Legislative Update
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – March 4, 2022
Last week, the world watched in disbelief as Russian forces ruthlessly launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While President Biden issued some economic sanctions against the Kremlin in response, as well as approved $350 million worth of military aid to Ukraine, we must continue to prod the Administration and the world community to stand strongly against this aggression. The Ukrainian people have shown tremendous resiliency and determination in their efforts to repel the invaders and defend their homeland. I am pleased that countries throughout Europe have condemned the actions of the Kremlin and are giving the Ukrainian resistance some of the tools needed to fight. As the situation unfolds, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people.
Russian Invasion:
For the first time since World War II, the world witnessed a major power invading a sovereign Nation last week. I stand with the American people in our solidarity against Russian aggression, and we pray for peace in Ukraine. This was an entirely unprovoked invasion, and every ounce of blood spilled throughout the conflict will be solely on Vladimir Putin’s hands. The international community must send a strong and clear message to Russia and our enemies that an attack on a sovereign country will be met with swift and devastating consequences. The United States must remain committed to crippling Russia’s ability to make war through crushing sanctions, export/import controls, and a complete cancelation of the United States’ support for the ill-advised Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Although the Biden Administration and our allies took action to block Russia from accessing the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system, the Russian energy transactions were not included in this sanction. The SWIFT system facilitates financial transactions and money transfers for banks located around the world, and thus cutting off Russian access would drastically limit their ability to participate in global trade and commerce. These sanctions must be unified and sustained by the international community in order to truly squeeze the Kremlin and drain them of their resources. I would also urge President Biden to place a far greater emphasis on domestic oil and gas production to combat the inevitable rising energy prices that will come from his previous decisions to cancel the Keystone Pipeline and other energy projects in the U.S.
While I oppose the entry of American troops into the conflict, I was pleased that the Biden Administration authorized $350 million in military aid to Ukraine to help the country defend itself. Countless reports of heroic actions from both civilians and soldiers show the unwavering resolve of the Ukrainian people to repel the Russian invasion. Hopefully, the influx of weapons, ammunition, air defense systems, and fuel that is now being provided by the international community to Ukraine will help aid the country in their efforts to fend off this violation of their sovereignty.
Opposing a Nuclear Iran:
In 2015, President Obama signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, which claimed to stop the growth of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In reality, this agreement harmed U.S. interests by enabling Iran to quietly begin developing nuclear weapons, imposed only temporary restrictions while offering permanent benefits, and further enriched an extremist, anti-American state. That is why President Trump rightfully withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2018. Unfortunately, in an attempt to resurrect his former boss’ agreement, President Biden restarted negotiations with Iran. Iran’s long history as a state-sponsor of terror exemplifies why the country cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. Therefore, last week, I joined 164 of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden highlighting the flaws of the Obama-era Iran Agreement and informed him of the actions Members would take if the plan moves forward (listed below). The full letter can be found here.
• Oppose any agreement that lifts U.S. sanctions on the Iranian regime without first verifying Iran has accounted for its nuclear capabilities, dismantled its enrichment capabilities, halted its support for terrorists, and released all U.S. prisoners.
• View any agreement not ratified by the Senate as non-binding.
• Work to reimpose and strengthen any terrorism, missile, or human rights sanctions lifted, suspended, or otherwise weakened by such an agreement.
• Investigate whether President Biden’s dependency on the Russians to revive the Iranian nuclear deal is weakening our deterrence stance
Advocating for the Sixth District:
Governor Youngkin and his team are fighting hard for the people of the Commonwealth, and I was pleased to sit down with the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General last week to discuss the important issues facing the Sixth District. Transportation concerns like widening I-81, expanding economic development in the region, and protecting the rights of Virginians were among the many topics discussed. I look forward to continued conversations like these about how to move Virginia forward through a productive relationship between our state and federal partners.
