mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING GREENEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL'S BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING 2021 TENNESSEE 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise to recognize a boys basketball team from Greeneville City High School, in our First Congressional District in Tennessee, that recently won the 2A State Championship. The Greeneville Greene Devils, under the leadership of Head Coach Brad Woolsey, and Assistant Coaches Nathan Hall and Josh Bennett, won its first state championship in program history just one year after the team punched their ticket to the state tournament that ended up being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That unfilled journey prgtoken tested their mettle and served as a guiding force leading them to a 31- 6 record for this season. prgtoken The Greeneville Greene Devils opened the state tournament by leading the Bolivar Central Tigers of Hardeman County for all but 1 :53 seconds of the game which ended in a 61-58 victory for Greeneville. The Greene Devils then faced the Upperman Bees of Putnam County in the semifinals. Upperman proved to be a worthy opponent claiming the lead for over half of the game, but the Greene Devils persevered and came out on top 47- 41. The only thing standing in their way of overall victory was the 25- 1 Jackson South Side Hawks of Jackson, TN. Greeneville led for most of the game, but the Hawks fought their way to a one-point lead with just 4:00 minutes left. With ice in their veins, however, the Greene Devils regained the lead and never looked back ending with a 47-46 victory. I am so very proud of these young men and their coaches. prgtoken Winning a state championship is a monumental accomplishment and is a testament to their commitment to their mission statement which is to ``embody the principles and practices of a community-minded, championship basketball program by: utilizing gifts and influence, emphasizing other-centeredness, and developing athleticism and basketball skill.'' I commend these young men, their excellent coaching staff and the statisticians and videographers who support them on this well-deserved title. I wish them equal success in their future athletic and academic pursuits. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Greeneville High School Greene Devils on winning the 2A State Championship and representing Tennessee's First Congressional District with such distinction. I am proud to represent these students and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. DENNIS DePERRO
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Dennis DePerro, who passed away on March 1, 2021. Dr. DePerro was a champion of higher education, dedicating his life to helping students realize their full potential at universities and colleges across New York State. prgtoken Since 2017, Dr. DePerro had served as President of St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York. In just four short years, Dr. DePerro established himself as a forward thinking and compassionate leader who cared deeply about the students, faculty, and staff he served. As President of St. Bonaventure, he expanded school enrollment, embraced new academic programs, and improved access to online learning. prgtoken To those who were familiar with Dr. DePerro's work, his success at St. Bonaventure was no surprise. For eighteen years, he accomplished similar feats in my district in Central New York as Vice President for Enrollment at Le Moyne College and played a key role in bettering the college and advancing its core mission. Central New York is immensely grateful to Dr. DePerro for his many contributions to our community. prgtoken Beyond his astounding work in higher education, Dr. DePerro enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, Sherry, and two sons, Andrew and Matt. His memory lives on through his family and friends. We join all who knew and admired Dr. DePerro in mourning his life. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Dr. Dennis DePerro. Throughout his career, Dr. DePerro touched many lives and was a blessing to the students, universities and colleges, and communities he served. The passion and commitment he espoused is an inspiration to us all, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of work that will continue to positively impact students in Upstate New York.
