mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COOPER BIGELOW
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Cooper Bigelow for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken The Youth Award focuses on teenagers who have overcome personal adversity and created positive changes in their lives and their community. The program provides businesses, the community and civic leaders an opportunity to support young people in their communities and recognize their accomplishments. Cooper is the perfect recipient for this award because despite adversities and challenges, he has become an inspiration and role model for his peers. prgtoken The dedication and leadership demonstrated by Cooper is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Cooper Bigelow for this well- deserved recognition. prgtoken I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF GOODWILL OF WESTERN MISSOURI AND EASTERN KANSAS
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I proudly rise today to recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas, a nonprofit organization whose core foundation is aimed at providing people with the necessary resources and life skills to become self-sufficient and successful individuals. After decades of commitment to assisting those in their communities, the organization now operates as a product of two combined agencies, the Helping Hand Institute and Goodwill Industries. prgtoken Commencement of the organization's mission within the Kansas City area began in 1894 on Grand Boulevard with the Helping Hand Institute, an organization committed to providing shelter and employment resources to those in need. The Kansas City residents within the organization worked on the Helping Hand Institute's farm to feed the community or found employment salvaging waste material, breaking rock at quarries, and bailing paper in exchange for food and shelter. prgtoken Along the east coast, an organization sharing a similar initiative arose in 1902 inspired by Reverend Edgar J. Helms, the social innovator behind Goodwill Industries. After witnessing innumerable immigrant families struggle to provide for themselves due to unemployment, Rev. Helms collected clothing and household items from wealthy families to be repurposed and resold at discounted costs. Using the revenue generated from those items, he funded his organization and employed a multitude of people in need of work to provide for their families. The organization quickly expanded across the nation, and in 1925, Goodwill Industries of Greater Kansas City opened their first establishment at St. Peter's Evangelical Church on Oak Street. In the 1940's, Goodwill Industries wished to further amplify their mission by making employment services like skills training and vocational rehabilitation available to the community. prgtoken In 1978, after thoughtful deliberation, Goodwill Industries merged with the Helping Hand Institution to form the Helping Hand of Goodwill, now officially known as ``Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas''. prgtoken Today, this remarkable nonprofit organization continues to carry out their mission by helping community members find employment. Their services and programs, subsidized by grants, financial donations, and revenue generated by their stores, allow the organization to continue their indispensable work without any expense to the public. Additionally, Goodwill manages and operates GoodWORKS Career Resource Centers across the Kansas City prgtoken region and other neighboring areas. These centers are available to the public and equipped with the resources, services and programs needed to assist anyone with a genuine desire to enter the workforce. Their services and programs include employment listings, career exploration, an overview of the job application process, resume building, mock interviews, and computer traini
RECOGNIZING UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FOR ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF WOMEN IN MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES AT THE 63RD SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to commend the members of the Utah International Mountain Forum, a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU) on efforts to advance sustainable mountain development around the world. These accomplished 13 students help highlight how UVU's Student Engaged Learning (SEL) model gives students opportunities for both professional advancement and the chance to work with local, state, national and international leaders to foster sustainable development, particularly for women and girls. prgtoken Through SEL, students take the lead in learning how to solve problems by collaborating with faculty mentors. Most of the students are nontraditional students who work full- or part-time, are 25 years or older and support a family while attending school. prgtoken Months of preparation preceded the New York event. They partnered with two prominent NGS--the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and Utah China Friendship Improvement Sharing Hands Development and Cooperation--to submit goals for addressing food insecurity, education access and climate change effects in mountain communities. They participated in global events such as the 61st and 62nd Commission on the Status of Women and organized celebrations on International Mountain Day and International Women's Day that brought high-level diplomats from around the world to see Utah's efforts firsthand. prgtoken During CSW63, the students hosted a parallel event to highlight the successful implementation of UVU's engaged learning model to address issues facing women and girls in Utah. It also showcased international women studying in Utah. Individual students presented their own work, including Hannah Bieker who spoke on her peers' service projects in support of impoverished women in Mexico; Megan Davis spoke on Utah's distinction as the first state to allow women to vote; William Gum- Causey spoke on Utah and UVU's efforts to address aspects of the state's rural/urban economic divide; and Aldon Trimble spoke on joint UVU-Oxford University research about Utah's air quality and how Utah addresses the problems of the children of incarcerated parents. prgtoken These combined efforts and events allowed the UVU delegation to demonstrate the role that students--particularly nontraditional students--play in contributing to sustainable development in both Utah and mountain communities around the world. By empowering themselves, the students help empower other communities and the women and girls residing there.
LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the London Philharmonic Orchestra for its remarkable work as an artistic and educational body. Since its foundation m 1932, the LPO has helped spread the joys of music through live and recorded performances, playing throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States, and recording pieces for film and videogame soundtracks. On April 16, 2019 my district will host the Philharmonic for their first-ever performance in the State of Connecticut. prgtoken As one of the leading orchestras in the world, the LPO has used its reach and influence to promote music education, foster participation in the arts, and enhance performance skills with students from all socio- economic backgrounds. The London Music Masters, created by LPO Chairwoman and Greenwich-native Lady Victoria Robey, has given 1500 inner-city London students the opportunity to develop their musical skills and to model themselves after mentors both in and outside of the program. Through this program and many others, Lady Robey and the LPO have shared their love of music and made an invaluable contribution to youth development. prgtoken Music is a uniquely powerful force. It brings people together, speaks volumes when words cannot, and enriches the lives of all who encounter it. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has touched the lives of its audience and established itself as an irreplaceable part of the musical world.
HONORING ANN WEAVER NORTON AND THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDEN
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Ann Weaver Norton and on behalf of the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden in West Palm Beach, Florida. prgtoken Ann Norton was an inspirational artist. She found her passion at age 8, when she received her first sculpting tools. She eventually moved to New York where she studied at the National Academy of Design, the Arts Student League of New York and Cooper Union. Ann served as an apprentice to the famed sculpture John Hovannes and a studio assistant to Alexander Archipenko. Her artwork was well received and she participated in numerous shows at the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. prgtoken In 1942, Ann moved to West Palm Beach and began teaching at the Norton Gallery and School of Art. Five years later, she married Ralph Norton, the school's founder. In 1977, Ann established the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Foundation. The sculpture garden and the foundation work to preserve the artwork of Ann Norton and other unique local treasures. The Norton Sculpture Gardens commemorates the great artwork and culture Ann brought to the community of South Florida. prgtoken On February 9, 2019, the Norton Sculpture Garden held a grand reopening. After $100 million in renovations over eight years, the museum now includes an additional 12,000 square feet of gallery space and a new exterior. On display one will experience artwork from the likes of Jackson Pollock, Claude Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe. prgtoken I proudly join the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden in celebrating the induction of Ann Norton to the Florida Artist Hall of Fame this Saturday, April 13, 2019.
HONORING LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANAHEIM UNION HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER MEG ELDER
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam I rise to honor the achievements of Anaheim Union High School Teacher Meg Elder, who has served as the school's dance director and founding director of the Anaheim High School Performing Arts Conservatory. prgtoken She began her 31-year career at Anaheim High School in 1988 as a walk-on coach for the school's drill team. Since then, more than 6,000 students have found a second home in her music and dance programs. prgtoken Hundreds of Mrs. Elder's students have obtained college degrees by following a path through the arts. Her students have also gone on to become doctors, attorneys, teachers, or have found success in other professions outside the arts. She credits their prosperity to the self- esteem and self-confidence they developed through the performing arts. prgtoken Mrs. Elder produced her last dance concert on April 13, 2019. The ``LEGACY--A Celebration of 30 Years of Artistry,'' featured past and current students applauding their teacher's career and contribution to their lives. prgtoken Today, Anaheim High's dance program ranks among the top of high schools in the region, with a professional-level studio that is outfitted with audience seating, lighting systems, media projectors and other amenities. prgtoken Madam , it is with great pleasure that I celebrate the work of Anaheim High Dance Teacher Meg Elder, who has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for students through the arts. She is leaving behind a legacy of arts appreciation for a legion of students.
