Friends,

From introducing new legislation and securing important resources for our state to advancing a bill that will improve broadband access, there’s a lot to catch up on this week. It’s all here in my newsletter, so keep scrolling for the updates, and click here or the image below to watch my weekly video message.

Be sure to forward this newsletter to a few friends to share the news!

Improving Our Infrastructure

As chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, I’ve been a leader in advancing our country’s surface transportation priorities—especially as we complete work on a highway bill. It’s important that Congress reauthorize the highway bill to provide West Virginia and other states with the certainty to move forward on major projects and support our state as we work to build and improve critical infrastructure.

On Thursday, I introduced three bills that will support and improve infrastructure and development in the Appalachian region, and I’m working to make sure they are included in the larger highways package. Together, these bills will:

• Help support the Appalachian Regional Commission.
• Improve our roads, highways, and bridges.
• Establish critical infrastructure that will grow the economy and create jobs.

All three of the measures have been top priorities of mine for a long time, and through my leadership role on EPW, I’ve been working closely with my colleagues to include them and other critical provisions in our federal highway reauthorization. Learn more about these bills here.

More Exciting News

Speaking of infrastructure…

Earlier this week, I announced a major grant that will support the expansion of West Virginia Route 2. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called me directly to discuss the good news, and I spoke with the secretary and administration officials numerous times in recent months to advocate for the project, letting them know what a difference it will make in our state. Not only will it help improve travel on Route 2, but it will also contribute in a big way to our growth, development, and overall economic potential. I’m thrilled that the department chose to help support this critical project, and through my leadership roles on both EPW and the Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to secure funding to improve and expand West Virginia’s infrastructure.

Click here to learn more about the project, as well as my previous efforts to make this happen, and click the image below to watch a video of me discussing the announcement.

#CapitoConnect Update

As we continue to work to bridge the digital divide, making sure we are directing resources to the areas that need it the most is critical. But how can we do that if we don’t actually know who has broadband access and who doesn’t? The answer is simple: more accurate broadband maps.

Earlier this week, the Commerce Committee (which I am a member of) advanced broadband mapping legislation that includes several provisions I authored to ensure our maps are providing accurate data. This will go a long way in helping us make even more progress to get service to that last house, that last business, and that last entity in states lacking this critical resource. Learn more by clicking here or the image below.

Grant Updates

Making sure our communities have the resources they need is important to improving the lives of West Virginians and building a brighter future for our state. Whether it’s providing funding for transportation infrastructure or delivering resources to support education programs, my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee has empowered me to secure funds for important West Virginia priorities. This week, I was proud to announce several grants that will help communities and programs across the state. Learn more about each one below:

• $910,604 for Head Start Programs across West Virginia.
• $446,000 to help monitor and evaluate the air quality in the state.
• $194,672 to support entrepreneurship and innovation in southern WV.

In Case You Missed It

This week wasn’t just focused on broadband and infrastructure improvements. The Senate was hard at work confirming nominees, introducing other legislation, and a lot more. A few highlights include:

• Voting to confirm our secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Voting to confirm Stephen Dickson as FAA administrator.
• Urging President Trump to declare a federal disaster after WV flash floods.
• Introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs.
• Introducing a bill that will encourage energy innovation.

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

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Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito
United States Senator