{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2958", "McKinley, Schrader Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Spur Innovation, Reduce Power Sector Emissions", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Reps. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today introduced theClean Energy Future through Innovation Act of 2020,a bipartisan proposal to accelerate the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies and establish clear and durable standards for their use in the electric power sector.The legislation would make significant investments in energy innovation and infrastructure, including carbon capture, advanced nuclear, renewables, efficiency, and storage. After a decade of innovation, it establishes a technology-neutral clean energy standard that would reduce CO2 emissions 80% by 2050.\r\nAmerica needs energy policy that can endure, rather than one that changes after each election and judicial decision,said Rep. McKinley.No policy can succeed without certainty, and certainty requires bipartisan consensus. Our approach will reduce carbon emissions while ensuring affordable and resilient power generated from all sources. Furthermore, by positioning America as a leader in innovation it will allow us to export technology to the rest of the world and provide a global solution to this problem.\r\nClimate change puts us all at risk, including the rural, coastal, and agricultural communities in my district,said Rep. Schrader.Americans are tired of the partisan fighting; they want and deserve a government that solves problems. We need a climate bill that can pass the Senate, be signed into law, and make a real differenceand the legislation that Rep. McKinley and I have introduced is it. We can keep fighting each other, but I'd rather tackle some problems. This bill will cut carbon emissions quickly, it will invest in a better energy system, and it will empower entrepreneurs and industry to create new technologies and new jobs.\r\nThe bill introduction comes after Reps. McKinley and Schrader released a discussion draft in September and solicited input from a broad array of stakeholders. They are continuing to receive feedback and will be refining the bill further, before reintroducing next year.\r\nBackground:\r\nEarlier this year, Reps. McKinley and Schrader outlined their approach inan opinion piece in the USA Today's Hidden Common Ground Sectionurging a new, more pragmatic legislative approach.\r\nThe plan calls for a decade of public and private investments in clean energy innovation and infrastructure development, followed by new regulatory standards to ensure environmental and energy goals are met. Innovation alone isn't enough. We must clarify what federal law will (and will not) require, to provide a stable and predictable policy framework for investors and electric utilities in the decades ahead. Executive orders and administrative actions that prolong the political and legal battles won't solve this problem  but bipartisan legislation can.\r\nClick to see the bill text here.\r\nClick to see a section by section here.\r\n\r\nWhat They're Saying about the McKinley-Schrader Bill:\r\nRepresentatives McKinley and Schrader should be applauded for recognizing that durable climate policy must come from Congress, and the approach must be bipartisan from the start. The business community is investing heavily in technologies that will reduce emissions and improve the environment, and we welcome good faith proposals like this to further these goals.\r\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\r\n\r\nI am very appreciative of Congressmen McKinley and Schrader for developing this legislation, because it fills a critical need at a critical time for our nation and the world. The rapid development and deployment of CCS technology on a worldwide scale is a must if we are going to do something that actually addresses global climate emissions, while preserving as many traditional energy jobs as possible. This bill will give our scientists and researchers the means to step on the accelerator in their efforts to get this technology to a point where it can be widely available. The UMWA is in full support, and we urge others in Congress who are developing legislation associated with addressing climate change to consider this bill a beacon for what can and must be done.\r\nCecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America\r\nThe McKinley-Schrader bill marks an important milestone along the road to enacting climate legislation.It is a bipartisan effort that wisely addresses roles for both forward-looking energy innovation policy and for regulatory authority as needed. EnergyForward is committed to clean-energy transition and the technological breakthroughs needed to make it a reality.We look forward to working with Mr. McKinley and Mr. Schrader as they advance the bill.\r\nScott Segal, director, EnergyForward and partner at Bracewell LLP.EnergyForwardis a coalition of utilities that includes Ameren, Duke, DTE Energy, Southern, Salt River Project and Vistra.\r\n\r\nRepresentatives McKinley and Shrader are to be congratulated for following through on their concept unveiled this past summer and now introducing legislation. As this Congress comes to an end we are seeing bipartisan success on a much needed Energy bill, and now the introduction of the McKinley/Schrader bipartisan approach to tackling our climate challenge. Their legislation focuses on investments for innovative technologies for clean energy, but for the first time that is coupled with the certainty of a clean energy standard stand to move the power sector toward net zero emissions. Significant investments would help rebuild and grow the U.S. economy as we emerge from the pandemic, while its clean energy standard would help put us on pathway to carbon neutrality. Representatives McKinley and Shrader are demonstrating leadership building a bipartisan bridge that is essential for durable climate policies.\r\nBob Perciasepe, President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions\r\n\r\nAmerican Electric Power (AEP) commends Representatives David McKinley and Kurt Schrader for proposing legislation that focuses on clean energy technology development, including an all-encompassing program for the demonstration and deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), combined with a new federal regulatory framework that requires low- and zero-emitting generation. AEP is committed to a low- to no-carbon energy future and is focused on diversifying our resource portfolio, deploying technologies to reduce emissions, and modernizing the grid to help us get there. Preserving and enhancing our transmission and distribution system, in addition to technological advances, including energy storage and CCUS, will determine how quickly AEP can achieve zero emissions while continuing to provide reliable, affordable power for customers.\r\n American Electric Power\r\n\r\nThe scientific evidence is overwhelming that we must rapidly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero. Effectively combatting the climate crisis will require significant deployment of both clean energy technologies and natural climate solutions, as well as a solid regulatory structure to provide a predictable framework for power producers to achieve emission reductions. We appreciate the leadership of Reps. McKinley and Schrader to develop this bipartisan, innovative approach to cutting energy sector climate pollution, and we look forward to working with them and other climate and energy leaders to create durable, equitable policy solutions that meet the urgency of the climate crisis.\r\nCollin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation\r\n\r\nAs one of our nation's largest energy providers, Duke Energy is committed to taking a leadership role in addressing the serious issue of climate change. Building on our significant progress of reducing CO2 emissions by 39% below 2005, we continue to work toward our ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Doing so while maintaining affordability and reliability for our customers is critical, particularly as we work with our customers and communities through this challenging time. Bipartisan efforts like this are critical in helping our industry deliver a clean energy future for all Americans. While Duke Energy understands and respects that there are different perspectives on how to achieve this future, we applaud Rep. McKinley and Rep. Schrader for their leadership on such a critical issue, and we remain committed to engaging in efforts that help develop a path forward.\r\nTom Craig, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs, Duke Energy\r\n\r\nACEEE is supportive of the McKinley-Schrader effort as it seeks to advance innovation while providing a backstop that ensures that substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions take place. We appreciate how this bill includes a number of energy efficiency provisions and look forward to working with the sponsors to build upon these provisions going forward.\r\nSteve Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)\r\nThe surest path to an affordable, reliable, decarbonized electricity system must include nuclear energy alongside wind, solar, and energy storage.TheClean Energy Future Through Innovation Actdemonstrates bipartisan support fortechnology-neutral policies and investments in the next generation of low-carbon technologies. We are thankful forRepresentatives McKinley and Schrader's legislative support that would both support the nuclear reactors we operate today and accelerate the deployment of potentially game-changing new nuclear technologies to power a cleaner energy future.We expect to see continued growth of strong, bipartisan support for nuclear energy as a key element of an increasingly decarbonized energy system.\r\nMaria Korsnick, president and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute\r\n\r\nReps. McKinley and Schrader's legislation is an encouraging step forward for federal energy and climate policy. Notably, the proposal combines immediate clean energy innovation programs with long-term national decarbonization targets for the power sector. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this important bipartisan effort.\r\nSasha Mackler, Bipartisan Policy Center Energy Project\r\n\r\nFor more than a century, Southern Company has been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advancedcarbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. We continue our industry-leading research and development, focusing on technologies that benefit customers and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Representatives McKinley and Schrader have come together with a pragmatic approach for investment in clean energy innovation and infrastructure development. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in stakeholder outreach and agree technology innovation is the solution to continued decarbonization for the economy.\r\nSouthern Company\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-s-statement-vote-not-overturn-president-trumps-ndaa-veto", "Congresswoman Millers Statement on Vote to Not Overturn President Trump's NDAA Veto", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) today released the following statement regarding her vote on theConsideration of the Veto Message to Accompany the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395  William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. Tonight, I voted not to overturn President Trump's veto of the national defense spending bill, said Congresswoman Miller. We need to pass the NDAA with additional reforms to protect our nation's digital infrastructure, including disinformation. I look forward to supporting the critical policies already in the NDAA along with these additional protections. The bill passed overturning President Trump's veto.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-leadership-changes-at-the-louis-a-johnson-vamc-in-clarksburg", "Capito Statement on Leadership Changes at the Louis A. Johnson VAMC in ClarksburgRead More", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement following the announcement of several actions the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking in response to an Administrative Investigation Board\u2019s report on patient safety issues and culture at the Clarksburg VA.\n\n\u201cOur veterans should always feel safe and cared for at our VA hospitals. These leadership changes announced today were absolutely necessary given the unacceptable problems that occurred at the Clarksburg VAMC. While this is a sign of progress, there are still many questions that need to be addressed, and I\u2019m committed to making sure that happens. I commend the VA for making these necessary changes and I look forward to more actions to further improve operations and care at the Clarksburg VAMC once the investigation has fully concluded. In the meantime, I remain committed to doing all I can to make sure our veterans receive the best possible care at all of our West Virginia VA\u2019s and tragedies like this one never happen again,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\nAccording to the official announcement, the actions underway due to the investigation include:\n\nDetailing Clarksburg VAMC\u2019s medical center director and associate director for patient care services to administrative duties in Veterans Integrated Service Network 5, pending a review of the facility\u2019s quality and safety environment.\n\nClarksburg VAMC Associate Director Terry Massey will serve as Clarksburg VAMC Acting Medical Center Director until January 4, 2021, when VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Deputy Director Barbara L. Forsha will take over as the Clarksburg VAMC\u2019s Acting Medical Center Director.\n\nInstituting a safety stand down during which Clarksburg VAMC will not accept new patients except for COVID-19 and intensive care patients.\n\nOut of an abundance of caution, a recently hired physician, who was an experienced hospitalist in the community, has become the Clarksburg VAMC\u2019s inpatient director of hospitalists and a detailed nursing leadership team is being brought into the facility.\n\nRetraining of all Clarksburg VAMC personnel involved in reporting urgent issues throughout the chain of command. The incoming leadership team will assess the amount and level of training that is needed. It will be conducted throughout the facility over a period of time to ensure continuity of operations and care.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mooney-nominates-students-us-military-academies", "Mooney nominates students to U.S. military academies", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) announced last week that 24 students from West Virginia's Second Congressional District  including two from Putnam County  have been nominated to U.S. service academies.\n\n\n\tThe honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.\n\n\n\tOur incredible military academy nominees have been selected based on their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation, Mooney said in a news release. It always makes me very proud to see so many incredible students from West Virginia's Second Congressional District apply for this life-changing opportunity. In our country today, we need driven and patriotic young Americans, like our nominees, to faithfully serve and defend our freedoms.\n\n\n\tMembers of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:\n\n\n\n\t U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, New York\n\t\tU.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, Maryland\n\t\tU.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, Colorado\n\t\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, New York\n\t \n\n\tThe service academy nominees from West Virginia's Second Congressional District this year are listed below:\n\n\n\t Aiden Turney, Jefferson County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tAshton Hylton, Berkeley County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tBenjamin Maiden, Jefferson County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tChloe Munslow, Jefferson County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tCullen Horowicz, Jefferson County, USMA\n\t\tDanielle Quijano, Putnam County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tEthan Mayo, Kanawha County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tGina Sobinovsky, Berkeley County, USAFA/USMA/USMMA\n\t\tJacob Schuck, Kanawha County, USMA/USAFA\n\t\tJason Ashman, Jefferson County, USNA/USMMA\n\t\tJohn Hall, Jefferson County, USMA/USAFA\n\t\tJonathan Howat, Putnam County, USNA\n\t\tJoshua Kilbride, Jefferson County, USAFA\n\t\tJustin Jun, Kanawha County, USAFA\n\t\tLiam Wilson, Berkeley County, USNA\n\t\tLisa Sobinovsky, Berkeley County, USAFA/USMA/USMMA\n\t\tMason Reddington, Jefferson County, USMMA\n\t\tMichael Poe, Jefferson County, USMA/USAFA\n\t\tNicholas Harbaugh, Berkeley County, USNA/USAFA\n\t\tNicholas Shirley, Berkeley County, USAFA/USNA\n\t\tPayton Derrick, Jefferson County, USMA\n\t\tRussell Coon, Hardy County, USNA\n\t\tSebastien Morel, Jefferson County, USMA\n\t\tThomas Inman, Berkeley County, USNA/USMA", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-capito-manchin-op-ed-highlights-new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve", "In Case You Missed It: \r\nCapito, Manchin Op-Ed Highlights \r\nNew River Gorge National Park and PreserveRead More", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) penned a joint op-ed for the Beckley Register-Herald highlighting the passage of their bill to redesignate the New River Gorge a National Park and Preserve. The bill passed as part of the year-end omnibus package that passed Monday night.\n\n\u201cWith proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Richmond, Charlotte, and other major cities, the New River Gorge has the potential to attract new tourists and thrill seekers to the Gorge and the region as a whole. The potential economic impact for surrounding communities and the entire state are boundless. Those adventure lovers need West Virginia stores to buy their gear, they need West Virginia restaurants to eat at, West Virginia lodges to sleep at, and they need West Virginia guides to help them navigate the Gorge. All of these things put money in the hands of hardworking West Virginians and back into our state\u2019s economy,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe full op-ed can be read here or below:\n\nSharing Almost Heaven with the World\n\nBy U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin\n\nBeckley Register-Herald\n\nDecember 23, 2020\n\nFirst designated as a National River in 1978, the New River Gorge is composed of approximately 72,000 acres of land along 53 miles of one of the world\u2019s oldest rivers \u2013 the New River \u2013 stretching from Bluestone Dam to Hawk\u2019s Nest Lake. More importantly, it is home to hiking trails, globally-renowned rock climbing formations, world-class whitewater rafting, and remarkable hunting and fishing opportunities. Not to mention, the third tallest bridge in the United States \u2013 an iconic West Virginia image.\n\nDespite the endless outdoor recreation opportunities, the New River Gorge lacks the national recognition held by many similar recreation areas. After years of ongoing discussions and community involvement with a number of constituents, businesses, organizations, and associations on this topic\u2014everyone from sportsmen to economic development authorities to local entrepreneurs\u2014the New River Gorge is finally being recognized as one of our country\u2019s most beautiful places with its new designation as a National Park and Preserve.\n\nThroughout the entire process, we made sure the voices of our fellow West Virginians were heard and groups that would be impacted by this decision were meaningfully involved. This was very important to us, which is why we held numerous meetings, phone calls, and town halls.\n\nThis was truly a collaborative effort and one that we are proud of.\n\nThe New River Gorge National Park will be composed of four areas, totaling approximately 7,021 acres, including the Lower Gorge, Thurmond, Grandview, and Sandstone Falls.\n\nWest Virginia has proud hunting and fishing traditions, and we were committed to ensuring that any final legislation protect these activities for generations to come.\n\nWe succeeded in ensuring that 368 acres along the river in Grandview will be opened up for hunting for the first time ever, and 301 acres of the Lower Gorge will be kept open for hunting at the request of local sportsmen.\n\nThe approximately 65,165-acre of National Preserve will carry over the current hunting and fishing regulations that are observed in its current National River designation. In addition, the National Park Service is authorized to purchase over 3,700 acres from willing sellers of adjacent land for potential addition to the national preserve, allowing for the expansion of additional hunting opportunities and providing for improved public access into the preserve. While a very small percentage of the Park and Preserve\u2014less than 5 percent\u2014will have hunting restrictions, we succeeded in opening up hundreds of acres of fertile hunting ground.\n\nBut, it\u2019s not just the sportsmen who will benefit from this.\n\nWith proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Richmond, Charlotte, and other major cities, the New River Gorge has the potential to attract new tourists and thrill seekers to the Gorge and the region as a whole.\n\nThe potential economic impact for surrounding communities and the entire state are boundless. Those adventure lovers need West Virginia stores to buy their gear, they need West Virginia restaurants to eat at, West Virginia lodges to sleep at, and they need West Virginia guides to help them navigate the Gorge.\n\nAll of these things put money in the hands of hardworking West Virginians and back into our state\u2019s economy.\n\nAnother primary focus during this process was making sure the National Park contained some of the most sought-after views of the Gorge and highlighted the historical significance of the area, which we were successful in doing.\n\nWhether it\u2019s the view from the Lower Gorge of the breathtaking New River Gorge Bridge, the historical town of Thurmond, the challenging and scenic trails in Grandview, or the waterfall views and unique botanical ecosystems that exist within Sandstone Falls, this National Park and Preserve showcases the best of West Virginia.\n\nThis designation will allow more people to share in the wild and wonderful adventure West Virginians take so much pride in. The New River National Gorge will be treasured and enjoyed for generations to come.\n\nAs West Virginians, we all know that the New River Gorge is perhaps the best-known landmark in West Virginia because of its breathtaking natural beauty and elements of unique Appalachian history and culture. Now, the rest of the nation\u2014and world\u2014can know it too.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas", "VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians a \r\nMerry ChristmasRead More", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued a video message wishing West Virginians a Merry Christmas.\n\nFull video transcript included below:\n\n2020 will certainly be a year none of us will forget.\n\nIt\u2019s been hard.\n\nIt\u2019s been heartbreaking.\n\nIt\u2019s been ugly.\n\nIt\u2019s been a little crazy.\n\nI think I speak for everybody when I say I can\u2019t wait for 2021.\n\nThinking about this past year reminded of a lyric from the song \u201cOh Holy Night\u201d:\n\n\u201cA thrill of hope \u2013 the weary world rejoices.\u201d\n\nEven through this crazy year, as weary as we are, we rejoice in the birth of Christ and the hope he has brought to the world.\n\nThis hope is what keeps me going and I hope it will help keep you going too.\n\nFrom my family to yours, have a very merry Christmas!\n\nAnd, I\u2019m hopeful for a better 2021.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2955", "ICMYI: McKinley Secures Energy Victories for West Virginia", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICMYI: McKinley Secures Energy Victories for West Virginia \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      McKinley-Led Measures on Energy Included in Omnibus Spending Package \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 22, 2020\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va) secured a number of key energy provisions that were included in the omnibus. The package included the most robust energy policy reforms in more than a decade, including policies to help use coal and natural gas more cleanly and efficiently.This bipartisan energy package is a major victory for America's future. By increasing investments in innovative technologies, we will be able to reduce our carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and export new technologies to countries around the globe,said McKinley.\r\nFrom streamlining permitting of carbon capture projects to increasing efficiency in our turbines, all of these policies will help modernize our energy system,added McKinley.Many of these are bills we have pushed for years. It's clear our persistence has paid off.