Dear West Virginian,

I’ve been in touch daily with West Virginians that still need help due to the challenges presented by COVID-19. We had an opportunity to really deliver on this help this week. Unfortunately, the Senate failed. I am extremely disappointed that some of my colleagues are letting politics stand in the way of delivering much-needed relief to struggling Americans. Thousands of Americans are sick, our medical professionals continue to work around-the-clock to care for patients, workers are unable to return to work or have been laid off, and small businesses are struggling to weather this pandemic.

Prior to the vote, I explained why I planned to vote yes. Watch below:

The goal is to find agreement where we can and deliver this immediate relief to Americans who need it now, and that’s what this package would have accomplished.

Had Thursday’s motion passed, the Senate would have been able to move forward with legislation to provide:

An extension to the additional federal unemployment benefit for jobless workers.

A second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

More than $100 billion to help K-12 schools and universities re-open.

Billions more for testing, contact tracing, treatments, and vaccines.

More choice and flexibility for families to navigate education and childcare.

Legal protections for schools, churches, charities, nonprofits, and employers to re-open.

More help for the postal service.

Infrastructure News for North Central West Virginia

Exciting news! On Thursday morning, Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called me personally to let me know West Virginia would be receiving a $20 million BUILD grant. The funding announced will support an infrastructure repair project consisting of 19 bridges rated in poor condition along Interstate 79 in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia counties.

These BUILD grants are extremely competitive, which makes this announcement a very exciting one. I’m proud my position as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and my personal relationship with Secretary Chao continue to deliver results in the form of federal investments in critical West Virginia infrastructure projects.

Under my leadership, in the last 21 months, West Virginia has received 20 times more discretionary highway funds than it did during the prior five years.

Learn more in this article from The Exponent Telegram:

August Recap

I had a great time talking with individuals, small business owners, and essential workers over the state during the August state work period. Here’s a recap of a few of my trips:

Morgantown to learn more about how WVU is leading research into COVID-19.
Charleston to meet with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx.
Wheeling to see how the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) saved 554 jobs at Oglebay Resort.
Bruceton Mills to see how the USDA’s Community Connect program is making a difference and see firsthand the instillation of broadband fiber in homes in Preston County.
Weston to tour the new Mountaineer Food bank facility and learn how COVID-19 has put a strain on service.
Davis with S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Aurelia Skipwith to tour the new Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center.
Charleston to learn more the new EC145e helicopter that will serve the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) and Southern West Virginia.

Interns Spotlight

This summer I was lucky to have five bright young people interning in my Washington, D.C., office. A huge thank you to Lauren, Emily, Quint, George, and Quint. Please learn more about each of them and their intern experience on Facebook, Twitter, and saved on my Instagram “Intern” story highlight.

My interns had the chance to meet with my friend and colleague Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) earlier this summer.

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

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

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

United States Senator