mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF DANICE STANTON TAYLOR
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , today I recognize and celebrate the career of one of my original staff members, Danice Stanton Taylor. Danice started on January 27, 1997 and was hired as a caseworker. She focused on casework involving the Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, healthcare and disabilities. Fittingly, she is moving to a job with the La Crosse Social Security Office, where she can continue to help people with their Social Security questions or issues. prgtoken She was born and raised in the Town of Mifflin, Wisconsin, a small town in the driftless region of Southwest Wisconsin. She graduated from Iowa-Grant High School and went on to graduate from UW-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. After graduation, she worked for Senator Russ Feingold for two years even doing a stint in Washington, DC. Her Wisconsin roots brought her back and I was lucky to have her join my staff in my La Crosse District Office. Danice and her husband Mike are raising three talented and creative children, Alec, Jackie and Olivia. It has been fun watching them grow up throughout these years. prgtoken Danice has been a steady, patient and friendly voice to the constituents of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. I could always count on her to provide thorough and excellent assistance to the people I represent. Throughout her years of service, she has joined me on the road for countless listening sessions. Additionally, she served as the staff leader on the annual Congressional Art Competition. prgtoken There were many times when I received a letter, email, phone call, or had a personal conversation with someone who Danice helped and how grateful they were for her assistance. It can truly be said that she served the people well and serves as a great example of what good public service looks like. prgtoken I thank Danice for her hard work and dedication and 24 years of public service to my office and to the people of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. I wish her, Mike and her children all the best in their next chapter.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL BALDACCI
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Paul Baldacci. prgtoken Paul was born in Virginia in 1933 and raised in Akron, Ohio. Paul enjoyed playing football and basketball throughout high school. After graduation, he went on to play offensive guard at Santa Clara University on a football scholarship and later attended the University of San Francisco School of Law. However, his education was put on hold as he joined the United States Army in 1956 and served in the Korean War. prgtoken After serving in the Army, Paul eventually joined Hoffman Company Builders and Developers where Paul realized his passion for development. Paul later went on to start Castle Construction Company Inc. Throughout his career, Paul was very passionate about supporting the interests of industrial workers. He served for over thirty years as Employer Trustee for the Northern California Carpenters 46 Counties Apprenticeship Training Trust. In 1999, Paul was appointed as a member of the prgtoken State of California Building Standards Commission. Additionally, in 1997 Paul served as Chairman of the Horne Builders Association of Northern California. prgtoken In his personal life, Paul married his wife Betty in 1955. Paul's love for his family was clear to all who knew him. He and Betty have six children, nineteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. prgtoken Sadly, Paul passed away on November 20, 2021. He will be remembered for his hard work and his compassion. Please join me in honoring Paul for his many contributions to our community.
TRIBUTE TO PATRICK HEALY
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Patrick Healy as he prepares to conclude his long and storied career as one of Los Angeles' preeminent television reporters. For nearly four decades, Patrick has been on the front lines for just about every story that has shaped and defined the place we call home--all with unmatched integrity and dedication to public service. prgtoken Before he was an award-winning broadcaster, Patrick was an engineering student at UCLA--taking up the family's journalism tradition as a reporter for the Daily Bruin. Guided by L.A. newsroom giants like Jere Witter and Pete Noyes, he got his start writing and producing for local outlets across the Southland before landing his big break at NBC-4--a station which he would call home for the next 37 years. prgtoken Patrick has since become a fixture in Angelenos' living rooms, with his in-depth coverage of the most famous sagas of our generation: from Richard Ramirez and Rodney King to O.J. Simpson and Dr. Conrad Murray. Through them all, he always managed to bring us more than just the stories themselves--he also reveals the truths they tell about our communities, our people, and our country. prgtoken When he wasn't rushing to the scene of breaking news, Patrick has extensively covered environmental issues affecting California, including how drought and extreme weather caused by climate change are impacting the people and places we love. It is these stories that perhaps best unveil the noble motivation behind his work: to investigate and call attention to our challenges so we can ensure the Golden State remains a wonderful place for future generations to enjoy. prgtoken Patrick's love for his home state and hometown is undoubtedly what makes so many Angelenos connect instinctively with his reporting. And it is why, like his mentors before him, he will go down as one of the great L.A. broadcast journalists of our time. As Patrick likes to quote, ``News is the first draft of history''--if that is so, he has left an indelible mark. And we thank him for it. prgtoken I ask all Members to join me in thanking Patrick Healy for his service to Los Angeles, to California, and to the nation, and in wishing him good health and great adventure in retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANSELMO F. ARELLANO
