{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1338", "RSC BUDGET AND SPENDING TASK FORCE CHAIR CLINE, RSC LEAD LETTER TO TREASURY ON RULE CHANGE THAT WOULD FUEL WASTE AND ABUSE OF UNSPENT COVID-19 FUNDS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Republican Study Committee\u2019s (RSC) Budget and Spending Task Force Chairman Ben Cline (R-VA) and RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen demanding that the Treasury Department roll back an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that would allow state and local governments to hoard tens of billions in unspent COVID funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP).\n\nUnder current law, state and local governments have until December 31, 2024, to \u201cobligate\u201d COVID funds. Instead of enforcing this statutory deadline, the Treasury Department\u2019s rule allows state and local governments to obligate funds past the statutory deadline by submitting a detailed memo on how they plan to spend the money by April 30, 2024. This blatantly fails to comply with congressional statutes and will further fuel the fire of inflationary, wasteful government spending.\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Jeff Duncan, Michael Cloud, Randy Weber, August Pfluger, Beth Van Duyne, Ralph Norman, Harriet Hageman, Lance Gooden, Scott Franklin, Doug LaMalfa, Scott Fitzgerald, James Baird, Ronny Jackson, Chuck Edwards, Austin Scott, Josh Brecheen, Rich McCormick, Joe Wilson, Barry Moore, Claudia Tenney, Glenn Grothman, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Alex Mooney, Eric Burlison, Pat Fallon, Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, Mike Collins, Rudy Yakym, Bob Good, Erin Houchin, Keith Self, and Troy Balderson.\n\nThe Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) also supports the letter.\n\n\u201cThe Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), which the Biden Administration has treated like a slush fund, is a quintessential example of government waste, and a critical opportunity for taxpayer savings. Even worse than the initial waste is Treasury\u2019s new Hoarding Rule, which allows states to stash this money for later unspecified uses. We are grateful to Congressmen Cline and Hern and their 34 Congressional colleagues who joined them in championing common sense and highlighting these abuses, including Treasury\u2019s overreach on the definition of an obligation.\u201d\u2014 Brittany Madni, Executive Vice President, Economic Policy Innovation Center\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here. Excerpts from the letter below:\n\nCongress designed the SLFRF to \u201csupport [the state and local] response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency,\u201d but much of that funding is being used for projects that have little if anything to do with relieving or recovering from the pandemic.\n\nFor example, \u201cmore than $185 million has been approved for projects related to golf courses (such as updating irrigation systems or buying golf carts), more than $400 million has gone to improve swimming pools, almost $80 million has gone to sports stadiums, $34 million has gone to building tennis and pickleball courts, $10 million has gone to rodeos, and one town even got $15 million to install showers and a commercial kitchen at a site to host the circus and local flea market. $4 million even went to the Field of Dreams in Iowa where Major League Baseball hosts its annual late-summer game!\u201d1\n\nThe list of inappropriate uses of SLFRF funds goes on and on. What\u2019s more, those inappropriate uses and this unilateral extension of time to obligate funds conveniently coincide with this final year of the Biden Administration\u2019s first term in office, further raising the question of whether these funds are being properly deployed around the country. With approximately 44 percent, or $152 billion SLFRF dollars as yet unobligated, it is absolutely vital that Treasury exercise tremendous care in its management of the program, not engage in wanton, unilateral rulemakings that unlawfully expand the period for obligation of SLFRF funds.\n\nIt is abundantly clear that Treasury is attempting, through this immediately effective and final rulemaking, to wall off money from Congress as we seek offsets to new Federal expenditures.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe IFR\u2019s new April 30, 2024, reporting deadline unlawfully extends the statutory requirement to obligate funds beyond the established deadline of December 31, 2024, by two years. The IFR would enable funds to be obligated post-December 31, 2024, through December 31, 2026. Treasury has not articulated a statutory authority or justification for this change wrought by the IFR. It has not supplied Congress or the public with any reasons or rationale. It has unlawfully contravened the plain language of the statute. Consequently, the IFR should be withdrawn by the Department.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits Treasury from expending and obligating funds in a manner inconsistent with its direction Congress. For example, the ADA makes clear that Treasury may not \u201cmake or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation,\u201d and it may likewise not \u201cinvolve either government in a contract or obligation for the payment of money before an appropriation is made unless authorized by law.\u201d2\n\nHere, by changing the definition of \u201cobligation\u201d and adding a new definition for \u201creturn of funds\u201d to the SLFRF program, Treasury is potentially putting itself afoul of these and other ADA requirements. Treasury has provided no explanation or justification for how these purely discretionary policy choices comport with the ADA. It must immediately do so or withdraw these regulations.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWe, along with the Government Accountability Office, must increase oversight of the Executive Branch\u2019s use of emergency COVID-19 funding. A significant amount of activity on this front is underway, but more is required.3 The SLFRF fund is one program that requires additional oversight. As has been explored, it does not appear that President Biden and Treasury are properly managing the SLFRF program, and indeed are now seeking to unlawfully and unilaterally expand it for apparently political purposes. We cannot tolerate that.\u201d\n\n1 Paul Winfree and Brittany Madni, Econ. Pol. Innov. Ctr., \u201cThe Bidenomics Slush Fund: How $350 Billion is Being Misappropriated (Dec. 3, 2023),\u201d https://epicforamerica.org/publications/bidenomics-slush-fund/.\n\n2 31 U.S.C. \u00a7 1341(a)(1).\n\n[1] See generally Government Accountability Office, \u201cCoronavirus Oversight,\u201d https://www.gao.gov/coronavirus.\n\nFull letter here.\n\nRead more coverage on the letter from Semafor here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1340", "REP. CLINE INTRODUCES BILL TO PREVENT UNIVERSITIES FROM USING TAXPAYER-FUNDED GRANTS FOR WOKE DEI PROGRAMS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Federal Grant Accountability Act. This legislation would ensure that higher education institutions are properly using taxpayer-funded federal grant money solely for conducting research projects, rather than for funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, by requiring reports on how indirect cost reimbursements are being allocated to schools to provide more transparency to the federal grant-making process. It would also prohibit federal agencies from distributing funds at an indirect rate that is higher than the lower rate offered to private organizations.\n\nThis comes following a shocking testimony from university presidents during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on the massive rise in antisemitism on college campuses.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cUniversities are raking in tens of billions of dollars from taxpayers for scientific research. While some are using their grant money appropriately, others are using it as a slush fund to promote woke, radical DEI activities. Congress must protect Americans\u2019 taxpayer dollars and ensure that the money received is being spent on legitimate, research-oriented purposes, not to push the Left\u2019s political agenda on college campuses.\u201d\n\nExecutive Vice President of Heritage Action, Ryan Walker, said, \u201cInstitutions of higher education should drive research and promote diversity of thought, not forced compliance with radical political agendas. DEI practices promote division in America, further exploited by university bureaucrats at the expense of taxpayers. The Federal Grant Accountability Act holds universities accountable by ensuring taxpayer funds are used for actual research and not as fuel for the Left\u2019s agenda.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1946, taxpayers began subsiding scientific research at higher education institutions.\n\nThe cost of all academic research projects is broken down into two types of costs: direct costs of the project and overhead expenses, also known as indirect costs.