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize, celebrate, and honor the frontline healthcare workers of the great state of South Dakota. prgtoken Some of these South Dakota heroes are Melissa Johnson, Amy Johnson, Sara Johnson, Beth Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Renee Johnson, Gail Johnson, Jack Johnson, Careen Johnson, Thais Johnson, Duane Johnson, Danelle Johnson, Heather Johnson, Justin Johnson, Bridget Johnson, Jodi Johnson, Kamela Johnson, Tiffanee Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Christine Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Nicole Johnson, MaryAnn Johnson, Melanie Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Krista Johnson, Erin Johnson, prgtoken Amber Johnson, Rebekah Johnson, Molly Johnson, Robin Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Shelley Johnson, Amber Johnson, Marsha Johnson, Christine Johnson, Leanne Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Bree Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Delia Johnson, Michille Johnson, Heidi Johnson, Crystal Johnson, Mary Johnson, Mary Johnson, Jaime Johnson, Crystal Johnson, Nichole Johnson, Amber Johnson, Susan Johnson, Allison Johnson, Steven Johnson, Kaycie Johnson, Jennifer Johnson. prgtoken Ashley Johnson, Mark Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Tayla Johnson, Laura Johnson, Kristopher Johnson, Amy Johnson, Kristi Johnson, Megan Johnson, Emily Johnson, Jodi Johnson, Denise Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Kaylea Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Laura Johnson, Kristen Johnson, Meggan Johnson, Kacey Johnson, Shayla Johnson, Brandy Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Cali Johnson, Emily Johnson, Jessica Johnson, April Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Alexa Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Jenae Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Kary Johnson, Kelsey Johnson, Marsha Johnson, Carli Johnson, Elly Johnson, Nathan Johnson, Baylee Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Jerica Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Linnaea Johnson, Allison Johnson, Tiffany Johnson, Donna Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Angelica Johnson, Myles Johnson, Michelle Johnson. prgtoken McKayla Johnson, Molly Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Kiersten Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Haley Johnson, Mikayla Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Veronica Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Anna Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Julie Johnson, Brandilyn Johnson, Alea Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Colleen Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Emily Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Molly Johnson, Savannah Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Hayley Johnson, Kelsey Johnson, Tiffany Johnson, Laura Johnson, Kristi Johnson Eckrich, Stacy Johnson-Treib, Debra Johnston, Laurie Johnston, Sabrina Johnston, Heidi Johnston, Tiffany Johnston, Kaitlin Johnston, Sara Johnston, Renee Johnston, Adam Johnston, Carlee Johnston, April Jolin, Marty Jolley, Brianna Jolma, Rebecca Jones, Phyllis Jones, Julie Jones, Amy Jones, Cynda Jones, Valerie Jones, Mary Jones, Lori Jones, Camille Jones, Barry Jones, Sheila Jones, Julie Jones. prgtoken Nancy Jones, Malisa Jones, Rachel Jones, Rose Jones, Scott Jones, Amy Jones, Mary Jones, Barbara Jo
JACOB LAUX
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Jacob Laux for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Jacob Laux is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Jacob Laux is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive prgtoken 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 Jacob Laux for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA JUROR PAY PARITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , today I introduce the District of Columbia Juror Pay Parity Act, which would require that D.C. Superior Court jurors receive the same pay as federal jurors. The importance of jurors to our system of law is driven home by the current trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. prgtoken Currently, Superior Court jurors are paid $40 per day, and, under the Home Rule Act, only the D.C. courts and Congress have the authority to increase Superior Court juror pay. In the fiscal year 2018 omnibus appropriations bill, Congress increased federal juror pay to $50 per day, the first increase to federal juror pay in 28 years. My bill would give Superior Court jurors the same pay. prgtoken Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-33), Congress took responsibility for paying for the D.C. courts and other state-like functions provided by D.C. The D.C. courts, however, have always been under the control of Congress, even when they were funded by the District. The Home Rule Act prohibits the District government from enacting any law relating to Title 11 of the D.C. Code. Title 11 provides that the Board of Judges of the Superior Court sets juror pay, but that the pay may not exceed the pay of federal jurors. Therefore, this bill, or action by the D.C. courts, is necessary to increase Superior Court juror pay. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the indispensable advocacy of a Central Coast organization that gives a voice to some of our most vulnerable community members. