Hello Friends,

I was happy to be out in the district last week highlighting new investments and growth! Small businesses and local manufacturers help give character and vitality to our community. Continued investment in American manufacturing in Hampton Roads means more jobs, a stronger workforce, and a more resilient economy. Coastal Virginia is a leader in defense manufacturing, and I will continue working to support the industries that help keep America safe, strong, and equipped.

I also got the opportunity to celebrate new defense infrastructure in Virginia's Second District! New factories and facilities are helping improve and expand production right here in Hampton Roads. These investments strengthen our economy and skilled workforce while also helping ensure our servicemembers have the tools and equipment they need to accomplish their missions. Many of the resources that our warfighters rely on are made right here in Virginia's Second District, and I am proud to represent the men and women who make that possible.

I also enjoyed the chance to visit Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and hear more from the staff there who serve our troops. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how Congress can support our defense healthcare professionals so that they are best equipped to provide high-quality care to our men and women in uniform.

As always, it is the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative in Washington.

Now, on to my Weekly Debrief.

Investing in Virginia Beach's Defense Industry

I was honored to join local officials and ViDARR leadership to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of their new Virginia Beach facility! Their building is dedicated to the legacy of Rear Admiral Thomas R. Richards, who honorably served our country for more than 30 years. This $2.69 million investment will provide new tools for our warfighters, create more local jobs, and strengthen our Hampton Roads economy. Thank you to ViDARR for investing in the future for our military…! ⚓️

$20.5 Million in Results for VA-02 Constituents!

Recently, we hit an important milestone..! Since I’ve been in Congress, my office has helped save or return over $20.5 MILLION to constituents across VA-02…!! If you need help navigating the federal government, please visit kiggans.house.gov. Our team is always ready to help!

Made in Hampton Roads: Strengthening Our Navy From the Factory Floor...!

Last week, I visited Fairlead’s facility and Radian Forge in Portsmouth to meet with their teams and see their manufacturing operations firsthand…! Hampton Roads plays a vital role in supporting our Navy, and companies like these are strengthening our defense supply chains, expanding American shipbuilding capacity, and creating skilled jobs right here in Coastal Virginia. Thank you to both teams at Fairlead and Radian Forge for showing me the work you do for our region and our national security…!

$64 Million Investment Coming to Windsor, Supporting American Manufacturing!

Big news for Windsor and the Commonwealth of Virginia! LG Electronics is investing $64 million to open a new HVAC assembly facility at the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park in Windsor. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Southeastern Virginia’s skilled workforce and will help strengthen American manufacturing while creating new opportunities for hardworking families. I’m proud to support economic development in our community and look forward to welcoming LG’s new facility to Windsor…!

Read my press release here!

$39 Million to Preserve and Protect the Chesapeake Bay

Last week, I joined EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi and the James River Association in Smithfield to announce $39 million in grants for Chesapeake Bay restoration projects! These investments will support commonsense, on-the-ground projects that protect our waterways, strengthen our coastal communities, and preserve the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come…! Exciting work is ahead for Coastal Virginia!!

Read my press release here!

Celebrating the Men and Women Behind American Manufacturing

It was great to celebrate Manufacturing Day last week! Here in Southeastern Virginia, manufacturing supports good-paying jobs, strengthens our economy, and plays a critical role in our national security. That’s why I was proud to support efforts like my bipartisan Veterans Energy Transition Act to connect our servicemembers and military families with career opportunities in energy and advanced manufacturing. Thank you to the hardworking men and women who keep American manufacturing moving forward…!

Supporting The Healthcare Professionals Who Support Our Troops

I appreciated the opportunity to visit Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and meet with the dedicated men and women who provide world-class care to our military community every day. As a Navy veteran and nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how important quality healthcare is to the readiness and well-being of our servicemembers and their families. Thank you to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth team for all you do for our men and women who serve...!

Building a Stronger Future For Isle of Wight...!

