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Hello Friends,
The past several weeks have featured significant investment, continued growth, and a strong focus on strengthening public safety and community resilience across Virginia's Second District and the greater Commonwealth.
I continue to stand with all those who serve—whether in local law enforcement, on our borders, or in uniform at home and abroad—as they carry out their duties on behalf of our country and our allies. Their dedication, and the strength of the families who support them, remain deeply appreciated, and they are in my thoughts and prayers each day.
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 Fallen Soldiers this Memorial Day Weekend 🇺🇸
On Monday, we honored the brave Americans who laid down their lives in defense of our great country. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten, and we continue to pray for the families they left behind. On Memorial Day, we must take the time to honor the legacy of those who gave everything for our nation. America will always be grateful for their service and sacrifice.
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Delivering for Veterans & Military Families
I was proud to support the MilConVA Appropriations bill that modernizes military housing, improves childcare resources for military families, and expands healthcare services for our veterans. Our servicemembers, military families, and veterans deserve nothing less than our full support...! 🇺🇸
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House Advances Veterans Benefits Expansion Act...!
As a co-sponsor of Rep. Tom Barrett (MI-07)'s Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, I was proud to see the bill's passage off the House Floor last week...! This critical legislation delivers long-overdue increases in compensation for severely disabled veterans and surviving military families. This includes expanded access to VA home loans, in-home care, and financial support. The House GOP is ensuring that the men and women who served our nation receive the care and support they deserve...!
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Dry Dock 3 Breaks Ground at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Team Kiggans was proud to join local leaders and Navy partners for the Dry Dock 3 groundbreaking at Norfolk Naval Shipyard! This critical investment will strengthen our naval readiness, modernize shipyard infrastructure, and support the hardworking men and women that keep our fleet mission-ready...!
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Inside the Washington Monument...!
Last week, I joined my colleagues on the House Committee on Natural Resources for a tour of the Washington Monument, one of our nation’s most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of American history. Thank you to the United States Park Police for the tour and for their continued work protecting and preserving our national treasures…!🇺🇸
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Smart Policies, Stronger Border
Community safety and law and order begin with a secure southern border. For 12 straight months, there have been zero releases at the southern border, a clear sign that strong border enforcement and effective policies are making a difference. We must continue supporting the men and women on the front lines who work every day to protect our communities...!
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Cutting-Edge Security Technology Demo Day with Asylon Robotics
Team Kiggans had the opportunity to see firsthand demonstrations from Asylon Robotics at the Hampton Roads Executive Airport last week...! These cutting-edge technologies, including the Guardian drone, DroneDog, and DroneHQ software are helping strengthen security, support first responders and servicemembers, and showcase how Virginia's innovation economy continues to lead. Proud to support advancements that keep our communities safe...!
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Advancing Affordable Housing for American Families
I proudly joined my colleagues in supporting the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to make homeownership more accessible across the nation. Today, more Americans are struggling to fulfill the American Dream of owning a home and this bill helps put that dream back within reach by cutting unnecessary red tape, encouraging homebuilding, and expanding access to more affordable housing opportunities. This commonsense, bipartisan bill brings Republicans and Democrats together to deliver real solutions for American families...!
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Delivering for Virginia’s Eastern Shore
I'm excited to announce that the Army Corps of Engineers has included our $500,000 ask for the Chincoteague Inlet feasibility survey study in its FY27 Civil Works Budget request! After nearly a decade of delays, the study is finally moving forward after we helped secure the project's critical "New Start" designation earlier this year. This is an important win for local watermen, small businesses, and residents within the Town of Chincoteague. I'm proud to deliver results for VA-02 and grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers and our local partners for helping make it happen...!
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Join Us for Service Academy Information Night...!
Attention VA-02 students! My district staff is hosting our 2026 Service Academy Information Night TONIGHT, 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.
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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 if you know where your polling location is, and I am happy to see that so many of you do.
Being informed and prepared before Election Day is one of the best ways to make your voice heard and ensure a smooth voting experience. For those who may still be unsure, now is the perfect time to double-check your polling place, review your registration status, and make a plan to vote. Every election matters here in Virginia, and staying engaged helps strengthen our communities and our future. Thank you again to everyone who took part in the poll and continues to stay involved in the democratic process!
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections or go here.
| And now, onto this week's poll question...! |
| Do you think recent US-Iran peace talks will lead to an end to the conflict? | | | |
Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week
This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Second Lieutenant Lloyd Herbert "Pete" Hughes of the United States Army Air Corps (Medal of Honor action date: August 1, 1943).
Hughes was born July 12, 1921 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Lieutenant Hughes enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January 1942 as an Aviation Cadet, earning his pilot’s wings later that year. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1943, he was assigned to the 564th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, 389th Heavy Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. Initially sent to Africa, Lieutenant Hughes began his participation in five combat missions in the Italy-Romania area.
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During Operation Tidal Wave on August 1, 1943, 178 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers took off on an 18-hour, 2,400-mile round-trip mission to destroy the largest of the Nazi-held oil refineries at Ploieşti, Rumania. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, the plane was severely damaged, leaking gas from the bomb bay and left wing tanks. This damage was inflicted at a time prior to reaching the target when 2d Lt. Hughes could have made a forced landing in any of the grain fields readily available at the time. The target area was ablaze with burning oil tanks and refinery installations, with flames reaching far above the level of the bombing formation. With full knowledge of the consequences of entering the inferno while leaking fuel, Hughes unhesitatingly entered the area and dropped his bomb load with great precision. After successfully bombing the objective, his aircraft emerged from the conflagration with the left wing aflame. Only then did he attempt a forced landing, but because of the advanced stage of the fire enveloping his aircraft the plane crashed and was consumed.
For his heroic decision to complete his mission regardless of the consequences, in utter disregard of his own life, and by his gallant and valorous execution of this decision over Ploesti, Rumania, Second Lieutenant Lloyd Herbert Hughes was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Lloyd Hughes is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
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Constituent Corner
I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Booker from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the U.S. Department of State. After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Booker...!
| 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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