Hello Friends,

It was a busy week in Virginia's Second District as we met with many community stakeholders, constituents, and first responders. I had the privilege of welcoming FBI Director Kash Patel to meet with our local law enforcement agencies and first responder partners. It was an honor to discuss ways we can better support, coordinate, and serve them in their mission of keeping the community safe. Our law enforcement and first responder communities provide an invaluable service to Hampton Roads, and I am proud to represent and serve such incredible individuals.

I also had the opportunity to speak at the Virginia Ship Repair Association's General Membership Luncheon to discuss the ways Congress is supporting and growing the Hampton Roads maritime industry. I know how indispensable the ship repair industry is to our military readiness, and I will continue to support policies that keep the maritime industrial base strong and vibrant here in our community.

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

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Advocating for Local Law Enforcement With FBI Director Kash Patel

Last week, I joined federal, state, and local leaders united by one shared mission: Keeping Hampton Roads Safe! Thank you to FBI Director Kash Patel and our local law enforcement and first responder partners for an engaging conversation on the importance of coordination, information sharing, and strong relationships in addressing today’s evolving security challenges. I’m grateful for the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.

Read my press release 👉 here.

A Stronger Navy Starts in Hampton Roads...!

I was proud to join the Virginia Ship Repair Association for their General Membership Luncheon last week to discuss the critical role that our Hampton Roads maritime industry plays in keeping our Navy ready and our country safe. As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand how important fleet readiness and timely maintenance are to our servicemembers. Our ship repair industry and maritime industrial base are invaluable to our national security, and I will continue to work for the men and women who keep us safe. Thank you to the Virginia Ship Repair Association for having me and for your continued advocacy on behalf of our local industry…! 🇺🇸⚓️

Supporting Our Local Training Programs for Skilled Health Professionals

I had the opportunity last week to visit Paul D. Camp Community College’s Nursing and Allied Health Professions Center in Franklin to see firsthand how they are preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals! Programs like these are critical to strengthening our healthcare workforce and ensuring communities across Hampton Roads have access to the quality care they deserve. Thank you to the Paul D. Camp Community College team for all you do to inspire future healthcare leaders….!

Strengthening Our Transportation Infrastructure is Key in Growing Our Economy

Last week, I visited the Franklin Municipal Airport to see firsthand the work being done to strengthen its infrastructure and to hear about some areas where additional assistance is needed. Our local airports play an important role in connecting our communities and driving economic development, and I’ll continue advocating in Congress for the infrastructure they need to thrive. Thank you to Mayor Paul Kaplan, the Franklin Municipal Airport, and Franklin/Southampton Economic Development for having me…!

Honoring Those Who Fly Navy...!

Just recently, I had the honor of speaking at the Association of Naval Aviation meeting. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, the wife of a former naval aviator, and the Mom of a current naval aviator, I have always been grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by so many extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our great country. It was a privilege to spend time with so many outstanding members of the naval aviation community and to reflect on the proud tradition of service that continues to inspire generations….! Fly Navy…! ⚓️

Recognizing the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department's Service to Our Community

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department to present them with a new flag for their fire station that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of their service to our community! I couldn’t be more grateful for ALL that they do, and I will continue to work tirelessly for VA-02’s first responders. It was an honor to recognize these dedicated men and women and thank them for answering the call to serve…!

Honoring Our Commitment to Coastal Virginia

I visited Tangier Island with our local USDA partners to meet with the Mayor and Town Council members and discussed the ongoing federal issues affecting their community. I’ll continue working to protect our coast, preserve our public lands, and ensure Coastal Virginia has the resources and infrastructure it needs to continue to grow. Thank you to the Tangier Island community and our local USDA partners for taking the time to meet with me…!

Virginia Beach Firefighters: Training to Keep Our District Safe

Team Kiggans joined the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Fire Departments last week for a firsthand look at one of their live-fire training exercises…! Our firefighters put in countless hours of training to ensure they’re ready to respond when our community needs them most. Thank you to the men and women of the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Fire Departments for your service and dedication to keeping us safe…!

