Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – October 11, 2024

It was great to be back home in the Sixth District for the start of the October district work period and hear directly from folks up and down the Valley about the issues most important to them and their families. Unfortunately, last week, we received another reminder that this Administration’s failed policies are crushing our economy and allowing the border crisis to rage on, and the American people are paying the price. We continue to stand with Israel as they respond to the horrific attacks of Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah on their homeland. On a brighter note, we celebrated Rosh Hashanah, and I had the honor of presenting a plaque of the Congressional Record to the Bank of Botetourt. As always, it is an honor to represent Virginia’s Sixth District in Congress. As we continue the October district work period, I am committed to fighting for commonsense policies that best serve hardworking Virginians.

Convicted Criminal Illegal Alien Deportations Plummeting
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, the number of criminal illegal aliens deported has plummeted by 74 percent under the Biden/Harris Administration. Over the past three fiscal years, only 134,617 convicted criminal aliens have been removed despite a flood of migrants pouring over our borders. This troubling data underscores a severe lack of enforcement and undermines the immigration laws that are already in place.

This failure to enforce our immigration laws not only jeopardizes national safety but also places a considerable strain on the vital resources intended for American citizens. Unchecked illegal immigration without proper enforcement results in overwhelming demand for public services, including healthcare and education, forcing taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden as these essential resources become stretched thin.

As reported by the New York Post, illegal migrants have cost U.S. taxpayers a staggering $150 billion in just 2023 alone. Our communities are left to contend with an influx of illegal immigrants, while criminal networks are emboldened by the extreme open-border policies. Without strict enforcement of our immigration laws, the situation spirals further out of control, making it nearly impossible to maintain an orderly immigration system in this great Nation.

House Republicans passed H.R. 2, the strongest border bill in history, over 500 days ago and impeached DHS Secretary Mayorkas for his dereliction of duty. The Senate should have already passed H.R. 2, the Senate should have removed Mayorkas, and this Administration should enforce our immigration laws. Our safety and the integrity of our immigration system depend on it.

Standing With Israel
Last week, Israel was subjected to a barrage of at least 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran. One year ago, on October 7th, the deadly attack perpetrated by Hamas and funded by Iran claimed the lives of over 1,200 people, including at least 32 Americans – making it the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

We must stand with Israel in their battle against our shared enemies for self-determination, democracy, and freedom. This is why Congress enacted the bipartisan 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act, which includes many tools to counter Iran’s activities. One of the critical pieces of legislation I’m proud to support is the Fight CRIME Act, which mandated sanctions on Iran’s missile and long-range drone program, along with those who enable it. This was necessary after the Biden/Harris Administration allowed the UN missile embargo to expire. Even though this legislation was signed into law back in April, the Administration has yet to impose a single sanction using the authorities granted under the Fight CRIME Act or other important provisions of the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act. This failure to act is unacceptable. We must continue to support our greatest ally in the Middle East.

September Jobs Report
The September jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) starkly illustrates the damaging effects of Kamalanomics. In just the last two months, our Nation has lost at least 34,000 manufacturing jobs. Additionally, over the past twelve months, 825,000 native-born Americans have lost employment. This trend serves as a clear indicator of how Kamala Harris’s policies have stifled growth within America’s job market, manufacturing, and overall economy.

The Biden-Harris Administration has fueled inflation since day one, imposing a heavy financial burden on millions of hardworking Americans. Almost half of Americans now consider themselves “broke,” and two-thirds are struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck-to-paycheck. Alarmingly, a six-figure salary is now required to buy a typical home in nearly half of U.S. states. We need economic policies that will create prosperity, make everyday life more affordable, and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.

To combat these challenges, Congress holds the power of the purse, dictating the spending, borrowing, and revenue collection of the federal government. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I have played a vital role in developing the annual budget resolution and steering our fiscal policy toward responsibility. This year, the Budget Committee passed, with my support, a Budget Resolution that aims to restore fiscal discipline while achieving balance over the next ten years. This crucial budget is currently awaiting consideration on the House floor.

As the debate over our Nation’s fiscal future continues, I remain committed to regaining control of our debt and ensuring that the American Dream remains attainable for future generations.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

To those who celebrated throughout the Sixth District and the rest of the world, I hope you had a blessed and joyous Rosh Hashanah. Shana Tova!

Out and About the District

Last week, I visited Straight Street Ministry to deliver donations to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia.

I had the honor of presenting a plaque from the Congressional Record to the Bank of Botetourt. For 125 years, this institution has faithfully served our local community.

I had the honor of presenting a plaque from the Congressional Record to the Bank of Botetourt. For 125 years, this institution has faithfully served our local community.
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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