Hello Friends,

It was a busy and productive week in Washington! I held a well-attended teletownhall, introduced the Pay Our Troops Act, and voted with my House Republican colleagues for a short-term continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown.

Additionally, I’m proud that the House passed my bill to reform the VA’s inventory management system. We also celebrated Clean Energy Week, where we were able to discuss many of the amazing clean energy projects taking place in Virginia! 

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we paused to honor the brave Americans who endured captivity in service to our nation and those who never returned home. Our nation is forever indebted to these heroes. May we honor their courage, pray for their loved ones, and remain committed to bringing every service member home. You are not forgotten. 

I also wished a Happy 78th Birthday to the United States Air Force! For almost 80 years, the men and women of the Air Force have defended our skies, advanced American airpower, and strengthened our national security around the world. As a Navy veteran, I deeply admire the professionalism, innovation, and courage of our Airmen who serve with honor every day. To all who wear the uniform—past and present—thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to keeping America safe and free.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

My Vote to Fund the Government

Last week, I voted in favor of keeping the government open. House Republicans put forward a clean continuing resolution that would give Congress until November 21st to continue budget negotiations.

Continuing resolutions (CRs) are not ideal. The 1974 Budget Control Act lays out clear dates and requirements to ensure Congress is a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. That’s why we’re supposed to pass 12 separate appropriations bills each year. Unfortunately, Washington hasn’t operated that way for decades.

I’ve been working with my colleagues to restore regular order and bring discipline back into the system. I’m proud to report that the House Appropriations Committee has passed all 12 appropriations bills, with three already advancing off the House floor. Meanwhile, the Senate has moved forward on three of its own. This is the way budgeting is supposed to be done—through a transparent, responsible process that respects hardworking taxpayers. We need to pass a short-term CR to finish our negotiations and return to traditional budget process.

Protecting Military Pay During Government Shutdowns

Last week, I introduced the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that ensures members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, continue receiving pay and benefits in the event of a government shutdown.

See my thoughts on the bill's introduction here.

Military service is more than a career; it’s a commitment to defend this nation at all costs. This legislation ensures that we honor that commitment by guaranteeing service members' pay, no matter what happens in Washington.

Thank you to the National Military Family Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, United Steelworkers, Blue Star Families, and the Military Officers Association of America for endorsing this important legislation…!

Read more about the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 Act in my press release, in Stars and Stripes, or from the Association of Defense Communities.

Thank you for Joining My Telephone Town Hall...!

Thank you to everyone who joined my Telephone Town Hall last week! One of my favorite moments was getting to answer a question from a constituent about whether F-35s are coming to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. I’ve been a staunch advocate of bringing next generation fighter jets to our East Coast Master Jet Base. Our F-18s are a great platform, but are aging out, and I want our pilots flying the very best. Congress has allocated the money towards next generation fighters, and this is a bipartisan issue—we are simply waiting on an answer from Navy leadership.

Listen to the exchange here and read more from the Virginian-Pilot here.

Celebrating the 238th Anniversary of the Constitution of the United States

On Constitution Day, we honored both the enduring promise of our founding document and the pivotal role that our Commonwealth played in shaping it. From James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," to the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and Declaration of Independence, Virginia is proud to be known as the birthplace of liberty. 

Delivering Better Care for Veterans Through VA Supply Chain Reform

Last week, the House passed my bill to modernize supply chains at the Department of Veterans Affairs….! As a Navy veteran, nurse practitioner, and representative of more than 78,000 veterans in Coastal Virginia, I know firsthand how critical it is that our VA health system works efficiently and effectively. Too often, outdated systems and poor logistics have led to wasted taxpayer dollars, missing medical equipment, and—most importantly—delays in care for our veterans. These failures are personal. They affect real people and real families.

The VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act will ensure that veterans get the high-quality care they’ve earned and deserve—and I urge the Senate to pass this bill. 

Read my press release here. 

Denouncing Political Violence and Calling for Unity

I was proud to attend a memorial in Charlie Kirk’s honor at the United States Capitol, where we denounced political violence and prayed for Charlie's family and loved ones.

At a Problem Solvers Caucus and For Country Caucus gathering, we stood against political violence and called for unity. It is imperative to lower the temperature in politics and demonstrate respect for free speech and civil discourse.

Protecting America’s Public Naval Shipyards

Recently, I co-lead the Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). This legislation would exempt the workforces of America’s four public shipyards, which are responsible for repairing and retrofitting the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carriers and submarines, from federal hiring freezes and mass layoffs. Passage of this legislation would ensure that the overhaul of America’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet continues uninterrupted by requiring the Pentagon to exempt certain positions at public shipyards from workforce reductions.

As a Navy veteran and representative of thousands of shipyard workers in Hampton Roads, I know firsthand that America’s public shipyards are the backbone of our fleet readiness. The men and women who maintain and modernize our subs and ships should never be caught up in bureaucratic hiring freezes that jeopardize national security. I’m glad to see bipartisan efforts in the Senate to codify exemptions for shipyard workers, and I’ll continue fighting in the House to ensure our shipyards have the skilled workforce they need to keep our Navy strong.

Read my press release here. 

