Hello Friends,

There's a lot going on in Virginia politics these days... Thank you to those of you who voted in yesterday's special election. As an update, the Virginia Supreme Court is scheduled to take up the referendum case tomorrow to rule on the constitutionality of the election process and results. Stay tuned....

In Washington, DC, Congress returned to session last week following time spent in the district engaging directly with community leaders, residents, and local partners. I visited communities across the Eastern Shore to highlight critical infrastructure investments that are strengthening our region and supporting long-term economic growth. These conversations reinforced the importance of continued federal partnership in addressing local priorities and building for the future.

The bills we voted on in the House of Representatives last week are summarized below.

I continue to keep our servicemembers deployed across the globe in my prayers. Their sacrifice for this nation, and their commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, are deserving of our deepest respect. In return, we must ensure they have the resources and support they need—both at home and abroad. I remain committed to improving quality of life for our servicemembers and their families in VA-02 and beyond.

As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in federal government!

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Never Again: Honoring the Six Million Lives Lost in the Holocaust

Last week on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remembered the six million Jewish men, women, and children that were killed at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. We honor their memory by ensuring this history is never forgotten and by standing firmly against antisemitism wherever it exists. We must remain committed to educating future generations, speaking out against hate, and upholding the values of dignity and respect for all people.

Providing Meaningful Tax Relief for Virginians...!

Tax Day was last week, VA-02…. No one likes taxes but House Republicans passed the “Working Families Tax Cut” last year to help YOU keep more money in YOUR bank account! From a new deduction for seniors to an increased Child Tax Credit, to no tax on tips and overtime, the Republican House majority is delivering meaningful relief for hard working Virginians..!

Celebrating Major Investments in Critical Infrastructure on the Eastern Shore...!

We joined the Hampton Roads Sanitation District and local officials in Onancock to present $750,000 in Community Project Funding for critical upgrades to three wastewater pump stations on the Eastern Shore...! This investment will support the design and construction needed to modernize aging infrastructure, reduce the risk of overflows into Onancock Creek, and protect public health, the environment, and quality of life for the community there. My office was proud to help bring these federal dollars—YOUR tax dollars—back to our district!

I also joined community leaders in Parksley to present a $750,000 check for the town’s Water Supply Storage Replacement Project. This Community Project Funding, which my office was proud to secure in partnership with the Town of Parksley, builds on decades of planning and will help ensure the town’s water system is modern, safe, and reliable for years to come. I am excited to see this project completed and the lasting positive impact it will have on Parksley’s future…!

Finally, I joined Northampton County officials for the presentation of $1.3 million in Community Project Funding to support the Community Center Septic System Project! This investment will replace the county’s outdated wastewater disposal system with a modern onsite sewage system that will serve both the Community Center and the Northampton County Public Schools Administration Building. This is an important step toward strengthening local infrastructure, and I look forward to the lasting impact it will have for Northampton County residents…! 

Expanding Access to Quality Child Care Through the HERO Child Care Act

Last week, I joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) to introduce the HERO Child Care Act. This bill aims to improve access to reliable, high-quality childcare for military families by increasing hiring flexibility at Child Development Centers and requiring the Department of War (DoW) to assess how childcare availability impacts military readiness. This bipartisan effort will ensure the DoW can better meet the childcare needs of our military families who make daily sacrifices for our nation.

Read my press release here.

Strengthening Our Military Workforce and Readiness

Last week I had the opportunity to speak before the House Armed Services Committee during a Military Personnel hearing, where I asked Military Department Personnel Chiefs about the key challenges facing our Navy and servicemembers. Our hearing focused on strengthening naval aviator retention, modernizing outdated infrastructure, growing the force, and continuing to improve quality of life and access to care for military families. These conversations are critical to ensuring we get the work done in VA-02 for our men and women in uniform and their families, including sustained funding for pay, bonuses, and the long-term buying power of our military...!

