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Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline
American families received another reminder of the past years of uncontrolled Washington spending as the United States hit its national debt limit of a staggering $31.4 trillion. As America stands on the brink of default, Congress must ensure that any increase to the debt ceiling is paired with reasonable budgetary reform measures that will address our out-of-control path. It is always good to be back in Virginia’s Sixth District where I had the opportunity to swear in new officers of the Rockbridge County Volunteer Fire-Rescue and EMS Association, speak to the Staunton Kiwanis Club, and tour the Virginia Farm Show at Augusta Expo. Finally, I was pleased to meet with students at Stuarts Draft High School, and present the state champion cheer team with a plaque of my tribute to them on the House floor recognizing their win. As Congress returns to Washington, the new House Republican majority is ready to continue fighting back against the swamp on behalf of the American people.
Getting Our Fiscal House In Order
After years of reckless government spending, the Democrat-led Congress has once again maxed out America’s credit card – forcing Congress to face the reality of a rising national debt and undergo debt ceiling discussions. Unfortunately, the Biden administration and Democrats have demanded a debt ceiling increase without implementing fiscal guardrails. That is neither reasonable nor responsible. Under one-party rule, Democrats had every opportunity to address the debt ceiling and enact bipartisan fiscal reforms. Instead, President Biden and Democrats in Congress went on a $5 trillion deficit spending binge that led to record-high inflation, soaring interest rates, and a staggering $31.4 trillion national debt. Interest payments on our debt are projected to triple over the next 10 years, reaching $1.2 trillion and crowding out investment in other important programs.
Congress’s responsibility to meet our country’s financial obligations goes beyond just raising the debt limit – we must not allow debt to spiral and destroy our children’s future. Rest assured, Republicans are working in good faith to pair a debt ceiling increase with spending reforms that will prevent another debt crisis from impacting the American people. Instead of refusing to negotiate, Democrats need to work with Republicans on ways to reduce the debt and ensure Washington starts living within its means so that future generations of Americans will inherit the same freedoms and opportunities we did. The most significant deficit measures and budget reforms have historically been attached to debt ceiling legislation, and I’m hopeful we can reach a bipartisan agreement like we’ve done in times past.
Rockbridge County Volunteer Fire-Rescue and EMS Association
I was honored to swear in the newly elected officers of the Rockbridge County Volunteer Fire-Rescue and EMS Association. These men and women proudly represent their departments across the county and are vital to keeping their communities safe and secure. It was great to participate in their special ceremony and thank all the volunteers for their service.
These officers from left to right include President Steve Reese of Fairfield Rescue Squad; EMS Treasurer Andy Bowels of Rockbridge Baths VFD & FRS; Fire Treasurer Chelsea Brooks of Raphine VFD; EMS Training Officer Matt Daniels of Fairfield & Glasgow Rescue Squads; and Vice President Patrick Stump of Glasgow VFD.
The Kiwanis Club of Staunton
The civic spirit and service of clubs and organizations, like the Kiwanis Club, are vital to the welfare of the communities in the Staunton and Augusta area. Whether it’s helping with the Staunton Christmas Parade, which I’ve enjoyed participating in for a few years, or bolstering youth development with Babe Ruth Baseball leagues since 1947, the Kiwanis Club truly makes the valley a better place to be. It was great to thank the club for their efforts and update them on what’s happening in Washington.
Virginia Farm Show at Augusta Expo
With agriculture as the #1 industry in Virginia and in VA-06, I've always made it a top priority to meet with farmers and Ag industry workers to hear how Washington can do a better job of serving them. This week, I enjoyed visiting the Virginia Farm Show at Augusta Expo, which annually draws over 6,000 farmers and rural landowners and over 100 Ag business vendors.
Stuarts Draft High School Government Students & Cheer Team Celebration
As always, it was a pleasure to speak with government students about the legislative process and encourage them to become engaged in civic affairs. I enjoyed fielding questions from Stuarts Draft High School students and found their insights informative and refreshing.
I also attended Stuarts Draft High School for another privilege. The Stuarts Draft Cheer Team’s Class 1 and 2 Virginia State Cheerleading Championship victory this past fall marked the program’s fifth State title in 6 years. The seniors will leave their high school cheerleading careers with their heads held high knowing that their leadership and performances have left a lasting legacy on the team. It was a pleasure to present the team with a plaque of the Congressional Record from my House floor speech recognizing them. To read more about my visit, click here.
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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