Hello Friends,

Last week was a busy one for VA-02. From advancing meaningful legislation to strengthen our communities and support military families, to meeting with key stakeholders and engaging directly with constituents across the district, we’re continuing to deliver real results for Hampton Roads. Every step forward reflects my office’s commitment to improving quality of life and ensuring Virginia’s Second Congressional District remains a great place to live, work, and serve.

Just like the rest of you, I was horrified by what became a third assassination attempt on the President of the United States and high-level cabinet members at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. I'm grateful for our Secret Service agents and D.C. law enforcement personnel that were able to to secure the venue and subdue the deranged individual before he could inflict harm on our elected officials and attendees. Political violence in any form is completely unacceptable and runs counter to the principles of civility, respect, and democracy that define our nation. We must all remain committed to upholding these values and rejecting violence in our public discourse.

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.

Political Violence Has No Place in the United States of America

Preserving America's Historic Battlefields

Last week, my "American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026" passed out of committee and will move to a vote on the House floor...! This bipartisan bill 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...!

Read my press release here

Strengthening Global Alliances at the NATO Ambassadors Lunch

It was an honor to join the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads for their Annual NATO Ambassadors Lunch! We heard from the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt, Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takehiro Shimada, and the Netherlands’ Deputy Chief of Mission Janna van der Velde on how the Alliance is adapting to evolving global threats and strengthening deterrence for the future. Thank you to the World Affair Council of Hampton Roads for hosting this important event…! 🇺🇸

Advancing America’s Maritime Power and National Defense

I recently joined Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) for a Congressional Panel at this year's Sea-Air-Space Expo! We discussed the future of maritime power and the technologies shaping our national defense. Maintaining our competitive edge means strengthening partnerships and supporting the men and women who keep our nation secure. Thank you to Sea-Air-Space for hosting this important conversation...!

Fighting Energy Costs with Commonsense Reform

The CERTAIN Act is a bipartisan effort to address rising energy costs by making our permitting process more efficient and transparent for developers. By cutting unnecessary red tape and improving coordination across agencies, this bill would ensure critical energy projects aren't delayed by political gridlock. I'm proud to work alongside Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Scott Peters (CA-50), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) to strengthen our energy security and deliver real relief for families in VA-02...!

Read more from The Hill here

Honoring Don Quixote and U.S.–Spain Partnership

I joined Spain's Ambassador to the United States Ángeles Moreno Bau last week for a reading of Don Quixote, part of a cherished tradition where the novel is read aloud continuously for 48 hours each year in honor of Spain’s Day of Books and Roses and the legacy of Miguel de Cervantes—mirroring the annual reading held at Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes. It was a wonderful way to recognize the lasting cultural impact of this classic and the strong ties between our nations. I’m always grateful for opportunities to highlight the importance of international friendship right here in our community…!

Breakfast Briefing with Navy Leadership on Readiness and Priorities

I joined my For Country Caucus colleagues last week for a breakfast briefing with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, where we discussed priorities and challenges facing our Navy. I’m grateful to the CNO's leadership and for his work to ensure our Navy remains mission ready..!

Congratulations to Our App Challenge Winners!!

I loved getting the chance to meet with the winners of VA-02’s Congressional App Challenge! These three talented young students designed “Next Mission,” an app used to help transitioning servicemembers find employment as civilians. What a thoughtful and impactful idea to support those who have served our nation. I’m so proud of their innovation and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next…! 

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 are satisfied with the service you receive at your local USPS Post Office. 52% of you said YES and 40% of you said NO.

My office has repeatedly heard complaints from constituents regarding the performance of the Suffolk Post Office, and these concerns are reinforced by the most recent findings in the USPS OIG interim report on delivery operations and property conditions, which are deeply troubling.

The report highlights serious operational issues at the Suffolk Post Office, including delayed mail pieces, improperly scanned packages, hazardous working conditions, and poor oversight of daily operations. It also raises significant concerns about facility conditions that pose safety risks for USPS employees. These findings underscore that the issues are not only impacting the timely delivery of letters and packages across my district, but are also creating unsafe conditions for postal workers. I expect USPS management to address these deficiencies promptly, and I look forward to reviewing the final USPS OIG report.

In response to the publication of the USPS Office of Inspector General Audit Report, I recently sent a letter to Virginia District Manager Anthony Impronto of the United States Postal Service. I expect management to address these deficiencies and I look forward to reviewing the final report from USPS OIG. I’m hoping that my letter to District Manager Impronto conveys the seriousness of these issues and helps ensure they are addressed without delay.

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 Private First-Class James Anderson Jr. of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: February 28, 1967).

James Anderson Jr. served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a rifleman with 2d Platoon, Company F, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force. As part of a combat unit operating in hazardous and unforgiving jungle terrain, he demonstrated courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines.

On February 28, 1967, northwest of Cam Lo in the Republic of Vietnam, Company F was advancing through dense jungle to assist and extract a heavily besieged reconnaissance patrol. Private First Class Anderson’s platoon served as the lead element and had advanced only a short distance when they came under intense enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from well-concealed positions.

Reacting quickly under fire, the platoon maneuvered as best they could in the thick terrain and began returning fire. During the engagement, Anderson and his fellow Marines found themselves in proximity, only about 20 meters, and from the enemy. As the firefight intensified, several Marines were wounded by the heavy volume of enemy fire.

During the chaos, an enemy grenade landed among the tightly grouped Marines and rolled next to Private First Class Anderson. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, he reached for the grenade, pulled it into his chest, and curled his body around it to shield his fellow Marines.

The grenade detonated, and although some Marines sustained injuries from shrapnel, Anderson absorbed the full force of the blast. His decisive and selfless action saved the lives of his comrades, preventing further casualties and allowing the unit to continue its mission.

Private First Class James Anderson Jr.’s extraordinary heroism, self sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to his fellow Marines reflect the highest traditions of military service. In giving his life to save others, he brought great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the nation he so honorably served.

Constituent Corner

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

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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