Friends,
It’s been a full and historic week!
From casting my vote in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a comprehensive legislative package that delivers real results for hardworking families—to celebrating the Fourth of July with constituents back home, I’ve been proud to continue working on your behalf.
Last week, I had the chance to visit the incredible team at EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program. I also marked six months of service in the 119th Congress with a strong report card. Additionally, my team joined the grand opening of the veteran-owned Riverview Centre in Chesapeake—a shining example of local entrepreneurship and innovation.
Whether it’s passing meaningful legislation, supporting our servicemembers, or celebrating the values that make our nation great, I remain committed to delivering results and serving the people of Virginia’s Second District with honor, integrity, and purpose.
I hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July...!!🇺🇸
See my Weekly Floor Recap below!
| Now, onto my Weekly Debrief! |
Why I Voted YES on the One Big Beautiful Bill
Last week, I cast my vote in favor of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
It’s important to acknowledge that no legislation of this magnitude is perfect. My vote reflects a pragmatic assessment that the sum total of this bill will benefit Coastal Virginia and America.
This bill represents months of intense negotiations and hard work to put working families first. It delivers real results that Virginians and Americans across the country have been waiting for and voted for in November— relief for their pocketbooks, security at the border, and strength in our military.
This legislation makes key tax cuts permanent for middle-class families and small businesses, eliminates most federal taxes on tips and overtime, and protects seniors by expanding critical tax benefits. It also represents the largest investment in our national defense in a generation—restoring American deterrence, rebuilding our Navy, and improving the quality of life for our servicemembers.
Read my full statement here
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This wasn’t about politics—it was about delivering results. I fought to preserve clean energy tax credits, protect access to care for Medicaid recipients, and strengthen work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving public assistance - while working to ensure vital programs remain strong for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children. While not every effort was successful, I remain committed to defending these priorities.
I’m proud to support a bill that puts Virginia’s working families first, restores fiscal sanity, and keeps America strong.
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Tour of EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program in Virginia Beach..!
On Tuesday, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to tour EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, a place that is truly transforming lives in our community. What began in 1989 with just one horse and four young riders has grown into a world-class therapeutic center, serving children and veterans through the incredible healing power of horses. Whether it's helping a child build confidence and coordination, or offering a veteran a path toward healing, EQUI-KIDS is changing lives in our community every single day.
During my visit, I saw firsthand the compassion of the staff and volunteers and the professionalism of their instructors. I’m proud that Coastal Virginia is home to such a life-changing program..! Every inch of this facility is intentionally built to create a calming, inclusive, and empowering environment—from sensory-friendly lighting and color schemes to wheelchair-accessible teaching stalls and restrooms.
| Programs like EQUI-KIDS make a lasting difference for those facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. As a veteran, a nurse, and a mom, I’m proud to support the mission of organizations that serve our most vulnerable—and I’m inspired by the compassionate work being done right here in VA-02..! |
Celebrating America's 249th Birthday..!!
Last Friday, we celebrated the 249th birthday of the greatest nation in the history of the world—the United States of America! As I traveled across Coastal Virginia and spent time with constituents, veterans, families, and local leaders, I was reminded once again of how truly blessed we are to live in this country.
From patriotic parades and neighborhood cookouts to solemn moments of remembrance, Independence Day was a powerful opportunity to reflect on the incredible legacy of freedom that has been handed down to us through the courage, sacrifice, and vision of generations past.
As a Navy veteran, nurse practitioner, and proud American, I never take our freedom for granted. I’m especially grateful to the men and women in uniform—past and present—who have defended our rights and preserved our way of life so that we can celebrate each Fourth of July with pride and gratitude.
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This holiday was also a reminder of what unites us as Americans: our belief in liberty, individual responsibility, opportunity, and the enduring promise of the American Dream. I’m committed to protecting those ideals every day in Congress as I work to serve the people of VA-02.
I hope you enjoyed time with loved ones and had a chance to reflect on what makes our country so special. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America! 🇺🇸
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New Leadership Takes the Helm at Navy Reserve Forces Command
Recently, Team Kiggans had the honor of attending the Change of Command Ceremony for Navy Reserve Forces Command in Norfolk. The ceremony marked a significant moment as Rear Admiral Michael Steffen was formally relieved by Rear Admiral Luke Frost.
