Friends,

We had a busy week here in the House of Representatives! I joined my colleagues for brunch to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, introduced three bills that will improve the quality of life of our servicemembers, and had the opportunity to host the Mayor of Norfolk Kenny Alexander at our DC office...!

The House also voted on and passed multiple bills. You can read more about some of those below in my weekly floor recap...!

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

A Vote for Tax Relief, Shipbuilding, and Medicaid for Vulnerable Families

On Thursday, I joined 214 of my colleagues to vote for the "One Big Beautiful Bill." I am proud to support this bill to alleviate the fiscal burden on Virginians and enact reform on the welfare system so we can provide assistance to the Americans that need it the most.

Read my full statement here and below.

Upon arriving to Congress in January 2023, I've remained focused on promoting a strong national defense, bettering the lives of our men in women in uniform, and fighting to lower the cost of living for our constituents of Virginia's Second Congressional District. While I recognize this bill isn't perfect, I know that eliminating federal taxes on tips, investing in our nations military, and preserving the integrity of Medicaid will prove to be beneficial in the long-term for the good of our country.

Congressional Breakfast for #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth

On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues and community leaders for a breakfast and social in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month...! I always love speaking to our followers and friends of the Jewish community to discuss the issues that affect us all. In the face of anti-semitism, I am proud to voice my support for the State of Israel, and I will never allow this hateful rhetoric to overshadow the contributions and selflessness our Jewish Americans have provided for our country!!

Thank you for having me, and know that you have our support here in VA-02!

Recognizing NJROTC Senior and Junior Cadets at Landstown High School

 At the beginning of last week, I was excited to be back in VA-02 to recognize our NJROTC Senior and Junior Cadets of the Year...! Spending time with the next generation of military leaders was incredibly rewarding, and I was happy to share the fulfillment one finds in a career in service to our country.

Thank you to Landstown High School for including me in such a joyous occasion, and congratulations to the families of Cadet LT Marlon Harris and Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class Crisnan Agulto..!

My New Bills to Improve Quality of Care and Take Home Pay for Our Troops

We stayed busy in Washington this week, and introduced three new bills that would alleviate the fiscal and medical toll inhabited by our servicemembers and federal workers.

The first is the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025, alongside Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), which would allow Reservists and Guardsmen to purchase Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) for themselves and their families. Currently, members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard are barred from enrolling in TRS and this bill would ensure they're entitled to the same benefits as their federal employee counterparts.

I also introduced the BONUS Act, alongside Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02), to abolish the federal tax on bonus compensation to members of the Armed Forces. The men and women that make so many sacrifices at the expense of our preserving our national security she keep what they deserve...!

Finally, I introduced the VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act, with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), to call for cloud storage-based system to track medical equipment at the VA to avoid inventory discrepancies. This bill would assure timely care by medical specialists while cutting down on wasteful spending!

These bills are common sense fixes to long-standing issues that affect our men and women in uniform on a daily basis. I am proud to say that they have bipartisan support, and look forward to seeing the impact they have, not only on our constituents in VA-02, but across the country..!!

Hosting Mobile Office Hours in Franklin

On Wednesday, members of Team Kiggans traveled to Franklin, VA for our Mobile Office Hours!

Mobile Office Hours are always a great opportunity for constituents to meet with our staff face-to-face where we can provide assistance in navigating the federal government and listen to your thoughts on the issues of the day!

Stay tuned for details on future Mobile Office Hours coming down the pike, and don't hesitate to visit our District Office if you have any issues in the interim..! Thank you to everyone that stopped by and thank you to Mayor Kaplan for hosting us at Franklin City Hall!

Weekly Poll

With over 1,400 responses last week, nearly 70% of you said you think we need to upgrade our military bases in Hampton Roads, and I completely agree with you! Building a strong and equipped national defense starts at home with the amenities and conditions we provide for our servicemembers. Our district is home to the largest population of active duty military in the entire country. Outdated equipment and irreparable living spaces shouldn't cut it for the greatest military power in the world!!

And now, onto this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Lieutenant Commander Arthur Murray Preston, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33, while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and supply area, 16 September 1944. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lt.) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area of the downed airman.

Aided by an aircraft smoke screen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel, Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous fire for 2 and one half hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards and brought his boats through without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Dhianne from Virginia Beach help expedite her application for U.S. Citizenship. After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Dhianne...!

If you need assistance with federal agency, my team is here to help. Contact my District Office at (757) 364-7650 or visit my website and my team will be in touch!

Don't forget - if you’d like to stay up to date with what I’m working on, check out my website and follow my Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington, DC in the coming months, please stop by to say hello!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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