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Hello Friends,
Last week was a productive one in America's capital! Between passing crucial legislation, meeting with vital partners, and celebrating our nation's 250 years of democracy, there was no shortage of important work to be done on behalf of the American people.
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. | |
Preserving America's History for Future Generations...!
I'm proud that on the eve of America's 250th birthday, my American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act passed on the House Floor with bipartisan support...! This bill extends and increases federal resourcing for the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2036 and continues the important work of preserving and restoring America's historic battlefields. I'd like to thank Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-01) for his partnership in this effort to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn from the individuals who shaped American history...!
Read my press release here and watch my speech on the House Floor below 👇
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Investing in Readiness, Strength & Service 🇺🇸
I was proud to join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee for markup of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act. From modernizing our carrier fleet and strengthening military infrastructure to expanding access to child care and supporting a 7% pay raise for our service members, this bill invests in both our national defense and the families who make military service possible. It’s a strong step toward rebuilding America’s Arsenal of Freedom and ensuring our Armed Forces remain the best in the world…!
Read my press release👉 here
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Protecting America's Agricultural Future
Last week, the House passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Appropriations bill to strengthen food security, support our farmers, and invest in rural communities. I was proud to secure $4 million for three Hampton Roads projects that will support workforce development, strengthen public safety, and advance agricultural research in VA-02. Food security is national security, and this bill delivers for Virginia's families while protecting America's agricultural future...!
Read my press release👉 here
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Honoring Sacrifice and Commitment to Freedom
82 years ago, brave Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy in defense of freedom and democracy. Today, we remember those brave souls and honor their sacrifice that paved the way for Allied victory in WWII. 🇺🇸
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Protecting Women and Girls in Sports
As a former high school athlete and the mother of two daughters, I will never stop fighting to protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in a safe and fair environment. This month, and every month, I stand with my House GOP colleagues in supporting policies that preserve women's sports for biological women and ensure fair competition for all female athletes!
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Last Week's House-Passed Legislation
It was a busy week on Capitol Hill..! I voted to crack down on fraud in child care assistance programs, pass MY BILL to preserve America’s historic battlefields, and support farmers, families, and rural communities through critical agriculture and food safety funding. I’m always proud to support commonsense legislation that delivers for VA-02 families!
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Welcome Home to the USS Iwo Jima...!
Welcome home to the Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima who returned to Naval Station Norfolk last weekend..! Their work in Operation Southern Spear helped keep illegal drugs and dangerous substances from reaching our communities. To the families, thank you for your unwavering strength and resilience at home. To the men and women in uniform, thank you for your service and dedication to keeping our nation and communities safe. Welcome home…!! 🇺🇸⚓️
Read more from Military.com
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Celebrating Service and Music in Washington!
Last week, we watched the United States Navy Band perform at the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial in Washington DC with Assistant Secretary of the Navy Kohlmann. We have such talented men and women who serve our great nation! Thank you for sharing your inspiring voices and music with us and for celebrating America's upcoming 250th birthday...! Go Navy...! ⚓️ 🎶 🇺🇸
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Advocating for Virginia’s Agricultural Community
Last week, I joined Reps. Rob Wittman (VA-01), John McGuire (VA-05), Ben Cline (VA-06), and Morgan Griffith (VA-09) in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to support the Commonwealth of Virginia's request for USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation following aggressive weather and late-season freeze events that caused significant crop damage across the state. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed our communities, and this aid will ensure they can access the resources and assistance they need to recover and rebuild.
Read my press release here
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Submit to the America 250 Time Capsule...!
🚨 ATTENTION VA-02 🚨 The Virginia delegation is inviting Virginians from across the Commonwealth to submit photographs for consideration in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule...! Whether these pictures capture everyday life, our beautiful landscapes, or local traditions, the delegation will select a few to be included in the time capsule that will remain sealed until the nation's 500th birthday on July 4, 2276. This is a unique opportunity to help tell Virginia's story and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Submit your photos here by June 12th!
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Participate in the 2026 App Challenge...!
🚨 VA-02 Students 🚨 My office is now accepting applications for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge...! If you're a middle school or high school student in VA-02 interested in participating in this awesome tech opportunity, you have until October 26th to complete your submission! #HouseOfCode
Find more information👉 here
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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
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Weekly Poll
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll. I asked whether you believe China is the greatest long-term national security challenge facing the United States. The results showed a clear majority agreement, with 69% of respondents answering YES, while 21% said NO and 10% said they were UNSURE.
The Chinese Communist Party and its allies pose one of the most significant foreign policy and security threats of our time—not just to the United States, but to the international rule of law. From intellectual property theft and cyber espionage to military expansion in the Indo-Pacific and efforts to influence international institutions, China's leadership has demonstrated a willingness to challenge democratic values and undermine the sovereignty of other nations. These actions have raised serious concerns among policymakers, security experts, and our allies around the world.
At the same time, addressing this challenge requires a clear-eyed strategy that strengthens America's economic competitiveness, military readiness, leadership in tech, and diplomatic partnerships. Long-term success will depend not only on confronting threats abroad, but also on investing in our nation's strength at home, right here in VA-02. 🇺🇸
| And now, onto this week's poll question...! |
| Do you have a disaster preparedness plan for you and your family this hurricane season? | | | |
Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week
This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Robert J Miller of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: January 25, 2008).
Robert Miller was born on October 14, 1983, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He came from a family with a strong military tradition, drawing inspiration from both grandfathers who served in World War II and a father who worked as an Army translator in Berlin during the Cold War. As a teenager, he hoped to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, but those plans ended when he was disqualified due to colorblindness. He went on to spend a year at the University of Iowa before enlisting in the U.S. Army in August 2003.
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On January 25, 2008, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller was serving as a Weapons Sergeant with a Special Forces team conducting a reconnaissance patrol through Afghanistan’s Gowardesh Valley. As Miller led a small team forward to assess the battlefield, they were suddenly ambushed by a much larger insurgent force concealed in elevated positions. With little cover and enemy fire pouring in from all sides, the patrol was trapped. Positioned at the front of the formation and closest to the enemy, Miller ordered his men to fall back to safety while he charged forward through intense gunfire, drawing attention away from his teammates. Wounded in the upper torso, Miller refused to retreat. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he maneuvered across open ground to shield his team and allow both U.S. and Afghan soldiers to reach cover. By repeatedly exposing himself to overwhelming enemy fire, Miller gave his fellow soldiers the time and space they needed to escape the ambush and regroup. After killing at least ten insurgents and helping save the lives of his fellow soldiers, Miller was mortally wounded.
On October 6, 2010, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, with the nation's highest award for valor presented to his parents in recognition of his actions during the battle in Afghanistan. He was laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Waianae, Hawaii. His extraordinary valor saved the lives of seven members of his own team and fifteen Afghan National Army soldiers. Miller’s heroism and selflessness stand as a testament to courage, devotion to others, and the highest traditions of military service.
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Constituent Corner
I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Sharon from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the Social Security Administration. After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Sharon...!
| 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!
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Jen A. Kiggans
Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District
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