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Walkinshaw, Morelle and Virginia Democrats Fight Trump Administration’s Attacks on Voting, Pledge to Protect Every Vote

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

FAIRFAX, VA — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) and members of Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation held a public shadow hearing Thursday in Fairfax to confront the Trump Administration’s attacks on voting and detail efforts to defend every eligible American’s right to cast a ballot and have it counted.

Panelists outlined litigation, voter education and safeguards countering interference, intimidation, and misinformation.

The hearing examined the Administration’s attempted overhaul of mail-ballot processing, federal demands for sensitive voter information and concerns about armed immigration agents at polling places. The experts explained how litigation blocked the mail-voting rule and detailed ongoing efforts to protect voter privacy and prevent intimidation.

In his remarks and responses to lawmakers, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay outlined safeguards against duplicate voting, secured ballot drop boxes and the county’s use of paper ballots and scanners without internet connectivity. The discussion emphasized that protecting election integrity and ensuring access to the ballot go hand in hand.

“Where the Trump Administration is sowing fear and confusion, we’re providing facts and defending the right to vote. We came together in Fairfax to make clear that every eligible American, no matter who they support, can cast a ballot with confidence,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “I’m grateful to Ranking Member Morelle for joining us and proud to stand alongside my Virginia colleagues and the voting rights leaders doing this work every day. We will keep fighting to protect every vote and ensure the American people decide who represents them.”

"In this moment, there is nothing more urgent than protecting American democracy,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “The election is here and we are protecting Americans’ right to the ballot box. Every time the Trump Administration has tried to interfere with the integrity of the midterm elections, they have lost. Over the next month, we need to remain clear-eyed about the threats we continue to face. We will fight to protect American elections. Failure, quite simply, is not an option.”

"Over the last two years, the Trump Administration and the Supreme Court have levied various attacks against the right to vote," said Congressman Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. "Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have been unwilling to take a stand against these actions. Democrats are fighting to defend everyone's right to participate in our elections, and this hearing demonstrates the urgency of this fight."

“My own family struggled, fought, bled and in some cases died for the right to vote,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “We have seen repeated efforts by the Administration to undermine the electoral process and the constitutionally protected right of millions to vote. Election integrity means protecting our election systems from foreign interference and unlawful voting, but it also means protecting every citizen’s right to vote, free of intimidation, free from discrimination. We cannot have an America that goes back to the days when propaganda, violence and voter suppression were used to keep all of the people from participating in their government.”

“Every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without fear, intimidation, or unnecessary barriers,” said Congressman Vindman. “Our democracy works when voters know their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted. I’m proud to stand with my Virginia colleagues, local election officials, and voting rights advocates to protect access to the ballot, safeguard voter privacy, and ensure every eligible Virginian can make their voice heard.”

“This Administration has threatened to cheat and exhaust every option to diminish our free and fair elections. In these unprecedented times, I am proud to stand together with my colleagues and voting rights organizations to protect the voices of all Americans. We will ensure every vote, regardless of party, gets counted this November. We will not be intimidated,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

The panel included Chairman McKay; Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward; Omar Noureldin, Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation Strategy at Common Cause; Rev. Dr. Cozy Bailey, President of the Virginia State Conference NAACP; and Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters of the United States.

The experts urged voters to check their registration, make a plan to vote and consult trusted election officials.

View photo gallery here.

Watch the full hearing: C-SPAN.

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Walkinshaw, Vindman, Virginia Democrats Release Statement on 8th Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (Va.-11), Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Don Beyer (Va.-08), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), and Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10) released the following statement on the eighth anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Eight years ago today, Virginia resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His murder was an unconscionable attack on a journalist and a Virginia resident, and his family and the American people deserve the full truth about what happened and what followed.

That includes transparency about President Trump’s 2019 call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Congressman Vindman reviewed the transcript of that call while serving as a lawyer on the National Security Council, and we believe the American people deserve to see it for themselves.

