Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – August 24, 2019

Israel Visit
I recently had the honor of participating in a bipartisan visit to Israel and the West Bank alongside over 50 Democratic and 30 Republican Members. There, we met with political and military officials from Israel and the Palestinian Authority. I gained a deeper understanding of the security threat faced by Israelis and remain steadfast in my support of America’s closest ally.

Since taking office in January, I have been committed to the continued viability of the Jewish State and have cosponsored and voted in favor of several pieces of legislation to that end. One such resolution I signed onto was H. Res. 246 – Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement targeting Israel. For those who might not know what the BDS Movement is, it is a global campaign led by Palestine intended to economically harm Israel through international sanctions, pressuring companies to cut ties with Israel, and pushing individuals around the world to boycott businesses who support the nation-state. These targeted attacks are designed to promote the destruction of the state of Israel, and is why I was proud to join 397 of my colleagues in passing this bill in the House.

I also cosponsored H.R. 1837 – the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act. Israel is under constant threat from its neighbors, and the United States must stand with the greatest stabilizing force in the Middle-East. H.R. 1837 authorizes increased security assistants to Israel, which includes the transfer of reserve stock weapons and boosts defense funding over the next five years. Legislation such as this is important to ensuring the continued security of our strategic partner in the region.

Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
This week began with the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the enactment of the 19th Amendment, and it is important to remember the women and men whose forward thinking made for a stronger and more unified country.

In July 1848, the first Women’s Rights Convention was convened in Seneca Falls, New York. There, a Declaration of Sentiments was brought forth and signed by 68 women and 32 men in support of equal rights for women, most notably the right to vote. After decades of trials and tribulations, Congress voted to approve the 19th Amendment in the Summer of 1919. One year later, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote.

On this 99th anniversary, I am proud to recognize the many notable Virginia suffragists who fought for their God given right to equality. Most notably was Mary Johnston, a distinguished author from Buchanan and founding member of the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia. A Bath County native, Ms. Johnston believed that women were wholly capable of achieving any successes in which they aspired to.

As an outspoken woman ahead of her time, Mary Johnston had multiple articles published in the Equal Suffrage League’s monthly paper, the Virginia Suffrage News. She helped further the goals of the women’s suffrage movement in a positive and expeditious fashion. Today, and every day, I am thankful for women like Mary who advocate for their equal and unalienable rights in this nation. We are stronger because of them.

Passing Legislation
If you follow my column weekly, then you are certainly aware of the Small Business Reorganization Act. I am proud to announce that this bill, which I authored, was signed into law by the President this week. While it is my hope small business owners will never need to use the provisions of this bill, I am pleased that they now will have the necessary resources to make successful the businesses that they have worked so hard to build.

For more information regarding this bill, I encourage you to read last week’s column at: https://cline.house.gov/sixth-district-perspectives

It is an honor to serve you and all people of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. If my office can ever be of assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. I also encourage you to like my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages to stay up to date on legislative initiatives and District happenings.