Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – February 23, 2020

It was great to be home in the Sixth District this week and have the chance to meet with constituents, students, business leaders, and healthcare professionals. I always enjoy District Work Periods because they not only mean a break from “the swamp,” but they give me a better understanding of the needs of those I serve in Congress.

Out and About in the Sixth District

Rep. Ben Cline cuts the ribbon at the Lawrence Companies new CASE dealership in Botetourt County, Virginia.

Lawrence Companies:
Since its founding 88 years ago in Roanoke, Lawrence Companies has expanded throughout the Sixth District, including locations in Lynchburg and Waynesboro. An employee-owned business, Lawrence Companies focuses on Moving and Storage, Truckload and Flatbed Freight, and Truck Service Bodies. This week, I was pleased to join Lawrence Equipment as they cut the ribbon on their CASE dealership in Botetourt County. This new endeavor highlights the opportunity for growth that is possible when Washington gets out of the way of businesses and does not tie their hands with burdensome regulations.

Rep. Ben Cline tours the Pathology Consultants of Central Virginia at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.

Pathology Consultants of Central Virginia:
Laboratory medicine is a vital component in ensuring patients receive the highest level of care. The research that occurs in labs across this country is responsible for the medical innovation that saves lives around the world. This week, I enjoyed the opportunity to tour Pathology Consultants of Central Virginia at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. In addition to learning about their exciting work, we also discussed legislation relating to gene patenting and potential revisions to the Evaluation and Management code set by the Department of Health and Human Services. Congress must look at ways to better support laboratory medicine as we seek to curb new and evolving diseases.

Rep. Ben Cline meets with the civics and government classes at Lucy Addison Middle School in Roanoke.

Meeting with Students:
Since taking office, I have made it a priority to engage with students from across the District. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with civics and government classes at Lucy Addison Middle School in Roanoke. These bright individuals represent the future of our nation, and it was great to see the passion they have for the issues at such a young age.

Rep. Ben Clines holds his 25th town hall in Lexington.

Lexington Town Hall:
This past Tuesday, I held my 25th town hall since being elected. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the residents of Lexington in a dialogue about important issues in the Sixth District of Virginia. In a time in which partisan polarization often imperils the legislative process, I enjoyed discussing my efforts to reach across the aisle and my commitment to bipartisan cooperation. A primary responsibility of mine as a Representative is to listen to my constituents, and town halls like these allow me to engage with residents directly and take their views to Washington. In addition to in-person town halls like these, I will also be hosting a series of telephone town halls in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details.

Rep. Ben Cline sits down with ABC13 and WFXR Fox to discuss a variety of issues affecting Sixth District communities. Click to watch the interview.

In the News:
This week, I enjoyed sitting down with ABC13 and WFXR Fox to discuss a variety of issues affecting Sixth District communities. Aside from state and local issues like recent gun control legislation in Richmond, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and Vexit, we also addressed several topics being debated at the Federal level. One issue I am confident that Congress can come together on is a comprehensive infrastructure package. Investing in our highways like I-81, railways, and ports is critical for businesses to continue thriving and keeping our country competitive. We also chatted about the need to strengthen our border security and asylum laws to ensure that the system in place works to protect those who truly need it. Further, I was pleased to talk about a bill I recently introduced in the House, the Danger Pay for U.S. Marshals Act. To learn more about my views on some of these issues, I encourage you to watch the interview.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.

For the latest updates from Washington, please follow my social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.