Ben Cline

“I want to honor Spencer Suter as he retires. He served in local government for 30 years, including 14 years running Rockbridge County. He helped bring internet to rural areas, build a social services center, grow local business, and make Natural Bridge a state park. I wish him the best in retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable public servant from Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District, Mr. Spencer Suter. A native of Rockingham County, Spencer dedicated 30 years to local government, including 14 as administrator of my home, Rockbridge County, a community he and his family also proudly call home. Under Spencer’s leadership, Rockbridge County experienced significant progress. The county expanded broadband into rural communities and worked with neighboring localities to open a joint Department of Social Services building. His tenure also saw the creation of the county’s first strategic economic development plan and millions of dollars in investment and expansion at Modine Manufacturing. Spencer also helped oversee the transition of Natural Bridge into a Virginia State Park, preserving one of Rockbridge County’s most treasured landmarks. These accomplishments reflect Spencer’s calm, practical, and people- centered approach to public service. He treated county employees like family, placed the needs of the community first, and demonstrated that no task was beneath him, whether managing a crisis, shoveling snow, or picking up trash along the road. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Spencer Suter for his distinguished service and lasting impact on Rockbridge County. We wish Spencer and his wife, Tina, all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

“I want to honor Frank Shakespeare from my district. He is 96 years old, served in the Navy, and taught public school. He is also the oldest living American Olympic champion after winning a gold medal in rowing in 1952.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an extraordinary individual, Mr. Frank Shakespeare, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, United States Navy veteran, and retired public school teacher living in Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. For almost 70 years, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley. This May, he celebrated his 96th birthday and is the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion. As a member of the U.S. Naval Academy’s rowing team, he and his teammates represented the United States at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. They defeated the Soviet Union to win gold and were later dubbed by Life Magazine as ``The Great Eight.’’ After 11 years of faithful service in the Navy, he went on to enjoy a long career teaching math to students in Baltimore, Maryland. To this day, he continues to share his life’s lessons with young people. If you meet Frank, he will hand you his business card that reads: ``Be a Winner.’’ Through failures, challenges, and learning to embrace the talents and opportunities that God grants, Frank wants everyone to know that when you live by this motto, Be a Winner, all things are possible. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Frank Shakespeare, a proud American yet humble Christian whose incredible achievements and message are something we can all learn from.”

“I am honoring Rodney Eagle, who recently died. He was a Marine, a three-term mayor of Harrisonburg, and a dedicated helper to his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Rodney Eagle, a true pillar of the Harrisonburg community. Rodney passed away just shy of his 90th birthday, leaving a lasting impression on the city he loved. Rodney served our country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of corporal. Shortly after his discharge, he married Sylvia Liskey. Together, they shared 67 years of devoted marriage. While Rodney served Harrisonburg in many official capacities, including three terms as mayor, he may be remembered most for the countless unofficial ways he stepped up to serve others. He supported numerous civic organizations and nonprofits, often quietly lending a hand wherever it was needed--from loaning Eagle Carpet tents for community events to personally driving and then donating the company truck to help Open Doors move from one host church to the next. Rodney freely offered his wisdom and advice to everyone, from young, aspiring realtors and fellow city councilmembers to the person sitting on the barstool beside him. Mr. Speaker, let us toast a man who lived a genuinely colorful life, whether riding his turquoise Harley-Davidson downtown, wearing purple to cheer on the JMU Dukes, or adding a few extra maraschino cherries to his glass. Here is to Rodney Eagle, a man who cared for Harrisonburg deeply and spent his life making it a better place for all.”

“I want to congratulate the Strasburg High School football team. They just won their school's first state championship.”

“I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to recognize an extraordinary achievement by a high school football program from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The Strasburg High School Rams captured the first State football championship in their school history, defeating Glenvar High School 49-27 in the Class 2 State final on December 13, 2025. Strasburg’s come-from-behind victory under the leadership of second year Head Coach Tripp Lamb showed resilience and composure. Senior Brady Knight, playing both running back and linebacker, helped lead the comeback and finished as one of three Rams to rush for over 100 yards. Juniors Quincy Williams and Linkyn Bosworth also surpassed the century mark on the ground, while Williams delivered game-changing defensive play. Quarterback Brayden Hough added a late rushing score to seal the victory. Mr. Speaker, this win belongs to not only this year’s team, but to decades of Strasburg athletes and coaches, including Jeff Smoot, Glenn Proctor, and Mark Roller, who laid the foundation for success. This championship is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and a community that never stopped believing. I proudly commend the Strasburg High School Rams on making history.”

