Hello Friends, 

Congress was back in session last week in Washington, and I’ve been hard at work for the people of Virginia’s Second District. I’m thrilled that the Care for Military Kids Act and PBM Reform legislation were signed into law—helping military families access better healthcare and making prescription drug costs more transparent. I also had the privilege of celebrating women and girls in sports, recognizing the dedication and achievements of female athletes across our community.

Back home, my focus remains on supporting veterans and strengthening our local communities. I’m committed to ensuring our veterans, servicemembers, and seniors in VA-02 have access to the care, resources, and recognition they deserve. Representing this district is an honor, and I’ll keep working every day to deliver results that make a real difference for families, veterans, and neighbors across Hampton Roads.

As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to represent you.

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.

Care for Military Kids Act to be Signed into Law...!!

I'm proud that my Care for Military Kids Act was signed into law ensuring military children maintain access to critical Medicaid services when their families receive new orders. Our servicemembers should never have to choose between answering the call to serve and making sure their child receives essential and necessary healthcare.

Read more from Paragon Health Institute here.

Seeking Accountability for Failed Leadership at Hampton VA Medical Center

Our veterans deserve quality and attentive care, and that starts with personnel at our VA medical centers. Last week, I sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins demanding answers on the lack of consistent leadership and a pattern of negligence at the Hampton VA Medical Center. The men and women that served our nation deserve better!

Read my press release here

Telephone Town Hall Today...!!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be hosting my next Telephone Town Hall TODAY, February 10th at 7:00 PM…! Telephone Town Halls are a great way to connect with thousands of constituents and discuss important district issues directly with you!

Please RSVP by Noon here

Celebrating Women and Girls in Sports!

As a runner and the Mom of two female athletes, protecting fair and safe competition for women in sports is personal to me. Last week, we celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day to honor the strength, dedication, and perseverance of our female athletes across the country. I'm proud of the young women who continue to compete and advocate for the integrity in their sport...!

Calling on the Governor of Virginia to Support Local Law Enforcement

Last week, I joined Reps. Morgan Griffith (VA-09), John McGuire (VA-05), Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Ben Cline (VA-06) in sending a letter to Governor Spanberger regarding her recent executive order to rescind law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration services. This course of action puts law enforcement at a disadvantage as they work every day to protect our communities. Public safety should always come first…!

Read the full letter here and👇 

Colonel Edward Shames: A Lasting Tribute in Virginia Beach

Last week, I introduced legislation to rename the U.S. postal facility on Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach after World War II veteran, Colonel Edward Shames. Colonel Shames parachuted into Normandy on D-Day, and fought in some of the most pivotal moments of the war, including Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. VA-02 thanks Colonel Shames for his service to our nation and this post office will stand as a tribute to his courage and unwavering commitment to defending the freedoms we hold so dear.

Read my press release here.

PBM Reform Signed into Law!

Last week, Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform was signed into law...! I've been fighting for years to deliver these long-overdue reforms to lower prescription drug costs and relieve the financial burden on our seniors, families, and patients across VA-02. PBM reform is a major step towards transparency and accountability in our health care system!

Celebrating Hampton Roads Manufacturing and Job Growth

It was a pleasure to visit Bauer Compressors last week! As a Virginia company that’s been manufacturing high-pressure compressor systems for 50 years, Bauer’s continued expansion, including growing capacity for hydrogen and natural gas compressors, is creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our region’s military industrial base. I’m grateful to Bauer Compressors for their commitment to American manufacturing and for continuing to invest in Hampton Roads!!

Important Tax Relief for VA-02 Families...!

It's that time of year again, VA-02! I voted for the Working Families Tax Cut, which increased the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly to $31,500! This offers meaningful relief for the hardworking families in Hampton Roads!

Important Passport Reminder..!

I know that many VA-02 families might be traveling internationally this year, which is why it's important to check your destination’s requirements for entry before traveling. Do you know when your passport expires? Visit http://travel.state.gov/destination to read the State Department's travel checklist to ensure you’re ready for your family vacation! If you run into any issues renewing your passport or experience delays, please call my office at 757-364-7650 for assistance! 

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 to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked whether you thought VA-02 roads and highways were adequately prepared for the recent winter weather in our area. 72.1% of you said YES, 13% said NO, and 14.9% said UNSURE.

I’m glad to see that most of you felt VA-02’s roads and highways were well-prepared for the recent winter weather. Keeping our roads safe and passable during storms is a top priority, and your feedback helps me work with local and state leaders to ensure our transportation infrastructure meets the needs of our community—especially during challenging winter conditions. Thank you to the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation-Hampton Roads for working tirelessly to clear the roads and keep us safe!

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 Chief Petty Officer Edward C. Byers Jr. of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor action date: December 8-9, 2012).

Edward C. Byers Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went on to serve as a member of the Navy SEALs. Over the course of his career, he demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage, and leadership, later attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer, with his highest rank being Master Chief Petty Officer. As a SEAL, Byers served in some of the most difficult environments during the War on Terror, and he dedicated his service to defending our nation and protecting his fellow SEALs.

On the night of December 8-9, 2012, Chief Byers was serving as a Hostage Rescue Force team member in the Qarghahyi District of Laghman Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the rescue force approached the target building holding an American hostage, an enemy sentry detected the team and attempted to alert the captors. Chief Byers and his team sprinted toward the objective. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood fully exposed to enemy fire in the doorway while tearing down six layers of heavy blankets that blocked entry into the room.

As the team forced entry, the lead assaulter was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Fully aware of the danger, Chief Byers fearlessly charged into the room and engaged an armed enemy guard. He then tackled another hostile combatant during a violent hand-to-hand struggle, neutralizing the threat. Hearing the American hostage respond in English, Chief Byers immediately moved toward him, throwing himself over the hostage’s body to shield him from heavy enemy gunfire. While protecting the hostage, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare hands until a teammate was able to subdue the threat.

Chief Byers’ bold, decisive, and selfless actions under extreme fire saved the life of the American hostage and prevented further casualties among his teammates. His extraordinary heroism, unwavering devotion to duty, and intrepid fighting spirit in the face of near-certain death reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For his conspicuous gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty, Chief Petty Officer Edward C. Byers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor, recognizing his remarkable courage during combat operations in Afghanistan.

Constituent Corner

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

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

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