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Anselmo ``Chemo'' F. Arellano. As a historian, educator, author, and activist, Anselmo used his talents to preserve New Mexico's rich culture and history. In Northern New Mexico, he was what we call a seeker of el oro del barrio--the knowledge which is the gold of our community. prgtoken Anselmo was born on April 27, 1944, in Springer, New Mexico. His family instilled in him a love for his heritage and culture which remained with him throughout his life. Anselmo spent many years as a postsecondary educator in New Mexico. His passion for learning and sharing his knowledge was apparent to those who had the opportunity to meet and learn from him. prgtoken Anselmo's career in education began at Fresno State University at the age of 25, where he taught courses in ethnic studies and directed a program for first-generation minority college students. While working at Fresno State, he also volunteered for the United Farmworkers Organizing Committee. prgtoken As a distinguished Ford Foundation Fellow, Anselmo received his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of New Mexico in 1990. He used his education to preserve the history, culture, and traditions of Northern New Mexico and taught others to do the same. Anselmo was nationally recognized for his work and was selected as a featured historian by the Smithsonian Institute for its New Mexico exhibit. prgtoken Like many Nuevo Mexicanos, Anselmo knew the power of community and that acequia es comunidad. That's why he worked to secure land and water rights for New Mexicans across the state. Understanding the hardships that his community faced, Anselmo also worked to improve access to education, housing, and health care. He served on boards for numerous community organizations and institutions including the National Hispanic Cultural Center. prgtoken On behalf of Nuevo Mexico's, Third District, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary life of Anselmo ``Chemo'' F. Arellano--a humble and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I hope that his legacy will be carried on by everyone he shared his knowledge with and by those who knew and loved him.
IN HONOR OF JEFF AZZOPARDI
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise to honor South San Francisco Police Chief Jeff Azzopardi on the occasion of his retirement. After almost 30 years of service with the department, Chief Azzopardi has decided that it is time for a new chapter in his life that will allow him to spend more time with his family. prgtoken I had the great honor to work with Chief Azzopardi since he was appointed in 2014. One of the more memorable occasions was a press conference in 2017 in which we announced the first-ever conviction for human trafficking in San Mateo County. That success reflected the outstanding collaboration of law enforcement, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations on the local, state, and federal level. Chief Azzopardi played an essential role in that collaboration. prgtoken Jeff Azzopardi was hired as a police recruit for the South San Francisco Police Department and sworn in as an officer in 1993. From there he rose through the ranks of K-9 officer, S.W.A.T. officer, school community liaison officer, police corporal, criminal investigations bureau officer, police sergeant, community relations sergeant, police lieutenant, criminal investigations bureau commander, and police captain. After the retirement of former Chief Mike Massoni in 2014, the department conducted a nationwide search and selected Jeff Azzopardi as its new chief in September of that year. No matter the role, Jeff is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community. He leads by example and always strives for excellence. prgtoken During his time with the department, he successfully completed the Inner Perspectives Leadership Program, LAPD Leadership Program, and POST Executive Development course. He holds a number of certifications from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He also is the former president of the San Mateo County Commanders Group, the president of the San Mateo County Police Chief's and Sheriffs Association, and the Chief of the North Central Regional S.W.A.T. Team and Commissioner for the South San Francisco Commission on Racial and Social Equity. Chief Azzopardi understands the importance of community relations and has been a leader on several community oriented policing projects. He tirelessly emphasized the importance of building bridges between his department and our community. prgtoken His outstanding service did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards and honors, including a certificate of commendation from the police department for his work as a sexual assault investigator, a certificate of commendation from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, a lifetime achievement award from the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the Carl Valero Lifetime Achievement Award from Pacifica American Little League, and Police Officer of the Year from the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association. prgtoken Born in San Francisco, Jeff attended Terra Nova High School in Pacifica and then received h
