mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE VICTIMS OF THE BAKU AND SUMGAIT POGROMS
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Sumgait pogrom and the 32nd anniversary of the Baku pogrom. prgtoken Hundreds of Armenian civilians living in the city of Sumgait in Azerbaijan suffered horrific acts of violence when they were indiscriminately killed, raped, maimed, and burned alive in a pogrom that started on February 27, 1988. Almost two years later, a seven-day pogrom broke out in Baku during which Armenians were beaten, murdered, and expelled from the city beginning January 12, 1990. Over 90 Armenian civilians were killed, over 700 were injured, and countless other victims were permanently displaced by the ethnic violence that followed. prgtoken The Azerbaijani Government was complicit in each of these atrocities by using violent rhetoric in rallies leading up to the pogrom and by doing nothing to halt the ensuing violence against Armenian citizens. Azerbaijan has taken steps over the last two decades to cover up these crimes against humanity and dismiss prgtoken the atrocities committed in Sumgait and Baku. Even more disturbing, the Azeri Government lauded the perpetrators of this event and similar violent attacks. prgtoken President Aliyev's regime continues to use hateful rhetoric against Armenians to this day, including in the build up to Azerbaijan's deadly attacks on Artsakh in the fall of 2020. Azeri forces, Turkish drones, and Turkish-backed foreign terrorists conducted a premeditated attack that violated international law. The resulting indiscriminate bombing campaigns against large population centers killed thousands of Armenians and displaced tens of thousands more. It also included appalling war crimes against Armenians at the hands of Azerbaijani forces and foreign mercenaries that included beheadings, torture, and other abhorrent acts of violence. prgtoken I continue to stand with the Armenian people in condemning the horrific pogroms and in mourning the loss of those who were senselessly killed in Artsakh and subsequent Azeri attacks on Armenian soil. It is critical for the United States to recognize and denounce violent assaults against all civilians. If we do not condemn or punish crimes against humanity and ethnic violence, we become passive bystanders, failing to live up to the lessons of the 20th century and our pledge to uphold human rights and democratic values all over the world. If we do not take a firm stand against those who commit atrocities, it will embolden them and encourage others to commit heinous acts in the future. These lessons are especially important as we prepare to commemorate the 107th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in April. prgtoken I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus to honor the victims of the Baku and Sumgait pogroms and the victims of Azerbaijani aggressions in Artsakh, I will also continue to condemn all acts of violence against people who are targeted simply because of
IN HONOR OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAIRLANE TOWN CENTER
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 45th Anniversary of Fairlane Town Center, located in Dearborn, Michigan. Fairlane Town Center is a mainstay in Dearborn and their contributions to our community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Developed by Michigan businessman A. Alfred Taubman, Fairlane Town Center opened prgtoken to the public on March 1, 1976. Complete with an ice rink and a Ford monorail connecting the then-named Dearborn Hyatt Regency with the Center, at the time Fairlane was the shining example of what the modern shopping mall could be, right at home in Metro Detroit. prgtoken The businesses of Fairlane Town Center have come and gone over the years and hundreds of stores and services have called Fairlane home. When they opened in 1976, the mall was anchored by Sears and JCPenney, later joined by Hudson's, Lord & Taylor, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Now, it is anchored by Macy's and JCPenney--along with Ford Motor Company's innovative Town Center Office. Fairlane Town Center is a place where businesses thrive and has been a consistent supporter of the local economy, helping us all find the goods and services that we need--all in one place. prgtoken Fairlane Town Center has served as a shopping destination and gathering place for residents of Dearborn for the past 45 years. It has been where generations of Dearbornites have worked and played. Serving as home to budding small businesses and landmark department stores alike, there has always been something for everyone at Fairlane Town Center. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fairlane Town Center as they celebrate 45 fantastic years of business in Dearborn, Michigan. As the times have changed, so has Fairlane in order to meet the needs of our consumers. As a fixture of our community for the last four decades, we wish them the very best in the years to come.
