[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1101-H1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING SHENANDOAH VALLEY SHORT CIRCUITS WINNING FIRST PLACE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to shine a spotlight on the 
remarkable achievements of the Shenandoah Valley Short Circuits from 
Virginia's Sixth District.
  These driven students formed a club which has now gained 
international acclaim at the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
  Thanks to local support and a grant funded kit, these hardworking 
students emerged victorious in 2023, winning both the Shenandoah Valley 
Electric Vehicle Grand Prix and the Washington DC Electric Vehicle 
Grand Prix, earning their spot on the global stage.
  Faced with international competition, the Short Circuits secured a 
first-place triumph against 28 teams from around the world.
  Their ascent from a Virginia school club to top contenders in Abu 
Dhabi is a testament to perseverance, technical skill, and the pursuit 
of excellence.
  I would like to take a moment to congratulate the members of this 
team: Mary Farris, Hailey Preuss, Andrew Berry, Jaxon Stadjuhar, Lauren 
Farris, Lily May, and Madison Miller.
  The students' monumental success is more than a victory in 
competition. It is a demonstration of American innovation and proof of 
what our young people can achieve with the support of their community.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Short Circuits.


             Putting a Stop to Communist China's Influence

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, today I stand before this Chamber to raise 
a very serious concern: the growing threat emanating from China, not 
through conventional means, but through the digital specter of 
surveillance and manipulation, specifically via TikTok.
  The Communist Party of China is penetrating American society and 
harvesting data on 170 million American users from just TikTok alone. 
This is a clear and present danger to our national security.
  The legislation we bring forth this week, the Protecting Americans 
from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, directly addresses 
this threat.
  We must close the door on China's access to our citizens' personal 
and sensitive information.
  China's manipulation of TikTok and other applications empowers them 
to shape narratives and spread disinformation, targeting the 
vulnerabilities of our democracy, creating division, and undermining 
our values.
  The evidence is clear. From deceiving content to secret data 
harvesting, China's digital choke hold on our Nation is tightening.
  Our bill is not an act of censorship. It is a safeguard for our 
citizens and a firewall against foreign adversary controlled 
applications. We must act decisively to ensure that the CCP cannot 
weaponize information and turn our freedoms against us.

[[Page H1102]]

  Security and freedom of the American people are nonnegotiable. We 
must defend America not only from the tyranny of armies but also the 
tyranny of digital espionage and manipulation.


           Congratulating Strasburg Wrestling State Champions

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Strasburg High 
School wrestling team for their Class 2 State championship victory with 
205 points. It was the Rams' third State title in a row.
  The two individual State champions who led Strasburg's victory 
include senior David Burks, who won the Class 2 State title at 150 
points, and sophomore teammate Hutson Conrad, who won the State title 
at 215 points.
  In addition to Strasburg Rams performers were Aiden Swink, Peyton 
Dean, Lucas Martinez, Zach Bracken, Donovan Burks, and Colby Shaw.
  This performance was truly exceptional, showcasing the talent and 
teamwork that define this group. I wish the seniors the best of luck in 
their future endeavors.

                              {time}  1045


Recognizing Harrisonburg High School Students at the 2024 UAE Electric 
                           Vehicle Grand Prix

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
group of students from Harrisonburg High School, whose remarkable 
talents were showcased on the international stage during the 2024 UAE 
Electric Vehicle Grand Prix.
  Competing in Abu Dhabi, these young innovators represented not only 
our great Commonwealth, but exemplified the American spirit of 
ingenuity and excellence.
  In only their third season, the Harrisonburg High School Electric 
Vehicle team, the Blue Streaks, faced off with 28 formidable teams from 
across four nations.
  Through sheer determination and exceptional skill, Team Blue Streaks 
charged ahead, not only clinching the fastest qualifying time, but also 
securing the esteemed pole position.
  I will take a moment to honor the bright young minds of this team: 
Seniors Johanna Mayfield and Jack Rooker; Juniors Davis Bert, Monica 
Espinoza-Martinez, Peter Johnston, Joshua Nafziger, and Colin Snider. 
Their collective effort earned Harrisonburg the bronze, landing them a 
commendable third place overall.
  Special acknowledgement goes to Johanna and Monica, who were bestowed 
the Women in Science and Engineering award, inspiring young women 
everywhere that the sky is the limit in STEM fields.
  Let us celebrate these young leaders who embody the best of 
Harrisonburg and Virginia. They are not just students or competitors; 
they are pioneers, paving the way toward a brighter, more sustainable 
future.


      Congratulating Chief of Staff Matt Miller on His Retirement

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to both thank and celebrate 
the retirement of my long time chief of staff, Matt Miller.
  After 30 years of Federal service with a great majority of it spent 
working with former and current Members of this body, Matt wraps up a 
distinguished career, encompassing pivotal roles in both the executive 
and legislative branches.
  Matt also serves in the U.S. Navy being deployed to Iraq and 
Guantanamo Bay, as well as civilian Department of Defense tours in 
Afghanistan. He has demonstrated unwavering dedication to assistance 
and advocacy for others, which I have personally witnessed since I came 
to office in January 2019.
  I extend my profound gratitude and thank him for being by my side for 
the last 5 years. This body will miss his devotion to making a 
difference, and I wish him fair winds and following seas in his next 
chapter.

                          ____________________