Promoting the Importance of Reading:
“Fishburn Park Families Read Together” is a biannual program that invites Fishburn Park Elementary School families in Roanoke to share in developing a love of and appreciation for reading. During the month of February, the elementary school provides every family with selected books and a reading schedule. Families are asked to read the assigned pages on the designated night and talk about the book with their children. Then, each day in school, students can win prizes for answering trivia questions based on the previous evening’s reading. I was pleased to participate in this initiative last week when I visited the school. I enjoyed the opportunity to read “House Mouse, Senate Mouse” to kindergarten and fifth-grade students to both foster the importance of reading and teach them about the legislative process.
Touring Graphic Packaging:
Graphic Packaging International is one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging in the world with more than 130 facilities across the globe and 24,000 employees. Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of touring one of the company’s facilities in Staunton, which employs 198 people in our community. Aside from seeing the company’s impressive manufacturing operation, we discussed several topics relating to the forest products industry, which is one of the most heavily regulated in the country. While there, we spoke about several legislative solutions to help cut bureaucratic red tape and other ways to support the industry.
COVID-19 Update:
Last week in Virginia there was an average of 28.2 daily cases of COVID-19 per every 100,000 residents. This is down from an average of 43.0 cases from one week prior. This week’s positivity rate was 11.7%, down from 16.3% from last week. For more information, click here.
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.
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Washington D.C.
2443 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5431
Harrisonburg Office
70 N Mason St
Suite 110
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Phone: (540) 432-2391
Lynchburg Office
916 Main St
Suite 300
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Phone: (434) 845-8306
Roanoke Office
10 Franklin Rd SE
Suite 510
Roanoke, VA 24011
Phone: (540) 857-2672
Staunton Office
117 S Lewis St
Suite 215
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 885-3861
Legislative Update
Virginia Airports to Receive Over $17.2 Million for Vital Upgrades
Investments Aim to Bolster Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Potential.
Virginia’s skies are about to become safer and more efficient. Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine disclosed a significant grant of $17,259,239 aimed at enhancing several airports across the state.
This hearty financial injection comes courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s 2023 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Program. An initiative of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the AIP focuses on the crucial infrastructural elements of our airports. These range from primary aspects like runways and taxiways to the details of lighting, signage, and markings that ensure efficient and safe airport operations.
The latest allocation is a continuation of the ongoing support, with Virginia’s regional airports having benefited from an impressive $56,828,185 through the AIP just this year.
Speaking about this financial boost, the senators jointly expressed, “Our regional airports are pivotal for economic growth in our communities. We’re excited that these funds will enhance safety and reliability by upgrading infrastructure at various airports across the Commonwealth.”
Here’s a breakdown of the allocation:
- Winchester Regional Airport receives $4,875,000 to refresh its apron.
- Leesburg Executive Airport gets $4,018,500 for its apron rehabilitation, a project Senator Kaine highlighted in a recent visit.
- Danville Regional Airport is set to use $3,401,884 to revamp its apron.
- Manassas Regional Airport obtains $3,348,877 for taxiway reconstruction.
- Accomack County Airport in Melfa will use $951,500 to build a taxiway and manage obstructions in its airspace.
- Lee County Airport in Jonesville receives $600,748, focusing on navigation aids and runway upgrades.
- Finally, Mountain Empire Airport in Smyth County gets $62,730 for equipment housing repairs related to airfield lighting systems.
In addition to their most recent announcement, both Warner and Kaine have a history of staunchly backing Virginia’s airports. Just earlier this year, the senators heralded grants totaling over $50 million combined, aimed at amplifying airport safety and capacity. Kaine’s endeavors seek to remedy aviation workforce gaps, laying a roadmap for the education and nurturing of pilots, aviation maintenance staff, and aerospace manufacturing professionals.
In the grand tapestry of modern infrastructure, airports serve as pivotal nodes connecting communities and spurring economic growth. With this latest financial commitment, Virginia’s future in the aviation domain seems to be on an assured upward trajectory.
