Friends,

I want to start off this week's newsletter by remembering the victims of the horrific Hamas attacks that occurred one year ago today on October 7, 2023. More than 1,200 men, women, and children were murdered in the single largest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust. Today and everyday, my thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who died during the attacks, as well as the loved ones of those who were kidnapped and subjected to countless horrors as hostages over the past year.

Earlier this year I traveled to Israel and saw much of the devastation of those attacks with my own eyes. It's hard to put into words what I saw, but what I know without a doubt is that Hamas must be eliminated. Israel is - and always will be - our closest ally in the Middle East. Iran and its proxies must be stopped from continuing to wreak such barbaric and unprovoked violence. I am proud of my votes in Congress to support our ally Israel and will continue to do everything in my power prevent our shared enemies from becoming further emboldened.

A Swift End to the Port Strike

Last week, the previous contract between the longshoremen unions and Gulf and East Coast Ports expired, sending nearly 50,000 workers across the country on strike. Thankfully, it was paused after two days when the two sides agreed to suspend the strike until January 15, 2025.

Last month, I joined over 60 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden, encouraging his administration to actively work with the longshoremen unions and East Coast Ports to find a resolution to their contract negotiations. There are devastating economic consequences that will follow this strike if it resumes in January - not only in Hampton Roads, but across the country. I am hopeful both parties will return to the bargaining table ready to reach an agreement by the new deadline to preserve our economy and prevent further supply chain disruptions.

Virginia Court Clerks Association Annual Convention

I was honored to join the Virginia Court Clerks Association for their 14th Annual Convention in Virginia Beach. I was proud to attend to thank the dozens of circuit court clerks as well as deputy clerks and court professionals from across Virginia for the work they do! These clerks and their colleagues provide a variety of services for the Commonwealth's 95 counties and 38 independent cities, including managing jury operations, serving as consultants for law enforcement and prosecutors, and keeping records of property deeds, election ballots, and historic records.

The work these Virginians do helps keep our Commonwealth running...! I enjoyed speaking with them and learning how I can best advocate for them in Washington. Thank you for having me!

Advocating for the Passage of the Farm Bill

One of Congress' many responsibilities is to pass the Farm Bill every five years to improve the agriculture industry and protect the millions of farmers and producers across the country who contribute to our food security. However, it has become more and more difficult for legislators to agree on important topics within this critical legislation, resulting in unacceptable delays.

Recently, I worked with several of my colleagues to call on House Republican leadership to take up the Farm Bill on the House Floor...140 Members of the House Republican Conference signed on to the letter to advocate for addressing this issue!

A combination of negative factors including illegal retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products, extreme weather events, crippling inflation, supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, and high interest rates already have farm country on the edge of a financial crisis. The negative impacts of Congress failing to act on a new Farm Bill will not just hit America's farmland and those who work it, but also Main Street businesses, rural communities, and the national economy.

In Southeast Virginia, we know that food security is national security...Passing legislation to make meaningful investments in farmers, ranchers, and rural communities should be a priority for Congress. I look forward to returning to work next month and advocating for our rural communities and the work they do...!

You can read the full letter here.

Taking Care of Our Veterans

Veterans often need support when making the tough transition to civilian life after dedicating their lives to protecting our freedoms. One of the ways they can receive that support is through service dogs. These dogs can be trained to assist veterans with their everyday lives, including helping those with physical limitations due to injuries sustained during their service or are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges.

However, despite the amazing benefits of service dogs, they can be hard to come by for veterans. In fact, it is estimated only 1% of veterans who apply for a service dog receive one each year...! That's why I am proud to cosponsor the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act, which was introduced by my colleague Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08). This legislation would create grants for nonprofit organizations to help provide service dogs to eligible veterans.

Specifically, the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act would require the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program at the Veterans Health Administration to award funds on a competitive basis to accredited nonprofit organizations that provide highly trained service dogs to eligible Veterans suffering from blindness, visual, or mobility impairments, loss of hearing, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma, free of charge.

As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Working Dog Caucus and a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it is an honor to ensure our veterans get the support they need after they served our nation in uniform!

Weekly Poll

With over 1,000 responses last week, nearly 90% of you said that the United States should do more to incentivize domestic microchip manufacturing. I agree with you! China is the fastest growing geo-political threat our nation faces, and we must find ways to ensure the U.S. has the resources and manufacturing capabilities to compete with the CCP.

That's why I introduced the Building CHIPS in America Act to streamline the environmental approval process for the manufacturing of microchips. I am proud that the Senate version of my bill was passed on a bipartisan basis and signed into law by the president last week! A big bipartisan win for America.

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 Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Edward “Butch” O’Hare of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor Action Date February 20, 1942).

