Ben Cline

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great lady, Mildred Scott, a dear friend and a remarkable Virginian whose dedication to her community, her church, and civic life left a lasting impact across the Roanoke Valley and Virginia's Sixth Congressional District. Mildred passed away on March 6 of this year at the age of 97, remaining as witty and spirited at the end of her life as she was throughout her nearly 100 years. Originally from Roanoke, Mildred graduated from Jefferson High School and studied finance at Roanoke College. Mildred built a successful career in banking before continuing her service in the Roanoke County Treasurer's Office and later with the town of Vinton. For more than four decades, she was devoted to her church family at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, raising funds for missions through cooking and catering. Known across the region for her exceptional baking, she created countless cakes for weddings and community gatherings at the Vinton War Memorial. Mildred also devoted well over 30 years to the Roanoke Valley Republican Women's Club, serving as president, vice president, and treasurer, and helping organize numerous Sixth District Republican galas and Roanoke County shrimpfests and baking those wonderful cakes for them. Mildred Scott will be remembered as a pillar of her community whose generosity, work ethic, and joyful spirit touched countless lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her life and legacy. Recognizing Jordyn Miller

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young athlete whose grit, discipline, and determination exemplify the very best of our next generation. Mr. Speaker, 15-year-old Jordyn Miller of Clarke County recently captured the 2025 NASCAR Youth Series Heavy Honda Dirt National Championship, leading every lap when it mattered most. Jordyn's success is no accident. It is the result of years of hard work, countless hours studying her craft, and a deep family bond forged at racetracks across the country. With the guidance of her father, Jason Miller, a veteran racer himself, Jordyn learned not just how to drive fast but how to compete with focus, resilience, and humility. In a sport defined by pressure and precision, Jordyn rose to the challenge, winning 17 races this past season. As she prepares to take the next step in her racing career, we celebrate her achievement and wish her continued success. Mr. Speaker, Jordyn Miller reminds us that dreams, when met with effort, can turn into championships.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. ``To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay by the adoption of a Constitution of government better calculated than your former for an intimate Union and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government. ``All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force--to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party; often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils and modified by mutual interests. However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. ``Towards the preservation of your government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair the energy of the system and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypotheses and opinion, exposes to perpetual change from the endless variety of hypotheses and opinion; and remember, especially, that for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is indeed little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. ``I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.''

Mr. CLINE. ``Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. ``Why forgo the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? ``It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world--so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it--for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements (I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy)--I repeat it therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. ``Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectably defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. ``Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce but forcing nothing; establishing with powers so disposed--in order to give to trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to support them--conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another--that it must pay with a portion of it independence for whatever it may accept under that character--that by such acceptance it may place itself in the condition of having giving equivalents for nominal favors and yet being reproached for ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard. ``In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish--that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good, that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism--this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. ``How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.''

