Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Christendom College Lady Crusaders women's basketball team on their extraordinary

achievement in capturing the 2025 USCAA National Championship, their second consecutive national title.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Mary Minick, the Lady Crusaders entered the season ranked number 1 and lived up to the challenge, finishing with an exceptional record of 26-2 and securing three straight victories in the postseason tournament to bring home the title once again.

This remarkable team is led by seniors Bridget McCaughey, Regina Bonvissuto, Catherine Thomas, and Miranda Keller, and includes Grace Hatley, Lilly Vander Woude, Mary Pennefather, Georgie Snyder, Libby Kolesar, Audrey Speier, Elizabeth Heisler, and Serena Keller.

Miranda Keller was named Student-Athlete of the Year; Regina Bonvissuto was named Honorable Mention All-American; Mary Pennefather was named First Team All-American and Tournament MVP; and Catherine Thomas was named First Team All-American and Women's Basketball Player of the Year. Eight players were also named to the Academic All-American Team: McCaughey, Bonvissuto, Thomas, M. Keller, Pennefather, Kolesar, Speier, and S. Keller. These student athletes demonstrated incredible discipline, teamwork, and commitment both on and off the court.

Coach Minick, now in her seventh season, has fostered a winning culture built on faith, leadership, and mentorship. Her guidance, along with Assistant Coaches Annie Heisler and Jeremy Minick, has elevated the program into a true national powerhouse.

Congratulations again to the 2025 Christendom Lady Crusaders on this historic season. It is an honor to recognize such an outstanding team and the pride they bring to our community. I wish them continued success in the years to come.

Congratulating Salem High School Speech Team

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.

With a commanding 39-11 win over E.C. Glass, Salem now holds 103 individual State titles, a record capped by senior Claire Rawlins, who earned the school's 100th with her second straight title in impromptu speaking.

Joining Claire were State champions Charlie Bain in serious dramatic, Rosalie Botos in prose, and the dynamic duo of Lacy Stratton and Bella Poarch in humorous duo.

Rounding out the team's strength were runners-up Hall Blackwood, Rebekah Steinweg, Parneet Gill, Tara Farrokhpoor, and Noah Lovern. Third place finishes went to Connor Smythers and Colton Easter, Brenasha Devlin, Ariana Turner, and Caden Smythers.

Also competing were Aly Ory, Zippy Elliot, Tori Iverson, and Lori Lowry, all rising stars, along with Kaelyn Henzey, the team's manager, who made sure every detail of the event ran smoothly.

This team is more than a powerhouse. It is a legacy of excellence. Congratulations to Salem, whose voices are making history.

President Trump's First 100 Days

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.

We are seeing the most secure border in our Nation's history, a manufacturing boom, and real relief for families who spent years struggling under failed leadership.

House Republicans are proud to be working with President Trump to keep our promises to the American people by strengthening our economy, protecting our communities, and restoring America's standing in the world.

Mr. Speaker, America is getting stronger every day, and we are just getting started.

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. The Glenvar Highlanders traveled to Richmond on February 27 and captured their second consecutive State title, an incredible accomplishment that reflects their hard work, talent, and dedication.

With a squad of just 11 boys, Glenvar scored an impressive 280 points, outpacing second-place Radford High by 75 points. Of the 11 swimming events contested, the Highlanders won 5 and were runners-up in 2 others.

Congratulations to team members: seniors Avery McClanahan, Alec McIlwain, Kees VanGerven, Connor Wilkes, and Zach Adams; juniors Landon Cairns, Darren Delby, Grayson Shearer, and Avery Thompson; sophomore Cooper Ermel; and freshman Aspen Thompson.

Special recognition goes to individual champions Connor Wilkes, Landon Cairns, and Aspen Thompson, as well as the championship relay teams. Connor Wilkes closes his Glenvar career as one of the most decorated swimmers in school history and will continue his athletic and academic journey at Carson-Newman University.

The Glenvar Highlanders have made their school and community proud. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these outstanding young athletes.

Honoring the Life of Justice Lawrence Larkins Koontz, Jr.

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.

