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Dear West Virginian,
This week, I joined nine of my Senate Republican colleagues in offering a targeted COVID-19 relief proposal that people across our country urgently need. On Monday evening, we had the chance to discuss this in more detail with President Biden. Our relief proposal included many shared priorities like:
· Increasing funding for production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine;
· Providing economic relief for Americans with the greatest need;
· Extending enhanced federal unemployment benefits;
· Providing nutrition assistance to help struggling families;
· Providing additional assistance for our small businesses;
· Getting our children safely back to school and ensuring they can stay open;
· Increasing resources for child care.
I discussed this proposal and more this week on FOX News and Bloomberg TV.
To watch one of my interviews, click here or the image above.
However, despite our efforts and the need for COVID-19 relief, Democrats in the Senate chose to use the most partisan method possible to pass a $1.9 trillion budget bill, which included their attempt to provide additional relief for the COVID pandemic. This measure passed without a single Republican vote, and required the Vice President to break a 50-50 tie. Providing COVID-19 relief through this method will take months, when bipartisan agreement could have brought targeted, direct relief to the American people much quicker.
Read more in my full statement here.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
This week, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee had the chance to hear directly from the nominee for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan.
During the hearing, I focused my questions on the significant impacts overreaching environmental regulations have had on West Virginia’s economy in the past and the need to protect air and water without compromising jobs. I also secured a commitment from Michael Regan to visit states like West Virginia that are directly impacted by the environmental policies—something the Obama-Biden administration neglected to do when it proposed its illegal Clean Power Plan. More details here.
To watch Senator Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.
To watch Senator Capito’s first round of questions, click here.
To watch Senator Capito’s second round of questions, click here.
Great News for Raleigh County!
Earlier this week, Senator Manchin and I announced that the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park will receive a $3.5 million award from the U.S Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). This investment is well deserved, and will bring crucial improvements that will help expand airport operations and capabilities.
This has been a project that I have been dedicated to see trough for several years now. In 2019, I hosted ARC’s Tim Thomas in Beckley to show him the importance of this project to the region, and I am so thrilled to see it finally become a reality. None of this would have been possible without the work of local leaders and economic development councils who have been essential in the planning and advocacy for the investment. Click here for more details.
In Case You Missed It
Now that the new Congress is underway, we have hit the ground running and introduced legislation that will have meaningful impact in West Virginia. In case you missed this, check out the links below for the details:
· ACCESS Act
· Early Educators Apprenticeship Act
· Safe Connections Act
· Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act
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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