feel Colonel Cook's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Colonel Cook for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support. There is no doubt that the strength of our soldiers comes from their families. Colonel Cook's strength comes from his wife Traci and his two sons, Nathan and Joshua. This Nation is grateful for their commitment and personal sacrifices made throughout Colonel Cook's career. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. Senate and the United States of America, I commend Colonel Cook f
HONORING SHEILA TRACY
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Sheila Tracy. After serving 28 years, Sheila Tracy is retiring from her position as President of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken With the help of Sheila's leadership, the Northland Regional Chamber has continued to advocate for the needs of constituents in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District and the Northland of Kansas City. Sheila and the Chamber have worked on several large projects to benefit the Northland and my district. Sheila has spent countless hours working to move projects forward that would benefit my constituents, most recently the Buck O'Neil Bridge. prgtoken I am honored to have collaborated with Sheila during her time as President of the Northland Regional Chamber. Her professionalism and dedication to the Northland and prgtoken my constituents was a great example of collaboration between local, state and federal leadership. While the Northland Regional Chamber is losing an incredible leader, I am excited for Sheila to begin the next chapter of her life. prgtoken Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Sheila Tracy for her years of service to the people of the Northland and Missouri's Sixth Congressional District. I know Sheila's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her the best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.
CONGRATULATING KIARA STRAYHORN FOR WINNING TWO STATE TITLES AT THE CLASS 5 TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kiara Strayhorn for winning two state titles at the Class 5 Track and Field Championship. prgtoken Kiara earned a total of twenty-eight points out of the thirty points the Capital City Lady Cavaliers put on the board. Strayhorn should be commended for her hard work and dedication throughout this past year. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing Kiara Strayhorn for a job well done.
TRIBUTE TO ZACHARY ZAMPELLA
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-8

I recognize Zachary Daniel Zampella, who, after 12 years of serving the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate, has moved on to new opportunities. I thank him for his years of hard work with my office. prgtoken Zach began his time with my office as a caseworker specializing in military and veterans administration issues before becoming my regional director for Southwest Florida in 2012. He returned to my Orlando office in 2015, serving as deputy director of constituent services. prgtoken During his time with my office, Zach mentored several of my staffers, played a key role in my Constituent Services Department and disaster relief efforts, and drafted office correspondence. He also assisted veterans with their issues pertaining to the Department of Veteran Affairs and worked with other various Federal, State, and local government agencies. prgtoken In 2017, he assisted residents affected by Hurricane Irma, working our Recovery Assistance Center events held in the hardest hit cities across Florida. In 2018 and 2019, he made several trips to the panhandle region after Hurricane Michael's devastation. He walked door- to-door to assist constituents and provided valuable assistance in the region. prgtoken Zach grew up in Orlando, FL, graduating with his bachelor's degree in history and master's degree in business administration from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. After graduation, he interned for Senator Mel Martinez, later joining his staff in 2008. He also worked for Senator George LeMieux before joining my staff in 2011. prgtoken Zach's work for my constituents for my office made a real difference over the years. I am grateful for his dedicated service to the people of Florida and extend my best wishes to Zach on his future endeavors.
Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks Act (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2021-6-8

I rise today to applaud the swift, unanimous Senate passage last night of the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks Act, or the HAVANA Act. This bill will provide much needed assistance to the employees of the Intelligence Community, the State Department, and other Federal Agencies who have suffered from often debilitating brain injuries at the hands of our foreign adversaries. Too often, these injured public servants have had to battle the bureaucracy to receive the medical care they desperately require. prgtoken I am very pleased today to be joined on the Senate floor by the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Warner. He has been relentless in his pursuit of care for these injured public servants who risk their lives for us, who serve in difficult and dangerous environments. Senator Warner and the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Rubio, and Senator Shaheen of New Hampshire worked with me to draft the bill that the Senate unanimously cleared last night. prgtoken We are very pleased that the following Senators cosponsored our legislation: Senators Cornyn, Bennet, Burr, Gillibrand, Blunt, Heinrich, Sasse, Feinstein, Cotton, King, Risch, Durbin, Scott, Menendez, Blumenthal, and Hassan. I mentioned those cosponsors to show the breadth of concern in the Senate about these injured employees. prgtoken For several years, American personnel serving our country in Cuba, China, and elsewhere have experienced unexplained, serious medical harm, including, in some cases, permanent brain injuries. Their conditions are believed to be the consequence of a mysterious, directed energy weapon used by an adversary. prgtoken As we investigate the source of previous attacks and seek to prevent future ones, the bill that passed the Senate last night would provide additional medical care and financial compensation to Americans who continue to experience debilitating symptoms as a result of these heinous attacks. prgtoken The injuries that many of these victims have endured are significant and life-altering. I have talked with many of these victims. They have described debilitating headaches, a loss of vision, a decreased ability to hear, dizziness, and many other symptoms as well, including a decline in their cognitive abilities. In some cases, they have been forced to medically retire. In other cases, they somehow continue on while coping with these symptoms. prgtoken I have spoken several times to CIA Director Burns and the Director of National Intelligence, Haines, about these attacks, and I am heartened by the commitments that they have made to me and to other members of the Senate Intelligence Committee to care for the victims and to identify the perpetrators and the weapon used in these attacks. prgtoken We can speculate. We have our suspicions. But the fact is, we do not know exactly what the weapon is nor who is wielding it. We need a whole-of
IN RECOGNITION OF FRAYDUN MANOCHERIAN
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise to recognize Fraydun Manocherian on the 75-year anniversary of his immigration to the United States from Tehran, Iran and for his steadfast dedication to and impactful advocacy for automobile safety. Mr. Manocherian is also a successful entrepreneur embodying the American Dream with his wife Jennifer, their five children, and 13 grandchildren. prgtoken In 1932, Fraydun Manocherian emigrated to the United States at the age of 14 with his mother and brother. He soon became an entrepreneur pursing the American Dream, starting his first business venture in high school by buying and selling used cars. Then, while attending New York University, he turned his sights to New York's skyline--embarking on his career in real estate development. prgtoken He acquired three adjacent five-story walk up buildings in Manhattan for $15,000 a piece which he then redeveloped. During the 1960's and 1970's, Mr. Manocherian was one of the most prolific developers in Manhattan. In the 1980's he expanded his ventures nationwide through real estate investments and high-rise developments, among a multitude of other enterprises. He was the originator of the mega-health-club concept, opening the first New York Health & Racquet Club in 1973, followed by ten additional Manhattan locations. He also developed The Kimberly Suite Hotel in midtown Manhattan in 1985, and has since acquired other hotels which he still personally oversees. prgtoken However, among all this success, Mr. Manocherian is, at his core a public servant and philanthropist. And it is for his accomplishments in automobile safety that I, his family, and all Americans are most proud. prgtoken In 1951, two of Mr. Manocherian's high school friends were killed by a drunk driver. At the age of nineteen, he turned his grief into activism and became an advocate for federal funding of public education in traffic safety. After learning that automobile accidents were the number one killer of all young adults aged 16-25 years old, and the number one cause of physical disabilities--causing agonizing tragedy and grief for countless families, a 19-year-old Mr. Manocherian sent a telegram to President Eisenhower. The President arranged a meeting with Senator Irving Ives. prgtoken He continued meeting with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to urge President Eisenhower's Committee on Traffic Safety to begin a national mass media educational program. While his determined efforts and countless contributions were impressive, he was not satisfied with the speed of progress. In 1962, he founded the National Road Safety Foundation with the purpose of reducing the 55,000 auto related fatalities every year. In 1970, he wrote Flesh, Metal, and Glass, a book on auto safety. Over the past 50 years, more than two million copies of Mr. Manocherian's book have been distributed free to thousands of high schools and drivers' education programs across the country. The publication has