RECOGNIZING THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2018-2019 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers who meet the criteria for the award are those who instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter, and have the ability to share it effectively. The selected winner will be named the Prince William County Teacher of the Year. prgtoken As the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools educates 90,000 students in ninety-eight schools. The impact of these teachers is apparent as PWCS is ranked the highest in the entire state with their on-tune graduation rate. prgtoken Each Teacher of the Year Award nominee exhibits excellence in teaching by serving as an effective leader in and out of the classroom, fostering strong rapport with parents and peers and providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and develop. prgtoken I extend my personal congratulations to the following nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Teacher of the Year Award: Simon Bhagwandeen, Potomac High School; Leslie Browngold, Gravely Elementary School; Marianne Burns, Patriot High School; Garrett Carlson, Colgan High School; Pamela Clute, Potomac High School; Jennifer Diehl, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School; Julie Faith, Stonewall Jackson High School; Lauren Fenner, Swans Creek Elementary School. prgtoken Amanda Grant, Ashland Elementary School; Amy Hardt, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Elizabeth Hoffmann, The Nokesville School; Carl Hood, Alvey Elementary School; Kristen Keskel, Ashland Elementary School; Jennifer Kimble, Graham Park Middle School; Kathy Lamont, Antietam Elementary School; Pamela Lansberry, King Elementary School; Christy Lazer, Bull Run Middle School; Elizabeth McKeown, Pennington Traditional School; Ashley Meyer, T. Clay Wood Elementary School. prgtoken Melissa Morgan, Chris Yung Elementary School; Jeanie Noel, Freedom High School; Norman Pattarozzi, Osbourn Park High School; Emily Ramirez, Brentsville District High School; Rebecca Schelling, Antietam Elementary School; Brian Shepard, Battlefield High School; David Shuler, Battlefield High School; John Spaulding, Independence Nontraditional School; Jennifer Tallman, Lake Ridge Middle School; Crystal Watt, Ashland Elementary School. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for the Prince William County Public Schools 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year Award and in thanking them for their dedication to our children. Their continued service will ensure that Prince William County Public Schools students continue to receive a world-class education in a vibrant learning environment.
HONORING FRANCISCO HSIEH
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Francisco Han Ping Hsieh, who passed away on March 26, 2019 at the age of 85. Mr. Hsieh played an important role in the Asian-American community in California for more than 50 years. prgtoken Mr. Hsieh was born in Hubei, China on October 14, 1933. After his graduation from Soochow University in 1959, he worked as a journalist, which eventually brought him to San Francisco in 1965. There, he was employed as a correspondent for Central Daily News, until he went on to serve as publisher and editor at Kiu Kwong Newspaper and Chinese Commercial News. prgtoken Following his successful career in journalism, Mr. Hsieh opened Hunan Village Restaurant in San Francisco, bringing the cuisine of his childhood to the city he had grown to love. He shared his passion for Chinese cuisine widely, teaching cooking classes at City College of San Francisco and assisting in the development of other Chinese restaurants in the area. prgtoken Following the closure of his restaurant in 1987, Mr. Hsieh pivoted his attentions once again, working on the campaigns of several California politicians, including former Congressman Mike Honda, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, and former Governor Gray Davis. Mr Hsieh also served on the California Acupuncture Board, the Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs, the California State Friendship Committee, and the Chinese American ic Club. prgtoken In every part of his life, whether publishing a weekly newspaper, bringing Hunan cuisine to a new audience, or political activism, Francisco Hsieh spent his life sharing the subjects he was passionate about to a wider audience, welcoming new members into a vibrant and robust community that he helped build. Mr. Hsieh was a central figure in the Asian-American community in California for more than half of a century. It is my honor today to pay tribute to his memory and his enduring legacy.