\r\nBelow is a breakdown of his six energy priorities included:\r\n \r\n    The USE IT Act (H.R. 1166), which is a bipartisan, bicameral bill supports the development and demonstration of vital carbon capture and removal technologies by streamlining permitting of CO2 pipelines. McKinley is the lead Republican on the bill with Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA).\r\n \r\n \r\n    The High Efficiency Turbines (H.R. 2659), which requires the Office of Fossil Energy to carry out a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the energy efficiency of gas turbines used in electric power generation systems. McKinley has worked with Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) on this bill since 2012.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Fossil Energy Research and Development Act (H.R. 3607) continues to reauthorize research activities in the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy, which operates the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown. It sets priorities for the next generation of clean energy technologies that will help the energy industry continue to flourish in our country.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The RIVER Act (H.R. 3361) reauthorizes two Department of Energy (DOE) programs that encourages utilizing existing dams for power generation. The RIVER Act passed the House earlier this month.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Clean Industrial Technology Act (H.R. 4230), which increases innovation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and make American companies more competitive in the global economy. McKinley is the lead Republican on the bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL).\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Water Power Research and Development Act (H.R. 6084) strengthens water power programs at the Department of Energy (DOE) and provides funding for research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of marine energy. McKinley is a lead cosponsor of the bill.\r\n \r\nBelow is a breakdown of funding amounts that McKinley championed in the Omnibus:\r\n \r\n    Full funding for DOE's Office of Fossil Energy, supporting clean and efficient energy creation at NETL in Morgantown. This also included report language preventing the use of funds to plan, develop, implement, or pursue the consolidation or closure of any of the NETL sites.\r\n \r\n \r\n    $750 million for DOE's Office of Fossil Energy Research and Development. In July, the House initially authorized $727.5 million for this program, and McKinley secured an amendment that increased that amount by $5 million, bumping the total to $732.5 million. After passage from both chambers, total funding for the Office of Fossil Energy Research and Development increased to $750 million.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/west-virginia-officials-react-latest-economic-stimulus-package", "West Virginia officials react to latest economic stimulus package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said the legislation, which was paired with year-end spending bills, contains multiple wins for West Virginians.\n\t\tLate tonight, Congress passed a year-end spending package that contains long overdue COVID-19 emergency relief funding, the first comprehensive national energy package in 13 years, designation of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and additional West Virginia priorities, Manchin said.\n\t\n\t\tManchin, known as one of the most centrist members of the Senate, helped forge a compromise that forced the long-stalled negotiations into the final stretch.\n\t\n\t\tThe bipartisan, bicameral legislation I introduced last week served as the foundation for the final COVID-19 relief bill and while some of our priorities were unfortunately not included in the final package, I am pleased this final bill supports programs that will help our workers, families and small businesses make it through the difficult months ahead, he said.\n\t\n\t\tThe latest relief package, which includes an additional round of direct payments to citizens, is long overdue, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.\n\t\n\t\tEarlier this year, we came together and responded to this crisis by passing the CARES Act. I'm pleased today we could finally deliver additional relief to those that need it the most, like our small businesses, health-care workers, communities, and individuals and families across the country as we continue battling this pandemic, she said.\n\t\tBut, let's be clear: This relief should have and could have been delivered months ago. Many of the provisions that passed today were included in the targeted relief Senate Republicans offered up in the HEALS Act in July.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tCapito blamed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for stalling the negotiations.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tSpeaker Pelosi herself admitted to holding out on this relief because she thought it would benefit her politically in the election. Millions of Americans were pawns, struggling to make ends meet, she said. Countless small businesses have shut their doors in the meantime. Though long past due, we are now able to provide some relief to the American people that hopefully can provide optimism and support to our fellow citizens this Christmas.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., also said the package should have been passed months ago and cast blame on Pelosi.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMuch like the CARES Act helped us get through the initial months, this will help the country through the difficult winter months until the vaccine is widely available, he said. However, it is frustrating it came to this late hour just days before Christmas. This relief should have been passed months ago. Instead, Speaker Pelosi refused to budge from her multi-trillion dollar wish list and gambled it was better to wait until after the election so the Democrats could use this as an issue in the campaign.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., said several provisions of the legislation are aimed at the needs of those living in rural areas.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThis package provides critical resources for increased access to vaccinations, small business loans, and direct payments to Americans, she said. The legislation goes further to end surprise medical billing, provides permanent tax relief for families, and allows for more access and flexibility in rural hospitals and clinics.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMooney was among the two Democrats and 50 Republicans in the House who did not support the package.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWith multiple vaccines on the way thanks to President Trump and Operation Warp Speed, we do not need to pile on so much additional debt, he said. Now is the time to safely reopen our schools and our economy and reverse the draconian measures in blue states like California and New York that have led to the unemployment of millions of Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-commends-passage-of-key-energy-and-environment-legislation-in-omnibus", "Capito Commends Passage of Key Energy and Environment Legislation in OmnibusRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today applauded the passage of several key pieces of legislation that address environmental and infrastructure needs. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus government funding bill, which passed the Senate last night, included several EPW-related measures Senator Capito co-sponsored and supported, including:\n\nWater Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020).\n\nThe Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act to promote carbon capture technologies.\n\nThe reauthorization of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.\n\nThe American Manufacturing and Innovation (AIM) Act, which would implement a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at a national level for the first time, administered by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\n\nClean Industrial Technology Act (CITA), legislation Senator Capito introduced in July 2019 to unleash innovation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and make American companies more competitive in the global economy.\n\nRare Earth Element Advanced Coal Technologies (REEACT) Act, which would help identify and extract rare earth elements from coal ash and other byproducts.\n\nON WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: \u201cStrengthening America\u2019s infrastructure has traditionally been a bipartisan priority because of the enormous benefits such projects can generate. The Water Resources Development Act makes important updates to our nation\u2019s water resources infrastructure and provides resources that will benefit the health and wellbeing of West Virginians and others in communities across the country. I\u2019m glad to see this legislation included as part of the final bill to fund the federal government.\u201d\n\nON ENVIRONENTAL INNOVATION: \u201cMitigating both air pollution and climate change has been and remains a top priority of the EPW Committee. I\u2019m glad to see this government funding agreement include several pieces of legislation I co-sponsored, including the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), that will help us accomplish this goal in a responsible way. This agreement to include these pieces of environmental legislation demonstrates that we are making significant progress to address this issue in a bipartisan, commonsense way. DERA will help West Virginia communities update ageing school and municipal buses for cleaner, modern vehicles, while the USE IT Act will facilitate carbon dioxide pipelines to provide the backbone infrastructure needed to grow CCUS and a carbon economy, reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Both pieces of legislation are major wins for air quality and climate, and I was proud to play a role in each.\u201d\n\nADDITIONAL WRDA BACKGROUND:\n\nWRDA 2020 supports our nation\u2019s economic competitiveness by increasing water storage, providing protection from dangerous floodwaters, deepening nationally significant ports, maintaining the navigability of inland waterways, and addressing the threat of invasive species across the country. It also cuts red tape, is fiscally responsible, and strengthens our national security.\n\nProvisions Senator Capito secured in the final WRDA legislation include:\n\nIncreases the authorization cap for both the Central and Southern West Virginia environmental infrastructure programs. This was the direct result of Senator Capito\u2019s efforts and represents $160 million in authorizations for water and wastewater projects in West Virginia.\n\nChanges the cost-share for construction of navigation projects on inland waterways, which will allow for more funding to\u2014and potentially expedited construction of\u2014locks and dams on inland waterways. This is beneficial to inland states like West Virginia that depend on these structures to move commercial and energy goods.\n\nA provision to allow for Army Corps evaluation of changes proposed by non-Federal interests to facilitate non-Federal hydropower production. This language would allow for an evaluation on the part of Army Corps of operational changes at Army Corps projects to facilitate non-Federal hydropower, upon the request of the relevant non-Federal interest.\n\nADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION BACKGROUND:\n\nThe USE IT Act supports carbon utilization and direct air capture research. The bill also supports federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. The USE IT Act was introduced by Senators Capito, Barrasso, Carper, Whitehouse, and several other senators.\n\nThe DERA program has reduced black carbon emissions by more than 11,000 tons and carbon dioxide by more than 5 million tons. The legislation will reauthorize this important program until 2024.\n\nThe HFC provisions will authorize a 15-year phasedown of HFCs at a national level for the first time, administered by EPA. The amendment requires EPA to implement an 85 percent phasedown of the production and consumption of HFCs, so they reach approximately 15 percent of their 2011-2013 average annual levels by 2036.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-18-million-for-opioid-misuse-treatment-research-in-west-virginia", "Capito, Manchin Announce $1.8 Million for Opioid Misuse Treatment, Research in West VirginiaRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,859,051 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for opioid misuse research and programs across West Virginia.\n\n\u201cThe opioid crisis has affected lives and communities across the country, but some states\u2014including West Virginia\u2014have been hit harder than others,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cUnfortunately, the current pandemic has brought new challenges for those in recovery and living with addiction, resulting in rising overdoses and treatment needs, which makes these funds even more critical. I\u2019m thankful that HHS recognized the need for further support of these programs in West Virginia and look forward to the impact they will make on the lives of our residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe drug epidemic has ravaged our state, impacting every West Virginian and taking thousands from us too soon, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made this crisis worse. This funding supports research and programs that help West Virginians with substance use disorder across the state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I will continue to fight for funding that helps West Virginia manage the drug epidemic through research and treatment. Together we can manage both crises in the Mountain States,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\nWest Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) \u2013 $1,536,547\n\nWest Virginia University - Drug Abuse and Addiction Research \u2013 $222,568\n\nUnited Way of the River Cities \u2013 $54,500\n\nMorgan County Partnership \u2013 $45,436\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-33-million-for_west-virginia-health-centers-", "Capito, Manchin Announce $3.3 Million for  West Virginia Health Centers Read More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $3,383,527 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for health centers across West Virginia.\n\n\u201cHealth centers play such an important role in providing critical care to people across our state, particularly in the more rural areas of West Virginia. Our dedicated health care workers have been vital in our battle against the coronavirus and will be crucial as we work to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to all corners of our state. I will continue to use my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide these resources to health care providers across West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Capito\n\n\u201cOur front line healthcare workers have worked tirelessly caring for their fellow West Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic and our health centers play a vital role in providing West Virginians with quality healthcare during this crisis. As we continue to fight this pandemic and more West Virginians receive the vaccine, our health centers will be critical. I am pleased HHS is investing in our health centers and will continue to advocate for funding that supports our essential healthcare providers,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\nMonroe County Health Department \u2013 $1,191,049\n\nMonongahela Valley Association of Health Centers \u2013 $1,166,575\n\nTug River Health Association \u2013 $1,025,903\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-44-million-for-west-virginia-head-start-programs-", "Capito, Manchin Announce $4.4 Million for West Virginia Head Start Programs Read More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $4,473,661 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start programs across West Virginia.\n\n\u201cPrograms like Head Start provide our children with the foundation needed to set them on a trajectory towards success,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown how resilient our students are, but it has also underscored the need for additional support to schools across our state. I\u2019m proud to support programs like Head Start that help fortify the education of the next generation of West Virginia leaders.\u201d\n\n\u201cEarly education is essential for a bright future and Head Start provides our youngest West Virginians with the skills and education they need to succeed, no matter their background. I\u2019m a longtime supporter of Head Start and know this investment will continue to benefit the programs across our state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for Head Start funding so they can give our children the chance they deserve,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\nMountainHeart Community Services \u2013 $1,879,793\n\nRaleigh County Community Action Association \u2013 $1,352,396\n\nEastern Allegheny Council for Human Services Head Start \u2013 $1,178,972\n\nWest Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) \u2013 $62,500\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-stabenow-announce-senate-passage-of-school-based-health-centers-reauthorization-act", "Capito, Stabenow Announce Senate Passage of School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization ActRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) today announced the passage of their bipartisan School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act that will reauthorize funding for school-based health centers through 2026. School-based health centers provide a combination of primary care, mental health care, substance abuse counseling, case management, dental health, nutrition education, health education and health promotion activities.\n\n\u201cChildren across West Virginia rely on the primary care, mental health services, health education, and drug addiction prevention counseling available within many of our schools. This makes it crucial that our school-based health centers receive our full support,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the important role our school services play in the development of our young people. I\u2019m thankful that our legislation was included in the year-end package and that many of our school-based health centers will be eligible to receive this vital assistance through 2026.\u201d\n\n\"School-based health centers play an important role in providing care to so many children who don\u2019t have access to a family doctor,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThey are also meeting a critical need for mental health services for children impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Today, the Senate has acted to support these health centers that are a crucial part of our health care system.\u201d\n\nSchool-based health centers have continued to provide services to their patients throughout the COVID-19 crisis, with more than half of the centers offering telehealth services. Throughout the pandemic, school-based health centers have seen a 73 percent increase in the use of vital mental health services by children and adolescents.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-capito-colleagues-announce-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-improving-hope-for-alzheimers-act", "ICYMI: Capito, Colleagues Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s ActRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), joined by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today announced Senate passage of the bipartisan Improving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer\u2019s Act. Thanks to their successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017, effectively implementing the HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access.\n\n\u201cDelivering accessible care to those struggling with Alzheimer\u2019s is crucial to the foundation of our families and gives hope to our loved ones. Now that certain care plans are offered, we must make sure this information is properly relayed to eligible families. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act successfully strengthens our outreach strategy and makes resources available to those who need it most. I\u2019m proud to have been part of this movement since 2015 and that our legislation was included in the year-end package,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cCare plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThe Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act will help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources.\u201d\n\n\"It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cFortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session. Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer\u2019s Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and their caregivers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer\u2019s by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer\u2019s get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and available treatments helps make that happen. Enacting the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act will mean more seniors will benefit for these plans. This is an important step forward for those suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s,\u201d said Senator Markey.\n\n\u201cI know how devastating it can be, not only for our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer\u2019s \u2013 like my mother did -- but for families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible. Although we fought to provide patients and their caregivers important services \u2013 like help in understanding a diagnosis, available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I\u2019m thrilled to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the resources they need,\u201d said Senator Menendez.\n\nAlzheimer\u2019s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer\u2019s. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act requires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer\u2019s patients. This benefit encourages doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.\n\nIn 2017, less than one percent of seniors living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease received the care planning benefit created by the HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act requires HHS to conduct outreach to health care practitioners about comprehensive Alzheimer\u2019s disease care planning services, including education initiatives, and materials on appropriate diagnostic evaluations and explanations of the requirements for eligibility.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2954", "McKinley Supports Long Overdue COVID  Relief Plan", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following statement after voting in support of the COVID-19 relief package and 2021 government funding bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives tonight:This critical relief is long overdue. I'm pleased Congress is finally moving past partisan bickering and gamesmanship to provide much-needed targeted relief for struggling families, small businesses, schools, and hospitals.\r\nMuch like the CARES Act helped us get through the initial months, this will help the country through the difficult winter months until the vaccine is widely available.\r\nHowever, it is frustrating it came to this late hour just days before Christmas. This relief should have been passed months ago. Instead, Speaker Pelosi refused to budge from her multi-trillion dollar wish list and gambled it was better to wait until after the election so the Democrats could use this as an issue in the campaign.\r\nIn the end, this package will help people who are desperate for it. I'm particularly pleased it includes direct payments for American families  even if the amount is lower than the bipartisan bill we proposed. The fact this individual assistance was included is in large part thanks to the pressure we, along with a bipartisan group of Senators and House members, were able to apply,\"saidRep. McKinley.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nEarlier this month, McKinley introduced bipartisan legislation calling for immediate relief for families. The Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act (H.R. 8893) would disburse Economic Impact Payments of $1,000 for both adults and children.\r\nHighlights of the COVID relief package include:\r\nSupporting our Working Families and Students\r\n \r\n    $600 stimulus checks per individual/child ($1200 per married couple).\r\n \r\noUses the same eligibility as the CARES Act: capped at $75,000 gross adjusted income per individual ($150,000 for married couples).\r\noOnly people with a valid SSN qualify, ending payments to the deceased and undocumented.\r\n \r\n    $10 billion in Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG).\r\n \r\n \r\n    $82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund for K-12 and higher education.\r\n \r\nProviding Relief to our Small Businesses\r\n \r\n    $325 billion is assistance to small businesses.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program.