- Oct 30 2012
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy many Northern Virginians are still without power and other utilities. My office is here to help. Click here for information on how to report an outage.
< Read more > - Oct 26 2012
Virginia declares State of Emergency in advance of Hurricane Sandy. Connolly urges residents to prepare for hazardous weather. For more information click here.
< Read more > - Oct 24 2012
Three Virginia congressmen are asking U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct a multi-state investigation into a company that has been registering voters for the Nov. 6 election. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 24 2012
Three Democratic congressmen from Virginia are calling on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to launch an investigation into voter fraud. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 17 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) took to the House floor to ask the House Republican leadership to bring Congress back into Washington now to deal with the threats posed by sequestration. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 17 2012
A banging gavel cut off Democratic Reps. Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Russ Carnahan of Missouri Tuesday before they could make a parliamentary inquiry about sequestration. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 4 2012
Congressman Connolly will hold his annual Open Season Workshop on Nov. 17, 2012 for federal employees and retirees. Session will Include FEHBP experts including Walt Francis. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 30 2012
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission has been awarded a $1 million federal transportation grant to design and build a new bus maintenance facility on the western end of Prince William County. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 3 2012
Residents who neighbor the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center in Vienna, Va. will finally be able to listen to the evening crickets again as they relax on their decks. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 2 2012
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration has awarded an $800,000 grant to install sidewalks to provide better access from residential neighborhoods to the downtown area of the Town of Vienna. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 31 2012
"For the sake of the country," Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said, "can we not come together, give up our respective orthodoxies and get something done for the American people?"
< Read more > - Jul 31 2012
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., says Congress should cancel its annual August recess to focus on the automatic, across-the-board cuts that would affect defense and other federal contractors. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 18 2012
More than 16,000 11th Congressional district residents listened to Rep. Gerry Connolly's 15th telephone town hall call Tuesday night. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 17 2012
Today Representatives Jim Moran and Gerry Connolly and Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner applauded the Defense Department's release of $180 million in funding for a project to widen Route 1 through Ft. Belvoir. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 11 2012
In letters sent to Governor Bob McDonnell and Virginia General Assembly leaders today, Congressman Gerry Connolly said the Commonwealth will make "a costly and historic mistake" if it opts out of the Medicaid expansion provisions of the Affordable Care
< Read more > - Jul 10 2012
The House on Monday unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to assist returning service members in transitioning into the civilian workforce. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 2 2012
In response to the record heat Northern Virginia is experiencing, local governments are offering emergency relief services and cooling centers. To find a local cooling center please click here.
< Read more > - Jun 28 2012
The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is a victory for all 311 million Americans. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 28 2012
Congress is on the verge of becoming the first in the history of the United States to hold a sitting cabinet member in contempt of Congress, cementing its legacy as one of the most partisan House of Representatives of all time. Watch.
< Read more > - Jun 27 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly took to the House floor today to urge his colleagues to vote against the unprecedented partisan contempt citation against Attorney General Eric Holder. A vote in the House is scheduled for Thursday. Watch here.
< Read more > - Jun 27 2012
House Republicans late Wednesday night defeated an amendment by Congressman Gerry Connolly to increase federal support for efforts to reduce the growing carnage on the nation's highways due to distracted driving. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 22 2012
At a Fairfax County Naturalization Ceremony today, Congressman Connolly said, "You Will Appreciate Our Freedoms and Help Strengthen America." Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 20 2012
At today's Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing, Rep Gerry Connolly said Issa's contempt proceedings are akin to a Kangaroo Court. Watch here.
< Read more > - Jun 18 2012
Congressman Connolly was honored as a leading voice and advocate for the advancement of information technology within the federal government by the Association for Federal Information Resources Management (AFFIRM). Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 15 2012
After a three year process, Congressman Gerry Connolly, D-11, announces federal death benefits have been granted to the family of former Dale City Volunteer Fire Department EMT Cecilia Turnbough. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 15 2012
Three-and-a-half years after a female first responder with the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department died in the line-of-duty while participating in firefighter training, her family will finally receive the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefit. Read
< Read more > - Jun 8 2012
The U.S. House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Connolly to preserve critical funding for the nation's elite Urban Search and Rescue teams including Fairfax based Virginia Task Force 1. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 7 2012
Rep Connolly spoke out against a Republican proposal to offset student loans with yet another attack on federal employees. Listen here.
< Read more > - Jun 6 2012
TheHouse today adopted an amendment offered by Congressmen Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Jared Polis of Colorado to slash $25 million from failed oil shale research subsidies and redirect the funds toward deficit reduction. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 6 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly today condemned Republicans for continuing to stand in the way of progress for America's women after Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to block the Senate from voting on equal pay for women. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 5 2012
"When we look at this economy, we should ask: what would Ronald Reagan do?" Connolly said on the House floor Tuesday afternoon. Read more.
< Read more > - May 30 2012
Congressman Connolly addressed 75 new American citizens from 33 countries and their family and friends at a recent naturalization ceremony at the Fairfax County Government Center. Watch here.
< Read more > - May 29 2012
The forum focused on the federal government and technology, both critical components of Northern Virginia's vibrant economy, and how technology can be used to increase government efficiency without increased spending. Read more.
< Read more > - May 22 2012
Did Gov. Scott Walker lie to a congressional committee under oath? That's the latest explosive question in an already charged political atmosphere, and three congressmen are seeking answers. Read more.
< Read more > - May 18 2012
Legislation Would Provide 12-month Wait Period & Increase Penalties on Lenders Who Discriminate Against Servicemembers. Read more.
< Read more > - May 18 2012
Ensures federal contractors do not use exploited labor. Read more.
< Read more > - May 17 2012
Congressman Connolly will join more than 100 bicyclists Friday morning at the Reston Town Center to support the Greater Washington Bike to Work Day. Read more.
< Read more > - May 17 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly will join with Prince William County Schools to host a "Military Academy Night" information session Monday night. Read more.
< Read more > - May 17 2012
Connolly calls on House Majority to take up the bipartisan Senate Violence Against Women Act. Read more.
< Read more > - May 11 2012
The forthcoming digital government strategy will include telework as a major component, federal Chief Information Officer Steven VanRoekel told lawmakers and technology contractors Friday. Read more.
< Read more > - May 11 2012
U.S. CIO Steven VanRoekel highlighted ways technology can save the federal government money during a Congressional Forum on Technology hosted by Reps. Connolly and Cummings. Read more.
< Read more > - May 11 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) was honored for his support of the federal workforce and his efforts to promote good government at a ceremony Wednesday evening. Read more.
< Read more > - May 9 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly, D-11, will be honored for his support of the federal workforce and his efforts to promote good government at a ceremony Wednesday evening. Read more.
< Read more > - May 1 2012
H. L. Mencken once said, "For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple – and wrong." The proposal to eliminate the one-dollar bill and replace it with a dollar coin is just such an answer. Read more.
< Read more > - May 1 2012
Don't let the GSA scandal taint our federal workforce. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 25 2012
United Airlines has told the State Department and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) that it will extend its military rate for pet travel to Foreign Service officers assigned abroad. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 24 2012
Connolly announced today that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a field hearing on technology and the federal government on May 11th in Northern Virginia. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 20 2012
Connolly will announce the winners of the 2012 Congressional Arts Competition at an awards reception on Saturday, April 28 at 4 pm at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 16 2012
Nearly seven years after injury in Iraq, James McDonough honored for service. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 2 2012
More than 100 bipartsian House Members Join Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK) letter to House leadership in support of responsible United States Postal Service Reform. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 29 2012
Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly urged House Republicans to scrap their short term transportation bill and pass the bipartisan Senate transportation bill. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 29 2012
NoVa residents, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, are fighting post office closures, which save surprisingly little money. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 29 2012
Connolly introduced the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act of 2012, a bill aimed at ending human trafficking of foreign nationals employed by U.S. contractors in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in some U.S. embassies in the Middle East. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 28 2012
Reps. Connolly (D-VA) and Poe (R-TX) penned an OpEd for the Hill on their bill to put cameras in the Supreme Court. Their bill would bring needed transparency to the Court's deliberations on health care reform. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 27 2012
A bipartisan group of members from the House and Senate proposed legislation on Monday that seeks to crack down on human trafficking by contractors that the U.S. military hires for work in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 27 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) announced Tuesday that the Department of Defense has extended the deadline for veterans and service members to apply for retroactive "stop loss pay" to Oct. 21. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 27 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly announced today that the Department of Defense has extended the deadline for veterans and service members to apply for retroactive stop loss pay to October 21, 2012. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 27 2012
Don't try giving Rep. Gerry Connolly tickets to this week's Supreme Court oral arguments over the health care law. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 24 2012
U.S. Postal Service officials say a research firm used a "seriously flawed" methodology in a study that concluded mail service cuts would cost USPS billions in revenue, but the agency would not reveal details of that methodology. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 8 2012
The pressure was intense, but in the end U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) got rave reviews from nearly 75 Springfield second-graders on Friday, March 2. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 7 2012
New Democrat Coalition Reps. Connolly and Kind penned an OpEd on the importance of innovation in spurring job growth. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 6 2012
Congress finally has acted to ensure payroll tax relief for 170 million individuals and families through the rest of 2012. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 5 2012
Congressman Connolly read Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" to students at McAuliffe Elementary School in Dale City on Friday for Read Across America. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 2 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly will visit kindergarten students in Dale City Friday morning to read to them. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 17 2012
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) stood up for federal employees today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, voting against a conference agreement that once again targets the federal workforce. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 15 2012
Virginia Democrats are asking Gov. Robert McDonnell to weigh in against a controversial federal transportation bill written by his fellow Republicans. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 15 2012
GOP Bill in U.S. House Would Slash $361 Million in Federal Transportation Funding to Virginia. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 7 2012
Public employee unions and congressional Democrats are pushing back on GOP proposals to overhaul federal pension procedures, as Republicans press to use savings wrung from the government workforce to pay for other initiatives. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 6 2012
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology won the Virginia Regional High School Science Bowl. They now move on to the National Finals. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 3 2012
Congressman Connolly released the following statement on today's robust January jobs numbers. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 2 2012
Congressman Connolly released the following opening statement on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's sixth hearing on Fast and Furious. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 24 2012
Rep. Gerry Connolly appeared on Fox 5 yesterday to offer proposals that would help the U.S. Postal Service address its deficit and ensure continued service. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 19 2012
Connolly reiterated his opposition to the Stop Online Piracy Act on Wed. He was quoted in various media outlets highlighting his concerns about SOPA and its negative impact on Virginia's 11th district. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 17 2012