Watch my full questioning here 👇

Protecting Commissary Benefits for Servicemembers and Families

On April 6th, military commissaries across the country began charging their patrons for paper and plastic grocery bags. This kind of added cost undermines a benefit meant to support our servicemembers, retirees, and their families. I've sent a letter to Undersecretary of War Tata and intend to submit a provision to abolish this practice in this year's NDAA. The men and women that serve our country deserve better...!

Read the letter here and 👇

Welcoming Guests to Capitol Hill!

We welcomed some great guests to Capitol Hill last week! I had the opportunity to meet with Hampton Roads Sanitation District, VADM Czerewko, Chief of Naval Personnel, Lt. Gen. DeGoes of Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Surgeon General, Admiral Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and AARP Virginia to discuss strengthening our military readiness, supporting our servicemembers and seniors, and investing in critical infrastructure in Hampton Roads. I was also honored to meet with Pawsitive For Heroes to highlight the incredible work they're doing to support our nation's heroes...!

Partnering with Military Advocates on Capitol Hill

It was an honor to join the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for their annual Hill Day and speak with leaders who are on the front lines of advocating for our servicemembers and military families. As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy Mom, I know firsthand the sacrifices our families make—and why it's critical we fight for better pay, housing, healthcare, and support systems. Thank you to MOAA for visiting Washington DC...!

Welcoming Cox High School Students to D.C...!

It was so fun to host students from Cox High School last week! My staff and I enjoyed meeting with them, answering their questions, and sharing how Congress works! It's a privilege to inspire our country's next generation of leaders...!

Join Us for Service Academy Information Night...!

Attention VA-02 students! My district staff is hosting our 2026 Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, 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.

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 agree with taxing plastic bags at grocery stores. 61% of you said NO, and I wholeheartedly agree with you.

Commissaries were created to provide meaningful, hard-earned benefits to our servicemembers, veterans, and their families by helping make everyday necessities more affordable. That is why I sent a letter to Undersecretary Tata expressing my serious concerns about this new nationwide tax and urging a reconsideration of this policy.

Imposing this additional tax goes against the very purpose of these stores and places an unnecessary burden on the military community at a time when many families are already facing rising costs. We must continue to protect the benefits our servicemembers have earned through their sacrifice and service to our nation...!

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 Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger of the United States Air Force (Medal of Honor action date: March 11, 1968).

Richard L. Etchberger served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as a member of the 1043d Radar Evaluation Squadron. Stationed at a highly classified and strategically critical site known as Lima Site 85 in Laos, he played a vital role in directing air operations and supporting U.S. military efforts in the region. Despite not being a traditional combat role, his position placed him in extreme danger as enemy forces sought to eliminate the site.

On March 11, 1968, at Phou Pha Thi, Laos, Chief Etchberger and his small team of technicians came under a devastating and sustained enemy assault. The position was subjected to intense artillery fire followed by a coordinated ground attack that quickly overran the site. As the attack intensified, most of his crew were killed or severely wounded, leaving Chief Etchberger largely alone to defend the position.

Despite having little formal combat training, Chief Etchberger displayed extraordinary courage and composure under fire. Armed with an M-16 rifle, he single-handedly held off advancing enemy forces while simultaneously directing airstrikes and coordinating rescue efforts. His determined defense prevented the enemy from fully seizing the position and allowed time for evacuation support to arrive.

When rescue helicopters reached the site, Chief Etchberger exposed himself repeatedly to heavy enemy fire to save his fellow airmen. With complete disregard for his own safety, he methodically placed three wounded comrades into rescue slings suspended from a hovering helicopter, ensuring their safe evacuation. Only after his remaining crew members were secured did Chief Etchberger attempt to evacuate himself. As he was being lifted into the helicopter, he was struck by enemy fire and fatally wounded. 

Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger’s extraordinary heroism, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to his fellow airmen exemplify the highest traditions of military service. His actions, carried out at the cost of his own life, reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the nation he served. 

Constituent Corner

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

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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