119th Congress

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam announced the launch of a resource page on his website targeted at helping federal workers in his district navigate the chaos and flood of attacks by the Trump Administration. This week, the Congressman hosted a town hall in Leesburg targeted towards federal workers where over 350 constituents showed up to voice their concerns and share first-hand accounts about President Trump’s systematic dismantling of federal agencies and the federal workforce. Congressman Subramanyam hopes this guide will serve as a resource as they navigate the chaos ushered in by the Trump Administration. The Congressman’s office has been collecting stories from constituents of the 10th district to record their testimonials and use their knowledge to inform his efforts.

“It is clear that the firings, intimidation, and freezes of our federal government are illegal and unconstitutional,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “There is little transparency and accountability, and a whole lot of chaos, so I have created a webpage to provide federal workers and contractors a place to share their stories, their intel, and find resources to get through this difficult time. Through rigorous investigations, new legislation, and legal action, we will hold the Trump Administration accountable for its actions.”

A former Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama, Congressman Subramanyam served in the Virginia General Assembly since first getting elected in 2019. In Richmond, Subramanyam founded the bipartisan "Commonwealth Caucus” – a bipartisan group of legislators focused on finding common ground. He passed landmark legislation to lower toll costs for commuters, issue refunds to overcharged consumers, combat the rise in gun violence, and ensure all students have access to the best educational opportunities. He is a member of the House’s Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and a Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, and a member of the House’s Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subramanyam served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Loudoun. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3). 

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Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would permit the use of 529 account funds to pay for post-secondary training programs. This will help more Americans obtain and retain well-paying jobs that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.

Subramanyam and Wittman were joined by U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Kevin Hern (R-OK-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Mike Carey (R-OH-10), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). 

“Our workforce is rapidly evolving with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and investing in the next generation of workers through STEM and CTE programs is vital to maintaining our economic advantage,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “That is why I am proud to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which will help more Virginians access workforce training programs to give them the skills they need to help them, their families, and their businesses succeed across the Commonwealth.”

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are essential to the future development of our nation,” said Congressman Rob Wittman. “The majority of America’s workforce consists of middle-skill jobs that require more than a high school education but not a bachelor’s degree, and key industries are struggling to find adequately trained workers to fill these roles. We have a responsibility to prepare students for the demands of our 21st century workforce and economy, and we must do everything we can to expand access to resources to afford postsecondary education and career training. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will help students in Virginia and across the nation secure in-demand, well-paying jobs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill so we can equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market of tomorrow.”

“Now more than ever, we must take every step to strengthen our nation’s workforce and provide Americans with the resources to acquire the skills and training necessary to obtain good-paying jobs,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. “By expanding the utility of 529 accounts to pay for post-secondary training programs, we can create new opportunities for economic mobility and avenues to long-term success. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will empower hardworking Americans to obtain training and careers in burgeoning industries that would otherwise be out of reach.”

“Our skilled labor workforce is dwindling while millions of students are racking up incredible debt in pursuit of four-year degrees that they may never use in the workforce,” said Congressman Kevin Hern. “Trade school played a critical role in my life, helping me work as a welder and provide for my family while I was still a teenager. We need more students pursuing these kinds of programs, which will train them for high-paying jobs and help them begin their careers without the heavy weight of student loan debt. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to allow 529 accounts to be used for post-secondary training programs.” 

“Nevadans want to invest in their future through education just as much as they want to invest for their future with 529 accounts,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “Allowing the use of 529 accounts to pay for post-secondary training programs empowers my constituents – and every American – to chart their own course to a more rewarding career. At the same time, it ensures American businesses have the talent they need to thrive. This is a win-win that I’m proud to support.”

“I have traveled across southern Minnesota and have met with students participating in technical programs, as well as employers seeking to recruit those with specialized skills,” said Congressman Brad Finstad. “Every student should have the ability to pursue the educational path that suits their talents. I am proud to join Congressman Wittman in introducing this legislation which will strengthen tomorrow’s workforce by making these essential programs more accessible and affordable for those with 529 savings accounts.”

“No one should be prevented from receiving the education and training they need to succeed because it is too expensive,” said Congressman John Larson. “I am glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to make postsecondary training and credentialing more affordable and accessible so future generations are prepared to enter and excel in the workforce. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support workforce development, create good-paying jobs, and lower the cost of higher education and vocational training programs."

