Hello Friends, 

Last week, Congress took important steps to strengthen our nation and deliver results for the people of Virginia’s Second District. The House passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act—a critical piece of legislation that bolsters our warfighting capability, restores readiness, and continues meaningful quality-of-life improvements for the men and women who serve. From investing in shipbuilding and workforce development to improving pay, housing, childcare, and access to care, this bill ensures our servicemembers have the support they deserve.

At the same time, I remain focused on advancing bipartisan solutions that lower costs and strengthen our healthcare system. That’s why I’m proud to lead the CommonGround for Affordable Healthcare Act with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), a bipartisan bill aimed at improving healthcare affordability and delivering practical, consensus-driven solutions that put patients first. By working across the aisle, we can deliver real results—not rhetoric—for families here in Hampton Roads and across the country.

The House also 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.

Working Across the Aisle to Improve Healthcare Affordability

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, co-chair of the nursing caucus, and one of two NPs in Congress, healthcare affordability is an important issue to me personally and professionally. The CommonGround framework and now CommonGround for Affordable Healthcare Act, that Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and I are leading, is proof that bipartisan solutions are possible.

Read my full press release here.

We must address healthcare affordability and not turn our backs on the American people. The clock is ticking to enact the reforms we need.

Read my statement on the discharge petition that I filed and signed last Wednesday night with Rep. Josh Gottheimer 👇

Advancing the FY26 NDAA to Strengthen America’s Defense

Last Wednesday night, the House passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act—legislation that strengthens America’s warfighting capability, restores readiness, and continues real quality-of-life improvements for the men and women who serve. It accelerates advanced weapons programs, rebuilds munitions stockpiles, and strengthens shipbuilding and naval aviation to keep our force lethal and capable. And it backs that strength with better pay, better housing, better childcare, and stronger access to care for our servicemembers. With these investments, no adversary will ever doubt America’s strength or resolve.

Read my press release here and coverage from WAVY10 here.

The strength of our national security is dependent on the readiness of those that serve in the Armed Forces. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act provides strategic investments in our defense industrial base, American shipbuilding, and the men and the women that work tirelessly to keep our country safe.

Watch my remarks from the House Floor👇 and my speech with House Leadership here.

A Festive Evening at the White House

It was an honor to attend the White House Christmas party this year—and to bring my sister! The trees and decorations were beautiful, and I am thankful to the President and First Lady for having us. Wishing everyone a happy holiday season… seven more days until Christmas…! 🎄 

Extending Warm Hanukkah Wishes to Our Community

From my family and all of us at Team Kiggans, we wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Hanukkah. May the Festival of Lights fill your home with peace, resilience, and hope for the year ahead. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our great nation, and I send my heartfelt best wishes for a bright and meaningful Hanukkah celebration.

Standing Up for Nurses and Advanced Practice Degrees

Last Friday, I joined over 120 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in drafting a letter to Under Secretary of Education Kent following the release of the proposed framework by the U.S. Department of Education to declassify nursing degrees as “professional." Advanced practice nursing degrees take a tremendous amount of time and energy, and limiting federal loan opportunities to pay for this education will not help our nation’s nursing shortage. As one of only two nurse practitioners currently serving in the US House, one of my biggest priorities is advocating for our nursing profession.

Read our full letter here.

An American Tradition: The Army–Navy Game

Nothing brings out America’s spirit quite like the Army–Navy Game! 🇺🇸

I was proud to cheer on our future servicemembers as they carry on one of our nation’s greatest traditions and see Navy win 17-16...!

Watch a video from the House Armed-Services Committee here.

Advancing Solutions to Improve CHAMPVA Access

Last week's House Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing focused on seeking improvements to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This is a vital program utilized by thousands of caregivers in Virginia, and we must ensure that it becomes more accessible. That’s why I introduced the Clarity on Care Options Act, which requires the VA to publish a public list of CHAMPVA-approved providers, making it easier for caregivers to find the healthcare they need…!

I also highlighted the need to strengthen CHAMPVA for caregivers and dependents during last week's House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing. Caregiving requires sacrifice and healthcare access shouldn’t be one of them. My Clarity on Care Options Act would require a public directory of CHAMPVA providers to make finding care easier.

Watch my opening statement here.

Advancing Bipartisan Solutions for Veterans and Small Businesses

This week, I introduced four bipartisan bills that improve veterans’ healthcare and strengthen veteran-owned small businesses.

Read my press release here.

Holiday Cheer Arrives at the Capitol!

