Friends,

It was a busy and impactful week back home in Virginia’s Second District...!

While working in the district, I continued advancing key legislative priorities in Washington—co-leading bills like the Fluent Forces Act and the Service Member Housing Relief Act, which support our military families and national security mission.

Here at home, I hosted a small business roundtable and joined the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce to celebrate our local Small Businesses of the Year. I also had the opportunity to visit the Air Traffic Control Tower at Norfolk International Airport, tour the Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, and meet directly with constituents about the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

Whether in D.C. or Coastal Virginia, I’m working every day to fight for you. Keep reading below for this week’s highlights and legislative recap!

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

Standing with Our Service Members Following Strikes in Iran

Securing the Future of Military Language Training



This week, I was proud to join my colleagues Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) in introducing the Fluent Forces Act, a bipartisan bill focused on protecting and enhancing foreign language education for our military. As a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to have language-proficient servicemembers—whether it’s building trust with our allies or collecting intelligence in high-stakes situations around the world.

Recent changes to the Department of Defense budget could jeopardize the critical mission of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC). These funding shifts risk disrupting the pipeline of trained linguists our military depends on, ultimately diminishing our ability to navigate and respond to today’s complex global threats.

The Fluent Forces Act addresses this issue head-on by:

• Reaffirming the importance of language and cultural education as a national security priority;
• Requiring the Department of Defense to report annually on recruitment efforts for language students; and
• Promoting coordination across all branches of the military to strengthen and streamline language readiness.

This legislation is about restoring our competitive edge. By making strategic, bipartisan investments in military linguists, we’re helping ensure that our men and women in uniform are better equipped for today’s missions—and the threats of tomorrow.

'Manufacturers Roundtable' with Our Friends from the SBA!

On Tuesday, I hosted our 'Manufacturers Roundtable' in Virginia Beach alongside representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). VA-02 is home to some of the most skilled shipbuilders and maritime manufacturers in the country, and the health of this vital industry impacts both our local economy and our national security.

Our roundtable brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, small business owners, regulators, and local stakeholders to have a meaningful discussion about the future of American manufacturing—specifically the growth, challenges, and opportunities facing the maritime sector right here in Hampton Roads.

We talked about how we can streamline federal resources, cut red tape, and ensure that small manufacturers have the tools they need to innovate, expand, and create good-paying jobs. It was also an opportunity to hear directly from those on the front lines of this industry about what’s working—and where we need to improve.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your valuable insights. Events like this help inform my work in Congress to strengthen our industrial base, support American-made products, and ensure Hampton Roads remains a national leader in maritime innovation. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and fighting for the success of our manufacturers in VA-02...!

Eliminating Distractions in the Classroom

Last week, I was proud to join my fellow Virginian, Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07), to introduce two bipartisan bills aimed at reducing cell phone distractions in the classroom and helping our students focus, connect, and succeed.

Whether it's constant notifications or social media distractions, excessive phone use during the school day is hurting academic performance, increasing anxiety, and making it harder for students to truly engage with their peers and teachers.

That’s why we introduced the Unplugged Schools Act and the Mission Unplugged Act, two commonsense, bipartisan bills designed to promote healthier, more focused school environments.

•  The Unplugged Schools Act creates a new program to help K-12 schools implement "bell-to-bell" phone-free policies—local policies banning non-educational phone use from the first bell to the last. Federal grants can help schools cover the costs of phone storage, teacher training, and parent communication.

•  The Mission Unplugged Act requires all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools—those serving the children of military families around the world—to adopt bell-to-bell phone-free policies as well.

These bills are rooted in real feedback from Virginia classrooms, where schools that have moved to phone-free policies are already seeing the results: improved attendance, less social anxiety, and more meaningful face-to-face interaction between students. Whether in a local public school or a DoDEA classroom abroad, our kids deserve a focused, connected, and supportive learning environment.

Congratulations to our Small Businesses of the Year!!

On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce to recognize some of the outstanding small businesses that are making a real difference in our community. These businesses—many of them family-owned and locally operated—are more than just job creators. They’re neighbors, innovators, and the heart of our local economy.



From supporting working families to investing in the future of our region, small business owners across Coastal Virginia are helping drive economic growth, create opportunity, and keep our communities strong. It was inspiring to celebrate their hard work, resilience, and dedication at this special event.

I’ll continue fighting in Congress to cut red tape, support smart tax policies, and ensure entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed..!!

Congratulations to this year’s award winners, and thank you to the Hampton Roads Chamber for hosting such a meaningful celebration of our local business community. I'm proud to stand with the small businesses of Virginia’s Second District—today and every day!

