(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.).
“It is only right that the two airports servicing our nation’s capital are duly honored and respected by two of the best presidents to have the honor of serving our great nation,” McDowell said.
Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are the primary airports serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Dulles is named after John Foster Dulles, secretary of state under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. The airport, originally constructed for $108.3 million on 10,000 acres in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, was dedicated on November 17, 1962. An additional 830 acres were acquired 20 years ago. More than 26 million passengers used Dulles in the 12 months ending in November, according to the latest available statistics.
Jack, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, stated that the effort aims to counter what he described as attempts to “cancel” President Trump during his post-presidency. “This legislation will cement his status in our nation’s capital as our fearless commander-in-chief, extraordinary leader, and relentless champion for the American people,” added Reschenthaler in a release from McDowell’s office.
Reagan National Airport, smaller than Dulles with 58 gates compared to 113, is located on 860 acres in Virginia. It originally opened in 1941 as National Airport. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation authored by Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) to rename the airport in honor of President Ronald Reagan. Reagan National also served over 26 million passengers in the same 12-month period ending in November. Together, Dulles and Reagan National airports handled a combined total of 53.1 million passengers during that time, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
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:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
Senator Tim Kaine (D) released a statement online on January 3:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve Virginians for another six years. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far to lower health care costs, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, protect our national security, and grow our economy by bringing new investments to Virginia. I look forward to building on this progress together. I know that for many Virginians, the new Administration brings uncertainty and even fear, but I will always fight to build a brighter future for all Americans—no matter who you are, who you love, what you look like, how you worship, or what your economic status is. I’m excited to continue traveling across the Commonwealth and working together to strengthen our economy by lowering costs, expanding access to job training programs, and making it easier for families to access affordable child care. I will also keep seeking common ground to support Virginia’s servicemembers and meet our defense needs, and make progress on commonsense immigration reform, gun safety legislation, and more.”
Congressman Eugene Vindman (D) released a Jan. 2 statement in which he said:
““I am honored and humbled to officially begin serving the people of Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, I will fight to keep the promise of America alive for everyone across the Commonwealth and our country……
I want every working American like my Dad to have the chance to live their American Dream, and I will fight everyday for families and workers chasing the Dream. That work starts by working across the aisle to lower costs, improve public education, and protect our most basic rights and freedoms.
I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will find bipartisan solutions by listening to constituent concerns, responding with pragmatic legislation, and delivering real results for communities across the Seventh District and the nation…”
Delegate Joshua Cole (D) said:
“As we prepare to start 2025, my focus and vision, specifically for the 65th District and the greater Fredericksburg area, is to make sure we prioritize our working families and the families most vulnerable among us. Ensuring well-paying jobs are coming to the region, access to affordable housing, and boosting our local schools.”
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.
Full press release:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam was appointed to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
“As a former technology advisor in the Obama White House, and as an entrepreneur who worked with tech startups, I understand first-hand the transformative power of technology. I am proud that the 10th district is home to a wide array of science and technology companies. I look forward to championing innovation and driving the growth of these industries on the committee, while supporting economic development and research that will bring lasting benefits to our district and beyond.”
Congressman Subramanyam served as an Advisor to President Obama on emerging technology and created a small business advising leading technology companies in the private sector. He brings a practical perspective as well as an understanding of policy-making to this role. Virginia’s 10th Congressional District houses hundreds of technology companies and the technology campuses of both George Washington University and George Mason.
The district has broad jurisdiction over several of the nation’s leading companies that produce chips and satellites. Congressman Subramanyam is looking forward to utilizing his expertise and experience to enact policies that will support public and private-sector innovation, cultivate our next generation of STEM students and workers, and keep the United States in line with the latest cutting-edge research and development to benefit all Virginians of the 10th district.
About the Committee: The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has jurisdiction over several federal agencies; those including: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The committee also oversees federal research and development opportunities. Through oversight and legislative policy, the committee strives to advance U.S. science, technology, and space exploration.
Committee on Oversight and Accountability
“As a member of the Oversight Committee, I will hold Trump and his administration accountable when they attempt to undermine the federal workforce at the expense of American taxpayers. Given the history of the Trump administration, I will make sure there is meaningful oversight of federal agencies, and I will fight him at every attempt to threaten our federal workers and contractors, or any bids to move jobs out of Virginia.”
