“I’m grateful to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Steering and Policy Committee, and Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson for the opportunity to serve on this critical committee,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Fairfax is a global leader in cybersecurity, and this appointment gives our community a direct voice in shaping how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confronts evolving threats. As the Trump administration recklessly diverts resources toward an inhumane mass-deportation agenda, DHS must refocus on its core mission: stopping criminal networks, protecting critical infrastructure, and keeping families safe. I am committed to leading efforts to strengthen America’s cyber infrastructure and push back against the Trump administration’s partisan policies that weaken DHS’ ability to do its mission.”
“I welcome Congressman Walkinshaw to the Committee. We all look forward to working with him on issues critical to the nation – including ensuring the homeland is secure and conducting rigorous oversight of the administration, and also on issues important to his district – including the federal workforce,” said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson.
Rep. Walkinshaw enters the committee with a demonstrated commitment to cybersecurity, mission integrity, maintaining oversight of the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, and safeguarding the American people. During his first weeks in Congress, he demanded answers for the Trump administration’s decision to reassign DHS cybersecurity professionals for political purposes — a move that undermines the nation’s ability to secure critical infrastructure from escalating foreign threats.
Following reports of overcrowding and inhumane conditions at the ICE processing facility in Chantilly, Virginia, Congressman Walkinshaw conducted an oversight visit of the facility with his Virginia colleagues. He demanded answers about the mistreatment and reaffirmed that ICE must meet its legal obligation to ensure that anyone in its custody is treated safely, humanely, and in accordance with federal law. Congressman Walkinshaw also led a bicameral letter to Secretary Noem, urging her to reclassify ICE detention oversight personnel as excepted, that were furloughed during the government shutdown.
Congressman Walkinshaw is committed to emphasizing how vital DHS resources are being diverted away from core homeland-security missions and toward politically driven, potentially unlawful, immigration enforcement.
About the Committee: The Committee on Homeland Security was created by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. The Committee was first formed as a Select, non-permanent Committee to provide Congressional oversight over the development of the Department of Homeland Security. The Committee was made permanent when it was designated as a Standing Committee of the House on January 4, 2005, the first day of the 109th Congress.
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