Congressman Ben Cline, who represents Virginia’s 6th district in the U.S. Congress, marked National Religious Freedom Day and addressed legislative priorities and the fentanyl crisis in a series of posts on January 16, 2026.
In his first post, Cline commemorated an important historical milestone: “On this day in 1786, Virginia adopted Thomas Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom, laying the groundwork for religious liberty in the United States. Today, we celebrate every American’s right to freely exercise their faith. #NationalReligiousFreedomDay https://t.co/9Z12H2jBP8” (January 16, 2026).
Later that day, he highlighted Republican efforts in Congress regarding appropriations bills: “Republicans under @SpeakerJohnson are fighting to pass conservative appropriations bills. Three have already been signed into law by @POTUS, and over the past two weeks, the House passed five more to advance the America First policy agenda. We are fighting to restore regular https://t.co/EAqMYlAq5I” (January 16, 2026).
Addressing public health concerns in his third post of the day, Cline stated: “Fentanyl-driven overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18–45. This crisis was fueled by bad foreign actors like the CCP and Mexican cartels. In 2025, fentanyl deaths decreased by 21%, a step in the right direction, but the fight isn’t over.” (January 16, 2026).
Ben Cline has served as a member of Congress since replacing Bob Goodlatte in 2019 and previously represented constituents as a member of 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.