Justice Koontz was one of the most consequential judges in the Commonwealth's history. Over a judicial career spanning 42 years, he served at every level of Virginia's court system, culminating in his roles as the founding chief judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals and as a justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

A Roanoke native and graduate of Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond School of Law--go Spiders--Justice Koontz was known for his clarity of writing, profound sense of fairness, and deep commitment to justice. Justice Koontz mentored generations of legal professionals and leaves a legacy of wisdom, service, and an unwavering dedication to the rule of law.

We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Elizabeth, his children, grandchildren, and all who were touched by his wisdom and kindness. May his memory be a blessing, and may we all strive to live with the same dedication to service that Justice Koontz so fully embodied.

Restoring Accountability in the Federal Workforce

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I joined Senator Mike Lee of Utah in introducing the No Union Time on the

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.

For years, Federal employees have spent millions of taxpayer dollars on union-related work instead of performing their official responsibilities. Federal employees spent 3.6 million hours performing union-related activities in 2016 alone, costing taxpayers $177.2 million.

Even after reforms under the Trump administration brought that number down to 2.6 million hours and $135 million in 2019, the lack of unified reporting means the full scope of the problem remains unknown today. This is money that should have gone to serve the American people, not to subsidize private union interests.

Ending ``official time'' is a commonsense step to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and to increase accountability across the Federal workforce. Public funds should serve the American people, not private union interests.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

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.

Just 60 years after the founding of the international movement known as the Salvation Army, the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County was established on June 27, 1925.

Since its founding, the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County has partnered with the local community to efficiently and effectively assist individuals and families facing poverty. It has made a positive difference in countless lives, offering a helping hand to those caught in difficult circumstances.

Today, the organization is faithfully led by Lieutenants Douglas and Sharon Ingold, who continue the mission of serving others with compassion and integrity.

The Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County holds its iconic Red Kettle Campaign every year to raise funds for the organization's programs that benefit the local area. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to offering programs and services to all those in need without discrimination.

I congratulate the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County on doing the most good for 100 years.

Congratulating Roanoke Valley Christian Schools Eagles

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.

After graduating eight seniors last year, expectations were tempered, but led by returning seniors Logan Gutierrez, Luke Somers, Matthew Cummings, Christian Crosby, Ethan Cummings, and Cayden Wayne, along with new senior Colton Bowman, the Eagles rose to the challenge with grit and unity.

Logan and Luke each reached the 1,000-point milestone, while underclassmen like Jacob and Zach Mioduszewski, Landen Gutierrez, Jack Rakes, and Dallas Riles played vital roles in the team's depth and success. Eighth-grader Brayden Hawley rounded out the squad and made his mark, as well.

With Coach Josiah Somers at the helm and a foundation built on relentless defense and selfless play, the Eagles swept the Southwest District, South Region, and State titles.

Mr. Speaker, this team showed the heart of champions. I congratulate the RVCS Eagles.

Eagles soar.

Delivering on President Trump's Priorities in Reconciliation

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.

The bill secures our southern border, keeps taxes low for working families and small businesses, strengthens our economy, protects Social Security, restores American energy leadership, supports our men and women in uniform, and brings much-needed accountability to Washington.

We have taken the lead in the House. Now it is time for the Senate to do the same. When they return to Washington, the Senators should take up the House resolution, move the bill forward, and send it to the President's desk.

The American people expect results. They want a government that works for them, not against them. With this legislation, we have the chance to make real, lasting change for the American people. Let's get it done.

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.

Founded in 1985 as one of 17 centers for independent living in Virginia, Access Independence has continuously expanded its impact, offering independent living skills training, peer mentoring, information and referral, and advocacy services to the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, Warren, and the city of Winchester.

Led by Middletown Mayor Charles Harbaugh and guided by core values of empowerment, integrity, respect, and equal rights, Access Independence's dedicated team has touched thousands of lives. Last year alone, it served 678 clients and generously provided over 200 pieces of medical equipment to those in need.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Access Independence on this significant milestone and wishing them continued success in the years ahead.

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. Helping to found the fire company in 1959, he remains an active member to this day at age 91. His unwavering commitment to service and deep sense of duty are nothing short of inspiring.