Legislative Update
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – September 2, 2023
House Republicans have hit the ground running during the District Work Period, highlighting how the new House Republican Majority continues to deliver on our Commitment to America. We ensured our Veterans, our service members, and their families have the resources they deserve. Combatting illegal immigration and restoring America’s sovereignty is a central pillar of our Commitment, and the passage of the Secure the Border Act fulfills that promise. We’ve also held the Biden Administration and federal agencies, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), accountable to the American people and brought transparency back to how our country is governed. As your Representative, I’ll fight for your values and interests in Washington as Congress returns this fall and help protect the safety, security, and freedom for the people of the Sixth District.
Keeping Our Promise to Our Nation’s Veterans
Congress has a duty to fund the core functions of the federal government responsibly, providing for important programs that help take care of those who have taken care of us. At the top of the list are our Veterans, our service members, and their families. Our Nation’s heroes have sacrificed to give us the cherished freedoms that we have today, and we made a promise to ensure they have the support and resources they deserve.
House Republicans delivered on that promise recently by passing the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act — funding that is so important to those who selflessly serve to defend our freedom and protect our homeland. Rest assured, our Nation’s heroes will always have the unwavering support of their Representative in the Sixth District of Virginia. Read more in my op-ed in the Roanoke Times here.
Biden’s Border Crisis Rages On
President Biden and the Far Left’s open border policies have created the worst border crisis on record. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, there were 183,503 illegal border crossings in July, a 27% increase from June. Even more troubling, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now admitted that 40% of illegal migrants caught and released into our communities have disappeared, with no way to track them.
A secure Nation requires a secure border, which is why earlier this year, House Republicans passed the Secure The Border Act – the strongest border security legislation that Congress has ever considered. While President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have no plans to get this chaos under control or take any responsibility, we’re fighting to stop it.
Demanding Answers on CCP-Linked Money Going to NIH Employees
It’s no secret that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) remains one of the biggest threats to our country and will do whatever it takes to gain an advantage in its quest for world domination. According to a recent report, National Institutes of Health (NIH) employees – including Dr. Anthony Fauci – took $325 million in payments from companies directly linked to the CCP, posing a risk to our national security.
The American people deserve to know that their public health officials follow the science and make decisions based purely on objective information, not personal financial motives, which is why I joined my colleagues in demanding answers from the NIH on this concerning report. House Republicans will continue working to hold the Big Bureaucracy accountable and ensure our national security is protected from those who wish us harm. Read our letter here.
National Aviation Week
120 years ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright took their first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Decades later, in commemoration of National Aviation Week, we celebrate the many aviation trailblazers who paved the way and innovative businesses shaping today’s industry, such as Dynamic Aviation in the Sixth District, which have helped our Nation be the leader in aviation that it is today.
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 and across the Sixth District, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Legislative Update
Congressman Cline Announces Mobile Office Hours in Front Royal
A Direct Link Between Constituents and their Representative.
In a bid to foster open communication and transparency, Congressman Ben Cline has announced the next Mobile Office Hours.in Warren County. This program emphasizes the congressman’s commitment to ensuring his constituents have direct access to their elected representative’s office.
At the heart of democracy is the dialogue between elected officials and the people they represent. Recognizing this pivotal connection, Congressman Cline’s office has been organizing Mobile Office Hours throughout his district. These events aim to provide a platform for constituents to directly communicate their concerns, particularly when dealing with federal agencies.
Navigating the labyrinth of federal bureaucracies like the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, or the Internal Revenue Service can be daunting. Oftentimes, individuals find themselves entangled in red tape, struggling to get their concerns heard. With the Mobile Office Hours initiative, constituents can bypass these hurdles, as they will be given the opportunity to discuss their issues with a knowledgeable member of Congressman Cline’s staff.
The upcoming session in Front Royal promises to be an essential event for those seeking guidance or assistance. Details of the event are as follows:
- Date: September 12th, 2023
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Venue: Samuels Public Library, specifically in the Baxter-Bowling Conference Room
- Address: 330 East Criser Road, Front Royal, VA 22630
Given the direct impact such sessions can have on resolving issues related to federal agencies, a strong turnout is anticipated. These office hours underline the essence of public service and representative democracy, making sure the voices of the district’s constituents are not just heard but also acted upon.
