Rep. Ben Cline returned to Rockbridge County last week for his first local town hall since 2023, addressing a small group of attendees at the Rockbridge County Courthouse while a group of protesters demonstrated outside.
The Sept. 25 event was limited to Lexington residents who preregistered online, but it was also livestreamed on Cline’s Facebook page. According to Cline’s office, all registrants received confirmation emails 24 hours in advance; 67 Lexington residents registered through Eventbrite and all were admitted.
Roughly half of those registrants attended, leaving many empty seats in the room. Because of security protocols, no walk-ins were allowed at the door. Cline’s office said he plans to hold similar events for Rockbridge County and Buena Vista residents in the coming months.
The livestream video maintained a single angle showing only Rep. Cline, and because neither Cline nor the audience members used microphones, audio quality was poor and cut out at various points.
Cline opened the evening with a PowerPoint presentation that stretched for more than half an hour before questions began. He framed some of his remarks around the dangers of political violence, saying that “all political violence is unacceptable” and that public dialogue should be driven by passion rather than “fury.” He announced a series of additional town halls planned across the district with the goal of encouraging civility.
The presentation also highlighted bipartisan legislation, including a bill to prevent bankrupt DNA testing companies from selling genetic data, and his Hearing Protection Act relating to firearm silencers. He praised the caseworkers in his offices, saying constituent services are “where the rubber meets the road,” and noted that his staff had responded to more than 3,000 requests in the past year.
On budget issues, Cline warned of a possible government shutdown if Congress cannot pass a continuing resolution by Oct. 1. “We would like to continue negotiating until Thanksgiving,” he said, urging Democrats to join Republicans in supporting a stopgap plan.
During the Q&A, a Washington and Lee University student asked what he was doing to expand job opportunities for young people. Cline pointed to supporting small businesses and refinancing options for student loans, while also criticizing colleges for steering students into majors with low earning potential.
A local teacher pressed him on U.S. aid to Israel, questioning why billions are spent abroad while schools and hospitals at home struggle. Cline responded that Hamas is to blame for the destruction in Gaza, saying, “As long as they are undertaking the effort to defeat Hamas, the U.S. will continue to stand by and support Israel.”
Other questions centered on the struggles of farmers under tariffs, the closure of rural health clinics, and the affordability of insurance. Cline said federal grants could support some rural hospitals but maintained that “insurance reform” is needed to expand consumer choice.
One audience member challenged him directly on his rhetoric, arguing that his frequent descriptions of Democrats as “radical” contribute to division. Another asked why he opposes shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Cline said fossil fuels remain essential, citing the growing energy demands of data centers.
He was also pressed on his legislative record, with one constituent pointing out he has passed few stand-alone bills since taking office. Cline countered that much of his work comes through amendments in the appropriations process. Asked what issue he most strongly disagrees with President Donald Trump on, he instead cited support for a TikTok ban and sanctions on Russia.
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators held signs critical of Cline’s record and policies. Inside, comments on the livestream were mixed during the lengthy presentation, with some viewers urging him to move more quickly to constituent questions and others defending the “good job” he has done in office.
Cline closed the evening by thanking attendees for their patience and encouraging residents to continue reaching out to his offices. “Most of all, I want to represent you and the issues that are important to you here in the city of Lexington,” he said.
PROTESTERS gathered outside the Rockbridge County Courthouse last Thursday before the town hall.
