Special Note: After today, Thursday, September 3, 2026, Congressional rules will require us to send the Walkinshaw Weekly only to people who have subscribed to receive it. If you enjoy these updates on how I’m fighting for Virginia, please click here to make sure you’re subscribed. |
Dear Neighbor,
Last fall, Americans endured a 43-day government shutdown. In our community, federal workers and contractors missed paychecks, household budgets were stretched thin, and businesses across our region lost customers and income.
That cannot happen again.
This week, the House voted to send the President legislation funding the government through December 11. I fought to keep the government open and voted yes because Fairfax families should not have to endure another costly shutdown that forces public servants to miss paychecks.
The funding bill will provide federal workers and families across Fairfax with some welcome stability for the next few months. It also blocks new funding for immigration enforcement and temporarily blocks a proposed rule giving political appointees increased authority over federal research funding.
But our work to stand up for Fairfax’s public servants does not stop there.
I am speaking out against President Trump’s policy proposal to freeze pay for most civilian federal employees in 2027. With prices now 3.4 percent higher than they were a year ago, a zero percent raise would effectively amount to a pay cut for thousands of our neighbors, friends, and family members.
Through waves of mass firings, DOGE chaos, attacks on civil service protections, and last year’s shutdown, Fairfax’s federal workers have continued to serve with dedication.
Their commitment should be met with respect and fair pay, not another attack on their livelihoods.
As the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus, I am working to deliver the raise federal employees deserve. Carrying forward legislation championed by my predecessor, Congressman Gerry Connolly, I joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz to introduce this year’s FAIR Act, which would provide federal employees with an average 4.1 percent pay increase in 2027.
I will keep working to prevent another shutdown, pass the FAIR Act, and ensure the thousands of federal workers who call Fairfax home are treated like the patriots they are.
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.
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The Trump administration continues to advance policies that would restrict voting by mail for millions of Americans.
A whistleblower told Congress that the Trump administration and Postmaster General are allegedly rushing to build a secret, largely untested system to carry out the President’s executive order.
Under the plan, states would send voters’ names to a federal database. If a name is not on the list, that voter would not receive a ballot. A single mismatch caused by a move, a name change, or a technical error could block an entire batch containing thousands of ballots.
I joined a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief urging the court to reject the executive order’s restrictions on mail-in ballots, creation of a federal “citizenship verification list,” and transfer of election authority to the executive branch.
Voting by mail is safe, legal, and used by nearly one-third of American voters in 2024. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I will keep investigating and working to ensure every eligible Fairfax voter can cast a ballot and have it counted. |
Nearly 9,000 constituents joined our telephone town hall meeting this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues affecting Fairfax families.
We discussed President Trump’s mass deportation policies, my work to hold ICE accountable, the growing affordability crisis, and many other concerns. Callers shared personal stories, asked thoughtful questions, and offered practical ideas about how I can better serve our community.
Hearing directly from you is meaningful to me. Your experiences and ideas make me a better representative and a stronger advocate for Fairfax in Congress.
If you would like to participate in a future telephone town hall, please sign up here. |
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“How many more dads have to die?”
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s son asked me that question when I met with his family in Houston after Lorenzo was fatally shot by an ICE officer.
In a new op-ed published by MSNOW, I share what I heard from families affected by President Trump’s mass deportation policies and explain the work I am doing to prevent more deaths.
As the only House Democrat serving on both the Homeland Security and Oversight and Government Reform Committees, I am pressing for independent investigations when someone is hurt or killed, judicial warrants before agents enter homes, body cameras, and an end to arbitrary arrest quotas that take resources away from genuine public-safety threats.
We can enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders without closing legal pathways, traumatizing children, or abandoning accountability.
Read my full op-ed here.
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Fairfax Community Groups Can Apply for No-Cost Trees |
Community organizations across Fairfax can apply to receive free native trees for neighborhood planting projects this fall.
Civic associations, faith-based organizations, volunteer groups, and other community organizations may request trees for private properties, including participating residents’ yards. Each application must request at least 15 trees and identify where they will be planted. The applying organization will receive the delivery and coordinate distribution to individual properties.
The program will prioritize projects in communities with greater environmental and economic needs, but organizations throughout Fairfax are encouraged to apply.
Applications are due October 30, and trees are available while supplies last. Approved trees will be delivered at no cost and must be planted within one week. |
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Car Taxes Due October 5: New Payment Kiosks Available |
Fairfax personal property taxes, commonly known as car taxes, are due October 5. Residents now have another convenient way to pay with four new self-service kiosks that accept cash, checks, and credit cards. The kiosks also allow residents to check their account balances and print receipts.
Kiosks are located at the Fairfax Government Center, Gerry Hyland Government Center, North County Government Center, and Mason District Government Center. The North County and Mason District kiosks are available 24 hours a day, while the other two are available during regular building hours.
Residents can also pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Payments made after October 5 may be subject to late fees and penalties.
Learn more about the kiosks and other ways to pay on Fairfax County Government’s website. |
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Eligible Fairfax Residents Can Ride Fairfax Connector for Free |
Fairfax Connector has launched TRIP100, a new program providing free bus rides to eligible Fairfax residents. The program replaces the previous TRIP discount, which covered half the cost of fares.
Residents may qualify if they are:
- Age 50 or older with an individual income of $50,000 or less
- Under age 50 with an individual income of $32,805 or less
- Registered with MetroAccess
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance
- Receiving assistance through a Fairfax agency or organization with a caseworker
Eligible residents will receive a 100 percent fare discount on Fairfax Connector service.
Review the requirements and apply for TRIP100. |
If you know a student in Fairfax who dreams of serving our country, applications are now open for my 2026 U.S. Service Academy nominations.
The U.S. Service Academies prepare future military officers through a rigorous academic and leadership education. Students seeking appointments to most academies must receive a nomination from an authorized source, including their Member of Congress.
I may nominate eligible students who live in Virginia’s 11th District. Completed applications for the Class of 2031 are due October 2, 2026, and applicants who submit a complete package may be invited to interview with our Service Academy Advisory Boards this fall.
I encourage interested students and families to start the process early and make sure all required materials are submitted before the deadline.
Learn more, download the application, and submit your materials here. |
James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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