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I want to hear directly from you: Should Congress enact common-sense reforms to ICE like requiring body cameras and banning masks?
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Dear Neighbor,
While the rest of the federal government is funded, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently in a shutdown as Congress works to reach an agreement on reforms to strengthen accountability in immigration enforcement and rein in the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies.
I am urging my conservative colleagues to work with us to protect communities across the nation and avoid further bloodshed.
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We should not have to choose between funding the government and protecting our neighbors. We can and must do both. I do not want another person in this country to be harmed or fatally shot like Renee Good and Alex Pretti because of reckless federal policies. That cannot become the norm.
That is why I am fighting for common-sense reforms to DHS enforcement, including:
- Requiring judicial warrants
- Mandatory body cameras
- No masked, unidentified federal officers
- Independent criminal and civil investigations
- An end to roving patrols
- A ban on targeting sensitive locations like houses of worship, hospitals, polling places, and schools
- An end to racial profiling
- Real professional standards for DHS agents
On top of these reforms, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must also step down, be fired, or be impeached. As this shutdown continues, my focus is on ending it as quickly as possible while securing reforms that keep families safe.
On another note, I also joined a regional effort this week to demand transparency and a long-term response after a disastrous sewage spill into the Potomac River. The Potomac is not just a landmark. It is a lifeline for our region. It helps supply drinking water for millions of people, supports local jobs and recreation, and sustains a vital ecosystem that belongs to all of us.
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I am grateful to the crews and contractors who have been working around the clock in brutal winter conditions to contain the spill and begin repairs. Their work reflects public service at its best.
I remain deeply concerned about the public health and environmental impacts on communities across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Families deserve clear, verified information about water safety, ongoing testing results, and what comes next. That is why I pushed for frequent public updates, continued monitoring through the spring and summer, regular public briefings with real community engagement, and a comprehensive environmental assessment and remediation plan that matches the scale of this incident.
According to Fairfax Water, there is no threat to our drinking water as the break occurred downstream of the source that provides much of the drinking water to Fairfax. But I encourage you to visit their website and follow them for additional updates.
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.
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Yesterday, I was proud to host a Black History Month student conversation at Dr. Carter G. Woodson High School in Fairfax—celebrating Black excellence and highlighting pathways into public service.
Students asked thoughtful, probing questions about leadership, resilience, and how to build careers that make a difference. I also spoke to the students about my work in Congress.
I was honored to be joined by Bryan Hill, Fairfax County Executive, along with an extraordinary panel of leaders who shared their journeys:
- Joe Funderburke, a decorated retired U.S. Army Colonel and national security strategist who has advised senior levels of the U.S. government for more than 25 years.
- Roberta Tinch, Senior Vice President at Inova Health System and recognized among Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders.
- Pat Locke, a trailblazer from the first class of women graduates at United States Military Academy and widely cited as the first African-American woman graduate by Order of Merit.
- Tonya Poindexter, Board Chair of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, a 21-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a champion for Black-owned businesses across our region.
Most importantly, the student leaders from Woodson’s Black Student Union helped shape the conversation and brought real energy to the room.
Yesterday’s conversation was a reminder that the future of Fairfax is bright.
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Last week, I welcomed House Oversight Democrats to Fairfax to speak about our work in Congress and learn how the Trump administration’s DOGE policies have impacted families here at home.
We heard directly about public services being weakened, honorable public servants being pushed out unconstitutionally, and taxpayers being left to pick up the tab.
This was about putting the experiences of Virginia families and federal workers on the record and demanding accountability for reckless decisions that are hurting our region and hurting the government’s ability to deliver for the taxpayers.
Our civil servants are resilient, mission-driven, and committed to upholding the Constitution. We are fighting for the people harmed by DOGE policies, and we will rebuild an even stronger federal workforce.
If you were unable to attend, you can watch the full hearing here.
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On Saturday, February 28, 2026, I will be hosting a Constituent Services Fair from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035).
