Ben Cline

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Concern Hotline, a vital organization that has provided compassionate, lifesaving support to the residents of the northern Shenandoah Valley for the past 57 years. Founded in 1970 in response to a tragic rise in suicides, Concern Hotline has been a constant source of hope, offering 24/7 crisis intervention and emotional support. This organization is led by Executive Director Rusty Holland, who has dedicated himself to ensuring that anyone in crisis has a trained, nonjudgmental listener ready to take the call. The organization thrives because of its dedicated volunteers and community partnerships with first responders, mental health providers, and local universities. Their work has saved countless lives, and their mission is simple but powerful: to keep people safe for now. I commend Concern Hotline for its unwavering commitment to suicide prevention and crisis intervention. The northern Shenandoah Valley is stronger because of their work, and I wish them continued success in their mission. Defending Consumer Choice

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand against yet another blatant government overreach--this time an attack by the Biden administration on the ability of hardworking Americans to choose the appliances that best fit their needs. In his final days, President Biden's Department of Energy finalized a rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the market. This unnecessary regulation is yet another example of the left pushing a radical Green New Deal agenda at the expense of American families. This rule would drive up costs, limit consumer choice, and hurt American families and small businesses. It is the same heavyhanded approach we saw time and again from the previous administration, forcing Americans to buy expensive, inefficient alternatives instead of letting them decide what works best for their homes and businesses. The DOE has no business dictating what kind of water heater Americans can use, and that is why I strongly support H.J. Res. 20, introduced by my colleague Congressman Gary Palmer. This resolution sends a clear message: Washington bureaucrats do not get to make these choices for the American people. House Republicans will continue fighting to protect consumer freedom and keep government overreach out of our homes. I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and pass this important resolution.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, back in November the American people issued a resounding rejection of the profligate policies of the Biden-Harris administration that existed over the past 4 years by electing President Donald Trump. In the first month of his new administration, President Trump has answered this election mandate, signing executive orders aimed at securing our Nation's borders, unleashing domestic energy production, and rooting out the waste, fraud, and abuse that was left over as the final remnants of Biden's failed legacy. However, the President cannot achieve all of these policy objectives alone. He needs Congress. It will take those of us in the House and Senate, concerned about addressing our fiscal irresponsibility the last 4 years and working together in a unified fashion, to pass a reconciliation package that is set in motion by today's budget resolution. It will give this administration the tools they need to succeed in fulfilling their election mandate. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this budget as we work to deliver real savings for the American people.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the ranking member of the committee has his talking points today when he wants to complain about a businessman helping the administration to save taxpayer dollars, and he is raising histrionics to a new level by talking about a constitutional crisis. Mr. Speaker, we do have the power of the purse under Article I, but Article II, when given that money, has a responsibility for administering it in a responsible manner. If this administration is going to grant taxpayer funds for irresponsible purposes, or if the last administration granted money to irresponsible recipients, then this administration should be able to reconsider those grants or stop those grants from occurring and direct the money into a more appropriate place. It doesn't surprise me that the gentleman from suburban Washington, who has so many Federal employees in his district, is now worried that we are going to have a number of Federal employees who are going to be put out of work. Do you know what, Mr. Speaker? We have too many Federal employees in this country. It is about time that we shrink the size and scope of the Federal Government, and I think that even though it results in people in suburban Washington unfortunately having to seek employment elsewhere, it will save the taxpayers money and improve government efficiency for the long term. