[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SPIKING GAS PRICES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, we all stand united with our allies across 
Europe and with the people of Ukraine against Vladimir Putin's 
aggression against this democratically elected country.
  We also support actions to stop the purchasing of Russian oil. But 
without action to increase production here domestically, the American 
people will suffer.
  It was only 2 years ago when, for the first time since the mid-1950s, 
under President Donald Trump's leadership, the United States was a net 
total energy exporter in 2019 and 2020.
  This was made possible because of the Trump administration's 
commitment to increasing domestic production of oil and natural gas, 
which drove costs down and benefited American consumers.
  But, sadly, look at where we are now. In just 13 months of President 
Biden's liberal energy policies, we are now facing skyrocketing gas 
prices. Even before the crisis in Russia unfolded, gas prices had 
increased 40 percent, marking an 8-year high.
  Now, because of President Biden's Green New Deal attitude and 
reversal of Trump-era policies, we are once again reliant on countries 
overseas, and energy costs are soaring.
  In my district, across the Roanoke Valley, the cost of a gallon of 
gas has increased nearly 72 cents in the past month alone. This 
increase, in and of itself, will cost the average driver $363 a year 
for those who fill up three times a month. That might not seem like a 
lot to Washington elites, but it sure is for folks in rural areas like 
mine.
  I urge President Biden to pursue an American agenda to help get this 
country back to energy independence. If all Joe Biden does is ban 
Russian oil imports without increasing production domestically, we know 
where the blame lies for spiking gas prices: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.


        Congratulating the Strasburg High School Wrestling Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Strasburg High 
School wrestling team for winning this year's VHSL Class 2 State 
championship.
  This victory marks the program's fifth overall State title and the 
first in 22 years.
  The Rams dominated the competition, ending the tournament with a 
total score of 218 points. This was truly impressive, considering the 
runner-up, the four-time defending champion, Poquoson High School, 
scored only 150.5 points, meaning the margin of victory was nearly 70 
points.

  This win was a total team effort, with all 11 Rams wrestlers who 
qualified for the tournament placing in the top four of their weight 
class. As Coach Daniel Reynolds noted:

       It is an incredible feat that we were able to bring 11 and 
     place 11, bring six to the finals. To have three champions of 
     six finalists is great.

  The three Strasburg athletes that took home individual titles were 
sophomores Heath and David Burks and junior Chuck Fake.
  Further, with only one graduating senior in the starting lineup this 
year, the prospects for another great season are high.
  Congratulations again to the Strasburg High School wrestling team. 
They deserve it.

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