\r\n \r\noBusinesses under 300 employees and have had a 25% reduction in revenue are eligible for a second round.\r\noIncreases the PPP loan amount for Restaurants and Hotels from 2.5x payroll to 3.5x, providing an extra month's worth of payroll support.\r\n \r\n    Creates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 dollars.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Allows employers to deduct PPP related businesses expenses.\r\n \r\nProducing and Distributing a Cure\r\n \r\n    Nearly $20 billion for the production of vaccines and therapeutics, covering the cost for everyone who needs it.\r\n \r\n \r\n    $8.75 billion for distribution of vaccines. This includes cold chain, advance freezers, and supporting state efforts.\r\n \r\n \r\n    $3 billion for the national stockpile.\r\n \r\nExpanding Rural Broadband to Underserved Americans\r\n \r\n    $300 million for broadband deployment program to support broadband infrastructure deployment to unserved areas, prioritizing unserved areas and rural areas.\r\n \r\n \r\n    $250 million to the FCC to carry out the telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act\r\n \r\nProviding Assistance and Flexibility to States\r\n \r\n    Extends the time period, from December 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021 for states to use previously allocated funds from the CARES Act. This allows more of the already distributed $150 billion in CARES Act funds to be utilized.\r\n \r\nTo read the billclick here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-statement-passage-government-spending-and-covid-19", "Congresswoman Miller Statement on Passage of Government Spending and COVID-19 Stimulus Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) today released the following statement regarding the passage of the bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives: \"After months of negotiations, I am glad that Congress could come together to pass much needed COVID-19 relief and critical government funding,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"This package provides critical resources for increased access to vaccinations, small business loans, and direct payments to Americans. The legislation goes further to end surprise medical billing, provides permanent tax relief for families, and allows for more access and flexibility in rural hospitals and clinics. It is shameful that Washington Democrats stalled this package for months, but I am encouraged that we could finally provide this crucial funding to our communities.\"  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-mooney-we-must-stand-fair-elections-no-matter-what-pressures", "Rep. Mooney: We Must Stand For Fair Elections No Matter What The Pressures", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) is inviting his GOP colleagues to support a House resolution he's introduced to count every legal vote and punish election fraud found in the 2020 presidential election.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-statement-massive-23-trillion-spending-bill", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney Statement on Massive $2.3 Trillion Spending Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) today issued the following statement after voting against theSenate Amendment to H.R. 133  Consolidated Appropriations Act:\n\nCongress voted to spend another $2.3 trillion dollars, which will grow our national debt to about $29 trillion dollars. The federal government will again have to borrow money from nations like China. This massive debt is being passed on to our children and grandchildren.\n\nWith multiple vaccines on the way thanks to President Trump and Operation Warp Speed, we do not need to pile on so much additional debt. Now is the time to safely reopen our schools and our economy and reverse the draconian measures in blue states like California and New York that have led to the unemployment of millions of Americans.\n\nTheConsolidated Appropriations Act was another 5593-page bill put together behind closed doors and released moments prior to the vote. Congress should not vote on multi-trillion-dollar legislation without giving the American people the chance to review how the federal government will spend their hardworking tax dollars.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-epw-leaders-secure-inclusion-of-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-legislation-in-the-omnibus", "Capito, EPW Leaders Secure Inclusion of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Legislation in the OmnibusRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee secured the inclusion of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020) in the legislation to fund the government.\n\nWRDA 2020 supports our nation\u2019s economic competitiveness by increasing water storage, providing protection from dangerous floodwaters, deepening nationally significant ports, maintaining the navigability of inland waterways, and addressing the threat of invasive species across the country. It also cuts red tape, is fiscally responsible, and strengthens our national security.\n\n\u201cStrengthening America\u2019s infrastructure has traditionally been a bipartisan priority because of the enormous benefits such projects can generate,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThe Water Resources Development Act makes important updates to our nation\u2019s water resources infrastructure and provides resources that will benefit the health and wellbeing of West Virginians and others in communities across the country. I\u2019m glad to see this legislation included as part of the final bill to fund the federal government.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater infrastructure is critical to every community in our country,\u201d said Chairman Barrasso. \u201cThe Water Resources Development Act will help grow the economy, cut red tape, and keep communities safe. Now, this legislation can move forward. I want to thank Ranking Member Carper and Senators Capito and Cardin for working with me and look forward to getting the bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition to being the lifeblood for communities across the country, our nation\u2019s water infrastructure keeps our economy moving forward. That is why it\u2019s so important for Congress to come together every two years and authorize funding to improve our ports, restore and rebuild our waterways, protect our communities from coastal storms and inland flooding, and maintain our other critical water resources infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Carper. \u201cI\u2019m proud that this year\u2019s Water Resources Development Act invests in essential Army Corps of Engineers projects and implements several much-needed reforms to combat climate change and support our most vulnerable communities. Our bipartisan legislation will create and sustain jobs and help secure a better future for the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s Water Resources Development Act supports the economic and environmental health of our nation. It invests in our nation\u2019s key ports and harbors, like the Port of Baltimore. It also makes new commitments to help communities restore ecosystems and address flood risks and sea level rise due to climate change\u2014important priorities for Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cGetting this legislation done puts us in a stronger position to start the new year. I am proud we were able to come together in a bipartisan way to get the is done this year.\u201d\n\nThe language of WRDA 2020 was negotiated by Senators Capito, Barrasso, Carper, and Cardin, along with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-Mo.).\n\nSenators Barrasso and Carper serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). Senators Capito and Cardin serve as chairman and ranking member of the EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn December 8, 2020, the House of Representatives passed WRDA 2020 by voice vote.\n\nOn May 6, 2020, the EPW Committee unanimously passed America\u2019s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020).\n\nOn April 21, 2020, Senators Capito, Barrasso, Carper, and Cardin released draft bills of America\u2019s Water Infrastructure Act 2020.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-homeland-security-appropriations-bill-included-in-fy21-omnibus-appropriations-package", "Capito Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Included in FY21 Omnibus Appropriations PackageRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced her Homeland Security funding bill was included in the year-end legislative package. The bill provides $69.1 billion to support the various missions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, it makes investments in border security, disaster recovery and prevention, cybersecurity, aviation security, state and local grants, and efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.\n\nCongress is expected to vote on the year-end legislative package soon, which includes this funding legislation and several other provisions that will benefit our nation and West Virginians.\n\n\u201cThe Homeland Security funding bill included in the year-end package makes significant investments in areas critical to the safety and security of our country. This bill is the product of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations in partnership with the department and the administration to meet critical security needs and national priorities. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their assistance and support as we negotiated this bill. If passed, this funding measure will ensure that our hardworking DHS employees will not go without a paycheck ahead of the holiday season. The men and women who are working to secure our border, ensure our air transportation system is safe, protect our coasts, and work to combat cyber-attacks deserve this support. I\u2019m thankful to be able to support the work of the Department for the security our states and our country as a whole,\u201d said Chairman Capito.\n\nChairman Capito included several items in the legislation important to West Virginia, including continued funding for Homeland Security Investigation\u2019s (HSI) partnership with Marshall University on opioid prevention and dark web monitoring; an increase in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Dam Safety Grant Program that Chairman Capito previously authorized; funding for IT enhancements at Coast Guard facilities in the Eastern Panhandle; funding for facility expansion and improvements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Advanced Training Center and Summit Point facilities in West Virginia; and necessary funds to continue FEMA grant programs that are of critical importance to repairing damage created by natural disasters, as well as supporting local first responders, such as volunteer fire departments. Chairman Capito announced FEMA grants for both flood relief and volunteer fire departments this year.\n\nTOPLINE BILL HIGHLIGHTS:\n\nCustoms and Border Protection (CBP): Includes $15.03 billion for CBP, including $1.375 billion for 56 miles of border wall system, $62.4 million above the request for border surveillance technology, and an additional $80 million to expand CBP\u2019s air surveillance capabilities. Additional laboratory personnel were provided and funding continued for equipment to strengthen the detection and identification of opioids and other drugs. In addition, the agreement includes $840 million to for law enforcement costs typically covered by fees.\n\nImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Includes $8 billion for ICE. The funding supports 34,000 average daily detention beds. It also sustains FY2020 Homeland Security Investigation investments for combatting the opioid epidemic and cyber security investigations on the dark web in addition to increasing overall HSI staffing levels.\n\nTransportation Security Administration (TSA): Includes $7.96 billion in gross discretionary funding for TSA. Funds will be used to support TSA operations with targeted increases to adequately staff checkpoints to mitigate wait times and deploy necessary technologies to ensure aviation security is prioritized at all airports, including small and rural airports.\n\nU.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Includes $12.8 billion in total for the Coast Guard to support their domestic and overseas missions. For Coast Guard procurement and construction, the bill provides necessary funding to continue the ongoing acquisitions for vessel and aircraft recapitalization. In addition, the bill supports significant shore infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT enhancements.\n\nCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Includes $2 billion for CISA. The bill supports cybersecurity efforts, including protection of civilian federal networks and State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) government networks. Included is $716 million to support the National Cybersecurity Protection System and to maintain advances in Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation. In addition, the agreement makes advances towards the shortage of qualified national cybersecurity professionals in the current and future cybersecurity workforce, and includes $160 million for threat hunting and response capabilities in Federal, SLTT, and Critical Infrastructure networks.\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Includes $21.7 billion for FEMA, including $17.1 billion to support the Disaster Relief Fund to ensure funding availability for recent disaster recovery and future events. The bill also provides $3.3 billion in grants, increasing support for SLTT governments, including $610 million for State Homeland Security Grants, $1.1 billion for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters (AFG), and Emergency Management Performance (EMPG) grants; and increases for dam safety and regional grants by $2 million each.\n\nU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Includes $127.7 million for USCIS, of which $117.7 million supports E-Verify operations and $10 million in funds for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.\n\nFederal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): Includes $340.3 million for FLETC, including $26 million for FLETC to purchase dormitory space that is presently leased.\n\nCountering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD): Includes $402.3 million for CWMD and restores funds to the Securing the Cities program.\n\nScience and Technology (S&T): Includes $765.6 million for S&T, including funding for Opioid and Fentanyl Research, Port and Coastal Surveillance, University Programs, as well as the Detection Canine Program, among other important research initiatives. The bill also includes $2 million for the Binational Cooperative Pilot along with language encouraging S&T to establish this pilot as a permanent program.\n\nU.S. Secret Service (USSS): Includes $2.4 billion for the Secret Service, including full funding for protective services; protective countermeasures at the White House complex; and full funding to support National Security Special Events. The recommendation also includes $6 million in grant support for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) investigations, which the USSS has provided to NCMEC since 1997. In addition, the bill makes critical investments in the Secret Services ability to combat cyber-crimes, including enhancements to the Cyber Fraud Task Force program and the National Computer Forensics Institute.\n\nManagement: Includes $2.3 billion for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management (OSEM), Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Management (USM), Analysis and Operations (A&O), Federal Protective Services (FPS), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). $37.1 million is provided to fund the Office of Targeting Violence and Terrorism, including $20 million in grants funds. The bill sustains $7.2 million for the cyber talent management system and cyber internship programs to attract and sustain DHS\u2019s cyber workforce.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-miller-ensure-legislation-included-in-year-end-package-to-establish-new-river-gorge-as-park-and-preserve", "Capito, Manchin, Miller Ensure Legislation Included in Year-End Package to Establish New River Gorge as Park and PreserveRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statements regarding the inclusion of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act\u2014legislation that would redesignate the New River Gorge National River as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve\u2014in the year-end legislative package. This redesignation will promote the beauty and historical significance of the New River Gorge by making the site just the 63rd National Park and 20th National Preserve in the United States, while ensuring that the longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are protected for generations to come.\n\nCongress is expected to vote on the year-end legislative package soon, which includes this legislation and several other provisions that will benefit West Virginians.\n\n\u201cThe New River Gorge is such an important part of West Virginia and a real source of pride in our state. I am thrilled legislation redesignating the National River as a National Park and Preserve is included in this legislative package. Redesignation of the National River to a National Park and Preserve will shine a brighter light on West Virginia and all that it has to offer, and provide another catalyst for our tourism industry and local businesses. I\u2019m grateful to all of the West Virginians\u2014sportsmen, business owners, and constituents\u2014for their feedback and involvement during this entire process. Throughout all of these discussions, it has become clear that this redesignation would bring enormous benefits to the region and those who call it home. I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote on this so we can send this to President Trump\u2019s desk for his signature,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\n\u201cThe New River Gorge is truly one of West Virginia's most treasured playgrounds and largest tourist attractions because of its whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, outdoor sports and natural beauty. This designation will increase the international recognition by highlighting West Virginia\u2019s world-class beauty and resources. Over the last two years we have met with outdoorsmen, businesses and local leaders and other interested groups to ensure this designation will promote the beauty and rich history of the New River Gorge, while ensuring that the longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are protected for generations to come,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\n\u201cI am excited to see our legislation to redesignate the New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve be voted on,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cThe New River Gorge is home to all West Virginia has to offer - our beauty, small businesses, and adventurous tourism opportunities. This legislation will preserve and protect the New River Gorge for generations to come and make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn October 2019, Senators Capito and Manchin introduced the New River Gorge Park and Preserve Designation Act, while Congresswoman Miller introduced the companion bill in the House. The legislation will maintain hunting and fishing within the preserve area\u2014areas where sportsmen currently enjoy hunting and fishing. The legislation also specifically protects hunting, fishing, and trapping on privately owned land and will preserve and help grow the vibrant outdoor recreation industry on the New River. The New River Gorge has a long and rich history, which is also preserved through this legislation.\n\nSince originally introducing, the legislation has been adjusted to include several changes that would:\n\nCreate a 65,165 acre Preserve and a 7,021 acre Park.\n\nOpen up 368 acres to hunting in Grandview for the first time ever.\n\nKeeps open 301 acres of the Lower Gorge following the requests of local hunters.\n\nAuthorize the National Park System (NPS) to bid on additional land for the Preserve that amounts to 3,711 acres.\n\nAuthorizes the NPS to acquire up to 100 acres for parking only, which is needed as the area has seen an increase in visitors.\n\nFor full text of the legislation, click here.\n\nTo view images of the maps, click here.\n\nTo view a one-pager on the bill, click here.\n\nFor more information on the New River Gorge, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-in-favor-of-fy2021-government-funding-covid-relief-package", "Capito Votes in Favor of FY2021 Government Funding, COVID Relief PackageRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, tonight issued the following statements after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which includes all 12 appropriations measures and legislation to provide targeted coronavirus relief.\n\nON THE OMNIBUS FUNDING PACKAGE: \u201cThese funding bills are full of provisions beneficial to West Virginia, including support for broadband expansion, transportation and water infrastructure, and opioid recovery. Also included in this package\u2014and something I am incredibly proud of\u2014is my legislation to redesignate the New River Gorge National River as a National Park and Preserve, which will bring significant economic benefits to our state. Congress was able to pass all 12 appropriations bills last year, and I am very pleased we are able to do so again. Funding of the federal government needs to return to regular order. I will continue working with my colleagues on the committee and in the full Senate to ensure this necessary Congressional duty is no longer used as a partisan tool and delivers for the American people,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\nON COVID RELIEF: \u201cEarlier this year, we came together and responded to this crisis by passing the CARES Act. I\u2019m pleased today we could finally deliver additional relief to those that need it the most like our small businesses, health care workers, communities, and individuals and families across the country as we continue battling this pandemic. But, let\u2019s be clear: this relief should have and could have been delivered months ago. Many of the provisions that passed today were included in the targeted relief Senate Republicans offered up in the HEALS Act in July,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cSpeaker Pelosi herself admitted to holding out on this relief because she thought it would benefit her politically in the election. Millions of Americans were pawns, struggling to make ends meet. Countless small businesses have shut their doors in the meantime. Though long past due, we are now able to provide some relief to the American people that hopefully can provide optimism and support to our fellow citizens this Christmas.\u201d\n\nWEST VIRGINIA WINS INCLUDED IN THE OMNIBUS PACKAGE:\n\nThe FY2021 government funding bill includes resources to support many West Virginia priorities that Senator Capito supported, including:\n\nA $300 million increase was included for Alzheimer\u2019s research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), along with an additional increase for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer\u2019s Act, and language diversifying the depth and focuses of research.\n\nFull funding for the Office of Fossil Energy Research, supporting clean and efficient energy creation at the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) in Morgantown through their engineering and supercomputing efforts. Furthermore, within the office, $15 million is included for research of commercial-scale front-end carbon capture technologies, which Senator Capito has championed with bipartisan support in the Senate. Language is also included to address maintenance backlog.\n\n$635 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Development Broadband ReConnect program, which Senator Capito helped create and has now secured over $2 billion for the program over four budget cycles.\n\nContinued funding for the extremely competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation, which West Virginia has received $80 million through since 2018.\n\n$346 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an inactive program in West Virginia up until Senator Capito was elected to the Senate that now continues to invest in the state.\n\n$180 million was included for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a constant driver of economic and infrastructure development in the region, and $100 million for the Appalachian Highway Development System (ADHS). Senator Capito pushed for dedicated funding for incomplete corridors in FY20 and the amount has been maintained.\n\nSupport for the Leetown Science Center in Kearneysville and the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, along with continued funding for the Allegany Ballistics Lab at Rocket Center and the Biometric Technology Center in Clarksburg. The legislation also supports the men and woman of the FBI at the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, NASA\u2019s Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility, and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Security Computing Center in Fairmont.