As a former Navy helicopter pilot, I understand the importance of strong, steady leadership in our armed forces—especially within the Navy Reserve, which plays a critical role in supporting our national defense. I want to thank Rear Admiral Steffen for his outstanding service and dedication to our sailors, and I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Rear Admiral Frost as he assumes command.
Coastal Virginia is proud to be home to so many who wear the uniform. My office will always stand with our servicemembers, veterans, and military families—and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the support, resources, and recognition they deserve.
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119th Congress: Six Months In..!
On Thursday, we officially hit six months since the start of the first session of the 119th Congress. I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights from the first six months of the 119th Congress. I came here to deliver real results for the people of Virginia’s Second District, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far:
💰 $13.2 million saved or returned to constituents through casework and advocacy since entering Congress in 2023.
📬 52,000 responses to constituent messages and concerns—because your voice matters.
📜 153 bills introduced or co-sponsored to strengthen our military, grow our economy, and protect your freedoms.
🙌 822 individuals served, assisted, or honored through our district and D.C. offices.
Whether it’s helping you with a passport, cutting through red tape at the VA, or advocating for a stronger Navy and better healthcare, my mission remains clear: to serve you with honor, integrity, and purpose.
Thank you for the continued trust you place in me..!!
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Celebrating Veteran-Owned Innovation in Chesapeake
This week, members of my team had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Riverview Centre—a dynamic new space created by and for local entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals in Chesapeake, VA..!! Even more inspiring, this center is veteran-owned, adding another point of pride for our strong military community here in Coastal Virginia.
As a Navy veteran myself, I’m always proud to support veteran-owned businesses that invest back into our communities. Riverview Centre embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that make Coastal Virginia such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
Congratulations to the entire team behind this exciting project..!!
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Schedule a D.C. Tour Through My Office..!
With summer in full-swing, now 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 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
Thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s poll question: “Do you plan on traveling internationally this summer?” The results are in—13.6% of you said yes, 80.6% said no, and 5.8% are still unsure.
Whether you're staying close to home or planning a trip abroad, my office is here to help! If you or a loved one needs assistance with passport renewals, or if you're experiencing delays with a passport application, my team can work directly with the State Department to help move things along. Don’t wait until the last minute—reach out early if you need support!
As always, I’m honored to serve you and your families here in Virginia’s Second District. Safe travels and stay cool this summer!
| And now, onto this week's poll question...! |
Do you support stronger border enforcement, including more physical barriers and personnel? | | |
Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week
This week, I would like to honor the Medal of Honor Recipient Major General Charles Evans Kilbourne Jr. of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: May 6, 1905).
Born at Fort Myer, Virginia on December 23, 1872, Kilbourne Jr. was the son of Charles E. Kilbourne Sr. and Ada Kilbourne. His father served in the Union Army for the state of Ohio during the Civil War before commissioning as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army after the war. The young Kilbourne spent most of his childhood in Northern Virginia at his father’s duty station in Fort Myer and would enroll at the Virginia Military Institute in 1890. Upon graduating in 1894, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Volunteer Signal Corps, the predecessor to the U.S. Army Signal Corps. His first deployment was to the Philippines in 1899 during the Philippine-American War where he participated in the campaign which captured Manila and participated in operations in the Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan Provinces. It was following his service in the theater where he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
| At Paco Bridge on the Philippine Islands, on February 5, 1899, Second Lieutenant Kilbourne Jr. and his unit were tasked with repairing a broken telegraph wire to restore communications to the front. Within a range of 250 yards of the Filipino Rebels and in the face of a rapid fire, Kilbourne Jr. climbed a telegraph pole at the east end of the bridge and in full view of the enemy coolly and carefully repaired a broken telegraph wire, thereby reestablishing telegraphic communication to the front. For his extraordinary bravery, unwavering selflessness, and deep love of country, he was awarded the Medal of Honor—our nation’s highest military distinction. |
Constituent Corner
I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Jennifer from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue related to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Jennifer...!
| 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,
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Jen A. Kiggans
Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District
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