Rep. Kiggans Delivers Major Investments for National Security, Hampton Roads, and America’s Veterans

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released a statement following the passage into law of a funding package that contains investments in Hampton Roads, national security, and veterans that she worked to secure.

"Since coming to Congress, one of my biggest priorities has been fighting to rebuild our defense industrial base, especially in Hampton Roads. That's why I am pleased to announce that this spending package, not only opened the government, but also contains major investments in our national defense, including millions for Norfolk Naval Shipyard. With China's rapidly expanding shipbuilding industry, growing navy, and increasingly aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States must take restoring our maritime defense industry more seriously-and this spending package is a step in that direction," Rep. Kiggans stated.

Rep. Kiggans continued, "As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and Military Quality of Life Taskforce, I have been working on behalf of our military members and their families as well as veterans. That's why I was so proud to vote for a spending package that includes investments in military housing which will directly benefit servicemembers and their families stationed in Hampton Roads. I am also proud to see major investments in our veterans, including $115 billion for veteran health care. Our military families and veterans deserve the best we have to give-and I'm grateful this legislation recognizes that."

Background:

Rep. Kiggans secured two Community Funding Project victories for Hampton Roads:

• $15 million for Pier 14 power upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk to support next-generation aircraft carriers.
• $12 million for design of a new Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Facility at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story to enhance undersea mine warfare capability.

Rep. Kiggans championed multiple defense infrastructure investments across Hampton Roads, including:

• $1.9 billion for military family housing construction, operation, and maintenance.
• $6.9 million for enlisted quarters design at the Northwest Annex in Chesapeake.
• $93.3 million for electrical distribution system upgrades at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
• $188.6 million for Dry Dock 3 modernization in Norfolk.
• $20.4 million for MQ-25 aircraft laydown facilities in Norfolk.
• $11.7 million for a new Child Development Center in Norfolk.

This legislation also includes:

• $1.5 billion for the Navy's Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, ensuring continued modernization of the four public shipyards, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
• $380 million for unaccompanied housing improvements through Navy public-private venture partnerships.
• $18.9 billion for mental health and suicide prevention programs.

The legislation makes historic investments in veterans' care and benefits, including:

• $115.1 billion for VA medical care, with $18.9 billion dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention programs.
• $3.5 billion for homelessness prevention programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).
• $52.6 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund to implement the PACT Act.
• $3.4 billion to modernize the VA's electronic health record system.
• $1.4 billion for new VA hospitals and cemeteries across the country.