The Weekly Debrief

Hello Friends,

During the district work period last week, I stayed busy—meeting with constituents, visiting local health care providers, and hosting a Maritime Roundtable with Virginia stakeholders and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).

I also advanced legislation that supports our veterans and military families, including co-sponsoring bills to expand telemedicine access for veterans and introducing the Military Housing Performance Insight Act to strengthen transparency for military family housing.

Additionally, we recently honored the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, participated in Recovery Month initiatives, and connected with our community through Mobile Office Hours and volunteer events benefiting deployed servicemembers. Whether in D.C. or here at home, I remain committed to listening to your concerns and delivering results for #VA02.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

My Vote to Keep the Government Open

Prior to last week's district work period, I voted to keep the government open and working for our constituents here in Virginia's Second District. The Continuing Resolution (CR) that I voted for received bipartisan support, and is the same legislation that Democrats voted for 13 times under President Biden. My colleagues across the aisle are holding up the legislative process under the guise of seeking funding for their radical left agenda. A government shut down will disrupt the critical programs that protect our national security, withhold pay from hardworking federal workers, and delay the ability for government agencies to serve the American people.

My vote to keep the government open protects stability for our seniors, veterans, and hardworking families. I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure your government works for you—not against you.

Condemning Political Violence and Honoring Charlie Kirk

This month, I co-sponsored a resolution to honor Charles “Charlie” James Kirk. The resolution celebrates Charlie’s life and legacy and unequivocally condemns his assassination and all acts of political violence. This resolution also commends the dedicated law enforcement and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts in finding the suspect responsible and urges a swift administration of justice. The resolution passed the House on September 19th, 310 to 58, with 38 Members voting present.

Fighting for Quality Housing for Military Families

Last week, I introduced the Military Housing Performance Insight Act, alongside Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02). This bipartisan bill would help make Congressional reports publicly available regarding the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, a series of reforms and authorities granted to the Pentagon to privatize military family housing located on military installations.

Military families are the backbone of our national defense, and they deserve the very best when it comes to their housing and quality of life. This bipartisan bill strengthens transparency and ensures families have confidence in the homes they live in. I’m grateful to partner with Congressman Bishop on this effort to support the men and women who serve our country and their loved ones.

Strengthening America’s Maritime Future

On Friday, I hosted a Maritime Roundtable with #VA02 stakeholders and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to discuss shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure—issues critical to Hampton Roads and our national security. With threats multiplying across the globe, we must invest in our workforce and infrastructure to keep America’s fleet force the strongest in the world…!

I’m grateful to MARAD Acting Administrator Sang Yi for joining us and for his leadership. Together, we’ll strengthen our maritime workforce, invest in infrastructure, and make sure America leads on the seas.

Investing in the Next Generation of Lab Professionals

Our nation faces a severe shortage of clinical laboratory professionals—a problem that will only worsen as our population ages. My Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025 will address the nationwide shortage of clinical laboratory professionals by expanding eligibility for the National Health Service Corps to include medical laboratory personnel. It will also establish federal grants for accredited colleges and universities to train the next generation of lab workers.

Read my full press release here.

Supporting Our Troops with 2,000 Care Packages

Recently, we helped assemble over 2,000 toiletry care packages for deployed servicemembers stationed around the world. I’m grateful to everyone who volunteered their time to support our men and women in uniform—these small reminders from home mean so much to those serving abroad. Thank you to the United Service Organizations (USO) for sponsoring the event…! 🇺🇸

Celebrating 94 Years of Service and Safety

The Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service has protected and cared for our beach visitors for 94 years! Recently, I presented them with a copy of the speech I gave on the House Floor in their honor. I am grateful for their unwavering dedication and the important work they do to keep our residents and visitors safe every day!

Watch my speech here.

