Recognizing Pamela Irvine
Floor Speech
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Virginian whose life has been defined by service to others. After 45 years of leadership, Pam Irvine is retiring as president and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia.
When Ms. Irvine founded the organization in 1981, it began with little more than a vision--and even the food bank's first truck caught fire on the road. Undeterred, she persevered, building one of the Commonwealth's leading hunger relief organizations.
Under her leadership, Feeding Southwest Virginia has grown from distributing 1 million pounds of food annually to more than 20 million pounds, serving 26 counties and 9 cities, and helping more than 127,000 neighbors each month.
Guided by compassion, faith, and an unwavering belief that no one should go hungry, Pam Irvine has transformed the fight against hunger throughout southwest Virginia.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, I thank Pamela Irvine for her extraordinary service, congratulate her on an exceptional career, and wish her every happiness in her well- deserved retirement. Recognizing Luray Fire Department
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Luray Fire Department of Luray, Virginia, as it marks an extraordinary milestone: 125 years of dedicated service to the people of Luray and Page County.
Founded in 1901 and chartered in 1933, the Luray Fire Department has stood as a proud, all-volunteer, and nonprofit organization with the goal of protecting the lives and property of so many for over a century. From its early days when the department attended its first State Firefighters Convention in Staunton and a year later sent its first reel team to a State contest in Portsmouth, the department has remained the cornerstone of community safety and pride.
With a membership of nearly 100 volunteers, the LFD has celebrated many milestones and accomplishments since then, and it continues to strengthen community ties through annual traditions such as the concert and ceremony held on September 11 as well as its raffle and fundraiser held on September 12.
Today, we honor the men and women, past and present, whose selfless service reflects the very best of our Commonwealth. Join me in celebrating the strong and brave Luray Fire Department on 125 years of steadfast commitment to not only their community but to the Nation. providing certainty for america
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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the passage of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2027 out of the Budget Committee last week.
Congress' primary responsibility is to defend the American people and preserve the strength of our Nation, and this resolution reflects that duty. It invests in our warfighters; supports our ranchers, farmers, and producers; and secures the integrity of our voting systems with the SAVE America Act.
For rural districts like Virginia's Sixth, this resolution delivers real support and stability for our farmers. It empowers our national defense, stands behind our warfighters, secures our food supply, and ensures American elections are decided only by American citizens.
This budget reflects a commitment to responsible governance while restoring the faith and confidence of voters in our election system.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution reflects a vision of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America. It demonstrates our commitment to defending our Nation, supporting the American people, and governing with responsibility. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution this week and join us in advancing policies that strengthen our country for generations to come.
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