A half-dozen area students presented their speeches to more than 1,500 people Monday as part of the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 17 2012
First Baptist Church of Vienna celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 10 2012
Residents and businesses in the Washington metro area affected by Tropical Storm Lee must file their applications for Small Business Administration Physical Loss Loans before the deadline on Friday, January 13. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 9 2012
President Barack Obama recently signed four bills sponsored by Rep Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, D-11th, and made them law. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 6 2012
President Obama signed a new law last week that aims to hire more federal interns into permanent jobs, another effort by the administration to revamp government hiring. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 5 2012
Four pieces of legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly were signed into law by President Obama on New Year's Eve. The four initiatives were rolled into the defense authorization bill. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 28 2011
Opposition from local residents, with the help of Congressman Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and others, have sent the park service back to the drawing board. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 28 2011
After reviewing public comments on its proposed plans for Fort Hunt Park over the past couple months, the U.S. National Park Service announced Thursday it will not move forward with the plan that would remove historic picnic pavilions. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 28 2011
The National Park Service will not move forward with planning proposals that would have closed picnic pavilions at Fort Hunt Park. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 27 2011
National Park Service responds to concerns by Connolly, Hyland, and citizens about plan to remove picnic tables and pavilions at Fort Hunt Park. NPS will not move forward with current plan and will release updated plans in early 2012. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 23 2011
The Federal Acquisition Institute is getting some much needed horsepower to improve the civilian acquisition workforce. Lawmakers included the FAI Improvement Act in the 2012 Defense Authorization bill. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 21 2011
Congressman Connolly joined the members of the West Springfield High School Dance Team this morning at a joint meeting of the Springfield Rotary Club and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce to congratulate the students. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2011
Congress is set to pass legislation today that chastises the Army and imposes restrictions to cap parking at the controversial Mark Center property in Alexandria at 2,000 spaces. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2011
Moran, Connolly, Webb and Warner applauded House passage of language both to cap the number of parking spaces at the Mark Center and require that the Army implement the Inspector General's most recent recommendations. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2011
Moran, Connolly, Webb, Warner, applaud passage of Mark Center parking cap. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 9 2011
Congressman Connolly has introduced bipartisan legislation to permit television coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court to give the public more access to the high court's deliberations. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 8 2011
The latest statistics from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) show the unemployment rate for Fairfax County in October was 4.2 percent, down from 4.6 percent in September. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 7 2011
Congressman Connolly spoke today against the GOP led, anti-environment REINS Act. The REINS Act would block even the most commonsense public health regulations.
< Read more > - Dec 6 2011
Video: Congressman Connolly joined JC Hayward on WUS9 to discuss the need to extend the payroll tax cut.
< Read more > - Nov 22 2011
Fairfax and Prince William SBA Disaster Aid Offices will close today but low-interest loans still available via phone and SBA website. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 21 2011
Connolly to attend White House ceremony on legislation to repeal 3% tax withholding on businesses and put veterans back to work. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 18 2011
Congressman Connolly released the following statement on the Balanced Budget Amendment. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 18 2011
More than 8,000 residents participated in Connolly's Telephone Town Hall Meeting. 83% of those participating in the deficit reduction poll favored Connolly's support for "going big" to find $4 trillion in reductions. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 16 2011
Congressman Connolly joined with his colleagues in the House of Representatives Wednesday evening to pass the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 15 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his 11th Telephone Town Meeting for residents of Virginia's 11th Congressional District on Thursday, November 17 at 8 pm. Residents can sign up to be on the call. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 15 2011
Offices in Fairfax and Prince William Counties will be open from Nov. 16 - Nov. 22 for homeowners, renters, and businesses in NoVa impacted by Tropical Storm Lee to apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Association. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 15 2011
Reps. Connolly, Carney, Polis, Perlmutter, and Schrader introduced H. J.Res 87, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Their amendment would enable public investment and emergency spending while protecting Social Security. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 10 2011
Congressman Connolly issued the following veterans day statement. "The debt we owe to our 23 million veterans and our 2 million service members in uniform is impossible to repay, but we, as a nation, must do our best to try." Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 3 2011
If Americans ever think about the employees of government subcontractors, it's doubtful that sex traders, indentured servants and exploited workers living in barbed-wire compounds come to mind. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 3 2011
The State and Defense departments are doing too little to help prosecute criminals working for U.S. subcontractors who engage in human trafficking. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 2 2011
Reps. Connolly & Lankford vow further subcommittee action to bring an end to human rights abuses in Iraq, Afghanistan & Middle East Embassies. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 1 2011
Moran, Connolly, Webb and Warner today announced the approval of $180 million for the widening of Route 1 through Ft. Belvoir to address traffic related to BRAC. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 1 2011
Virginia has secured $180 million from the Defense Department to widen Route 1 near Fort Belvoir to help mitigate traffic congestion associated with the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), officials announced Tuesday. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 19 2011
Nine members of Virginia's congressional delegation sent a letter to President Obama Tuesday supporting Gov. Bob McDonnell's request for disaster relief in the wake of Tropical Storm Lee. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 19 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11), two Virginia senators and seven members of Congress signed a letter Tuesday in support of a request Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) made for a major disaster declaration in light of flooding on Sept. 8, 2011. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 19 2011
Congressman Connolly, and members of the Virgina congressional delegation, addressed a letter to President Obama encouraging him to approve Governor McDonnell's request for disaster funds following Tropical Storm Lee. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 18 2011
Virginia's two U.S. senators and seven of its congressmen sent a letter to President Obama Tuesday supporting Governor Bob McDonnell's request for a major disaster declaration for damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee in Fairfax and Prince William C
< Read more > - Oct 17 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) says $2.6 million in grants is going to Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission as part of the Federal Transit Administration's State of Good Repair program. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 17 2011
Congressman Connolly announced that the Potomac & Rappahannock Transportation Commission and WMATA will receive more that $4 million in federal grants to maintain bus fleets. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 11 2011
It only took a few months in office for Woodbridge Supervisor Frank J. Principi to hear about his constituents' desire to open Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge. Nearly four years later, it has become a reality thanks to hard work from Principi,
< Read more > - Oct 5 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold an Open Season Workshop on November 19, 2011. Open Season runs from November 14 to December 12. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 30 2011
Rep. Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly brought together a panel of experts Thursday to talk about Social Security and health care at Westminster at Lake Ridge. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 29 2011
Rep. Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, D-11th, was in the area Monday talking up the idea of extending Metro to Prince William County. Connolly brought a panel of experts with him to Harbor View in Woodbridge to lay out the process and talk about the benefit
< Read more > - Sep 26 2011
The Fairview Park office complex attracted a slew of dignitaries to cut a ceremonial ribbon Friday afternoon and welcome one of America's largest corporations, Northrop Grumman, to the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. The defense and IT giant already had a huge presence in the region, and now with its headquarters here, Northrop becomes the second-largest corporation in Virginia. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 22 2011
A panel of growth and transportation experts from the greater Washington region will visit Prince William County on Monday to discuss the possibility of bringing Metro to the community's eastern end. Hosted by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), state and local officials, the meeting on Monday will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Harbour View, 13200 Marina Way in Woodbridge. Before the speaking portion of the program begins at 7 p.m., attendees will have a chance to meet elected officials and express opinions on extending Metro. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 22 2011
Lashing out at those in Congress who put ideology ahead of pragmatic problem solving, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly was animated and colorful in his remarks to a joint luncheon meeting of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and the Merrifield Business Association Tuesday. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 21 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) today delivered the following statement at the House Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Chairman Darrel Issa's legislation to dismantle the U.S. Postal Service. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 19 2011
Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-VA) Don Young (R-AK), joined by 73 other bipartisan members of Congress, have written Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairwoman Ruth Goldway to urge the PRC to reject thousands of Post Office closures in favor of reforming the Postal Service's business model. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 14 2011
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has held 22 hearings attacking federal regulations, but not a single hearing on job creation, Congressman Gerry Connolly, a member of the committee, lamented today. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 13 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to provide continued funding for transportation and aviation programs, including the Federal Aviation Administration. Passage of the legislation precluded the threat of another shutdown of the FAA and other transportation and aviation programs. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 12 2011
As we gather here today, let us all invoke a moment of silence in memory of those 184 men, women, and children, innocents all, who lost their lives on this fateful day a decade ago when terrorists plunged Flight 77 into the Pentagon. Let us also remember the many heroes that day at the Pentagon. Not only our dedicated firefighters, police officers, and medics who put their lives on the line, but also the many civilians and military personnel who rose to the crisis and risked their own lives to help and comfort the injured. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 8 2011
I applaud President Obama for making a strong pitch to Congress to pass legislation that will help create jobs, repair our crumbling infrastructure, and take meaningful steps to lift our nation out of this ongoing economic recession. I think he offered the right balance between job creation and providing a lifeline for the millions of Americans who are out of work and out of luck. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 7 2011
The National Association of Community Health Centers honored Rep. Gerry Connolly on Tuesday for his support of community health facilities across the state. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 25 2011
Hurricane Irene is currently a large Category 1 storm predicted to hit the North Carolina Coast on Friday evening and then run along the East Coast through the mid Atlantic region Saturday and Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Northern Virginia region. Residents should expect heavy rains and strong winds that could result in major tree damage and power outages. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 23 2011
According to United States Geological Survey (USGS), the National Capital Region, as well as the mid Atlantic Region, experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake this afternoon. FEMA is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners. Preliminary damage assessments are currently taking place in all affected areas, however, at this time there are no reports of major damage or requests for assistance. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 18 2011
In preparation for Friday's September 11th memorial motorcade, Congressman Connolly is encouraging Northern Virginia drivers to be extra careful on the roads and be aware of the increased motorcycle traffic. More than 1,800 motorcyclists will pass through Northern Virginia to honor the memory of those lost on 9/11. Read more
< Read more > - Aug 17 2011
As the nation's economy continues to struggle, we should find hope in one recent bit of news reported by Fairfax County: The local homeless population declined 15.6 percent during the last four years despite the worst economic recession since the 1930s. While the growth in the homeless population has slowed nationally, Fairfax County is one of the few localities to actually reduce the rate of homelessness, and this success is the product of a years-long effort by Fairfax County and its community partners. Read more
< Read more > - Aug 9 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly today joined with Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo of New Jersey and the Chairmen of the House Transportation and Homeland Security Committees in introducing legislation to grant the U.S. Secretary of Transportation authority to pay the salaries and related benefits of federal employees who were furloughed during the 13-day partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 9 2011
