What Ben Cline said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Virginian whose life has been defined by service to others. After 45 years of leadership, Pam Irvine is retiring as president and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Luray Fire Department of Luray, Virginia, as it marks an extraordinary milestone: 125 years of dedicated service to the people of Luray and Page County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the passage of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2027 out of the Budget Committee last week. Congress' primary responsibility is to defend the American people and preserve the strength of our Nation, and this resolution reflects that duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Front Royal as it celebrates 100 years of service to Warren County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Luray High School Bulldogs boys' basketball team are champions for the first time in 50 years, defeating Fort Chiswell in a historic, double-overtime victory at the Siegel Center.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Salem Host Lions Club, whose members have faithfully served the city of Salem and the Roanoke Valley since 1935.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, one of the boldest, most successful acts of legislation in recent history. For years, American families were burdened by unnecessary taxes, forcing families to bear the brunt of government overreach.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Happy Birthday America, a cherished Independence Day tradition in Staunton, Virginia, as it joins communities across the Nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through the America250 initiative.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary coach, mentor, and pillar of the Roanoke community, Bill Pope, upon his retirement from Northside High School. For more than four decades as head coach and an incredible 46 years in total, Coach Pope has shaped generations of young men both on and off the basketball court.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of young women from Clarke County, whose teamwork and determination led them to victory in the Virginia High School League Class 2 State championship.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John Handley High School boys' basketball team on capturing the program's first State championship. Located in the city of Winchester and led by Head Coach Zach Harrell- Zook, along with Assistant Coaches Jason Combs, Trey Brisco, Donald Finley, Taralle Hayden, and Michael Brown, Hanley defeated Hampton in the Virginia High School League Class 4 championship game.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gene Copenhaver of southwest Virginia on his selection as president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Nation's oldest and largest cattle producer organization.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Police Week to pay tribute to the heroes who protect and serve our communities every day. Our Nation and our streets are safer because police officers put themselves in harm's way in the service of others.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Pam Simmons for her well-deserved retirement as director of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Alcohol Safety Action Program, or ASAP, where she served for 38 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the continued celebration of the town of Mount Jackson's bicentennial, as this historic Shenandoah Valley community marks 200 years since its incorporation in 1826.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize bipartisan legislation that I have introduced called the Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act, which has garnered widespread support from Members on both sides of the Chamber.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great lady, Mildred Scott, a dear friend and a remarkable Virginian whose dedication to her community, her church, and civic life left a lasting impact across the Roanoke Valley and Virginia's Sixth Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SAVE America Act. I am proud to cosponsor this bill.”

“Mr. Speaker, today we honor a woman whose commitment to service has shaped Winchester for more than six decades. Carolyn Griffin began her community service 60 years ago with the Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary and has since become one of its most respected and enduring volunteers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Ingerson on his selection to the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor reflects an exceptional career and a lasting impact on students at Salem High School and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball Team on their fourth consecutive VHSL State title and on finishing an incredible 30-2 season.”

“Boys' Cross Country Team on winning their first VHSL Class 2 State championship in program history on November 8, 2025, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia, not far from their home campus.”

“S. 3424 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025''.”

“Mr. Speaker, again, this important legislation promotes efficient government rather than expanding it, reinforces user-funded government services, strengthens accountability and oversight, and reduces market distortions caused by uncertainty.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cherished institution in our community, Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery in Staunton, Virginia, and to express our deep gratitude for the decades of service it has given the Shenandoah Valley.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. James A. ``Jim'' Davis, a visionary leader, devoted educator, and beloved husband, father, and friend.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School Highlanders Competition Cheer Team which made school history by securing its first-ever VHSL State championship. The Highlanders delivered an outstanding performance, earning 241.25 points to finish ahead of Graham High School, securing their place at the top.”

