Roanoke Sun

Amid criticism of escalating government expenditures during Pres. Joe Biden's tenure, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) recently urged for enhanced oversight and regulation of public assistance programs, citing concerns over waste and fraudulent activities. Cline's proposal seeks to bolster accountability by refining regulations on programs such as welfare, promoting self-reliance, and advocating for increased taxpayer involvement. 

"President Biden’s big-spending, big-loophole, big government has to end," Cline wrote in an Aug. 1 op-ed for The Hill. "That’s what the people demand from their elected representatives, and that’s what they deserve." 

In his op-ed, Cline raised concerns over the significant increase of government spending under Pres. Biden's administration and called for a reevaluation of priorities to curb waste and promote self-reliance.

In his op-ed, Rep. Cline points out the dramatic shift from the Clinton era's stance on limited government, as Pres. Biden's administration witnesses a doubling in government spending since 1996. Cline questions the necessity for this substantial increase, highlighting a shift in priorities as Biden now opposes work requirements, a departure from his earlier stance. The op-ed emphasizes the former consensus on prioritizing work over welfare and the need to address wasteful practices in government programs.

Rep. Cline's comprehensive strategy to address the surge in big government involves three key measures. First, he spotlights the "broad-based categorical eligibility" (BBCE) loophole, exploited by 41 states and Washington, D.C., which allows individuals, even millionaires, to obtain food stamps without proper asset verification. Cline's proposed "No Welfare for the Wealthy Act" aims to close this loophole and restore integrity to the food stamp program. 

Second, he advocates for a shift in government assistance, emphasizing temporary aid for those truly in need and promoting work over dependency. This stands in contrast to recent trends under the Biden administration, which have moved away from prioritizing work requirements. 

Lastly, Cline calls for increased taxpayer involvement, citing successful local initiatives such as the Feeding Southwest Virginia mobile marketplace that leverages food-stamp and EBT cards for fresh produce access. He also highlights a Virginia tax credit for farmers contributing to local food banks, emphasizing community-driven solutions. Through this multifaceted approach, Cline seeks to rein in wasteful government spending, promote self-reliance, and encourage localized decision-making.

A study from the Cato Institute, released on March 23, highlights a remarkable rise in federal spending, surging from $4.45 trillion in 2019 to an astonishing $6.21 trillion in 2023, marking a 40 percent increase in just four years, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office.