Dear West Virginian,

Last week, the Senate passed the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Every year for the past 60 years, Congress has come together in bipartisan fashion and passed the NDAA. This level of unified support is what our service members deserve, and we must never forget their sacrifice on behalf of our freedom in America.

Click here to learn more about the NDAA, including specific provisions I supported.

Protecting West Virginians from COVID-19 related scams

Last Wednesday, I participated in a Senate Commerce hearing on coronavirus scams and the impact it has had on our vulnerable population in West Virginia. Given our aging population in West Virginia, I’ve worked extensively to protect vulnerable populations from coronavirus scams, including cosponsoring the CEASE Act, legislation that would increase fines and punishment for individuals who use the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on people. During the hearing, I asked questions on overcoming the digital divide and how we can hold scammers accountable for their actions.

To watch my questioning, click here or the image above.

Putting America First

Last week, I joined colleagues in introducing the U.S. MADE Act of 2020. This legislation would decrease the United States dependence on countries like China for critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our health care providers.

Given the uncertainty over future market conditions, American companies have been reluctant to make long-term investments in domestic PPE production. With the spread of coronavirus, the inability of the United States to be self-sufficient with our supply of PPE has shown itself to be a national security issue. Just as the United States does not rely on China to supply military uniforms or equipment, we must not rely on them to supply critical PPE.

Here is a list of Items declared national priorities by the U.S. MADE Act include:

• Testing swabs
• Surgical and respirator masks
• Face shields
• Surgical and isolation gowns
• Sanitizing and disinfecting wipes
• Gauzes and bandages
• Privacy curtains, beds, and bedding

Improving Telehealth

Telehealth plays such an important role in offering quality, accessible care in our country – especially in more rural states like West Virginia. It is crucial that we fully understand the impact that telehealth has on our communities and keep the highest level of care accessible to patients both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why I teamed up with my colleagues to introduce legislation to study the impacts of telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic. As a longtime advocate for telehealth services, I view this as an important step towards making many of the recent regulatory telehealth changes permanent. I look forward to the outcome of this study and the part that telehealth will play in the future of our health care in West Virginia and America. Learn more here.

Providing More Relief

Also last week, the Senate continued discussions on what the next coronavirus relief package will look like. As we continue to face the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we provide additional support that will help support jobs, kids, and health care.

I spoke with David Westin about this on Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power, and how our state of West Virginia is handling the pandemic. Click here or the image below to watch my full interview.

Improving Our Infrastructure

Before the Senate came back into session, I spent a few weeks back home in West Virginia where I had the opportunity to check up on two major infrastructure projects I have supported for some time. First, I visited Route 35 in Putnam County and a few days later, I visited a portion of the Corridor H construction. As chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, both of these projects have been major priorities. To learn more about my visits and my efforts to help expedite and complete these projects, click on the links below:

• Corridor H
• Route 35

Be Vigilant for Scammers!

Unfortunately, there are bad actors that are using this health crisis to take advantage of unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens. Please note the IRS WILL NOT call you and ask for your bank account information to deposit your individual relief check.

Check out my coronavirus webpage for more information about scams and what I’m doing to try and mitigate them.

Additional COVID-19 Resources

I created a page on my website with information and resources to keep you up-to-date on the coronavirus situation as it continues to evolve. Check out that page here, and please share with friends so they can keep up with the latest.

In addition to my webpage, I also want to make sure you know where to get the latest updates from the medical experts at CDC.gov and West Virginia DHHR.

I will continue doing my best to keep you up to speed on what we are doing here at the federal level to help and other resources that can be useful back at home. I will be posting regular updates on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, so be sure to follow me there.

Important Information If You’re Visiting DC

Because of coronavirus concerns, all Capitol and White House tours have been suspended indefinitely. Please contact our Washington office to reschedule. Additionally, requests for flags flown over the Capitol may be delayed, and access to the Capitol and House and Senate office buildings is being restricted. Feel free to contact our office at (202) 224-6472 with any questions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Counting on West Virginia

Have you taken your 2020 census yet? PLEASE DO!

Taking the census takes 10 minutes and could mean thousands of more federal dollars for West Virginia!

Do you part and take it here: https://my2020census.gov/

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been discussing the importance of taking the census, and I encourage you to do the same so you can spread the word to fellow West Virginians. Click here to read a column I wrote about this.

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