mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LANCE CORPORAL DAVID LEE ESPINOZA, LANCE CORPORAL JUAN RODRIGO RODRIGUEZ & SERGEANT ROBERTO ARIZOLA JR. POST OFFICE BUILDING
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-1-29

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin) for yielding. In addition, I thank both Mr. Raskin and Mr. Donalds for speaking about these three heroes from Laredo. prgtoken Madam , this bill honors the lives of Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza, Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez, and Sergeant Roberto Arizola, Jr who gave their lives for our Nation. This bill will rename the Del Mar Post Office in Laredo, Texas, which will honor these heroes' sacrifices. prgtoken Although words and actions cannot replace these brave individuals, dedicating this post office honors their legacies. prgtoken Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza was born on July 10, 2001, in Laredo, Texas, but lived in nearby Rio Bravo, Texas, all his life. He graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 2019. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps. prgtoken On August 26, 2021, during the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Espinoza was one of the 13 servicemembers killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was only 20 years old. prgtoken Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez lived in El Cenizo, a town near Laredo, where he attended United South High School and was involved in Junior ROTC. He led his group to a Junior ROTC national championship in 1998. prgtoken After graduating from high school in 2000, he joined the United States Marine Forces Reserve. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Division, Corpus Christi, Texas. On January 13, 2005, Lance Corporal Rodriguez died in action while conducting combat operations in the Anbar Province in Iraq. He was only 23 years of age. prgtoken Sergeant Roberto Arizola was born December 11, 1973, in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from high school in 1992 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1996. He was assigned to the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, Georgia. prgtoken Sergeant Arizola had been a Border Patrol agent taking care of our borders in Laredo, Texas, before he was deployed to Iraq in May of 2004. On June 8, 2005, a day before he was scheduled to return from Iraq, Sergeant Arizola was killed in an explosion near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He was only 31 years of age. prgtoken Through this dedication, we ensure that their heroic legacy remains engraved in the hearts of our community, a lasting tribute to their selfless service and courage. prgtoken Madam , I thank not only these brave soldiers but all the veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. We would not be here without them.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND ADVOCACY OF STEPHANIE BARBER-GETER
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-29

today I am honored to recognize a community activist and dependable leader on Buffalo's East Side, Stephanie Barber-Geter. As the longtime chairwoman of Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC), she was a shining light and inspiration to anyone with a vision of a better future for the City of Buffalo. prgtoken A Hamlin Park resident, Stephanie Barber-Geter was the steady hand behind numerous community development projects. She directed the Head Start Partnership at SUNY Buffalo State College, served as the senior vice president of United Way of Buffalo & Eric County, served as board chair of Elim Community Corp, and president of the Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers Association. Most notably, her efforts were the driving force behind the decision to restore the Humboldt Parkway community. In 2022 and 2023, aftel tireless years of advocacy and hard work, New York State and the federal government announced plans to re- imagine the Kensington Expressway. Stephanie recognized that urban landscape has the power to hurt or to heal; she saw the Kensington Expressway for what it was--a destruction of a thriving community in Buffalo. Just last March, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Buffalo to affirm that she had it right all along. The United States government has unequivocally backed Stephanie's vision in both words and resources. prgtoken Stephanie Barber-Geter embodied everything that is good about our city and its people. She dedicated her time and expertise to countless organizations in the pursuit of a better Buffalo. I trust that the Kensington project, along with many others that Stephanie played a critical role, will continue to transform Western New York in her absence. To her husband, Edwin, and all her loved ones, she will be sorely missed. But for the people of Buffalo's East Side, Stephanie will be remembered as not only a fixture of the community, but as their champion who delivered tangible results.
THE PROGRAM INC.
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-1-29

I rise to recognize and congratulate The Program Inc a mentorship program in our Ninth District of Ohio that exists to provide an opportunity for young boys to develop their social and life skills. prgtoken The program leads them to learn and deal effectively with the demands of everyday life. The organization's Tie Event paints a vivid picture of young boys finding guidance and inspiration in the absence of father figures. prgtoken Tramain Rayford, the CEO and cofounder, is committed to being that crucial figure for other young men. The Tie Event started with the simple act of teaching young boys how to tie a tie. prgtoken As Mr. Rayford reflects on what young men need, he emphasizes attributes of respect. Each boy receives a tie and learns to tie it. The young men are guided by 18-year-old Mr. Kyree King, whose 5-year journey with the organization transformed not just his skills but his self-respect and confidence. prgtoken In essence, The Program Inc.'s commitment to mentorship transcends the practicality of tying a tie. It becomes a narrative of personal growth and self-confidence and achieves the profound impact of positive mentorship on young lives.
DR. MARGARET B. HILL POST OFFICE BUILDING
Pete Aguilar (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-29

