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While there is no way we can ever fully repay our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, we have a responsibility to give those who wore America’s uniform every tool possible to succeed when they return home. That is why I was proud that the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs advanced my bipartisan Veteran Technology Employment Success Act, legislation to strengthen the VA’s VET TEC program and better help veterans and transitioning servicemembers gain the skills they need for good-paying technology careers. Our veterans deserve real opportunity, real support, and a government that follows through.

Rising Costs Compound

As many families gather this Memorial Day weekend, or travel to see loved ones, they are feeling the strain of rising costs. AAA projects nearly 45 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, including 39.1 million by car, at a time when gas prices are at their highest level since the summer of 2022. And families staying home are not escaping higher prices, with staples like ground beef and fresh produce making even a backyard family cookout more expensive.

Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s policies are making life harder while prioritizing powerful interests and his allies.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly signed an agreement shielding him, his family, and his businesses from past and pending tax claims. The DOJ is also trying to create a nearly $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded fund that could benefit allies and January 6 defendants.

While families and veterans in Northern Virginia are struggling with groceries, rent, gas, utilities, health care, and travel costs, DC conservatives are advancing harmful policies, rubber-stamping shady deals, and even trying to put taxpayer dollars toward a golden ballroom instead of lowering costs.

That’s just wrong. Taxpayer dollars should be used to house veterans, lower costs, strengthen communities, and make life more affordable, not reward partisan loyalty or protect the powerful from accountability.

I’m fighting back with my colleagues in court to stop these harmful policies, protect taxpayers, defend our democracy, and keep the focus where it belongs: helping families afford the basics and build a better future.

As we honor those who gave everything for our country, I’ll keep working to make sure our government lives up to the values they served.

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

Today marks one year since we lost Congressman Gerry Connolly, a devoted public servant, a tireless advocate for Northern Virginia, and my mentor and friend.

For more than a decade, I had the honor of serving as Gerry’s Chief of Staff and seeing up close how deeply he cared about Fairfax. Gerry brought Irish humor, grit, and fierce determination to everything he did. He believed public service was about doing the work, solving problems, and fighting for people who needed a voice.

This week, Gerry’s final bill, the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act, passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk. 

The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on esophageal cancer-related health care spending under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and examine whether high-risk participants are receiving screenings consistent with established guidelines.

Gerry knew this fight personally, and he turned that experience into action that could help others. That was Gerry. Even in his final days, he was focused on the work, the people, and making government do something meaningful.

Today, Northern Virginia can be proud that Gerry’s work continues to make a difference.

I’m proud to report that the House passed my amendment to support stronger indoor air quality and ventilation standards at VA and military facilities.

Our veterans and servicemembers deserve world-class facilities, and that includes clean, safe air in the buildings where they serve, work, and receive care. My amendment supports establishing strong indoor air quality and ventilation standards, with independent oversight to make sure those standards are actually being met.

The quality of the air in these buildings affects the health, safety, and well-being of the people who serve our country and the veterans who rely on VA care. Our troops and veterans have already sacrificed enough. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether the air they are breathing is safe.

The amendment was adopted as part of the 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill and now heads to the Senate. This is a step forward, and I’ll keep fighting to get it across the finish line and deliver the safe, modern facilities our veterans and servicemembers deserve.

This week, I introduced the Capitol Police Retirement Reform Act of 2026 with Congressman Steny H. Hoyer to ensure U.S. Capitol Police officers receive the fair retirement they have earned.

Every day, Capitol Police officers protect tens of thousands of visitors, dignitaries, Members of Congress, staff, and workers who pass through the Capitol complex. They work long hours, respond to rising threats, and protect one of the most visible and visited symbols of our democracy.

Right now, the department is facing recruitment and retention challenges. Roughly 25 percent of the force is retirement eligible, and many experienced officers are forced to leave for other federal law enforcement agencies that already count overtime pay toward retirement benefits.

Our bill would fix that by allowing Capitol Police officers to count the overtime pay they earn toward their federal pensions, bringing them in line with other federal law enforcement agencies. If we ask officers to work grueling hours to keep the Capitol safe, we should make sure their service is fully recognized and that they can retire with dignity.

Applications are now open for Virginia’s 11th District 2026 Youth Leadership Council!

This is an opportunity for high school students in grades 9–12 across VA-11 to join my team and me for conversations about leadership, public service, and the issues shaping their lives and communities.

Youth Leadership Council participants will have the chance to sharpen their leadership skills, learn more about how government serves our community, and help elevate the voices and perspectives of young people across Northern Virginia.

I’m excited to hear directly from the next generation of leaders and work with students who are ready to serve, learn, and make a difference.

