The Shadow
Last week, Congress delivered for our Nation’s heroes by passing an appropriations bill that uplifts and strengthens critical projects. In our ongoing commitment to public safety, we also advanced legislation to protect our national security by increasing reporting requirements for illegal immigrants who pose a threat. Additionally, Secretary Rollins repealed a 24-year-old midnight rule that had stifled responsible wildfire management for far too long. It’s always an honor to meet with hardworking Virginians and discuss how we’re working to move the Sixth District forward every day. I’ll continue fighting in Congress to uphold the values we share.
Supporting Our Troops
Congress passed the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, a critical step in putting America’s strength, security, and servicemembers first. This legislation will help our country’s “Peace through Strength” agenda and restore the Pentagon’s funding priorities on defending our nation while prioritizing the needs of our troops and veterans.
This appropriations bill fully funds veterans’ health care, benefits, and essential VA programs to ensure our heroes receive the care and support they’ve earned. It also invests billions to restore military readiness by upgrading barracks, improving military housing and childcare, and modernizing base infrastructure; taking care of our troops and their families is nonnegotiable. I’m especially proud that this legislation supports President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness through the “Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment” program.
I was proud to support this bill which uplifts America’s men and women in uniform, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the respect and resources they deserve. Congress has a duty to fund our government responsibly—supporting national defense, cut waste where we can, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. This bill does just that. As always, it is one of my top priorities in Congress to defend our national defense and American heroes–this bill will do just that.
Protecting Americans Starts with Transparency
Over 400 individuals on the Terrorist Watch List have been caught trying to enter our country through the southern border under the Biden Administration. Many of these individuals came from hostile nations like China, Iran, and Russia, countries that seek to harm the United States. When we don’t know who is entering our country, where they’re going, or what their intentions are, every American community is put at risk. Under the Biden Administration’s watch, over 10 million unvetted illegal immigrants entered from more than 160 countries, including those on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
Last week, Congress passed the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publicly report the number of “special interest aliens” encountered at the border. These individuals are classified by DHS as non-citizens who may pose a national security threat based on their travel patterns. Transparency is essential, as it is the foundation for accountability. This legislation prioritizes the safety of the American people and ensures that the federal government can’t conceal the truth. House Republicans will continue working with President Trump to secure our border and protect our communities.
Stewarding Our Forests
For years, the Clinton-era “roadless rule” has restricted access to over 58 million acres of federal land, including more than 2.3 million acres right here in Virginia. This misguided policy has tied the hands of the Forest Service, blocking responsible thinning, timber harvesting, and wildfire mitigation efforts. These restrictions have left forests overgrown, unhealthy, and dangerously vulnerable to massive wildfires.
In the Sixth District, large portions of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have been directly impacted by these wildfires. I fully support President Trump and Secretary Rollins for taking action to roll back this outdated rule. This repeal restores common-sense forest management. It will enable land managers to reduce hazardous fuel loads, enhance firefighter access, and better protect our communities, properties, and environment.
The “roadless rule” may have sounded good on paper, but in practice, it has put lives and natural resources in danger. This decision is long overdue and reflects a serious commitment to being good stewards of God’s country.
Fall Internship Applications 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 in the preparation of 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 29th, 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.
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