Jennifer Kiggans

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of Congress, but as a geriatric nurse practitioner and an advocate for our nurses across the Nation, to recognize the unyielding composure of our emergency nurses during Emergency Nurses Week. In the United States, it is federal law that an emergency room never closes and that every person who comes to an ER receives care. Day or night, emergency nurses answer the call of duty--providing quality care to patients in critical condition while operating in demanding, high- stakes environments where every second counts. Emergency nurses work around the clock, caring for patients of all ages and across every specialty--from cardiology and oncology to pediatrics and geriatrics. Emergency nurses are heroes, often the first point of contact for patients within the ER, and they provide comfort and attentive care during an uncertain or stressful time for patients and their families. Their critical thinking skills and their compassion for their patients make their role essential for preserving our Nation's healthcare system. It is important that we give our emergency nurses the praise and attention they deserve during Emergency Nurses Week to show our appreciation for the dedication they have to our Nation's health and for the millions of lives they touch on a daily basis. We're forever grateful for their sacrifice.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act. As a Navy veteran, a nurse practitioner, and the proud Representative of a district that is home to more than 78,000 veterans, I know how essential it is to ensure our veteran health system works efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, outdated systems and fragmented logistics have created real obstacles within the VA. These failures aren't just technical. They are personal. They affect real people and real families. Over the past several years, millions of dollars in medical equipment have gone missing from VA facilities across the country. These are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a broader issue, one where a lack of modern infrastructure has led to waste, delay, and avoidable gaps in care. That is why I introduced this bipartisan and commonsense approach to improving how the VA manages medical supplies. This bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop or acquire a cloud-based inventory management system to help ensure VA clinicians always have the right tools at the right time to provide high-quality care. This system will offer better tracking, better forecasting, and better accountability. We are not reinventing the wheel. We are simply asking the VA to adopt the same kinds of tools and best practices that are already being used in the private sector and to do so in a way that is transparent, results-driven, and veteran- focused. The benefits are clear. A modern inventory management system will reduce waste, prevent delays in care, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently. Most importantly, it will help restore trust in a system that too often leaves veterans feeling frustrated and forgotten. Madam Speaker, I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this bill and join me in making a practical, bipartisan improvement to the care our veterans receive.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for having us tonight to talk about this important issue. Over the August district work period, I traveled throughout coastal Virginia and heard directly from the people I represent: servicemembers, shipyard workers, working families, and aerospace leaders. I saw firsthand how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is already beginning to shape our future here at home. At a TRICARE roundtable, I met with hospitals, small clinics, and providers who serve our military community. Families told me how critical it is to have consistent, reliable access to healthcare. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes a strong downpayment by providing over $2 billion in new funding for the Defense Health Program, strengthening medical readiness for our servicemembers and ensuring our servicemembers and their families and loved ones can get the care they deserve. I also visited the Curtiss-Wright service center in Chesapeake, where skilled workers support our Navy's nuclear fleet. Their work is a reminder that America's shipbuilding strength begins with the men and women of our industrial base. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act invests more than $29 billion in shipbuilding and another $25 billion in advanced weapons and munitions. These funds will help sustain high- skilled jobs across Hampton Roads and guarantee our Navy remains the strongest in the world. At Naval Station Norfolk, I heard from commanders and sailors about the importance of readiness and from military families about the daily challenges of housing, childcare, and the costs of moving. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes historic investments in quality of life for our servicemembers, providing over $7.5 billion this year for modernization of military housing, including $1 billion for unaccompanied housing across the services, $230 million for the Marine Corps Barracks 2030 initiative, tuition assistance, childcare, and housing allowance supplements, and an extension of temporary lodging expenses from 14 to 21 days to ease the burden of PCS moves. These are not abstract numbers. They are real solutions for the families who sacrifice so much to serve our great Nation. Finally, I traveled to Wallops Island in my district to visit the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, where Virginia is playing a vital role in America's return to the Moon and preparation for Mars. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides nearly $10 billion for NASA, supporting Artemis missions, the International Space Station, and new launch infrastructure. These investments will directly benefit Wallops, strengthen our space economy, and inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders here in Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act restores American strength at sea, revitalizes our industrial base, improves quality of life for military families, and secures our future in space. I am proud to have supported this historic legislation, and I will keep working to make sure coastal Virginia sees the full benefit of what we accomplished.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the brave members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department's Swiftwater Rescue Team, who were recently deployed to Texas Hill Country to support the flood rescue efforts there. The specialized team is uniquely qualified to respond to natural disasters, having recently assisted in the rescue efforts from the October floods that occurred in western Virginia. On July 4, the team drove 1,700 miles through the night from Virginia Beach to Texas to aid in the flood rescue efforts. In the face of tragedies like the floods in Texas, we are incredibly fortunate to have brave first responders who choose to run toward danger instead of away from it. I will continue to pray for the safety of our first responders, as well as the victims and families affected by this horrific disaster. I am grateful that this team was able to put their expertise to use and assist in saving lives. I am happy to hear the news that they are coming home.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service started in 1930, and it is the largest and oldest beach lifesaving service in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Over their almost 90-year existence, thousands of lifeguards have come through this program and provided critical services to the millions of visitors who travel to Virginia Beach annually. Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service employs around 200 lifesavers each summer to guard and patrol more than 5 miles of public oceanfront beaches. This was on full display for the Fourth of July holiday shown here. Virginia Beach Lifesaving personnel are trained in surf lifesaving surveillance and rescue techniques, as well as emergency medical response. Under the leadership of Tom Gill, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service also hosts and participates in local, regional, and national competitions to motivate guards to train harder and better work together to protect the citizens and visitors of the oceanfront. Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service for providing the highest level of care to the citizens and visitors that enjoy our beautiful beaches.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Shirley Smith Southerland's 90th Birthday on July 26, 2025. Shirley Smith Southerland was born in Wallace, North Carolina in 1935, and is a mother of 4 children, 1 boy and 3 girls. She was an award-winning hairdresser before working for Princess House Inc., becoming one of its top five independent sales managers in the country. Known as ``Yaya'' by her 21 grandchildren and great grandchildren, she is a devoted and loving grandmother. We celebrate her this month as a shining example of a civic-minded American--through her service dedication, hard work, respect for others, and active participation in democracy. She shows us what it means to be a model citizen.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146, and YEA on Roll Call No. 147.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment. More than 50 million American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health condition. In order to ensure that more patients can reach recovery, we must bolster treatment integration and wraparound services for patients suffering from substance use disorder and addiction. This amendment directs the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to convene a public roundtable to examine the use of electronic health records among certain providers and issue a report of the findings. This would better inform policymakers about the existing landscape and uptake of certain providers utilizing electronic health records. In closing, I urge support of this important amendment as well as the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Chair, in closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 132 and YEA on Roll Call No. 133. personal explanation