REMEMBERING DEAN `DINO' CORTOPASSI
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Dean ``Dino'' Cortopassi and his legacy as a loving family man, career farmer, and champion of communities in the Delta area. Patti and I are deeply saddened by Dino's passing, and our hearts are with Joan and their family during this difficult time. prgtoken Dino was born and raised in Stockton, California, as the son of immigrant farmers. After graduating high school Dino proceeded to study farming at the prestigious agricultural school at the University of California, Davis. In 1958, Dino took on his first job as a grain buyer through which he immersed himself in the world of managing goods, markets, and the art of running a successful agribusiness. In the same year, he married his high school sweetheart Joan DeCarli and they both went on to raise four remarkable children, Gino, Katie, Becky, and David. prgtoken While Dino continued to build on his success as a dynamic and innovative farmer and businessman, he also fell in love with the Delta. An avid fisherman and hunter, Dino became a powerful advocate and protector of the Delta's waterfowl and their habitats. His efforts were crucial to preventing the proposed Delta tunnels project from devastating the region's ecosystems. Dino founded the Wetlands Preservation Foundation, which continues to help conserve the Delta's naturaI habitats. prgtoken In 2005 he was named the Stocktonian of the Year. Dino's Life's work undoubtedly had prgtoken an indelibly positive impact on the Delta community and inspired those around him. He was a dear friend for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration. He will be deeply missed as Patti and I send our condolences to Joan and the Cortopassi family.
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KHOJALY MASSACRE
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , this week marks the 30th anniversary of the massacre of hundreds of people in the town of Khojaly, Azerbaijan. Khojaly, which is in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, was once home to 7,000 people. On February 26, 1992, in the largest killing of ethnic Azerbaijani civilians during the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Armenian armed forces massacred over 600 unarmed people--including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly people--and left less than 2,000 survivors. Hundreds more became disabled due to their injuries. More than 100 children lost a parent and 25 children lost both parents, and at least 8 families were entirely killed. prgtoken Although a cease-fire was negotiated in 1994, it is my hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan can come together and find peace. The conflict remains unresolved, and we saw an unfortunate escalation of conflict in 2020 in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Long-term peace, security, and regional cooperation are in the best interests of the entire region of the South Caucasus and the world. prgtoken Azerbaijan has been a strong partner of the United States and its allies. This cooperation has included: playing a leadership role in non-proliferation issues; providing troops to serve shoulder-to- shoulder with U.S. forces in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan; allowing transit of non-lethal equipment used by coalition forces through Azerbaijan to Afghanistan; construction of the Southern Gas Corridor from the Caspian Sea to Italy, thereby providing Europe with an alternative to Russian energy sources; and supplying 40 percent of Israel's oil. Azerbaijan also has a thriving Jewish community and has outstanding relations with Israel. prgtoken As Azerbaijanis throughout the world commemorate the massacre and continue to grieve the loss of loved ones, I hope they can find peace amidst this tragedy.
INTRODUCTION OF THE SALARY TRANSPARENCY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise to introduce the Salary Transparency Act, which would require employers to provide the salary range for jobs in advertisements and interviews and to existing employees. prgtoken Several states have enacted laws relating to salary range disclosure, and the federal government should follow their lead and make this a nationwide requirement. Salary transparency is an important tool to combat the gender and race wage gap. Salary secrecy facilitates both intentional and unintentional pay discrimination and perpetuates the wage gap. prgtoken Studies have consistently shown that when women negotiate for their salaries, they negotiate for less than similarly situated men. Frequently, this is because the salary they request is a certain percentage higher than their current salary. Because women on average make less than men, this practice perpetuates the wage gap. The same is true for people of color, who earn less on average than their White counterparts. Requiring employers to disclose the salary range for a position will help eliminate this harmful portion of the negotiation and lead to a reduction in the wage gap for women and minorities. prgtoken This is the third pay equity bill I have introduced this Congress. My Pay Equity for All Act, which passed the House last year as part of the Paycheck Fairness Act, would prohibit employers from asking job applicants about their salary history, and my Fair Pay Act would require that men and women doing comparable work be paid comparable wages. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.
