[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4419-H4420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE FRONT ROYAL ROTARY CLUB
(Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of
Front Royal as it celebrates 100 years of service to Warren County and
the Commonwealth of Virginia. Chartered in 1926, this club has helped
shape the very fabric of its community.
Its members were instrumental in the early advocacy that led to the
creation of Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, even sending a
delegation to meet with President Calvin Coolidge. They supported the
establishment of the Front Royal State Fish Hatchery and helped found
the local Chamber of Commerce. For generations, many of the community's
civic, business, and educational leaders have been proud Rotarians.
For a century, the Rotary Club of Front Royal has embodied the
commitment of Service Above Self. The club
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has contributed more than $1.5 million to local and international
causes, supported youth leadership and scholarship programs, and
partnered with Warren County Public Schools and countless community
organizations.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the club for 100 years of extraordinary
leadership and service, and I look forward to its continued impact in
the century ahead.
{time} 1115
Recognizing Luray High School Boys' Basketball Team
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, the Luray High School Bulldogs boys'
basketball team are champions for the first time in 50 years, defeating
Fort Chiswell in a historic, double-overtime victory at the Siegel
Center. This championship was not about one star. It was a total team
effort.
While a player from Fort Chiswell delivered a record-setting
performance, Luray answered with contributions across the roster.
Matthew Owens, Connor Hilliard, Riley Benson, Ayden Haddock, and Will
Judy all stepped up in key moments, while younger players like Cole
Hilliard, Aiden Cook, and Cade Horn delivered when called upon.
Under the leadership of Coach Mat Huff, this team showed resilience
through foul trouble, multiple lead changes, and two overtime periods.
They stayed composed, executed when it mattered most, and never quit.
Mr. Speaker, this was a complete team victory earned through
discipline, toughness, and trust in one another in a moment that will
be remembered in Luray for generations.
Please join me in congratulating the Luray Bulldogs.
Celebrating Salem Host Lions Club's 90th Anniversary
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th
anniversary of the Salem Host Lions Club, whose members have faithfully
served the city of Salem and the Roanoke Valley since 1935.
Founded with 21 charter members, the club continues its proud
tradition of service through dedicated volunteers who strengthen their
community every day. For decades, Salem Host Lions have operated
concession stands at Salem Stadium, raising funds that support
scholarships, local schools, youth programs, charitable organizations,
and first responders throughout southwest Virginia.
In the past year alone, the club distributed more than $40,000 in
community donations while providing student vision screenings,
recycling eyeglasses, and supporting families across the region.
I also recognize the club's current leadership: President Phil Eddy,
Secretary Tammie Brightwell, Administrative Treasurer Earl Pettrey, and
Activities Treasurer Barry Dick.
For 90 years, the Salem Host Lions Club has exemplified service above
self and the enduring spirit of volunteerism.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the
Salem Host Lions Club on this milestone anniversary and thanking its
members for their outstanding service.
Promises Made, Promises Kept
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Working
Families Tax Cut Act, one of the boldest, most successful acts of
legislation in recent history.
For years, American families were burdened by unnecessary taxes,
forcing families to bear the brunt of government overreach. Under House
Republican leadership, we returned that money to the American people
and restored commonsense, family-first policies to Washington.
Mr. Speaker, the numbers do not lie. According to IRS data, the
Working Families Tax Cut Act returned more than $310 billion to
Americans and their families, with the average tax refund climbing to
nearly $3,300, an increase of more than 11 percent from the year
before. More than 60 million Americans, over 40 percent of all filers,
claimed relief through commonsense provisions like no tax on tips and
no tax on overtime, and our seniors gained an additional deduction on
their Social Security benefits.
The Working Families Tax Cut Act is what it looks like when
Washington works for families. For millions of Americans, this marks
the 1-year anniversary of more money for groceries, more money for
childcare, and more money for the things the average American needs to
succeed in the country.
I look forward to celebrating more wins for American economic
security. House Republicans have delivered, and the American people are
better for it.
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