Rep. Jen Kiggans Calls on General Assembly to Reject HB 1374/HB 1377

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) is calling on the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Spanberger to overwhelmingly reject House Bill 1374 and House Bill 1377 which relate to funding and board authority at Virginia Military Institute.

“As a proud VMI mom and Navy veteran, I am deeply troubled by this blatant attack on the oldest state-supported military college in America,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Democrats in the General Assembly are attempting to dismantle VMI’s proven leadership model by handing control of this historic institution to a board that has no connection to its mission.”

HB 1374 would remove decision-making authority from VMI’s own Board of Visitors and transfer it to an institution on the other side of the Commonwealth, fundamentally altering VMI’s structure, culture, and purpose. 

HB1377 would establish a task force to recommend if VMI should continue to receive state support. This is a blatant witch hunt by state lawmakers to place retribution on an institution that has developed more generals than any ROTC program in the United States.

“For nearly two centuries, VMI has developed leaders of character who have served our nation with honor and distinction,” Kiggans continued. “These reckless proposals threaten that legacy and represent an unjustified political intrusion into an institution that has earned the trust and respect of Virginians.”

Rep. Kiggans criticized Democrats for prioritizing ideological agendas over the interests of the Commonwealth.

“Instead of focusing on the issues they promised Virginians—like affordability and public safety—Democrats are pushing a politically motivated takeover of one of Virginia’s most respected institutions,” said Kiggans. “VMI deserves support, stability, and respect—not a partisan power grab.”

Rep. Kiggans urged lawmakers to reject HB 1374/HB 1377 and reaffirm their commitment to preserving VMI’s independence, mission, and legacy.

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