The Weekly Debrief

Hello Friends,

Following the second anniversary of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel, I am grateful President Trump secured this historic peace deal. After two years of torture, these hostages have been reunited with their families. I am hopeful that this deal will bring stability and peace to the Middle East.

We are now on day 15 of the federal government shutdown. My top priority during this challenging time has been to secure pay for our troops and naval shipyard workers.

Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to defend this country—the very least we can do is guarantee their paychecks, no matter what’s happening in Washington. The Pay Our Troops Act is a critical, bipartisan solution to protect military families from the consequences of a government shutdown. We owe it to our troops to take action, and that starts with bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote. This isn’t about politics—it’s about honoring our commitment to the men and women who serve. I’m thankful to President Trump for stepping in to make sure our servicemembers receive their well-earned paychecks on October 15th...!

Additionally, our public shipyard workers are essential to maintaining the readiness of our Navy and the security of our nation. They don’t get the option to stop working when Washington stalls—and they shouldn’t have to worry about missing a paycheck because of political gridlock. The Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act is about standing up for these hardworking men and women who keep our fleet mission-ready every single day. It’s time we show them the same commitment they show our country.

As this government shutdown enters its third week, I’m once again calling on my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to end the political games, put the American people first, and reopen the government.

Now, onto my Weekly Debrief.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

We rejoiced in the return of the last living hostages who have endured two years of unimaginable horrors at the hands of Hamas!

I'd like to thank President Trump for his leadership in negotiating this ceasefire and for standing by our ally Israel.

Today is a powerful reminder of the importance of American leadership, Israeli resolve, and what peace through strength looks like. WELCOME HOME!! 🇺🇸🇮🇱

Read from the Jerusalem Post here.

My Office Remains Open During This Shutdown

I know that this shutdown will impact 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.

It’s Time to Reopen the Government and Get Back to Work for the American People

Shutting down critical programs, stalling small business loans, and furloughing hardworking federal employees hurts #VA02 and families across our nation. It’s time to get the government back open and working for the American people…! The Democrats in the U.S. Senate (including our Virginia Democrat Senators) need to vote to open the government and they need to do it ASAP. The House did its job by passing a clean continuing resolution to keep our government open and working for the American people. Unfortunately, Senator Schumer and seven Senate Democrats continue to hold our country hostage—putting politics over people and jeopardizing the critical services hardworking families depend on every day. It is important to remember that Republicans cannot solve this problem on our own because we need sixty votes in the Senate. We need at least a handful of Democrats to see reason and vote to re-open the government.

Read the full press release with my colleagues in the Republican Women's Caucus here.

Condemning Inflammatory Comments by Jay Jones

On Wednesday, I joined my fellow Republicans in the Virginia Congressional delegation in condemning the remarks made by Virginia Attorney General candidate, Jay Jones. These hateful and disturbing comments have no place in American politics, and certainly aren't becoming of a candidate seeking elected office. Jay Jones must step aside.

Read our full statement here.

Advocating for Our Servicemembers—the Pay Our Troops Act

I'd like to thank President Trump for directing the Department of War to use all available funds to ensure our servicemembers are paid on October 15th. This is exactly what my Pay Our Troops Act is aiming to accomplish! I am grateful for our Commander-in-Chief who cares about our men and women in uniform and their families...!

Our men and women in uniform should never have to worry about when their next paycheck is coming. The Pay Our Troops Act is rooted in one simple principle: protect those who protect us. Ensuring that servicemembers—including the Coast Guard—receive their pay on time during a government shutdown is essential to maintaining military readiness, family stability, and morale. Our troops don’t stop serving when Washington fails to do its job, and Congress shouldn’t force them to bear the consequences of political gridlock. I’m fighting to ensure every servicemember can stay focused on the mission—instead of having to worry about being paid on time. The Pay Our Troops Act is the least we can do for those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Read the Navy League of the United States endorsement of the Pay Our Troops Act here.

I'm also proud to announce that the Pay Our Troops Act, as of October 10th, has 171 co-sponsors with bipartisan support...!

