Special Note: After June 4, 2026, official House rules will require us to send the Walkinshaw Weekly only to people who have subscribed to receive it. If you enjoy these updates on how I’m fighting for Virginia, please click here to make sure you’re subscribed.
Enews Sign Up  |  Visit My Website  |  View Online
Newsletter_2

Special Note: After June 4, 2026, official House rules will require us to send the Walkinshaw Weekly only to people who have subscribed to receive it. If you enjoy these updates on how I’m fighting for Virginia, please click here to make sure you’re subscribed.

 
 
 

Do you support Congress passing the Iran War Powers Resolution to end this unnecessary, dangerous war in Iran?

 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
No
 
 
 
Submit survey to sign up for updates.*
 

Dear Neighbor,


As Congress returns to session next week, one thing is clear: Trump’s war in Iran is now well past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act.


Beginning the withdrawal of U.S. military forces after that deadline passes is not optional.


It is a legal requirement meant to ensure that no President can drag our country into a prolonged conflict without authorization from Congress. 

Rep Walkinshaw
 

Yet more than 60 days later, the Trump administration still has not provided the American people with a clear mission, a defined strategy, or a credible plan to bring this war to an end.


The war has already carried a devastating cost. Thirteen servicemembers have been killed, hundreds have been injured, tens of billions in taxpayer dollars have been spent, and families are feeling the consequences through higher costs at the gas pump and beyond. President Trump promised to lower costs and end foreign wars. Instead, his war policies are putting our troops at risk, draining taxpayer dollars, and making life more expensive for the families I represent.


Here in Virginia, families are facing an average of $1,898 in additional basic living costs, including $441 more in housing costs and $382 more in transportation costs. In Virginia’s 11th district, families are also seeing an average $297 increase in electricity costs this year.


And now, in the latest slap in the face to hardworking Virginians, Senate Republicans have unveiled a reconciliation package that includes $1 billion connected to the White House ballroom project — even after President Trump promised Americans that “not one penny” of federal funding would be used.


Virginians do not need higher costs, an unauthorized war, or taxpayer dollars tied to a ballroom project. They need a government focused on peace, accountability, and making life more affordable.


As Congress returns to session next week, I will continue fighting to rein in these policies, restore Congress’ constitutional role in matters of war and peace, and force a vote to end this unauthorized war. We only need a few Republicans to join us — and I will keep working to build the pressure needed to bring our troops home and refocus Washington on the cost-of-living crisis facing families across Virginia.

Make sure to follow me on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads to stay up-to-date!
 
Please continue reading below to learn more about how I’ve been serving you.

 
 

Recognizing the Public Servants Who Keep Fairfax Running

 
 

During Public Service Recognition Week, I had the opportunity to thank some of the incredible public servants who keep Fairfax safe, healthy, and moving.


I visited with the dedicated teams working at our 9-1-1 call centers, waste transfer stations, and bus depots, where public servants do mentally and physically demanding work that too often goes unseen and unrecognized. 

EmployeeofMonth
 

Their work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day by families across our community.


Now more than ever, it is important that we recognize and appreciate the federal, state, and local public servants who serve our neighbors with professionalism and care.


Thank you to everyone who helps keep Fairfax thriving.

 
FireRescueDispatch
FairfaxConnector
 
 

Defending USDA Workers & the Families Who Rely on Food Assistance

 
 

Last week, I helped lead our National Capital Region Delegation in fighting back against the Trump administration’s USDA reorganization plan, which would move most employees working on food assistance and nutrition programs out of the region with only 30 days’ notice.


Let’s be clear: this is not about efficiency. It is a mass layoff and unconstitutional reorganization under the guise of relocation.


This reckless policy would force experienced USDA employees to choose between losing their careers or uprooting their families in weeks. It would also harm Americans who depend on SNAP, child nutrition programs, food safety operations, emergency management, research, and services that support farmers and families nationwide.


We have seen this before. During the first Trump administration, similar USDA relocations led to staffing losses, a major decline in experience, and reduced productivity. 


I won’t stand for that. 


As the Congressman for more than 50,000 federal workers in Virginia, I am helping lead the fight to stop this harmful relocation plan before it causes lasting damage. That is why I am supporting legislation like the Cost of Relocations Act, which would require a full cost-benefit analysis before federal agencies can be moved.


I will keep fighting to protect federal workers, defend the services families rely on, and stop reckless relocation policies that threaten USDA’s ability to serve the American people.

 
 

Apply for our 2026 Youth Leadership Council

 
 
YouthLeadership
 

Applications are now open for Virginia’s 11th District 2026 Youth Leadership Council!


This is an opportunity for high school students in grades 9–12 across VA-11 to join my team and me for conversations about leadership, public service, and the issues shaping their lives and communities.


Youth Leadership Council participants will have the chance to sharpen their leadership skills, learn more about how government serves our community, and help elevate the voices and perspectives of young people across Northern Virginia.


I’m excited to hear directly from the next generation of leaders and work with students who are ready to serve, learn, and make a difference.


Applications are due June 30 at 5:00 PM. Learn more and apply on my website.

 
 

You Don’t Have to Navigate the Federal Government Alone

 
 

Our office is here to help you navigate the federal government.


If you have a question, need help with a federal agency, or are not sure where to turn, please call us. My team and I can assist with issues involving Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, passports, immigration cases, federal retirement, the IRS, and more.


And if it is something within our purview, I promise you this: my office will go to bat for you.


