mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM'S 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , it is my privilege to recognize the Northwest Rankin High School baseball team players and coaches for their outstanding championship season. The Northwest Rankin Cougars displayed admirable attributes including integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance throughout a lengthy and successful season. I would like to honor this group of committed young men, coaches, and their families who worked diligently to bring the Mississippi 6A state championship to Rankin County, Mississippi. prgtoken At Trustmark Park in Pearl, the third and final game of the 6A state championship series featured the Northwest Rankin Cougars defeating Desoto Central by a score of 3-2. This is Northwest Rankin's second state baseball championship in program history. The Cougars won 34 games with only three losses this season. prgtoken The resilience and leadership displayed by the players are characteristics of Northwest Rankin's head coach, KK Aldridge, who was named the Priority One Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Coach of the Year last season. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize the Northwest Rankin High School baseball team for inspiring countless young men and citizens across our community, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Northwest Rankin Cougars for their dedication and commitment to excellence in our nation's past time, the great sport of baseball.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF 4-H CAMP PALMER
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 75th anniversary of 4-H Camp Palmer. Camp Palmer has a remarkable history within Northwest Ohio. Over the last 75 years, Camp Palmer has been committed to its mission of engaging with youth and adults to build life skills in a community living environment. Camp Palmer has been an extension of Ohio 4-H and has provided an opportunity for tens of thousands of Ohio's youth to develop the skills to help them succeed. prgtoken Located in Fayette, Ohio, 4-H Camp Palmer was founded in 1946, by 4-H leadership in seven Northwest Ohio counties, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams. Each 4-H program shared in the purchase of the land and development of the camp. On July 20, 1947, the camp was officially dedicated and named after W.H. Palmer, the state 4- H leader from 1916 to 1951. The first building was the dining hall which was built out of split-logs due to the lumber shortage after World War II. prgtoken The next three decades saw significant expansion for Camp Palmer. In the 1950s, new buildings, cabins, and a swimming pool were added to improve the time campers spent while attending camp. Allen, Putnam, and Auglaize counties joined the corporation and began sending their 4-H members to camp there. The camp added more land in the 1960s, totaling 149 acres. Toilets and warm showers were installed for the campers who originally had to use a bucket and wash basin. In 1973, Wood County became the eleventh member and final member to join the corporation. prgtoken In the 1990s, Camp Palmer received accreditation by the American Camp Association and began to develop a close relationship with The Ohio State University. The board hired an extension agent/executive director to manage the overall responsibilities and maintenance of the camp. Camp Palmer has continued to grow, adding new buildings, cabins, and activity areas to better serve campers. Although the COVID-19 pandemic kept campers away in 2020, Camp Palmer campers were still able to stay connected through their innovated camp-in-a-box and Facebook Live videos. Loyal and public support allowed campers to flood back to Camp Palmer in 2021, while still maintaining health safety. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to 4-H Camp Palmer and its staff, past and present, on this remarkable occasion. By celebrating the 75th anniversary, Ohio residents recognize the contribution of Camp Palmer to our region and the Northwest Ohio 4-H community. Congratulations to Camp Palmer on this significant milestone.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF FORMER INDIANA CONGRESSMAN MARK SOUDER
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , Mark Souder, 72, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was born July 18, 1950 in Fort Wayne, Ind. to Edward and Irma (Fahling) Souder. Mark grew up in Grabill, the area where his great-great-grandfather settled in 1848. He graduated from Leo HS (1968), Indiana University at Fort Wayne (1972), and the Graduate School of Business at Notre Dame (1974). He also received honorary doctorates from Tri-State University, the Indiana Institute of Technology and the University of St. Francis. Mark married Diane Zimmer of South Bend at the Bremen Apostolic Christian Church on July 28, 1974. Their first home was in Edina, Minn. where Mark had taken a job as the marketing manager for Gabberts Furniture. In 1976, he returned to his family business. Upon his return he was recruited by Dan Quayle and played a key role in his upset victory for Congress that year. In 1980, he assisted Dan Coats in succeeding Quayle in Congress. After Mark's father died in 1981 and the furniture store closed in 1983, the Souder family moved to Washington D.C. for him to serve as the Staff Director on the House Committee on Children, Youth and Families. In 1988, Souder switched to the Senate with Coats, serving as his legislative director until mid-1993 when he moved back to Indiana. Souder was hired by Thom Blake as Vice-President of Manufacturing of Our Country Home of Grabill. Emmanuel Community Church has been their family church since 1993. In the fall of 1994, Souder was elected to Congress. He was