Hello Friends, 

On September 19th, I voted for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through November 21, 2025. This would have given Congress more time to pass the TWELVE appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for another year. We have passed THREE of the twelve already but needed an extension past October 1st (which was the end of the fiscal year) in order to pass the remaining NINE.

Here’s the truth: We did our work in the House and passed the bill to keep the government OPEN. The Senate requires 60 votes to pass this bill due to the filibuster rule (that only applies to the Senate). There are 53 Republicans in the Senate which means there needs to be at least seven Democrats to vote alongside Republicans to get this bill passed. Knowing this, Republicans made the decision to include zero partisan priorities in the CR. Despite supporting this spending bill only six months ago and thirteen times prior to that, Democrats have now voted against it ELEVEN times which continues to keep the federal government closed.

This shutdown is impacting working families in Virginia, veterans, members of the military, and federal employees. I didn’t run for Congress to play these games. I came here to work and to get results for Virginians—right now Senate Democrats are standing in the way, including our own Virginian senators. 

I am doing everything in my power to pressure Senate Democrats to open the government. Along with my fellow House veterans, I sent a letter to Democrats in the Senate who also served, urging them to vote to open the government. I also signed onto a letter with the Republican Women’s Caucus urging women senators to open the government. If you’d like to contact your senators here in Virginia, Senator Warner’s office number is (202) 224-2023 and Senator Kaine’s office number is (202) 224-4024.

Lastly, I was appalled to hear that Senate Democrats voted against a standalone defense bill that included a servicemember pay raise, national security priorities, and paychecks for active-duty troops during this shutdown. This bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate Appropriations Committee 26 to 3, but now Senate Democrats are letting politics stand in the way of our national defense.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

My Office Remains Open During This Shutdown

I know that this shutdown is impacting families across Virginia’s Second District, and I want you to know that I am actively working on a solution to reopen the government.

My Congressional office remains OPEN during the government shutdown. For updates on federal agency impacts, please click here.

Fighting to Keep Our Government Open and Working for Virginians

Every single Republican member of Virginia’s House delegation voted to fund the government, keep it open, and ensure that essential services for our constituents continued without interruption. When the government shuts down, Virginia doesn’t just read about it—we live it. Shutdowns are dangerous, disruptive, and damaging to the economy, particularly here in the Commonwealth. But when the opportunity came to prevent one, Senate Democrats chose to manufacture this crisis instead.

Read more from my op-ed with Reps. Cline, Griffith, McGuire, and Wittman here.

Veterans United to Keep Faith with Our Servicemembers

This week, I joined Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) and fourteen of our fellow veteran Members of Congress in sending a letter to the seven veteran senators who voted NO on the House-passed bill to keep our government open. We reached out not as members of our respective political parties, but as veterans who took the same oath to serve our country.

Our servicemembers shouldn’t have to wonder if they’ll get paid because of political gridlock in Washington. Paying our troops is not a Republican or Democrat issue, it’s an American responsibility. We can debate policy differences later, but the men and women defending our nation must always come first.

I’m calling on my fellow Veterans in the Senate who voted no: please reconsider. Our servicemembers deserve their pay, not political games. Country over politics—always.

Read the full letter 👇 or here.

Recapping Last Week's Telephone Town Hall

This past Thursday evening, I hosted a Telephone Town Hall to update our community on the ongoing government shutdown. We had 6,494 residents from Virginia’s Second District join the call, and I appreciated the chance to hear directly from so many of you.

One constituent asked an important question about how my office is supporting our shipyard workers during this time. These men and women are the backbone of our national defense—working tirelessly to keep our Navy ready, our submarines and ships maintained, and our country secure. Their work is not just critical to Hampton Roads—it’s vital to America’s security.

That’s why I shared information about my bipartisan Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act, legislation I introduced to ensure the civilian and military workforce at our nation’s public shipyards continues to receive their pay during government shutdowns. These hardworking men and women deserve certainty and respect for the essential work they do. I’ll keep fighting to make sure they get it.

Listen to that conversation👇 

Another caller asked why Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner are voting to keep the government closed. I can’t speak for Virginia’s senators, but I can say that keeping the government closed is not in the best interest of Virginia’s workers, families, and seniors. 