Applications are due June 30 at 5:00 PM. Learn more and apply on my website.

Senior Cool Care Program Helps Older Adults Stay Safe This Summer

As temperatures rise, staying cool at home is not just about comfort. For many older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes, it is a matter of health and safety.

The Fairfax County Senior Cool Care Program helps eligible low-income adults age 60 and older stay cool during the summer months by providing additional cooling support, such as air conditioning units, window air conditioning units, or fans. The program runs from May 1 through October 31, 2026, and is administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

At a time when energy prices are rising because of the Trump administration’s war policies in Iran, programs like Senior Cool Care are especially important for older adults living on fixed incomes. In Congress, I’ll keep fighting to end this war, lower costs for families and seniors, and protect the programs that help our neighbors live safely and independently. 

No one should have to choose between staying cool, paying the bills, or buying groceries.

If you or someone you know may be eligible, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 to learn more. Heating and cooling costs can place a real strain on household budgets, and there may be additional energy assistance programs available to help residents manage those costs.

Fairfax County Recognized as “Stroke Smart”

Fairfax County has officially been recognized as a “Stroke Smart” community through a Virginia Department of Health initiative focused on reducing disability, saving lives, and helping more residents recognize the warning signs of a stroke.

This recognition belongs to the people of Fairfax County: the neighbors, families, caregivers, health care workers, first responders, and community partners who are helping build a safer and healthier community. Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately can make a critical difference. Symptoms may include sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, dizziness, vision problems, or facial drooping. Fast treatment is essential and can significantly improve outcomes.

In Congress, I’ll keep working to ensure our first responders, health care providers, and local public health partners have the federal resources, training, and funding they need to keep our communities healthy and safe. Fairfax County also offers support resources for stroke survivors and caregivers, including the Helping Hands Stroke Group, which provides education, connection, and support through regular meetings and activities.

This is a powerful reminder that when our community is informed, prepared, and connected, we can save lives together.

Turtle Nesting Season: What You Need to Know

May through July is nesting season for many turtle species, which means you may see more turtles crossing roads as they search for mates or nesting sites. Roads and neighborhoods often cut across their long-established migratory routes, so a little extra awareness from drivers and neighbors can make a real difference.

This is one of the small but meaningful ways we can all help protect the natural beauty and wildlife that make Fairfax County such a special place to call home. 

With proper care and an informed community, many injured turtles can recover and return to the wild. A few careful moments on the road can help protect the wildlife that shares our neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces.

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Fairfax County Farmers Markets Are Open for the Season

One of Fairfax County’s best traditions is back for the season. All 10 Fairfax County Farmers Markets are now open, giving families across our community a chance to shop for fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and other goods straight from regional farmers and small producers.

These markets are more than a place to pick up ingredients for a weekend cookout or family dinner. They are community hubs where neighbors connect, local businesses grow, and families can find fresh, locally grown food close to home. The Fairfax County Park Authority’s farmers markets are producer-only, meaning vendors sell what they grow or make themselves, with many coming from within roughly 125 miles of Fairfax County.

At a time when families are feeling the strain of higher grocery prices, strong local food systems matter. Farmers markets help support regional farmers and small producers while giving residents more ways to bring fresh, healthy food to the table.

As I continue my work in Congress, I’ll keep supporting the local resources, small producers, and community spaces that help Northern Virginia families thrive. To find market locations, schedules, and vendor lists, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority’s website.

McLean Day has been bringing our community together for more than a century, and it remains one of Northern Virginia’s best local traditions.

I was glad to spend the afternoon meeting with families, neighbors, local leaders, and community organizations that help make McLean such a special place to call home. I also had the privilege of recognizing this year’s Teen Character Award recipients, whose service, leadership, and commitment to others set an incredible example for our entire community.

I also shared a brief update with attendees on my recent work in Congress, including my efforts to lower costs, support veterans and servicemembers, protect federal workers, and ensure Northern Virginia families have a strong voice in Washington.

Events like McLean Day are a reminder that our community is strongest when neighbors come together, young people lead by example, and local organizations have the support they need to keep serving families across Fairfax County.

Veterans bring invaluable experience, leadership, and adaptability to every workplace and community they join after military service. One of the best ways to support veterans is by ensuring they have access to the opportunities and careers they have earned.

I was glad to join the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Distinguished Service Awards and recognize the organizations and leaders making a real difference for veterans across our region.

In Congress, I’ll keep working to strengthen pathways from military service to good-paying civilian careers, including through my bipartisan Veteran Technology Employment Success Act to help more veterans build careers in high-demand technology fields.