News Summary
The House of Representatives in Virginia has approved a defense bill allocating nearly $27 million for military projects in Hampton Roads. This funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which seeks to improve military readiness and enhance living conditions for service members. The bill also introduces a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel and significant investments in shipbuilding and facility upgrades. With critical projects set for Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, this initiative strengthens regional naval operations and supports veterans’ needs.
Virginia – The House of Representatives has passed a significant defense bill that includes nearly $27 million in funding for military projects in Hampton Roads, a crucial region for U.S. naval operations. This funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which aims to bolster military readiness and support service members across the country.
The defense bill also encompasses a 3.8% pay raise for service members, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of military personnel. In total, over $1.4 billion is allocated specifically for barracks and family housing construction to enhance living conditions for those serving in the military. In addition, billions have been set aside for shipbuilding initiatives, a key component of maintaining a robust naval force.
Specific Virginia Projects
Among the Virginia-specific projects highlighted in the bill, $15 million is designated for power upgrades on Pier 14 at Naval Station Norfolk. This upgrade is classified as a top priority and is critical for supporting advanced Navy ship operations, particularly the ability to dock Ford-class aircraft carriers at a second pier. Currently, Naval Station Norfolk faces challenges due to outdated electrical systems that serve both Navy ships and submarines, thus making these upgrades essential.
Additionally, the bill allocates $12 million for a new expeditionary mine countermeasures facility at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story. This facility will enhance operational capabilities for the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWELVE and the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO, contributing to overall naval readiness and safety.
Broader Implications of the Defense Bill
The broader defense bill authorizes over $22 billion in shipbuilding initiatives, which include funding for a Columbia-class submarine, a Virginia-class submarine, and a Ford-class aircraft carrier. An important aspect of this legislation is the establishment of a commission focused on America’s maritime industrial base and shipyard needs, addressing challenges facing the shipbuilding sector and the workforce.
To move forward, the bill will now proceed to conference with the Senate for further consideration. This step is vital to finalize the funding and ensure projects critical to national defense and regional economic stability are implemented effectively.
Representative Jen Kiggans’ Advocacy
Representative Jen Kiggans, who represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District and is a Navy veteran, has emphasized the importance of these investments in strengthening Hampton Roads’ role in U.S. naval readiness. During her recent tour of QED Systems, a ship repair and upgrades company in the region, she discussed various bureaucratic challenges faced by vendors in the military supply chain. Kiggans is also advocating for skilled trade workers to address workforce shortages within shipbuilding and repair industries, areas vital to sustaining military operations.
Commitment to Clean Energy Initiatives
In addition to defense-related issues, Kiggans is actively promoting clean energy options for Virginia, including the development of offshore wind projects. A key initiative involves a pivotal wind energy project featuring 176 turbines located off Virginia Beach, which is projected to provide power to approximately 660,000 residents.
Furthermore, Kiggans introduced the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies (LIFT) Act of 2025, which aims to foster innovation in drone and electric air vehicle development. The proposal seeks to eliminate regulatory barriers for drone operations and include a pilot program for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. The implementation of this act would fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, aiming to streamline the advancement of emerging technologies in aviation.
As Virginia continues to play a significant role in national defense and clean energy development, the outcomes of the recent defense bill and ongoing advocacy efforts by its representatives will be pivotal in shaping the future of military readiness and technological advancement in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 13 News Now: Kiggans and McClain Tour QED Systems
- Wikipedia: Virginia
- The Center Square: Virginia Article
- Google Search: Virginia defense bill
- WTKR: Kiggans Tours Volvo Penta Training Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia
- The Business Download: Kiggans Discusses Energy
- Google News: Jen Kiggans
- Pilot Online: Kiggans and Clean Energy
- Google Scholar: Clean energy Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
