Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – March 7, 2023

It was a short week back in session, but that didn’t stop House Republicans from packing in a busy few days in D.C. As inflation continues to eat away at the paychecks of hardworking Americans, the House passed legislation that will provide a critical check on the Biden administration’s costly executive orders which have fueled this inflation crisis. Additionally, we voted to block the administration’s ESG investment scam, which chooses wokeness rather than financial return as a condition for investment, thereby potentially robbing seniors of their hard-earned retirement funds.

Back in the Sixth District, I spoke with folks at several “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall events, and I had the pleasure of celebrating Read Across America Day with some grade school students. As always, it was great to see friendly faces around the Capitol and take meetings with constituents. Rest assured, as the work of getting America back on a path to prosperity continues, I will continue fighting for the Sixth District.

REIN IN Inflation Act
Before President Biden took office, inflation was at just 1.4 percent. Now, inflation is at 6.4 percent. Biden and the Democrats’ out-of-control spending spree has caused everyday goods and services to skyrocket, costing families roughly $10,000 over the last two years – from the grocery store to the gas pump to everything in-between. From canceling the Keystone XL pipeline to pushing out-of-touch and costly Green New Deal regulations on small businesses, Joe Biden must factor in the harmful impact of his failed Far Left agenda, which continues to worsen our inflation crisis.

That’s why, this week, House Republicans passed the REIN IN Inflation Act (H.R. 347). This important legislation will require the Biden administration to prepare a report of the inflationary effects for any executive order with an estimated impact of at least $1 billion, and provide these findings to Congress. American taxpayers deserve to know how much Biden’s executive orders will cost them. House Republicans are committed to holding the Biden administration accountable for their devastating economic failures, and the passage of the REIN IN Inflation Act is a good step in the right direction.

The Biden Admin Should Not Play Politics With Retirement Savings

In November 2022, the Biden Department of Labor (DOL) released a reckless new rule greenlighting financial managers to consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria when making retirement investment decisions, and will even automatically enroll retirement savers into ESG investment plans. These ESG “risks” make up a broad range of factors, including carbon emissions and diversity quotas. This would impact over 150 million Americans who currently participate in a federally regulated retirement plan. Retirement plan fiduciaries should be delivering maximum returns on retirement accounts for the men and women that depend on them, not advancing Democrats’ woke ESG policies.

I was proud to join House Republicans in passing H.J. Res. 30, a joint resolution introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-06), which will nullify DOL’s rule by using the Congressional Review Act’s expedited procedures to allow Congress to consider whether to block newly enacted federal rules. This resolution was quickly passed in the U.S. Senate. The House Republican majority will continue working to fulfill our Congressional oversight responsibility by pushing back on the Biden administration’s attempt to force their Far Left agenda on millions of hardworking Americans.

Read Across America Day
In celebration of Read Across America Day, I had the pleasure of reading “House Mouse, Senate Mouse” to students of Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Harrisonburg, and Mount Pleasant Elementary School in Roanoke. Books are the fundamental building blocks to learning, so I encourage every American to never stop reading.

Reading to students at Pleasant View Elementary School in Harrisonburg.

Reading to students at Mount Pleasant Elementary School in Roanoke.

“Coffee With Your Congressman” Town Hall Events
I continued my “Coffee With Your Congressman” tour with folks in Clarke County and Roanoke City. I enjoyed insightful conversation and answering a wide range of questions. Stay tuned for the next event coming to a town near you.

Chatting with folks about the big issues in Washington and VA-06 and what matters to them most at Camino Real Mexican Restaurant in Berryville.

Folks braved the rain and came ready with interesting questions and feedback at the Golden Corral Buffet & Grill in Roanoke City.

Constituent Meetings

I was pleased to meet with members of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) and appreciated hearing their thoughts on the health insurance industry.

It was a pleasure meeting with members of the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and hearing about how Congress can help local journalism.

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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