Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) has taken action in response to former President Donald Trump’s plans to reduce the federal workforce. Scott announced the formation of a bipartisan Emergency Committee on Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, aiming to understand and address the potential impacts of these changes on Virginians.
“This committee will work to understand the potential impacts on Virginians and find solutions that protect our communities,” Scott posted on X on Feb. 5. “We can’t afford to wait.”
The committee is chaired by Del. David Bulova (D-Fairfax) and consists of five Republican and six Democratic members, including Del. Vivian Watts (D-Annandale) and Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church). The move comes after Trump’s recently announced plans to reduce federal employment by up to 10% through a deferred resignation program, along with terminating federal office leases. These actions could significantly affect Virginia’s economy, particularly in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads region.
Scott emphasized that the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s decision to halt the disbursement of federal funds could disrupt various social services, infrastructure projects, and programs that many Virginians rely on.
“This is not about politics – it’s about protecting Virginia’s workforce, economy, and essential services,” Scott said. “With nearly 145,000 federal civilian employees and even more federal contractors calling Virginia home, we depend on a strong partnership with the federal government to provide critical services.”
According to data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Virginia is the top state in the country for federal contract awards, with a total of $106 billion in 2023. The committee will analyze how Trump’s funding cuts could impact Virginia’s financial stability and develop solutions to ensure economic security for residents.
While some state leaders oppose these workforce reductions, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) supports Trump’s plans to shrink the federal government. In a Jan. 29 interview with the Washington Post, Youngkin stated, “The steps that President Trump is taking are steps … that he told everyone he was going to do and received a massive, massive vote of confidence by the American people to do.”
Youngkin acknowledged that some Virginians may lose their jobs due to the proposed reductions but expressed confidence in the state’s strong economy to help laid-off workers find new employment.
The Emergency Committee on Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions has been assigned several tasks, including collecting and analyzing data on potential workforce and funding cuts, assessing their economic and budgetary impact on Virginia, and engaging with stakeholders such as state agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to gather insights and mitigation strategies.
The committee is also responsible for developing policy recommendations for the 2026 General Assembly session. Their final report, outlining findings and proposed solutions, is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, following an organizational meeting scheduled no later than May 1.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
