Friends,

It’s been a busy and productive week back in our nation’s capital. I introduced new legislation to support the hardworking men and women who power our shipyards. I helped pass bipartisan bills to combat substance abuse and expand recovery services. I also took part in several key hearings on military readiness, national defense, and natural resource policy.

Finally, I continued pushing for American energy independence by urging the Senate to improve key provisions in the House-passed reconciliation bill. As always, I’m honored to serve and keep fighting for the people of Virginia’s Second District.

The House also voted on and passed multiple bills, some of which codified the President's Executive Orders. You can read more about some of those below in my weekly floor recap...!

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

Strengthening Our Shipyards Through Smarter Housing Solutions



Last week, I introduced the Defense Shipyard Workforce Housing Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that takes a commonsense step toward solving one of the biggest challenges facing our naval shipyards: the lack of affordable housing for the skilled workers who keep our submarines and carriers mission-ready.

As housing costs continue to rise—especially in places like Hampton Roads—we’re seeing serious workforce shortages that are delaying critical ship maintenance and hurting our military readiness. My bill directs the Department of Defense to launch the first-ever study on how on-site housing options could help recruit and retain civilian workers at our shipyards, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

This study will explore apartment-style or dormitory housing, examine construction and leasing costs, and look at the impact on morale, job satisfaction, and workforce stability. With input from at least two shipyards, the final report will help Congress make informed decisions on strengthening our Navy’s industrial base for the long term.

Our shipyard workers are essential to preserving our national defense—we need to make sure they can afford to live where they serve.

Restoring Accountability to Medicaid

Last week, I published an Op-Ed in the Washington Examiner to address the concerns and clear up misconceptions surrounding the Medicaid reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Despite the alarmist headlines, this legislation does not take away coverage from vulnerable Americans—children, pregnant women, seniors, or individuals with disabilities will continue to be fully protected.

Read the full article here

By responsibly modernizing the program, ensuring accountability, and focusing resources where they matter most, we preserve Medicaid’s mission to be a safety net for Americans who genuinely depend on it.

I believe this is a thoughtful balance of compassion and commonsense governance, and I’m proud to support reforms that strengthen Medicaid—so it can continue serving those who deserve it, both now and for generations to come.

My Amendment to Modernize Opioid Treatment and Prevention 

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025—a strong, bipartisan step forward in our nation’s fight against the opioid epidemic. As a geriatric nurse practitioner and Co-Vice Chair of the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, I was especially honored to have my amendment included in this legislation. My provision directs the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to hold a public roundtable on how we can better use electronic health records (EHRs) to improve care for those facing mental health and substance use challenges. This conversation will focus on ways to improve coordination across providers and break down barriers to EHR adoption in behavioral health settings.

Read my press release here and watch the video below..!!

I've seen firsthand how access to timely, accurate health information can change lives—and this amendment is a commonsense step to ensure our healthcare system works better for every patient, especially the most vulnerable.

Addressing Outdated Barriers to Service

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the Army’s FY2026 Posture Hearing as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. As a Navy veteran and the proud representative of a district with a strong military tradition, I’m committed to ensuring that we maintain a force that is not only ready, but also accessible to the young Americans who want to serve our country.

At the hearing, I raised serious concerns about the outdated standards used by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). Too many young men and women are being delayed—or disqualified entirely—from service due to medical diagnoses they received as children. These conditions often no longer impact their daily lives or their ability to serve effectively, yet they’re stuck navigating a long and burdensome waiver process.

Watch the video below...!

If we want to meet recruitment goals and maintain a strong, capable Army, we must modernize our medical screening process. That means moving away from bureaucratic red tape and toward a system that focuses on current health and readiness. I’ll continue fighting for reforms that help qualified young people serve without unnecessary barriers standing in their way.

Fighting for Commonsense Energy Policy

As a proud supporter of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, I recently led a letter alongside Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)—joined by 11 of our House Republican colleagues—urging Senate leadership to make critical improvements to clean energy tax credit provisions in the House-passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.



We believe America’s energy policy should promote business certainty, encourage long-term investment, and protect American jobs—not disrupt projects that are already in motion. That’s why our letter pushes back against overly restrictive rules that could delay or cancel billions of dollars in energy infrastructure, including harmful Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provisions and rigid timelines for tax credit eligibility.