“Mr. Speaker, electricity demand in the United States is growing rapidly and is at risk of exceeding what we can supply. The growth of AI data centers across the country and the shift to electric vehicles and appliances all mean our country needs far more reliable power.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of young athletes from Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Parry McCluer High School boys' cross-country team, who have achieved a rare and remarkable feat.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exceptional group of young athletes from Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway High School girls' softball team, who captured their school's first-ever VHSL Class 3 State championship.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Opera Roanoke on the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976 as the Southwest Virginia Opera Society by a group of dedicated volunteers, the company staged its first production of ``The Consul'' in 1978, and in 1991, became the fully professional organization we now know as Opera Roanoke.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert Holland of Roanoke, Virginia, who will celebrate his 100th birthday this Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Mr. Holland is a proud World War II veteran who enlisted in the United States Army at just 18 years old.”

“Mr. Speaker, for the first time in Warren County's history, a middle school FFA chapter has earned the highest honor possible from the National FFA Organization. Receiving the National Chapter Award with a gold three-star rating places Warren County Middle School's FFA among the very best agricultural education programs in the Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, socialism has left a long trail of suffering across the globe. Wherever it has taken root, it has brought economic collapse, political oppression, and the deterioration of freedom.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late General John D. Lavelle who was born on this day in 1916. Jack Lavelle was one of the early investors in Bryce Resort in Basye, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cornerstone of faith and community in Winchester, Virginia, First Presbyterian Church, which is celebrating its 225th anniversary this September under the leadership of Rev.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Seniors First, the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. In 1965, with the passage of the Older Americans Act, Congress laid the foundation for home and community-based services so that older Americans could live with dignity, health, and independence.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Charles James Kirk. At just 31 years old, Charlie accomplished what many could only hope to accomplish in a lifetime.”

“Today, we honor not only his achievements but also the values he championed and the example he set for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, may God comfort his wife, Erika, his children, and all those whose lives he touched.”

“Mr. Speaker, families and businesses in Virginia's Sixth District are paying the price for failed energy policies. Reliability has suffered and communities are left uncertain whether the lights will stay on.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, John Eakin of Catawba, Virginia, who will celebrate his 101st birthday on October 2. At the age of 19, John was drafted into the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Marion Grey Noel of Botetourt County, Virginia, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 12. His life reflects the very best of our Nation: service, sacrifice, and commitment to family and community.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise with pride to honor the incredible athletes of Clarke County High School who for first time since 2009 are State champs in girls' track and field.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Glenvar High School Highlanders boys' soccer team. They are the 2025 Virginia Class 2 State champs for the third straight year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Virginia Poultry Federation, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In August of 1925, a group of poultrymen gathered at Virginia Tech for the first poultry field day where they organized the Virginia Poultry Federation and began a century-long mission to strengthen and support the poultry and ag industry.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of commonsense policies that put public safety first. For too long, we have seen soft-on-crime approaches that let repeat offenders walk free, putting law-abiding citizens at risk.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark the anniversary of the legendary Freedom Train, a rolling symbol of American ideals that traveled more than 37,000 miles from 1947 to 1949, visiting all 48 States and welcoming over 3.5 million citizens aboard.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Roanoke Catholic School Lady Celtics girls' track and field team who captured the 2025 VISAA Division II Virginia State championship with remarkable determination and unity.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Stop Illegal Entry Act. In recent years, more than 10 million illegal immigrants have crossed into our country, including hundreds who are on the terrorist watch list.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the Central Falcons softball team for their first-ever State championship title. The heart of this historic victory was the junior left fielder Hadley Witherow, who made the catch of her life to seal the 4-1 win over King William for the class 2 State title.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Christendom College, which has, once again, shown that excellence on the field can go hand in hand with achievement in the classroom.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Salem High School boys' lacrosse team, which made history this year by capturing their first-ever VHSL State championship. They capped an incredible 2025 season with an 11-7 victory over Loudoun County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. This critical legislation aims to safeguard financial privacy and freedom of the American people. A central bank digital currency may sound like innovation, but under Federal control, it becomes a powerful and dangerous tool for surveillance.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 81st Convention of the Kappa Alpha Order, which will be held in Roanoke, the heart of Virginia's Sixth District. It is a distinct honor to welcome this historic brotherhood back to its roots.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a beloved mainstay in Virginia's Sixth District, Fulks Run Grocery, celebrating 75 years of continuous and family-owned service. Fulks Run Grocery was opened in 1949 by Navy veteran Garnett Turner and his wife, Lena, as a general store offering a little bit of everything.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Stuart Hall School boys' basketball team on winning their first 2025 VISAA Division 4 State championship. The Dragons secured the championship with a 69-56 victory over Rise Academy, led by standout performances from Owen Laver with 17 points, Tiberius Fields with 16 points, and Christian Scott with 12 points.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act. In recent years, over 400 individuals on the terrorist watch list have been caught trying to enter our country through our southern border due to the failed policies of the previous administration, with many of these individuals coming from hostile nations, like China and Iran, which seek to do us harm.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable impact of New Freedom Farm in Botetourt County, Virginia, and to honor its founder, Lois Dawn McGill, as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend an extraordinary public servant, Shenandoah County Fire Chief Tim Williams, who will retire on October 1 after an astounding 50 years of dedicated service in fire and rescue.”