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Larry Stanton Wiese. Larry graduated in 1990 with honors from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1995 with a Juris Doctor and is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia. He currently serves the Order as the Executive Director and General Counsel. He also serves as President of the Fraternity Housing Corporation and President of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. Larry was initiated into Kappa Alpha Order while attending Midwestern State University by the Gamma Omega Chapter on January 23, 1987. While an undergraduate member, he served his chapter as both president and vice president. Following graduation, Larry served Kappa Alpha Order for one year as an Educational Leadership Consultant and as deputy province commander in Texas. He re-joined the staff of Kappa Alpha Order in July of 1995, as assistant executive director. He was named interim executive director in November of that year, and his official appointment was finalized on February 15, 1996, 30 years ago this year. In this now 30th year, more than 70,000 of the Order's approximate 188,000 initiates have joined during Larry's tenure. KA is reaching all-time membership highs, all-time GPA marks for all undergraduate chapters, and record-setting fundraising for scholarships, leadership education, and internships. Leadership education programs have been revolutionized and are best-in-class across the fraternity and sorority world. Health and safety education continues to be at the forefront of all educational initiatives. Larry is a past president and a former member of the board of directors for the Fraternity Executives Association. He is also a founder, past president, and board member of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee and founder and past President of the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund. Larry also serves as the Fraternity Executives Association Liaison and board member for the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association (SGLA). He is a former vice-chair for the Non-Profit Organizations Committee of the Torts and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association, and a former Vice President of the Rockbridge County, Virginia Bar Association. He is president and board member of the Lexington Downtown Development Association. He is president of the Historic Lexington Foundation and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Larry is currently serving as Treasurer of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council. Larry is married to Dr. Dawn Wiese, a member of Delta Delta Delta. Their marriage ceremony was held on the grounds and gardens of Mulberry Hill on June 25, 2011. Dawn is a past board member of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Chair of the Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, Board member of Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, Board Member of the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund, Chief Operating Officer of FRMT, Ltd, and part-time faculty in the Department of Economics and Business at Virginia Military Institute. Their daughter, Jillian, is a 2022 graduate of Kenyon College (with honors) in Economics and Russian and where she was initiated into Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. Jillian currently works in Washington, D.C. in government consulting.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SAVE America Act. I am proud to cosponsor this bill. Our democratic process depends on free, fair, and secure elections. When Americans cast their ballots, they have to have full confidence that their voice carries equal weight and that our elections are protected from abuse. Yet, in recent years, alarming loopholes that allow voting without proper identification, lengthy time to vote before elections, or time to register when you show up to vote have weakened the confidence in elections in States like mine, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and undermined a core principle of our democracy. The right to vote is one of the most important privileges of American citizenship. That privilege must be safeguarded. Allowing individuals to vote without verifying their identity diminishes the voices of lawful voters and opens the door to illegal immigrants influencing our elections. That is unacceptable. Illegal immigrants are here in this country. They came in by over the millions in the last 4 years. They are in California being given driver's licenses and then using those licenses to register to vote. It is happening all across the country. It is happening in States like Massachusetts. I have an article from the Boston Herald, from February 8, 2026, titled: ``Massachusetts jury convicts illegal immigrant of identity theft, stealing benefits, voter fraud.'' This is an example of the type of voter fraud that is going on right here in our backyard and right in the backyard of the gentleman from Massachusetts. I would argue that this legislation is even more necessary now than ever. When you had a Colombian woman unlawfully residing in Boston who was convicted 2 days ago, following a 5-day jury trial in Federal court, of identity theft offenses, including receiving rental assistance, Social Security, and SNAP benefits, as well as voter fraud under stolen identity, voting in several Federal elections, including the 2024 Presidential election, this is a real problem in Massachusetts right now. I would argue that we need to pass this legislation to actually take action. The time for delay is over. I hope we can pass this today. I hope the Senate will take it up immediately to protect the integrity of our elections and preserve confidence in our democratic processes for generations to come.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today we honor a woman whose commitment to service has shaped Winchester for more than six decades. Carolyn Griffin began her community service 60 years ago with the Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary and has since become one of its most respected and enduring volunteers. From being a long-time participant in the hospital's Follies to comforting children and reading to visually- impaired patients, her compassion has touched countless lives. As chairwoman of the Animal Assistive Therapy program, Carolyn leads more than two dozen dog handler teams who bring healing and joy to patients throughout the hospital. While one extraordinary year produced nearly 12,000 volunteer hours, the program typically provides two to three thousand hours of therapeutic support each year. Her service reaches far beyond the hospital. Carolyn devoted 22 years to Winchester City Council, guiding the city with wisdom and heart. Her 60 years with the Apple Blossom Festival included serving 2 years as festival president, and she was honored with the Salvation Army's Certificate of Life Membership for five decades of service. A small business owner, knitter, and active community member, Carolyn Griffin has made Winchester stronger, kinder, and better for all. Honoring Mark Ingerson

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Ingerson on his selection to the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor reflects an exceptional career and a lasting impact on students at Salem High School and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his 23 years as head coach of Salem High School's speech-- formerly forensics--and debate teams, Mr. Ingerson built one of the most successful programs in VHSL history. His teams captured an astonishing 20 VHSL State championships, including a record 19 consecutive State titles in speech, an extraordinary achievement marked by sustained excellence and leadership. He coached 103 speech State champions, 59 runners-up, and 5 individual debate State champions. Beyond competition, he expanded opportunities statewide through the founding of the Southwest Virginia Forensics League, service on VHSL advisory committees, and the hosting of numerous tournaments. His two-time recognition as the National Federation of State High School Associations' Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator of the Year underscores his national impact. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mark Ingerson on his induction into the VHSL Hall of Fame, a career defined by excellence and a lasting commitment to empowering student voices. Congratulating James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball Team on their fourth consecutive VHSL State title and on finishing an incredible 30-2 season. This championship is especially meaningful for remarkable seniors--Kennedy Spaid and Brenna Corbin--who will graduate having won four State titles in four varsity seasons and had standout performances. Claire Keefer will graduate with three championships and anchored the team with key blocks and aces. We also honor Head Coach Adrienne Patrick who closes her sixth and final season with yet another championship. From the relentless play of teammates Kylee Plumb, Kennedi Bower, Kylie Putt, Reese Justice, Bella Middleton, Kyla Wilhelm, Kyleigh Bly, and Macie Hewitt to the late surges and unstoppable teamwork, this group showed what it means to refuse to quit. Today we honor not just a title but a legacy. James Wood became the first team in Frederick County history to win four straight State championships, a testament to tradition, excellence, and family these girls have built together. Congratulations to the Colonels. They have made history and have done it with heart. Congratulating the Glenvar High School Boys' Cross Country Team

