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No matter our ideology or differences, threats and violence are never acceptable. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who acted quickly to protect lives.

Yesterday, I attended a confidential briefing with the Secret Service to learn more about this incident. While I cannot share much of what I learned, I can assure you that I am monitoring this situation closely and will be advocating for improvements to ensure safety.

Our democracy is under tremendous stress right now, and acts of violence only serve to weaken it further.
 
Protecting our democracy also means protecting every American’s right to participate in it freely, fairly, and safely. Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued a deeply troubling decision gutting key protections under the Voting Rights Act, a landmark civil rights law that has helped ensure Americans can participate equally in our democracy for sixty years.

The right to vote is fundamental. It should never depend on your race, your background, your ZIP code, or the community you call home. Every eligible American deserves an equal opportunity to cast a ballot and have their voice heard.

That is why, in my first days in Congress, I cosponsored legislation to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and restore critical protections for voters. I will continue fighting to ensure every eligible American can participate fully, fairly, and without discrimination.

This week’s newsletter includes updates on efforts to keep fentanyl out of our communities, deliver federal funding for NOVA’s Annandale Campus, and support the people and organizations that make Virginia strong.

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.

This investment will help replace aging underground utilities on campus and strengthen the learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Community colleges open doors for people at every stage of life, and I will keep fighting to bring federal dollars back to Virginia to support the institutions that help our community thrive.

Learn more about my visit to NOVA by reading Annandale Today’s article. 

Fentanyl has devastated families across the country, including here in Virginia. Too many have lost loved ones to a drug that is incredibly deadly in even the smallest amounts.

That is why I introduced the bipartisan Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act with Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas to strengthen how the Department of Homeland Security detects, deters, and seizes illicit fentanyl before it reaches our communities.

The bill would require DHS to establish clear performance goals, improve data-sharing across agencies, and make sure every part of the Department working to stop fentanyl trafficking is coordinated and accountable. Right now, federal watchdogs have found that DHS needs stronger tools to measure what is working, where gaps remain, and how resources should be directed.

This should not be a partisan issue. Families in every community deserve a federal response that is focused, effective, and worthy of the scale of this crisis.

I am proud that this bill is bipartisan and supported by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Stopping the flow of fentanyl will require coordination at every level of government, and I will continue working to make sure our federal agencies have the tools and accountability needed to protect our communities.

When hurricanes, pandemics, or other national emergencies hit, the federal government must move quickly to get relief where it is needed. But speed cannot come at the expense of accountability.

This week, I advanced an amendment in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to strengthen how federal agencies prevent fraud, improper payments, and waste tied to emergency relief funds.

My amendment would require agencies to complete a formal after-action review within 180 days, in consultation with their Inspector General. Agencies would have to determine whether fraud prevention controls worked, identify gaps, account for taxpayer dollars lost to improper payments, and lay out a plan to recover those funds.

Virginians work hard and pay their taxes. They deserve to know federal relief dollars are reaching the people and communities they are intended to help.

I will continue working to make government more effective, accountable, and worthy of the public’s trust.

Rail Improvements Near Franconia-Springfield

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Virginia Railway Express will be in the community on Tuesday, May 19, to share updates and answer questions about rail improvements occurring at and around the Franconia-Springfield station.

These projects include the Franconia to Lorton Third Track project and the Franconia-Springfield Bypass project, both of which are part of ongoing efforts to improve rail service, strengthen transportation infrastructure, and better connect communities across Northern Virginia.

Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay informed about upcoming work in their neighborhoods.

Windsor Estates
Corner of Windsor Avenue and Victor Gray Court
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
4:30–5:30 p.m.

Loisdale Estates
Sidewalk across from 6701 Jerome Street
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
5:45–6:45 p.m.

Celebrating the Arts in Fairfax

This week, I was proud to join neighbors for opening night of the 41st Spotlight on the Arts Festival in the City of Fairfax.

The evening featured inspiring artwork, outstanding performances, and the kind of community spirit that makes Fairfax so special. The arts help tell our stories, bring people together, support local economies, and strengthen our communities.

In Congress, I will continue supporting the cultural institutions that make our region vibrant.

Thank you to George Mason University, the City of Fairfax, and all the sponsors, artists, performers, and volunteers who make this festival possible.

Celebrating Earth Day in Reston

This week, I was proud to spend time with Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn and neighbors celebrating Earth Day in Reston.

At Lake Fairfax Park, hundreds of families and organizations joined the Fairfax County Park Authority for a fun, family-filled celebration of our shared commitment to protecting the environment. I had the opportunity to speak with community members about my work in Congress to protect clean air, clean water, and public lands for future generations.

I also joined the Reston Town Center Association, Reston Community Center, and Tephra ICA for the annual eARTh Day event, which highlighted the powerful connection between creativity, conservation, and community.

Virginia is fortunate to have neighbors, artists, advocates, and local leaders who understand that protecting our environment means protecting the places we love.

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Lorton Comes Together to Help Families Thrive

This week, I was thrilled to join the Lorton Community Action Center’s Nourishing Neighbors Gala, which brought our community together for a wonderful evening of connection and shared commitment to a meaningful cause.

LCAC’s work reflects the best of Virginia: neighbors helping neighbors and making sure families have access to the food, resources, and support they need to thrive.

In Congress, I will continue fighting to lower costs, strengthen community resources, and support the local organizations doing this important work every day.