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this bill, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, because, in recent years, cartels and human smugglers have recruited drivers to transport illegal aliens from the southwest border further into the United States and many of our communities. Unsurprisingly, when encountered by law enforcement and Customs and Border Protection officials, these drivers routinely flee, often at high speeds. Raul Gonzalez was a Border Patrol agent who was killed in 2022 in a high-speed chase while pursuing a car filled with illegal immigrants in Texas. That same year, there were six Border Patrol agents who died on the job. A high-speed chase puts agents, first responders, and innocent bystanders in danger. Because these chases happen as often as daily to multiple times a day, they take up the bulk of the U.S. marshals' responses to calls. This bill provides a Federal criminal penalty for individuals who intentionally evade Border Patrol agents or law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol and provides for escalating penalties when evading law enforcement results in serious bodily injury or death. The consequences of the Biden-Harris administration's open-borders policies are clear. Now, House Republicans, along with President Trump, can ensure the safety of our communities and the security of our borders. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to do so, as well.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for holding this Special Order and for her leadership on energy issues. The House is truly fortunate to have her as a Member. Mrs. Fedorchak is exactly right. We have, as our top priority, the need to restore energy independence for this country and energy dominance, especially in regard to our relationship with nations like China that are pushing to lead in AI and other technologies. We are dependent on China for rare earth minerals that are so important to powering our grid, powering the technologies that support AI. That is why it is great that the Trump administration is leading on ways in which we can explore not only in the continental United States for rare earth minerals but also talking to other countries, talking to countries like Greenland and Ukraine, quite frankly, making comments about the need to ensure that the U.S. has the rare earth mineral supply that it needs to support the AI initiatives that are happening in this country. We need to be the leader in AI globally. If not, we cede it to China. We just had a hearing yesterday in the Judiciary Committee about what would happen with the censorship-industrial complex if other nations, whether it is Europe and their privacy directive or China through their efforts in AI, to dictate what can and cannot be said on the internet. When it comes to energy, what is most important is the American consumer, the American citizen. What we have seen over the last several years is that American citizens are suffering under the Green New Deal agenda, the increasing dependence on other countries for our energy needs, and the need to restore that energy independence in order to target costs, bring down inflation, and actually allow Americans to be able to afford the important technologies and appliances and other things that are critical to daily living. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, since 2021, energy prices under the Biden administration outpaced inflation, with consumers seeing an average rise of 10 percent. This is all despite the massive glut of subsidies that the Biden administration pushed to prop up Green New Deal technologies that otherwise wouldn't exist without government handouts. Thankfully, we have a new President, a new sheriff in town, one who will bring online more energy production and ensure that the days of $5 gas prices are left behind along with Biden's failed legacy. Moreover, this administration will prioritize affordability and consumer choice in appliances, focusing on cutting burdensome red tape, not on regulating your gas stoves or water heaters at home, which we saw the Biden administration seek to regulate in the waning days of the administration, the outgoing days of that administration. Just this week, Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed his first secretarial order meant to unleash a golden era of American energy dominance. I look forward to working with them and the administration to lend whatever support and authority is needed from Congress to achieve tangible results for the American people. At the end of the day, that is what it is all about, is making sure that we deliver for the American people and ensure that this great Nation continues its energy dominance that we had under the first Trump administration, that we lost under the failed Biden administration, and that we are seeking to regain under the current Trump administration. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership, and I look forward to working with her on these issues.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Highland County Public Library as it celebrates 50 years of service. In 1975, James H. Bowen petitioned the board of supervisors to establish a local library. Initially, it operated as a branch of the Botetourt-Rockbridge Regional Library in the Highland Masonic Building. By 1981, rising costs and a desire for independence led the library to become an independent institution. Community members were determined to give the library a permanent home. In 1982, the Mountain View Extension Homemakers Club contributed $500, sparking a successful fundraising campaign that raised $65,000 by 1986. In 1987, the community's dream became a reality with the opening of a new library building. For decades, the library has been a cornerstone of the community. Much of the library's success is thanks to former member and volunteer Margaret ``Peggy'' Bird, who has been a guiding force for nearly its entire history and remains a supporter to this day. The library has been led by just three directors: Mary Richardson, Pat Shield, and current director, Tomi Herold, who has led the library for the past 25 years. I congratulate the Highland County Public Library for its 50 years of service and wish them many more.