[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEBT CEILING NEGOTIATIONS ARE NOTHING NEW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, Joe Biden and House Democrats should listen 
to what former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had to say about debt ceiling 
negotiations back in 2019, according to The Washington Post: ``Pelosi, 
the California Democrat, said the idea of raising the debt ceiling on 
its own and not in conjunction with a budget agreement was not 
`acceptable to our Caucus' and, therefore, did not stand a chance of 
passage in the House of Representatives.''
  Debt ceiling negotiations are nothing new. President Biden has a long 
history of engaging in and supporting negotiations over the debt limit, 
as do other House Democrats.
  House Republicans are committed to a reasonable, responsible, and 
sensible solution to our Nation's debt crisis that would limit 
Washington's irresponsible spending, save taxpayer dollars, and grow 
the American economy.
  President Biden and the extreme Democrats' inflationary spending 
spree has worked to increase our national debt to unsustainable levels, 
over $31.6 trillion, with annual deficits of $1.5 trillion.
  While Joe Biden has no plan to avoid debt default, House Republicans 
are committed to sensible debt ceiling negotiations.


                 Congratulating Stuarts Draft FFA Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Stuarts Draft High 
School team for winning the Virginia State Future Farmers of America 
forestry championship at the Mountain Gateway Community College in 
Clifton Forge. These outstanding students exemplify leadership and are 
model representatives of the organization.
  The forestry competition included being able to identify tree types 
and disorders, pinpoint wood products, as well as pass a knowledge exam 
and identify and navigate maps.
  Led by Coach William Monroel, as well as advised by agriculture 
teacher Lindsey Baber, these champions include freshman Kelli Weaver 
and seniors Anna Grace Henderson, Will Monroe, and Steven Ramsey.
  As Virginia's Sixth District is the number one agriculture district 
in the Commonwealth, I am always proud to see the next generation of 
agriculture leaders participating, excelling, and winning in 
competitions like this one.
  Congratulations to the Stuarts Draft students, Coach Monroel, 
parents, and staff on this well-deserved victory.


      Recognizing Clarke County High School Girls' Basketball Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Clarke County 
High School girls' basketball team for their Virginia Class 2 State 
championship victory. These impressive young ladies stepped up big and 
beat the defending State champs, Central High School of Wise County, 
45-41, for their second State title in the program's history.
  Junior guard Selene Good cemented the Eagles' lead by nailing a 
dramatic 3-pointer to put the team up by 5. In the final minutes, the 
Eagles knocked down 10 of 12 free throws that helped seal the victory.
  These champions include: Selene Good, Kayia Williams, Emma Nelson, 
Devin Simmons-McDonald, Keira Rohrbach, Willow Oliver, Alainah 
McKavish, Bailey Beard, Hailey Evans, and Emily Emmart, led by head 
Coach Regina Downing and assistant Shadd McCaw.
  Congratulations to all of these talented athletes, coaches, staff, 
and parents on this well-deserved State championship.

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