Hello Friends!

It’s been a busy and productive week serving the people of Virginia’s Second District!

From questioning burdensome federal regulations that are holding back critical infrastructure projects to introducing new bipartisan legislation that embraces next-gen technology, I’ve continued working hard to deliver real results. I introduced the LIFT Act to unleash America’s drone innovation, and I questioned delays caused by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)—especially as they impact national security projects like basing F-35s at NAS Oceana.

I was also proud to speak from the House floor to welcome our Virginia Beach Fire Department's Swiftwater Rescue Team home after they bravely answered the call to assist in the Texas flood response. Our team also hosted Mobile Office Hours in Virginia Beach to bring our constituent services directly to you, and I had the chance to meet with women leaders in the trucking industry who are keeping our country running strong. On the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I helped authorize a new VA outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads—a win for the more than 76,000 veterans who call our region home.

As always, I’ll keep fighting in Washington to cut red tape, modernize our infrastructure, support our veterans, and serve the incredible people of VA-02!

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!

NEPA: Outdated Legislation Delaying Critical Defense Projects

Last week, during our Committee on Natural Resources hearing, I questioned the feasibility of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a piece of legislation that might have been instituted in good faith, but has proven to be an obstruction to the development of essential community systems. The outdated and overbearing barriers listed within NEPA have wrongfully delayed the construction of housing, roads and bridges, and facilities that bring energy to our neighborhoods and communities. These resources are essential to Americans nationwide and shouldn't be delayed by bureaucracy.

Even more concerning are the delays NEPA is causing for military infrastructure. Right here in VA-02, NEPA requirements are holding up critical efforts to base next-generation strike fighters at Naval Air Station Oceana—a project that is vital to our national security and to maintaining our region’s role in defending the nation.

Watch my questions👇

The LIFT Act: Unleashing American Dominance in Drone Technology

On Wednesday, I introduced the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies (LIFT) Act, alongside Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01), to codify President Trump’s Executive Order on “Unleashing American Drone Dominance.” x

Read my press release here

Applauding Thoughtful and Measured Cuts at the VA

Last week, I presided over the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing to discuss the chronic issue of improper recruitment, retention, relocation, and incentive payments at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Mom to future veterans, I understand the critical role that the VA plays in service to our veterans. Prior to my political career, I spent several months working at the VA where I witnessed the dedicated physicians, doctors, and nurses who provided excellent treatment to the veterans who needed it. However, I also saw areas in need of reform and improvement, as I believe that our best resources should be going to patient care.

If cuts to the VA are being made, then the government should ensure that they're being made thoughtfully. I commend Secretary Collins for reducing 30,000 positions through attrition rather than eliminating clinical roles that could have left the VA understaffed.

As the chairwoman of this subcommittee, I look forward to further collaboration with Secretary Collins and the Trump Administration to assist with oversight efforts.

Watch my opening remarks 👇

Watch my closing remarks here

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure for Veterans in Hampton Roads

Delivering accessible, high-quality, and efficient medical care for veterans is critical to preserving our promise to those that served our nation. I’m proud to announce that the House Veterans' Affairs Committee has officially authorized over $79.6 million for the construction of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hampton Roads to expand access to healthcare and counseling to over 76,800 veterans who live in our community. 

This extensive growth in medical infrastructure builds upon the progress of the recently opened North Battlefield Clinic in Chesapeake, Virginia, and will cut down on wait times to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the care they deserve. I remain committed to the VA expanding care options on the southside of Hampton Roads. 

This is a historic win for Hampton Roads, and I know that this outpatient care facility will serve our veterans for years to come.

Read the letter 👇

As a Navy veteran and member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue working to make sure every veteran receives the timely, high-quality care they've earned.

Welcoming Home our VBFD Swiftwater Rescue Team from their Deployment to Texas Flood Response

On Thursday, we welcomed our brave Virginia Beach Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team home from their deployment to assist in the ongoing flood response in Texas. I couldn't be more proud of our first responders who answered the call of duty even over 1,700 miles away from home.