This event is designed to connect Fairfax residents directly with government agencies and community organizations that can assist with federal, state, and local services. My goal is to make sure constituents have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to navigate government programs and address their concerns.
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives who can provide assistance with issues such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration services, housing support, and other essential programs.
This is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, learn about available services, and receive personalized assistance in one convenient location.
As always, my office is here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at (703) 256-3071.
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High school students in Virginia’s 11th District can have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a full year. I’m inviting students to enter the Congressional Art Competition, with entries due Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
From the murals and monuments that define our cities to the paintings, photographs, and music that have shaped history, the arts have always been one of America’s greatest voices. They capture who we are, challenge us to see the world differently, and connect us across cultures and generations. I want the next chapter to include the creativity and talent of students right here in Northern Virginia.
The competition is open to all VA-11 high school students, including public, private, and homeschool students. Students may submit up to two pieces, including artwork from an existing portfolio. For rules and the application, visit my website, or call my office at (703) 256-3071.
All entries will be exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton from March 7 to March 15, 2026.
For additional rules and regulations, and to complete this year’s application, click here.
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Congress on Your Corner is one of my favorite ways to serve VA-11 because it allows me to hear directly from you. We bring our team into the community, meet people where they are, and help neighbors cut through federal red tape. We hosted another one at the Jim Scott Community Center, and it was a reminder that, for us, constituent service is not a slogan. It is a commitment.
If you are dealing with the Social Security Administration, Medicare, veterans benefits, passports, immigration casework, or any federal agency, my office is here to help you get answers and move your case forward.
If you were unable to attend, no worries. You can still reach out to my office anytime for assistance.
Thank you to the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services team at Jim Scott for hosting and for the work you do every day to support families in our community.
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It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of former Fairfax County Supervisor Michael R. Frey.
Michael represented the Sully District on the Board of Supervisors from 1991 to 2015. Over the years, I saw his leadership and commitment to Fairfax up close—he was well-loved across our community and known as a kind, compassionate public servant who focused on results.
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Michael was a lifelong advocate for animals and wildlife, and helped strengthen the Fairfax County Animal Shelter—supporting the renovation of the West Ox Road Shelter (later renamed in his honor) and the construction of the Lorton Shelter. He also championed youth and community sports, regularly showing up for Westfield High School football and George Mason basketball, and supporting the Southwest Youth Association so young people could learn teamwork and leadership. He gave his time to countless community causes, from pediatric cancer fundraisers to the Centreville Immigration Forum.
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Michael will be deeply missed. Please join me in honoring his legacy of service and the lasting impact he made on Fairfax County.
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I joined the Director of the National Air and Space Museum for a tour of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, and a discussion about the museum’s future.
Udvar-Hazy is a Northern Virginia treasure that preserves history while inspiring STEM learning and innovation in aerospace and aviation.
In Congress, I’m working to ensure institutions like this have the support they need to educate students, welcome families, and keep our region leading the way.
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I appreciated the opportunity to visit MITRE last week. It was powerful to see firsthand how their work supports our nation’s security, prosperity, and technological leadership.
In Congress, I’m focused on strengthening our national security and protecting critical systems, while supporting the innovation and workforce that keep Northern Virginia at the forefront of American technology.
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. These talented students created innovative apps that tackle real-world problems and bring meaningful benefits to VA-11 and beyond.
In Congress, I’m committed to expanding pathways into STEM and public service so more young people in Northern Virginia can turn their ideas into impact.
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I joined the Asian Community Service Center for its 17th Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at Luther Jackson Middle School.
This year’s theme, Filial Piety, was a powerful reminder that respect for elders and strong family traditions keep communities connected. In Congress, I’m fighting to make sure Northern Virginia’s diversity is honored and reflected in how we serve.
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Northern Virginia is at the forefront of modernizing the federal government. I appreciated the opportunity to visit Salesforce to hear about their growing presence in our region and to take part in a lively town hall with employees.
In Congress, I’m focused on strengthening the federal workforce and making government work better for the people we serve, with smart modernization that improves services and accountability.
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James Walkinshaw Member of Congress
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