Friends,

I hope families across the Second District are settling back into the new school year. If you're like me, you're probably sad to see the warm weather of the summer starting to fade... The start of the cold weather also means another thing for Virginians....elections are coming up fast! With that being said, I wanted to let you know about how my office will be able to communicate with the people of the Second District moving forward.

U.S. House rules prohibit Members of Congress from sending out mass communications to constituents for the 60 days leading up to an election – unless you're signed up to receive updates. The good news is you are already signed up and will continue to receive the Weekly Debrief and other important updates from my office!

That being said, if you have any family or friends who you think would enjoy receiving my newsletter, I encourage you to forward them this email. They can subscribe to receive updates via the button below!

And now on to this week's debrief...!

Visiting with the Crew of the USS Tortuga

One of my favorite parts of representing Hampton Roads in Congress is being able to advocate for our military men and women. Last week, I visited with the Sailors and Marines attached to the USS Tortuga. The Tortuga is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship which is mainly used for transporting U.S. Marines and their equipment overseas. The ship is currently at port at Naval Station Norfolk and is undergoing continued maintenance.

I am grateful for our local ship repair industry, which works diligently to ensure our Navy is ready for any challenge that might arise anywhere in the world. Thank you to those serving aboard the USS Tortuga! It was awesome to visit and spend some time with you!

Improving the Lives of Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I spent years caring for our older adults. Before becoming a primary care provider, I worked in various memory care clinics across Hampton Roads caring for patients who were suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Sadly, a diagnosis like that can be debilitating and prevent patients from being able to accomplish basic tasks like turning on a sink or getting ready in the morning.

These patients and their families will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be an advocate for them in Congress. That's why I sent a letter to the the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) in support of a grant application by Nasoni which will integrate advanced sensor technology into faucets that help patients perform essential hygiene tasks safely with independence. You can read my full letter of support below:

I am pleased to report that the Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded the nearly $2.5 million grant to Nasoni, which has significant ties to Suffolk, Virginia, for the further development of this important project. It was an honor to play a role in helping secure this funding and I look forward to seeing how this new technology will improve the quality of lives for dementia and Alzheimer's patients in the future!

Setting Our Children Up For Success!

Last week, I visited Seatack Elementary School, An Achievable Dream Academy, to welcome students back for the new school year and to present federal funding I secured for the school as part of Fiscal Year 2024 government funding! I am proud to bring home nearly $2 million dollars to ensure Seatack can be fully staffed and the school's students set up for success...!

As a working mom of four, I'm familiar with many of the challenges Southeast Virginia families face - especially when it comes to childcare and ensuring kids get the education and opportunities they deserve. This funding will offer enhanced mental health and academic support through enrichment activities, extended day programming, the employment of trauma-informed specialists, career planning, and more.

Children deserve to have every possible opportunity to grow into healthy and successful adults. That's why I'm committed to supporting education programs like the Achievable Dream Academy which prepares students for their future and gives teachers the resources to excel! I want to thank everyone at Seatack Elementary School and An Achievable Dream Academy for your dedication to providing high quality, child-centered, cost effective, community-based services to high-risk youth and their families. I will always advocate for the children of Hampton Roads in Congress!

Visiting with the Residents of Atlantic Shores Retirement Community

I always enjoy visiting with the residents of our local retirement communities, like Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach! It was an honor to join Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson for Atlantic Shore's monthly meeting last week to discuss ways in which my office can assist seniors and help them navigate the federal government.

Since coming to Congress, I have heard from hundreds of Virginians about problems they are having with the US Postal Service. From lost bills to mail not being delivered for weeks at a time, these problems can impact everyone, but especially our seniors. Over the course of the past several months, I have worked closely on a bipartisan basis with other Virginia elected leaders to get to the bottom of these delays and disruptions.

As my office continues to push for improvements from the USPS, it was great to talk with residents about the ways my office can help resolve individual issues with the USPS and other federal agencies. If you are having a problem navigating the federal government, my office might be able to help! Visit kiggans.house.gov/agencies for assistance. Thank you to Atlantic Shores for have me...!

Celebrating Former President Ronald Reagan

Last week it was an honor to join Former Virginia Governors George Allen & Bob McDonnell and State Senator Bill DeSteph ahead of a screening of the new movie “Reagan” for a panel to discuss President Reagan’s policies and how his legacy lives on today!

I remember when I was in elementary school and Ronald Reagan was elected as President. For most of my childhood, I grew up watching President Reagan lead our nation by prioritizing peace through strength and fighting daily for freedom and limited government. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans today!

Weekly Poll

With over 1,100 votes last week 78% of you said that you are worried about the stability of our economy... I agree with you, today countless Americans are feeling uneasy about our economic future. Inflation continues to negatively impact families and earlier this year it was reported that Americans's credit card balances have climbed to a new record high... Regardless of your background, most of us can agree that isn't good.

In Congress, I will continue to support common sense economic policies and a responsible budget. Lowering taxes and decreasing government spending are crucial to putting money back into the hands of the American people. Our economy is more productive when money is spent by everyday Americans and small businesses, not the federal government. 

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 Staff Sergeant David G Bellavia United States Army (Medal of Honor Action Date: November 10, 2004)

Staff Sergeant Bellavia was born on November 10th 1975 in Buffalo, New York. Growing up, his grandfather, who was a WWII Veteran, instilled a deep appreciation for military service, often telling him stories of experiences in Normandy, France. Bellavia graduated from Houghton Academy in 1994 and attended the University at Buffalo.

Bellavia enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1999 and deployed to Kosovo for nine months in 2003. While stationed in Kosovo, it became clear to his unit’s leadership that they would eventually be sent to Iraq to support combat operations during the Second Gulf War. By 2004 he had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was deployed to Iraq.  

In November 2004, Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s battalion took part in the Battle of Fallujah. On his 29th birthday, November 10th, 2004, Bellavia’s platoon was in the process of clearing a section of houses when they came under intense fire from an insurgent who was firing from a fortified position under a staircase. He took an M249 machine gun from a member of his squad and laid down suppressing fire, allowing the rest of his squad to escape the room. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was brought forward in front of their position in an attempt to suppress the enemy positions. Unfortunately, high walls prevented the vehicle from hitting the enemy positions. 

Staff Sergeant Bellavia then reentered the house in an attempt to clear it. He noticed an insurgent preparing to launch a rocket-propelled grenade at other soldiers, and assaulted the position, killing the shooter and wounding another insurgent. While moving to clear another room in the building, he was attacked by two insurgents coming down a flight of stairs. Bellavia killed the two insurgents, before clearing the rest of the house. 

Staff Sergeant Bellavia was initially awarded a Silver Star for his actions. His heroism was partially captured on camera by a journalist that was embedded with his unit. Staff Sergeant Bellavia left active duty in 2005. His Silver Star was upgraded to the Medal of Honor and he was presented his medal by President Donald Trump in a ceremony on June 25th 2019 at the White House. Staff Sergeant Bellavia is currently the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the conflict in Iraq and only the second recipient to have his actions recorded. 

Fun Fact of the Week!

Did you know that on September 9, 1791 that the City of Washington was officially named after George Washington and the District of Columbia was founded. Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, was created as part of the U.S. Constitution which called for the creation of a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress. Congress passed the Residence Act on July 9 1790 which approved the creation of the national capital on the Potomac River. George Washington was designated to select the location. Congress then passed the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801. This law created the official organization of the territory and placed it under the control of the Federal Government. 

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

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