REMEMBERING LORETTA SHAW HARRISON
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the late Loretta Shaw on. prgtoken Loretta S. on was born in Verret, Louisiana, on February 1, 1956, the seventh child of twelve born to the late George W. Shaw, Sr. and Loretta Louise Moore Shaw. She passed away peacefully around family and friends on February 16, 2022, at the age of 66, after a brave battle with breast cancer. She is survived by three sons she adored, Robert, Roddrick, and Kendrick; two grandchildren; two godchildren; eight of her siblings; and many nephews, nieces, and friends. prgtoken Loretta was a faithful steward of God with the belief that if you ``put God first, He will grant the wishes of your heart.'' She shared her unwavering love and dedication for God and the city of New Orleans with everyone she encountered. She was a woman with incredible grace and moral fortitude and was a guiding light to her friends and community. prgtoken Loretta, lovingly referred to as the ``Praline Queen,'' was the chef and owner of the historic Loretta's Authentic Pralines, becoming the first African American woman to own and operate a praline company in New Orleans. She made friends and admirers worldwide through her shop and her long-standing record as a food vendor at the city's biggest festivals, starting with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Her mother made pralines after church for family and guests visiting their home. By age 8, Loretta was cooking them alongside her mom, using a recipe that went back to her great grandmother. After graduating from Southern University at New Orleans, she went to work at the LSU Medical Library, where she sold pralines to students on the side. In 1978, her big break came when she heard that the Jazz & Heritage Festival put out the call for a praline vendor. She won the contract, sold 1,500 pralines in two weekends, and continued to supply the festival for over 40 years. The success inspired her to leave her job and develop her business full time. prgtoken Unfortunately, success did not come without a few failures along the way. Yet, she believed in her product and herself. By 1983, she opened her first shop in Jax Brewery. Later, she moved to the French Market, and in the 1990s, by the grace of God, she opened a second, much larger shop and production kitchen in Faubourg Marigny that serves gumbo, seafood platters, stuffed peppers, and calas, as well as pie, cookies, and king cake. She was a proud entrepreneur who advocated for local business owners, cultural and culinary arts. prgtoken After Hurricane Katrina, she quickly returned to New Orleans and was a vocal advocate for small businesses in meetings with national and local officials. During this difficult time, her business was buoyed by her steadfast belief that anything which can be destroyed can be rebuilt. She took immediate action, changing her business model to include an online storefront and becoming a restaurant for reporters, emergency workers, a
CELEBRATING WHITE OAK LIBRARY'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate The White Oak Library on 100 years of service to the community. prgtoken In 1922, the Lockport Woman's Club began a volunteer library and led a seven-year fight to solidify the library as a mainstay in the community. The library has persevered, putting the needs of the people first, changing locations and selling land to mirror the ever changing community landscape. A couple of location and name changes later, the Lockport Women's Club's vision has surpassed their initial dreams, with not one, but three libraries serving the greater Crest Hill, Lockport, and Romeoville communities. prgtoken The White Oak Library's mission is to be a community anchor while balancing innovation and tradition. The library leaders and staff have tirelessly met this mission with offerings ranging from Citizenship Prep and English-Second Language classes, STEM Fest, Grandparents Day, and various children, teen and adult programming. The thoughtful and far-reaching goals of the White Oak Library are met every day. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to represent the communities White Oak Library serves. and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this milestone with best wishes for many more to come.
IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD JENKINS' OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize World War Two veteran Richard Jenkins for his incredible role in liberating Czechoslovakia in May 1945. Today the Czech Republic will present him with an Honorary Commemorative Medal of Merit in Liberating Czechoslovakia during World War Two. Shortly after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Jenkins and his brothers enlisted in the United States Military, leaving their home in Michigan. After training in Louisiana, Mr. Jenkins was assigned to be a member of the 8th Armored Division, 130th Ordnance Maintenance Battalion of the United States Army. He was then deployed to England in January 1945 for further training. After reaching Europe, the 8th Armored Division attempted to quickly push through the Hurtgen Forest on the border of Belgium and Germany. Mr. Jenkins provided crucial support to ensure the United States' success in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Jenkins and his ordnance provided the support needed by the 8th Armored Division as they successfully pushed back the German Army. Refueling and mechanical assistance were some of Mr. Jenkins' many roles in the 130th Ordnance, without this support the 8th Division may not have been able to traverse the thick Hurtgen forest. After success at the Battle of the Bulge, the 8th Armored Division transitioned toward Czechoslovakia. On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to World War Two in the European Theater. Then, in late May, the 8th Armored Division was ordered to Czechoslovakia to assist in the processing of prisoners of war, operating displaced person camps, and guarding vital installations. The assistance of Mr. Jenkins and the 8th Armored Division was integral to the liberation of Czechoslovakia. The successful liberation of Czechoslovakia as a result of the impressive effort of U.S. troops and the citizens of Pilsen is still celebrated today. The Pilsen Festival in The Czech Republic celebrates the key assistance the United States and our troops played in liberating the country from Nazi rule. Without heroes like Mr. Jenkins, we may not be able to celebrate these freedoms. prgtoken Madam , I once again thank Richard Jenkins for his service to the United States and the assistance he provided in the Liberation of Czechoslovakia. Northeast Wisconsin can be proud that a hero like Mr. Jenkins is being honored by the Czech Republic for his service and sacrifice. I urge all colleagues to join me in recognizing these outstanding men and women.
