• The average American family is paying more than $2,500 extra this year because of Trump's tariffs.
• Households are expected to spend $740 more on gas this year.
• Electric bills have climbed as much as 13 percent nationally, and natural gas prices are up 12 percent.
• Grocery costs rose more than $300 for the average family last year.

And then there is the dangerous, unnecessary, and unauthorized war in Iran. 

Trump went to war with Iran without presenting Congress or the American people with a clear strategy, defined objectives, or an honest accounting of the risks involved. More than 10,000 additional U.S. troops are being deployed to the Middle East before the end of this month, and the questions that should be answered before that scale of deployment have not been answered. 

That is unacceptable. I will continue pressing for answers and fighting to rein in his dangerous wartime policies.
 
The economic squeeze on working families, made worse by a military escalation without a coherent strategy, represent serious failures of leadership. And his failed policies have been accompanied by comments from President Trump that many Americans, regardless of ideology, have found deeply disturbing, including his comment to annihilate an entire civilization. 

I will not revisit each of those comments here, but taken together, they have raised profound concerns that can no longer be dismissed.

All of it has led me to a conclusion I don't reach lightly.

I've begun pursuing, alongside colleagues in Congress, the process outlined in Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, which allows Congress to establish an independent commission to assess a president's fitness to serve. 

I want to be honest: this is an incredibly difficult path, one that faces real obstacles and would require broad bipartisan support to move forward. 

But even if this is an uphill battle, I don’t think these concerns can be left unaddressed.

I will keep fighting to protect Northern Virginia, using every tool available to push back against harmful policies.

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.

Special Note: After June 4, 2026, official House rules will require me 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 Northern Virginia, please click here to make sure you’re subscribed.

This week, I stepped up the pressure and escalated oversight of OPM after the agency failed to fully answer my original inquiry into staffing losses fueling delays in federal retirement processing.

Too many federal retirees are being left in administrative limbo, unable to reach HR offices, unsure when their benefits will be processed, and still waiting on the benefits they earned after years of public service. For many, the process has become a maze of unanswered questions, long delays, and no clear path to resolution.

That is unacceptable. 

Federal employees who dedicated years, and in many cases decades, to serving the American people should not be left in the dark when it comes time to access the retirement benefits they earned.

I will keep pushing for answers, demanding accountability, and fighting to make sure federal retirees get the benefits and responsiveness they deserve.

On January 29, 2025, Flight 5342 crashed and 67 lives were lost. It was a tragedy that shook our region and our country, and one that demanded a real response from Congress.

The families of those lost have turned unimaginable grief into purposeful action. They have shown up, spoken out, and pushed Congress to do better. 

I was proud to vote for the ALERT Act and help pass it out of the House, and I was glad to do it in their honor.
 
This is a strong bipartisan step in the right direction. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan spirit to ensure the ALERT Act contains the enforcement necessary to drive real, lasting change in aviation safety.

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This week I rappelled down the Google building in Reston as part of the National Military Intelligence Foundation's Over the Edge event, which supports student scholarships and programs honoring our intelligence professionals.

Turns out there are easier ways to show your commitment to national security, but few quite as memorable.

I also had the chance to share an update on how I have been fighting to strengthen America's national security through my work on the Homeland Security Committee.   

In Congress, I will continue fighting for the intelligence and national security workforce that our region and our country depend on.

Some things are worth going out on a ledge for.

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It was an honor to join the Vienna Little League’s Opening Day to share with parents a little bit about my work in Congress and listen to their concerns. 

I even had an opportunity to throw the first pitch as we celebrated 75 years of community, teamwork, and tradition. Vienna Little League has helped shape generations of young athletes, built lifelong friendships, and brought families together in a way that continues to make our community proud.

Through my work in Congress, I will keep supporting the families, schools, and community institutions that help young people grow, succeed, and thrive here in VA-11.

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April is the Month of the Military Child, and I was honored to join Springfield VFW Post 7327 and the incredible students at Garfield Elementary School, a Purple Star School, to recognize our military-connected students and reflect on the courage, integrity, and bravery they show every day.

Military children make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country, often attending multiple schools and enduring their guardians’ long deployments as their families answer the call to serve.

I will keep fighting to support military families and deliver the resources our schools and communities need to help these students succeed.

Celebrating National Library Week in Fairfax County

Fairfax County is home to one of the best public library systems in the country, and National Library Week is a good reminder of how important these public resources are to our community. Fairfax County Public Library does so much more than lend books. It helps children build a love of reading, gives families access to educational tools and programming, and connects residents of all ages to skills, technology, and services that can change lives.

This year’s National Library Week theme, “Find Your Joy,” celebrates the many ways libraries help people learn, grow, and connect. From storytimes and language classes to MakerLabs, online courses, and the Library of Things, our libraries continue to open doors for people across Fairfax County.

As I continue my work in Congress, I will keep fighting to support public education and protect the community resources that help families succeed. I encourage everyone to take time this week to visit a local branch, thank a library worker, and celebrate a public institution that makes our community stronger.

Click here to learn more about how to celebrate National Library Week.

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Scam Jam 2026 to Offer Tips on Avoiding Fraud

Older adults, caregivers, and families are invited to attend Scam Jam 2026 on Thursday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center for a free event focused on preventing scams and fraud.

Co-hosted by Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program, the event will feature expert presentations on common scams, including romance scams, financial fraud, and the growing use of AI by scammers, along with a resource fair offering information on how to protect personal and financial information.

The event comes as fraud continues to rise nationwide. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024.

Advance registration is encouraged.

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A Fairfax Tradition Returns This Weekend

Fairfax County’s farmers markets are one of the best examples of what makes our community special. They connect families with fresh, locally grown food, support regional farmers and small producers, and create welcoming spaces where neighbors can gather and connect. The Fairfax County Park Authority operates 10 producer-only farmers markets across the county, featuring vendors from within roughly 125 miles of Fairfax County who sell what they grow or make themselves.
 
The Burke Farmers Market kicks off this Saturday, April 18, and runs from 8 a.m. to noon. It is a great community hub and a reminder that strong local institutions can support both family budgets and local businesses at the same time. 

As I continue my work in Congress, I will keep supporting the local resources, small producers, and community spaces that help Northern Virginia families thrive.