Washington, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced bicameral legislation to rename a United States Postal Service facility in Fairfax, Virginia in honor of the late Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly, whose decades of service and leadership transformed Northern Virginia and inspired a generation of public servants.
The bill designates the USPS facility located at 10660 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the “Congressman Gerald E. ‘Gerry’ Connolly Post Office Building.”
“Gerry Connolly was a singular force for good in Fairfax, and for 11 years I had the privilege of working beside him as his Chief of Staff. I watched him pour his intellect, integrity, and energy into serving this community every single day. He devoted his life to lifting up disadvantaged community members and giving voice to those too often unheard. He was widely respected as one of Congress’s most effective lawmakers, a champion for federal workers and the postal service, and a principled statesman who defended democracy with courage and clarity on the international stage,” said Congressman Walkinshaw.
“But Gerry was more than a Member of Congress. He was my mentor, my best friend, and one of the most formative figures in my life. His love for Fairfax continues to guide me in every decision I make. Introducing this bill with Senators Kaine and Warner is deeply meaningful because it honors a giant whose legacy is etched into every corner of our community. The best way to honor Gerry is to continue the work he loved and serve Fairfax with the same devotion he brought to it,” added Congressman Walkinshaw.
“From protecting federal workers and advocating for foreign aid to securing transformative transportation investments, Gerry Connolly was a one-of-a-kind public servant and fighter for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m proud to join my Virginia delegation colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation to honor my friend Gerry’s legacy.”
“Whether he was fighting for federal employees, strengthening our transportation network, or standing up for democratic values at home and abroad, Gerry Connolly always led with integrity and purpose. Renaming this facility in his honor is a fitting tribute to a colleague and friend whose impact will be felt in Fairfax and across the Commonwealth for generations to come,” said Senator Warner.
Congressman Walkinshaw, Senators Tim Kaine, and Mark Warner were joined by a bipartisan group of original cosponsors: Chairman James Comer (KY-01), Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA-07).
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously passed the bill on December 2, 2025.
Congressman Gerry Connolly’s Public Service:
Gerry Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including five years as chairman. His leadership helped guide the county through a period of rapid growth and positioned it as a national model for smart planning, environmental stewardship, transit expansion, and affordable housing policy. He championed initiatives that were ahead of their time in addressing housing shortages, expanding the tree canopy, preserving open space, and advancing Washington Metro’s Silver Line.
His local government experience informed a distinguished career in Congress, where he rose to become the Ranking Member and top Democrat on the Oversight Committee. He was widely regarded as one of the most experienced Members on oversight, and a respected advocate for good governance, infrastructure, and the federal workforce. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized him as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House during the 117th Congress.
Connolly was also a statesman whose leadership extended well beyond the United States. As a two-time President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he was a fierce defender of transatlantic unity and democratic values. He presided over the Assembly’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocated for the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO Headquarters, and supported the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance.
His international work, combined with decades of service in Congress and in Fairfax County, reflects a legendary career defined by integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to democracy at home and abroad.
Read the bill text here.