Long before he answered the call as a firefighter, Mr. Weller bravely served our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. Serving for 4 years during the Vietnam war, he defended the freedoms we hold dear.

Mr. Weller has strengthened his community in the generations of firefighters he has mentored and his example of dedication. Few can claim such a

legacy, and today, I recognize and thank George Walton Weller for his extraordinary contributions and selfless acts of service.

Mr. Speaker, he embodies the very best of America, and we are forever indebted to him.

Celebrating Shenandoah University's 150th Anniversary

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.

Founded on February 12, 1875, in Dayton, Virginia, Shenandoah took a bold step back in 1960, relocating 75 miles north to Winchester and paving the way for its continued growth and success.

For 150 years, Shenandoah University has remained steadfast in its mission to provide innovative, high-quality, and student-focused education, always keeping the community at its heart.

The university's legacy has been shaped by visionary leaders, from A.P. Funkhouser, its founder, to Dr. Forrest Racey, who led its relocation, and Dr. James Davis, under whose leadership it became a university. Today, that tradition of excellence continues under Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, Shenandoah's first female president, who has guided its remarkable growth.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Shenandoah University on this historic milestone and wishing it continued success for generations to come.

Recognizing Concern Hotline

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Concern Hotline, a vital organization that has provided compassionate, lifesaving support to the residents of the northern Shenandoah Valley for the past 57 years.

Founded in 1970 in response to a tragic rise in suicides, Concern Hotline has been a constant source of hope, offering 24/7 crisis intervention and emotional support. This organization is led by Executive Director Rusty Holland, who has dedicated himself to ensuring that anyone in crisis has a trained, nonjudgmental listener ready to take the call.

The organization thrives because of its dedicated volunteers and community partnerships with first responders, mental health providers, and local universities. Their work has saved countless lives, and their mission is simple but powerful: to keep people safe for now.

I commend Concern Hotline for its unwavering commitment to suicide prevention and crisis intervention. The northern Shenandoah Valley is stronger because of their work, and I wish them continued success in their mission.

Defending Consumer Choice

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand against yet another blatant government overreach--this time an attack by the Biden administration on the ability of hardworking Americans to choose the appliances that best fit their needs.

In his final days, President Biden's Department of Energy finalized a rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the market. This unnecessary regulation is yet another example of the left pushing a radical Green New Deal agenda at the expense of American families.

This rule would drive up costs, limit consumer choice, and hurt American families and small businesses. It is the same heavyhanded approach we saw time and again from the previous administration, forcing Americans to buy expensive, inefficient alternatives instead of letting them decide what works best for their homes and businesses.

The DOE has no business dictating what kind of water heater Americans can use, and that is why I strongly support H.J. Res. 20, introduced by my colleague Congressman Gary Palmer. This resolution sends a clear message: Washington bureaucrats do not get to make these choices for the American people.

House Republicans will continue fighting to protect consumer freedom and keep government overreach out of our homes. I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and pass this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, back in November the American people issued a resounding rejection of the profligate policies of the Biden-Harris administration that existed over the past 4 years by electing President Donald Trump.

In the first month of his new administration, President Trump has answered this election mandate, signing executive orders aimed at securing our Nation's borders, unleashing domestic energy production, and rooting out the waste, fraud, and abuse that was left over as the final remnants of Biden's failed legacy.

However, the President cannot achieve all of these policy objectives alone. He needs Congress. It will take those of us in the House and Senate, concerned about addressing our fiscal irresponsibility the last 4 years and working together in a unified fashion, to pass a reconciliation package that is set in motion by today's budget resolution. It will give this administration the tools they need to succeed in fulfilling their election mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this budget as we work to deliver real savings for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the ranking member of the committee has his talking points today when he wants to complain about a businessman helping the administration to save taxpayer dollars, and he is raising histrionics to a new level by talking about a constitutional crisis.

Mr. Speaker, we do have the power of the purse under Article I, but Article II, when given that money, has a responsibility for administering it in a responsible manner. If this administration is going to grant taxpayer funds for irresponsible purposes, or if the last administration granted money to irresponsible recipients, then this administration should be able to reconsider those grants or stop those grants from occurring and direct the money into a more appropriate place.

