Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline

     This past week, following much-needed time with friends and loved ones during the Thanksgiving holiday, House Republicans returned to work for the American people and passed legislation that will help stop the Democrats from worsening the crisis at our southern border. In the Judiciary Subcommittee I chair on Responsiveness to Oversight, I questioned Biden Administration officials on the agency’s’ failure to comply with our investigation into the targeting of then-Twitter and censorship of free speech. On the brighter side, I was proud to recognize the Salem Rescue Squad on the House floor and visit with local businesses and military families back in the Sixth District. As we look upon the holiday and Christmas season with joy, I’ll keep fighting to ensure that there is much to celebrate this season. 

Preventing Housing Illegal Immigrants in National Parks

     It’s no secret that the crisis at our borders just keeps getting worse, with hundreds of thousands of migrants illegally crossing into our country every month. Now more than ever, we need secure borders. But instead of taking meaningful action to stifle the flow of illegal migrants across our border, the Biden Administration and Democrats’ solution is to turn our national parks into tent cities for these unvetted migrants.

     That’s why last week, House Republicans passed the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act (H.R. 5283), which would prevent the use of national parks to house illegal migrants and hold the Biden Administration accountable to our communities. One of the top priorities of this Congress must be ending Biden’s border crisis, and legislation such as this one will help us in our fight to do just that.

Demanding Compliance With Committee Oversight

     For months, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been stonewalling the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee’s requests for information on its targeting of then-Twitter and attempts to silence Americans’ free speech. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight, I pressed the FTC official for answers on why they have refused to comply with our investigation, and I won’t stop demanding answers in defense of Americans’ First Amendment right.

Watch my hearing as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight questioning FTC official Jeanne Bumpus.

The Pain of “Bidenomics” Continues

     Under President Biden, prices are up, real wages are down, and American families can’t afford the cost of “Bidenomics.” According to a recent report, the typical American household now needs an additional $11,434 to pay for basic necessities annually.

     As long as prices remain high, Americans will continue to feel and see the effects of “Bidenomics.” That’s why House Republicans are working every day to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington and get our economy back on track so families can keep more of their hard-earned money. 

Recognizing the Salem Rescue Squad

     This past September, the Salem Rescue Squad was awarded the 2023 Volunteer EMS Service of the Year Award by EMS World for its dedication and service to the community. Operating out of one station, the Squad consists of 29 active volunteers and responds to approximately 2,000 calls per year and provides standby coverage for large events, in addition to responding to any disaster in the area. These volunteers serve as paramedics and offer pre-hospital care, giving up their time and energy to help others in the community. I was pleased to recognize the Salem Rescue Squad on the House floor and congratulate them on receiving this incredible award.

Watch my floor speech recognizing the Salem Rescue Squad here or above.

Recommended 2023 USPS Holiday Shipping Dates

     If you or a family member are shipping holiday cards and gifts for Christmas or other holiday traditions, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the following recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before December 25th: 

December 16
First Class Letters & Flats
USPS Ground Advantage 

               December 18               
Priority Mail 

              December 20              
Priority Mail Express

District Travels

     As the only cement plant in Virginia, the Roanoke Cement Company (RCC) supplies materials for building major infrastructure, supporting economic development in the region and throughout the Commonwealth. I was pleased to tour their facility in Troutville and learn more about their work in the industry.

I was glad to present various service medals to Janice Machin on behalf of her late father, Leon Leck, for his military service to our great Nation. 

     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.