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record remarks submitted at the request of a Virginia Beach constituent, Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah, and are a reflection of his views: Israel At 77--How poignant to affirm the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel, two close democratic allies, in our own Hampton Roads and Commonwealth of Virginia! Hampton Roads' military might is ever ready to stand by beleaguered Israel. Early in the Gaza War, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, where I had lectured on Holocaust Lessons, rushed to the Mediterranean to deter Israel's Iran led enemies. Currently the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier is there hitting Yemen's Houthis who hit Israel. Uniquely, The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) established in 1996, a Virginia government agency, advises the Governor on promoting economic, cultural and educational ties with Israel. Israel's 77th anniversary takes place in the long and dark shadow of the transforming events of October 7, 2023, continuing to impact the survival and meaning of the Jewish state from within and without. All those seeking searing reflection should turn to an essential book of blood, pain and love. Amir Tibon gifted Israeli author and noted journalist's recent The Gates of Gaza (A Story of Betrayal, Survival, and Hope In Israel's Borderlands), Little, Brown and Company. 2024 is bound to be a classic. This literary masterpiece offers eye-witness report from that ``Black Sabbath'' with its shocking Holocaust images, continuing to shake up the State of Israel, the Middle East and beyond. Tibon, his wife and two very young daughters survived a harrowing nightmare in their home's safe room in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, the closest Israeli community to Gaza. On that day, that will also live in infamy, they were terrorized in darkness and very small quarters till liberated by Amir's father, Noam, a retired Israeli general, who rushed with his wife from Tel Aviv to save their family. Both Amir and Noam were invited to share with then President Biden when he arrived in Israel on October 17. Both father and son firmly requested the release of barbarically treated 251 hostages, including American citizens. Captives' redemption is a top Jewish commandment and an honored Israeli tradition. Saving the remaining hostages is paramount! The author's angst is with the Nazi-like Hamas leaders as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government for the colossal failure to forestall the October 7 debacle, requiring a state inquiry commission. A disturbing inclusion is the eulogy by the late Moshe Dayan, the iconic Israeli leader who back in April 30, 1956, spoke at Nahal Oz's first funeral. Dayan, initially arriving the day before for planned four weddings only to face the brutal murder of Roi Rutberg, Nahal Oz's security chief, by infiltrating Gazans. Dayan's stirring words created a stir in the young community for its pessimistic message relevant years later for the October 7 much larger calamity, raising troubling questions about a peaceful future. ``Have we forgotten that this group of young people dwelling at Nahal Oz is bearing the heavy gates of Gaza on its shoulders? Beyond the furrow of the border, a sea of hatred and desire for revenge is swelling awaiting the day when serenity will dull our path . . . This is our life's choice: to be prepared and armed, strong and determined, lest the sword be stricken from our fist and our lives cut down'' Yet, unsettling as the current scenario is we are duty- bound at this significant 77th celebration of an Israel reborn representing 4,000 years of Jewish experience and persistence, to keep a balanced perspective. Israel's monumental accomplishments and gained substantial power-- though still vulnerable--since its fragile 1948 establishment in the Holocaust's consuming shadow are promising. However, its internal conflicting core issues demand resolution and reconciliation to guarantee a robust democracy in a pluralistic Jewish context, eschewing both secular authoritarianism and oppressive theocracy. Otherwise, the gates of Gaza (the book's title) that biblical Samson carried facing the threatening Philistines, would now prove too heavy for heroic Israel at multi front war! Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is founder of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach. He was born in Chu, Kazakhstan (USSR) to Polish Holocaust survivors who had met in Siberia. He spent his early childhood in Poland, Austria and Germany before moving to Israel in 1949.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very brave young woman from Virginia's Second District. Vada Carawan is an 11-year-old Virginia Beach native who recently showed courage beyond her years when she saved her father's life. On November 23, 2024, Vada was spending time with her father, Clinton, when he started to experience what doctors later called ``sudden cardiac death,'' which comes with no warning. Just 11 days earlier, Clinton had driven Vada to girl scouts where she learned how to perform CPR. The moment Clinton started to experience the cardiac event, Vada told herself that she could cry once the EMT came, but before that she had to focus on saving her dad's life. Vada thinks she performed CPR for around 5 to 7 minutes, which doctors said was critical to saving her dad's life. For her heroism, Vada received the National Medal of Honor--Lifesaving Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Her bravery and quick action in a time of distress is truly remarkable. Virginia's Second District is truly lucky to have such a fearless and impressive member of the community and we are so thankful that her father is ok. Please join me in recognizing Vada for her heroism.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record remarks submitted at the request of a Virginia Beach constituent, Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah, and are a reflection of his views:

