Cline Backs Veteran Cancer Screening Effort, Highlights Sixth District Programs

U.S. Rep. Ben Cline is backing a bipartisan effort to improve prostate cancer screening for veterans and service members while also highlighting food assistance, mental health services, and constituent work across Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District.

Cline said he recently co-signed a bipartisan letter to federal officials calling for greater coordination on early detection of prostate cancer among military personnel and veterans.

The letter was sent to Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Cline said research showing an elevated risk of prostate cancer among U.S. service members makes improved access to screening particularly important.

“Our Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our Nation, and I am proud to continue working to provide them with the support, resources, and tools necessary to protect their health and well-being,” Cline said.

According to information provided by Cline’s office, recent studies indicate service members face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than the general population. Access to specialized medical care can also be difficult, particularly in rural communities.

More than 60% of U.S. counties lack a practicing urologist, according to Cline’s office.

The congressional letter asks federal agencies to evaluate existing prostate cancer screening protocols for service members and veterans, including people who have worked in higher-risk occupations such as military pilots and ground crews.

It also calls for research and pilot programs involving new early detection methods, including urine-based diagnostic testing.

Other recommendations include increasing awareness of occupational risks, improving coordination among federal agencies and examining ways to make accurate, noninvasive screening more readily available.

Visits Focus On Mental Health, Food Assistance

Cline also recently visited On Our Own in Roanoke, a nonprofit organization serving people and families dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.

He met with constituents, staff members and community leaders to discuss efforts to connect people with care and other resources.

“Organizations like On Our Own play an important role in strengthening our communities and ensuring no one has to navigate these challenges alone,” Cline said.

Another district stop took Cline to Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Salem Distribution Center, where he toured the operation and discussed efforts to address food insecurity.

Cline said he supports federal nutrition programs including the Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as TEFAP, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

At the same time, Cline pointed to legislation he has introduced that would change SNAP eligibility rules.

His No Welfare for the Wealthy Act is intended to close what he described as a broad-based categorical eligibility loophole in the program.

Cline said food assistance should remain available to families who need help while ensuring the programs are properly targeted.

Rockbridge County Administrator Recognized

Cline also recognized Spencer Suter following Suter’s retirement after 30 years in public service.

Spencer Suter

A Rockingham County native, Suter spent 14 years as Rockbridge County administrator.

Cline credited Suter with helping expand broadband access in rural areas and developing Rockbridge County’s first strategic economic development plan.

Suter also worked on efforts that brought millions of dollars in investment to Modine Manufacturing and helped oversee the transition of Natural Bridge into a Virginia State Park.

“Spencer’s career reflects his practical, people-first approach to public service,” Cline said.

He also noted Suter’s willingness to handle everyday tasks along with larger county responsibilities, from managing crises to shoveling snow and picking up roadside trash.

Congressional Internships Open For 2027

Cline’s office is also accepting applications for its 2027 winter internship program.

Positions are available in both district offices and Washington, D.C.

The internships give participants experience working in a congressional office while building professional skills and learning more about federal government and constituent services.

Office Helps Family Obtain Veteran’s Records

Cline also highlighted a recent case in which his staff helped a Sixth District family obtain a military record needed for funeral honors.

A constituent contacted the congressman’s office while searching for her late father’s DD-214, the military discharge document needed to establish his eligibility for military honors at his funeral.

The family could not locate the document among his records but discovered previous correspondence with Cline’s office.

After the family contacted the office, staff found a copy of the DD-214 on file.

Staff then provided the document to the family and funeral home, allowing arrangements for military honors to move forward.

“This is what constituent services are all about: being there when a family needs help navigating the federal government,” Cline said.

Cline said his staff can also assist Sixth District residents dealing with other federal matters, including veterans’ records, federal agencies, and visas.

Residents seeking assistance can contact Cline’s Washington office at 202-225-5431.