As members of Virginia’s congressional delegation, we will continue pressing for the transparency and accountability that this case demands. If President Trump will not release the transcript now, we will force him to do it in the next Congress when Democrats are in charge.

Eight years is far too long to wait for answers. President Trump should declassify and release the transcript and give the Khashoggi family and the American people the truth they deserve.”

BACKGROUND

Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist and U.S. resident, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 — an assassination that drew global condemnation and raised serious questions about Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the Trump administration’s response.

In November 2025, Vindman demanded that the White House release the transcript of a “shocking” 2019 call that took place between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following Khashoggi’s murder. Vindman reviewed this call while serving as a staff lawyer on Trump’s National Security Council.

That same month, he led 37 lawmakers in sending a letter to President Trump calling for the immediate release of the transcript. He also hosted a press conference alongside Hanan Elatr Khashoggi — Khashoggi’s wife — and U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (Md.-08) and Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-11) to urge President Trump to release the transcript of the call.

In October 2025, Congressman Walkinshaw and Senators Kaine and Warner introduced a bicameral resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of Khashoggi’s murder and calling for accountability. The resolution also called for the Government of Saudi Arabia to release wrongfully detained individuals, respect the rights of Saudi citizens, and ensure the protection of the freedoms of assembly, association, and the press.

Khashoggi was a resident of Virginia’s 11th District, which was formerly represented by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly and is now represented by Walkinshaw.

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Walkinshaw Introduces Bill to Fix Personnel Record Errors Delaying Federal Workers’ Retirement and Benefits

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today introduced the Federal Employee Records Relief Act, legislation to help former federal employees obtain missing personnel records, fix administrative errors and navigate their earned benefits. Missing or inaccurate records can delay retirement processing, complicate health coverage and interfere with future employment.

“Federal employees have suffered enough under the Trump administration’s mass firings and attacks on our civil service. They should not have to chase down missing paperwork to document their service and access the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “My bill would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and federal agencies to help former employees get their records, fix errors and get clear answers about their benefits. These public servants deserve better.”

The bill would require OPM, working with former employing agencies, to provide personnel records, correct administrative errors and offer written benefits information and coordination assistance, including information about health coverage continuation options.

Federal employees who separated for any reason on or after January 20, 2025, including retirees, would have four years after enactment to submit requests.

“Too often, federal employees leave government service only to find themselves trapped in bureaucratic limbo, waiting months for agencies and OPM to correct records or process paperwork they need to collect benefits, secure loans, or move on to their next job. This commonsense legislation creates a clear, centralized, and time-limited process to fix those problems so former federal employees are not forced to keep paying the price for administrative failures that are beyond their control,” said the National Federation of Federal Employees.

“Mass firings and pressure campaigns to force out federal employees have thrown thousands of dedicated civil servants into chaos. Now many are left hanging, trapped by botched personnel records and processing delays that stand between them and their next job, their retirement, and the benefits they earned. The Federal Employee Records Relief Act will give these workers a clear path to correct their records and move forward with their lives. NTEU applauds Rep. Walkinshaw for his work on this bill and for standing up for federal employees and their families,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, National Treasury Employees Union.

Original cosponsors include Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Don Beyer (VA-08), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

Read the bill text here.

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Democrats Demand Answers on DHS Funding Pro-Trump Political Ads Ahead of Midterm Elections

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary Markwayne Mullin over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of taxpayer dollars to bankroll pro-Trump political ads ahead of the midterm elections.

The Members raised concerns following recent reporting that revealed pro-Trump television ads labeled “paid for by the U.S. government” were being financed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funding provided by Congressional Republicans in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The ads follow more than $200 million in DHS advertising spending under former Secretary Kristi Noem, including commercials developed by politically connected Republican campaign consultants.

