The cease fire announced this week is ill-defined and tenuous, with the hard-line regime in Tehran retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. 

It is past time for Congress to act. 

That is why I am calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back into session immediately so we can vote on a War Powers Resolution and reassert our constitutional authority. We need a vote to end this dangerous, expensive war, and we only need a handful of DC conservatives to find the courage to join us so we can rein in the President's harmful policies. 

While Trump’s war policies fuel instability abroad, Virginians are paying the price here at home. The DHS shutdown drags on, gas prices have skyrocketed, and the cost of living remains out of control.

At a moment when the American people are enduring an onslaught of economic pain, global instability, and government dysfunction, conservative leadership left Washington for a two-week recess.

President Trump pledged to bring gas prices below $2 a gallon, but since his war with Iran began on February 28, gas prices have surged above $4 a gallon. Last month alone, Virginia drivers spent $253,661,442 more on gas than they did before the war, adding even more strain on family budgets already stretched by rising costs and economic chaos.

Instead of lowering costs for working families, Trump’s proposed FY2027 budget doubles down on the war spending — while slashing child care, health care, heating assistance, medical research, and the basic support families need to get ahead.

At the same time, more than 33,000 Virginians have already lost affordable health coverage after DC conservatives and the Trump administration did not pass a law to extend the critical Affordable Care Act tax credits, and thousands more families are expected to lose coverage in the weeks ahead.

Virginia families cannot afford more chaos, more war, or more failed leadership. That is why, this morning, I stood with House Democratic colleagues on the Capitol steps to demand immediate action to end this war and restore Congress’ constitutional authority.

Congress may not be in session, but I am here and ready to work.

I will continue fighting tooth and nail to end this madness, rein in these dangerous, unnecessary wartime policies, and do everything in my power to make life more affordable for Virginians.

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.

Federal workers deserve leaders who will stand up for them, and I am proud to be leading that fight alongside my fellow co-chairs, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Steny Hoyer.

As co-chair of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus, I am leading the fight against ongoing attacks on the federal workforce. Most recently, we called out Trump’s proposed FY2027 budget, which would freeze pay for federal civilian employees and make deep cuts to agency budgets that would weaken the workforce and undermine the services Americans rely on every day.

I have been clear that a pay freeze is unacceptable, especially after last year’s 1% pay raise failed to keep up with inflation. At a time when federal workers are already under pressure, freezing pay would make it even harder to recruit and retain the skilled public servants who process benefits, protect national security, and keep our government running.

That is why, earlier this year, I introduced the FAIR Act, which would provide a much-needed 4.1% pay increase. 

Opportunities with Fairfax County Public Schools

If you or someone you know is passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of students, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hosting an in-person instructional job fair this Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke.

This is a great opportunity to connect with school leaders, learn more about FCPS school communities, and even interview on-site for teaching opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year. FCPS is looking for talented educators who are committed to student engagement and ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.

Registration is required to attend, and applicants should also apply online for available instructional opportunities. For more information, including registration details and licensure requirements, prospective candidates can visit FCPS’ website. 

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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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Fairfax County Park Authority Honored for Supporting Future Leaders

I encourage anyone interested in these opportunities to learn more about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s internship programs.

Recognizing Volunteers Who Strengthen Our Parks

These awards are a meaningful way to recognize the people and groups who go above and beyond.

Nominations are open through Friday, May 22. Learn more here.