Dear Neighbor,
“How many more dads have to die?”
That is what Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s sons asked when I met with them in Houston. I looked into their eyes and saw what President Trump’s mass deportation policies leave behind: families grieving, communities fearful, and serious questions unanswered.
I traveled to Houston with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and my Democratic colleagues on the House Homeland Security Committee to hear directly from families affected by ICE’s actions. I went to listen, bring their stories back to Washington, and make sure their calls for justice are not ignored.
I have joined nearly 200 Members of Congress in demanding independent investigations into the deaths of Mr. Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero, two fathers who were reportedly not the targets of the ICE operations in which they were killed. We are also demanding that witnesses be protected from deportation proceedings so they can share what they saw without fear and help investigators establish the truth.
Families deserve answers, not an agency investigating itself behind closed doors. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I will keep pressing for independent investigations, full transparency, and real accountability. |
Accountability also means making government work for the people it serves. Here at home, I am proud to share an important milestone: my office has returned more than $10 million to constituents and businesses across Virginia’s 11th District.
That number represents real relief for people across our community. It can mean months of back pay finally reaching a veteran, Social Security or retirement benefits restored to a family, a delayed tax refund arriving when it is needed most, or a local business finally receiving federal assistance it was owed.
When you are stuck in gridlock with the federal government, a call or message to my office can be the first step toward getting your case moving. My team can help navigate the bureaucratic red tape, communicate with the appropriate agency, and advocate for a fair and timely review. |
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While we cannot guarantee a particular outcome, we can promise that we will go to bat for you. If you are having trouble with a federal agency, please contact my office. We are here to listen, advocate, and do everything we can to help.
As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to represent Virginia’s 11th District. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and I hope you enjoy this week’s update. |
I am especially proud that the package includes my legislation requiring IVF coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The federal government should lead by example and ensure federal employees can access the fertility care they need to build their families. |
Deciding when and how to start a family is deeply personal. That decision should belong to families, not politicians. I will keep working with my colleagues to protect IVF and bring the hope of parenthood within reach for more Americans. |
Federal employees who serve the American people should be judged on their work, not their politics. They should not have to fear losing their jobs without notice, an opportunity to respond, or the right to appeal.
That is why Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Steny Hoyer, and I, the co-chairs of the Federal Workforce Caucus, led our colleagues in filing a brief with a federal appeals court defending longstanding civil service protections.
The case began after two immigration judges were fired in 2025 without the safeguards Congress established for federal employees. The Merit Systems Protection Board then ruled that the attorney general has the constitutional authority to remove them at will — a decision that, if it stands, could reach far beyond immigration judges and put similar protections at risk for federal workers across the government.
Our brief asks the court to reverse that ruling and uphold Congress’ authority to protect the merit-based civil service. These safeguards help ensure career public servants can do their jobs without facing arbitrary or politically motivated removal. Federal workers are our neighbors, friends, and family members. I will keep working with Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Hoyer, and our colleagues to defend their rights and protect a professional federal workforce that serves the American people. |
Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma should not be left waiting for answers that could affect their access to health care, housing, education, and other benefits they have earned.
That is why I introduced the bipartisan Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act with Congressman James Moylan. Our legislation would help veterans receive more timely consideration when seeking a review of their discharge status.
I am pleased to share that the House passed our bill this week as part of the annual defense bill.
The House also passed my amendment to help the Department of Defense adopt trusted cybersecurity technology more quickly. Right now, technology that has already passed a rigorous federal security review can face another lengthy Pentagon review. My amendment directs the Department to test a more efficient process that reduces unnecessary duplication while maintaining strong security standards.
These measures are not yet law, but House passage brings them one step closer. I will keep working to support our veterans, protect taxpayers, and ensure our military has the tools it needs to keep our country safe. |
A big thank you to our outstanding summer interns for their hard work, energy, and commitment to serving Fairfax. From assisting neighbors with federal agencies in our District Office to supporting our legislative work in Washington, they made valuable contributions while gaining firsthand insight into how Congress serves the people.
Interested in joining our team this fall? Interns can build practical skills, contribute to the work of a congressional office, and see how public service makes a difference in people’s lives.
Visit my website to learn more and apply. |
Enjoy Free Live Music at the Government Center |
Make the most of these summer evenings with free, family-friendly live music at the Fairfax County Government Center. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy one of the final two performances in this year’s Evenings on the Ellipse concert series on August 6 and August 13.
Concerts run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. In case of inclement weather, call 571-202-SHOW (7469) for updates before heading out.
View the full schedule and learn about the performers here. |
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Share Your Input on Virginia’s Energy Future |
The choices Virginia makes about energy will affect electricity bills, grid reliability, economic growth, and our environment for years to come. The Commonwealth is developing its 2026 Virginia Energy Plan, a roadmap for meeting Virginia’s growing energy needs over the next decade while working toward an affordable, reliable, and resilient energy future.
Virginia residents are invited to help shape the plan by completing a brief public survey. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and closes Friday, July 31. Learn more and share your input. |
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Fresh Produce Benefits Available for Fairfax Seniors |
Fairfax residents age 60 and older who meet income guidelines may qualify for a one-time $50 benefit to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from participating farmers at local farmers markets.
Applications are open through September 30, but enrollment is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved participants have through November 30 to use the benefit.
Check your eligibility and apply here. |
I joined Specially Adapted Resource Centers’ (SPARC) National Summit at George Washington University to discuss how adults with severe and multiple disabilities can live with greater dignity, independence, and opportunity across our region.
Hearing from self-advocates, families, caregivers, and health care professionals reinforced why Congress must strengthen accessibility and support the services people with disabilities rely on. Thank you to SPARC and everyone who brought this important conversation together. |
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I was glad to help open the McLean Community Players’ performance of 1776 as our country marks its 250th anniversary.
Watching the debates that shaped our nation unfold on stage was especially meaningful to me as a Member of Congress. It was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we inherit to keep working toward the promise of our democracy.
Thank you to the cast and crew for bringing this history to life for our Fairfax community. |
James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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