Ben Cline

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1227, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 1213), a resolution regarding violence against law enforcement officers, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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 include extraneous material on the resolution.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome so many fine men and women in blue here in our Nation's Capital for Police Week. However, as always, I am concerned every day for the safety and well- being of these brave men and women in the communities across this great Nation where they live and work. Radical policies in States and cities across the country continue to promote a disastrous rise in crime and a dangerous environment for police officers. Now more than ever, we must show our support for our law enforcement officers. As a former local prosecutor, I know just how important a robust police force is to keeping our community safe. For effective crime deterrence, you need prosecutors willing to pursue convictions and judges willing to sentence and incarcerate. First and foremost, you need police willing to arrest and charge offenders for crimes committed. You need local and State governments willing to fund and support our police forces. Let me be clear, this effort to defund the police has had a detrimental impact on efforts to combat crime but also on recruitment, retention, and morale among our law enforcement officers. In Democrat-run cities across the country, areas where they defunded the police saw a spike in crime and continue to struggle today with keeping their cities safe. Despite Democrats' calls to defund the police and the emotional toll that that takes, we know that law enforcement officers answer every call for help regardless of who the person is or what they believe and regardless of the threat to their own lives. So many of those brave men and women who answer the call of duty put on the uniform and go to work in the morning but never return home in the evening. Today, there are 23,785 names of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty that are inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C. Words can never express our gratitude to each and every individual whose name is on that wall. Unfortunately, we still see warning signs that the environment does not show any promise of becoming safer. According to the Fraternal Order of Police, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty in 2023, the highest number recorded since FOP began collecting the data. So far in 2024, 136 officers have been shot. That must end. That is completely unacceptable. We must take a stand against these attacks and honor our fallen law enforcement officers. This resolution does just that. This resolution condemns calls to defund the police. It also recognizes that law enforcement officers must have the training and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public as well as their fellow law enforcement officers on the job. We must never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is up to us in Congress to honor their memories and to stand up and protect those who do so much to protect us. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I agree with him that we should stand in support of all of our law enforcement officers at the local, State, and Federal level. In addition to the work that we have done together on bills affecting law enforcement in the Judiciary Committee, I am also honored to serve on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of Appropriations where we deal specifically with support for Federal law enforcement, as well as programs for State and local law enforcement. I can commit to the gentleman that the appropriations process under Chairman Cole's leadership will be focusing on providing that support for law enforcement across the country at all levels. I encourage him to keep a close watch on those bills as they move through, and hopefully we can get his support for those pieces of legislation that provide that funding. We have the loss of officers in every community, and during National Police Week we pause to thank those brave men and women in blue, and in rural areas like mine wearing brown uniforms, as well as sheriff's deputies, and we remember those who were lost. We have had loss in the Sixth Congressional District. In Bridgewater, recently we had officers who we lost, and it really does take a toll not just on the families of the victims but on the entire community. We want to make sure that that number is reduced, eliminated, and we can do that not only through funding efforts to support our police but also through resolutions like this where we try and reverse the trend that we have seen across the country and in many Democrat-run cities, quite frankly, where the antagonistic attitude toward men and women in law enforcement has reached a fever pitch. We have to turn that around. We have to restore that respect for law enforcement in our communities, that confidence in law enforcement in our communities through efforts like this, but also through efforts on the ground. Nothing can replace support for law enforcement among city councils, among elected officials at the local level, among teachers, among community members. That is what is going to be, ultimately, the driving force behind the reversal in this antipolice, defund-the-police-type attitude in our communities and the restoration of that respect and a reduction in crime that would follow. If you respect the police, hopefully it follows logically that you are not going to be someone who wants to cross the police by violating the laws. We will continue to push legislation like this and legislation that we work on in a bipartisan manner. I am sorry the gentleman says he can't support this resolution, but I hope that we continue to work on these types of bills as we move forward. As to the issue of gun violence, I would say that efforts to raise the age at which adults in this country can exercise their constitutional rights to defend their homes, defend their families, defend their communities are not the answer. We only need to look in the District of Columbia to see what has happened when the age at which juvenile crimes, the age for covering crimes and determining that they are juveniles, has been raised over the years and is now 25. If you are under 25 years old in the District of Columbia and you commit a crime, you can be considered a juvenile for purposes of sentencing and for purposes of punishment. That doesn't make sense. We passed a bill this week that actually lowers that age from 24 down to 18 because, truly, if you commit a crime and you are a juvenile--and I worked in juvenile courts, so I understand that there needs to be different approaches to punishing juveniles. They need a much more restorative process that brings them back to a point at which they will be law-abiding adults. Once they are adults, once they are 18, treating them as juveniles without any kind of punishment for the crimes that are committed really does nothing but encourage that type of illegal behavior once they reach adulthood. We don't think that raising age and pretending someone who is an adult is not an adult and can't exercise all of the rights enshrined to them under the Constitution is appropriate. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), a great law enforcement officer.

