Hello Friends,

Last week was a productive week in Washington as two of my bipartisan bills passed the House! My Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act will help address lifeguard shortages on federal beaches, while my second bill will honor World War II hero Colonel Edward D. Shames by naming the Kempsville Road Post Office in Virginia Beach after him.

I was also honored to be named a 2026 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation for my work supporting small businesses and local retailers across VA-02. Back home in Virginia Beach, I welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins for a roundtable with local veterans and community leaders. As a Navy veteran, I know how important it is for VA leadership to hear directly from the men and women they serve as we continue working to improve the care, benefits, and services our veterans have earned.

From advancing bipartisan legislation in Washington to bringing federal leaders directly to our community, I remain focused on delivering results for Coastal Virginia. As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in Washington.

The House also voted on and passed multiple bills. You can read more about some of those below in my weekly floor recap.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Two of My Bipartisan Bills Passed the House...! Protecting Swimmers & Honoring a WWII Hero

My bipartisan Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act officially passed the House last week…! After communities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore were forced to step up during last summer’s federal lifeguard shortage, I got to work on a commonsense solution to ensure the Department of the Interior and local governments have the tools they need to keep our families and swimmers safe. 

Watch my speech from the House Floor 👇and read my press release here.

The second bill honors a WWII hero from Hampton Roads...! Colonel Edward D. Shames was an American hero who served our nation courageously from the beaches of Normandy to the battlefields of Bastogne. I’m proud that my bill to name the Kempsville Road Post Office in his honor passed the House with bipartisan support. Colonel Shames represented the very best of the Greatest Generation and I’m grateful his legacy will live on in the Virginia Beach community for years to come…!

Read my press release here.

Discussing Veterans’ Care with Secretary Collins..!!

I was proud to host Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins in VA-02 for a roundtable with local veterans and community leaders to discuss how we can continue improving the care and services our veterans rely on. As a Navy veteran, I know how important it is that the VA listens directly to those it serves. I’m grateful to Secretary Collins for taking the time to hear from our veterans and discuss how we can work together to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve...!!

Before our roundtable, Secretary Collins and I visited Be Free Craft Café, a veteran-owned small business in Virginia Beach...! Founded by retired Navy SEAL Christopher Fettes, Be Free is a great example of how our veterans continue serving their communities long after leaving the military. Thank you to all the staff at Be Free Craft Café for the delicious ice cream and for sharing your story of service and continued commitment to Hampton Roads…!! 

Honoring Those Who Never Came Home

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we paused to honor the brave Americans who endured captivity in service to our nation and those who never returned home. Our nation is forever indebted to these heroes. May we honor their courage, pray for their loved ones, and remain committed to bringing every service member home. You are not forgotten.

Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Update

The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and an economic and environmental lifeline for Coastal Virginia. Following the President’s new Executive Order, I’ll be closely monitoring the next steps to ensure we continue improving water quality while supporting the communities and economy that depend on the Bay.

Read my press release here.

Supporting School Choice and Parents' Role in their Children's Education

Last week, I spoke at the Association of Christian Schools International Public Policy and Advocacy Summit…! As a Mom of four children and a strong advocate of school choice, I know the importance of empowering parents to send their kids to a school that mirrors their values. Thank you to ACSI for your continued support of Christian schools around the world and to the dedicated educators who joined us on Capitol Hill today…!

Recognized as a 2026 “Hero of Main Street”

Last week I was honored to be named a “2026 Hero of Main Street” from the National Retail Federation..! Small businesses and local retailers serve an important role in creating jobs, driving our economy, and providing employment opportunities across VA-02. Thank you to the NRF for this honor and I’ll continue working in Congress to support our small businesses to help them grow and succeed…!

Celebrating the U.S.-Japan Friendship...!!

I had the opportunity to join Ambassador of Japan Shigeo Yamada to celebrate the former participants and contributors of People-to-People Exchange Programs between Japan and the U.S…!! As a former participant in the Japan Exchange Teaching program, I know firsthand how these experiences build lasting relationships, strengthen cultural understanding, and deepen the important friendship between our two countries. Thank you, Ambassador Yamada, for bringing us together to celebrate the strong ties between the United States and Japan..!!

Keeping Energy Costs off the Backs of Families

Last week I voted “YES” for the Ratepayer Protection Act! As data centers and other high-energy users continue to grow, this bill empowers state regulators to consider whether these high-energy users should help cover the cost of necessary grid upgrades. This protects ratepayers and hardworking families from paying the bill…! 

Happy 79th Birthday to the United States Air Force...!

Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force! 🇺🇸 For 79 years, the men and women of the Air Force have defended our skies, advanced American airpower, and strengthened our national security around the world. As a Navy veteran, I deeply admire the professionalism, innovation, and courage of our Airmen who serve with honor every day. To all who wear the uniform, past and present, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to keeping America safe and free. Aim High… Fly-Fight-Win!

Sign Up for The Congressional App Challenge...!

Student registration is now open for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 26, 2026: Submit your app by this date.

• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.

• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

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.

*Reservations for October White House Tours are now open! Please call my office at (202) 225-4215 if you have any questions!

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you, "Should Congress should address antisemitism on college campuses?" Of the responses, 70% said YES, 21.9% said NO, and 8.1% were UNSURE.

Antisemitism has no place on our college campuses, in our communities, or anywhere in our country. Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their education without facing threats, harassment, or discrimination because of who they are.

Colleges and universities that receive federal funding have responsibilities under federal civil rights law to protect students from discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including Jewish students. As your representative, I believe Congress has an important oversight role in making sure those protections are upheld while respecting the constitutional rights of every American.

I appreciate everyone who participated in last week’s poll and shared their perspective. Hearing directly from you helps me better represent the people of Virginia’s Second District in Washington.

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 First Sergeant Johannes Seigfried Anderson of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: October 8, 1918). 

Johannes Anderson was born on July 20th, 1887, in Bjoroky, Finland. While little is known about his early life, he entered the U.S. Army in Chicago, Illinois on June 19, 1916, less than a year before the United States joined World War I. 

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which took place from September 26th to November 11, 1918, was one of the final operations of WWI. As the largest offensive conducted by the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), it included over a million American soldiers and resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Americans, 120,000 casualties combined. 

On October 8th near Consenvoye, France, 1st Sgt. Anderson and his company were being held up by intense artillery and machine-gun fire. Without aid, he voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the nest that was offering the most stubborn resistance. His advance was made through an open area, and even under constant hostile fire, he was able to successfully complete his mission. His actions resulted in the capture and silencing of the gun, as well as 23 prisoners of war.

He was presented with the Medal of Honor on February 9, 1919, less than three months after the war had ended, in Chaumont, France by General John J. Pershing. Anderson moved back to Chicago and lived there until his death on April 3, 1950. He is currently buried at Acacia Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois and his medal is located at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Craig 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, Craig...!

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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