Walkinshaw Slams Federal Shutdown, Calls Layoffs “Illegal”

Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to address the ongoing federal government shutdown, criticizing the Trump administration’s mass layoffs as illegal under the Anti-Deficiency Act. He highlighted the human impact, noting that critical opioid prevention programs and other essential services are being cut, particularly affecting communities in Northern Virginia and rural America. Walkinshaw also condemned efforts to dismantle the nonpartisan civil service, calling for compromise on healthcare and budget negotiations while pointing out the GOP’s reluctance to return to the Capitol.