Hello Friends!

While Congress is in a district work period, I’ve been hard at work here in Virginia’s Second District meeting with constituents, visiting local employers, supporting our servicemembers, and advancing legislation to strengthen our communities.

From touring STIHL Inc. in Virginia Beach to highlight American manufacturing, to observing the Navy’s Large Scale Exercise 2025, this week has been full of opportunities to showcase the very best of our region.

I also marked National Purple Heart Day by recognizing the courage and sacrifice of America’s heroes. I’m proud to spend this time at home listening to you, advocating for your priorities, and ensuring our district continues to lead in defense, education, and economic growth. As always, it's a pleasure to serve you.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

The LIFT Act and American Drone Superiority

Last week, Secretary Sean Duffy of the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) rule, a rule to unleash American innovation in the civilian drone space. This new guidance from Secretary Duffy is great news! Drones are the way of the future—we need to make sure we’re empowering American industries to meet the challenges of tomorrow—my LIFT Act does just that.

Read my interview in Shore Daily news here and my press release here

American Manufacturing at Work in Virginia Beach

It was a great visit to STIHL Inc. right here in Virginia Beach…! STIHL is a shining example of American manufacturing at its finest—creating high-quality products and providing good-paying jobs for hardworking Virginians.

Proud to see innovation and craftsmanship thriving in VA-02. Let’s keep fighting for policies that support our manufacturers and strengthen our economy right here at home…!

Easing the Burden on Our Educators: My TUTOR Act

On Friday, I spoke to ABC7 news to discuss my Teachers Utilizing Tutoring Opportunities for Relief (TUTOR) Act, a bill that will provide financial relief to teachers who take on the responsibility to tutor their students outside the classroom. Starting pay for teachers in the Commonwealth of Virginia is $46,000 a year, and that's just not sustainable for our educators, especially those with families.

We want to incentivize people to enter the teaching profession, as our educators serve a valuable role in our communities.

Watch my appearance 👇 and read my press release here.

Thanking Admiral Caudle as He Transitions to Chief of Naval Operations

On Wednesday, I had the honor of attending the Relinquishment Ceremony for Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of United States Fleet Forces Command, at Naval Station Norfolk.

As a Navy veteran and proud representative of Virginia’s Second District, it was a privilege to thank Admiral Caudle for his service in Norfolk. I am grateful he will continue his Navy leadership as the new Chief of Naval Operations….!

Observing the U.S. Navy Large Scale Exercise 2025

On Monday, I visited Naval Station Norfolk to observe Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2025, the Navy’s premier global warfighting command and control event.

During the visit, I received operational briefings at the Navy Warfare Development Center and the Fleet Maritime Operations Center. I also toured the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), which is participating in the exercise. As the representative for thousands of servicemembers in Hampton Roads, I’m proud to see our region playing such a central role in shaping the future of naval warfare. Exercises like Large Scale Exercise 2025 show exactly why high-end, integrated training is so important. We need to be ready to fight and win across every domain, anywhere in the world...!

Honoring the Courage and Sacrifice of Purple Heart Heroes

On Thursday, we recognized National Purple Heart Day. A day where we honor those who were wounded or killed in service to our great nation. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice……💜🇺🇸

Mobile Office Hours in Chesapeake...!

Team Kiggans is hitting the road again! My staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours on Tuesday, August 19th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Chesapeake Central Library (298 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322).

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 their 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.

Schedule a D.C. Tour Through My Office..!

With summer in full-swing, now is 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 White House has announced they have suspended tours for the months of September and October).
• 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

We’re proud to represent you—and even prouder to help you experience the history, beauty, and significance of Washington, D.C. firsthand!

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Weekly Poll

Last week, I asked, “Is trade school a viable alternative to a traditional four-year college degree?” With over 1,400 responses, the results spoke volumes. 96.2% said YES, 2.1% said NO, and 1.7% were UNSURE.

As someone who just had the honor of delivering the commencement address at the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, I couldn’t agree more.

Trade schools like ATDM are doing incredible work—training the next generation of Navy shipbuilders and defense industry professionals. Whether it’s welding, precision manufacturing, or quality control, these graduates are stepping into careers that not only support their families but strengthen our national security. This isn’t just workforce development—it’s patriotism in action.

After the ceremony, I toured their impressive campus and saw firsthand the investment being made in students who are ready to serve their country through skill, craftsmanship, and determination. These jobs are essential—and your responses prove that Americans recognize the value of career and technical education.

I’ll continue fighting in Congress to support programs like ATDM and push for policies that expand access to trade education and strengthen our defense industrial base.

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 Arthur Junior Jackson of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: September 18, 1944).

Arthur J. Jackson was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 18, 1924 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 18. For recruitment training, he headed to San Diego, then joined the 1st Marine Division in Melbourne, Australia. 

In 1944, during World War II, Jackson took part in the Cape Gloucester campaign, also known as Operation Cartwheel. The goal of the operation was to neutralize a Japanese base in Rabaul. It was during this campaign that Jackson carried a wounded Marine to safety while they were surrounded by Japanese troops. His heroism saved that man’s life, and he was awarded a Letter of Commendation for his actions.  

After his time in the Cape Gloucester campaign, while serving in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines as a Private First Class, he fought in the Battle of Peleliu. This battle was a part of a larger campaign called Operation Forager. It was during his time fighting in the Battle of Peleliu that Jackson took initiative when part of his platoon was held under fire by a group of concealed Japanese soldiers. He headed towards the front lines, defying barricades, to charge an area containing more than 30 enemy soldiers. The results of his one-man assault allowed the platoon to maintain control. For his heroic actions, he was awarded not only his first Purple Heart, but also the Medal of Honor. This however, was not the end of his time serving the country. He went to combat again in Okinawa as a platoon sergeant in the 1st Marine Division, where he was wounded once more.

He was officially awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1945 by President Truman for his bravery and gallantry. After serving in World War II, he spent a short time enjoying civilian life, but soon entered the United States Army Reserve. During his time in the reserves he reached the rank of captain.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Thomas from Chesapeake in resolving an issue with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After he reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Thomas...!

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!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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