Friends,

Last week was our final week of legislative session in Washington before the New Year; a busy week to conclude a busy year! The House passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, I cosponsored bipartisan legislation to help make buying a home more affordable, and I attended the Hampton Roads Chamber's Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach...!

But before I provide an update on all of that, I want to tell you about the House's impeachment inquiry vote so you can hear it directly from me instead of from pundits on network news shows.

I believe the American people have the right to know that their elected officials – particularly those at the highest levels of their government – are held to the highest standards of behavior and ethics, regardless of party. That’s why I voted to continue the ongoing investigations into alleged wrongdoings by the President. Importantly, this vote last Wednesday simply authorizes the Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways & Means Committees to further investigate any illicit actions the President might have taken - it does not guarantee impeachment or removal.

While these Committees carry out their investigations, it is critical that our House remains focused on the people’s work: securing our border, restoring strength in our economy, bolstering our national defense, and fully funding the government while responsibly cutting spending. These are the issues that are important to me and important to the people of Virginia’s Second District.

Passing our Transformational Defense Bill

On Thursday, the House voted to pass the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on a strong bipartisan basis. This legislation authorizes funding for every aspect of our military through September 30, 2024. As a member of the House Armed Services Commitee, I worked on this bill for months and secured a number of wins that will directly benefit the servicemembers and military families in Hampton Roads, including:

• Requiring the Secretary of the Navy to look into providing additional mental health resources to units with greater than 15 limited duty sailors and report on the feasibility of mandatory mental health screenings for limited duty sailors;

• Requiring the Secretary of the Navy to report on the average number of days it takes for the Navy to separate with limited duty sailors after it is determined the sailors are medically disqualified and are to be medically separated;

• Requiring the Secretary of the Navy to create standard operating procedures for responding to multiple suicides in a command;

• Directing the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to provide a report on the feasibility of expanding TRICARE for Life to include a benefit for the SilverSneakers Program, and;

• Directing the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on the status of privatized housing communities designated solely for unaccompanied servicemembers that currently exist or are planned in each service. 

On Wednesday evening, I spoke about the great wins our FY24 NDAA provides for our servicemembers - including a 5.2% increase in basic pay for our troops, the largest pay raise in over 20 years...! You can watch my remarks by clicking on the video below:

While no legislation is perfect, I'm incredibly proud that the legislation we passed on the House floor refocuses the Department of Defense on our servicemembers, our war-fighting capabilities, and our global deterrence initiatives. Some of the great overall victories for our Armed Forces include:



• A monthly bonus for junior enlisted members to counter the effects of inflation;

• Prevention of the retirement of capabilities with remaining service life, including 4 battleships and additional F-22, KC-135, E-3, and C-130 aircraft;

• $280 million for the construction of new schools for military children, and an additional $153 million over the President’s budget request for the construction of new childcare centers;

• A Parents’ Bill of Rights at DoD schools;

• A grant program to expand capacity of shipyards, and;

• Improved access to mental health services and treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

At a time when our great nation is facing threats from every corner of the globe, our critical bill will ensure that our military men and women have the tools they need to complete their mission. I’m very pleased that members on both sides of the aisle recognize this is – and always will be – where we need to focus. To learn more about the FY24 NDAA, click here.

Helping Virginians Afford Home Ownership

Record-high inflation, rising interest rates, and stagnant wage growth have placed home ownership out of the reach of many Americans. Everyone who has ever bought a home remembers how rewarding it felt having your hard work and dedication pay off. In fact, home ownership is a large part of the American dream.

That's why I recently joined Congressman Darin LaHood from Illinois and more than 150 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to cosponsor the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act! This bipartisan bill will modernize the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and help expand our housing supply, strengthening communities and supporting economic development.

Currently, nearly 25% of all renters - or 10 million families - in the United States spend more than half of their household income on rent. By expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, this bipartisan legislation would support the financing of more affordable housing; in fact, it's estimated that this bill would result in the construction of nearly 2 million affordable homes over the next decade. I will continue to fight for solutions to the poor economic conditions that are negatively affecting taxpayers!

To learn more about the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, click here.

