Ben Cline

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Luray Bulldogs Girls Basketball Team who won the Virginia Class 2 State championship this weekend. After falling just short to Gate City in last year's state title game, the Lady Bulldogs were ready to enact their revenge in Saturday's rematch. It was a nail-biter of a game as the two teams traded leads heading into the fourth quarter. And with just a minute and 40 seconds remaining, the game was tied at 54 apiece. Following back-to-back steals and uncontested layups by senior, Brynlee Burrill, the Lady Bulldogs pulled ahead by four and maintained their lead. When all was said and done, Luray had avenged their previous loss to Gate City with a 61-56 victory. This win capped off a perfect 13-0 season and was the first State title in the program's history. The team has had a remarkable 2 years, with an overall record of 42- 2; and after battling obstacles all season, the win shows true toughness, determination, and resiliency. Congratulations to Coach Lucas and the entire Lady Bulldogs squad on this incredible achievement.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Parry McCluer High School boys' basketball team that won the Virginia Class 1 State championship this weekend. After trailing by 8 in the first quarter to Altavista, the Fighting Blues lived up to their name and battled back--leading by 2 at halftime. In the locker room, Coach Cartolaro told his team to go out and attack in the third quarter. And attack they did. Quickly outscoring 10-2, the Blues opened up their lead and never looked back. When the final buzzer sounded, Parry McCluer had pulled off a 17-point victory, securing the school's best-ever boys' basketball championship and closing the season with an impressive 12-1 record. I applaud Coach Cartolaro and the entire team for their fortitude and perseverance these past few months. They overcame every obstacle presented to them and brought home the trophy to Buena Vista. Congratulations to the Blues. This achievement is well-deserved and their community is proud of their hard work.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless efforts of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council. Come rain or shine, snow or sleet, nothing stands in the way of this group gathering at Monument Terrace in downtown Lynchburg every Friday to honor and support our troops. This weekly gathering began nearly 20 years ago following the attacks on September 11th as American soldiers were heading into Afghanistan. Since that time, the rallies have grown and those who drive by honk in support--which they say is the sound of freedom. Their dedication to this endeavor has been unwavering, and last Friday I was proud to join them as they marked the 1000th consecutive week that folks have gathered at Monument Terrace to express their appreciation for our servicemembers. And while I applaud the Council on this incredible milestone, I would also like to thank them for all of their work to get homeless veterans off the streets and into housing. The Lynchburg Area Veterans Council, whose members consist of individuals who have fought in every conflict for the past seventy years, has done so much for our community, and the Sixth District is forever grateful.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I would agree with the gentleman. Our families are hurting. Our farmers are suffering, and our small businesses are failing from the shutdown policies of Democrat governors like mine in Virginia. They need our support as we manage through this pandemic. But what they don't need is a $1.9 trillion package packed full of Democrat wish list items that will cripple our economy, including a minimum wage increase that would destroy 1.3 million jobs, according to the CBO, and hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to bail out poorly run State governments. Mr. Speaker, 1 month ago the last COVID relief bill, nearly $1 trillion, was signed into law and, together with previously enacted stimulus laws, over $1 trillion remains unspent. In fact, the CBO, just this week, announced that they project our economy to bounce back over the next several months, without trillions of dollars in additional stimulus aid from Congress, and that much of our recovery hinges on the removal of these shutdown requirements and the pace of vaccinations. That is where our focus should be, ensuring that those who want to be vaccinated receive it, and ensuring that we reopen our businesses and schools as soon as possible. As a new member of the Budget Committee--or I hope to be a new member of the Budget Committee; we haven't even organized yet for this Congress--I am outraged by the slipshod way this resolution is being rammed through the House. It is like being a member of the Judiciary Committee and having impeachment rushed directly to the floor without hearings. Whoops, did that. I see the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee still here. I don't know that he would like it so much if we had tax bills that came directly to the floor without going through Ways and Means. What is next, a farm bill that doesn't go through the Agriculture Committee? A transportation bill that doesn't go through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee? You know, the circus being run by House leadership gives a bad name to circuses everywhere.