Hello Friends,

Last week, our community suffered a horrible tragedy. My heart and deepest prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the students, faculty, staff, and community members of Old Dominion University following last week’s senseless shooting. I am grateful for the swift response of our law enforcement, and I hope you will join me in praying for Lt. Col. Brandon Shah's family and the entire ODU community.

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has entered its fifth week, and the consequences are becoming increasingly serious for both our workforce and the American people. Reports indicate growing staffing shortages at airports and mounting financial strain on federal employees who continue working without pay, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and Coast Guard servicemembers.

It is deeply disappointing that this shutdown continues while critical agencies remain underfunded and personnel are forced to carry out essential missions without the support they deserve. I continue to call on my colleagues across the aisle in the Senate to act and end this shutdown immediately. Every day this impasse continues, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Coast Guard personnel are deprived of the resources they rely on to protect our homeland, respond to disasters, and keep the American people safe.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Honoring Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and the Courage of ODU ROTC Cadets

I am heartbroken by the loss of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah in last week's tragic shooting at Old Dominion University. As we continue to pray for his family and for the other victims, we should also recognize the extraordinary courage shown by the Army ROTC students who acted quickly to defend their classmates and subdue the attacker. Their actions reflect the very highest levels of bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger, and I am deeply grateful for their heroism.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was an inspiring leader and a source of encouragement for students at my Service Academy Night last year. His passion for the ODU Army ROTC program and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of Army leaders were truly unmatched. A decorated Army aviator and proud ODU alumnus, he dedicated his life to serving our nation and investing in young people. My prayers are with his family, his students, and the entire ODU community as we mourn this tragic loss. May he rest in peace. 🇺🇸

No Safe Harbor for Terrorists: Supporting the SCAM Act

Last week’s shooting at Old Dominion University that took the life of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was a devastating tragedy that never should’ve happened. Mohamed Bailor Jalloh had previously been imprisoned for his ties with ISIS. I’m proud to co-sponsor Majority Whip Tom Emmer's SCAM Act to denaturalize and deport individuals within 10 years of naturalization who join terrorist organizations or commit serious crimes against our country.

Boosting Workforce Development and Skilled Trade Education at the Chesapeake Career Center...!

Last week I was proud to award a $1 million investment to advance the Chesapeake Career Technical Education Center! This investment will help expand career readiness opportunities and strengthen workforce development for students throughout Chesapeake. By equipping students with the skills and training needed for high-demand careers, this project will help prepare the next generation and support a stronger workforce for Hampton Roads….!

Read my press release here

Keeping Hampton Roads at the Forefront of Maritime Innovation

Last week we held the Navy League of Hampton Road's Congressional Roundtable in Virginia Beach with Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). We discussed strengthening our maritime workforce, supporting shipbuilding, and bolstering national security starting right here in VA-02. Bipartisan conversations like this are critical to keeping our region a leader in maritime innovation and defense...!

Investing in Critical Infrastructure and Flood Resilience in Virginia Beach...!

I was proud to award a $1 million Community Project Funding check that will support the Bow Creek Stormwater Park project in Virginia Beach! This investment will help transform the former Bow Creek Golf Course into a 100-acre multi-purpose stormwater park that strengthens flood protection for neighborhoods like Princess Anne Plaza, The Lakes, and Windsor Woods while adding trails, recreation space, and wildlife viewing areas for the community. This project will improve regional resilience and quality of life for Hampton Roads residents for years to come…! 

Read my press release here.

VA-02 at the Forefront of America’s Space Economy

Last week, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and I visited the Virginia Space Authority at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility to tour the site and receive a briefing alongside General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. The Virginia Spaceport Authority plays a critical role in our national security, space launch capabilities, and growing commercial space sector. We also stopped by Rocket Lab, a key partner helping advance small launch capabilities for government and commercial missions. Proud to support the innovation happening right here in VA-02…!

Working Families Tax Cut Delivers Results for

VA-02 Families...!