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

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

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

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, we should all come together. We should all be standing united on this floor in support of law enforcement today. Unfortunately, it is the other side that is going to object to this legislation in support of police. To the defund the police movement, this rhetoric has come from Members in this Chamber on the other side and, yes, that has been followed up by action in cities across the country. We just had a field hearing in Philadelphia where they defunded the police. They took money away from police departments in Philadelphia. The gentleman may call the testimony of our colleague from Minnesota, former law enforcement, ranting, but, instead, I believe it was a passionate defense of each and every law enforcement officer in this country. We must stand and back the blue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an extraordinary group of educators and staff whose dedication has profoundly impacted the Alleghany Highlands community. This group was selected as the seven inaugural inductees into the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division Employee Hall of Fame. This distinguished class, announced on May 9, symbolizes the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines our educators in Virginia's Sixth District. These individuals: Helen Harris, Brenda Holloway, Harold Lambert, the late Katharine Nicely, Donna Vaughn, Archie Wells, and Linda Williams, have each dedicated over 20 years of their lives fostering a nurturing environment for learning within the Alleghany County, Covington City, and Clifton Forge school divisions. Their roles range from teachers of English, French, science, and art to counselors, coaches, and even a beloved custodian. Each, in their unique way, has contributed significantly to the educational fabric of our community, guiding countless students toward achieving their full potential. Their legacy, now forever enshrined in the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division Employee Hall of Fame, reminds us all of the transformative power of education. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all of them on this well-deserved honor and I thank them for their significant contributions to education in the Commonwealth and Alleghany Highlands. 100th Anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate an incredible milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, one of the oldest tourism organizations in the region. Founded in 1924, the SVTA has played a pivotal role in showcasing the Shenandoah Valley's unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and historic legacy. Through collaboration with local businesses and national parks, the SVTA has consistently highlighted what makes the Shenandoah Valley special. In honoring the SVTA's 100th anniversary, we recognize the profound impact that dedicated organizations and individuals can have in promoting the unique beauty and history of the Shenandoah Valley. Their efforts enrich our Commonwealth and indeed our country. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association on this significant anniversary and wish them another 100 years of success. Recognizing Helen Zebarth of Blue Ridge Hospice

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a remarkable individual from Virginia's Sixth District, Helen Zebarth of Winchester, and her monumental legacy. She changed the face of end-of-life care in our community through the founding of Blue Ridge Hospice. In recognition of her incredible impact, the Helen Zebarth Legacy Society was established, symbolizing our community's ongoing commitment to support the mission of this noble organization. Helen was inspired to establish the hospice here in Winchester after her experiences in England, demonstrating her foresight and dedication to serving others. It is awe-inspiring to witness how her vision of providing compassionate care at life's end has grown from serving 30 patients in 1974 to over 10,000 by 2014, with the numbers continuing to increase. By acknowledging the substantial impact of Helen Zebarth and Blue Ridge Hospice on our community, we are all encouraged to support such essential organizations. Their work not only enriches our community, but also offers comfort to families during their most difficult times, exemplifying the utmost in human kindness and unity. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Helen Zebarth for her many years of success and for founding an organization that continues to shine as a beacon of hope and care in our cherished community. Celebrating Jackson River Technical Center's 50th Anniversary

