Hello Friends,

As we begin this week’s update, I want to first recognize our brave military men and women currently deployed in the Middle East. We are grateful for their continued sacrifice and service as they work each day to protect our nation’s interests and help preserve peace around the world.

Last Friday, I was proud to join my colleagues in passing a 60-day continuing resolution to fund the entire Department of Homeland Security through May 22, 2026.

Congress must ensure that the Department charged with protecting the American people has the full resources it needs to carry out its duties. We cannot afford to partially fund DHS. Our border security personnel, Coast Guard servicemembers, TSA officers, emergency response teams, cybersecurity professionals, and countless other dedicated public servants all play essential roles in keeping our nation safe.

It is imperative that we fully reopen the government and provide certainty to the men and women who serve our country every day. The American people deserve a government that is fully operational, fully staffed, and fully focused on their safety and security. I continue to urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this CR to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is fully funded while Congress can work through the Appropriations process.

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.

Opposing Risky Border Policies and Supporting DHS Personnel

Now is not the time to return to failed border security policies that put our communities at risk—and unfortunately, the Senate’s DHS bill would do exactly that. We must fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and ensure the dedicated Americans, including our Coast Guard and TSA agents, serving within the agency can do their jobs without the uncertainty of missed paychecks. I urge the Senate to pass a 60-day continuing resolution while working with the House to fully fund DHS!

Watch my remarks after the vote 👇 and read my press release here.

My House Republican colleagues and I voted three times in support of our Department of Homeland Security last week. These men and women are on the frontlines every day protecting our communities, and they deserve more than political games in Washington. It’s time to put partisanship aside and support those who keep America safe…!

Honoring Old Dominion University Army ROTC Cadets for their Bravery and Heroism

I am grateful to Secretary of the U.S. Army Daniel Driscoll for recognizing the ODU Army ROTC cadets for their bravery and courage. It was an honor to be in the room for the ceremony...

Strengthening Battlefield Preservation Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Last week I spoke at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing regarding my American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 which would extend and increase federal resourcing for the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035 and continue the important work of preserving and restoring America’s historic battlefields. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud to help maintain these historic sites and honor those who fought for our freedoms. History is important and we must continue to preserve and protect it for future generations….! 

Read my press release here.

Standing Proud with Rx ACCESS Act

I’m proud to stand behind my Rx ACCESS Act, a bipartisan effort to restore pharmacy choice, strengthen access, and deliver greater transparency for our TRICARE beneficiaries. First introduced in December, this commonsense legislation ensures our servicemembers, veterans, and military families can once again choose how they receive their medications. I’m grateful for the continued support from trusted advocates across the country who fight for our nation’s heroes every day…! 

Supporting Stronger Law Enforcement Tools to Address Illegal Immigration

Last week I signed on as an original co-sponsor of Rep. Ben Cline’s (VA-06) 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026 to strengthen federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships by requiring state law enforcement agencies to enter into a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a condition of receiving Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants. After years of unprecedented illegal crossings at our southern border, we must ensure that law enforcement is equipped with the resources they need to keep us safe!

Read my press release here.

Fighting for Fiscal Responsibility in Washington

Just like you and I, our federal government shouldn’t spend more than it takes in. That’s the definition of “fiscal responsibility”! Last week, I voted for House Resolution 139 to establish a constitutional amendment that would require Congress to pass a balanced budget every year. Unfortunately this is easier said than done—the bill needed 2/3rds House majority to pass and that did not happen… but know that I will keep fighting to restore fiscal responsibility and ensure Congress is being good stewards of your tax payer dollars!

Bring F-35s to NAS Oceana...!

We visited the Lockheed Martin Fighter Demonstration office last week and attended a program to recognize the war fighting capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team. The F-35 is the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world today and we need them at our East Coast Master Jet Base, NAS Oceana! Fly Navy...! ⚓️🇺🇸

Advocating for Coastal Resilience and Eastern Shore Infrastructure

Last week, I spoke before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water during Member Day to highlight two important issues directly impacting Virginia’s Second District: advancing the Chincoteague Inlet feasibility study and strengthening support and cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers for beach nourishment and Coastal Storm Risk Management. Addressing these issues of erosion and public safety is critical to safeguarding our communities while preserving Coastal Virginia for future generations.

You can read my press release with link to my remarks here

Mobile Office Hours in Carrollton!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Mobile Office Hours in Carrollton, VA..!! Whether you had questions about a VA claim, needed help with a passport, or just wanted to share your thoughts—my team was glad to connect with you. Stay tuned for details on future Mobile Office Hours..!!

Participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Challenge...!!

Attention all VA-02 high school students…! My office is now accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition…! This year's artwork theme is "America 250" to celebrate 250 years since the birth of our great nation. 🇺🇸 If you are interested in participating, the deadline to submit artwork is Friday, April 17, 2026.

Fill out the “contact me” form👉 here.

Join Us for Service Academy Information Night...!

Attention VA-02 students! My district staff is hosting our 2026 Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, May 27th in the Landstown High School Auditorium in Virginia Beach...! If you are a student interested in applying for a service academy nomination through my office, joining the military officer corps, or pursuing education at a military college… we'd love to see you there...! 🇺🇸

Please fill out the RSVP form👉 here.

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 had filed your taxes for the 2025 fiscal year. 62% of you said YES and 37% said NO.

I know that tax season can be a stressful time of year, especially as we quickly approach that April 15th deadline. For those of you that have filed your taxes, I hope that you've noticed the meaningful relief that my colleagues and I have delivered via the Working Families Tax Cuts. House Republicans passed legislation to permanently increase the Child Tax Credit to $2,400, establish a $10,000 tax deduction for new American-assembled vehicles, provide a $6,000 tax deduction for seniors, and raise the standard deduction for couples filing jointly to $31,500. Altogether, a family of four in Virginia could see their take-home pay increase by as much as $14,800 each year.

While there’s still more work to be done, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to lower costs, support working families, and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans. I’ll continue fighting for policies that strengthen our economy and deliver real relief for families 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 Alexander Archer Vandegrift of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: August 7 – December 9, 1942).

Alexander Archer Vandegrift, a Virginia native, served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II as the Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Division. Over the course of his service, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership, resilience, and devotion to duty while directing complex joint operations against determined enemy forces under some of the most challenging conditions of the war.

From August 7 to December 9, 1942, Major General Vandegrift led his division in operations in the Solomon Islands, where U.S. forces launched their first major offensive against Japanese-held territory. Facing adverse weather, treacherous terrain, and the constant threat of disease, he commanded not only Marine forces but also elements of Army, Navy, and air units in a coordinated campaign to seize and hold critical ground. Despite these hardships, he successfully directed the initial amphibious landings and established a foothold against a well-entrenched and experienced enemy.

As the campaign progressed, Major General Vandegrift’s forces endured relentless aerial bombardment, naval shelling, and repeated ground assaults. Through his tenacity, courage, and resourcefulness, he maintained the integrity of his command and inspired his troops to withstand overwhelming pressure. Under his leadership, American forces overcame significant logistical challenges and fierce resistance, gradually weakening and disorganizing the enemy.

Understanding the strategic importance of the mission, Major General Vandegrift remained steadfast in the face of constant danger, ensuring that his forces held their positions and secured a vital base for continued Allied operations in the Pacific. His leadership enabled his command to persevere through extreme hardship and ultimately achieve a decisive and lasting victory in the region.

General Alexander Archer Vandegrift’s extraordinary heroism and exemplary leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His actions reflected great credit upon himself, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the joint forces with whom he served.

Constituent Corner

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

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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