Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – April 6th

Perhaps the most interesting conversations on policy and the role of government occur when I am afforded the opportunity to meet one on one with constituents from across the Sixth Congressional District, hearing their thoughts on legislation, how government overreach is impacting their families, or how I can help them navigate government red tape. This week started with a meeting at Luray High School, where I spoke with Mrs. Baldwin’s senior government class and fielded a wide range of questions on the Constitution, items in the news, and the work we are doing in Congress.

Over the last three months, I have been privileged to answer questions from hundreds of students in all parts of the Sixth. While questions vary, there has been a consistent theme – hope for a brighter future. Students in the Sixth Congressional District are the same as Americans from all walks of life. They want the opportunity to graduate, possibly attend college or trade school, raise a family, and achieve the American dream. I tell each class with whom I meet that our job in Congress is to protect their liberties, remove the barriers that would hold them back, and allow them the opportunity to succeed.

Just as America has flourished since World War II, growing the economy and making the American dream accessible to a growing number of our citizens, individuals in other parts of the world want the same opportunities, as well. In the years following the end of World War II, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO, was formed as a military alliance among member states. Citizens of NATO member states strive for the same economic freedom we enjoy in America. That is why NATO is so important, standing as a defense against hostile adversaries.

This week, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed a Joint Session of Congress and spoke of NATO’s positive impact 70 years after its formation. He also noted the challenges facing NATO, which has grown from 12 to 29 member states. Stoltenberg said President Donald Trump’s mission to increase defense spending by member states “is having a real impact.” Each member nation is obligated to contribute 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense spending. A report from NATO last month showed only seven nations were meeting such targets, including the United States at 3.9% of GDP, though the numbers have started to shift. Stoltenberg said just last month that member nations have increased spending by nearly 4%, adding $41 billion in defense spending as a result of President Trump’s calls for member states to meet their obligations. Stoltenberg expects that number to increase to $100 billion “by the end of next year.”

It was encouraging to hear from the NATO Secretary General and see President Trump’s pressure result in more countries meeting their goals. I voted to protect the President’s ability to pressure NATO members earlier this year, because NATO must remain a strong alliance for the security of the United States and its allies. In times of war, our NATO partners have played important roles in our victories. We must continue to hold our allies to their obligations in order for NATO to continue to be an effective tool for peace in our world.

In addition to hearing from the NATO chief, we took action on other items in Congress. I joined many of my House colleagues Tuesday to sign a discharge petition aimed at demanding a vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The bill extends legal protections to infants who survive an abortion procedure, including the right to receive medical care. We have seen a concerted effort this year to expand abortion up to and beyond the point of birth in the Commonwealth and other states. Twenty-five times this year, Republicans have asked for a vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has denied each of our requests. That is why I joined Whip Scalise, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, and many of my colleagues Tuesday to call on a vote through the discharge petition and declare that we are a nation that stands against infanticide.

Representing the Sixth Congressional District is a responsibility I take very seriously. Thank you for the opportunity to stand for the rule of law, fight partisan overreach, and stand for life as your representative in Congress.