Jennifer A. Kiggans

Kiggans, Goodlander Work to Strengthen Oversight of Navy’s Shipyard Modernization Program  - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release describes introduction of the Shipyard Modernization Sustainment Act, which would require GAO-led independent reviews of cost, progress, and timeline for the Navy's Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, and states support for strengthening congressional oversight of the program.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced the Shipyard Modernization Sustainment Act, a bill that strengthens Congressional oversight over the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) by requiring a series of independent reviews of its cost, progress, and timeline. These reviews would be conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) led by the Comptroller General and include annual reviews, congressional briefings, and a final report by 2031. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “If the United States wants to remain the world’s most powerful naval fighting force, we must ensure our shipyards have the necessary infrastructure to keep our fleet mission-ready. SIOP is a vital initiative that will modernize our shipyards and equip our workers with the tools and resources they need to maintain the fleet for years to come. However, Congress has a responsibility to keep the program on schedule and to hold it accountable for the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Goodlander in this effort to strengthen GAO oversight, preserve the integrity of the program, and support our national security.” SIOP aims to modernize dry docks and upgrade equipment at the nation’s four public shipyards—Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility—to better support the maintenance needs of the Navy’s increasingly advanced fleet. GAO has previously found SIOP could take over 50 years to complete and cost over $200 billion. As a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to ensuring our servicemembers have the resources, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to maintain operational readiness and carry out their missions safely and effectively. In June 2026, Rep. Kiggans announced the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act. Read her press release here. In October 2025, the Congresswoman introduced the Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act which would protect the paychecks of the civilian and military workforce during government shutdowns. Read her press release here. In June 2025, Congresswoman Kiggans, alongside Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Defense Shipyard Workforce Housing Act. This bipartisan bill works to address housing availability for the skilled civilian workforce that powers America’s four public naval shipyards. Read her press release here.

Kiggans, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Discuss Healthcare Workforce Challenges, Tour Regional Health Professions Center at TCC - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release describes Congresswoman Kiggans' support for healthcare workforce development and education programs, including her cosponsorship of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 to address the nursing shortage.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Virginia’s Second District for a tour of Tidewater Community College’s (TCC) Regional Health Professions Center and a healthcare roundtable with local professionals and industry stakeholders. The visit focused on addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and improving recruitment and retention, as well as expanding access to high-quality healthcare throughout the region. Prior to the roundtable, Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Kennedy toured the Regional Health Professions Center to see firsthand how TCC is educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility opened in 2012 and boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment to give students hands-on experience to prepare them for a variety of jobs in the healthcare field. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a geriatric nurse practitioner, access to quality, efficient care starts with having a competent and well-trained workforce. Every day, TCC is preparing the next generation of young men and women to enter the healthcare profession with the skills and experience they need to succeed. As staffing shortages continue to impact communities across our nation, investing in these programs is critical to ensure patients receive the timely care they deserve. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy for visiting Coastal Virginia to see firsthand the important role institutions like TCC play in preparing students for the real-world challenges of patient care.” Following the tour, Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Kennedy participated in a roundtable discussion with local healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to hear about the challenges facing Coastal Virginia’s healthcare workforce. “These conversations inform the work I do in Washington every day,” said Kiggans. “These men and women have firsthand experience training future healthcare professionals, and it’s incredibly important that we hear their concerns to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. I’m thankful to Secretary Kennedy for coming to Virginia’s Second District, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary and HHS to identify practical solutions that address the challenges facing our healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.” As a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to supporting legislation and initiatives that strengthen healthcare education and workforce development. In May 2025, Rep. Kiggans joined her Congressional Nursing Caucus colleagues in introducing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bill to address the national nursing workforce shortage by supporting educational programs across the country. Read the press release here. In May 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the Magnifying Opportunities to Recruit and Educate (MORE) Nurses Act alongside Congressman Jim Acosta (CA-21). This bill directs the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education to investigate policy solutions and federal programs that can aid in resolving the issue. Read the press release here. In January 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the PRECEPT Nurses Act, a bipartisan bill that would address our country’s nursing shortage by establishing a $2,000 tax credit for nurses who serve as a clinical preceptor to nursing students. Read her press release here.