CORONAVIRUS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-8

for over a year now, people worldwide have experienced immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss. This pandemic has tested each and every one of us in ways that we didn't know possible. prgtoken But perhaps no one has been more tested than our Nation's frontline, essential healthcare workers. They, like so many other frontline workers, did not have the option to telework, to socially distance, to remain in their homes, with their families, while the coronavirus ravaged our communities--no, just the opposite. They showed up more than ever before. prgtoken Not only did our Nation's doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals put their own health concerns aside to treat COVID patients, they continued to see all their other patients who couldn't afford to delay treatment, the heart attack and stroke victims, the chemotherapy and dialysis patients, the pregnant moms and new babies, people who had been involved in car accidents or were victims of gun violence. prgtoken When the rest of the world was being encouraged to stay home and avoid interactions with people, our medical providers continued to report to hospitals, community health centers, doctor's offices. They did so even when they weren't provided the proper personal protective equipment. They did so even when it meant that they had to quarantine from their own families. They did so even when it meant extra shifts on little to no sleep. They did so even when it meant spending each day watching dying patients say their final goodbyes to loved ones over Zoom. And they did so even when, in the midst of all of this, they were subjected to racism, sexism, and hate. prgtoken An essay that appeared in the New York Times last month detailed one doctor's experience. Dr. Chaya Bhuvaneswar--a female, Asian-American, Boston-area physician--recalled an incident last April, when a patient spit on her and said she ``brought the sickness.'' prgtoken Anti-Asian bigotry is, sadly, nothing new in this country, and the rise of it during COVID was certainly fueled by our former President, who seemed to delight in coining hateful, racist terminology to describe the coronavirus. Like so many others, our healthcare providers, whether they are Asian American or African American, or members of other minority groups, are subjected to racism, simply in the course of doing their jobs. prgtoken Racism is inexcusable always, but imagine how much worse it must have felt this past year, risking your life every single day to help a nation in the midst of a deadly pandemic, only to be subjected to racial slurs, offensive stereotypes, and vile actions. If this past year has taught us anything, it is that our Nation still has a long way to go on issues of race and immigration. prgtoken Consider this: One in six healthcare and social service workers are immigrants. Yet our broken immigration laws prevent many immigrants from contributing more fully to the battle against the pa
IN RECOGNITION OF THE POPE FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL BOYS ICE HOCKEY TEAM
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Pope Francis Preparatory School Boys Ice Hockey Team on winning the 2021 U.S.A. Hockey High School Division I National Championship. This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for the hard work and dedication of these exemplary athletes and coaches. Despite the countless challenges posed by this unprecedented season, the perseverance and commitment to success demonstrated throughout the year led their team to victory on the biggest stage in high school hockey. prgtoken The 2021 U.S.A. Hockey High School Division I Tournament brought twelve of the most elite high school hockey teams from across the country to compete for this year's National Championship. Members of the Pope Francis Boys Ice Hockey Team not only performed with exceptional mental and physical fortitude, but also displayed remarkable sportsmanship and character on their path to victory. They represented the First District of Massachusetts with great honor and distinction, and I am confident that the lessons learned during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will serve these young men well in their future endeavors. prgtoken The Pope Francis Boys Ice Hockey Team was led by their Head Coach, Brian Foley, who has provided crucial guidance and instrumental mentorship to his young athletes both on and off the ice over the past eighteen seasons. Coach Foley was assisted by Assistant Coaches Steve Ashe, Tim Keeney, and Dan Fenton, and the victorious student athletes are Matt Hanscom, Zach Buffone, Jack Moltenbrey, Jacob Iby, Ryan Hemenway, Ryan Leonard, Brandon Spaulding, Colin Foyle, Evan Phaneuf, Drew Bolduc, Jack Kennedy, Ryan Shaw, Bryce Russ, Joey DiMichele, Stephen Rougeot, Jack Turowsky, Matt Burke, Derek Rhodes, Ryan O'Leary, Ryan Rhodes, Ben Zaranek, and Josh Iby. prgtoken Madam , I would like to once again acknowledge the Pope Francis Preparatory School Boys Ice Hockey Team for their superb achievement. I am proud of this group and I wish them much continued success.