Congressman Connolly released the following information on the Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on Aug. 28, 2011. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 5 2011
More than 12,000 residents of Virginia's 11th Congressional District participated in Rep. Gerry Connolly's Telephone Town Hall Thursday night. During the hour-long meeting, Connolly addressed a variety of issues in response to questions from constituents. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 5 2011
In an hour-long telephone "town hall" with, according to his aides, 12,000 constituents listened in and a select number asked questions, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly said tonight that deep cuts in the federal defense budget included in this week's vote to raise the debt ceiling should not bear heavily on the Northern Virginia region. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 5 2011
Rep. Gerry Connolly, Mayor Jane Seeman, and Town Council members Laurie Cole, Howard Springsteen and Carey Sienicki joined residents and other town staff for the sidewalk opening in Vienna Tuesday. This project was possible due to federal funds Connolly secured for the town. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 5 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly today applauded President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid for working out an apparent agreement to allow passage this week of a House-passed FAA funding bill to put 4,000 FAA employees and tens of thousands of construction workers back to work and return $200 million a week in airline fees to the federal government. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 3 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on Thursday, August 4, beginning at 8 p.m. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 1 2011
Congressman Connolly released the following statement on the the House passage of debt ceiling legislation. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 30 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly said Saturday that he is not optimistic Congress will reach an agreement on a debt ceiling bill before the Tuesday deadline, and he warned that the American people and the world economy should prepare for a U.S. default. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 29 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly took to the House floor Friday during debate on the complex Republican legislation on the debt ceiling to criticize Speaker John Boehner's debt ceiling increase bill, saying it "sets us up to fail and risks a catastrophic default." Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 27 2011
At a time when our nation is balancing competing priorities, reducing federal spending and strengthening U.S. global leadership, it is worth highlighting a modest investment that has yielded strong returns for our nation – our contributions to the United Nations. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 20 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) issued the following statement this morning following a vote by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority board approving an above-ground station at Dulles Airport. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 19 2011
More than 100 Fairfax residents attended Congressman Gerry Connolly's July town meeting in Springfield to discuss the future of Medicare and Social Security and a House-passed plan, opposed by Connolly, that would dismantle Medicare as we know it. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 18 2011
Record temperatures are predicted throughout the region in the next few days and an air quality alert remains in effect. Residents are urged to remain well hydrated and limit activity. Outdoor conditions may become unsafe for sensitive groups, including children, those with asthma, those with lung/heart conditions or the elderly are urged to stay inside. You can find more information on local services offered here.
< Read more > - Jul 14 2011
Today, Representatives Jim Moran, Gerry Connolly, and Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner wrote Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta expressing their concern with the recently released occupancy plan for the implementation of BRAC Recommendation #133. The plan moves nearly 5,000 employees to the Mark Center facility by December 2011 – before vital transportation infrastructure improvements are put in place. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 13 2011
Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-VA) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday to criticize Republicans for wasting time on a bill to repeal a non-existent ban on incandescent light bulbs, rather than focusing on avoiding a default on American debt, three overseas wars, a stagnating economy, and other serious concerns. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 8 2011
Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-VA) is asking Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to urge Governor Bob McDonnell to provide state funding toward completion of Phase 2 of the Rail to Dulles project to help reduce the financial burden on Dulles Toll Road commuters. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 7 2011
Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) today wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood supporting cost-cutting measures proposed by the Federal Transit Administration for Phase 2 of the Rail to Dulles project. The congressmen also urged all project partners to embrace those proposals. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 7 2011
Congressman Connolly Joined the United Service Organizations (USO) and Wounded Warriors and their families to break ground Monday on Fort Belvoir's Wounded Warrior and Family Care Center, a 25,000 square-foot facility that will help men and women injured in the line of duty with the difficult process of recovery. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 7 2011
Congressman Connolly voted against the Ryan Budget plan that would have changed Medicare as we know. Under the GOP plan, seniors would have been forced to give up their Medicare for a voucher system, leaving seniors to spend more out of pocket for private insurance. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 17 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly sent a letter to President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner encouraging them to hold their "golf summit" at the Laurel Hill Golf Club in the Lorton area of Fairfax County. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 9 2011
Congressman Connolly toured Kilmer Middle School yesterday and spent time answering questions from students. He visited the school in Vienna to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new bicycle rack to accommodate the large number of students who bike to school. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 1 2011
Statement of Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Frank Wolf on June 1 Dulles Rail Stakeholders Meeting with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Read more.
< Read more > - May 31 2011
Today, Representatives Jim Moran, Gerry Connolly and Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner wrote Secretary of Defense Robert Gates expressing concern with the recently submitted Army Transportation Plan for the implementation of BRAC Recommendation #133 at Fort Belvoir-Mark Center, Virginia. Citing inaccuracies throughout the plan, the lawmakers call on Secretary Gates to delay the Mark Center move for one year. Read more.
< Read more > - May 28 2011
I join with my fellow citizens, veterans, and military families today in honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation in times of war. Generation after generation, American men and women have given their lives on the battlefield and military families have sacrificed and endured the pain of their losses to protect our freedoms. It is important that we remember not only those who died in wars of generations past, but those who have been killed or wounded, or continue to put their lives on the line, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dangerous duty posts across the globe. Read more.
< Read more > - May 26 2011
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a defense authorization bill that includes language advanced by Congressmen Jim Moran and Gerry Connolly that would make it easier for DoD to allocate funds to improve roads and expand transit outside the boundaries of military facilities to including Fort Belvoir, the Engineering Proving Ground, and Quantico Marine Base in Northern Virginia. More than 20,000 new employees will be moving to the three sites as a result of BRAC. Read more.
< Read more > - May 16 2011
The generous pension system enjoyed by millions of federal workers from clerks to senators and judges has emerged as a key target in negotiations between Vice President Biden and congressional leaders looking to restrain the growing national debt. Read more.
< Read more > - May 13 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a ceremony and reception Sunday to recognize 47 students from Fairfax and Prince William Counties in the 11thCongressional District who will be entering the military service academies in the fall. Thirty of the 49 students along with their parents will be in attendance. Read more.
< Read more > - May 12 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would repeal 10 tax loopholes which allow big oil companies to escape billions of dollars in federal taxes and return the funds to American drivers to help them defray the high costs of gasoline. Read more.
< Read more > - May 10 2011
As the rift with Pakistan widened Monday, members of Virginia's congressional delegation said they want answers and two questioned U.S. aid to the strategic ally against terrorism. Read more. Read more.
< Read more > - May 9 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement on the importance of the Korea Free Trade Agreement in response to a May 6 letter from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. Read more.
< Read more > - May 9 2011
The Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives put the interests of big oil companies ahead of national security and Virginia's economy on Thursday, Congressman Gerry Connolly said. Read more.
< Read more > - May 2 2011
The confirmation by President Obama that Osama Bin Laden was killed by a secret U.S. government operation is a significant development in our war against Al Queda. We have cut off the head of the evil terrorist organization that killed more than 3,000 Americans and thousands more across the world. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 21 2011
More than 30,000 residents of Virginia's 11th Congressional District participated in Congressman Gerry Connolly's Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday and they made it clear in a poll conducted during the meeting that they strongly oppose the Republican plan to dismantle the Medicare program for seniors. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 15 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) today voted against final House passage of the Republican's fiscal year 2012 budget plan that would dismantle the Medicare program for America's seniors. "I could not support the Republican majority's draconian budget plan that would destroy the Medicare program and break faith with our seniors," Connolly said after the vote. "Denying and rationing medical care for seniors, increasing out-of-pocket costs for medical services and prescription drugs, and putting the fate of our seniors in the hands of the private insurance companies do not represent my values or the values of most Virginians or Americans." Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 14 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) today voted in the House for the compromise continuing resolution to fund the federal government through September 30, citing the inclusion of $150 million in funding for Metro infrastructure and safety improvements and funds to help relieve transportation problems related to BRAC at Fort Belvoir, and the need to keep the federal government open for business. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 31 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly and members of the Washington-area region's House delegation today reintroduced the National Metro Safety Act of 2011. The bill directs the US Department of Transportation, in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to establish federal safety standards for heavy rail systems across the country, including Washington's Metro. Read more
< Read more > - Mar 30 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly will announce the winners of this year's 11th District Congressional Arts Competition at an awards reception on Sunday, April 3 at 2 pm at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. One hundred and eight students from high schools in Fairfax and Prince William Counties and the City of Fairfax located in the 11th Congressional District submitted 144 pieces of art in this year's competition. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 8 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly, D-11 VA, has introduced H.R. 237, a bill that would expand the eligibility period for the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) so that more service members whose homes have lost value due to the mortgage crisis will not face severe financial ramifications when they must sell because they have to move. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 1 2011
Rep. Gerry Connolly joined Gov. Bob McDonnell, Rep. Frank Wolf, Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman, Sean Connaughton, Virginia Transportation secretary, and a host of other state and local elected officials Monday for a ceremony to mark the opening of the westbound ramps off I-66 at Monument Drive and Stringfellow Road to off-peak hours. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 1 2011
U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly visited the Arc of Greater Prince William in Dale City last week. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 24 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly said he is outraged that the House Republican budget cuts passed at 5 am Saturday morning includes the termination of a small but critical program that addresses the urgent nature of homelessness among America's veterans. Connolly joined other House Democrats and several Republican Congressmen in voting against the House GOP's Continuing Resolution that makes massive cuts in funding for the federal government until September 30, 2011. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 17 2011
Efforts by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives to eliminate or cut funding for public television and radio and the arts in the continuing resolution could impact 5,836 businesses and jeopardize more than 28,000 jobs in Northern Virginia, Congressman Gerry Connolly said today. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 16 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly is urging Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to join in the fight to restore $150 million in federal funding for Metro safety and infrastructure improvements. In a letter sent today, Connolly urged McDonnell "to join me in opposing legislation that would eliminate the federal government's $150 million commitment for Metro, which would threaten the economic prosperity of the Commonwealth and undermine critical transportation investments on which we have partnered." Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 16 2011
An amendment by Congressman Gerry Connolly to restore $150 million for Metro safety was killed by Republicans late Tuesday night as the House of Representatives continues to work on the GOP bill to fund the government through September 30. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 16 2011
An amendment by Congressman Gerry Connolly to restore $150 million for Metro safety was killed by Republicans late Tuesday night as the House of Representatives continues to work on the GOP bill to fund the government through September 30. Connolly's amendment to the continuing appropriations bill, backed by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Reps. Jim Moran, Chris Van Hollen, and Donna Edwards, and DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, was killed on the House floor when Republicans opposed the legislation and ruled it out of order.
