Hello Friends, 

From advancing bipartisan healthcare solutions to supporting our small businesses, military families, and holiday traditions across Hampton Roads, we made meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to VA-02 last week.

At the top of that list is "CommonGround 2025", a bipartisan healthcare framework to protect families from rising healthcare costs. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I understand how critical affordable, accessible care is for the people I serve, and this plan represents a real step forward in putting patients over politics. Thank you, as always, for staying engaged and for giving me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.

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.

CommonGround 2025: Advancing Affordable Healthcare Through Bipartisan Leadership

As a geriatric nurse practitioner and co-chair of the nursing caucus, affordable healthcare is an issue that I personally and professionally care about.

That’s why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan “CommonGround 2025” framework to reform and extend the marketplace premium tax credits.

Thank you Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), for leading this effort with me and for the 33 other lawmakers who joined us…!

Watch my speech 👇 and read my press release here.

The goal of our bipartisan CommonGround framework is to give Congress more time to make marketplace healthcare affordable for the American people—we can’t pull the rug out from under them by letting these ACA tax credits expire suddenly at the end of the year.

 Watch my appearance on Fox News 👇, CNN here, and 13News Now here.

Strengthening Beach Safety Through the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act

As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the representative of a coastal district, it's my priority to ensure our shorelines are clean and safe for locals and visitors to VA-02. During last week's hearing, I spoke about my Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmer Act which calls for collaboration between federal and local governments to ensure there is proper lifeguard coverage on our beaches.

Watch my statement here and 👇

Our committee also heard from the Mayor of Chincoteague, Denise Bowden, regarding the impact of lifeguarding shortages and the public safety issue it poses on the Eastern Shore. While lifeguard staffing returned, I'm working with the Department of the Interior to ensure these shortages never happen again.

Watch my conversation with Mayor Bowden here.

Supporting Families Through Better Childcare Access

Last week’s Build America Caucus Childcare Roundtable was a great opportunity to discuss bipartisan ways to bring real relief to American families struggling with childcare costs. As a working Mom of four kids, I’m committed to finding ways to improve access to affordable, quality childcare! 

Partnering With Employers Who Keep Our Nation Strong

Last week's Minority Small Business & Defense Contractors’ Summit was a great opportunity to hear directly from employers who keep our military and our nation strong. We discussed investments that grow our domestic manufacturing base and permanent tax relief that helps small businesses expand and hire, including those in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and the Working Families Tax Cut. Thank you for visiting Washington!

Putting Patients First: Improving Prescription Drug Access

As someone who has cared for patients throughout my career, I know how confusing, expensive, and frustrating prescription drug access can be. Last week, I introduced the Access, Choice, Cost Equity, and Supply Stability (Rx ACCESS) Act and the Increasing Medication Access for Seniors Act—two bills that will extend access to prescription medication for servicemembers, veterans, and seniors…!

Read my press release here.

Celebrating New Defense Innovation in Virginia Beach 

Last week, I spoke at the ribbon-cutting for Regulus Global’s new headquarters in Virginia Beach…! Regulus’s innovative work in defense technologies and logistics ensures our servicemembers are well equipped at home and abroad. Thank you to the entire Regulus team for investing in VA-02 and for your contributions to our national security!

Expanding Rural Healthcare Access in VA-02

Last week's ribbon cutting for Riverside Smithfield Hospital with Governor Glenn Youngkin was an exciting step forward for rural health in Virginia’s Second District. Beginning in January 2026, this facility will offer oncology, cardiology, and primary care services that will bring high-quality, comprehensive care closer to home. Here in VA-02, we are expanding access to rural healthcare and this new hospital opening is proof of that commitment!

Assumption of Command: Strengthening Our Fleet and Our Families

Last week, I joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) as Navy Fleet Forces held an Assumption of Command ceremony marking a new chapter in leadership and service. It was great to have Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle there to oversee the ceremony as we continue to build upon the work he accomplished during his time at Fleet Forces. As Adm. Karl Thomas steps into this new role, I look forward to working with him to ensure that our sailors have every resource available to them to accomplish their mission and that their families are supported here at home. Go Navy!

Remembering December 7, 1941

On December 7th, we honored the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and the generation of heroes who answered the call in the days that followed. Our community in VA-02 is home to many veterans and military families whose service carries forward the legacy of those who stood on December 7, 1941. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we remain grateful to all who continue to defend our nation and our freedom.

20 Years of Giving: Celebrating Shaggy’s “Stuff the Bus” Toy Drive

Shaggy’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Toy Drive has become a festive tradition here in Hampton Roads. For 20 years, Shaggy in coordination with Toys for Tots and the United States Marine Corps, has helped brighten Christmas morning for children across Southeastern Virginia by collecting toys for families in need. I’m grateful for the generosity you inspire and for the joy you bring to so many VA-02 kids each year. Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season! 

AARP Forum on Supporting Women 50+ and America’s Caregivers

It was a pleasure to join AARP last week for their Policy and Women 50+ Forum...! As a geriatric nurse practitioner and co-sponsor of the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, I remain committed to advancing policies that support America’s caregivers and strengthen families. Thank you to AARP for the work you do in service to our communities across the nation..!

Calling District Office Interns for Spring 2026...!

We are now accepting internship applications for Spring 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.

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* (Unfortunately, White House tour slots have filled up for the month of December).
• 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 for participating in last week's poll! Last week, I asked, "Are you satisfied with your healthcare?" With over 1,100 responses, 62%, said YES, 34% said NO, and 4% were UNSURE.

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how important it is for every family to have access to quality, affordable care. These results remind me that while many in our community are well-served, too many still face challenges navigating high costs, limited provider options, and long wait times. My "CommonGround 2025" framework with Rep. Josh Gottheimer is designed to prevent families across the nation from being blindsided with skyrocketing healthcare premiums. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure we address the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits before their expiration.

Please know that your feedback helps guide my work in Congress as I continue pushing for bipartisan, commonsense solutions that strengthen our healthcare system and put patients first. Thank you for staying engaged and for sharing your experiences with me each week.

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 Second Lieutenant Audie Leon Murphy of the United States Army (Medal of Honor Action Date: January 26, 1945).

Murphy was born in Hunt County, Texas in 1924. He grew up in a large family of sharecroppers, where he was one of 12 children. After only attending school for five years, Murphy left school to pick cotton and hunt small game to provide for his family. He attempted to join the Marine Corps but was denied due to his size. However, in 1942, Murphy was able to join the U.S. Army and  was sent to Europe with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. 

Near Holtzwihr, France, 2d Lt. Murphy was commanding Company B when six tanks and waves of infantry attacked. Despite ordering his men to withdraw to prepared positions in the woods, he remained forward at his command post in order to continue giving fire directions to the artillery by telephone. Nearby, a U.S. tank destroyer caught fire after taking a direct hit. 2d Lt. Murphy climbed atop of the burning tank destroyer and employed its .50-caliber machine gun against the enemy. Alone and exposed to enemy fire at all sides, he continued to fire at enemy infantry. The enemy tanks began to fall back as its infantry wavered. For an hour, 2d Lt. Murphy singlehandedly held the line and pushed back enemy troops. He returned to his company with a leg wound, yet still organized a counterattack and forced the Germans to withdraw. 

His indomitable courage saved his company from possible encirclement and destruction. For his selfless bravery, 2d Lt. Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 2, 1945 in Austria by Lt. Gen. Alexander M. Patch III. Audie Leon Murphy died May 28, 1971 near Roanoke, Virginia. He lays in rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. 

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. My office assisted Vitalii from Chesapeake 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 process. Thanks for reaching out, Vitalii...!

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!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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