Friends,

We just wrapped up another busy week working in Virginia's Second District...! After several long months in Washington, D.C., it is great to be home visiting nearly every corner of Virginia's Second District. Being back in the District allows me the opportunity to talk with the people I represent, learn about what matters most to them, and understand how Washington can better serve them. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing many more of you out in the community as we start to wrap up the summer!

Here's this week's Debrief..!

Supporting Our Chesapeake Law Enforcement

It is an honor to advocate in Congress for the men and women who protect and serve our communities...! During last year's government funding cycle, I was proud to secure $500,000 for the Chesapeake Police Department's Marine Patrol Division to help them purchase a new state-of-the-art patrol vessel. Last week, I visited the unit to hear how this funding will benefit the residents of Chesapeake for years to come.

The officers walked through how this funding will be used to escort vessels through the Port of Virginia, patrol the various rivers and waterways within the City of Chesapeake, and assist boaters in distress. Thank you to Chief of Police Mark Solesky, Chesapeake Mayor Rick West, and Chesapeake City Council Members Debbie Ritter, Amanda Newins, and Daniel Whitaker for joining me during this visit to learn more about all the important work the Marine Patrol Division does for Hampton Roads.

Celebrating NAS Oceana's Future

Last week was a big one at Naval Air Station Oceana... It was an honor to attend the Change of Command Ceremony as Captain Josh Appezzato became the new Commanding Officer of the base. Thank you to Captain Steven Djunaedi for your dedicated service to Oceana. We wish you fair winds and following seas...! As always – FLY NAVY!!

Investing in the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Last Monday, I also visited two ongoing projects on the Eastern Shore to see how the federal funding I secured in fiscal year 2024 will improve the quality of life for the Shore's residents.

During my visit, I spoke with both the the Hampton Roads Sanitation District in Onancock and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority to hear how the approximately $1.5 million my office secured them would be used to make improvements to the local community! The upgrades to the sewer infrastructure and expansion of broadband to new sections of the Shore will continue to bolster access to these vital resources for residents!

I am proud to have secured funding for sewer upgrades and broadband expansion on the Eastern Shore to continue to increase access to these vital resources for residents. It was incredibly valuable to hear from the employees at these organizations and learn just how much these projects will help improve lives. In Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure the Shore is no longer overlooked by bureaucrats in Washington. I am committed to working with our communities to return federal tax dollars and support projects that will make substantial improvements in the lives of those I was elected to serve.

Expanding the Port of Virginia

Did you know that the Port of Virginia is the most efficient port in North America!? This accomplishment is made possible by the people that keep it running and the constant investments made to maintain it... It was an honor to join Congressman Bobby Scott, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, MARAD Administrator Ann Phillips, and officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation to commemorate the completion of the Port's new rail yard expansion which will improve our supply chain transportation.

This infrastructure investment will solidify the ability of our region to be a leader in global commerce and trade! Congratulations to the Port of Virginia and keep up the great work!

Energy Security is National Security

I recently joined a group of my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson urging him to retain important energy tax credits as our Republican conference works to address the serious flaws of the so-called "Inflation Reduction Act". I was not in federal office when this legislation passed. However, having come to Congress at a time when inflation is at a historic high and global instability continues to rise, I am focused on the indisputable economic and national security benefits the energy tax credits have brought to Southeast Virginia.

It's simple: energy security is national security. That's why I am committed to preserving federal tax incentives that are driving billions of dollars of investments in manufacturing and affordable, reliable, American-made clean energy. These commonsense credits have led to $445 million in direct investment into the Commonwealth of Virginia alone and have created 250 new jobs.

These investments are achieving several critical priorities for our country: restoring American manufacturing and jobs, strengthening our supply chains, reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries, lowering costs by regaining our energy security, and saving money for American businesses and families.

You sent me to Congress to advocate for good policy and get results for Coastal Virginia, not vote 100% with a political party. As our Republican majority works to fix the deeply flawed parts of this legislation, I will continue to support these tax credits so that we can continue to level the playing field with China and make the cost of living more affordable for Virginia families.

