Dear Neighbor,
Recently, we learned that additional American service members were killed, bringing the total lost since the start of President Trump’s reckless war policies in Iran to 18. My heart is with their families, loved ones, and fellow service members. Every life lost is a devastating reminder that war carries a real and irreversible human cost.
This week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the war has already burned through $37.5 billion in taxpayer funds. Yet the American people still have not been presented with a clear strategy, exit plan, or diplomatic off-ramp. Instead, the House conservatives approved a budget framework that could unlock tens of billions more to fuel this dangerous war.
I voted no.
That package does nothing to lower the cost of groceries, housing, health care, or child care. Instead of pouring tens of billions more into this war, Congress should restore Affordable Care Act tax credits that helped millions of Americans afford coverage. Our service members deserve a strategy, taxpayers deserve accountability, and families deserve a Congress focused on lowering their costs.
I am also fighting to restore trust in government. A proposal recently advanced by House Republicans preserves stock-trading loopholes for Members of Congress, excludes the President and his family, and adds unrelated provisions that would make voting by mail more difficult. That is not real reform.
I support the Restore Trust in Government Act, which would ban individual stock trading by Members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children, the President, Vice President, and Cabinet officials.
No loopholes. No carve-outs. Public service should be about serving the public, not personal profit.
Even amid these national challenges, I remain laser-focused on delivering for Fairfax. This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to protect federal employees, service members, military families, first responders, and taxpayers.
You can read more about that work below. |
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Please continue reading below to learn more about how I’ve been serving you. |
For months, I have been working with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Paul Tonko, Don Beyer, and Eleanor Holmes Norton on bipartisan legislation to improve indoor air quality in federal buildings.
The recent wildfire smoke that pushed our region into dangerous Code Purple conditions only underscored the urgent need to act.
That is why we introduced the bipartisan Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act.
Our bill would require a comprehensive review of air quality and ventilation across federal buildings, identify deficiencies, and require agencies to develop concrete plans to address them. |
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Federal employees should never have to risk their health simply by showing up to work. This commonsense legislation will help modernize aging federal buildings, protect the public servants who keep our government running, and ensure the federal government leads by example in providing safe, healthy workplaces. |
Swatting is a dangerous hoax that weaponizes our emergency response system against innocent people. A single false report of an active shooter, hostage situation, or other violent emergency can send heavily armed officers to a family’s front door, putting residents and first responders at risk while diverting resources from real emergencies.
That is why Congresswoman Laurel Lee and I introduced the bipartisan Swatting Registry Best Practices Act. Our bill would help communities strengthen emergency response protocols and provide law enforcement with practical tools to identify and verify potential swatting incidents before they turn deadly.
These voluntary best practices would help protect families, first responders, privacy, and civil liberties. By helping dispatchers recognize potential hoaxes and respond with the best available information, we can make our communities safer while ensuring emergency resources are available for people who truly need them. |
Our service members and military families deserve safe, resilient installations that are prepared for every threat, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. Over the past decade, these hazards have caused more than $15 billion in damage to military bases, disrupting critical missions and wasting taxpayer dollars.
That is why Congressman James Moylan and I introduced the bipartisan Military Installation Readiness and Resilience Act. Our bill would require the Department of Defense to fully track the costs and effects of all natural disasters across military installations so it can identify the bases facing the greatest risks.
With better information, we can make smarter investments before disasters strike, protect the infrastructure our service members rely on, and prevent taxpayers from repeatedly paying for avoidable damage. This bipartisan legislation will help keep our Armed Forces safe, resilient, and ready to respond whenever our nation calls. |
Federal employees across Virginia work every day to protect our national security, support our communities, and deliver essential services. They should be hired and promoted based on their qualifications and dedication to public service, not political loyalty.
That is why Congresswoman Hillary Scholten and I introduced the Capping Appointed Positions (CAP) Act, alongside Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Our bill would set a reasonable limit on the number of political appointees a president can install throughout the federal government without Senate confirmation.
With the number of these appointees now at a record high, I am fighting to protect the professional, nonpartisan civil service our community and country depend on. The CAP Act would provide a commonsense check on presidential power, safeguard experienced career leadership, and ensure qualified public servants remain at the heart of our federal government. |
Fairfax County Recognized for Public Safety Innovation |
I was proud to see Fairfax County receive a 2026 National Association of Counties Achievement Award for its Drone as First Responder program, named Best in Category for Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
This countywide partnership brings together Fairfax County Police, Fire and Rescue, emergency communications, emergency management, and the Sheriff’s Office. By providing aerial information before responders arrive, the program improves situational awareness and supports faster, safer responses to missing persons, fires, medical emergencies, traffic crashes, and other critical incidents.
Congratulations to the dedicated county employees whose collaboration made this national recognition possible. Their work shows how thoughtful innovation can protect residents and first responders alike. In Congress, I will continue supporting investments that help local public safety agencies respond effectively and keep our communities safe. |
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Expanding Child Care Options for Fairfax Families |
Fairfax County is expanding Beyond the Bell, a school-age child care program that provides supervised care and activities for elementary school students before and after the school day. Operated by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, the program will expand to 21 additional elementary schools during the 2026–27 school year.
Beyond the Bell is gradually replacing the School Age Child Care program and is intended to reduce waitlists while giving more families access to affordable, safe, and engaging care. The phased transition is expected to reach all participating schools by the 2029–30 school year.
Families can visit the county’s website to find participating schools and enrollment information. In Congress, I will continue working to lower child care costs and expand access to dependable care for working families. |
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I joined community members at the United Christian Parish for a “Good Trouble”
Voting Rights Town Hall. We discussed the challenges facing voters, the importance of safeguarding free and fair elections, and how every citizen can stay engaged in our democracy.
I’m grateful to everyone who attended, shared their experiences, and asked thoughtful questions. In Congress, I will continue working to protect access to the ballot and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard. |
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I joined students, families, volunteers, and community partners at the sixth annual Edu-Futuro Family Day. During the event, we celebrated 79 graduates of the Emerging Leaders Program who collectively earned nearly $10 million in college scholarships.
It was a pleasure to speak with families about the importance of educational access, mentorship, and leadership development. In Congress, I will continue working to expand opportunities for students and ensure families can access the resources they need to succeed. |
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I met with students from the Korean American Next Generation Council following their visit to the U.S. Capitol. We discussed civic engagement, public service, and how young people can use their voices to strengthen their communities.
I enjoyed hearing their perspectives and answering their thoughtful questions about my work in Congress. I will continue working to ensure young people from every background have opportunities to participate in our democracy and help shape our country’s future. |
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I joined students, families, and community members at George Mason University for the Kimmy Duong Foundation’s annual scholarship award ceremony. It was a pleasure to recognize this year’s recipients and celebrate their academic achievements.
I encouraged each student to pay it forward through service and help open doors for those who follow. In Congress, I will continue working to expand educational opportunities and help ensure every student has the chance to reach their full potential. |
James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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