Hi there,

I first want to thank you for such an incredible time last week in West Virginia. During the Senate’s recess, I spent the week traveling all across our beautiful state:

• I brought the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Jim Carroll to Mingo and Logan counties to see how we’re combatting the drug epidemic.
  
  
• I hosted a Girls Rise Up event at Meadows Elementary in Cabell County with Congresswoman Carol Miller and Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader.
  
  
• I visited Mercer County to see the Bluefield Blue Jay’s facilities and check in with Princeton’s city leadership.
  
  
• I held a field hearing at Tamarack with Senator Manchin to discuss my bill, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Act.
  
  
• I toured the Mountaineer Recovery Center in Kearneysville to meet with individuals in recovery.
  
  
• I presented “Welcome Home” pins to Vietnam veterans at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center.

Learn more about my week in West Virginia with this video:



Funding the Department of Homeland Security

On Tuesday, I chaired a Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing where we heard from Acting Secretary Chad Wolf about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) budget request and priorities. The scope of DHS is extremely broad. From securing our southern border, ensuring safe air transportation, enhancing cybersecurity, drug interdiction, and assisting efforts to combat the coronavirus, there was a lot to discuss with Acting Secretary Wolf.

I was particularly interested in hearing more from the Acting Secretary about the department’s efforts to control the coronavirus, and will continue to work closely with the department to monitor this situation. Additionally, I took the opportunity to raise issues important to West Virginia like keeping drugs out of our communities and efforts to help the state recover from the 2016 floods.

Watch some of my questions for Secretary Wolf:

Going to Bat for Minor League Baseball

On Thursday, I introduced a bipartisan resolution voicing my support for Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and their efforts to fight Major League Baseball’s (MLB) proposed elimination or demotion of 42 MiLB clubs, including the West Virginia Power, Bluefield Blue Jays, and Princeton Rays.

Minor League’s legacy and tradition runs deep in our state and gives families affordable entertainment. I toured the Bluefield Jays facilities just last week to discuss just how much Minor League Baseball affects the economy and pride of towns across the country. Read the resolution: https://bit.ly/2uHEjyc

Read more in this WV News story: https://bit.ly/2T7dexF

Honoring Katherine Johnson

Revered NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson passed away this week at the age of 101. Born in White Sulphur Springs, Katherine used her toughness and grit to surpass societal barriers and turn her dreams into a reality. For far too long, her work was hidden behind the accomplishments of the men she put on the moon. But, Katherine’s work is hidden no more. Today, her legacy lives on at West Virginia’s only NASA facility, the Katherine Johnson IV & V Facility. Katherine’s story of perseverance and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of students, scientists, engineers, and women.

On Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution I introduced with Senator Manchin, honoring Katherine’s extraordinary life.

In Case You Missed It

• Co-sponsored bill that strengthens federal protections for gun owners.
• Announced funding for Senior Corps Organizations.
• Voted to advance two pro-life bills.
• Announced funding for flood-damaged roads.
• Announced funding for Head Start programs.
• Applauded EPA for regulating PFAS based off of my legislation.
• Spoke on Fox Business about coronavirus preparedness.

Calling All Students!



Please let any student you know that applications for my summer internship program—in Washington, D.C. and Charleston—are now open!

• Session I: May 18 – June 26
• Session II: June 29 – August 7

All applications are due March 27. Apply here: https://bit.ly/39T2byE

How Can We Help?

Whether you need help with a casework issue or have a question about scheduling a meeting at one of my offices, my staff and I are ready to assist you. Learn more about the services we offer at www.capito.senate.gov.

You can also submit your feedback and share your stories with me by visiting my “Share Your Stories” webpage here: www.capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories.

Social Media Recap

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates and photos.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

United States Senator