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County improves the lives of children in the foster care system by pairing them with trained volunteers from the community who advocate for them and stand by their side as stable adults they can count on as they go through the chaos of the foster care system. prgtoken CASA and its devoted staff and team of volunteers are guided by the needs of children in need of someone to stand by them and ensure they are not alone as they face instability, fear, and unfamiliar surroundings. Since 1994, the organization has continued to be the only local nonprofit of its kind that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to serve as court appointed advocates for abused and neglected foster children throughout Santa Cruz County. CASA of Santa Cruz County exists so that abused and neglected children in protective care have the chance to become successful adults. prgtoken Thanks to the devoted advocates and the Santa Cruz CASA team, these children have a voice as they navigate a tumultuous system. CASA provides these children the compassion, clarity, and care they so desperately need. And it is because of CASA that these children and youth have the tools they need to go on to successful adulthoods. prgtoken Madam , it is my pleasure to recognize this treasured community organization that has protected and advocated for countless foster children and youth. I thank all of those who have given their time and resources to help these children feel safe and succeed. I extend my gratitude to CASA Santa Cruz's Board of Directors, Board President Andrea Willy, Executive Director Lynne Petrovic, and its devoted network of advocates.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRST LADY ROSANNE SANTOS ADA
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Rosanne Santos Ada. Rosanne was a former first lady of Guam and dedicated public servant. The people of Guam will fondly remember her as a leader whose decades of contributions to our underserved communities and wholehearted compassion strengthened our island community. prgtoken When Rosanne's husband, Joseph Ada, was elected to office as the Governor of Guam in 1987, she rose to proudly serve our people as its first lady for eight years. In addition to being a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, she is widely known as a passionate advocate for members of our community in most need. As a first lady, she advocated for greater support and services for individuals with disabilities, and her contributions to this community further expanded through her work as a director at the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Executive Director of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Taking on these roles of leadership in our community, Rosanne further assisted in developing culturally competent programs to promote self-determination, independence, and productivity for individuals with disabilities. Further, she worked for and with individuals with disabilities and their families in advocating for systems change, public policy, and best practices which accounted for the full inclusion and integration of individuals with disabilities in all facets of community life. prgtoken Her lifelong mission of selfless service and advocacy for the voiceless also poured out into other parts of her career as well. Alongside her colleagues at Guma' Mami, a community-based nonprofit organization, Rosanne continued her work of inclusion and integration while facilitating supportive housing and successful case management for adults with disabilities. This profound commitment to others above and before self truly proved limitless through her continued work for the marginalized during Eddie Calvo's gubernatorial administration. prgtoken Rosanne Ada is an icon of servant leadership, dear friend to many, and esteemed champion of equitable support systems for all. Her life's work illustrates a humbling devotion to seeking justice in places often overlooked, and I join the people of Guam in remembering and celebrating her life and legacy of unconditional commitment to serving the people she leaves behind. I extend my deepest condolences to former Governor Joseph Ada, their children Eric, Tricia, and Ester, and the rest of their family and friends. Rosanne will be deeply missed, and her love and memories will forever remain in the hearts of the people of Guam.
RECOGNIZING THE PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS
Michael F. Doyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians on its 50th Anniversary. The Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians was founded in 1971 by six physicians and held its first meeting on November 27, 1971 in burg, Pennsylvania. Today, they represent over 1,900 emergency medicine physicians who treat over 6,000,000 patients each year in emergency departments across the Commonwealth. prgtoken These dedicated Pennsylvania emergency physicians provide medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all Pennsylvanians with any condition regardless of socioeconomic status, and serve as the healthcare safety net in the Commonwealth. These emergency physicians are also critical to the ability of the Commonwealth to respond to disasters and mass casualty events, are vital frontline healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and the medical care they provide saves the lives of many patients in the Commonwealth every day. prgtoken Pennsylvania emergency physicians are leaders in defining, evaluating, and improving quality emergency care, focusing on individual patients while advocating for and advancing the public health and the wellness of society as a whole. The Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians is committed to providing ongoing continuing education for emergency physicians in the Commonwealth and serves as the primary voice of Pennsylvania emergency physicians and patients seeking emergency care in the health care system and halls of government. prgtoken In short, Pennsylvania emergency physicians have contributed greatly to the health and wellbeing of the entire population of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. prgtoken For these reasons, I stand here today to congratulate the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians on its 50th Anniversary; recognize the accomplishments and contributions Pennsylvania emergency physicians have made to advance health care in the Commonwealth; express my support for Pennsylvania emergency physicians in their ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; and reaffirm the value of emergency medicine and the vital role that Pennsylvania emergency physicians serve in ensuring the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.
