¶ Overview
Kiggans was a vocal supporter of Trump's war with Iran from the moment it began, calling it a “necessary step” to protect the U.S. and defending Trump's use of military force without first going to Congress. All the while, Virginia families were paying an estimated $573 more for gas and facing rising grocery costs because Kiggans continued voting in lockstep with her Republican colleagues to allow Trump's war with Iran to continue unchecked.
¶ Kiggans Backed Trump’s Costly War With Iran That Raised Prices For Virginians
¶ Kiggans Vehemently Defended Trump’s War In Iran, Calling It A “Necessary Step” To Protect The United States
3/5/26: Kiggans Called Trump’s War In Iran A “Necessary Step” To “Protect The Safety And Security Of The United States.” Rep. Jen Kiggans tweeted, “This evening, I voted in support of our men and women in uniform as they carry out their mission in Operation Epic Fury. This mission is a necessary step to confront the growing threat posed by the Iranian regime and to protect the safety and security of the United States, our servicemembers, and our allies around the world.” [Twitter, @RepJenKiggans, 3/5/26]
- Kiggans Claimed Iran Was Threatening To “Move Closer To Nuclear Capability” And Claimed “Operation Epic Fury” Would “Prevent A Far More Dangerous Conflict In The Future.” Rep. Jen Kiggans tweeted, “For decades, Iran’s leaders have destabilized the region through terrorism, proxy warfare, and persistent efforts to advance their nuclear program. Allowing a regime with such a long record of hostility toward the United States to move closer to nuclear capability would pose an unacceptable risk to global security. Operation Epic Fury is focused on degrading Iran’s ability to develop and deploy nuclear weapons and sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate actions that threaten our nation or undermine stability in the region. Taking decisive action now helps prevent a far more dangerous conflict in the future.” [Twitter, @RepJenKiggans, 3/5/26]
- Kiggans Said She Was Proud To Support American Servicemembers Sent To War By Trump And Reiterated That Iran Should “Never Be Allowed To Obtain A Nuclear Weapon.” Rep. Jen Kiggans tweeted, “I am proud to support our men and women in uniform as they carry out this critical mission. Their courage and professionalism ensure that America remains strong and prepared to defend our people, our allies, and our interests abroad. One thing remains clear: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
[Twitter, @RepJenKiggans, 3/5/26]
Kiggans Claimed Trump’s Bombing Of Iran Was An Example Of The U.S. “Protecting Freedom And Keeping Our Nation Secure.” Jen Kiggans tweeted, “Every day, America’s military shows the world what strength and resolve look like as we confront the terrorist stronghold of Iran. Our men and women in uniform are protecting freedom and keeping our nation secure. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice. 🇺🇸PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH 🇺🇸”
[Twitter, @JenKiggans, 3/3/26] (video)
Kiggans Defended The Legality Of Trump’s Move To Bomb Iran Without First Going To Congress. According to News 3 WTKR, “The Defense Department continues to release footage of its operation against Iran as a renewed debate grows over whether Congress should have been required to authorize the military action. ‘We shouldn't go to war without an affirmative vote of Congress,’ said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia). Supporters of the action have pushed back on that argument. ‘So the president acted under his Article II powers to be able to send our troops into harm's way because of an imminent threat,’ said Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia).” [News 3 WTKR, 3/4/26]
Kiggans Said She Was Looking Forward To “The Swift And Decisive Action” That President Trump Promised In Iran. According to Rep. Jen Kiggans on The John Fredericks Show, “KIGGANS: I couldn't be prouder of our men and women in uniform, especially our great Navy. I mean, as a Navy veteran, I have a big Navy family, my husband, my son. And so we're certainly proud of the work that they're doing over there. This is the role of the Navy. This is our mission. And we do what we're directed. And right now, it’s to take down the terrorist country, which is Iran. And I look forward to the swift and decisive action that the president talks about, because we've been at war with Iran for decades. They have been chanting death to America in their streets. And so we need to utilize what we have, which is the best military in the whole world. And so I'm proud of them. I support their actions. I would like to see us wrap this up and swift and decisive and get this done. I'm not really interested in negotiating with terrorists. I want to get in there and get the job done and get our men and women in uniform home. I know that our Navy, especially our aircraft carriers that are deployed, the Ford is going to be on an almost 11-month deployment. So, you know, that's a long time as a person who's been there, done that and so many people in my district. But we need to get the job done and so we can welcome those guys back.” [John Fredericks Show, 4/20/26] (video)
