Cline, Ben RSS Articles

Cline Celebrates FCC Decision to Not Approve Verizon’s Changes to Copper-Based Landline Service

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

FINCASTLE, VA – On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it did not grant Verizon’s initial application to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia. Congressman Cline previously sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanding answers about the changes and urging the Chairman to review the application.

“I applaud the FCC for their decision to pause any changes to Virginia’s copper-based landline service, following my letter to Chairman Carr,” said Rep. Cline. “The Sixth District is home to many mountainous and rural communities where reliable communication is essential. Ending copper-based landline service before dependable alternatives are widely available could leave families without a reliable way to contact emergency services or stay connected with loved ones, particularly in areas with limited cellular coverage and frequent weather-related outages. I share the concerns of my constituents about the potential impact on public safety and basic connectivity. I will continue to monitor and work with the FCC to ensure that any future changes by Verizon do not leave families without reliable service.”

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Cline Demands Answers From FCC About Changes To Copper-Based Landline Service

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

FINCASTLE, VA – Following Verizon’s notification of intent to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia, Congressman Cline (VA-06) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging him to review the decision.

“Much of Virginia’s Sixth District is mountainous, and discontinuing copper-based landlines prematurely can leave families without a reliable way to reach emergency services or loved ones,” said Rep. Cline. “With large portions of our community in areas without cellular service, alternative options not yet being available to many constituents, and extended weather-related outages being common, my constituents are rightfully concerned about how this decision will affect public safety and basic connectivity. I share the concerns of those who have reached out to my office. That’s why I am urging Chairman Carr and the FCC to carefully review the discontinuance of copper wire and ensure reliable connectivity for all of Virginia’s Sixth.”

Read the full letter here.

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Cline Votes For Legislation to Protect Local Ratepayers from Costs of Data Centers

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, of which Congressman Cline is a cosponsor. This bill would require state utility regulators to consider adopting rules that make data centers pay the full cost of energy infrastructure upgrades needed to meet the immense energy demand of data centers, thereby protecting ratepayers from rising costs.

“Working families, small businesses, and farmers should not have to shoulder the cost of the increasingly massive demand from data centers on our power grid,” said Rep. Cline. “Data centers disrupt our rural way of life, and I support local governments that are taking action to prevent these behemoths from moving into our rural communities. The Ratepayer Protection Act will hold data centers accountable for the cost of new energy infrastructure. Taxpayers’ hard-earned money should go to supporting local families and investing in small businesses, not supporting data centers and big tech companies.”

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Cline Joins Small Business Roundtable in Roanoke

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ROANOKE, VA – On Friday, Congressman Ben Cline, joined by Small Business Administration (SBA) Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs, participated in a roundtable and resource fair to hear directly from small business owners about the challenges they face.

Following the event, Congressman Cline and Deputy Administrator Briggs toured Butler Parachute Systems where they saw the cutting-edge technology manufactured at its Roanoke facility.

Quote Attributable to Congressman Cline:

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our Nation and our communities, and it’s critical to America’s economic success that we continue to advance policies that make it easier for entrepreneurs to do business,” said Rep Cline. “From discussing how small businesses have benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts to addressing obstacles like access to capital, burdensome regulations, and infrastructure, conversations like this help to inform my goals and decisions in Washington. It was a privilege to join SBA Deputy Administrator Briggs and Visa to hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of Sixth District business owners.”

Quote Attributable to SBA Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs:

“Under President Trump, SBA is committed to supporting local businesses like Butler Parachute Systems that are a critical part of the defense industrial base. SBA’s loan programs are designed to help growing manufacturers like Butler Parachute Systems invest, hire, and grow. I’m grateful for the opportunity to see their excellent products in person alongside Congressman Cline, whose support for these programs makes it all possible,” said Deputy Administrator Briggs.

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Rep. Ben Cline Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Opportunities for Veterans

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2026, which would allow veterans the opportunity to pursue their small business and entrepreneurial aspirations by giving them access to resources through their federal government benefits. Congressman Cline issued the following statement.

