Representative James Walkinshaw

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and were able to spend time with family and loved ones. A lot has happened since our last newsletter.

On January 3, President Trump authorized a military operation in Venezuela that included airstrikes and the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were taken to the United States to face criminal charges. Seven brave U.S. servicemembers were wounded and as many as 100 Venezuelans were killed.

This operation was a violation of the Constitution and the War Powers Act. Absent an imminent threat to the United States, the President is required to seek authorization from Congress before engaging in an act of war. I’m also deeply concerned that President Trump has said the United States will “run” Venezuela and that he is open to having American “boots on the ground” there.

In December, I voted for a measure that would have prevented President Trump from engaging in military actions connected to Venezuela. Unfortunately, it failed narrowly. Senator Kaine is currently moving a War Powers Resolution through the Senate that would prevent additional military action connected to Venezuela. I will support similar language in the House.

Yesterday, in Minnesota, a federal immigration enforcement agent shot and killed an unarmed mother, Renee Good. The video of the shooting is horrific and highlights both the brutality and the incompetence that typifies President Trump’s immigration enforcement policy agenda. Along with other Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee, I am demanding a hearing and full investigation into the shooting.

As we begin the new year, I’m hearing the same thing everywhere I go across Northern Virginia: families are feeling squeezed from every direction. Grocery prices remain too high. Utility bills keep climbing. And policies coming from the Trump administration are making the affordability crisis even harder to manage.

That’s why I’ve been pushing hard to restore the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired at the end of 2025. Since those credits lapsed, thousands of families in Fairfax have seen their health care premiums skyrocket, in some cases doubling or even tripling, simply because Washington failed to act in time.

I helped force a vote on this issue, and I’m glad the House took bipartisan action to advance an extension. Now the Senate must act. The reality is that Republican leadership could have addressed this before the holidays and spared families from sudden and painful premium shocks.

Please continue reading below to learn more about how I’ve been serving you.

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End-of-Year Report:

Representing Northern Virginia in Congress is an incredible honor. Since being sworn in on September 10, I have been working around the clock to keep you informed, understand your concerns, and fight for our community.

I'm most proud of the work we've done to engage with our community and solve problems that folks have with federal agencies. In just a few short months, we've worked with 706 constituents, assisting with everything from missing Social Security payments to IRS and immigration challenges. That has led to more than $335,033 earned benefits secured for our neighbors.

You can read the report here. If you need help with a federal agency contact us at 703-256-3071.

Protecting Federal Retirees in Fairfax

After a year of disruption tied to DOGE-driven workforce cuts, federal retirees are waiting too long for their earned benefits. That is why I pressed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for immediate action and a plan to reduce this backlog.

To learn more about my push for answers and action, click here.

And if you need assistance with an OPM issue, please contact my office at 703-256-3071.

Local News

Tech and Cyber Career Fair

If you or someone you know is looking for a new opportunity, I want to flag a strong local resource: the Tech and Cyber Career Fair hosted by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). This event is on January 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This annual event connects job seekers with employers in high-demand fields like technology and cybersecurity, with access to employers, live sessions, and career resources. It is a great option whether you are exploring a career change, sharpening your skills, or entering the workforce.

Virginia is a national leader in cybersecurity and workforce training, and Fairfax County is at the center of that momentum. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

You can learn more and register here.

Holiday tree recycling and drop-off options in Fairfax

A quick community reminder as you take down holiday decorations.

If you are a Fairfax County curbside trash-pick-up customer, natural Christmas trees will be collected for recycling through January 16, 2026. Please remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, and stands so your tree can be collected.

If you do not receive County trash service, please check the schedule for your private trash hauler.

If you prefer to drop your tree off, any Fairfax County resident can take a natural Christmas tree to the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex for an $11 fee. Please check each location’s website for operating hours.

One more tip: the County turns collected trees into mulch. You can pick up free mulch when it becomes available.

Tree lights can also be recycled year-round for free at electronic waste locations at I-66 and I-95.

Questions? Email trashmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 324-5230.

Yours in service,

James Walkinshaw

Member of Congress