\n\nWhile direct costs are easy to quantify and itemize, indirect costs are not. Currently, universities can receive reimbursement from federal agencies based on an indirect cost rate, defined as a percentage of the direct costs of a research project. This is negotiated between the federal agency awarding the project and each university.\n\nIn some cases, that indirect cost a university is reimbursed for can be high as 60 percent, which means the university can receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements for indirect costs that can be used by the school for whatever purposes they choose. While some schools use those funds directly toward the research project, others are likely to use the money to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities on college campuses.\n\nRead more coverage from Washington Examiner here.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1335", "HOUSE PASSES REP. CLINE\u2019S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REIN IN UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Ben Cline\u2019s (VA-06) Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act (H.R. 357), cosponsored by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will provide greater accountability to taxpayers in the regulatory process by requiring all rules, except in limited circumstances, to be signed and issued by an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cFor too long, costly regulatory burdens have been imposed by unelected career bureaucrats, rather than an individual confirmed by the Senate. That is unacceptable. Passage of this legislation on the House Floor is a step in the right direction to help rein in Washington bureaucrats\u2019 overreach of power and ensure a government that is accountable to the American people.\u201d\n\nRep. Jared Golden said, \u201cIt\u2019s simple: federal regulations should be made by officials who are accountable to the American people. House passage of this common-sense, bipartisan bill brings us one step closer to a more responsible and responsive government.\u201d\n\nRead more about Congressman Cline\u2019s bill exclusively on Fox News.\n\nThe Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act is Rep. Cline\u2019s first legislation to pass the House floor in the 118th Congress. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\nCosponsors: Jared Golden (ME-02), Scott Perry (PA-10), Mary Miller (IL-15), Mark Green (TN-07), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Michael Guest (MS-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Harriet Hageman (WY), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Russell Fry (SC-07), Lance Gooden (TX-05), and Mark Alford (MS-04)\n\nBackground\n\nAccording to a 2019 study by the Pacific Legal Foundation, 98% of all rules that came out of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2001 and 2017 were issued \u201cillegally\u201d by non-Senate confirmed officials and that other agencies had similar problems.\n\nThe study found that 25 of those rules had an economic impact of more than $100 million and that the FDA\u2019s high incidence of rules issued by minor officials meant that more than 70% of all HHS rules were \u201cunconstitutional.\u201d\n\nIn 2021, Congress passed 143 laws while federal agencies issued 3,257 rules. Such agency rules have an estimated cost of $1.927 trillion annually, which is the equivalent of $14,684 per U.S. household each year.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1321", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces the Protecting America From Spies Act", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, which would allow the Department of State to deny visas to any individual if a consulate officer, an immigration officer, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the U.S. Attorney General knows, or has reasonable ground to believe, that the individual has committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate earlier this year.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has actively engaged in espionage efforts to infiltrate our society, steal our intellectual property, and gain our country\u2019s secrets, posing a serious threat to our national security. It is far past time we strengthen our immigration laws and crackdown on foreign espionage by denying those who attempt to spy or steal from the United States from entering our country.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nUnder current law, spies operating on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party who have been expelled from the United States are able to immediately reapply for visas.\n\nIn 2020, the Trump Administration closed China\u2019s consulate in Houston, Texas in response to evidence of espionage and intellectual property theft.\n\nThe Protecting America from Spies Act would update the Immigration and Naturalization Act to ensure that efforts to engage in espionage or technology transfer is considered ineligible for future visas.\n\nRead more in Daily Caller HERE and the full bill text HERE.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1306", "Rep. Ben Cline Hosts Annual Higher Education Roundtable in Buena Vista on Affordable Higher Education, Maximizing Opportunities for Students", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA \u2013 Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) hosted his annual higher education roundtable at Southern Virginia University with higher education leaders from across Virginia\u2019s Sixth District to hear directly from them and discuss ways to make higher education more affordable for every family and ensure access to opportunities that fit students\u2019 needs best.\n\nCongressman Cline was joined by Southern Virginia University Provost Dr. James Lambert, Washington and Lee University President William Dudley, Mary Baldwin University President Dr. Jeffrey Stein, Roanoke College President Dr. Frank Shushok Jr., Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. John Downey, and Radford University Carilion President Dr. Bret Danilowicz.\n\nLast October, Congressman Cline held his higher education roundtable at the Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cI have long believed that no family or student should worry that attending college or university will break the bank, rack up mountains of debt, or fail to prepare them for good-paying jobs in the real world. With more than 20 colleges and universities within Virginia\u2019s Sixth District, we need to do the hard work of finding solutions to improve student performance, boost post-graduation job placement and keep tuition affordable. It was great to be with so many higher education leaders in Buena Vista today to hear their ideas and share my actions to ensure affordability and opportunity for students.\u201d\n\nIn the 118th Congress, Congressman Cline cosponsored the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2023 (H.R. 1216), which would strengthen loan counseling requirements to ensure colleges are fully preparing their students to take out loans in a responsible manner. He also cosponsored the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act (H.R. 1250), which would ensure that students of owners of family farms or small businesses would not be unfairly penalized in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.\n\nIn the 117th Congress, Congressman Cline cosponsored the Responsible Education Assistance through Loan (REAL) Reforms Act (H.R. 8655), which offers commonsense, fiscally responsible reforms that protects students, borrowers, and taxpayers. He also cosponsored the Simplified Joint Consolidation Separation Act (H.R. 8909), which would establish a more efficient process for separating joint consolidation loans to ensure timely relief for borrowers and ensure the Education Secretary\u2019s authority is narrowly tailored to help those in need.\n\nIn the 116th Congress, Congressman Cline served on the House Education and Labor Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Higher Education, and cosponsored the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2019 (H.R. 4098), which revises requirements governing the financing and accreditation of postsecondary education. Congressman Cline also cosponsored the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019 (H.R. 1605), which directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1278", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces the Subpoena Compliance Accountability Act", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Subpoena Compliance Accountability Act, which would amend House Rules to require that appropriations bills considered by the House prohibit funds for the salary of any federal officer or employee who is convicted of contempt in violation of 2 U.S. Code \u00a7 192 - Refusal of a witness to testify or produce papers. This year alone, House Republicans have threatened to hold multiple agency leaders of the Biden Administration in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with their subpoenas or to produce documents related to congressional investigations.