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF EDITH PRAGUE
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of an eastern Connecticut legend, and my friend, Edith Prague. prgtoken Edith's life was marked by service to others, as teacher, a social worker, a state legislator, a state commissioner. I met Edith in our days working together in the Connecticut General Assembly, where she served first a State Representative from 1982 to 1990 and then a State Senator from 1995 to 2013, and her example and guidance on how to conduct yourself as a public official influenced so many new legislators, myself included. She was a fierce and tenacious legislator--never one to back down from a tough debate or miss a chance to advocate for those she served. prgtoken Edith was especially passionate about her work for seniors--from lowering drug costs, to expanding access to long-term care and home- based care. In 1987 the State of Connecticut permanently established the ``CONNPACE'' program which was one of the few public programs that provided direct help to seniors for prescription drugs. That program was a protype for the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program enacted by Congress two decades later. I remember well as a new state representative from Vernon, Connecticut watching Edith's inspirational passionate speeches on the floor of the general assembly the day CONNPACE was enacted. That passion led to her confirmation to serve as the first ever head of the CT Department of Aging, another Prague initiative, which gave her an even bigger platform to advocate for the needs and priorities of those in need in the later stages of life. prgtoken That was always a hallmark of Edith's service--looking out for others and fighting on behalf of those who needed a champion. Edith called herself ``a social worker with power,'' and she worked every day to use her platform to make a difference in the lives of those she served and crossed paths with over her lifetime. The proof of that is in the countless people across eastern Connecticut who can say that Edith helped them in ways big and small. prgtoken Above all, though, family was the most important part of Edith's life. Being a mother and grandmother was always top priority for Edith, and I know daughters Shelley, Benay and Joanne and grandchildren Nathan, Matthew, Sam, Josh, Chris, Brian, Katie, Tim and Michael, will remember her love and passion for her and for others in need. prgtoken I will always be grateful to call Edith my colleague and my friend. She was truly one of a kind, a wonderful person we just won't see replicated. Our region, our state and our country are better for her lifetime of service and dedication to others. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Edith's life and legacy as eastern Connecticut mourns her passing.
RECOGNIZING AIRSPEED XP8
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , today, I rise to pay tribute to the Airspeed XP8 8-Way Formation Skydiving Team, which won the gold during the recent World Skydiving Championship in Russia. Team Airspeed XP8 is based out of Raeford, North Carolina. The team competed during MONDIAL 2020, the largest world skydiving championship in history. This year's event brought together the greatest skydiving athletes in the world from more than 33 countries. Even just competing is a huge honor and privilege, and Airspeed XP8's taking the gold is truly an extraordinary achievement. I am proud to salute the fine athletes who worked so hard and have accomplished so much and am honored to represent them in Congress.
HONORING CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF FULTON, MISSOURI, BILL JOHNSON
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor a man who has dedicated his life to public service and bring attention to the communities he has improved. After twenty-five years as the City Administrator of Fulton, Missouri, Bill Johnson is retiring. prgtoken Over the last 25 years, Mr. Johnson oversaw countless meaningful projects, including, but not limited to, construction of a new city hall building, police station, fire station, animal shelter, warehouse complex, recreation center, golf course, and an airport runway. The list of major accomplishments doesn't stop there. He was able to achieve upgrades for water and wastewater utilities, rebuilding of natural gas and electric delivery systems, improvements to the sanitary sewer system, and much more. prgtoken Mr. Johnson also promoted Fulton at the state, national and international level through his participation in organizations like the International City Management Association, Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri State Homeland Security Committee to name a few. prgtoken In 2014 Mr. Johnson was awarded the J.T. Bell Award for the ``City Manager of the Year'' for the State of Missouri. This award, given by his peers, is evidence of Mr. Johnson's value to the community and commitment to efficient, effective government. prgtoken It is not surprising that a man who has so passionately dedicated his adult life to public service started that service in the U.S. military. Mr. Johnson is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he received three Meritorious Masts and the Good Conduct Medal during his Service. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Mr. Johnson on his accomplishments as the City Administrator of Fulton and a well-deserved retirement. More importantly, please help me thank him and his family for their service to the city, the community, and our entire nation.
