Friends,

This past week was a busy one here in the House of Representatives! I spoke with VA Secretary Doug Collins at a House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing, introduced new legislation to protect military children, issued a joint statement about clean energy tax credit reform, celebrated National Police Week, and welcomed groups to the Capitol from VA-02 and beyond.

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!

Standing Up for Clean Energy Tax Credits

On Wednesday, 13 of my Republican colleagues and I issued a joint statement in response to the House Ways and Means Committee’s portion of reconciliation concerning clean energy tax credits. We ask House Leadership to consider three thoughtful changes as we move forward with the reconciliation process.

Read our full statement here and below.

I believe that energy security is national security, and that we must take an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy. We must pursue reliable, affordable, and secure energy to ensure America's energy dominance on the world stage. From fueling our military to powering critical infrastructure, our nation depends on a resilient and independent energy grid.

Virginians—and all Americans—deserve the confidence that comes with true energy dominance. I’m committed to delivering that future.

Speaking with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins

On Thursday, we welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs committee hearing. This year, I've had the pleasure of welcoming Secretary Collins to Hampton Roads for the opening of the North Battlefield Outpatient Clinic in Chesapeake, and he continues to be a strong advocate for America's veterans!

Watch our full conversation by clicking the link below...!

As we work to improve the VA together, I asked Secretary Collins to please remember the vital role advanced practice nurses (APRNs) play in giving patient care and filling provider shortages, especially in anesthesiology. Our veterans deserve outstanding healthcare and APRNs are standing by ready to provide that care…!

As a proud Navy veteran, I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Collins to improve the VA and get our veterans the quality, timely care they are owed.

Celebrating National Police Week

This past week we celebrated National Police Week, a time to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

In honor of National Police Week, I stopped by Majority Whip Tom Emmer's office to share some pizza with members of our incredible law enforcement community! It was wonderful to talk to men and women from across the country who work day-in and day-out to keep us safe.

To all who wear the badge: THANK YOU! Your dedication to keeping our neighborhoods safe does not go unnoticed!

My New Bill to Protect Military Children with Disabilities

As a Navy veteran and Mom of four, I understand firsthand the unique sacrifices military families make – especially those raising children with disabilities. That's why I introduced a new bipartisan bill this week, the Care for Military Kids Act, alongside Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).

This bill would ensure that disabled children of active duty servicemembers who are required to relocate for a deployment maintain their Medicaid coverage when moving across state lines. Specifically, this legislation would amend the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible should their family move due to relocation.

The Care for Military Kids Act ensures that no servicemember has to choose between answering the call of duty and making sure their child receives essential, life-sustaining care. This bipartisan bill is about fairness, dignity, and honoring the commitment we’ve made to support our military families, no matter where they’re stationed.

Hosting the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

On Monday, we hosted the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in VA-02. Every year, high school students from across our district submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the halls of the U.S. Capitol...!

The winner of this year's competition is Lana Macchi from Virginia Beach for her drawing of a red cardinal (the Virginia state bird!) Lana's beautiful cardinal will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Check out the rest of the winners below!

We had some amazing submissions from high schoolers this year and it was nearly impossible to pick a winner…! Thank you to every student for showcasing their incredible creativity and talent, and thank you to Virginia Wesleyan University for hosting us.

Weekly Poll

With over 1,400 responses last week, nearly 80% of you said you think every school in America should have a licensed school nurse on staff. As a nurse practitioner, I fully agree with you! That's why I recently introduced the NURSE Act with my colleague Rep. Dina Titus (NV-02) - a bill that would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to help high-need schools hire and retain additional school nurses. By investing in school nurses, we’re ensuring that our children have the support they need to stay healthy and succeed in the classroom!

And now, onto this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Corporal Arthur O. Beyer, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On January 15, 1945, his platoon, in which he was a tank-destroyer gunner, was held up by antitank, machine-gun, and rifle fire from enemy troops dug in along a ridge about 200 yards to the front. Noting a machine-gun position in this defense line, he fired upon it with his 76-mm gun killing one man and silencing the weapon. He dismounted from his vehicle and, under direct enemy observation, crossed open ground to capture the two remaining members of the crew. Another machine gun, about 250 yards to the left, continued to fire on him. Through withering fire, he advanced on the position.

Throwing a grenade into the emplacement, he killed one crew member and again captured the two survivors. He was subjected to concentrated small-arms fire but, with great bravery, he worked his way a quarter mile along the ridge, attacking hostile soldiers in their foxholes with his carbine and grenades. When he had completed his self-imposed mission against powerful German forces, he had destroyed two machine-gun positions, killed eight of the enemy, and captured 18 prisoners, including two bazooka teams. Cpl. Beyer's intrepid action and unflinching determination to close with and destroy the enemy eliminated the German defense line and enabled his task force to gain its objective.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Sean from Virginia Beach help obtain passports for his children. After he reached out to my office, we were able to get his family the help they needed. Thanks for reaching out, Sean...!

If you need assistance with 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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