. Madam , I thank the ranking member and the majority for working with us on this bill. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1060, which would rename the Del Rosa Post Office in San Bernardino after Dr. Margaret B. Hill. prgtoken Dr. Hill was truly the heartbeat of San Bernardino. Her life was marked by an unparalleled commitment to both community in the classroom and beyond. Through her compassion, her dedication, and her generosity, she changed countless lives for the better. prgtoken As an educator and advocate, she ushered in positive change and steered students in the right direction for a brighter future. She was called the North Star for the San Bernardino County community when it came to issues of poverty, homelessness, race, and foster youth. prgtoken After decades in the classroom as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, she retired but still found time to serve as an educator before she became elevated to serve as an elected school board member. prgtoken For Dr. Hill, there was simply no task that was beneath her when it came to helping students. Her tutelage has shaped our community in profound ways leaving an enduring legacy that transcends time. prgtoken I am so proud to lead this bill to enshrine her legacy in San Bernardino. I hope it will remind all of us in the years to come that we must continue to carry forward that legacy. I was honored to know her and work with her, and this will ensure that future generations will recognize and appreciate the impact that Dr. Hill had on our community. prgtoken Madam , I urge adoption of this bill.
HONORING LUCIEL BOLES-WILSON
Ritchie Torres (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-29

Luciel Boles-Wilson (Ponder) was born in the Boogie Down Bronx to Nelson and Estelle Ponder on August 28, 1947. Growing up she loved math and upon graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1965 she went to work her first job as an assistant at MetLife Insurance New York. After a year of working there, she spent the next thirty years working as a project manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield. During that time, she experienced so many rich moments. prgtoken She met her first husband, Russell M. Boles, Sr. and had two children, Bonita Ponder and Russell M. Boles, Jr. She would then get divorced, become a Grandmother and raise her first Grandchild, Walter J. Redden with the help of her second husband Austin Wilson. She would have many grandchildren, Russell Boles, Randolph Davis, Donovan Hines, Nia Boles, Russia Boles but because of special circumstances she raised her first grandchild as her own. prgtoken She stopped working in 1996 due to complications with breast cancer. But she still has so much more love to share and give. So, she started a business from her Co-Op City apartment named Walter's Grandmother Daycare and After School Program where she would nurture the kids in her community. She even became the PTA president of middle school 181 while her grandson was studying there. prgtoken Once her grandson was secure enough on his own, she moved to Nereid Ave and quickly became a frequent visitor of the R.A.I.N. Nereid Center. Then soon she would frequent all the R.A.I.N Centers in the Bronx. She became an active member of United Christian Baptist Church and went to every event there ever was in the Bronx. prgtoken So many people had so many kind words for Miss Luciel. Senator Bailey called her a mother figure and a light in the community. District Attorney Clark said that Luciel personified the Bronx with her community service. Heastie called her the heart and soul of the Bronx. prgtoken I want to close by echoing the words of Borough President Vanessa Gibson, ``Luciel Boles-Wilson, the life of the party, a great friend, a wonderful Mother and Grandmother, someone you can always count on to cheer you up, make you smile and light up the room with her presence.'' prgtoken Let us keep the family in our hearts, and may she rest easy.
INTRODUCTION OF THE UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ACT OF 2024
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-1-29

today, I introduce the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2024, which would establish and expand prekindergarten programs in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-old children. prgtoken This bill seeks a breakthrough in public education by providing funding for states to add prekindergarten for children at three and four years of age, like the kindergarten programs for five-year-olds now routinely available in public schools. This bill would eliminate major shortcomings of unevenly available day care and, importantly, would take advantage of the safe facilities required in public schools. prgtoken This bill would provide federal funds to states, which would be matched by at least 20 percent of a state's own funds, to establish or expand universal, voluntary prekindergarten in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-olds, regardless of income. The classes, which would be full-day and run throughout the entire school year, would be taught by teachers who possess equivalent or similar qualifications to those teaching other grades in the school. The funds would supplement, not supplant, other federal funds for early childhood education. The unique, money-saving aspect of this bill is that it would use existing public-school infrastructure and trained teachers to make early childhood education available to all, saving billions of dollars in implementation costs. prgtoken The success of Head Start and other prekindergarten programs, combined with scientific evidence on the importance of brain development in early childhood, virtually mandates the expansion of early childhood education to all children. Early learning programs have been available only to the affluent, who can afford them, and to some low-income families in programs such as Head Start, which would be unaffected by this bill. This bill is a practical way to create universal, public prekindergarten. The goal of this bill is to provide the benefits of early childhood education to those who have been left out of this essential education. prgtoken We cannot afford to allow the most fertile years for childhood development to pass unenriched. This bill responds both to the great needs of parents who seek early childhood education and neuroscience, which shows that a child's brain development begins much earlier than had been previously understood. prgtoken Considering the staggering cost of day care, the inaccessibility of early childhood education and the opportunity that early education offers to improve a child's chances of success, schooling for three- and four-year-olds is overdue. The absence of viable options for working families demands our immediate attention. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
DEFEND DEMOCRACY AGENDA
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-1-29