Virginia’s 10th Congressional District is home to 34,000 federal workers, who make up 8% of the district’s workforce. Congressman Subramanyam’s appointment to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability will enable him to advocate for the thousands of federal workers in his district and push back against MAGA attempts to politicize federal service. Congressman Subramanyam will work to modernize government services to increase efficiency and reduce costs to taxpayers.
About the Committee: The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the main investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The committee serves to ensure the efficiency of the federal government, as well as operating as a safeguard within the federal government.
A former Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama, Congressman Subramanyam served in the Virginia General Assembly since first getting elected in 2019. In Richmond, Subramanyam founded the bipartisan “Commonwealth Caucus” – a bipartisan group of legislators focused on finding common ground. He passed landmark legislation to lower toll costs for commuters, issue refunds to overcharged consumers, combat the rise in gun violence, and ensure all students have access to the best educational opportunities. He will continue to deliver real, bipartisan, results in Congress. Subramanyam served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Loudoun. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3).
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.
Riley’s death ignited widespread media attention and a national debate over immigration policies, focusing on the detention and monitoring of individuals entering the country illegally.
The Riley Laken Act mandates the detention of certain undocumented immigrants arrested for or charged with crimes such as burglary and theft. It also empowers states to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement.
The bill passed the House with a 264-159 vote. Eleven members abstained, while 48 Democrats joined Republicans in support of the measure.
Northern Virginia’s Representatives Divided
Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-10, Loudoun, Prince William, Manassas) was among the Democrats who voted in favor of the bill, joining five Republican representatives from Virginia.
Meanwhile, Eugene Vindman (D-7th, Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg) opposed the legislation. In a statement, Vindman expressed frustration over the lack of collaboration, stating:
“The Riley Laken Act puts additional burdens on our local police without their input or additional funding, overwhelms our corrections facilities, and leaves so many of the most pressing challenges on immigration unresolved.”
Vindman, a University of Georgia alumnus with a family member currently attending the school, emphasized his commitment to bipartisan solutions:
“I voted no today to uphold the right to due process and keep our law enforcement focused on the most pressing issues in our communities, but remain frustrated by the lack of real solutions to our immigration problems. We need to find bipartisan solutions that prioritize securing our borders while providing pathways to legal immigration.”
Vindman narrowly won his seat in the November 2024 election against Republican challenger Derrick Anderson.
Historical Context: Bipartisan Immigration Legislation
The Riley Laken Act echoes the controversy surrounding H.R. 7909, the “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” passed in 2024. That legislation, which garnered support from 51 Democrats, including Vindman’s predecessor Abigail Spanberger, made sexual offenses or conspiracies to commit them grounds for deportation. It also expanded the list of domestic violence crimes that can lead to deportation, including physical or sexual abuse and coercive behavior within close relationships.
After passing the House in September 2024, H.R. 7909 was sent to the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.
Both bills underscore the continued challenge of addressing immigration policy, balancing enforcement, and securing bipartisan consensus on pathways to reform.
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.
In his announcement, Connolly expressed confidence in his medical team and optimism about his prognosis. “Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” he said, promising to approach treatment “with Irish fight and humor.” While acknowledging that he might feel fatigued during treatment, he reassured constituents of his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities in the district and Capitol Hill.
Connolly previously represented eastern Prince William County until 2022, when it was redistricted. As part of the decennial redistricting process, Prince William County was split into the 7th and 10th congressional districts, limiting Connolly’s representation to Fairfax County.
In his message, Connolly thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their encouragement, expressing that their love and support would sustain him during this challenging time. He emphasized his privilege to serve and his dedication to continuing his work while undergoing treatment.
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.
More than 10,500 people have been killed, and nearly 20,000 injured since Ukraine’s war with Russia began on on February 24, 2022. The war in Ukraine, often referred to as the Russo-Ukrainian War, started when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This conflict is part of a larger ongoing dispute that began in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
Spanberger and Wexton also voted today to send $14.3 billion to support U.S. military operations in and around Isreal in the wake of attacks from Iran last week. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Arlington) and Rep. Bob Good voted against the measure.
Spanberger and Wexton announced they will not seek office in 2024 after serving three terms. Wexton is retiring due to health matters, while Spanberger is mounting a run for Virginia governor in 2025.
