Hello Friends, 

Last week we returned to our regular legislative work in Washington! Congress passed bills prioritizing government transparency and strengthening energy independence, both of which will help improve affordability and quality of life for VA-02. I met with stakeholders, community leaders, and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to focus on the issues that matter most to our region—from healthcare reform to supporting our local economy. As always, I remain committed to delivering results, lowering costs, and ensuring our government works for the American people—not against them.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Standing Up for Bipartisan Solutions on Health Care Affordability

I was proud to lead a bipartisan letter with Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), signed by 28 other members, to Senate leaders asking them to include House members in ACA premium tax credit negotiations. 

Bipartisan engagement across both chambers is essential to crafting a health care proposal that can pass and be signed into law!

Read the letter 👇and here.

I took a photo of the room where 20 Republicans and Democrats sat together, ate pizza, and talked about healthcare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits last week. Many of these Members signed our letter to Senators Thune and Schumer asking to meet with the Senate to discuss healthcare legislation. It was a productive discussion led by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and myself about bipartisan solutions—knowing the deadline for the ACA tax credits is quickly approaching and that many of us in the House want to help find a compromise. America wants to see more bipartisan solutions to problems, and this working group was a great start….!

Thanking TSA and FAA Workers for Their Service During the Shutdown

During the government shutdown, our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers worked around the clock with no pay and short staffing. I stopped by Norfolk International Airport to drop off lunch for the men and women responsible for keeping our airports and airplanes safe. With mass delays and cancellations these last few weeks, I’m grateful to our TSA agents for their dedication to aviation safety!

Celebrating 250 Years of the United States Navy and Marine Corps

Last week, I attended the 250th birthday celebration of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps!! Our country is the greatest in the world because of the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. It was an honor to connect and celebrate with them! Go Navy!! 🇺🇸⚓️

Promoting Women’s Roles in Global Peace and Stability

Thank you to the Council on Foreign Relations for inviting me to speak on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) caucus that I co-chair with Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22). I appreciate the work WPS does to expand the role of women in global security, particularly in preventing and resolving conflict around the world!

Standing Up for Nursing Students’ Education Funding

The Department of Education’s proposed final rule on the definition of “professional degree” makes a gross error in leaving out post-baccalaureate NURSING degrees. Advanced practice nursing degrees take a tremendous amount of time and energy, and limiting federal loan opportunities to pay for this education will not help our nation’s nursing shortage. As one of only two nurse practitioners currently serving in the US House, one of my biggest priorities is advocating for our nursing profession. On Friday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent asking for an immediate reconsideration of this proposed final rule to ensure current and future nurses maintain access to appropriate federal borrowing levels. 

Read the letter here and 👇

Introducing the STAY Act to Strengthen Military Family Stability

I was proud to introduce the STAY Act alongside Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02). This bill takes a data-driven approach to reduce unnecessary moves, strengthen family stability, and help the services retain the talented people they need to compete with our adversaries on the world stage.

Read my press release here.

Celebrating National Family Caregiver’s Month

Happy National Family Caregiver’s Month! I had the privilege of recognizing National Family Caregivers Month and honoring the more than 63 million Americans who selflessly care for their loved ones on the House Floor. As a nurse practitioner who has seen firsthand the challenges families face, I know just how essential these caregivers are to patients and I appreciate ALL they do!! 

Watch my speech 👇

I also attended the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)'s Family Caregivers reception last week and tried new devices meant to help older adults with dementia and mobility issues. I was also able to personally thank many family caregivers and catch up with AARP on their advocacy work for older adults….!

Bipartisan Legislation to Support VA Law Enforcement Now Law

Great news! The Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act that I introduced alongside Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-01) is now law! This bill will support law enforcement personnel at the VA by requiring Congressional oversight to ensure fair compensation and proper recruitment bonuses. Every day the police officers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs put their lives on the line to protect those who bravely served our country in uniform. To ensure the safety of our veterans, we must provide these officers with fair compensation, which can only happen if there is transparency from the VA ….! 

Accepting the Congressional Champion Award from ConservAmerica

Thank you to ConservAmerica for recognizing my work on conservation with your Congressional Champion award! As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the representative of a coastal district, environmental stewardship is incredibly important to me. Thank you to ConservAmerica for all you do, and I look forward to continuing my work to preserve our Chesapeake Bay and to protect our beautiful beaches…!

Supporting Parents Through Prematurity Awareness Month

Last week, I proudly joined Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) in introducing a resolution to designate November as Prematurity Awareness Month to raise awareness of the emotional and financial toll that premature birth can take on families. As a nurse practitioner and mother, I believe Congress must commit to promoting research and ensuring parents never have to face these challenges alone. 

Highlighting VersAbility’s Impact in Hampton Roads

Recently, I visited VersAbility Resources to see the impactful work they’re doing to provide jobs for people with disabilities. VersAbility's programs like early childhood intervention, career counseling, and job training are changing lives here in Hampton Roads, and I am so thankful for their advocacy!

Mobile Office Hours in Accomack County...!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Mobile Office Hours in Accomack County, VA..!! Whether you had questions about a VA claim, needed help with a passport, or just wanted to share your thoughts—my team was glad to connect with you. 



Stay tuned for details on future Mobile Office Hours..!! 

Weekly Poll

Thank you for participating in last week's poll! Last week, I asked, "How Do Think Congress Should Proceed Regarding the Expiration of ACA Premium Tax Credits?" With over 1,300 responses, 15.0% support a 1-2 year extension (with no zero dollar plan), 28.4% support letting them expire, 26.2% want a permanent extension, 16.1% support health savings accounts instead, and 14.3% were UNSURE.

I appreciate your thoughts, and my Premium Tax Credit Extension Act supports a one year extension of the ACA Premium Tax credits so Congress has time to figure out a long-term solution. As I've previously stated, I'm actively engaged in conversations with my colleagues in the House and Senate to find a path forward. My number one priority is ensuring that our constituents in Virginia's Second District and the American people aren't blindsided by skyrocketing healthcare premiums.

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

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Second Lieutenant Ernest “Chief” Childers of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: September 22, 1943) 

Childers was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on February 1, 1918. As a Muscogee (Creek) Indian, he graduated from the Chilocco Indian Agriculture School in north Oklahoma. In 1937, Childers joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard. After being assigned to the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, he was sent to Europe following the U.S. entry into World War II. 

During battle in Oliveto, Italy, 2d Lt. Childers, along with eight enlisted men, advanced up a hill toward enemy machine-gun nests. Arriving at a rock wall overlooking a cornfield, 2d Lt. Childers ordered a base of fire laid across the field so that he could advance. He singlehandedly took out two enemy snipers from a nearby house, allowing him to advance behind the machine-gun nests and remove the threat. 2d Lt. Childers continued towards a house up the hill and captured an enemy mortar observer. 

For his exceptional leadership, initiative, calmness under fire, and conspicuous gallantry displayed during battle, 2d Lt. Childers was awarded the Medal of Honor on the battlefield in April of 1944 by Lt. Gen. Jacob L. Devers. Ernest “Chief” Childers died March 17, 2005 in Coweta, Oklahoma. He lays in rest at the Crypt in Veterans Field of Honor at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Ashley from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the U.S. Department of State. After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Ashley...!

If you need assistance with a 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 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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