https://www.wtkr.com/news/politics/va-reps-kiggans-wittman-scott-in-norfolk-to-discuss-shutdown
NORFOLK, Va. — Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle shared their frustrations over the ongoing budget battles in Washington during the Hampton Roads Chamber’s 2025 Congressional Forum on Monday.
Republican Reps. Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman, along with Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott, spoke before a packed audience of business leaders about the federal spending bill, the impact of the recent shutdown and key issues such as defense and health care.
Kiggans, a Navy veteran who represents Virginia’s 2nd District, said she’s eager for Congress to move past what she called partisan gridlock.
“I need to get back to work. Frustrating for the last few weeks, frustrating for 41 days,” Kiggans said. “Yeah, it was a game. I feel like the Senate Democrats were playing. So this was a Schumer shutdown.”
Kiggans added that she wants lawmakers to refocus on defense priorities, including modernizing bases and supporting the Navy’s readiness efforts in Hampton Roads.
Wittman, who represents Virginia’s 1st District, echoed Rep. Kiggans’ concerns about Washington’s budget dysfunction. He said Congress needs to pass all of its annual appropriations bills before taking recess to avoid future shutdowns.