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Mr. David Price of Fishersville, Virginia, who was named the grand champion of the 2024 Virginia Truck Driving Championship. David has been a professional truck driver for 33 years. He has been employed with FedEx Freight for the last 18. He has logged 3.3 million miles without an accident, making him the perfect candidate to enter the competition. The contest opened on day one with a written exam and concluded the following day with competitive scoring on a pre-trip inspection and driving course skills test. David demonstrated his knowledge and expertise in all areas to take home the Virginia Straight Truck title. He also captured the best course score and best pre-trip inspection honors to qualify him for his fourth National Truck Driving Championship. Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, delivering essential goods across the United States, but beyond the loads they carry, they carry an enormous responsibility, ensuring the safety of everyone and the commitment to sharing the road. David's grand champion status is a testament to his discipline, focus, and care for his fellow drivers. Halting the Fentanyl Crisis and Protecting American Lives

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, the communities throughout the Sixth District of Virginia and across this entire Nation turned into border communities under the last administration. This was the direct result of the failed leadership of President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas, who allowed deadly fentanyl to pour through our open borders for 4 years. In 2023, over 107,000 Americans tragically died from drug overdoses. Of those, 75,000 were due to synthetic opioids, primarily illicit fentanyl. Fentanyl has become the number one cause of death for adults aged 18 to 49. Even in my home State of Virginia, drug cartels were caught smuggling rainbow-colored fentanyl, specifically intended to target our children. Enough is enough. That is why this week the House will vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act to address this crisis head on. Introduced by my colleague, Representative Griffith, the HALT Fentanyl Act will increase penalties for fentanyl traffickers, support research into the devastating mental health effects of fentanyl, and equip law enforcement with the authority and resources needed to keep the deadly drug off our streets. Unlike the previous administration, House Republicans are stepping up to protect the American people. We are committed to fighting back against the fentanyl crisis, securing our borders, and saving lives. We must pass this important legislation to protect innocent lives and ensure the safety of our families and our communities. Congratulating Dale Meyerhoeffer

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend a resident of Verona, Virginia, who cares passionately about preserving the lands and cultures that epitomize our American heritage. On December 11, 2024, in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., it was announced that Dale Meyerhoeffer received the National Park Service 2023 Director's Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Management. Mr. Meyerhoeffer is a biological technician whose undaunted efforts to save Shenandoah National Park's remaining eastern hemlock trees preserved an ecologically important resource for the park. After the death of 95 percent of the park's hemlocks from an invasive insect, Meyerhoeffer, with the help from volunteers and park staff, used insecticide treatment to protect more than 30,000 hemlocks. To reduce the park's reliance on pesticide treatments, Meyerhoeffer worked with researchers from Virginia Tech to procure and release host- specific, predatory beetles and flies in hopes of controlling the invasive insect. This effort culminated in major success for Shenandoah National Park and the Sixth District of Virginia. We thank him for his persistence and contribution to our great Nation. Recognizing the Restoration Community Development Corporation

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Restoration Community Development Corporation in Luray, Virginia, and its selfless founder, Pastor Audre King. Pastor King grew up in Page County and has made a difference in the community since he moved back 8 years ago. Pastor King founded Living Legacy, a community nonprofit that serves as an umbrella organization, focused on underprivileged youth. Its most recent initiative is the Restoration Community Development Corporation, which aims to restore houses and give unhoused mothers and their children a place to live. A house in the heart of Luray was rehabilitated in December and is now home to 4 moms and 11 children who are grateful to live together as a family. The moms attend church service and life skills classes and are offered recovery sessions as needed. They also pay a portion of the upkeep and save for the future. Pastor King hopes to finish a second house for fathers by the end of February and eventually hopes to expand across the county. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Restoration Community Development Corporation and Pastor King for their exceptional work in the Sixth District of Virginia.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Rockingham County Administrator Stephen King on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of public service to Virginia's Sixth District. Stephen earned his degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. He went on to work for the city of Buena Vista as a civil engineer and worked his way up to assistant city manager. From there, he accepted an offer to become Rockingham County's director of public works. He began serving as deputy county administrator in 2004 and was finally appointed county administrator by the board of supervisors in 2016. Stephen brought his levelheadedness and no-nonsense approach to oversee a period of some of the county's largest growth, helping to establish a positive reputation for Rockingham County as a great place to live and do business. Stephen always took care to acknowledge county employees' hard work and had a great relationship with everyone he came in contact with. I wish him, his wife, Mary, and his entire family the best as he begins this new chapter in his life. He is a shining example of the leadership that every local government hopes to have. Protecting Life