\n\nA three percent pay raise for our service members, language instructing the study of security infrastructure at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, and continued support for the veteran\u2019s Agritherapy pilot program Senator Capito created that is implemented at the Huntington VA, are also all included.\n\nIncreases are included for university research programs, diversifying educational opportunities for students and faculty across the state.\n\nFunding and Senator Capito-authored language is maintained for the State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, enabling West Virginia to receive over $100 million since the establishment of the program in 2018.\n\nAuthorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), funding is included for both the Sexual Assault Services Program and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.\n\nCOVID RELIEF BILL HIGHLIGHTS:\n\nDirect payment of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, plus an additional $600 per child.\n\nEnhanced unemployment benefits of $300 per week for 11 weeks.\n\n$319 billion for small businesses, including $284 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program, $20 billion for EIDL loans, and $15 billion for live venues.\n\n$25 billion in rental assistance with an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\n$82 billion for schools and universities, with $10 billion dedicated to childcare.\n\n$7 billion for increased access to broadband.\n\nFunding to support coronavirus vaccine distribution.\n\nCARES Act spending extension for state and local governments.\n\nSenator Capito launched a page on her website to help bring current and accurate information to West Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to access the webpage for the latest updates and resources.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-announce-historic-bipartisan-agreement-on-environmental-innovation-legislation", "Senators Announce Historic, Bipartisan Agreement on Environmental Innovation LegislationRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and John Kennedy (R-La.) announced a historic, bipartisan agreement to include multiple pieces of environmental innovation legislation in the omnibus.\n\nThe omnibus will now include:\n\nThe Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act to promote carbon capture technologies;\n\nThe reauthorization of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program;\n\nThe American Manufacturing and Innovation (AIM) Act, which would implement a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at a national level for the first time, administered by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\n\n\u201cMitigating both air pollution and climate change has been and remains a top priority of the EPW Committee,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see this government funding agreement include several pieces of legislation I co-sponsored, including the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), that will help us accomplish this goal in a responsible way. This agreement to include these pieces of environmental legislation demonstrates that we are making significant progress to address this issue in a bipartisan, commonsense way. DERA will help West Virginia communities update ageing school and municipal buses for cleaner, modern vehicles, while the USE IT Act will facilitate carbon dioxide pipelines to provide the backbone infrastructure needed to grow CCUS and a carbon economy, reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Both pieces of legislation are major wins for air quality and climate, and I was proud to play a role in each.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepublicans and Democrats are working together to protect the environment through innovation,\u201d said Chairman Barrasso. \u201cThis historic agreement includes three separate pieces of legislation that will significantly reduce greenhouse gasses. The USE IT Act is a bipartisan bill to promote carbon capture technologies that take carbon out of the air and find marketable uses for it. This type of research and development is already taking place in Wyoming at the Integrated Test Center. Carbon capture technologies hold the key to major emissions reductions. Similarly, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act has significantly reduced the amount of black carbon in our air. Reauthorizing this important program will lead to significantly more reductions. Finally, HFC chemicals are in every home \u2013 from our cars, to our air conditioners. The emissions from the use of these chemicals contribute to climate change. This agreement will authorize a 15-year phasedown of their use, while safeguarding consumers and American manufacturers. All three of these measures will protect our air while keeping costs down for the American people. I want to thank Ranking Member Carper and Senators Capito, Whitehouse, and Kennedy for working with me to secure this historic agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe buses that take our kids to school. The air conditioners that keep our homes cool. The refrigerators that keep our groceries safe to eat. For millions of people across the country, these are just small parts of our everyday lives, but they also represent big threats to the health of our communities and our planet. Old, dirty diesel engines pollute the air we breathe and damage our climate with deadly black carbon. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration warm our climate more than thousands of times more than carbon dioxide. Fortunately, there are solutions to these problems that will clean our air, protect and create American jobs, and help to save our planet from the climate crisis,\u201d said Ranking Member Carper. \u201cMake no mistake, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act will soon be some of the most significant climate solutions to pass out of Congress to date. These bills will help to improve air quality and tackle the climate crisis while creating thousands of new jobs and keeping our economy moving. I thank my colleagues, especially Chairman Barrasso, Senator Kennedy \u2013 co-author of the AIM Act \u2013 and Senator Inhofe \u2013 co-author of DERA \u2013 for their work over the years to secure these important victories for our planet. Now, let\u2019s look to the future. Let\u2019s build on this progress.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis agreement means real, bipartisan progress for our climate,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cBy joining the international community in tackling HFCs\u2014one of the more potent greenhouse gases out there\u2014we are making a meaningful cut in global warming, perhaps avoiding up to 0.5\u00b0C of warming by the end of the century. Through our USE IT Act, we are boosting efforts to remove carbon pollution from the atmosphere and put it to good use. And by reauthorizing the DERA program at the EPA, we\u2019re reducing dangerous tailpipe emissions. We need to pass a serious and comprehensive climate bill, but these bipartisan wins represent important progress. I\u2019m proud to have worked with Chairman Barrasso, Ranking Member Carper, and other members from both sides of the aisle to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore than ever, foreign competition demands we protect American jobs by keeping the U.S. competitive in global industry,\u201d said Senator Kennedy. \u201cInvesting in next-generation refrigerants will create thousands of jobs, save billions of dollars and safeguard the environment, all of which matter deeply to Louisianians. I\u2019m grateful to have worked with Chairman Barrasso and Sen. Carper to champion the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act and bring American production into the future.\u201d\n\nThe USE IT Act supports carbon utilization and direct air capture research. The bill also supports federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. The USE IT Act was introduced by Senators Capito, Barrasso, Carper, Whitehouse and several other senators.\n\nThe DERA program has reduced black carbon emissions by more than 11,000 tons and carbon dioxide by more than 5 million tons. The legislation will reauthorize this important program until 2024.\n\nThe HFC provisions will authorize a 15-year phasedown of HFCs at a national level for the first time, administered by EPA. The amendment requires EPA to implement an 85 percent phasedown of the production and consumption of HFCs, so they reach approximately 15 percent of their 2011-2013 average annual levels by 2036.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nUSE IT Act:\n\nOn July 23, 2020, the Senate passed the USE IT Act as part of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nOn June 27, 2019, the USE IT Act passed the Senate as part of the 2019 NDAA.\n\nOn April 10, 2019, the EPW Committee unanimously passed the USE IT Act at an EPW Committee business meeting.\n\nOn February 27, 2019, the EPW Committee held a legislative hearing on S. 383. All three witnesses testified in support of the bill: Paul Sukut, General Manager & CEO, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Steve Oldham, CEO, Carbon Engineering; and Kurt Waltzer, Managing Director, Clean Air Task Force.\n\nOn February 7, 2019, Senator Barrasso joined with Senators Whitehouse and Carper to reintroduce the USE IT Act. Senator Capito also joined as an original cosponsor.\n\nThe USE IT Act was first introduced during the 115th Congress. The EPW Committee also advanced the legislation unanimously in 2018.\n\nDERA:\n\nOn July 23, 2020, the Senate passed S. 747, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2019 as part of the FY 2021 NDAA.\n\nOn April 10, 2019, the EPW Committee unanimously passed DERA at an EPW Committee business meeting.\n\nOn March 13, 2019, the EPW Committee held a legislative \u201cHearing to Examine S. __, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2019.\u201d\n\nAIM Act:\n\nOn September 10, 2020 an agreement was announced to update the AIM Act amendment to the American Energy Innovation Act.\n\nOn March 25, 2020, the EPW Committee began an information-gathering process to hear feedback from different stakeholders on the AIM Act.\n\nOn March 5, 2020, Senators Kennedy and Carper offered the AIM Act as an amendment to the American Energy Innovation Act.\n\nOn November 1, 2019, Carper and Kennedy introduced the American Manufacturing and Innovation (AIM) Act.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-on-covid-relief-this-could-have-been-done-months-ago", "VIDEO: Capito on COVID Relief: \r\nThis Could Have Been Done Months AgoRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today spoke on the Senate floor about the coronavirus relief package deal, as well as the omnibus year-end legislative appropriations package. Earlier today, a comprehensive appropriations package was filed in the U.S. House of Representatives to complete the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations process. Additionally, the legislation includes targeted relief measures for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nMONTHS OF DELAY: \u201cWhile I am glad to hear that an agreement was reached \u2013 we certainly should have done this earlier and we certainly could have done this earlier. We have been working since July to deliver additional relief to follow previous efforts like the CARES Act. And, it\u2019s been voted down twice: once in September and once in October. To date, Republicans have offered targeted relief legislation, voted in favor of enhanced unemployment benefits, more money for our schools, which would have been great in early September and should have been available in early September. We voted in favor of standalone emergency funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, which we know is exceedingly important. More dollars for vaccines and testing so that we can get the great news of the vaccine that see coming forward to everybody. We\u2019ve offered all kinds of ideas to the other side. But, they blocked it. All of this. I\u2019m glad that after all of this, we have finally joined together realizing that yes, a deal is better than no deal.\u201d\n\nCONGRESS MUST DO BETTER: \u201cWe have got to do better by the people we represent. It\u2019s disappointing that politics have gotten in the way. It\u2019s disappointing\u2014and quite frankly\u2014insulting in my view when I see the Speaker of the House admitting to holding out on this relief because she thought it would be beneficial politically in the end. We can do much better than this.\u201d\n\nWEST VIRGINIA WINS DELAYED: \u201cI am also a proud member of the Appropriations Committee, and we have worked to get these funds and resources where they are most needed, especially in a year like this one. But \u2013 due to delays \u2013 critically needed resources to combat the opioid epidemic had to wait, investments to improve broadband have had to wait, research dollars into Alzheimer\u2019s disease had to wait, and this list goes on. This is frustrating to me as it should be for all Americans. I know they\u2019re frustrated because they tell us they are. But \u2013 here now \u2013 we are able to include funds that are important to me and my state of West Virginia \u2013 things such as fossil energy research, our universities, and many federal facilities that call West Virginia home.\u201d\n\nPROTECTING OUR HOMELAND: \u201cWe maintain our commitment to border security through a border wall system to include physical barriers and enhanced technology. We avoided a drastic cut to our cybersecurity capabilities that we see we need now more than ever after all the reports and vicious cyberattacks we uncovered\u2026 And we continue our commitment to use every resource at our disposal in the effort to prevent those opioids that are killing our people\u2026we try to get the resources to our Homeland Security folks to prevent those drugs from even entering our country at all. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security work constantly against threats\u2014both old and new\u2014traditional and emerging\u2014and deserve the support this legislation gives them.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2953", "McKinley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Nursing Home Care Amid Pandemic", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect long-term care residents and enhance accountability among the nation's worst-performing facilities. The Nursing Home Reform Modernization Act of 2020 will expand the SFF program and ensure that all facilities nominated for the program receive additional oversight, enforcement, and technical assistance.The COVID pandemic has shed a light on the need to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 300 West Virginia residents and staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities have lost their lives to the virus,said Rep McKinley.Our bipartisan bill will provide greater oversight and resources to underperforming facilities to ensure our vulnerable seniors and veterans receive the quality of care they deserve. We have a duty to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our seniors safe.\r\nThe devastation visited on long-term care facilities by COVID-19 has laid bare the need to improve the quality of care in America's nursing homes. Our bipartisan bill will enhance accountability and ensure that residents receive the care, comfort, and peace of mind they deserve,said Rep. Pascrell.Here in New Jersey and throughout the country, facility residents and staff have suffered grievously. We refuse to remain silent as our seniors, veterans, grandparents, and others died due to failed oversight. Importantly, our bill will hold accountable those who we entrust to care for our older relatives, because for far too long, accountability has been lacking.\r\nDetermining which nursing home is right for you or a loved one is a difficult task, one made more challenging without the necessary information regarding compliance with safety and care requirements. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will increase accountability for nursing homes that have underperformed in these areas and make that information public. Thank you to my colleagues in the House and Senate for working with me to empower seniors to confidently choose a nursing home that is right for them,said Rep. Kelly.\r\nOver 100,000 long-term care residents and staff have died due to COVID-19. This staggering national tragedy requires immediate federal action to improve care and save lives in our nation's nursing homes,said Rep. Eshoo.Our bipartisan bill shines a spotlight on nursing homes with a history of poor performance and provides the resources and oversight needed to better protect residents and staff. I urge my fellow members of Congress to pass this bill to stem the loss of life.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Nursing Home Reform Modernization Act of 2020 would also increase educational resources for all underperforming facilities and establish an independent Advisory Council to inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on how best to foster quality improvements.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-announces-economic-development-grant-nicholas-county", "Congresswoman Miller Announces Economic Development Grant for Nicholas County", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) today announced an Economic Development Administration Investment worth $70,000 in Nicholas County. The investment will be used to implement a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Region IV Planning and Development Council that serves Fayette, Nicholas, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Webster Counties. \"Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for this crucial investment in rural America,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"This funding will support our existing businesses, create new jobs, and strengthen the region. As we work to revitalize West Virginia's economy, this funding is a welcomed step closer to reaching our goal.\" The CEDS will bring together public and private partnerships to make an economic development plan. The investment covers half of the project cost bringing the project total to $140,000.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-miller-holds-purdue-pharma-and-sackler-family-accountable-growing", "ICYMI: Rep. Miller Holds Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Accountable for Growing Responsibility in Opioid Epidemic", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) today provided the following remarks at the Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing outlining the destructive role Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family played in catalyzing and exacerbating the opioid epidemic. Congresswoman Miller described the severe destruction the opioid epidemic has had on West Virginia in her remarks as prepared below: Today's hearing is of utmost importance to my state of West Virginia, and many other states across the nation, who are facing the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic.  In 2018, there were over 46,000 opioid related overdose deaths in the United States. In that same year, we lost over 700 West Virginians to opioid related overdoses. If I could put a face to each of these victims and their families, they're the person in line next to you at the grocery store or next to you in the pew at church. They are your neighbors and your friends. A single life lost to addiction is one too many, and unfortunately my state has lost thousands of family members over the years to this disease.\n\tThroughout the United States we have seen this epidemic evolve in three stages: first, individuals were overprescribed and abused prescription opioids, the second wave was heroin, and the third wave is synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Studies show that of those who began using opioids in the 2000s, 75% started with prescription opioids. In large part, due to the actions of the company represented before us today. Purdue Pharma recklessly and irresponsibly marketed OxyContin to increase the number of prescriptions to patients, which ultimately resulted in patients becoming addicted to this drug. We have seen the shift to heroin and other dangerous substances like fentanyl as prescription opioids become too expensive or hard to find. These drugs often pose their own risks as they are found on the street. For example, in 2016, my hometown of Huntington experienced 28 overdoses in a single day as a result of a contaminated batch of heroin. Thanks to the heroic action of our emergency responders, 27 of the 28 lives were saved.  \n\t  As a result of this epidemic, families have been decimated, children are growing up without parents, and babies are being born exposed to drugs in the womb. For every 1,000 babies born in West Virginia, 56.2 are born exposed to opioids. I have sat with mothers who made the courageous decision to seek treatment, and I have held their babies struggling with symptoms of withdrawal. This epidemic is shaping generations across my own state, and many others.  \n\t  Since coming to Congress, I have made addressing the opioid epidemic a priority. I have supported our Administration's work to increase access to naloxone and provided much needed federal dollars to our treatment centers to get folks help on the ground. I have also supported creative community-based solutions that are a result of our local communities coming together and helping our neighbors in need.  \n\t  While we have made great strides to address this terrible epidemic, we must also ensure we address the actions taken by Purdue Pharma is pushing OxyContin to patients. I hope that we get some answers today.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2952", "McKinley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Create Jobs and Support Infrastructure to Reduce Carbon Emissions", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) introduced the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions or SCALE Act. The bill will support the buildout of the infrastructure necessary to transport CO2 from where it is captured to where it can be utilized in manufacturing or safely and securely sequestered underground.The development of storage infrastructure is a key component of supporting the deployment of carbon capture and utilization projects,Congressman McKinley said.The U.S. power sector alone generates nearly 2 billion tons of CO2 each year. For carbon capture to work, we need to have some place to put that. We will need pipelines to transport the CO2 to geologic storage or consumers who can use it. This legislation will help build that out.\r\nCarbon Capture and the associated infrastructure is essential for the United States to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century,Congressman Marc Veasey said.If we successfully deploy CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, we can help certain industrial sectors of our economy dramatically reduce their emissions while creating thousands of good jobs.\r\nThe climate crisis provides us with an opportunity to utilize the wealth of resources rural America has to offer and create good good-paying jobs to grow the local economy,Congresswoman Bustos said.Through the SCALE Act, we can advance carbon capture technology and develop infrastructure to create a cleaner environment. I'm pleased introduce this bipartisan legislation today and will continue to look for ways to mobilize our region to meet the challenge of a changing climate\r\nI'm proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in introducing The SCALE Act to help develop carbon capture technology. It's crucial northern Minnesota and the rest of the country remains a global leader in mining, logging, manufacturing, and industrial development,Congressman Stauber said.The SCALE Act helps us remain on top by supporting the buildout of the infrastructure necessary for carbon capture with a low-interest loan program, establishing a carbon capture pilot center, and building on an existing Department of Energy grant program. The bill will create high-quality union jobs, as projects that receive funding under the bill will be required to Buy American and will adhere to Davis-Bacon prevailing wages.\r\nCarbon capture is a key technology for maintaining good manufacturing jobs as the global economy decarbonizes to move towards the industry of the future. The SCALE Act enables the buildout of CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, with Buy America requirements, that is necessary for large-scale deployment of carbon capture at industrial facilities across our vast country,said Roxanne Brown, Vice President at Large of the United Steel Workers.