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \"For too long, federal officials within the Biden Administration have stonewalled congressional investigations. Enough is enough. Defunding any federal official held in contempt will hold them accountable, strengthen congressional subpoena power, and help restore trust in our institutions.\"\n\nRead more in Fox News HERE and the full bill text HERE.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1276", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces the End U.N. Censorship Act", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced H.R. 5531, the End the U.N. Censorship Act. Currently, U.S. contributions to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are being used to develop and implement an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted fact-checking tool, iVerify, to label and censor speech online as mis-, dis-, and mal- information, as well as toxic or hate speech. This legislation would prohibit U.S. taxpayer funds from being used to further the UNDP\u2019s iVerify initiative.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cThe United Nations Development Programme\u2019s iVerify tool is something straight out of Orwell\u2019s 1984, using AI to help label, suppress, and censor speech online at the expense of American tax dollars. That\u2019s wrong and goes against the very principles enshrined in the First Amendment. We must prevent taxpayer dollars from playing any part in censorship on a global scale, and my bill will do just that.\u201d\n\nRead more in Fox News Digital here and the full bill text here.\n\nBACKGROUND ON END THE U.N. CENSORSHIP ACT (H.R. 5531)\n\nIn 2021, the U.S. gave the United Nations Development Programme $190 million.\n\niVerify is currently being tested in five countries: Kenya, Honduras, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Zambia.\n\niVerify is also being listed in the Digital Public Good Registry, meaning that hostile governments can model it for their own illicit intent.\n\nThe U.N. is also partnering with the following companies to carry out this program.\n\nCrowd Tangle \u2013 A Facebook/Meta-connected fact checking tool.\n\nMeedan \u2013 Received $255,997 from the National Science Foundation for \u201cIdentifying and Countering Misinformation on Closed Messaging Platforms (Covid-19).\u201d\n\nInternational Fact Checking Network (IFCN) - A grant and fellowship making organization to \u201chelp fact-checkers, solution providers, and other eligible organizations launch new and innovative fact-checking programs and initiatives.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1272", "Congressman Ben Cline Applauds Roanoke County School Board\u2019s Decision to Reject Biden Admin\u2019s Bid to Intervene in Deliberations on Issues Facing Parents & Students", "2023-08-30", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On Monday, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) applauded the Roanoke County School Board\u2019s decision to reject the Biden Administration\u2019s attempt to intervene as \u201cmediator\u201d in its deliberations on important issues involving parents and their children. Last week, Congressmen Ben Cline and Morgan Griffith (VA-09) sent a letter to Roanoke County School Board Chairman Brent Hudson urging the Board to continue to reject the offer of assistance from the Department of Justice\u2019s Community Relations Service (CRS) ahead of the vote over whether or not to adopt Governor Glenn Youngkin\u2019s new initiative in public schools, and their efforts were successful.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \"Whether it's targeting concerned parents in Loudoun County or seeking to intervene as 'mediator' in Roanoke County School Board deliberations, the Biden DOJ has no right to try to insert itself into important issues facing parents and students. I applaud the Roanoke County School Board for rejecting the agency's politicized attempt to overstep its authority and ensuring that the elected board members are the ones making the decisions that are in the best interests of Roanoke County parents and students without unelected bureaucrats in Washington getting in the way.\"\n\nRead more in The Daily Wire HERE.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nAugust 23, 2023\n\nDear Chairman Hudson:\n\nWe have been reading with interest the media reports surrounding recent school board deliberations on important issues facing both students and parents in the Roanoke Valley, and it has come to our attention that there has been an offer of assistance to you from the Department of Justice\u2019s Community Relations Service (CRS).\n\nWe are writing to urge the Roanoke County School Board to continue to reject the offer from CRS and address school board matters without outside intervention. The parents, elected school board members, and Roanoke County taxpayers are much better suited to make important decisions about Roanoke County school matters than unelected bureaucrats from Washington, D.C. Thank you for your attention to this request, and please do not hesitate to reach out if we can ever assist you or the Board.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1254", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Support Veterans and Service Members By Passing FY24 MilConVA Funding Bill", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366), which provides funding for Defense Department military and family housing construction activities and remediation at closed military bases. This legislation also provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 veteran benefits programs, such as those related to disability and pension benefits, education, healthcare, and insurance and loan programs.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cThis strong legislation prioritizes programs for those most important: our Veterans and our brave service members. Today\u2019s vote makes clear that House Republicans stand with our Nation\u2019s heroes who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and protect our homeland.\u201d\n\nFY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act\n\nHonors our commitment to Veterans by:\n\nFully funding Veterans\u2019 health care programs; and\n\nFully funding Veterans\u2019 benefits and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.\n\nSupports a strong national security by:\n\nProviding nearly $800 million above the President\u2019s Budget Request for military construction, focusing investments in the Pacific theater, barracks, and other quality-of-life projects; and\n\nMaintaining two provisions prohibiting the closure or realignment of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.\n\nFocuses the Executive Branch on its core responsibilities by:\n\nIncluding new provisions prohibiting funds to lobby Congress, promote or advance critical race theory, and carry out divisive Executive Orders.\n\nRead the summary of the bill here.\n\nWatch Rep. Cline\u2019s floor speech on the FY24 MilConVA bill here or above.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1252", "As FY24 Farm Bill Approaches, Rep. Ben Cline and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson Host Agriculture Listening Session in Virginias Sixth District", "2023-07-17", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WEYERS CAVE, VA - Today, as Congress begins to take up the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) was joined by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) in hosting an Agriculture Listening Session with over 50 farmers and other Ag industry stakeholders at Maple Springs Farm in Weyers Cave, showcasing the diversity of commodities Virginia has to offer. These included groups such as: the Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Cattlemen Association, Virginia Poultry Federation, Virginia State Dairymen\u2019s Association, Virginia Agribusiness Council, National Pork Producers Council, and the Virginia Grain Producers Association.\n\nVirginia\u2019s Sixth District is home to more than 8,000 farms, leading the Commonwealth. With over 41,500 farms in the state, and an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually, Virginia is an agricultural powerhouse. During the Listening Session, Congressman Cline, Chairman Thompson, and the participants discussed several aspects of the upcoming Farm Bill, including how the Bill can be used to support farmers and the industry. Additionally, they discussed the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling to overturn the Biden Administration\u2019s new WOTUS rule, the importance of reintroducing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and the commendable work the state of Virginia did in handling the recent avian flu outbreak.\n\nChairman Thompson has been joining a few Members of Congress who represent rural areas across the country to discuss how Washington can best focus on the needs of those affected by the FY24 Farm Bill.