Rep. James Walkinshaw, joined by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and House Homeland Security Committee, is demanding independent investigations into the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero, two fathers reportedly killed during ICE operations. Following a visit to Houston to meet with affected families, Walkinshaw said, "How many more dads have to die?" and emphasized the need for witness protection from deportation to ensure truth and accountability. Nearly 200 Members of Congress have joined this call for justice, rejecting an agency investigating itself.
Walkinshaw also co-led the introduction of the "Right to IVF Act" with Representatives Lori Trahan, Rosa DeLauro, Rick Larsen, and Laura Gillen. This legislation aims to protect nationwide access to in vitro fertilization and expand insurance coverage for fertility care, including for servicemembers, veterans, federal employees, and working families. Walkinshaw highlighted his specific legislation requiring IVF coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, stating that the decision to start a family "should belong to families, not politicians."
Further advocating for federal workers, Walkinshaw, co-chair of the Federal Workforce Caucus, joined Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Steny Hoyer in filing a brief with a federal appeals court. This brief defends longstanding civil service protections, challenging a ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board that could jeopardize safeguards for federal employees following the 2025 firing of two immigration judges without due process. The aim is to uphold Congress' authority to protect a merit-based civil service.
In legislative successes, the House passed Walkinshaw's bipartisan "Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act," co-introduced with Congressman James Moylan, which seeks to provide more timely consideration for veterans seeking discharge status reviews. Additionally, his amendment to help the Department of Defense adopt trusted cybersecurity technology more quickly, by reducing redundant reviews, also passed the House as part of the annual defense bill. These measures are now closer to becoming law.
Demonstrating local impact, Walkinshaw's office has returned over $10 million to constituents and businesses across Virginia’s 11th District, providing relief through back pay, restored benefits, and delayed tax refunds. He affirmed his commitment to pressing for transparency and accountability in government, both nationally and locally.