I am fighting to pay TSA workers, end this shutdown, and get DHS reopened safely and responsibly. That is why I recently signed a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation to fund every DHS agency except for ICE and CBP, which received billions in funding from the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. 

But I have also made clear that I will not support another dime of funding for ICE unless it comes with stronger safeguards, real accountability, and clear protections for the public. 

Instead of working with Democrats to pay TSA officers and end this crisis, the Trump administration's policies have shifted ICE agents into TSA roles in an effort to stretch this shutdown further while leaving TSA workers unpaid.

The consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. Americans have faced hours-long wait times at airports, while TSA officers and their families continue carrying the burden of a crisis they did not create.

TSA workers deserve to be paid. Travelers deserve a functioning system. And the American people deserve an immediate end to this shutdown and a DHS that protects both public safety and the public trust.

I will keep fighting to get it done.

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Please continue reading below to learn more about how I’ve been serving you.

Too many veterans living with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries are forced to wait far too long for decisions that can determine whether they receive access to health care, housing assistance, and other benefits they earned through their service.

That is why I introduced the bipartisan Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act with Congressman James Moylan of Guam. Our bill is focused on one simple idea: veterans should not have to fight bureaucratic battles when they come home.

Right now, veterans seeking discharge relief tied to PTSD or TBI can face long and inconsistent delays, sometimes waiting years for answers. Our legislation would help protect staffing levels at military review boards, require a closer look at where delays are happening, and push for greater transparency so veterans and their families are not left in the dark.

Our servicemembers answered the call to defend this country. When they return home carrying the invisible wounds of war, our responsibility is clear: make sure the system works for them, not against them.

The Workhouse stands on the historic grounds where suffragists like Lucy Burns were imprisoned for demanding the right to vote. Their courage helped change the course of our nation’s history, and their legacy reminds us that the fight for democracy is never finished.

As new efforts threaten to make it harder for Americans to cast a ballot, we have a responsibility to speak out and stay engaged. Women’s History Month is not only a time to honor those who fought for this fundamental right, but also a reminder that protecting access to the ballot remains one of the great responsibilities of our time.

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Carter G. Woodson High School to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our country, and the importance of staying engaged, informed, and involved.

These conversations were an inspiring reminder that young people across our community are already thinking seriously about the issues shaping our nation and the future they want to help build. Their thoughtful questions reflected a strong understanding of the challenges facing our communities and the important role they can play in strengthening our democracy.

Students like these are the future of our community, our Commonwealth, and our country. After spending time with them, I am hopeful and energized by what lies ahead.

Supporting Public Safety in Fairfax

Fairfax County continues to be the safest large jurisdiction in the country, and that is no accident. It reflects the dedicated work of the Fairfax County Police Department, strong partnerships with the community, and a sustained commitment to smart public safety investments.

The latest Fairfax County Police Department 2025 Crime Data shows encouraging progress across several key areas, including a 7 percent drop in homicides, a 19 percent decline in robberies, and a 27 percent decrease in burglaries. The report also notes that Tysons Corner shoplifting was down 25 percent. These results reflect the kind of focused, community-centered policing that helps keep Fairfax County safe.

I will always fight in Congress to deliver the federal resources and support our local law enforcement agencies need to protect our communities. Fairfax County’s success is rooted in investing in good policing, working closely with the community, and making sure officers have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.

Readers can review the full Fairfax County Police Department 2025 Crime Data report for more information.

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.