Bradley Free Clinic Celebrates 50 Years of Remarkable Service
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley Free Clinic of Roanoke, Virginia, as it celebrates 50 years of remarkable service to the underserved members in our community. This institution embodies the enduring power of volunteerism and compassion, providing comprehensive healthcare to those in need, free of charge.
Founded on the vision of Henry Bell and led by the selfless efforts of Estelle Nichols Avner and countless volunteers, the Bradley Free Clinic has been a staple of hope and care in the Roanoke community. Its legacy is one of community solidarity, ensuring accessible healthcare, and underscored by the dedication of its volunteers and staff.
As we mark this significant anniversary, let us honor the Bradley Free Clinic's half-century of service. I commend the tireless dedication of everyone involved with the clinic and celebrate the impact of their work on the Roanoke Valley.
Mr. Speaker, I hope they have a great 50th celebration here next month, and I hope that it continues to flourish and serve as a testament to the power of community and care in the years to come. Warm Springs Valley Garden Club Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an institution that holds a cherished place in Bath County, Virginia, the Warm Springs Valley Garden Club. As they mark a century of dedication to the preservation of natural splendor in our community, we recognize their tireless efforts.
One hundred years ago, a group of 13 visionary women established a legacy in horticulture that endures to this day. The commitment of these women, bolstered by 30 to 50 members each year, has crafted a rich and vibrant culture of gardening throughout Bath County that continues to flourish.
It is their mission that truly embodies the spirit of the Warm Springs Valley Garden Club--cultivating a deep appreciation for gardening, championing conservation, and enhancing civic and natural allure.
As they celebrate 100 years of exceptional service in educating, nurturing, and community building, we salute the Warm Springs Valley Garden Club. Their continued efforts enhance not just our natural environment but also the very essence of our community.
Congratulations to the Warm Springs Valley Garden Club on their 100- year anniversary. I wish them another 100 years of success. Virginia Elks Youth Camp Celebrates 75th Anniversary
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Virginia Elks Youth Camp and recognize its remarkable journey to becoming a beacon of hope and joy for over 50,000 boys and girls aged 8 to 13.
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, near the Cowpasture River, this camp, fully funded through the generosity of the Virginia Elks Association, has not only offered a free outdoors experience but also fostered a sense of adventure and friendship among campers.
Thanks to the support of the 26 Elks Lodges across the Commonwealth and the tireless work of countless volunteers, the doors of this camp have remained open since the late 1940s.
As we look back on these 75 years, let us commend the Virginia Elks Association for its unwavering commitment to youth and veterans' needs.
I wish them all the best as they continue to ensure that the Virginia Elks Youth Camp remains a cornerstone of our community's investment in its youth for years to come. Jefferson Center Celebrates 100th Anniversary
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia. This institution stands not just as a building but as a place of education and culture that has profoundly touched our community over the past century.
Originally serving as Jefferson High School in the early 1920s, the auditorium was built larger than the high school so that it could be used by and for the community. From 1924 to 1974, the high school paved the way for the education of over 19,000 students, laying a strong foundation for our future generations.
By 1989, the building had evolved into a center for the arts, nonprofit activities, and civic engagement that has inspired and enriched the lives of the people of Roanoke.
Today, we celebrate a century-long legacy of community enrichment and unity. Let's honor this remarkable anniversary by commemorating the Jefferson Center's achievement, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come. Fighting Back Against President Biden's War on American Energy
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address President Biden's war on American energy, which seeks to undermine our Nation's energy independence and impose the radical visions of the left's Green New Deal upon the American people.
Under the guise of environmental progress, the Biden administration has embarked on a campaign that has directly assaulted the backbone of our energy infrastructure. From day one, from the senseless restrictions on liquefied natural gas export terminals to the absurd proposals to ban gas stoves and target gas-powered vehicles, this administration has shown a reckless disregard for American energy dominance and the welfare of the American people.
Furthermore, in a misguided effort to cushion the blow of his own policies, President Biden has depleted our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its lowest level since 1984. This depletion not only threatens our national security but weakens our position on the global stage.
The consequences of these actions are evident in rising gas prices, which continue to be a painful burden for the American family. In 2022, we witnessed the national average for a gallon of gas exceed $5 a gallon for the first time in history.
Almost exactly 1 year ago, I gave a speech on this floor in support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. I urge us to continue to act in furtherance of this agenda.
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