elected to seven more terms, becoming the second- longest serving congressman in history representing the Fort Wayne region. Souder focused heavily on fighting for the core industrial jobs of the region as well as local interests such as saving the Veteran's Hospital and the Air Base. He served on three committees and seven subcommittees each term. He was the point person in the House on illegal narcotics, and co-founded the bi-partisan National Parks Caucus. A major accomplishment was introducing and passing the National Lighthouse Preservation Program, which had the National Park Service manage the transfer of hundreds of lighthouses from the Coast Guard to non-profit organizations to preserve access to the public. After Congress, he wrote regularly for Howey Politics Indiana, as well as in national books and publications on baseball and politics. His last book project was co-authoring Television in Fort Wayne, 1953-2018. Mark was passionate about his Lord, family, and country. He was a voracious reader of the Bible, history, politics, and sports. He adored his grandchildren and spent countless hours sharing experiences with them while teaching valuable life lessons. For being such a strong and courageous leader, he had a very kind and generous heart. When he crossed the state line, every time he would sing the song, ``Back Home Again in Indiana''. Souder is survived by his wife and best friend o
RECOGNIZING COOPER BURDEN
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Cooper Burden. prgtoken Cooper joined Pac 7 Cub Scouts in 2016 and immediately set his eyes on earning Scouting's highest rank that of Eagle Scout. At first it was playing in the woods with friends that he enjoyed but as Cooper advanced to Webelos camping, fishing and BB guns became more the attraction. Cooper earned countless service and volunteer hours over the years. Summer Camps at Camp Soule, Bourne and Sand Hill fostered friendships he will carry for a lifetime. As Cooper advanced to Arrow of Light and self-discipline leadership became a focus and a skill he embraced. This Leadership became evident in his schoolwork in Junior National Honor Society, in Scouting as he held leadership roles as Assistant Quarter Master, Quarter Master, and Patrol Leader. During his time in Troop 77 Cooper set goals for himself that included earning over 70 individual merit badges, spending over 120 nights Camping, completing BSA's First ever Virtual Camp-in during COVID lockdown and fundraising to earn his way to each summer camp he has attended. Cooper identified and completed his Eagle project in March 2022. The project came about during a conversation with his lifelong Pastor. The project consisted of pressure washing, prepping, and painting the day school at the Burden family's church; Good Shepard Lutheran Church located in Tampa, FL. Cooper organized over 25 volunteers, exceeded his fundraising goal, and completed the project days before his 14th birthday. Cooper did all this while maintaining academically all A's and the occasional B through his entire Scouting journey Elementary, Middle and High School. Cooper also has been active in intramural flag football, spent the last 11 years as a Karate Student and volunteer teaching the 3- to 6-year-old classes at Ingrams Okinawan Karate where he has studied Isshinryu karate and holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Cooper as a freshman at Mitchell High School is a member of the U.S. Navy JROTC, a member of the Wrestling Team. Cooper hopes to attend a Military Academy or State University, join the Armed Forces, and pursue a career in mechanical engineering focusing on automotive industries.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF GLORIA ``GLO'' DONNELLY
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life and contributions of Gloria ``Glo'' Donnelly. Alongside her husband, Art, Glo was instrumental in the founding of the City of Santa Clarita in the 1980s. After a lifetime of activism and community involvement, Glo passed away this summer, but we continue to honor her legacy as one of Santa Clarita's founders. prgtoken A long-time resident of Santa Clarita before it was incorporated as a city, and a prominent Valencia realtor, Glo Donnelly played a crucial role in the formation of a city now home to more than 200,000 people. When the area that would become Santa Clarita grew from a farming community to a burgeoning suburb in the second half of the 20th century, Gloria was a leading voice among many like-minded community members who advocated for self-governance. Her and her husband Art, as co-chairs of the Santa Clarita Formation Committee, worked hard to win support for the formation of the city by spreading awareness and raising funds to make the dream of Santa Clarita come true. When Santa Clarita won cityhood and the first city council was elected, Glo and Art worked hand-in-hand with the newly elected city leaders to ensure that Santa Clarita got off to a smooth start. prgtoken Glo's community leadership and involvement did not end with Santa Clarita's incorporation as a city. She was also the spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Association of Realtors, as well as the Chair of the Whittaker-Bermite Citizens Advisory Group. In both roles she prioritized giving community members a voice and always put the interests of Santa Clarita first. In her retirement from real estate, she remained active in Santa Clarita civics and the charitable community. prgtoken Glo leaves behind a monumental legacy, and in many ways every single resident of Santa Clarita owes her a debt of gratitude for her tireless work to make Santa Clarita what it is today. We will continue to honor her service as one of Santa Clarita's founders, and we offer our condolences to her loved ones.