RUTH HEIDE TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an exceptional journalist of the Valley Courier, Ruth Heide in Alamosa, Colorado. prgtoken Ruth recently retired after dedicating an impressive 35 years to the news business. Ruth has chronicled the events of the San Luis Valley since 1983 and has since become one of the most highly regarded, significant and respected journalists in Colorado. Her career began with the Del Norte Prospector and after a couple years, she joined the Valley Courier as a staff reporter in December 1985. She worked herself up to an editor in mid-2008, where she has spent the last 11 years at the helm of the paper. prgtoken Ruth's success as a journalist derives from her deep understanding of the many issues impacting the San Luis Valley. During her career, Ruth took deep dives into local affairs covering stories spanning from crime, food borne disease outbreaks, and major wildfires in the area. Ruth always ensured that her stories were told objectively and completely. I especially appreciated her diligent coverage of water issues affecting the San Luis Valley where I was reassured by her commitment to getting the details right. The Courier is the go-to news source for many in the San Luis Valley because of Ruth's leadership, commitment to the truth and high standards. She continued to serve the community through many changes in the print news industry allowing the Courier to thrive while other publications have not weathered so well. prgtoken Ruth's commitment to the highest journalistic standards have received high praise from her colleagues who noted that her love for the news was second only to her love and devotion for her community, faith, and family. Ruth has spent her life in service to others, she is a well- respected member of the Alamosa community and the Valley Courier and her legacy in this region is significant. Her reputation as a reliable resource for the community was not limited to the San Luis Valley. She garnered statewide recognition recently when Colorado established March 30th as Ruth Heide Day. prgtoken Madam , it is an honor to recognize Ruth Heide here today and on behalf of the people of the San Luis Valley, Colorado's Third District, and the entire state, I want to thank her for all of her years of journalistic excellence. I wish Ruth the very best as she begins her next chapter.
HONORING APRIL BLANKENSHIP
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of April Blankenship, a longtime and outstanding staffer for the Committee on Ways and Means and my personal office, who passed away this morning. prgtoken April is a tireless, trusted colleague and a friend to so many. In her many years of service on Capitol Hill, she has been a key part of dozens of personal and committee offices, including both my personal office and the staff of the Committee on Ways and Means. She handled issues that involve sensitive personnel matters with grace, precision, confidentiality, and a deft personal touch. She dealt with numbers, but really what she managed was people--the people and committees that help run this place on behalf of taxpayers. And she did it all with a smile on her face and a joy for service. April is one of the true unsung heroes around these halls, and I am proud to call her a trusted colleague and friend. prgtoken Beyond her many professional skills and accomplishments, I know April is even more proud of her role as a mother. Whether helping her sons, Hunter, Dakota, and Tucker, sell Boy Scout candy to friends and colleagues or bragging on the boys' achievements in school or church groups, her smile told you all you needed to know--that she was an intensely proud mother, and rightfully so. She also invested her deep faith in her family, and I know that faith has helped maintain her through the years she has heroically battled her illness. prgtoken On behalf of the entire Committee on Ways and Means, I offer our sincerest condolences to Tim, Hunter, Dakota, Tucker and her entire family on April's passing. I thank them for sharing April with us for so many years of outstanding service to the Committee, its Members, and our great country.
COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGMENT
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , today, I along with Representative Bustos, would like to recognize the 50th anniversary of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). prgtoken The AAHAM was founded in 1968 and incorporated on February 20, 1973. The organization is dedicated to educating and advocating for revenue cycle professionals who work with healthcare patient accounts across the country. It has grown to represent thirty-one chapters with over 3,000 members and is one of the best healthcare administrative management organizations serving patients throughout the United States. Over its 50 years, AAHAM has grown from serving hospital patient account managers to representing professionals who serve across the healthcare spectrum. They have made great contributions to the welfare of patients and have fostered a sense of fellowship and work to enhance the quality of life for all patients navigating healthcare financing. prgtoken Their strong and dedicated leaders and membership have made the long tenure of AAHAM possible and we are proud to congratulate them on their 50th anniversary.
IN MEMORY OF FR. IGNATIUS MATERNOWSKI, CHAPLAIN, 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor and remember the sacrifice of Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, a Franciscan Friar Conventual and Chaplain to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne during the Second World War. Fr. Ignatius is the only chaplain killed in action during the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. prgtoken Fr. Ignatius and his regiment parachuted into Normandy at 1:30 a.m. on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In the ensuing days, he and the regiment moved through Normandy and he ministered to the wounded and dead in heavy hedgerow during the fighting. Fr. Ignatius was compassionate and steadfast in his ministry, successfully negotiating with German soldiers to establish a joint aid station for both German and American soldiers. On June 13th, one week after landing in France, he was killed by a German sniper while trying to find a doctor to treat a wounded comrade. prgtoken Fr. Ignatius' story expresses the courage of the brave individuals who served, and who continue to serve, our country as military chaplains. These individuals share in the sacrifice of our men and women in the Armed Forces and on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I am proud to honor the heroism of one such as Fr. Ignatius Maternowski.