Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline

    It was a packed week back with Congress in session, as House Republicans continued our work delivering for the American people. First, the Judiciary Committee held a field hearing in New York City to hear from victims of violent crime due to radical prosecutors’ pro-crime policies. Back in Washington, House Republicans sent a clear message that we will protect women in athletics and Title IX by passing legislation to keep biological men from competing against biological women in sports. Further, I pressed Transportation Secretary Buttigieg on funding improvements for core infrastructure critical to businesses and families across VA-06. In the first 100 Days, the new House Republican Majority has delivered substantial wins for the American people, and we are only just beginning.

Upholding the Justice System

    The House Judiciary Committee has the constitutional authority to ensure federal funds going to law enforcement are used to ensure justice is served and to keep our communities safe. Sadly, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s pro-crime, anti-victim policies have led to an increase in violent crime in the Big Apple, and we heard firsthand from victims about just how dangerous New York City has become due to these radical policies. This spike in violent crime, fueled by soft-on-crime prosecutors, is not just happening in NYC, it’s happening in cities all across the country, including in Virginia. 

As a former prosecutor, I know the formula for a safer America:

1.) Law enforcement willing to arrest 

2.) Prosecutors willing to prosecute 

3.) Judges willing to sentence and incarcerate    

[See a clip of the interview here]

Protecting the Integrity of Women’s Sports

    Protecting the integrity of women athletics and preserving the legacy of Title IX is vital, and is one of basic fairness. Despite the clear scientific evidence of physical differences between men and women, female athletes lose out on medals and scholarships to biological men. That is wrong, which is why I was proud to join my colleagues this week in passing the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 (H.R. 734). This legislation, which I cosponsored, ensures that biological males are prohibited from competing in athletic programs that are designated for biological females because female athletes deserve a fair playing field in competitive sports.

Ensuring Infrastructure Improvements Critical to VA-06

    Folks in VA-06 understand the importance and sometimes the frustration of I-81. Like the Virginia General Assembly, I too recognize the need to invest in the I-81 corridor and have been working to ensure that I-81 is well-funded at the federal level and on the path to improvement. Necessary improvements to I-81 include widening to three lanes in several locations along the corridor, which would provide several benefits to businesses, farmers, and families across the Sixth District, and beyond.

     That is why this week, during an Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing, I urged Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to ensure his department focuses on core infrastructure projects and improvements, such as on I-81. Our Nation depends on core infrastructure improvements, and I made clear that that must be the mission of the Transportation Department.

[Watch Secretary Buttigieg and I's exchange here]

Constituent Meetings

I was pleased to meet with representatives of the American College of Gastroenterology and hear their thoughts on how Congress can support their important medical mission.

Enjoyed meeting with members of the U.S. Travel Association and hearing the top issues facing the industry, especially as we approach the busy summer travel season.

The Bus and Motorcoach industry plays a vital role in American tourism, both for drivers and passengers, and I was glad to meet with Motorcoach Association representatives and hear their perspectives.

     Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431. 

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