HONORING THE FRONT ROYAL ROTARY CLUB

On 2026-07-14, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE FRONT ROYAL ROTARY CLUB" in the House.

HONORING THE FRONT ROYAL ROTARY CLUB

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [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 [[Page H4420]] 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. ____________________