Friends,

Before we begin this week's update, I want to take a moment to address the true act of evil we all witnessed on Saturday in Pennsylvania. Like so many across the country, I am shocked and horrified by the assassination attempt on former President Trump. I am grateful he is safe and ask that you join me in praying for the loves ones of Corey Comperatore and the two men who were seriously injured.

God bless the law enforcement officers who quickly neutralized the threat and likely prevented more lives being lost. I will never forget seeing former President Trump’s fist rise in the air — showing bravery and strength under literal fire. I strongly support Speaker Johnson’s call for a full investigation so that the American people can get the answers and facts they deserve about this tragedy.

As former President Trump said, “in this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans.”

Welcome Home USS Eisenhower!

On Sunday, our Hampton Roads community welcomed home the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group after an extended deployment in the Middle East. The USS Eisenhower has been deployed off the coast of Israel for more than eight months in what was the greatest concentration of Naval Power deployed to the Mediterranean in a generation. I spoke on the House Floor last week to recognize their commitment to our country and to welcome them home!

As a former Navy helicopter pilot and a Navy spouse, I know the uncertainty their families faced during this extended deployment - the milestones missed, the challenges endured...I am beyond excited to see them reunited with their loved ones. To all those who have been serving aboard the USS Eisenhower...thank you for having the watch for the past nine months…Our country is grateful!!

Their selfless service led them far from home during dangerous times for a purpose greater than themselves - we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. It's truly an honor to represent these servicemembers in Congress, to fiercely defend their mission, and to advocate for them and their families.

Legislative Recap from Last Week

There was a lot happening in Washington, D.C. last week, and I had the opportunity to vote on several significant pieces of legislation, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act which aims to preserve the integrity of America's election system (there are more details about that bill below).

The House also voted on a resolution that disapproves of the Biden Administration's new Title IX Rule and on H.R. 8772, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. I voted in favor of both these bills, however the latter failed. Although this bill is the smallest of our 12 annual appropriations bills, it is critical to ensuring Congress can continue to work on behalf of the American people...I will continue to urge my colleagues to resolve their concerns with the bill as soon as possible so we can stay on track to pass all funding bills on time.

You can read more about all of these votes here:

Preserving the Integrity of America's Federal Elections

Perhaps the most important bill passed by the House last week was H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. For me, it's a no brainer to support policies that make it easy to vote, but hard to cheat, including maintaining a photo ID requirement, preventing ballot harvesting, and ensuring all state election officials can keep our federal election process secure and transparent.

Specifically, the SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to require States to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election. Additionally, the legislation would requires States to establish a program to remove non-citizens from their voter rolls and gives States no-cost access to federal databases to do so.

I’ve heard from countless Virginians who are concerned about the integrity of our elections, especially as some states have instituted laws that allow those who have come to our country illegally to apply for driver’s licenses and register to vote in local elections. By passing the SAVE Act, the House is working to address those concerns in a way that protects the sanctity of the ballot box while also preserving access to it.

Advocating for a Congressional Stock Trading Ban

Last week, I joined 19 of my colleagues in sending a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging them to hold a vote on legislation that would ban Members of Congress from owning and trading individual stocks.

There is a growing consensus among the American public that allowing Members of Congress to trade individual stocks can present a host of ethical challenges. I have heard from Virginians on both sides of the aisle about potential for abuse, conflict of interest, and even insider trading. I believe that lawmakers must lead by example, demonstrating that we are here for the betterment of our constituents and our nation, not personal profit. 

That's why our letter calls for a vote on any of the several bills introduced this Congress that would end the practice of congressional stock trading. I thank Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) for leading this bipartisan effort to maintain transparency and accountable governance in Congress.

I have long believed that Members of Congress should not be allowed to financially benefit from knowledge gained in their official capacity. Last year, I cosponsored H.R. 2678, the Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act. This legislation would disallow Members of Congress from owning individual stocks, requiring they hold mutual funds, ETFs, or place their holdings in a blind trust.