Kiggans Hosts USDA Leadership to Highlight Aquaculture, Hold Industry Roundtable  - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release describes a visit with USDA leadership to discuss aquaculture challenges, including recent oyster mortality, and expresses support for ensuring shellfish producers have access to federal resources, including a requested natural disaster designation.

CAPE CHARLES, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) leadership to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for a tour of local aquaculture operations and a roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders. Congresswoman Kiggans was joined by FSA Administrator Bill Beam, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins, Director of the Office of Seafood Mike Illenberg, and Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Yvette Herrell. The visit began with a tour of Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, where officials received a firsthand look at the region’s shellfish aquaculture operations and their contributions to Coastal Virginia’s economy. Following the tour, Congresswoman Kiggans and USDA leadership met with local aquaculture producers and industry stakeholders in Cape Charles to discuss challenges facing the industry, recent oyster mortality events, and opportunities to improve access to federal resources. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Virginia’s Eastern Shore is home to some of the most hardworking aquaculture producers in the country. As the representative of a coastal district, I know how important it is to not only preserve our shorelines, but also ensure our producers have the resources they need to overcome the environmental challenges they face on a daily basis. I’m grateful to Administrator Beam, Under Secretary Hoskins, Director Illenberg, and Assistant Secretary Herrell for taking the time to visit Virginia’s Second District and hear directly from the men and women who make this industry so successful.” In September 2026, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) in writing a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that the Farm Service Agency coordinate with state agencies and researchers to assess widespread oyster mortality across Coastal Virginia and determine whether affected counties qualify for a Secretarial natural disaster designation. Read her press release here. “Following the devastating losses to the Shore’s oyster populations, it was especially important to speak with USDA to assess whether federal assistance will be available to the Commonwealth’s producers,” said Kiggans. “It’s very encouraging that the USDA has established the Office of Seafood to help strengthen coordination between Washington and our communities, and I look forward to continuing our work to support our growers on the Eastern Shore.” As the representative of a coastal district and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to supporting Coastal Virginia’s agriculture and aquaculture industries, strengthening local economies, and ensuring producers have access to the federal resources necessary to sustain their operations. The Commonwealth of Virginia is the nation’s leading producer of Eastern oysters and hard clams. According to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, shellfish aquaculture generated approximately $81 million in farm-gate sales in 2024, up 52% from 2018, including $29 million in oysters and $52 million in hard clams. Virginia growers sold approximately 43.4 million market oysters and 195 million market hard clams in 2024, supporting more than 700 direct full- and part-time jobs. Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is part of this significant Eastern Shore industry. Shellfish aquaculture also supports coastal water quality and habitat. Oysters filter water and remove suspended particles, while oyster reefs provide habitat and can contribute to shoreline protection.

Kiggans, EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi Celebrate $92 Million in Grant Awards for Conservation Efforts in the Chesapeake Bay - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release celebrates $92 million in EPA and NFWF grant awards for Chesapeake Bay watershed conservation, including a total of $39 million in federal grants and $53 million in non-federal matching contributions. The representative states support for preserving the Chesapeake Bay and for on-the-ground conservation projects.

SMITHFIELD, VA — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) was joined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi and the James River Association at Windsor Castle Park for a Chesapeake Bay funding announcement and a tour of the park’s living shoreline. The EPA, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), announced a total conservation impact of $92 million for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Following the announcement, Congresswoman Kiggans and Deputy Administrator Fotouhi visited Windsor Castle Park’s living shorelines, protected coastal edges designed to prevent erosion near a public trail by using native plants and sand instead of concrete seawalls. The project was completed in 2021 in collaboration with the James River Association. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most beautiful natural treasures our Commonwealth has to offer, and one that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy. I’m grateful to the EPA and the NFWF for investing in the conservation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This funding will support commonsense, on-the-ground projects that protect our waterways, strengthen our coastal communities, and preserve the natural resources that are so important to Virginia’s economy and way of life.” “I’d like to thank the James River Association for its promotion of responsible environmental stewardship, as well as Deputy Administrator Fotouhi for coming to Virginia’s Second District to celebrate this important day. I look forward to continuing to work with the Deputy Administrator and the EPA on commonsense preservation efforts to protect Virginia’s native species and its communities,” Kiggans concluded. The grant awards announced today by EPA and NFWF totaled more than $39 million. However, the 83 new awards will leverage an additional $53 million in non-federal matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $92 million. “Through these grants, EPA is working collaboratively with our local partners to deliver practical restoration solutions that improve water quality, restore habitat, and support the vital Chesapeake Bay watershed. These improvements will have a significant impact of the more than 1,800 local communities that depend on the watershed to support their economies,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi. “This type of funding has a proven track record of delivering tangible environmental results and is a shining example of taxpayer dollars being put to accomplishing EPA’s core mission.” The 83 grants were awarded through the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants and Small Watershed Grants programs, which are administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. As the representative of a coastal district, Congresswoman Kiggans serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and remains committed to supporting legislation that protects our Chesapeake Bay, preserves Virginia’s wildlife and waterways, and strengthens the coastal communities that call them home. Congresswoman Kiggans has secured federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) and Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Community Project Funding process for water, wastewater, and sewer infrastructure projects that improve service reliability and help reduce the risk of pollutants entering local waterways, including:

Kiggans Celebrates LG Electronics’ $64 Million Investment for New Assembly Facility in Isle of Wight County - Jen Kiggans

Position: The congresswoman welcomes LG Electronics' $64 million HVAC assembly facility in Isle of Wight County as an economic development and job creation win for Virginia, and expresses disappointment at not being included in the governor's announcement comments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after LG Electronics announced that it will open a new heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) assembly facility at the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park in Windsor, VA. The $64 million investment is expected to create more than 160 new jobs in Isle of Wight County. “This is incredibly exciting news for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “LG Electronics’ investment in Isle of Wight County will create new opportunities for hardworking families, strengthen American manufacturing, and help our local economy grow. Coastal Virginia has a talented workforce and this investment is a testament to what our region has to offer.” “Thank you to LG for choosing to invest in our community and to the state and local leaders who helped make this possible. I look forward to joining them in welcoming this new facility to Windsor and will continue working in Congress to ensure our hardworking men and women have the tools they need to succeed,” Kiggans concluded. While this announcement is welcome news for Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth, Congresswoman Kiggans was the only elected official representing the project’s location who was not offered an opportunity to comment for Governor Spanberger’s press release. Congresswoman Kiggans issued the following statement: “I am deeply disappointed that Governor Spanberger’s announcement included comments from five of the six elected officials representing the Windsor community without extending the same opportunity to my office. I hope this omission was an oversight. Our constituents deserve cooperation and coordination among all their elected representatives, particularly on projects that will bring jobs and investment to our region," said Kiggans. “I remain committed to advancing economic opportunity throughout Hampton Roads and am proud to support projects like LG’s investment in Windsor. I look forward to working with our state and local partners to ensure this investment delivers lasting benefits for the communities we serve," she concluded. LG’s new facility will be located at 460 Commerce Center, a 352,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center. The new facility will specialize in the assembly of large-scale air-cooled chillers for industrial clients.

Kiggans, Wittman Call on USDA to Provide Federal Assistance for Virginia Oyster Growers in Light of Recent Algal Bloom - Jen Kiggans

Position: Representatives Kiggans and Wittman urged the USDA to assess losses to Virginia commercial oyster growers from recent algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen, and to determine whether a Secretarial natural disaster designation and FSA Emergency Farm Loans are warranted.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding significant oyster mortality in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Virginia. The losses have coincided with recent algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels affecting oyster populations throughout the region. Reports from growers in Coastal Virginia have signaled significant mortality, leading to the loss of not only market-sized and grow-out oysters, but seed oysters as well. These are detrimental losses to this year’s harvest and could impact next year’s harvest if action isn’t taken. The letter requests that the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) assess the losses suffered by the Commonwealth’s commercial oyster growers and determine whether the impact of these blooms qualify for Secretarial natural disaster designation. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Our hardworking oyster producers and harvesters are critical to the Commonwealth’s economy. As the representative of a coastal district and member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have a responsibility to ensure our producers have the resources they need when unforeseen circumstances threaten their livelihoods. These conditions could potentially impact harvests for years to come, which is why I’m urging the USDA to assess whether the damage qualifies for federal assistance and help Virginia’s oyster growers recover.” If USDA issues a Secretarial natural disaster designation, eligible oyster producers in designated primary and contiguous counties may apply for FSA Emergency Farm Loans to help recover from qualifying disaster-related losses. FSA evaluates each application individually based on the producer’s losses, available security, repayment ability, and other eligibility requirements. Here is our draft quote: “Virginia’s oyster growers are facing significant losses that could impact harvests and livelihoods for years to come,” said Rep. Wittman. “Rep. Kiggans and I are urging the USDA to act quickly to assess these losses and ensure affected growers have access to disaster assistance. Our watermen and aquaculture producers are vital to Virginia’s coastal economy, and I will continue working to ensure they have the resources they need to recover.” If you’re an oyster producer experiencing serious production loss due to the algal bloom, the Office of Congresswoman Jen Kiggans encourages you to reach out to the Accomack County FSA Office at 757-787-0918.

