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Their policies put us in the position we are in now.

The policies of House conservatives continue to hold DHS funding hostage. They continue demanding even more funding for Trump’s extreme and failed mass deportation policies. 

But the facts are clear: ICE and CBP already received massive funding in last year’s so-called “Big Beautiful Law,” including roughly $75 billion for ICE – 7 times their annual budget. ICE and CBP do not need another blank check for failed and dangerous immigration policies.

This week, the House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing where Democrats invited President Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and the White House’s so-called “Border Czar,” Tom Homan. Given the stakes, I would have welcomed the opportunity to speak with them directly about why they believe ICE and CBP need even more funding, given that they have already received massive investments. 

But they did not show up.

This is yet another example of the dysfunction that has defined the right-wing approach. During this shutdown, they did not show up to answer questions. 

And while I am fighting to end this shutdown, I am also working to make sure federal workers, servicemembers, and contractors are not forced into this kind of uncertainty again. That is why I introduced the True Shutdown Fairness Act, which would ensure workers are paid and protected during any FY2026 shutdown. 

Americans have had enough of the failed policies of Donald Trump. Prices are soaring, his disastrous war policies continue, and the legislation pushed by DC conservatives do more to advance Trump’s extreme mass deportation policies than to bring down the sky-high cost of living.

Trump’s tariff policies alone are costing Virginia families an estimated $2,500 more this year. The Supreme Court ruled those tariffs were unlawful, yet families and small businesses are still living with the economic damage they caused. That is why I am supporting legislation to help secure refunds and relief for the small businesses and American families who have endured wave after wave of economic burdens.

I will continue using every available tool to fight back against these dangerous policies and deliver results for Virginians. 

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

Nearly 80 percent of federal civil servants live outside the Washington region and serve communities across the country as nurses, researchers, park rangers, cyber defenders, and more. They are essential to delivering the services Americans rely on every day.

Over the past 15 months, federal employees have faced unconstitutional firings, mass reductions in force, attacks on bargaining rights, and workplace conditions designed to push them out. Those abuses do not just harm our nation's civil servants. They weaken the government’s ability to serve the American people.

That is why the Federal Workforce Caucus is united and laser-focused on action. We will work to repair the damage caused by the Trump administration’s DOGE chainsaw policies, protect nonpartisan civil servants from politicization, and restore the rights and protections federal workers deserve.

At the same time, we are developing an agenda to build a stronger, more effective federal government that delivers the premier public services Americans expect and deserve.

This first meeting was an important step forward, but it is only the beginning of our work. 

At a recent Oversight and Government Reform Committee roundtable, I made clear that the Trump administration's DOGE policies were a complete and utter failure.

DOGE promised trillions in savings. Instead, it delivered inflated numbers, false claims, and real damage to federal agencies. Federal workers across the country endured wave after wave of attacks, all while DOGE claimed it was making the government more efficient.

The truth is, DOGE policies did not modernize the government. It disrupted agencies, weakened operations, and made it harder for public servants to deliver the services the American people rely on. I do not think we have ever seen a government project promise so much, accomplish so little, and cause so much damage in the process.

That is why I am taking action in Congress. I introduced the Limit on Sweeping Executive Reorganization Act to make clear that no President can unilaterally gut federal agencies or hollow out the civil service without Congressional approval. I am also cosponsoring the Delete DOGE Act to push back against this dangerous framework and defend the merit-based federal workforce Americans depend on.

Fairfax County Recognized for Environmental Leadership

I was proud to see Fairfax County recently recognized through the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, with three county programs honored for leadership in sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

This recognition reflects the important work happening across our community to reduce waste, strengthen climate resilience, and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Fairfax County families.

I thank the county staff, local partners, and community members whose work made this recognition possible. In Congress, I will keep partnering with local leaders to help ensure Fairfax County has the resources and support it needs to protect our environment, strengthen resilience, and continue leading the way.

Read more about Fairfax’ environmental leadership success here. 

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Scam Jam 2026 to Offer Tips on Avoiding Fraud

Older adults, caregivers, and families are invited to attend Scam Jam 2026 on Thursday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center for a free event focused on preventing scams and fraud.

Co-hosted by Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program, the event will feature expert presentations on common scams, including romance scams, financial fraud, and the growing use of AI by scammers, along with a resource fair offering information on how to protect personal and financial information.

The event comes as fraud continues to rise nationwide. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024.

Advance registration is encouraged.