< Read more > - Feb 16 2011
Republicans killed an amendment by Congressman Gerry Connolly to restore $150 million for Metro safety Tuesday night. The amendment -- which was backed by Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Reps. Jim Moran, Chris Van Hollen, and Donna Edwards, and DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton -- was killed when Republicans opposed the legislation and ruled it out of order. Read More.
< Read more > - Feb 14 2011
As of February 28, westbound drivers on I-66 will soon be able to use HOV-only ramps at Stringfellow Road and Monument Drive in Fairfax County during off-peak hours, VDOT announced today. "This is a great Valentine's Day for commuters along the I-66 corridor," Congressman Gerry Connolly said.
< Read more > - Feb 11 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 10 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly today introduced legislation to reinstate the Build America Bonds program to help state and local governments finance infrastructure improvements, including roads, transit, water systems, hospitals, and bricks and mortar projects, and create private-sector jobs. Read more.
< Read more > - Feb 10 2011
Congressman Gerry Connolly took to the House floor twice in two days to ask the majority to put aside ideology and make job creation the number one priority. Read more and watch the video here.
< Read more > - Feb 9 2011
I've always been proud to call Jim Webb my Senator and my constituent in the 11thCongressional District of Virginia. I respect Senator Jim Webb's decision to retire at the end of his term, but I daresay his presence and his common sense attitude will be sorely missed in the Senate. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 20 2011
Minutes after being elected Ranking Member of a key House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee that is critical to Northern Virginia's economy, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), reached out to the new subcommittee chairman with a detailed memo offering suggestions on policy issues where the two leaders can work together to find bipartisan solutions. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 20 2011
Concerned about traffic congestion expected under the BRAC move to Mark Center on Seminary Road in Alexandria, U.S. Reps. James P. Moran Jr. and Gerald E. Connolly and Sens. James Webb and Mark Warner sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates urging needed road and transit improvements around the new U.S. Army facility scheduled to open later this year. Read more from The Washington Post.
< Read more > - Jan 18 2011
Congressman Connolly participated in several events in Fairfax and Prince William Monday to commemorate Martin Luther King Day. Congressman Connolly joined the Fairfax County NAACP and community leaders at the First Baptist Church of Vienna for their 26th annual tribute to the civil rights leader. Later in the day, Connolly joined more than 2,000 students, parents, and teachers at the Hylton Chapel in Woodbridge at the 21st annual Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Contest hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 18 2011
In the wake of the recent tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, Congressman Connolly told CNN he will continue attend public events to meet with his constituents. "We can't let something even this tragic interfere with the dialogue that has to take place, and the relationship that has to take place between our elected representatives and our people," Connolly said. Read more and watch the CNN video here.
< Read more > - Jan 12 2011
On Wednesday, Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in paying tribute to those who were killed and injured in the tragedy in Arizona on January 8 that killed six, including a federal judge, and injured 14 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 7 2011
In the first legislative action of the 112th Congress, Congressman Gerry Connolly voted today with a bipartisan majority of House members to reduce the budget of the U.S. House of Representatives by 5 percent for the next two years
< Read more > - Jan 6 2011
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who represents the 11th District, hosted constituents at an open house at his Capitol Hill office on Wednesday to mark the start of the 112th Congress. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 27 2010
Shortly after the close of the 111th Congressional session last evening, Congressman Gerry Connolly took calls from residents via phone in his Capitol Hill office. The event was the 10th of its kind during Connolly's tenure as the representative from Virginia's 11th District. You can read more, or listen to the telephone townhall meeting here.
< Read more > - Dec 22 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly said today that he welcomes Defense Secretary Robert Gates' narrowing of the scope of his proposed defense contracting cuts, but he continues to be concerned about the potential impact on Northern Virginia contractors, particularly minority, women, and veteran-owned contractors. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 22 2010
Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.) said today that Defense Secretary Robert Gates's proposed cuts to contractor spending will be less dramatic than previously feared, likely amounting to $400 to $430 million a year. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 21 2010
Fairfax County's 400,000-plus commuters finally got something to smile about last week when President Barack Obama signed the Telework Enhancement Act into law. The new law, driven by Virginia Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Dist. 10) and Gerry Connolly (D-Dist. 11), will require federal agencies to develop comprehensive telework plans and should allow tens of thousands of federal workers in the Washington, D.C., area to work from home one, two or even five days a week.
< Read more > - Dec 21 2010
The Pentagon today said it would narrow the scope of proposed contractor cuts to service support contracts only. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn told a working group of lawmakers and contractor representatives that the Pentagon wants to cut 10 percent from its $4.3 billion service support contracts budget each year for three years, and not from Defense's entire $143 billion service contract budget. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 21 2010
Elected officials are pursuing new regulations and tighter restrictions from the state and federal governments for a gasoline storage facility near the southeast border of the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County. Representative Connolly is seeking the assistance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clamp down on the facility. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly took to the House floor Thursday morning to urge his colleagues to support the bipartisan compromise legislation that would extend all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and provide additional tax relief for middle-class families. Read and watch more.
< Read more > - Dec 13 2010
This weekend, the News and Messenger praised the bipartisan efforts of Representatives Connolly, Wolf, and Wittman to pass the Telework Enhancement Act. The editorial also highlights Connolly's position to extend tax cuts for all Americans as the right thing to do. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 9 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined Federal Workforce Subcommittee Chair Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) in the Oval office of the White House Thursday when President Obama signed the bipartisan Telework Improvements Act legislation into law. Connolly, Sarbanes, and Frank Wolf (R-VA) sponsored the legislation. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 7 2010
President Obama and Congressional Republicans came to a compromise yesterday that would temporarily extend all tax cuts for two years. This compromise is a position Congressman Connolly has advocated for since last January, when the Wall Street Journal highlighted his stance on the temporary extension of tax cuts. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 6 2010
About 200 current and retired federal workers attended a workshop Saturday at the Fairfax County Government Center to learn more about 2011 benefit and rate changes under the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) program. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 6 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his ninth Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, beginning at 8 p.m. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 3 2010
Rep. Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, D-11th, said the commission's recommendations deserve bipartisan consideration. "The "Moment of Truth" report released by the leaders of President Obama's fiscal commission ... highlights the difficult choices facing our nation as we seek to reduce long-term budget deficits. I applaud the members of the commission for their diligent work thus far and wish them the best as they continue their efforts," Connolly said. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 2 2010
House Democratic leaders rejected a bid by Congressman Gerry Connolly and three other Democrats to offer an amendment to the tax cut bill that would temporarily extend current tax rates for all Americans. Read the Wall Street Journal and The Hill article here.
< Read more > - Nov 30 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) issued the following statement today on President Obama's proposal for a two-year freeze on pay for federal employees. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 29 2010
Rep. Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly was one of four members of Congress asked by the House Administration Committee to address incoming House freshmen of both parties during the first day of their official orientation program on Capitol Hill. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 22 2010
Some may decry the current lame-duck Congress, but federal workers and anyone who cares about reducing pollution might want to watch how they describe lawmakers. They just approved an important bill for this region, and now it heads to the president's desk. That's the Telework Enhancement Act, a bipartisan measure sponsored by our own Reps. Frank R. Wolf and Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, who together represent almost all of the Prince William area, and by Rep. John Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 19 2010
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-VA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), and Frank Wolf (R-VA) to jumpstart the federal government's telework program won final passage in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and is being sent to the President, who is expected to sign it into law. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 18 2010
Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran say that changes in the structure of Metro's governing board, proposed by the Washington Board of Trade (BOT) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), could dilute representation of local jurisdictions on the panel. Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 15 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his annual Open Season Workshop on December 4 to help federal employees and retirees navigate through the improvement and changes in the 2011 Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans, dental and vision insurance programs, and flexible spending accounts. Read more.
< Read more > - Sep 14 2010
After nearly 40 years, the final segment of the Fairfax County Parkway is opening on September 17. "At last, at last," Congressman Gerry Connolly said when he spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new roadway, completed with federal Recovery Act funds. The project was crucial to help drivers cope with the influx of workers who will commute to Fort Belvoir as a result of the base expansion due to BRAC. Read more and watch the FOX 5 video.
