Hello Friends,

While the House was out of session this week, my team and I remained hard at work serving the people of Coastal Virginia and advocating for the issues that matter most to our communities.

From supporting our hardworking oyster growers following significant losses in the Chesapeake Bay to strengthening coastal resilience and protecting our shorelines, I remain committed to supporting the industries and communities that make our region such a special place to call home.

I’m also continuing my work to improve access to quality healthcare by cutting unnecessary red tape and ensuring patients can more easily receive the care they need. I also highlighted some of my ongoing work in Congress, including protecting the values and principles that make our country strong, and holding bad actors accountable to strengthen our national security.

Whether we are addressing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, supporting our servicemembers and military, or protecting the freedoms and principles that define our nation, I will continue fighting to make sure Coastal Virginia has a strong voice in Congress.

As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in Washington.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Seeking Federal Relief for Virginia Oyster Growers

Virginia’s oyster growers are a vital part of Coastal Virginia’s economy and way of life. Unfortunately, we have recently seen significant oyster losses across our region threatening both this year’s and next year’s harvests. That’s why Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and I sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assess the damage and determine whether affected oyster producers qualify for federal assistance. We must ensure these hardworking men and women have the resources they to recover…!

Read my press release here.

Remembering the Brave Men and Women that Never Came Home

Last week, I joined base leadership and local veteran groups at Naval Air Station Oceana for a wreath laying ceremony at the Flame of Hope Memorial. Built in 1972, the Flame of Hope Memorial stands to honor the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action from the Vietnam War. Today, it represents our commitment to remember the men and women that never returned home and to honor the families that carry their legacy. We will never forget their service and sacrifice for our nation.

Holding Bad Actors Accountable and Keeping Americans Safe

Anyone who comes to the United States intending to do harm to our nation or its people shouldn’t be here. Earlier this year, I cosponsored Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s SCAM Act, which creates a path to denaturalization for individuals who, within 10 years of their naturalization, commit fraud against our government, affiliate with a known terrorist organization, or commit an aggravated felony or espionage. House Republicans and I are working to protect the American people and hold bad actors accountable for threatening our national security…!

Protecting Our Shorelines and Delivering for Our Coastal Communities

Last week, the House passed the Water Resources Development Act to authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct water resource projects across the country. This bipartisan legislation delivered several wins for VA-02, including support for critical projects on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, as well as strengthening coastal resilience efforts across the Commonwealth. As the Representative of a coastal district, I always support legislation that strengthens our shorelines and protects our communities…!

Standing for the Values and Freedoms that Define Our Great Country...!

Just over three weeks ago, I joined my House Republican colleagues in voting to condemn and denounce socialism in all its forms and support only American citizens voting in our elections. This was an easy, commonsense vote, but unfortunately, 192 of my colleagues across the aisle chose not to support it. I will always stand up for the values and principles that make our country strong and protect the freedoms that define our nation..!

Supporting Better Care for Patients with Diabetes

Thank you to Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-09) for highlighting my support of the “Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act” in a recent House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing…! As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I know how unnecessary administrative barriers can delay patients from receiving the care they need. This bipartisan bill will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to meet Medicare’s documentation requirements for therapeutic shoes for patients with diabetes, helping streamline and expand access to preventive care…!

Honoring the Sacrifice of Gold Star Families

On National Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, we paused to remember the heroes who gave their lives in defense of our nation and the loved ones who live daily with their loss. Gold Star Families represent the very best of America’s strength and sacrifice, and our nation will be forever grateful.

Sign Up for The Congressional App Challenge...!

Student registration is now open for the 2026 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 26, 2026: 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!

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 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST at the Virginia Beach District Office.

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.

*Reservations for October White House Tours are now open! Please call my office at (202) 225-4215 if you have any questions!

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked, "Should Congress regulate how artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and used?" Of the responses, 62.6% said YES, 19.8% said NO, and 17.6% were UNSURE.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we live and work, creating exciting new opportunities while also raising important questions about privacy, security, and responsible use. As this technology continues to evolve, Congress must carefully consider how we can protect Americans from potential risks without standing in the way of innovation and American leadership. From a national security standpoint, AI can be a powerful tool that strengthens our capabilities, but it can also be used by our adversaries to threaten our security. We must strike the right balance between establishing appropriate safeguards and ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

As Congress continues these important conversations, I appreciate hearing directly from you and will continue working to ensure the voices of Coastal Virginians are heard in Washington!

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 Lieutenant Edouard Victor Michel Izac of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor action date: May 21, 1918). 

Edouard Izac was born on December 18, 1891, in Cresco, Iowa, and was the youngest of nine children. The son of an immigrant from what is now modern-day Germany, Izac was fluent in German, French and English from an early age. To get what he referred to as a “complete education,” he decided to enter the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1915.

After his graduation, he was immediately assigned to serve aboard the battleship USS Florida. It was around the same time the United States began to get involved in World War I. After two years and a promotion to lieutenant, he was assigned to the troop transport USS Lincoln in July 1917. 

A year later, on May 21, 1918, the USS Lincoln was attacked and sunk by the German submarine U-90. Lt. Izac was captured and kept aboard until the submarine returned to Germany. During this time, Izac obtained information about the movements of German submarines. Believing that this information was crucial for the U.S. and Allied navies to know, he attempted to escape by jumping out of the window of a moving train while armed German soldiers guarding him opened fire. When that attempt proved unsuccessful, he planned a second, mass escape, breaking through barbed wire and confusing the Germans in the process. This attempt proved successful.

He was presented with the Medal of Honor on November 11th, 1920, at the Washington Navy Yard by Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, with whom he later became friends. After years of trying to live a simpler life, he was elected to Congress in 1936, advocating for Veterans and non-interventionism in World War II. 

After losing re-election in 1946, Izac finally retreated to a simpler life, becoming a farmer in Gordonsville, Virginia, on land he inherited from his father-in-law. Edouad Izac passed away on January 18, 1990, at the age of 98 in Fairfax, Virginia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Constituent Corner

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

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!

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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