[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1245-H1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     BRADLEY FREE CLINIC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF REMARKABLE SERVICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley Free 
Clinic of Roanoke, Virginia, as it celebrates 50 years of remarkable 
service to the underserved members in our community. This institution 
embodies the enduring power of volunteerism and compassion, providing 
comprehensive healthcare to those in need, free of charge.
  Founded on the vision of Henry Bell and led by the selfless efforts 
of Estelle Nichols Avner and countless volunteers, the Bradley Free 
Clinic has been a staple of hope and care in the Roanoke community. Its 
legacy is one of community solidarity, ensuring accessible healthcare, 
and underscored by the dedication of its volunteers and staff.
  As we mark this significant anniversary, let us honor the Bradley 
Free Clinic's half-century of service. I commend the tireless 
dedication of everyone involved with the clinic and celebrate the 
impact of their work on the Roanoke Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope they have a great 50th celebration here next 
month, and I hope that it continues to flourish and serve as a 
testament to the power of community and care in the years to come.

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    Warm Springs Valley Garden Club Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an institution that 
holds a cherished place in Bath County, Virginia, the Warm Springs 
Valley Garden Club. As they mark a century of dedication to the 
preservation of natural splendor in our community, we recognize their 
tireless efforts.
  One hundred years ago, a group of 13 visionary women established a 
legacy in horticulture that endures to this day. The commitment of 
these women, bolstered by 30 to 50 members each year, has crafted a 
rich and vibrant culture of gardening throughout Bath County that 
continues to flourish.
  It is their mission that truly embodies the spirit of the Warm 
Springs Valley Garden Club--cultivating a deep appreciation for 
gardening, championing conservation, and enhancing civic and natural 
allure.
  As they celebrate 100 years of exceptional service in educating, 
nurturing, and community building, we salute the Warm Springs Valley 
Garden Club. Their continued efforts enhance not just our natural 
environment but also the very essence of our community.
  Congratulations to the Warm Springs Valley Garden Club on their 100-
year anniversary. I wish them another 100 years of success.


          Virginia Elks Youth Camp Celebrates 75th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th 
anniversary of the Virginia Elks Youth Camp and recognize its 
remarkable journey to becoming a beacon of hope and joy for over 50,000 
boys and girls aged 8 to 13.
  Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, near the Cowpasture River, this 
camp, fully funded through the generosity of the Virginia Elks 
Association, has not only offered a free outdoors experience but also 
fostered a sense of adventure and friendship among campers.
  Thanks to the support of the 26 Elks Lodges across the Commonwealth 
and the tireless work of countless volunteers, the doors of this camp 
have remained open since the late 1940s.
  As we look back on these 75 years, let us commend the Virginia Elks 
Association for its unwavering commitment to youth and veterans' needs.
  I wish them all the best as they continue to ensure that the Virginia 
Elks Youth Camp remains a cornerstone of our community's investment in 
its youth for years to come.


             Jefferson Center Celebrates 100th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia. This 
institution stands not just as a building but as a place of education 
and culture that has profoundly touched our community over the past 
century.
  Originally serving as Jefferson High School in the early 1920s, the 
auditorium was built larger than the high school so that it could be 
used by and for the community. From 1924 to 1974, the high school paved 
the way for the education of over 19,000 students, laying a strong 
foundation for our future generations.
  By 1989, the building had evolved into a center for the arts, 
nonprofit activities, and civic engagement that has inspired and 
enriched the lives of the people of Roanoke.

[[Page H1246]]

  Today, we celebrate a century-long legacy of community enrichment and 
unity. Let's honor this remarkable anniversary by commemorating the 
Jefferson Center's achievement, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of 
our community for generations to come.


     Fighting Back Against President Biden's War on American Energy

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address President Biden's war 
on American energy, which seeks to undermine our Nation's energy 
independence and impose the radical visions of the left's Green New 
Deal upon the American people.
  Under the guise of environmental progress, the Biden administration 
has embarked on a campaign that has directly assaulted the backbone of 
our energy infrastructure. From day one, from the senseless 
restrictions on liquefied natural gas export terminals to the absurd 
proposals to ban gas stoves and target gas-powered vehicles, this 
administration has shown a reckless disregard for American energy 
dominance and the welfare of the American people.
  Furthermore, in a misguided effort to cushion the blow of his own 
policies, President Biden has depleted our Strategic Petroleum Reserve 
to its lowest level since 1984. This depletion not only threatens our 
national security but weakens our position on the global stage.
  The consequences of these actions are evident in rising gas prices, 
which continue to be a painful burden for the American family. In 2022, 
we witnessed the national average for a gallon of gas exceed $5 a 
gallon for the first time in history.
  Almost exactly 1 year ago, I gave a speech on this floor in support 
of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. I urge us to continue to act in 
furtherance of this agenda.

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