Congratulating Shenandoah Valley Short Circuits Winning First Place

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of the Shenandoah Valley Short Circuits from Virginia's Sixth District.

These driven students formed a club which has now gained international acclaim at the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

Thanks to local support and a grant funded kit, these hardworking students emerged victorious in 2023, winning both the Shenandoah Valley Electric Vehicle Grand Prix and the Washington DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix, earning their spot on the global stage.

Faced with international competition, the Short Circuits secured a first-place triumph against 28 teams from around the world.

Their ascent from a Virginia school club to top contenders in Abu Dhabi is a testament to perseverance, technical skill, and the pursuit of excellence.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate the members of this team: Mary Farris, Hailey Preuss, Andrew Berry, Jaxon Stadjuhar, Lauren Farris, Lily May, and Madison Miller.

The students' monumental success is more than a victory in competition. It is a demonstration of American innovation and proof of what our young people can achieve with the support of their community.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Short Circuits. Putting a Stop to Communist China's Influence

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Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, today I stand before this Chamber to raise a very serious concern: the growing threat emanating from China, not through conventional means, but through the digital specter of surveillance and manipulation, specifically via TikTok.

The Communist Party of China is penetrating American society and harvesting data on 170 million American users from just TikTok alone. This is a clear and present danger to our national security.

The legislation we bring forth this week, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, directly addresses this threat.

We must close the door on China's access to our citizens' personal and sensitive information.

China's manipulation of TikTok and other applications empowers them to shape narratives and spread disinformation, targeting the vulnerabilities of our democracy, creating division, and undermining our values.

The evidence is clear. From deceiving content to secret data harvesting, China's digital choke hold on our Nation is tightening.

Our bill is not an act of censorship. It is a safeguard for our citizens and a firewall against foreign adversary controlled applications. We must act decisively to ensure that the CCP cannot weaponize information and turn our freedoms against us.

Security and freedom of the American people are nonnegotiable. We must defend America not only from the tyranny of armies but also the tyranny of digital espionage and manipulation. Congratulating Strasburg Wrestling State Champions

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Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Strasburg High School wrestling team for their Class 2 State championship victory with 205 points. It was the Rams' third State title in a row.

The two individual State champions who led Strasburg's victory include senior David Burks, who won the Class 2 State title at 150 points, and sophomore teammate Hutson Conrad, who won the State title at 215 points.

In addition to Strasburg Rams performers were Aiden Swink, Peyton Dean, Lucas Martinez, Zach Bracken, Donovan Burks, and Colby Shaw.

This performance was truly exceptional, showcasing the talent and teamwork that define this group. I wish the seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors. Recognizing Harrisonburg High School Students at the 2024 UAE Electric Vehicle Grand Prix

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Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional group of students from Harrisonburg High School, whose remarkable talents were showcased on the international stage during the 2024 UAE Electric Vehicle Grand Prix.

Competing in Abu Dhabi, these young innovators represented not only our great Commonwealth, but exemplified the American spirit of ingenuity and excellence.

In only their third season, the Harrisonburg High School Electric Vehicle team, the Blue Streaks, faced off with 28 formidable teams from across four nations.

Through sheer determination and exceptional skill, Team Blue Streaks charged ahead, not only clinching the fastest qualifying time, but also securing the esteemed pole position.

I will take a moment to honor the bright young minds of this team: Seniors Johanna Mayfield and Jack Rooker; Juniors Davis Bert, Monica Espinoza-Martinez, Peter Johnston, Joshua Nafziger, and Colin Snider. Their collective effort earned Harrisonburg the bronze, landing them a commendable third place overall.

Special acknowledgement goes to Johanna and Monica, who were bestowed the Women in Science and Engineering award, inspiring young women everywhere that the sky is the limit in STEM fields.

Let us celebrate these young leaders who embody the best of Harrisonburg and Virginia. They are not just students or competitors; they are pioneers, paving the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Congratulating Chief of Staff Matt Miller on His Retirement

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Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to both thank and celebrate the retirement of my long time chief of staff, Matt Miller.

After 30 years of Federal service with a great majority of it spent working with former and current Members of this body, Matt wraps up a distinguished career, encompassing pivotal roles in both the executive and legislative branches.

Matt also serves in the U.S. Navy being deployed to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, as well as civilian Department of Defense tours in Afghanistan. He has demonstrated unwavering dedication to assistance and advocacy for others, which I have personally witnessed since I came to office in January 2019.

I extend my profound gratitude and thank him for being by my side for the last 5 years. This body will miss his devotion to making a difference, and I wish him fair winds and following seas in his next chapter.

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