It doesn't surprise me that the gentleman from suburban Washington, who has so many Federal employees in his district, is now worried that we are going to have a number of Federal employees who are going to be put out of work.

Do you know what, Mr. Speaker? We have too many Federal employees in this country. It is about time that we shrink the size and scope of the Federal Government, and I think that even though it results in people in suburban Washington unfortunately having to seek employment elsewhere, it will save the taxpayers money and improve government efficiency for the long term.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this bill, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, because, in recent years, cartels and human smugglers have recruited drivers to transport illegal aliens from the southwest border further into the United States and many of our communities.

Unsurprisingly, when encountered by law enforcement and Customs and Border Protection officials, these drivers routinely flee, often at high speeds.

Raul Gonzalez was a Border Patrol agent who was killed in 2022 in a high-speed chase while pursuing a car filled with illegal immigrants in Texas. That same year, there were six Border Patrol agents who died on the job.

A high-speed chase puts agents, first responders, and innocent bystanders in danger. Because these chases happen as often as daily to multiple times a day, they take up the bulk of the U.S. marshals' responses to calls.

This bill provides a Federal criminal penalty for individuals who intentionally evade Border Patrol agents or law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol and provides for escalating penalties when evading law enforcement results in serious bodily injury or death.

The consequences of the Biden-Harris administration's open-borders policies are clear. Now, House Republicans, along with President Trump, can ensure the safety of our communities and the security of our borders.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to do so, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for holding this Special Order and for her leadership on energy issues. The House is truly fortunate to have her as a Member.

Mrs. Fedorchak is exactly right. We have, as our top priority, the need to restore energy independence for this country and energy dominance, especially in regard to our relationship with nations like China that are pushing to lead in AI and other technologies.

We are dependent on China for rare earth minerals that are so important to powering our grid, powering the technologies that support AI. That is why it is great that the Trump administration is leading on ways in which we can explore not only in the continental United States for rare earth minerals but also talking to other countries, talking to countries like Greenland and Ukraine, quite frankly, making comments about the need to ensure that the U.S. has the rare earth mineral supply that it needs to support the AI initiatives that are happening in this country. We need to be the leader in AI globally. If not, we cede it to China.

We just had a hearing yesterday in the Judiciary Committee about what would happen with the censorship-industrial complex if other nations, whether it is Europe and their privacy directive or China through their efforts in AI, to dictate what can and cannot be said on the internet.

When it comes to energy, what is most important is the American consumer, the American citizen. What we have seen over the last several years is that American citizens are suffering under the Green New Deal agenda, the increasing dependence on other countries for our energy needs, and the need to restore that energy independence in order to target costs, bring down inflation, and actually allow Americans to be able to afford the important technologies and appliances and other things that are critical to daily living.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, since 2021, energy prices under the Biden administration outpaced inflation, with consumers seeing an average rise of 10 percent. This is all despite the massive glut of subsidies that the Biden administration pushed to prop up Green New Deal technologies that otherwise wouldn't exist without government handouts.

Thankfully, we have a new President, a new sheriff in town, one who will bring online more energy production and ensure that the days of $5 gas prices are left behind along with Biden's failed legacy.

Moreover, this administration will prioritize affordability and consumer choice in appliances, focusing on cutting burdensome red tape, not on regulating your gas stoves or water heaters at home, which we saw the Biden administration seek to regulate in the waning days of the administration, the outgoing days of that administration.

Just this week, Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed his first secretarial order meant to unleash a golden era of American energy dominance. I look forward to working with them and the administration to lend whatever support and authority is needed from Congress to achieve tangible results for the American people.

At the end of the day, that is what it is all about, is making sure that we deliver for the American people and ensure that this great Nation continues its energy dominance that we had under the first Trump administration, that we lost under the failed Biden administration, and that we are seeking to regain under the current Trump administration.

I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership, and I look forward to working with her on these issues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Highland County Public Library as it celebrates 50 years of service.

In 1975, James H. Bowen petitioned the board of supervisors to establish a local library. Initially, it operated as a

branch of the Botetourt-Rockbridge Regional Library in the Highland Masonic Building. By 1981, rising costs and a desire for independence led the library to become an independent institution. Community members were determined to give the library a permanent home.

