Hello Friends,

As Congress returned to session last week, I was back in Washington focused on advancing policies that strengthen our region and support communities across the country. I was proud to introduce and support legislation aimed at addressing key priorities for our constituents and investing in our shared future.

In addition to my committee work, I’ve been meeting with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and connecting with stakeholders from across the Commonwealth and the nation. These conversations are critical to understanding the challenges we face and shaping thoughtful, practical solutions. I remain committed to ensuring our district’s voice is heard and to delivering real results for the people we serve.

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

The House also 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.

Welcoming Secretary McMahon to Newport News!

It was an honor to welcome Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding to see firsthand how the Apprentice School is building a strong workforce pipeline across Hampton Roads while supporting construction of our Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines. This is what strengthening our shipbuilding industrial base and military readiness looks like! Thank you to HII for your leadership, and to Secretary McMahon for visiting Hampton Roads...!!

Supporting Lifelong Servicemembers with Expanded Education Benefits

I was proud proud to introduce the 20-Year Promise Act alongside Congressman Joe Neguse to expand Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for servicemembers who dedicate 20+ years to our Armed Forces. After two decades of service to our nation, active duty members would earn the opportunity to use a second GI Bill—providing additional education benefits for them and their families if they chose to keeping serving after the 20 year mark!

Read my press release here

Protecting Our Communities From Terrorism

During last week’s House Armed Services Committee hearing, I questioned General Donovan of U.S. Southern Command and General Guillot of U.S. Northern Command about ongoing efforts to monitor and prevent terrorist threats here at home. We must do everything in our power to stop tragedies before they happen, especially in the wake of the recent shooting at Old Dominion University. Keeping our communities safe must remain a top priority.

Watch my full questioning👇

Expanding Access to Global Health Services with the SECURE Health Act

As it stands today, nearly half of the world population still lacks access to critical health services. Last week, I introduced the SECURE Health Act alongside Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) to strengthen training and protections for the global health workforce and establish a five-year strategy to maximize existing resources and drive future investment. This is about reinforcing America’s leadership and impact around the world.

Read my press release here

Welcoming Partners to Capitol Hill!

We welcomed several great partners to Capitol Hill last week! I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Sands, President of Virginia Tech, Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Maj. General Seely and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and General Reed of U.S. Transportation Command to discuss strengthening our workforce development, supporting our firefighters and first responders, and preparing the next generation of military leaders. I was also honored to welcome ASCE Headquarters and officials from the U.S. Department of War, who presented our office with their seal...!!

Honoring Our Four-Legged Heroes on Capitol Hill

Last week on Capitol Hill, we welcomed some amazing working dogs (& some adorable puppies!) who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. Alongside my Working Dog Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Don Davis (NC-01), our goal is to highlight the important work these four-legged heroes do from supporting veterans to assisting in rescues and detecting weapons, drugs, and other dangerous items. Thank you for visiting us in Washington! 🐶

March Madness is Here: Go Commodores!

As a Vanderbilt Alum, I might be a little biased... While the men’s team faced a tough conclusion to their season this past Saturday, my full support is now behind the women’s team as they continue their postseason run. Go Commodores!

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.

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 if your travel has been impacted due to the Democrats' continued shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Out of those who answered, 22% of you said YES and 73% said NO.

While I am relieved the majority of you have not experienced interruptions in your travel due to the shutdown, I remain deeply concerned about the strain it is placing on our federal workforce and the long-term impact it may have on travel safety and efficiency. Our TSA personnel have been working tirelessly for the last month to keep Americans safe without receiving the resources they need.

Our nation's dedicated public servants deserve more than to be caught in the middle of political gridlock. I continue to call on my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in the Senate to end this unfair and unnecessary shutdown.

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 Leonard L. Alvarado of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: August 12, 1969).

Leonard L. Alvarado served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Over the course of his service, he demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and devotion to duty while engaging enemy forces in some of the most dangerous combat conditions of the war. 

On August 12, 1969, Specialist Alvarado was part of a small reaction force moving through dense jungle in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, to assist a friendly platoon that had come under heavy enemy attack. As the unit advanced, he detected enemy movement and immediately opened fire, alerting his fellow soldiers to danger. Despite his quick reaction, the unit was soon pinned down by intense enemy fire from a well entrenched hostile force blocking their path.

Specialist Alvarado moved forward through heavy machine gun fire to engage the enemy at close range to break through to reach the trapped platoon. During the assault, an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Despite his injuries, he immediately recovered and eliminated the enemy grenadier. As the firefight intensified, he was wounded again by another barrage of enemy fire.

Refusing to withdraw, Specialist Alvarado crawled through the intense fusillade to rescue several wounded comrades, pulling them back to the relative safety of the unit’s defensive perimeter. Understanding that his unit needed to disengage and reposition, he then made the courageous decision to advance alone against the enemy. Though repeatedly knocked to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued pressing forward, firing his weapon and silencing multiple enemy positions, including a machine gun emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties.

From his exposed forward position, Specialist Alvarado laid down relentless suppressive fire, enabling his fellow soldiers to regroup and break contact with the enemy. His actions disrupted the enemy’s advance and created the opportunity for his unit to survive the engagement. After the enemy forces withdrew, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds. Specialist Fourth Class Leonard L. Alvarado’s extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Michael from Suffolk in resolving an issue with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Michael...!

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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