Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – May 20, 2025

House Republicans were hard at work last week advancing policies that support the brave men and women who wear the badge and guard our borders. I met with Border Czar Tom Homan and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to discuss conservative solutions to secure our border and improve education for our kids. I also joined colleagues in urging President Trump to maintain maximum pressure on Iran and ensure its nuclear ambitions are fully dismantled. Back home and in Washington, I was honored to meet with constituents from the Shenandoah Valley and to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. I’ll keep fighting for the commonsense, conservative policies that reflect our values and make our communities stronger.

BACK THE BLUE

As we marked National Police Week, I was proud to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement in the Sixth District and across the country who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Our officers face danger every day, and they deserve our full support. That is why House Republicans advanced legislation to ensure they have the tools, resources, and protections they need to do their jobs and return home safely.

• H.R. 2240 – The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, which requires the Attorney General to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of programs meant to provide law enforcement with wellness resources and protective equipment so we may comprehensively enhance the safety of police officers

• H.R. 2243 – The LEOSA Reform Act, which broadens the ability of qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in areas such as school zones, national parks, federal facilities open to the public, and state, local, or private property open to the public.

• H.R. 2255 – The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025, which directs the General Services Administration to allow current and retired federal law enforcement officers to buy their retired service weapons.

I will always be a strong voice in support of our law enforcement in Congress and work to equip our law enforcement with the resources they need to keep us safe.

Protecting Our Border and Prioritizing Our Students

Last week, the Republican Study Committee welcomed the U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan and Education Secretary Linda McMahon for an important discussion on securing our border and empowering families.

Under new leadership, illegal border crossings have dropped over 96%. Mr. Homan emphasized the importance of continuing to enforce the rule of law and giving our Border Patrol agents the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

We also heard from Secretary McMahon, who laid out her vision to return education authority to the states, expand school choice, and recover taxpayer dollars from defaulted student loans. Her commitment to putting parents and students first is exactly the kind of reform our education system needs.

We’ll keep working to advance real conservative solutions that protect our borders and restore accountability in our schools.

Joining RSC’s Right to the Point Podcast

I recently joined Reps. Rick Crawford and Trent Kelly on the Republican Study Committee podcast to discuss the House Intelligence Committee’s latest report on the FBI’s mishandling of the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game shooting.

The facts are clear. The FBI failed to properly investigate the politically motivated attack that nearly claimed the lives of multiple Members of Congress, including our colleague Steve Scalise. For years, victims and their families were denied transparency and accountability.

Now, we are working to expose what went wrong and ensure it never happens again. The Committee will continue its oversight efforts this Congress to hold the FBI accountable and restore trust in our federal law enforcement agencies.

You can listen to the full episode here.

Legislative Highlight: Holding the Line on a Nuclear Iran

Last week, I joined my Republican Study Committee colleagues in urging President Trump to stay the course in dismantling Iran’s dangerous nuclear program.

During his first term, President Trump made the right decision to withdraw from the failed Iran nuclear deal and apply maximum pressure on the regime. That approach worked. Iran was deterred, and its nuclear ambitions were kept in check.

The Biden administration reversed that progress by lifting sanctions, reinstating waivers, and offering concessions without securing any accountability from Iran. As a result, Iran has advanced its nuclear program and cut off access to international inspectors.

President Trump has made it clear that Iran must fully dismantle its enrichment capabilities. I stand with him in supporting a strong, uncompromising strategy to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon or threatens our national security.

Read the full letter here.

Meetings in the District and D.C.

I recently had the privilege of meeting with Virginia representatives from the Independent Community Bankers Association.

I had the honor of meeting with representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association to discuss the importance of tourism to the Commonwealth’s economy and the challenges facing the hospitality industry.

It was great to stop by the Social Security Administration’s field office in Harrisonburg and meet with the hardworking staff serving Virginians every day.

Recently, I joined FedEx leadership to present a Congressional Record plaque to David Price for his remarkable achievement as the 2024 Virginia Truck Driving Championship winner and Grand Champion.

I had the privilege of attending the Peace Officers Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at Oakdale Park with local law enforcement and Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst. It was a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

I had the privilege of attending the Peace Officers Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at Oakdale Park with local law enforcement and Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst. It was a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

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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