CELEBRATING THE GENEROSITY OF MR. RALPH ROTELLA
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the generosity of Ralph Rotella, owner of Discount Shoe Repair in Syracuse and driving force behind Ralphy's Rescue Mission Shoe Drive. prgtoken In 2010, Ralph Rotella was inspired to start Ralphy's Rescue Mission Shoe Drive after seeing a homeless person outside of his shop, walking in the cold with their toe sticking out. He made the decision to provide that person with a pair of usable shoes. From that day, Ralph began annually collecting, repairing, and donating shoes to the Syracuse Rescue Mission to help more people in-need. prgtoken In Ralph's first year of operating the Shoe Drive, he donated less than 100 pairs of shoes. Each year since then, he has steadily expanded his operation, and in 2020, donated 23,187 pairs of shoes--one of the largest donations the Rescue Mission has ever received. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Ralph Rotella for his determined efforts to aid underserved members of our Central New York community.
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF GIRL NAMED TOM WINNING THE VOICE
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding musical trio who won NBC's The Voice. Girl Named Tom has overcome many challenges and intense competition on their path to becoming the champions. Natives of Pettisville, Ohio, Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua Liechty have represented their hometown and Ohio's Fifth Congressional District on a national stage and brought pride to Northwest Ohio. This trio exemplifies American values of family, community, and hard work. prgtoken Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua were raised in Pettisville. They were originally homeschooled, and music became a substantial part of their curriculum. All three siblings were enrolled in piano at a young age, and they became involved in theater once they started at Pettisville Schools. The entire trio had plans to go to medical school and follow in their grandfather's footsteps, but all of that changed when their father was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2017. The siblings decided to form a band and pursue a career in music. prgtoken After a successful season on The Voice, Girl Named Tom was honored with the distinction of being the first group to ever win the competition and the recording contract. Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua hope to keep pursuing their dream and release new music in 2022. As for now, they plan on celebrating their success and spending time with their father. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua Liechty of Girl Named Tom for their momentous win. On behalf of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement and wish Girl Named Tom the best in all their future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF TIMOTHY B. HOWARD
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard for a long and dedicated career in law enforcement and public service. prgtoken Sheriff Howard's career has spanned over four decades, including 24 years with the New York State Police, where he reached the rank of Staff Inspector, the fourth highest rank in an agency comprised of over 4,000 employees. In 1998, Sheriff Howard was appointed Erie County Undersheriff, and served in that role until he became Sheriff on January 1, 2005 due to the resignation of the previous Erie County Sheriff. Sheriff Howard was elected for his first full four-year term in 2005, and was re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Sheriff Howard is also the longest-serving Erie County Sheriff since 1821, when the post was established--a testament to his dedication to serving Erie Country, and the positive impact he has had on the county. Sheriff Howard also currently serves as the co-chair of Homeland Security Zone 15. prgtoken Sheriff Howard is a true law and order Sheriff, and he has demonstrated his heroism and commitment to his community throughout his career. Among Sheriff Howard's many notable awards, he has received the Superintendent's Unit Citation Award, the Hero's Award of the 100 Club of Buffalo, the Erie County Law Enforcement Award, the Judges and Police Conference Outstanding Law Enforcement Award, the Attorney General's Award, and the Brummer Award, which is highest award given in the New York State Police. Sheriff Howard has also received a New York State Legislative Proclamation in honor of his work. prgtoken Sheriff Howard graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2000 and has a master's degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Albany. In addition to his tireless work protecting the community, Sheriff Howard has prioritized educating the next generation of law enforcement officers-- teaching at both the New York prgtoken State Police Academy and the Rochester Institute of Technology. prgtoken After a long and remarkable career in law enforcement, Sheriff Howard is leaving his post to pursue a new opportunity as the Supervisor of the Town of Wales. Words cannot express the debt of gratitude the people of Erie County owe to Sheriff Howard for his decades of work taking dangerous criminals off the street, rescuing those in danger, and improving every community he has touched. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Sheriff Howard on his retirement, in thanking him for service, and in honoring the positive impact he has had on Erie County.