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time, and I thank the President for his words. Above the entrance to the House of Representatives is a sculpture called the Apotheosis of Democracy. It depicts allegorical peace dressed in armor and protecting the genius of America. Last week, that peace was tragically torn apart as our U.S. Capitol was invaded for the first time since the War of 1812. A violent mob, including many with the most hostile of intentions, broke past security barriers and unleashed destruction and chaos throughout the Capitol. When it was over, six individuals were dead, including two Capitol police officers. I have always supported the rights of citizens to peaceably assemble, but those who breached the Capitol and assaulted and killed Capitol police should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If their intent was to stop the constitutional requirement of this body to count electoral votes, they should be charged and prosecuted for insurrection against the government. But we are a Nation of laws, not of men, and the legal standard for incitement to violence has not been met. Now, a week since the riots threatened the people's House and a week until a new President takes office, we are rushing through an impeachment without all of the facts and evidence and without due process. We don't know what kind of information the offenders have, what evidence will come out during their trials, whether it bolsters the majority's claims or the minority's views, or whether it implicates other individuals, groups, or other officials in the attack on this hallowed institution. We just don't know, and that is why we must treat the power of impeachment and our responsibility as holders of this power with the seriousness and solemnity it deserves. Let us gather the evidence. Let us hear the judiciary, make an informed decision together. This action will only further fuel the political divide among our citizens and will be detrimental to the long-term efforts to unify our country. I reiterate my call from last night. Let us work together. Both President Trump and President-elect Biden have called for a peaceful transition of power. I humbly beseech my colleagues to work toward this end to unify our country and not go down this dangerous path.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 21, calling on Vice President Pence to invoke section 4 of the 25th Amendment. Like all of us, I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the violence that occurred here in our Nation's Capital last week. Political violence is never the answer, regardless of which side of the political spectrum it occurs. And that is a strongly held position on which I have been clear since well before my time in Congress. Let's be clear about a few things. The adoption of this political resolution would be divisive rather than unifying. The Vice President has said he has no intention of taking action under the amendment. So, this process is pure political theater on the part of the majority. In addition, no due process has been provided. As a former prosecutor, if law enforcement brought evidence of a crime to me and said take this to the jury tomorrow for a jury trial, there would be no chance for the defendant to prepare any defense. I would be violating half the Constitution, the code of Virginia, and over 100 different rules of procedure. In the more than 50 years since the 25th Amendment was ratified, section 4 has never been invoked. As such, there are no judicial or authoritative opinions that would evaluate its implementation. Absent this, we must look to the legislative intent of the Congress that passed its language, and nowhere in the legislative intent is the current situation envisioned. It is meant to be used for incapacity, not for political ends with 8 days remaining in a President's term. Last week, Vice President Pence was lauded by the majority for not yielding to pressure to exert power beyond his constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election. Yet, the majority today is attempting to pressure him to exert power beyond the intention of his constitutional role in section 4 of the 25th Amendment. This action will only further fuel the political divide among our citizens and will be detrimental to the long-term efforts to unify our country. Mr. Speaker, both President Trump and President-elect Biden have called for a peaceful transition of power. I would encourage members of both parties to work toward this end and vote against this rushed, misguided, politically motivated resolution.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program. Originally founded as the Santa Clause Truck, the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program has been a blessing to the Shenandoah Valley since 1948. This tremendous, all-volunteer organization assembles and delivers thousands of food and toy care packages to struggling families each year. While the coronavirus may have put a damper on the holiday season for some, it was no match for the generosity and spirit of the folks at the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program. Moving their packing day to a larger facility and spreading it out over packing week to ensure the health of those involved, the organization will donate a record 68,000 pounds of food and 1,300 toys to families throughout Lexington, Rockbridge, and Buena Vista this year. Having worked side by side with this incredible group many times, along with my family, I can tell you it is the overwhelming community effort that makes it such a success--plus the doughnut holes they serve. Folks coming together from all walks of life to help their neighbors in need truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season, and I thank the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program for their continued efforts to bring cheer to so many in our area.