“Veterans often face significant challenges as they transition from military service back to civilian life,” said Rep. Cline. “Throughout my time in public service, it has been a top priority to serve those who served and sacrificed for our Nation. My legislation will empower them to achieve the American Dream while creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Expanding pathways for veterans and providing the support they need to start small businesses is just one of the ways we can give back to the brave men and women who defended our freedoms.”

The key components of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act are:

The establishment of a 3-year pilot program overseen by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration that will enable up to 250 GI Bill benefit-eligible veterans to pursue an educational entrepreneurial training program;
The pilot program includes a thorough application process and requires participation in an approved entrepreneurial training program;
Veterans are required to develop a business plan to be approved by their training program advisor and the SBA's Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development;
The grant available to veterans participating in this pilot program may be equivalent to the GI Bill maximum amount of 36 months of educational assistance at the rate in effect for each veteran through the GI Bill benefit program; and
If approved, the grant can be used by a veteran to open their own business or purchase a franchise.

Read the full text of the bill HERE.

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Cline Amendment Passes in NDAA

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including an amendment introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) that will direct the Department of War to remove any Chinese-owned and operated point-of-sale systems from their facilities and safeguard sensitive information. Congressman Cline issued the following statement on the inclusion and passage of his amendment.

“Our government agencies should never rely on technology owned or operated by companies tied to our foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Cline. “Every potential vulnerability is an opportunity for our adversaries to collect sensitive information and threaten our national security. By including my amendment in the NDAA, House Republicans are taking a commonsense step to remove any Chinese-owned point-of-sale technology from Department of War facilities and better protect the personal and financial data of the men and women who serve our country.”

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Rep. Cline Introduces Legislation to Ensure the DAR’s Membership is Limited to Women

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, which would amend the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)'s federal charter to add a membership eligibility requirement that limits membership to an individual who is a woman and otherwise satisfies the genealogical and membership qualifications established by the corporation.

This bill has garnered support from the Concerned Women for America, American Principles Project, Heritage Action, and Independent Women, and has been cosponsored by Reps. Pfluger (R-TX), Aderholt (R-AL), Hageman (R-WY), Cloud (R-TX), Fine (R-FL), Rulli (R-OH), Clyde (R-GA), Messmer (R-IN), Palmer (R-AL), Gallagher (R-CA), Barrett (R-MI), Scott (R-GA), Downing (R-MT), Patronis (R-FL), Stutzman (R-IN), Baumgartner (R-WA), Bentz (R-OR), Self (R-TX), Webster (R-FL), and Wilson (R-SC).

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Quote Attributable to Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06):

"The DAR has a longstanding tradition of celebrating and empowering women who represent the exceptional heritage of the birth of our Nation. However, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the organization has now abandoned the very principles on which it was founded. Rather than honoring and preserving a lineage-based organization for women, it has embraced radical gender ideology at the expense of the women it was created to serve. The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act is common-sense legislation that requires the Congressionally-charted DAR to return to serving the true daughters of the American Revolution,” said Rep. Cline.

Quote Attributable to Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee:

"The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1890 to empower women to celebrate their unique legacy in the American founding, but today, the organization is insulting the very women it was designed to serve by denying the inherent dignity of womanhood and embracing radical gender ideology. Being a "daughter" of the Revolution is no longer a stipulation of membership, and the once highly selective organization now allows men masquerading as women to join the DAR's ranks. This month, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that womanhood belongs to biological women. DAR has a responsibility to the American public to uphold that common-sense truth, and Congressman Ben Cline's Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act will ensure that DAR belongs to the real daughters of the American Revolution, not to sons," said Penny Nance.

Quote Attributable to Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project:

“The Daughters of the American Revolution have been staunch defenders of our American heritage for over 135 years. It's no surprise, then, that the radical left has made the DAR their next target, attempting to force this storied organization to allow biological males into their ranks. This is why the American Principles Project enthusiastically endorses Congressman Ben Cline’s Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, legislation which would preserve the DAR's longstanding female-only membership. At a time when almost every women's space is under attack by gender ideologues, it is crucial that Americans of common sense stand up against this insanity. We commend Rep. Cline for his leadership on this issue and urge all members to support this bill,” said Terry Schilling.