I love this country, as so many here do. I remain as committed to it today as I was when I entered the Naval Academy as a 17-year-old. Through my voting rights, election security, and cybersecurity security work at Pitt Cyber and the Brennan Center, I know, like others, that the threats to this beautiful and fragile democracy of ours are serious. prgtoken In this very Chamber on January 6, insurrectionists attacked the people's government, spurred on by lies and conspiracy. Every patriotic American understands that government of, by, and for the people is a lot stronger than the guns and threats of extremists. prgtoken With antidemocratic forces on the rise, Congress needs an all-hands- on-deck approach to protecting our Constitution. prgtoken That is why, today, I launched my defend democracy agenda, a three- part policy roadmap to strengthen American democracy. Public trust is central, so my agenda starts with a critical slate of policies to try and earn back that trust. prgtoken I hope all with a love of country will join me in supporting these anticorruption, transparency, and reform measures for Congress and for political campaigns.
RECOGNIZING ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-29

I rise to recognize the 100-year anniversary of the Anderson Center for Autism. prgtoken In 1924, the Anderson Center for Autism, founded by psychiatrist Victor V. Anderson, was created to enhance, and optimize the quality of life for individuals who are born with autism as well as their families. prgtoken By developing an integrated educational system that helped children with their emotional and social needs, Dr. Anderson developed a nationally renowned autism service agency to support the community around the world. prgtoken Through the development of new technologies and practices to help with autism services, individuals can thrive and take advantage of this beautiful campus. prgtoken During the commencement ceremony in 1944, First-Lady Eleanor Roosevelt addressed the community and the center's 14 graduates. During her speech, Roosevelt left the community with three quotes; ``Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one,'' ``You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage,'' and ``You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.'' These quotes still resonate today as the center succeeds in staying true to its founding and I wish the center the best of luck in the next 100 years.
DOSAN AHN CHANG HO POST OFFICE
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-29

. Madam , I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank both the chairman and the ranking member for their support in finding a path to get this bill to the floor. prgtoken I am honored to represent L.A.'s Koreatown, home of the largest Korean-American community in any congressional district in our country. prgtoken This legislation not only honors one of the first Korean-American immigrants in the United States and a key figure in the Korean independence movement, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, it celebrates every Korean American who makes our country what it is today. prgtoken Ahn Chang Ho, also known by his pen name, Dosan, was a pivotal early leader in the Korean-American community, immigrating to the United States with his wife as the first married couple from Korea to do so; founding early Korean-American community groups; and laying the groundwork for the last 121 years of Korean-American contributions. prgtoken Dosan was also a celebrated Korean independence activist, who helped author the South Korean national anthem, advocated for social reform, served as a leader of the provisional government, and played a key role in the opposition of the Japanese occupation of Korea. prgtoken He was the father of trailblazing Korean-American actors: Philip Ahn, Philson Ahn, and Ralph Ahn; and his daughter, Susan Ahn Cuddy, was the first Asian-American woman to join the U.S. Navy, and she was an important leader in the post-World War II national security community. prgtoken Dosan was a pioneer in American history, and his story deserves to be told. prgtoken The post office in the heart of Koreatown where he rose to become one of first leaders of the Korean-American community and where he founded the first Korean organization in the continental United States will ensure this important piece of history is shared with generations to come. prgtoken The Korean-American story is the American story, and we must ensure this community receives the recognition and support they deserve. prgtoken I am proud this measure to name our post office after Dosan Ahn Chang Ho is on the floor of the House today, and I look forward to the day when this redesignation is officially signed into law by the President.
TRIBUTE TO NATHAN DILLER
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-29