HONORING THE LATE VIOLA JOHNSON CLARK
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor a valiant woman, the late Mrs. Viola Johnson Clark. Viola had a dedication and desire to serve others. prgtoken She was born September 14, 1934 in Cary, Mississippi to James Johnson and Katie Brown. Viola was blessed to be a wife, mother of seven and grandmother and great grandmother. prgtoken Viola's motto was ``Get an education'' because there is power in knowledge and no one can take it away from you, ``It's your way out''. She instilled this motto everywhere she went with everybody she met no matter the color, never meeting a stranger. Viola's motto led her to earn her GED certificate from Mary prgtoken Holmes Junior College as well as several college hours towards her bachelor's degree. prgtoken Because of her love for people she worked tirelessly with the Civil Rights Movement as a self-appointed Civil Rights Activist along with other notables; Unita Blackwell the first black mayor of Mayersville, MS and Fannie Lou Hammer, to coordinate voting drives, community projects, and family assistance programs in her community. Viola and her mother also opened the doors of their homes to accommodate freedom riders in the delta when no one else was willing or was afraid to do so. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in posthumously recognizing Mrs. Viola Johnson Clark for her passion and dedication to serving Sharkey and Issaquena counties and desire to make a difference in the community.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JEFFREY BONNER'S RETIREMENT FROM THE ST. LOUIS ZOO
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor the incredible work and service of Dr. Jeffrey Bonner. On March 24, 2021, Dr. Bonner announced that he planned to retire as the President and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo after 19 years of steadfast leadership. prgtoken As any St. Louisan will tell you, the Zoo is one of our city's most treasured attractions. Home to over 12,000 animals, 500 different species, and free admission for all, the St. Louis Zoo brings in families from throughout the region to witness the amazing beauty of wildlife from all over the world. Over the course of Dr. Bonner's tenure, 56 million people have had the privilege of visiting the St. Louis Zoo and seeing its world-class exhibits. prgtoken Since joining the Zoo in 2002, Dr. Bonner coordinated and oversaw multiple campaigns to modernize the century-old campus, create scholarships and educational programs, and pioneer innovative animal conservation initiatives. Dr. Bonner's dedication to the Zoo, the animals, and our city played a pivotal role in making our Zoo one of the best in the nation and a local landmark. prgtoken I want to thank Dr. Bonner for his hard work and devotion, and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.
HONORING MCM DEVELOPMENT MALONE, LLC FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS VENTURES IN THE TOWN OF MALONE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Darren Gough and Michael Roesler of MCM Development Malone, LLC on the successful revitalization of The River Building, a historic landmark in the Town of Malone, and on the opening of their new restaurant, Hearth of Malone. prgtoken Darren and Michael knew at first sight that there was something special about The River Building, so they sought to turn their dream of renewing a portion of downtown Malone into a reality. Through perseverance and teamwork, they renovated this historic building into a multi-use space where family, friends, visitors, and tourists alike can gather and feel welcome. In that vein, the new restaurant within the building is aptly named Hearth of Malone as they hope to foster a sense of community in this new space. prgtoken The North Country would be nothing without our local businesses and entrepreneurs like Darren and Michael, who undertake enormous efforts to create positive change in our communities. Darren, and Michael, along with their partner and executive chef, Jesse Badger, and general manager, Randy Tomblin, have truly exemplified the ``neighbor helping neighbor'' mindset. Throughout the renovation process, they contracted locally, and at the Hearth of Malone, many ingredients will be sourced directly from local farmers. They are fully investing in our community and are committed to serving their customers to the best of their ability. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank MCM Development Malone, LLC, and their entire team for their dedication to revitalizing a historic property in our community and congratulate them on their hard-earned achievements thus far.
SANDEE SYTSMA, PLANT CITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Scott Franklin (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Sandee Sytsma for being named the 2020 Plant City, Florida Citizen of the Year. prgtoken In its 62nd year, this award was created to highlight civic-minded Plant City-area residents who have dedicated their lives toward giving back to their community. They must be persons of noble character, a humble spirit and steeped in the virtues of Plant City. prgtoken Sandee has supported a myriad of causes through the committees she serves on, including Relay for Life, Diamonds & Denim, Veterans Memorial Park and the Plant City Mural. Sandee was recognized as the Good Egg by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. She serves with her congregation at GracePoint Church, was the first woman to serve as chair of the Florida Strawberry Festival and has represented the festival and the community in countless talk shows and publications over the years. prgtoken Our communities are only as strong as the people who serve them. Plant City is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, thanks, in part, to outstanding citizens like Sandee Sytsma. prgtoken On behalf of the 15th District of Florida, congratulations to Sandee Sytsma for earning this distinguished honor. Plant City thanks Sandee for her tireless dedication and service to our community.