Hello Friends, 

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the State of the Union, where President Trump highlighted progress being made to strengthen national security and support our service members. Hearing about these developments reaffirmed why strong leadership and continued investment in defense are vital for both the nation and Virginia’s Second Congressional District.

The ongoing partial government shutdown threatens this readiness. I continue to call on my colleagues across the aisle in the Senate to end this shutdown that is depriving the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Coast Guard personnel of the resources and pay they need to carry out their essential missions. Coast Guard servicemembers were scheduled to be paid on February 27, but missed another paycheck and are forced to continue reporting for duty while facing growing financial uncertainty.

Over the past week, the consequences of this shutdown have only grown more serious, with operational delays, strained emergency response capabilities, and increased pressure on the men and women who remain on the job without pay. These agencies play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, especially during times of crisis and severe weather. Congress must act immediately to restore funding for the safety and security of all Americans.

I strongly believe, as President Trump has emphasized, that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United States has offered multiple chances for diplomacy, but I remain steadfast in protecting American interests and supporting our allies while ensuring regional and global stability. Promoting peace, both in the Middle East and worldwide, continues to be a top priority.

My heart goes out to the families of the service members who lost their lives during this operation, and I pray for the safety and well-being of all our men and women in uniform. May God watch over the brave members of the United States Armed Forces who defend our nation every day.

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.

Peace Through Strength: Standing Firm Against Iran

Iran poses a growing threat to democracies across the globe. The United States will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and will continue to respond to actions that threaten our interests and those of our allies.

Read my full statement here 👇

Honoring Our Lost Servicemembers

I was deeply saddened to learn of the American servicemembers who lost their lives in service to our nation. The men and women who serve our country deserve our deepest respect and prayers for their dedication to protecting our security and democracy.

Read my full statement here 👇

The State of the Union is Strong, and Getting Stronger...!

It is always a tremendous honor to attend the State of the Union Address in person and to hear the President outline the progress made over the past year to strengthen our nation and to highlight the work that still needs to be done. From tax deductions for our working families to securing our border and restoring American leadership abroad, we are working to keep our country on the right track. I'm proud to represent VA-02 as we continue building a stronger, more secure America!

Read my press release here and my reaction to this patriotic speech here.  

Watch my appearance on WAVY10 👇

This year's State of the Union was a powerful celebration of American patriotism! 🇺🇸 Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams received the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary courage. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan was awarded the Legion of Merit for extraordinary heroism during rescue efforts following the devastating floods in Texas. Also honored were National Guard Purple Heart recipients, including Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and the late Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, for their selfless service. These heroes remind us all of the bravery and sacrifice that make our nation great! 🇺🇸

Remembering Delegate Barry Knight

Last week on the U.S. House floor, I joined my colleagues in the Virginia delegation to honor the life and legacy of Delegate Barry Knight. I will miss his friendship, his steady leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the people he served. His love for Virginia Beach and his service to the Commonwealth will always be remembered….

Hampton Roads Alliance Annual Meeting Highlights Regional Collaboration

It was an honor to join business, defense, and community leaders at the Hampton Roads Alliance Annual Meeting to celebrate progress and chart the path forward for our region. The Alliance highlighted its yearly accomplishments and featured keynote speaker Joanna Doven, Executive Director of the AI Strike Team, showcasing efforts to strengthen and protect Hampton Roads. Collaboration between our defense, industry, and community partners is critical to the region’s future, and we must continue building on this progress...! 

Four Years After Invasion: Standing with Ukraine

Last week marked four years since Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and started an unnecessary war that has brought devastating loss and destruction.

Four years later, the Ukranian people continue to fight with remarkable courage in defense of their freedom and sovereignty. As Russia strengthens its ties with Iran and China to challenge the United States and our allies, we must stand with our partners, deterring aggression, and advancing peace through strength.

Welcoming Visitors to Capitol Hill!

We welcomed several distinguished guests to Capitol Hill last week! I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Maritime Administration Ambassador Steve Carmel, John Nau from American Battlefield Trust, representatives from BWXT Technologies, and Chris Davidson from Orca Strategies to discuss strengthening our maritime industry, preserving our nation's history, and advancing Virginia's energy and national security priorities. Thanks for stopping by!