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hub of education and workforce development in the Alleghany Highlands, the Jackson River Technical Center, as it celebrates 50 years of outstanding service to our community. Established in 1974 as the Jackson River Vocational Center, JRTC has since flourished into a beacon of opportunity and growth, playing a pivotal role in the education landscape of the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. Over the years, JRTC has evolved to meet the changing demands of the workforce, offering a broad spectrum of programs that include automotive, building management, carpentry, culinary arts, drafting and design, early childhood education, electricity, marketing, nurse aide/ health assistant, and welding. Through these programs, JRTC ensures that our students are not just prepared for the jobs of today but are also poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, I thank all those educators, staff, and students, past and present, for their dedication and hard work. Their efforts have made JRTC a symbol of success in our community for 50 years. May they continue to inspire, educate, and empower for many more years to come. Honoring America's Police Officers

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, this week marks National Police Week, a time dedicated to honoring America's courageous police officers who stand on the front lines to ensure our safety. While certain voices on the left have demonized our police officers these past several years, it is important that we recognize and remember the profound sacrifices these men and women make protecting our communities every day. In light of this, we must rally behind the bills proposed this week aimed at bolstering our local law enforcement and unequivocally denounce the left's effort to defund and dismantle our local police departments. It is alarming that President Biden and many on the left support this defund the police movement and the soft-on-crime policies that have directly fueled surges in crime across the country, endangering both the public and the police. Since 1776, over 26,600 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. In Virginia alone, 550 have made the ultimate sacrifice. These represent individual lives, families left heartbroken, and communities forever changed. Mr. Speaker, as we honor National Police Week, I urge all my colleagues to join us in support by passing these bills.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, we were paying attention. We were paying attention on October 7. We were paying attention when Hamas, the terrorist organization, slaughtered innocent women and children, elderly citizens of the Nation of Israel. We were paying attention. Now the world is paying attention as Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas. We stand with Israel. We stand with the citizens of Israel, and we are paying attention not only to Israel as it seeks to destroy Hamas and rid the world of this terrorist organization, but we are paying attention to those in Congress and across the country who are siding with Hamas, who are siding with terrorists, who are siding with murderers. Remember October 7. We stand with Israel. John Handley Seniors Honor Veterans

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of John Handley High School seniors. These remarkable students have taken on a significant project to honor alumni from the Douglas School who valiantly served in World War II. The project involves adding their names to the Patsy Cline Theater at John Handley High School, acknowledging the contributions and service of those veterans alongside those already honored from John Handley. Douglas School served African-American students in Winchester until its closure in 1966, so the students want to make sure all of the community's World War II veterans are given the recognition they rightly deserve. The students' work involves a great deal of researching and documenting the names of Douglas School veterans, a crucial step in preserving our history and ensuring the bravery and sacrifices of all of our World War II veterans are honored. So far, they have collected 300 names of World War II veterans and are working to verify that they attended Douglas High School. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding these students and their efforts to ensure that the contributions of our veterans are never forgotten. Congratulating Salem High School Debate Team

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salem High School debate team for winning the 2024 Virginia High School League championship, the first in their history. This historic win came after an impressive performance at James Madison University, where Salem's team showcased their unparalleled skill and determination against the Rock Ridge team, winning with a score of 21-13. The team was led by Claire Rawlins and Kaylee Christley, whose unmatched skills in policy debate steered Salem to victory. Claire Rawlins has also etched her name in VHSL history by winning titles in both forensics, impromptu speaking, and a debate event in a single year. In the VHSL competition, Rawlins and Christley went a combined 10 wins and 1 loss while winning the region, super region, and State championships. Their achievements, along with those of their teammates, propelled Salem to this prestigious State title. I congratulate Salem High School on their State championship in debate and to the students, coaches, and everyone involved in this monumental achievement. Honoring WWII Veteran George Bailey

