Friends,

I hope you enjoyed your four-day week and all of the crazy weather that came with it! From shipyards to aquariums, my week working in Virginia’s Second District was jam-packed...! Here are some of the highlights…

Visiting Newport News Shipbuilding

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to tour Newport News Shipbuilding with my fellow Virginia Representatives Bobby Scott and Rob Wittman!

During my time in the Navy, I spent months at a time aboard a variety of ships. I know the design, construction, and repair of these ships – as well as that of our submarines – are crucial to our Naval superiority and play a leading role in maintaining America's strong national defense.

Our bipartisan visit highlighted the time, dedication, and level of craftsmanship required to construct and maintain the Columbia– and Virginia-class submarines and the Ford-class aircraft carriers.

There's not a doubt in my mind that Newport News is home to the greatest shipbuilders in the world. It's important to remember that these shipyards aren’t just critical for our national defense; they also provide countless good paying jobs for our local communities and our Commonwealth as a whole. I look forward to supporting them in Congress...!

Meeting with Admiral Caudle of Fleet Forces

Before our visit to the shipyards, we had the opportunity to sit down with Admiral Daryl Caudle, the Commander of United States Fleet Forces Command. We had an in-depth discussion about how Congress can meet our military’s vast needs and the ways in which we can improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. A day with the Navy is always day well spent!

Caring for Our Coastal Resources

Did you know the Virginia Aquarium is responsible for the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded ocean mammals and turtles along the entire Commonwealth coastline? Aquariums are essential leaders in wildlife conservation, science, and education, and lucky to have a great one right here in our backyard! I had a wonderful and informative visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Check out that beautiful sea turtle!

I also gained a lot from my tour of Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) in Suffolk. They treat over one million gallons of waste water each day...! My visit to the SWIFT facility and speaking with their employees provided me with valuable insight into how their work protects and replenishes the Potomac Aquifer and ensures we have fresh drinking water available throughout our region…..!

Coastal Virginians know how to be good stewards of the environment. I'm excited to work with my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee and our local partners here at home to preserve our treasured resources - like the Bay - so that Virginians and all Americans can enjoy them for generations to come...!

Protecting Our Seniors and Their Healthcare

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have spent decades working with older Virginians and understand how important Social Security and Medicare are to our seniors and their well-being.

That's why, I recently cosponsored two resolutions to protect these programs:

• H.Res.117, which recognizes Social Security as a key pillar of retirement security for tens of millions of Americans and reaffirms the U.S. House of Representatives’ commitment to not cut Social Security; and
• H.Res.118 to reaffirm the House’s commitment to save and strengthen Medicare as a vital program for senior health care.

The two resolutions were offered by the new Republican majority in the House to reaffirm our commitment to protecting these programs and to ensure good faith negotiations over the upcoming debt ceiling can occur in line with that commitment. No matter how many partisan rumors or claims are thrown around about these programs being cut, my stance will not change: I will always prioritize the needs of our seniors, my patients, and protect Social Security and Medicare...!

My Priorities in Congress

Protecting my patients is one of my many priorities as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. A few weeks ago, I discussed all of my priorities for the 118th Congress - as well as how I got to this crazy place called Washington - with C-SPAN. No one will fight harder for the people of Virginia’s Second District than I will...!

Check out the full interview by clicking on the video below!

Visit Us in Washington!

My staff is always happy to show constituents around the Capitol, even when I’m working back home in the district...! This week, we hosted Men of Faith and Plaza Middle School. If you’re in Washington, be sure to stop by the office and say hi – even if you’re not getting a tour. We'd love to see you!

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I want to highlight Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Howard Vincent Lee (Medal of Honor action date: August 8-9, 1966)!

Marine Corps Major Howard Lee (then Captain) was the leader of a Company in Vietnam when one of his platoons came under attack deep in enemy territory and was quickly surrounded by Vietnamese forces. Major Lee, realizing that the platoon had already suffered heavy causalities, took 7 of his men by helicopter to provide relief. Under heavy enemy fire, Major Lee disembarked the helicopter with two of his men and moved from position to position, reorganizing and commanding his distressed men.

Not long after they arrived, the Vietnamese forces launched a full-scale attack. Major Lee, despite being wounded by shrapnel from an enemy grenade (including in his eye!), continued to direct his troops throughout the night, coordinating the platoon’s defenses and maintaining communication with headquarters. When morning came, Major Lee collapsed from his wounds and was forced to give up command. Inspired by Major Lee’s actions, the Marines fought off repeated enemy attacks for an additional six hours until they were able to be evacuated.

Major Howard Vincent Lee was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House on October 25, 1967, for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty”. He was born on August 1, 1933, and passed away on March 23, 2019 in Virginia Beach. He is buried at Colonial Grove Memorial Park in Virginia Beach, VA.

Five Fast Facts from VA-02!

1. The average temperature in Virginia Beach is 60°F.
2. The Guinness Book of World Records lists Virginia Beach’s 35 miles of shoreline as the longest pleasure beach on the planet!
3. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is 70 miles long (and full of natural beauty!)
4. Cape Charles is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its Victorian architecture.
5. Nansemond County – which is present day Suffolk – was founded in 1646. Their 400th birthday is coming up!

Please don't hesitate to contact my D.C. 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!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District