Rep. Cline Statement on Fulfilling Pledge to Hold 19 Town Halls

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released the following statement after holding his nineteenth town hall meeting.

While running for Congress, Cline assured voters that he would hold a town hall in each of the Sixth District’s nineteen counties and independent cities prior to the end of his first year in office.

After holding his first town hall in Roanoke City, Cline regularly held such forums throughout the District, and fulfilled his promise this week in Waynesboro, Virginia.

“Being accessible to the citizens of the Sixth District is one of my most important responsibilities as Congressman,” Cline said. “I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from constituents about the issues that matter most to them. Whether it’s about jobs and the economy, trade and foreign affairs, or transportation and I-81, I want to do the best job I can representing the views of the residents of the Sixth District. I look forward to holding additional town halls in the future and continuing to meet with the hard-working people of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District.”

Congressman Ben Cline was sworn in as the new Congressman for the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia in January of 2019. He was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates prior to his election last November. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt with their two children.

Rep. Cline Recognizes Harrisonburg Business for Being Awarded DOL’s HIRE Vets Medallion

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Jacob Hunziker | ABC 13 President Trump delivered his Address to Congress Tuesday night, just over a month since returning to the White House for his second, non-consecutive term in office. This is different from a State of the Union, which is given in years two through four of a president’s term and is meant to be a reflection on what has been done so far in a term. Since Trump has just entered …

U.S. Rep. Ben Cline recently visited Alleghany High School and gave students an inside look at life as an elected official serving in Congress. During his visit to AHS, he addressed government students and students enrolled in Alleghany Highlands Advancement: Law and Political Science. His recent talk to students gave them insight into his role as a congressman and the political climate in Washing…

Congressman Ben Cline is calling for an immediate ethics investigation into reports that members of the Virginia General Assembly have engaged in political coercion, attempting to strong-arm members of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board by threatening to withhold funding if they do not extend the contract of VMI’s superintendent. These disturbing actions reveal a clear and troubling effor…

| Posted in Op-eds

On Sept. 5, 2024, exactly two months before Election Day, then-candidate Donald Trump announced that if he became president again, he would enlist entrepreneur Elon Musk to lead an effort to cut government waste. “I will create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic…

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). “I am honored to be appointed to the House Intelligence Committee,” said Rep. Ben Cline. “Our world has become an increasingly dangerous place over the last four years, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to strengthen our national security a…

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA). This legislation reduces the overly burdensome barriers required to purchase a firearm suppressor to ease access for law-abiding citizens simply trying to obtain the hearing protection they need. “Americans who enjoy hunting and target shooting should be able to do so safely and legally without facing burdensome gov…

On Tuesday, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) reintroduced the One Agency Act, a bill that proposes consolidating federal antitrust enforcement within the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. The Federal Trade Commission would remain an independent agency, focusing on its consumer protection mission. This consolidation aims to strengthen consumer protection law enforcement while streamlining antitrust oversight….

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) released the following statement regarding his vote for the continuing resolution H.R. 10515. “I voted for the Clean Continuing Resolution today because it is vital to keep our government running and to ensure the incoming Trump Administration can hit the ground running to enact the agenda supported by voters in November,” Congressman Cline stated. “This Clean CR would…

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has been named a recipient of the Friend of the Farm Bureau Award for the 118th Congress. This award is given to members who support legislation that benefits agriculture, farmers, and producers. Rep. Cline received the award during a visit to Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Agriculture Research Center in Winchester, VA. “I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the …

Congressman Ben Cline hosts town hall discussion in Harrisonburg | Mair Famet HARRISONBURG,Va.- Rep. Ben Cline stopped by the Harrisonburg IHOP restaurant Monday night to address residents’ questions and concerns about the upcoming Trump administration. A room of over 30 individuals had a chance to have their questions answered by the congressman while eating dinner. During the discussion, Cline m…

Veteran’s Day Program | Anya Sczerzenie GROTTOES, Va. – The town now runs the program, and this year, the town of Grottoes put on its fifth official Veterans’ Day program in the Town Hall. It included performances by local kids, speeches by veterans and an appearance from U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-6th). Cline also spoke briefly during the event, thanking the veterans present for their service. “You’r…

Last week, Congressman Ben Cline hosted his two-day annual Farm Tour, visiting different farms on Wednesday across the southern part of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District and visiting various agriculture facilities on Friday across the northern part of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. On the first day, Rep. Ben Cline began his tour with a visit to Delta Springs Farm in Mount Solon and…