While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we can help cut through red tape, make inquiries on your behalf, and work to make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.


If you need assistance with a federal agency, submit a casework request on my website. 

Mike
Casework
 
 

Standing Up for Rural Letter Carriers

 
 

Rural letter carriers are the backbone of our postal system. Too often, they don't get the recognition they deserve.


Across more than 80,000 routes nationwide, they function as a post office on wheels, selling stamps, accepting packages, and delivering to nearly 48 million homes and businesses. The average rural carrier drives 46 miles a day.


I recently had the honor of speaking at the National Rural Letter Carriers Association Legislative Conference, the association's biggest summit of the year, in front of nearly 200 postal and rural letter carrier leaders from across the country. I met with Jeff Bodle, President of Virginia's Rural Letter Carriers' Association, and shared an update on how I'm fighting for postal workers and rural letter carriers in Congress.


Their dedication to their communities continues to inspire that work.


Rural letter carriers show up every single day. Congress should fight for them every day.

 
RuralLetterCarriers
 
 

Bringing New Homes and Community Space to Annandale

 
 
Eastgate Square
 

I was glad to join community leaders in Annandale to break ground on Eastgate Square, helping bring a long-awaited vision for the neighborhood to life.


This project will add needed housing, support local businesses, and create welcoming community space for residents and families. It is the kind of thoughtful, community-centered development that can expand opportunity while strengthening the places people already call home.


As we work in Congress to lower costs and address the housing challenges facing Northern Virginia, projects like Eastgate Square show what is possible when local leaders, community partners, and residents work together.


I’m looking forward to seeing this project move forward and the positive impact it will have for Annandale.

 
 

Local News 

 
 

Learn About Building Safety, Permits, and Home Improvement Resources


Fairfax County’s first annual Building Safety Month Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Herrity Building, located at 12055 Government Center Parkway.


Hosted by Fairfax County Land Development Services, the resource fair will help residents learn more about building safety, permitting for home improvement projects, deck construction, inspections, and how to hire trustworthy contractors. County agencies will also be on site to share information and answer questions.


The event will include Building Permits 101 at 11:00 AM, Deck Details Bootcamp at 12:30 PM, storytime for children, Touch-a-Truck activities, snacks, and prizes.


Building codes and permits may not be the most exciting part of improving your home, but they play an important role in keeping families, workers, and communities safe. Whether you are planning a renovation, building a deck, or simply want to better understand the process, this fair is a great opportunity to get helpful information directly from county experts.


Residents can RSVP and learn more through Fairfax County Land Development Services.

 
Landuse

____________________________________________________________________

 

Rail Improvements Near Franconia-Springfield


The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Virginia Railway Express will be in the community on Tuesday, May 19, to share updates and answer questions about rail improvements occurring at and around the Franconia-Springfield station.


These projects include the Franconia to Lorton Third Track project and the Franconia-Springfield Bypass project, both of which are part of ongoing efforts to improve rail service, strengthen transportation infrastructure, and better connect communities across Northern Virginia.


Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay informed about upcoming work in their neighborhoods.


Windsor Estates
Corner of Windsor Avenue and Victor Gray Court
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
4:30–5:30 p.m.


Loisdale Estates
Sidewalk across from 6701 Jerome Street
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
5:45–6:45 p.m.

 
 

Walkinshaw in the Community

 
 

Housing Stability Is the Foundation of Opportunity


I was honored to join FACETS for FACETS by the River, a meaningful event celebrating the legacy of Linda Wimpey, whose founding vision helped build one of Fairfax County's most vital resources for neighbors facing homelessness and housing instability. It was also a chance to reflect on the late Congressman Gerry Connolly, who was a steadfast champion for FACETS and the families it serves throughout his time in Congress.


During the event, I shared updates on my work in Congress to defend and expand the federal resources communities like ours depend on to tackle homelessness and housing instability.


I'm proud to be a strong partner of FACETS and to carry that commitment forward in my own work — fighting for the resources and federal support that advocates, volunteers, and community leaders need to make sure our neighbors have the stability to move forward.

 
FACETS

____________________________________________________________________

 

Celebrating Students, Families, and Educators Who Make Fairfax Stronger


I was proud to join the Fairfax County Special Education PTA for their annual awards ceremony, where I shared updates on my work in Congress to strengthen support for special education and ensure Fairfax schools have the federal resources they need.


This year's awards featured more than 200 nominees — a remarkable reflection of the parents, teachers, specialists, and school staff who go above and beyond for special education students and their families every day.


I'm committed to making sure advocates and educators across Fairfax County have the support they need to help every student learn, grow, and succeed.

 
PTA

____________________________________________________________________

 

Honoring the Next Generation of Community Leaders


I was proud to recognize the Scouts of Troop 869 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an extraordinary achievement built on years of service, perseverance, and leadership.


The path to Eagle Scout reflects a lasting commitment to making a difference, not just through individual hard work, but through service to neighbors and community.


Their example is a reminder that public service starts close to home. The same values these Scouts have shown, including responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others, are the values we need at every level of government.


Congratulations to the Scouts of Troop 869 on this well-earned honor. They are setting a powerful example for the next generation of leaders.

 
Troop869


Yours in service,

JRW_Final_Signature

James Walkinshaw

Member of Congress

Washington DC Office

2265 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC  20515

Phone: (202) 225-1492

 

Fairfax District Office

10680 Main Street

Suite 140

Fairfax, VA  22030

Phone: (703) 256-3071

Unsubscribe