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School Boys' Cross Country Team on winning their first VHSL Class 2 State championship in program history on November 8, 2025, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia, not far from their home campus. Led by seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith, the Highlanders delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 80 points and edging out Clarke County and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Tyler Davis earned All-State honors, while Aldin Smith also captured a Region 2C championship earlier this season. The championship team includes seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith; juniors Evan Harris, Asher Faught, Casey Weeks, Colin Graffeo, and Daniel Tozier; sophomores Jackson Wimmer and Cash Malcolm; and freshman Zach Davis. This historic season was guided by first-year Head Coach James Osborne and Coach Rachel Millirons. I congratulate these student- athletes, their coaches, and the entire Glenvar community on an outstanding achievement.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3424) to amend titles 11 and 28, United States Code, to modify the compensation payable to trustees serving in cases under chapter 7 of title 11, United States Code, to extend the term of certain temporary offices of bankruptcy judges, and for other purposes.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on S. 3424.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3424, the Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025. The bill before us today is an important piece of legislation that will help ensure the bankruptcy system continues to function efficiently and without taxpayer funding. Congress designed the bankruptcy system to be funded through the fees imposed on those who utilize the system. From time to time, Congress has passed legislation to respond to how the bankruptcy system is operating. S. 3424 responds to the current bankruptcy climate in three ways: First, the bill extends the temporary quarterly fees used to pay for the United States Trustee Program within the Department of Justice and bankruptcy judgeships. Ensuring taxpayers are not on the hook for the administration of the Bankruptcy Code is critical. The only way to ensure the bankruptcy system is funded far into the future is to maintain the current fee schedule. Second, S. 3424 extends for an additional 5-year period numerous temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country. These bankruptcy judges ensure that bankruptcy cases are quickly and efficiently administered. While bankruptcy filings in recent years have slowed, early data suggests that bankruptcy filings will likely increase in the coming years. Maintaining these temporary bankruptcy judgeships for the next 5 years will ensure that the bankruptcy system can continue to operate at full capacity if necessary. Finally, and most importantly, S. 3424 increases the pay per case for Chapter 7 trustees. Chapter 7 trustees play a critical role in the bankruptcy system, ensuring that creditors recover as much as possible from bankruptcy debtors. Chapter 7 trustees also ensure that the government receives unpaid taxes, fines, and fees or whatever else it may be owed during a bankruptcy case. In around 90 percent of the cases, Chapter 7 trustees receive the statutory minimum payment for their services, $60 per case. This rate was established in 1994 and has never been permanently increased. S. 3424 increases the pay per case by adjusting chapter 7 trustee compensation for inflation since 1994 to $120. This change is long overdue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, again, this important legislation promotes efficient government rather than expanding it, reinforces user-funded government services, strengthens accountability and oversight, and reduces market distortions caused by uncertainty. Mr. Speaker, I urge its support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cherished institution in our community, Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery in Staunton, Virginia, and to express our deep gratitude for the decades of service it has given the Shenandoah Valley. Founded in 1947 by Willard and Mildred Rowe, affectionately known as The Pie Lady, the restaurant quickly became a local treasure. Using her own family recipes, Mrs. Rowe built a reputation for warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and fresh-baked pies that generations of Virginians and travelers alike came to love. That legacy was carried forward with equal devotion by her son, Mike DeGrassie; his wife, Mary Lou; and her grandson, Aaron DeGrassie. For three generations, the family kept alive the values and traditions that made Mrs. Rowe's a landmark. We were saddened to learn that Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery will close its doors at the end of December. While we will certainly miss the meals, the desserts, and the familiar warmth of a place where so many gathered, today we also celebrate what this restaurant has meant to the valley and to all who passed through its doors. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery. Nearly 80 years of hard work, family tradition and community spirit have left an enduring mark on Virginia's Sixth District, one that will not be forgotten. remembering the life and legacy of dr. jim davis

