Sixth District Perspectives by Congressman Ben Cline: July 15, 2019

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 killed nearly 3,000 Americans in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In addition, thousands of patriots gave their all in the effort to save lives, recover victims, and remove the debris of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. At the time, first responders, construction crews, and residents around the World Trade Center were told by representatives from the Federal Government their air was clean to breathe. As we now know, the Government was wrong. The air in Lower Manhattan was toxic and has resulted in numerous illnesses that are prematurely taking the lives of first responders.

That is why I was honored to co-sponsor the permanent reauthorization of the 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund, which passed the House of Representatives on Friday. This bipartisan legislation provides funding to cover the costs of health care for individuals whose illnesses are tied to the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Too many heroes have died because of the attacks and countless others of associated illnesses. Supporting this bill was the right thing to do, and I am proud to stand with the men and women who will benefit from permanent reauthorization of this program.

As the House of Representatives came together in bipartisan fashion to support legislation for our 9/11 heroes, I wish the same could have been said of legislation for our military. Unfortunately, the Democratic version of the National Defense Authorization Act brought to the floor this week was not the traditionally bipartisan bill that authorizes programs for our military. The bill that the Democrats brought to the floor this week fails to provide necessary levels of funding to ensure military readiness to deal with threats around the globe. Additionally, the measure cuts funding for key defense initiatives which are critical and necessary in our ability to deter advisories like Russia and China. This bill would slash funding for our military’s modernization efforts at time when Moscow is actively working to build its nuclear stockpile, and China is likely to double its own stockpile in the next decade.

Unlike the Senate version of the NDAA, which passed in bipartisan fashion by a vote of 88-8, the House version of the NDAA was a partisan bill that includes a backdoor provision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. Additionally, it would block President Trump’s efforts to alleviate the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. I voted no on this bill for many reasons, but primarily because I believe we must provide our military men and women with the tools necessary to win on the battlefield and prevent conflict with our adversaries. It is my hope we will eventually take up a bipartisan version of this important bill so it can go to the President’s desk for his signature.

We also saw the continuation of House Democrats’ efforts to impeach the President. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been subpoenaed to testify in front of the Judiciary Committee, and as a member of the Committee, I am looking forward to asking him questions about his investigation and some of the decisions that were made prior to, during, and after his investigation was concluded. Unfortunately, in another example of the ineptitude of the House majority, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler informed members last week that only the 11 most senior committee members from each side would be able to question former Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The portion of our time that would have been used by less senior members of the Committee would instead be given to the House Intelligence Committee. However, after Judiciary Committee members from both sides of the aisle expressed concerns about this arrangement, Chairman Nadler reversed course and will now allow all members of the Judiciary Committee to question Mueller when he appears on July 24.

Last week, dozens of constituents from across Augusta County discussed the Mueller Report and much more Tuesday at another town hall meeting, this time in Stuarts Draft. I have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with constituents across the Sixth District and discuss the issues facing our nation. Last week’s town hall gave me the opportunity to hear Augusta County residents’ views on immigration, transportation, education, and much more. I take these perspectives to Washington with me and consider them as I introduce legislation, work in committee, and vote on the floor. I look forward to hearing from you and will announce more town halls soon. Please continue to watch the “Events” page on my website at cline.house.gov/about/events to find a town hall or staff mobile office hour near you.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.