< Read more > - Aug 31 2010
Over the next two weeks, Congressman Gerry Connolly will slug from Prince William and Fairfax Counties, and ride the rails, buses, and roadways with Northern Virginia commuters to explore transportation funding issues with his Northern Virginia constituents. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 31 2010
Hurricane Earl has been categorized by the National Hurricane Center as a Category 4 hurricane. As Hurricane Earl moves towards the East Coast of the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging all Americans in East Coast states to take steps now to prepare their families and businesses for hurricanes and severe weather. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 27 2010
An ABC 20-20 television news report on murders and atrocities faced by East Africans with albinism, scheduled to air Friday night at 10 pm, features the efforts by Congressman Gerry Connolly to stop the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice. Read more and watch the video.
< Read more > - Aug 27 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly said today that Congress will hold hearings to determine the rationale behind Defense Secretary Robert Gates' proposal to cut defense contracting by 10 percent per year for three years. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 23 2010
All drivers on I-66 will soon be able to use HOV-only ramps at Stringfellow Road and Monument Drive in Fairfax County during off-peak hours because Congressman Gerry Connolly convinced the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration that the change would help reduce traffic congestion. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 23 2010
The Prince William News and Messenger has praised bipartisan efforts by Congressman Gerry Connolly to urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to give Virginia state police authority to assistant in the investigation of violent and serious crimes perpetrated by criminals who are in the United States illegally. Read the editorial here.
< Read more > - Aug 23 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined seniors at Greenspring Village Tuesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security. Connolly discussed Social Security with seniors and shared an anniversary cake and cookies. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 23 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly said border security legislation he supported, which was signed into law Friday, will boost the nation's border security by putting more Border Patrol agents and other security personnel on the ground and providing new technology and communications resources to prevent unlawful border crossings. Read more.
< Read more > - Aug 2 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly, Congressman Jim Moran, and Senator Mark Warner are urging the Defense Department to reevaluate its outdated regulations that inhibit funding for road and transit projects around Fort Belvoir, the Engineering Proving Ground, and Quantico Marine Base in Northern Virginia to help state and local governments cope with the influx of more than 27,000 new employees scheduled to be transferred to the three military facilities a year from now. Read more
< Read more > - Jul 30 2010
Congressman Connolly announced he supports extending the current Bush tax cuts for all Americans, including those for families and small businesses making over $250,000 annually. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 30 2010
Congressman Connolly said every partner in the operation of Metro bears responsibility for correcting the deficiencies that led to the June 22, 2009 fatal metrorail crash. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 21 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly presented the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star to Vietnam veteran Ronald Markiewicz of Woodbridge 39 years after the Army lieutenant and helicopter pilot risked his own life, while wounded, in two separate combat incidents to rescue downed helicopter crews and wounded Marines. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 21 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his eighth Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on Thursday, July 22, 2010, beginning at 8 p.m. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 20 2010
Legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), and Frank Wolf (R-VA) to jumpstart the federal government's telework program passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday with broad bipartisan support. Read More.
< Read more > - Jul 20 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement on the decision of Northrop Grumman to relocate its corporate headquarters to Fairview Park in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County: "I applaud the decision by Northrop Grumman to relocate its corporate headquarters to Fairview Park in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 15 2010
The Telework Improvement Act, sponsored by Congressmen Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, D-11th, Frank Wolf, R-10th, and John Sarbanes, R-Md., and co-sponsored by Rob Wittman, R-1st, directs every federal agency to appoint telework managing officers and implement telework plans for people to work form home or a teleworking center near their homes. Read more here.
< Read more > - Jul 13 2010
The Prince William News and Messenger wrote an editorial this week highlighting Congressman Connolly's efforts to ensure our veterans who suffer from mental health issues related to their service receive the care and treatment they need. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 8 2010
Utilities urge customers to conserve power, water to reduce demand and avoid outages. In response to this week's record heat wave, power and water utilities in the 11th Congressional District are asking customers to reduce their consumption in order to avoid outages. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 1 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly recommends that Northern Virginia residents planning to apply for first-time passports or renew expiring passports before the State Department increases fees on July 13. Read more.
< Read more > - Jul 1 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) voted with a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday evening to pass landmark legislation that includes robust consumer and investor protections and ensures that taxpayers will never again have to foot the bills for risky deals on Wall Street. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 29 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) voted in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday evening to pass legislation retroactively reversing the 21 percent cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments to doctors and preserving access to quality health care for seniors and TRICARE families
< Read more > - Jun 29 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said House passage of tough and comprehensive sanctions against Iran sends a strong message that the United States and the international community is united in its condemnation of Iran's dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons and the regime's disregard for human rights. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 29 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly voted in the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday to pass legislation granting subpoena power to the bi-partisan commission tasked with investigating the BP oil spill, providing recommendations on preventing and mitigating future spills resulting from offshore oil drilling. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 17 2010
Beginning this week, thousands of Northern Virginia seniors who have hit the Medicare "donut hole" will receive $250 checks to help them defray the cost of prescription drug price, Congressman Gerry Connolly said today. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 17 2010
Congressman Connolly has authored legislation to repeal Bush-era loopholes that allowed BP to begin oil exploration on the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf without any analysis of the potential environmental impacts. Connolly's bill will mandate a full environmental review of every aspect of all offshore drilling activity off the U.S. coast. Read more.
< Read more > - Jun 17 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a reception Saturday at VFW Post 1503 for the 49 high school seniors from Virginia's 11th Congressional District who have received appointments this year to the U.S. service academies. Read more.
< Read more > - May 28 2010
Calling on Congress to cut wasteful spending and rein in the federal deficit that has been building since 2001, Congressman Gerry Connolly bucked House leadership and voted against a $115 billion spending bill on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today. Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 27 2010
For the second year in a row, Congressman Gerry Connolly has voted in the U.S. House of Representatives to deny an automatic pay raise to himself and his colleagues in the Congress. "In the midst of the steepest economic decline in 80 years, this is no time for Congress to give itself a pay raise," Connolly said. "As someone who takes the deficit seriously, I believe Congress must do everything possible to reduce red ink. If deficit reduction doesn't start with us, where will it start?" Read more.
< Read more > - Apr 27 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly applauded the decision of Northrop Grumman to relocate its corporate headquarters to Northern Virginia. "The decision by Northrop Grumman to relocate to our area is not an accident. It is the product of the strong economic growth, low taxes, and educated workforce that I and other Northern Virginia leaders have always championed," Connolly said. Read the entire statement.
< Read more > - Apr 27 2010
Five high school artists from Fairfax and Prince William won awards in Congressman Gerry Connolly's Congressional Art Competition and the artwork of the first prize winner – Isabel Yun of Oakton High School – will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next 12 months. Seventy nine pieces of art, submitted by students from 14 area high schools, were entered in this year's contest and judged by accomplished artists representing the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Prince William Arts Society, the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts, and the Lorton Arts Foundation.
< Read more > - Apr 19 2010
Nearly two months after they were furloughed because of a temporary expiration of the Highway Trust Fund, 2,000 U.S. Department of Transportation workers will receive their back pay thanks to legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly that is now law.
< Read more > - Apr 15 2010
Legislation to substantially increase the number of federal employees who telework on a regular basis was approved unanimously Wednesday by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, clearing the way for consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Gerry Connolly is a sponsor of the bill. Read more and a Washington Post article on the legislation.
< Read more > - Apr 15 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia was honored for his efforts to provide tangible support to children of National Guard and Reserve personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and the sons and daughters of all severely-injured service members. Connolly was one of five Members of Congress to receive the award. He was recognized for his work to help secure federal funding for the Our Military Kids program, which has provided more than $3 million in grants to military families in Virginia and across the nation.
< Read more > - Apr 15 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly will announce the winners of this 2010 Congressional Arts Competition for Fairfax and Prince William students residing in the 11th Congressional District at an awards reception on Sunday, April 18 at 2 pm at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. All student art entries will remain on display at the Lorton Workhouse, 9601 Ox Road (Route 123) in Lorton until April 25. The exhibit will then move to theSPACE at Old Town Plaza, 3950 University Drive, in the City of Fairfax where it will remain on display through May.
< Read more > - Apr 8 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly announced that a team from the federal National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) has been deployed to Mason Neck State Park to clear unwanted undergrowth from 10.2 acres, remove invasive species, and construct a one-quarter acre wildlife pond.
< Read more > - Mar 24 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly's bill to encourage federal agencies to increase the percentage of federal employees who telework cleared a critical hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday when a key Subcommittee approved the legislation. An amendment by Connolly to make telework a central element of federal agencies' Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) in the event of a natural or manmade emergency was also approved by a unanimous vote the House Subcommittee.
< Read more > - Mar 22 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly voted Sunday night with a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the health insurance reform bill. The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature. Read Connolly's statement.
< Read more > - Mar 21 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly addressed his colleagues on the floor Sunday as the U.S. House of Representatives debated the historic health insurance reform legislation in a rare weekend-long session. In urging the House to support the bill, Connolly made it clear that the bill before the Congress met the tests that residents of Northern Virginia's 11th Congressional District said were required.
< Read more > - Mar 20 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) announced he will vote yes in the House Sunday on the historic health insurance reform legislation. "For the past year, my constituents have told me they want health insurance reform, but only if it meets certain tests," Connolly said. "Will it bring down premiums for families and small businesses? Will it reduce the deficit? Will it protect their choice of plan and doctor? Will it improve access to care?" "The answer to each of these questions is Yes, it will'," Connolly said in a statement issued Saturday. Read more below.
< Read more > - Mar 17 2010
Hit a pothole recently? Had to replace a flat tire or bent rim? Need a wheel alignment or major front end repair after driving to your local grocery store? If so, you're not alone, and Congressman Gerry Connolly wants to make sure that VDOT knows exactly where those pesky, bone-jarring potholes are located in Northern Virginia. Connolly is asking Northern Virginia residents to report the exact locations of those car-eating craters on his official website and he will personally communicate those locations to state transportation officials." Residents can report pothole locations by clicking on the button on this website or they can email the locations to pothole@mail.house.gov. Read more.