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released a statement after being named to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Dean’s List”. Congressman Cline is one of only 24 members of the House of Representatives to be placed on the “Dean’s List,” which recognizes lawmakers who have gone above and beyond the A+ rating to protect Second Amendment rights “I’m grateful to receive this recognition from the Na…

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) has been awarded the Guardian of Small Business Award for the 118th Congress by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization. NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with small businesses on key issues identified by small business owners. “I am truly ho…

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) recently toured the Valley Health Winchester Medical Center, where he was briefed on Valley Health’s upcoming projects. Guided by Kris Maddalena, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Congressman Cline received an in-depth tour of the facility. During his visit, Valley Health honored him with an award recognizing his leadership, dedication, and support for patient…

Sessions and Mfume Send Bipartisan Letter Requesting GAO to Review Persistent Issues with DOD’s Vetting System

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (TX-17) and Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume (MD-7) continue their bipartisan oversight of the Department of Defense’s personnel vetting practices. The lawmakers remain concerned about delays and issues with the National Background Investigation Service (NBIS) program. In a letter to the U.S. Government and Accountability Office (GAO) Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, they requested a GAO review of NBIS citing longstanding concerns about missed deadlines and cost overruns associated with developing a modernized security clearance vetting system that facilitates appropriate and secure access to our nation’s most sensitive materials.

“The Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce remains concerned with the status of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) personnel vetting practices, especially given the ongoing problems with the National Background Investigation Service (NBIS) program, overseen by DOD’s Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA),” wrote the lawmakers. “We are further concerned that national security personnel are not undergoing all required record checks, non-sensitive personnel have not been enrolled in a continuous vetting system, and there are indications that there are challenges implementing continuous vetting across the federal government.”

In 2015, cybersecurity incidents on information technology (IT) systems that supported personnel vetting compromised the data of more than 22 million federal employees and contractor personnel. Subsequently, DOD established NBIS to replace and improve upon the compromised IT systems. However, GAO has repeatedly reported on significant delays with NBIS’ system and included the government-wide personnel security clearance process on its High-Risk List. In June 2024, the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing to examine how DOD has fallen short in its mission to modernize the IT infrastructure of NBIS. At the hearing, lawmakers expressed bipartisan concern about the continued delays with the NBIS system and potential cascading effects on our nation’s national security.

“Continuous vetting involves reviewing the background of a covered individual through automated record checks in various areas, including criminal records, terrorism, and financial issues, during an individual’s period of eligibility.  Unfortunately, these changes have not occurred as planned due to continued NBIS delays,” continued the lawmakers in their letter to GAO.  “Given the importance of a timely, accurate and comprehensive personnel vetting process, we request that GAO conduct a review on continued NBIS development and continuous vetting.”

Read the letter to Comptroller General Dodaro here.

Congressman Sessions Votes YES for American Relief Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) released the following statement regarding the passage of the American Relief Act of 2025:

Congressman Sessions said, “Today, I voted YES for the American Relief Act of 2025. This bill was supported by President Trump and PASSED. From the outset, I made it clear that I would only support a Continuing Resolution that includes vital assistance for our agricultural community. This legislation delivers on that promise by supporting farmers and ranchers, providing critical disaster relief for those impacted by recent hurricanes, and ensuring government funding through March 14, when President Trump will be in office. These three priorities were my focus going into these discussions, and I am pleased we were able to address these essential needs of the American people. I look forward to getting back to work in the 119th Congress.”

Congressman Pete Sessions to Continue as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Chairman James Comer (KY-01) announced Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) will continue to serve as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This is a role that Chairman Sessions held during the 118th Congress.

Congressman Sessions said, “I am excited to continue serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In the 118th Congress, we conducted thorough oversight, auditing the Department of Defense, exposing waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, and working across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions. In this Congress, we will build on that momentum to ensure that the federal government is accountable, efficient, and works for all Americans.”

“Representative Pete Sessions is a proven leader who will continue to lead our efforts to make the federal government more efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable to the American people. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, he has been at the forefront of our oversight of the federal government’s disaster responses and administration of taxpayer dollars. I look forward to continue working with Representative Pete Sessions to ensure Americans’ investment in government is stewarded wisely,” said Chairman James Comer (KY-01)

Last Congress, the Subcommittee on Government Operations held many hearings including:

Where Do We Go From Here? Examining a Path Forward to Assess Agencies’ Efforts to Prevent Improper Payments and Fraud

Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires

Oversight of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency

What We Have Here…is a Failure to Collaborate: Review of GAO’s Annual Duplication Report

Please Leave Your Message at the Tone: Addressing Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies

Tracking the Postal Service: An Update on the Delivering for America Plan

Congressman Sessions Applauds Signing of GSA Technology Accountability Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) released the following statement about his bill, H.R. 7524, the GSA Technology Accountability Act, becoming law. This new law, which received broad bipartisan support in Congress, ensures GSA is held accountable to Congress and the American people in how it spends taxpayer dollars on technology projects and initiatives.