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Virginia congressional delegation is gathered on the House floor to pay our respects to Virginia Beach Police Department Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese, who were killed in the line of duty in the early hours of Saturday, February 22. Tragically, our community lost two of our local heroes when a cowardly criminal gunned down two of Virginia Beach's finest during a routine traffic stop. Officer Chris Reese was just 30 years old, having served with both the Virginia Beach Police Department and the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office for the last 6 years. He leaves behind a loving wife. He will be remembered for his loyalty to his loved ones and his passion for serving the residents of our city. Officer Cameron Girvin was just 25 years old and has served with the Virginia Beach Police Department since 2020. He leaves behind his wife and their unborn daughter, Paisley, who is due in the summer. He will be remembered for his contagious smile and love for his family. These brave young men were taken too soon and leave behind a grief- stricken and forever grateful community. The city of Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America will forever be grateful to these officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community. Their families will always remain in our prayers. On behalf of myself, the Virginia congressional delegation, and the United States House of Representatives, I ask that the United States House of Representatives observe a moment of silence in their honor.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record remarks submitted at the request of a Virginia Beach constituent, Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah, and are a reflection of his views: I have returned from the torn Land of Israel where I grew up, following a visit throughout July of a shaking, even shocking experience. Israel is undergoing a trauma whose lasting impact is impossible to predict. However, the current internal crisis threatening Israeli democracy, the Middle East's sole one, is due to the most extreme coalition government in Israel's history attempting to alter its Western liberal orientation by disabling the Supreme Court's standing as an independent Judiciary. Consequently, the unprecedented mass demonstrations for months in opposition to the proposed radical agenda which I watched in disbelief and participated in, have reflected a powerful popular response determined to preserve Israel as both the Jewish and democratic state envisioned by its founders. Already adversejy affected are the Israeli economy, military, public health, the woman's status, education, Pride community and society at large, while Israel's enemies, Iran and its proxies, become further emboldened. The special relationship between Israel and the United States is at risk as well as the essential bond between Israel and American Jewry. With heartfelt, even prophetic pathos and deep grasp of the multi-layered Israeli scene since its inception and prior, veteran Israeli author Ari Shavit offers us a concise manifesto for urgent action with the goal of ``Saving Israel,'' his recent book's alarming title (Saving Israel. Rishon LeZion: Miskal-Yedioth Ahronoth Books and Chemed Books. 2023). He begins with a statement of both profound gratitude and grave concern, ``the State of Israel is a miracle. No other nation did what we have: To build anew a national home following two thousand years. No progressive democracy succeeded to flourish as we have, following a Shoah and living under a volcano. Despite all the troubles, problems, weaknesses, difficulties and blemishes--The Zionist dream has been realized. The people of Israel lives and the state of Israel lives. Our sons and daughters have in our ancestral land what our grandfathers and grandmothers did not: Sovereignty, freedom, prosperity, pride and progress. Being a technological, economic, military and political super-power, Israel of the 21st century is a strong country capable of shaping its own fate and march toward a brilliant future. But the deep 2023 crisis threatens the Israeli miracle and erasing our astonishing successes, leaving us homeless.'' Shavit does not mince words. On the one hand, heaps praise upon Israel's successes though Israel is not a global, as the author claims, but a regional superpower. In light of trying beginnings and facing monumental challenges that were likely to doom the fragile creation: Attacks from a collection of superior military establishments while absorbing penniless immigrants from west and east three times larger in size, into a war zone with meager resources. On the other hand, he bemoans the Jewish people's destructive tendencies that brought down Jewish sovereignty and led into long exile and ultimately a consuming Holocaust. ``And the Jewish people has multi-talents though sorrowfully it lacks the talent to be a people. It tends toward extremism, internal strife and self- destruction. . . Israel needs to be both powerful and ethical, both national and liberal, both Jewish and democratic. Only a combination of resoluteness and openness will guarantee that not weakness nor zealousness will bring ug again to the pit's cusp.'' The author is convinced that the goal is within reach though the hour is late and the Israelis with all their complexities and tribal tendencies ought not further delay. He thus concludes, ``The good and silent great Israeli majority will not remain still. The democratic Jews will not let a wondrous national and human enterprise to go down. For all of us have a stake in this special place. And we all know that there wouldn't be a Fourth Commonwealth. The Third Commonwealth is the Jewish people's last opportunity. With determination, love and faith we'll defend Israel and rebuild the house.