Jennifer A. Kiggans

Kiggans Secures Reversal of Commissary Plastic Bag Fee Following Advocacy for Military Families - Jen Kiggans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) reversed its decision to charge customers for single-use paper or plastic bags at military commissaries across the country. This reversal comes after months of advocacy from the Congresswoman, including a letter to Undersecretary of War Anthony Tata and a direct conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following a House Armed Services Committee hearing last week. “Our military families sacrifice so much for our country, and they should not be nickel and dimed with unnecessary fees when visiting a commissary for groceries. I was deeply frustrated when DeCA announced it would impose a charge for paper and plastic bags—an added cost that complicates a benefit intended to support our servicemembers, retirees, and their families. I appreciate Secretary Hegseth for listening to my concerns and taking swift action to eliminate this fee. Prioritizing affordability for our servicemembers and their families is essential, and this decision is a meaningful win for those who serve. I will always fight to make life more affordable for hardworking military families.” Read Rep. Kiggans’ letter to Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata here. Read DeCA’s press release here.

Kiggans and Merkley Continue to Support our Nursing Workforce in Light of the Recent Department of Education RISE Committee Final Rule  - Jen Kiggans

Position: Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley oppose the Department of Education's final rule excluding post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the professional degree designation, which they argue will reduce federal student loan borrowing limits for nursing students and worsen healthcare workforce shortages. They intend to introduce legislation to reverse this exclusion.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed concern following the Department of Education’s release of its final rule defining which healthcare professions qualify as “professional degrees.” The rule, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, excludes post-baccalaureate nursing programs from this designation. As a result, individuals pursuing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees will face lower federal borrowing limits for student loans, creating additional barriers to entering the profession. The final rule comes after more than six months of sustained, bipartisan, and bicameral advocacy led by Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley, who repeatedly raised concerns about the exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing programs. Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley remain committed to working together to introduce legislation that addresses this issue and ensure post-baccalaureate nursing degrees are included on the list of designated professional degrees. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “The RISE Committee’s final rule to exclude advanced practice nurses from its definition of professional degrees is incredibly frustrating and disenfranchises these men and women that are on the front lines of healthcare every day. As a Nurse Practitioner, I know the value and impact advanced practice nurses bring to our communities’ health and wellbeing. As our nation continues to grapple with a healthcare workforce shortage, this decision will increase-out-pocket costs and create an inequitable financial structure compared to other clinical programs. This disincentivizes talented young students from entering the field at a time when we need them most.” “As the Representative of Virginia’s Second Congressional District, it is my responsibility to help grow our healthcare workforce and expand access to quality care across Coastal Virginia. I am proud to continue this work with Senator Merkley to get nurses onto the Professional Degree list,” she concluded. “America is facing a dire shortage of health care workers, but the Trump Administration would rather stick its head in the sand than support nurses being able to afford post-baccalaureate programs,” said Merkley. “Our simple, bipartisan fix ensures that nurses are able to access the loans they need to earn their professional degrees.” “Recognizing nursing as a professional degree is essential to sustaining pathways to advanced nursing education and, ultimately, safeguarding the nation’s health,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “The academic nursing community applauds our Congressional champions for working on a legislative response that will strengthen the capacity of nursing schools in every state to educate the next generation of advanced practice nurses, researchers, scientists, faculty, and healthcare leaders.” “Patients across the country rely on nurse practitioners (NPs) for access to care, from rural communities to major metropolitan areas. The Department of Education’s decision to exclude NPs and other post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the definition of a professional degree for federal student loans will make it harder for future NPs to pursue their education, ultimately worsening the nursing and primary care shortages facing our nation,” said American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “On behalf of AANP and the more than 461,000 NPs nationwide, we commend Representative Kiggans and Senator Merkley for their leadership and continued support of the nursing profession. We look forward to the introduction of their legislation and urge all Members of Congress to support the passage of this legislation to send it to the President for his signature.” "It's ironic that we find ourselves here just one week before National Nurses Week, a time when we are meant to celebrate and honor the very people who keep our health system running. And yet, this Department of Education has chosen to make it harder for nurses to advance their education and their careers,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association. “I want to thank Senator Merkley and Representative Kiggans for their commitment to writing legislation that will fix this easily avoidable disaster for the nursing profession and patients. Make no mistake, this is not a technicality or a footnote. This rule will be felt in real communities, for example, in rural areas where nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse anesthesiologists are often the only providers of core care services." “The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners applauds Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Kiggans for their leadership in introducing legislation to correct the Department of Education’s student loan rule,” National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) president Dr. Felesia Bowen said. “This misguided decision has significant implications that impact an already strained health care workforce. Most importantly, it creates additional financial barriers for nurses pursuing advanced education at a time when access to care for children and families depends on a strong, well-prepared workforce. NAPNAP looks forward to working with Congresswoman Kiggans, Senator Merkley, and other members of Congress to ensure that students are able to pursue careers in advanced pediatric nursing practice.” “Boards of nursing are charged with protecting the public which includes ensuring patients and students have access to safe nursing care and quality nursing education,” said Phyllis Polk Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, NCSBN Board of Directors President. "By restricting access to federal student loan support for advanced nursing education, the Department’s policy is misaligned with that mandate. We thank Representative Kiggans and Senator Merkley for their leadership and urge Congress to act promptly to correct this misalignment and ensure federal student loan programs fully support the advanced nursing clinicians and nurse faculty essential to meeting the nation’s health care needs.” “On behalf of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), we thank Representatives Kiggans and Senator Merkley for leading the efforts on legislation to fix the Department of Education’s misguided and harmful student loan caps on advanced nursing education. The Department’s refusal to classify Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and other APRN degrees as professional, despite meeting the necessary criteria, will significantly disrupt the workforce pipeline by putting graduate education out of reach for many qualified nurses, worsening provider shortages nationwide." said AANA President Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA. "The impact will be felt most in rural and underserved communities where CRNAs are often the primary anesthesia providers. This legislation is a critical step to protect patients’ access to safe, timely care, and we look forward to working with these champions to ensure its passage.” In the next few weeks, Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley plan to introduce a bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation that would officially add post-baccalaureate nurses to the professional degree definition. Full-time professional students that are receiving degrees under the Professional Degree list may borrow up to $50,000 annually with a $200,000 limit. Adding advanced practice nurses to the definition will increase the amount of federal student loans they can receive. In November 2025, Rep. Kiggans sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon urging the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee to reverse its decision to exclude post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the definition of a “professional degree.” In December 2025, Rep. Kiggans sent a second letter to the Department of Education, alongside a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of elected officials, urging a reversal of the RISE Committee's decision In March 2026, Rep. Kiggans, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), sent a letter to Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. This was the third letter Rep. Kiggans sent to the Department of Education regarding the exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the definition of a “professional degree.” Read her press release here.

