Recognizing Mount Sidney, New Hope, and Weyers Cave Ruritan Clubs' 85th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ruritan Clubs in Mount Sidney, New Hope, and Weyers Cave for their 85-year commitment to serving their local communities.

As a fellow Ruritan, I know how well these clubs embody the spirit of service and community that is the backbone of rural America.

Through volunteer work and donations, these Ruritan clubs keep our district beautifully maintained and bolster communal ties. They also hold annual events, like barbecues, to raise the funds they need to positively impact our local communities.

On April 13, a special celebration was held at the Weyer Cave Community Center to honor the past, present, and future generations of Ruritans who have made and continue to make significant contributions to their communities.

This event was not just a recognition of these long-lived charters. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of community service and unity.

Therefore, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand here today to congratulate Mount Sidney, New Hope, and Weyers Cave Ruritan Clubs on their 85th anniversary. Their ongoing work to instill a commitment to public service reflects the best of what it means to be a part of the community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank these Ruritan clubs for their 85 years of service. Here is to many more years of success and community support. Honoring The Virginian Review

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Virginian Review newspaper.

For 110 years, The Virginian Review has been a guiding light for past generations, the present generation, and those yet to come.

The Virginian Review was born out of the consolidation of two local newspapers in Alleghany County/Covington region, the Covington Virginian, founded in 1914, and the Daily Review, founded 9 years before.

After 74 years, the newspapers talked of merging, and on January 3, 1989, the newly created The Virginian Review published its very first edition.

Today, The Virginian Review, under the direction of Scot Refsland, continues to uphold its impressive reputation as an incredible source to keep our communities informed by their essential news coverage and thoughtful, incisive reporting.

Since its beginning, The Virginian Review has been a consistent and reliable news source, delivering local, State, and national updates to folks across Virginia's Sixth District.

It is a privilege to celebrate The Virginian Review, and I wish the entire team all the best as they celebrate 110 years of outstanding journalism.

Congratulating Christendom College's Women's Basketball Team

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Christendom College women's basketball team on winning the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II National Championship in Petersburg, Virginia.

The Christendom Crusaders won the trophy by a score of 76-65 in the championship game against Johnson and Wales Charlotte, bringing home the first women's basketball national title in school history.

Their victory was an entire team effort led by junior Miranda Keller, who led the Crusaders with 22 points; junior Catherine Thomas, who had 19 points; and freshman Mary Pennefather, who also had 19 points.

Miranda Keller was also named Player of the Game for the National Championship for her efforts, and Catherine Thomas was named Tournament MVP for her outstanding play.

Led by Head Coach Mary Minick and Assistant Coach Annie Heisler, this victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of everyone on Christendom's women's basketball team.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these athletes, parents, coaches, and staff on an incredible season and a well-deserved victory.

Congratulating Blue Ridge Christian's Girls' Basketball Team

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Blue Ridge Christian girls' basketball team on winning the Virginia Association of Christian Athletics, VACA, State championship.

After being down 21-7 at one point in the game, the Bears fought their way back into contention, winning their second VACA title in 3 years.

The team had a tremendous performance throughout the season, finishing 18-2 and going on to win the championship. Despite the countless challenges of working through illnesses and other obstacles, the perseverance and commitment to success demonstrated throughout the year led their team to victory.

Winning the State championship title is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work that the coaches and players display each and every day throughout the season.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the entire Bears coaching staff and team for their incredible season. It is my honor to recognize their well-deserved victory, and I wish them nothing but the best for seasons to come. Standing With Israel

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my unwavering support for Israel, our foremost ally in the Middle East and the beacon of democracy in that region.

Over the weekend, Iran launched a direct attack on Israel from Iranian soil, firing over 300 missiles and drones at the nation. This is the first time Iran has ever directly attacked the Nation of Israel.

These direct attacks also follow the brutal war launched by Iran- backed Hamas terrorists on October 7 of this last year. This vicious attack claimed the lives of over 1,200 innocent Israeli citizens and took more than 240 hostage, some of whom were Americans.

While some on the other side of the aisle and in the media attempt to draw a moral parallel between Hamas and Israel, there is simply no comparison to be made.

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once said: ``You cannot equate a democracy that values life with a terror organization that glorifies death.''

Israel has an absolute right to defend itself, and while they continue to fight for their country's survival, Hamas continues to intentionally target population centers, seeking death and destruction.

Let me be clear: Hamas has no interest in peace or a solution. Their only objective is to eliminate the Jewish State. I cannot fathom why people choose to back Hamas despite its atrocious human rights record.

We must stand with Israel, and I remain steadfast in my support of America's closest ally.

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