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate one of my constituents, Mr. Steven Cade, as he retires from federal service, marking the culmination of a military and civilian career that spans over 44 years of faithful service to the defense of our great Nation. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Mr. Cade served as a Navy Surface Warfare Officer from 1985 to 2005. While on active duty, he completed sea-duty assignments in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and deployments supporting operations in the European, Indo-Pacific, Central, and Southern Commands. His major staff assignments included duty in Operations and Plans on the staff of Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet; Special Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and as a program manager for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Capabilities and Resource Integration (N8) and Readiness and Training (N4/7). He was also designated a Navy Foreign Area Officer for East Asia/Pacific while on active duty. Mr. Cade began his civil service career in 2005, serving as Director for Fleet Capabilities and Force Development (N8/N9) at U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) in Norfolk, Virginia, the Navy's headquarters for global force management and the Naval Component Commander to U.S. Northern Command. There, he was responsible for integrated Fleet capability and readiness assessments to support Navy programming and acquisition planning, transition of new capabi]ities into the Fleet, and development of warfighting concepts of operations and experimentation programs. During his time at USFF, he also served as Deputy Director, Fleet Warfare Programs (N8B), leading warfighting capability analyses, and as Deputy Executive Director, responsible for Fleet readiness assessments, strategic planning, and headquarters administration. He was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in 2010. On February 28th, Mr. Cade retires from Military Sealift Command (MSC), where he has served as the command's Executive Director for over seven years. At MSC, Mr. Cade provided inspired leadership and strategic vision in service to nearly 10,000 personnel assigned to 23 locations and aboard 140 ships, employing the Nation's largest contingent of merchant mariners, the 5,800-strong Civil Service Mariner workforce. I want to especially recognize Mr. Cade's family for their endless support over these years. As he enters this new chapter, I join his friends and colleagues in wishing him fair winds, following seas, and well-deserved rest, relaxation, and quality time with his family, especially his wife Leigh-Anne. I thank him for his service.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 100th birthday to a very important resident of Hampton Roads, U.S. Navy veteran Mo Maurizio. This American hero has experienced more of the history of our great Nation than most people can even dream of. Born on February 21, 1925, he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, before enlisting in the Navy in August of 1943 at the age of 18. After completing basic training in New York, he transferred to Hampton Roads, Virginia, to complete additional training at Little Creek in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, as Allied Forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, Mo was a part of the first wave of troops to hit the beaches on D-day. After surviving this important first step on the path to liberate Europe, he then deployed to the Pacific theater. On February 19, 1945, he was aboard a ship that took part in the battle for Iwo Jima, shelling the island ahead of American forces making their landing. Mo didn't spend his 20th birthday celebrating. He was instead serving our Nation by landing troops and supplies during one of the worst battles of the entire war. In total, nearly 6,000 brave marines lost their lives to take this strategic island that day, and it is only 8 square miles. In April, Mo continued his service, this time assisting with the deployment of marines on Okinawa Island. Months later, when Japan was set to surrender, Mo was among the crew of one of the first ships carrying U.S. troops to mainland Japan. On September 2, aboard the USS Talladega, he was only a small distance away from history being made on the USS Missouri as the Japanese formally surrendered, officially marking the end of World War II. Following the conclusion of the war, he continued serving in the Navy, both back in Massachusetts and in Virginia. Along the way, he met his late wife, Laura. Together, they had a set of twins, Bill and Stella. One of my favorite stories of Moe's life is when, in 2014, his two children took him to his first-ever Army-Navy football game. As any good Navy fan would agree, he was hoping to watch the Navy midshipmen, and I quote, ``beat the snot out of the Army.'' Luckily enough, Navy won that year with a score of 17-10. Mo retired from the Navy on June 6, 1966, exactly 22 years after he participated in the invasion of Normandy, but he did not retire from public service. After the Navy, he joined the post office in Hampton Roads, where he worked on behalf of our community for nearly 40 