[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H776-H777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING GEORGE WALTON WELLER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an 
extraordinary American, a true hero in every sense, George Walton 
Weller.
  For 65 years, Mr. Weller has dedicated his life to the safety and 
well-being of his community through the Verona Volunteer Fire Company. 
Helping to found the fire company in 1959, he remains an active member 
to this day at age 91. His unwavering commitment to service and deep 
sense of duty are nothing short of inspiring.
  Long before he answered the call as a firefighter, Mr. Weller bravely 
served our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. Serving 
for 4 years during the Vietnam war, he defended the freedoms we hold 
dear.
  Mr. Weller has strengthened his community in the generations of 
firefighters he has mentored and his example of dedication. Few can 
claim such a

[[Page H777]]

legacy, and today, I recognize and thank George Walton Weller for his 
extraordinary contributions and selfless acts of service.
  Mr. Speaker, he embodies the very best of America, and we are forever 
indebted to him.


         Celebrating Shenandoah University's 150th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary 
of Shenandoah University, a proud institution in historic Winchester, 
Virginia, that has shaped minds and transformed lives for a century and 
a half.
  Founded on February 12, 1875, in Dayton, Virginia, Shenandoah took a 
bold step back in 1960, relocating 75 miles north to Winchester and 
paving the way for its continued growth and success.
  For 150 years, Shenandoah University has remained steadfast in its 
mission to provide innovative, high-quality, and student-focused 
education, always keeping the community at its heart.
  The university's legacy has been shaped by visionary leaders, from 
A.P. Funkhouser, its founder, to Dr. Forrest Racey, who led its 
relocation, and Dr. James Davis, under whose leadership it became a 
university. Today, that tradition of excellence continues under Dr. 
Tracy Fitzsimmons, Shenandoah's first female president, who has guided 
its remarkable growth.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Shenandoah University 
on this historic milestone and wishing it continued success for 
generations to come.


                      Recognizing Concern Hotline

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Concern Hotline, a 
vital organization that has provided compassionate, lifesaving support 
to the residents of the northern Shenandoah Valley for the past 57 
years.
  Founded in 1970 in response to a tragic rise in suicides, Concern 
Hotline has been a constant source of hope, offering 24/7 crisis 
intervention and emotional support. This organization is led by 
Executive Director Rusty Holland, who has dedicated himself to ensuring 
that anyone in crisis has a trained, nonjudgmental listener ready to 
take the call.
  The organization thrives because of its dedicated volunteers and 
community partnerships with first responders, mental health providers, 
and local universities. Their work has saved countless lives, and their 
mission is simple but powerful: to keep people safe for now.
  I commend Concern Hotline for its unwavering commitment to suicide 
prevention and crisis intervention. The northern Shenandoah Valley is 
stronger because of their work, and I wish them continued success in 
their mission.


                       Defending Consumer Choice

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand against yet another 
blatant government overreach--this time an attack by the Biden 
administration on the ability of hardworking Americans to choose the 
appliances that best fit their needs.
  In his final days, President Biden's Department of Energy finalized a 
rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the 
market. This unnecessary regulation is yet another example of the left 
pushing a radical Green New Deal agenda at the expense of American 
families.
  This rule would drive up costs, limit consumer choice, and hurt 
American families and small businesses. It is the same heavyhanded 
approach we saw time and again from the previous administration, 
forcing Americans to buy expensive, inefficient alternatives instead of 
letting them decide what works best for their homes and businesses.
  The DOE has no business dictating what kind of water heater Americans 
can use, and that is why I strongly support H.J. Res. 20, introduced by 
my colleague Congressman Gary Palmer. This resolution sends a clear 
message: Washington bureaucrats do not get to make these choices for 
the American people.
  House Republicans will continue fighting to protect consumer freedom 
and keep government overreach out of our homes. I urge my colleagues to 
stand with the American people and pass this important resolution.

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