Dear Neighbor,
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues because DC conservatives are refusing to work with Democrats on a path forward that protects both public safety and the rights of the American people.
Our district is home to 50,000 dedicated federal workers, many of whom serve DHS. As they endure this shutdown, let’s be clear about what is really happening. Federal workers have been treated like pawns for far too long. This is not new. It is part of a larger pattern. |
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For months, Trump’s policies have hollowed out and targeted key parts of DHS and related public safety functions. DOGE policies took a chainsaw to FEMA’s disaster response when communities needed help most. They pushed out cybersecurity professionals responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. They redirected personnel away from core public services. And now, they are forcing TSA officers and other public servants to work without pay while blocking funding for the agencies that actually help keep Americans safe.
I have been clear: we should immediately fund the DHS agencies that keep Americans safe, but shouldn’t give another dime to ICE or CBP until reforms are in place. That means paying TSA officers, making sure FEMA is ready before the next disaster strikes, funding cybersecurity, and ensuring Coast Guard servicemembers are not forced to serve without pay.
At the same time, we must continue negotiating the reforms needed to rein in immigration enforcement abuses.
Instead of helping to break the stalemate, DC conservatives have conditioned reopening the government on allowing immigration enforcement to continue operating as business as usual — even after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot and killed, citizens were illegally detained, and families were terrorized.
That is unacceptable.
Reining in Trump’s mass deportation policies is essential to keeping our neighborhoods safe. For more than a month, I have pushed for common-sense reforms to DHS enforcement, including:
- requiring judicial warrants for home entries.
- mandating body cameras during enforcement operations.
- banning masked or unidentified federal officers.
- ending roving patrols and racial profiling.
- prohibiting enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, polling places, and houses of worship.
- ensuring real accountability when misconduct is alleged.
At the same time, the Administration’s war policies are dragging the country deeper into an unauthorized conflict with Iran. So far, 13 U.S. service members have been killed, and roughly 200 more have been wounded. While Trump’s policies escalate conflict abroad, the conservative majority is still refusing to fund the agencies Americans depend on here at home.
That is wrong, and it is why I am fighting to break the blockade and do the right thing.
This week, I had the honor of leading my Democratic colleagues in a press conference on the House steps, where we made clear that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle must work with us to fund these critical agencies, rein in ICE, and end this shutdown. |
Alongside my colleagues, I am fighting to force a House vote through a discharge petition — a procedural tool that allows legislation to move forward when leadership blocks action. It takes 218 signatures to succeed, which means we need only a small number of conservatives to do the right thing, help break the gridlock, and move us closer to reopening the government and paying federal workers. The choice should not be this hard.
That is the path I am fighting for, and I will keep pushing until we get it done.
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Please continue reading below to learn more about how I’ve been serving you. |
Earlier this week, I hosted my third telephone town hall, and I was grateful for the chance to share an update on my service to 7,000 constituents from across our community.
These are some of my favorite events because they give me a direct line to the people I serve. Whether you are at home, at work, or on the go, you can join right from your phone and hear directly from me about what is happening in Congress and in our community.
It was fantastic to discuss everything from helping federal workers get the proper documents from OPM to file their taxes, to the ongoing conflict in Iran, to the local investments I have secured, and the 21 bills I have introduced so far in Congress. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from you, answer questions in real time, and stay connected to the priorities of the people I represent.
If you missed this one, no worries, you can join my next telephone town hall by filling out this form on my website. |
This week, I joined my Democratic colleagues to spotlight the January 6 memorial plaque and honor the brave law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the insurrection in 2021.
These officers answered the call on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the Capitol, the Congress, and our democracy. Their courage and sacrifice deserve to be seen, remembered, and honored.
But under the current majority, the plaque was placed in a corner of the Capitol basement where it will rarely be seen. The officers who stood between our democracy and a violent attack deserve far better.
That is why it was so important to elevate this moment and make clear these law enforcement heroes will not be forgotten. I was proud to stand with my colleagues in honoring their service and drawing attention to a tribute that should be visible to all who visit the Capitol.