The cornerstone of effective representation lies in understanding the concerns of one’s constituents. Through Mobile Office Hours, Congressman Ben Cline exemplifies his dedication to bridging the gap between his office and the people he serves. By bringing his office directly to the constituents, he reaffirms his commitment to open dialogue and transparent governance. Residents of Front Royal and the surrounding areas are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to address any challenges they might be facing with federal agencies.
Legislative Update
Warner Calls on AI Companies to Ramp Up Safety & Security Measures
Letters raise the urgent need for companies to expand and deepen their commitments to safeguard against misuse.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today urged several artificial intelligence (AI) companies to take additional action to promote safety and prevent malicious misuse of their products. In a series of letters, Sen. Warner applauded certain companies for publicly joining voluntary commitments proposed by the Biden administration but encouraged them to broaden their efforts and called on companies that have not taken this public step to commit to making their products more secure.
As AI is rolled out more broadly, researchers have repeatedly demonstrated a number of concerning, exploitable weaknesses in prominent products, including abilities to generate credible-seeming misinformation, develop malware, and craft sophisticated phishing techniques. In July, the Biden administration announced that several AI companies had agreed to a series of voluntary commitments that would promote greater security and transparency. However, the commitments were not fully comprehensive in scope or in participation, with many companies not publicly participating and several exploitable aspects of the technology left untouched by the commitments.
In a series of letters sent today, Sen. Warner pushed directly on companies that did not participate, including Apple, Midjourney, Mistral AI, Databricks, Scale AI, and Stability AI, requesting a response detailing the steps they plan to take to increase the security of their products and prioritize transparency. Sen. Warner additionally sent letters to companies that were involved in the Biden administration’s commitments, including Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection AI, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, asking that they extend commitments to less capable models and also develop consumer-facing commitments – such as development and monitoring practices – to prevent the most serious forms of misuse.
“While representing an important improvement upon the status quo, the voluntary commitments announced in July can be bolstered in key ways through additional commitments,” Sen. Warner wrote.
Sen. Warner also called specific attention to the urgent need for all AI companies to make additional commitments to safeguard against a few highly sensitive potential misuses, including non-consensual intimate image generation (including child sexual abuse material), social-scoring, real-time facial recognition, and proliferation activity in the context of malicious cyber activity or the production of biological or chemical agents.
The letters follow up on Sen. Warner’s previous efforts to engage directly with AI companies to push for responsible development and deployment. In April, Sen. Warner directly called on AI CEOs to develop practices that would ensure that their products and systems are secure. In July, he also pushed on the Biden administration to keep working with AI companies to expand the scope of the voluntary commitments.
Additionally, Sen. Warner wrote to Google last week to raise concerns about their testing of new AI technology in real medical settings. Separately, he urged the CEOs of several AI companies to address a concerning report that generative chatbots were producing instructions on how to exacerbate an eating disorder. Additionally, he has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at making tech safer and more humane, including the RESTRICT Act, which would comprehensively address the ongoing threat posed by technology from foreign adversaries; the SAFE TECH Act, which would reform Section 230 and allow social media companies to be held accountable for enabling cyber-stalking, online harassment, and discrimination on social media platforms; and the Honest Ads Act, which would require online political advertisements to adhere to the same disclaimer requirements as TV, radio, and print ads.
Copies of each of the letters can be found here.
Legislative Update
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – August 8, 2023
It was great to be back home in the Sixth District and hear directly from folks up and down the Valley about the issues most important to them and their families. Unfortunately, this week we received another reminder that “Bidenomics” is crushing our economy, and the American people are paying the price. On a brighter note, we celebrated the 233rd birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard and hosted “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall events in Rockingham County and Rockbridge County. We also spoke with and thanked law enforcement officers in our community during National Night Out, and I congratulated the new graduates of the Roanoke Police Academy and Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy. As I continue my travels across the community during the District Work Period, I look forward to meeting with more constituents and businesses across the Valley.