“This disturbing pattern of redirecting congressionally appropriated funding to advantage one political party must cease immediately.” the Members wrote. “As Secretary, it is your responsibility to ensure that DHS uses its funding in compliance with Federal law prohibiting the use of funds for political propaganda. Homeland Security Committee Democrats demand answers as to how this funding was approved and how it comports with Federal law.”

The Members demanded an immediate halt to taxpayer-funded political ads as well as records revealing who authorized the spending, where the money came from, and how DHS justifies it under Federal law.

Read the full letter here.

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After Reports of Suicide Attempts at Sea, Walkinshaw and Subramanyam Seek Independent Review of Military Mental Health Care

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, are pressing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine whether service members have sufficient access to mental health care during deployments.

In their letter, the lawmakers point to concerning conditions aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford during its 326-day deployment. A fire spread from a laundry room to sleeping quarters, displacing approximately 600 sailors. Some had to sleep on floors and tables. The carrier also experienced plumbing and sewage problems.

The letter also raises concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s extended deployment. The Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy has said eight sailors across ships in the strike group attempted suicide and several sailors attempted to jump overboard the USS Lincoln. The lawmakers cite reports of inadequate food and supplies and say it remains unclear what mental health resources service members can access while deployed and if they are sufficient to address their urgent needs.

“Extended deployments place enormous strain on servicemembers and their families,” the lawmakers write. “At a minimum, they deserve safe and adequate places to sleep, access to basic necessities, and living conditions that protect their physical and mental health.”

Walkinshaw and Subramanyam ask GAO to examine mental health screenings before, during, and after deployment; access to treatment at sea; how the Navy responds when symptoms escalate; and the obstacles it faces in delivering care.

“When those deployments are compounded by inadequate living conditions, Congress has a responsibility to understand the impact on morale, mental health, readiness, and retention, and ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) is doing everything possible to support the service members we ask to serve,” the lawmakers write.

Read the full letter here.

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Walkinshaw Calls for Investigation into Trump's DHS-Funded Political Ads

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), the only Democrat who sits on both the House Homeland Security and Oversight and Government Reform Committees, called for an investigation into President Trump's use of Department of Homeland Security funds to bankroll his political TV ads.

“Trump is using your tax dollars at the Department of Homeland Security to pay for his own political TV ads.

Republicans handed DHS historic levels of funding. Now it turns out Trump is spending it on himself.

These aren't PSAs. One is nearly identical to a Trump 2024 campaign ad. And they're illegal. Federal law bans spending taxpayer money on political ads and propaganda.

His approval is at rock bottom, so he's buying airtime while families are drowning in gas and grocery prices.

We need a full investigation, with everyone who signed off on this answering under oath.”

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Walkinshaw, McClellan Lead Virginia Democratic Delegation to Oppose Trump’s Efforts to Rescind the Roadless Rule

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan led 6 Members of the Virginia delegation — including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) — in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”).

Since its implementation in 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected 45 million acres of forest lands across the country, including nearly 394,000 acres in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August of this year to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could have devastating impacts on water quality, biodiversity, economic development and more for these regions.

“This proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia’s roadless areas, opening these lands to road construction, logging, and other industrial activities. The consequences for Virginia’s environment, economy, and public health would be severe, falling squarely on the families and communities we represent,” wrote the lawmakers. “With more roadless acres than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia has an outsized stake in decisions regarding the Roadless Rule. Once lost, these ecosystems and the countless benefits they provide to clean air, clean water, and climate resilience cannot be easily restored, if at all.”

The letter outlines the risks this rescission would pose to Virginia by jeopardizing Virginia’s drinking water and ecosystems, threatening economic activity driven by recreation and tourism activities, increasing wildfire risk and straining public resources.

“For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has demonstrated that protecting America’s national forest lands is both effective and widely supported. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would ignore this overwhelming public consensus while undermining Virginia’s drinking water, biodiversity, local economies, and public safety,” the lawmakers concluded. “We urge the Department to withdraw this dangerous proposal and maintain the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 in its entirety.”

