Friends,

Last week, a lot happened in just four days of session in Washington...! Both the House and the Senate passed a partial funding package to keep our government open, President Biden gave his State of the Union address to Congress, and our office had many visitors from Virginia's Second District.

I know that Spring Break is coming up fast for schools in Hampton Roads…! If you are already planning on making a trip to Washington, D.C. or if you are looking for something fun to do during break, my office would love to give you a tour of YOUR Capitol. Click here to schedule a tour!

The State of the Union

Like millions of Americans, I had many questions heading into President Biden's State of the Union address. Prior to the President's address, I shared my concerns and what I wanted President Biden to focus on. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the answers we were looking for. Click here or on the image below to see my full remarks.

I’m a former Navy helicopter pilot, a Navy spouse, Navy mom, and a healthcare provider...I worry about the future of my country and the country we are leaving for our kids. All I wanted were answers to the questions that keep me up at night. It is frustrating that last week millions of people were left with the same concerns – if not more – that we had heading into the evening.

My Special Guest for the State of the Union: Logan!

While I was disappointed in the President's speech, it was an honor to bring Logan from Virginia Beach to the State of the Union as my special guest...! Logan is currently a senior in high school who lives with the everyday challenges of epilepsy. His passion and dedication to advocating for those with epilepsy is truly an inspiration for all of us.

I was proud to wear a pin during the State of the Union to raise awareness for epilepsy. Thank you, Logan, for bringing your entire family to visit us in D.C.! You were a wonderful guest to have at the State of the Union...!

Keeping Our Government Open

While it took much longer than it should have with a divided Congress, I’m proud that prior to the State of the Union, lawmakers finally came together to pass a bipartisan government funding bill that prevented a partial shutdown and kept our government open.

The unfortunate reality is that in recent years, Washington’s irresponsible spending has added trillions to our national debt and increased the cost of living for American families. I came to Congress to put an end to that wasteful spending without compromising on our commitment to veterans or reducing investments in our military and national security...Voting for this bill was one of many steps I’ve taken to accomplish that goal.

This bipartisan government funding bill reduced non-defense, non-VA spending for the first time in almost a decade...! This was accomplished while fully funding our veterans’ health care, toxic exposure programs, and military construction projects with a particular focus on quality-of-life projects such as improved barracks, upgrades to the quality of housing, and funding for child development centers.

You can learn more about this important funding bill here.

Securing $13.75 million for the Second District!

With the passage of last week’s government funding package, I am pleased to announce that I secured $13.75 million for local projects right here in Hampton Roads…! These projects will invest in every corner of Virginia's Second District, improving infrastructure, childcare, law enforcement, and healthcare.

It’s only right for our hard-earned taxpayer dollars to get returned to our communities. I was proud to fight for these important funding requests on behalf of Southeast Virginia and look forward to seeing the positive impacts they will have back home…! You can view a detailed list of the projects I secured federal funding for here.

Fighting to Secure Our Border and Aid Our Allies

Last week, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to demand a vote on the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. With the crisis at our southern border spiraling out of control and the embarrassing lack of action to support our allies on the world stage, it is past time for Congress to act.

I cannot overstate just how dangerous our world has become...We cannot afford to wait when it comes to securing our borders and supporting our allies. Watch my remarks at the press conference here!

Distinguished Service Medal Goes to K-9 Cody!

The highlight of last week in Washington was celebrating K-9 Cody, and her handler James, who received the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal!

The Distinguished Service Medal was created in 2022 and recognizes animals for their distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service. The medal is awarded to any animal trained to provide a service to the military or first responders who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism.

K-9 Cody, a German Shepherd trained in explosive detection, has had a long and successful career of keeping people safe. She began working in Iraq where she protected U.S. Embassy personnel before she was transferred stateside to the Mall of America. Cody is now based out of Virginia and helps safeguard such places as Busch Gardens and local events at schools, churches, and festivals. 

Congratulations to Cody and James for earning this award, and thank you both for everything you do to keep our community safe. Keep up the great work...!

Tax Information Workshop this Friday!

I wanted to let you know that this Friday, March 15th, my team will be hosting a free Tax Information Workshop in Virginia Beach! Several organizations, including the IRS, Taxpayer Advocate Service, AARP, and others, will be at the event to offer tax guidance and provide details about available tax filing assistance opportunities.

Stop by the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library (located at 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452) anytime from 1:00 - 3:15 PM! Please feel free to send RSVPs to VA02RSVP@mail.house.gov. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my Virginia Beach office at (757) 364-7650. We hope to see you there...!

Weekly Poll

With nearly 600 votes last week, over 60% of you said that Congress should prioritize spending less than last year. I agree with you...that's why I voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which cuts spending by $9 billion and comes in under the President's Budget Request by more than $100 billion!

And now on to this week's poll question! Please click one of the buttons below to share your opinion.

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I want to honor the Medal of Honor recipient, Colonel Harvey Barnum Jr. of the United States Marine Corps (Medal of Honor action date: December 18, 1965).

Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. was born on July 21, 1940, in Connecticut. Upon graduation from Saint Anselm College, Barnum was commissioned as a Marine Reserve Second Lieutenant and attended the Basic School at Quantico, Virginia in preparation for his career in the Marine Corps. Upon graduating from Quantico in February of 1963, Barnum was stationed overseas to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa, Barnum accepted his appointment to the regular Marine Corps and in December of 1964 he was promoted to first lieutenant.

From December 1965 until February 1966, Barnum served on temporary duty in Vietnam as an artillery forward observer with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Lt. Harvey Barnum was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extreme acts of bravery on December 18, 1965. While on assignment in Vietnam, Barnum’s battalion came under heavy attack during Operation Harvest Moon. They were quickly separated from the remainder of the battalion with over 500 meters of open fire-swept ground, and their casualties were mounting rapidly. 

Lt. Barnum made a hazardous reconnaissance of the area while seeking targets for his artillery. Finding the rifle company commander mortally wounded and the radio operator killed, he gave aid to the dying commander, then removed the radio from the dead operator and strapped it to himself. Lt. Barnum assumed command of the rifle company, and moved into the heavy fire. He quickly worked to reorganize the men and replace the loss of key personnel to lead their attack on the enemy’s position.

His sound and swift decisions and his obvious calm served to stabilize the badly decimated units and his gallant example as he stood exposed repeatedly to point out targets served as an inspiration to all. With support from two helicopters, Barnum moved fearlessly to control the air attacks against the entrenched enemy while skillfully directing one platoon in a successful counterattack on key enemy positions. After clearing a small area, he requested and directed the landing of two transport helicopters for the evacuation of the dead and wounded. He then assisted in the continued counter attack and final seizure of the battalion's objective.

His gallant initiative and heroic conduct reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. For these actions, Harvey Barnum Jr. was presented with the Medal of Honor on February 27, 1967 by the Secretary of the Navy, Paul Nitze. Harvey Barnum Jr. continued his service in the United State Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Colonel. He is still alive today and resides with his wife in Reston, Virginia. 

Fun Fact of the Week!

The Delmarva Peninsula gets its name from the territories included in the peninsula belonging to Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. There have been various movements in the past to make Delmarva a state but obviously none have been successful. A Delmarva state party was even created in 1992 in hopes of achieving statehood. 

I'm headed back to Washington today to continue fighting for our Southeast Virginia values. 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!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District