VIDEO: Kiggans Admitted High Gas Prices Were Caused By The Iran War But Said It Was Necessary To “Support Our War Fighters.” According to Rep, Jen Kiggans on 13 News Now, “KIGGANS: […] I understand why these gas prices have been temporarily high, but we have to support our war fighters every day of the week. And what I'm concerned the most about, sitting on Armed Services Committee, is we just recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act, and normally we will see one, maybe two, out of our 52 members on that committee, we’ll see one or two Democrats vote against this bipartisan bill. We saw 12 Democrats this time vote against funding and authorizing appropriated money for our military through the NDAA. And on the Senate side, we saw nine, including our Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, voted against the NDAA in the Armed Services Committee on the Senate side. We should never be voting against resources for our warfighters, for that quality-of-life money for our military families. You should put politics aside, so shame on the people who vote against that funding, who vote against our military men and women and their families. Our needs are great. We lead the world. We have the greatest military in the world. I can think of no other country better suited to provide that peace through strength, but it's done through deterrence, and that's the strength part and that strength part, there's a price to pay with that. So that's the cost that I support every day of the week.” [13 News Now, 6/26/26] (video)
¶ Kiggans Repeatedly Voted Against Ending The United States’ Action In Iran
¶ July 2026: Kiggans Voted Against Removing U.S. Armed Forces From Hostilities Against Iran Unless Explicitly Authorized By A Declaration Of War
2026: Kiggans Effectively Voted Against Withdrawing US Troops From Iran. In July 2026 Kiggans voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “motion to discharge the Foreign Relations Committee from further consideration of the joint resolution that would direct the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces hostilities against Iran not authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for military force.” The vote was on adoption of the resolution. The House adopted the resolution by a vote of 214 to 208. [House Vote 282, 7/23/26; Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.89]
- The Senate Voted Against Ending The War In Iran On The Same Day. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The House and Senate, in votes Thursday on ending the Iran war, came to different conclusions, but the majority of voting members of Congress said it is time to bring U.S. troops home. The House, for the second time, formally called on President Donald Trump to end the war, approving 214-208 a nonbinding concurrent resolution (H Con Res 89) by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.” [Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26]
- The Vote Came After The Trump Administration Declared A Memorandum Of Understanding From The Previous Month “Over”, With Three US Troops Killed The Weekend Before And Houthi Strikes Against Two Saudi Tankers The Day Before. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Last month, the Trump administration announced it had reached a memorandum of understanding with Iran. But less than a month later, Trump declared the MOU ‘over.’ On July 10, he formally notified Congress fighting in the war had resumed. Over the weekend, three U.S. troops were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan, while a fourth U.S. service member in Iraq died during what was supposed to be a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone. Iran’s proxy group in Yemen, the Houthis, struck two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday. Such attacks could choke off another bottleneck in the global economy in addition to the ongoing throttling of trade in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the war.” [Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26]
¶ June 2026: Kiggans Voted Against Removing U.S. Armed Forces From Hostilities Against Iran Unless Explicitly Authorized By A Declaration Of War
2026: Kiggans Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War. In May 2026, Kiggans voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “adoption of a resolution that would direct the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” The vote was on passage. The House adopted the resolution by a vote of 215 to 208. [House Vote 199, 6/3/26; Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 86]
- The Vote Occurred As The War Entered Its Fourth Month, And Was The House’s Fourth Vote On The War As Gas And Food Prices Continued To Rise. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Either way, supporters say the House adopting the resolution sends an important message to Trump that Congress is fed up with the war as it lumbers into its fourth month. ‘We're now past 90 days, there seems to be no end to this war, and folks want some accountability, Democrats and Republicans,’ New York Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the sponsor of Wednesday’s resolution, said ahead of the vote. ‘The American people are suffering. The cost of gas continues to go up, the cost of food and inflation keeps going up.’ ‘So it's been building and building,’ Meeks added. Wednesday’s vote was the House’s fourth on an Iran war powers resolution since the war started at the end of February, with each vote getting tighter than before. In the third vote last month, the measure was rejected 212-212.” [Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26]
- GOP Leadership Delayed The Vote Through A Week-Long Recess When It Became Clear It Would Pass. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The House had originally been slated to vote on Meeks’ resolution before the Memorial Day recess. But when it became apparent the resolution was likely to be approved, particularly with a handful of Republican absences, GOP leadership yanked the vote from the schedule. Republicans could not delay the vote beyond Wednesday since the 1973 War Powers Resolution (PL 93-148) requires the House to vote within three legislative days of a measure being called up on the floor.” [Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26]
