Cline, Ben RSS Articles

Cline Hosts Annual Agriculture Conference

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

MOUNT JACKSON, VA – Yesterday, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) hosted his annual Agriculture Conference to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders about the key issues affecting the agriculture industry in Virginia’s Sixth District. Congressman Cline’s Agriculture Conference included touring an apple orchard in Timberville to see firsthand the impacts of the apple freeze on Virginia’s producers, hosting a Roundtable with regional farmers to discuss how to keep Virginia agriculture thriving, and touring a cattle farm in Woodstock to discuss the challenges facing Virginia’s cattle producers.

“Farmers are the backbone of our Nation, and they deserve leaders who will fight for them both publicly and behind closed doors,” said Rep. Cline. “I am proud to support legislation that reduces burdens on our farmers and recognizes the vital role they play in keeping our Nation strong. Hearing directly from producers and understanding the challenges they face is essential to pursuing meaningful solutions that support their livelihoods and the future of American agriculture. Their work sustains our communities, strengthens our economy, and plays a vital role in our Nation’s future. I am proud to stand with the farmers who feed our communities.”

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The Roundtable was attended by Wilmer Stoneman, Virginia State Director, USDA Farm Service Agency; Senator Timmy French; Delegate Justin Pence; Tristan Williams and Jamie Williams, Shenandoah Valley Orchards; Olivia Gyapong, National Affairs Specialist and Regulatory Policy Analyst, Governmental Relations, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; Pete Cypret, CEO, Farm Credit of the Virginias; Kyley Clevenger, Director of the Knowledge Center of Farm Credit of the Virginias; Nicole Clem, Agriculture Relationship Manager at Horizon Farm Credit; and Raechel Sattazahn, Director of Government Relations, Industry, & Member Relations at Horizon Farm Credit; Taylor Hubbard, Director of Government Affairs, Virginia Agribusiness Council; Hobey Bauhan, President, Virginia Poultry Foundation; Dale Nellor, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, National Turkey Federation; Brandon Reeves, Executive Director, Virginia Cattleman; Zoe Wallace, Director of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen; Margaret Ann Smith, Southlex Cattle Company, LLC; Philip Glaize, Glaize Apples; Robert Hupman, Hazard Mill Farm; Ty Saunders, Saunders Brothers; Clay Greene, District 5 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers; Cheyenne Rhodes, District 6 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee; Jamie Pence, District 6 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers; Leila Longcor, Chair of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors; Dwayne Martin, Deputy Administrator of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors; John Jewell, Chair of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors.

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Cline Urges CMS to Improve Access to Rural Healthcare in Virginia’s 6th District

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

FINCASTLE, VA – On September 22, 2026, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) sent a letter to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging the agency to reconsider the non-rural designations in Virginia’s Sixth District so more rural communities have the opportunity to receive funding to improve access to healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

“Expanding access to quality health care in rural Virginia is one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Cline. “I’m fighting to ensure families across the Shenandoah and Roanoke Valleys can get the care they need close to home. Too many rural communities face barriers to care, including long travel distances, limited transportation, and gaps in broadband access. The Rural Health Transformation Program is an important opportunity to strengthen rural health care systems, support innovative solutions, and improve access to care for underserved communities. I will continue working to ensure rural communities in Virginia’s 6th District have the resources and support they need to deliver timely, quality care to the people they serve.”

BACKGROUND: H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, created the RHTP for states to receive funding to expand and enhance rural health care. On August 28, 2026, the Administration announced that Virginia was awarded $122 million to transform rural healthcare across Virginia. However, RHTP funding will be restricted to rural localities to ensure appropriate application of resources, and the current Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s definition does not include some counties and cities in Virginia’s Sixth District that should be eligible for RHTP funding.

Read the full letter here.

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Cline Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Streamline Copyright Registration for Photographers

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), alongside Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), bipartisan legislation aimed at making copyright registration more affordable and accessible for photographers and small businesses who register large volumes of their work.