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Bailey, a valiant World War II veteran who joined the Capital Wing Warbird Showcase at Shenandoah Valley Airport as part of his 99th birthday celebration. George Bailey, who faithfully served in the Army's 283rd Field Artillery Battalion, represents the best of American courage and resolve. His dedication to our country, followed by his distinguished career at Pratt & Whitney showcases the enduring American spirit of innovation and excellence. At the showcase, George Bailey was given the honor to take to the skies on a flight aboard the historic Stinson OY-1. George's enthusiasm for aviation serves as a powerful reminder of the gratitude we owe to our veterans. Their commitment and sacrifices have paved the way for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy. As we look forward to celebrating George's 100th birthday next year, with hopes of another flight, I thank George. To all those who joined in this memorable showcase, your dedication ensures that the legacy of our Nation's heroes continues to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come. Apple Blossom Festival Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival's 100th birthday. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the festival's establishment in 1924, despite having hosted only 97 festivals to date because of the profound impacts of World War II and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival includes 10 days of events, including a carnival, dances, parades, band concerts, and parties. It attracts crowds of more than 250,000 people. Last week, 500 people joined a celebration at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University to honor a century of tradition, resilience, and community spirit at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Mr. Speaker, this achievement is an incredible milestone. I extend my utmost gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Apple Blossom Festival one of the best celebrations in Virginia's Sixth District and nationwide. Year after year, their dedication has created a celebration for our community to recognize and enjoy the rich agricultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the James Madison Brass Band on their historic achievement at the North American Brass Band Championships held in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 6. Under the leadership of their conductor, Professor Kevin Stees, the JMU Brass Band clinched the championship section title, marking a monumental milestone in the band's 24-year history. Their victory is a testament to the talent and hard work of the students and their conductor. Competing against seven other top-tier bands, the JMU Brass Band emerged victorious, marking the first time a collegiate band has claimed the highest division of the competition. This accomplishment adds to the band's remarkable record at the North American Brass Band Championships, including 14 podium finishes, underscoring their consistent excellence and resilience. Moreover, Professor Stees' outstanding leadership has not only brought glory to JMU but also secured him a distinguished place in North American Brass Band Association history as only the second conductor to win in two different sections in the same year. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to the JMU Brass Band, Professor Kevin Stees, and the entire JMU Dukes community on this remarkable achievement. Honoring Broadway Lions Club

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Broadway Lions Club, which is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The Broadway Lions Club was chartered in 1954 by 20 men in Broadway, all thanks to the sponsorship of the Mt. Jackson and Elkton Lions Club. Although there has been much change over the last 70 years, their mission of serving the community has remained the same. With 40 active members from the Broadway community, the Lions Club's primary focus is on sight and hearing needs for those in the community and assisting food programs in schools for students in need. Mr. Speaker, as a fellow Lion, I thank all members of service organizations like the Broadway Lions Club for their outstanding work to make a difference in our community. I congratulate the Broadway Lions Club for their 70 years of service to our community. We look forward to their continued contributions and success for many years to come. Recognizing 100th Anniversary of Rockingham County Baseball League

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rockingham County Baseball League's 100th anniversary. One of the oldest continuous baseball leagues in the country, the Rockingham County Baseball League was founded in June 1924 after J.R. ``Polly'' Lineweaver, who was a sportswriter for the Daily News Record, spearheaded the efforts. At the beginning, seven communities joined the league, including Bridgewater, Briery Branch, Broadway, Dayton, Keezletown, Linville- Edom, and Spring Creek. They played their first games on June 28, 1924. By 1938, the league began playing its own championship series each season. While teams have come and gone throughout the years, this league is made up of eight teams today: The Bridgewater Reds, Broadway Bruins, Clover Hill Bucks, Elkton Blue Sox, Grottoes Cardinals, Montezuma Braves, RCBL Shockers, and Stuarts Draft Diamondbacks. As the league's 100th season begins on May 31, I am proud to honor the Rockingham County Baseball League. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the league for reaching this milestone and wishing the league continued success for years to come. Marking National Small Business Week

