I’ll be crystal clear. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem MUST step down or be removed from office. To date, according to judicial rulings, DHS agents have unconstitutionally detained more than 2,300 people, including hundreds of American citizens. 

Americans want a secure border and fair, humane enforcement of our immigration laws. Instead, we have seen pregnant women dragged, U.S. citizens unconstitutionally arrested, and peaceful protesters shot dead. That is not law enforcement. It is brutality. And it is not just ICE. Trump’s entire mass deportation policies must be reined in.

This is why I voted NO on the DHS funding bill on the House floor last week. I read the bill. And it did not rein in the DHS and ICE abuses we are seeing in Minnesota and across the country. As we have all seen since that House vote, the chaos has continued.

I want to be clear. The last thing I want is another government shutdown. But Congress cannot fund DHS with a blank check while Americans are being killed and families are being terrorized.

There is a responsible path forward. The Senate must separate DHS from the larger funding package, pass that larger package, and negotiate for the commonsense protections the American people are demanding from DHS.

That means unmasking DHS agents. Ending secret police tactics. Enforcing real use-of-force standards. Pulling violent agents off the streets. Requiring warrants for arrests and detentions. And ensuring real accountability when federal officers violate the rules.

I am urging my Senate colleagues to include these provisions and send back a bill to the House that actually protects our communities. If DC conservatives have any conscience left, they should stand with us so we can avoid a shutdown and rein in DHS’s abuses. If not, they will have decided to let the government shut down because they are unwilling to rein in DHS. 

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

Make sure to follow me on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads to stay up-to-date!

Alex Pretti was part of our federal family, a Veterans Affairs ICU nurse who cared for America’s heroes, our veterans. He served with honor. His life mattered, and so does the accountability our communities are demanding right now.

They were there to honor Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and to stand up for everyone who deserves fair, humane treatment under the law. Seeing our federal worker family show up like that, fighting to protect one another, was extraordinary. I was proud to stand with them.

Last night, hundreds of federal workers and former federal workers who were unjustly fired under Trump’s unconstitutional DOGE agenda also gathered for a moving vigil outside the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

I heard from so many of our federal workers that we must keep fighting, and I promise I will hold the line for them in Congress. 

Academic Excellence Across Fairfax Classrooms

Fairfax County Public Schools continue to set the standard, delivering world-class results for Fairfax families.

That is no small feat. These results reflect years of sustained investment, highly talented teachers, dedicated administrators and staff, and students who show up ready to learn and lead. Just as important, they reflect parents and families who create a strong partnership with our schools and help foster the kind of healthy, supportive learning environment where students can thrive. That formula works, and Fairfax is seeing the results.

FCPS’ Sharing Our Success update highlights the work underway across the division, from academic performance to student supports and priorities for the year ahead. I encourage you to take a look at the 2024–25 update.

FCPS also released results under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework, and the message is clear. Every Fairfax County public school remains fully accredited. Most are rated Distinguished or On Track, including every comprehensive high school. FCPS is also home to seven of Virginia’s top ten high schools and five of the top ten elementary schools.

In Congress, I will keep partnering with Fairfax leaders to protect education funding and make sure our schools have the resources they need to keep delivering for every student.

Winter Weather Resources 

Heavy ice makes snow removal progress slower at times, but VDOT crews continue working their way through secondary roads and subdivisions.

If you believe your road has been missed, contact the VDOT Customer Service Center at my.vdot.virginia.gov and select "I want to report a weather-related issue."

Forecasts can change quickly, but right now we are seeing the potential for another round of winter weather in our region this weekend. I want to make sure Northern Virginia families have the information and resources to be prepared before, during, and after any additional snow.

My office will continue sharing updates as they come in. In the meantime, here are a few key reminders.

Most road plowing is handled by VDOT, not Fairfax County. VDOT begins plowing more than 14,000 lane miles once 2 inches of snow have fallen, starting with interstates and primary routes. You can track the snowplow activity in your area on VDOT’s website. 

If you need to report hazardous road conditions, you can contact VDOT’s 24-hour service line at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). For emergencies, call 911.

For Fairfax County government operating status and storm-related updates, the county maintains an Emergency Information Hotline at 703-817-7771. And for the latest federal winter weather forecasts and ice and snow accumulation outlooks, rely on the National Weather Service.

If you are without power, report your power outage to your utility provider: 

• Dominion Energy: 1-866-366-4357 / Report Form / View Outage Map
• NOVEC: 1-888-335-0500 / Outage Center

Read some tips about what to do before, during, and after a power outage.

Hypothermia Prevention Program

As temperatures drop, Fairfax County is operating its winter safety net to keep people experiencing homelessness safe and warm. The county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program and emergency shelters run from now until March 31, providing warm beds, food, clothing, and support services so no one has to sleep outside in dangerous conditions.

Why does it matter? During the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, Fairfax County identified more than 1,300 people without stable housing. Cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia, illness, and injury — making consistent access to shelter and resources critical for neighbors in need.

If you see someone who may need help, contact the county’s non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 (TTY 711) to request a wellness check.

For full details and more, visit Fairfax County’s website.