Hello Friends,

It was wonderful to celebrate the many different agricultural programs and businesses in our area this past week. I had the incredible opportunity to meet with students from Isle of Wight County Schools and tour the Agricultural Land Lab to learn more about how the program is introducing our students to our local farm economy. The next generation of farmers is right here in Hampton Roads, and I was glad to spend time with the people and students that make Hampton Roads such a special place this week!

From Virginia agriculture to our region’s maritime industry, it was a great to learn more about the people and organizations helping our community grow. I also visited Lyon Shipyard to tour their facilities and see firsthand the important work they are doing to support our local economy, build our workforce, and provide the tools our military needs. Hampton Roads is a hub of naval industry, and I will continue to support policies that prioritize American shipbuilding.

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

Now, on to my Weekly Debrief.

Connecting Classrooms to Virginia Farms, One Crunch at a Time!

Last week, I joined Isle of Wight County Schools for their 10th annual “Crunch Heard ‘Round the Commonwealth” to celebrate Virginia agriculture and local farm-to-school initiatives. I also enjoyed touring the award-winning Agricultural Land Lab and seeing firsthand how students are learning about agriculture and where their food comes from. Programs like these help connect students with Virginia’s farming community and highlight the important role agriculture plays in our local economy. This was a great way to celebrate National Farm to School Month, and thank you to Isle of Wight County Schools for having me…! 🍎

Helping Every Child Learn, Grow, And Thrive

I recently visited The Children’s Center in Suffolk to learn more about the incredible work they do to support children and families across Coastal Virginia! From early childhood education to pediatric therapy and family support services, their dedicated staff helps ensure children have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you to The Children’s Center team for the warm welcome and for all you do to make a difference in our community…!

Building a Stronger Maritime Industry in Hampton Roads

Last week, I visited Lyon Shipyard to learn more about the important work they’re doing to support our Navy and commercial shipping industry. Since 1928, Lyon has been a key part of Hampton Roads’ maritime industry, supporting our fleet and strengthening our local economy. It was great to meet with leadership and their employees and to see their operations firsthand. Thank you to the Lyon Shipyard team for having me and for all you do to support our Navy, our maritime industry, and Hampton Roads...!

$189 Million to Strengthen Rural Healthcare in Virginia!!

I was proud to join my House Republican colleagues in voting for the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered over $189 million for healthcare in Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program! These investments will help expand access to quality care in our rural communities, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and improve telehealth and maternal care services…!!

From Southeastern Virginia to Tables Across America...!

I recently visited Smithfield Foods’ headquarters and production facility in Smithfield, VA, to learn more about their operations and the important role they play in Southeastern Virginia! For more than 90 years, Smithfield Foods has supported American farmers, created jobs, and helped feed families across the country. Thank you to the Smithfield Foods team for having me and for your continued investment in our community…!!

Supporting Those Who Help Families Find a Home

I joined the Coastal Virginia Association of REALTORS for their Legislative Reception! Our local real estate professionals play an important role in helping families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the importance of expanding housing opportunities and keeping Coastal Virginia a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you to Coastal Virginia Association of REALTORS for having me…!

Celebrating One of Virginia's Finest Products: Peanuts!

As a longtime fan of Hubs Peanuts, it was great to visit Hubbard Peanut Company in Sedley and see firsthand how one of the finest Virginia products is made! Hubs plays an important role in Virginia’s agriculture industry and our nation’s peanut production. I appreciated the opportunity to hear more about their work and the role they play in supporting our local economy and American agriculture. Thank you to the Hubbard Peanut Company team for inviting me and showing me around your facility…!

Opening The Door to Home Ownership And The American Dream

Earlier this year, my House GOP colleagues and I passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to cut unnecessary red tape, expand access to local lending resources, and help increase America’s housing supply. By expanding housing opportunities and eliminating barriers to homeownership, we’re helping more families achieve the American Dream…!

Remembering The October 7th Attacks

Last week, we marked the third anniversary of Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel—including the murder of unarmed men, women, and children. As we remember those murdered that day and mourn the lives lost in the years since, we continue to pray for their families and loved ones. We must never forget Hamas’ acts of terror, and as Americans, we must stand unequivocally with Israel. 🇺🇸 🇮🇱

Sign Up for The Congressional App Challenge...!

Student registration is now open for the 2026 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 26, 2026: 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!

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 5:00 PM 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.

*Christmas time is fast approaching and if you are interested in touring the White House please let our office know and we will do our best to secure your ticket. If you have already submitted a request, please know that we have received it and will be in touch with you in late October with more details. Please note that White House tours are released exactly 30 days prior to the requested tour date and are confirmed by the White House Visitors Office based on availability. Due to extremely high demand and limited availability, tour slots often fill very quickly once released. My staff is more than happy to assist you in booking these tours, so do not hesitate to reach out at (202) 225-4215. 

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you were registered to vote. Of the responses, 98% said YES, 1% said NO, and 1% were UNSURE.

Registering to vote is an important step in being an active and contributing member of any community. Participating in elections and engaging in civic duties are vital to maintaining a thriving democratic republic. You can check your voter registration by contacting your local registrar office. For more information about voter registration and polling locations, please go to the Virginia Department of Elections website!

I remain committed as always to protecting the integrity of our elections, ensuring eligible citizens can participate, and connecting constituents with the resources they need to vote.

And now, on to this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of The Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient First Lieutenant Lloyd Leslie Burke of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: October 28, 1951). 

Lloyd Burke was born on September 29, 1924, in Tichnor, Arkansas. He attended Stuttgart High School and graduated in 1942. He enrolled at Henderson State Teachers College, but he left college to join the Army in April 1943. During World War II, Burke was stationed in Italy. Returning to Henderson College after the war, he participated in the ROTC program. Burke was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1950. In September of that year, Burke was deployed to Korea as a commander in Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.  

On October 28, 1951, Burke, now a first lieutenant (1st Lt.), was preparing to ship home after 13 months of service. At the same time, 35 men from his company attempted to secure a strategic position held by 300 enemy soldiers in Chong-dong, Korea. Though he was not under orders to assist the group, Burke left the command post and joined his company in combat. He moved to an unobstructed line of sight, throwing grenades at the enemy positions before going to retrieve an M1 rifle and adapter. Burke made a lone assault on the first enemy position, killing its entire crew. Moving to the center bunker, he cleared the enemy with a volley of grenades, killing the final three with his pistol.  

Ordering his men to charge the third bunker, 1st Lt. Burke caught grenades in midair and began throwing them back at the enemy. Rallied by his courage, his company stormed forward, overrunning the enemy. After overtaking a machine gun and ammunition, he ran from the bunker to an open area to set up the gun, where he began to fire into the enemy, killing approximately 75 men. Despite being wounded, Burke continued to fire, destroying more of the enemy’s positions. His actions helped turn the tide that day. 

Then-President Truman awarded Burke the Medal of Honor on April 11, 1952. Burke continued his military service, serving in Vietnam until injuries forced him out of combat duty in 1965. He retired as a colonel in 1978. After retirement, he worked to establish the Korean War Memorial. Burke passed away in 2004 at his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His courage in the face of insurmountable odds serves as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary actions that many have taken to give this great nation freedom. 

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Michael from Smithfield in resolving an issue with the Department of the Treasury. After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework inquiry process. Thanks for reaching out, Michael...!

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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