“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
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  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.

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“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.”

“Officers recently arrested over 1,300 illegal immigrants in Virginia, including people wanted for murder, rape, and kidnapping. Some state and local leaders make it harder to enforce immigration laws and remove dangerous criminals. President Trump and House Republicans are enforcing these laws to keep our communities safe.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the recent arrests of 1,328 illegal immigrants across Virginia. Among those arrested were individuals wanted for serious crimes, including murder, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, DUI, and attempted murder. During the Biden administration, our immigration laws went unenforced. When individuals who entered our country illegally are allowed to remain in our communities, the rule of law is undermined and public safety is put at risk. Govern Spanberger and prosecutors like Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano are making it harder to enforce our immigration laws, weaken cooperation with ICE, and remove dangerous criminals from our communities. The Trump administration and House Republicans are taking action to restore accountability and protect our communities. These efforts not only make Virginia safer but also strengthen public safety across our entire Nation.”