LCDR O’Hare was born on March 13, 1914 to Edward and Selma O’Hare. His father Edward worked as a lawyer for Al Capone and helped to convict him on tax evasion charges. After graduating from the Western Military Academy High School, LCDR O’Hare was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1933. LCDR O’Hare graduated and was commissioned as an ensign in 1937. He first served aboard USS New Mexico before being sent to flight school in 1939. That same year, his father was killed by alleged associates of Al Capone. It was thought that his father cooperated with federal authorities to ensure LCDR O’Hares admission into the Naval Academy. 

During flight training, he was recognized as a promising pilot and trained by John Thach, the future creator of Thach Weave fighter maneuver. After completing flight training, He was assigned to Fighter Squadron Three (VF-3). While flying the F4F to various stops in the United States, LCDR O’Hare met and proposed to Rita Wooster. They were married on September 6, 1941. They honeymooned in Hawaii. After the Attack on Pearl Harbor, O’Hare was recalled to duty and sailed with the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga before transferring to the USS Lexington after the Saratoga was damaged in January, 1942. 

On February 20, 1942, LCDR O’Hare was aboard USS Lexington which was en route to New Ireland where it was to attack Japanese forces there. O’Hare was part of an air patrol which had been launched to investigate unknown air contacts which were identified as Japanese “Mavis” flying boats. Two were shot down and a third escaped. Two waves of Japanese “Betty” bombers were detected and LCDR O’Hare and his wingman were held in reserve while the other four fighters were sent to attack the first wave. While the first wave of nine bombers was shot down, the second wave was able to continue unimpeded. O’Hare, through four firing passes, successfully shot down three bombers and damaged two so badly that they had to abort their attack. The remaining four aircraft were able to drop their bombs but all missed. LCDR O’Hare was credited with five enemy kills and was immediately a fighter ace. His actions were credited by the task force commanding admiral and Lexington’s commanding officer with likely saving the ship. 

LCDR O’Hare was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 21, 1942 by President Franklin D Roosevelt. O’Hare was also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. LCDR O’Hare spent the next year on a publicity tour and war bond drives. LCDR O’Hare was also given command of VF-3, the squadron he had been flying for. He trained pilots until his return to duty in August, 1943. 

LCDR O’Hare, then in command of the newly renamed VF-6 fighter squadron, embarked on USS Independence for action in the Pacific. He flew missions against the Japanese on Marcus and Wake Islands. He was awarded two distinguished flying crosses, one for each action. Afterwards, LCDR O’Hare was elevated from commanding a squadron to commanding the Carrier Air Group (CAG) aboard the USS Enterprise. LCDR O’Hare began training for night fighting after the Japanese switched to night missions due to U.S. superiority during the day. LCDR O’Hare led a mission on the night of November 26, 1943 to attack an incoming group of Japanese “Betty” bombers. 

LCDR O'Hare was shot down during an attack against a Betty bomber, his body was not recovered. It was a matter of debate for over 50 years on whether he was shot down by friendly fire or enemy fire. It was later determined that it was indeed enemy fire. The Gearing class destroyer USS O’Hare was named in his honor and was launched on June 22, 1945 and served in the United States Navy until 1973. In 1949, the Chicago Orchard Depot Airport was renamed to O’Hare International Airport, a namesake that remains to this day.

LCDR O’Hare was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 21, 1942 by President Franklin D Roosevelt. O’Hare was also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. LCDR O’Hare spent the next year on a publicity tour and war bond drives. LCDR O’Hare was also given command of VF-3, the squadron he had been flying for. He trained pilots until his return to duty in August, 1943. 

LCDR O’Hare, then in command of the newly renamed VF-6 fighter squadron, embarked on USS Independence for action in the Pacific. He flew missions against the Japanese on Marcus and Wake Islands. He was awarded two distinguished flying crosses, one for each action. Afterwards, LCDR O’Hare was elevated from commanding a squadron to commanding the Carrier Air Group (CAG) aboard the USS Enterprise. LCDR O’Hare began training for night fighting after the Japanese switched to night missions due to U.S. superiority during the day. LCDR O’Hare led a mission on the night of November 26, 1943 to attack an incoming group of Japanese “Betty” bombers. 

LCDR O'Hare was shot down during an attack against a Betty bomber, his body was not recovered. It was a matter of debate for over 50 years on whether he was shot down by friendly fire or enemy fire. It was later determined that it was indeed enemy fire. The Gearing class destroyer USS O’Hare was named in his honor and was launched on June 22, 1945 and served in the United States Navy until 1973. In 1949, the Chicago Orchard Depot Airport was renamed to O’Hare International Airport, a namesake that remains to this day.

Constituent Corner!

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government, especially Social Security. My office was recently able to assist David from Northampton County qualify for his disability after he had struggled to do so for 3 years!

If you need assistance with your passport or with another 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, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington, DC in the coming fall 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

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