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to recognize Mrs. Mary Woodruff of Amherst County, Virginia, who turned 104 years young last week. Born and raised in Amherst, Mrs. Woodruff and her husband of 63 years built their iconic country store in 1952 with their own two hands, near the site where Mary's grandfather opened the first Black-owned business in the county. For decades they served their community, providing groceries to locals and gas to travelers, all while raising five children and several foster children in the apartment above the store. This multigenerational family business was reinvented as Woodruff's Cafe and Pie Shop by Mary's youngest daughter, Angela Scott, in 1998. Since then, business has been booming, attracting patrons from far and wide to try their delicious pies, including a visit from Al Roker from the ``Today'' show last year. To this day, nearly 70 years after opening the country store's doors, the 104-year-old Mary Woodruff still works at the shop and ``holds court'' at the back table where she greets customers and tells stories. Mrs. Woodruff, her family, and the pies are truly a blessing to our central Virginia community. I wish Mrs. Woodruff a very happy birthday, and I look forward to stopping by the shop sometime soon.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two businesses in the Sixth District who have committed themselves to serving those who served our Nation. Tactical & Survival Specialties, Incorporated, of Harrisonburg was awarded the Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion for the second year in a row, while Rubicon Planning of Roanoke earned this distinction for the first time. This prestigious honor is the only program within the Federal Government that recognizes the meaningful and verifiable efforts undertaken by job creators to hire and retain our Nation's veterans. These two patriotic businesses understand why veterans are such an asset to any workforce. According to a new Census report, veterans are more willing than civilians to work longer hours and seek full-time employment. Further, by nature, veterans work well in a team and have a sense of duty. They are disciplined, determined, and confident. They are trained to be problem-solvers, to adapt to changing situations, and they have a work ethic that is simply unmatched. For these reasons, I encourage all businesses to hire veterans. I applaud and thank Rubicon Planning and TSSi for being one of a select few awardees across the Nation who have already committed themselves to doing so.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Brandon Alterio of the Vinton Police Department, who was chosen by his peers as Officer of the Year for 2019. A graduate of William Byrd High School and Liberty University, Alterio embodies the ideal of service above self. Following a six-year stint in the United States Air Force, he joined the Salem Police Department, where he served four years before transferring to Vinton PD last March. He made a quick impression on his colleagues and the community when he received notoriety for selflessly buying a nine-year-old boy a bike when he learned that the child's had been stolen. When presenting the award to Alterio, the Chief of Police said that he was being recognized for his devotion to the town, the agency, and the profession. The Chief continued stating that Officer Alterio had exhibited exemplary skills, a can-do attitude, and a desire to succeed in the short time he had been with the Department. Alterio has served the people of Vinton with excellence, compassion, and fairness, and will continue to do so. I congratulate him on this distinct honor and wish him well on his career in law enforcement.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Freedom Farm in Buchanan, Virginia. Founded in 2016 by Lois Fritz, New Freedom Farm is a nonprofit community that aids veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. Through animal therapy, farming, and peer-to-peer support, this tremendous organization strives to empower veterans and help them heal through the realization of their own efforts and contributions. The farm says its mission is to heal heroes through horses. At the facility, veterans often develop deep friendships through equine activity and gentling, fostering, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, which helps with reintegration into civilian life. They offer their services to veterans entirely free of charge and say they are able to operate through donations and faith. I applaud the entire team at New Freedom Farm for their passion and commitment to serving those who serve our Nation. I wish them continued success moving forward and thank them for their incredible work.