The Shadow
Last week, House Republicans continued our focus on strengthening our national security and defending our constitutional rights. I introduced new legislation to hold foreign agents accountable, supported efforts to curb the influence of adversaries on college campuses, and continued fighting to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights. From helping a constituent navigate the IRS to honoring law enforcement during National Police Week, my team and I remain committed to serving the people. As we work to restore accountability and commonsense leadership, I’ll continue advancing the interests of Virginia’s Sixth District.
Closing a Dangerous Loophole in the Fight Against Foreign Influence
Foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party continue to target the United States with covert influence campaigns, often using unregistered foreign agents to shape our policies and institutions quietly. These operations are a serious threat to our national security, and our laws haven’t kept pace.
A 2022 court ruling exposed a troubling loophole in the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). It allowed a suspected foreign agent to escape accountability by ending their relationship with a foreign government before the Department of Justice could act.
That’s why last week, I introduced the Foreign Agents Transparency Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures anyone who previously acted on behalf of a foreign government must register retroactively, even if they’ve since cut ties. This legislation restores FARA’s original purpose: to prevent covert foreign influence over our democracy. I’m proud to have support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I’ll keep fighting to hold foreign agents accountable and protect our national security.
Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline
Last week, House Republicans continued our focus on strengthening our national security and defending our constitutional rights. I introduced new legislation to hold foreign agents accountable, supported efforts to curb the influence of adversaries on college campuses, and continued fighting to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights. From helping a constituent navigate the IRS to honoring law enforcement during National Police Week, my team and I remain committed to serving the people. As we work to restore accountability and commonsense leadership, I’ll continue advancing the interests of Virginia’s Sixth District.
Closing a Dangerous Loophole in the Fight Against Foreign Influence
Foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party continue to target the United States with covert influence campaigns, often using unregistered foreign agents to shape our policies and institutions quietly. These operations are a serious threat to our national security, and our laws haven’t kept pace.
A 2022 court ruling exposed a troubling loophole in the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). It allowed a suspected foreign agent to escape accountability by ending their relationship with a foreign government before the Department of Justice could act.
That’s why last week, I introduced the Foreign Agents Transparency Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures anyone who previously acted on behalf of a foreign government must register retroactively, even if they’ve since cut ties. This legislation restores FARA’s original purpose: to prevent covert foreign influence over our democracy. I’m proud to have support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I’ll keep fighting to hold foreign agents accountable and protect our national security.
Keeping the CCP Out of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education
For years, the Chinese Communist Party has used propaganda and espionage to infiltrate American universities. Confucius Institutes were a major tool, posing as cultural programs while pushing CCP narratives and stealing intellectual property. While most have closed, a recent GAO report found that 43 universities still have ties to the entities behind them. Between 2020 and 2023, U.S. schools took over $3 billion from CCP-linked sources, often with little transparency.
That is why I supported the House passage last week of the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, which blocks DHS funding from going to any school that maintains ties with Confucius Institutes or other Chinese entities of concern. I was proud to author an amendment included in the final bill that designates the Chinese Academy of Sciences as one of these entities. CAS has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army and is linked to military and cyber espionage. Some U.S. universities are still partnering with CAS on sensitive research, often using taxpayer dollars. That is unacceptable.
We must ensure that our universities are advancing American interests, not those of the Chinese Communist Party.
Casework Highlight: Helping a Botetourt County Mom Navigate IRS Red Tape
In September 2024, a single mother of three from Botetourt County contacted my office after learning her tax refund was under review. Despite doing her best to submit the required information, she faced delays due to missing documentation and complicated income reporting.
After receiving the proper paperwork, my staff submitted an inquiry to the IRS in January. The case was further delayed as the Taxpayer Advocate Service requested additional documentation in February and March. The constituent had worked multiple jobs, including one as a housekeeper for a private employer who paid her directly, making it challenging to provide formal records.
Eventually, her employer submitted a written letter verifying her income. That was enough to move the case forward. Thanks to the persistence of my team and our work with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, the IRS approved her refund. On April 15, she received a deposit of $7,271.90, including $530.90 in taxable interest.
My staff was proud to help cut through the red tape and get results. If you are facing issues with a federal agency, don’t hesitate to reach out; we are here to help.
Honoring Our Police During National Police Week
This week, we recognize the courageous men and women in law enforcement who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. From the Shenandoah Valley to the Roanoke Valley and the Alleghany Highlands, I’m grateful for the officers across Virginia’s Sixth District who serve with integrity and dedication.
In Congress, I’ll continue fighting for the resources and support they need. I will always stand with those who wear the badge.
Fall Internship Application Now Open
Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) is currently accepting applications for Fall internship opportunities in his Washington, D.C. office. This position offers a unique perspective of the day-to-day operations of the United States Congress.
Interns will work with the Congressman’s staff to prepare policy briefs and gain extensive knowledge of the federal legislative process. Additionally, interns will engage with and provide various services to constituents. Congressman Cline is looking for talented and driven applicants who will be available from early September to mid-December. The deadline for application submissions is July 25, 2025.
For more information, please contact Lindsey Zarriello by email at lindsey.zarriello@mail.house.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
For the latest updates from Washington and across the Sixth District, please follow my Facebook and Twitter pages.