Naval Station Norfolk Change of Command

I was honored to attend the Change of Command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk last week. Captain Matt Schlarmann’s steady leadership and unwavering dedication will leave a lasting mark on the installation and the sailors he served. I wish Captain Ray Glenn every success as he takes command and continues leading NSN in its vital mission supporting our Navy, our servicemembers, and their families. Go Navy…! ⚓️

Advocating for Our Seniors and Caregivers

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I know good staffing saves lives and protects dignity. That’s why I’m fighting in Congress for policies that put quality care first and support the hardworking professionals our families depend on.


Read my full Op-Ed in the Washington Times 👉 here.

JEB Little Creek Change of Command

Honored to have attended the Change of Command at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story last week as Capt. David Gray transferred command to Capt. Katie Jacobson. Thank you, Captain Gray, for your dedicated leadership— and congratulation to Captain Jacobson as she takes the helm...!

Supporting Our Military Families...!

Last week, I attended PROMISE 2026 to discuss the challenges facing military families, especially those caring for children with disabilities. I was grateful for the opportunity to highlight my Care for Military Kids Act, now signed into law, which ensures continuity of care for military children when their families relocate due to orders. Thank you to Partners in PROMISE for having me and your advocacy on behalf of military families...!

Participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Challenge...!!

Attention all VA-02 high school students…! My office is now accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition…! This year's artowrk theme is "America 250" to celebrate 250 years since the birth of our great nation. If you are interested in participating, the deadline to submit artwork is Friday, April 17, 2026.

Fill out the “contact me” form👉 here.

Join Us for Service Academy Information Night...!

Attention VA-02 students! My district staff is hosting our 2026 Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, May 27th in the Landstown High School Auditorium in Virginia Beach...! If you are a student interested in applying for a service academy nomination through my office, joining the military officer corps, or pursuing education at a military college… we'd love to see you there...!

Please fill out the RSVP form👉 here.

Calling Official Office Interns for Summer 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Summer 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 to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you support mid-decade redistricting to redraw Virginia's congressional district lines: 70% said NO, and I strongly agree with you.

The Democrat-led effort to redraw Virginia’s congressional maps is unnecessary and risks undermining public trust in the electoral process. The current district lines were drawn five years ago through a transparent, bipartisan process designed to ensure fairness and compliance with Virginia law. The proposed maps would dramatically skew representation, leaving Virginia with ten Democratic seats and only one Republican seat— an outcome that does not accurately reflect voters across the Commonwealth.

On April 21, Virginians will have the opportunity to reject this gerrymandering scheme. Early voting begins March 6, and absentee voting is available. Virginians, make your voices heard by voting NO on this hyper-partisan effort to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts!

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

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor the Medal of Honor Recipient Chief Warrant Officer Five Eric A. Slover of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: January 3, 2026).

Eric A. Slover served in the U.S. Army and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Warrant Officer Five, demonstrating exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication throughout his career. As an Army aviator, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover was entrusted with some of the most complex and high risk missions, reflecting his mastery of aviation operations and unwavering commitment to mission success.

On January 3, 2026, during a mission in Caracas, Venezuela, in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover served as the lead pilot of an MH-47 helicopter tasked with executing a highly complex infiltration through hostile integrated air defense systems. He skillfully led the helicopter force through a dense jungle valley in mountainous terrain, navigating marginal weather, severe topographical hazards, and intense surface to air threats.

Upon landing at the designated landing zone, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover’s aircraft was immediately engaged by multiple enemy machine gun positions at close range. Fifteen armor-piercing rounds penetrated the cockpit, with four striking his leg. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries and coming under intense enemy fire, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover maintained control of the aircraft and deliberately held position to ensure the safe infiltration and disembarkation of the ground forces.

After the forces exited the aircraft, and while still gravely wounded, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover identified hostile heavy machine gun positions actively targeting both his aircraft and the ground forces. Demonstrating extraordinary courage and presence of mind, he maneuvered his aircraft to allow his door gunner to deliver effective fire, successfully neutralizing the threats.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover’s decisive actions under fire saved countless American lives and ensured the complete success of the mission. His extraordinary heroism, selflessness, and valor in the face of overwhelming danger exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Constituent Corner

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

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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