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sweet Briar College for being named one of the most innovative schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This is the second time in 3 years that Sweet Briar has earned this distinction in recognition of its academic and institutional innovations. Located in Amherst County, Virginia, the college is committed to instilling in its students the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges facing our communities. Sweet Briar utilizes its sprawling 2,800-acre campus, including its lakes, vineyards, apiary, and 26,000-square-foot greenhouse, as a natural canvas and laboratory to offer students an experience unlike any other in the country. Further, not only is Sweet Briar home to one of our country's oldest award-winning riding programs, but it is also one of two women's colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering program. Thus, it came as no surprise to hear that they were once again honored for their innovation. President Meredith Woo and the school faculty have created a truly shining example of the incredible academic opportunities the Sixth District offers students from across the Nation.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a unique public- private partnership that has yielded big conservation dividends for my home state of Virginia. Ten years ago, a dedicated group of landowners and partners gathered in a small Shenandoah Valley community to launch a unique initiative designed to improve local water quality through the power of Conservation, Collaboration and Community. Smith Creek was one of three ``showcase watersheds'' established by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service as part of a new strategy to address bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment contamination in Smith Creek. These ``showcases'' were established to demonstrate what can be accomplished when communities come together to solve natural resource problems in a targeted area. Smith Creek joined Maryland's Upper Chester River and Conewago Creek in Pennsylvania to test this focused approach to stewardship on a watershed level. The Smith Creek Watershed presents some unique conservation challenges. Karst topography dominates the Shenandoah Valley with hundreds of known sinkholes and over 35 caves that complicate the conservation effort. It is also home to 75 percent of Virginia's poultry operations and approximately 46 percent of its dairies. Local groups and organizations partnered to conduct extensive outreach over the past 10 years, personally contacting area producers and landowners to increase awareness of assistance available to implement water quality practices on local farms. As dedicated stewards of the land, local farmers and landowners worked diligently to improve water quality while continuing to ensure our agricultural economy in the Shenandoah Valley thrived. Smith Creek agricultural producers have now treated more than 8,115 acres through Farm Bill programs like CSP, EQIP and the associated National Water Quality Initiative--over 640 total acres in the last two years alone. Today, we recognize and salute the dedicated conservationists and stewards of the land who have so successfully collaborated to preserve the farming heritage, water quality and scenic beauty of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and the Chesapeake Bay.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Biggs for organizing this evening. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our men and women in law enforcement and to call for the restoration of the rule of law in this country. Over the past several months, we have heard politicians, pundits, and riot participants vilifying our Nation's law enforcement officers, brave men and women who have sworn an oath to protect and serve their communities. We must remember that words have consequences, especially when those words are uttered by Members in this Chamber. The overwhelming majority of police officers are good people. These men and women do the right job for the right reasons, and the people of Virginia's Sixth District strongly support these brave men and women. We have seen Back the Blue rallies spring up across the Commonwealth. Following the ambush of two sheriff's deputies in L.A. County this past weekend, I was moved to speak today to urge my colleagues to recommit themselves to honoring those in blue. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 193 members of law enforcement have been killed this year in the line of duty, nearly 40 of whom were as a result of a gunshot wound. These brave souls were moms, dads, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives, each with a story, and each laid down their life for their fellow citizens. Their deaths bring no more holidays, no more anniversaries, no more birthdays, simply no more days. Regardless of race, gender, or creed, police officers are there in times of crisis. They very literally answer the call and run toward the sounds of danger while others run from them. Too many have given their last full measure in the line of duty, only to have their memory disgraced with calls to defund and dismantle our police departments, which by doing so would destroy the peace in which Americans are blessed to live. Some in this Chamber have been actually pushing an antipolice agenda. Mr. Speaker, I am tired of folks playing politics with people's lives. Over the past few months, we have seen too much death, too much destruction, and too much division. We must restore the rule of law in this country, and we must get our country back on track.