Supporting Veterans Through Telemedicine and Expanded VA Services

The Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025, which I co-sponsored, passed the House! This legislation allows health care professionals to prescribe, deliver, distribute, or dispense controlled substances via telemedicine. I was also proud to co-sponsor another bill that recently passed, the TRAVEL Act of 2025. This bill allows physicians of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to temporarily serve as traveling physicians in the territories and possessions of the United States to address the severe lack of access faced by territories situated thousands of miles away from the nearest VA medical center.

Pet Night on Capitol Hill!

I attended Pet Night here on Capitol Hill…! As an animal lover and the Chair of the Working Dog Caucus, I never miss an opportunity to see our furry friends!!

Standing Together for Recovery and Prevention

I joined public health officials, medical experts, and my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus for a roundtable recognizing Recovery Month 2025. We discussed the links between mental health and substance use, as well as the remedies for maintaining recovery. We must act on two fronts: uniting as a community to support recovery, while also putting prevention methods in place to protect our kids. As a Mom and an elected official, I am committed to being a leader on this issue.

Protecting America’s Public Naval Shipyards

The House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) delivers for Hampton Roads by strengthening naval aviation and shipbuilding, protecting access to quality health care for military children, and ensuring the quality of life of our troops and families. I’m proud to support this bill, and I’ll continue fighting for legislation that puts our servicemembers first and prioritizes jobs in VA-02.

Read more from the Center Square here.

The 2026 NDAA also delivers the resources our troops need to defend America, strengthen border security, invest in modern technology, and provide the infrastructure to combat transnational criminal organizations. Proud to fight for VA-02 and our national defense…!

Mobile Office Hours in Windsor, VA...!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Mobile Office Hours in Windsor, 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..!!

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!

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll. I asked whether you believe veterans should be able to access medical care outside of the VA, and with over 1,100 responses, the results were clear. 92.7% said YES, 3.6% said NO, and 3.7% were UNSURE.

I couldn’t agree more with the overwhelming majority of you. Our veterans have earned the

right to timely, high-quality health care, and they should not be limited by long wait times or the availability of a single facility. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, a former Navy helicopter pilot, and the daughter of a Navy pilot, I know how critical it is that those who served our nation can see a doctor when and where they need care.

That’s why I will continue to fight for policies that expand access to medical providers outside of the VA system, and strengthen the VA itself. Veterans deserve options, flexibility, and above all—respect for the service and sacrifice they have given to our country.

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

Should Congress keep the government open while continuing to work out spending differences?

Yes

Unsure

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: June 21, 2006).

Monti, born on September 20, 1975 in Abington, grew up in Raynham, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the U.S. Army the year before graduating from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 1994.

After completing basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Monti continued his training as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. There he served as staff sergeant and Fire Support Team sergeant with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. In 1991, Monti earned his British Parachutist Badge with Wings in England, where he was then deployed to Kosovo in 1999 with Operation Joint Guardian. During his time as a paratrooper, Monti sustained injuries but rejected a medical discharge, instead reenlisting to deploy with his unit to Afghanistan in February 2006 as part of Task Force Spartan.

On June 21, 2006, while leading a mission in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, SSG. Monti and his 16-man patrol were attacked by as many as 50 enemy fighters. Facing the threat of being overrun, he quickly organized his men into a defensive position and called in accurate indirect fire support that held the enemy at bay. While continuing to direct fire, SSG. Monti personally engaged enemy fighters and disrupted a flanking maneuver with his rifle and a grenade. When he saw that one of his soldiers was wounded and stranded in the open, SSG. Monti made three separate attempts to reach him through heavy enemy fire. On his final attempt, he was struck and mortally wounded, sacrificing his life in an effort to save his comrade. His actions inspired his patrol to rally and ultimately repel the larger force.

SSG. Monti’s gallantry, courage, and devotion to his fellow soldiers reflect the highest traditions of military service and stand as a lasting testament to his character and sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2009.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Bonnie from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the Social Security Administration (SSA). After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Bonnie...!

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

Share This Email

If you are not currently subscribed to the Weekly Debrief, you can subscribe below.