I love this time of year, and this incredible gingerbread Capitol makes it even better! Grateful to chefs Fred Jonson and John Selick for bringing holiday cheer to the Cannon House Office Building…! 

Congratulations, Amanda...!

We recently celebrated our Defense Fellow Amanda Gray as she reached the end of her fellowship with my office and received a promotion to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. For the past year, Amanda has been an invaluable asset to Team Kiggans and served a vital role in getting dozens of my amendments included in this year's National Defense Authorization Act. She also worked tirelessly to hold the TRICARE system accountable after complaints from many military families about reimbursements. Amanda also played a key role in drafting legislation to strengthen military recruitment and helped lead the effort to deliver next-generation strike fighters to NAS Oceana. She will certainly be missed, but we thank Amanda and her family for their service to our country and to this district!

Joining CRES for Their Annual Christmas Celebration

I had so much fun joining Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and our friends at Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions for their annual Christmas party! It’s been a productive year advocating for an all-the-above energy approach to preserve our national security while practicing responsible environmental stewardship. Energy security is national security…! 

Continuing the Work to Support Military Families

Last Thursday, I’m was honored to receive the National Military Family Association's Support for Military Families Award. This recognition reflects the strength and resilience of the military families I’m proud to represent and serve. I remain deeply committed to advancing policies that support our servicemembers and the families who stand beside them every day.

Joining the Navy League for Their Congressional Shipbuilding Breakfast

Last Thursday morning, I joined Congressman Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01) at the Navy League’s Congressional Shipbuilding Breakfast. It was a great opportunity to discuss this year’s National Defense Authorization Act and the critical investments it makes in workforce development and shipbuilding. Thank you to the Navy league of the United States for your steadfast advocacy for our sailors, both in Washington and in communities across the country…!!

Advancing Peace Through Strength with Our Allies

It was an honor to welcome Japanese Congressional Minister Ken Ono to our DC office this week. As China becomes more aggressive, we are grateful for the strong partnership the U.S. shares with trusted allies like Japan in the Pacific. Our alliance remains essential for executing peace through strength! 

Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk...!!

Team Kiggans is hitting the road again! My staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours on Wednesday, December 17th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Suffolk Fire Station 11 (6482 Hampton Roads Parkway, Suffolk, VA, 23435).

Mobile Office Hours are a convenient way for residents of Virginia’s Second District to get help with federal agencies, ask questions, and share concerns—right in our own community. Whether you need assistance with a passport, VA benefits, Social Security, or just want to learn more about how my office can support you, we’re here to help.

No appointment is necessary—just stop by! My team looks forward to serving you.

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* (Unfortunately, White House tour slots have filled up for the month of December).
• 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! Last week, I asked whether you plan to send Christmas cards this year—and more than half of you said yes! 53% plan to send cards, while 43% said no and 4% are still undecided. Whether you’re mailing cards, sharing a phone call, or simply spending time with loved ones, it’s clear that this season is about staying connected and celebrating the people who matter most. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, and I wish you a joyful holiday season.

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 Private First Class Robert Henry Jenkins Jr. of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: March 5, 1969). 

Jenkins was born June 1, 1948 in Interlachen, Florida. From 1955 until 1963, Jenkins attended Oak Grove Elementary School, before becoming a student at Central Academy High School in Palatka, Florida until 1967. Jenkins enlisted in the Marine Corps on February 2, 1968 in Jacksonville. He received training in the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Paris Island and, by April 1968, Jenkins was promoted to private first class. He completed further individual combat training and infantry special training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

In July of 1968, Private First Class Jenkins was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam and assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. After being reassigned to Company C as a scout and driver, Pfc. Jenkins and his reconnaissance team were sent to occupy a defensive position at Fire Support Base Argonne south of the Demilitarized Zone. While maintaining this position, a North Vietnamese Army platoon attacked the marines by employing mortars, automatic weapons, and hand grenades. Instinctively, Pfc. Jenkins and another marine moved into a two-man fighting emplacement, delivering machine-gun fire against the enemy. When a North Vietnamese soldier threw a hand grenade into their emplacement, Pfc. Jenkins threw himself on top of his fellow marine to shield him from the explosion. By absorbing the full impact of the detonation, Pfc. Jenkins saved his comrade from serious injury; however, Pfc. Jenkins himself sustained major injuries, which he eventually succumbed to on March 5, 1969.

For his courage, inspiring valor, and selfless devotion to duty, Pfc. Jenkins was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on April 20, 1970. Pfc. Robert H. Jenkins Jr. is buried in Sister Spring Baptist Cemetery in Interlaken, Florida.

Constituent Corner

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

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

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