Putting Money Back in Parents’ Pockets

Through the “Working Families Tax Cut”, nearly 40 million families have taken advantage of the new $2,200 Child Income Tax Credit! I was proud to join my House GOP colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation that delivered real relief for our families and kept more money in the pockets of parents across VA-02…!

Delivering on Support for Local Businesses

It was great to join the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders to talk about the issues impacting our small businesses and communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and I’ll continue working in Congress to cut red tape, support job creation, and create more opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive across VA-02. Thank you to the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce for bringing us together!

Meeting with Our Local Tax Professionals: Supporting Tax Relief for Working Families

Last week, I stopped by H&R Block to meet the men and women who work every day to provide tax preparation and financial services to individuals, families and small businesses in our community. After passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, the IRS reported an 11% increase in tax returns compared to last year. I was proud to vote for that bill, knowing it would deliver real relief for families across VA-02! Thank you to the staff at H&R Block for having me and for the update on this tax season…!

Assateague Island Wins Grant to Support VA-02 Resident Engagement

We had some amazing news for Assateague Island last week…! The National Park Foundation awarded $5 million in grants to strengthen park partners and catalyze impact across the country. Among the recipients of these grants is the Assateague Island Alliance, which will use the grant to modernize and diversify its donor engagement systems and expand its social media presence and community engagement in preparation for the organization’s 20th anniversary in 2028. Thank you to the National Park Foundation for helping preserve and protect our treasured national parks…!

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.

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you supported holding China accountable for unfair trade practices. Of the responses, 87% said YES, 5% said NO, and 8% were UNSURE.

China should play by the same rules in the global marketplace as the rest of us do. Unfair trade practices and use of forced labor can put American businesses and workers at a disadvantage, undermine domestic industries, and threaten our economic security. Holding China accountable while strengthening American manufacturing and supporting our domestic workforce is essential to ensuring our economy remains competitive.

As always, I remain committed to supporting policies that protect American workers and businesses, strengthen our economy, and ensure our trading partners are held accountable for unfair, unethical, and fraudulent practices.

And now, onto this week's poll question...!

Should local and state governments regulate data centers instead of Congress?

Yes

Unsure

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Signalman First Class Douglas Albert Munro of the United States Coast Guard (Medal of Honor action date: September 27, 1942).

Douglas Munro was born on October 11, 1919, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. When he was just two years old, his family repatriated to the United States and eventually settled in South Cle Elum, Washington, where he grew up. Munro later attended the Central Washington College of Education. As tensions in Europe grew, Munro voluntarily chose to enlist before military service became compulsory. In 1939, he officially enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard.

On September 27, 1942, Signalman First Class Douglas Munro was the petty officer in command of 24 Higgins boats tasked with evacuating nearly 500 Marines who were trapped by Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal. After carefully planning the difficult evacuation, Munro led five boats toward the shore under constant enemy machine-gun fire. As the boats approached the beach, he positioned his own vessel between the beachhead and Japanese forces, deliberately drawing enemy fire away from the heavily loaded boats. Using his boat’s two small guns to protect the Marines, Munro continued to shield the evacuation until he was killed by enemy fire. Even after his death, his crew, including two wounded men, continued the mission, remaining until the final boat was loaded and safely cleared the beach.

In May 1943, Munro was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his parents during a White House ceremony. His courage and sacrifice left a lasting impression on his mother, who was so inspired by his service that she joined the military that same day. Despite her age, she requested no special treatment, completed boot camp, and went on to serve as a member of the SPARs. Munro remains the only member of the Coast Guard to receive the Medal of Honor, and his legacy of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to his country continues to inspire others to serve and accomplish great things.

Constituent Corner

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

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, D.C. in the coming months, please stop by to say hello!

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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