Hello Friends,

Last week, I had the opportunity to champion the priorities that matter most to Virginia's Second District. From introducing legislation to honor the service animals that have faithfully served alongside our military, law enforcement, and first responders, to meeting with the hardworking farmers at Dublin Farms on the Eastern Shore, I remained focused on supporting the people and industries that make our community so strong.

At the same time, our community came together to mourn the loss of Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We remain forever grateful for his service, and our prayers are with his wife, children, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

We were also saddened by the shocking and unexpected loss of Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Graham dedicated over three decades of his life to public service and promoting American strength abroad. He was a true statesman and his presence will be dearly missed on Capitol Hill.

As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in Washington.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham

On Sunday, our country lost a dedicated and devoted public servant with the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. For over 30 years in Congress, Senator Graham was a steadfast advocate for a strong national defense, unwavering support for our servicemembers, and American leadership on the world stage. His decades of service and commitment to our nation will be dearly missed. My prayers are with Senator Graham’s family, friends, and staff during this difficult time. 

Cutting Red Tape and Supporting the American Dream

Lask week, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law…! This bipartisan bill will make homeownership more accessible by cutting unnecessary red tape, encouraging homebuilding, and expanding access to more affordable housing opportunities. As more Americans are struggling to fulfill the American Dream of owning a home, this bill helps put that dream back within reach…!

Read the bill here and a one-pager here.

Celebrating Local Agriculture and Our Farming Community

I joined local and state leaders last week on Virginia’s Eastern Shore at Dublin Farms for the Bushwick Commission’s annual Virginia Grown promotion. It was great to see firsthand how the partnership between Dublin Farms and Walmart helps bring fresh, Virginia-grown potatoes from the Eastern Shore to families across the country while supporting innovation in agriculture. Thank you to Dublin Farms, the Bushwick Commission, Walmart, and Virginia Tech for your partnership and for recognizing the hardworking men and women who feed our nation. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is home to some of the best farmers anywhere, and I’m proud to support their work...! 🇺🇸

Honoring the Working Dogs of America...!

Our nation is forever indebted to the generations of extraordinary military working animals that have served our country. From the horses that proved essential in military strategy to the nearly 6,000 canines that continue to play a role in drug interdiction and bomb detection, their roles have made our servicemembers safe. I was proud to introduce legislation that authorizes a location for future construction of a monument on the National Mall that honors the animals that have served our country and ensures their contributions will never be forgotten…!

Read my press release 👉 here.

How Do Trump Accounts Work?



Last week, Trump Accounts went live...! Any child under the age of 18 is eligible for a Trump Account, but children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive a $1,000 government contribution, with parents serving as custodians until age 18. Whether it’s saving for college, buying a first home, or building long-term financial security, every child deserves the opportunity to build a strong future.

For more information, click 👉 here.

Supporting Servicemember and Veterans Services

Our nation’s commissary program has long served as a critical quality-of-life benefit for our servicemembers, military families, retirees, and veterans. I’m grateful that the Department of War chose last week to invest in modernizing this valuable benefit rather than pursuing privatization. I look forward to continuing the work to ensure our commissaries and exchanges remain active and deliver a positive shopping experience for the men and women who serve our country…!

Read my press release 👉 here.

Honoring the Fallen and Their Legacy

I joined our community last week in mourning the loss of Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, who was reported as missing from an MH-60 Seahawk mishap in the Arabian Sea. Cmdr. Edwards made the ultimate sacrifice while commanding HSC-5 in support of military operations in the Middle East, and we will be forever grateful for his service to our nation. We thank the Sailors and Airmen who worked tirelessly over the past several days to support recovery efforts, and we continue to hold Cmdr. Edwards’ wife and children in prayer as they navigate this tremendous loss.

Celebrating our Servicemembers' Return

Welcome home to the USS Nimitz! The 3,000 Sailors aboard the USS Nimitz arrived last week at Naval Station Norfolk following a four-month deployment in support of homeland defense and protecting American interests abroad. Thank you to the crew and your families for your service and sacrifice…!⚓

Decreasing the VA Benefits Claims Backlog

Last week, we heard very encouraging news for veterans across the country who have patiently waited to receive the benefits they’ve earned. We must continue working to shorten wait times, modernize VA services, and fulfill our commitment to the men and women who have served our nation…!

Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk...!

Team Kiggans is hitting the road again! My staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours on Wednesday, July 22nd from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Downtown Suffolk Public Library (325 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434).

Mobile Office Hours are a convenient way for residents of Virginia’s Second District to get help with federal agencies, ask questions, and share concerns—right in our own community. Whether you need assistance with a passport, VA benefits, Social Security, or just want to learn more about how my office can support you, we’re here to help.

No appointment is necessary—just stop by! My team looks forward to serving you.

Calling Official Office Interns for Fall 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Fall 2026 in our D.C. and District Offices! 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.

Apply For a U.S. Service Academy Nomination Through My Office

One of my greatest honors as your Representative is nominating qualified high school students from Virginia’s Second District to attend four of our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point, NY

(The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.)

Attending a Service Academy is both a tremendous honor and a solemn commitment, as graduates are required to serve at least five years in the U.S. military.

For more information, click here.

Applications are due by October 23, 2026, by 5:00pm EST at the Virginia Beach District Office.

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 to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you thought the US Navy should base the next generation of fighter jets at NAS Oceana? Of the responses, 77% said YES, 10% said NO, and 14% were UNSURE.

Basing next-generation aircraft at Oceana would help ensure our military remains equipped to meet evolving threats while reinforcing the region’s longstanding contribution to our national defense. This would bolster military readiness on the East Coast and bring important economic growth to Virginia's Second District.

As decisions about the future of our Armed Forces are made, it is important to invest in the readiness, capabilities, and infrastructure that keep our servicemembers prepared to defend our nation while ensuring local quality of life remains unimpaired. As always, I remain committed to supporting our military and our community.

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 Commander Master Chief Britt Kelly Slabinski of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor action date: March 4, 2002). 

Britt Slabinski was born on December 1, 1969, in Northampton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in 1988 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing boot camp and Radioman Class "A" School, he was selected for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 164 in January 1990. Over the course of a distinguished 25-year career as a Navy SEAL, Slabinski served with both West and East Coast SEAL teams, including the renowned Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six), completing nine overseas deployments and fifteen combat tours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom before his retirement in June 2014.  

On March 4, 2002, during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, then-Senior Chief Britt Slabinski led a reconnaissance team to the summit of Takur Ghar Mountain when the team's helicopter was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, causing Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts to fall onto the enemy-occupied mountaintop. The helicopter then crash-landed in the valley below. Fully aware of the overwhelming enemy force and the dangers posed by the approaching dawn, Slabinski immediately led the remainder of his team back to the summit in a daring rescue attempt. After landing under intense enemy fire, he charged directly toward enemy bunkers, engaging hostile fighters in close combat while repeatedly exposing himself to heavy fire to protect his teammates. As casualties mounted and ammunition dwindled, Slabinski organized his team into a more defensible position, directed close air support, and carried a seriously wounded teammate through waist-deep snow while continuing to coordinate the fight. He remained with his men for more than 14 hours under relentless enemy attack until they were successfully extracted from the mountain. 

On May 24, 2018, he was presented with the Medal of Honor at the White House in recognition of his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Takur Ghar, an award that upgraded the Navy Cross he had previously received for the same actions. Throughout his career and beyond, Britt Slabinski exemplified courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow service members, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought beside him are never forgotten. 

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Linda from Melfa in resolving an issue with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework inquiry process. Thanks for reaching out, Linda...!

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!

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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