VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We continue to Verify claims made in local campaign ads. Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans gets the endorsement of the Virginia Beach sheriff in her latest ad. But just how truthful is the commercial?
Let’s Verify.
In this new ad for — and approved by — Rep. Kiggans, Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb makes two claims about the southern border.
"Jen voted to hire 22,000 new border agents... and worked with both parties to crack down on fentanyl smugglers," Holcomb states.
Let’s start with that first claim.
Did Congresswoman Kiggans vote to "hire 22,000 new border agents"?
Not exactly.
Kiggans did vote this year for the "Consolidated Appropriations Act."
According to that bill’s summary, it "provides funding for 22,000 border patrol agents, an increase of 1,795 above the request." However, according to the latest figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency already employs more than 19,000 border patrol agents.
So no, Kiggans did not vote to “hire” 22,000 new border patrol agents. Most of those positions existed prior to her vote.
Did Congresswoman Kiggans work with both parties to crack down on fentanyl smugglers?
That claim needs more context.
Kiggans co-sponsored the "Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023" alongside three Democrats and a fellow Republican. However, that bill never went to a vote.
Kiggans was not there as the House voted to pass a separate bill — the "HALT Fentanyl Act" — in May 2023. Kiggans blamed her absence on a family issue but said, "I would have proudly voted in favor of this legislation."
So yes, Kiggans is on the record as wanting to crack down on fentanyl smuggling and has worked across the aisle in those efforts.
Other campaign Verify stories:
- Did NC Rep. Don Davis visit the US-Mexico border three times?
- Verifying claims in local campaign ads: Jen Kiggans
- Is Jen Kiggans one of the most bipartisan members of Congress?
- First attack ad against Rep. Jen Kiggans
- How has Congresswoman Jen Kiggans voted when it comes to abortion access?
- VERIFY: Don Davis' claim on struggling families
- Verifying claims on Rep. Jen Kiggans' abortion stances
- 'That's Jen Kiggans!' A new ad points to Kiggans' record on border security, healthcare, and inflation