House Republicans reflected on their legislative achievements in 2025 and outlined priorities for the coming year during interviews with the Washington Reporter. Thirteen members participated in a media row on Tuesday, sharing perspectives on recent policy changes and leadership.
Rep. Ben Cline (R., Va.) commented on the differences between Congress under President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, describing it as “a sea change in an approach to government.” Cline has represented Virginia’s 6th district in Congress since 2019, following his tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2018. He was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1972 and resides in Fincastle.
Several lawmakers highlighted the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) as a key accomplishment for the year. Rep. Tracey Mann (R., Kansas) said, “Without question, the country is a lot better off than when 2025 started. The border is secure thanks to President Trump and House Republicans. Getting the One Big, Beautiful Bill passed and signed into law was important not just for now but for the future.”
The OBBB included provisions such as no taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. Rep. Mark Harris (R., N.C.) referenced advice from Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), stating: “‘if you ever get discouraged, just remember that there were more conservative victories than folks can even imagine in the One Big, Beautiful Bill.’”
Rep. Mark Alford (R., Mo.) emphasized constituent services as a point of pride: “the work that our constituent services team has done, returning more than $8 million to taxpayers that the federal government was holding on to.” He added: “We helped seniors, veterans, my staff was working tirelessly during the government shutdown without pay to make sure they are servicing our constituents and giving them concierge service, which we’ve been dedicated to from the beginning,” Alford said. “A lot of things grind slowly on Capitol Hill, but overall, what I’m most proud about is looking at what our team has done in our district.”
Many lawmakers credited President Donald Trump’s administration along with Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) for guiding major legislation through Congress.
Cline holds degrees from Bates College and earned his JD from the University of Richmond.