- The Vote Came Amidst Ongoing Strikes Despite A Proclaimed Ceasefire With Iran Claiming It Was Suspending Talks Following An Israeli Incursion Of Lebanon. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The growing congressional angst over the war comes as an already fragile ceasefire appears increasingly tenuous and the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran stumble. Early Wednesday morning, Iran launched a missile and drone attack at an airport in Kuwait, killing an Indian national and injuring dozens of other people, in what Tehran described as a response to U.S. strikes on Iran the night before. U.S. Central Command said Iran also targeted U.S. forces in Kuwait but that air defenses shot down the drones and ‘ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.’ On Tuesday evening, Central Command said it conducted ‘self-defense strike’ on Iran’s Qeshm Island in response to Iran firing missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain. Hours earlier, Central Command also said U.S. forces fired a Hellfire missile into the engine room of a Botswana-flagged oil tanker that it alleged was trying to evade the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. The exchange of fire comes amid on-again-off-again talks to end the war. On Monday, Iran said it was suspending talks with the United States in response to Israel’s incursion into Lebanon. But Trump maintained that talks are continuing despite Iran’s statement, posting on Truth Social on Tuesday that ‘the conversations between us have been going on continuously.’” [Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26]
¶ May 2026: Kiggans Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War
5/14/26: Kiggans Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War. In May 2026, Kiggans voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. It would clarify that nothing in the measure could be construed to disrupt intelligence, counterintelligence or investigative activities.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the resolution by a vote of 212 to 212. [House Vote 170, 5/14/26; Congressional Quarterly, 5/14/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 75]
¶ April 2026: Kiggans Voted Against Directing The President To Withdraw Troops From Iran Unless Authorized By Congress
4/16/26: Kiggans Voted Against Directing The President To Withdraw Troops From Iran Unless Authorized By Congress. In April 2026, Kiggans voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. The measure would exempt the use of U.S. armed forces that may be necessary to defend the U.S. or a U.S. ally or partner from imminent attack.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the resolution by a vote of 213 to 214. [House Vote 114, 4/16/26; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.40]
¶ March 2026: Kiggans Voted Against Directing President Trump To Withdraw Troops From Iran
3/5/26: Kiggans Voted Against Directing President Trump To Withdraw Troops From Iran. In March 2026, Kiggans voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of its military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the concurrent resolution by a vote of 212 to 219. [House Vote 85, 3/5/26; Congressional Quarterly, 3/5/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.38]
¶ Trump’s War In Iran Was Costly For Virginians
HEADLINE: “Congressional Report Says Virginians Have Paid $1.8 Billion More For Gas Since Iran War Started” [Virginia Mercury, 7/22/26]
¶ Regular And Diesel Gas Prices Across Virginia Soared As A Result Of The War
The Average Virginia Household Spent An Estimated $573 More For Gas Since Trump’s War In Iran Began. According to Patch, “Virginia drivers have collectively spent an estimated $1.8 billion more for gasoline since the war with Iran began Feb. 28, according to an analysis released by Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. That works out to about $573 in additional gasoline spending for the average Virginia household, the committee estimated. Nationwide, Americans paid about $56.4 billion more for gasoline from Feb. 28 through July 12 than they would have if prices had remained at their prewar levels. The added cost averaged $477 per household, according to the analysis.” [Patch, 7/30/26]
- HEADLINE: “Americans’ Confidence In US Economy Falls As Iran Conflict Sends Gas Prices Higher” [ABC 27 News, 7/28/26]
July 2026: The National Average Price For A Gallon Of Gas Was Approaching $4 Again After Trump Declared A Ceasefire Was Over. According to Arizona’s Family, "Gas prices continue to inch up after President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire agreement with Iran was ‘over.’ AAA reported the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was just shy of $4, at $3.98 a gallon. On Thursday, the average price of diesel was back up to about $5 a gallon. Oil and gas prices had been declining after the U.S. and Iran signed a peace plan to end the war in June." [Arizona’s Family, 7/17/26]
- The War In Iran Caused Fuel Inventories To Plunge To Historic Lows, Leading To A Major Surge In Gas Prices. According to the Washington Post, "Americans face a new round of punishing price increases for fuel and other products as oil and gas inventories plunge to historic lows around the world because of the war in Iran, energy executives and analysts warn. Fuel stocks are so low, experts said, that even an abrupt agreement between the United States and Iran and an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies passed before the war — may not stop fuel prices from soaring anew by the July Fourth holiday." [Washington Post, 6/3/26]
- HEADLINE: “Oil Prices Surge After Trump Vows Retaliation For Iranian Attack” [ABC News, 7/29/26]
7/30/26: Diesel Cost An Average Of $5.29 In Virginia.
