Dear West Virginian,

On Monday, the Senate officially voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett as an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court. I was a proud “aye” vote for Judge Barrett, and I know she’ll be a tremendous jurist on the court. Click here or on the image below for more of my thoughts right after voting to confirm Judge Barrett on the Senate floor:



I know Justice Barrett will be an impartial and fair judge who will interpret the Constitution as written. She recognizes her role is not one of a policy maker, but as an arbiter of equal justice under the law. She’s an independent mind and will certainly be an inspiration for the next generation of female leaders. Congratulations, Justice Barrett!



Questioning Big Tech

On Wednesday, I questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai about platform content moderation and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

The hearing examined legislative proposals to modernize the decades-old law, increase transparency and accountability among big technology companies for their content moderation practices, and explore the impact of large ad-tech platforms on local journalism and consumer privacy. The hearing also provided an opportunity to discuss the unintended consequences of Section 230’s liability shield and how best to preserve the internet as a forum for open discourse. 

Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about how these platforms moderate user content in relation to First Amendment rights and misinformation. Watch my full questioning for the three CEOs here or by clicking on the image below:



The last time Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the Commerce Committee, I asked him specifically about Facebook investing in broadband infrastructure in rural America. Watch here:



As a result of my efforts, Facebook announced they would be investing in fiber optic connectivity by establishing a 275-mile route through the southern part of our state. The construction is already underway and I had the chance to check on the progress in South Charleston just a couple weeks ago:



To Infinity and Beyond!

One of the highlights of my week was a virtual conversation I hosted between elementary schools girls at Mercer County schools and NASA Astronaut Loral O’Hara, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and West Virginia Congresswoman Carol Miller.

This was such a fun and exciting event, talking about the importance of STEM education and the Artemis mission, NASA’s mission to get the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024. Click here or on the image below to watch our full conversation: 



Students were able to ask Astronaut O’Hara and Administrator Bridenstine questions about rockets, training, astronaut food and restrooms, and more. Seeing all these young girls interested and enthusiastic about STEM and space is so encouraging! I have no doubt the next Katherine Johnson is part of this group!

Learn more about our fun morning in this Bluefield Daily Telegraph article.

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.

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