Friends,

Welcome back to another Weekly Debrief! I was in Washington, D.C. last week to vote on several pieces of legislation, including H.R. 8580, which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs and provides resources for critical military construction projects through the Department of Defense.

The House also voted on legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trying to punish Israel for defending itself against Hamas and a resolution calling on elected officials and community leaders to combat and condemn all acts of antisemitism. I was proud to vote in favor of all of these bills...you can read more about them below:

Funding Veteran Health Care and Military Housing

It's simple: our military men and women should have a quality of life they deserve, and our veterans should have the care and support they have earned. That’s why I voted to fully fund VA health care and benefits, and support crucial military construction projects for our troops. In total, the bill provides $337.4 billion for the VA, which is $75.5 million above the FY25 Budget Request and $17.957 billion for DoD military construction, with a particular focus on the Pacific region and military housing, which is $412 million above the FY25 Budget Request.

I’m proud to have personally secured funding in this bill to build new unaccompanied housing and a child development center at Naval Air Station Oceana as well as a child development center at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story. Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for our country and their families serve alongside them…it’s our responsibility to provide them with a quality of life deserving of their service and sacrifice.

By fully funding veterans’ healthcare and investing in quality-of-life improvements such as housing and childcare, we are upholding our sacred promise to support those who have served and those who are currently serving. You can learn more about this bill here.

Recognizing the Sailor of the Year

Last week, I had the privilege to attend the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year Award Announcement and Dinner! The Sailor of the Year program, which was established in 1972, recognizes high-performing E-4 through E-6 Sailors. There were more than 50 Sailors (and Marines) competing for the Sailor of the Year Award, many of whom traveled across the globe to be in attendance. These men and women represent the best of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and the winners are automatically awarded the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

As a former Navy helicopter pilot, I was excited to see so many sailors and Marines working so hard to receive this acknowledgement. The Sailor of the Year Award is an incredible honor, and I am so proud of each one of these men and women. Their service to our country is commended, and I thank them for their dedication to our country's freedom. Thank you to the Navy League of Hampton Roads for sponsoring this exciting event and for recognizing the achievements of our amazing sailors and Marines…!

Keeping Shoreline Communities Safe

Recently, I helped introduce the Prevent Environmental Hazards Act to adjust the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to account for chronic erosion and advance-collapse payments. Anyone who calls Virginia home knows that the Commonwealth is regularly struck by hurricanes and tropical storms, with shoreline communities being deeply affected by flooding in past and recent years. In fact, Virginia’s coastal zone includes 5,000 miles of tidal shoreline and is home to nearly 60% of Virginia’s total population...!

Currently, the NFIP only covers homeowners when their home collapses due to a flood, but does not cover damage or collapse due to chronic, long-term erosion. This prevents homeowners from accessing the full benefits of the NFIP. Even before they collapse, homes dealing with chronic erosion often face water quality and hazardous waste issues, which can result in lasting public health, safety, and environmental problems. This bipartisan bill would correct the ambiguous language in the NFIP to allow homeowners facing erosion the opportunity to use this vital program.

Preserving Virginia’s beautiful coastline and the many homes and businesses on our shores is critical for our environment and our economy. I am proud to partner with Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03) on this issue so we can help keep our shoreline communities safe and thriving for decades to come.

Combatting Antisemitism

I was humbled to attend the Virginia Summit to Combat Antisemitism Gala last week, where countless people gathered to recognize the importance of the U.S.-Israeli relationship, thank our Armed Forces and first responders, and reaffirm our commitment to combatting antisemitism. There is no room for antisemitism in this country and now - more than ever - the United States must stand with Israel to ensure the safety of not only one of our closest allies, but also that of America and all freedom-loving people across the globe.

During the gala, I was able to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas, especially those serving on the USS Eisenhower, whose deployment was just extended. Each one of the servicemembers on that ship has left behind family, friends, and loved ones for over 200 days to help bring peace to a region experiencing such unprovoked violence. As a former Navy helicopter pilot and mom to children who serve, I know what our military community sacrifices to help preserve freedom across the globe, and I will continue to be a fierce defender and advocate for each one of these servicemembers and their families.

It is our duty as a nation to condemn antisemitism and the hatred it breeds. I will always stand with Virginia’s Jewish community against all antisemitic threats, and I will continue to do everything in my power to equip Israel with the resources it needs to defend itself, destroy Hamas, and restore peace in the region.

More than $3 Million Recovered for VA-02!

Recently, my team was proud to announce we have recovered more than $3 million from federal agencies for Southeast Virginians since the beginning of the 118th Congress...! My staff and I are committed to helping residents of Virginia's Second District with any issues related to the federal government. If you're a resident of Virginia's Second District and you need help with a federal agency, please know we are here to help! You can call my office at (757) 364-7650 or visit us at our website here.

Weekly Poll

With 1,002 votes last week, more than 76% of respondents agreed the price of fast food is too high!

And now on to this week's poll question! Please click one of the buttons below to share your opinion.

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I want to recognize Medal of Honor recipient Carlton William Barrett of the United States Army (Medal of Honor Action Date: June 6, 1944).

Carlton William Barrett was born on November 24, 1919 in Fulton, New York. In 1940, shortly before his twenty-first birthday Barrett decided to enlist in the US Army at Albany, New York, and was assigned to the 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Barrett served in the North Africa and Sicilian campaigns during World War II. Afterward, he was deployed to Normandy, France as part of the Allied efforts to regain power over the European continent.

Following his deployment Barrett demonstrated unparalleled bravery on June 6, 1944, during the D-Day invasion when he risked his life to aid his fellow soldiers. He saved numerous lives by returning to the water to rescue those struggling to reach the shore. Barrett was significantly wounded during his actions on Omaha Beach, however he continued to go back and forth to save his comrades during a period of several hours. In addition to these efforts he also played a significant role in assisting the wounded, carried dispatches to ensure steadfast communication and emerged as a strong leader. 

As a result of his injuries he spent around five months in the hospital. After recovering, in October 1944, he was sent back to the European theater. Barrett was awarded the Medal of Honor, for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, in Paris on November 17, 1944, after being promoted to corporal. Although one of the four soldiers honored for their actions on June 6, 1944, Barrett was the sole survivor to receive the medal. Following the war, Barrett briefly worked for the Department of Internal Revenue, before reenlisting in the Army in 1947. That same year he married his wife, Josephine, who served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. He continued to serve in the Army until 1963, when he was discharged as a technical sergeant. 

Barrett died on March 3, 1986 of side effects related to a long illness. He is buried in Napa Valley Memorial Gardens, California.

Fun Fact of the Week!

On June 10, 1752 it is said that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm with a key attached to collect an electrical charge, a feat that greatly changed the development of the world. Not only was Benjamin Franklin integral in demonstrating the connection between lighting and electricity, but he also played an important role in the founding of our nation. Franklin served in the Continental Congress, influenced the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and served as a liaison with France during the American Revolution. He is often referred to as one of our most influential Founding Fathers.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact my DC Office at (202) 225-4215 or my Virginia Beach District Office at (757) 364-7650 with questions, concerns, or if you require assistance with a federal agency. And 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, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington DC in the coming summer months, please stop by to say hello! If you are interested in a tour, please let us know!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District