Fourteen years ago, America made a commitment to Dreamers. Since then, DACA recipients have built careers, raised families, paid taxes, and strengthened communities across the country, including right here in Fairfax. But after 14 years of success, too many Dreamers still live with uncertainty because of renewal delays, fears of lapses in status, and ongoing threats to the program itself. Congress must act to provide permanent protections, keep families together, and create a path to citizenship.

As we mark Juneteenth, we are reminded of how far we have come and how much work remains to build a more perfect union. I was proud to join neighbors for the Liberty Amendments Month Kick-off celebration in Vienna as we honored the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans.

As I spoke with constituents throughout the event, I appreciated the chance to answer questions about my work in Congress and share brief updates one-on-one about the issues affecting our community.

We were joined by Democracy Forward and the Partnership for Public Service for a discussion on our continued defense of the nonpartisan civil service and our plans to strengthen and rebuild the federal workforce.

Here in Northern Virginia, federal workers are our neighbors, friends, and family members. They serve our country every day, and I’ll keep working to protect their service, defend their rights, and ensure our government can meet the needs of the people it serves.

The Postal Service is an essential public service that families, small businesses, seniors, veterans, and communities across Fairfax rely on every day.

As USPS faces serious financial challenges, Congress needs clear information to help protect reliable mail service, support postal workers, and strengthen the Postal Service’s long-term stability.

After questioning Postmaster General David Steiner at an Oversight hearing in March, where he committed to providing Congress with five-year financial projections and scenario analyses, I led a bipartisan effort with Congressman Kweisi Mfume to request the information needed to better understand the challenges facing USPS and evaluate potential solutions.

USPS reported a $9 billion net loss in fiscal year 2025 and has reached its $15 billion maximum borrowing authority from the U.S. Treasury Department. The Government Accountability Office has warned that, without significant changes, USPS could run out of cash as soon as 2027.

Postal workers should not be asked to shoulder these challenges alone. USPS recently suspended employer contributions to the Federal Employees Retirement System, affecting the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of postal workers.

Americans rely on the mail to receive medications, ballots, financial bills, and other critical services. I’ll continue working to ensure Congress has the information needed to protect reliable service and support a stronger future for USPS.

No president has the power to drag our country into war without congressional authorization.

That is why I introduced a War Powers Resolution in response to President Trump’s unauthorized war policies in Iran. While the announcement of an interim ceasefire is welcome, it does not erase the need for Congress to reassert its constitutional authority.

This war has already taken a devastating toll. Thirteen American servicemembers have been killed, and families across the country have faced higher costs from increased military spending and rising oil prices.

A ceasefire is an important step, but it is not a blank check for future military action.

Any decision to resume hostilities, put American servicemembers at risk, or commit our country to another escalation must come before Congress and the American people.

Summer is here in Fairfax, and there are plenty of ways for families, kids, and neighbors to enjoy everything our community has to offer.

Fairfax County has put together a helpful summer guide with information on pools, splash parks, lakes, free outdoor performances, summer reading programs, picnic spots, cycling routes, extreme heat resources, and more.

A few highlights include the Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series, which features more than 120 free performances across 20 venues; the Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Adventure for children, teens, and adults; and the Free Summer Meals for Kids Program, which helps ensure children ages 5 to 18 can access nutritious meals while school is out.

Families can also find information on safe swimming, using FCPS school grounds, gardening help from master gardeners, home safety tips for summer travel, and ways to stay cool during extreme heat.

Whether you’re looking for a free concert, a family-friendly pool, a new trail to explore, or support for your child this summer, Fairfax County has resources available to help you make the most of the season.

Cooling Assistance Available for Eligible Fairfax Residents

Yours in service,

James Walkinshaw

Member of Congress