Hello Friends, 

With Congress out of session last week, my focus was on connecting with communities across our region. It was a week of milestones that showed the innovation, leadership, and resilience of Virginia's Second Congressional District. From celebrating new investments in healthcare to visiting local businesses and touring defense facilities, these moments highlighted the people and industries that keep our district strong.

I continue to call on my colleagues across the aisle in the Senate to end this partial government shutdown, which is withholding critical resources from our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and depriving Coast Guard service members of their earned pay while they continue to carry out vital missions. As winter storms sweep the country, support from these agencies is more important than ever to ensure the safety of our constituents and communities.

Every day, I'm fighting for hardworking Virginia families and communities. Whether it’s expanding access to care, supporting job growth, or defending our national security, I remain focused on ensuring our district continues to thrive.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Honoring the Remarkable Delegate Barry Knight

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Delegate Barry Knight after a long battle with cancer. Barry's decades of dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to representing the people of Virginia Beach made a lasting impact on our Commonwealth. I will miss his friendship and his deep love for our community. Our prayers are with his wife and family during this difficult time.

Bipartisan WATERS Act for Chesapeake Bay Preservation

The Chesapeake Bay is vital to Virginia's economy, environment, and way of life. I was proud to introduce the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act alongside Representatives Bobby Scott, Rob Wittman, and Sarah Elfreth to strengthen restoration efforts, support our fisheries, and expand environmental education across the watershed. We must protect this national treasure for our watermen, our communities, and future generations…! 

Thank you, Regent University...!!

It was amazing to spend time with students at Regent University discussing public service and leadership this week….! Speaking to these bright young men and women who represent our next generation of leaders was incredibly rewarding. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you all….! 

Advancing Defense and Workforce Development in Hampton Roads

It was an exciting visit to Lockheed Martin’s Center for Innovation in Suffolk! Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advanced research, development, and defense manufacturing plays a vital role in strengthening U.S. national security. Their Suffolk facility supports a critical part of our nation’s defense supply chain, helping ensure our military remains the best-equipped and most prepared force in the world. The United States is safer and stronger because of the work they do every day! 

Congratulations, Captain Littman...!

It was an honor to attend the Naval Air Station Oceana Change of Command Ceremony where Captain Josh Appezzato was formally relieved by Captain Rob Littman. We extend our sincere gratitude to Captain Appezzato for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to our nation. Best wishes to Captain Littman as he assumes command and continues the vital mission of our East Coast Master Jet Base!

Advocating for Affordable Energy in Virginia

Raising energy prices on Virginians via a back-door carbon tax isn't good policy, it places an unnecessary burden on millions of hardworking families across the Commonwealth. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which Virginia has rejoined under the Spanberger administration, is a continuation of the Green New Deal policies that raise costs without delivering clear benefits for consumers.

Watch my appearance on Fox Business 👇

Celebrating the Opening of Riverside’s New Smithfield Hospital...!

Riverside's new Smithfield Hospital has officially opened its doors! Last week, I had the opportunity to take a tour of this state-of-the-art facility, which features expanded medical-surgical and intensive care unit beds, a modern emergency department, and a helicopter pad to quickly transport critical patients. As a nurse practitioner, I'm grateful that Riverside Health has invested in strengthening access to high-quality rural healthcare here in VA-02...!

Norfolk International Airport Opens State-of-the-Art Arrival Facility

Last week, I visited Norfolk International Airport for the ribbon cutting of their new International Arrivals Facility…! This transformational infrastructure improvement for Federal Inspection Services will enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate international travel for the residents of Hampton Roads. I’m grateful for the collaboration among federal, state, and local partners that made this $31 million project possible. Norfolk International Airport's new facility will enhance efficiency, improve the passenger experience, and help drive continued economic growth throughout our region!

Highlighting Local Industry: Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group



Last week, I stopped by Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group's Manufacturing facility in Suffolk...! Massimo Zanetti imports coffee beans from around the world and plays an important role in the VA-02 regional economy while delivering an exceptional (and delicious!) product for our community. Thank you to the staff at the Suffolk facility for the warm welcome and the amazing coffee! ☕

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 artwork 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.

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 a photo ID should be required to vote in federal elections. Of those who responded, 84% said YES and 13% said NO.

Americans are required to show identification for countless activities — from buying alcohol, to renting a car, to opening a bank account. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be held to the same standard. I was proud to vote for the SAVE America Act earlier this month, a commonsense measure designed to strengthen elections and protect the voice of every eligible voter. Ensuring election integrity and upholding fair, responsible, and equitable electoral laws are essential to preserving public trust in our democratic process.

As we continue to safeguard our electoral system, it is critical that we strike the right balance between accessibility and security so that every vote counts and every election is trusted. Strong elections are not partisan — they are the foundation of our democracy.

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 Sergeant First Class Cashe of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: October 17, 2005).

Alwyn Crendall Cashe enlisted in the army in 1988 after graduating high school and went on to serve as an infantryman, later attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. As a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Sergeant First Class Cashe demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, and devotion to duty throughout his service during the war on terror. 

On October 17, 2005, Sergeant First Class Cashe was leading a nighttime mounted patrol in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq, when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was commanding was struck by enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. The explosion disabled the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. After escaping the burning vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe immediately returned to rescue his fellow soldiers. He extracted the driver, who was trapped and on fire, despite his own uniform becoming soaked with fuel and igniting, causing severe burns to his body.

Ignoring his painful injuries, Sergeant First Class Cashe repeatedly reentered the burning vehicle under direct enemy fire to rescue additional soldiers trapped inside. He successfully aided four soldiers in escaping the troop compartment and, realizing that two others were still unaccounted for, again entered the vehicle in an effort to save them. Even as reinforcements arrived and a casualty collection point was established, Sergeant First Class Cashe continued to lead and encourage his soldiers, ensuring they received medical care.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Jonathon from Chesapeake 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, Jonathon...!

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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