Jennifer A. Kiggans

American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 This bill extends through FY2036 three National Park Service (NPS) grant programs that preserve U.S. battlefields and requires the NPS to study additional sites for potential preservation. Specifically, the bill extends through FY2036 grant programs for the acquisition, interpretation modernization, and restoration of certain U.S. battlefields. (Under current law, the grants are authorized through FY2028.) The bill also requires the NPS to prepare or certify studies of locations tied to significant events during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) for potential preservation.

Veteran Infection Prevention Act

The bill would establish new infection prevention and control standards for military medical facilities to protect veterans and service members from healthcare-associated infections. It likely requires the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to implement stricter protocols, training, and monitoring systems in hospitals and clinics where military personnel receive care. Veterans and active-duty service members would benefit from improved safety measures designed to reduce the risk of catching infections during medical treatment.

Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

The proposal would change how the government defines "professional student" under federal higher education law, which could affect which graduate and professional degree programs qualify students for federal financial aid and student loan programs. This change would impact graduate students pursuing degrees in fields like medicine, law, dentistry, and other professional programs, as well as the colleges and universities that serve them. The specific details of how the definition would change are not yet clear from the referral stage.

Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

The proposal would change how the government defines "professional student" under federal higher education law, which affects which graduate and professional degree programs qualify for federal student aid and loan programs. This change could expand or limit which students pursuing advanced degrees in fields like medicine, law, or other professions can access federal financial assistance. The specific impact depends on how the definition is being modified, which would be determined during the committee review process.

To allow States to require payment of State fees related to boating as a condition for issuance of a vessel number and to collect such fees in conjunction with other fees related to vessel numbering.

States would be allowed to charge additional fees when issuing vessel numbers to boat owners, collecting these boating-related fees at the same time they process the standard vessel numbering paperwork. This gives states more flexibility to fund boating programs and infrastructure by tying fees directly to the vessel registration process rather than collecting them separately. Boat owners would be the primary group affected, as they would potentially face additional costs when registering their vessels.

Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities in Child Care for Military Families Act

This bill would help military families access affordable and reliable child care by expanding child care services and support for military-connected children. It likely aims to address the challenge that military families often struggle to find quality child care, especially when service members are deployed or stationed in remote areas. The changes would make it easier for military parents to work or serve without worrying about finding safe care for their children.

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025 This bill expands the membership of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Veterans Health Administration by requiring the addition of one representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes who holds a professional license in nursing home administration. Additionally, the committee must consult with the National Association of Veterans State Homes with respect to matters concerning the association.

SECURE Health Act

The bill addresses health security matters that involve coordination between the State Department, Department of Defense, and intelligence agencies, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. Based on its referral to foreign affairs, armed services, and intelligence committees, it likely deals with how the U.S. government protects public health during national security situations or coordinates health responses across military and intelligence operations.

20-Year Promise Act

The bill would likely establish or extend a 20-year commitment program related to military service, benefits, or national security operations. Based on its referral to the Veterans' Affairs Committee, it probably affects active-duty service members, veterans, or their families by guaranteeing certain benefits or protections over a two-decade period. The specific details would determine whether it impacts military recruitment, retirement benefits, healthcare coverage, or other veteran support programs.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building".

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building".

VET Act of 2025

The VET Act of 2025 addresses policies related to the armed forces and national security, though the specific provisions are not yet detailed in available records. Based on its title and subject matter, the bill likely focuses on veterans' benefits, military readiness, or defense-related programs, and would affect service members, veterans, and potentially defense contractors. The bill is currently in the early stages of review with subcommittee hearings underway to examine its proposals.

Clarity on Care Options Act

The proposal would clarify and expand healthcare options available to military service members and veterans, ensuring they have transparent information about different medical services and providers they can access through the military health system. The bill aims to give active duty personnel, retirees, and their families more choice in selecting their healthcare providers and treatment options while maintaining the quality and accessibility of military medical care.

FAIR Vets Act

The FAIR Vets Act would help veterans start and grow small businesses by improving their access to federal contracting opportunities and support programs. The bill likely aims to make it easier for veteran-owned companies to compete for government contracts and receive training or funding assistance. This would benefit veterans transitioning to civilian life while also helping federal agencies meet their goals of working with veteran-owned suppliers.

CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act

This bill would make changes to how health care is taxed and funded to try to make health insurance more affordable for Americans. The proposal affects workers, employers, and people buying their own insurance by adjusting tax rules related to health coverage. The bill has been sent to multiple congressional committees to review different parts of the proposal that fall under their areas of responsibility.

Rx ACCESS Act

The Rx ACCESS Act would likely expand or improve prescription drug access for military members, veterans, or Department of Defense personnel. Based on its referral to the Armed Services Committee, the bill probably addresses how military-connected individuals can obtain medications more easily or affordably through military health systems or related programs.

AI for America Act

The bill would establish federal programs and funding to support artificial intelligence research and development in the United States, aiming to keep America competitive with other countries in AI technology. It would likely affect tech companies, universities, researchers, and government agencies working on AI projects by providing resources and coordination for these efforts. The proposal is currently being reviewed by congressional committees to determine what specific policies and funding levels should be included.