“I am congratulating the Virginia Phoenix fastpitch softball team from Vinton, Virginia. They won a national championship without losing a game.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Virginia Phoenix Wood 16U Fastpitch softball team of Vinton, Virginia, for capturing the 2026 USA Softball One True National Championship. These talented young women completed an undefeated tournament run, averaging 10 runs per game, while outscoring their opponents 67-9, and finishing with an outstanding .490 team batting average. This outstanding team includes Alexis McFarland, Lilly Gillispie, Addie Lowry, Tinley Humphries, Averi Fuller, Heidi Dixon, Jocelyn Weddle, Morgan Smith, Elissa Caricofe, Madelynn Ray, Katelyn Mills, Olivia Pierce, Kenley Cundiff, Gianna Pitzer, Zoe Sartin, Emma Sartin, Madison McDaniel, Ava DeJesus, Matilyn Gouldthorpe, and Ashleigh Johnson. I also commend Head Coach Allen Wood and Assistant Coaches Kassie Brammer and Ashley McCallum for their exceptional leadership and dedication to these young women. I congratulate the Virginia Phoenix on this remarkable achievement. Their hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance have brought great pride to Vinton, to the Roanoke Valley, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I wish them continued success.”

• Little substance
  ?

  Speech in the House

  Signal 33 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

  See full analysis →

“I want to honor Catherine Watts of Buchanan, Virginia. She recently turned 100 years old, and I wish her continued health and happiness.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine Watts of Buchanan, Virginia, who celebrated her 100th birthday on August 17, 2026. For 100 years, Catherine’s life has been rooted in Buchanan. She has built a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and service to her community. For more than 75 years, she has been a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church, serving on committees, singing in the choir, and continuing to give back to her church and her community. Catherine spent 45 years with Lee’s Carpets and Burlington Industries, raised a family, and served organizations throughout the region. She and her late husband, Joseph, shared 53 years of marriage and raised a family grounded in faith and strong values. Catherine says: ``God has been good to me.’’ Her life is a testament to those blessings. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Catherine Watts on 100 remarkable years and wishing her continued health and happiness.”

• Little substance
  ?

  Speech in the House

  Signal 12 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

  See full analysis →

“I want to honor the Luray Fire Department in Virginia. It is an all-volunteer department that has protected the community for 125 years.”

“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.”

“I want to honor Pamela Irvine as she retires after 45 years. She started Feeding Southwest Virginia and built it into an organization that now feeds over 127,000 people each month.”

“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.”

“I want to congratulate the Salem Host Lions Club on its 90th anniversary. I am thanking its members for their many years of volunteer work and donations to the local community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Salem Host Lions Club, whose members have faithfully served the city of Salem and the Roanoke Valley since 1935. Founded with 21 charter members, the club continues its proud tradition of service through dedicated volunteers who strengthen their community every day. For decades, Salem Host Lions have operated concession stands at Salem Stadium, raising funds that support scholarships, local schools, youth programs, charitable organizations, and first responders throughout southwest Virginia. In the past year alone, the club distributed more than $40,000 in community donations while providing student vision screenings, recycling eyeglasses, and supporting families across the region. I also recognize the club’s current leadership: President Phil Eddy, Secretary Tammie Brightwell, Administrative Treasurer Earl Pettrey, and Activities Treasurer Barry Dick. For 90 years, the Salem Host Lions Club has exemplified service above self and the enduring spirit of volunteerism. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Salem Host Lions Club on this milestone anniversary and thanking its members for their outstanding service.”

• Little substance
  ?

  Speech in the House

  Signal 15 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

  See full analysis →

“I want to congratulate the Luray High School boys' basketball team. They won their first championship in 50 years through a complete team effort.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Luray High School Bulldogs boys’ basketball team are champions for the first time in 50 years, defeating Fort Chiswell in a historic, double-overtime victory at the Siegel Center. This championship was not about one star. It was a total team effort. While a player from Fort Chiswell delivered a record-setting performance, Luray answered with contributions across the roster. Matthew Owens, Connor Hilliard, Riley Benson, Ayden Haddock, and Will Judy all stepped up in key moments, while younger players like Cole Hilliard, Aiden Cook, and Cade Horn delivered when called upon. Under the leadership of Coach Mat Huff, this team showed resilience through foul trouble, multiple lead changes, and two overtime periods. They stayed composed, executed when it mattered most, and never quit. Mr. Speaker, this was a complete team victory earned through discipline, toughness, and trust in one another in a moment that will be remembered in Luray for generations. Please join me in congratulating the Luray Bulldogs.”

“I want to honor the Front Royal Rotary Club for 100 years of service to Virginia. The club helped create Shenandoah National Park and has given more than $1.5 million to good causes.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Front Royal as it celebrates 100 years of service to Warren County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Chartered in 1926, this club has helped shape the very fabric of its community. Its members were instrumental in the early advocacy that led to the creation of Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, even sending a delegation to meet with President Calvin Coolidge. They supported the establishment of the Front Royal State Fish Hatchery and helped found the local Chamber of Commerce. For generations, many of the community’s civic, business, and educational leaders have been proud Rotarians. For a century, the Rotary Club of Front Royal has embodied the commitment of Service Above Self. The club has contributed more than $1.5 million to local and international causes, supported youth leadership and scholarship programs, and partnered with Warren County Public Schools and countless community organizations. Mr. Speaker, I commend the club for 100 years of extraordinary leadership and service, and I look forward to its continued impact in the century ahead.”