Friends,

Congress has officially started its District work period. This means that we are all home in our districts until September getting the work of the people done there... meeting with businesses, thanking public servants, and spending time greeting the people we serve at community events. There is much happening over the summer months in Hampton Roads and I am personally thankful to be home to be able to meet and engage with the people who sent me to represent them in Washington DC. It is a privilege to represent this district but I know that I work for you, therefore I want to hear from you and be home meeting as many of you as I can. One of my favorite things about holding elected office is meeting the wide variety of people who live, work, and raise their families in our district. Interacting with you all helps me to do the best job I can when making decisions and voting for the Second District. It is the privilege of a lifetime to work for you and to represent you in government and I take that job very seriously. 

I hope you all are able to enjoy these last few weeks before the school year starts. As a Mom, I'm always amazed how fast these summer months seem to fly by. I look forward to seeing many of you around town over the next month!

Recognizing Our Military Men and Women

Last week, I had the honor of attending the Hampton Roads Chamber's "Military Recognition Reception" in Virginia Beach. Our men and women in uniform dedicate their careers and lives to our freedom and our country's safety. The 75 servicemen and women recognized at last week's reception have gone above and beyond in their service to the United States and the Hampton Roads community.

It was a privilege to congratulate these amazing individuals in person. Thank you to the Hampton Roads Chamber for honoring these 75 servicemembers, and a special thank you to them for all that you do! As a former Navy helicopter pilot, military spouse, and proud Navy Mom, I will always be the loudest voice in Congress for our military men and women!

Advocating for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Last week, I co-led the introduction of the Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). For nearly three years, the ACP helped families access the high-speed internet services they need to work remotely, complete online coursework, attend telehealth appointments, and more. However, the program ran out of funding in May – ending assistance for over 23 million American households, including over 46,000 in Hampton Roads.

Virginia families need reliable, affordable internet access for essential healthcare services, education, and employment opportunities. The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would restore the program and provide eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month off the cost of their internet service.

I am proud to be one of the nine original lawmakers leading this bipartisan effort to renew the ACP and ensure the nearly 50,000 people in Hampton Roads who rely on it can continue to access critical high-speed internet services.

Welcoming Zim Shipping to Virginia Beach

Last week, I attended the groundbreaking of the new U.S. headquarters for Zim Shipping, an international Israeli cargo shipping company, right here in Virginia Beach! I am glad I could attend and help welcome Zim Shipping to Virginia Beach by participating in the ribbon cutting.

The relocation of Zim Shipping from Norfolk to Virginia Beach will keep 300 jobs in Hampton Roads and result in another 300 new jobs for our community! Thank you to Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, and Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller for participating in this celebration!

Advocating for Our First Responders

I recently met with the local members of the International Association of Firefighters to discuss the issues most important to them. Hampton Roads was well represented during our meeting, with individuals from the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, and Hanover County Fire Departments. Thank you to Sara Chiaverotti, Aimee Griffin, Christopher Smith, Laurna Trent, and Carolyn and Larry Phipps, for traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the firefighters who keep our local community safe...!

Specifically, we discussed H.R. 1719, the Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act, a bill to ensure death, disability, and education benefits for public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty include exposure-related cancer.

Firefighters, police officers, and other public safety personnel are the first line of defense in our communities when disaster strikes. I was proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure our courageous firefighters, first responders, and public safety officers - and their families - receive the benefits and support they deserve should their loved one be diagnosed with cancer due to the risks they take on the job.

Our Office is Here to Help with the DoD!

Did you know that my office can help you if you have issues with a federal agency, including the Department of Defense? I know that navigating the federal government can be extremely difficult, and it is my goal to assist Virginians across the Second Congressional District with any trouble they may have. Click on the video below to learn how my office can help...!

If you are having trouble with the Department of Defense or need help with another federal agency, please get in touch with my office - we are here to help! You can contact us at http://www.kiggans.house.govor give us a call at (757) 364-7650.

Weekly Poll

With over 1,000 votes last week, 65% of you said that the Biden-Harris Administration should end munitions restrictions on Israel in light of Hezbollah's recent attacks. I agree with you. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, and we must empower them to keep their citizens safe and be a deterrent against the constant threat of terror.

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 Captain Benjamin Lewis Salomon of the United States Army (Medal of Honor Action Date: July 7, 1944).

Captain Benjamin Louis Salomon was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a Jewish family on September 1, 1914. He was one of nine Eagle Scouts to be awarded the Medal of Honor and graduated from Shorewood High School. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Southern California and graduated from their Dental School as well. 

In 1940, Salomon was drafted into the United States Army as an infantry private to serve during World War II. He was reassigned to the Army Dental Corps in 1942 and promoted to first lieutenant. He served in the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. 

He was deployed to Saipan, in the Marianas Islands, and worked as a surgeon. On July 7, 1944 the Regiment’s 1st and 2nd Battalions were attacked by 3,000-5,000 Japanese soldiers. The enemy soon infiltrated the U.S. perimeter, leading to mass casualties and injuries.

Salomon's aid station was set up only 50 yards behind the forward foxhole line. Fighting was heavy and a major Japanese assault soon overran the perimeter, then the aid station. Salomon was able to grab an M1 Garand that was near him, kill the enemy that entered the hospital tent and ordered the wounded to be evacuated, while he stayed and fired upon the incoming enemy with an M1917 machine gun to cover their withdrawal. When his body was found, 98 enemy soldiers were piled in front of his position.

Captain Benjamin Louis Salomon’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously on May 1, 2002 by President George W. Bush.

Fun Fact of the Week!

Did you know that Virginia is the largest seafood producer on the East Coast and the third largest in the country? In 2021, Virginia's seafood industry generated impressive figures, and contributed significantly to the state’s economy with total landings of over 350 million pounds and a dockside value exceeding $222 million. Virginia is also a leading producer of hard clams and oysters. A study conducted by the Virginia Marine Products Board found that Virginia's seafood industry supports 7,187 full and part-time jobs, highlighting its crucial impact on the state's economy.

Virginia Beach plays a crucial role in this thriving industry, serving as a hub for seafood processing and distribution. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay allows the harvesting of a diverse range of species, from clams and blue crabs to non-traditional products like eel and monkfish, ensuring fresh, sustainably sourced seafood for both domestic and international markets.

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