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, as we mark National Small Business Week, it is crucial to confront the stark reality facing America's entrepreneurs under the Biden administration. The administration has imposed regulatory burdens that have escalated to an unprecedented scale, with the cost of Federal regulations soaring to $1.3 trillion. The small business community is now saddled with over 267 million man-hours of compliance paperwork, a stark comparison to the regulatory landscape under the Trump administration, where regulatory costs were over 45 times lower. The economic climate continues to pose significant challenges, with persistent inflation undermining any optimism for relief. Despite expectations, interest rate cuts remain a distant hope, forcing small businesses to halt expansion and investment plans. Inflation rates have not only been higher than anticipated but have seen recent upward revisions. Additionally, the first quarter GDP report revealed a disheartening 1.6 percent growth rate, falling short of the expected 2.4 percent. This slowdown in consumer spending is further compounded by a 3.4 percent increase in the personal consumption expenditures price index, signaling the largest inflation surge within a year. These figures underscore the dire circumstances confronting small businesses. The current administration's relentless regulatory assault, coupled with severe economic headwinds, is not only risking the survival of small businesses but is indicative of a broader disregard for the backbone of our economy. We must pivot toward policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate these pressures. Our commitment must lie in fostering an environment conducive to the prosperity and growth of small businesses, which are integral to the Nation's economic vitality. The evidence is clear, and the time for action is now. We owe it to America's entrepreneurs to implement measures that help rather than hinder their potential.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ruritan Clubs in Mount Sidney, New Hope, and Weyers Cave for their 85-year commitment to serving their local communities. As a fellow Ruritan, I know how well these clubs embody the spirit of service and community that is the backbone of rural America. Through volunteer work and donations, these Ruritan clubs keep our district beautifully maintained and bolster communal ties. They also hold annual events, like barbecues, to raise the funds they need to positively impact our local communities. On April 13, a special celebration was held at the Weyer Cave Community Center to honor the past, present, and future generations of Ruritans who have made and continue to make significant contributions to their communities. This event was not just a recognition of these long-lived charters. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of community service and unity. Therefore, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand here today to congratulate Mount Sidney, New Hope, and Weyers Cave Ruritan Clubs on their 85th anniversary. Their ongoing work to instill a commitment to public service reflects the best of what it means to be a part of the community. Mr. Speaker, I thank these Ruritan clubs for their 85 years of service. Here is to many more years of success and community support. Honoring The Virginian Review

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Virginian Review newspaper. For 110 years, The Virginian Review has been a guiding light for past generations, the present generation, and those yet to come. The Virginian Review was born out of the consolidation of two local newspapers in Alleghany County/Covington region, the Covington Virginian, founded in 1914, and the Daily Review, founded 9 years before. After 74 years, the newspapers talked of merging, and on January 3, 1989, the newly created The Virginian Review published its very first edition. Today, The Virginian Review, under the direction of Scot Refsland, continues to uphold its impressive reputation as an incredible source to keep our communities informed by their essential news coverage and thoughtful, incisive reporting. Since its beginning, The Virginian Review has been a consistent and reliable news source, delivering local, State, and national updates to folks across Virginia's Sixth District. It is a privilege to celebrate The Virginian Review, and I wish the entire team all the best as they celebrate 110 years of outstanding journalism. Congratulating Christendom College's Women's Basketball Team

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Christendom College women's basketball team on winning the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II National Championship in Petersburg, Virginia. The Christendom Crusaders won the trophy by a score of 76-65 in the championship game against Johnson and Wales Charlotte, bringing home the first women's basketball national title in school history. Their victory was an entire team effort led by junior Miranda Keller, who led the Crusaders with 22 points; junior Catherine Thomas, who had 19 points; and freshman Mary Pennefather, who also had 19 points. Miranda Keller was also named Player of the Game for the National Championship for her efforts, and Catherine Thomas was named Tournament MVP for her outstanding play. Led by Head Coach Mary Minick and Assistant Coach Annie Heisler, this victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of everyone on Christendom's women's basketball team. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these athletes, parents, coaches, and staff on an incredible season and a well-deserved victory. Congratulating Blue Ridge Christian's Girls' Basketball Team