Great to see Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11), who was Chief of Staff to Rep. Gerry Connolly for a decade, following in Connolly’s footsteps on the House Oversight Committee. I’m looking forward to seeing Rep. Walkinshaw fight as hard and smart as Rep. Connolly did for so many years!
************************
Walkinshaw Appointed to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) was appointed to the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
“I’m extremely grateful to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Steering and Policy Committee, and Ranking Member Robert Garcia for the opportunity to serve on this influential committee,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Virginia’s 11th Congressional District is home to one of the largest concentrations of federal employees in the nation, and this appointment gives Fairfax families a direct voice in ensuring the effectiveness, accountability, and integrity of the federal government. At a time when Trump’s indiscriminate DOGE cuts threaten livelihoods, this assignment is a major win for our community and for working families across America. I will fight to protect Fairfax’s 80,000 federal workers and safeguard the critical services families depend on.”
“Oversight is proud to welcome Congressman James Walkinshaw, a strong champion of our federal workforce, to our committee,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia. “James served as Chief of Staff to the late Gerry Connolly, who was a mentor to all of us on Oversight, and is already making an impact. James is exactly the kind of voice we need to push back against the most corrupt Administration in history, and we know he will help carry Gerry’s legacy forward on Oversight.”
On his first day in Congress, Walkinshaw introduced the Limit on Sweeping Executive Reorganization Act to block presidents from unilaterally dismantling federal agencies and co-sponsored the Delete DOGE Act to repeal Trump’s dangerous scheme to hollow out the civil service.
He also signed the discharge petition to advance the Federal Employee Labor Rights Act, strengthening collective bargaining and workplace protections for federal workers, and became the 217th House member to sign the discharge petition to force a floor vote on bipartisan legislation requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents. Together, these actions underscore his commitment to transparency, accountability, and standing up for working families from day one.
Before being elected to public office, Walkinshaw served as the longtime Chief of Staff to the late Congressman Gerry Connolly, the former Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. In that role, Walkinshaw oversaw all aspects of Connolly’s legislative and committee strategy — helping lead hearings, investigations, and reforms that protected federal workers and modernized government services. That experience, combined with his service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, uniquely positions him to carry forward Connolly’s legacy on the committee.
About the Committee: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the chief investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Its jurisdiction is broad, covering oversight of nearly every federal program and agency. Key areas under the committee’s purview include the federal workforce, the U.S. Postal Service, federal information technology and cybersecurity systems, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Through hearings, investigations, and legislation, the committee works to ensure government programs are effective, accountable, and responsive to the American people
To learn more about the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform click here.