“Mr. Speaker, the House is finally doing what the American people have demanded for years. We are cutting wasteful spending and restoring fiscal sanity. This week, we are voting on a rescission package sent by President Trump to eliminate $9.4 billion in reckless spending.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a momentous achievement by the men's volleyball team at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Virginia, which has brought home the school's first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship victory.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of a true icon of American railroad history, the Norfolk and Western class J No. 611 steam locomotive.”

“Mr. Speaker, House Republicans delivered on our promise last month to the American people by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This landmark legislation makes the Trump tax cuts permanent, slashes taxes for working families and seniors, and eliminates taxes on tips and overtime.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James Wood High School in Frederick County, Virginia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, a proud milestone for an institution dedicated to cultivating excellence through student engagement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional achievements of Lord Botetourt High School Lady Cavaliers basketball team, who were recently crowned the 2025 Class 3A State champions.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Roanoke, a beacon of faith, service, and resilience, since its founding as Big Lick Baptist Church on May 16, 1875.”

“Mr. Speaker, on this Memorial Day, we do more than remember. We honor the men and women who gave everything for this Nation. We remember the fallen, those still missing in action, those lost at sea, and the thousands who now rest beneath our flag, having paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Salem High School debate team, which recently claimed its second consecutive VHSL Class 4 State championship with a decisive 32-8 victory over Dominion High School.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Skyline High School wrestling team on winning the 2025 Class 3 State wrestling championship, the first State title in the school's history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredibly special achievement of the Spotswood High School Boys' basketball team, which captured the State championship title for the first time in 32 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities, our Commonwealth, and our Nation with honor and courage.”

“Mr. Speaker, last week was National Small Business Week, a time to celebrate the millions of small businesses that form the foundation of our economy and our communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Salem High School speech team, who just made history by winning their 19th consecutive VHSL State Championship, the most in Virginia history.”

“Mr. Speaker, today marks 100 days since President Trump returned to the White House, and already the results speak for themselves. In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered where it matters most: securing our border, cutting inflation, restoring American energy independence, rebuilding our economy, and enforcing the rule of law.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the 2025 Glenvar High School boys' swim team, the VHSL Class 1 and 2 combined State champions.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Justice Lawrence Larkins Koontz, Jr., of Salem, Virginia, who passed away at the age of 85.”

“Taxpayer's Dime Act, a critical step toward restoring accountability in the Federal workforce. This bill will end the abuse of official time which allows Federal employees to engage in union activities while being paid by the taxpayers.”

“Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. For over 100 years, they have remained dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ while providing care and support to all those in need.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Roanoke Valley Christian Schools Eagles varsity boys' basketball team for winning the 2025 VACA State championship, securing back-to-back titles and etching their names into school history.”

“Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are delivering on the mandate the American people gave us last November. We passed a responsible budget resolution, and now we are moving forward with a strong reconciliation package that reflects President Trump's America First agenda.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of Access Independence, a dedicated organization serving people with disabilities in Virginia's Northern Shenandoah Valley. For four decades, Access Independence has been a beacon of hope and empowerment, promoting independent living through essential services and resources.”

“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.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an extraordinary American, a true hero in every sense, George Walton Weller. For 65 years, Mr. Weller has dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of his community through the Verona Volunteer Fire Company.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of Shenandoah University, a proud institution in historic Winchester, Virginia, that has shaped minds and transformed lives for a century and a half.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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, 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”