. Mr , I rise to pay tribute to Nathan Diller for his exemplary dedication and service to our nation. Over the past year, Nate has been a key asset to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Prior to this, Nate--known then as Colonel Diller--had a distinguished career as an Airman in our United States Air Force. prgtoken A proud Texan and graduate of the Air Force Academy, Nate received his commission as a United States Air Force officer in 2000. A pilot with over 2,800 flying hours. Nate flew over 60 different aircraft, was a combat F-16 instructor, instructed at the Air Force Test Pilot School, and held many other positions that bolstered the careers of countless Airmen. prgtoken After receiving his wings, Nate was deployed to the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base in South Korea where he was responsible for the Korean Peninsula F-1 6 war plans. In 2006, he was identified as the top F-16 wingman at the squadron. Due to his success with this important mission, Nate was then sent to Shaw Air Force Base. Here he served as the executive officer to the Commander, was a flight instructor, led flights for theater security package deployments, and engaged in operational flight tests with the United States Army. Yet again. Nate showed his ability to excel, being named the top company grade officer of the 20th Fighter Wing. prgtoken Next, Nate was sent to his hardship tours--the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and the French Test Pilot School in Toulouse and Itres, France. Here, Nate gained language and flight experience with a close ally in a wide array of aircraft. prgtoken After barely making it through these assignments, Nate dove headfirst into assignments that would shape the rest of his career as an Airman. In the following years, Nate was assigned to the Air Force's Science Advisory Board, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Joint Staff, the White House Office of Science and Technology, the Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office, the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office, and later as the proud Director of AFWERX. At AFWERX, he was the lead change agent for the Air Force and was responsible for the largest small business innovation budget in the federal government. prgtoken Over these years, he also somehow found time to lead flight tests and operations for the F-35 and the F-16, serve as the commander of the 586th Flight Test Squadron, and work on many classified programs. He also is perhaps the most educated person I have come to know. His degrees include bachelor's degrees in Physics and Humanities from the United States Air Force Academy, a master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, a master's degree in International Security and Political Economy from Harvard, a master's degree in Flight Test Engineering from Institut Superieur de I'Aeronautique et de l'Espace, and a master's degree from the National
ENFORCEMENT OF BORDER SECURITY LAWS
Nick LaLota (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-1-29

Congress writes the laws, and the executive branch enforces them. prgtoken Let me say that again, . Congress writes the laws, and the executive branch enforces them. prgtoken At least that is what we teach our kids, and that has been the norm throughout our Nation's history. Yet President and Secretary Mayorkas have refused to enforce our Nation's border security laws. prgtoken Now, as House s are poised to impeach Secretary Mayorkas for his willful and systematic refusal to enforce our Nation's border security laws, President feigns that Congress must pass even more border security laws before he can act. prgtoken It is a sad attempt to shift blame, . If the President truly wanted to secure our border, by a stroke of a pen, he could reinstate remain in Mexico. President could cancel the mass parole of unvetted migrants into the United States. He could cease repositioning border agents away from the border, and he could resume border wall construction. prgtoken But, , we know the President is not going to do that. The President should do that, and he should start today by enforcing our border security laws, but, sadly, he won't, and he should not be able to shift blame to anybody else.
HONORING AND REMEMBERING OFFICER DANIEL P. DiDATO
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-1-29

today I rise to honor and remember Officer Daniel P. DiDato, a dedicated servant to the town of East Fishkill for 19 years. prgtoken Tragically taken from us on December 18, Officer DiDato's legacy is one of unwavering commitment, camaraderie, and a passion for life that touched all who knew him. prgtoken Starting his career at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in 2001 and joining the East Fishkill Police Department in 2005, Dan was a beacon of joy and strength in the East Fishkill community and amongst his fellow officers. Known for his quick wit, love of Marvel Comics, and an aficionado of pizza and other Italian cuisine, Dan connected with colleagues and friends through his humor, vast knowledge, and generous spirit. prgtoken Colleagues recall his spot-on impression, music recommendations, and heartfelt conversations. His presence brightened even the toughest days, leaving a lasting impression on everyone from seasoned officers to newcomers. prgtoken By honoring Officer DiDato here on the House floor, we celebrate a life of service, laughter, and profound impact. Dan was more than an officer, he was a beloved friend, a cherished community member, a beloved brother, and a true hero. prgtoken Thank you, Officer Daniel P. DiDato, for your service, your friendship, and the many lives you have touched. You will never be forgotten, and may God bless your family.