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Chairman Thompson for joining me today. As Congress takes up the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill this year, it is vital we hear firsthand from those most affected by the Bill and how we can prioritize the needs of Virginia\u2019s Sixth District,\u201d Rep. Cline said.\n\n\u201cThis year's Farm Bill aims to revitalize rural America. I want to thank Rep. Cline and Maple Springs Farm for hosting today and providing the space to discuss issues affecting Virginia's farmers, ranchers, and consumers. The feedback we received will serve us well as we continue the reauthorization process,\u201d House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson said.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1251", "Congressman Ben Cline Votes to Support Our Troops and Protect Our National Defense By Passing FY24 NDAA", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA) which provides for the needs of servicemembers and their families through a pay increase, while equipping our military with the tools and resources to counter the rapidly growing threats from Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The NDAA includes a measure, which Congressman Cline cosponsored, to prohibit the Department of Defense from paying for or reimbursing transportation for service members to receive an abortion.\n\nThe NDAA will also provide much-needed oversight and crackdown on waste, fraud, and abuse, saving taxpayers billions of dollars.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cFor too long, the Biden Administration has politicized our military in an attempt to further push its radical, woke agenda. I\u2019m proud to support the FY24 NDAA, which is the most pro-life, pro-America defense bill in recent memory. By passing this bill, the House took an important step to ensuring that the American warfighter is the best equipped, best trained, and most lethal fighting force in the world.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1247", "Reps. Ben Cline, Ted Lieu Relaunch Bipartisan Congressional Songwriters Caucus", "2023-06-22", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Songwriters Caucus. Originally formed in 2003, the Caucus will serve as an informal group of Members dedicated to supporting songwriters and intellectual property protections.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cMaking art, specifically music, is a powerful way to leave a mark on the world. It\u2019s a part of our everyday lives, from what we listen to on our commutes in the morning, to the music we select for our most important life events, such as birthdays, weddings, and funerals. But today\u2019s modern music landscape can make it more difficult for certain artists, especially independent songwriters, to make a living. That is why I\u2019m proud to co-chair the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, which will play an important role in promoting the songwriting community by working to ensure the creative rights of songwriters are protected.\u201d\n\nRep. Ted Lieu said, \u201cMy district in Southern California is home to many talented songwriters whose work contributes so much to our culture and society,\u201d said Rep. Lieu. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to join Congressman Ben Cline in co-chairing the new bipartisan Congressional Songwriter\u2019s Caucus, which will work to support America\u2019s brilliant songwriters by ensuring they can protect their work and make a living doing what they love. Music contributes so much to our way of life, and we must ensure those creating it are compensated fairly. I\u2019m grateful to the numerous songwriter advocacy organizations who\u2019ve partnered with us on the creation of this caucus and look forward to working together to support our artists.\u201d\n\nNashville Songwriters Association International Executive Director Bart Herbison said, \u201cIt All Begins With A Song,\u201d the entire music ecosystem. Since the Songwriters Caucus was initially launched 20 years ago technology has completely changed the way music is delivered. American songwriters still face challenges in the digital era and we are very grateful to Congressmen Cline and Lieu for their bipartisan support.\u201d\n\nRecording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said, \u201cThe Recording Academy is proud to support the re-launch of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus which helps connect songwriters and composers with lawmakers to ensure that their unique interests are heard and understood. We are grateful to the new Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Ben Cline and Ted Lieu, for their support and leadership and we look forward to working with stakeholders across the songwriter community to advance the Caucus forward.\u201d\n\nNational Music Publishers\u2019 Association President & CEO David Israelite said, \u201cWe applaud Representatives Cline and Lieu for leading the Congressional Songwriters Caucus and we are excited about today\u2019s launch. NMPA is the leading advocate for music publishers and their songwriter partners and we greatly look forward to working with the Caucus to advance policy interests that will protect creators and ensure that songwriters thrive.\u201d\n\nBMI President & CEO Mike O\u2019Neill said, \"On behalf of our over one million affiliates, I'd like to thank Representatives Cline and Lieu for co-chairing the Congressional Songwriters Caucus. Both have always been champions for creators, and we are in excellent hands with them leading the charge for songwriters and composers on the Hill. We stand ready to work with them to ensure creators are supported by strong copyright law and that they are fairly compensated for their work.\u201d\n\nASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams said, \u201cSongwriters are the foundation of America\u2019s vibrant music industry, and we appreciate Representatives Cline and Lieu recognizing the importance of ensuring we have champions in Congress. As technology transforms the music landscape, ASCAP looks forward to engaging with members of the Congressional Songwriters\u2019 Caucus to protect the rights of American music creators and defend the value of their hard work and creativity.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1245", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces No Welfare for the Wealthy Act", "2023-06-15", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the No Welfare for the Wealthy Act to eliminate the Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) loophole in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and stop waste, fraud, and abuse within the food stamp program. This legislation would also require states to enforce the asset and income limits already in federal law.\n\nCurrently, 41 states and the District of Columbia are using the BBCE loophole to ignore applicants\u2019 assets like cash, boats, and RVs to bust through federal eligibility limits when handing out food stamp benefits. As a result, at least 5 million people who receive food stamps do not meet federal asset and/or income requirements \u2013 costing American taxpayers nearly $7 billion per year.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said: \u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that Big Government just keeps finding ways to spend more of Americans\u2019 taxpayer dollars and encourage waste and fraud \u2013 even if it comes at the expense of the truly needy. The Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility loophole is a system created by federal bureaucrats that allows the wealthy to receive taxpayer-funded food stamps without checking their assets. Whether intentional or not, no one should be able to receive these benefits if they are ineligible. The No Welfare for the Wealthy Act will prevent states from abusing this loophole and protect resources that should only go to the most vulnerable among us.\u201d\n\nRead the full bill text here, a one-pager here, and a Fox News article here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1244", "RSC Budget & Spending Taskforce Chair Cline Announces Release of FY 2024 RSC Budget, Protect Americas Economic Security", "2023-06-14", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) and the Republican Study Committee released its annual alternative budget for fiscal year 2024. The budget serves as a comprehensive blueprint for conservative governance and was produced by the RSC Budget and Spending Task Force. Congressman Cline currently chairs that task force.\n\nThe reckless policies of President Biden and Congressional Democrats have created a record $10 trillion in new spending in just two years, resulting in historic inflation, massive interest rate hikes, and rapid acceleration toward a national debt crisis. Despite an unprecedented $31.92 trillion in national debt, the RSC\u2019s \u201cProtect America\u2019s Economic Security\u201d would balance the budget in just seven years, cut spending by $16.3 trillion over 10 years and reduces Americans\u2019 taxes by $5.1 trillion over 10 years.