Friends,

This past week was a busy one in the House of Representatives! We passed multiple bills including the budget resolution and the SAVE Act, and I spoke with Admiral Samuel Paparo from INDOPACOM at the House Armed Services Committee hearing, sat down with Axios to talk about the future of defense and aviation, introduced my ENLIST Act, and so much more.

Read more about the bills the House voted on this week below!

And now, onto the Weekly Debrief...!

Passing a Budget Resolution

On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to pass a budget resolution. Now, Congressional committees can begin the task of outlining specifically where budget changes will be made. Read my statement on its passage below...!

The passage of this budget resolution kicks off the reconciliation process! Each committee will now go through hearings and markups of their pieces of the bill and then the Budget Committee will package them up into one single reconciliation bill. The bill will then head to the House and Senate floors for debate and votes. In the Senate, reconciliation bills can pass with a simple majority and are not subject to the filibuster.

You can read the full text of the budget resolution we passed here.

Advocating for F-35s in My Latest Op-ed

This week, I penned an op-ed in Stars and Stripes that outlined my vision for the Navy to base F-35 fighter jets at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. As a former Navy helicopter pilot who deployed alongside carrier air wings, I understand what it takes to keep our country safe — and that begins with ensuring our forces are strategically postured for the threats of tomorrow.

The Navy’s ability to project air power in a contested environment depends on more than the capabilities of its aircraft – it depends on where those aircraft are based. Right now, every operational Navy F-35C squadron is stationed on the West Coast. That needs to change.

To meet the demands of great power competition and ensure strategic flexibility in the years ahead, the Navy must establish a permanent F-35 presence on the East Coast. NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, already the East Coast’s master jet base for F/A-18s, is the clear and logical choice to host the next generation of naval airpower. It’s time to expand Oceana’s mission and bring the F-35 to the East Coast. The F-35 is not just the future of naval aviation – it is a fifth-generation leap in lethality, survivability, and interoperability. With stealth design, next-gen sensors, and advanced data fusion, it is built for contested environments where legacy aircraft cannot operate. 

Read more here!

Standing up for our Atlantic Fleet in the Indo-Pacific

On Wednesday, I spoke with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of INDOPACOM, at the House Armed Services Committee Hearing on U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region. I stressed the importance of the Atlantic Fleet to Indo-Pacific operations, investment in NAS Oceana in Virginia's Second District, F-35 integration, strengthening shipbuilding, and maintaining a highly skilled shipbuilding and ship repair workforce.

Investments in NAS Oceana and in our ship building and ship repair industries are critical to our Navy’s mission-readiness in the Indo-Pacific and across the globe. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, I will remain committed to building up our fleet and ensuring our Navy is positioned to sustain threats globally with a balanced force...!

Click here or below to watch our full conversation.

Before the hearing, Admiral Paparo stopped by my office to say hello and to have an important conversation about deterring China, strengthening our Indo-Pacific posture, and ensuring our Armed Forces are set up for success. If one thing is clear, it's that INDOPACOM is in good hands under Admiral Paparo's strong leadership…!

Talking All Things Aviation with Axios

On Thursday morning, I joined Axios live to discuss the future of defense and aviation with defense reporter Colin Demarest.



We talked about my push for the Navy to base F-35s at NAS Oceana, my experience as a Navy helicopter pilot, our country's defense budget, shipbuilding and ship repair, the DCA plane crash and my Military Helicopter Training Safety Act with Congressman Tom Barrett, and manned and unmanned aircraft.

Watch here and below...!

Colin even asked me if I could fly any aircraft what it would be... to which I replied a H-46! Flying H-46 helicopters in the Navy was unforgettable – some of the best years of my life with some of the greatest Americans I’ve ever known!

Introducing the ENLIST Act to Build the Next Generation of Military Leaders

This week, I also was excited to introduce a brand new bill: the Engaging Next-Generation Leaders in Information about Service and Training (ENLIST) Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). The ENLIST Act is a bipartisan bill that would require high schools to prominently display military recruiting information so students can fully consider service as a path after graduation.

Currently, college brochures and career fair flyers line the walls of high schools across America, but information about joining the military is often left behind. By ensuring recruiting materials get equal space, this bill aims to empower students with the full knowledge of all post-graduation pathways, including the opportunity to serve.

When America’s high school students are weighing their post-graduation options and deciding their future, they deserve to understand every potential path. As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy mom, I believe every young American deserves to understand the vast opportunities military service can provide.

My ENLIST Act ensures that students see military service as a viable and honorable path after graduation – right alongside college and the workforce. This bipartisan legislation is about fairness, visibility, and giving our next generation the full picture of how they can lead, grow, and serve their country.