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. James A. ``Jim'' Davis, a visionary leader, devoted educator, and beloved husband, father, and friend. Jim served as President of Shenandoah University in Winchester for 26 years, transforming it from a small college into a vibrant, world-class university. His vision, faith, and integrity touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and community members. Under his guidance, Shenandoah grew in size, stature, and spirit. He built not only new buildings and programs, but also a belief that education could change lives and strengthen communities. Beyond his remarkable career, Jim's greatest legacy was his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janet, and their children, Barclay, Andrew, and Stephanie Davis Landes, whose love and support grounded his life of service. Jim Davis taught us that faith, vision, and compassion can shape institutions and hearts alike. Today we honor not just what he built, but who he was, a man whose kindness and commitment will forever be part of Shenandoah University, Shenandoah Valley, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Congratulating the Glenvar High School Competition Cheer Team

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School Highlanders Competition Cheer Team which made school history by securing its first-ever VHSL State championship. The Highlanders delivered an outstanding performance, earning 241.25 points to finish ahead of Graham High School, securing their place at the top. This achievement followed their combined region 1C/D and 2C/D championships, capping an extraordinary season. Head Coach Sarah Hatfield, along with Assistant Coaches Desirae Bowles and Alex Powell, praised the team's determination, perseverance, and grit, qualities that pushed them beyond their comfort zones and brought the championship home. The title-winning athletes are seniors Kayelynn Dickson, Morgan Gaines, Carter Graffeo, and Addison Snead; junior Elle Graffeo; sophomore Taylor Goldfield; and freshmen Audree Frantz, Jillian Roberts, Claire Shrewsbury, and Abby Woods. Special congratulations to Addison Snead, the Combined Region Cheer Athlete of the Year, and to Coach Hatfield, named the Combined Region Coach of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Glenvar Highlanders Competition Cheer Team on this historic and inspiring accomplishment. republicans ensuring energy reliability and affordability

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, electricity demand in the United States is growing rapidly and is at risk of exceeding what we can supply. The growth of AI data centers across the country and the shift to electric vehicles and appliances all mean our country needs far more reliable power. The challenge is that while more power is needed, dependable baseload plants that keep the grid steady have decreased. Environmental regulations under the Biden-Harris administration have contributed to the early retirement of some coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants. In many States controlled by Democrats, plants have been closed and a shift to wind and solar has decreased the integrity of the supply. A recent Department of Energy report indicated that rising demand and reductions in baseload generation may increase the risk of widespread power outages by 2030, even in our Commonwealth of Virginia. When the grid becomes less reliable, families pay the price. Higher costs hit working households the hardest, and many are already struggling with rising electricity bills. Reliable and affordable energy is not a luxury. It is something every American needs and deserves. This week, House Republicans are advancing the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, ensuring that States include always- available power in long-term planning. This idea puts families first by keeping electricity affordable and the grid strong.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of young athletes from Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Parry McCluer High School boys' cross-country team, who have achieved a rare and remarkable feat. This season, the Fighting Blues captured their third consecutive VHSL State championship, securing titles in 2023, 2024, and now 2025. At this year's State meet, the team delivered a dominant performance. Kebryl Chandler claimed the individual State title, finishing first overall. He was followed by outstanding efforts from Caleb Cooper, who placed sixth; Josh Cooper, eighth; Logan Wheelock, ninth; and Hinckley Lovelace, who finished 12th. Their combined strength, discipline, and endurance propelled Parry McCluer to another well-earned championship. They were joined by their teammates, Sebastian George and Sam Carpenter, who helped make the team a success throughout the season. This exceptional program thrives under the leadership of coaches Chris Poluikis and Jacob Zimmerman, whose guidance, training, and belief in these athletes have built a true championship tradition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate each runner, their coaches, their families, and the entire Parry McCluer community. Their three-peat victory is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and excellence, and it continues to make the city of Buena Vista, the Sixth Congressional District, and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia proud. Congratulating Broadway High School Girls' Softball Team