HONORING SEPTEMBER 2022 AS NATIONAL RICE MONTH
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today in honor of National Rice Month, established by an act of Congress and signed into law by President in 1989. Each September during the rice harvest season, we celebrate this important industry which is near and dear to me. prgtoken I have the distinct privilege to represent the number one rice- producing district in the number one producing rice state in the United States. Rice farmers in Arkansas contribute $2.3 billion to my home state's economic output, supporting nearly 15,000 jobs up and down the supply chain. prgtoken As a whole, the rice industry in the United States supports more than 125,000 jobs and generates $34 billion in economic impact. In fact, each rice farmer in the U.S. contributes $1 million to his or her local economy. prgtoken To expand on rice's impact beyond the economy, rice is the most popular grain globally and the primary dietary staple for more than half the world's population. U.S. rice farmers and millers not only supply over 80 percent of the rice we consume here at home, but they also ship it globally to more than 120 countries. prgtoken Rice farmers are also conservation minded, creating surrogate wetlands by flooding their fields during the winter that provide habitat to waterfowl and other wildlife. prgtoken While I'm here to celebrate this important crop, I would be remiss to not mention that U.S. rice farmers are facing very difficult situations this year. In the southern rice-producing states, stagnant prices coupled with input costs are financially squeezing those farmers, while in California, drought has cut acreage in half. With rampant inflation, rice-dependent rural communities across the country are being adversely impacted by the ongoing recession within the industry. This situation could result in devastating impacts on rice mills, elevators, trucking companies, and other businesses dependent on rice production, which once lost, will not return, further worsening the economic stability in these communities. prgtoken I believe that protecting our domestic rice industry is a priority and worthy endeavor, and that rice farmers need assistance to help them weather this storm, and I hope we can accomplish that.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELK RAPIDS GOLF CLUB
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Elk Rapids Golf Club. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Elk Lake, the course has provided a century of Michiganders with an excellent venue to enjoy the game of golf. prgtoken Designed and built by legendary architect Donald J. Ross from 1922 to 1923, Elk Rapids Golf Club opened for play on July 15, 1924. The course's long history is reflected in one of its key attributes--its unique design. Like many of Ross's courses, Elk Rapids was inspired by the small, local courses he learned to play on in his hometown of Dornoch, Scotland. Playing a round at Elk Rapids truly takes one back to the way the game was meant to be played. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize the Elk Rapids Golf Club for a century of business. It should take immense pride in the great economic impact it has had on Antrim County and the indelible memory it has left on so many Michigan golfers. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish it all the best in its future endeavors.
RECOGNITION OF DAN VAN BOXTEL RECEIVING THE PRIZE FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , today I rise in recognition of Mr. Dan Van Boxtel for winning the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence award. prgtoken Mr. Van Boxtel, an automotive technology teacher at Kaukauna High School in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has been recognized for his excellence in teaching by receiving the award and a $50,000 prize. The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence award was created to recognize high school trades teachers throughout the United States for their knowledge and excellence in education. Since 2017, the program has awarded more than 100 public high school teachers and their schools with the resources to support and expand skilled trades education. By winning this award, it is evident that Mr. Van Boxtel has dedicated his time to ensuring our future generations have the skills needed to be successful and contribute to their communities. I commend Mr. Van Boxtel for his expertise in automotive technology and his unwavering commitment to the students of Kaukauna High School. prgtoken The 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence award received over 750 applications from all 50 states. The process of receiving the award included three rounds of judging, responses to questions, and a series of video learning modules designed to draw from a teacher's personal experience in achieving excellence in the classroom. I applaud Mr. Van Boxtel for highlighting the importance and dignity of the skilled trades that will lead his students to numerous opportunities in the workforce and beyond. prgtoken In Mr. Van Boxtel's career at Kaukauna he has consistently provided students with the highest quality education in skilled trades. In his nearly two decades of service to Kaukauna he has truly left a lasting impact on the community. Through his critical automotive technology classes, he has generated career ready students prepared to enter a skilled trade shortly after graduation. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Mr. Van Boxtel for receiving the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence award. Mr. Van Boxtel has been a wonderful advocate for the trades and is a true credit to Kaukauna High School and Northeast Wisconsin.