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 21, the Born- Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The radical left's policies have led to an unacceptable reality: abortion on demand, even up to the point of birth in some States. This is a profound injustice to the most vulnerable among us, the innocent lives that cannot speak for themselves. Every life is precious, Mr. Speaker, a divine gift from God. Every baby deserves the same opportunity for life. This vital legislation ensures that those who survive an attempted abortion are not abandoned but instead receive the full medical attention that they require. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act mandates that doctors and medical personnel provide immediate lifesaving treatment and guarantee that these newborns are admitted to a hospital without delay. This should not be a partisan issue. It is a basic acknowledgment of our shared humanity. We must protect the most defenseless among us and ensure that every baby has a fighting chance at life. With the new administration, we have a tremendous opportunity to advance this critical legislation and make it a reality. I will always stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. No child should be denied their fundamental right to life or the vital care they need to survive. Every life matters, and every baby's life is worth fighting for. We must ensure that our laws reflect our commitment to protecting the most innocent among us. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I know that this has been discussed already, but this has been talked about quite a bit in Virginia, and that is because our former Governor, Ralph Northam, was the one who really laid bare the horrible attitude on the left that, if a child is born with some abnormalities, that after that child is born, that child may not necessarily be given life-sustaining treatment. Instead, according to our former Governor, a conversation between the mother and the physician would ensue about whether or not to attempt to save this child's life after it had been born. Mr. Speaker, this is a tragic story of just how far the left has gone, the attitudes toward children born alive, and we must do all we can to stop this treatment of human beings.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Spotswood High School girls' cross country team, who won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in Blacksburg last November. This incredible accomplishment caps years of hard work. In the last three seasons, the Blazers placed fourth, third, and finally runners- up. They took home the trophy this year with three athletes finishing in the top 10: Marika Dickel, Ashland Dickel, and Hayley Mancini. These all-star honorees were joined by their teammates: Carla Argueta-Romero, Reyna Dickel, Peyton Joyner, Anna Lowe, Marykate Miller, and Lillian Myers. The team combined scored a total of 49 points for first place. They were led by assistant coach, Margene Dobbins, and head coach, Sue Rinker. Coach Rinker's expertise and consistent leadership earned her the well-deserved Coach of the Year Award from MileStat. I congratulate the Spotswood Blazers girls' cross country State champions. The victory reflects not only the talent and determination of each runner, but the dedication and support of their coaches, families, and the entire community.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for leading the charge on this legislation, and I find it appalling to hear the rhetoric from the other side. The excuses being made for the individuals who are here illegally, committing acts of domestic violence, committing acts of violence against women, and trying to defeat this legislation that would strengthen the laws to help these victims are appalling. As a former domestic violence prosecutor and as a State legislator, we have seen this before. When we try to strengthen laws to protect victims of domestic violence, we find all too often those who would essentially become apologists for the abusers themselves come in and object to these efforts. We are seeing that here today. When it comes to the Violence Against Women Act, yes, that was a bipartisan piece of legislation until the Democrats were in control of the House. Then we saw them try to amend it to make it more pro-abortion rights, pro-trans rights. You can't even define a woman. How are you going to pass a Violence Against Women Act that actually protects women? Yes, we stand for the original Violence Against Women Act. In fact, we offered it as a substitute. Guess what? The Democrats voted against it because they would rather stand up for the other extraneous provisions of the legislation. This legislation will protect American communities from criminal, illegal aliens; create new grounds of inadmissibility and removability; and expand current grounds for aliens who commit sex offenses and domestic violence offenses. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it because illegal aliens who commit child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence have no place in our country. This bill makes it clear that predators will not be tolerated in the United States.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding group of young athletes in Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway High School boys cross country team, which won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in November. Despite online predictions that showed the Gobblers losing by over 50 points, each runner clocked in at their fastest time that day to clinch first place with a 10-point margin over the runners-up. Along the way, the team also became district and regional champs for the first time in the school's history. The following team members made this victory possible: Peyton Allen, Gavin Diehl, Grayson Jacquez, Jaiden Nguyen, Asher Ryan, Gavin Ryman, Cameron Shifflett, Lee Souder, and Tristan Yoder. Head Coach Darrell Zook and Assistant Coach Michael Sheets provided their leadership and encouragement. Their success does not just reflect their individual talent but also their commitment to the team. Madam Speaker, I congratulate each runner and their coaches, families, and supporters. Their hard work and dedication have inspired us all. Congratulating Kathryn Ha

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional student athlete from Salem High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, Kathryn Ha. Kathryn is a two-time Virginia High School League 4A coed State golf champion, winning in 2022 and 2024, finishing the latter with an impressive score of 68, 2 under par, even in challenging conditions. She also captured the 2024 VHSL girls open State championship and has been named the Virginia State Golf Association's Junior Girls Player of the Year for both `23 and `24. Under the guidance of Head Coach Blaine Hancock, Kathryn has competed at the highest levels, including representing the United States at the Junior Solheim Cup in Spain. Introduced to golf by her father, Tim Ha, she credits him with shaping her mental game, proving that family support is invaluable. Academically, Kathryn shines as well, maintaining a stellar 4.377 GPA. She plans to continue pursuing her academic and athletic journey at Vanderbilt University. Kathryn's remarkable achievements exemplify perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship. She serves as a role model not just in her community but for young athletes across our Nation. I congratulate Kathryn. Congratulating Clarke County High School Boys Cross Country Team

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarke County High School boys cross country team for their remarkable achievement in winning the Class 2 State championship. The Eagles placed four runners in the top 15 and scored 49 points to capture the program's first State title since 2009. Seniors James Casey, Jackson Ellis, and Aidan Kreeb each earned all- State honors for placing in the top 10. Sophomore Landon Horton earned a State medal for placing in the top 15, and sophomore Matthew Lisk rounded out the scoring. Carter Starley and Jonathan Hornbaker also ran for the Clarke County boys team, and Warren Maiberger, Brody Ellis, and Luke LaMaster were members of the post-season championship team. The team is led by Coach Jeff Webster, who was named the Winchester Star Cross Country Coach of the Year for both girls and boys. According to Webster, the guys simply outperformed what we thought they would do. To place 4 runners in the top 15 was just an exceptional effort and one that other teams could not match. Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 Clarke County boys cross country team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued success in the seasons ahead. Allowing Women to Thrive in Sports

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025. Since 1972, Title IX has allowed women to thrive and excel in sports nationwide. This landmark legislation has empowered countless women to compete at the highest levels, achievements we should honor and protect. Yet, the left has embarked on a relentless campaign to rewrite Title IX, aiming to erase the critical distinctions between men and women, boys and girls. This misguided agenda poses a direct threat to the very spirit of Title IX, opening the doors for biological males to compete in women's sports, thereby undermining the hard-won accomplishments of female athletes nationwide. Let me be clear: House Republicans will not idly stand by while the radical left diminishes over five decades of progress for women. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 is essential for ensuring that all young women who aspire to play sports have the opportunity to compete fairly, preserving fairness and protecting their achievements. We must safeguard the integrity of female athletics so that young women can succeed in sports for generations to come.