It was a privilege to attend last week’s Isle of Wight “State of the County” to hear more about the county’s progress and priorities for the future. From supporting our small businesses to creating new opportunities for families, I’m committed to helping our communities grow and thrive across our district. Thank you to the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce for bringing us together for this important conversation…!

The House GOP is Strengthening American Farms!

Earlier this year, I joined my GOP colleagues in voting for the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” to deliver the resources and relief our nation’s farmers deserve. From expanding access to broadband and telehealth to strengthening the farm safety net and disaster assistance, this bill invests in the hardworking men and women who feed our families and keep our communities strong…!

Strong Borders, Safer Communities

Community safety and law and order begin with a secure southern border. For 16 straight months, there have been zero releases at the southern border, a clear sign that strong border enforcement and effective policies are making a difference. We must continue supporting the men and women on the front lines who work every day to protect our communities…!

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.

*Christmas time is fast approaching and if you are interested in touring the White House please let our office know and we will do our best to secure your ticket. If you have already submitted a request, please know that we have received it and will be in touch with you in late October with more details. Please note that White House tours are released exactly 30 days prior to the requested tour date and are confirmed by the White House Visitors Office based on availability. Due to extremely high demand and limited availability, tour slots often fill very quickly once released. My staff is more than happy to assist you in booking these tours so do not hesitate to reach out at (202) 225-4215. 

👉 To request a tour, click here.

Weekly Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s poll! I asked if you thought that more critical U.S. military equipment and components should be made in America. Of the responses, 94% said YES, 2% said NO, and 4% were UNSURE.

Our military deserves high-quality, reliable equipment and components to be able to protect our great country and be effective to complete their missions. Global conflicts, disruptions in international relations, and natural disasters around the world pose a threat to our national security if production or shipping is interrupted. Increasing domestic production of critical defense materials would strengthen our supply chains, support American workers, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources for military equipment. A strong domestic defense industrial base is an important part of maintaining our military readiness.

I am committed to strengthening America's military and supporting American workers by prioritizing domestic manufacturing. Keeping our nation safe and strong is my top priority, and I will continue to advocate for commonsense legislation in Congress!

And now, on to 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 Leslie Allen Bellrichard of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: May 20, 1967). 

Leslie Bellrichard was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on December 4, 1941. His father was killed in a tragic accident when Bellrichard was only 11 months old. His life following this event was largely difficult, as he lost one of his siblings in a similar accident while his mother struggled to overcome her grief. Bellrichard was taken into the care of the state for much of the remainder of his childhood. Upon earning his GED, he worked for Lockheed Aviation in San Jose before being drafted into the Army in 1966. He was one of the volunteers to go to Vietnam and served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.  

On May 20, 1967, Private First Class (Pfc.) Bellrichard was serving as a fire-team leader with four other soldiers in the field when their group came under heavy enemy fire. Despite the imminent danger and incredible threat to life, Pfc. Bellrichard rushed at the enemy and attacked them with great force, killing multiple enemies and forcing the remaining enemy soldiers to withdraw. Although the enemy was driven away once, that did not stop them from attacking the group again from a different approach. Pfc. Bellrichard began throwing grenades again at the enemy, but he was knocked back by an explosion in front of him, causing him to lose his grip on the grenade he was holding. Despite being caught in the blast, he immediately stood up and dove for the grenade that had been dropped. Without regard for his own life, he jumped onto the grenade. Despite being severely wounded by the grenade’s detonation, he continued to fire his rifle at the enemy before succumbing to his injuries. He died a few minutes later.  

The Medal of Honor was presented posthumously to Bellrichard's wife and family by then-President Richard Nixon. Although Bellrichard last lived in California, he was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin near where he was born.

In 2004, the Crosby-Willard Bridge in Janesville, Wisconsin, was changed to the Bellrichard Bridge in his honor. Despite much adversity in his own life, Bellrichard was able to make a difference in the lives of so many others around him, and his legacy continues to remind us of the debt of gratitude we owe to all who have laid down their own lives for the sake of another.   

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Lachae from Carrollton in resolving an issue with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After reaching out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework inquiry process. Thanks for reaching out, Lachae...!

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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