\r\nCURC congratulates Congressmen Veasey and McKinley on the introduction of the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act. When combined with the Section 45Q tax credit, the policies included in the SCALE Act would support commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects by overcoming barriers against the buildout of critical CO2 transport and storage infrastructure in the United States. Infrastructure to transport and store CO2 from industrial sources is also imperative to deliver on the substantial environmental benefits that can be achieved by CCUS, which energy and climate authorities project will have a substantial role if domestic and global decarbonization objectives are to be achieved. We thank Congressmen Veasey and McKinley for their continued leadership on these important issues,said Shannon Angielski, Executive Director of the Carbon Utilization Research Council.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nWithout carbon capture investments, the United States is at risk of losing innovation leadership. Governments in places like the European Union, United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, and Canada have recently announced large investment in the development of connected infrastructure to collect CO2 from multiple capture sources and deliver it to shared CO2 storage sites. Unlike them, the U.S. does not have a program or policy catalyzing investment in CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. This hinders the scale-up of carbon capture, removal, and storage of CO2 emissions.\r\nThe SCALE Act would:\r\n \r\n    Establish a Carbon-to-Value Research, Development, and Demonstration center, similar to existing carbon capture test centers, to support RD&D of things like advanced fuels, chemicals, and materials produced from carbon oxide emissions. It would also authorize the U.S. Department of Energy to provide grants to states and municipalities for procuring carbon utilization products for infrastructure projects.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Create a new program called the CO2 Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (CIFIA) to provide low interest loans and grants for CO2 transport infrastructure, based on the successful, bipartisan TIFIA and WIFIA programs that finance highway and water infrastructure projects.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Build upon the existing DOE CarbonSAFE program to provide cost share for deployment of commercial-scale saline geologic storage projects. It would give priority to geologic storage projects with larger storage capacities and those that will serve as hubs storing CO2 from multiple carbon capture facilities.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Authorize increased funding to EPA for to thoroughly review permit applications in a timely manner for Class VI CO2 storage wells and provide grants for states to establish and operate their own Class VI permitting programs. These increased resources would ensure rigorous and efficient CO2 storage site permitting.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-klobuchar-introduce-broadband-legislation-to-close-the-homework-gap", "Capito, Klobuchar Introduce Broadband Legislation to Close the Homework GapRead More", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), both members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the Every Child Connected Act\u2014legislation that aims to reduce the digital divide between students with and without internet access, known as the Homework Gap. Specifically, the legislation accomplishes this goal by targeting available funding sources from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data privacy violations to provide vital connectivity to American students at home.\n\n\u201cWhile improving broadband accessibility in West Virginia and across rural America has always been a top priority, there\u2019s no question that the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need to address this challenge now more than ever,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cWith schools nationwide shifting to digital learning, students and teachers rely heavily on the internet to keep up with their assignments and connect with one another. However, the unfortunate reality is that millions of students do not have the same access to these online tools that some of their classmates do, putting them at a significant disadvantage. The Every Child Connected Act aims to address this problem by redefining the classroom to include learning from home; redirecting funding to make telecommunication services more affordable for schools and communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn order to help close the homework gap and ensure that we connect every child to critical internet services, we must have the funding to do so,\u201d Senator Klobuchar said. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will help us get one step closer to closing the digital divide by expanding the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s E-rate program to ensure that we can connect K-12 students at home to participate in distance learning.\u201d\n\nIn an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, schools across the country have closed or reduced in-person learning, forcing students to turn to the internet to complete their education. According to the Department of Education\u2019s most recent data, 14 percent of children ages 3-18\u2014approximately 9.4 million total\u2014do not have internet access at home, putting them at significant risk of falling behind academically.\n\nThe Every Child Connected Act would:\n\nRequires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to redefine the term classroom to include distance learning occurring at the home.\n\nRedirects funding captured by Section 5 of the FTC act and consent orders from privacy violations at the FTC to the FCC E-Rate program.\n\nRequires coordination among state and local municipalities and the Department of Education to assure E-Rate is utilized for distance learning taking place at the home.\n\nTo view full bill text, click here.\n\nTo view a one-pager on the legislation, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2951", "McKinley: \u201cDeveloping Carbon Capture Is Paramount\u201d", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) was a featured guest speaker for the 2020 annual meeting of the Carbon Capture Coalition. The virtual conference was attended by nearly 100 attendees representing energy companies, project developers, labor, and environmental groups.In his remarks, McKinley discussed carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) as a more realistic and pragmatic option to reduce emissions, rather than simply closing coal and gas plants.\r\nFor years we have been pushing for an energy policy that focuses on innovation that allows America to utilize all of our energy resources more responsibly,McKinley said.It is vital that America develops the technologies and infrastructure needed to reduce emissions  both by capturing the Co2 at its source and building the pipelines to move it to other locations for storage and utilization.\r\nOur ultimate goal becomes is to export that technology to other nations, specifically China and India. At the end of the day, even if America totally stopped emitting carbon, with the amount being produced by China and India alone we would still face wildfires on the West Coast, droughts in the Midwest, and hurricanes on the East Coast,added McKinley.\r\nBackground:\r\nMcKinley has been a staunch supporter of developing carbon capture technologies.\r\n \r\n    In 2017, he was a lead co-sponsor of the Carbon Capture Act (H.R. 3761), which was inserted into the bipartisan budget agreement, which expanded the existing tax credit for carbon capture and make it more appealing.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In 2019, he introduced the USE IT Act (H.R.1166), a bipartisan, bicameral bill that supports the development and demonstration of vital carbon capture and removal technologies.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In 2019, he was a lead co-sponsor on the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 (H.R.3607). The bill continues to reauthorize research activities in the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and set priorities for the next generation of clean energy technologies that will help the energy industry continue to flourish in our country.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In 2020, released legislative language for an energy and climate proposal. This bipartisan approach would establish an energy innovation program that invests CCUS, advanced nuclear, and renewables with storage for a decade, followed by a clean energy standard for the power sector.\r\n \r\n \r\n    This month introduced the ACCESS 45Q Act (H.R. 8858). This bipartisan legislation extends the date for projects to begin construction to claim the 45Q tax credit for carbon oxide sequestration by ten years. It also provides a direct pay elective for the full value of the tax credit, which makes it more useful for project developers.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-announces-health-services-grant-morgan-county", "Mooney Announces Health Services Grant for Morgan County", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BERKELEY SPRINGS  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) announced a $45,436 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Morgan County Partnership.\n\nI'm glad this HHS grant has been awarded to the Morgan County Partnership to help provide this organization with funds for a healthy, supportive community network in Morgan County, West Virginia, said Congressman Mooney.\n\n\nGrant Listed Below:\n\nMorgan County Partnership\nMorgan County\n$45,436\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-announces-human-services-grant-hardy-county", "Mooney Announces HHS Grant for Hardy County", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MOOREFIELD  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) announced a $1,178,972 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Eastern Allegheny Council for Human Services Head Start.\n\nI'm glad this HHS grant has been awarded to the Eastern Allegheny Council for Human Services Head Start to help provide funds for family development programs in Hardy County, West Virginia, said Congressman Mooney.\n\n\nGrant Listed Below:\n\nEastern Allegheny Council for Human Services Head Start\nHardy County\n$1,178,972\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-the-electoral-college-vote", "Capito Statement on the Electoral College VoteRead More", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement regarding yesterday\u2019s Electoral College vote:\n\n\u201cYesterday, the electoral college cast their votes, solidifying that former Vice President Joe Biden will be our next president and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris will be our next vice president. Following the 2020 presidential election results last month, I said I would respect the certified results and will congratulate our nation\u2019s new leaders, regardless of the policy differences I might have with them. I still stand by this today, and offer my congratulations to President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris. As I said yesterday, it\u2019s time to turn the page on the 2020 election and begin a new administration.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-announces-32-million-grant-head-start-programs", "Congresswoman Miller Announces $3.2 Million Grant for Head Start Programs", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) announced today two grants from the Department of Health and Human Services for the Head Start Program in Southern West Virginia. The first, worth $1,352,396, is going to the Raleigh County Community Action Association, Inc. and the second, worth $1,879,793, is going to the MountainHeart Community Services, Inc. \"Our children are the future engineers, doctors, and teachers of West Virginia,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"We must continue to ensure they have the best care, education, and resources available for a successful future. I am proud to see the Department of Health and Human Services provide this funding to care for West Virginia's families.\" The Head Start Programs provide parents and children, from birth to age 5, with the skills they need to begin their school career. These programs foster a positive learning environment to encourage children's growth and development in the areas of early learning, health, and family well-being.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-secures-grant-calhoun-county", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney Secures Grant for Calhoun County", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GRANTSVILLE  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney WV-02) announced a $135,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the Calhoun County Commission for the Calhoun County Infrastructure Assessment and Improvement Plan project. This grant will help provide Calhoun County with the resources needed to improve and expand water and wastewater infrastructure systems.\n\nI'm proud to have helped secure $135,000 in critical infrastructure funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission for the great citizens of Calhoun County. This grant will help upgrade Calhoun County's current water and wastewater infrastructure systems and expand the existing service to underserved areas, said Congressman Alex Mooney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-nominates-24-west-virginians-us-military-academies", "Mooney Nominates 24 West Virginians to U.S. Military Academies", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARTINSBURG  Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) today announced that twenty-four students from West Virginia's Second Congressional District have been nominated to U.S. service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congressman Mooney acknowledged this great honor today in the following statement:\n\nOur incredible military academy nominees have been selected based on their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation. It always makes me very proud to see so many incredible students from West Virginia's Second Congressional District apply for this life-changing opportunity. In our country today, we need driven and patriotic young Americans, like our nominees, to faithfully serve and defend our freedoms, said Congressman Alex Mooney.\n\nMembers of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:\n \n\t\tU.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY\n\t\n\t\n\t\tU.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD\n\t\n\t\n\t\tU.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO\n\t\n\t\n\t\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY\n\t\n \nThe service academy nominees from West Virginia's Second Congressional District this year are listed below:\n\nAiden Turney\nJefferson County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nAshton Hylton\nBerkeley County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nBenjamin Maiden\nJefferson County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nChloe Munslow\nJefferson County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nCullen Horowicz\nJefferson County\nUSMA\n\nDanielle Quijano\nPutnam County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nEthan Mayo\nKanawha County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nGina Sobinovsky\nBerkeley County\nUSAFA/USMA/USMMA\n\nJacob Schuck\nKanawha County\nUSMA/USAFA\n\nJason Ashman\nJefferson County\nUSNA/USMMA\n\nJohn Hall\nJefferson County\nUSMA/USAFA\n\nJonathan Howat\nPutnam County\nUSNA\n\nJoshua Kilbride\nJefferson County\nUSAFA\n\nJustin Jun\nKanawha County\nUSAFA\n\nLiam Wilson\nBerkeley County\nUSNA\n\nLisa Sobinovsky\nBerkeley County\nUSAFA/USMA/USMMA\n\nMason Reddington\nJefferson County\nUSMMA\n\nMichael Poe\nJefferson County\nUSMA/USAFA\n\nNicholas Harbaugh\nBerkeley County\nUSNA/USAFA\n\nNicholas Shirley\nBerkeley County\nUSAFA/USNA\n\nPayton Derrick\nJefferson County\nUSMA\n\nRussell Coon\nHardy County\nUSNA\n\nSebastien Morel\nJefferson County\nUSMA\n\nThomas Inman\nBerkeley County\nUSNA/USMA\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2950", "Team McKinley Hits Constituent Service Milestone", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. The office of Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) recently passed a milestone for constituent service, surpassing 1,000 cases resolved in 2020. This year has seen a significant increase in the caseload from previous years.When a constituent needs help with a federal agency, whether it's securing benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping secure Economic Impact Payments from the IRS or assisting in unemployment claims, McKinley's staff has stepped in to help find a solution.\r\nThe public health and economic crisis we faced this year has placed a strain on many families in West Virginia, said McKinley. In their moment of need, many turned to us to assist them navigate the bureaucracy and solve problems.\r\nOur dedicated constituent service team never stopped working, said McKinley. From the time a call comes in from a constituent who needs help, they're on the ball. They're vigilant and don't take no' for an answer.\r\nWhether it was dealing with the backlog of unemployment claims, navigating small business assistance, or helping West Virginia families stranded overseas during the initial days of COVID-19, our team has been quietly working behind the scenes to make a difference, added McKinley.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-announces-grant-prevent-addiction-fayette-county", "Congresswoman Miller Announces Grant to Prevent Addiction in Fayette County", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) announced today a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention & Control (NCIPC) worth $125,000 to the Fayette County Family Resource Network, Inc. in Fayetteville, West Virginia. The funds will be used for the Fayette Drug-Free Communities Program seeking to reduce youth substance use by using the strategic prevention framework, environmental strategies, ongoing evaluation and collaboration. \"I am grateful for this important funding coming into our community from the CDC,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"In a time when we are battling the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue to think about our ongoing fight against addiction here at home. The full force of the American government is working to keep West Virginia safe and healthy, as well as provide the resources needed to combat these public health crises.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/two-wva-representatives-sign-brief-supporting-texas-challenge-election", "Two W.Va. Representatives sign brief supporting Texas challenge to election results", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON  Two of West Virginia's three U.S. representatives have signed a brief supporting a lawsuit challenging election results in four swing states.\nRepublicans Alex Mooney and Carol Miller signed the amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey signed another amicus, or friend of the court, brief with other Republican AGs as well.\nMooney and Miller are two of the 106 House of Representatives members who signed the latest brief, which was filed December 10.\nAs members of the federal legislature, these amici seek to protect the constitutional role of state legislatures in determining the manner by which states choose their electors.This brief amicus curiae presents the concern of amici as Members of Congress, shared by untold millions of their constituents, that the unconstitutional irregularities involved in the 2020 presidential election cast doubt upon its outcome and the integrity of the American system of elections, the filing states. On the merits, this amicus brief defends the constitutional authority of state legislatures as the only bodies duly authorized to establish the manner by which presidential electors are appointed, one of the central issues in the pending litigation.\nThe third West Virginia representative  Republican David McKinley  did not sign the brief.\nOn December 8, Mooney introduced a House resolution for consideration to count every legal vote and to investigate and punish election fraud in the 2020 Presidential election.\nThat resolution read, in part, that the House supports efforts across the county to count every legal vote and to investigate and punish election fraud in the 2020 Presidential election, calls upon all members to support all electoral investigations until a fair and accurate count is verified and encourages neither President Donald Trump nor former Vice President Joseph Biden to concede until all investigations of alleged fraud are completed.\nTalking to MetroNews' Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval earlier this week, Mooney said there is evidence of voter fraud despite what U.S. Attorney General William Barr has said.\nIf you don't look and check, if you don't open the door and check on it, Mooney said. You have to look. \nThis is a big deal. This is the president of the United States. Let's just make sure the voters can trust the system. If we don't have trust in the election results, we have a bigger problem.\nLast month, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said she would respect the certified results of the election and believed Biden's transition team should begin receiving appropriate briefings such as those related to national security.\nPresident Trump has challenged the election results in several states, Capito said. While some irregularities and fraud have been found and should be punished, there is no indication that these are widespread enough to call into question the outcome of the election. I firmly believe in our electoral system and in the power of the voice of the people.\n\nI have been clear that President Trump  like any candidate for office  has the right to request recounts and to raise legal claims before our courts. However, at some point, the 2020 election must end.\nI will respect the certified results and will congratulate our nation's new leaders, regardless of the policy differences I might have with them. As with any administration, I will look for common ground in the best interest of our state and our country.\nAlso on December 9, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner told Kercheval he supports Morrisey's decision to join the AG amicus brief calsohallenging election results.\nWere the electors elected in those states properly? Warner told Kercheval. There's enough issues to raise that to the Supreme Court.\nPaxton filed the lawsuit December 9 asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the electoral college from finalizing Joe Biden's victory in the presidential race. Paxton alleges the four states  Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin  exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to justify ignoring federal and state election laws and unlawfully enacted last-minute changes, skewing the results of the 2020 General Election.\nMany Americans and West Virginians have seen their confidence in the electoral system undermined as they watch one report after another outlining the many, many problems with the 2020 elections,\" Morrisey said in a December 9 statement. That must change.\nToday, I am announcing my support of Texas' request before the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the many irregular, highly problematic and unconstitutional actions that have occurred in the states during the 2020 elections. We are joining a brief with a number of my colleagues, which will be filed at the U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon.\nAmerica and West Virginia deserve to get to the bottom of these really troubling issues. I urge the U.S. Supreme Court to carefully consider Texas' and the states' requests.\nWarner, a Republican, also took part in a March For Trump bus rally December 9 in Charleston, appearing in a Right Side Broadcasting Network interview. During the broadcast, Warner can be seen holding a Stop The Steal sign.\nIt's so important to keep him (Trump) in office, Warner said during his Right Side interview in which he also discussed ballot fraud allegations. When cardboard is put over windows, when two cases of ballots come out, when ballots are pre-marked or don't have folds on it  there's all those things. Those are red flags that need to be looked at and not just discounted, and that's what the mainstream media wants us to do.\nWarner also told the network he hopes the Supreme Court will rule that there have been issues.\nThat's what we're hoping the Supreme Court will come to the conclusion there are too many problems, he said. We don't have time for criminal cases to occur if we do the investigation so the only proper remedy for this for it to occur before January 20 is to throw it back to the states, which is what needs to happen.\nThe states that joined the lawsuit by filing an amicus brief are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-viatris-ceasing-manufacturing-operations-in-morgantown", "Capito Statement on Viatris Ceasing Manufacturing Operations in MorgantownRead More", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement following the announcement that Viatris\u2014a new company created following the November 16 merger between Mylan and Pfizer Inc.\u2019s Upjohn unit\u2014will be ceasing manufacturing operations in Morgantown by July 2021.