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Do you think Republicans should negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government and lower health care costs?
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Dear Neighbor,
We are now in week four of the federal government shutdown — and still, extreme right-wing conservatives remain obsessed with policies that would cause health care premiums to skyrocket for 19,000 people in our district. They have conditioned reopening the government on allowing these harmful policies to move forward.
For too many of our neighbors, that would mean choosing between paying for health care or making sure their kids have dinner on the table — all while facing the possibility of losing health care coverage altogether.
No family should have to make that choice — and I’m fighting to make sure they don’t. |
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I’ve been at the Capitol daily since this shutdown began, working for Fairfax families and calling on my conservative colleagues to return to the table. It’s time they negotiate to reach a bipartisan solution that will reopen the government, prevent the health care crisis, and ensure federal workers are paid.
I will continue to work toward an agreement to reopen the government, protect federal workers, and reduce health care costs. |
In the meantime, my office has prepared a Shutdown Resource Guide to help you navigate this difficult period. My team and I are here for you — ready to answer questions, connect you to resources, and provide support.
I’m also out in the community regularly, hearing directly from Fairfax residents. If your organization, school, or neighborhood group is hosting an event, I’d love to hear from you. Staying connected helps me ensure your voices guide the work I do every day in Congress.
Make sure to follow me on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads to stay up-to-date! |
With health care choices front and center, I want to make sure every federal employee and retiree in our community has the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Open Season enrollment for federal employees and retirees begins November 10 and runs through December 8, 2025. To help you prepare, I will be hosting an Open Season Workshop on Saturday, November 1, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035).
We’ll be joined by a Federal Employees Health Benefits expert, along with health care vendors who can answer questions about plan options, coverage updates, and benefits for the year ahead.
This is a valuable opportunity to compare plans, learn about available options, and make informed choices during Open Season.
For more information on Federal Employee Health Benefits, visit OPM’s website. Details on dental and vision coverage are available here.
As always, my office is here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at (703) 256-3071. |
Last week, together with Ranking Member Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I requested an investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into what I believe are Vought’s violations of the Antideficiency Act. We made clear that any agency following this order would be breaking federal law and must report that violation to Congress.
The court’s ruling confirms what we’ve said all along. But even with this win, I’ll keep fighting until the government reopens, every federal worker is paid, and those responsible for attacks on our federal workforce are held accountable. |
(Learn more about my work to fight for federal workers by clicking the video above) |
The attacks on our federal workforce are happening nationwide, not just here in Northern Virginia. Nearly 80 percent of federal employees live and work outside our region, serving communities in every corner of the country. That is why, last week, I took action to demand accountability and protect the integrity of our government.
I demanded that the federal Inspectors General conduct investigations into the wasteful and unconstitutional workforce reductions ordered by Donald Trump and OMB Director Russ Vought. These chaotic firings have slowed veterans’ benefits, wasted taxpayer dollars, and weakened agencies’ ability to prevent fraud and abuse. Federal workers are nurses, scientists, and veterans’ claims processors who keep our country running, not political pawns to be used for leverage.
I also joined Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) in leading several of my House colleagues in urging the State Department Inspector General to investigate the reckless dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the firing of all 10,000 USAID personnel. USAID has been a cornerstone of American leadership for more than 60 years, helping deliver food aid, strengthen democracy, and respond to global crises. Eliminating it without a plan is not reform. It is reckless mismanagement that puts lives at risk and wastes millions in taxpayer resources.
Whether it is fighting unconstitutional firings here at home or standing up for the federal workers who serve our nation across the country, my message is the same. Our government must serve the people, not political agendas. I will keep pushing for full accountability and transparency every step of the way so that the American public continues to receive the services and support they depend on. |
Last week, I visited Elden Street Tea Shop in Reston to hear how the health care crisis will impact small businesses and working families.
We met a mother whose adult child will lose Medicaid coverage because of looming cuts stemming from the so-called Big Beautiful Bill and a part-time employee and college student who won’t be able to afford coverage if Congress fails to extend ACA premium credits. Their stories highlight what is at stake for families across Fairfax and across Virginia.
In Congress, I am fighting to protect affordable health care, defend Medicaid, and reopen the government. It is time for conservatives to return to work and join us in delivering real solutions for the American people. |
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It was inspiring to join neighbors in Reston for the Northern Virginia Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
In Congress, I’m committed to increasing support for Alzheimer’s research and ensuring caregivers have the resources they need to care for loved ones with dignity. |
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I spent Saturday afternoon connecting with neighbors at Fairfax City’s 49th Annual Fall Festival.
I had the chance to speak with constituents about how I am fighting in Congress to strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and keep Fairfax thriving. |
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This Saturday, October 18, at 9:00 a.m., the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office will host the Third Annual Climate Action Conference at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
This year’s theme, “Teaming Up to Restore and Protect Healthy Waterways,” will feature a keynote by Anna-Marie Laura, Director of Climate Policy at the Ocean Conservancy.
Join me and fellow Fairfax families at this half-day event to explore how climate change impacts our waterways—from the Chesapeake Bay to local streams—and how residents can take action!
Register online here. |
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James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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