Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – November 1, 2020

As I crisscross the Sixth District, I am fortunate to have the privilege of meeting constituents from every walk of life and from every corner of our District. This interaction truly enables me to understand the concerns of area residents and to better represent their views. For example, just this week I visited a nonprofit in Buchanan to hear about how our communities and government can best support veterans when they return to civilian life. I was also at the grand opening of a technical institute in Roanoke, which reaffirmed to me the importance of investing in vocational education to adapt to 21st century needs. I always enjoy traveling the District and attending events like this because it gives me a greater perspective of how I can best serve the citizenry.

Also this past week, the Supreme Court was fortunate enough to welcome its newest Associate Justice, Amy Coney Barrett. As we look toward the week ahead, please be sure to find Election Day resources below, as well as educational opportunities for servicemembers as we begin Veteran Small Business Week.

New Freedom Farm:
Founded in 2016, New Freedom Farm in Buchanan, Virginia is a non-profit community that aids veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Through animal therapy, farming, and peer-to-peer support, this tremendous organization strives to empower veterans and help them heal through the realization of their own efforts and contributions. New Freedom Farm helps our servicemembers reintegrate into civilian life by fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In late-September, I recognized this fantastic organization on the House Floor, and this week, I was thrilled to tour the facility to see their inspirational work firsthand. I applaud the organization’s founder, Lois Dawn Fritz, and the entire team at New Freedom Farm for their passion and commitment to serving those who served our Nation.

Build Smart Institute:
In order to adapt to changing 21st century needs, we must invest in technical and vocational education. That is why I was so pleased to join officials in Roanoke for the grand opening of Build Smart Institute. This institute is working to fill the economic development gap in the construction industry by providing the necessary hands-on and classroom training to students and adults interested in the field. Build Smart Institute’s multifunctional approach provides a clear path to a successful career in construction to folks who participate in the programs. I am excited by the opportunities this institution will provide to residents in the Roanoke Valley.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett:
On Monday night, Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed as the newest member of the Supreme Court. Watching her be sworn in by Justice Thomas on the South Lawn of the White House was a powerful image. It showed all Americans, like my young daughters who were watching beside me, that regardless of your race, religion, or sex, anything is possible in this country. I am ecstatic that a principled, female conservative now sits on the High Court and know that the judicial philosophy which has guided her decision making throughout her career will result in rulings that defend the core principles and values embodied in the Constitution. I wish Justice Barrett the best of luck in this new endeavor.

Election Day Resources:
Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3, and the polls will be open from 6am to 7pm across the Commonwealth. With potential changes because of COVID-19, please be sure you know where your polling location is by clicking here. To check on your voter registration status, you can click here. For all other questions regarding Election Day and voting, visit the Virginia Department of Elections’ website here.

Veterans Small Business Week:
Tomorrow, November 2, marks the beginning of the seventh annual National Veterans Small Business Week. Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), this week is dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and empowering servicemembers, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. According to the SBA, this year’s theme is ‘Resources in Your Local Community,’ which highlights the breadth of free to low-cost entrepreneurial resources that veteran and military entrepreneurs can access right in their neighborhood – from seeking business counseling services from a local SCORE chapter, to visiting the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in their area for help formulating a business plan. To learn more and to sign up for virtual events, click here.

Stimulus Package Update:
As Election Day approaches, the White House and Speaker Pelosi were unable to reach an agreement on an additional COVID-19 relief package this week. In the spirit of negotiation, the White House upped their proposed offer to $1.9 trillion, while Speaker Pelosi refused to budge on the Democrats’ $2.4 trillion bill. At this point, it is clear that the Speaker is not negotiating in good faith. She is intentionally stalling negotiations as a political ploy to benefit her caucus and is simply trying to run out the clock on a deal hoping the next Congress will pass her original $3.4 trillion package to bail out poorly run cities. Her actions have left countless struggling individuals and small businesses without much needed help.

COVID-19 Update:
Over the past several months I have strived to provide constituents with the most up to date information regarding the coronavirus and will continue to do so as our Nation navigates this pandemic. Below please find information and resources from across the Federal government that I believe you might find useful.

The Latest on Operation Warp Speed

Coronavirus Fact Vs Fiction

COVID-19 Rumor Control

COVID-19 National Response Team

(B = Billion, M = Million, K = Thousand) Data as of October 9, 2020

If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your congressman. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.