< Read more > - Mar 16 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly's motion to wring $1.1 trillion in deficit reduction from the health insurance reform bill passed the Budget Committee on a unanimous, bi-partisan vote on March 15. Connolly's motion instructs the House Rules Committee to report the final reform bill in a way that reduces the federal budget deficit by at least $100 billion over the next ten years and up to $1 trillion in the following decade.
< Read more > - Mar 10 2010
Legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) that highlights the horrific murders and atrocities faced by men, women, and children with albinism in Tanzania and East Africa and calls on governments in the region to take action to stop the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice passed the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday.
< Read more > - Mar 10 2010
Legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) to compensate nearly 2,000 employees of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) who were unfairly furloughed for two days in March because of political gamesmanship in the U.S. Senate passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with broad bipartisan support.
< Read more > - Mar 8 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly held his sixth Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on March 9, 2010.
< Read more > - Mar 5 2010
A Federal Transit Administration audit of Metro has identified significant safety issues and made recommendations to address them. Congressman Gerry Connolly participated in the briefing by FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. Read more and review the entire audit.
< Read more > - Mar 4 2010
Expressing his support for small business tax cuts and deficit reduction, Congressman Gerry Connolly voted Thursday to pass legislation that will cut taxes for small businesses, provide tax incentives in the private sector to hire new employees, extend tax credit bonds to state and local governments, and continue funding for highway and transportation programs.
< Read more > - Feb 25 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly recently met with Haymarket, Gainesville business leaders to discuss issues such as the economy and deficit reduction. Read more about his meeting here.
< Read more > - Feb 22 2010
The Washington Post editorial on the aftermath of the Washington region's Blizzards of 2010 highlighted Congressman Gerry Connolly's opinion that the federal government might be able to save hundreds of millions of dollars in lost productivity if it provided some assistance to keep the Metro system functioning during extreme weather.
< Read more > - Feb 22 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly today called on Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to reconsider his proposal to close Mason Neck State Park, pointing out that the cost to the local economy and lost revenue to the state is five times greater than the $101,904 savings anticipated from the park closure. Learn more and read Connolly's letter to McDonnell.
< Read more > - Feb 22 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly said the $30.4 million in federal Stimulus funds awarded this week for use in Virginia to improve bus corridors on roadways and enhance bus rapid transit in Northern Virginia is a welcome and much-needed infusion of transportation funds for our area. Overall, $58.8 million in Stimulus funds were awarded to the Washington region for transit and transportation improvements.
< Read more > - Feb 22 2010
Citing the importance of Telework as a step toward reducing traffic congestion in our area, The Washington Post endorsed telework legislation sponsored by Congressmen Gerry Connolly, Frank Wolf, and John Sarbanes.
< Read more > - Feb 11 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly believes that this week's snowstorm-induced federal government closure in the National Capital Region, at a cost of $100 million per day, might have been averted if Metro had adequate capital and operating funds to cover needed equipment and additional labor costs required to handle the extreme weather. Connolly has written Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry and Metro General Manager John Catoe to ask that very question and find out what decision-making processes and what challenges the two agencies face when extreme weather conditions strike.
< Read more > - Feb 4 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly voted for fiscal discipline in Congress by supporting "pay-as-you-go" legislation – better known as PAYGO – which ensures that all new spending passed by Congress is paid for, instead of adding to the federal deficit. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.
< Read more > - Feb 4 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly's amendment to protect children and young adults from online predators and other cyber-crimes passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act to improve internet and computer safeguards in the private and public sectors.
< Read more > - Feb 3 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly, a long-time champion of efforts to help at-risk youth in Northern Virginia, was honored this week with the Hero of the Children Award' from the Childhelp of Virginia.
< Read more > - Feb 2 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly of Northern Virginia, speaking on FOX 5 TV morning news about President Obama's 2011 budget proposal, said Congress and the administration need to focus on reducing the federal deficit and specific investments that will help the economy grow at an accelerated rate. Calling economic growth and fiscal restraint the keys to reducing the deficit, Connolly appeared on FOX 5 with fellow House Budget Committee member Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. Watch the video.
< Read more > - Jan 29 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly is once again hosting the Congressional Art Competition -- An Artistic Discovery – for high school students residing in the 11th Congressional District, encompassing Fairfax and Prince William Counties and Fairfax City. All artwork, including the completed Student Entry and Release Form, must be received on or before April 1, 2010. Artwork may be delivered to one of Congressman Connolly's District offices in Fairfax or Prince William Counties. Read more.
< Read more > - Jan 29 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly met with the editorial board of the Prince William News and Messenger on January 29, 2010 and spent an hour fielding questions sent in by the daily newspaper's readers to Editorial Page Editor Alex Granados. Watch the video and read the story by reporter Jonathan Hunley.
< Read more > - Jan 27 2010
The Wall Street Journal highlighted Congressman Connolly's stance on the extension of tax cuts as "sensible" in today's editorial. Read more here.
< Read more > - Jan 15 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined Governor-elect Bob McDonnell on a tour of a Northern Virginia homeless shelter and praised McDonnell for choosing the shelter as one of the stops on his statewide pre-inaugural community service initiatives tour.
< Read more > - Jan 15 2010
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with Virginia Governor Tim Kaine in announcing that 50 Prince William County schools are eligible to receive $9.5 million in funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements and renovations through Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) issued by the Virginia Public School Authority.
< Read more > - Jan 15 2010
Those who have loved ones in Haiti or seek to provide assistance to victims of the earthquake that has decimated this poorest of poor nations can review the resources available to help.
< Read more > - Dec 29 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly discussed the recent attempted bombing on a Christmas Day and a host of other issues in a wide-ranging interview on NewChannel 8's NewsTalk program with Bruce DePuyt.
< Read more > - Dec 23 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly talked about breaking with the House leadership on a $154 billion spending bill, the need to tackle the federal deficit, federal funding for transportation and other projects coming into Northern Virginia, and health care reform in an interview with Andrea Roane of WUSA9 News.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2009
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11, is bringing home the transportation cash, and thank goodness for that. While our area's traffic woes and commuter crying continue, Connolly is doing his best to be the people's representative. So says the Potomac News and Messenger in an editorial entitled "Connolly Brings Home the Bacon." Read the entire editorial.
< Read more > - Dec 16 2009
Reiterating his concern that excess bank bailout funds should be used to reduce the federal deficit, Congressman Gerry Connolly voted against passage of H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act. The $154 billion spending bill, funded by TARP bank bailout funds and increased deficit spending, was promoted by House leadership as a measure to create jobs and further stimulate the economy. Connolly, however, cited data showing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is already working to boost the economy and create jobs. "I believe the Recovery Act is working and we must get serious about fiscal discipline to reduce the deficit. Now is not the time for more spending," said Congressman Connolly. Read Connolly's entire statement.
< Read more > - Dec 15 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly urged his colleagues to practice fiscal discipline and take positive steps to reduce the federal deficit. Connolly has been calling for unspent and repaid TARP bank bailout funds to be used to reduce the deficit.
< Read more > - Dec 15 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly talked about fiscal discipline and getting serious about reducing the federal deficit in an interview on Federal News Radio. Connolly is bucking House leadership and urging the Congress to use a substantial portion of unused or returned bank bailout money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to reduce the deficit. Listen to Connolly's Federal News Radio interview.
< Read more > - Dec 13 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate has approved a consolidated appropriations act containing federal funding sought by Congressman Gerry Connolly for a number of projects in Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Fairfax City, including $3 million for regional gang prevention, $11.7 million for bridge, highway, and pedestrian improvements, $235 million for Metro and Rail to Dulles, and $3.2 million for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 11 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly wants half of the unspent or repaid bank bailout money to be used for deficit reduction, and he's gathering support for his cause. So says the Potomac News and Messenger in today's paper. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 10 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly, Governor Tim Kaine, Former Senator John Warner, and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar participated in a White House-sponsored forum on how clean energy can stiumulate the economy in Northern Virginia. Read more.
< Read more > - Dec 4 2009
Along with tens of millions of federal dollars that have come to Northern Virginia for schools, road construction, Metro, energy efficiency and many other stiumulus projects, the region's contractors also have received more than $562 million in funds from the Recovery Act, resulting in jobs and a boost to our economy. Read the Washington Post story.
< Read more > - Dec 1 2009
To help federal employees and retirees navigate through the many changes in the 2010 Federal Employees Health Benefits plans, dental and vision insurance programs, and flexible spending accounts, Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold an Open Season Workshop on November 30 from 10 to noon at the Fairfax County Government Center.
< Read more > - Nov 21 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly's record of championing parks, preserving open space, increasing recreational opportunities, and protecting the environment in Fairfax County was recognized on November 20 when he received the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award. The Ormsby Award recognized Congressman Connolly's support for a "robust environmental agenda," his national leadership, and his many accomplishments to make Fairfax a greener and better place.
< Read more > - Nov 18 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly has called on Pat Robertson to apologize for his statement that Islam is "not a religion" but a "violent political system." Read his full statement.
< Read more > - Nov 14 2009
Federal employees who enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHB) were led to believe they would be protected from future premium increases if they enrolled in the automatic compound inflation (ACI) option, but now they are facing increases of 5 to 25 percent because OPM said inaccurate actuarial assumptions were made. Congressman Gerry Connolly wants to know why. He is also concerned about a new development where the insurance company that provides the long-term care insurance to federal employees sent out erroneous letters to tens of thousands of participants in the plan. Connolly called it "another black eye for the long-term care insurance program that had already been battered by poor performance and communication with our federal workforce." Read more.
< Read more > - Nov 9 2009
Citing substantial changes in the final bill, Congressman Gerry Connolly voted late Saturday night with a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for a health care reform bill that protects Northern Virginians from increased taxes, reduces the federal deficit, safeguards Medicare for seniors, and makes health care more affordable and accessible.
< Read more > - Nov 8 2009
The Health Care Reform Bill passed by the House provides substantial benefits to hundreds of thousands of 11th CD citizens. View the details.