Congressman Sessions said, “I am proud that my common-sense legislation, the GSA Technology Accountability Act has been signed into law. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I found that there is insufficient transparency in the General Services Administration regarding technology projects. This legislation will allow the House Oversight Committee to conduct appropriate oversight, rein in what for too long has been an unaccountable organization that seemingly thought it could play by its own rules, and protect both GSA agency customers and American taxpayers. The GSA Technology Accountability Act is big win for government accountability!”  

The GSA Technology Accountability Act requires the GSA Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress regarding each project funded by the Citizen Services Fund and some projects funded by the Acquisition Services Fund. Right now, there is no transparency into how these funds, which are the primary source of funding for TTS projects and initiatives, are allocated.  This bill expands oversight capabilities and includes several measures to ensure GSA provides information about funded projects and explanations for the basis of projects as well as timelines and potential reimbursements.

Read the bill text here.

Congressman Sessions Introduces RED TAPE Act to Rein in Bureaucracy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, DC- Last week, Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) introduced the Regulations Evaluated to Determine the Anticipated Price and Effect Act (RED TAPE) Act to rein in bureaucratic spending. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Co-Chair of the DOGE Caucus, Congressman Sessions is committed to preventing government agencies from wasteful spending on non-monetized or unqualified factors.

Congressman Sessions said, “In 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration issued guidance that directed government agencies to heavily incorporate non-monetary values into their cost-benefit analyses of proposed regulations. Instead of measuring the fiscal costs and benefits of a regulation, federal agencies are now assigning monetary value to obscure qualitative data. These regulations come at a cost to taxpayers, and there must be integrity, transparency, and a clear commitment to measurable results for the American people in this process. I am proud to work with Senator Ernst on this vital legislation to ensure mismanagement and waste are eliminated from our government.”

Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman Joni Ernst (Iowa) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Senator Ernst said, “The real threat to our democracy is an unchecked bureaucracy. President Biden’s greenie math has added up to hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden regulatory costs for Americans, and enough is enough. I am putting a stop to this nonsense by breaking out my scissors and cutting through the RED TAPE.”

You can read the bill text here.

Rep. Al Green Calls for Congressional Hearing on Predatory Lending and High APR Loans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Access to Capital Across America.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witnesses on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including BlueskyFacebookInstagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

Congressman Al Green Issues Statement Regarding Medicaid Day of Action on March 18th

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Censured But Not Silenced)

(Houston, TX) — On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Congressman Al Green will be hosting a live stream on Facebook in support of Medicaid Day of Action at 10:30 a.m. CT. You can join the live stream by clicking here. In the lead-up to this important day, Congressman Green has issued the following statement:

The President has no mandate to cut Medicaid. Proposed budget cuts of approximately $880 billion threaten the health of millions of Americans. Medicaid provides essential coverage for low-income individuals and families, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. This program delivers critical health services, including hospital and preventative care, prescription medications, vaccines, emergency support, and mental health treatment, to ensure our most vulnerable populations get the comprehensive care they deserve. 

Congressman Green stated, “I am proud to have called to the nation’s attention the critical issue of safeguarding Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security during the State of the Union, for which I was censured. In support of this effort, March 18 has been designated as a Medicaid Day of Action. As part of this important initiative, I will be live-streaming from a healthcare clinic to do my part for the cause.” 

Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

Congressman Al Green Host Press Conference with the NAACP Houston Branch President Bishop James Dixon, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, and Postal Unions to Challenge USPS Job Cuts and Elimination of Watchdog Oversight

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX) —  On Monday, March 17, 2025, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference alongside Bishop James Dixon, President of the NAACP Houston Branch, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch #283, and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). He will address a critical letter he sent to congressional leaders regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) recent decision to work in partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the possibility of eliminating watchdog oversight for the agency. The USPS has also revealed plans to cut 10,000 jobs as part of a budget reduction strategy affecting postal workers.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Protecting watchdog oversight is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the U.S. Postal Service. The impending job cuts threaten not only the livelihoods of dedicated postal workers but also the essential services that our communities rely on. This is precisely why I have called for a congressional hearing—to investigate the implications of these decisions and to ensure that any partnerships do not compromise accountability.”

Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.