This is not the first time disaster relief has taken our emergency response teams outside of VA-02. Last October, VBFD deployed to western Virginia to assist in recovery efforts following severe floods. We are incredibly blessed to have such a dedicated and valiant team of first responders here in VA-02. As we welcome them home from such a critical mission, we continue to pray for the victims of this tragedy.

Watch my floor speech 👇

Supporting Women in Trucking with the ATA and Key Legislation

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with women truck drivers from the American Trucking Association's Women in Motion program. The work our truck drivers do to deliver goods and services to our citizens across the country shouldn't be taken for granted.

You are truly the unsung heroes who keep America moving, and I support your efforts—on the road, in the office, and everywhere in between.

I’m also proud of the bipartisan work I’ve done alongside Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) to introduce the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act, which helps streamline apprenticeship programs so that veterans can smoothly transition into careers in the trucking industry.

From delivering the goods we rely on every day to creating new career opportunities for women and veterans, the trucking industry plays a vital role in our economy—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they have the tools and support they need to succeed.

Read more here

Mobile Office Hours in Virginia Beach...!!

On Tuesday, Team Kiggans was at the Pungo-Blackwater Library in Virginia Beach for Mobile Office Hours to hear your concerns, provide updates on pending casework, and to make government more accessible and responsive to our constituents in VA-02!

Whether you needed help with a VA claim, had questions about a passport application, or just wanted to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your family, our team was there to listen and assist. We know that not everyone can make it to one of our district offices, which is why we're committed to bringing our services directly to your community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and stay tuned for details on future Mobile Office Hours!

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 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 whether you believe the 3.8% pay raise included in the House-passed 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will improve the lives of our military families. Over 65% of you believe that it will, and that's true! As a Navy veteran and Navy wife, I know the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make on a daily basis in service to our country. Since entering office, I've been a strong advocate for fair compensation for our servicemembers, and that's why I remain proud of the 3.8% pay raise included in the 2026 NDAA, but it doesn't stop there!

The House's version of the NDAA also reduces TRICARE travel reimbursement mileage threshold from 100 to 50 miles, expands commissary and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) access to civil service mariners, and requires centralized licensure verification for military healthcare providers. These are monumental reforms that I urge the Senate to pass!

Read more about the provisions included in the 2026 House NDAA here.

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, Colonel Donald Gilbert Cook, of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: February 26th 1980).

Donald Cook was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 9, 1934. He received his high school education from Xavier High School in New York City, and graduated from St. Michael’s College in Vermont. Upon graduating from college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a private. Shortly after he enlisted, he was sent to Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia, and in 1957 he was commissioned a second lieutenant at 23 years old. Three years later, he continued his education by attending the Army Language school in Monterey, California to study Chinese, and graduated just below the top of his class. In 1961. Lieutenant Cook was then assigned to Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, and was promoted to captain the following year.

Cook had multiple assignments in the Marine Corps prior to his deployment to southern Vietnam in 1964. Upon his arrival, he served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Marine Division. After only a few weeks in Southeast Asia, Cook was captured by the Viet Cong after facing injuries. He was held prisoner for nearly three years until he died from malaria on December 8th, 1967. Colonel Donald Gilbert Cook was 33 years of age. 

Colonel Donald Gilbert Cook was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 26th, 1980 for his bravery, selflessness, and his unwavering adherence to the Code of Conduct. During his time as a POW, Cook proclaimed that he was the senior prisoner, a false claim, which brought harsher treatment upon him by the Viet Cong. He assumed responsibility for the health of his fellow prisoners, and put their interests above his own health and well-being. Cook would give others in need his medicine and drug allowance, and persistently took care of those who were ill. This put him at risk of infection and disease in a time where his health was steadily on the decline. Colonel Cook also strictly followed the Code of Conduct during his time in the service, which garnered him respect not only from his fellow prisoners, but also from his captors as well.

Colonel Cook refused to negotiate information for his release, and never gave into the Viet Cong’s attempts to pry information out of him. He stuck to the Code of Conduct even beyond what was to be expected of him. It was Colonel Cook’s valor, bravery, and selflessness that earned him the Medal of Honor in 1980.

Constituent Corner

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

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 (linked below) 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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