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I support this important legislation that would take concrete policy steps toward addressing the problem of open borders created by this administration. We listened to the gentlewoman from Washington on the other side talk about the cost of implementing the legislation. That requires a certain amount of hubris to claim to be worried about the cost of implementing a piece of legislation when the cost of the open borders that have been created by this administration and embraced by the other side are clearly evident. I have been to the border. We have seen the impact that open borders have had on the educational systems, the transportation systems, the housing systems, and the agriculture systems. All across this country, our Nation is a nation of border communities now because we are all being impacted by these open borders. Back in 2022, Laken Riley's horrific murder shocked the Nation. Also shocking was the fact that her murder was preventable. It was preventable by enforcing the laws of this country. After his arrest for crossing the border illegally in 2022, he was paroled into the United States. Months before murdering Laken Riley, he was arrested for theft. Local authorities in Georgia released him, and ICE didn't lodge a detainer for the alien. Unfortunately, these two actions directly contributed to the murder of Laken Riley. This legislation that bears her name would require ICE to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft offenses and, importantly, would mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the country. It further requires that the Department of Homeland Security issues a detainer for these illegal aliens and take custody of them effectively and expeditiously. While we anxiously await President Trump's inauguration and know that his administration will follow and enforce immigration law and take steps to advance the enforcement of our borders, the Laken Riley Act ensures that all administrations are held accountable, including the previous one, and that our immigration laws are followed. Madam Speaker, I support this important legislation, and I thank the gentleman for his leadership on the bill.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the James Wood High School volleyball team for their remarkable achievement in winning the Class 4 State championship. The Colonels have truly made history, claiming three consecutive State titles with their latest victory on November 23 in a five-set match against Courtland High School at the Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The volleyball program has secured half of James Wood's total State titles in the school's 75-year history. During the championship match, the Colonels were led by two-time State player of the year Kennedy Spaid with 25 kills, 24 digs, and 4 aces. Alongside her, three-time first team all-State player Brenna Corbin had 21 kills, 23 digs, and 3 blocks, while first-year varsity setter Kylee Plumb had 50 assists along with 15 digs and 12 service points. Their victory capped off a phenomenal season, bringing the record to 23-3 and an impressive 3-year total of 76-6. I want to recognize each player on this exceptional team: Kennedy Spaid, Reese Justice, Bella Middleton, Kylee Plumb, Adeline Pitcock, Kyla Wilhelm, Tenley Mattison, Katilyn Brannon, Giselle Norris, Abie Tenney, Brenna Corbin, and Claire Keefer. I also want to recognize the outstanding coaching staff: Head Coach Adrienne Patrick; Assistant Head Coach Brandy Corbin; and their managers: Ethan Germeyer, Ethan Montoya, Fielding Conway, and Kyleigh Bly. Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 James Wood High School volleyball team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued success in the season ahead. Recognizing Loudoun Street Mall's 50th Anniversary

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loudoun Street Mall, also known as the Old Town Walking Mall in the city of Winchester. Over 50 years ago, a group of visionary store owners recognized a shift in shopping habits and the growing demand for convenient shopping spaces. In response, downtown businesses came together to close off two blocks of one of Winchester's busiest streets giving rise to the Loudoun Street Mall. This bold decision led to the formation of the Downtown Development Committee. Composed of Old Town businessowners, including Betsy Helm, Irvin Shendow, Julius Armel, William Duncan, Lewis Ebert, Larry Goodyear, Ray Jennings, Frank Loy, Jimmy Wilkins, John Lewis, and David Juergens, who collaborated with city hall in the early 1970s to bring this vision to life. While the mall initially thrived, it faced challenges in the 1980s and struggled for decades. However, in 2013, a revitalization began, bringing new amenities and life back to the area. Today, the mall is a true treasure of the Winchester region and a hub for the community and tourism. From the first businessowners like Irvin Shendow of Bell's Fine Clothing, who served as chairman of the Downtown Development Committee, to then-State senator William Truban, who enabled legislation, to the current city and business leaders, the Loudoun Street Mall has become a top destination for residents and visitors alike. I am proud to represent the citizens of the city of Winchester, the Loudoun Street Mall in the Sixth District of Virginia, and I am confident it will continue to thrive for many years to come. Congratulating Sheriff Steve Funkhouser