\n\nRSC Budget and Spending Task Force Chair Rep. Ben Cline said: \u201cFor too long, irresponsible spending habits in Washington have made the cost-of-living more expensive for hardworking American families, and they are fed up with business-as-usual. The RSC budget prioritizes smart, common-sense policy to empower the American worker, and it cuts back on wasteful spending to pay for what\u2019s important \u2013 just like families have to do every day. We are committed to protecting our country\u2019s economic security and restoring fiscal sanity to our Nation\u2019s finances.\u201d\n\nRSC Chairman Kevin Hern said, \u201cI\u2019m proud of the work Ben and our task force members have put into this budget. Our conservative values are on display on every page. Our budget proves that fiscal responsibility is the only way to lower inflation, grow the economy, cut federal spending, empower taxpayers, and protect small businesses. Congress controls the purse strings, but we the House has failed to produce a budget year after year after year. Everyone has to balance their budget \u2013 governors, mayors, businesses, families \u2013 but not Congress. Nearly every problem facing our government can be traced back to our failure to both pass a budget and stick to it. The Republican Study Committee has a budget, and it balances in just seven years. Our budget is real, and it\u2019s floor-ready. It\u2019s time to get our country back on track!\u201d\n\nThe RSC Budget is made up of over 220 individual bills and initiatives from RSC Members, and has received support from numerous outside groups as well. You can see all the statements of support here.\n\nHERE is the text of the FY \u201924 Budget, Protecting America\u2019s Economic Security.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1241", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes Against $4T Debt Ceiling Increase", "2023-06-01", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) released the following statement after he voted \u201cno\u201d on the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746), which would raise the debt limit by roughly $4 trillion beyond the 2024 election.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden\u2019s policies have put America on a race to the bottom, and his debt limit agreement further rewards business-as-usual,\u201d said Cline. \u201cThe American people and Virginia's Sixth District demand and deserve fundamental change in how Washington operates. That\u2019s why I voted no on this deal.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1236", "Rep. Ben Cline on Passage of Bill to Improve Agency Rulemaking Out of the House Committee on the Judiciary", "2023-05-24", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) released the following statement on the passage of his bill, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act (H.R. 357), out of the House Committee on the Judiciary:\n\n\u201cToo many costly regulations are improperly initiated and issued by unelected career bureaucrats, rather than an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate,\u201d said Cline. \u201cThat is unacceptable. Today, my legislation passed out of the House Committee on the Judiciary, which ensures federal regulations are made by officials who are accountable to Congress and to the American people.\u201d\n\nEnsuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act (H.R. 357)\n\nThe Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act would require all rules proposed by federal agencies, except in limited circumstances, to be signed and issued by an individual appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:07:47Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1233", "Governor Glenn Youngkin Press Release: Leading Construction Equipment Company to Expand in Virginia", "2023-05-23", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "[\u201cThis is great news for the residents of Botetourt County,\u201d said Congressman Ben Cline. \u201cThis significant investment to expand Altec\u2019s operations in Virginia\u2019s Sixth District will go a long way in creating new job opportunities and economic development. I look forward to seeing this funding positively impact the area for years to come.\u201d]\n\nRICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Altec Industries, a global industrial machinery manufacturer, will invest $1.4 million to expand the production of Altec\u2019s construction equipment product line in Botetourt County. Virginia successfully competed with other states for the project, creating 150 new jobs and additional investment in the existing facility.\n\nThe company established its Botetourt County facility in 2001 at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. Altec, Inc. is a privately held company that produces aerial devices, digger derricks, and boom truck cranes, as well as many other truck body tools used by a broad spectrum of industrial customers. Altec provides products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world...", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:07:47Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1230", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Protect Americas Law Enforcement Officers", "2023-05-17", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) voted for, and the House passed, the Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 2494), which would ensure that criminal aliens who assault law enforcement officers are removable from the United States.\n\n\u201cEvery day, America\u2019s law enforcement officers courageously save innocent lives, stop criminals, and keep our communities safe,\u201d Cline said. \u201cYet tragically, violence against the brave men and women who wear the badge continues to rise and is perpetuated by President Biden\u2019s open borders \u2013 with tens of thousands of illegal aliens pouring across the southwest border. That is unacceptable. This bill to make an assault on a law enforcement officer by a criminal alien a deportable offense is a good step toward helping to protect those who protect us.\u201d\n\nThe POLICE Act of 2023 (H.R. 2494)\n\nAmends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly state that assaulting a law enforcement officer is a deportable offense\n\nTo qualify as a deportable offense, the offense must be committed:\n\nWhile the law enforcement officer is performing official duties;\n\nBecause of the performance of his/her official duties;\n\nOr because of his/her status as a law enforcement officer\n\nRead a one-pager of the bill here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1222", "Rep. Ben Cline on Passage of Secure the Border Act of 2023: Major Step Towards Tackling Bidens Border Crisis", "2023-05-11", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023. The House Judiciary Committee, which Congressman Cline serves on, played a leading role in crafting this legislation and worked hard to make this the strongest border security package that Congress has ever considered.\n\n\u201cSince his first day in office, President Biden has actively worked to weaken our southern border through radical open border policies that have resulted in the worst border crisis in history \u2013 turning every community, including Virginia\u2019s Sixth District, into border communities,\u201d said Cline. \u201cFrom halting construction of the border wall to deciding to lift Title 42 removal authority, President Biden has willingly and knowingly failed to protect the southern border and uphold the rule of law. While Biden and Secretary Mayorkas desperately attempt to downplay this crisis and tell Americans to just deal with it, House Republicans passed the strongest border security package in the history of Congress that secures America\u2019s borders, and restores our Nation\u2019s rule of law and sovereignty.\u201d\n\nThe Secure the Border Act of 2023:\n\nReforms the asylum system by preventing fraud, raising the credible fear standard, and returning asylum to its historical roots and original intent.\n\nEnds the Biden Administration\u2019s \u201ccatch and release\u201d policy and gives the federal government additional tools to secure the border.\n\nAddresses the exploitation of children and ensures that children remain together, or are reunited, with their parents.\n\nReduces the jobs magnet for illegal immigration.\n\nThe full text of H.R. 2 can be found here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1207", "Rep. Ben Cline Reintroduces Legislation to Defund Woke and Wasteful Government Agency", "2023-04-27", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act. This legislation will restore the oversight duties of the state insurance regulators by eliminating the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), an unnecessary federal agency created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.\n\nContinuing the FIO\u2019s ever-expanding reach, the Biden Administration issued a 2021 Executive Order that instructs the FIO to assess climate-related factors in its oversight of insurance companies, examine the potential effects of climate change on financial institutions, and determine whether climate change could affect insurers\u2019 financial stability.