Another caller asked about Democrats’ reasoning for holding up government funding. Among other things, Democrats are pushing for an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. I introduced a bill to extend these premium tax credits for a year and this bill is getting a lot of bipartisan support. However, let me be clear—as important as this extension is, we cannot shut down the government for this one policy issue. These are two different issues. Passing a budget shouldn’t be contingent on extending this tax credit or any other policy issue—even if it's important. 

I was pleased to hear from a constituent who shared how my office helped him with a passport issue. My office is open and ready to serve. If you need help with a federal agency, please visit my website here: Help With a Federal Agency. 

Listen to that conversation 👇

I asked callers if anyone in their family has been impacted by the government shutdown so far. I was frustrated, but not surprised, to hear that so many have been affected. That’s why I have urged Senate Democrats to vote to open the government. Hardworking families in Virginia are suffering, and we need to do everything in our power to put a stop to that! 

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology at Lockheed Martin Virginia Beach

Last week, we welcomed local leaders to meet the team at Lockheed Martin in Virginia Beach and experience the F-35 Lightning simulator! As a Navy pilot, I appreciate the advanced technology and capability of this next-generation fighter and will continue to advocate for the Navy to bring them to Naval Air Station Oceana. Our Naval aviators and Carrier Air Wings deserve to have the best resources available to defend our country and deter aggression throughout the world! Fly Navy!! ⚓️

Watch my appearance on WAVY10 👇

Securing a Paycheck for Our Servicemembers During this Shutdown

Once again, I’m thankful to President Trump for ensuring that our servicemembers received their paycheck during this government shutdown. My Pay Our Troops Act will ensure that our servicemembers, including members of our Coast Guard, will never be impacted by political gridlock. I’ll always fight to make sure they receive the pay and respect they’ve earned…!

Watch more from 13News Now and WAVY10.

Thanking the Nurses Who Save Lives Every Day

Recently, I submitted a Congressional Record recognizing Emergency Nurses Week. As a nurse practitioner, I have tremendous respect and gratitude for the men and women who answer the call—day and night—to provide lifesaving care in our nation’s emergency rooms.

Our nurses embody compassion, skill, and strength under pressure. They make a difference in every community they serve, and I’m proud to honor their incredible work.

Read my remarks here and 👇

Honoring the Farmers Who Feed Our Nation

On October 12th, we celebrated National Farmers Day! Thank you to all of the incredible farmers across the country and especially right here in #VA02 for keeping our nation fed. Food security is national security…! 🌽 

Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States Navy..!!

For so many of us in Hampton Roads, including myself, the Navy is our family. Everyday I wake up and focus on how I can work to make life better for our sailors and their families. There is much to be done, but on October 13th, we took a moment to celebrate the best fighting force in the world!! Happy 250th Birthday Navy…!! ⚓️ Here’s to another 250 years of service to our great nation!! 🇺🇸

Strengthening Access to Care in Coastal Virginia

I had the pleasure of touring the Bon Secours Harbour View Medical Center in Suffolk! This state-of-the-art facility is improving patient outcomes thanks to the dedicated professionals who make a difference in our community every day…!

In Congress, I’ve been proud to support $50 billion in investments for rural hospitals and health systems—helping organizations like Bon Secours expand access to care, strengthen their workforce, and deliver quality healthcare to families across Coastal Virginia.

Supporting Virginia’s Agriculture and Manufacturing Industries

I visited the team at AMADAS Industries, a proud Virginia-based manufacturer leading the way in agricultural innovation! AMADAS Industries specializes in peanut harvesting systems that help farmers efficiently harvest one of Virginia’s most iconic crops. It’s inspiring to see how Virginia businesses like AMADAS are supporting our agriculture industry, creating good-paying jobs, and keeping American manufacturing strong…! 

Mobile Office Hours in Franklin...!

Team Kiggans is hitting the road again! My staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours on Wednesday, October 22nd from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Paul D. Camp Community College's Workforce Development Center (100 North College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851).

Mobile Office Hours are a convenient way for residents of Virginia’s Second District to get help with federal agencies, ask questions, and share concerns—right in our own community. Whether you need assistance with a passport, VA benefits, Social Security, or just want to learn more about how my office can support you, we’re here to help.

No appointment is necessary—just stop by! My team looks forward to assisting you.

