Hello Friends!

It’s an honor to represent the hardworking families, servicemembers, and veterans of Virginia’s Second District. Whether it's strengthening our national defense, standing up for military families, or supporting our farmers and rural hospitals—I’ve been busy in Washington and across VA-02 fighting for the issues that matter most to you.

I led efforts to improve TRICARE coverage for military dependents, addressed the future of Naval Aviation during a House Armed Services hearing, and celebrated the newest class of defense manufacturing graduates at their commencement ceremony. I also spent time meeting with farmers in our region and advanced critical legislation to protect our veterans from scams and fraud.

Each week, I remain focused on finding real solutions that strengthen our communities, support those who serve, and preserve the values that make our district—and our country—so special.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

Securing NAS Oceana's Role in the Future of Naval Aviation

In a House Armed Services Committee hearing, I asked Department of Defense Under Secretary Michael Duffey about the future of Naval Aviation, including the F/A-XX Program, the aging fleet of F/A-18s, and the homebasing of F-35s at Oceana.

Watch my questions👇

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act: Closing the TRICARE Gap for Military Dependents

Recently, I co-led the bipartisan Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, which would allow TRICARE dependents to remain on their parents’ plan until age 26. The legislation closes a longstanding gap in military healthcare by aligning TRICARE eligibility with civilian standards under the Affordable Care Act.

Under current law, TRICARE dependents may remain on a parent’s health plan until age 21—or 23 if enrolled as a full-time student. After that, families must purchase separate coverage through the TRICARE Young Adult program, which can cost between $337 and $727 per month. Nearly 33,000 families currently pay these premiums, creating a significant financial burden.

The bill reflects a broad, bipartisan commitment to supporting not just those who serve in uniform, but the families who serve alongside them. I'm leading the effort in the House with Rep. Pat Ryan (NY), while Senators Mark Kelly (AZ) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) are spearheading the Senate companion.

Read my press release here

Delivering a Commencement Address to the Next-Gen Defense Workforce

It was such a great honor and privilege to deliver the commencement address for the graduating class of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program…! To the graduates, the work you’ve trained for is about service, teamwork, and standing up for your country. Congratulations and thank you for stepping up to be a part of this mission. May God bless each of you…!

Watch my commencement speech👇

Following my commencement speech, I visited the ATDM campus, where we are training future Navy ship builders! Whether it’s welding, manufacturing, or quality control, ATDM is preparing the next generation of America’s defense workforce. Thank you for investing in the future of our national security and our defense industrial base!

Remaining Committed to the Future of Agriculture in the Commonwealth

Thank you to the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VPGA) & the Virginia Farm Bureau for taking the time to meet with me and Virginia Senator Emily Jordan on Friday..! The agriculture industry in Virginia has an economic impact of $82 billion in the Commonwealth, and it's important to listen to our farmers!

Food security is national security...!

Smart Fixes to Strengthen Scam Support Services for Our Veterans

During a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing, I introduced an amendment to the VSAFE Act of 2025, introduced by my friend and colleague, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41). The VSAFE Act of 2025 will establish a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), making anti-scam resources more available to our veterans.

My amendment will institute technical changes to this transformative piece of legislation and include real feedback we've received from VA staffers to ensure that the new anti-fraud website and support hotline works the way we want it to. The amendment also utilizes the VA's existing resources so the new support system can serve its purpose to our veterans properly with limited glitches and waste of American taxpayer dollars.

Watch my committee speech 👇

Shoutout to Our Summer Interns...!!

On Thursday, we celebrated National Intern Day to recognize our wonderful summer interns..! From D.C. to Virginia Beach, thank you for all your hard work serving the people of VA-02..!

Delivering for Rural Hospitals: Funding Now Available...!

One of the reasons I voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill was because it allocated $50 billion for rural hospitals, which is now being used to fund the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program. See below for more information..!

The program helps hospitals improve financial stability through comprehensive assessment and planning that support data-driven decisions, expand needed services, and keep care close to home.

Eligible hospitals include Critical Access Hospitals, Prospective Payment System hospitals, Rural Emergency Hospitals, and Indian Health Service hospitals.

If you're a hospital interested in receiving funding through this amazing program, apply here..! Applications are due August 20th.

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

With summer in full-swing, 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

Last week, I asked you "Is America better off now than it was this time last year?" With over 1,400 responses, 62.4% of you said "Yes." Thank you to everyone who took a moment to weigh in. As your representative, I believe it’s important to listen first and lead with that perspective in mind.

While I’m encouraged that a majority of you feel things are moving in the right direction, I know there’s still a lot of work ahead. Many Virginians continue to face challenges—whether it’s the cost of living, access to quality health care, or making sure our veterans and military families are getting the support they deserve. I hear your concerns, and I carry them with me to every committee hearing and every vote on the House floor.

As someone who has served in uniform and in healthcare, I believe our country’s strength comes not just from economic stats or headlines—but from how our families, our communities, and our service members are actually doing day to day.

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

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I would like to honor the Medal of Honor Recipient, Julian A. Scott, of the Vermont Union Army (Medal of Honor action date: April 16th, 1862).

Julian Scott was born in Johnson, Vermont, to Charles Scott, a clockmaker, and Lucy Kellum. His mother Lucy passed during childbirth, and his father remarried Susan Pollard who had four more kids. Julian was the fourth out of eight kids. 

Julian wasn’t the first of his family to serve his country. His older brother, Lucian, had served in the 4th Regiment of the United States Artillery, and was wounded in battle. Julian’s younger brother, Charlie, enlisted when he was 13, and became a bugler. Julian’s story however, began at the age of 15, when he joined the 3rd Vermont Infantry on June 1, 1861, during the Civil War as a fifer. 

It was during his time in the Army as a fifer and drummer where he courageously saved the lives of many at the Battle at Lee’s Mill, Virginia. This battle was led by McClellan of the Union and Magruder of the Confederacy. The Union Army was on their way to Yorktown, when they encountered Magruder’s men. They fought their way through what they believed to be Magruder’s one line of defense, but they were confronted by more Confederate soldiers. The soldiers tactically moved back and forth through the lines so the group would appear fuller and stronger. As they continued to Yorktown, the 4th Corps under Keyes headed towards Lee’s Mill, while the 3rd Corps under Heintzelman headed to Yorktown proper. The lead division arrived in Lee's Mill in the early afternoon of April 5th. The fight at Lee’s Mill and Dam Number One quickly went south, and later became known for how the Confederacy demonstrated their fervent resistance against the Union. It was during this battle that Julian Scott, a Union drummer, saved numerous wounded soldiers while under enemy fire. He received the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of many who otherwise would have perished.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Guillermo from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue related to a passport with the U.S. Department of State. After he reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Guillermo...!

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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