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Do you think Trump should work with Democrats to end the shutdown and lower health care costs?
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Dear Neighbor,
This is now the longest government shutdown in U.S. history — and D.C. conservatives remain on taxpayer-funded paid vacation.
Throughout the shutdown, I’ve been showing up at the Capitol to urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to return to Washington, sit down with Democrats, and reach a bipartisan agreement that addresses skyrocketing health care costs, protects federal workers, and reopens the government.
Right-wing leaders refuse to come to the table unless their devastating health care cuts move forward. But my Democratic colleagues and I remain focused on protecting the well-being of Fairfax families.
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It’s time for President Trump to meet with Congressional leadership and end this shutdown. As I have said since the eve of the shutdown, I remain ready to work across the aisle to reopen government, pay our federal workers, and protect the health and budgets of Fairfax families.
As this shutdown continues, my office remains ready to serve you. Our Shutdown Resource Guide includes a detailed list of frequently asked questions and additional information that is helpful as families navigate this time.
Make sure to follow me on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads to stay up-to-date!
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Today, I shared the story of Jack, a young constituent from Fairfax, during a Steering and Policy Committee hearing on the impact of the ongoing shutdown and rising health care costs.
Jack and his wife recently married and are expecting their first child this month.
They’re doing everything right — working hard, budgeting carefully, and preparing for their baby’s arrival — yet rising prices have made even basic necessities a strain.
When they logged on to renew their Affordable Care Act coverage, they were stunned to see that their monthly premium will double next year. To make ends meet, Jack had to make a terrible decision: he’ll go without insurance next year so his wife and baby can stay covered.
No family should have to decide who gets health insurance and who goes without. That’s why I’m fighting to stop these health care cuts and give families like Jack’s the peace of mind they deserve.
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Following my September visit to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Chantilly, I led a bicameral letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding that the administration reinstate the civil servants responsible for oversight of ICE detention centers. Senator Mark Warner and Representatives Don Beyer and Suhas Subramanyam joined me in this effort.
The Office of Detention Oversight (ODO) is charged with inspecting facilities, investigating abuse, and ensuring humane conditions for people in custody. During this shutdown, DHS furloughed the very staff responsible for preventing mistreatment and protecting human life — even though the law allows them to continue working under emergency exceptions.
At least twenty people have died in ICE custody since January. Furloughing oversight staff isn’t just misguided — it’s dangerous. That’s why I’m calling on DHS to immediately reinstate these critical oversight positions and restore accountability where it’s needed most.
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Last weekend, more than 200 federal employees and retirees joined our Annual Open Season Workshop to get clear answers and make confident health care decisions. It was an honor to continue this 11th district tradition and help families compare plans, understand new benefits, and prepare for Open Season.
We were joined by experts on the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and health care vendors who helped participants understand plan options, coverage updates, and benefits for the year ahead.
If you missed it, you can watch the full workshop below.
Open Season enrollment for federal employees and retirees runs from November 10 to December 8, 2025, so there’s still time to review your options – but don’t delay!
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Medicaid is a lifeline for countless children — and I’ll never stop fighting to protect it.
Thank you to the Little Lobbyists for stopping by my office to share how this lifeline supports countless children with complex medical needs. I’m proud to fight to save and strengthen Medicaid for every family who depends on it. ____________________________________________________________________
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Every Virginian deserves a safe, stable place to call home.
This week, we broke ground on Beacon Landing, which will soon provide 54 units of permanent supportive housing for our neighbors in need. The late Gerry Connolly was instrumental in helping The Lamb Center make this vision a reality.
I look forward to cutting the ribbon next year and will always fight to deliver affordable housing through my work in Congress.
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No one should ever go hungry, period.
This week, I joined community members and volunteers at the 33rd Burke/Fairfax CROP Hunger Walk to support the fight against hunger here at home.
As food insecurity rises, I’ll continue to use my voice to urge the Trump administration to fund SNAP fully.
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What’s happening? The federal government shutdown has delayed SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025. To help residents, the state has launched Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), providing emergency food support to households already enrolled in SNAP as of October 29, 2025.
How does VENA work?
Benefits were added to existing EBT cards as of November 3.
Payments for November will be issued weekly instead of monthly. Managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services
What should SNAP participants do? Check your EBT card balance before shopping using the ConnectEBT app, online, or by phone. Always protect your card and PIN.
Need help? Fairfax County offers resources for residents experiencing food or financial challenges, including Basic Needs Assistance (CSP) and an Emergency Food Access Map.
For full details on VENA, SNAP, and other resources, visit: New Guidance Provided to Cover November SNAP Benefits; What You Need to Know | News Center
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USA-01 USAR Deployment to Jamaica
What is USA‑01 USAR? The USA‑01 Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, based in Fairfax County, is a highly trained team that responds to disasters locally and internationally. The team specializes in search and rescue operations in collapsed structures and disaster zones, bringing expertise that helps both global communities and Fairfax County. In fact, this elite team is one of only two urban search and rescue teams in the country able to deploy internationally. While USA-01’s international missions were previously coordinated and supported through USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, they now operate under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, which provides the resources and coordination needed for overseas deployments. What’s happening in Jamaica? USA‑01 safely arrived in Kingston, Jamaica on October 30, 2025, where they were greeted by the Acting U.S. Ambassador. The team was deployed to assist with disaster response and humanitarian support efforts following recent emergencies in the region caused by hurricane Melissa. After setting up a base near the U.S. Embassy and meeting with Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) officials, the team is now conducting aerial reconnaissance to identify potential base camp sites and assess damage across the western portion of the island. These assessments will guide their upcoming rescue and support operations. Why it matters: This deployment demonstrates Fairfax County’s role in global disaster response while strengthening regional emergency capabilities. We are proud of this Task Force and wish them a safe and successful deployment.
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James Walkinshaw Member of Congress
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