HONORING ROBERT EIKLEBERRY AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Robert ``Mongo'' Eikleberry, as a longtime LGBTQ advocate, business owner, community leader during this Pride Month. prgtoken Robert served in the Vietnam War as a young man, where he was given the nickname ``Mongo'', When he returned home in 1972, he began working as a senior electrician as well as working at bars. Here, Robert saw that while gay bars were some of the only places LGBT individuals could openly be themselves, many establishments weren't uplifting the causes of the LGBT community. Robert realized he should open a business in Des Moines that would provide philanthropic support to multiple causes impacting his community. prgtoken Robert opened the Blazing Saddles in Des Moines in 1983, 38 years ago, which is now the oldest gay bar in the Midwest. Robert's work has allowed him to create charities, such as the All Iowa AIDs Benefits to support Iowans suffering from HIV/AIDS during the height of the epidemic, as well as helping fundraise to support the needs of LGBT Iowans. Robert founded the Imperial Court of Iowa which funds educational scholarships for high school students and adult education seekers. He's known to pitch in for causes like voter education and advocacy, equal rights, and much more. Robert has always made sure his employees at the Blazing Saddles were paid competitive wages and had job protection to be themselves, protection that would not be given to most LGBT workers until 2020. prgtoken In his over 40 years of activism, Robert has come face-to-face with hate and discrimination right here in Iowa. His bar had their windows smashed, flags burned, received threatening letters, and various other acts of vandalism over the years. ``You can't make fear a part of your life'', he said, reflecting on that fact that the fight for LGBT equality has historically been met with violence and intimidation. ``But they can't scare us back into closet'' he said with a chuckle. Although LGBT equality has made strides recently, Robert has said there is still more work to do. ``Everyone needs a place to be themselves'' he said. prgtoken His bar was named after the 1974 movie, Blazing Saddles, where a plucky group of immigrants, railroad workers, white townsfolk, and a black Sheriff who pull together to save their town for those who wish them harm and in turn, live safely together. A fitting name indeed. Please join me in honoring Robert ``Mongo'' Eikleberry as our Iowan of the Week as we celebrate Pride this month.
HONORING THE LIFE OF COL. DICK LITTLESTONE
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Colonel Richard ``Dick'' Littlestone, United States Army retired--a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated advocate for veterans from California's 33rd Congressional District. Colonel Littlestone passed away on May 15, 2021 at the age of 97. prgtoken Colonel Littlestone was born on September 23, 1923 in Evanston, Illinois and moved with his family to California at a young age. He attended and graduated from Los Angeles High School and was drafted into the Army a couple years later. While there, he was chosen to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated in 1947. prgtoken Colonel Littlestone married his wife Doris in 1948. They moved to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1972 and raised three children, Richard, Nanette and Mark. They resided in the Palisades for 49 years. Doris and Dick were married for almost 73 years. prgtoken Colonel Littlestone was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He served in the United States Army for 33 years and received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and more than a dozen other honors. prgtoken Through the G.I. Bill, he earned several advanced degrees and said that as a result, he had a wonderful career in the Army. prgtoken After his time in the service, Colonel Littlestone taught at West Point for several years and later served as Chair and Professor of the Department of Military Science and Associate Director of the Computers and Information Systems Research Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. prgtoken Colonel Littlestone believed deeply in duty, honor, and country, but went beyond that to serve his community and when he retired, this became his passion. Colonel Littlestone dedicated his time towards advocating for local veterans and fighting for improvements in his community. He said it was his service in three wars, and all the Army provided him, that drove his continued involvement and advocacy. prgtoken Colonel Dick Littlestone was the driving force behind the creation of the Los Angeles National Cemetery's new and expanded columbarium, a 4.4-acre project on the West Los Angeles VA Campus that would go on to house the remains of over 90,000 veterans and their family members. For 22 years he championed this cause to ensure more veterans in the region could be laid to rest closer to their families and homes. The process was a labor of love and he prodded and cajoled several Secretaries of Veterans Affairs for years, knocking down one hurdle after another. His final achievement was to see the completion and dedication of the columbarium at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, which took place in October 2019. prgtoken Colonel Littlestone was honored in 2015 with the first-ever Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' Veterans Lifetime Achievement Award. He was more recently recognized for his service to the country when named Los