[AAA, Virginia Fuel Prices, Viewed 7/30/26]
- 7/24/26: Gas Prices In Hampton Roads Rose Above $4 Again After Trump Reignited Combat In Iran. According to The Virginian-Pilot, “Gasoline prices rose above $4 a gallon in parts of Virginia on Wednesday as the United States and Iran traded military blows over control of the Strait of Hormuz, last week ending a ceasefire that had brought consumers temporary relief at the pump. The statewide average price of regular unleaded gasoline reached $3.96 a gallon, but drivers are paying more than $4 a gallon in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and the Fredericksburg area, according to AAA Virginia. The average price of gasoline reached $3.99 a gallon in Richmond and Petersburg on Tuesday, exceeded $3.98 a gallon in Charlottesville and $3.97 a gallon in Winchester. Gasoline prices soared above $4 a gallon this spring because of the war that the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran on Feb. 28, as Iran retaliated with military strikes against the U.S. and its allies in the Persian Gulf region while asserting control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/24/26]
¶ Trump’s War In Iran Was Costing Virginia Families At The Grocery Store
July 2026: Prices For Fresh Food, School Supplies, And Any Goods That Required Shipment Were Expected To Increase Amid Energy Price Increases Due To The United States’ War With Iran. According to PBS, “Already feeling pinched since the start of the Iran war, consumers are likely to feel more pain ahead as oil prices pushed past $100 a barrel Thursday amid renewed fighting and military strikes that have left global oil supplies stranded in the Middle East. The elevated price marked a turn from lower oil prices enjoyed briefly when hostilities between the U.S. and Iran waned in June. Brent crude, the international standard, last reached $100 a barrel in May. Companies that produce and sell fresh food, school supplies and anything that gets shipped using fuel reported cost impacts from an earlier spike in energy prices after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. They're likely to continue passing some of their increased expenses to consumers.” [PBS News, 7/24/26]
Tomatoes, Bananas, And Onions Experienced Major Price Hikes Since The Beginning Of The War. According to Fortune, "The U.S., Israel, and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, but the sticker shock you’ve been feeling every time you go to the grocery store will get worse if the war continues. One of the first places you’ll feel it will be the produce aisle, experts say. A Fortune analysis of produce wholesale prices from USDA data found grocery-cart staples such as tomatoes, bananas, and yellow onions have experienced significant price spikes since the war began. The United Nations reported its global food price index rose by 2.4% in March, the second consecutive month of rising prices." [Fortune, 4/8/26]
- HEADLINE: "Higher Prices For Gas, Groceries And Flights Will Likely Outlast The Iran War" [AP News, 6/16/26]
¶ The War In Iran Cost U.S. Families $100 Billion So Far
As Of June 2026, The War In Iran Cost U.S. Families $100 Billion So Far. According to Fortune, "$750 a household—or $100 billion. This is the cost that Moody’s has calculated the Iran War has been so far to the U.S. consumer. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said the cost passed on to households is the result of increased military spending and higher prices as a result of oil supply disruption out of the Middle East. Since the U.S. and Israel launched action against Iran—setting off a domino-effect of attacks across the Middle East—brent crude has topped $110 a barrel on multiple occasions." [Fortune, 6/2/26]
Americans, By A Margin Of 56 Percent To 7 Percent, Expected Trump’s War In Iran To Have A “Mostly Negative Impact” On Their Personal Financial Situation. According to The Washington Post, “Americans, by a margin of 56 percent to 7 percent, expect the war to have a ‘mostly negative impact’ on their personal financial situation, according to a March 31 Ipsos poll. A Middle East conflict that lasts for several more months would almost certainly spread higher prices and supply chain disruption beyond Asia and Europe to American shores. ‘I don’t think the U.S. will avoid it. These are global markets,’ said Rachel Ziemba, a New York-based analyst who advises corporations on geopolitical risk. ‘Experts, even a week ago, were worried. Now they are more worried.’” [Washington Post, 4/4/26]