Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman James R. Walkinshaw's (VA-11) bipartisan legislation to name a United States Postal Service facility in Fairfax, Virginia in honor of the late Congressman Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, whose decades of public service transformed Northern Virginia and inspired generations of public servants.

The legislation designates the USPS facility located at 10660 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the "Congressman Gerald E. 'Gerry' Connolly Post Office Building."

“Gerry Connolly served Fairfax with every fiber of his being, and for more than a decade I had the privilege of serving as his Chief of Staff. I saw firsthand the intellect, integrity, and relentless commitment he brought to public service. He was a champion for federal workers, a courageous defender of democracy, and one of the most effective lawmakers of his generation. But to me, Gerry was a mentor, a best friend, and a formative figure in my life. Naming a post office in the heart of Virginia’s 11th District is a fitting tribute to a man who spent decades as a stalwart defender of the Postal Service and America’s postal workers. The broad bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation reflects the profound impact Gerry had across Virginia, our nation, and the world,” said Congressman Walkinshaw.

“Gerry cared deeply about the health of the postal system and for its employees. He would truly be honored to have this post office named after him,” said Smitty Connolly, Gerry Connolly’s wife.

Congressman Gerry Connolly's Legacy of Service

Gerry Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including five years as chairman. His leadership helped guide the county through a period of rapid growth and positioned Fairfax as a national model for smart planning, environmental stewardship, transit expansion, and affordable housing policy. He championed initiatives that were ahead of their time in addressing housing shortages, expanding the tree canopy, preserving open space, and advancing Washington Metro's Silver Line.

His local government experience informed a distinguished career in Congress, where he rose to become the Ranking Member of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He was widely regarded as one of Congress's most effective lawmakers and a respected advocate for good governance, infrastructure, the federal workforce, and the United States Postal Service. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized him as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House during the 117th Congress.

Connolly was also a statesman whose leadership extended well beyond the United States. As a two-time President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he was a fierce defender of transatlantic unity and democratic values. He presided over the Assembly's response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocated for the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO Headquarters, and supported the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance.

His international leadership, combined with decades of service in Fairfax County and Congress, reflects a legendary career defined by integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to democracy and public service.

Congressman Walkinshaw introduced the House legislation alongside Chairman James Comer (KY-01), earning broad bipartisan support from Members across the House, including Reps. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

The legislation now advances to the Senate, where U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) have introduced companion legislation. Following Senate passage, the bill will be sent to the President’s desk.

Read the full bill text here.

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