Hello Friends,

It was a great week for the district as we went back to Washington to champion the priorities of Virginia's Second District! I had the opportunity to bring together our military family support community at the 2026 Military Family Summit at Old Dominion University to discuss ways we can improve quality of life and services for the community that makes our military the strongest in the world. A strong military starts with a strong family, and as a member of a military family myself, I know how important it is to ensure our servicemembers' families have what they need.

I also was proud to introduce, advocate for, and vote on multiple pieces of legislation that will deliver results for Virginia's Second District. Keeping the government open and avoiding a shutdown are top priorities for Congress, and we cannot allow our servicemembers, federal employees, and vulnerable Americans to be harmed by dysfunctional partisanship. Congress should never use shutdowns as a game to win political points or votes...!

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.

A Stronger Force Starts With Strong Families

I was proud to host the 2026 Military Family Summit at Old Dominion University last week…! As a former Navy helicopter pilot, the wife of a retired Navy pilot, and the Mom to a current Navy pilot, I know firsthand the sacrifices our military families make in service to our country. As co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I’m committed to improving quality of life for our servicemembers and their families because strong military families are critical to the readiness of our force.

John Maxwell, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, delivered the keynote address. Throughout the summit, participants discussed the unique challenges associated with military life, shared perspectives from across the Hampton Roads military community, and connected servicemembers and their families with local, state, and federal resources.

Thank you to my co-chair, Representative Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and the National Military Family Association for their partnership and for helping bring us together for this important conversation..!

You can read my press release here!

Modernizing the VA and Improving Veteran Care

In last week’s House Veterans Affairs hearing, I discussed how the VA’s electronic health record modernization can improve the way we deliver care to veterans across the country. As a nurse practitioner, I know these systems must work for the providers who use them and communicate effectively with our community care partners, the Department of War, and TRICARE. 

Protecting America’s Secrets Starts in Congress

Last week's House Rules Committee Member Day was an important opportunity to advocate for stronger classified information security training for Members of Congress. We require our servicemembers and intelligence officers to undergo recurring training to protect sensitive information, and Congress should be held to the same standard!

Watch my testimony before the House Committee on Rules 👇

No Shutdowns. No Games. Keep The Government Working for The American People.

Congress has a responsibility to keep the government open and ensure our servicemembers, federal employees, and families who rely on critical federal services are not caught in the middle of funding negotiations. Last week, I voted for a continuing resolution that will extend government funding at FY26 levels through December 11th to prevent a lapse in funding while Congress works through the FY27 Appropriations process. While this is never my preferred outcome, I am committed to keeping our government open and working for Virginia’s Second District.

Read my press release here!

When Washington Gets Out of The Way, America Thrives

The federal government should work FOR you, not the other way around. I spoke on the House Floor about why limited government, free markets, and individual liberty remain fundamental to the American way of life. The House GOP and I know when Washington gets out of the way, Americans are free to work, innovate, build businesses, and create a better future for their families…! 🇺🇸

Watch my speech from the House Floor!! 👇

Supporting The Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base to Keep Oceana the Hub of Naval Readiness

Recently, I was proud to join Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman for a visit to Naval Air Station Oceana. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, the wife of a retired Navy pilot, and the Mom to a current Navy pilot, I recognize the East Coast Master Jet Base’s critical role in supporting naval aviation, strengthening operational readiness, and preparing the Navy’s warfighters for missions around the world. Thank you to Admiral Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer Perryman for coming to Hampton Roads, hearing directly from our servicemembers, and seeing firsthand the important work happening at Oceana every day…!!

Read my press release here!

Supporting Those Who Run Toward Danger

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, we are reminded of the incredible courage and sacrifice of the firefighters who run toward danger to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the “Federal Firefighters Families First Act” to better support our federal firefighters by improving work schedules, increasing pay, and ensuring their pensions accurately reflect their service. Thank you for keeping our communities safe..!

Defending the Principles That Make America Great

I voted last week to pass H. Res. 1490 to condemn and denounce socialism in all its forms and support only American citizens voting in our elections. These are simple, commonsense principles, yet 192 Democrats refused to support them. The House GOP and I will always support our American values and election integrity…! 🇺🇸

Celebrating Nurses Who Go Above And Beyond...!

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I know firsthand the critical role our advanced practice nurses play in delivering high-quality care and educating their patients. That’s why I was proud to join Representative Lauren Underwood in introducing a resolution recognizing the first week of September as National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week! Clinical Nurse Specialists make a difference for patients and providers every day, and we must ensure their contributions are accurately recognized in our federal healthcare workforce data. Thank you to our CNSs across the country for your dedication to the patients and communities you serve…!

Read my press release here!

Keeping America’s Fleet Mission Ready With The Virginia Ship Repair Podcast

Following the Virginia Ship Repair Association’s General Membership Luncheon last month, I had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with VSRA President John Polowczyk…! We discussed the future of our maritime industrial base, fleet readiness, and the critical role Hampton Roads’ ship repair industry plays in our national security.

Watch my appearance on the Virginia Ship Repair podcast below! 👇

Happy Labor Day...!

I hope that everyone had a happy and safe Labor Day…! Thank you to all the hardworking Americans who have contributed to building the greatest nation in the world! A special THANK YOU to our servicemembers, first responders, and law enforcement officers, who serve our communities 24/7!

Sign Up for the Congressional App Challenge...!

Student registration is now open for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 26, 2026: Submit your app by this date.

• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.

• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

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 5:00 PM EST at the Virginia Beach District Office.

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.

*Reservations for October White House Tours are now open! Please call my office at (202) 225-4215 if you have any questions!

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you supported a Balanced Budget Amendment. Of the responses, 86% said YES, 6% said NO, and 9% were UNSURE.

The national debt is increasing exponentially, putting future Americans at risk. A Balanced Budget Amendment could help encourage Congress to practice greater stewardship of taxpayer dollars and encourage the federal government to live within its means. While cutting spending and reducing the national debt is a top priority, approximately 37% of the federal budget goes to Social Security and Medicare programs, which many Americans rely on to survive. While balancing the nation's budget presents unique and significant challenges, responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds is essential to protecting our nation’s long-term economic stability.

As always, I remain committed to promoting fiscal responsibility, reducing wasteful spending, and ensuring the federal government is accountable to the taxpayers it serves.

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 Corporal Charles Joseph Berry of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945). 

Charles Berry was born on July 10, 1923, in Lorain, Ohio. Following his graduation from Clearview High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941 and completed his training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Promoted to private first class in June 1942, Berry began his overseas service in March 1943, participating in combat operations throughout the Pacific, including New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, Vella Lavella, Bougainville, and Guadalcanal. He was promoted to corporal in July 1944. After returning to Hawaii, he deployed to Iwo Jima, where he arrived in February 1945. 

On March 3, 1945, Cpl. Berry was serving on the front lines as a machine-gun crew member with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Shortly after midnight, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack in an attempt to take the Marine position. As the fighting intensified, Berry remained steadfast at his post, engaging the enemy in a fierce hand-grenade exchange and repeatedly returning enemy grenades. When an enemy grenade landed in his foxhole, Berry acted without hesitation, throwing himself onto the grenade to shield his fellow Marines from the blast. His selfless act absorbed the full force of the explosion, saving his comrades from serious injury at the cost of his own life. 

For his extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice, Berry was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Medal. He was also entitled to the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal in recognition of his service during World War II. Cpl. Berry was interred at Elmwood Cemetery in his hometown of Lorain, Ohio. He is honored in the Lorain Public Library, where his Medal of Honor is now displayed. His legacy continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to protecting those who serve alongside you. 

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Olha 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, Olha...!

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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