Hello Friends, 

Last week in Washington, I stayed focused on delivering results for the families I’m honored to represent. In the House, we advanced the remaining FY26 appropriations bills to keep the government fully funded—prioritizing healthcare, border security, and critical infrastructure. The package now moves to the Senate for final consideration.

I was especially glad to see my Care for Military Kids Act included, helping ensure children in military families can keep receiving vital services even when orders take them to a new duty station.

I also brought our veterans’ priorities to the forefront by highlighting my Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, which would create a clearer route from military service into strong careers in energy and advanced manufacturing. And as questions continue around offshore wind, I joined my colleagues in pressing the Administration to protect the jobs and readiness upgrades tied to CVOW, including grid improvements that support NAS Oceana. 

As always, being your Representative in Washington is the honor of a lifetime.

The House 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.

Funding the Government for FY26 and Investing in Hampton Roads

Last week, the House passed a funding package containing the remaining FY26 appropriations bills to fully fund the government. This package expands access to healthcare, strengthens our borders, and makes critical infrastructure improvements right here in Hampton Roads…!

Read my press release here

I was proud to see my Care for Military Kids Act included in last week’s funding package..! This bill amends the Social Security Act to ensure military children don’t lose access to their essential Medicaid services when families relocate to other states while serving our nation! 

Watch my speech from the House Floor 👇

Connecting Veterans to High-Quality Energy Jobs

Last week, I spoke at a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs subcommittee hearing regarding my Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, which would help connect transitioning servicemembers with high-quality jobs in America’s energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. The VET Act creates a hiring pathway for veterans seeking employment in the energy industry, bridging military experience with civilian opportunities to strengthen our workforce…! 

Read my press release here

Expanding School Nursing in High-Need Schools

Last week, I was honored to receive the Lillian Wald Public Policy Award from the National Association of School Nurses for my work advancing the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act, which would help high-need schools hire and retain more school nurses. As a nurse practitioner, expanding access to care for our most vulnerable students is deeply personal to me. Thank you for this meaningful honor!

Protecting the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project!

Last week, I joined Reps. Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) in urging Secretaries Pete Hegseth and Doug Burgum to reconsider halting offshore wind projects like the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW).

In December 2025, the Department of the Interior announced a 90-day suspension on several offshore wind projects across the East Coast, including CVOW. Pausing CVOW, a project already paid for by the customers, mid-construction undermines military readiness at NAS Oceana and threatens Hampton Roads jobs! 

Read the full letter here.

Working with Americans for Prosperity to Promote the SPEED Act

I was honored to join Americans for Prosperity, former Governor Bob McDonnell, and community leaders to highlight the House‑passed SPEED Act and what it means for Coastal Virginia. Modernizing federal permitting will help create jobs, improve readiness, and support long‑term growth across our district. I am grateful for AFP’s partnership as we continue pushing this effort forward for VA-02…!!

Southampton Mobile Office Hours...!!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Mobile Office Hours in Southampton...!! Whether you had questions about a VA claim, needed help with a passport, or just wanted to share your thoughts—my team was glad to connect with you. Stay tuned for details on future Mobile Office Hours opportunities...!!

Calling Official Office Interns for Spring 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Spring 2026! If you’re passionate about public service and want hands-on experience serving the people of Virginia’s Second District, we encourage you to apply. Interns play an important role in helping our team serve constituents, support legislative work, and stay connected to our community. 

Apply 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 for participating in last week's poll! I asked, "Are you happy with your current health insurance provider?" 72.8% said YES, 20.7% said NO, and 6.5% were UNSURE.

These results reinforce what I hear across Hampton Roads: while many families have coverage that works for them, too many still face high costs, limited options, or uncertainty about their care.

I’ll continue working in Congress to lower costs, expand access, and ensure our health care system works better for the people it serves—especially seniors, military families, and those with complex care needs.

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 Captain Raymond Gerald Murphy of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: February 3, 1953). 

Raymond Gerald Murphy was born January 14th, 1930, Pueblo, Colorado. As a young platoon commander with Company A, 2nd Lt. Murphy was leading an evacuation platoon in support of an assault against a deeply entrenched enemy holding commanding ground. Early in the fight, he was painfully wounded by enemy mortar fire, yet he refused medical aid and continued uphill through relentless mortar and small-arms fire. Despite the chaos, he maneuvered his men from position to position, shouting encouragement, locating casualties as they fell, and repeatedly moving up and down the fire-swept slope to direct evacuations—often carrying wounded Marines to safety himself.

When the assault units needed reinforcement, he committed part of his own platoon and personally engaged the enemy, killing two with his pistol. Even after the wounded had been evacuated and friendly forces began to withdraw, he stayed behind to cover their movement, seizing heavier weapons when the enemy reemerged, despite the pain from his wounds. After reaching the base of the hill, he organized a search party and climbed back up to recover missing Marines, bringing fallen comrades down himself. Wounded again during the withdrawal, he still refused treatment until every one of his men was safely back behind friendly lines. His leadership, courage, and refusal to leave anyone behind embodied the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon commander of Company A, Raymond Gerald Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1953 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Captain Raymond Gerald Murphy died on April 6, 2007 in his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado and is buried in Sante Fe National Cemetery. 

Constituent Corner

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

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!

Happy Holidays!!

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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