Fighting for Chincoteague's Public Safety

Earlier this month, I questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about an urgent issue impacting our coastal communities. Each year, millions of people visit the beautiful beaches of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge—but this summer, a federal hiring freeze is threatening the ability to staff lifeguards and keep visitors safe.

I followed up with a formal letter to Secretary Burgum asking for answers and urging immediate action. The safety of our visitors and the well-being of our local economy depend on the swift resolution of this issue—and I’ll keep pushing for the answers and support our community needs.

Read my full letter here

Meeting with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to visit the dedicated professionals from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) at the Norfolk International Airport (KORF) Air Traffic Control Tower. These men and women play a critical role in keeping our skies safe and ensuring that passengers, pilots, and crews move efficiently through one of the busiest airspaces in the country.

I deeply appreciate the importance of precision, coordination, and calm under pressure—qualities that air traffic controllers demonstrate every single day. During my visit, we discussed the unique challenges they face, including staffing shortages, equipment modernization, and the need for strong federal support to maintain the high standards of safety and service we depend on. I’m grateful to NATCA and the KORF team for their professionalism and will keep fighting to ensure they have the resources needed to keep travelers safe and our airspace secure.

Protecting Military Families from Rising Housing Costs

This week, I was proud to join Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) in introducing the bipartisan Service Member Housing Relief Act—legislation to ensure our service members and their families receive the housing support they’ve earned.

With the cost of living significantly rising in recent years, many military families have struggled to keep up. Too often, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates lag behind real-time increases in rent and home prices—leaving service members financially stretched at their assigned duty stations. In fact, nearly half of financially stressed military families cite housing costs as their top concern.

Our bill lowers the threshold for triggering a mid-year BAH adjustment from a 20% cost increase to 15% and makes the Department of Defense’s authority to issue those increases permanent—so military families aren’t left behind when prices spike.

Whether stationed in Hampton Roads or San Diego, our service members deserve peace of mind knowing they can afford a safe, stable place to live. I’ll keep working with Rep. Levin and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure we keep our promises to those who serve.

Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk..!

This week, members of my team were proud to host Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk, VA—part of our ongoing effort to make government more accessible and responsive to the people of VA-02!!

Whether you needed help with a VA claim, had questions about a passport application, or just wanted to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your family, our team was there to listen and assist. We know that not everyone can make it to one of our district offices, which is why we're committed to bringing our services directly to your community.



Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

Weekly Poll

Thank you to the nearly 1,400 of you who participated in last week's poll! Whether you caught the full parade, watched highlights, or simply took a moment to reflect, I’m grateful to everyone who helped honor 250 years of service, sacrifice, and strength from our U.S. Army. As the proud representative of many Army veterans and families here in VA-02, I’ll always support our men and women in uniform—and ensure their legacy is remembered and respected.

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

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I’m honored to recognize Major General Smedley Darlington Butler, United States Marine Corps, one of only two Marines in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice for separate acts of heroism.

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on July 30, 1881, Butler was the eldest of three sons in a prominent Quaker family. His father, Thomas Butler, served in Congress on the Naval Affairs Committee. Defying his father’s wishes, Smedley lied about his age to earn a commission in the Marine Corps at just 16—launching a legendary military career that spanned conflicts from the Spanish-American War to the Boxer Rebellion and the Banana Wars.

In April 1914, during the U.S. intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, Butler led Marines in intense street fighting, house-to-house skirmishes, and constant sniper fire. For his “distinguished conduct in battle,” he was awarded his first Medal of Honor.

Butler earned his second Medal of Honor in Haiti in 1915, where he led Marines and Haitian forces in a daring assault on Fort Rivière, a stronghold of Caco rebels. Charging through a breach in the wall under heavy fire, Butler’s leadership proved decisive in crushing the insurgency.

Over his career, Butler commanded key Marine bases including Quantico, San Diego, and Tianjin, China. Though passed over for Commandant, he retired in 1931 as one of the Corps’ most decorated and respected officers.

In civilian life, Butler served as Philadelphia’s Director of Public Safety and later became a prominent advocate for veterans and non-interventionist foreign policy. He famously addressed the 1932 Bonus Army and wrote powerfully against the misuse of military power.

Major General Butler passed away on June 21, 1940. His legacy endures as a fearless leader in combat, a reformer at home, and a passionate voice for those who serve.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Ryan from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue related to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After he reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process and provide him with the help he needed. Thanks for reaching out, Ryan...!

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 (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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