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Staunton Kiwanis Club for their efforts to donate food and supplies to local families in need. Originally, the club had donated supplies for the Little League Baseball opener, but when the season was abruptly canceled, club member Michael Roman urged his group to live their motto ``to serve the kids'' in a new way. Kiwanis members and Martin's Food then arranged for the repurposing of donated items from the local store. Kiwanis members now pick up items and drive to the concession stand in Gypsy Hill Park, where supplies are sorted and redistributed to social service agencies to be used by their clients. Since April, 15 loads of food, averaging 450 pounds each, have been donated, providing about 334 meals per load. Quick thinking and dedicated action by Staunton Kiwanis turned the disappointment of a lost baseball season into positive assistance for local families to truly serve the kids.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Candice Bowen who, this week, became the first woman to lead a Virginia National Guard infantry company. On Saturday, she took command of the Woodstock-based Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. After being deployed to Qatar in 2016, Captain Bowen then volunteered for an assignment in Afghanistan, where she earned a Combat Action Badge. Her superiors say that she has ``demonstrated the absolute ability to lead soldiers in close combat.'' Captain Bowen had already earned the distinction of becoming the Virginia National Guard's first female infantry officer in 2019, and when she spoke after accepting her command, Bowen encouraged other women to follow in her footsteps and join an infantry unit. In short, she said to jump in there, do it aggressively, and give it everything you've got. I wish Captain Bowen the best of luck in this new endeavor and know that those under her command in Bravo Company are in good hands.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am incredulous. I cannot believe that we are here again debating another partisan messaging bill when our Nation's infrastructure is crumbling. Rather than working across the aisle to advance a bipartisan transportation and infrastructure bill, the majority is jamming a partisan wish list through to the floor again that prioritizes big cities and Big Government over the interests of the American taxpayer: tripling funding to urban transit programs, a 449 percent increase to rail programs, a 72 percent increase to mass transit programs, and to those of us in rural areas depending on highway and safety programs, only a 42 percent increase. We can see where the priorities of this majority lie, and it is not with the people of rural America. I was sent to Washington to ensure that our government is transparent and accountable for every action it takes. We can't afford the $1.4 million Green New Deal agenda that the majority has brought before us today. I represent a district in the Commonwealth of Virginia that is in dire need of resources to modernize its aging infrastructure and relieve the congestion bottlenecks that afflict our highways. Most notable for my region is Interstate 81, a road that spans six States with over 300 miles of it in Virginia, and that stretches the majority of my district from Front Royal in the north to Roanoke in the south. Each year there are nearly 2,000 crashes on Interstate 81 with over 25 percent involving heavy trucks. Over 45 major crashes a year cause delays greater than 4 hours. Current conditions are not only a frustration, but a grave public safety concern. People are dying on this road, and the failure to keep America's infrastructure up to par is costing lives. It is unconscionable that instead of focusing on public safety and improvements to our Nation's roadways, such as Interstate 81, liberals have hijacked this bill for their own political messaging. Instead of creating certainty for our local communities in the midst of a global pandemic, the Democrat majority has cast aside the interests of the American people in order to appease the extreme wing of their party as they look to November's elections. Republicans are willing and open to negotiating realistic ways to rebuild our highways and infrastructure, but it must be done in a fiscally responsible manner. I will not vote to leave our communities saddled with trillions in new debt and the Big Government regulations contained in H.R. 2. Instead of moving us forward, this legislation will bring America's economy and its growth to a screeching halt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to recommit this bill back to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and develop a bill that reflects the bipartisanship that this committee and this bill have been known for for so many years.