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TULSA'S LITTLE LIGHT HOUSE
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , today, I rise to honor a very special anniversary in my community. prgtoken In 1972, frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of early childhood care options for their visually impaired daughters, Marcia Mitchell and Sheryl Poole decided to take a leap of faith and founded the Little Light House. In the 50 years since, their organization has proved invaluable to countless families in the Tulsa area. prgtoken Their mission is simple: serving the whole family by offering free, unparalleled services to help every child reach their unlimited potential by providing tools to assist them in communicating, walking, and learning, all while serving and glorifying God. prgtoken The Little Light House has grown into a major operation, currently serving 116 families in their Developmental Center and 126 families in their Early Intervention Program. In 2006, they opened their first affiliate location in Jackson, Mississippi, and continue to expand the reach of their community impact to this day. prgtoken Marcia & Sheryl's mission still burns brightly at the heart of the Little Light House today. prgtoken I'm honored to recognize them as they celebrate this milestone. Happy 50th Anniversary, Little Light House.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BILL JIMMERSON
Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and Montana legend, Bill Jimmerson, who passed away last week at the age of 74. Bill will best be remembered for his outsized impact in Montana. As a well-known Montana State FFA advisor and an agricultural educator, Bill taught and influenced thousands of agriculture advocates, government officials, and aspiring students over his 32 years of service. prgtoken Bill drew his inspiration for agriculture from his father, who was the FFA advisor for Lewistown, Montana. His father corralled him one day and asked a young Bill if he wanted to stay in Winifred to play sports or go to Lewistown to receive an education. Bill, interested in agriculture at the time, decided to go to Lewistown with his father and embark on a journey that would change his life forever. prgtoken His time in Lewistown would eventually lead to a career in teaching in Conrad, Montana. In 1980, he began teaching at Conrad High School, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to start their own careers in state agricultural sales and management. In 2003, he concluded his teaching career and became an Agricultural Loan Officer for Stockman Bank. Bill then served as Montana State FFA Advisor from 2005 to 2013. During his tenure, he was widely known for the breadth and depth of his knowledge: he was familiar with every parcel of land and had a grasp on agricultural issues facing the entire state. Many drew inspiration from Bill and often sought his advice. prgtoken Bill was known as an architect of Montana agriculture. In 2012 he developed a national program for Native American FFA members, earning recognition from the White House and laying the groundwork for more improvements across the state. His national program encouraged many Native Americans to become more immersed in agriculture, allowing more Montanans to invest in their state and its policies. prgtoken Bill Jimmerson will be missed, not just by family and friends, but by all Montanans who were touched by his service. His impact will continue to be felt as the next generation prepares to tackle Montana's most pressing agricultural issues. Bill has left an indelible mark on his community and Montana agriculture--he will be remembered fondly.
TRIBUTE TO HOMETOWN HERO RONALD CRONIN
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a 15-year Dallas Police Department veteran, Officer Ronald Cronin. prgtoken Officer Cronin was recently presented with a Life-Saving Award from the Sons of the American Revolution for his courageous actions that stopped an active shooter at Dallas Love Field Airport in July. prgtoken Thinking of others before himself, Officer Cronin took swift action and put his life on the line to ensure the hundreds of Love Field travelers around him lived another day. prgtoken Just as the shooter pulled her firearm, Officer Cronin was on the scene, giving her loud verbal commands to drop the weapon. prgtoken Disregarding the verbal commands, she began firing her weapon at Officer Cronin and innocent bystanders. He quickly returned fire, hit the shooter, and held his position until fellow officers arrived to take the shooter into custody. prgtoken If it weren't for Officer Cronin's selfless acts of courage, this disturbing incident could have ended in tragedy. On behalf of the entire Dallas-Fort Worth community, I thank Officer Cronin for his actions that day and his 15 years of service with the Dallas Police Department.
COMMENDING KAZAKHSTAN FOR HOSTING THE SEVENTH CONGRESS ON WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , today I would like to commend President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the seventh Congress on World and Traditional Religions. prgtoken This year was the largest such forum to date with more than 100 delegations from over 50 nations, with a focus of a post-pandemic world. It was a historic event and included representatives from most major faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and others. Notably, Pope Francis made his first appearance at the Congress on World and Traditional Religions and Israel's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau attended. prgtoken Madam , at a tumultuous time in the world, this event was an important opportunity for faith leaders to work to promote and protect freedom of religious expression and worship in all nations. prgtoken Notably, it included a panel that focused on the role faiths play in supporting the social status of women; the panel specifically discussed ways faiths around the world can bolster women and families. The opportunity to discuss these very important issues was a welcome addition. prgtoken I would also like to acknowledge the Declaration of VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which was adopted at the Congress on September 15th. prgtoken I commend these types of gatherings and the Republic of Kazakhstan for again hosting this event and promoting a robust and meaningful dialogue among many faith leaders from around the world.