Kiggans Supports 2026 Farm Bill Delivering for Virginia Farmers and the Hampton Roads Economy - Jen Kiggans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined her colleagues in voting to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This comprehensive legislation reauthorizes and modernizes key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs through 2031. This bill delivers stability and relief for our nation’s farmers and stakeholders who have been operating under three consecutive extensions of the 2018 farm bill. This bill strengthens American agriculture, invests in our rural communities, and supports working families across Coastal Virginia. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As the Representative of Virginia’s Second District, it is my responsibility to ensure our farmers and working families receive the relief they deserve. This Farm Bill reinforces and makes permanent key provisions from last summer’s Working Families Tax Cut, ensuring continued support for working families.” “This Farm Bill is about keeping food affordable, supporting our farmers, and making sure Coastal Virginia has the infrastructure and resources to compete and grow. From the Eastern Shore to Western Tidewater, this bill delivers practical, commonsense solutions that strengthen our local economy and national security,” she concluded. Delivering Major Investments in Rural Virginia Strengthening National Security and Protecting American Farmland Supporting Eastern Shore Farmers and Food Security Lowering Energy Costs and Supporting American Biofuels Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and Investing in Conservation Boosting Trade, Ports, and the Hampton Roads Economy Ensuring Reliable Nutrition Support for Families Expanding Access to Credit and Supporting Small Businesses Advancing Research, Innovation, and Workforce Development

Kiggans, Moore Introduce State Boating Act to Protect States’ Authority to Fund Waterway Safety and Conservation Programs - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release advocates for legislation that clarifies states' authority to collect vessel registration fees to fund waterway safety, search and rescue, boating safety, and aquatic invasive species prevention programs, positioning this as protecting state autonomy from federal interference.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Blake Moore (UT-01) introduced the State Boating Act, a bill to clarify a state’s authority to collect boating-related vessel registration fees to support search and rescue, boating safety, and protection of waterways. This bill safeguards states’ ability to collect and use these funds for aquatic invasive species prevention and public safety programs, while providing much-needed certainty for state agencies and the communities they serve. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Virginia’s waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to our inland rivers, are vital to our economy, our environment, and our way of life. The State Boating Act ensures that states can continue to fund critical programs like search and rescue, boating safety, and waterway protection without unnecessary federal interference. This commonsense legislation provides certainty for states and helps keep our waterways safe, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone who depends on them.” “In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety,” Rep. Moore said. "In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking away this funding stream, the federal government is hindering the important work these state agencies do to improve boater programs, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect waterways from invasive species. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to right this wrong and provide our states access to the funding they need to do their jobs.” “ConservAmerica supports the State Boating Act and appreciates Congresswoman Kiggans’ leadership on this commonsense legislation. By empowering state fish and wildlife agencies to address aquatic invasive species, strengthen boating safety, and keep our waterways accessible for recreation, this bill helps protect America’s natural resources while supporting outdoor traditions and local economies.” Jason Solomon, head of government affairs, ConservAmerica “The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) fully endorses Representative Kiggans’ and Representative Moore’s State Boating Act. Aquatic invasive species, such as blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, act as some of the biggest roadblocks to our rebuilding of important fisheries. This bill would streamline the pathway for states to collect additional resources to address predation and habitat loss from aquatic invasive species, and support programs to keep fishery participants safe. This bill would help ensure the long-term sustainability of iconic fisheries for generations to come.” "State fish and wildlife agencies are committed to delivering high quality angling and boating opportunities,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “To do that, many agencies support boater safety, expand boating access, and address aquatic invasive species through targeted programs. By safeguarding the authority of states to collect critical funding during registration, the State Boating Act maintains both program revenue and a seamless user experience. We thank Representative Kiggans for working to reduce administrative barriers so states can offer better boating and fishing opportunities and remain eligible for vital recreational boating safety grants." This bill is endorsed by ConservAmerica, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,