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for his leadership and for being a patron of the bill. And Congresswoman McBath, from the Sixth District of Virginia to the Sixth District of Georgia, I want to commend her for her leadership on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, American technological leadership is critical to the health and competitiveness of our economy and to the well-being of people throughout the world. American researchers and biotechnology companies are currently leading the charge for a COVID-19 vaccine. Patents are a key factor in our technological leadership by providing incentives for innovation. Since 2012, the Patents for Humanity Program has helped the U.S. patent system encourage such innovation in key areas, such as in medicine, nutrition, and energy. Mr. Speaker, the chairman eloquently listed several of the past award winners and the description of the acceleration certificate that they have been awarded that encourages them to keep innovating by providing for the acceleration of a patent application's examination at the PTO. This bill supports the admirable work of the Patents for Humanity Program, the inventors it promotes, and ensures that transferability of their certificates empowers the inventors who are recognized by this program and grants them greater flexibility to bring their inventions to market and continue working toward the next great invention. I am proud to cosponsor this bill and support the inventors powering technological leadership today and in the future. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the patron and thank the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee and the full Judiciary Committee for their work on this bipartisan bill, an important measure which supports the inventors powering American technological leadership today and in the future. I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, the tragic killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others has led to a nationwide cry for action to address racism and target police violence in America. Across the country, millions of Americans have peacefully rallied, protested, marched, and prayed for a changing of hearts and a changing of laws to pursue additional accountability and transparency in police departments. In my own district in Virginia, I was proud to join those who stood up against racism and declare that Black lives matter. A few weeks ago, I was optimistic that we could collaborate on legislation and rise to the occasion in the wake of the many injustices that have come to light across our Nation. But, today, I am saddened, saddened that the majority has slammed the door shut on Republicans, slammed the door shut on real reform, slammed the door shut on bipartisanship, and slammed the door shut on Senator Tim Scott's proposals as we sought to work together to find a bipartisan solution. Instead of working across the aisle on this important matter, and instead of taking Senator Scott up on his offer to work together on a bill that could be signed into law, the majority is pushing a bill through the House that cannot be signed into law and that will, in fact, impede the ability of good police officers to do their jobs effectively and, further, allow bad cops to hide behind police union collective bargaining agreements. During the markup of this legislation, my colleagues and I offered a dozen reasonable amendments in an effort to improve this bill. My amendment to ensure collective bargaining agreements do not protect racist and violent officers was rejected by Democrats at the markup and under the closed rule today, unfortunately, was not made in order. While I do thank the gentlewoman, the chair of the subcommittee, in ensuring that portions of my amendment were included and that the Department of Justice now would have the ability to pursue bad cops through consent decrees regardless of collective bargaining barriers, it fails to directly address the many troublesome provisions found in collective bargaining agreements that my amendment would have prevented, provisions like ensuring access to evidence for officers before interviews or interrogations about alleged wrongdoing occurred; provisions delaying officer interviews after alleged misconduct; mandating the destruction of disciplinary records--nobody wants that to be a policy of a local police department; prohibiting the investigations of misconduct after a set length of time; prohibiting the investigation of anonymous complaints; requiring arbitration after being disciplined or terminated. These are provisions that do not belong in collective bargaining agreements for our local police departments. Between 2006 and 2017, according to The Washington Post, the Nation's largest police departments fired nearly 1,900 police officers for misconduct, but those departments were forced to reinstate more than 450 officers after appeals required by union collective bargaining agreements. Further, collective bargaining agreements have been linked to an increase in violent incidents involving law enforcement officers. One study found a 40 percent increase of violent incidents in Florida after a change in collective bargaining laws there. In 2006, the Bureau of Justice Statistics issued a report and found that law enforcement agencies operating under a collective bargaining agreement garnered 9.9 use of force complaints for every 100 officers, compared to 7.3 use of force for nonunionized agencies. During the disciplinary process, only 7 percent of the complaints were sustained or found to have merit in departments with collective bargaining agreements. In agencies without unions, the sustain rate was more than double at 15 percent. This was just another example, by not including my amendment, of how the majority refused to work with us on this legislation, rather than accept good amendments on our side where we could find common ground, but we were cut out of the process. There is nothing in the legislation to address the dangerous and reckless efforts by some officials further to defund, dismantle, or disband police departments. Our dedicated police officers who serve our communities work to ensure that lawlessness does not prevail in our streets and neighborhoods. The anarchy and death that unfolded within Seattle's autonomous zone, or CHAZ, is a perfect example of what defund the police would look like across America. Frankly, it is no surprise that the American people are fed up with Washington. As Mr. Hudson referred to earlier, this was a moment in our history that calls for unity and healing. But, unfortunately, with eyes on November elections, the majority has decided to let politics drive debate rather than sound public policy. We are all outraged by the horrific tragedies that have occurred across our Nation, and it is utterly unacceptable that the legislation before us reached the House floor in such a partisan manner. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill in its current form, and I urge them to reconsider because to get legislation across the finish line, we need to put politics aside to eradicate racism in America, to uphold the foundational principles of our Republic and live out the motto inscribed on the Supreme Court building across the street: Equal Justice Under Law.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the passing of Harold Reid on April 24, 2020, and to honor his legacy of commitment to family, community, and music. Harold Reid was born August 21, 1939, the son of Sidney Boxley Reid and Mary France Craun. He married Brenda Lee Armstrong and together they raised daughters Kim, Karmen, Kodi, Kasey, and son Wil. He is survived by Brenda, their children and spouses, and ten grandchildren. Harold Reid loved his family, entertaining, and the small-town they call ``home''--Staunton, Virginia. Together with high school friends, Harold formed the Four Star Quartet, debuting as gospel singers, who were welcomed in churches across the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County area. They performed for high school dances and other local events before winning the 1955 Kiwanis Amateur Talent Show in Staunton, earning a live performance on a Richmond television station. By 1960, the group's membership changed, and Don Reid joined his brother in the group which became known as The Kingsmen. They played for the Miss Virginia Pageant and earned a contract to appear regularly on a regional television station. In 1962, they opted to change their performing name again, becoming The Statler Brothers. Histories of the renowned Statler Brothers credit Harold Reid with the vision and charisma that encouraged the quartet to continue their musical performances. His deep bass voice undergirded wonderful harmonies when the quartet was on stage. His sense of humor kept audiences engaged and his fellow bandmates upbeat through long hours of road travel. It was Harold Reid who approached another country music legend, Johnny Cash, following Cash's performance in Roanoke, Virginia. Harold reportedly told Johnny that he should hear the quartet sing. A few days later, the Statler Brothers opened for Johnny Cash for shows in Berryville, Virginia. The Statler Brothers became a part of Cash's roadshow on March 1, 1964. Fans of country music will recall where that road led. The Statler Brothers earned their first hit the following year with ``Flowers on the Wall.'' The group released more than 50 albums. They won three Grammys, nine Country Music Association Awards, six International Country Music Awards, and numerous Music City News Awards. The Statler Brothers Show ran on The Nashville Network from 1991 to 1998. ``Flowers on the Wall'' garnered renewed interest when the lyrics were included in the movie ``Pulp Fiction'' (1994). In 1996, a Harris Poll ranking America's favorite singers listed the group as second to Frank Sinatra and ahead of many other singers across various genres. The Statler Brothers have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2007) and the Country Music Hall of Fame (2008). The group performed for over 40 years. Harold Reid and the Statler Brothers never forgot their small-town roots. Harold was a co- founder of Happy Birthday USA. Annually for 25 years, the Statler Brothers would invite country music friends to join them onstage in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and neighbors. The events drew thousands of people to celebrate America's Independence and picnic while listening to country music artists and the on-stage banter of Harold Reid. The Statler Brothers, whose members at the time included Harold and Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Jimmy Fortune, retired from performing in 2002. Members wanted to return home to spend time with family. In retirement, it was not unusual to see Harold along with Brenda and their family at various events around town. Young men from small-town America who enjoyed singing, the Statler Brothers became world famous, bringing laughter and tears to their fans over the long course of their musical career. Retired, the Statler Brothers continued to encourage young performers and to celebrate America and small-town community life. Wilson Fairchild, the country duo of Wil Reid and Langston Reid, have stepped onto the musical stage and picked up the mantle of celebrating the Fourth of July in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park by hosting Happy Birthday America. Harold Reid created a lasting impression on all those who met him, on the fans that he entertained over four decades, on country music as a songwriter, and on the community where he remained rooted. It is with appreciation for a life well-lived that these words about Harold Reid's achievements are submitted for the Record. May his family and friends find solace in knowing the esteem with which we uphold the memory of Harold Reid.