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Dear West Virginian,
Yesterday, I joined a group of my Republican colleagues in the Senate and wrote to President Joe Biden to propose an alternative COVID-19 relief proposal. Our proposal reflects many of the already stated priorities by the administration, and we believe it is capable of garnering bipartisan support, which is necessary during this process. We also requested a meeting with the president to discuss the proposal in more detail. Shortly after sending the letter, my colleagues and I accepted an invitation from President Biden to meet with him at the White House today. As the process continues, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest.
Speaking Up Against Executive Overreach
Last week, President Joe Biden issued several climate Executive Actions that signal America is heading backwards from energy independence toward reliance on foreign sources. Many of these decisions that were announced should be made in Congress, not dictated from a presidential order. This type of government overreach leaves rural communities and union workers in the dust, just ask those who were working on the Keystone XL pipeline. In West Virginia, we remember the effects of this playbook originally created during the Obama administration. America is a proud energy producer, and paralyzing an entire industry full of high-paying jobs and propping up hostile countries with fewer environmental regulations does little to combat global climate change and creates resentment at home.
I spoke more about these Executive Orders and my concerns on the Senate floor. Click here or below to watch.
Questioning Cabinet Nominees
I have begun conversations with some of President Biden’s potential nominees. My goal with all of these discussions has been and remains to find common ground to advance West Virginia interests and priorities. Recently, I had the opportunity to question two of President Biden’s picks to lead the Department of Transportation (DOT), Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Department of Commerce, Governor Gina Raimondo.
During both of these opportunities, I raised everything from Corridor H to the development of Virgin Hyperloop to broadband mapping to COVID-19 relief funding.
Check out my full questioning for Mayor Buttigieg here and here to watch my questions for Governor Raimondo.
Sharing West Virginia with the World
In case you missed it, the New River Gorge is now officially a National Park and Preserve! This is great news for our state, and there is no question that this designation will boost tourism and economic development in the area. Since the news has spread, people across the country have been buzzing with excitement to visit this beautiful spot right here in our backyard. Check out these articles in The Washington Post, Thrillist, Washingtonian, and Southern Living. I also penned an op-ed with Senator Joe Manchin in the Beckley Register-Herald.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in West Virginia
West Virginia has led the nation in distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and seeks to continue this effort. We have successful established vaccination sites in every one of our 55 counties and also had the first online state vaccination registration system in the nation. This success has been noticed nationwide. Check out these stories in the The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Now that we have shown we have the capability and the infrastructure to rapidly administer doses and given our large elderly population, it is essential the Biden administration prioritize West Virginia for additional doses in the future rounds of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. On Thursday, I worked with the other members of our Congressional Delegation to write a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Norris Cochran and Acting Secretary of Defense David Norquist to request additional vaccines to West Virginia. See our full letter here.
If you would like to register for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Justice has launched a website to assist with the process. Learn more here.
West Virginia Veterans Upward Bound
Do you have a veteran in your life who is looking to pursue higher education opportunities or brush up on their skills? West Virginia Veterans Upward Bound is dedicate to providing service to veterans in our state, and they are currently looking for referrals for their programs. Whether you’re looking to improve your computer skills, financial literacy, complete a new degree, or seek assistance with financial aid, WVVUB is here to help. Learn more here: https://vubwv.org/
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. For example, checks and debit cards are on the way to those eligible as a result of the relief package we passed recently. 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
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