Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline

      Last week, during our work to ensure the government continues to operate without a shutdown, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee demanded answers on the weaponization of the Department of Justice. Additionally, I introduced legislation that strengthens congressional subpoena power. I also recognized Clarke County High School state champions, and 50 years of Martha’s Meals on Wheels serving those in need. As always, it was a pleasure meeting with folks from the Sixth District who were on the Hill, as well as during my travels up and down the Valley. Rest assured as this week continues, I am fighting for real reform to Washington’s dysfunctional bureaucracy on behalf of the people of Virginia’s Sixth District. 

Demanding Transparency on the DOJ’s Abuse of Power

      Under the leadership of Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has become weaponized and the American people’s trust in our system of justice has been severely damaged. While there are countless rank-and-file employees who do great work, we have seen the DOJ slow-walk and interfere in the investigations into the Biden family corruption, label concerned parents as “domestic terrorists,” target Catholics for practicing their faith, and recently attempt to interfere in school board decisions in Roanoke.

      During a Judiciary Committee hearing last week, I demanded that Attorney General Garland answer for the agency’s politicized abuse of power and restore accountability to Americans. The DOJ should be upholding equal justice under the law, which is why House Republicans will keep working to end this weaponization of our federal law enforcement agencies.

Watch my questioning of Attorney General Garland during a Judiciary Committee hearing here or above.

Holding Big Government Accountable to Congress

       For too long, the Biden Administration has stonewalled congressional investigations. From FBI Director Christopher Wray to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, federal officials have failed to comply with House Republicans’ subpoenas to testify before Congress or provide sufficient documents related to our investigations.

      That is unacceptable, which is why last week I introduced the Subpoena Compliance Accountability Act. This legislation would simply eliminate the salary of any federal official or employee held in contempt, which will hold Big Government accountable, strengthen congressional subpoena power, and help rebuild trust in our institutions. Read more in Fox News here or below.   

Read the full bill text here.

Celebrating Clarke County High School State Champions

      I was pleased to congratulate the Clarke County High School Women's soccer team on winning their Class 2 State Championship, the program’s second state championship in three years. By training hard to ensure that they are at their best and encouraging each other, the Eagles left it all on the pitch and dominated the Central of Wise County Warriors to bring home the trophy. All of these athletes are champions, and should be proud of this incredible achievement. 

Watch my floor speech recognizing the Clarke County High School women's soccer team here or above.

Recognizing Martha's Meals on Wheels in Staunton

       In 1973, Minister Jo Lotz, of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Martha Wilkerson began preparing meals in the church to those in need for Staunton residents, and their efforts eventually became Martha’s Meals on Wheels. Five decades later, Martha’s Meals on Wheels has gone from serving 20 people five days a week to now 30 to 35 people per day within the city limits with the help of Armstrongs’s Restaurant in Verona, which has been preparing the meals for 20 years.

      I thank Martha’s Meals on Wheels and the volunteers for their selfless service and wish them many years of success.

Watch my floor speech recognizing Martha's Meals on Wheels here or above.

Honoring 76 Years of the U.S. Air Force

      In recognition of 76 years of the U.S. Air Force, we honor all the brave airmen and women in the sky for their service to our great Nation. We owe them endless gratitude, for it is because of their sacrifice and dedication to protect our freedoms that we are able to enjoy our way of life.

      To all who serve in the U.S. Air Force – thank you for always being ready to fly, fight, and win. 

Constitution Day

      This Constitution Day, we commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution and the sacrifices our Founding Fathers made to create a more perfect union for We the People, laying the foundation to make America the freest Nation in the world. I will always stand for and defend our Constitution, and fight to ensure Americans’ rights are protected.

Meetings On The Hill

I enjoyed meeting with representatives of the Auto Care Association, including several from the Sixth District, and learning more about the issues facing the auto industry.

District Travels

I was honored to speak at the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1061 meeting in Harrisonburg and discuss the important benefits of the PACT Act, as well as provide an update on what’s happening in Washington.

     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.