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, Virginia Military Institute is world renowned for many achievements, but I rise today to recognize VMI for producing one of the highest numbers of Fulbright Scholars, nationally, for the 2019-2020 academic year. This world-renowned program seeks to improve cultural relationships through the exchange of students, faculty, and ideas. The three bright individuals to receive this prestigious honor are Second Lieutenant Annika Tice, Colonel Howard Sanborn, and Colonel Geoff Jensen. One of only 2,200 students who received a scholarship last year, Second Lieutenant Tice used her Fulbright to educate others and taught English in the Ivory Coast. Colonel Sanborn, a professor of international studies and political science, used this opportunity to study legislative politics in Hong Kong. Colonel Jensen, a professor of history, will conduct research in Madrid this coming summer. Sanborn and Jensen were among only 470 faculty to receive a Fulbright distinction this year. With more colleges and universities than nearly any other district in the country, I am proud that these three individuals exemplify the talent that the Sixth District attracts. Congratulations to VMI on this noteworthy accomplishment.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, advancing the cause of our constitutional Republic by adopting policies that restore the confidence of the public in the U.S. Congress is one of the goals I have had since my election last November. The current lack of confidence is largely due to the dysfunction, partisanship, and distrust that is so prevalent. That is why I am proud to work together with my colleagues who are on the Republican Study Committee government reform task force and who are committed to helping reform our bloating Federal Government in order to expand opportunities for all Americans. Congress was established through Article I of the U.S. Constitution, and, as such, our Founding Fathers put the utmost responsibility in lawmakers to uphold their inalienable rights and to maintain proper transparency while doing so. Sadly, today's Congress has strayed far from that through Federal overreach. This makes the task force even more timely and important. The three main focuses of this task force are reforming government power structures, practices, and personnel policies. Each of these categories has a considerable amount of reform that would be meaningful and effective if enacted. I am committed to ensuring the beliefs of our Founding Fathers live on today through Congress' actions by reforming government so that it truly serves the people for whom it was created and by whom it is empowered.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding. As a Virginian, I am proud that my State is currently one of the 27 that protects the fundamental right to work. Because of Virginia's pro- business and pro-employer stance, it has once again been ranked the number one State in which to do business by CNBC. Unfortunately, this is being threatened both at the State level in the Virginia General Assembly and now at the Federal level through this bill, the PRO Act. Every American should have the right to get a job or keep a job without being required to join a labor union. This bill would inappropriately preempt and prohibit that right, while concurrently violating the privacy of workers by forcing the sharing of their personal contact information with union organizers, even when this has been shown to enable harassment and intimidation of those very workers. This is unacceptable. The PRO Act would have grave impacts on workers and businesses at a great cost to the fabric of our workforce. Founding Father and fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson said: ``To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical.'' Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill and to stand for the freedoms and success that our Founding Fathers believed in.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle, who began his service as the sheriff of Botetourt County nearly two decades ago. When Ronnie was just 6 months, his father was elected as Botetourt County sheriff and held the position for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Eight years later, the junior Sprinkle followed in his dad's footsteps and was elected to the same post, which he held until retirement last month. Save the 8 years between his father's retirement and Ronnie's election, 2020 will mark the first time since the heart of the Vietnam war that a Sprinkle has not led the Botetourt Sheriff's Office. I want to thank Sheriff Ronnie for his years of service to our community and congratulate him on all he has accomplished during his tenure. His tireless work to secure funding for a new public safety building and jail will not be forgotten. The risks and responsibilities that come with being a law enforcement officer are many, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ronnie Sprinkle for his unwavering commitment to Botetourt County and all our men and women in blue.