WINGS Act

The WINGS Act would likely establish or expand support programs for military service members and veterans, possibly focusing on health care, mental health services, or other benefits. Based on its referral to the Subcommittee on Health, the bill probably addresses medical or wellness issues affecting active-duty personnel, veterans, or their families. The specific provisions would determine whether it expands existing programs, creates new ones, or improves access to care for the military community.

TRICARE Transition Transparency Act of 2025

The legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide military families and retirees with clear, advance notice and detailed information before making changes to TRICARE, the health insurance program that covers service members, retirees, and their dependents. The bill aims to give affected families time to understand how proposed changes would impact their healthcare coverage and costs before those changes take effect. This would primarily benefit active-duty service members, military retirees, and their families who rely on TRICARE for their medical care.

Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during the period; and (2) civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces. If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2027.

VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act

VA Hospital Inventory Management System Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to purchase or develop and implement a cloud-based information technology system for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to manage inventory. If the VA purchases or develops such a system, the VA must implement a pilot program at one VHA facility before implementing the system throughout the entire VA to determine whether the functions of the system are satisfactory.

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act This bill expands the scope of services that may be performed by clinical social workers under Medicare. Specifically, the bill allows clinical social workers to furnish any services that they are authorized to furnish under state law, rather than only services that relate to diagnosing or treating mental illnesses.

Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025

This bill would give military members more freedom to choose their own healthcare providers and services instead of being limited to the military's healthcare system. Service members and their families would likely gain options to use private doctors and hospitals while potentially keeping some military health benefits. The change aims to improve healthcare access and quality for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their dependents.

Care for Military Kids Act of 2025

This bill would improve healthcare access and quality for children of military families, who often face disruptions in medical care due to frequent moves between military bases and states. The legislation likely addresses issues like ensuring continuity of care, reducing delays in transferring medical records, and making it easier for military children to access mental health services and preventive care regardless of where their families are stationed. Military families and their children would be the primary beneficiaries of these healthcare improvements.

Certainty for Our Energy Future Act

Certainty for Our Energy Future Act This bill terminates federal tax credits for certain investments in and the production of electricity using wind and solar energy. The bill also prohibits certain entities connected with China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from claiming various energy-related federal tax incentives. The bill terminates the federal clean electricity investment tax credit and the federal clean electricity production tax credit for investments in and electricity produced by a facility (1) used to generate electricity using wind or solar energy, and (2) for which construction begins after 2030. The bill also prohibits an entity that is created or organized under the laws of or controlled by the government of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, or an entity controlled by one or more of such entities, from claiming the federal tax credits for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, second-generation biofuel, biodiesel fuel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable electricity production, carbon sequestration, zero-emission nuclear power production, clean hydrogen production, clean commercial vehicles, advanced manufacturing production, clean electricity production, clean fuel production, investments in energy property, advanced energy projects, clean electricity investment, biodiesel mixtures, alternative fuel, or alternative fuel mixtures. Further, such entities are prohibited from claiming the federal tax deduction for energy efficient improvements to commercial buildings. Finally, such entities are not entitled to a credit or refund of federal excise taxes paid on biodiesel, alternative fuel, or sustainable aviation fuel mixtures produced by the entities.

A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

This resolution calls on North Korea to release any abducted foreign nationals, including those from Japan. The resolution also urges North Korea to return the remains of deceased abductees, to make appropriate restitution, to apologize, and to permanently cease such activities.

Drone Espionage Act

This bill would make it illegal to use drones to spy on people or gather private information without permission, creating new criminal penalties for unauthorized drone surveillance. The law would likely apply to individuals and companies that operate drones to monitor others' activities, homes, or personal information, with enforcement handled by law enforcement agencies.

To amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.

The bill would require the Coast Guard to keep enlisted members who have served 18 to 20 years on active duty, preventing them from being forced out before they reach the 20-year mark needed for military retirement benefits. This change would affect career Coast Guard personnel who are close to earning their pensions, ensuring they have the opportunity to complete their service and qualify for retirement pay. The measure aims to address retention challenges and protect the benefits of experienced service members.

World LEAP Act

World Language Education Assistance Program Act or the World LEAP Act This bill requires the Department of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies to establish and carry out new, or improve existing, world language or dual language programs.

PRECEPT Nurses Act

Providing Real-world Education and Clinical Experience by Precepting Tomorrow's Nurses Act or the PRECEPT Nurses Act This bill establishes a new, nonrefundable tax credit for eligible nurse preceptors, subject to limitations. The bill also requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report to Congress certain information about the tax credit for nurse preceptors. Under the bill, a nonrefundable tax credit of $2,000 is allowed for an eligible nurse preceptor through 2032. An eligible nurse preceptor is defined as an individual who provides at least 200 certified hours of supervision and personalized experiential learning, training, instruction, and mentoring in the clinical practice of nursing to a nursing student, advanced practice registered nursing student, or newly hired licensed nurse in a community designated as a health professional shortage area. The bill also requires the IRS to report to Congress the number of taxpayers that claim the tax credit for nurse preceptors each year and the geographic distribution of such taxpayers, aggregated and averaged data on the preceptorships served by taxpayers as an eligible nurse preceptor, and the effectiveness of the tax credit in increasing the number of nurse preceptors in the United States.