Friends,

It was another impactful week serving you in our nation’s capital!

While working in Washington, I continued pushing forward key legislative priorities for Coastal Virginia. I proudly voted for the FY2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which includes several of my amendments to improve military housing, expand access to childcare, strengthen veteran mental health care, and support the future basing of the F-35 at NAS Oceana.

This week, I also advanced two bipartisan bills supporting servicemembers and their families—including the Fluent Forces Act and the Service Member Housing Relief Act—and met with military and industry leaders, nurses, and national security experts to discuss the challenges facing our defense workforce.

I continued speaking out in the media about the evolving conflict in the Middle East, and remain focused on keeping America safe and strong.

Whether I'm in the halls of Congress or home in Hampton Roads, I'm working tirelessly to be a strong, effective voice for all Virginians. 

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief!

Securing Key Wins For Military Families

This week, I proudly voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act—a bipartisan bill that delivers over $453 billion to support our servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

I was especially proud to secure several of my amendments in the final House-passed legislation, including provisions to improve housing for unaccompanied servicemembers, expand access to childcare on military bases, and ensure the VA fully funds mental health and suicide prevention programs. I also included language directing the Navy to prioritize basing the F-35 at Naval Air Station Oceana and to modernize critical infrastructure at Navy and Marine Corps facilities.

This bill also delivers key investments for Hampton Roads, including $15 million for shore power upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk and $12 million for the planning and design of a new EOD Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Facility. Nationally, it provides $18 billion for military construction—including family housing, barracks, and child development centers—and $452 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve health care access, combat veteran homelessness, and expand care for toxic exposure.

These are real, meaningful investments that will directly improve the lives of our military community.

Read more here

One Big Beautiful Bill: UPDATE

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has now passed out of the U.S. Senate and is headed back to the U.S. House for a vote. We will be sure to update you on the final version of the bill as it moves through the House this week. The bill is a historic piece of legislation because it contains key provisions to secure our border, make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, rebuild our military, unleash American energy, and rein in Washington’s waste.

It delivers on the agenda that President Trump and Congressional Republicans promised the American people.  As Congress continues reviewing the legislation, I’m closely evaluating the details of the final package and how it will impact our region, our economy, and our national security.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated as this process moves forward.

Expanding Access to Mental Health Services for Seniors and Vulnerable Americans



This week, I was proud to reintroduce the Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act alongside my colleague Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07). This bipartisan bill is a commonsense solution that would allow Clinical Social Workers—the largest group of mental health providers in the country—to bill Medicare for preventive care, not just crisis treatment. By expanding access to early interventions, we can improve health outcomes, reduce costly hospitalizations, and ensure our seniors get the support they need before it’s too late.

Clinical Social Workers play a vital role in addressing the mental, emotional, and social factors that affect patients' well-being—especially issues like food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of transportation. This bill will empower them to practice to the full extent of their training and help seniors and other vulnerable Americans live healthier, more stable lives. I’m grateful for the strong coalition of organizations backing this effort, and I’ll keep working to deliver real results for those who need care the most.

Fighting for Public Safety at Chincoteague

As a mom and an advocate for Virginia's coastal communities, the safety of families visiting Chincoteague’s beaches is deeply personal to me. That’s why I recently sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum pressing for answers about why lifeguard positions on Assateague Island are going unfilled—even though these critical roles are exempt from the federal hiring freeze.

Read my full letter here

Check out this article in the Shore Daily News here

Chincoteague’s beautiful beaches are a treasured part of our community, and public safety must always come first. I’ll keep fighting to ensure our national parks and recreational areas have the staffing they need to stay safe for locals and visitors alike.

Powering America with Veterans: My Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen the Energy Workforce

This week, I was proud to introduce the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act with my colleague Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan—a fellow veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee. This bipartisan bill is all about connecting the dots between two national priorities: supporting our transitioning servicemembers and strengthening America’s energy and advanced manufacturing workforce. By improving and expanding the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, we can ensure veterans, military spouses, and even small businesses have greater access to high-quality career opportunities in critical sectors that power our economy.

As a veteran, I know how challenging the transition to civilian life can be. The VET Act creates a new Department of Labor grant program to help employers train and hire veterans into technical careers, with a special focus on those facing the most barriers. Whether it’s providing funding for training, supporting small businesses, or helping military families relocate, this legislation delivers real solutions. It's a win for our veterans, a win for our workforce, and a win for our nation’s energy security.

