HONORING GEORGE WALTON WELLER

HONORING GEORGE WALTON WELLER

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025) [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. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HJRES20