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly disappointed to learn that Viatris\u2019 Morgantown plant will be ending its manufacturing operations by July 2021. This is devastating news for the hundreds of hardworking individuals who worked at Mylan that make up the plant\u2019s workforce and the entire community\u2014especially during the holiday season. I will continue to do whatever I can to help the community\u2014whether it\u2019s working with partners at the federal, state, and local levels, to attract new investment to the area or assisting those who have been impacted by the closure.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-in-favor-of-national-defense-authorization-act", "Capito Votes in Favor of National Defense Authorization ActRead More", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted in favor of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, annual legislation that fulfills Congress\u2019 constitutional duty to \u201cprovide for the common defense.\"\n\n\u201cThis broad, bipartisan bill focuses on implementing the National Defense Strategy to confront challenges from Russia, China, Iran, as well as protect against international terrorism and other threats. By ensuring technological advantages, securing supply chains, making key investments in modernized warfare, and prioritizing accountability and streamlining operations at the Pentagon, we are able to retain our military superiority,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cBut most importantly, this bill takes care of our troops and their families not only by authorizing a well-deserved pay raise, but also by improving the lives of military families with flexible childcare, education, and housing.\u201d\n\nHIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2021 NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes a requested 3 percent pay raise for our troops\n\nProvides a total of $740.5 billion in funding to fulfill the requirements of the president\u2019s National Defense Strategy\n\nPositions the United States to best defend our interests in the Indo-Pacific and deter Chinese military and economic aggression by establishing and resourcing the Pacific Deterrence Initiative\n\nAccelerates innovation by focusing investments on key capabilities and technologies that will put us light years ahead of our strategic competitors, including artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, cybersecurity, and biotechnologies\n\nContinues the President Trump\u2019s historic efforts to rebuild our military superiority by investing in the next generation of ships, planes, tanks, and weapons\n\nImproves the lives and livelihoods of military families by helping military spouses find and keep good jobs, guaranteeing access to quality, flexible child care and education, and ensuring families are living in healthy, safe housing\n\nMakes the Pentagon more transparent and accountable to the American people by modernizing reporting requirements and improving the budget request materials\n\nProtects our troops and supports military readiness by ensuring our troops have adequate diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and PPE, and supporting the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic\n\nCAPITO PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN THE 2021 NDAA:\n\nProhibits of the divestment of RC-26B manned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft that are based in Martinsburg.\n\nSupports military mothers by ensuring women serving in the National Guard and Reserves can take maternity leave without worry about how it will affect their compensation and credits towards their retirement for their military service. Senator Capito was a co-sponsor of this provision, the Mothers of Military Service (MOMS) Leave Act.\n\nEnsures minimum number of 287 C-130 aircraft, which is critical for military readiness and the West Virginia National Guard.\n\nSupports dual-status technicians and the important role these men and women play in supporting operations of the National Guard.\n\nIncludes the U.S. Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act, which further cements the partnership between the United States and Israel.\n\nIncludes rare earth elements (REEs) report language to ensure the United States is not dependent on foreign adversaries like China for REEs that are necessary for technological capabilities.\n\nA detailed summary of the 2021 NDAA can be found here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/iwvp-honoring-patrolman-cassie-johnson-congressman-gives-stimulus-update", "IWVP: Honoring Patrolman Cassie Johnson; congressman gives stimulus update", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK)  On Inside West Virginia Politics, Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV) shares his heartfelt thoughts regarding the tragedy of Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson's death after she was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. He says in this time of grief for the city, it is important to look for ways to honor her legacy. Mooney also gives an update on the stalemated battle of getting a stimulus package passed to provide aid to those impacted by shutdowns and layoffs caused by the pandemic.\n\tFor local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from theApple App Storeor theGoogle Play Store.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2948", "McKinley, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Providing Relief for Families", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced bipartisan legislation calling for immediate relief for families.American families are struggling and need immediate relief. More than half of households have reported major financial challenges due to the economic and public health crisis,said Rep. McKinley.By providing a second round of individual relief, millions of American families would receive the help they need to get through the holiday season. As Congress continues to negotiate additional COVID-19 relief measures, we must prioritize family-focused direct assistance to those who need it most.\r\nAs Congress continues to negotiate the next COVID relief package, it is critical that we have a direct focus on American families and their needs. The primary need, at the moment, is income. We saw that the first round of economic impact payments were effective and helped raise over 8 million Americans out of poverty, but we have also seen millions of Americans fall back into poverty without more direct financial relief from the federal government. Congress must act to meet the moment. That means direct payments which would provide direct relief. I'm proud to join with Rep. McKinley to introduce a bill that would provide that direct relief and would urge Congressional leadership to include our bill in any COVID relief package that is introduced,said Rep. Blunt Rochester.\r\nThis bill is the House companion to the Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act (S. 4381), introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Martha McSally (R-AZ).\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act would:\r\n \r\n    Disburse Economic Impact Payments of $1,000 for both adults and children with social security numbers (SSNs) equally, $2,000 if filing jointly. A family of four would receive $4,000, which is $600 more than they received under the CARES Act.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Includes eligibility for adult dependents, including those with disabilities or college students.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Includes eligibility for U.S. citizens married to foreign nationals but does not include eligibility for foreign nationals or ITIN filers.\r\n    \r\n \r\nTo read bill text,click here.  \r\n\r\nA one-pager can be foundhere.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2949", "McKinley Bill to Bolster Hydropower  Passes House", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) applauded the House passage of the Reliable Investment in Vital Energy Reauthorization (RIVER) Act (H.R. 3361). This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes two Department of Energy (DOE) programs that encourages utilizing existing dams for power generation.According to a DOE report, there are up to 12 gigawatts of untapped hydropower development within the nation's existing dam infrastructure. Yet, only three percent of the United States' 91,000 dams are used to generate hydroelectric power and it takes over 10 years to get a permit to develop new hydropower projects.\r\nIt's critical that America pursues an all-of-the-above energy approach that includes hydroelectric power,said Rep. McKinley.Only three percent of our nation's dams are used to generate hydroelectric power. It's important we provide the tools needed to utilize existing infrastructure to produce electricity.\r\nTo read bill text,click here.\r\nClick hereto watch Rep. McKinley's full House floor remarks.\r\nBackground:\r\nThis is the 5thbipartisan bill McKinley either introduced or is a lead Republican on to pass in the last month.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2945", "McKinley Nominates 9 Students to Military Academies", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 9 students from the First District to the United States service academies. Nomination by a Member of Congress is the first step in the process toward appointment to a military academy.Nominating deserving young people for the opportunity of a lifetime is one of the best parts of my job,McKinley said. West Virginians have always answered the call to serve our nation, and I am confident that these students represent West Virginia's best and brightest.\r\nThese young men and women will be the next generation of leaders,said McKinley.They have earned their nomination through hard work, achievement and good character, demonstrated in the classroom, the athletic field and their community. I wish them the best of luck with the process.\r\nNominations are based on academic merit, moral character, scholarship, leadership potential, career goals, and motivation. Admittance to any of our nation's service academies is highly competitive, with a limited number of cadets being accepted each year. This nomination is merely one step in the academy application process. The nominated students must now meet the Academy's individual admission requirements in order to receive an Appointment of Appointment. The nominated students are in alphabetical order by last name.\r\nEmily Harmon(Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School where she is a member of the Technology Science Club. She is a four-year member of the softball team and school marching band.Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.\r\nRiley Nett(Morgantown) attends University High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta a mathematics honor society for high school students. He is also a four-year member of the soccer team. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and West Point.\r\nBrent Robinson II(Morgantown) attends Seton Hall University where he is majoring in finance. At Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg, he was member of the National Honor Society, School Club Officer, and the co-founder of the Investment Club.Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.\r\nRebekah Rowan(Mineral Wells) attends Parkersburg High School and ranks in the top 5% of her class. She is National Honor Society Chapter President and West Virginia Girls State.Nominated to West Point.\r\nXander Shoemake(Ridgley) attends Frankfort High School where he is a member of the Rocketry Club and National Honor Society. He is also a member of the Cumberland Civil Air Patrol and Cadet Commander Civil Air Patrol Squadron MD-065. Xander was awarded the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe and Woodsmen of the World American History Award.Nominated to West Point.\r\nJacob Staud(Morgantown) attends U.S. Military Prep School where he is a member of the wrestling team. At University High School, Jacob was a member of National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta a mathematics honor society for high school students.Nominated to West Point.\r\nDraeden Taylor(Vienna) attends University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada where he is a member of the Desautels Faculty of Music Program. In high school, Draeden was involved in debate club, Boy Scouts, and chorus.Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.\r\nAbby Turner(Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School, where she is in the top 1% of her class. She is member of the National Honor Society, School Orchestra, and a four-year member of the swim team.Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy.\r\nElizabeth Warner(Morgantown) attends University High School where she is in the top 1% of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, founded the National English Honor Society, and a four-year member of the swim team.Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-introduce-resolution-gop-support-election", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney to Introduce Resolution for GOP to support Election Fraud Investigations and to Support President Trump", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02)will introduce a resolution at the House Republican Conference meeting this morning at 9 AM. The resolution calls on House Republicans to support President Trump's efforts to count every legal vote cast in the 2020 United States Presidential Election and investigate and punish voter fraud. House GOP Conference members should not prematurely call on President Trump to concede before these investigations are complete.\n\nI hope my House GOP colleagues today choose to adopt this resolution supporting President Trump's efforts to count every legal vote and investigate and punish election fraud. I call on my fellow colleagues in the House GOP Conference to join me in sending a strong, united message of support for President Trump. No Republican member should prematurely call on President Trump to concede before these investigations are complete,said Congressman Alex X. Mooney.\n\nThe House Republican Conference will vote whether or not to move forward with Congressman Mooney's resolution at today's meeting. Congressman Mooney will be also introducing a resolution for consideration by the entire House.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-introduces-resolution-full-us-house-count", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney Introduces Resolution to the Full U.S. House to Count Every Legal Vote and to Investigate and Punish Election Fraud in 2020 Presidential Election", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  At noon today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) introduced a resolution for consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives to count every legal vote and to investigate and punish election fraud in the 2020 Presidential election:\n\nResolved, That the House of Representatives\n(1) supports efforts across the county to count every legal vote and to investigate and punish election fraud in the 2020 Presidential election\n(2) calls upon all Members to support all electoral investigations until a fair and accurate count is verified; and\n(3) encourages neither President Donald Trump nor former Vice President Joseph Biden to concede until all investigations of alleged fraud are completed.\n\nThis is a link to the full resolution.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2944", "McKinley, Schneider Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Cuts to Hospital Payments During COVID-19", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent cuts to hospital payments through the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.The Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act delays Medicare reimbursement cuts through the duration of the public health emergency, ensuring that cash strapped providers can stay focused on fighting COVID-19 instead of worrying about financial hardships.\r\nAt a time when health care workers are on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress should be doing everything within their power to ease their burden,said Rep. McKinley.America's health care providers continue to be stretched thin and face serious financial challenges as a result of the economic and public health crisis. Suspending Medicare reimbursement cuts will allow hospitals and doctors to keep their doors open and continue providing critical care to their patients.\r\nCOVID-19 cases continue to spike across the country. The dramatic growth in cases across the country means continued stress on our frontline health providers. Our hospitals are reporting devastating staffing shortages, overloaded ICUs, and diminishing supplies of personal protective equipment. Our health care professionals report growing burnout and hospitals are experiencing decreased revenue as more are forced to stop elective procedures. Now is not the time to reinstitute across the board cuts to our providerssaid Congressman Brad Schneider.\r\nSince 2011, Medicare payments have been subject to a 2% reduction, known as the Medicare sequester. However, recognizing our providers' heroic work and dire circumstances, Congress delayed these cuts through December 31, 2020 in the CARES Act, which became law in April.\r\nUnfortunately, the pandemic has not waned, and our providers now again face revenue cuts when hospital operating margins are down an estimated 18.7%, according to the American Hospital Association.\r\nBackground:\r\nSince the COVID19 pandemic hit, Congressman McKinley has been an advocate for West Virginia hospitals.\r\n \r\n    In October, he led a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Azar expressing concerns over the Provider Relief Fund requirements to ensure hospitals have the ability to keep their doors open during the pandemic.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In July, he co-sponsored the Saving Rural Hospitals from Closure Act, which will help hospitals struggling for survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would forgive repayments, extend the timeline of repayments, and lower the interest rate of Medicare Advanced Payments (MAP) made during the pandemic.\r\n \r\nThe Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act has received support from the following organizations: American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, American Medical Association, America's Essential Hospitals, Association of American Medical Colleges, Illinois Hospital Association, American Physical Therapy Association, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Large Urology Group Practice Association, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Infusion Providers Alliance, LeadingAge, Visiting Nurse Associations of America/ElevatingHOME, and American Academy of Dermatology Association.\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-introduces-reinvesting-essential-partnerships-and", "Congresswoman Miller Introduces the Reinvesting in Essential Partnerships And Infrastructure for Rural America (REPAIR) Act", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the Reinvesting in Essential Partnerships And Infrastructure for Rural America (REPAIR) Act in the House of Representatives. The goal of this bill is to increase the amount of funding allocated for rural transportation projects, reduce regulatory hurdles that face rural communities,provide greater flexibility, and ensure rural regions benefit from new transportation technology innovation. \"America's small towns are the backbone of this country and are in need of a substantial transportation infrastructure overhaul,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \" I'm introducing the REPAIR Act to ensure that all Americans living in rural communities have better access to hospitals, schools, jobs, and other communities. This important legislation will help revitalize rural economies, strengthen our roadways, and connect our small towns.\" Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA), Randy Webber (R-TX), Rick Crawford (R-AR), and Greg Pence (R-IN) joined Congresswoman Miller as original co-sponsors in introducing the REPAIR Act. Background:  \n\tAs Congress prepares to negotiate a majorSurface Transportation Package in 2021, the REPAIR Act outlines the transportation priorities of House Republicans in rural America.This bill will give more funding opportunities and flexibility to rural states in order to reach their transportation goals.  \n\t  \n\tThe REPAIR Act has five key sections:\n Supports increased flexibility for state projects by increasing the federal cost share of small projects. Recognizes that rural communities do not have the same resources as urban cities and establishes a Rural Starts program within the Capital Investment Grants program to assist small projects in non-urban areas.\n\tReduces regulatory hurdles for rural communities and provides greater flexibility to reallocate funds to non-urban areas done at the State's discretion.\n\tIncreases the amount provided from federal transit programs to projects in rural areas.\n\tSupport greater mobility options for citizens in states like West Virginia to get to their jobs, healthcare needs, and more, by increasing funding set asides for rural projects.\n\tEnsures that rural and smaller communities also benefit from increased innovation and new technologies in infrastructure by guaranteeing a share of program funding for the development of advanced transportation technologies.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2942", "McKinley, Veasey Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Development of Carbon Capture Projects", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E., (W.Va.-1) and Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. This bipartisan legislation extends the date for projects to begin construction to claim the 45Q tax credit for carbon oxide sequestration by ten years. It also provides a direct pay elective for the full value of the tax credit, which makes it more useful for project developers.The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt the U.S. energy sector and slowed the development of carbon capture projects. By extending the eligible date for projects to begin construction and allowing developers upfront access to the full value of the credit, the ACCESS 45Q Act provides the long-term certainty that the U.S. needs to build carbon capture projects and reduce carbon emissions.\r\nAs we seek to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and regain our position as a global energy leader, we must do everything we can to encourage innovation and develop clean energy technologies like carbon capture,said Rep. McKinley.The 45Q tax credit is the single-most useful tool in spurring the development of carbon capture projects. This bill will lead to more projects and more widespread adoption, which is critical to reduce emissions and preserve the future of coal and natural gas.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation builds off our previous work to expand the 45Q tax credit and provides the certainty needed to develop carbon capture projects and use our energy resources in the cleanest way possible,added Rep. McKinley.\r\nThe 45Q Tax Credit was a critical step forward in advancing our nation's green economy,said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33).The expansions in the ACCESS 45Q Act will help us meet our nation's goals to curb climate change by enhancing incentives for business and bolstering the young and growing carbon capture industry.\r\nCongress took a major step forward two years ago to promote carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) when it reformed the Section 45Q tax credit, but a delay in issuing implementing regulations combined with the effects of the pandemic have stalled private investment in projects. Extending the commence construction deadline and implementing a direct payment mechanism for the credit would provide necessary certainty for project developers to access project financing at a time when the economy will limit tax liability. This legislation will ensure the availability of the credit as intended by Congress and will enable full monetization of the tax credits for project finance and represents a necessary step to further advance CCUS projects in the United States. CURC applauds Congressmen McKinley and Veasey for their continued leadership,said Shannon Angielski, Executive Director of the Carbon Utilization Research Council.\r\n\"The ACCESS 45Q Act combines the Carbon Capture Coalition's top two legislative priorities of direct pay and a multiyear extension of the 45Q tax credit, both of which are urgently needed to stimulate private investment and prevent the cancellation of important carbon capture, removal, use and geologic storage projects in various stages of development. The 80-plus companies, unions and NGOs in the Coalition applaud the continued bipartisan leadership of Representatives McKinley, Veasey and others and their efforts to advance legislation to provide project developers and investors with the financial certainty to move forward with large-scale, capital-intensive projects that require years to plan, engineer, permit and finance. The development of these carbon capture projects will help put the U.S. on a path to achieving midcentury climate goals, while spurring investment and creating high-wage jobs for American workers and their communities in the near term as they seek to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,said Brad Crabtree, Executive Director of the Carbon Capture Coalition.