Spiking Gas Prices
Floor Speech
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, we all stand united with our allies across Europe and with the people of Ukraine against Vladimir Putin's aggression against this democratically elected country.
We also support actions to stop the purchasing of Russian oil. But without action to increase production here domestically, the American people will suffer.
It was only 2 years ago when, for the first time since the mid-1950s, under President Donald Trump's leadership, the United States was a net total energy exporter in 2019 and 2020.
This was made possible because of the Trump administration's commitment to increasing domestic production of oil and natural gas, which drove costs down and benefited American consumers.
But, sadly, look at where we are now. In just 13 months of President Biden's liberal energy policies, we are now facing skyrocketing gas prices. Even before the crisis in Russia unfolded, gas prices had increased 40 percent, marking an 8-year high.
Now, because of President Biden's Green New Deal attitude and reversal of Trump-era policies, we are once again reliant on countries overseas, and energy costs are soaring.
In my district, across the Roanoke Valley, the cost of a gallon of gas has increased nearly 72 cents in the past month alone. This increase, in and of itself, will cost the average driver $363 a year for those who fill up three times a month. That might not seem like a lot to Washington elites, but it sure is for folks in rural areas like mine.
I urge President Biden to pursue an American agenda to help get this country back to energy independence. If all Joe Biden does is ban Russian oil imports without increasing production domestically, we know where the blame lies for spiking gas prices: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Congratulating the Strasburg High School Wrestling Team
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Strasburg High School wrestling team for winning this year's VHSL Class 2 State championship.
This victory marks the program's fifth overall State title and the first in 22 years.
The Rams dominated the competition, ending the tournament with a total score of 218 points. This was truly impressive, considering the runner-up, the four-time defending champion, Poquoson High School, scored only 150.5 points, meaning the margin of victory was nearly 70 points.
This win was a total team effort, with all 11 Rams wrestlers who qualified for the tournament placing in the top four of their weight class. As Coach Daniel Reynolds noted:
It is an incredible feat that we were able to bring 11 and place 11, bring six to the finals. To have three champions of six finalists is great.
The three Strasburg athletes that took home individual titles were sophomores Heath and David Burks and junior Chuck Fake.
Further, with only one graduating senior in the starting lineup this year, the prospects for another great season are high.
Congratulations again to the Strasburg High School wrestling team. They deserve it.
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