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“This legislation ensures the government reopens and essential federal services continue without further interruption,” Congress.gov reported. “It provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, and full-year funding for agriculture, veterans, military construction, and legislative branch programs.”

The measure passed the U.S. House by a vote of 222–209 and was approved by the Senate on November 10, 2025, thereby ending the federal government shutdown that had begun on October 1. Virginia Representatives Cline, Griffith, Kiggans, McGuire, and Wittman — all Republicans — voted in favor of the bill, while Democratic Representatives Vindman, Subramanyam, Beyer, McClellan, Scott, and Walkinshaw voted against it.


Breaking News

Connolly served Prince William County residents until 2022, when redistricting left the 11th District comprising only Fairfax County. He also announced he will step down as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. Connolly emphasized his pride in his more than 30 years of public service and thanked his family, staff, and constituents.

His term ends in 2026.


Manassas

In one of the first major events at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s new headquarters, Northern Virginia’s two newest congressmen will share insights from their first 100 days in office.

“The First 100 Days: Our Freshmen Congressmen’s Perspective” will take place Friday, April 25, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Chamber’s new office, located at 9733 Buchanan Loop, Manassas. The event is open to Chamber members; admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Chamber Foundation. Breakfast will be served.


News

(The Center Square) – Changing the name of Dulles International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport has been proposed by freshman Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican from North Carolina.

Rep. McDowell, 31, who represents the 6th Congressional District, introduced the bill alongside Reps. Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), and Guy Resand Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.).


Fredericksburg

With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we asked some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives about their visions for 2025.

Senator Mark Warner (D) said:


News

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D) has been appointed to the House Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Oversight and Accountability. Leveraging his experience as a former Obama administration technology advisor and entrepreneur, Subramanyam aims to promote innovation, support economic development, and champion research and STEM education in Virginia’s 10th District, which includes western Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Subramanyam will advocate for federal workers in the Oversight Committee, representing the 34,000 in his district. He plans to hold the former Trump administration accountable, ensure efficient government services, and resist efforts to politicize federal service or relocate jobs out of Virginia. A former Virginia General Assembly legislator, Subramanyam is known for bipartisan achievements and community service, including his work as a firefighter and EMT. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his family.


News

On January 7, the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the first session of the 119th Congress and passed H.R. 29, the “Riley Laken Act,” with bipartisan support.

The bill is named in memory of Riley Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered in February 2024 while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her assailant, José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.


Fairfax

Just days after securing another ninth term in Congress, Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly revealed he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Connolly, who noted he had experienced only mild, intermittent abdominal aches and pains with no major symptoms. He shared the news in a heartfelt message to constituents, explaining his treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, set to begin immediately.

Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, won his November 5 election with a decisive 66.5% of the vote, totaling 250,962 ballots in his favor. His opponent, Republican Mike L. Van Meter, garnered 33.06% of the vote, with 124,780 votes. This victory marks another term for Connolly, who has been a prominent advocate for the people of Northern Virginia.


Congress today passed bill H.R.8035, known as the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which gives $61 billion in assistance to Ukraine. This includes funds for various forms of aid, such as military, economic, and humanitarian support.

Locally, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-7th District, Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg), and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10, Prince William, Manassas) supported the measure. Rep. Ben Cline (R-6th, Roanoke) and Bob Good (R-5th, Lynchburg) were among 112 Republicans who opposed the measure.