Iran's Continued Attacks on US Military Assets

Before we conclude this week's debrief, I want to take a moment to address last week's rocket attack on the Al-Asad Air Base. This Iran-backed attack injured seven Americans, including five servicemembers. Sadly, this latest attack is not an isolated incident. Iran and its proxies grow more dangerous by the day, and their acts of aggression cannot go unanswered.

As a former Navy helicopter pilot, Navy wife, and now Navy Mom, I know our military men and women cannot afford for the Biden-Harris administration’s weak leadership on the world stage to continue. Our enemies are emboldened… without strength there is no peace.

I will continue to monitor this situation closely, especially as we are sending a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron and additional warships to the region, and am praying our injured servicemembers will recover quickly.

Weekly Poll

With over 1,000 votes last week, over 75% of you said that Secretary Austin was correct in revoking the plea deal for the planners of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I agree with you and am hopeful that these terrorists, who are directly responsible for the death of thousands of American citizens, are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

And now on to this week's poll question!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I would like to honor Medal of Honor recipient staff sergeant Clinton Lavor Romesha of the United States Army (Medal of Honor Action Date: October 3, 2009).

Staff Sergeant Romesha was born on August 17, 1981, in Lake City, California. He grew up in a strong military family, with his grandfather fighting in the Battle of Normandy and his father in Vietnam. In 1999, Romesha graduated from Surprise Valley High School. After high school, Romesha completed basic combat training and advanced individual training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion, Romesha was assigned as a tank gunner. He would then be stationed around the globe on various assignments including Germany, Kosovo, and South Korea. However, after his mentor was killed, he volunteered for a tour with the Iraqi freedom forces. In May 2009, Romesha's unit deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. He was stationed at a remote outpost in east Afghanistan that regularly came under attack from the Taliban. 

On October 3, 2009, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his unit were woken up to upwards of 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars, and small arms fire. Under intense enemy fire, Romesha was able to take out an entire enemy machine gun team. However, as he was engaging with a second group of enemy machine gunners, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and he was hit by shrapnel from the explosion. Undeterred by his injuries, Romesha recruited some of his soldiers to help him move through an exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers. 

With a complete disregard for his own safety, Romesha continued to take out multiple enemy targets who had breached the outpost’s perimeter while exposing himself to enemy fire. He successfully orchestrated a plan to secure and reinforce key points on the battlefield. Under intense fire from rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifles, he was able to pinpoint the strength of the enemy’s attack and direct air support to take out over 30 enemy combatants. After receiving reports of injured allied soldiers on the battlefield, he successfully provided cover for his soldiers, saving lives in the process. Despite the shrapnel in his body, he led his team to recover fallen soldiers to prevent the enemy from taking them. Staff Sergeant Romesha's heroic actions saved the lives of fellow soldiers, took out and deterred an enemy of far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts allowed his company to account for personnel and rescue his post.

For his unwavering bravery, heroics, and determination, Staff Sergeant Romesha was awarded the medal of honor by Barack Obama on February 11, 2013. In the days following, he was inducted to the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. After that battle, Romesha returned home to spend more time with his wife and children.

In his civilian life, Romesha has taken an oil job up in North Dakota and is currently restoring a 100-year-old home he purchased. Staff Sergeant Romesha is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country and his life of incredible service.

Fun Fact of the Week!

Did you know that on August 12, 1776, President George Washington, then General Washington, gave orders to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton to establish an elite infantry unit in the Continental Army which specialized in espionage and reconnaissance? Known as Knowlton’s Rangers, 150 specially selected soldiers and officers were tasked with collecting information on British military movements and plans, and recruiting assets to the revolutionary cause. 

One of America’s most famous spies, Captain Nathan Hale, who famously said when he was discovered by the British, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country," served in this unit. While only active for three months, this unit is considered to be the United States’ first organized intelligence service and the foundation for American military intelligence since then. Knowlton’s Rangers are also considered the predecessor to modern special forces units like the Army Rangers and Delta Force.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact my DC Office at (202) 225-4215 or my Virginia Beach District Office at (757) 364-7650 with questions, concerns, or if you require assistance with a federal agency. And 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, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington DC in the coming summer months, please stop by to say hello! If you are interested in a tour, please let us know!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District