Hello Friends,

This past week was a painful one for many. We mourned the horrific assassination of a conservative activist, husband, and father—Charlie Kirk. We also commemorated the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

In the shadow of these tragedies, the work of Congress continued. The House passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and I had the privilege of hosting both Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Chairwoman Lisa McClain here in Virginia’s Second District.

The House also voted on and passed multiple bills. You can read more about some of those below in my weekly floor recap.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

House Passes NDAA to Strengthen Our Military and Support Servicemembers

On Wednesday, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), bipartisan legislation that strengthens America’s national defense, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and delivers key quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families.

I will continue fighting to ensure the final NDAA keeps America’s Navy the strongest in the world and delivers for the men and women who call Hampton Roads home.

Read my full press release here.

Watch my remarks following its passage 👇

Watch my appearance on Wavy Channel 10 👇

Fighting to Prevent Rising Health Insurance Costs

Earlier this month, I introduced the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act. This bill extends the Premium Tax Credit for one year so thousands of Virginians don’t lose their health insurance or find they can’t afford it. This week, the bill has been gaining traction in the House and the media is covering it extensively. 

You can read about it from Politico here and here in Reuters.

24 Years Since the Attacks on September 11, 2001

Twenty-four years ago, our nation and the world changed forever as 2,977 innocent lives were taken in the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001. We will never forget the mothers, fathers, friends, and neighbors we lost, nor the heroic first responders and servicemembers who answered the call of duty. Their courage, sacrifice, and service will never be forgotten. #NeverForget

I also visited the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon where 184 Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice.

See my remarks from the memorial here.

Remembering Charlie Kirk

I am horrified by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was more than a political activist—he was a fierce advocate for freedom of speech and a relentless defender of civilized political debate. Charlie challenged the younger generation and students on college campuses to understand commonsense conservatism and why it matters in leadership. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. May justice be served, and may God heal the deep political divide in our nation.

Spotlighting Innovation and Workforce Development in Chesapeake

Thank you to Volvo Penta's training headquarters in Chesapeake for hosting our visit with U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Their commitment to innovation and economic growth is inspiring and highlights how Virginia's Second District leads in workforce development.

I am grateful to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for joining me to see firsthand the incredible work being done right here in Hampton Roads and to discuss the victories secured in the Working Families Tax Cut legislation recently signed into law!

Watch the clip 👇

Honoring the Legacy of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) People

The Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) people have a proud and enduring legacy in Southampton County and the Commonwealth. They have preserved their culture, traditions, and governance through generations of adversity. This week, I proudly introduced the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act to mark an important step in honoring the Tribe’s centuries-long history.

Read my full press release here.

Telephone Town Hall on September 16th...!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be hosting my next telephone town hall on Tuesday, September 16th! Telephone Town Halls are a great way to connect with thousands of constituents and discuss important district issues directly with you! It allows me to reach people who may not be able to attend an in-person event due to work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility issues, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate and make their voices heard.

I'll be discussing issues such as the Working Families Tax Cut, government funding, the National Defense Authorization Act, and trying to answer as many questions as I can. Please RSVP by clicking here!

I look forward to connecting with you all and answering your questions…!

Strengthening Defense and Delivering for Workers in VA-02

Thank you to QED Systems, Inc. in Virginia Beach for graciously hosting our visit…! QED’s advancements in engineering and IT systems are strengthening our Navy by improving hull and electronic systems with enhanced durability. Their work serving the military for over fifty years is invaluable to our national defense. 

And thank you to Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain for coming to VA-02 to share how the Working Families Tax Cut supports workers and job creators alike.

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 24, 2025.

Mobile Office Hours in Isle of Wight County...!!

Team Kiggans is hitting the road again! My staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours on Friday, September 19th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Windsor Town Center (23361 Courthouse Highway, Windsor, VA 23487).

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.

Sign-Up for the Congressional App Challenge...!!

Student registration is now open for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 30, 2025: Submit your app by this date.

• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.

• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

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

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!

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll on whether we should extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits for one year. The results were: 57% said YES, 24.6% said NO, and 18.5% were unsure.

As a nurse practitioner, military spouse, and Mom, I know firsthand how important affordable health care is for working families. That’s why I just introduced the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act—to protect hardworking Virginians from being blindsided by skyrocketing health insurance costs.

In 2024 alone, more than 33,000 Virginians in our district relied on this tax credit to make their monthly health insurance premiums more affordable. Without action, those same families could face shocking cost increases. For example, a family of four in Virginia Beach earning $64,000 annually could see their premiums jump by more than $2,500 next year, while a 60-year-old couple in Chesapeake earning $82,800 could face nearly $12,000 in higher costs.

The pandemic is over, and these enhanced tax credits should not continue indefinitely—but we can’t pull the rug out from under middle-class families, seniors, and small business owners. My bill ensures that Virginians have the time and certainty they need to plan while Congress works toward a long-term solution.

Your feedback on this issue is invaluable, and I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to ensure our families have access to affordable, reliable healthcare without facing unaffordable bills.

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 Specialist Salvatore Augustine Giunta of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: October 25, 2007).

Salvatore Augustine Giunta was born on January 21, 1985 in Clinton, Iowa. At the age of 17, Giunta decided to enlist in the Army in November of 2003.

After enlisting, Giunta attended basic training and infantry school at Fort Benning, Georgia. He deployed to Afghanistan from March of 2005 until March of 2006 and again from May of 2007 until July of 2008. In August of 2009 Giunta was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He was last stationed at Caserma Ederle with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s base near Vicenza, Italy. Giunta then served in the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. While there, he served in a support role for his unit and eventually deployed to Afghanistan.

On October 25, 2007, Specialist Giunta was conducting a patrol as team leader in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. Specialist Giunta and his team were ambushed by an insurgent force and came under heavy enemy fire. Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Specialist Giunta exposed himself to enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s leadership while under extreme enemy fire was integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy.

On November 16, 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Specialist Salvatore Augustine Giunta the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House. When he learned he would be awarded the medal, Giunta approached the honor with humility. He said, “If I'm a hero, every man that stands around me, every woman in the military, everyone who goes into the unknown is a hero. So if you think that's a hero, as long as you include everyone with me." Giunta chose not to re-enlist in the Army and retired as a Staff Sergeant in June of 2011. He now resides with his wife Jennifer and his daughter in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Pamela from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS). After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Pamela...!

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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