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exceptional group of young athletes from Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway High School girls' softball team, who captured their school's first-ever VHSL Class 3 State championship. The Gobblers completed a remarkable 23-4 season, earning Valley District, Region C, and State titles. Their dominant run included two perfect games and 12 shutouts, and they outscored opponents 216-48 along the way. This championship was made possible by the outstanding efforts of the team's players: Cathryn Caffrey, Lilah Deavers, April Gingerich, Annaleah Grither, Sarah Grither, Kaleigh Harper, Courtney Hensley, Savannah Janzen, Alexia Lambert, Emma Morris, Ashlyn Spitzer, Brooklyn Spitzer, Hannah Tinnell, and Madalyn Wolfe. Their success was guided by Head Coach Becky Cantrell and Assistant Coaches Daren Lam, John Jenkel, Emma Earhart, Morgan Landes, and Aleisha Lambert. Special commendation goes to pitcher Lilah Deavers, a Division I commit and first-team all-State, and to catcher Madalyn Wolfe, also first-team, All-State, whose leadership anchored the team throughout the season. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these great athletes, their coaches, and the entire Broadway community on a historic and inspiring championship year.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Opera Roanoke on the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976 as the Southwest Virginia Opera Society by a group of dedicated volunteers, the company staged its first production of ``The Consul'' in 1978, and in 1991, became the fully professional organization we now know as Opera Roanoke. For five decades, it has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Roanoke and across Virginia's Blue Ridge, presenting compelling performances and fostering a broader appreciation for opera in western Virginia. Over the years, the company has benefited from remarkable artistic leadership and the guidance of legendary mentors, such as Eleanor Steber and Irene Dalis. A special thank you to the board of trustees, who have contributed to the success of the opera: John Johnson, President; Krista Vannoy, Immediate Past President; Frank Giannini, Treasurer; Jim Dubinsky, Secretary; Isabel Ditzel; and Eric Monday. This anniversary season opened with ``Love and Sacrifice: A tribute to the Heart of Opera Roanoke,'' which also marked the retirement of Maestro Steven White, whose more than 20 years of service have profoundly shaped the company's artistic excellence. As Opera Roanoke looks ahead to its 50th anniversary season and upcoming production of ``Hansel and Gretel,'' I congratulate the organization, its artists, its leadership, and its supporters on five decades of achievement. May the next 50 be just as inspiring. Celebrating Robert Holland's 100th Birthday

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert Holland of Roanoke, Virginia, who will celebrate his 100th birthday this Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Mr. Holland is a proud World War II veteran who enlisted in the United States Army at just 18 years old. He spent his 19th birthday in France, serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 381st Battery. He worked as a powder man and also served in supply operations, roles vital to our mission's success in Europe. After the war, Mr. Holland returned to his home State of West Virginia before settling in the Hollins area of Roanoke County in 1950 to be near family. He went on to enjoy a long and honorable career with the General Electric Company and has been a valued member of the Roanoke community ever since. Mr. Speaker, as he marks a century of life, service, and devotion to family and country, I am proud to join his loved ones and neighbors in wishing Mr. Robert Holland a very happy 100th birthday and thanking him for his steadfast service to our Nation. Congratulating Warren County Middle School FFA

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, for the first time in Warren County's history, a middle school FFA chapter has earned the highest honor possible from the National FFA Organization. Receiving the National Chapter Award with a gold three-star rating places Warren County Middle School's FFA among the very best agricultural education programs in the Nation. A testament to the hard work, leadership, and community spirit of our students, these young people are not only learning about agriculture but also taking initiative to serve their neighbors, strengthen their school, and build a brighter future. Led by adviser Lynne Phillips and officers Harlie Brooks, Madison Ballard, Bella Kaplan, Allie Englert, Camberlee Lockhart, Cadence Flint, Alexis Clark, Silas Dutton, and Lex Flores, alongside all other members, planned and carried out projects that range from food drives to environmental cleanups, demonstrating that middle school students, when given the tools and the trust, can rise to extraordinary heights. Mr. Speaker, fewer than 10 percent of FFA chapters nationwide receive this distinction. Warren County's students have set a new standard of excellence, and they remind us that the seeds of leadership, once planted, can grow into something that lifts up an entire community. I am proud to honor them today. Denouncing Socialism in America

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, socialism has left a long trail of suffering across the globe. Wherever it has taken root, it has brought economic collapse, political oppression, and the deterioration of freedom. Despite this record, we are seeing a troubling rise in socialist rhetoric here at home, especially among younger Americans and in major cities like New York City where these ideas are becoming increasingly mainstream. At the same time, support for the free-market principles that built our Nation has declined. This shift endangers the core values handed down by our Founding Fathers: liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. We cannot ignore these warning signs. We cannot allow the failures of socialist systems abroad or here in the United States to be rewritten, dismissed, or forgotten. That is why House Republicans are set to vote on a resolution that firmly rejects socialism in all its forms and reaffirms our commitment to the American ideals of freedom and self- governance. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve to know where their elected officials stand. House Republicans will choose freedom, and we will stand for the principles that are the foundation of this great Nation.