Jan. 3, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: In his newsletter touting his accomplishments for 2025, 6th District Congressman Ben Cline brags that he “introduced 20 bills and ... cosponsored 198 bills.” He, however, never mentions their substance or whether they were enacted. In fact, the House and Senate in 2025 passed only 40 bills that became laws — a modern record for the lowest legislative output in the first year of a new administration.
Patting himself on the back, Cline takes pride in Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, asserting, “This legislation delivered real results for Virginians who will see their take-home pay increase by as much as $14,800.” How many in Rockbridge, Lexington, and Buena Vista expect to see their pay increase by that much? Those left behind don’t concern Cline.
In another obfuscation, Cline asserts, “In Congress, I was proud to vote for legislation which will deliver meaningful support for rural hospitals like ours.” But the law he supported imposes historic cuts to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. These cutbacks mean that rural hospitals — already operating on thin margins — are losing reimbursements for many of their patients. This loss will force many rural hospitals to close. Meanwhile, on January 1, health insurance costs spiked an average of 114% for Americans. Millions, many of whom live in our area, will no longer be able to afford coverage.
Cline’s newsletter is also notable for the topics of the moment that he never mentions. These include ICE raids, attacks on Venezuela, Jeffrey Epstein, the Trump family enriching itself off the presidency, and the extravagant use of executive orders bypassing Congressional prerogatives.
Ben Cline does not deserve your vote next November. JAYCLARKE Rockbridge County
