Friends,

We just wrapped up another busy week in Washington delivering on the promises we made to the American people. From voting to begin the federal budget process of reconciliation, to unleashing American energy, and supporting small businesses...we accomplished a lot.

But before diving into more updates, I wanted to let you that my office has upcoming Mobile Office Hours this week! After being rescheduled due to weather, members of my team will be at the Chincoteague Town Office from 10am - 2pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. These office hours are designed to allow residents of Virginia's Second District an opportunity to meet face to face with a member of my staff to get help with the federal government. If you have any questions about this event, please call (757) 364-7650. You can also get help with a federal agency here!

Now on to this week's newsletter!

Continuing to Honor the Sacrifice of Officers Girvin and Reese

Our community continues to mourn the tragic death of Virginia Beach Police Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese. After completing our first votes of the week, I was humbled to lead the Virginia Congressional Delegation in holding a moment of silence on the House Floor in the memory of these brave officers.

I appreciate Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Ben Cline (VA-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), John McGuire (VA-05), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) for joining me to honor their service and pay their respects.

Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese will forever be remembered for their selfless sacrifice to our great city and Commonwealth. May they rest in peace.

Taking the First Step to Secure Our Borders and Prevent Tax Hikes

In November, the American people made it clear they want to reduce out-of-control government spending, secure our borders, and reignite economic growth. That's why I voted for the budget resolution before the House... because it provides a path to deliver on those priorities and will allow the government to work more efficiently for all Americans.

As you may have seen, there were a lot of allegations regarding specific cuts included in this bill. I want to address this misinformation and correct the record: this budget resolution does not include specific reductions to any programs or agencies. In fact, it does not even include the words Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)! It simply contains top line budgetary instructions for committees to produce legislation that provides $1.5 trillion in mandatory savings over 10 years, $300 billion for border security and defense, and $4.5 trillion to prevent tax hikes (which will go into effect at the end of this year if Congress doesn't act).

Below, you'll find an outline of the taxes that will increase for Virginia families if Congress doesn't extend or make permanent several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As you can see, Congress' inaction in this space has the potential to devastate families in the Commonwealth, which is why I am committed to working with my colleagues to keep them in place.

Last but not least, it is important to know that this is not the final budget resolution that will move forward. Since the Senate passed its own version on February 21, 2025, the two chambers will now have to come together and agree on a compromise before committees can get to work. As we move forward with finalizing the budget resolution and the fiscal policy process that will follow it, please know I will continue to fight for the needs of Virginia’s Second District as a Navy veteran, healthcare provider, and mom of four.

Working to Expand Language Education for American Children

As someone who taught English in Japan after graduating college and having lived abroad as a Navy wife, I have a great appreciation for the critical role language education plays in the lives of countless Americans. That's why I was excited to introduce the World Language Education Assistance Program (LEAP) Act this past week alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta to expand foreign language opportunities to American students.

If signed into law, our bill would establish a grant program through the Department of Education to create new and support current world language programs. By giving K-12 schools the opportunity to improve and expand their world language programs, we can empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, land meaningful career opportunities, and promote our leadership on the world stage.

Fighting For Our Local Ship Repair and Ship Building Communities

Last week, my colleagues and I on the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to discuss strategies that the House can take to strengthen our defense industrial base and restore peace through strength. Our witnesses consisted of a diverse group of industry leaders who represented aerospace, shipbuilders, and more. You can listen to my questions by clicking on the image below.

Our world continues to grow more dangerous by the day, which means we must invest in our ability to produce American made defense technology much faster than we currently do. Without serious and immediate reform, we will not be able to restore deterrence and secure peace through strength.

Receiving the American Legion's Distinguished Public Service Award

Last week, hundreds of veterans traveled to D.C. for the 65th Annual American Legion Washington Conference! As a member of one of the many American Legion posts in Virginia Beach, it was awesome to see so many veterans around Capitol Hill advocating for policies and issues that matter to those who have served our country.

I was able to stop by Monday's session of the conference and discuss the work I am doing in Congress to protect and improve veterans' benefits and the services they rely on. While I was there, I was honored to have been awarded the American Legion's Distinguished Public Service Award. The Distinguished Public Service is awarded by the American Legion to honor public servants or organizations in recognition of their contributions to legislation on behalf of veterans and servicemembers. Specifically, the Legion highlighted my work and advocacy to increase access to healthcare and benefits for those that have worn the uniform. It is truly an honor to receive the this award from the American Legion.

The Legion does fantastic work to assist veterans across the country getting access to essential services they are owed, provide an empowering social network, support young people and promote a genuine love of country. Thank you for honoring me with this meaningful award and for all you do for the American heroes in our communities!

Weekly Poll

With over 1,700 responses last week, more than 65% of you said that you believe that sanctuary cities should lose federal funding. I agree, sanctuary cities have prevented the deportation of violent criminals across the country - it's outrageous. I look forward to working my colleagues in the House to restore community safety and secure our borders.

And now, on to this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Florent A. Groberg of the U.S. Army (Medal of Honor action date: August 8, 2012). 

Captain Groberg was born on May 8th, 1983 in Poissy, France. Groberg spent his early life in France and Spain before he and his mother moved to America. They lived in the Chicago area before eventually settling in Potomac, Maryland. Captain Groberg attended Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda and stayed in his home state where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. 

Two years after finishing his degree, Captain Groberg joined the U.S. Army in July of 2008. He attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning in Georgia, where he would commission as an infantry officer in December. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, and served in Afghanistan as a platoon leader in the Kunar Province. In February of 2012, Captain Groberg was again deployed to the Kunar Province where in July he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

On the morning of August 8, 2012, Captain Groberg displayed acts of gallantry as he would risk his life during combat operations against an armed enemy in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

On August 8, 2012, Captain Groberg was leading a dismounted movement which consisted of senior military leaders in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Among them were brigade and battalion commanders, command sergeant major, and the Afghanistan National Army commander. The group was approaching the Provincial Governor’s compound when Captain Groberg noticed an unknown person walking very close to the formation with a strange bulge under their clothing. The Captain acted instantaneously as he rushed forward, placed himself in front of one of the commanders, and pushed the suspect away from their formation. Further demonstrating efficiency, courage, and steadiness, he ordered for another member of the security to aid him in removing the suspect. 

Captain Groberg identified the bulge as a suicide vest, and with the help of another, physically pushed away the suicide bomber from their formation. The suicide bomber fell to the ground which caused his vest to detonate outside of the perimeter of the formation. This explosion caused the detonation of a second unnoticed vest which did little damage to the formation. This bomber did not reach his goal of killing the group even though he still killed four Americans and injured others. However, due to Captain Groberg’s selflessness and quick action, many lives were saved. He was able to sizably minimize the impact, not only saving lives, but portraying his heroism. His outstanding bravery illuminates how his timely precision saved lives as he put himself at risk. 

On November 12, 2015 President Barack Obama awarded Captain Groberg the Medal of Honor for his courageous acts. Captain Groberg has since received a graduate degree in Management with a specialization in Intelligence Management from the University of Maryland. Since leaving the military, he has led a successful business career since his time in the Army and he now serves as the Board Director for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office was able to assist Don from Virginia Beach resolve an issue he was having with the Veterans Health Administration. After he reached out to my office, we were able to help him secure his dental appointment after a seven month wait!

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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