Hello Friends,

Over recent weeks, we have seen extraordinary strength and resolve across our armed services. The grit, discipline, and technological innovation on display embody the very best of our nation and underscore America’s enduring leadership on the global stage.

I am proud to see the provisions of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) taking effect and providing our servicemembers with the raises and resources they earned. Even as we implement these wins, work is already beginning on the FY2027 NDAA. I will keep fighting for commonsense policies that modernize our national defense, support military families through expanded child care access, and honor the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform.

Here at home, I am also pleased that hardworking families will see meaningful relief this tax season through the Working Families Tax Cut, helping more Americans keep more of what they earn.

And as we look toward the future, we also celebrate the Artemis II crew and their successful mission, a remarkable achievement that showcases American ingenuity, leadership, and the pioneering spirit that continues to inspire the world!

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Celebrating the Commissioning of USS Harvey Barnum Jr.!

It was an honor to join our Sailors, shipbuilders, military families, and community leaders in Norfolk for the pre-commissioning ceremony of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124)! This incredible warship honors Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. and the brave men and women who will soon bring her to life. Proud to celebrate another milestone for America’s Navy and welcome another Navy ship right here in Hampton Roads...!! 🇺🇸⚓️

Working Across the Aisle to Deliver for Servicemembers and Their Families

As a Navy veteran and the representative for Virginia’s Second Congressional District, ensuring that the National Defense Authorization Act supports our servicemembers at home and abroad is incredibly important to me. I’m proud that the bipartisan For Country Caucus has endorsed five of my bills for their inclusion in the FY27 NDAA…! These measures will expand opportunity and strengthen access to critical care for our servicemembers. Thank you For Country Caucus for your support! 

Chesapeake State of the City 2026...!

It was an honor to join Chesapeake Mayor Rick West, City Manager Chris Price, and city leadership for the 2026 Chesapeake State of the City. The discussion highlighted the city’s recent progress, ongoing challenges, key transportation updates, and a forward-looking vision for the year ahead. I’m grateful to work alongside leaders dedicated to strengthening our region. Thank you to Hampton Roads Chamber for hosting a great event…!! 

Expanding GI Bill Benefits with My 20-Year Promise Act

Our servicemembers who dedicate 20+ years to defending our nation have upheld their commitment to America—we must uphold ours. My 20-Year Promise Act expands GI Bill benefits to give career servicemembers and their families greater flexibility to pursue education and opportunity after service. I’m grateful to the Vietnam Veterans of America for their support of this important legislation…!!

Tax Relief for Working Families in VA-02...!

By voting for the Working Families Tax Cut, my House GOP colleagues and I secured meaningful relief for the men and women in tipped professions across VA-02. This tax season, eligible workers can receive no taxes on up to $25,000 in tips, helping you keep more of your hard earned money...!

The Working Families Tax Cut that I proudly voted for delivers meaningful relief for our rural communities here in VA-02. By making the doubled Death Tax exemption permanent and removing red tape, the House GOP is protecting family farms, small businesses, and the livelihoods that our keep our community strong...!

Did you know that by casting my vote for the Working Families Tax Cut last year, I ensured VA-02 seniors will get a $6,000 tax deduction? I’m proud to deliver meaningful relief for the Americans who worked hard, saved, and deserve to keep more of what they’ve earned. 

If you bought a new, American-made car last year, you may be eligible for a $10,000 tax deduction on car loan interest through the Working Families Tax Cut. I was proud to vote for this historic legislation to deliver real relief for hardworking families in VA-02 while strengthening American manufacturing and supporting the workers who keep it running…!!

This tax season, the Working Families Tax Cut will deliver relief for small businesses across VA-02. By locking in the 20% small business deduction, the House GOP is supporting the men and women that create jobs and drive our local economies…!

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

🚨Attention all #VA02 high school students…! My office is accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition…! This year’s theme is celebrating America’s 250th birthday! If you are interested in participating, the deadline to submit artwork is THIS Friday, April 17, 2026!

Please call my office at (757) 364-7650 if you plan to participate!

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.

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 who had watched the recent Artemis II launch. Of those of you who responded, 70% said YES and 30% said NO.

It was incredibly exciting to watch the Artemis II launch—a historic milestone in human space exploration. Artemis II achieved what once seemed like science fiction: a crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit with a successful translunar flyby. This mission not only showed the power of modern aerospace engineering but also resparked our imagination about life beyond Earth.

I was fortunate to meet the Artemis II crew earlier this year, and I extend my sincerest congratulations to the crew for this historic mission!

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 Harvey C. Barnum Jr. of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: December 18, 1965).

Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr. served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force. As a First Lieutenant at the time of his actions, he was engaged in intense combat operations near the village of Ky Phu in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, where his unit faced a well-entrenched and determined enemy force.

On December 18, 1965, Lieutenant Barnum’s company was suddenly pinned down by a barrage of enemy fire, suffering heavy casualties and becoming separated from the rest of the battalion by over 500 meters of exposed, fire-swept terrain. Demonstrating immediate initiative, he conducted a dangerous reconnaissance under fire to assess the situation and identify targets for supporting artillery. During this effort, he discovered the company commander mortally wounded and the radio operator killed.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Barnum administered aid to the dying commander before removing the radio from the fallen operator and strapping it to himself. Assuming command of the company during chaos, he moved through intense enemy fire, rallying Marines, reorganizing scattered units, and restoring order to the decimated force. His calm leadership and decisive actions stabilized the situation and inspired those around him to continue the fight.

Exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, Lieutenant Barnum skillfully directed artillery and coordinated close air support, even as he personally guided a platoon in a counterattack against entrenched enemy positions. His fearless leadership enabled the Marines to regain momentum, secure key terrain, and establish a position for evacuation. He then directed the landing of transport helicopters to remove the dead and wounded before continuing to lead efforts to eliminate remaining enemy resistance and secure the battalion’s objective. Lieutenant Barnum was later promoted to the rank of colonel.  



Col. Barnum’s extraordinary heroism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his fellow Marines exemplify the highest traditions of military service. His actions, performed in the face of overwhelming danger, reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the nation he served.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Kyeisha from the Eastern Shore 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, Kyeisha...!

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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