Hello Friends, 

It was another busy week in Washington and across Virginia's Second District. My focus remains on delivering real results for the families and servicemembers of Hampton Roads. From cutting red tape to improve care in skilled nursing facilities to championing domestic shipbuilding and manufacturing right here in VA-02, I’m working every day to deliver commonsense, results-driven solutions. My goal is simple: keep Virginia’s Second District the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

I’m fighting to strengthen our national security, create good-paying jobs, and streamline bureaucracy so that government works for you. As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in Washington.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Independence for Our Veterans at Cypress Landing Apartments

Last week, I visited Cypress Landing, a supportive housing community serving disabled and formerly homeless veterans. With 50 units of permanent, independent housing and on-site services, Cypress Landing provides stability, dignity, and a path forward for those who served our country. I'm grateful to the dedicated staff and caregivers whose commitment helps our veterans rebuild their lives with independence.

Cutting Red Tape to Improve Skilled Nursing Care

Quality and attentive care shouldn’t be hindered by staffing shortages and red tape at skilled nursing facilities, especially when our nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists are fully qualified to administer that care. I am proud to introduce the Enhancing Skilled Nursing Facilities Act alongside Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to eliminate outdated barriers on our SNF personnel and help their patients get the quality care they deserve.

Read my press release here.

Prioritizing Critical Air Traffic Control Upgrades

Last week’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member Day was an important opportunity to highlight the urgent need to modernize our nation’s aging air traffic control towers. I’ve seen these challenges firsthand at the Norfolk ATC, which is in serious need of repair. Investing in modern infrastructure and supporting our air traffic controller workforce are critical to aviation safety and our national security. I encourage the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to continue prioritizing this vital issue. 

Remembering Dr. King’s Life and Mission

On Monday, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May his example continue to guide our country as we remember his mission….

Standing Up for Transparency and Ethical Standards

Public service should never be a pathway to personal profit. Americans deserve to know that the decisions made in Congress are guided by the national interest, not a stock portfolio. That's why I was proud to cosponsor Rep. Bryan Steil’s (WI-01) Stop Insider Trading Act to set a clear standard: no Member should be able to leverage their office for financial gain.

Read my press release here.

Strengthening Virginia’s Maritime Industrial Base

Last week, I visited Defense Maritime Solutions at their Chesapeake headquarters to celebrate the launch of their new Pump Test Loop—a major milestone in expanding the onshoring of critical manufacturing and testing in support of U.S. shipbuilding. This investment supports over a hundred skilled workers in Virginia, and enhances long-term support for Navy, Military Sealift Command, and Coast Guard vessels. I’m grateful to the DMS team for their continued commitment to American manufacturing and national security!

Thank You, Governor Youngkin

Four years ago, Governor Glenn Youngkin answered the call to lead our Commonwealth and Virginia is stronger because of it. Governor Youngkin, thank you for your friendship, your leadership, and your tireless work to make Virginia the best place to work, live, and raise a family! 

Thanking Our Service Academy Selection Board

Last week, I welcomed the members of our Service Academy Selection Board to our district office to thank them for their dedication and support over the past year—especially their work on our Service Academy Night and the Service Academy Congressional Nomination Interviews. I am thankful to have an independent review board that assists with our service academy nomination selection. The decisions this year were difficult due to the amazing caliber of students who applied. Congratulations to all our nomination awardees!

Taking Action to Improve Access to Care for Veterans’ Caregivers and Dependents

Last Wednesday, I spoke at a House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing regarding my Clarity on Care Options Act, which establishes a publicly available directory of health care providers that accept coverage from the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA is vital for the caregivers and dependents of permanently disabled veterans, and my legislation will ensure provider information is easily accessible for families who rely on it…!

Read my press release here.

Congratulating a Future Midshipman from Virginia’s Second District...!

One of my distinct honors as the Representative of Virginia's Second Congressional District is nominating outstanding young leaders from VA-02 to attend our nation’s U.S. Service Academies. Last week, I had the privilege of personally calling one of our applicants to share the exciting news of his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy...! As a Navy veteran and Naval Academy Mom, moments like these are the best…! Go Navy! 

Calling Official Office Interns for Spring 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Spring 2026! If you’re passionate about public service and want hands-on experience serving the people of Virginia’s Second District, we encourage you to apply. Interns play an important role in helping our team serve constituents, support legislative work, and stay connected to our community. 

Apply here.

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

It's 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.

Weekly Poll

Thank you for participating in last week's poll! I asked, "do you support U.S. apprehension of international drug trafficker Nicolás Maduro?" The results were: 67.9% said YES, 25.1% said NO, and 7% were UNSURE.

I strongly agree with the majority of you. Maduro is an illegitimately elected communist dictator who's committed countless atrocities against his own people since taking power in 2013. For too long, Americans have suffered the consequences of poisonous drugs funneled into our country by Maduro's illegal regime, and Operation Absolute Resolve marked a concrete step toward putting an end to that threat. Every parent in Virginia and across the country should rejoice that narcoterrorism is being addressed to protect our children and their futures against the deadly flow of drugs into our communities.

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 Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: June 2, 1951). 

Charlton was born on July 24, 1929, in East Gulf, Raleigh County, West Virginia. From an early age, Charlton indicated a desire to enlist in the United States Army. Once Charlton graduated from high school in 1946, he remained adamant about his commitment to join the Army, so his parents signed the papers allowing 17-year-old Charlton to enlist. Upon graduating from basic training, Charlton was sent to Germany, where he served out his entire enlistment. In 1950, Charlton reenlisted and was assigned to the occupation forces of Japan; however, he indicated a desire to fight in the Korean War and requested transfer to a front-line unit in South Korea. Upon his arrival, Charlton was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, part of the 25th Infantry Division, where he quickly climbed the ranks. 

In late May and early June of 1951, the Eighth Army launched Operation Piledriver to drive Chinese and North Korean forces northward, with the 25th Infantry Division advancing. On June 2, Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, was ordered to seize Hill 543 near the village of Chipo-ri, a position heavily defended by entrenched Chinese infantry. During the initial assault, the company sustained heavy casualties, and the 3rd Platoon leader was mortally wounded. Sgt. Charlton immediately assumed command of the platoon, reorganizing his men and leading repeated attacks up the hill in the face of intense mortar and small arms fire. Despite suffering a serious chest wound, Sgt. Charlton refused medical treatment and continued to advance, personally destroying multiple enemy positions with rifle fire and grenades. As the platoon reached the crest of the hill, they identified a fortified bunker from which enemy mortars continued to fire. Without hesitation, Sgt. Charlton charged ahead of his men toward the bunker, repeatedly engaging the enemy until he was mortally wounded by a grenade. Though he later succumbed to his wounds, Sgt. Charlton’s selfless actions eliminated the enemy strongpoint and saved the lives of many members of his platoon.

For his courage, inspiring valor, and selfless devotion to serve, Sgt. Charlton was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously by Secretary of the Army Frank C. Pace to his parents on March 12, 1952.

Constituent Corner

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

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!

Happy Holidays!!

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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