This year, VA-02 families will feel meaningful relief from the permanently extended Child Tax credit from the Working Families Tax Cut. House Republicans are delivering results that help parents keep more of their hard-earned money...!

Hampton Roads Leaders Unite at Annual ODU Maritime Conference

It was a priviledge to join local leaders, students, and partners at this year's Old Dominion University Maritime Conference! This event brings together academia, industry leaders, and government partners to discuss workforce and technology needs, showcase ODU's supporting capabilities, and create valuable networking opportunities. It's exciting to see firsthand the innovation and collaboration driving Hampton Roads' maritime future!

Connecting with Conservation Leaders at the Quail Forever Banquet

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Quail Forever Banquet! It was great connecting with conservation partners, hunters, landowners, veterans, and community organizations working to restore wildlife habitat and expand outdoor recreation across Virginia. Thank you to Quail Forever for your dedication to conservation and protecting our nation's proud hunting traditions...!

Participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Challenge...!!

Attention all VA-02 high school students…! My office is now accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition…! This year's artwork theme is "America 250" to celebrate 250 years since the birth of our great nation. 🇺🇸 If you are interested in participating, the deadline to submit artwork is Friday, April 17, 2026.

Fill out the “contact me” form👉 here.

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.

Calling Official Office Interns for Summer 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Summer 2026! 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.

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 whether you watched the State of the Union, and over half of you said YES.

This year's State of the Union was an incredible display of patriotism—from honoring our fallen and active-duty servicemembers for their selfless contributions to the nation, to welcoming the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team, to celebrating the historic achievements made across our country. Throughout the speech, the President highlighted the strength and resilience of the American people, emphasizing economic growth, job creation, and continued investment in American manufacturing and infrastructure. There was also a strong focus on national security, border policy, and supporting veterans and active-duty service members. As a whole, the address underscored the importance of unity and bipartisan cooperation in tackling major challenges such as healthcare costs, global conflicts, and the future of technology.

Overall, the evening celebrated American pride while laying out a vision for continued progress, opportunity, and stability in the years ahead. It is always an honor to attend the State of the Union in person, and I encourage all of you to watch it live next year...! 🇺🇸

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 Sergeant Brian Leroy Buker of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: April 5, 1970).



Brian Leroy Buker served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a member of Detachment B-55, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Over the course of his service, he demonstrated extraordinary courage, leadership, and devotion to duty while advising allied forces in combat. As a Special Forces soldier, Sergeant Buker worked closely with Vietnamese units conducting dangerous operations against determined enemy forces in some of the most challenging terrain of the war.

On April 5, 1970, Sergeant Buker was serving as a platoon adviser to a Vietnamese mobile strike force company during an offensive mission in Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam. Recognizing the importance of the mission, Sergeant Buker personally led the platoon in an assault to clear a strategically located and heavily defended mountain pass. Through determined leadership and fearless action, he guided his men to the top of what had previously been considered an impenetrable mountain fortress, establishing the first foothold for the advancing force.

As the platoon secured its position, it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from two heavily fortified bunkers defending the mountain stronghold. Realizing that a withdrawal under such conditions would likely result in heavy casualties among his men, Sergeant Buker made the courageous decision to take immediate action. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged through a hail of enemy fire and attacked the first bunker, successfully destroying it with hand grenades.

While reorganizing his men to continue the assault on the second bunker, Sergeant Buker was seriously wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries and the deadly fire still directed at his position, he refused to withdraw. Determined to complete the mission and protect the soldiers fighting beside him, he crawled forward and destroyed the second bunker, eliminating the enemy threat.

Even after suffering severe wounds, Sergeant Buker refused medical attention and began reorganizing his men to continue the attack and secure the objective. As he prepared the platoon to move forward, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His heroic actions, however, had already turned the tide of the battle. By destroying the enemy bunkers and leading from the front, Sergeant Buker prevented heavy casualties among his men and ensured the success of the assault on the enemy position.

Sergeant Brian Leroy Buker’s extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery reflected great credit upon himself, the U.S. Army, and the Special Forces community.

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. Department of Veterans Affairs. 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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