Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – August 31, 2019

Labor Day
As we look to celebrate Labor Day, I want to take a moment to discuss the significant job growth and record-breaking employment numbers our country has seen over the past two years. This Administration’s commitment to reversing burdensome regulations, cutting taxes, and providing business incentives has resulted in more Americans in the workforce than ever before and more money in the pockets of this country’s citizens.

Since January of 2017, more than 5.7 million jobs have been created. Industries such as education and health services, professional and business services, and financial services have seen the greatest uptick in employment meaning the jobs created are offering high paying, family sustaining wages. The current unemployment rate stands at 3.7% making July the 17th straight month of unemployment under 4%. This continued job growth has significantly benefited minority communities as well, with the African American and Hispanic unemployment rates near record lows. Veterans have also benefited seeing an 18-year low in unemployment under this Administration, and women are experiencing the lowest rate of unemployment in more than a decade.

With wage growth at a 3.2% yearly rate and more open jobs than there are people to fill them, I know that our country is on the right track.

Just this week, I made several stops at local businesses, learning from folks the struggles they’re facing and the battles they’re winning. I met with farmers, manufacturers, and business owners and saw first-hand how this Administration’s policies of cutting taxes and regulations are benefiting the working class.

This positive growth has reached Virginia and is contributing to businesses wanting to invest and grow in places like the Sixth District. In Glasgow, the town just opened a new events venue which will bring more visitors to the town and surrounding communities. I also recently attended an economic development announcement for Howell Metal which will be investing $8 million to expand their facility in New Market, adding more than 100 new jobs.

Labor Day was established to celebrate the working people of this country. I am proud to represent an area of the Commonwealth that is thriving and continues to be competitive nationally.

Ranking as the nation’s top state to do business in, per CNBC, is only a small testament to all Virginia has to offer. It is the people of this country and Commonwealth that make it successful.

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act:

Last week, President Trump signed H.R. 3304, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act into law. I was proud to be the lead Republican sponsor of this bill which passed the House 417-1.

The legislation ensures that certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who fall on hard economic times after returning from active duty deployment will continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the so-called “means test” under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Serving a recall to active duty is hard enough on Guardsmen, Reservists, and their families, it should not be made more difficult by financial uncertainty. I am pleased that the President recently signed this bill giving a crucial lifeline for returning service members who have fallen on hard economic times. We must continue to support our nation’s warriors who put service above self.

This measure becomes the third bill I have authored that has been signed into law this month, and I will continue to advocate for policies that will benefit constituents in the Sixth Congressional District.

Mobile Office Hours:
For those in need of constituent services, staff will host Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours next week. A staff member will be available to meet with citizens to assist with problems they might have with a federal agency and hear their views on current issues before Congress. Mobile office hours will take place at the following locations:

Amherst Casework Staff Mobile Office
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 – 9:00am
Amherst County Administration Building (Board of Supervisors Room)
153 Washington Street
Amherst, VA 24521

Front Royal Casework Staff Mobile Office
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 – 10:00am
Samuels Public Library (Baxter-Bowling Conference Room)
330 East Criser Road
Front Royal, VA 22630

Elkton Casework Staff Mobile Office
Thursday, September 5, 2019 – 11:30am
Elkton Area Community Center (Council Chambers)
20593 Blue and Gold Drive
Elkton, VA 22827