Quote Attributable to Daniel West, Government Relations Director for Heritage Action:

“Until the left gave up on biological reality, it was understood The DAUGHTERS of the American Revolution was a women's only group. Rep. Cline's self-evident legislation reaffirms that membership in this storied institution is reserved for women and prevents confused men from interfering in a federally chartered women’s society. Heritage Action will not allow woke virtue-signaling to degrade historic organizations like the DAR,” said Daniel West.

Quote Attributable to Beth Parlato, Senior Legal Counsel of Independent Women:

“Women have the legal right to maintain institutions, spaces, and opportunities of their own. The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women, for women, and its identity should not be erased to satisfy "gender ideology." Congressman Cline’s legislation recognizes a simple truth: a women’s organization must be allowed to remain a women’s organization. Independent Women is proud to support the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act and its effort to protect the integrity and legacy of this historic institution,” said Beth Parlato.

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Background: In 2024, the Daughters of the American Revolution adopted a non-discrimination provision that its current leadership has interpreted as preventing the organization from denying membership based on an applicant's transgender identity.

Read the full bill text: HERE

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Cline, Virginia Republican Delegation Support Disaster Designation Request For Virginia’s Agricultural Industry

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) was joined by Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. This letter supports Virginia’s request for the USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation following severe freeze events in April of 2026 that caused significant crop damage across the state.

“Farmers are the backbone of Virginia’s 6^th District, providing food, growing the economy, and carrying forward a proud agricultural tradition,” said Rep. Cline. “Unfortunately, because of severe weather and unexpected freezes this growing season, farms across the Commonwealth faced significant losses threatening crops and livelihoods alike. That is why I joined my fellow Republicans in calling on Secretary Rollins to grant Virginia’s Disaster Designation request to help ensure farmers have access to critical recovery tools and financial support as they work to overcome these challenges. When we invest in the success of our farmers, we strengthen the families, businesses, and communities that depend on them every day.”

Read the letter here.

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ICYMI: Rep. Cline Introduced Legislation to Counter CCP Infiltration of Federal Agencies

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, today, Congressman Cline (R-VA) introduced the Servicemember Payment Data Privacy and Security Act to ensure federal facilities are not using any Chinese hardware in point-of-sale technology, limiting the exposure and infiltration by foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

House GOP’s Cline Moves to Ban Use of Foreign Point-of-Sale Tech

Bloomberg Government

By: Rachel Schilke

The Defense Department would be barred from using point-of-sale technology owned and operated by companies connected to “foreign adversaries” under a bill Rep. Ben Cline is introducing Wednesday.

The measure would “prohibit the Secretary of Defense from contracting with retailers who use covered payment processing equipment, systems, or services” beginning Jan. 1, 2027 that are operated by a “country of concern,” including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Allowing Chinese-owned and operated point-of-sale technology in Defense Department facilities increases the “risk of exposing sensitive data to our foreign adversaries,” Cline (R-Va.), who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement.

“I introduced the Servicemember Payment Data Privacy and Security Act to protect important information from CCP operatives who aim to exploit, undermine, and harm our Nation,” Cline said.

The Treasury Department found in 2021 that point-of-sale devices by PAX Technologies, a Chinese-based manufacturer, were transmitting encrypted data to unknown third parties in China. In 2025, NCIS said in a letter in response to questions from Cline that it identified concerns with the company and “briefed the Secretary of the Navy and various Department of War components in 2021/2022 to have the devices removed.”

Cline’s office discovered last year PAX-made devices were in use in the House Rayburn and Longworth office building cafeterias. The devices are similar to tap-to-pay kiosks. While current law prohibits the existence of PAX devices, the kiosks in Rayburn and Longworth were able to evade scrutiny because the primary contractor was for a separate service, according to Cline’s office.