Let's Get F-35s to NAS Oceana

In representing Virginia's Second Congressional District, I'm fortunate to serve a constituency that includes a strong foundation of military personnel at Naval Air Station Oceana, the East Coast Master Jet Base. I’m committed to ensuring our military has the tools it needs to stay ahead of our adversaries. That’s why I’ve been leading the charge to bring F-35 fighter jets to Oceana.

On Wednesday, I had the incredible opportunity to climb into the F-35 cockpit demonstrator and get a firsthand look at the cutting-edge capabilities of this fifth-generation aircraft. As a Naval aviator, I know just how critical air superiority is to our national defense—and I’m proud to support the F-35 program, both in Congress and on the ground.

I’m also pleased to report that the House-passed FY26 Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act includes my amendment urging the Navy to prioritize basing F-35s at NAS Oceana. With mounting threats in Europe and the Middle East, it's more important than ever that we station the most advanced aircraft where they are needed most—right here in Hampton Roads.

I'll keep fighting to ensure NAS Oceana remains a strategic centerpiece of our national defense and that Virginia continues to lead the way in supporting our servicemembers and securing American air dominance.

Honoring a Virginia Hero: Staff Sergeant Bob Slaughter

On Thursday, I was honored to join my fellow members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sergeant Bob Slaughter, a decorated World War II veteran and Roanoke native whose efforts were instrumental in founding Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial.

As the only official World War II Heritage City in Virginia, Bedford holds a uniquely sacred place in our nation's history. In recognition of Sgt. Slaughter’s service and vision, we signed a commemorative poster that will be presented to his son—a small token of gratitude for a legacy that has touched not only the Commonwealth, but our country as a whole.

It's heroes like Staff Sergeant Slaughter who remind us of the courage, sacrifice, and strength that define the American spirit. I will always work to ensure that their stories are preserved and honored.

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Financial abuse is one of the most devastating—and least visible—tactics used to trap victims in abusive relationships. It’s a heartbreaking reality that far too many face, and it often prevents survivors from leaving dangerous situations.

That’s why I’m proud to join Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Joyce Beatty (OH-03) in introducing the bipartisan Financial Empowerment and Protection Act. This important bill will help survivors regain control of their lives by making it easier to access shared bank accounts, break housing leases without penalty, and begin rebuilding their independence.



This is about more than finances—it’s about freedom, safety, and a path forward for those in need. I’ll keep working to ensure every survivor has the resources and support they need to start a new chapter.

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 how you prefer to hear about upcoming events in your area—and I’m grateful to everyone who responded! An overwhelming 83.7% of you said you prefer updates by email or newsletter, while 9.2% chose social media, and 7.1% said you rely on your local newspaper.

As someone who believes in accessible and transparent communication, I’ll continue prioritizing this newsletter to keep you informed about what’s happening in VA-02 and how my team and I are working for you. Whether it's a legislative update, mobile office hours, or community event—I want to make sure you always know how to connect and stay involved!

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 Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: February 18-22, 1971).

Assigned to the 237th Medical Detachment, 61st Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group, Fujii was part of a mission to evacuate severely wounded South Vietnamese soldiers from an active battlefield. As his helicopter approached the landing zone, it came under intense enemy fire. A second attempt to land was met with even heavier flak, causing the aircraft to crash. Though injured in the crash, Fujii remained calm and alert. A second U.S. helicopter arrived and rescued the rest of the crew, but due to the volume of enemy fire, Fujii was unable to reach the aircraft. Rather than risk the lives of those on board, he waved it off—choosing to remain behind, wounded and alone, surrounded by hostile forces.

Over the next several days, Specialist Fujii’s actions were extraordinary. He located a radio and warned nearby aircraft not to attempt another landing. Despite his injuries, he spent the night and following day administering first aid to wounded allied soldiers. On the night of February 19, the allied perimeter was attacked by a reinforced enemy regiment supported by artillery. Fujii again used the radio to direct U.S. helicopter gunships onto enemy positions.

For more than 17 continuous hours, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, leaving cover to better identify enemy troops and guide airstrikes. At times, the fighting was so close that Fujii had to put down the radio and pick up a rifle to defend the position himself.

Though wounded and exhausted by February 20, he continued leading and assisting the allied force until another helicopter could extract him. That aircraft was also hit and crash-landed at a nearby South Vietnamese Ranger base. Fujii stayed there two more days, continuing to provide aid, before finally being evacuated on February 22.



Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii’s unwavering courage and devotion to his fellow soldiers under the most dangerous conditions reflect the highest traditions of military service and bring great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Billy from Chesapeake in resolving an issue related to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After he reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process and provide him with the help he needed. Thanks for reaching out, Billy...!

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

If you are not currently subscribed to the Weekly Debrief, you can subscribe below.