Hello Friends,

Last week brought significant growth and improvements to Virginia's Second Congressional District. From major investments in public health, infrastructure, and economic development, to advancements in Veteran mental health care and public safety, we are continuing to deliver meaningful results for the people of VA-02.

I was proud to vote in support of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) Appropriations Act last Friday. This bill provides appropriations for critical military infrastructure projects, improves housing and quality of life for our service members, and ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide our veterans with the healthcare and benefits they have earned!

As your Representative, I will continue to advocate for our servicemen and women, their families, and the hardworking communities that make our district strong.



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.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Last week we celebrated Armed Forces Day in honor of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who wear the uniform and answer the call to serve our nation. As a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and proud Navy Mom, I know that courage, sacrifice, and commitment to defending our freedoms make America stronger every single day.

Welcome Home, Sailors!

It was an amazing day to be joined by U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, and Representative John Maguire (VA-05) to welcome the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) home...! After hitting 295 days at sea, the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War, these brave men and women are finally home after conducting critical operations around the world in defense of our nation. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to keeping America safe. To the families who supported them every step of the way, your strength and resilience made this mission possible. Welcome home, sailors...! ⚓️

Strengthening Quality of Life for Our Military Families and Veterans

Last week the House passed the MILCONVA Appropriations bill to strengthen quality of life for our service members and their families! This legislation includes critical investments for the Department of War to improve barracks, family housing, and child development centers, while supporting the VA's healthcare services and Toxic Exposures Fund. Always proud to support our men and women in uniform...!

Thank You to Our Law Enforcement...!

Last week was National Police Week. Every day, the brave men and women of law enforcement across VA-02 put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our families, upholding the rule of law, and serving our communities with integrity...! 🇺🇸

I am proud to stand with law enforcement and support the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act! This legislation will give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to crack down on organized theft rings, protect businesses, and keep our communities safe...!

VIP Act Advances to the House Floor

Last week, my Veteran Infection Prevention (VIP) Act passed out of committee and will move to a vote on the House floor...! This bill would require all Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) to receive certification from an accredited institution in cleaning medical equipment to work at a VA Medical Center, ensuring our veterans receive the safest, highest-quality care possible...!

Read my press release here and watch my remarks 👇

Investing in Critical Infrastructure and Public Safety Improvements in VA-02

Last week I joined Suffolk city leadership for the presentation of $2.25 million in Community Project Funding to go towards two critical water and sanitary sewer projects. This funding will strengthen infrastructure and protect public health and safety for our constituents in VA-02. Thank you to Mayor Duman, members of Suffolk City Council, and our local partners for your continued leadership and advocacy in making this investment possible…!

I was also proud to join Southampton County and City of Franklin leadership for the presentation of almost $630,000 in Community Project Funding to go towards critical public safety improvements. My office worked alongside local partners to secure this critical funding, which will enhance public safety, strengthen emergency preparedness, and better serve more than 28,000 residents across both communities. Thank you to Acting County Administrator Lynette Lowe and City of Franklin leadership for your continued leadership and advocacy…!

Energy Security is National Security

During last week's House Committee on Natural Resources hearing, I questioned U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the importance of securing future energy projects while protecting the integrity of existing infrastructure to meet national security demands. Cutting red tape and streamlining our permitting process for the construction of energy infrastructure, including power grid upgrades at Naval Air Station Oceana, is crucial to promoting military readiness on the East Coast.

Watch my full questioning 👇

Marine Science Innovation at VIMS

I joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and my House Committee on Natural Resources colleagues for a visit to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Virginia’s coastal communities and maritime economy depend on innovative research and strong environmental stewardship, and VIMS continues to lead the way in strengthening coastal resilience, advancing marine science education, and driving critical research for the future of the Commonwealth. Thank you VIMS for having us and for the oyster tasting…! 🦪 

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 $18.5 MILLION to constituents across VA-02...!! If you need help navigating the federal government, please visit my website here. Our team is always ready to help!

Recognizing the Life-Changing Work of the Headstrong Project

It was an honor to join the Headstrong Project to kickoff 'Mission in Action 2026' and recognize the incredible work they are doing to support veterans, service members, and military families here in Hampton Roads. As a Navy veteran and Navy spouse, I know the importance of ensuring our military community has access to quality mental health care and support long after their service to our nation. Thank you to the Headstrong Project for everything you do...!

Join Us for Service Academy Information Night...!

Attention VA-02 students! My district staff is hosting our 2026 Service Academy Information Night next 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! Of those who responded, about a third of you do not have a valid U.S. passport.

As the busy summer travel season approaches, I encourage all constituents to review the status and expiration date of their U.S. passports well in advance of any planned travel. Processing delays can occur during periods of high demand, and taking action early can help avoid unnecessary disruptions. Please note that many countries require travelers’ passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry.

Serving the people of Virginia's Second Congressional District includes assisting constituents as they navigate federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a passport application, renewal, or urgent travel matter, my office stands ready to help.

Please contact my District Office at 757-364-7650 for assistance.

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 Earl D. Gregory of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: October 8, 1918). 

Gregory was born October 18, 1897, in Chase City, Virginia. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1915 and was a part of the Virginia National Guard while still a cadet. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War I. After his service he went on to attend the Virginia Polytechnic Institute to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time at Virginia Tech, he was elected twice as Class President and, in his senior year, President of the Corps of Cadets, demonstrating his leadership and merit. 

During World War I, Earl D. Gregory earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France on October 8, 1918. Serving as a sergeant with Headquarters Company, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, Gregory’s unit was pinned down by intense German machine-gun fire near Bois-de-Consenvoye. Shouting “I will get them,” he grabbed a rifle and mortar shell used as a grenade, and advanced ahead of the infantry alone. Gregory captured a German machine-gun position and three enemy soldiers, then continued deeper into enemy territory where he seized a 7.5-centimeter mountain howitzer and singlehandedly forced 19 more German troops to surrender from a nearby dugout. He stayed in service until he received an injury to his leg and was honorably discharged on April 25, 1919. 

Four days after his honorable discharge, Major General Omar Bundy presented him with the Medal of Honor in a small ceremony at Camp Lee, Virginia. He is the first Virginian awarded the Medal of Honor. In addition, the people of France awarded him with several of their highest awards for valor, including the Medal of the Legion of Honor 

He died at the age of 74 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but his legacy endures at Virginia Tech, where his medals and wartime papers remain on display. In recognition of his service and leadership, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets precision military marching unit was named the Gregory Guard in his honor. Together, these tributes ensure that Gregory’s legacy of courage, leadership, and service continues to inspire future generations. 

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Louis from Virginia Beach 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, Louis...!

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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