years before retiring at the age of 80 on June 6, 2005, exactly 61 years to the day after D- Day. This past June, at the age of 99, Mo had the opportunity to return to the Normandy beaches to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with his fellow World War II veterans. I had the honor of meeting Mo with a group of his biggest fans last June at the Norfolk International Airport as he returned home from his trip. Our world is free today because of the heroic actions made by these members of our Greatest Generation, like Mo, on that fateful day. Since World War II, Mo and his family have called Hampton Roads their home. Sadly, on December 7, 2024, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, his loving wife, Laura, passed away after 73 years of marriage. Her memory lives on through Mo and their two wonderful children. For 100 years, Mo Maurizio has embodied what it means to be an American hero. From the beaches of Normandy, to the islands of the Pacific, to our local community in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Mo has lived through truly foundational moments in our Nation's history. We will be forever grateful for all that he has done for our great Nation, the United States of America. Happy 100th birthday to Mo.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of former Isle of Wight County supervisor, Pastor William McCarty. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing in January. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Known to his community as ``Pastor MAC,'' he was a friend and tireless servant to the Isle of Wight community as both a pastor at Healing Waters Worship Center and a local elected official. He first came to our region as a 22-year-old in 1999 to revive the small Smithfield Church of God congregation, spending more than 25 years successfully growing it into the thriving church community it is today. As the true servant he was, he successfully ran to represent Carrollton on the board of supervisors in 2015, working tirelessly to make sure that Isle of Wight was one of the fastest-growing counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. My thoughts are with his loving wife, Amanda, and their two children and their granddaughter. May God uplift his family and loved ones in this time of sorrow and bless his memory. We will always be grateful for his service to his community and to our Commonwealth.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I have seen firsthand the way in which our older veterans, especially those who require care in nursing homes, experience poor health outcomes because of a lack of advocacy in government. The Department of Veterans Affairs regularly convenes a Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee to collaborate on strategies to better help seniors who have served our country age with grace and dignity. However, advocates for those living in State veterans homes and those who provide nursing home domiciliary and adult care for our veterans are left completely out of the conversation. That is unacceptable and harmful to the long-term health of our veterans. That is why I am introducing the Representing Our Seniors at VA Act to reform the VA's advisory committee and ensure a representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes is included. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in this effort so we can improve the quality of care for our Greatest Generation living in assisted living facilities.

Mrs. KIGGANS

Mrs. KIGGANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the National Certified Dietary Managers (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professionals (CFPP) Day, which this year fell on November 28, 2024. This day is meant to honor the contributions these professionals have made in the food service management profession and the lives they have impacted through their service in America's healthcare industry. I would also like to recognize the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) for their efforts to designate November 28, National CDM, CFPP Day. Over 90 percent of the ANFP's more than 13,000 members work in healthcare and a majority of those are in long-term care facilities. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand the way in which CDMs and CFPPs positively affect health outcomes for members of our greatest generation. They play an essential role in America's healthcare industry, and as such are responsible for managing nutrition and food service operations. They are trained and qualified to administer menus, food purchasing and preparation, and to apply nutrition principles, among many other essential tasks. The CDM, CFPP credential is also the basis for the ANFP Youth Apprenticeship Program, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2022. This year it was especially fitting that the National CDM, CFPP Day fell on Thanksgiving, as CDMs and CFPPs work 365 days a year to serve their patients. It is an honor to celebrate these dedicated professionals who work tirelessly, even over the holidays, away from their friends and families and loved ones. I am proud to honor their significant impacts to healthcare and celebrate the National Certified Dietary Managers, Certified Food Protection Professionals Day of the Year.