\n\nCongressman Cline was joined by Congressmen Alex Mooney (R-WV), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Glenn Grothman (R-WI) as original cosponsors. This bill is endorsed by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).\n\n\u201cThe Federal Insurance Office\u2019s (FIO) burdensome regulations and oppressive federal oversight of each state\u2019s insurance market are glaring examples of the federal government\u2019s excessive overreach,\u201d said Cline. \u201cWorse, the Biden Administration has weaponized the FIO to implement its woke Green New Deal agenda in the regulation of insurance. State laws protecting the availability of insurance for millions of Americans should be defended, not used as a political football. Defunding the ever-expanding agency is a good step towards draining the D.C. swamp and returning oversight back to the states.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 2010, advocates of federal insurance regulation succeeded in getting the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) established as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law\u2013but PIA has never given up on repealing it,\u201d said Jon Gentile, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). \u201cMany of the FIO\u2019s duties are examples of federal overreach in the context of our system of state insurance regulation. In addition, the FIO has consistently sought new ways to expand its mandate beyond the intent of Congress, which put specific limits on its authority. As long as the office continues to exist, it will remain a very real threat to the successful state-based system of insurance regulation. To do nothing and allow this office to accrue more power over time is tantamount to endorsing an increased federal role in the regulation of insurance. PIA draws a line in the sand on this issue and will not back down from this effort.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the bill Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act and an article from Daily Caller here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1205", "Rep. Ben Cline on Passage of Limit, Save, Grow Act: Its Time Democrats Come to the Negotiating Table", "2023-04-26", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) released the following statement after he voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (H.R. 2811).\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and the Deficit-Loving D.C. Democrats\u2019 inflationary spending has worked to increase our national debt to unsustainable levels-- over $31.6 TRILLION in debt and an annual deficit of nearly $1.5 TRILLION,\u201d Cline said. \u201cWhile Biden has no plan to avoid debt default, House Republicans are committed to a reasonable, responsible, and sensible solution to our Nation\u2019s debt crisis that would limit Washington\u2019s irresponsible spending, save taxpayer dollars, and grow the American economy. It\u2019s time Democrats finally do their job and come to the negotiating table.\u201d\n\nThe full text of H.R. 2811 can be found here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1203", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Protect the Integrity of Womens Sports", "2023-04-21", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 (H.R. 734). This legislation, which Rep. Cline cosponsored, ensures that biological males are prohibited from competing in athletic programs that are designated for biological females.\n\n\u201cThe Radical Left\u2019s blatant disregard for Title IX is a direct attack against female athletes who train so hard to compete and win,\u201d said Cline. \u201cDespite the clear scientific evidence of physical differences between men and women, the Left continues to pander to a woke political agenda as female athletes lose out on medals and scholarships to biological men. That\u2019s wrong, which is why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in passing this legislation to preserve the legacy of Title IX and ensure female athletes a fair playing field in competitive sports.\u201d\n\nThe Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023:\n\nClarifies that a recipient of federal education funding violates Title IX\u2019s prohibition against sex discrimination if the recipient operates, sponsors, or facilitates athletic programs or activities and allows a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women and girls.\n\nStates that the qualifications of \u201csex\u201d are based on an individual\u2019s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.\n\nClarifies that the bill\u2019s provisions do not prohibit schools or institutions from permitting males to practice against women\u2019s sports teams, protecting the long-standing routine of some women\u2019s athletic programs of practicing or scrimmaging against males.\n\nFor more information, click here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1187", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to End Bidens War on Americas Energy Independence", "2023-03-30", "2023", "2023-03", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1). This legislation will restore America\u2019s energy independence and reduce costs by: increasing domestic energy production; cutting burdensome government red tape; and reforming the permitting process.\n\n\u201cFamilies in Virginia and across the Nation have been hit hard by the high fuel prices caused by the anti-energy policies of the Biden Administration,\u201d said Cline. \u201cJoe Biden has waged war on our energy independence. That war ended today as House Republicans passed the Lower Energy Costs Act, which will work to put America back in the driver\u2019s seat on domestic energy production so folks can keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.\u201d\n\nThe Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1) will cement into law key provisions to reduce costs and return America to energy independence:\n\n1) Spurs responsible development of domestic energy and mineral resources.\n\n2) Maximizes efficiency and minimizes delays for hardrock mining projects on federal land by extending existing permitting efficiencies to mineral development and limiting claims on mine projects to those filed within 120 days of a final agency action.\n\n3) Modernizes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to further energy and infrastructure development without sacrificing environmental standards or public involvement.\n\n4) Reverses anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration.\n\n5) Streamlines energy exports.\n\nFor a section-by-section summary of the bill, click here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:30:02Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1176", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Reclaim the Role of Parents in Their Childrens Education", "2023-03-24", "2023", "2023-03", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Parents' Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5). This legislation reaffirms and protects a parent\u2019s God-given right to be involved in their child\u2019s education.\n\n\u201cParents are furious at the Radical Left\u2019s continued attempts to indoctrinate our children with woke agendas in America\u2019s public schools. As a father, I firmly believe that parents have the right to know and make decisions on what is being taught in the classroom without fear of being silenced,\u201d said Cline. \u201cThat is why I am proud to join my Republican colleagues in passing this important legislation to reclaim parents\u2019 role in their children\u2019s education, and prevent Big Government from controlling the narrative in our schools.\u201d\n\nThe Parents' Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5) would enhance transparency among schools and parents, while clearly establishing and outlining the rights bestowed to parents. This bill ensures five commonsense principles are met by our schools:\n\n1. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught.\n\nSchool districts must post curriculum information publicly.\n\nStates must provide the public a copy of any revisions to the state\u2019s academic standards or learning benchmarks.\n\nParents must be given timely notice of any school\u2019s plan to eliminate gifted and talented programs.\n\nSchools must provide parents with a list of books and reading materials available in the school library.\n\n2. Parents have the right to be heard.\n\nTeachers must offer two in-person meetings with parents each year.\n\nParents must be allowed to address the school board on issues impacting the education of children in the school district.\n\nEducators and policymakers must respect the First Amendment right of parents as well as their right to assemble and have a say in their child\u2019s education.\n\nSchool districts should consider community feedback when making decisions.\n\n3. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending.\n\nThere must be public disclosure of school district budgets and each school\u2019s budget, including revenues and expenditures.\n\n4. Parents have the right to protect their child's privacy.\n\nSchools must not share student data with tech companies without parental permission.\n\nSchools must not sell student data for commercial purposes.\n\nParents have a say when schools develop or update their student privacy policies and procedures.\n\nParents must consent before any medical exam takes place at school, including mental health or substance use disorder screenings, and before students are surveyed.\n\n5. Parents have the right to be updated on any violent activity at school\n\nSchools must notify parents of violent activity occurring on school grounds or at school-sponsored events while still protecting the privacy of the students involved in the incident.\n\nFor a detailed summary, click here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:30:02Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1175", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Overturn Bidens ESG Veto, Protect Retirement Savings", "2023-03-23", "2023", "2023-03", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) voted to overturn President Biden\u2019s veto of H.J. Res. 30, a resolution that would nullify the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) rule greenlighting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing in retirement plans. The president\u2019s veto comes after both the House and the Senate voted in a bipartisan manner to reject DOL\u2019s rule.\n\n\u201cIt is shameful that President Biden used his first veto to play political football with Americans\u2019 retirement savings,\u201d said Cline. \u201cFinancial managers should ensure Americans are getting the best retirement possible, not fund Biden\u2019s woke ESG agenda. While I am disappointed that Democrats overwhelmingly refused to join House Republicans in support of overturning Biden\u2019s veto, I will not stop fighting to protect Americans\u2019 hard-earned retirement savings.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:30:02Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1159", "Rep. Ben Cline Votes to Overturn EPAs Burdensome WOTUS Rule", "2023-03-09", "2023", "2023-03", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, a resolution rescinding the Biden Administration\u2019s new rule that redefines which waters are considered \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) and subject to federal rules and regulations, including costly environmental compliance.\n\n\u201cCarefully defined water regulation is key to ensuring Virginia\u2019s number one agriculture industry can succeed and local economies can thrive, especially in the Sixth District,\u201d Cline said. \u201cUnfortunately, the disastrous EPA is working to regulate every pond and puddle with their new WOTUS regulation, which will grant Biden\u2019s bureaucrats more arbitrary control over our rural communities. Today, I am proud to work with my Republican colleagues to overturn the Biden Administration\u2019s overly ambiguous and burdensome rule, and protect America\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and property owners from this government overreach of power.\u201d\n\nH.J. Res. 30 would ease regulatory burdens for small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, home and infrastructure builders, local communities, water districts, and everyday Americans by invalidating the Biden Administration\u2019s overreaching Rule redefining \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA).\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:30:02Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1160", "Rep. Ben Cline: Bidens FY24 Budget Leaves Our Nation on the Brink of Fiscal Ruin", "2023-03-09", "2023", "2023-03", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden released his Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal to Congress.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s FY 24 $6.9 TRILLION tax-and-spend budget continues the downward economic spiral hard-working Americans have faced over the last two years,\u201d Rep. Cline said. \u201cInstead of addressing our unsustainable $31.5 trillion debt and soaring deficits, Biden\u2019s budget is more of the same: more taxes, more costly regulations, and more inflationary spending. In the coming weeks, House Republicans will put forward a budget that actually works toward getting our fiscal house in order by reining in out-of-control spending and putting us on a path to balance.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:30:02Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1148", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Opportunities for Veterans", "2023-02-09", "2023", "2023-02", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023. Rep. Cline was joined by Congressmen Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in introducing this bipartisan legislation.\n\nThe Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023 would allow veterans the opportunity to pursue their small business and entrepreneurial aspirations by giving them access to resources through the Small Business Administration and their GI Bill benefit. The key components of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act are:\n\nThe 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\n\nThe pilot program includes a thorough application process and requires participation in an approved entrepreneurial training program\n\nVeterans 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\n\nThe 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\n\nIf approved, the grant can be used by a veteran to open their own business or purchase a franchise\n\nRep. Cline said, \u201cVeterans often struggle when they separate from service and transition into civilian life. Many want to pursue higher education, but some seek a different path. It\u2019s common sense to expand opportunities for Veterans and offer support to pursue the American dream of starting a small business that will create jobs and grow our economy. I thank Congressmen Donalds, Correa, and Pappas for joining me in this bipartisan effort to take care of those who took care of us in service to our great country.\u201d\n\nRep. Donalds said, \u201cRather than predetermining our service members\u2019 path forward in civilian life, we should instead free up earned veteran benefits and open as many economic opportunities for our armed forces as possible. That is why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act which allows veterans to use funds intended solely for education to assist Post 9/11 veterans in establishing, opening, and successfully operating a qualified small business. Our veterans are the greatest among us and deserve the freedom to excel in the nation they valiantly defended.\u201d\n\nRep. Correa said, \u201cOur veterans have proven to be courageous and determined throughout their service to our nation\u2014and as they transition to civilian life, it is our duty to give them the support they need to pursue their American dream. By investing in our veterans, we are investing in a brighter future for America. This legislation gives veterans access to resources and training they need to start small businesses that will uplift themselves and their families, and undoubtedly make America stronger.\u201d\n\nRep. Pappas said, \u201cThe opportunity to start a small business should be available to all, especially our veterans. This bipartisan legislation would expand veterans\u2019 access to resources available through the Small Business Administration to enroll in entrepreneurial training programs and gain valuable knowledge about running a business. Veteran-owned small businesses support veterans, their families, and boost our economy, and I will continue to work across the aisle to expand opportunity for the veteran community.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:18:08Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1147", "Rep. Ben Cline Reacts to Bidens State of the Union: Democrats Are All Talk, No Action", "2023-02-08", "2023", "2023-02", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) issued the below statement in response to President Joe Biden\u2019s State of the Union address.\n\nRep. Cline said, \u201cSince President Biden took office, he has focused on pushing a far-Left agenda to appease the radical members of his party. The Biden agenda includes support for open borders and amnesty; job-killing anti-energy policies that make us more dependent on foreign oil; reckless spending proposals that has put our country on a path towards nearly $32 trillion in debt; and rising inflation that increases the cost of everyday goods on families. While Joe Biden keeps talking and living in an alternate reality, the American people deserve action to govern responsibly, secure our southern border, restore our energy independence, and protect our constitutional freedoms \u2013 leave our Nation in a stronger place for future generations. That is what House Republicans are focused on, and what I will keep fighting for every day.