You can read the full letter here!



I’ll keep working to ensure our energy tax code reflects fiscal responsibility, American innovation, and common sense—because a strong energy future means a strong national future..!!

Stakeholder Meeting for the Great Dismal Swamp Feasibility Study

Last week, Team Kiggans had the opportunity to attend a stakeholder meeting for the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Feasibility Study—a key step in determining whether this incredible region should be formally designated as a National Heritage Area.



As someone who represents communities deeply connected to the history and natural beauty of the Great Dismal Swamp, I believe this study is an important opportunity to explore how we can preserve its cultural, historic, and environmental significance while supporting local economic development and tourism.

The National Park Service is working with local stakeholders to assess whether the surrounding areas—including parts of Suffolk and Isle of Wight County—are a good fit for this designation. My team will continue to engage with local voices throughout this process and ensure that any decision reflects the values, priorities, and traditions of our communities.

SAVE THE DATE: Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk..!

Do you need help navigating the federal government?

My team is hitting the road again for Mobile Office Hours in Suffolk, VA! These events are a great opportunity for constituents to meet directly with members of my staff to get help with federal agencies, ask questions about legislation, or share concerns that matter most to you and your family...!!

Whether you need help with the VA, Social Security, Medicare, passports, or just want to make your voice heard—we’re here for you. No appointment needed!

If you can’t make it to this event, you can always reach out to my office at 757-364-7650 or visit my website to contact us online.

Weekly Poll

With over 1,500 responses last week, a strong majority, 63.9% of you, believe Medicaid reform should include a work requirement, and I agree! As someone who believes in the value of hard work and the dignity it brings, I support common-sense reforms that encourage able-bodied adults to participate in the workforce while still protecting the most vulnerable. Work requirements can help lift individuals out of poverty, strengthen our economy, and ensure Medicaid remains sustainable for those who truly need it. Your voices are being heard—and I’ll continue fighting for policies that reflect the values of our constituents here in VA-02..!!

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 Major General William Peterkin Upshur of the United State Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: October 24, 1915).

Upshur was born October 28, 1881, in Richmond, Virginia to Dr. John Nottingham Upshur and Elizabeth Spencer Peterkin. A native of Virginia, Upshur attended Maguire's University School before enrolling in his father’s alma mater, the Virginia Military Institute, in 1898. After graduating from the Institute in 1902, he was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on February 1904.

Upshur’s service record included operations with an expeditionary force to Havana, Cuba, in October 1906, and duty at Camp Evans, Deer Point, Guantanamo, Cuba, from 9 January to 8 February 1907. He again was detailed to expeditionary duty with a force of Marines on the Isthmus of Panama from 19 June to 8 August 1908. In January of 1912, Upshur joined the 1st Brigade of Marines on Olongapo in the Philippine Islands, and was again detached in February 1914, this time to the American Legation Marine Detachment in Peking, China, where he served until 16 October 1914. On 4 August 1915 he assumed command of the 15th Company, 2d Regiment in Port au Prince, Haiti, where he participated in engagements against hostile Cacos bandits. It was during this action that he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines all mounted, Captain Upshur left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a six-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from three sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position, which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, Capt. Upshur, in command of the three squads which advanced in three different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding the capture of Fort Dipitie.

After his tour in Haiti, Upshur served with 13th Regiment in France during WWI from September 1918 to August 1919. During this time he was in command of the American Military Prison, Casino des Lilas, Bordeaux and the American Guard Camp. After WWI, Upshur would serve in duty stations including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Other duties consisted of Commandant of the Marine Corps Schools at the Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia; Director of the Marine Corps Reserve; on duty with the War Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department; and as Commanding General of the Marine Corps Base in San Diego. His final post was that of the Department of the Pacific, where he served as Commanding General with headquarters in San Francisco, California, from 1 January 1942 until the time of his death. Major General Upshur died in an airplane crash near Sitka, Alaska, on 18 August 1943, while on an inspection tour of his command which included Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. In September 1948, his remains were removed from his Alaskan burial plot and reinterred at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Margret from Suffolk resolve an issue related to the Social Security Administration (SSA). After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process and resolve the matter. Thanks for reaching out, Brian...!

If you need assistance with 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 (linked below) 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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