[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JAMES WALKINSHAW TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as dean of the 
Virginia congressional delegation to introduce and welcome to Congress 
the newest Representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia, James 
Walkinshaw.
  James was born in Northern Virginia, the very region of the 
Commonwealth that he will now represent in Congress. He graduated from 
New York University with a degree in politics. He then returned home 
and got involved in his local community. He managed our dear friend 
Gerry Connolly's 2007 campaign for chairman of the Fairfax County Board 
of Supervisors, and a year later he managed Gerry's successful campaign 
for Congress.
  While a new Member, James is no stranger to Congress. After Gerry's 
election to Congress, James went on to serve as his chief of staff for 
over a decade, where he worked closely with many of us and our staffs. 
James consistently fought alongside Gerry for the people of Virginia's 
11th Congressional District.
  In 2019, he followed in his political mentor and boss' footsteps and 
was elected to serve on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 
representing the Braddock district, where he has continued to be a 
powerful advocate for his community.
  He resides in Fairfax County with his wife, Yvette, and his son, 
Mateo. With his victory in this week's special election, I know he will 
make an outstanding addition to our delegation and this Chamber with 
his steadfast commitment to the 11th Congressional District of 
Virginia, fighting to have their voices heard in this body.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to now yield to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw).
  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise with profound gratitude and 
humility as I begin my service on behalf of Virginia's 11th District.
  As a lifelong Northern Virginian, I am honored by the trust my 
community has placed in me. I am deeply grateful to my wife, Yvette, 
and our son, Mateo, whose love and patience sustain me. This moment 
belongs to them as much as it does to me.
  I am also honored to follow in the footsteps of my dear friend and 
mentor, Congressman Gerry Connolly, a singular figure in Virginia and 
in this body, who showed us what principled leadership looks like. His 
legacy will guide me every day.
  With that gratitude, Mr. Speaker, comes responsibility to speak 
honestly about the challenges my community faces. In Virginia, we are 
on the leading edge of President Trump's economy. In my district, 
everyone knows someone who has lost their job due to the agenda coming 
from the White House and too often from this Chamber. If we do not 
change course, what is true in Northern Virginia today will soon be 
true in every district in this Nation. Families everywhere will know 
someone who has lost their job because of the DOGE cuts, the tariffs, 
the budget bill, or our failure to address the rising costs on 
everything from groceries to rent to prescription drugs.
  This week, Mr. Speaker, the people of Virginia sent a clear message: 
They want pragmatic solutions. They want a government that works for 
everyone. They want us to tackle the high cost of living, housing, and 
health care, to confront climate change, to honor the public servants, 
our Federal employees, who keep our government running.
  Mr. Speaker, I am humbled by the trust my constituents have placed in 
me. I will carry their hopes and their voices into this Chamber every 
day. I will never forget where I came from, and I will never 
stop working for a government that reflects the best of who we are. 
Together, Mr. Speaker, I believe we can build that future.

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