Hello Friends,

This past week was a busy but productive one on the Hill...! I supported legislation that will strengthen American housing infrastructure, prevent financial exploitation, and support agricultural producers. These measures will help to ensure that Americans can protect and preserve their livelihoods and homes.

I also had the opportunity to meet with important stakeholders to support military housing and well-being. As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy Mom, I know how important housing and quality-of-life resources are for our servicemembers. I will continue to advocate for improvements and expansion of exceptional resources for our military families and servicemembers here in Hampton Roads.

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.

Taking Care of Our Military Families

It was a privilege just last week to join federal, state, and local partners for the ribbon cutting of Mariner’s Row housing community at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach! This investment will improve and expand access to safe, high-quality housing for our military families here in Hampton Roads. Thank you to Liberty Military Housing, Captain Katie Jacobson, and Dep. Asst. Secretary Brenda Johnson-Turner for overseeing this project and including me in your celebration..! It’s a privilege to fight for quality of life improvements for our military families….!

Honoring the U.S. Park Police's Service

It was a tremendous honor last week to receive the Fraternal Order of Police’s U.S. Park Police Officers’ Choice Award for my support of the U.S. Park Police Modernization Act..! I’m grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of our U.S. Park Police officers, who work every day to protect our communities, preserve our national treasures, and keep the millions of Americans and visitors who enjoy them safe. Thank you to the United States Park Police for this recognition and for your dedicated service to our country…!

Supporting Military Suppliers

It was very special to thank members of the American Logistics Association during their Government Relations Forum last week! As a Navy veteran, and a regular commissary and exchange shopper, I understand how important our base shopping, MWR programs, and other quality-of-life benefits are for servicemembers and military families. These programs help strengthen readiness and improve the everyday lives of those who serve. Thank you to the American Logistics Association and its industry partners for their commitment to supporting our military community…!

Fighting Against Financial Burdens for our Servicemembers

It was an honor last week to be joined by Rep. John McGuire, Rep. Rob Wittman, and Rep. Nick LaLota in sending a letter to Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett regarding an $80 fee for on-base vehicle storage for deployed servicemembers. Our Sailors already sacrifice so much in service to our country. Helping reduce unnecessary financial burdens while they're deployed is one small way we can better support them and their families.

Read my press release 👉 here.

Team Kiggans Out in the Community

Earlier last week, Team Kiggans had the tremendous honor of attending the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Riverwalk Park in Franklin! It was a meaningful opportunity join community partners and Global Cellulose Fibers to celebrate this new community resource for constituents. This beautiful new park will serve the City of Franklin well for years to come, and my office was grateful to be part of this milestone..!

Commemorating the Congressional Art Competition Winner

Last week, we hosted this year’s VA-02 Congressional Art Competition winner, Samara, and her family in Washington DC! Samara’s art piece is America 250 themed and will be proudly displayed in the Capitol over the next year with other artwork from across the country! Thank you for sharing your talents with us…! 

Celebrating the New Suffolk Library...!

Over the weekend, Team Kiggans was proud to attend the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Downtown Suffolk Library! This beautiful new space will serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and community for generations to come. Congratulations to the City of Suffolk and Mayor Duman for bringing this project to life…!

Calling Official Office Interns for Fall 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Fall 2026! If you’re passionate about public service and want hands-on experience serving the people of Virginia’s Second District, we encourage you to apply. Interns play an important role in helping our team serve constituents, support legislative work, and stay connected to our community. 

Apply 👉 here.

Apply For a U.S. Service Academy Nomination Through My Office

One of my greatest honors as your Representative is nominating qualified high school students from Virginia’s Second District to attend four of our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point, NY

(The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.)

Attending a Service Academy is both a tremendous honor and a solemn commitment, as graduates are required to serve at least five years in the U.S. military.

For more information, click here.

Applications are due by October 23, 2026, by 5:00pm EST at the Virginia Beach District Office.

Participate in the 2026 App Challenge...!

🚨 VA-02 Students 🚨 My office is now accepting applications for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge...! If you're a middle school or high school student in VA-02 interested in participating in this awesome tech opportunity, you have until October 26, 2026, to complete your submission!

Find more information👉 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 thought data centers should be eligible for state tax exemptions. Of the responses, 78% said NO, 9% said YES, and 13% were UNSURE.

I know the expansion of data infrastructure has been in the news, particularly in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data centers can bring investment, support innovation, and strengthen our economy, but they also raise important questions about energy demand, local infrastructure, and the use of taxpayer funds.

As we consider these decisions, we must balance the benefits of responsible data center development, including its role in strengthening our national security, with the need to avoid disruptions to our communities. Any tax policy should encourage smart investment while ensuring taxpayers receive meaningful value in return.

As always, I remain committed to supporting policies that promote economic growth, encourage responsible investment, and protect the interests of taxpayers and our communities.

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 Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen of the United States Air Force (Medal of Honor action date: March 10, 1967). 

Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen was born on June 29, 1934, in Greenville, Iowa. After attending Iowa State University, he joined the Air Force and completed Aviation Cadet Training, earning his commission as an officer. Over the course of his career, he served as a navigator pilot and a fighter pilot before deploying to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.  

On March 10, 1967, while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Major Dethlefsen participated in a dangerous fire suppression mission over North Vietnam. His flight of F-105 aircraft was tasked with destroying a heavily defended enemy complex that contained surface-to-air missile sites, antiaircraft artillery, and other weapons protecting a key industrial center. During the initial attack, the lead aircraft was crippled, and Major Dethlefsen’s aircraft sustained significant damage from intense enemy fire. Recognizing that the success of the larger strike depended on neutralizing the enemy defenses, he pressed forward despite the overwhelming danger. Facing relentless fire, lethal surface-to-air missiles, and attacks from MiG interceptors, he repeatedly flew close-range strikes against the enemy using cannon fire and bombs. Although fighter pilots often avoided making multiple passes over heavily defended targets, Major Dethlefsen continued his attacks, skillfully navigating through the least intense areas of enemy fire. His actions rendered key missile and artillery sites ineffective, allowing the following fighter-bombers to successfully strike the industrial target without suffering losses or damage.  

For his extraordinary heroism, courage, and devotion to duty, Major Dethlefsen was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson on February 1, 1968. His determination in the face of overwhelming odds exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and left a lasting legacy of service and sacrifice.  

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Rajnish from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework inquiry process. Thanks for reaching out, Rajnish ...!

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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