Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline: March 16th

This week, I was pleased to see legislative language I introduced in the 116th Congress signed into law by the President. President Donald Trump signed a bill into law on Tuesday which would designate the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.

In Virginia, we remember George C. Marshall as a remarkable leader and public servant as well as a graduate of one of the country’s most storied military schools. His contributions to world history are unparalleled, which is why designation as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library on the post of VMI will bring a renewed interest in Marshall’s work and life for a new generation.

President signs bill designating National George C. Marshall Museum and Library

After the appalling debate this legislative session on a bill in the Virginia House of Delegates which would essentially allow infanticide, I was honored to join my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives this week to demand a vote on the Born Alive Protection Act. This legislation would extend legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. We have asked Nancy Pelosi 17 times to bring this bill to the floor for a vote and to stop giving in to the most extreme members of her party. I will continue demanding this vote and standing for the lives of the innocent.
The House also took up legislation this week calling on the Mueller Report to be made public. In my time as a Delegate and now as a Member of Congress, I have advocated for transparency in government. The Mueller Report should be no different. Over the previous two years, millions of dollars have been spent on this investigation and the American people deserve to know the findings. It is my hope that Attorney General William Barr will release the report for the country to see.

I enjoy seeing constituents when they come to Washington. This week included a visit on National Ag Day with Virginia FFA President Ethan Jackson of Bedford County and State Secretary Kendall Knicely of Rockingham County. Agriculture plays a leading role in the economy of the Sixth Congressional District, the Commonwealth, and the nation. Ethan and Kendall brought that message to legislators and highlighted the importance of supporting our next generation of leaders in American agriculture so the industry continues to thrive. On Friday, students from Rockbridge High School visited the Capitol and got to see history up close. They are a wonderful group of students who asked thoughtful questions on the role of government.

Before a week of legislating, committee hearings, and meetings began on Capitol Hill, I visited Warren County High School to speak with government students. Recent stops at high schools in the Sixth Congressional District have left me encouraged by the students’ interest in and enthusiasm about the political process. I want to thank students and administrators for participating in these great visits.

Virginia’s high schools provide a broad education for students, allowing them to explore not only core subjects such as government, but also creative interests. That is why my office is participating in the Congressional Art Competition. The high school arts competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in The Sixth Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition is now in full swing and is open to all high school students in the district. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page. For more information on the Congressional Art Competition and how you can participate, visit cline.house.gov/services/art-competition.

As your Congressman, I am tasked with the responsibility to represent your values in Washington. I have prioritized an open line of communication between myself and the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia through town hall meetings. Next week, I will host two town hall meetings in Bath and Warren Counties. As with my previous town hall meetings across the Sixth Congressional District, these town halls will allow me to engage with Bath and Warren County residents and take their views back to Washington.

If you are unable to make one of the town hall meetings, please know that additional town halls will be added to the schedule in the coming months. However, members of my staff hold community mobile office hours throughout the district, as well. 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. For a complete list of casework staff mobile office hours and to register to attend a town hall meeting, visit cline.house.gov/about/events to find an event near you.

Grottoes Casework Staff Mobile Office
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – 9:30am
Grottoes Town Hall (Council Chambers)
601 Dogwood Ave
Grottoes, VA 24441

Forest Casework Staff Mobile Office
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – 10:00am
Forest Public Library
15583 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551

Waynesboro Casework Staff Mobile Office
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – 11:30am
Waynesboro Public Library (First Floor Conference Room)
600 South Wayne Ave
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Front Royal Casework Staff Mobile Office
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – 10:00am
Samuels Public Library (Baxter-Bowling Conference Room)
330 East Criser Road
Front Royal, VA 22630

Lexington Casework Staff Mobile Office
Thursday, March 21, 2019 – 9:00am
Rockbridge County Administration Building (Second Floor)
150 South Main Street
Lexington, VA 24450

Woodstock Casework Staff Mobile Office
Thursday, March 21, 2019 – 9:30am
Woodstock Town Hall (Council Chambers)
135 North Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664

Buena Vista Casework Staff Mobile Office
Thursday, March 21, 2019 – 11:00am
Buena Vista City Hall (Circuit Courtroom)
2039 Sycamore Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416

Strasburg Casework Staff Mobile Office
Thursday, March 21, 2019 – 12:00pm
Strasburg Town Hall (Council Chambers)
174 East King Street
Strasburg, VA 22657