Press Releases

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday in support of the Senate GOP budget resolution pending before the Senate this week. Video of the speech and the full remarks as prepared for delivery are below. Watch Senator Capito’s budget speech here. Remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mister President, before turning to the budget resolution pending before the Senate this week, I would like to first discuss the nomination of... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help combat Alzheimer’s disease and support those suffering or caring for a family member with this devastating illness.The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act would provide Alzheimer’s patients and their families with much-needed information about the... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced legislation to end a Medicare policy that causes seniors to be charged unknowingly with high, unfair costs after receiving needed post-acute medical care.Currently, a Medicare beneficiary must have an “inpatient” hospital stay of at least three days in order for Medicare to pay for post-hospitalization skilled nursing care.... Read More

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $967,139 in federal funding to Christians Helping Arrange New Growth Enterprises (CHANGE) in the Northern Panhandle. The funding has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used to provide support for various programs to improve health and community action.“West Virginians pride ourselves on our unique culture of neighbors helping neighbors... Read More

“Sen. Capito Says She’ll Oppose Obama’s Attorney General Nominee”By: Ian HicksThe Intelligencer / Wheeling News-RegisterMarch 24, 2015View story online here.WHEELING - Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she will oppose confirmation of Loretta Lynch, President Barack Obama's nominee to succeed retiring Attorney General Eric Holder.Capito, R-W.Va., said she met with Lynch for 30-45 minutes last week and discussed numerous topics ranging from heroin abuse to Obama's use of... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the following statement today regarding the nomination of Loretta Lynch to be attorney general: “While I have great personal and professional respect for Loretta Lynch and enjoyed meeting her last week, her views about the legality of President Obama's executive actions are concerning. The attorney general should serve as the independent chief legal officer for the nation, implementing laws passed by Congress and... Read More

“While it may be uncomfortable for EPA officials to face the coal miners whose very livelihoods are threatened by these misguided regulations, West Virginians deserve the opportunity to make their voices heard.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee’s Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, today chaired a field hearing in Beckley, West Virginia regarding the impact of EPA... Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R.-W.Va.) continues her work to combat drug overdoses in West Virginia. Every day, 120 people die as a result of drug overdoses fueled by prescription painkillers. Between 2000 and 2013, the rate of death from heroin overdoses nearly quadrupled. Nationwide, drug overdoses now claim more lives than motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the willingness of individuals to administer opioid overdose prevention drugs may be deterred by the potential... Read More