Friends,

Welcome back to another weekly debrief! Last week, Congress was out of session, which meant I got to spend some much-needed time back home in Hampton Roads.

Before we dive into updates from last week, I want to take a moment to honor the memory of all those we lost five years ago this past Friday, May 31, 2024, in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. My team was humbled to attend the memorial held for the 12 victims and their families...Each and every day we remember the lives lost in this tragedy and the lasting impact they have had on our city. They will forever remain in our thoughts, as will their families and loved ones. We are forever VB Strong.

Honoring Our Fallen on Memorial Day

Thank you to Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and his Committee for Veterans for hosting a beautiful Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia Beach Convention Center last week. It was a privilege to participate alongside so many veterans to and honor the more than 1 million American servicemembers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

I was proud to join American Legion Post 110, which I am a member of, in placing one of the many wreaths to honor the fallen. We will never forget the selfless men and women who answered the call to duty when our nation needed them most...America is truly the land of the free because of the brave.

Supporting Hampton Roads' Seniors

Last week, I also had the privilege of attending the Senior Showcase hosted by the Virginia Beach Mayor's Commission on Aging! This wonderful event gives members of our Greatest Generation the opportunity to learn about resources available to them in our community.

As the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I know firsthand just how important this event is to seniors in Hampton Roads. Thank you to the Virginia Beach Mayor's Commission on Aging for inviting me - the wellbeing of our older Americans is a priority of mine. I will never stop being an advocate for my patient population in Congress...!

For seniors who may be having challenges with federal agencies or programs, know that my office is here to help! From the Post Office to Social Security to the IRS, my team and I will do everything we can to assist you. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call my office at (757) 364-7650 or visit www.kiggans.house.gov to get in touch with us!

Increasing Access to Childcare for Military Families

Did you know that in 2021, the Department of Defense had only 727 available family childcare providers but needed 1,433 providers to meet the demands of military communities? This nearly 50% deficit emphasizes the need to find effective childcare solutions for our military men and women. 

That's why I recently joined my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), to introduce legislation that aims to address the simultaneous crises of housing and childcare that our military families face. Specifically, our bill would direct the military to study the feasibility of building multi-unit family housing constructions that include a childcare center.

As a former Navy helicopter pilot, Navy spouse, and now a Navy mom, I know our military families serve alongside their loved ones. We owe it to these families to ensure they are taken care of with basic necessities such as affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare.

Our bipartisan bill is the first step in addressing this challenge that impacts our military families as well as the recruitment, retention, and readiness of all our Armed Forces.

Celebrating the USS John F. Kennedy

Last week I joined the Navy League of Hampton Roads at their event in support of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the Navy's newest aircraft carrier...! The USS John F. Kennedy is expected to be commissioned next year and it will play a vital role in our nation's maritime defense.

This new ship will expand our fleet forces and enhance our Navy’s ability to protect our country and our friends across the globe. I was honored to attend this event to recognize the ship and its namesake, President Kennedy, on what would have been his 107th birthday!

Thank you to the thousands of Americans, military and civilian alike, who helped design and build the USS John F. Kennedy. Their work will be the newest symbol of American power on the world stage, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome the ship when she is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk next year...!

A Successful Service Academy Information Night!

On Wednesday, we hosted more than 350 students and family members who showed up to learn more about U.S. Service Academies, ROTC programs, and their application processes.

As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating qualified high school students in my District for appointment to our nation's Service Academies. I am proud to support those who are interested in following in the footsteps of the more than 41 million Americans who have volunteered to serve our nation in uniform. Thank you to all who attended...we could not have asked for better turnout for our Service Academy Information Night...!

If you are or know a high school student who lives in the Second Congressional District and are interested in applying for a Service Academy nomination through my office, you can learn more here. (Review, interview, and selection of VA-02 nomination applicants is conducted by an independent committee comprised of representatives from each branch of the military.)

Weekly Poll

With 827 votes last week, nearly 57% of you said that Congress should regulate cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. You might be interested to know that on May 22, 2024 the House passed H.R.4763 - Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act by a vote of 279 to 136. If signed into law, this bill will provide robust consumer protections and regulatory clarity and certainty. You can learn more about this legislation here.

And now on to this week's poll question! Please click one of the buttons below to share your opinion.

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I want to recognize Medal of Honor recipient William Meyer of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor Action Date: May 11, 1898).

William Meyer was born on June 22, 1863 in Germany. After immigrating to the U.S., Meyer joined the Navy and served during the Spanish-American War. While in the Navy, Meyer achieved the rank of Carpenter’s Mate third class, the highest rank possible. Meyer was responsible for maintaining ship ventilation, keeping up on the painting, watertight control, and ship drainage. During battle, a Carpenter’s Mate was also responsible for fighting fires and plugging holes. 

Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions while serving on board the U.S.S. Nashville in Cienfuegos, Cuba. On May 11, 1898 while cutting the cable that led from Cienfuegos, not a typical responsibility of a Carpenter’s Mate during battle, Meyer faced heavy enemy fire. Despite this threat, Meyer displayed extraordinary bravery and calmness as he proceeded in accomplishing the endeavor and successfully severed the cable. 

Carpenter’s Mate Third Class William Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 16, 1899 and it was presented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Meyer passed away on September 6, 1926 at the age of 63 in Chicago, Illinois and was buried at the Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois.

Fun Fact of the Week!

The Magna Carta is a document that guaranteed political liberties to Englishmen in the year 1215. For our Founding Fathers, the Magna Carta served as a foundation for the natural rights and liberties that grew to characterize our great nation.

Today, June 3, is the anniversary of the United States receiving the oldest known copy of the Magna Carta from British officials. In 1976, British officials brought the copy to American officials to commemorate and celebrate America’s Bicentennial. After one year, the copy was returned to the British Museum in London and replaced in the Capitol Crypt with a gold-embossed replica.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact my DC Office at (202) 225-4215 or my Virginia Beach District Office at (757) 364-7650 with questions, concerns, or if you require assistance with a federal agency. And 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, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington DC in the coming summer months, please stop by to say hello! If you are interested in a tour, please let us know!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District