That is why Secretary Noem must resign, be removed, or be impeached.

Under her watch, DHS policies have enabled abuses and left communities grieving and searching for answers.

I am pushing alongside a House coalition of more than 100 Members for immediate steps to rein in these abuses, including pausing ICE and CBP operations in Minnesota, launching independent investigations into recent use-of-force incidents, and setting clear, enforceable limits to prevent warrantless entries and enforcement actions without probable cause.
 
I also pressed DHS for full transparency into the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti involving DHS immigration enforcement personnel. As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I demanded Secretary Noem immediately produce and preserve all records related to both shootings. We are demanding video footage, the basis for DHS’ claims, and information about the officers involved and their use-of-force histories.

I will not look the other way while DHS evades the truth.

The vigil also reminded us of something deeply important about Alex Pretti. Alex was one of our own. A federal worker who honorably served America’s heroes by caring for our veterans as a VA nurse. His life and service reflect the best of what public service is supposed to be, and his loss is a painful reminder that when policies are driven by fear and cruelty, real families pay the price.

That is why I am fighting hard to protect the federal workers who keep our country running, including the tens of thousands who call Fairfax home. Federal workers and their families here in Fairfax have suffered greatly under Trump’s DOGE policies, with uncertainty, disruption, and a constant sense that public servants are being treated like pawns instead of the people who serve the American people.

This week, I introduced the True Shutdown Fairness Act, and I was proud that Reps. Jamie Raskin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Don Beyer, Kweisi Mfume, Suhas Subramanyam, and Eugene Vindman joined me. If Republicans force another shutdown in FY2026, this bill would be a shield of protection for federal workers by:

• Guaranteeing pay for federal employees, service members, and federal contractors.
• Blocking mass firings during a shutdown, so the Trump administration cannot use a shutdown as cover to purge the workforce.
• Protecting families’ wallets from Washington chaos, so missed paychecks do not become missed rent, missed groceries, or missed child care.

Fairfax is home to one of the largest federal workforces in the country. These are the neighbors who protect national security, keep benefits flowing, inspect food and medicine, care for veterans, and respond to emergencies. They deserve stability, respect, and a government that does not play games with their livelihoods.

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!

This month, we recognize Black History Month. Nearly 100 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson helped start a national tradition of honoring Black history and Black contributions to the American story. 

Here in Northern Virginia, as we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, local historic sites are offering February programs that highlight the lives and legacies of Black Americans who shaped our county and our nation. I encourage you to explore these opportunities and help ensure we keep telling the full story of the American journey.

Donald Trump pledged IVF coverage for all Americans. One year into his second term, families are still waiting.

That is why I am calling on the Office of Personnel Management to act now. OPM can require Federal Employees Health Benefits plans to cover IVF and other fertility treatments at least to the same level that Members of Congress currently receive.

This is a practical place to start. FEHB covers more than 8 million people, and many carriers already offer stronger IVF benefits in other plan settings. Setting a clear, consistent IVF standard across FEHB would help families, strengthen recruitment and retention, and make access to care fairer and more predictable.

IVF should be accessible to every family who needs it. And because OPM can act immediately, expanding FEHB coverage is the fastest place to start if the Administration wants to prove it is serious.

Walk for Peace is coming through Northern Virginia

I’m sharing this because it reflects something I believe deeply about Northern Virginia. Our strength is our diversity, our faith communities, and our ability to come together with respect. In Congress, I’m working to defend the freedom of every community to live and worship without fear, and to keep our policies grounded in dignity, service, and unity. This walk is a powerful reminder that those values are not abstract. We practice them, step by step, right here at home.

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Fairfax’s Sweetest Tradition is Back

It’s also about more than chocolate. The festival supports local nonprofit organizations through an annual grant program funded by a portion of proceeds—helping organizations that serve City of Fairfax residents and strengthen quality of life across our community.

That’s exactly the spirit I bring to my work in Congress: backing small businesses, investing in community institutions, and fighting for the resources our local partners need to keep Fairfax thriving—so our economy works for the people who live, work, and build their lives right here.

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Tax Prep Help is Available in Fairfax and Across Northern Virginia

With the affordability crisis still squeezing household budgets, every dollar matters. That’s why I want to make sure you know about a valuable local resource: free, in-person tax preparation for eligible families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

If you or your family earned less than $69,000 in 2025, you may qualify for this service—helping you file accurately, maximize your refund, and avoid the fees many tax prep businesses charge. VITA is a national program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, and locally it’s supported by Northern Virginia CASH and community partners, with operational support from Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services.

The impact is real. In 2025, Fairfax County’s VITA program prepared 2,380 tax returns, resulting in $2,867,135 in federal refunds and helping families claim $1,117,942 in Earned Income Tax Credits—money that can go straight toward groceries, rent, child care, and paying down bills.

VITA services are available at several sites across Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed. For more information, email the program or call 703-533-5320 (leave a message).

In Congress, I’m doing everything I can to lead and support policies that make life more affordable for working families. And from my time on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I’ve seen firsthand how local programs like VITA can protect families, help people avoid unnecessary costs, and keep more of their hard-earned cash right here at home.

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Our federal employees and contractors keep our country running, and they deserve the best tools and technology available to serve the people.

That is why I appreciated a meaningful conversation with leadership and staff at Adobe in Tysons.

As I work in Congress, I will keep pushing for secure, modern digital infrastructure that helps public servants do their jobs effectively and makes government services work better for everyone.