< Read more > - Oct 30 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly was successful in securing a change in the newly-unveiled Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) that protects nearly all Northern Virginia citizens and small businesses from paying a surcharge to finance health care reform. Read more about the bill and see the transcript of Connolly's comments at the press conference.
< Read more > - Oct 29 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly applauded the Virginia Department of Transportation's decision to kill a proposed bypass of Route 29 near western Prince William County's historic town of Buckland. In a July letter to Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer, Connolly urged that any transportation improvements in the Route 29 corridor respect the historic character of Buckland and surrounding communities which local residents are working to protect.
< Read more > - Oct 28 2009
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th, asked U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu for $5 million for the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, and got it, the Potomac News and Messenger said in an October 28 story. The grant, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help the customer-owned cooperative create a smart grid to "improve efficiency and reliability of its electric generation and distribution network," Connolly said. Read more.
< Read more > - Oct 26 2009
The latest information on swine flu and how to protect yourself from the virus can be found here.
< Read more > - Oct 21 2009
Thousands of 11th District residents will receive a call tonight (October 21) just before 8 pm inviting them to participate in Congressman Gerry Connolly's fourth Telephone Town Hall Meeting.
< Read more > - Oct 21 2009
In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Northern Virginia Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran expressed concern that the proposed excise tax on health insurance providers adopted by the Senate Finance Committee in its health insurance reform bill may adversely affect health coverage for federal employees and retirees.
< Read more > - Oct 16 2009
The federal funding Congressman Gerry Connolly has secured for the Town of Occoquan may not be the largest appropriation Congress will pass this year, but the $25,000 project will protect hundreds of lives of Occoquan residents and tourists who would be imperiled by flood waters if the Occoquan River Dam burst its seams. At the request of Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta and the Town Council, Congressman Connolly sought federal funding in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to pay for the installation of a siren warning system to alert local residents in Occoquan and other downstream communities in the event of a failure of the Occoquan River Dam, located approximately one-mile upstream from the town.
< Read more > - Oct 16 2009
Speaking during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the war in Afghanistan, Congressman Gerry Connolly emphasized the need for "clear goals, a clear timeline for achievement, and a clear set of resources necessary." Connolly, a member of the Committee, pressed witnesses about the challenges the United States and its allies face in Afghanistan, noting that without a clear mission plan Afghanistan could become "a quagmire of nightmarish proportions." Read more about his statement before the Committee.
< Read more > - Oct 13 2009
Legislation sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly was included in the massive defense authorization bill passed by the House. The bill contains a number of positive changes in laws affecting federal employees' sick leave, annuity calculations, redeposit provisions for employees returning to the federal workforce, and stronger whistleblower protections. The legislation also eliminates the National Security Personnel System for Department of Defense employees and provides a number of improvements in health care and housing programs for military service members and their families.
< Read more > - Oct 13 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two important bills to help veterans and service members, including legislation cosponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly to ensure reliable and timely funding to better anticipate and meet the demand for high quality medical care for our veterans.
< Read more > - Oct 7 2009
Congressman Connolly talked about President Obama's role in the Health Care Reform debate in Congress and the role of past presidents in congressional debates in the cover story of the Ocober 3 issue of the National Journal. Read the entire article.
< Read more > - Oct 1 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb and five other congressmen from Virginia in introducing a bill in the House and Senate to permanently protect 58.5 million acres of America's most pristine public land in national forests, including more than 383,000 acres in Virginia.
< Read more > - Sep 29 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly told the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors that he supports extending the very successful federal tax credit for first-time home buyers beyond the December 1 deadline. Connolly participated in an economic summit held at George Mason University.
< Read more > - Sep 25 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly voted with a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to protect seniors from unfair increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums. Connolly said the House-passed legislation – H.R. 3631 -- will protect seniors and people with disabilities from increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums or reductions in their Social Security checks. Federal retirees will also face no increase in Medicare Part B premiums.
< Read more > - Sep 24 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly held a "live chat" on The Washington Post website on September 24. He responded to questions from readers in Northern Virginia and elsewhere for more than an hour. Read the transcript of the questions and answers.
< Read more > - Sep 18 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to make the single largest investment in aid to help students and families pay for college in history -- and at no cost to taxpayers. Connolly said the legislation will save taxpayers $87 billion and direct $10 billion back to the U.S. Treasury.
< Read more > - Sep 18 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly announced today that Fairfax County is receiving a $400,000 federal grant under the Violence Against Women Act for a program that oversees supervised visitation and safe exchanges of children between parents in situations involving domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and stalking.
< Read more > - Sep 16 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly chaired a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Federal Workforce Subcommittee on the lack of government-wide pay and medical policies for federal workers deployed to combat zones. Government Executive covered the story.
< Read more > - Sep 15 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with a majority of his colleagues in the House on September 14 in voting to pass a resolution commemorating the 15th anniversary of the critically-important Violence Against Women Act and what it has meant for America's women.
< Read more > - Sep 12 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined with President Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine in urging Northern Virginia residents to give of themselves as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the victims and heroes of the 9-11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
< Read more > - Sep 10 2009
On the day Congress came back into session after the August district work period, Congressman Connolly appeared on CNN in the morning and MSNBC in the evening to talk about some of the issues Congress is facing on health care reform.
< Read more > - Sep 4 2009
Congressman Connolly shares his opinion on health care reform in this weekend's USA TODAY.
< Read more > - Sep 3 2009
CNN spent much of the day with Congressman Connolly as he met with constituents and groups in the 11th District on health care reform. Watch the video and other recent videos.
< Read more > - Sep 2 2009
Congressman Connolly took Metro to task for failing to adequately notify citizens that it was closing the Washington national Airport, Crystal City, and Pentagon City Metro stations for the entire Labor Day weekend.
< Read more > - Sep 2 2009
Some 400 Prince William County residents attended a Town Meeting held by Congressman Connolly in Gainesville. Connolly and a panel of experts responded to citizens questions for 90 minutes.
< Read more > - Aug 28 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly recently held a Health Care Reform Forum for seniors at the Greenspring Retirement Community. For more than two hours, nearly 500 constituents were able to share their thoughts and opinions on health care with Congressman Connolly.
< Read more > - Aug 24 2009
More than 450 seniors signed up to participate in Congressman Connolly's Health Care Reform Meeting on August 25 at Greenspring in Springfield.
< Read more > - Aug 21 2009
Congressman Connolly was joined by Delegate Paul Nichols and other Prince William County officials at a press conference on legislation to extend Metro to Woodbridge. See story.
< Read more > - Aug 21 2009
Congressman Connolly took questions on Health Care Reform for nearly 90 minutes at a joint Rotary Club meeting in Woodbridge. See story.
< Read more > - Aug 20 2009
Congressman Connolly spoke on health care reform to more than 200 Baptist ministers and representatives of Baptist congregations in Northern Virginia at the NoVA Baptist Association's 132 annual meeting. Read the speech.
< Read more > - Aug 3 2009
Congressman Connolly talks Health Care on MSNBC TV's Sunday morning program
< Read more > - Jul 27 2009 < Read more >
- Jul 24 2009
The Connection Newspapers report on Congressman Connolly's continuing health care reform efforts to secure costs savings from insurance companies and other elements of the health care sytem instead of burdening Americans with new taxes.
< Read more > - Jul 23 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly joined his colleagues in the Washington-area congressional delegation Thursday night in voting for House passage of legislation appropriating $150 million in dedicated funding for the Metro system.
< Read more > - Jul 22 2009
In this CBS News interview, Congressman Connolly highlights his efforts to secure a deficit-neutral health care reform bill that wrings every dollar in cost savings out of the system and does not burden families and small businesses with higher taxes.
< Read more > - Jul 20 2009
A front page article in the July 20 issue of the Wall Street Journal and a CNN story highlight Congressman Connolly's efforts to achieve a deficit-neutral Health Care Reform bill and protect the interests of 11th Congressional District residents and small businesses. A related article from Politico on the topic is also included.
< Read more > - Jul 17 2009
Prince William County residents are invited to join Congressman Connolly at an open house at his new Prince William County District Office in Woodbridge on July 25.
< Read more > - Jul 3 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly told more than 11,000 constituents participating in his telephone town meeting that he opposes the taxation of employee health benefits and supports the right of Americans to choose their own doctors and insurance plans. Read news coverage of the town meeting and listen to the town meeting.
< Read more > - Jul 2 2009
Congressman Connolly joined President Obama at his July 1 Forum in Annandale to discuss Health Care Reform. Connolly also told reporters that he would not support a health care reform plan that would impose a tax on employer-provided health care benefits.
< Read more > - Jun 26 2009
Here is Congressman Connolly's floor statement in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
< Read more > - Jun 26 2009
Ten days after Congressman Gerry Connolly introduced legislation making it illegal for cell phone companies and landlords to levy early termination fees against active-duty military personnel who are deployed to war or other duty stations, Connolly's bill passed U.S. House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support.
< Read more > - Jun 18 2009
Since January, Congressman Connolly has worked to bring hundreds of millions of dollars in needed funding to Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the City of Fairfax in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, appropriations bills, and other legislation. A map detailing projects and programs in the 11th Congressional District that have received or will receive federal funding from the 111th Congress can be found by opening this article and clicking on the map link.
< Read more > - Jun 18 2009
Congressman Connolly was successful on the House floor in reinstating $400 million in the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill that includes an estimated $1.5 million in funds to reimburse Fairfax and Prince William Counties for the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens in their jails. The Commonwealth of Virginia also stands to receive an estimated $1.7 million.
< Read more > - Jun 17 2009
Congressman Connolly has introduced legislation that would make it illegal to require deployed military personnel to pay financial penalties for terminating contracts for cell phones, residential leases, and college costs. "It is unjust, disrespectful, and wrong," he said.
< Read more > - Jun 1 2009
More than 100 Prince William seniors attended Congressman Connolly's first Senior Issues Forum held at Westminster at Lake Ridge. Representatives of AARP, NARFE, the Social Security Administration, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and the Prince William Area Agency on Aging participated in a panel discussion and were on hand to answer questions and provide information on legislative issues before Congress and other matters of concern to seniors.