In 1982, the Mountain View Extension Homemakers Club contributed $500, sparking a successful fundraising campaign that raised $65,000 by 1986. In 1987, the community's dream became a reality with the opening of a new library building. For decades, the library has been a cornerstone of the community.

Much of the library's success is thanks to former member and volunteer Margaret ``Peggy'' Bird, who has been a guiding force for nearly its entire history and remains a supporter to this day. The library has been led by just three directors: Mary Richardson, Pat Shield, and current director, Tomi Herold, who has led the library for the past 25 years.

I congratulate the Highland County Public Library for its 50 years of service and wish them many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Mr. David Price of Fishersville, Virginia, who was named the grand champion of the 2024 Virginia Truck Driving Championship.

David has been a professional truck driver for 33 years. He has been employed with FedEx Freight for the last 18. He has logged 3.3 million miles without an accident, making him the perfect candidate to enter the competition.

The contest opened on day one with a written exam and concluded the following day with competitive scoring on a pre-trip inspection and driving course skills test.

David demonstrated his knowledge and expertise in all areas to take home the Virginia Straight Truck title. He also captured the best course score and best pre-trip inspection honors to qualify him for his fourth National Truck Driving Championship.

Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, delivering essential goods across the United States, but beyond the loads they carry, they carry an enormous responsibility, ensuring the safety of everyone and the commitment to sharing the road. David's grand champion status is a testament to his discipline, focus, and care for his fellow drivers.

Halting the Fentanyl Crisis and Protecting American Lives

Mr. Speaker, the communities throughout the Sixth District of Virginia and across this entire Nation turned into border communities under the last administration.

This was the direct result of the failed leadership of President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas, who allowed deadly fentanyl to pour through our open borders for 4 years.

In 2023, over 107,000 Americans tragically died from drug overdoses. Of those, 75,000 were due to synthetic opioids, primarily illicit fentanyl. Fentanyl has become the number one

cause of death for adults aged 18 to 49. Even in my home State of Virginia, drug cartels were caught smuggling rainbow-colored fentanyl, specifically intended to target our children. Enough is enough.

That is why this week the House will vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act to address this crisis head on. Introduced by my colleague, Representative Griffith, the HALT Fentanyl Act will increase penalties for fentanyl traffickers, support research into the devastating mental health effects of fentanyl, and equip law enforcement with the authority and resources needed to keep the deadly drug off our streets.

Unlike the previous administration, House Republicans are stepping up to protect the American people. We are committed to fighting back against the fentanyl crisis, securing our borders, and saving lives. We must pass this important legislation to protect innocent lives and ensure the safety of our families and our communities.

Congratulating Dale Meyerhoeffer

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend a resident of Verona, Virginia, who cares passionately about preserving the lands and cultures that epitomize our American heritage.

On December 11, 2024, in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., it was announced that Dale Meyerhoeffer received the National Park Service 2023 Director's Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Management.

Mr. Meyerhoeffer is a biological technician whose undaunted efforts to save Shenandoah National Park's remaining eastern hemlock trees preserved an ecologically important resource for the park.

After the death of 95 percent of the park's hemlocks from an invasive insect, Meyerhoeffer, with the help from volunteers and park staff, used insecticide treatment to protect more than 30,000 hemlocks.

To reduce the park's reliance on pesticide treatments, Meyerhoeffer worked with researchers from Virginia Tech to procure and release host- specific, predatory beetles and flies in hopes of controlling the invasive insect.

This effort culminated in major success for Shenandoah National Park and the Sixth District of Virginia. We thank him for his persistence and contribution to our great Nation.

Recognizing the Restoration Community Development Corporation

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Restoration Community Development Corporation in Luray, Virginia, and its selfless founder, Pastor Audre King. Pastor King grew up in Page County and has made a difference in the community since he moved back 8 years ago.

Pastor King founded Living Legacy, a community nonprofit that serves as an umbrella organization, focused on underprivileged youth. Its most recent initiative is the Restoration Community Development Corporation, which aims to restore houses and give unhoused mothers and their children a place to live.

A house in the heart of Luray was rehabilitated in December and is now home to 4 moms and 11 children who are grateful to live together as a family. The moms attend church service and life skills classes and are offered recovery sessions as needed.

