[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, last night President Biden tried to paint his 
administration in a positive light during the State of the Union 
address, but the American people know better.
  We are facing an unprecedented number of crises: an economic crisis, 
a border crisis, a crime crisis, an energy crisis, and an unprecedented 
national security crisis. Every one of these crises have been either 
created or made worse by President Biden and congressional Democrats.
  Simply put, Democrats own these crises, but I am sure--and we did 
see--an attempt by President Biden to dress up these disasters and 
highlight victories that simply don't exist.
  While President Biden tries to take credit for accomplishments he had 
no responsibility in delivering, House Republicans remain committed to 
showcasing to the American people what we stand for: unleashing 
American energy independence, peace through strength, respecting the 
Constitution, putting power back in the hands of parents, lowering 
taxes, balancing budgets, and securing our southern border.
  Mr. Speaker, if given the opportunity, Republicans will lead on these 
issues, and I look forward to delivering on the day that that happens.


                          Support for Ukraine

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support to the 
people of Ukraine. All Americans stand in solidarity against Russian 
aggression, and we pray for peace.
  However, as the conflict escalates and we call for not one more drop 
of Russian oil to be imported into this Nation, the United States must 
make energy independence a priority.
  Prior to the invasion, gas here at home was already 40 percent higher 
than it was 12 months ago, marking an 8-year high. Now, as the world 
sanctions Russia, prices are climbing yet again, and experts predict 
Americans could soon be paying more than $5 for a gallon of gas.
  In response, the President announced that he is releasing 30 million 
barrels from the U.S. strategic oil reserves. It sounds great, but 
considering the United States uses more than 20 million barrels a day, 
this is nothing more than a gimmick. A day-and-a-half worth of oil is 
not going to reduce costs for American businesses, workers, and 
families in my district.
  There must be a comprehensive plan that leads us back to the energy 
independence we enjoyed during the Trump administration, and it starts 
with lifting the President's moratorium on new oil and gas drilling on 
public lands, exploring in ANWR and off our coasts, and finishing the 
Keystone XL pipeline.

                              {time}  1030


             Recognizing the Cave Spring Cheerleading Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student 
athletes on the Cave Spring High School cheerleading team in Roanoke, 
Virginia, for winning its division's State championship toward the end 
of last year. The Knights cheerleading squad is often referred to as a 
dynasty, and this victory marks the team's fourth State title in 9 
years--and in those other 5 years they placed second each time.
  The team had to overcome several obstacles this season, but through 
it all they persevered. Cave Spring senior cheerleader, Abby Holbrook, 
said it best when she said: ``We work so hard during the season, and it 
feels like all the hard work is paying off.''
  Yes, Abby's hard work certainly did pay off. With the graduating 
class of 2022 having won the title their freshman and senior years, 
they are proud of the legacy they leave behind, and rightly so.
  Congratulations to Cave Spring on this accomplishment, and I wish 
them the best of luck again next season.

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