Kiggans Hosts VA Secretary Doug Collins for Veterans Roundtable in Virginia Beach - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release describes a visit by the VA Secretary to Virginia Beach to hear from local veterans about care and benefits, and recounts the representative's prior votes and bill sponsorship on veterans' healthcare and VA funding.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to Virginia Beach last week for a visit focused on supporting Coastal Virginia’s veterans and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Collins started the visit with a stop at Be Free Craft Café, a veteran-owned small business founded by retired Navy SEAL Christopher Fettes. Fettes served with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) before opening the artisan ice-cream shop in Virginia Beach. Following the visit, Secretary Collins and Congresswoman Kiggans traveled to the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center for a roundtable with local veterans and community stakeholders. The discussion provided participants with an opportunity to speak directly with VA leadership about the care, benefits, and services veterans rely on and ways the Department can continue improving access to quality, timely care. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a Navy veteran, I know how important it is that the VA listens directly to the men and women it serves. I was proud to welcome Secretary Collins to Virginia Beach to hear firsthand from our local veterans about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them. I’m grateful to Secretary Collins for taking the time to visit Hampton Roads, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every veteran receives the quality care, benefits, and services they have earned through their service to our nation.” Congresswoman Kiggans is a Navy veteran, the wife of a Navy veteran, and the mother of a future Navy veteran. Kiggans also serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and chairs the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Since coming to Congress, she has worked to improve veterans’ healthcare, strengthen accountability at the VA, and ensure veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned. In May 2026, Rep. Kiggans voted for H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, which included $450.29 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Read her press release here. In May 2026, Rep. Kiggans’ bill, the Veteran Infection Prevention (VIP) Act passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee following a markup. This bill would require all Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) to receive certification from an accredited institution in cleaning medical equipment to work at a VA Medical Center. Read her press release here. In July 2025, Rep. Kiggans helped secure nearly $80 million for the construction of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hampton Roads. The project represented a major federal investment to expand access to healthcare, counseling, and benefits for the region’s more than 76,000 veterans. Read her press release here. In September 2025, Rep. Kiggans’ bill, the VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill establishes an information technology system to better manage medical inventory and improve patient timely access to lifesaving medical devices. Read her press release following the bill’s introduction here.

Kiggans’ Statement on New Federal Approach to Improving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality - Jen Kiggans

Position: Congresswoman Kiggans supports the President's executive order replacing EO 13508 on Chesapeake Bay water quality, arguing it removes vague regulations that hinder economic development while pursuing measurable cleanup solutions, and states she will monitor implementation to balance environmental and economic interests.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order regarding “Providing meaningful water quality improvements through collaboration and oversight of federal support,” which repeals Obama-era EO 13508 and directs six federal agencies, including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to take practical and effective action to support water quality improvements in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the representative of a coastal district, I understand the importance of protecting the environmental assets that define our communities, including the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Yesterday’s Executive Order eliminates outdated, vague regulations that have allowed local officials to hinder economic development. Virginians need to know that with commonsense, responsible reforms, they don’t have to choose between environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. While I appreciate the administration shifting its focus to measurable solutions that build on decade-long cleanup efforts, I will be closely monitoring the next steps and working with EPA Administrator Zeldin to ensure any action taken is done with the economic and recreational opportunities the Bay provides and the complex Bay ecosystem in mind.” “The Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and environmental lifeline for families, visitors, and native species to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Maryland, and it must be preserved for future generations,” Kiggans continued. “I look forward to continuing work with the Environmental Protection Agency, our state and local partners, and communities to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, advance our nation’s economic goals while safeguarding the natural resources that are so important to Coastal Virginia,” she concluded. Read the Executive Order here.