Celebrating the Coast Guard On Their 233rd Birthday
As we celebrated the 233rd birthday of the United States Coast Guard this week, we honored, cherished, remembered, and thanked its members for their service and sacrifice. Since 1790, its members have met the challenging mission of keeping the Nation’s waterways safe and playing a critical role in national security. Semper Paratus!
Fitch Downgrades Credit Rating
This past week, the American people received another sad reminder that “Bidenomics” is not working for them. Fitch, an American credit rating agency, downgraded the United States credit rating for the first time since 1994 due to rising government deficits, significant increases to our federal debt, and higher interest rates. The worst part? Fitch also projected a Q4 recession.
The Biden Administration and the Democrats’ reckless government spending has contributed to this financial crisis, and the American people are suffering as credit card bills and mortgage rates skyrocket. That’s why House Republicans are continuing to fight to rein in spending and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington to get our economy back on track so hardworking families can thrive.
Watch my interview on Fox Business discussing the downgrading of the credit rating.
The Long Blue Line Continues
I was honored to congratulate the graduates of the 85th Roanoke Police Academy and the 66th Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy. Thank you to all of the young men and women wearing the badge for courageously answering the call and undertaking this most strenuous but utterly essential job of enforcing our laws and serving on the front lines of justice.
Coffee With Your Congressman
One of the best ways to stay in tune with Sixth District Residents is to hear directly from them on issues of concern or matters regarding the federal government. This week I held “Coffee With Your Congressman” events in Rockbridge and Rockingham Counties. I found attendees questions to be insightful and valuable to my work as their representative in Washington. Stay tuned for the next event coming to an area near you!
It was a pleasure to catch up with folks at my Rockingham County “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall this week at Town & Country Restaurant.
Great crowd at my Rockbridge County “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall this week at The Pink Cadillac.
National Night Out
It was great to join folks in Bridgewater at one of the many events across the Sixth District for the National Night Out. We salute all our friends who serve in law enforcement, in public safety, and as first responders for all, they do to keep our communities safe.
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 and across the Sixth District, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Legislative Update
Senators Push FCC to Enforce Robocall Regulations
Warner and Colleagues Rally Behind Stronger Measures Against Spam Calls
In a unanimous bid against the widespread menace of robocalls, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, backed by a number of senators, is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enforce its existing regulations on telemarketing calls. This comes as a renewed effort to safeguard citizens from a barrage of unwanted spam calls that have plagued phone lines across the nation.
Warner, in conjunction with Senators Ben Ray Luján, Edward Markey, and several other influential figures, has penned a letter to Chairwoman Rosenworcel of the FCC. Their central request is for the FCC to issue guidance, mirroring the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent Business Guidance, to reiterate its long-standing requirements against such unsolicited telemarketing calls. The proposed guidance aims to clarify the path for telemarketers and sellers to abide by these mandates.
“While new regulations might be a point of consideration, the FCC’s present regulations already address many of the activities leading to the surge of these bothersome calls,” the senators collectively voiced. They highlighted past regulations from 2003 and 2012, both of which explicitly define the protections Congress envisioned to curb unwanted telemarketing intrusions.
Senator Warner, leveraging his background as a cell phone entrepreneur, has been a formidable advocate against robocalls for years. His sponsorship of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act provided regulators, including the FCC, enhanced authority and resources to target scammers, levy penalties, and mandated service providers to adopt measures for call authentication and blocking. This act was given the green light by Former President Trump in 2019, marking a significant stride in the anti-robocall campaign.
Joining the robust group of senators advocating for this cause are names like Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Durbin, and Amy Klobuchar, to mention a few. Endorsing their stance is a commendable list of consumer and privacy organizations, ranging from the Consumer Federation of America and Electronic Privacy Information Center to U.S. PIRG.
This collective effort from legislators and consumer protection entities illuminates the urgency to curb the robocall menace. With such a unified stand, there’s hope for phone lines to be less burdened by these incessant and unwarranted interruptions.
The full text of the letter is available here.
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