Funding Research to Prevent Premature Births

This week, I'm pleased to report that the bipartisan Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023 - which I helped introduce - passed the House!

In 2021, more than 383,000 infants were born prematurely, which can lead to significant developmental delays and chronic health problems for infants. Our bill reauthorizes critical federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. Additionally, our bill authorizes a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options.

As a primary care provider, I’m thankful for the positive strides that have been made in recent years to understand and prevent premature births, and hope our bill will continue to spur progress in this important area...!

Supporting Local Businesses

On Monday, I joined local and Commonwealth leaders - as well as Senator Warner - at the Hampton Roads Chamber's Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach! It was great to catch up with our local business community and update them on my efforts to support our local economy.

2023 marks another successful year of our Chamber helping the small businesses in Hampton Roads succeed. In Washington, I will keep working to cut red tape, shrink the size of government, lower prices, and grow our local economy. Cheers to another great year!

Preventing Veteran Suicide

Sadly, a report released last month by the Department of Veterans Affairs showed that veteran suicides increased in 2021 by more than 100. One veteran suicide is too many. As a Navy veteran and primary care nurse practitioner, I know that many of our nation’s heroes continue to struggle with asking for help and actually receiving adequate mental healthcare. 

On Wednesday, I pressed members of the VA's medical team about steps they're taking to reduce the number of veterans taking their own lives. Our military men and women sacrificed so much for us; it's our duty to provide them with the best possible care and resources when they return to civilian life. As the Chairwoman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee, I work hard every day to conduct rigorous oversight of the VA. To watch my remarks and questions, click on the video below:

If you're a veteran in crisis or need of care, don't hesitate to reach out for help: dial 988, then press 1. To learn more about resources available to you, click here.

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, we honor Medal of Honor recipient Captain John S. Walmsley Jr. of the U.S. Air Force (Medal of Honor action date: September 14, 1951).

John S. Walmsley Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and later attended high school in Washington, D.C. Pursuing his passion for aviation, Walmsley entered the service in 1944 with hopes of becoming a pilot.

Early in his career, Walmsley served primarily as a flying instructor during WWII, never seeing active combat. After the war, he was stationed in Japan as part of the postwar occupation of the Japanese mainland. In Japan, he flew bombers from 1946-1949, later attending Air Tactical School and graduating in July of 1949. 

Wemsley was then deployed to Korea in 1951, and was assigned to the 8th Bombardment Squadron, flying B-26 Invaders. On the night of September 14, 1951, Captain Walmsley - flying behind enemy lines - spotted and attacked an armed locomotive transporting supplies towards North Korea. 

While conducting a bombing run attacking the train, his aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Despite the damage to his aircraft and facing intense enemy ground fire, Walmsley bravely continued the mission. He conducted three passes on the train, ultimately destroying it. His actions were pivotal in identifying and destroying key enemy supply lines, significantly hindering the enemy's capability in that region.

Tragically, Captain Walmsley's aircraft was significantly damaged, leading to a crash in which he and his fellow crew members were killed. His heroic actions had a lasting impact on the course of the conflict in the area.

For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, Captain John S. Walmsley Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor by Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott at Bolling Air Force Base on June 12th, 1954. He was born on January 7, 1920 in Baltimore, Maryland and is memorialized at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Wall of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii. His medal was presented to his wife. His decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and others.

Five Fast Facts About Virginia!

1. Archaeological evidence exists that shows people inhabited the land that is now Virginia as early as 18,000 years ago. 
2. The motto of the Commonwealth of Virginia is ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis’ or ‘thus always to tyrants’.
3. 37% of the population of the Commonwealth lives in Northern Virginia.
4. As already mentioned in a prior fun facts installment, Virginia does not have a major professional sports league franchise, however this may be changing soon with plans to move the Wizards and Capitals to Alexandria.
5. Some famous Virginians include Ella Fitzgerald, Katie Couric, and Missy Elliott.

It's hard to believe that our 2023 legislative session is over! After three weeks in Washington, I'm back in Southeast Virginia this week to work for the people of VA-02 and spend time with my family before Christmas. I hope to see you around!

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!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District