Applauding the New Shipbuilding Executive Order

This past week, I was excited to see the President sign his new Executive Order aimed to revitalize American shipbuilding and ship repair.

This Executive Order places an important emphasis on both our national security and local economic growth in shipbuilding and ship repair hubs like Virginia’s Second District. Hampton Roads is home to the nation’s largest shipbuilding and ship repair industrial base, employing more than 41,000 people across the region. However, from 2014 to 2024, the Navy’s surface fleet in Hampton Roads decreased from 48 to 28 vessels, creating challenges for Virginia’s ship repair industry and a 30% workforce reduction.

The bottom line is that we have been decommissioning more ships than we’re building, and we have the same number of ships in 2025 that we had in 2003. It’s time to turn things around. As China ramps up their threats and builds more ships by the day, strengthening our fleet is more important now than ever.

This Executive Order is a critical step in bolstering our maritime industrial base, and I look forward to working with the Administration as we develop strategies to enhance our maritime community. It’s time to revitalize our shipyards, support our skilled workers, and keep our Navy ready to fight tonight!

Read a fact sheet about this Executive Order here...!

Welcoming VA Secretary Doug Collins to Chesapeake!

On Thursday, we welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, to Chesapeake for the ribbon cutting of the brand new North Battlefield Outpatient VA Clinic. With the opening of this clinic, we are sending a clear message to Hampton Roads veterans: your service matters, and your care is our priority.

Thank you, Secretary Collins for coming to Chesapeake and for all the work you are doing on behalf of America's heroes who have worn the uniform...!

As a Navy veteran, a geriatric nurse practitioner, and a proud representative of Virginia’s Second District, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many of our veterans face when it comes to accessing quality healthcare and the importance of ensuring our veterans receive the care and support they’ve earned.

Chesapeake has a strong and proud military community. With this new clinic, we are expanding access to essential healthcare services, from primary care to mental health, to thousands of veterans who have served our country with honor. This clinic is an important milestone not just for our local veterans, but for our entire community. Serving on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue fighting to ensure the VA can provide the quality care our veterans deserve.

Weekly Poll

With over 1,500 responses last week, almost 50% of you said you don't feel the cost of eggs has gone down, while nearly 40% of you feel they have and about 16% are unsure. I know egg prices have fluctuated recently, but I have good news... they are back on the decline! It goes without saying that every single family across VA-02 and across the country should be able to comfortably purchase groceries, and I will continue to support pro-growth, commonsense economic policies that put more money into American wallets!

And now, onto this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson. On October 15, 1967, Sfc. Anderson (then S/Sgt.) and his battalion were stationed near Tam Ky in South Vietnam. Out of nowhere, the tranquility of their morning shattered as the North Vietnamese infantry launched an onslaught. Machine gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades rained down like a hailstorm. The enemy fighters pushed hard, eventually penetrating their defenses. As a result, the base faced the imminent danger of being overrun.

Sfc. Anderson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as chief of section in Battery A, against a hostile force. During the early morning hours Battery A’s defensive position was attacked by a determined North Vietnamese Army infantry unit supported by heavy mortar, recoilless-rifle, rocket-propelled-grenade and automatic-weapons fire. The initial enemy onslaught breached the battery defensive perimeter. Sfc. Anderson, with complete disregard for his personal safety, mounted the exposed parapet of his howitzer position and became the mainstay of the defense of the battery position.

Sfc. Anderson directed devastating direct howitzer fire on the assaulting enemy while providing rifle and grenade defensive fire against enemy soldiers attempting to overrun his gun section position. While protecting his crew and directing their fire against the enemy from his exposed position, two enemy grenades exploded at his feet knocking him down and severely wounding him in the legs. Despite the excruciating pain and though not able to stand, Sfc. Anderson valorously propped himself on the parapet and continued to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy and to encourage his men to fight on. Seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, Sfc. Anderson heedless of his own safety, seized the grenade and attempted to throw it over the parapet to save his men. As the grenade was thrown from the position it exploded and Sfc. Anderson was again grievously wounded.

Although only partially conscious and severely wounded, Sfc. Anderson refused medical evacuation and continued to encourage his men in the defense of the position. Sfc. Anderson, by his inspirational leadership, professionalism, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for his welfare, was able to maintain the defense of his section position and to defeat a determined attack. Sfc. Anderson’s gallantry and extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

On December 4, 1969, the President of the United States presented Sfc. Anderson with the Medal of Honor, acknowledging his valor beyond the call of duty. He was also a recipient of the Purple Heart, a testament to his sacrifice. On August 30, 2003, Anderson passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Rick from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue he was having with Social Security and Medicare. After he reached out to my office, we were able to help him solve his problem and get the help he needed. Thanks for reaching out, Rick...!

If you need assistance with 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 (linked below) 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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