Friends,

This past week was a busy one in the House of Representatives! I had the honor of chairing two subcommittee hearings for both the House Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs committees, introduced a brand new bipartisan bill, and had the opportunity to speak with groups ranging from nurse anesthetists to energy advocates. I also joined the House Armed Services Committee in marking up historic defense legislation to be included in our upcoming reconciliation bill.

We also passed multiple pieces of important legislation in the House to roll back California's burdensome EV mandates, expand rural broadband access, and more. You can read more about what we passed below in my weekly floor recap...!

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

Standing Up for Military Quality of Life at Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing

On the House Armed Services Committee, I have the honor of serving on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. As a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Navy mom, serving on this subcommittee is personal to me - and on Wednesday, I had the pleasure of chairing an important hearing regarding our military personnel.

In Wednesday's hearing, we spoke with military department personnel chiefs about important quality of life issues affecting our servicemembers, as well as other recruitment and retention issues. We must ensure that our military is a fully manned, lethal, ready force - and I appreciated the chance to speak with these personnel chiefs on our efforts to maintain that force.

With so many military personnel living in Virginia's Second District, I am thankful for the opportunity to work on these issues on behalf of our military families. On the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to prioritize the well-being of our servicemembers and their families, advocating for policies that enhance their quality of life.

Click on the video below to listen to my full opening remarks from this hearing...!

Speaking with America's Nurse Anesthetists

On Monday, I joined the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) for their annual conference in Washington, DC. I was also joined by my fellow nurse practitioner in Congress, Rep. Sheri Biggs from South Carolina, and we spoke to nurse anesthetists from across the country about important issues impacting the healthcare workforce. Rep. Biggs and I have both seen how healthcare providers work tirelessly around-the-clock, often making great personal sacrifices, to ensure positive outcomes for their patients.

As an advanced practice nurse, I understand the vital role nurse anesthetists play in delivering safe, high-quality anesthesia care — especially in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. In Congress, lawmakers need to do our part to take care of our nation’s healthcare providers and ensure patients have access to quality, affordable healthcare. I will always champion accessible, reliable patient care and will continue to be a loud voice for all allied healthcare professionals. 

Thank you for inviting us to visit with you…!

Introducing the SERVE Act to Expand Military Recruitment

On Wednesday, I teamed up with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in both the House and Senate to introduce the Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement (SERVE) Act. This important legislation aims to enhance military recruitment by promoting the benefits of service and expanding access for high school students.

As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the impact military service can have on someone’s life, but right now, many students aren’t being provided information about the amazing opportunities and experiences military service can offer. The SERVE Act would turn that around by reconnecting our youth with a powerful call to service and opening doors to leadership, education, and purpose.

Specifically, this bill would:

• Increase recruiter access in high schools
• Expand JROTC participation opportunities to students in schools without existing programs
• Designate high schools with above-average military enlistment rates as “HERO Schools”
• Prioritize service academy nominations from HERO Schools
• Establish a National Week of Military Recruitment to promote awareness and engagement

Thank you to Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Lance Gooden (TX-05), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) for introducing this bill with me in the House, and thank you to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) for introducing its companion bill in the Senate!

Advocating for Veterans' Mental Healthcare at Subcommittee Hearing

As a Navy veteran, I am honored to serve as the chairwoman of the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. This past week, I chaired an important hearing regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) mental health policies, processes, and quality of care decisions regarding veterans' mental healthcare access.

From speaking with veterans in Virginia's Second District, it’s clear that we have a lot of ground to cover to fix the mental health crisis in our veteran community. One of the concerns I hear most often from veterans is how long it takes to schedule their appointments for mental health treatments. Delayed mental health care in the age of telehealth is well within our ability to address – veterans deserve timely care.

Take a listen to my opening remarks below...!

We cannot let politics stand in the way of making progress for our veterans. I will continue fighting to hold the VA accountable and improve mental healthcare for our veterans in the Second District and across America!

Weekly Poll

With over 1,500 responses last week, over 60% of you said you believe Medicaid needs to be reformed. I too believe Medicaid needs to be reformed and protected, because as a nurse practitioner, I know how critical accessible, affordable healthcare is for people in Virginia’s Second District and across the country. That is why I recently joined a group of 11 of my Republican Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to House leadership advocating for thoughtful, targeted Medicaid reform that will protect the vulnerable populations who rely on it while preserving the integrity of the program. You can read that letter here.

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

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Private First Class Harold Christ Agerholm, who served as a Marine during World War II. Specifically, he served with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944.

When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Pfc. Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than three hours.

Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed to be wounded marines, but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Pfc. Agerholm's brillant initiative, great personal valor, and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Terry from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue he was having regarding his VA claims. After he reached out to my office, we were able to get him the help he needed. We are always here to help everyone in Virginia's Sceond District, especially our veterans. Thanks for reaching out, Terry...!

If you need assistance with 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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