\r\nThere is a consensus among international experts that a massive increase in the deployment of carbon capture technology is needed to meaningfully reduce global emissions. That simply will not happen here in the U.S. without smart legislation like Rep. McKinley's ACCESS 45Q, which builds on the existing broad bipartisan Congressional support for carbon capture utilization and storage,said the National Mining Association.\r\n\"U.S. involvement in 12 of the 17 new facilities in 2020 is largely due to the enhanced 45Q tax credit signed into law in 2018, with the Internal Revenue Service issuing more detailed guidance in 2020,\"stated a CCS Institute report released on December 1st, 2020.To read the report,click here.\r\nRepresentatives Kelly Armstrong, Jack Bergman, Cheri Bustos, Mike Doyle, Lizzie Fletcher, and Alex Mooney also joined as original cosponsors of this bill.\r\nBackground:\r\nMcKinley has been leading the fight to reauthorize the carbon capture tax credit.\r\n \r\n    In 2019, he co-sponsored a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury urging them to issue interim guidance so that project developers can begin utilizing the 45Q tax credit without further delay.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In 2017, he was a lead co-sponsor of the Carbon Capture Act (H.R. 3721), which was inserted into the bipartisan budget agreement, which expanded the existing tax credit for carbon capture and make it more appealing. As the House and Senate debated whether to include tax extenders in the bipartisan budget agreement, McKinley:\r\n \r\noLed a bipartisan letter to House leadership and the House Committee on Ways and Means, urging them to include 45Q in any package.\r\noSent an Action Alert to Coal Caucus members.\r\noReached out to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) about including 45Q.\r\noSpoke during a Republican Conference meeting about 45Q and talked directly to Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) about the importance of maintaining it.\r\n \r\n    Because of McKinley's leadership on the issue, the 45Q tax credit was included as part of the bipartisan budget agreement.\r\n \r\n\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2943", "Bill to Strengthen National Heritage Areas Passes House", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) applauded the House passage of the National Heritage Area Act, which establishes, for the first time, standard criteria for designating new National Heritage Areas and creates a uniform process for maintaining existing ones. McKinley was a lead sponsor of the bill.The National Heritage Area Act will allow us to continue to celebrate and promote Wheeling and the Appalachian Forest and dozens of sites across the country,McKinley said.The bill creates standard criteria for the management of these popular public-private-partnerships and will help preserve our heritage, spur economic growth and create jobs.\r\nNational Heritage Areas are sites that hold historic, cultural, and natural significance to the people of the United States of America. The National Heritage Area (NHA) Program is a cost-effective program run through the Department of the Interior based on a public-private partnership model that matches every federal dollar with an average of $5.50 in other public and private funding.\r\nThere are 55 National Heritage Areas across the country including the Appalachian Forest and Wheeling National Heritage Areas located in West Virginia. These sites and the organizations that maintain them have become a source of vital job creation and economic, cultural, historical, environmental, and community development.\r\nTo read bill text,click here.\r\nBackground:\r\nCongressman McKinley is a longtime supporter of National Heritage Areas and serve as co-chair of the Heritage Areas Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n \r\n    The Wheeling National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act, which extends the authorization of the Wheeling National Heritage Area (WNHA) for an additional five years. Started in 1994, the Wheeling Heritage Area was designated as a National Heritage Area in 2000. The WNHA showcases Wheeling's historic Victorian architecture, the waterfront park development, the historic city markets, and West Virginia Independence Hall.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Act, which designates the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area as a National Heritage Area. The Heritage Area is comprised of 18 counties located in West Virginia and western Maryland. The designation allows them to receive greater recognition for tourism purposes, increased technical assistance from the National Park Service, and additional funding for projects. The bill was included in Senator Murkowski's (R-AK) Natural Resources Management Act, S. 47, which passed both chambers and President Trump signed into law.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Heritage Area Appropriations  Rep. McKinley has consistently supported appropriation letters requesting robust funds for National Heritage Areas.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/charleston-police-officer-dies-following-tuesday-shooting", "Charleston police officer dies following Tuesday shooting", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. A Charleston police officer shot while responding to a parking complaint earlier this week has died, city leaders announced Thursday.\nPatrolman Cassie Johnson, 28, was critically injured during an altercation on Garrison Avenue on Tuesday. She was removed from life support the following day.\nJohnson joined the police department in January 2019. The Charleston native worked as a humane officer before becoming a police officer.\nAll of us at the Charleston Police Department are humbled by Patrolman Cassie Johnson's selfless service to our profession, Police Chief Tyke Hunt said outside of Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital. She epitomizes the law enforcement mantra: here to protect and serve.\nHunt announced earlier Thursday that Johnson's unit number  146  will be retired on the police department's roster. Officers will be allowed to wear pins of the number in honor of Johnson.\n\tPatrolman Cassie Johnson (File)\nCharleston Mayor Amy Goodwin ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff. The flags will remain lowered until the funeral is held.\nTo say that we are heartbroken is an understatement, the mayor said. We are at a loss because we have lost one of our sisters in blue.\nHunt noted Johnson's service to others will continue; she registered as an organ donor.\nWe may never know who receives Patrolman Cassie Johnson's final gifts, but I feel certain that those who know the recipients will see a difference in them, he said. I think they will see Cassie's glow that radiates compassion and her desire to help.\nHunt added details about the funeral service will be announced at a later time, but it will take place at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.\nThe Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the shooting investigation, named 38-year-old Joshua Marcellus Phillips, of Charleston, as a suspect. Sheriff Mike Rutherfordsaid on Thursday's MetroNews Talklineit appears Phillips pulled a weapon before Johnson.\nYou could tell that they were in a discussion, a brief scuffle occurred, a little bit more discussion, then another situation occurred where it became much more violent, obviously, he said. Both of the individuals were shot.\nHunt said medical staff continue to perform surgeries on Phillips.\nU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., offered his condolences to Johnson and her family shortly after the announcement.\nI know our entire home state feels the loss of a first responder  those who are selflessly willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect and serve our communities, he said in a statement. Cassie's legacy and service will never be forgotten.\nSen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., also extended her thoughts.\nSo sad to hear about the loss of one of our finest, Officer Cassie Johnson. Officer Johnson answered the call, cared for us, and protected us. I hope we all take a minute to remember that police put their lives on the line every day for the safety of our communities,she tweeted. It's a hard job that is rarely appreciated enough. Thank you, Officer Johnson. Our hearts go out to her family and her fellow officers tonight.\nRep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., alsoshared his condolences on Twitter. Charleston is part of the 2nd Congressional District, which Mooney represents.\nWest Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said Johnson embodied what it means to be a police officer.\nWe owe Officer Johnson a tremendous debt of gratitude as her passing reminds us that, with even the most seemingly routine calls, police officers risk their lives every day to serve and protect each of us, he said in a statement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2941", "McKinley Bill to Improve Access to Registered Apprenticeships in High-Growth Job Sectors Passes House", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) and Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) celebrated the House passage of the National Apprenticeship Act. The bill, which included their bipartisan and bicameral Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, will invest more than $3.5 billion to create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years.Investing in job training programs and apprenticeships is crucial, especially when COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work. By increasing access to apprenticeships, we will close the skilled workers gap, create good-paying jobs in our communities, and help aid in our economic recovery,said Congressman McKinley.\r\nA Registered Apprenticeship shaped my life  laying the foundation for me to go from the construction site to Congress,said Congressman Norcross.I am pleased that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, which will provide students and workers across the country access to apprenticeship opportunities by expanding and strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Expanding access to Registered Apprenticeships  our country's most successful workforce training program  will allow workers to earn while they learn and accelerate our economic recovery. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act and support American workers and their futures.\r\nI am proud that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, a bill to expand organizations like Delaware Pathways that help employers design, develop, and deliver Registered Apprenticeship Programs,said Senator Coons.As the economic disruption of COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work, it is more important than ever for the government to invest in quality job training programs, like Registered Apprenticeships, and create more opportunities for America's displaced workers and youth. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act immediately.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have witnessed the benefits of apprenticeships and the opportunities they provide. Now that a global pandemic has left countless Americans without work, it is more important than ever that we invest in career-supporting apprenticeship programs. I'm pleased that our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act is one step closer to becoming law,said Senator Young.\r\nThe bill text of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 isavailable here.\r\nA one-pager for the Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act isavailable here.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nAs co-chair of the Building Trades Caucus, Congressman McKinley is a strong advocate for expanding opportunities in job training programs and apprenticeships for students.\r\nThe National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is endorsed by American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), Jobs for the Future (JFF), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Skills Coalition (NSC), National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues (TWTF), North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), and Third Way.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2940", "While Families and Small Businesses Suffer, Speaker Pelosi Prioritizes Legalizing Marijuana and \u201cTiger King\u201d", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. As 2020 comes to a close, America faces mounting economic and public health challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, and Congress faces year-end deadlines on a host of issues. Instead of addressing these pressing matters, Speaker Pelosi has scheduled votes on bills to legalize marijuana nationwide and ban tiger ownership.  \r\nThis is a matter of priorities. At a time when millions of American families and small businesses are struggling, hospitals are being stretched thin, and overdose deaths are skyrocketing, Speaker Pelosi is putting marijuana and tigers first,said McKinley.This shows a shocking lack of awareness. Is she that tone deaf?\r\nThere is nearly $140 billion in unused money sitting in an account that could help small businesses across the country stay afloat,said McKinley.Wouldn't it make sense to simply unlock that money and put it to use? Instead the House is focused on issues that are far from the mind of most Americans. \r\nFor months, Speaker Pelosi has repeatedly put her partisan agenda ahead of immediate targeted relief that would help so many Americans,said McKinley.All or nothing is not an acceptable approach. Too many Americans are counting on us for help. Rather than wasting the House's time on marijuana and exotic animals, we should be focused on finding common ground for a solution. Background:\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has provided support to small businesses across America, supporting over 51 million jobs during the pandemic. Currently, over $130 billion of unused PPP funds have been siting idle after the program's August 8thexpiration. Yet, Speaker Pelosi continues to stall on bringing forth a bill that would extend relief to small businesses struggling because of the economic impact of COVID19.\r\nIn September, Rep. McKinley signed a discharge petition to force a vote by the U.S. House to extend the PPP. According to U.S. House rules, should the discharge petition garner 218 signatures from Representatives, the House will then be compelled to bring to the floor legislation (H.R. 8265), to distribute the remaining unused PPP funds. The bill permits businesses to apply for second loans and expands PPP eligibility.\r\nAs of August 8th, the Paycheck Protection Program was utilized by 18,062 West Virginia small businesses, totaling to $1,802,521,277 in loans, and saving over 200,000 jobs.\r\nClick herefor the PPP report.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-announces-charleston-air-force-priority-base", "Mooney Announces Charleston as Air Force Priority Base", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) issued the following statement announcing that the U.S. Air Force has chosen West Virginia's 130th Airlift Wing at the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base to be the location for the recapitalization of eight new C-130J airplanes:\n\nI am proud to announce, after a competitive nationwide selection process, West Virginia's 130th Airlift Wing, located at the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, West Virginia, has been designated by the Air Force to receive eight new C-130J cargo planes. This means that our brave U.S. servicemen and women will be trained on these airplanes right here in West Virginia. I was glad to make the case for the Mountain State alongside my colleagues in the West Virginia delegation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-statement-supporting-president-trump-he-conducts-fair-and-legal", "Mooney Statement Supporting President Trump as He Conducts a Fair and Legal Investigation of the Presidential Election", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) issued the following statement in response to actions taken by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), at the direction of President Trump, to begin initial protocols in the event of a presidential transition:\n\nI support President Trump's decision to allow the GSA to make resources available to Joe Biden and his team. In no way does this mean that President Trump has conceded, nor do I believe he should concede given the allegations currently being investigated. The Trump Campaign is rightfully litigating evidence of fraud from sworn affidavits and pursuing constitutional violations in court to ensure the integrity of our election system. I agree with President Trump that every legal vote must be counted. I continue to stand with President Trump.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-miller-and-trone-introduce-building-rural-investments-development-and", "Reps. Miller and Trone Introduce the Building Rural Investments, Development, and Growth for the Economy (BRIDGE) Act", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) andCongressman David Trone (D-MD) joined today to introduce theBuilding Rural Investments, Development, and Growth for the Economy (BRIDGE) Act in the House of Representatives. The goal of this bill is to bridge the economic urban-rural divide as America continues to heal from COVID-19. This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State to promote the export of goods from rural regions, with a focus on small businesses. It additionally directs them to facilitate foreign investments into our rural communities. \"I am proud to introduce this crucial legislation for rural America in the House of Representatives today,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"The BRIDGE Act will work to close the gap between our rural and urban communities, create more jobs, and increase trade. America's rural areas have been hit hard by COVID-19 and deserve the same opportunities as major cities to recover. As more Americans are moving out of big cities, this bill goes a long way in ensuring our small towns remain wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family.\" Rural communities like Western Maryland are chock full of hard workers and great American small businesses. We need to do everything we can to expand the markets for these American-made products, said Congressman Trone. This bill takes a major step towards bridging the economic divide in our country and ensuring that all Americans can prosper, no matter where they live. Background:  \n\tAs our nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, our rural communities have been hard hit. Unlike urban areas, rural parts of the country have a harder time attracting business investment and need better access to foreign investment and markets for exports. This bill will help to alleviate this problem as well as strengthen rural economies and create more jobs. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2939", "McKinley Leads Letter to FERC Requesting an Update on Efforts to Ensure Resilience and Secure Our Grid", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) led a follow-up letter asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to provide an update on the agency's efforts to protect the resilience of our electric grid.  \r\nRep. McKinley, along with 16 of his colleagues, requested FERC to outline the measures it has to take evaluate grid resilience and strengthen the reliability of the grid. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) led a similar letter in the Senate.\r\nThe closure of additional baseload power plants will weaken America's national and economic security. With coal and nuclear plants already closing at alarming rates, the reliability of America's electric grid is at risk,said Rep. McKinley.From the Polar Vortex to rolling blackouts in California to the growing threat of cyberattacks from foreign enemies, we've seen how weather and other external factors can stress our energy supply and threaten our security. FERC needs to follow through on its commitment to address grid resiliency, and in doing so guarantee reliable and secure energy for consumers.\r\nEvery home and business depends on the grid's ability to keep the lights on, and this effort is about preserving access to reliable and affordable baseload power, like coal, which can meet the demand for electricity, regardless of weather or time of day,said Senator Hoeven.FERC has already gathered public input on the issue of grid resilience, but as we've seen during recent events, including California's rolling blackouts in August, we need clear action to strengthen the grid by stopping the alarming loss of baseload generation capacity. That's why we continue pressing FERC to ensure baseload power is fairly valued in regulated markets, while also advancing tools like the 45Q tax credit and CCUS technology to provide a true path forward for our coal producers.\r\nFERC opened its resilience docket (AD18-7-000) to receive public comment on the need to ensure markets properly value the resilience and fuel security of traditional baseload resources, like coal. However, the comment period ended in April 2018, and the agency has since taken no measurable actions to advance this priority. McKinley sent a letter in October 2019, requesting FERC to provide an update on the agency's efforts.\r\nIn the latest letter, McKinley and the other Members wrote:\r\nSince FERC opened its resilience docket, approximately 37,000 megawatts (MW) of coal-fueled generation has shut down, and an additional 4,700 MW are expected to retire between now and the end of next year,the Members wrote.Likewise, some 9,900 MW of nuclear capacity is expected to close between now and 2025. Collectively, that is roughly enough to power some 37.5 million homes. Natural gas-fueled power plants have closed as well, particularly in California.\r\nThe closures of resilient and reliable generation sources have caused serious problems with the grid in several regions of the country. For example, in August, California experienced an energy shortage during a heat wave, with high temperatures extending through the nights. Those shortages have been blamed in part on the high amount of solar energy in the state, and California's energy mix is required to ramp up from 33% renewables today to 60% by 2030,added the Members.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.\r\nBackground:\r\nMcKinley is a leader in Congress on the issue of securing the reliability and resiliency of America's electric grid:\r\n \r\n    In October 2019, McKinley led a letter requesting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to provide an update on the agency's efforts to protect the reliably of our electric grid. To read the letter,click here.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In April 2018, McKinley and Rothfus led a follow-up letter reiterating their calls for the Administration to invoke their emergency powers to prevent further closures of America's coal and nuclear-fired power plants. This letter was signed by 20 members of Congress, including West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In February 2018, McKinley led a letter with Rep. Keith Rothfus (PA-12) urging the Trump Administration to utilize their 202(c) emergency powers to secure America's electric grid. The letter was signed by 23 Members of Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito.\r\n \r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2934", "McKinley Applauds Passage of Bill to Improve Transparency, Accountability at the VA", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "McKinley Applauds Passage of Bill to Improve Transparency, Accountability at the VA \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Deaths at Clarksburg VA Spurs Effort to Protect Veterans \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 17, 2020\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) applauded the House passage of the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers. The bill already passed the Senate and is on the way to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.The Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act is the first step towards helping provide transparency and accountability at our VA medical centers,said Rep McKinley.This bill will require the VA to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care to Congress. This will provide Congress with a better understanding of what happened in Clarksburg, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.\r\nOur veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and they deserve the best possible care and should feel safe when they come to one of our facilities,added Rep. McKinley.\r\nClick here to watch Rep. McKinley's full House floor remarks.