They also pay a portion of the upkeep and save for the future. Pastor King hopes to finish a second house for fathers by the end of February and eventually hopes to expand across the county.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Restoration Community Development Corporation and Pastor King for their exceptional work in the Sixth District of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Rockingham County Administrator Stephen King on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of public service to Virginia's Sixth District.

Stephen earned his degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. He went on to work for the city of Buena Vista as a civil engineer and worked his way up to assistant city manager.

From there, he accepted an offer to become Rockingham County's director of public works. He began serving as deputy county administrator in 2004 and was finally appointed county administrator by the board of supervisors in 2016.

Stephen brought his levelheadedness and no-nonsense approach to oversee a period of some of the county's largest growth, helping to establish a positive reputation for Rockingham County as a great place to live and do business.

Stephen always took care to acknowledge county employees' hard work and had a great relationship with everyone he came in contact with.

I wish him, his wife, Mary, and his entire family the best as he begins this new chapter in his life. He is a shining example of the leadership that every local government hopes to have.

Protecting Life

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 21, the Born- Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

The radical left's policies have led to an unacceptable reality: abortion on demand, even up to the point of birth in some States. This is a profound injustice to the most vulnerable among us, the innocent lives that cannot speak for themselves.

Every life is precious, Mr. Speaker, a divine gift from God. Every baby deserves the same opportunity for life. This vital legislation ensures that those who survive an attempted abortion are not abandoned but instead receive the full medical attention that they require.

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act mandates that doctors and medical personnel provide immediate lifesaving treatment and guarantee that these newborns are admitted to a hospital without delay.

This should not be a partisan issue. It is a basic acknowledgment of our shared humanity. We must protect the most defenseless among us and ensure that every baby has a fighting chance at life.

With the new administration, we have a tremendous opportunity to advance this critical legislation and make it a reality.

I will always stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. No child should be denied their fundamental right to life or the vital care they need to survive. Every life matters, and every baby's life is worth fighting for.

We must ensure that our laws reflect our commitment to protecting the most innocent among us.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I know that this has been discussed already, but this has been talked about quite a bit in Virginia, and that is because our former Governor, Ralph Northam, was the one who really laid bare the horrible attitude on the left that, if a child is born with some abnormalities, that after that child is born, that child may not necessarily be given life-sustaining treatment. Instead, according to our former Governor, a conversation between the mother and the physician would ensue about whether or not to attempt to save this child's life after it had been born.

Mr. Speaker, this is a tragic story of just how far the left has gone, the attitudes toward children born alive, and we must do all we can to stop this treatment of human beings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Spotswood High School girls' cross country team, who won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in Blacksburg last November.

This incredible accomplishment caps years of hard work. In the last three seasons, the Blazers placed fourth, third, and finally runners- up. They took home the trophy this year with three athletes finishing in the top 10: Marika Dickel, Ashland Dickel, and Hayley Mancini. These all-star honorees were joined by their teammates: Carla Argueta-Romero, Reyna Dickel, Peyton Joyner, Anna Lowe, Marykate Miller, and Lillian Myers.

The team combined scored a total of 49 points for first place. They were led by assistant coach, Margene Dobbins, and head coach, Sue Rinker. Coach Rinker's expertise and consistent leadership earned her the well-deserved Coach of the Year Award from MileStat.

I congratulate the Spotswood Blazers girls' cross country State champions. The victory reflects not only the talent and determination of each runner, but the dedication and support of their coaches, families, and the entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for leading the charge on this legislation, and I find it appalling to hear the rhetoric from the other side.

The excuses being made for the individuals who are here illegally, committing acts of domestic violence, committing acts of violence against women, and trying to defeat this legislation that would strengthen the laws to help these victims are appalling.

As a former domestic violence prosecutor and as a State legislator, we have seen this before. When we try to strengthen laws to protect victims of domestic violence, we find all too often those who would essentially become apologists for the abusers themselves come in and object to these efforts.

