Kiggans Secures Reversal of Commissary Plastic Bag Fee Following Advocacy for Military Families

Kiggans Secures Reversal of Commissary Plastic Bag Fee Following Advocacy for Military Families May 06, 2026 | Uncategorized WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) reversed its decision to charge customers for single-use paper or plastic bags at military commissaries across the country. This reversal comes after months of advocacy from the Congresswoman, including a letter to Undersecretary of War Anthony Tata and a direct conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following a House Armed Services Committee hearing last week. “Our military families sacrifice so much for our country, and they should not be nickel and dimed with unnecessary fees when visiting a commissary for groceries. I was deeply frustrated when DeCA announced it would impose a charge for paper and plastic bags—an added cost that complicates a benefit intended to support our servicemembers, retirees, and their families. I appreciate Secretary Hegseth for listening to my concerns and taking swift action to eliminate this fee. Prioritizing affordability for our servicemembers and their families is essential, and this decision is a meaningful win for those who serve. I will always fight to make life more affordable for hardworking military families.” Read Rep. Kiggans’ letter to Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata here . Read DeCA’s press release here .