After thirty years of public service, including twenty years serving in the House of Representatives, Congressman James Walsh announced his retirement on January 24, 2008. Congressman Walsh has served on the House Appropriations Committee for several years and chaired four subcommittees including the former House Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs. During his chairmanship, Congressman Walsh created the Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative which has expanded housing opportunities, increased neighborhood investment and improved citizen involvement in Syracuse.