By adopting measures like the ETHICS Act, we can reaffirm our commitment to ethical governance and ensure that our actions are aligned with the best interests of the American public. To learn more about the letter I signed onto last week click here or on the photo above.

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Visits D.C.

Recently, I met with Virginia business leaders from the Hampton Roads and Richmond Chambers of Commerce, who came up to Washington for their "Day on the Hill!" We had the opportunity to discuss several topics that impact them and the entire Hampton Roads community, from immigration to challenges with the IRS.

I was glad to talk with them about the challenges they face with their businesses and their workforce, and how Congress can partner with them to better support economic growth in the Commonwealth. I will always fight for policies that empower our local community here in Washington. Thank you for taking the time to visit and to advocate for Hampton Roads...!

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Summer means high school graduation, and my team and I recently put a LOT of letters in the mail to the high school graduates in Virginia's Second Congressional District. We are blessed to have so many high school students graduate in the last month. Be on the lookout for a special letter from my office in the next week!

I am proud of each one of you for reaching this milestone in you academic careers. We are wishing you all the best as you take this next step in your lives. Congratulations on your graduation!!

Weekly Poll

With nearly 1,200 votes last week, more than 85% of you said that proof of citizenship should be required to vote in elections. I agree with you...! You might be interested to know that this week, I voted for, and the House passed the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act or SAVE Act. If enacted, this bill will require citizenship to be verified in order for individuals to be able to vote in federal elections. This bill would also allow state election officials to be able to accept a wide variety of documents that will make it easier for citizens to register to vote in elections.

And now on to this week's poll question!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I want to honor Medal of Honor recipient Chief Warrant Officer 4, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Medal of Honor Action Date: February 23, 1945) 

Corporal Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams was born the youngest of 11 on October 2, 1923, on a dairy farm in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. At the age of 21, Williams tried to enlist in the Marines, but was turned away because of his height (5’ 6”). When height regulations were changed in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. Williams received his demolition and flamethrower training at Camp Elliot in San Diego. During his first deployment, he served in New Caledonia, and the battle of Guadalcanal, and in the liberation of Guam. In February of 1945, Williams was sent to Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, Third Marine Division as a demolition sergeant. 

On February 23, 1945, Williams was selfless in volunteering his services to clear a lane through a treacherous web of mines and pillboxes, so tanks and infantry could pass. Covered by only four riflemen, he bravely fought for four hours through heavy machine gun fire. He returned multiple times to his own line throughout this time to obtain flamethrowers and prepare demolition charges. Despite the incredible danger, Williams took out seven pillboxes with a flamethrower. His unparalleled heroics ultimately led to a successful campaign by his company. 

On March 6th, Williams was wounded in the leg. Disregarding his own wellbeing, he continued to fight for the remaining five weeks of the battle. Williams was awarded a Purple Heart for his fierce courage. 

His service did not end when he retired. Williams worked for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs after leaving active duty. He also started the Woody Williams Foundation which supports Gold Star families. In 2018, Williams was honored when the Huntington VA Medical Center in West Virginia was renamed the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center. In 2020, the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Lewis B. Puller class expeditionary mobile base, was commissioned by the United States Navy in his honor.

Williams passed away on June 29, 2022. He was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient. On July 14, 2022, his remains laid in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Williams is buried in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, West Virginia. 

Fun Fact of the Week!

On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol, by placing an inscribed silver plate under a stone. Interestingly, today the location of the original cornerstone is unknown, as its location was only described as under the southeast corner of the building. However, we do not know whether that meant the southeast corner of the Senate wing, the first section of the building to be completed, or the southeast corner of the whole building as intended, which would locate it over on the House side. More than two centuries later, the Architect of the Capitol is still searching for that cornerstone. Metal detectors have failed to locate the silver plate.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact my DC Office at (202) 225-4215 or my Virginia Beach District Office at (757) 364-7650 with questions, concerns, or if you require assistance with a federal agency. And 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, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington DC in the coming summer months, please stop by to say hello! If you are interested in a tour, please let us know!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District