Kiggans Urges Immediate Reforms at Suffolk Post Office After Scathing Report from USPS OIG - Jen Kiggans

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) sent a letter to Virginia District Manager Anthony Impronto of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to the recent publication of the USPS Office of Inspector General’s (USPS OIG) Audit Report uncovering serious operational issues at the Suffolk Post Office. USPS OIG’s findings included delayed mail pieces, improperly scanned packages, hazardous working conditions, and poor oversight over daily operations. The report highlights that on the day of the inspection, USPS OIG identified 26,430 delayed mail pieces that were improperly reported to USPS management. Issues related to scanning packages were also uncovered. USPS OIG documented instances where scan data was being inputted more than 1,000 feet from the intended point of delivery. As an example, a carrier scanned a package as “delivered” nearly 4 miles away from the intended delivery location. USPS also identified notable safety and security issues related to property conditions at the Suffolk Post Office. This included un-inspected fire extinguishers, blocked access to electrical panels, and swinging doors that were chained shut and blocked by large bins. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “I have continued to hear complaints from constituents regarding the performance of the Suffolk Post Office and the most recent results contained within the USPS OIG interim report related to the delivery operations and property conditions is deeply concerning.” “This report underscores that these issues are not only impacting the timely delivery of letters and packages across my district, but that facility conditions are also raising serious safety concerns for USPS employees. I expect management to address these deficiencies and I look forward to reviewing the final report from USPS OIG. I’m hoping that my letter to District Manager Impronto conveys the seriousness of these issues and helps ensure they are addressed without delay.” she concluded. Read Rep. Kiggans’ letter to Virginia District Manager Impronto here. Read the USPS OIG report here.

Kiggans’ Bill to Preserve Sacred American Battlefield Grounds Advances Out of Committee - Jen Kiggans

Watch Rep. Kiggans’ remarks on the bill here. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after her bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026, advanced out of the House Natural Resources Committee. This bipartisan bill would extend and increase federal resourcing for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) through 2035 and continue the important work of preserving and restoring America’s historic battlefields. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “With less than three months away from the 250th birthday of our great nation, honoring those that came before us is more important than ever. My legislation strengthens the American Battlefield Protection Program and equips state and local partners with the tools they need to preserve the hallowed ground where Americans fought to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. I’m grateful to Rep. Magaziner for his partnership on this effort and I look forward to the bill receiving a vote on the House Floor!” Read Rep. Kiggans’ press release on the bill here.

Kiggans Joins Bipartisan Effort to Improve Childcare Accessibility at the Department of Defense - Jen Kiggans

