Hello Friends,

I was honored to join community leaders last week for the opening of the new Western Branch VA Outpatient Clinic. I’m encouraged that this new facility will expand access to quality VA healthcare and help ensure veterans across our district can receive the care they’ve earned for years to come.

I also had the privilege of sharing that my office recently surpassed $20 million returned to constituents through our casework efforts. Helping constituents navigate the federal government is an important part of the work we do. If you need assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help.

We also remembered the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honored their legacy of sacrifice to one another. Each person we lost was a son, daughter, spouse, parent, coworker, or friend, and each left behind a community that continues to remember them. We also honor the first responders, servicemembers, and everyday Americans who answered the call to help their neighbors during the attacks, in the aftermath, and throughout the recovery process in the years that followed that day. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

25 Years Later, We Will Never Forget...

It was an honor to attend the Virginia Beach 9/11 Memorial ceremony to remember the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation. I was grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community to remember those we lost. We will never forget the men and women who gave their lives serving their neighbors and our country on that fateful day and the days that followed.🇺🇸

On September 10th, I joined members of the Chesapeake community to remember the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The candlelight vigil was a powerful tribute and a moving reminder of the lives we lost and the first responders who courageously answered the call that day. May we never forget….. 🇺🇸

Delivering for Hampton Roads' Transportation Infrastructure...!

I was proud to join Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster to discuss the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project and the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Project. These critical investments will help reduce congestion, improve reliability, and keep Hampton Roads moving forward. Thank you to Administrator McMaster for joining me and for taking the time to discuss these important projects..!

Read my press release here.

Bringing VA Care Closer to Home and Expanding Access For VA-02 Veterans

I was proud to join VA staff to celebrate the opening of the new Western Branch VA Outpatient Clinic! This new clinic will make it easier for veterans in our community to access the care and services they have earned. During my time in Congress, we have expanded VA healthcare opportunities, and I have ensured those choices come to the veterans in our district! I’m excited to see the positive impact this new facility will have on our veterans for years to come…! 🇺🇸

Connecting with Hampton Roads Business Leaders

It was an honor to attend the Hampton Roads Chamber’s Annual Legislative Reception last night and meet with local business leaders and members of our region’s General Assembly delegation….! Our local businesses are so important to Hampton Roads’ economy, and I’ll continue working to support economic growth and opportunity across our region. Thank you to Hampton Roads Chamber for bringing our community together…!

Putting More Money Back in The Pockets of American Families and Businesses

In the 119th Congress, my House GOP colleagues and I have been hard at work to deliver meaningful relief for the American people. With much more work left to be done, we’ve already secured over $4 trillion in tax cuts to let our families keep more of the money they earn, support our small businesses, and grow our economy….!

Serving Up Solutions For Coastal Virginia...!

After a productive conversation about the future of healthcare in Coastal Virginia, CMS Administrator Oz and I squeezed in a quick game of pickleball…! As a lifelong runner and athlete, I’m always up for a little friendly competition that includes great exercise…! Thanks again for coming to VA-02, Dr. Oz!

Delivering Results For Virginia’s Second District

Recently, we hit an important milestone..! Since I’ve been in Congress, my office has helped save or return over $20 MILLION to constituents across Virginia's Second Congressional District…!! If you need help navigating the federal government, please click here. Our team is always ready to help!

Remembering Charlie Kirk and His Enduring Legacy

One year ago last week, we lost Charlie Kirk to a senseless assassination. Charlie was a devoted husband and father who never wavered in his faith or belief in the founding principles that define our great nation. As we continue to mourn this tremendous loss, we pray for Charlie’s family and loved ones and stand united in denouncing all forms of political violence.

Sign Up for The Congressional App Challenge...!

Student registration is now open for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 26, 2026: Submit your app by this date.

• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.

• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

Apply For a U.S. Service Academy Nomination Through My Office

One of my greatest honors as your Representative is nominating qualified high school students from Virginia’s Second District to attend four of our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point, NY

(The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.)

Attending a Service Academy is both a tremendous honor and a solemn commitment, as graduates are required to serve at least five years in the U.S. military.

For more information, click here.

Applications are due by October 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST at the Virginia Beach District Office.

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.

*Reservations for October White House Tours are now open! Please call my office at (202) 225-4215 if you have any questions!

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you supported members of Congress having to complete mandatory annual training to access classified materials. Of the responses, 90% said YES, less than 5% said NO, and 5% were UNSURE.

As a former Navy helicopter pilot and member of a military family, I understand firsthand the importance of training that helps protect our nation's sensitive information. Proper training can ensure classified materials are handled appropriately, protect our national security, and reinforce accountability for those entrusted with sensitive information. Members of Congress should be held to the same standard when it comes to safeguarding our nation’s most sensitive information.

That is why I testified before the House Committee on Rules regarding these concerns. It is critically important that we protect our classified information, and legislation like this helps to ensure that members of Congress are appropriately informed about best practices.

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 Specialist Fourth Class John Philip Baca of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: February 10, 1970). 

John Baca was born on January 10, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island. When Baca was ten years old, his mother remarried, taking Baca and his two sisters to live in California. He attended Kearny High School and graduated in 1967. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969. Following basic training, Baca shipped out to Vietnam in 1969, where he was assigned to Company D of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.  

On February 10, 1970, Baca, now a specialist fourth class, joined his platoon in a volunteer night-mission near Phuoc Province along the Cambodian border. As the mission progressed, a second patrol moved forward to investigate a trip wire that had triggered in front of Baca’s platoon. The investigating patrol came under heavy fire from the enemy concealed in the surrounding area. Realizing his platoon could support the patrol, Baca led his group through heavy gunfire into the second patrol’s defensive perimeter. As they were establishing their position, a grenade landed in the middle of his platoon. Baca immediately pushed members of his group out of harm’s way as he fell to cover the grenade with his steel helmet. The grenade detonated milliseconds after Baca covered it. Baca was thrown onto his back, stunned. Baca’s actions saved eight men from the grenade’s detonation. He spent nearly a full year in hospitals recovering from his wounds and was discharged from the United States Army as a sergeant.  

President Nixon awarded Baca the Medal of Honor on June 15, 1971, at a White House ceremony. Baca continued to serve his country through his employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Later, Morley Green in San Diego’s Linda Vista community was renamed in his honor. Baca’s legacy continues to grow as he works with Gold Star families through various veteran-related causes. His courage and willingness to sacrifice serve as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary actions that many have taken to give this great nation freedom. 

Constituent Corner

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

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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