“Post-secondary training programs provide Americans with the tools they need to get good-paying jobs that don't require a four-year degree. By permitting the use of 529 account funds to pay for these valuable programs, more Americans will be able to enter the workforce and access these jobs,” said Congressman Mike Collins. “America’s industries are desperately trying to find well-trained individuals to fill these types of roles and we owe it to the next generation to help them get the skills they need to secure them. This is why I'm proud to co-lead on Rep. Rob Wittman's Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.”

“Four-year colleges aren’t the only path to success,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “Parents and loved ones who want to put money aside for a child’s future shouldn’t be penalized if down the line, that child chooses to pursue on-the-job or technical education. We are proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure families can save for the future, whatever opportunities it brings.”

“Although 529 savings plans help families invest in higher education, they currently don’t cover the costs of essential workforce training and professional certifications,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act fixes this gap by allowing workers to use their 529 savings to obtain critical credentials, whether it’s a CPA license, a pilot’s license, or other professional certifications. Expanding these tax-favorable plans will help more Americans gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs.”

Last year, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act garnered the support of more than 140 cosponsors and more than 800 trade associations, professional societies, and businesses.

You can read the full bill text here.

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Link HERE to video download.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam addressed the mass layoffs and firings of federal workers in Virginia’s 10th district and the attack on our federal workforce. Congressman Subramanyam called this attack a “constitutional crisis” and highlighted the unconstitutional takeover of federal payment systems by unvetted individuals who are not members of the federal government. Along with unauthorized and unconstitutional cuts to federal agencies and programs, the Congressman argued that these actions are damaging the country, undermine democracy, and threaten essential services like food safety, disaster relief, and veterans' benefits. The Congressman called for legislative action to protect federal workers and agencies, emphasizing the need for oversight and accountability. As a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, he has called for an investigation into illegal firings and unconstitutional freezes of the federal government. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam urged constituents in VA-10 to use their voices to push back against these actions and demand the Administration stop their attack on our federal workforce.

Copied below find a transcript of remarks as delivered:

Mr. Speaker, I rise because we are at the crossroads of a constitutional crisis, and while I represent and fight for tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors in my district, this affects every single American.

There's a treasury takeover. Every man, woman and child's most personal information is in the hands of people who have no real vetting or formal role in our government, and they have control of the federal government payment systems.

They could now decide which programs, projects, and contractors get funded. That is unconstitutional.

Federal agencies authorized by Congress are being cut without any input from Congress. That is unconstitutional.

And, all federal spending was frozen with little warning to Americans, unconstitutional.

The Federal workforce is being intimidated and decimated before our eyes.

We are damaging our country in a way that could take years, if not decades, to recover.

Cutting USAID undermines our standing in the world and keeps us less safe. Cutting funding for agencies and nonprofits that feed kits or run essential services will make us less healthy, less secure.

Firing federal workers and contractors will lead to a brain drain in our government and hurt every single function of our government.

This is not right sizing or downsizing of the government. This is dumb sizing of the government.

And how do I know this? Because I know these federal workers and contractors personally. I see them at the grocery store, farmers markets, at school, drop off. They take an oath to our country to keep our government running and, most importantly, keep us safe.

And they often take lower salaries out of a sense of duty to their federal citizens. And they don't care who's president. Why? Because Federal Food Safety should not stop because of who is president. And disaster relief should not stop because of who is president. Veterans’ benefits should not stop because of who is president.

Federal workers make America work. They make America great.

At a town hall last night in my district, these federal workers shared their stories. Their stories were frightening and should alarm all Americans.

We had one position, which was a nuclear scientist. You can't just get rid of a nuclear scientist and expect to replace that expertise ever again.

This is a constitutional crisis, and so what are we going to do about it? That's what the people want to know.

There must be real oversight and accountability for this administration, especially when there are dangerous incursions and to Congress's powers and independence as a legislative branch.

We must introduce legislation, hold hearings, speak out and do everything possible to make sure that this stops.

And I will be introducing legislation to protect federal workers, prevent unnecessary agency relocations and stop unconstitutional actions that undermine our democracy and the separation of powers.

If you're a citizen listening at home, know that your voice matters. When you spoke up about the federal freeze, they backed down. So, speak out. Use your voice and push back, because the time for action is now, so join me.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

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