We are seeing that here today. When it comes to the Violence Against Women Act, yes, that was a bipartisan piece of legislation until the Democrats were in control of the House. Then we saw them try to amend it to make it more pro-abortion rights, pro-trans rights. You can't even define a woman. How are you going to pass a Violence Against Women Act that actually protects women?

Yes, we stand for the original Violence Against Women Act. In fact, we offered it as a substitute. Guess what? The Democrats voted against it because they would rather stand up for the other extraneous provisions of the legislation.

This legislation will protect American communities from criminal, illegal aliens; create new grounds of inadmissibility and removability; and expand current grounds for aliens who commit sex offenses and domestic violence offenses.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it because illegal aliens who commit child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence have no place in our country. This bill makes it clear that predators will not be tolerated in the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding group of young athletes in Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway High School boys cross country team, which won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in November.

Despite online predictions that showed the Gobblers losing by over 50 points, each runner clocked in at their fastest time that day to clinch first place with a 10-point margin over the runners-up.

Along the way, the team also became district and regional champs for the first time in the school's history. The following team members made this victory possible: Peyton Allen, Gavin Diehl, Grayson Jacquez, Jaiden Nguyen, Asher Ryan, Gavin Ryman, Cameron Shifflett, Lee Souder, and Tristan Yoder.

Head Coach Darrell Zook and Assistant Coach Michael Sheets provided their leadership and encouragement. Their success does not just reflect their individual talent but also their commitment to the team.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate each runner and their coaches, families, and supporters. Their hard work and dedication have inspired us all.

Congratulating Kathryn Ha

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional student athlete from Salem High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, Kathryn Ha.

Kathryn is a two-time Virginia High School League 4A coed State golf champion, winning in 2022 and 2024, finishing the latter with an impressive score of 68, 2 under par, even in challenging conditions.

She also captured the 2024 VHSL girls open State championship and has been named the Virginia State Golf Association's Junior Girls Player of the Year for both `23 and `24.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Blaine Hancock, Kathryn has competed at the highest levels, including representing the United States at the Junior Solheim Cup in Spain.

Introduced to golf by her father, Tim Ha, she credits him with shaping her mental game, proving that family support is invaluable.

Academically, Kathryn shines as well, maintaining a stellar 4.377 GPA. She plans to continue pursuing her academic and athletic journey at Vanderbilt University.

Kathryn's remarkable achievements exemplify perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship. She serves as a role model not just in her community but for young athletes across our Nation. I congratulate Kathryn.

Congratulating Clarke County High School Boys Cross Country Team

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarke County High School boys cross country team for their remarkable achievement in winning the Class 2 State championship. The Eagles placed four runners in the top 15 and scored 49 points to capture the program's first State title since 2009.

Seniors James Casey, Jackson Ellis, and Aidan Kreeb each earned all- State honors for placing in the top 10.

Sophomore Landon Horton earned a State medal for placing in the top 15, and sophomore Matthew Lisk rounded out the scoring. Carter Starley and Jonathan Hornbaker also ran for the Clarke County boys team, and Warren Maiberger, Brody Ellis, and Luke LaMaster were members of the post-season championship team.

The team is led by Coach Jeff Webster, who was named the Winchester Star Cross Country Coach of the Year for both girls and boys. According to Webster, the guys simply outperformed what we thought they would do. To place 4 runners in the top 15 was just an exceptional effort and one that other teams could not match.

Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 Clarke County boys cross country team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued success in the seasons ahead.

Allowing Women to Thrive in Sports

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025.

Since 1972, Title IX has allowed women to thrive and excel in sports nationwide. This landmark legislation has empowered countless women to compete at the highest levels, achievements we should honor and protect.

Yet, the left has embarked on a relentless campaign to rewrite Title IX, aiming to erase the critical distinctions between men and women, boys and girls. This misguided agenda poses

a direct threat to the very spirit of Title IX, opening the doors for biological males to compete in women's sports, thereby undermining the hard-won accomplishments of female athletes nationwide.

Let me be clear: House Republicans will not idly stand by while the radical left diminishes over five decades of progress for women.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 is essential for ensuring that all young women who aspire to play sports have the opportunity to compete fairly, preserving fairness and protecting their achievements. We must safeguard the integrity of female athletics so that young women can succeed in sports for generations to come.