[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MRS. ROWE'S RESTAURANT AND BAKERY
(Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cherished institution
in our community, Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery in Staunton,
Virginia, and to express our deep gratitude for the decades of service
it has given the Shenandoah Valley.
Founded in 1947 by Willard and Mildred Rowe, affectionately known as
The Pie Lady, the restaurant quickly became a local treasure. Using her
own family recipes, Mrs. Rowe built a reputation for warm hospitality,
home-cooked meals, and fresh-baked pies that generations of Virginians
and travelers alike came to love.
That legacy was carried forward with equal devotion by her son, Mike
DeGrassie; his wife, Mary Lou; and her grandson, Aaron DeGrassie. For
three generations, the family kept alive the values and traditions that
made Mrs. Rowe's a landmark.
We were saddened to learn that Mrs. Rowe's restaurant and bakery will
close its doors at the end of December. While we will certainly miss
the meals, the desserts, and the familiar warmth of a place where so
many gathered, today we also celebrate what this restaurant has meant
to the valley and to all who passed through its doors.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Rowe's
restaurant and bakery. Nearly 80 years of hard work, family tradition
and community spirit have left an enduring mark on Virginia's Sixth
District, one that will not be forgotten.
remembering the life and legacy of dr. jim davis
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy
of Dr. James A. ``Jim'' Davis, a visionary leader, devoted educator,
and beloved husband, father, and friend.
Jim served as President of Shenandoah University in Winchester for 26
years, transforming it from a small college into a vibrant, world-class
university. His vision, faith, and integrity touched the lives of
countless students, faculty, and community members. Under his guidance,
Shenandoah grew in size, stature, and spirit. He built not only new
buildings and programs, but also a belief that education could change
lives and strengthen communities.
Beyond his remarkable career, Jim's greatest legacy was his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janet, and their children,
Barclay, Andrew, and Stephanie Davis Landes, whose love and support
grounded his life of service.
Jim Davis taught us that faith, vision, and compassion can shape
institutions and hearts alike. Today we honor not just what he built,
but who he was, a man whose kindness and commitment will forever be
part of Shenandoah University, Shenandoah Valley, and the Commonwealth
of Virginia.
Congratulating the Glenvar High School Competition Cheer Team
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School
Highlanders Competition Cheer Team which made school history by
securing its first-ever VHSL State championship. The Highlanders
delivered an outstanding performance, earning 241.25 points to finish
ahead of Graham High School, securing their place at the top.
This achievement followed their combined region 1C/D and 2C/D
championships, capping an extraordinary season. Head Coach Sarah
Hatfield, along with Assistant Coaches Desirae Bowles and Alex Powell,
praised the team's determination, perseverance, and grit, qualities
that pushed them beyond their comfort zones and brought the
championship home.
The title-winning athletes are seniors Kayelynn Dickson, Morgan
Gaines, Carter Graffeo, and Addison Snead; junior Elle Graffeo;
sophomore Taylor Goldfield; and freshmen Audree Frantz, Jillian
Roberts, Claire Shrewsbury, and Abby Woods. Special congratulations to
Addison Snead, the Combined Region Cheer Athlete of the Year, and to
Coach Hatfield, named the Combined Region Coach of the Year.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the
Glenvar Highlanders Competition Cheer Team on this historic and
inspiring accomplishment.
republicans ensuring energy reliability and affordability
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, electricity demand in the United States is
growing rapidly and is at risk of exceeding what we can supply. The
growth of AI data centers across the country and the shift to electric
vehicles and appliances all mean our country needs far more reliable
power. The challenge is that while more power is needed, dependable
baseload plants that keep the grid steady have decreased. Environmental
regulations under the Biden-Harris administration have contributed to
the early retirement of some coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants.
In many States controlled by Democrats, plants have been closed and a
shift to wind and solar has decreased the integrity of the supply. A
recent Department of Energy report indicated that rising demand and
reductions in baseload generation may increase the risk of widespread
power outages by 2030, even in our Commonwealth of Virginia.
When the grid becomes less reliable, families pay the price. Higher
costs hit working households the hardest, and many are already
struggling with rising electricity bills. Reliable and affordable
energy is not a luxury. It is something every American needs and
deserves.
This week, House Republicans are advancing the State Planning for
Reliability and Affordability Act, ensuring that States include always-
available power in long-term planning. This idea puts families first by
keeping electricity affordable and the grid strong.
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