Congressman Ben Cline, who represents Virginia’s 6th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of statements on social media criticizing federal government priorities and recent economic developments.
On August 11, 2025, Cline criticized Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for agency spending on diversity initiatives: “Under Pete Buttigieg, the Department of Transportation funneled over $80B to DEI grants, roughly half the agency’s annual budget. While he prioritized a woke agenda, critical issues were left behind. To put it plainly: Zero interest. Zero action.”
Later that day, he commented on changes in federal hiring practices: “Merit > DEI checkboxes. For the first time in 40 years, common sense is back in federal hiring ensuring merit is restored in the hiring process. Americans deserve a government that works for them.” The statement refers to adjustments aimed at emphasizing merit over diversity criteria within government employment procedures.
On August 12, Cline highlighted an increase in consumer optimism and expressed support for former President Trump’s economic policies: “July brought a major boost in consumer optimism with confidence surging up by 2 points. The “experts” missed the mark once again, underestimating President Trump America’s economic comeback.”
Cline has represented Virginia’s 6th District since replacing Bob Goodlatte in 2019 and previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2018. Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1972 and currently residing in Fincastle at age 51, Cline holds degrees from Bates College and the University of Richmond.
