Representative Jen Kiggans
Representative Jen Kiggans spoke to VSRA Membership at the Februrary General Membership Luncheon on February 20th. The congresswoman graciously shared her experiences and insights gained from over a year in Congress, highlighting the profound privilege it was to address our community. Serving on key committees such as Armed Services, Veteran Affairs, and Natural Resources, Kiggans has positioned herself at the forefront of pivotal national defense and environmental discussions.
During her talk, Kiggans spotlighted the intensifying maritime rivalry between the United States and China, particularly emphasizing China's accelerated production of military vessels. Despite China's burgeoning fleet, Kiggans reassured members that the technological superiority and capabilities of U.S. ships remain unmatched, attributing this advantage to the dedication and innovation of industry professionals, many of whom were present at the luncheon.
A central theme of her address was the critical challenges facing the maritime industry, underscored by a pressing shortage of ships. Kiggans argued for the imperative to safeguard and maintain our existing fleet, outlining how a diminished ship inventory has precipitated a cascade of issues, including workforce reductions and hiring struggles. Her advocacy efforts are keenly focused on increasing budget allocations and securing more designated ships for Hampton Roads, aiming to counteract these challenges.
Kiggans delved into the stark realities of China's capabilities, noting their massive shipyards that churn out military and commercial vessels at a staggering pace. This, she asserted, represents a significant threat to U.S. maritime dominance and national security. To counteract this, Kiggans outlined critical challenges: workforce development, holding the Navy accountable for scheduling and domestic ship repair, and securing adequate funding for the defense budget. She emphasized the importance of skilled trades and the need for policies that encourage veterans to join and remain in the maritime workforce.
A heartfelt portion of her address touched on the personal significance of the maritime industry, informed by her family and friends' connections to the Navy. Kiggans expressed a deep commitment to improving the industry not only for Virginia's benefit but also as a matter of national security.
Questions from the audience prompted a discussion on domestic ship repair and the importance of avoiding outsourcing. Kiggans highlighted the strategic necessity of leveraging all U.S. resources to maintain a competitive edge. Her responses underscored a critical concern: while China accelerates its shipbuilding capabilities, the U.S. must enhance its military spending and strategic planning to ensure our naval vessels are not only maintained but advanced.
Congresswoman Kiggans concluded her presentation with heartfelt thanks, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the pressing issues facing both the industry and national security. Her participation underscores the importance of continued dialogue and action in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the maritime sector.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is currently serving Virginia's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, an area encompassing Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, and portions of Chesapeake, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, and Franklin City. As a dedicated Navy wife to her husband Steve, a retired F-18 pilot, and a mother to four children, Jen is deeply motivated to ensure a robust future for both Virginia and the nation. Her family's military background and her own service as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy have instilled in her a profound commitment to advocating for the military community, making her a formidable voice for military families and veterans in Congress.
Before her political career, Jen Kiggans served America as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, where she was winged as a Naval Aviator in 1995 and completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf. Following her military service, she leveraged her GI Bill benefits to pursue a career in healthcare, eventually becoming a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with degrees from Old Dominion University and Vanderbilt University. Frustrated with the political climate and inspired by her experiences in healthcare and the military, Jen transitioned into politics, serving three terms in the Virginia State Senate. There, she focused on legislation supporting military spouses and advocating for long-term care patients. In Congress, Jen aims to restore civility and competence to politics, offering Virginia’s Second District the strong, independent leadership it deserves.
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