Congressman Ben Cline Joins Royal Examiner to Talk 9/11, Free Speech, Taxes, Border Policy, and Local Projects

On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) sat down for a wide-ranging interview. The discussion began with remembrance and moved through free speech, House tensions, tax policy, immigration enforcement, federal courts, and key projects back home.

Cline opened by recalling his own 9/11 experience. On September 11, 2001, he was chief of staff to then-Congressman Bob Goodlatte. From their Capitol Hill offices, staff watched the Twin Towers fall on television while smoke rose from the Pentagon nearby. “It was a horrible day that we’ll remember forever,” Cline said, adding that his team evacuated amid reports of another plane possibly headed for the Capitol. He stressed a simple vow: never forget.

Turning to current events, Cline said political disagreements must be handled with debate, not violence. He addressed reactions to the recent tragedy involving speaker Charlie Kirk, saying leaders should “stand up for the freedoms we love” and model civil dialogue. He also noted a tense moment in the U.S. House when members argued over a proposed moment of silence. As co-chair of the bipartisan House Prayer Breakfast, Cline said he and his Democratic counterpart, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, are urging colleagues to “work past our differences.”

On policy, Cline highlighted what he called the “big, beautiful bill,” describing it as a major step to prevent large tax hikes when earlier cuts were set to expire. He said the package aims to shield working families by ending taxes on tips and overtime, adding an incentive for buying American-made cars by removing interest taxes, and creating a new senior deduction to ease Social Security tax pressure. He framed the changes as relief after years of rising costs. He also said the bill targets “waste, fraud, and abuse” across agencies.

Cline said the legislation includes work rules tied to Medicaid for able-bodied adults, while keeping protections for seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. He compared the idea to 1990s “work for welfare” policies and said volunteering or job-seeking could meet the requirement if employment isn’t available.

The congressman next discussed immigration and border policy, crediting stricter enforcement for recent changes. He said the administration has restarted border wall construction, limited parole into the interior, and moved to repatriate criminals who entered illegally. Cline also raised national security concerns about certain migrant groups, saying officials are working to identify and remove offenders. He presented these as needed steps to restore order at the border.

On the courts, Cline criticized federal judges who issue nationwide injunctions, saying such broad orders should be left to higher courts. He said the House has advanced legislation to limit district judges from halting national policies across the entire country.

Closer to home, Cline pointed to progress on Interstate 81. He said $17 million was approved in a transportation bill to widen parts of I-81, acknowledging that construction will take time but calling it a needed safety and congestion fix. He also highlighted a Judiciary Committee bill to protect licensed firearms dealers from being shut down over minor paperwork errors, saying the measure allows corrections while keeping lawful businesses open.

Cline previewed other bipartisan efforts, including his “Do Not Sell DNA Act,” which would prevent companies from selling genetic data during bankruptcy. He said the aim is to protect sensitive personal information if a testing firm fails.

Throughout the interview, Cline returned to the theme of respectful debate. “It’s OK not to agree,” he said, urging listeners to stay informed even when they oppose a policy. He added that after a week in Washington, crossing into the Shenandoah Valley is a reminder to slow down and focus on what neighbors share in common.