I remain deeply grateful to the brave men and women who defended the Capitol on January 6, and to all those who continue to serve with courage, honor, and integrity. |
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One of the highlights of the week was hosting this year’s VA-11 Congressional Art Competition and seeing the extraordinary talent of young students from across our community on full display.
Every year, this competition gives students a chance to share their creativity, perspective, and artistic voice. I was proud to help recognize several outstanding young artists whose work reflected not only impressive skill, but also deep thought and powerful storytelling.
Our first-place winner, Iris, a 9th grader at Centreville High School, was recognized for Caught in the Net, a colored pencil piece that symbolizes how pollution and human activity threaten marine life. Through the image of an eye, the work calls on viewers to recognize the consequences of environmental damage.
Madeleine, a 10th grader at St. Paul VI Catholic High School, earned recognition for Identity, a mixed-media work using acrylic, graphite, and colored pencils. Her piece explores the disconnect she feels from Korean culture because of language barriers, using a broken puzzle and contrasting imagery to show the clash between different cultural influences.
Vernice, a 12th grader at Oakton High School, was also honored for Daphne’s Metamorphosis, an acrylic painting inspired by Ovid’s myth of Daphne and Apollo. Through striking light, contrast, and symbolism, the piece captures a powerful moment of transformation, autonomy, and self-determination.
It was an amazing day to celebrate these students and the many other young artists who participated. Their work was thoughtful, moving, and a reminder of the incredible talent we have in our community. I am grateful to the students, families, teachers, and schools who made this event so special. |
I led an important conversation with Punchbowl News about what it will take to rebuild and strengthen the federal government after the damage caused by DOGE’s chainsaw-style policies.
It was a great opportunity to discuss why a strong federal government is essential to America’s future. If the United States wants to keep leading the world in innovation and technology, we need a government that is capable, effective, and ready to meet the moment.
That includes leading on emerging technologies in ways that strengthen our economy, protect our national security, and keep America at the forefront of global competitiveness.
That is also why the Federal Workforce Caucus, which I co-founded and co-chair, will be central to the work ahead. As we rebuild and modernize the federal workforce, the Caucus will help strengthen public capacity, support the public servants who keep our government running, and ensure the federal government is better equipped to serve Americans.
If we want to stay at the cutting edge of global competitiveness, we have to invest in the people and institutions that make that leadership possible. |
They also made clear that Congress and the American people deserve answers before the country is pulled deeper into this unauthorized conflict. So far, no public evidence of an imminent threat has been presented to Congress or the American people, and there is still no clearly defined mission or credible exit strategy.
We owe it to our servicemembers, military families, and veterans to reject another open-ended war before more lives are put at risk. |
One of the things I love most about Congress on Your Corner is that it gives me the chance to meet people where they are and hear directly from them outside the usual formal settings. This latest stop was a great reminder of what makes Fairfax so special — a vibrant community full of families, neighbors, and shared spaces that bring people together. |
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It was wonderful to spend time with constituents as parents took their children to weekend activities, families moved through their day, and community members gathered in a place that serves people of all backgrounds. Moments like these are a reminder that the strongest communities are built through connection.
That is why I value Congress on Your Corner so much. It creates space for real conversations, direct feedback, and meaningful connection with the people I represent. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask a question, or share what matters most to them. |
It was an honor to join the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for its 78th Anniversary Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet. Congratulations to the evening’s awardees, and thank you to the Board, officers, and volunteers whose service helps protect our community. I will always support our emergency responders through my work in Congress. |
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It was a privilege to spend time with Governor Doug Wilder, a history-maker, trailblazer, and one of the sharpest minds in the country.
I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on his legacy of public service and discuss the importance of effective leadership as we work to deliver for the communities we serve. |
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Moms Demand Action volunteers stopped by to discuss their priorities for stronger gun safety laws and safer communities.
I was also glad to share more about my work in Congress to advance commonsense measures that protect families and save lives.
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Thank you to ID me for hosting a visit to its headquarters. Northern Virginia businesses like ID me are helping lead the fight against cyber and fraud threats in an increasingly complex world.
It was a valuable opportunity to hear more about that work and share how I am working in Congress to strengthen cybersecurity, support innovation, and help protect the American people. |
James Walkinshaw Member of Congress |
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