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton of Virginia's Tenth District. I first met Congresswoman Wexton not here in the Halls of Congress, but when I was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2019. I remember the day that she first came and visited us on the floor and how she went around the room, and shook hands with every member, all 40 of us that day. While our time in the Virginia General Assembly did not overlap, her legacy of serving her constituents lived on in the chamber. When I entered Congress, I was elected as the second of three Jennifers to be elected to the 118th Congress from Virginia. I have enjoyed serving alongside these other two Jens as a member of the bipartisan Jennifer caucus. Like so many in Virginia and across the country, I was saddened by the announcement of Congresswoman Wexton's diagnosis in September of 2023. While she announced that she would not be running for reelection in 2024, she fought against the odds to fulfill her commitment to her constituents and serve for the remainder of the 118th Congress. She also became an advocate for her disease process and a loud voice, she brought awareness to so many of us here in the House of Representatives. Members of Congress will oftentimes stand here on the House floor and talk of the sacrifices they make to serve their districts, but Mr. Speaker, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has sacrificed more for her constituents than Congresswoman Wexton has over the past year and a half. Rather than leave Congress to spend time with her family and friends in northern Virginia, she has remained here working every day. Even when her physical voice left her, she got very creative, and with the help of technology, has continued to be a strong advocate for the residents of Virginia's 10th District with distinction. The impact she left in Richmond and will leave in Washington is truly impressive and will be remembered by the citizens of Virginia for years to come. I thank my friend for her eagerness to continue serving against all odds and for her years of selfless sacrifice to our Commonwealth and to the United States of America. She will be missed by our entire Virginia congressional delegation, and I know that the Commonwealth of Virginia will be thinking of her and will be supporting her in the future.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for our country, and they should be compensated accordingly. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, a Navy spouse, and now a Navy mom, I am laser focused on addressing obstacles faced by our servicemembers. I was proud to serve on the House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel, where we addressed issues for our servicemembers, including increases to military pay, housing, healthcare, childcare, and spousal support. Pay is one of the many quality of life improvements needed across the board for our servicemembers. That is why I fought hard to include a pay raise for our junior enlisted servicemembers in the final text. The 14.5 percent pay increase for E-1 through E-4s will ensure military salaries can remain competitive with the private sector. At a time when our world grows more dangerous every day, America needs to prioritize our warfighters and ensure that we can maintain a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force. It is imperative that our military men and women earn a salary befitting of the service they provide to our country. Today's legislation is exactly what we need to deter our adversaries, improve the quality of life for our servicemembers, and revitalize our defense industrial base. I am confident that passing the NDAA will be a significant win for the young men and women in the military and their families, our national security, and our entire country. I am always proud to advocate in Congress for our servicemembers and their quality of life. Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying, as my colleague did: Go Navy, and beat Army.

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia

Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a poem submitted at the request of a Virginia Beach constituent, Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah, and are a reflection of his views: The Sacred Lights of Chanukah The fragile yet formidable Chanukah candles We tenderly lit, daringly defy the suffocating Darkness around us and in us, Soothing and softening, we pray, all who Their magic of evoked memories of elation And trepidation with oil--dripping levivot (Potato pancakes) for expectant levavot (Hearts) while partaking of sustaining sweet Sufganiyot (donuts) to counteract the bitterness Of previous and following defeats, Celebrating a temporary victory before the Hasmonians' intra-feuds hastened the demise Of short-lived Jewish sovereignty with warning Lessons for the contemporary scene of mounting Extremism and spreading strife, With hostages in death-filled Gaza darkness Still-second Chanukah's Festival of Lights In captivity, how tragically ironic!--desperately Yearning for liberating light lagging too long Behind and may not come, and for too many Their wondrous light already snuffed out by Those adoring the dark with the candle of each Unique life burning down before its time and Forever lost is that consecrated inner oil, Though only we, today's brave Maccabees, Possess the priestly power to extinguish The miracle of the bright Chanukia (menorah) Embedded deep within us. Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach. Kazakhstan's only born rabbi, he is the son of Polish Holocaust Survivors and spent his early childhood in transit and DP Camps in Austria and Germany. He grew up in Haifa, Israel.