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable leader and friend, Rockbridge County Sheriff Steve Funkhouser, as he prepares to retire on January 1, 2025. A proud native of Rockbridge County, Sheriff Funkhouser graduated from Natural Bridge High School. Inspired by his family's commitment to service, he dedicated his life to protecting our community and our country. For almost three decades, Sheriff Funkhouser honorably served with the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, starting his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy in 1996. He quickly rose through the ranks becoming a patrolman, investigator, lieutenant, and chief of patrol. In 2019, he was elected as the sheriff of Rockbridge County and Lexington city, winning reelection overwhelmingly in 2023. Beyond his role as sheriff, he also served as a regional director for the Virginia Sheriff's Association and as an officer in the Virginia National Guard, retiring as a major after over 28 years of dedicated service. He has also contributed to the community by organizing Christmas shopping excursions for local residents of the Rockbridge County area. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sheriff Funkhouser's extraordinary commitment to our community and his nearly 30 years of service. I wish him and his family the very best in his retirement and in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for introducing this important bill. It is no surprise that House Democrats are once again standing against the wishes of the American people. The voters voted on November 5, and they voted for Donald Trump to be President. They are seeking to stop Donald Trump's administration from doing anything even before it starts. Last week, it was judges. They didn't want the incoming administration to look forward and appoint judges to fill vacancies. Now, they don't want the incoming administration to be able to look backward and stop the flurry of last-minute regulations that are coming out of the Biden White House, midnight rules issued in the final days of a President's term. The Democrats should listen to the voters. Their failure to listen to the voters is why, for the next 2 years, they are going to have a timeout. Their tantrums are not going to be listened to anymore because the voters have given them a timeout. These midnight rules are rushed through without sufficient review, public input, or thorough consideration of their economic impact. They are politically motivated policies that may not reflect the will of the American people or the incoming administration. This bill addresses the problem by extending the window for congressional review of regulations after an administration's final year. It is vital because it would allow Congress to undo the onerous rulemaking of the Biden administration here in the last days, the rules related to the Green New Deal, environmental regulations that heavily rely on renewable energy transitions and increase the cost of everyday products for Americans, or the rules promulgated by the ATF that significantly curtail the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. It is about ensuring transparency and accountability in our regulatory process. It is about giving the American people a voice through their elected Representatives--note, their elected Representatives--preventing regulatory overreach by the vast bureaucracy and protecting our economy from last-minute policies that could have a lasting impact on taxpaying Americans. Mr. Speaker, I support this important legislation and encourage my colleagues to as well.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I hope we are not getting a taste of what is to come. The American people are watching. They have identified correctly that Washington is broken. There are a lot of problems that have arisen over the last 4 years because of the mismanagement from this White House and from the Democratic leadership of this House. They wanted a President and a Congress, a House and a Senate, who are going to fix the problems facing this country. Let me tell you, with the JUDGES Act, we are fixing a problem and we are seeing Democrats, once again, throwing a temper tantrum because they can't get their way. If this is what is to come over the next 4 years, get ready because it is going to be temper tantrum after temper tantrum by the Democrats because they are not getting their way. They deserve the time-out that they are getting over the next 2 years. The American people have given Democrats a time-out for a reason. This legislation responds to the findings of a nonpartisan policymaking body, the Judicial Conference of the United States, by creating the recommended judgeships during future Presidential administrations, addressing a long overdue critical issue facing our Federal judiciary and offering a meaningful solution. It includes important updates to the structure and timing of new judgeships and introduces enhanced transparency requirements and provisions to ensure greater access to justice in high-need areas nationwide. As of March 31, 2023, Federal district courts were facing a backlog of 686,000 pending cases, over half a million pending cases. That is an average of 491 filings per judgeship over a single year. These represent delayed justice for countless individuals and businesses seeking resolution to their legal disputes. That is why the Judicial Conference recommended these 66 new district court judgeships. That is why the Senate passed it unanimously. While some targeted legislation added 34 district court judgeships between 1999 and 2003, it has been 20 years since Congress last acted to address this issue comprehensively, and the Democrats are now arguing that we should wait another 4 years. No. No. The Democrats can sit in their time-out; Republicans are going to lead. We deserve to have this legislation acted on so that the American peoples' wishes to have the problems identified and solved are implemented. Given the severity of this issue, I can't believe that President Biden opposes this important bill. I hope he will reconsider. This act allows Congress the opportunity to modernize and strengthen our judiciary to ensure that justice is not delayed, but delivered.