Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline

      As Members prepare to head home for the holidays, House Republicans passed legislation to combat foreign influence in America’s institutions of higher education. We also passed legislation to prohibit the Biden Administration’s plan that would force American taxpayers to shoulder the burden of others’ student loan debt. Finally, we recognized Sixth District student athletes and came together as a Nation to reflect on the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Congress finishes a busy week, rest assured I will keep fighting for folks in our part of Virginia.

Keeping Foreign Adversaries Out of Our Colleges

     We know that regimes, such as the Chinese Communist Party, are working to increase their influence on campuses by providing American academic institutions with funding opportunities – all which come with strings attached – furthering their mission to undermine U.S. interests and indoctrinate America’s students. Meanwhile, a new report found that at least 200 universities had withheld information on as much as $13 billion in foreign funds they received from adversarial countries.

     This is unacceptable and only bolsters foreign influence in our education system. That is why last week, the House passed the DETERRENT Act (H.R. 5933) to force America’s colleges and universities to be transparent on the flow of foreign gifts, donations, and investments made to them. House Republicans are committed to ensuring that America’s students and their education are protected from harmful and dangerous foreign interference.

Watch my floor speech in support of the DETERRENT Act here or above.

Protecting Taxpayers from Repaying Loans They Didn’t Take Out

     Earlier this year, the Biden Administration introduced a new income driven repayment plan for student loans. This plan is just a backdoor attempt to bail out those who willingly took out student loans and have not paid them off, forcing American taxpayers to repay heavy college debt that is not their own – costing them up to $559 billion.

     That is wrong and unconstitutional, but while the courts continue to consider it, House Republicans took immediate steps last week to block this wrongheaded effort by passing H.J. Res. 88. At a time when millions of American families are stretching their dollar, with higher prices across the board, we are working to stop this reckless use of their taxpayer dollars. 

Biden's Broken Border

     All across the country, Americans are concerned about the broken border that President Biden has created and the worsening surge in illegal immigration at our borders that has ensued in result of it. According to a new report from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), there were 12,000 illegal migrant crossings at the southern border in just one day last week, marking the highest single-day total ever recorded.  

     House Republicans know that the only solution to this crisis is to pass significant border security reforms, such as those in the House-passed Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), that will secure America’s borders, improve the asylum system, and reduce the incentives for illegal immigration. While the Senate still refuses to take action, we are fighting to restore safety and security of our homeland. 

Watch my interview on Mornings With Maria on Fox Business discussing the border crisis here or above.

82nd Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

      In commemoration of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the 2,335 lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The courage and heroism displayed on that day have left an eternal mark on the world that will never be forgotten. 

      December 7th, 1941 forever lives in infamy.

Recognizing James Wood High School Volleyball State Championship 

    I was pleased to recognize the James Wood High School volleyball team on the House floor for winning their Class 4 State Championship, the program’s second straight state championship. After working hard all season, the Colonels gave it their all and dominated the Hanover Hawks by 3-0. Led by Head Coach Adrienne Patrick, these talented athletes encouraged each other and themselves that they can succeed – and they did just that. Congratulations, Colonels! 

Watch my floor speech recognizing the James Wood volleyball team here or above.

Meetings on the Hill

I was pleased to participate in the 87th EU-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Meeting of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and my fellow Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to discuss the strong partnership between the U.S. and E.U. and how we can work together to tackle the most pressing global challenges. 

     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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