After Cline raised concerns with the House Administration Committee, the devices were removed from the cafeterias on March 30.

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Rep. Cline Introduces Bills to Reform the Congressional Budget Office’s Baseline Projections and Cost Estimates

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Cost Estimate Clarity Act and reintroduced the No Bias in the Baseline Act. Both pieces of legislation aim to empower Congress with the tools needed to make informed financial decisions and to eliminate the baseline bias in the budget process that favors higher spending. The Cost Estimate Clarity Act would require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to disclose baseline distortions whenever they arise in its cost estimates. The No Bias in the Baseline Act—previously introduced in the 118th Congress—would revise the fiscal distortions embedded in the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) baseline projections.

“Members of Congress should be equipped with all the necessary resources to make informed financial decisions,” said Rep. Cline. “As faithful stewards of American’s tax dollars, the federal government should be supporting policies that ensure excessive spending isn’t left on autopilot. This legislation is critical to ensuring Congress has the ability and transparency needed to make budget deliberations with a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the American people.”

If enacted, these bills would:

Return Decision Making Back to Congress: Because these assumptions are baked into the baseline by law, CBO currently operates under the conclusion that Congress will continue increasing discretionary spending to match the Biden Administration’s inflationary agenda. That, along with the statutory presumptions that Congress will automatically continue any program over $50 million, use debt to bail out insolvent trust funds, and renew excise taxes at their current clip.

The responsibility to make these financial decisions is ultimately that of Congress, and CBO should be giving Members resources that help them to make informed decisions rather than having their primary product assume they choose the most expensive option as a starting point.

Remove Spending Biases from the Baseline: Budget negotiations can be a game of ranges. These bills would restore the baseline to reflect current law, so that future negotiations won’t begin at an already inflated starting point.

Realistically Score Legislation: Since the Current Law Baseline is used for scoring, it is important that there are no distortions that automatically price in expensive programs beyond their expiration date.

Background: CBO incorporates assumptions required by statute into its baseline in a way that deviates from what projections should be under current law. In fact, about 25 percent of spending in the baseline is just assumed:

Discretionary: $19 trillion in outlays for discretionary appropriations that have not yet been enacted;
Trust Fund Programs: Assumes $1.8 trillion in outlays for programs funded by trust funds that will be exhausted;
Mandatory Programs that Expire: $2.7 trillion in outlays for mandatory spending programs that expire under current law;
Expiring Trust Fund Taxes: Assumes $546 billion in revenues that expire under current law; and
Net Interest: $4 trillion in resulting interest costs from the aforementioned assumptions.

Read the full text of the Cost Estimate Clarity Act here.

Read the full text of the No Bias in the Baseline Act here.

These bills were drafted with the technical support and expertise of the Economic Policy Innovation Center.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Luray

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Luray Town Hall (Council Chambers), 45 East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Waynesboro

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:30:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM. 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.

Rep. Cline Announces Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Clarke County

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:30:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Clarke County Government Center Main Meeting Room (second floor), 101 Chalmers Ct, Berryville, VA on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, at 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Salem

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Salem Public Library (Meeting Room), 28 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153, on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, at 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Botetourt County

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold mobile office hours at theBotetourt County Administration Bldg (Mezzanine level), 57 S Center Drive, Daleville, VA 24083, on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, at 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Alleghany/Covington

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Covington City Hall (conference room on the first floor), 333 W. Locust Street, Covington, VA 24426, on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, at 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Monterey

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Highland County Public Library, 31 N. Water Street, Monterey, VA 24465, on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Warm Springs

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:30:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Bath County Courthouse, 65 Courthouse Hill Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484, on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Elkton

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Elkton Area Community Center (Council Chambers), 20593 Blue and Gold Drive, Elkton, VA 22827, on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, at 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. 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.

Casework Staff Mobile Office Hours in Rockbridge County

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

A member of Congressman Ben Cline’s staff will hold casework staff mobile office hours at the Rockbridge County Administration Building, 150 S. Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450, on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. 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.