Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline

As a new week starts, the government is still shut down as Senate Democrats continue to vote against a clean continuing resolution that would fund the government. As a result, our brave men and women in uniform were set to go without pay. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, our brave men and women in uniform will still receive their pay this month. I hope my Democrat colleagues will put the American people over politics and reopen the government. Back in the Sixth District, I hosted my annual Higher Education Roundtable at Shenandoah University, where I met with education leaders from across the region to discuss the challenges facing our colleges and universities. On the national stage, newly released documents revealed how the previous administration weaponized the FBI to spy on several Republican Members of Congress. Thanks to the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, accountability is finally being delivered to those responsible for this serious abuse of power. This week also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, so as always, I want to thank all the sailors, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation and advancing America’s interests at sea. It’s always a privilege to speak with local students and meet those working tirelessly to support our agricultural community. With their hard work and dedication on display from my meetings this week, I am reminded of who we’re fighting for in Washington.

Troops Bear the Burden of the Ongoing Shutdown

Nearly a month ago, House Republicans passed a clean continuing resolution that would have kept the government open and our troops paid. Yet Senate Democrats refused to act, voting against virtually the same funding measure they had supported multiple times under the Biden Administration. Our brave men and women in uniform were set to miss their paychecks. On October 15, paychecks for 1.3 million servicemembers were scheduled to go out, but President Trump directed Secretary Hegseth to use all available funds and to identify the funds to ensure our troops would be paid on the 15th. Thanks to these efforts, our servicemembers will receive their pay. Our troops shouldn’t have to suffer because of this government shutdown.

One in five military families rely on a single income. One in three has less than $3,000 in savings. These families couldn’t afford to miss their pay, emphasizing the need to act and ensure their paycheck wouldn’t be missed. House Republicans and President Trump have done their job to ensure these American heroes would be paid this month. Senate Republicans have already provided 52 of the 60 votes needed to reopen the government. So far, only three Senate Democrats have joined them. It’s far beyond time for more Democrats to put politics aside, end this reckless shutdown, and stand with America’s servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

Hosting My Higher Education Roundtable 

Last week, I hosted my annual Higher Education Roundtable at Shenandoah University in Winchester with higher education leaders from across Virginia’s Sixth District. This event provided me an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from participants about the challenges that are facing students and their institutions to see how I can best serve them in Congress. I was joined alongside nine college and university presidents from universities and community colleges across the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke Valley. Educators hold one of the most important roles in our nation by teaching the future generation of leaders, so addressing the range of challenges they face — from rising research costs and rapid technological challenges to student debt — is of utmost importance.

In the 119th Congress, I cosponsored the SCORE Act (H.R. 4312), which is designed to protect the rights of college athletes by providing a federal framework for NIL agreements. In the previous Congress, I cosponsored the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2023 (H.R. 1216), which would strengthen loan counseling requirements to ensure colleges are fully preparing their students to take out loans in a responsible manner.

Forums like these help me do my job more effectively by ensuring that federal policies create real opportunities for both students and faculty to succeed. It was great to join so many higher education leaders in Shenandoah to hear their ideas and share the steps I’m taking to strengthen higher education across Virginia.

Shedding Light on the FBI’s Political Bias Under Biden

An explosive new FBI document uncovered by Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley was unveiled last week, detailing that the Bureau had targeted the personal phones of eight Republican Senators and one House member as part of its “Arctic Frost” investigation under the Biden Administration. This revelation raises serious questions about how far the previous administration was willing to go to pursue political opponents and weaponize their position of power to do so. This was not oversight; it was abuse of power. The FBI’s actions represent a shocking misuse of power by an agency that should serve the American people, not political agendas.

  Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the Navy

Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Navy!

I’m grateful to all the sailors across the country who have answered the call to serve, safeguarding America’s seas and protecting our core values at home and abroad. Their courage and dedication reflect the very best of America’s fighting spirit. This week, I thank every sailor, past and present, for their service and commitment to defending our nation.

Visiting Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital

Thank you to Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital for the warm welcome and for hosting me on a tour last week. Dedicated staff took me through several departments where they’ve long served patients across our community. It was great to meet with staff to discuss how their pediatric facility in Lexington is working to provide high-quality care for our youth and to see firsthand the hospital’s recent improvements. Earlier this year, I was proud to support legislation providing $50 billion to strengthen rural hospitals like Carilion Rockbridge.

While CMS continues its most essential work and beneficiaries still receive coverage, many activities that support timely provider care have been suspended. These disruptions and delays are a direct result of the government shutdown caused by Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution. Let me be clear: patients should never be caught in the middle of Washington’s political games. I’m grateful to the staff at Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital for their dedication and the care they continue to provide to families across Virginia’s Sixth District.

Spring Internship Application Opening 

We are currently accepting applications for Spring internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C. office. This position offers a unique perspective of the day-to-day operations of the United States Congress.

Interns will work with Congressional staff in the preparation of policy briefs and gain extensive knowledge of the federal legislative process. Additionally, interns will engage with and provide various services to constituents. We are looking for talented and driven applicants who will be available from early January to Mid-May. The deadline for application submissions is November 14th, 2025.

For more information, please contact Lindsey Zarriello by email at lindsey.zarriello@mail.house.gov.

Out and About in the Sixth District 

It was great to join Dr. Brian Alexander’s class at Washington and Lee in Lexington. I had the chance to speak with a group of bright students who asked thoughtful questions about Congress and how it relates to what they have been learning this semester.

It was great to join Dr. Brian Alexander’s class at Washington and Lee in Lexington. I had the chance to speak with a group of bright students who asked thoughtful questions about Congress and how it relates to what they have been learning this semester.

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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