Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding oral arguments being heard before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today in West Virginia v. EPA, which challenges the legality of President Obama’s “Clean Power Plan”:   “While there is no question that we must take steps to protect our environment, it simply cannot be at West Virginia’s expense. EPA’s unprecedented... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined with Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and David Vitter (R-LA) to introduce the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act. Senator Capito released the following statement about the legislation, which would hold the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accountable for opioid drugs approved by the agency:     “West Virginia’s drug epidemic has claimed far too many lives of our friends, neighbors and children.... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R.-W.Va.) voted for legislation yesterday to improve Medicare access for seniors and extend health insurance for children in West Virginia.The bill, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which passed on a 92-8 vote last night, permanently replaces the Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, which has been patched 17 times since 2002, and ensures seniors in need of outpatient rehabilitation services have... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today met with Wood County community leaders who recently traveled to Minot, North Dakota to learn about preparing for a surge in population and economic activity caused by the natural gas boom.  Senator Capito issued the following statement following today’s meeting:“The natural gas boom is turning small communities around the country into hotbeds of economic growth and activity. I am excited that Wood County... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced $525,000 in federal funding for a construction project at Mercer County Airport in Bluefield. The funding will be used for a necessary taxiway that will enhance the safety of airfield operations and ensure that the airport meets specific design standards. “Investing in West Virginia’s airport infrastructure is critical to the safety of our pilots and passengers who... Read More

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced $614,582 in federal funding for improvements at Grant County Airport in Petersburg. The funding will be used to upgrade the runway lighting system to ensure the safety of operations during low visibility conditions.“Investing in West Virginia’s airport infrastructure is critical to the safety of our pilots, passengers and the local community who benefit from the services... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced a total of $10,868,104 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start Programs across Southern West Virginia.The Coalfield Community Action Partnership, which serves children and families in McDowell and Mingo Counties, will receive a total of $4,217,518. Southwestern Community Action Council, which serves children and families in Cabell,... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted a human trafficking summit today at West Liberty University near Wheeling, West Virginia to discuss solutions for ending human trafficking. Last year, then Congresswoman Capito hosted a forum at West Virginia State University to begin laying the groundwork necessary to combat human trafficking in West Virginia. Since then, the number of suspected human trafficking incidents reported to the National Human Trafficking... Read More

Twenty million - that's the estimated number of human trafficking victims worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of these victims are Americans - mostly women and children - and many are right here in our own backyard.When I first learned about human trafficking and saw the statistics, I was shocked that this horrific industry was making a fortune within our borders. In the United States alone, human trafficking rakes in an astounding $9.8 billion from the use and abuse of victims.While not in large... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and five other Senators on a congressional delegation trip to Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq last week.“After having the opportunity to once again visit this region of the world and see firsthand the turmoil that threatens the security of America and our allies, I am more grateful than ever for our troops and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. Meeting with... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement congratulating Emma Shannon Casey of Charleston for being selected as West Virginia’s 2015 Cherry Blossom Princess:“As a member of the Pi Alpha Kappa Cherry Blossom Princess Sorority and co-chair of this year’s Cherry Blossom Princess Program, I am honored to congratulate Emma Shannon Casey for being named West Virginia’s Cherry Blossom Princess for 2015. The educational,... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the fifth anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion on April 5: “Five years ago, 29 coal miners perished in the terrible tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Our hearts still ache for the families of the hard-working miners whose lives were lost far too soon. Coal mining is a proud West Virginia tradition, but it is not without risks. We must continue working... Read More

“As West Virginians come together with friends and family this holiday weekend, my husband Charlie and I would like to wish all who celebrate a safe and blessed Easter.”   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement in celebration of Easter: “As West Virginians come together with friends and family this holiday weekend, my husband Charlie and I would like to wish all who celebrate a safe and blessed Easter. We... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,009,786 in federal funding to the West Virginia Office of Maternal and Child Health Services (OMCHS). The funding will help support the various programs offered under OMCHS with the goal of building better health care infrastructure in the state. The organization specializes in serving the needs of women, infants, children, families, and children with special health care needs.“In... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s international climate change plan, which was submitted to the United Nations today: “The climate plan submitted to the United Nations today is extremely troubling. In 1997, the Senate voted unanimously for the Byrd-Hagel resolution, which stated that any international climate agreement must not result in serious harm to the U.S. economy.... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s March 24 request for a federal disaster declaration following Winter Storm Thor. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement in response: “This emergency declaration will allow West Virginia to access much-needed federal disaster aid to recover from the significant damage caused by Winter Storm Thor. Last week, I joined with my colleagues... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the following statement after passage of the Senate Budget Resolution earlier today: “American families must live within a budget, states must adhere to a budget, and it is time for the federal government to do the same. Earlier today, the U.S. Senate passed a responsible, balanced budget that funds a strong national defense, invests in our nation’s transportation and energy infrastructure and promotes... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is an original cosponsor of legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today to help rural communities harmed by Obama Administration policies that restrict access to rural lending opportunities. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Rand Paul (R-KY) are also original cosponsors of the Helping Expand Lending Practices in (HELP) Rural Communities Act, which would provide rural communities with better access to... Read More

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, along with Representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, sent a letter to President Obama to express their full support of Governor Tomblin’s request to declare a major disaster for the state of West Virginia as a result of Winter Storm Thor. The storm moved through West Virginia on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5, and caused severe weather conditions in all 55 counties, including heavy... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin, (D-Md.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The legislation would authorize $100 million annually over the next five years, including $10 million a year to improve rural broadband services. “As the only state that is entirely within the Appalachian region, West Virginia has benefitted from the... Read More