Kiggans Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown, Boost Defense Funding

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R.1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, to fund the federal government through September 30, 2025. Government funding is currently set to expire on March 14, 2025.

“Today, I voted to avoid a costly, chaotic shutdown and ensure the government can continue working for the people of Virginia’s Second District,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “A continuing resolution is never ideal, but the reality is that this legislation is far less harmful to our national security than a government shutdown – which is unfortunately what 213 of my colleagues voted for.”

“As someone who has consistently worked across the aisle to fund the government since I came to Washington, I am shocked by the misinformation purposely being spread about this bill and want to set the record straight,” continued Kiggans. “I am proud that this legislation increases the federal investment in our national defense and fully funds the largest junior enlisted pay raise in over 40 years – the most significant increase since President Ronald Reagan. It also prevents harmful disruptions to our industrial base, including in Hampton Roads, and includes provisions that allow for new starts and continue critical procurement efforts. Importantly, this legislation also preserves critical healthcare services and supports programs for our veterans, seniors, and low-income families. The bottom line is that this funding bill is yet another step towards restoring responsible governance in Washington that will allow Congress to continue working to fulfil the promises we made to the American people.”

Background:

H.R.1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, introduced by Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, extends government funding through September 30, 2025.

In total, this legislation increases defense discretionary spending by $6 billion and cuts non-defense discretionary spending by $13 billion, reducing overall federal spending for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) below FY24 levels. You can find the full bill text here.

Importantly, H.R.1968:

• Provides DoD with additional resources and tools including:
  • A provision allowing DoD to enter into new contracts (new starts).
  • $1.6 billion to support a pay raise for junior enlisted service members, as authorized by section 601 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.
  • $2.5 billion to support the completion of 28 Navy ships.
  • $3.3 billion in full funding and $6.2 billion in advance procurement to fund Columbia Class submarines.
• Extends expiring health care programs through September 30, 2025, including:
  • Community Health Centers and other public health programs.
  • Medicare add-on payments for ambulances, certain low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and rural providers.
  • Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
  • Delay of scheduled Obamacare cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH).
  • DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances.
• Includes $6 billion in mandatory funding in the Toxic Exposure Fund to fully meet veterans’ health care needs.
• Provides $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to deliver food packages to low-income senior adults and $7.6 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, as requested by the Administration.
• Extends the National Flood Insurance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families through the remainder of FY25.
• Supports immigration enforcement efforts by providing $485 million to address shortfalls related to immigration detention beds and transportation and removal costs.
• Increases funding for air traffic control systems by $753 million above FY24 levels.

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