Position: Supports the HERO Child Care Act, which aims to improve childcare access for military families by increasing hiring flexibility at Department of Defense Child Development Centers and requiring DoD to assess how childcare availability impacts military readiness.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce the HERO (Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities) Child Care Act. This bill aims to improve access to reliable, high-quality childcare for military families by increasing hiring flexibility at Child Development Centers (CDC) and requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess how childcare availability impacts military readiness. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Ensuring our servicemembers have access to reliable, high-quality childcare for their families is essential to their well-being and directly tied to military readiness. The HERO Act takes meaningful steps to address staffing shortages, reduce waitlists, and strengthen the support systems military families depend on every day. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure the Department of Defense can better meet the childcare needs of military families.” “As our servicemembers balance dedication to their families with serving our country, access to child care options shouldn’t be an additional barrier,” said Sen. Ernst. “As a mother and grandmother who served in uniform, I understand all too well the unique challenges military families face. My HERO Child Care for Military Families Act provides commonsense, bipartisan solutions to cut through the red tape, better understand the shortages, and reduce hiring delays so our military families have the support they need in every season of life.” “The military child care crisis is severe – and the lack of information is so dire – that many military families in San Diego and across the country have to rely on word of mouth and Facebook groups to learn about waitlists, vacancies, and more. I’ve heard countless times about how the lack of sufficient child care affects their mental health, focus, and job performance, but often these anecdotes aren’t as convincing as hard data,” said Rep. Jacobs. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan and bicameral HERO Child Care Act to change that. Our bill will arm us with the data we need to make substantive improvements to military child care.” “When service members don’t have reliable, affordable childcare, it causes stress that follows them into the field, onto the ship, into the cockpit, and ultimately on deployment,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “The HERO Childcare for Military Families Act recognizes the sacrifices our military families make to serve this nation, and provides the support they need to ensure mission success. With Honor is proud to endorse this legislation, and we thank With Honor Senate ally Sen. Joni Ernst, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, For Country Caucus member Rep. Jen Kiggans, and Rep. Sara Jacobs for their commitment to our military families.” The post Kiggans Joins Bipartisan Effort to Improve Childcare Accessibility at the Department of Defense appeared first on Jen Kiggans.

Rep. Kiggans Presents $750,000 Check for Community Project Funding for Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s Onancock Pump Station Project - Jen Kiggans

ONANCOCK, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined local and state leaders in Onancock to recognize $750,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) secured for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s (HRSD) Onancock Pump Station Project. The funding will support the design and construction of upgrades to three critical wastewater pump stations that convey effluent to the Onancock Wastewater Treatment Plant. During the event, Rep. Kiggans joined Delegate Bloxom, HRSD leadership, community stakeholders, and local officials to highlight the importance of the project and the collaborative effort that made the funding possible. The Congresswoman presented a ceremonial check to HRSD and Town officials recognizing the federal investment and ongoing efforts to modernize essential wastewater infrastructure on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. “Investments in water and wastewater infrastructure are essential to protecting public health, preserving our environment, and supporting long-term economic growth,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I was proud to advocate for this funding to help modernize critical infrastructure in Onancock, reduce the risk of wastewater overflows, and ensure this community has a reliable system in place for years to come.” “This $750,000 grant supports critical upgrades in Onancock, helping enhance system resilience, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and ensure we continue providing reliable, high-quality service to the community,” said Hampton Roads Sanitation District CEO, Jay Bernas. “These investments represent more than infrastructure—they reflect Congresswoman Kiggans’ shared commitment to protecting public health, preserving the environment, and making sure communities on the Eastern Shore are positioned for long-term success.” The Onancock Pump Station Project will fund upgrades to three key facilities, Pump Stations 1, 3, and 4, each of which has reached the end of its useful life. Several of the stations, originally constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, are experiencing significant deterioration, including corrosion, lack of redundancy, and outdated equipment that limits operational efficiency and reliability. The planned upgrades will address these deficiencies, improve system performance, and significantly reduce the risk of wastewater overflows into local waterways. The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which passed the House of Representatives on January 8, 2026, and provides $750,000 in Community Project Funding for the Onancock Pump Stations Project, for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. As the representative for Virginia’s Second District, Rep. Kiggans continues to advocate for investments that strengthen infrastructure, protect public health, and support communities across the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads. The post Rep. Kiggans Presents $750,000 Check for Community Project Funding for Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s Onancock Pump Station Project appeared first on Jen Kiggans.

Rep. Kiggans Presents $750,000 Check for Community Project Funding for Town of Parksley Water Infrastructure Project - Jen Kiggans

PARKSLEY, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined local leaders in Parksley to recognize $750,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) secured for the Town of Parksley’s Water Supply Storage Improvement Project. During the event, Rep. Kiggans joined Mayor Russell, members of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, Delegate Bloxom, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of the project and the collaborative effort that made the funding possible. The Congresswoman presented a ceremonial check to Town officials recognizing the federal investment and Parksley’s ongoing work to modernize its water system. “Reliable water infrastructure is essential to public health, economic growth, and community resilience,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I was proud to advocate for this funding to help the Town of Parksley improve aging infrastructure and ensure safe, dependable water service for residents and businesses for years to come.” “We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Kiggans for her support and advocacy in securing this $750,000 investment for our new water storage facility” said Mayor Frank Russell. “This funding represents far more than just infrastructure, it represents reliability, safety, and the continued growth of our town.” The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which passed the House of Representatives on January 8, 2026, and provides $750,000 in Community Project Funding for the Town of Parksley’s Water Supply Storage Improvement Project. As the representative for Virginia’s Second District, Rep. Kiggans continues to advocate for investments that strengthen infrastructure, support local communities, and improve quality of life across the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads. The post Rep. Kiggans Presents $750,000 Check for Community Project Funding for Town of Parksley Water Infrastructure Project  appeared first on Jen Kiggans.