< Read more > - May 22 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly will host a workshop on land conservation efforts and related tax incentives and grant opportunities on Wednesday, May 27 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Buckland Farm in Gainesville. The public is invited to learn more about these opportunities.
< Read more > - May 19 2009
Congressman Connolly wants to eliminate the federal Telephone Excise Tax because it targets those least able to afford it. His bipartisan bill would kill the tax that was originally put in place to fund the Spanish-American War in 1898. Repeal is long overdue.
< Read more > - May 12 2009
Congressmen Connolly and Moran secured $77.5 million in accelerated funds from the Recovery Act for Rail to Dulles. The funding will save $15 million in financing costs for the project. The funding was released by the U.S. Department of Transportation after Connolly and Moran wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
< Read more > - May 3 2009
Congressman Connolly delivered the keynote address to retired federal employees from across the Commonwealth of Virginia at the National Association of Retired Federal Employees 55th annual state convention in Reston on Friday. May 1.
< Read more > - Apr 29 2009
When OPM Director John Berry held a press conference to announce new Telework policies for federal employees and endorse Telework legislation cosponsored by Congressmen Connolly and Sarbannes, he noted that he decided to implement the Telework plan after he was pressed by Connolly about it at a House Committee hearing.
< Read more > - Apr 28 2009
The House-passed Green Schools bill would provide more than $10 million to Fairfax and Prince William Public Schools to increase energy efficiency, upgrade school buildings, create green jobs, and save taxpayer dollars.
< Read more > - Apr 26 2009
The Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights, cosponsored by Congressman Connolly, would provide increased protections for consumers against unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive credit card practices, is scheduled for consideration on the House floor this week.
< Read more > - Apr 22 2009
Congressman Connolly's Op-Ed Column in the Potomac News and Messenger points out that changing our patterns of growth and development is the key to unlocking solutions to some of our region's most difficult challenges, including traffic congestion, poor air quality, unmitigated sprawl, and disappearing open space.
< Read more > - Apr 22 2009
Congressman Connolly played a key role in the recent selection of Aneesh Chopra for White House chief technology officer and he continues to push his bill to make the position permanent, more powerful and more expansive, because the job's responsibilities are not what President Obama had first described.
< Read more > - Apr 22 2009
On the eve of Earth Day 2009, Congressman Connolly delivered a statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on climate change.
< Read more > - Apr 21 2009
Julia O'Donoghue of the Connection Newspapers spent a day on Capitol Hill with Congressman Connolly and filed a report on his transition from Fairfax County Board Chairman to 11th CD Congressman.
< Read more > - Apr 21 2009
Congressman Connolly held his third Congress on Your Corner session to give 11th CD residents the opportunity to talk with him one-on-one.
< Read more > - Apr 17 2009
The bill will help connect America's greatest historic and scenic places across the nation, including trails in Fairfax and Prince William Counties connecting Mount Vernon with Pope's Creek, George Washington's birthplace, and Pope's Creek with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
< Read more > - Apr 15 2009
More than 79,000 residents of Virginia's 11th Congressional District who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits or Veterans Administration benefits will receive $250 economic recovery payments, Congressman Gerry Connolly said.
< Read more > - Apr 8 2009
Two federal Recovery Act grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, totaling more than $4.35 million, will help protect more than 950 residents living in the Pohick Bay watershed from flood danger.
< Read more > - Apr 3 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly's role in winning passage of the House budget resolution won praise from the House leadership Thursday. Connolly also succeeded in winning inclusion of federal pay parity language in the bill and clarifying that the budget resolution does not address specific tax provisions such as a maximum income threshold for tax cut extensions or caps on deductions for mortgage interest and charitable contributions. The tax cut limits and deduction caps contained in President Obama's original budget proposal concerned Connolly because they would disproportionately affect residents in Northern Virginia with its high cost of living.
< Read more > - Mar 25 2009
The House Budget Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution that contains a provision sought by Congressman Gerry Connolly to provide pay parity for military personnel and civilian federal employees.
< Read more > - Mar 23 2009
Congressman Connolly introduced legislation to jumpstart the issuance of municipal bonds. Many state and local governments, already hamstrung by declining revenues, are unable to issue bonds for capital projects due to the faltering economy and skittish investors in the municipal bond market.
< Read more > - Mar 21 2009
"If someone is having a problem with the federal government, whether it is with the Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration or any other federal agency, I encourage them to call my District Office for help."
< Read more > - Mar 18 2009
A House committee has approved an amendment offered by Congressman Gerry Connolly to allow former federal employees who return to federal service the opportunity to reinvest their full federal retirement annuity without losing credit for previous years of service. The legislation contains two additional amendments supported by Connolly that protect sick leave for FERS employees and correct CSRS annuity calculations to protect former federal employees who return to federal service on a part-time basis.
< Read more > - Mar 18 2009
"Greed at the expense of our nation's taxpayers cannot and must not be rewarded in these trying economic times."
< Read more > - Mar 12 2009
Congressman Connolly joined a bipartisan group of senior Foreign Affairs Committee members in introducing legislation conditioning US military aid to Pakistan on access to nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan by US officials and assurances that he is being monitored to prevent him from assisting in the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
< Read more > - Mar 12 2009
Congressman Connolly yesterday urged President Obama and House Budget Committee Chair John Spratt to include pay parity for federal employees and military personnel in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.
< Read more > - Mar 11 2009
For the first time in the 67-year-history of a prestigious international science competition, two students from the same Fairfax County high school were top ten winners.
< Read more > - Mar 6 2009
Connolly has made a good beginning on his promise to keep the people informed, the Potomac News and Messenger said.
< Read more > - Mar 6 2009
Fairfax County and Prince William County will each receive more than $500,000 in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for programs to prevent and control crime and improve their criminal justice systems.
< Read more > - Mar 6 2009
Connolly Seeks Transportation Funds for NoVA projects including VRE, Fairfax Parkway, and Prince William Buses
< Read more > - Mar 5 2009
The pro-gun amendments under consideration in the DC Voting Rights Bill may make it tougher to pass on the House floor, Congressman Connolly said in The Washington Times.
< Read more > - Mar 4 2009
Congressman Connolly was elected freshman class president by his peers in the U.S. House of Representatives.
< Read more > - Mar 2 2009
The Greater Prince William County Community Health Center (GPWCHC) in Woodbridge is receiving $1.097 million in economic recovery act funds to help it continue providing affordable health care to thousands of underserved Prince William County residents.
< Read more > - Feb 26 2009
The Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives contains $33.7 million in funding for a wide range of projects and activities benefiting schools, transportation, police departments, George Mason University, and the public across the 11th Congressional District in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. In addition, the legislation contains $10.75 million for environmental protection and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
< Read more > - Feb 25 2009
The legislation would allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay their monthly health care premiums using pre-tax dollars. It also would allow active duty military members to apply a pre-tax rebate to the supplemental insurance premiums most purchase to cover gaps in TRICARE.
< Read more > - Feb 25 2009
Northern Virginia Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran are urging President Obama to choose Virginia's Secretary of Technology as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the nation. In a letter to the President, Connolly and Moran recommended the selection of Aneesh Chopra, the current Secretary of Technology for the Commonwealth of Virginia, for the newly created post.
< Read more > - Feb 21 2009
Congressman Connolly Serves on three House Committees: Foreign Affairs; Oversight and Government Reform; and Budget. You will find full details on his committees, subcommittees, and their jurisdictions here.
< Read more > - Feb 18 2009
Every economist we have talked to all agreed that we [Congress] must do something or the country will go over the economic precipice, Congressman Connolly told the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, according to the Mount Vernon Gazette.
< Read more > - Feb 16 2009
This is one of many examples of how the economic recovery plan will have a positive impact on our communities and our residents. Completion of this final segment for the Fairfax County Parkway will fulfill a vision that began more than 50 years ago to provide an alternate route for commuters and commerce to traverse Northern Virginia outside the Capital Beltway.
< Read more > - Feb 13 2009
Congressman Connolly said funds designated for the Commonwealth of Virginia and local governments and school systems will create jobs, build and repair roads, bridges, schools, and other infrastructure, and provide significant funding to local school districts to help them reduce projected revenue shortfalls.
< Read more > - Feb 4 2009
Not only will Hilton bring jobs into our region, they will add to our economic diversity and strengthen our economy.
< Read more > - Feb 3 2009
3,700 Prince William residents participate in Telephone Town Meeting
< Read more > - Feb 3 2009
The FERS Redeposit Act gives individuals who return to civil service from the private sector the ability to reinvest their full federal retirement annuity without losing credit for previous years of service.
< Read more > - Jan 26 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly is one of the founding members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus in Congress.
< Read more > - Jan 16 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) is urging President-elect Obama and the Congress to expand the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as part of the economic stimulus package. Increasing the WAP program could make dramatic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, create green jobs, and provide much needed help to cash-strapped low-income families during tough economic times.
< Read more > - Jan 14 2009
The SCHIP reauthorization bill – H.R. 2 – passed the House Wednesday by a 289-139 vote. The legislation would increase the number of eligible children in the federal insurance program by more than 4 million to cover more than 11 million. Currently, 144,163 children are enrolled in the program in Virginia, including 10,655 in Fairfax County and 7,300 in Prince William County. The bill is fully funded by the federal tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
< Read more > - Jan 9 2009
Congressman Gerry Connolly today applauded U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters' decision to give final approval to extend Metrorail to Dulles, calling it a "landmark in Northern Virginia history." Connolly said Rail to Dulles will improve the quality of life for thousands of Northern Virginia commuters and provide substantial benefits to the region's economy.
< Read more > - Jun 11 2000
Five high school artists from Fairfax and Prince William won awards Sunday in Congressman Gerry Connolly's annual 11th District Congressional Art Competition. The artwork of the first prize winner -- Kelly Teboe of Prince William County's Brentsville High School – will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year where it will be seen by hundreds of thousands. Read more.
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