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Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline
It was a productive week in Washington, as House Republicans passed the strongest border security package in history to start addressing the crisis at our southern border. We also voted to recover hundreds of billions of dollars in stolen COVID relief funds and pursue the criminals who defrauded the American people in a time of crisis. Further, one week closer to reaching our Nation’s debt limit, the week also saw President Biden continue his refusal to negotiate with Republican leadership on responsible spending reforms to slow down our spiraling debt. Additionally, I met with many constituent groups to discuss the top issues facing them. Back in the District, I hosted my Staunton "Coffee With Your Congressman" town hall meeting, visited the Winchester Rescue Mission, and toured the Winchester Courthouse. A busy season of tackling our Nation’s biggest crises is underway in Congress, and I will continue to advance the interests of Virginia's Sixth District.
Stopping the Invasion of America's Borders
On the day that the Biden Administration put welcome signs up at the southern border by ending Title 42, House Republicans were busy addressing this humanitarian crisis by passing the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2), the strongest border security legislation that Congress has ever considered.
Specifically, this bill would enact the following actions to tackle this crisis:
--Reforms the asylum system by preventing fraud, raising the credible fear standard, and returning asylum to its historical roots and original intent.
--Ends the Biden Administration’s “catch and release” policy and gives the federal government additional tools to secure the border.
--Addresses the exploitation of children and ensures that children remain together, or are reunited, with their parents.
--Reduces the jobs magnet for illegal immigration.
While President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas continue their desperate attempts to downplay the crisis, House Republicans won’t stop fighting to secure America’s borders and restore our Nation’s rule of law and sovereignty. Read more about H.R. 2 here.
See my Floor speech urging every member of the House to vote for the Secure the Border Act here.
Recovering Fraudulent Payments and Protecting American Taxpayers✅
During the COVID-19 pandemic, bad actors stole hundreds of billions of dollars in unemployment insurance payments, leaving American taxpayers on the hook for up to $400 billion in fraudulent payments. That’s unacceptable.
This week, House Republicans passed the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act, which will:
-Protect American taxpayers by incentivizing states to recover fraudulent payments.
-Improve program integrity to prevent future fraud.
-Extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud.
House Republicans are committed to doing everything in our power to recover these funds and bring the criminals who defrauded the American people to justice.
Find more information on H.R. 1163 here.
Addressing the Debt Ceiling
According to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, the greatest threat to America’s security is our national debt.
Whether impacting our ability to protect America or the damage it has done to our economy, our debt crisis needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, President Biden does not seem interested in negotiating with Republican leadership on a House-passed plan that raises the debt limit, and funds the government at a level Democrats passed and the President signed just five months ago.
As the country moves closer to the June 1st deadline to increase the debt, I urge the President to come to the table, drop his "my way or the highway" attitude, and seriously negotiate with Republicans to get a deal done. We have done our work, now the President must do his.
See my interview discussing debt ceiling negotiations here.
Recognizing Sixth District Student-Athletes
Glenvar High School State Champions
I was pleased to congratulate the Glenvar High School Boys Indoor Track and Field Team on winning the combined Class 1/2 State Championship. The Highlanders won the trophy at the two-day meet with a score of 58 points – a 9-point victory over the runner-up Bruton High School. The hard work and training paid off!
Northside High School State Champions
In yet another stellar performance by Sixth District athletes, I recognized the Northside High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the Virginia Class 3 Basketball State Championship held at the VCU Siegel Center. This team dug deep to come out with the 58-52 victory and cap off a historic season.
See my speech honoring the Glenvar High School athletes here and Northside High School athletes here.
Out and About With Sixth District Residents
Staunton "Coffee With Your Congressman" Town Hall Meeting
I enjoyed catching up with folks at my Staunton "Coffee With Your Congressman" town hall meeting this week at Applebee’s. This was my 11th town hall event since the start of the 118th Congress. Thank you to all who came out and joined a wide-ranging discussion on the top issues facing Congress and VA-06, and for all the insightful questions asked. Stay tuned for the next event coming to an area near you!
Honoring the Winchester Rescue Mission
In their 50th year, the Winchester Rescue Mission continues caring for and empowering the homeless with compassion, commitment, and selfless service. I had an awesome time meeting with leadership and staff this week, and was grateful for the opportunity to help serve a warm meal to those in need.
Winchester Sheriff William Sales
It was an honor to meet and discuss public safety and criminal justice issues with Winchester Sheriff William Sales and to tour the Winchester Courthouse. I was encouraged by the Sheriff and his department's mission of protecting and serving the community, and their dedication to upholding justice in the court system.
Constituent Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Enjoyed meeting with members of the National Association of Insurance Professionals. I was pleased to hear their views on the top issues facing the insurance industry and their support of my legislation to eliminate the unnecessary, politicized, and burdensome Federal Insurance Office.
It was great to chat with representatives of the American Frozen Food Institute, who discussed the need for an American food regulatory system that both allows for nutritious and convenient food availability, while at the same time ensuring product safety and consumer health.
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.
For the latest updates from Washington and across the Sixth District, please follow my Facebook and Twitter pages.
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