Kiggans’ Bill to Ensure Proper Lifeguard Staffing on Public Beaches Passes the House with Bipartisan Support - Jen Kiggans

Position: The release supports H.R. 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, which would direct the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local governments and reimburse them for costs when federal lifeguard shortages occur at public beaches.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the House passage of her bill, H.R. 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, which passed the House by voice. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to work with local governments to ensure there is proper lifeguard coverage in the event of a lifeguard shortage. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As the representative of a coastal district, keeping our beaches safe for the families who live here and the millions of people who visit them every year is incredibly important to me. Last summer, communities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore were forced to step up when a federal lifeguard shortage left Chincoteague without the assurance our families deserve. Our local leaders did the right thing, but they should never be left scrambling to solve a federal staffing problem or pay the bill to keep a federal beach safe. “The Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act provides a commonsense solution by allowing the Department of the Interior to partner with local governments when lifeguard shortages occur and ensuring those communities are reimbursed for the costs they take on. I’m incredibly proud to see this bipartisan bill pass the House today, and I want to thank Mayor Denise Bowden and our local leaders on the Eastern Shore for working with us to turn a challenge we experienced at home into a solution that can help keep families safe at federal beaches across the country.” “Families visiting America’s vast federal beaches and swimming areas should be able to count on properly staffed shores. H.R. 5063 allows the Department of the Interior to partner with local governments during lifeguard shortages and guarantees those communities are reimbursed for the costs they incur, ensuring federal responsibilities are not shifted to local taxpayers. I commend Rep. Kiggans for developing a practical solution that strengthens visitor safety and supports the coastal communities in Virginia welcoming millions of Americans each year,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman. Watch Rep. Kiggans’ speech from the House Floor here. Read Rep. Kiggans’ remarks from the House Floor prior to the bill’s passage as prepared for delivery: I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act. I have the privilege of representing a district that lives on the beach and the Bay. For families across Coastal Virginia, and the millions of Americans who visit our federal beaches every year, water safety is incredibly important. Last year, we saw firsthand what can happen when the federal government fails to adequately staff these beaches. Following a federal hiring freeze, Assateague Island National Seashore was unable to provide its normal lifeguard coverage at the federal beach in Chincoteague, Virginia. Families continued visiting and swimming, but the lifeguards they had come to rely on were not there. Our local leaders stepped up. The Town of Chincoteague and Accomack County took on unforeseen costs to make sure lifeguards returned to the beach and families could safely enjoy the water. But our local governments should never be left scrambling to solve a federal staffing problem on their own. That is why I introduced the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act. My bill provides a commonsense solution. When the Department of the Interior determines that a federal swimming area is facing a lifeguard staffing shortage, it can partner with local governments to provide the necessary coverage. And importantly, when a local government steps up to provide those lifeguards, the federal government will reimburse it for the reasonable costs it incurs. This applies to designated swimming areas managed by the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation that are normally monitored by federal lifeguards. Mr. Speaker, this bill is about public safety, accountability, and giving our communities a solution when Washington falls short. I am grateful to the local leaders on the Eastern Shore who worked with us after seeing this problem firsthand, and I am proud that we now have an opportunity to make sure communities across the country have another tool to keep their beaches safe. No family visiting a federal beach should have to wonder whether a lifeguard will be there when an emergency happens. I urge my colleagues to support the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, and I yield back. The Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. In June 2025, Congresswoman Kiggans questioned Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding recent federal hiring freezes and whether temporary hires, including lifeguards, would receive an exemption. Watch the Congresswoman’s questioning here and coverage from Shore Daily News here. Following the hearing, Congresswoman Kiggans sent a letter to Secretary Burgum reaffirming concern for the federal hiring freeze and its impact on the lifeguard shortage. Read her letter here. In September 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act in response to lifeguard shortages on Chincoteague Island and across the Eastern Shore of Virginia in the Summer of 2025. Read her press release here. Watch Rep. Kiggans’ interview with CBS News following the bill’s introduction here. In July 2026, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources following markup. Read Rep. Kiggans’ press release here.

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.