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF ROY TAYLOR
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Roy Taylor, a long-time friend and business leader in Somerset, Kentucky. prgtoken Roy and I shared a passion for broadcasting and advancing communications in rural southern Kentucky. He was incredibly talented in the world of technology and telecommunications. In fact, during his time with the U.S. Army, he was part of Special Forces and worked with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he led highly classified military operations. Our nation owes Roy a great debt of gratitude for his brave service and dedication to our country. prgtoken When he returned home, Roy used his military training and education to advance telecommunications in the Lake Cumberland region. He first worked in sales and transmitter maintenance with WSSC radio and later invested in WTLO radio in Somerset, Kentucky. A visionary for telecommunications in our rural region, Roy was always one step ahead to connect our communities to the rest of the world through broadcasting access. He became a forerunner in the cable television industry through Burnside Comex Cable TV, writing franchise agreements and expanding access in our small communities. Thanks to his foresight and diligence, he literally crossed bridges for the first time, bringing cable to the city of Burnside and Burnside Marina. Following his success in the cable industry, Roy established CNl Wireless to focus on broadband connectivity in our rural region. prgtoken I frequently sought Roy's advice over the years and counted him as a trusted confidant and advisor. We sorted out a number of challenges and strategies together over lunch or a round of golf, because he believed in making the most out of every day; work was the main topic of conversation for Roy in every situation. He always stayed busy, focusing his time and energy on projects that could create more jobs and develop new opportunities for the Lake Cumberland region. prgtoken We have made great strides to advance technology across southern and eastern Kentucky over the last 40 years, thanks to leaders like Roy Taylor, who committed a lifetime of work and expertise to help make our rural region a better place to live. My wife Cynthia and l extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Taylor family and all those who were blessed to know our loyal friend.
HONORING DEPUTY COUNTY MANAGER JONATHAN MARSHALL FOR 34 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CABARRUS COUNTY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor Jonathan Marshall for 34 years of service to Cabarrus County, including a decade of service as Deputy County Manager. I have seen his extraordinary leadership firsthand and how much he means to our community. prgtoken Mr. Marshall began his career with Cabarrus County in 1988 as a land- use planner and retires after more than three decades of service. Exemplary in his innate understanding of the relationship between people and land, he held the positions of Senior Planner, Planning Services Director, and Commerce Director before being named Deputy County Manager in December 2011. prgtoken Over the course of his career, Mr. Marshall has exhibited exceptional commitment and dedication to improving our community. He has led Cabarrus County through a time of unprecedented growth and his work will be felt for generations to come. Mr. Marshall's early efforts on the western area plan, for example, helped to sustain economic growth resulting from land development around Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills. He has also fostered a unique culture of collaboration between community stakeholders, and relationships between the County and municipalities have flourished under his extraordinary leadership. prgtoken I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Marshall for his years of exemplary service to Cabarrus County. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing he and his wife Debbie continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring Jonathan Marshall upon his retirement as Deputy County Manager of Cabarrus County.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to National Children's Dental Health Month. Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. As a part of their awareness efforts, dentists and dental team members from across the country and in my home State of Idaho join together and volunteer their time to provide free care to children. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am pleased to support National Children's Dental Health Month and any related activities taking place throughout the month of February that promote good oral health for children. prgtoken Give Kids A Smile, a program sponsored by the ADA Foundation which this year celebrates 20 years of helping children, is at the center of National Children's Dental Health Month. Give Kids a Smile Day is an important event for all children and dentists throughout the country. Because of this program, the ADA Foundation is able to provide assistance to more than 6,500 dentists and 25,000 dental team member volunteers who proudly give their time and expertise to make a difference in the health of children. Since this program started, volunteers have graciously provided services to over 7 million kids across the country, and in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They have truly made a huge impact in their communities and improved the oral health of so many children. prgtoken Throughout National Children's Dental Health Month, dentists and dental team members across the country will be providing oral health services for children in need, and this will continue throughout the year. These services will include oral health education, screenings, preventive care and restorative services. Some will provide this in their own dental practice, others will go right into schools and the community to reach the kids that need it most. There are also many major events at dental hygiene schools where hundreds of kids may receive oral health services. prgtoken Continued public awareness on this issue is critical. On behalf of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I would once again like to state our full endorsement for National Children's Dental Health Month, and push for continued care for the excellent oral health of children.