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:18:08Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1141", "Rep. Ben Cline Appointed to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture", "2023-02-02", "2023", "2023-02", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) announced that he has been appointed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration for the 118th Congress.\n\nRep. Cline said, \u201cAgriculture plays a critical role in America\u2019s economic growth, and it is the number one industry in Virginia\u2019s Sixth Congressional District. Ensuring efficient food production and manufacturing is critical to our food supply across our Nation, especially in rural communities like ours. I\u2019d like to thank Chairwoman Kay Granger for appointing me to serve on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and I look forward to the important work we will do as we tackle the many issues facing our country.\u201d\n\nChairwoman Kay Granger said, \u201cI am pleased to announce that I have appointed Rep. Ben Cline to serve on the subcommittee that oversees the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. Mr. Cline\u2019s insight and knowledge of the agriculture economy will be important assets as the subcommittee addresses issues under its jurisdiction.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:18:08Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1137", "Rep. Ben Cline Leads Colleagues in Letter to Biden Demanding Answers on Ignoring Budget Deadline for Third Straight Year", "2023-01-30", "2023", "2023-01", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee\u2019s (RSC) Budget and Spending Task Force, led his colleagues in letter a to President Joe Biden demanding answers and accountability on the administration\u2019s Fiscal Year 2024 budget following reports that it will not be submitted to Congress before the statutory deadline of the first Monday in February. This will be the third year in a row that the President has missed the submission deadline, and will likely delay the beginning of the Congressional budget process.\n\nThe letter was cosigned by RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA). Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) , Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO).\n\nRead more in the letter HERE or below.\n\nJanuary 30, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Joseph R. Biden\n\nPresident of the United States\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our concerns regarding reports that your administration may miss the statutory deadline for submitting a Presidential Budget to Congress for the third year in a row and has no intent to offer a balanced budget.\n\nThe American people have spoken and made it abundantly clear that the United States must no longer be governed in a state of crisis or brinkmanship. They expect their duly elected leaders to take the initiative to ensure that the vital functions of government are managed responsibly and in a timely manner.\n\nThe urgency of our Nation\u2019s fiscal crisis is unprecedented. It is imperative that we move quickly to address skyrocketing inflation, a crippling $31.5 trillion in national debt, and the impending insolvency of our Nation\u2019s major trust funds.\n\nWith the induction of a new Congress, Democrats and Republicans must seize this opportunity to fix our Nation\u2019s unsustainable financial trajectory. That process must begin with your submission of a balanced Presidential Budget to Congress.\n\nWe the undersigned call on your administration to respond to the following questions.\n\nWill your administration submit a budget by the statutory deadline? If not, when does your administration plan to submit a budget to Congress?\n\nWill your administration\u2019s budget balance in the ten-year budget window? If not, do you not believe the American public deserves a responsible, balanced budget, that does not rely on tax hikes?\n\nWhy is your administration unable to meet this annual budget proposal obligation?\n\nAs the deadline rapidly approaches for you to submit your Presidential Budget, we ask that you do your job so that we in Congress can begin ours.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:08:17Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1133", "Rep. Ben Cline Announced as Chairman of House Judiciary Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight", "2023-01-27", "2023", "2023-01", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) was appointed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) to chair the Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight for the 118th Congress. Following his selection to lead the subcommittee, Rep. Cline released the following statement.\n\nRep. Cline said, \u201cAmericans deserve a bureaucracy that is responsive and transparent to Congress and the people. But for too long, the Biden administration has stonewalled Republicans\u2019 investigations into politicization, misconduct, and abuse. I\u2019d like to thank Chairman Jim Jordan for appointing me Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight for the 118th Congress to get answers the American people are demanding.\u201d\n\nChairman Jordan said, \u201cRep. Cline will bring years of Judiciary Committee experience to the Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight. We have important work to do, and Mr. Cline will play a critical role in accomplishing our goals this Congress.\u201d\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:08:17Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1127", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces Bills to Improve Federal Rulemaking Process", "2023-01-13", "2023", "2023-01", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced two pieces of legislation, which would attack waste in our bureaucracy and ensure federal agencies are held accountable to private citizens and small businesses during the rulemaking process: the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act and the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act.\n\n\"Good governance begins with accountability, and nowhere is this needed more than in our federal bureaucracy,\u201d Rep. Cline said. \u201cThese common-sense bills make critical improvements to the rulemaking process by placing a necessary check on agency regulators.\u201d\n\nSmall Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act\n\nThe Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act would require federal regulators to assess the full economic effects of proposed regulations on small businesses and consider alternative measures to reduce burdens before they act.\n\nCosponsor: Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL)\n\nSupporters: NFIB, Heritage Action\n\nRead the full bill text here and a one-pager here.\n\nEnsuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act\n\nThe Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act would require all rules proposed by federal agencies, except in limited circumstances, to be signed and issued by an individual appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.\n\nCosponsors: Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA)\n\nSupporters: Pacific Legal Foundation, FreedomWorks, Heritage Action\n\nRead the full bill text here and a one-pager here.\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:08:17Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1124", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Rep. Ben Clines Statement on Voting to Rescind Funding for President Bidens IRS Army", "2023-01-12", "2023", "2023-01", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "In case you missed it, in the first days of the 118th Congress, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) voted to rescind funding for the 87,000 new IRS agents and staff passed by the previous Congress. Rep. Ben Cline released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe last thing hardworking families and small businesses need is more IRS bureaucrats spying on their Venmo accounts to squeeze more money out of their pockets,\u201d Rep. Cline said. \u201cAmericans deserve an IRS that works for them, not against them. Voting to repeal this funding for Biden\u2019s army of 87,000 auditors is a great first step in the right direction, and is the first of many promises House Republicans will deliver on in the 118th Congress.\u201d\n\nWatch Rep. Ben Cline\u2019s speech on the House floor here or below:\n\nCongressman 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 Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:08:17Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 34, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "VA", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2023&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 245.64130511134863, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}