Discussing Cancer Care with the U.S. Oncology Network

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the U.S. Oncology Network, a group of physicians and providers dedicated to improving cancer care for patients and their families across the country. As a nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how important it is for patients to have access to quality, compassionate care during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Happy National Clean Energy Week!!

In recognition of Clean Energy Week, I attended multiple events to celebrate the clean energy projects we’ve been fighting for in Coastal Virginia.  

Hampton Roads is home to the largest naval base in the world. Our servicemembers and our communities depend on reliable, affordable, and secure energy to carry out their missions and power their daily lives. That’s why I’ve fought so hard to ensure that clean energy projects—like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind off the coast of Virginia Beach—move forward responsibly.

I was excited to spend time at the National Clean Energy Week Policy Symposium to hear from business leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers on how to unleash the free market to create jobs, remain energy independent, and preserve our environment..!

You can also read an op-ed I wrote with the president of the National Ocean Industries Association, Erik Milito, titled “To build America’s energy future, we need to fix permitting now." From the Gulf Coast to the waters off the Commonwealth of Virginia, offshore energy is powering our economy and strengthening national security. But if we want this momentum to last through future administrations, we must fix our broken permitting system.

ASHA Endorses Bipartisan Effort to Extend Premium Tax Credits

A few weeks ago, I introduced the bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act alongside Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), a bill to protect Virginia families, seniors, and small business owners from massive health care premium increases. This week, I was proud to receive the endorsement of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for my bill. ASHA’s commitment to ensuring patients receive quality, attentive care makes their support especially meaningful, and I am grateful for their partnership as we work to improve access to care for families.

Read my release here.

Thank you, Chairwoman McClain, for Visiting Coastal Virginia!

It was great to be with House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain and to hear from the hardworking team at QED Systems in Virginia Beach...! For over 50 years, QED has strengthened our Navy with engineering and IT innovations that improve durability and readiness. Their work is critical to our national defense, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure they—and other defense companies—have the resources they need to succeed. 



Watch more on 13NewsNow or here.

Apply for a U.S. Service Academy Nomination Through My Office

One of my greatest honors as your Representative is nominating qualified high school students from Virginia’s Second District to attend four of our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point, NY

(The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.)

Attending a Service Academy is both a tremendous honor and a solemn commitment, as graduates are required to serve at least five years in the U.S. military.

For more information, click here.

 Applications are due by October 24, 2025.

Sign-Up for the Congressional App Challenge...!!

Student registration is now open for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 30, 2025: Submit your app by this date.

• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.

• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

Schedule a D.C. Tour Through My Office..!

Fall is a great time to come up to D.C. for a tour of our nation's historic capital! We can assist in scheduling tours of some of Washington’s most iconic landmarks, including:

• The U.S. Capitol
• The White House*: (The White House has announced they have suspended tours for at least the months of September and October).
• The Library of Congress
• The Supreme Court
• The FBI

Many of these tours fill up weeks in advance, so I encourage you to reach out early. My team is here to help you and your family enjoy a memorable, meaningful experience in D.C.

👉 To request a tour click here.

We’re proud to represent you—and even prouder to help you experience the history, beauty, and significance of Washington, D.C. firsthand!

Weekly Poll

I agree with the majority of you! As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the importance of protecting our homeland from threats both foreign and domestic. International drug cartels are not just a law enforcement issue—they are well-funded, violent organizations that traffic drugs, weapons, and human beings across our borders, fueling crime in our communities and threatening our national security. Using the strength and capabilities of the U.S. military to target these cartels gives us the upper hand, disrupts their operations, and keeps dangerous substances out of the hands of our children. Just as our men and women in uniform defend freedom abroad, they have a vital role to play in dismantling the networks that poison our neighborhoods here at home.

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 Captain William Earl Barber of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: November 28-December 2, 1950).

William Earl Barber was born on November 30, 1919 in Dehart, Kentucky. Barber attended Morehead State Teachers College for two years before deciding to enlist in the Marine Corps at the age of 20.

After enlisting in March of 1940, Barber completed his recruit training at Marine Corps recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. He eventually entered Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. On August 11, 1943 Barber was commissioned as a second Lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant Barber served in World War II as a part of the 1st Parachute regiment on the West Coast until 1944. His regiment was sent to the Pacific and took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima. 2nd Lt. Barber was wounded twice and returned to his unit as a company commander during the last two weeks of the operation on Iwo Jima. Not long after he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Barber was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts for his actions on Iwo Jima, in which "he disregarded his own wounds and directed enemy fire to rescue two wounded Marines from enemy territory."

1st Lt. Barber entered the Korean War as commanding officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from November 28 to December 2, 1950. Assigned to defend a three-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line, Captain Barber took position with his troops, and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought seven-hour conflict, Captain Barber, after repulsing the enemy, gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after two reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. He chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the United States Naval Service.

For his actions at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in Korea, William Earl Barber was awarded the Medal of Honor at the White House on August 20th, 1952 by President Harry S. Truman. Barber finished his time in the Marine Corps with one final tour of active duty in Vietnam and retired on May 1st, 1970. Barber then died at his home in Irvine, California on April 19th, 2002. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Tom from Chesapeake in resolving an issue with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After he reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Tom...!

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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