[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4318-H4319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH'S 225TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cornerstone of faith 
and community in Winchester, Virginia, First Presbyterian Church, which 
is celebrating its 225th anniversary this September under the 
leadership of Rev. Amanda Maguire Thomas.
  Founded in 1800 but with roots reaching back to the earliest days of 
Winchester, First Presbyterian has stood as a witness to history and as 
a steadfast presence in the lives of generations. From hosting the 
funeral of Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan to opening one of the 
first Sunday schools south of the Mason-Dixon Line, its story is woven 
into the fabric of our Nation's growth.
  What really makes this church remarkable is its service. First 
Presbyterian helped to establish the Free Medical Clinic, Jubilee 
Kitchen, and many other initiatives that have lifted our neighbors in 
times of need. Even today, the congregation continues to live out its 
faith through community service, disaster response, and care for 
creation.
  Mr. Speaker, for 225 years, First Presbyterian Church has embodied 
the values of faith, service, and resilience. On behalf of the people 
of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, I congratulate them on this milestone 
and thank them for their unwavering commitment to God and community.


             Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Seniors First

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of 
Seniors First, the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging.
  In 1965, with the passage of the Older Americans Act, Congress laid 
the foundation for home and community-based services so that older 
Americans could live with dignity, health, and independence. That 
vision remains alive today through organizations like Seniors First.
  Since its incorporation in 1975, Seniors First has served as the only 
comprehensive regional provider for older adults across the northern 
Shenandoah Valley. From Meals on Wheels and personal care to 
transportation, senior centers, and insurance counseling, these 
services make it possible for older Virginians to remain at home while 
being supported and connected to their communities.
  This vital work is carried forward by a dedicated team of senior 
center managers: Joe Babcock of Shenandoah County, Tina Landis of 
Winchester, Amy Courtney of Page County, Misty Alger of Warren County, 
Erica Owens of Clarke County, and Renee Carr of Frederick County, led 
by Executive Director Jimmy Roberts.
  For 50 years, Seniors First has exemplified dignity, compassion, and 
service. I congratulate them on this milestone and thank them for their 
continued commitment to our older neighbors.

                              {time}  1030


           Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles James Kirk

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Charles James Kirk. At just 31 years old, Charlie accomplished what 
many could only hope to accomplish in a lifetime. He built a movement, 
inspired the next generation to love their country, and stood for the 
principles he believed in.
  Charlie's commitment to free speech and open dialogue on college 
campuses was at the core of his mission. He believed that young people 
should not only be heard but also equipped to engage respectfully in 
the exchange of ideas. In an era when open discussion is too often 
silenced, Charlie's voice reminded us all of the importance of 
defending our First Amendment rights.
  He was a man of deep faith, grounded in Christ, and he shared those 
traditional values with countless people across the Nation.
  His life reflected courage and conviction, a combination that left a 
lasting impact on students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege 
of knowing him.
  While his time with us was far too short, Charlie's legacy will 
endure. It lives on in the students he mentored, the conversations he 
sparked, and the love of country he instilled in so many.

[[Page H4319]]

  Today, we honor not only his achievements but also the values he 
championed and the example he set for all Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, may God comfort his wife, Erika, his children, and all 
those whose lives he touched. May we continue to carry forward his 
commitment to free speech and open dialogue that defined Charlie's 
remarkable life.


                 Bolstering America's Grid Reliability

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, families and businesses in Virginia's Sixth 
District are paying the price for failed energy policies. Reliability 
has suffered and communities are left uncertain whether the lights will 
stay on. That is why I strongly support the GRID Power Act.
  This commonsense bill cuts through red tape and empowers grid 
operators to prioritize power generation projects that actually improve 
reliability and affordability. For too long, unreliable energy sources 
have been propped up while reliable options in coal, natural gas, 
nuclear, and hydropower have been forced into premature retirement. 
Meanwhile, subsidies have been shoveled into wind and solar despite 
these intermittent sources being unable to fully replace the stability 
and affordability that traditional energy generation provides.
  The facts are clear: More than 95 percent of projects in the 
interconnection queue are wind, solar, or battery storage, yet only 5 
percent are ever completed. Meanwhile, critical projects face years of 
delay. Families should not have to pay for two grids: one for wind and 
solar and another backup system for when the wind isn't blowing and the 
Sun isn't shining. The GRID Power Act ensures we get back to building 
affordable and reliable energy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation.

                          ____________________