I’ve introduced the Pay Our Troops Act four times because ensuring our servicemembers receive their paychecks—no matter what happens in Washington—has always been one of my top priorities. As a Navy veteran, the wife of a veteran, and the proud Mom of a future veteran, I know firsthand how important that paycheck is to military families.

This effort also extends to our federal contractors, who work side by side with our active-duty personnel to strengthen our national defense.

Read more from WTKR here.

Protecting Pay for Public Shipyard Workers During a Government Shutdown

Our public naval shipyard workers deserve the certainty of a paycheck for the critical work they perform, regardless of political gridlock in Washington. That’s why I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) to ensure that the civilian and military workforce at America’s public shipyards continues to be paid during government shutdowns.

Read my full press release here, watch coverage from WAVY, and read from the Virginian-Pilot.

250 Years of the United States Navy...!!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy at Naval Station Norfolk! As a Navy veteran, nothing makes me prouder than seeing America’s naval strength on full display among the incredible men and women who make it possible. Here’s to 250 years of excellence—and to the next 250…! Go Navy!! ⚓🇺🇸

Watch the Navy's celebration at 250 here.

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...!!

Student registration is now open for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge!

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 you, "Should members of Congress have their pay suspended during a government shutdown?" An overwhelming 98% of you said YES—and I couldn’t agree more.

When Congress fails to fund the government, it’s hardworking Americans, servicemembers, and federal employees who pay the price. Families in Hampton Roads feel the impact immediately, from delayed paychecks to disruptions in critical services. That’s why I’ve requested that my pay be withheld during shutdowns and continue to support legislation to ensure no Member of Congress gets paid while others are forced to go without. Accountability and responsibility must start with us.

We were elected to serve the American people, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Washington remembers that.

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

Should defense industrial base employees be paid during a government shutdown?

Yes

Unsure

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I would like to honor Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Kyle Jerome White of the United States Army (Medal of Honor action date: November 9, 2007).

Kyle J. White was born on March 27, 1987 in Seattle, Washington. White was a high school freshman when he watched the Twin Towers fall on September 11, 2001. Inspired to serve, he enlisted in the Army on February 15, 2006, following in the footsteps of his father, a former Army Special Forces member.

He attended basic training, advanced individual training, and U.S. Army Airborne School consecutively, at Fort Benning, GA., before being assigned to the 2-503rd, at Camp Ederle, Italy, from 2006 to 2008. In early 2007, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was deployed to Aranas, Afghanistan where he served as a platoon radio telephone operator.

On November 9, 2007, Sergeant White and his comrades were returning to Bella Outpost from a shura with Aranas Village elders. As the soldiers traversed a narrow path surrounded by mountains, they were ambushed by enemy forces from elevated positions. Sergeant White and his fellow soldiers were completely exposed to enemy fire. Sergeant White returned fire and was briefly knocked unconscious when two rocket-propelled grenades impacted near him, embedding small pieces of shrapnel in his face.

Shaking off his wounds, Sergeant White noticed one of his comrades lying wounded nearby. Without hesitation, Sergeant White exposed himself to enemy fire in order to reach the soldier and provide medical aid. After applying a tourniquet, Sergeant White moved to an injured Marine, similarly providing aid and comfort until the Marine succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant White then returned to the soldier and discovered that he had been wounded again. Sergeant White was able to stem the flow of blood and save the soldier's life. Noticing that his and the other soldier’s radios were inoperative, Sergeant White exposed himself to enemy fire yet again in order to secure a radio from a deceased comrade. He then provided information and updates to friendly forces, allowing precision airstrikes to stifle the enemy’s attack and ultimately permitting medical evacuation aircraft to rescue him, his fellow soldiers, Marines and Afghan Army soldiers.

Sergeant Kyle J. White’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and his comrades.

White departed the active-duty Army in May 2011. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he majored in finance. He currently resides in Charlotte, where he is an investment analyst with the Royal Bank of Canada.

Constituent Corner

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

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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