The legislation would modernize the copyright registration process at the U.S. Copyright Office, making it more affordable and efficient for visual artists who need to register large volumes of their work. By reducing unnecessary costs and administrative burdens, VACRA would help small businesses protect their intellectual property while spending more time doing what they do best.

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

“Photographers deserve a straightforward, affordable way to protect the work they produce,” said Rep. Cline. “The current copyright registration process can be costly and burdensome, particularly for small businesses who create and register work in large volumes. This legislation would help modernize that process, strengthen protections for creators, and ensure they have the tools they need to safeguard their work and continue contributing to our economy and culture.”

Quote Attributable to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37):

“Photographers and visual artists are vital to our creative world," said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. "I am proud to partner with Rep. Cline on these commonsense reforms to copyright law to allow for a more complete public registry of their integral works. This would ensure that photographers and all visual artists are full and effective participants in our copyright system. I’m proud to represent a vibrant district at the heart of America’s creative and entertainment economy and advance policies that protect creative rights."

Quote Attributable to Angela Kurkian, CEO, Professional Photographers of America:

"PPA thanks Representatives Ben Cline and Sydney Kamlager-Dove for their leadership, for introducing The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA) in the House, and we are proud to stand with our coalition partners in support of this important reform. When creators can meaningfully protect their work, they can continue creating,” said Angela Kurkian.

Quote Attributable to Thomas Maddrey, CEO, American Society of Media Photographers:
"The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) celebrates the leadership shown by Rep. Cline and Rep. Kamlager-Dove in introducing VACRA. This bill is designed to help the smallest of small businesses, which form the core engine powering our creative ecosystem. By introducing VACRA, Reps. Cline and Kamlager-Dove demonstrate their support for our photographers, artists, and all visual creators, and we thank them,” said Thomas Maddrey.

Quote Attributable to Melanie Porter, COO, ASMP, North American Nature Photography Association:

"Photography brings the beauty of the natural world to all communities. Through their introduction of VACRA, Reps. Cline and Kamlager-Dove show that breaking down barriers preventing visual artists from protecting their works and livelihoods is important and valuable. The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) applauds the support shown to our creative communities nationwide and thanks Reps. Cline and Kamlager-Dove for making this announcement. It would directly affect our 7,500+ Members of ASMP & NANPA and the millions of other visual creators across the country," said Melanie Porter.

Quote Attributable to Alex Garcia, President, National Press Photographers Association:

“The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) strongly supports the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act and thanks Representatives Ben Cline and Sydney Kamlager-Dove for their bipartisan leadership. Visual journalists routinely create thousands of images while documenting events of public importance, yet the cost and complexity of copyright registration can make protecting that work impractical. VACRA would modernize registration to better reflect how photographers work, helping them protect their livelihoods and sustain the visual journalism that informs our communities,” said Alex Garcia.

Quote Attributable to Stephanie Hayes, Executive Director, School Photographers of America:
“School Photographers of America supports VACRA and its goal of making copyright protection more accessible and practical for professional photographers. School photography companies create enormous volumes of images while relying primarily on families’ voluntary purchases, making workable copyright registration options especially important to our industry. We are grateful to the bill’s sponsors and Professional Photographers of America for advancing this effort and recognizing the needs of high-volume creators,” said Stephanie Hayes.

Quote Attributable to James Silverberg, CEO, American Society of Collective Rights Licensing:

“We are grateful to Representatives Cline and Kamlager-Dove for their bipartisan leadership in bringing VACRA to the House,” stated James Silverberg. “The deferred examination model is one ASCRL has supported and advanced for years. Allowing a registration to take effect upon submission, while deferring examination until it is actually needed, ensures artists can enforce their rights without being priced out of the system. With bills now pending in both the House and Senate, Congress has a real opportunity to deliver these reforms for visual creators.”

Read the full bill text: HERE

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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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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.