Dear Neighbor, We’re fast-approaching the peak of the holiday season, and families across the nation are being hit hard by rising prices. The price of everyday essentials is simply too high. While some politicians call the affordability crisis a “hoax,” the reality for Northern Virginia is very different: too many families are being pushed to the brink. Policies like the Trump administration’s tariffs and the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” are making life more expensive and driving up the cost of everything from electricity and groceries to health care and housing. The affordability crisis is real, and Fairfax families deserve better.
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Dear Neighbor,


We’re fast-approaching the peak of the holiday season, and families across the nation are being hit hard by rising prices. The price of everyday essentials is simply too high.


While some politicians call the affordability crisis a “hoax,” the reality for Northern Virginia is very different: too many families are being pushed to the brink.


Policies like the Trump administration’s tariffs and the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” are making life more expensive and driving up the cost of everything from electricity and groceries to health care and housing. The affordability crisis is real, and Fairfax families deserve better.

Rep Walkinshaw
 

With some prices up more than 26 percent—far outpacing overall inflation—Congress needs to build bipartisan consensus to lower costs and deliver much-needed relief for families and local small business owners here at home.


That’s why our office has been hosting small business roundtables and engaging thousands of constituents through my recent telephone town hall: so the stories and ideas coming out of our community are front and center in every fight on Capitol Hill.

 

This is a difficult time for many. You can find a list of local Fairfax resources where families can find food assistance and emergency financial support if they need it this season here.


As your Congressman, I’ll continue fighting with everything I have to make health care affordable and lower prices for working families.


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


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

 
 

Standing Up for Fairfax Small Businesses

 
 
SmallBusinessRoundtable
 

Since being sworn in, I have been fighting to protect small business owners in the halls of Congress. 


This week, I brought small business owners from across Fairfax together in Reston for a roundtable on how this economy is straining local businesses. Owners of design studios, coffee roasters, tea shops, and neighborhood bookstores all described the same squeeze: tariffs driving up their costs, an affordability crisis forcing customers to cut back, and rising bills for health care, rent, and utilities.


They talked about the tough choices they’re making to keep employees on the payroll and their doors open during one of the most important seasons of the year.
 
I left the roundtable with a clear message to take back to Congress: we need to lower costs, stabilize supply chains, extend ACA premium tax credits so coverage isn’t ripped away, and pass policies that give small businesses the tools they need to thrive—not treat them as collateral damage of tariff and tax policies.

 
 
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(Click the video above to watch.)

 
 

End-of-Year Telephone Town Hall

 
 
Tele Town Hall
 

Last night, I hosted an end-of-year telephone town hall, and I was grateful that more than 6,500 constituents joined the conversation.


Over the course of the call, I took questions live on a wide range of issues—the affordability crisis and rising costs for families, Trump’s mass deportation agenda, protections for federal workers, and the fight to preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits that help keep health care within reach.


Your questions, stories, and ideas ground my work in Congress. If you weren’t able to participate this time, you can sign up to be included in future calls by visiting my website.

 
 

Fighting for Federal Workers This Holiday Season

 
 
DemocracyForward
 

Our civil service workforce is heading into the holiday season after enduring a year of abuse. Federal workers have faced mass firings, threats to their livelihoods, and relentless efforts to politicize the jobs they do for the American people.


Recently, I joined Democracy Forward’s Civil Service Strong initiative for a convening focused on defending federal workers today and rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, less politicized federal government for tomorrow. Together with advocates, legal experts, and former federal leaders, we underscored our mission to push back against abuse, protect career professionals from political retaliation, and rebuild a government that better serves the people it serves.


For me, this isn’t theoretical. Nearly 60,000 federal workers call VA-11 home. 
They’re our neighbors, our family members, and the people who keep this country running—often without recognition and too often while facing political attacks. 


As your Congressman, I’ll keep fighting alongside partners like Democracy Forward to defend federal workers, strengthen protections against illegal mass firings, and build a civil service that is even stronger, fairer, and more effective for the next generation.

 
 

Walkinshaw in the Community 

 
 
SourceAmerica
 

I was honored to be recognized as an AbilityOne Champion by SourceAmerica. With more than 4,000 Virginians with disabilities employed through their network, SourceAmerica is empowering communities and expanding opportunity. 


In Congress, I’m committed to protecting and strengthening programs like AbilityOne so we can create more good-paying jobs, promote independent living, and ensure people with disabilities have every opportunity to succeed.

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Vibrint
 

Fairfax is home to businesses driving cutting-edge innovation across the Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity front. 


That’s why I was proud to join Vibrint as they cut the ribbon for their new office in Reston. In Congress, I will continue supporting legislation that promotes innovation and technological advancements.

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Rotary_Fairfax_Correct
 

I’ve spent my career partnering with IAFF Local 2068 to support our firefighters and strengthen public safety in Fairfax. 


At this year’s Tom Simcoe Lunch, I shared the work I’m doing in Congress to secure fair benefits, tackle occupational cancer, and invest in next-generation gear that better protects those who protect us.

____________________________________________________________________

 
FairfaxEruv
 

I was grateful to join faith leaders, volunteers, and families to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the Fairfax Eruv—an inspiring example of civic engagement and community partnership. 


In Congress, I’m working to protect religious freedom, combat antisemitism, and ensure families of all faiths can live and worship safely in our community. 
Thank you to everyone who built and continues to maintain the Fairfax Eruv for families across our district.

____________________________________________________________________

 
RotaryFairfax
 

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Fairfax Rotary to discuss my legislative priorities and the issues that matter most to Fairfax families and local businesses. 
Rotary clubs play a vital role in strengthening communities through service, civic leadership, and partnership. 


In Congress, I’m focused on lowering costs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our community—and conversations like this help guide that work. 
Thank you to the Rotary members for the warm welcome and thoughtful discussion.

 
 

Local News 

 
 

Winter Weather Preparedness and the Hypothermia Prevention Program


As temperatures drop, it is important to stay prepared for winter conditions. Fairfax County provides a range of winter weather resources to help residents stay safe and informed throughout the season.


The Hypothermia Prevention Program operates from December 1 through March 31. This program ensures that no one in Fairfax County is left without a warm place to sleep during the coldest months. Shelters provide a safe environment, meals, and supportive services. If you see someone who may be at risk, you can request a wellness check by calling the non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131 (TTY 711).


Additional information on winter preparedness, safety tips, and emergency resources can be found on the county’s winter weather website.

 

Be Aware of Scams this Holiday Season


Why should you be aware of scams? 


The holiday season is a time for joy and generosity—but it’s also when scammers are most eager to take advantage of people’s goodwill. Too many families see their money, gifts, or personal information stolen this time of year. By staying alert and informed, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from these schemes.


Where can I learn more? Fairfax County’s scam awareness page offers guidance on recognizing fraudulent emails, calls, or messages, and steps for reporting suspected scams. 


It also provides educational resources to help protect personal information and stay safe in daily interactions. 


Yours in service,

Signature Walkinshaw

James Walkinshaw

Member of Congress

Washington DC Office

2265 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC  20515

Phone: (202) 225-1492

 

Fairfax District Office

10680 Main Street

Suite 140

Fairfax, VA  22030

Phone: (703) 256-3071

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