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Dear West Virginian,
This week, we made real progress on tackling some of the issues critical to our state.
At a White House meeting with the president and a few of my Senate colleagues, I urged everyone to work together to rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure, and promote economic development in communities across West Virginia and the country.
I was also officially elected to be the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. I look forward to continuing working together with Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), as well as our other colleagues on the committee to develop commonsense solutions that positively impact the lives of Americans from all parts of the country, especially West Virginia.
Keep scrolling for more details on these updates and more.
Tackling Our Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure Needs
With my new position as the top Republican on EPW, I was invited to the White House along with a few of my Senate colleagues to meet with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, to discuss the nation’s transportation and infrastructure needs. We had a positive and substantive meeting with all involved, and discussed the need to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, something all Americans want.
We should be forward leaning when it comes to tackling the transportation needs of today and tomorrow in a way that works for all communities, instead of a one-sized-fits all approach. We agreed during the meeting that the process should and can continue this way as we work together to craft meaningful legislation.
I am committed to working toward our common goal of addressing the transportation needs of all communities, specifically those in West Virginia. This includes working towards additional highway capacity, bridge improvements, innovative transportation technologies, and expanding broadband infrastructure. I made certain that President Biden recognized the infrastructural challenges we face in West Virginia. Read more about the meeting here.
To keep up with my work on the EPW Committee, be sure to follow @EPWGOP on Twitter and @epwgop on Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Nominee Update
This week, the Senate EPW Committee voted on North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan to be the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During our recent conversations, Secretary Regan could not commit to oppose Obama-era regulations that would economically devastate West Virginia. Due to that, I could not support him.
Let me be clear: my decision is not a personal one. Mr. Regan is a professional and affable gentleman. However, I remain deeply concerned about unaccountable climate czars in the White House and their control over EPA and environmental policy. My upmost priority remains to protect West Virginia from the regulatory overreach and policies that have devastated our state in the past.
 To watch Senator Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.
In Case You Missed It
I continue to work with my senate colleagues on both sides of the isle to introduce meaningful legislation that impacts the lives of people back home. In case you missed it, here are some bills that I helped introduce this week:
Visit West Virginia’s First National Park!
Have you planned your trip to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve yet? We are so lucky to have what is considered a “hidden gem” and “beautiful oasis” right in our back yard.
The New River Gorge provides a great guide of available activities on their website. 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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