Apply for a U.S. Service Academy Nomination Through My Office

One of my greatest honors as your Representative is nominating qualified high school students from Virginia’s Second District to attend four of our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA): West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA): Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA): Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA): Kings Point, NY

(The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.)

Attending a Service Academy is both a tremendous honor and a solemn commitment, as graduates are required to serve at least five years in the U.S. military.

For more information, click here.

 Applications are due by October 24, 2025.

Sign-Up for the Congressional App Challenge...!!

The deadline for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is approaching!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by designing software applications (“apps”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four, as long as at least two members are eligible to compete in Virginia's Second Congressional District.

As the Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, I know how important STEM education is to the future of our economy, workforce, and national security. That’s why I’m encouraging all students in #VA02 to take part in this exciting opportunity.

To submit your app, click here.

• Deadline: October 30, 2025: Submit your app by this date.
• Eligibility: Middle or high school students who either live or attend school in VA-02.
• Prizes: Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the House of Representatives’ website, and winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation from students right here in Coastal Virginia!

Weekly Poll

Last week, I asked whether defense industrial base employees should continue receiving pay during a government shutdown. An overwhelming 71.5% of you said YES, while 17.7% said NO and 10.8% were unsure.

I completely agree. The men and women who make up our defense industrial base are essential to America’s national security. They build and maintain the ships, aircraft, and weapons systems that keep our servicemembers safe and our military the strongest in the world. These hardworking Virginians—especially those right here in Hampton Roads and across Coastal Virginia—should never have their paychecks used as leverage in political fights.

That's why I introduced the Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act alongside Reps. Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01). This bill ensures that the civilian and military workforce at America’s public shipyards continues to be paid during government shutdowns. I’ll continue pushing for common-sense, bipartisan solutions to ensure that our defense workers, public shipyard employees, and servicemembers are protected from Washington’s dysfunction. America’s security—and their livelihoods—depend on it.

And now, onto this week's poll question...!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Rear Admiral Daniel Judson Callaghan of the United States Navy (Medal of Honor action date: November 12-13, 1942)

Callaghan was born July 26, 1890, in Oakland, California. Callaghan went to Saint Ignatius, a Catholic preparatory school, before earning an appointment to the Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1911.

From there, he began his long and fruitful service to the Navy, starting with a stint on the USS California, where he was part of the landing forces in Nicaragua under famed Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler. By April 1942, when the U.S. was in the throes of World War II, Callaghan was promoted to rear admiral while commanding the cruiser USS San Francisco.

On November 12, 1942, Callaghan was commanding Task Force 67.4, which consisted of three light cruisers, eight destroyers, and two heavy cruisers, including the San Francisco, the task force's flagship. Their main mission was to protect U.S. ships from submarine, air, and surface attacks and to block Japanese ships from delivering troops to Guadalcanal's shores. However, that night, Callaghan learned an impending Japanese naval bombardment was heading toward his task force's position, which was in Iron Bottom Sound between Guadalcanal and Savo Island. The Japanese fleet outmatched Callaghan’s forces both in strength and in number. Despite struggling with serious navigational and communication difficulties, his fleet succeeded in catching the enemy off guard. Once the battle began, however, it quickly descended into confusion, a level of chaos that as naval historians note, has made it difficult to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Callaghan’s bravery, steadfast leadership, and sound judgment in the face of overwhelming responsibility exemplified the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy firepower, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship. He gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country. Callaghan was honorably buried at sea.

On December 9, 1942, while visiting the White House, Callaghan's son, Navy Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan Jr., received the Medal of Honor on his father's behalf from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Callaghan Fitness Center at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, are named in his honor.

Constituent Corner

I know how difficult it can be to navigate the federal government. Recently, my office assisted Daphne from Virginia Beach in resolving an issue with the Department of the Treasury (USDT). After she reached out to my office, we were able to lend a helping hand through the casework process. Thanks for reaching out, Daphne...!

If you need assistance with a federal agency, my team is here to help. Contact my District Office at (757) 364-7650 or visit my website and my team will be in touch!

Don't forget—if you’d like to stay up to date with what I’m working on, check out my website and follow my Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages to stay up to date!

If you or your family are visiting Washington, DC in the coming months, please stop by to say hello!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District

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