Read the full letter text here.

Walkinshaw Cosponsors Bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to Preserve Historic Battlefields

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) cosponsored Congressman Riley M. Moore's (WV-02) Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act, or Shenandoah (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. Every member of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which also has the full bipartisan support of both states’ senators.

“The Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation’s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I’m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,” said Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11).

In addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition.

The legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System.

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret Civil War battlefields and historic sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The District operates on a partnership-based management model involving local communities, organizations, landowners, and preservation partners.

“The Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation’s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies. The Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations,” said Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02).

Walkinshaw, Ranking Member Thompson, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Strengthen Oversight of CISA’s Cyber Workforce

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) introduced the CISA Force Structure Assessment Act.

Since President Trump took office, nearly 1,000 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees have been fired, sidelined, or pushed out, hollowing out roughly one-third of the nation’s leading civilian cyber defense agency. His administration has also cut critical programs and disrupted partnerships that help government and industry share information about cyber threats. The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act would require the Director of CISA to determine whether, after these sweeping cuts, the agency still has the personnel, training, certifications, and resources needed to protect federal networks, support state and local governments, and secure critical infrastructure.

“America’s cyber defenses are only as strong as the people behind them,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing reshape the threat landscape, Congress needs a clear accounting of whether CISA has the workforce, skills, and resources required to keep Americans safe and enable mission delivery. This legislation will identify critical gaps and give Congress concrete information to address them.”

“With Iran targeting our critical infrastructure and frontier AI models creating new cyber risks, we must ensure we have a cybersecurity workforce to counter these growing threats,” said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. “After Trump has spent the past two years targeting and slashing CISA’s workforce, we need the agency to assess if it has right personnel in place to fulfill its mission. I thank Congressman Walkinshaw for introducing this necessary legislation to do exactly that.”

"Between the security failures of DOGE, the abuses of immigrant families’ data, and the decimation of CISA’s workforce and resources, the Trump administration and my Republican colleagues have demonstrated a lack of interest in safeguarding our nation’s cybersecurity and our residents’ civil rights and privacy. And as Americans grow more concerned about the threats of AI models, it is more critical than ever that we expand and safeguard the workforce to protect America's cybersecurity," said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. "The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act will help Congress better understand how we can strengthen CISA's workforce to ensure the agency meets its mission of keeping our communities safe."

The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act would require the CISA Director to conduct an assessment of the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission with current staffing levels and resources. The assessment includes :

Workforce training and industry-recognized certifications;
Security of federal information systems and support for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments;
Risks associated with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies;
Threat-hunting and cyber incident response capabilities;
Support for critical infrastructure and operational technology; and
Cybersecurity cooperation with international allies and partners.

CISA would be required to consult with federal agencies, state and local governments, information-sharing organizations, critical infrastructure partners, and other stakeholders.

Within one year of enactment, CISA would report its findings to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, including recommendations to address personnel, resource, training, and certification gaps.

Read the bill text here.

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Walkinshaw, Van Hollen, Hoyer Lead Bipartisan Coalition of 110 Lawmakers Against Trump’s Proposed Federal Pay Freeze

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), joined by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 110 lawmakers in urging congressional leaders to reject the Trump administration's proposed federal employee pay freeze and deliver a meaningful pay increase in 2027.

The lawmakers urged Congress to enact the 4.1 percent increase provided under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising costs after two straight years of falling behind inflation. At a minimum, they wrote, civilian federal employees should receive the same 3.8 percent increase the Trump administration has proposed for federal law enforcement personnel.

Federal employees received a 1 percent raise this year, well short of the 3.4 percent rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote:

"These challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in 2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living continues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut

"The Administration's own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary. President Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to improve recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers.

"The federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national security, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks, and perform countless other critical functions."

The letter, signed by 12 senators and 98 House members, urges congressional leaders to include the increase in Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations legislation.

The full letter is available here.

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