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThis legislation was introduced following several suspicious deaths of veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center. The bill also requires that once the investigation at the Clarksburg VA concludes, that the VA provide Congress with a detailed report and timeline of the events. McKinley was a lead cosponsor on the House companion bill H.R. 5616.To read the full text of the bill click here.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2935", "McKinley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Maintain Access to Telehealth Services", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to telehealth services. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act, which expands the list of the providers eligible for Medicare reimbursement for providing care via telehealth.           \r\n During the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded the types of health care providers who receive reimbursement for telehealth services. This legislation makes permanent the reimbursement eligibility for physical therapists, audiologists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.\r\nEnsuring access to quality health care is more important now than ever. All too often people who live in rural communities in West Virginia don't have access to the health care specialists they need,said Rep. McKinley.It is crucial that such access via telehealth not end abruptly once the public health emergency ends. Improving access to care improves the quality of life.\r\nThe use of telehealth services during this crisis has demonstrated the critical role technology can play in improving health equity,said Rep. Sherrill.No one should have to go without care when a video or phone conversation with a health care provider could mean quicker, safer medical attention.\r\nThis legislation removes unnecessary statutory barriers that restrict patients' access to care and empower patients and their providers to decide on the best care options,said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of ATA.As the only organization exclusively dedicated to the advancement of telehealth, the ATA commends Representatives Sherrill and McKinley for introducing the Expanded Telehealth Access Act.\r\nWaivers issued by CMS to allow occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy delivered through telehealth and the importance of removing barriers to care,said AOTA President Wendy C. Hildenbrand, PhDP, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA.AOTA champions the bi-partisan efforts of Representatives Sherrill and McKinley to ensure that the provision of occupational therapy delivered via telehealth will remain an option for Medicare beneficiaries once the Public Health Emergency ends.\r\nThe use of telehealth during the pandemic has helped ensure patient access to physical therapist services, helped minimize potential exposure to the virus, and provided an option for therapy clinics and their patients,said APTA President Sharon L Dunn, PT, PhD. It is critical for Congress to make this option permanent for Medicare patients. We applaud Rep. Sherrill for her leadership on this important bipartisan legislation with Rep. McKinley and urge swift action on it.\r\nPermanent telehealth access to medically necessary audiology and speech-language pathology services is critical for America's seniors who live in rural and underserved areas, and especially during the nation's public health emergency,said Theresa H. Rodgers, MA, CCC-SLP, 2020 President of ASHA.ASHA thanks Representatives Mikie Sherrill and David McKinley for recognizing this critical need by introducing the Bipartisan Expanded Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives today. This bill will ensure Medicare beneficiaries permanent telehealth access to hearing, speech, language, swallowing, and cognition related health care services.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nAccording to the CDC, telehealth services have been particularly valuable for vulnerable populations, especially those with compromised immune systems or in rural areas far from a provider. The CDC also notes that expanded telehealth availability is likely to increase health equity.\r\nThe Expanded Telehealth Access Act is supported by American Telehealth Association, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLHA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the eHealth Initiative and Foundation, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Inc. (HIMSS), and the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance).\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2936", "House Passes Two McKinley Bills to Fight Opioid Epidemic", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the House of Representatives passed 10 bipartisan bills addressing health care and opioid abuse, including two bills lead by Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.).The Block, Report, And Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act (H.R. 3878) requires drug wholesalers to report and stop suspicious orders of prescription drugs. This will prevent massive amounts of pills flooding communities.\r\nThe Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act (H.R. 4712) will improve access to innovative treatments for substance use disorder by preventing drug companies from abusing the system to block new products from the market and prevent competition.\r\nUnderstandably, our nation has focused on COVID-19, but the opioid epidemic is still raging across America. In fact, overdose rates are skyrocketing,said Rep. McKinley.Congress needs to walk and chew gum at the same time. We can't ignore the opioid epidemic and must build on the work we've done in the past to improve access to treatment and stop deadly drugs from flooding our communities.\r\nLast congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee conducted an investigation that found massive evidence of pill dumping and highlighted failures by the drug industry and government. One example in the report was that nearly 9 million pills were distributed in just two years to a single pharmacy in West Virginia. We need to make sure that never happens again,added Rep. McKinley.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe suspicious orders legislation was drafted based on recommendations from a report issued by Energy and Commerce Republicans in December 2018 entitled Red Flags and Warning Signs Ignored:\r\nOpioid Distribution and Enforcement Concerns in West Virginia.\r\nThe full report is available here.\r\nThe Washington Post and HD Media, which publishes the Charleston Gazette-Mail in West Virginia, undertook a year-long legal battle for access to the DEA's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System, known as ARCOS. The data reviled that 76 billion pills were distributed across the country during the seven-year time frame ending in 2012.For more of the data and an interactive map click here.\r\nEarlier this week, another bill sponsored by Rep. McKinley passed the House and is now on the way to President Trump's desk after already passing the Senate.\r\nThe three bills sponsored by McKinley that passed the House this week:\r\n\r\n \r\n    Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act, H.R. 4712.This bill closes a loophole that blocks pharmaceutical competition and prevents innovative treatments for opioid use disorder from coming to market. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) is the lead sponsor, along with Reps. Marc Veasey (D-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and McKinley.\r\n \r\n\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-funding-for-housing-choice-voucher-program-in-west-virginia-", "Capito, Manchin Announce Funding for Housing Choice Voucher Program in West Virginia Read More", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $952,686 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support three housing authorities in West Virginia. This funding comes through HUD\u2019s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Mainstream Voucher Program. The HCV program grants were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.\n\n\u201cAs the impact of coronavirus is still felt across West Virginia, our cities and counties must be given the resources they need to support their residents. Our public housing sectors do a fantastic job in providing affordable housing services to those who need them most, and they are working around the clock to help West Virginians in this time of need. I will continue to advocate on behalf of West Virginia and make certain our state receives the support we need to battle through the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact families in West Virginia. Over 10,000 children and youth are experiencing homelessness across the state, and we know that number is likely much higher. This funding will help those families find affordable, reliable housing in Clarksburg, Charleston and Parkersburg so they have a safe place to sleep and a roof over their head. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding that helps our fellow West Virginians currently experiencing homelessness, especially our children and youth,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nIndividual Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program awards listed below:\n\nHousing Authority of the City of Parkersburg \u2013 $480,187\n\nClarksburg/Harrison Housing Authority \u2013 $95,858\n\nIndividual Mainstream Voucher program award listed below:\n\nCharleston/Kanawha Housing Authority \u2013 $376,641\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-capito-bill-to-improve-transparency-at-clarksburg-va-medical-center", "House Passes Capito Bill to Improve Transparency at Clarksburg VA Medical CenterRead More", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed The Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.). The bill passed the Senate in December 2019 and will be sent to the President for approval.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation will require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers (VAMC) in light of the recent deaths of Veterans at the Clarksburg VAMC. The legislation ensures that Congress, Veterans, and their families are fully informed on the policies and procedures in place across the VA nationally. Additionally, this bill requires the VA, once the criminal investigations are completed, to submit a detailed report and timeline of events surrounding the deaths at the Clarksburg VAMC.\n\n\u201cThe horrifying murders at the Clarksburg VAMC were a gruesome wakeup call underscoring the need for a more thorough look at security systems and procedures across the VAMC system. This bill is a step forward to help ensure our veterans are protected and safely cared for while in VA hands,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cI am pleased the House of Representatives unanimously passed this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that will help increase transparency at the VA. We have faced issues of transparency surrounding the murder of at least seven Veterans at the Clarksburg VAMC, resulting in a lack of confidence in the VA. I can\u2019t imagine having a loved one murdered while in the VA\u2019s care and after almost two years still not knowing the full picture. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law and helping bring justice and peace of mind to our Veterans and their families,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\n\u201cWe cannot begin to understand the grief and anger of the families whose loved ones were killed at the Clarksburg VA,\u201d said Representative McKinley. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will ensure more transparency and accountability within the VA. It will also provide Congress with a better understanding of what happened in Clarksburg, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote for the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act, which will improve patient safety at VA medical facilities. Those who served our nation in the military deserve not only our utmost respect, but also our continued care once they leave military service. The murder of at least seven Veterans at the Clarksburg VA should never be allowed to happen again,\u201d said Representative Mooney.\n\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of this legislation, I am glad that Congress was able to come together to bring necessary change and oversight of our VA Medical Centers in order to ensure that our veterans have confidence in the quality of health care they deserve,\u201d said Representative Miller.\u201cWhat happened at the Clarksburg and Beckley VA facilities this past year were absolute tragedies, and my heart goes out to the victims and the families of those who suffered. Through the passage of this bill, I am optimistic that Congress has taken lasting steps to restore faith in the VA healthcare system that our Veterans depend on.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2932", "McKinley Leads Effort to Protect Access to Low Cost Drugs", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) led a letter with over 200 Members of Congress to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns over attacks on the 340B drug pricing program, which helps hospitals and clinics that serve poor and rural communities.Protecting access to prescription drugs for underserved communities should be a top priority. Yet, recent actions taken by big pharmaceutical companies and middlemen could jeopardize the ability of hospitals to provide critical services,said Rep. McKinley.Our letter shows strong bipartisan opposition to this action and hopefully will convince HHS to intervene.\r\nOverhauling the longstanding 340B discount model and replacing it with a rebate system will make it significantly more difficult and expensive for all 340B hospitals and community clinics to access 340B savings, and could result in denial of 340B pricing altogether,said Maureen Testoni, President and CEO, 340B Health.We appreciate the leadership of Rep. McKinley and this large, bipartisan group of lawmakers standing up for 340B and urging Secretary Azar to take immediate action to protect 340B hospitals and the low-income patients who depend on them.\r\nRecently, Kalderos, a third-party vendor, announced that its working with pharmaceutical manufacturers to change how health care providers receive 340B drugs by shifting from a discount to a rebate formula. This rebate model could threaten the ability of providers to access 340B savings and care for low-income and rural patients.\r\nIn the letter, McKinley and the other Members wrote:\r\nWe are deeply concerned by reporting that Kalderos, a third-party vendor, is working with pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to change how covered entities receive 340B drugs by shifting from a discount to a rebate formula,wrote the Members.On September 8th, Kalderos announced the launch of 340B Pay, a software system it claims, allows manufacturers, covered entities and Medicaid agencies to work together to effectuate discounts compliantly and efficiently. However, unilaterally forcing 340B participants to purchase drugs at list price and then request rebates would give drug manufacturers tremendous leverage over covered entities.\r\nThis platform could make participation in 340B more difficult for covered entities, effectively reshaping the 340B program in a way that only serves manufacturers' and these third-party vendors' financial interests. These tactics open the door for significant compliance issues, threatening to put manufacturers in violation of their statutory obligation to provide 340B pricing,added the Members.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nSince 1992, the 340B program has used mandated discounts offered by drug manufacturers to help hospitals and other covered entities provide discounted drugs and lifesaving services to their patients.\r\nThis recent attack just shows another way big pharmaceutical companies are trying to eliminate 340B. Already this year Eli Lilly and Company and other drug manufactures have worked to undermine the 340B drug pricing program by no longer offering drug discounts to safety net providers.\r\nDuring McKinley's time in Congress, he has consistently fought to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program:\r\n \r\n    On September 28, 2017, McKinley led a bipartisan letter sent to CMS Administrator Seema Verma urging the administration to withdraw its harmful proposal to cut the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This letter was signed by 228 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who understand that protecting access to affordable care is a top priority.\r\n \r\n \r\n    On November 1, 2017, CMS cut the reimbursement rate for Medicare Part B drugs purchased by certain hospitals covered under the 340B program by around $1.6B. Last Congress, McKinley introduced H.R. 4392, which would completely negate the effects of this rule.\r\n \r\n \r\n    On September 14, 2020, McKinley leda group of 243 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar requesting an immediate response is taken to ensure covered safety net providers continue to receive crucial 340B drug discounts.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-miller-hosts-virtual-grant-symposium", "ICYMI: Congresswoman Miller Hosts Virtual Grant Symposium", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) today hosted a Virtual Grant Symposium to connect local officials with federal government agencies to learn how to apply for, receive, and implement federal grants for projects in Southern West Virginia. In attendance were representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, FEMA, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as 70Mayors, City Managers, County Commissioners, County Emergency Management Directors, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, and Regional Planning and Development Council Directors. The focus of the symposium was public safety, infrastructure, and small cities and communities. \"In the past two years, West Virginia has received nearly $770 million in federal funding for COVID-19 response, roadways, schools, health care centers, economic development, small businesses, low-income housing, and research and education projects,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"As we continue our effort to revitalize our region, it is my goal to increase that number and give our local officials the information they need to utilize the federal government. Together we are committed to making sure West Virginia remains an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family.\" If you are interested in learning more about federal grant programs, contact Congresswoman Miller's Beckley office at (304) 250-6177.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-286-million-to-heat-west-virginia-homes", "Capito, Manchin Announce $28.6 Million to Heat West Virginia HomesRead More", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $28,631,377 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to heat low income West Virginia homes.\n\n\u201cAs we transition into the colder winter months in West Virginia, assistance from LIHEAP can make all the difference for some of our families. Making certain that this program was continued though the appropriations process was a top priority and as a result, will provide assistance directly to those who need it most. I will continue to use my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to advocate for West Virginia needs and drive critical resources to our state,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cAs we head into the colder months, over 48,000 West Virginians need help with heating their homes and keeping their families warm. In October, I wrote to HHS Secretary Azar urging him to release the LIHEAP funds so we could make sure West Virginians are warm during these winter months, and I am pleased they heeded the request,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cEvery West Virginian deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep, and I will continue to fight for funding that helps provide our fellow West Virginians with these basic necessities.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-releases-statement-ahead-of-50th-anniversary-of-marshall-university-plane-crash", "Capito Releases Statement Ahead of 50th Anniversary of Marshall University Plane CrashRead More", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall University plane crash on November 14, 1970.\n\n\u201c50 years later, we remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the community heartbreak following the devastating plane crash that took the lives of 75 sons and daughters of Marshall. I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was a senior in high school and my father was the state\u2019s governor at the time. I\u2014along with many others across West Virginia and the entire country remember feeling overcome with incredible shock and grief. I also remember the strength of Huntington and the way they leaned on each other for support and strength. They are the reason we are able to move forward today and every day following this incredible loss. To the people of Huntington and the Marshall University community: know that we have not forgotten and we will never forget. The pain and loss you feel is something we all bear as a community. At the same time, there is a sense of great optimism and great hope for our future that we continue to see through the community support that has emerged as a way to overcome a tragic occurrence. Together, we are Marshall.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-1-million-in_epa-funding", "Capito, Manchin Announce $1 Million in  EPA FundingRead More", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,071,361 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for West Virginia. Funding will support air and water pollution control, provide resources for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and promote initiatives at West Virginia\u2019s higher education institutions.\n\n\u201cThis funding from EPA is welcome news as it will support environmental initiatives on a multitude of fronts, from our state and local health departments to our higher education institutions. The natural beauty of West Virginia is recognized across the world, and we must take the necessary steps to protect our environment while supporting job creation. I thank EPA for their continued support of programs across West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cWest Virginians deserve to live in communities with clean water and fresh air that are safe places to work and raise families. This funding will support projects across the Mountain State to upgrade infrastructure, expand sustainability, and provide protections needed to help our communities thrive. We must do all we can to keep West Virginia wild and wonderful and I will continue to support these efforts,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\nWest Virginia Department of Environmental Protection: Hazardous Waste Management State Program Support \u2013 $310,931\n\nWest Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources: Performance Partnership Grants \u2013 $274,469\n\nWest Virginia Department of Environmental Protection: Air Pollution Control Program Support \u2013 $250,000\n\nWest Virginia University: Regional Wetlands Program Development Grants \u2013 $151,053\n\nWest Virginia Department of Environmental Protection: Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program Corrective Action Program \u2013 $59,962\n\nMarshall University Research Corp: National Student Design Competition for Sustainability \u2013 $24,946\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-join-bipartisan-push-to-protect-west-virginia-air-national-guard-aircraft-from-elimination", "Capito, Manchin Join Bipartisan Push to Protect West Virginia Air National Guard Aircraft from EliminationRead More", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined a bipartisan Senate coalition advocating for a large enough C-130 aircraft fleet in West Virginia and across the country to support active duty missions as well as respond to disasters and emergencies at home. Specifically, the senators and their colleagues wrote a letter urging Armed Services Committee conferees to make sure the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bill adopts House language so that the nation maintains an adequate inventory of C-130 aircraft.\n\nThe members said in part, \u201cOur Air National Guard C-130 flying wings provide nearly half of the Air Force\u2019s tactical airlift capability. For more than 50 years, we have brought Americans into combat, provided humanitarian relief around the globe, and supported domestic response throughout the nation. As the Air Force proposes changes to align our force structure with the National Defense Strategy (NDS), it is vitally important we do not trade experience and knowhow in pursuit of expensive, less defined capabilities.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe ANG C-130 fleet has been the backbone of our tactical airlift capability for a generation. Our ANG wings have built experience and expertise through repeated deployments and domestic operations. Hard choices will be required as we restructure the Air Force to face future foreign and domestic challenges. Therefore, we must make informed, data driven, decisions as we manage the C-130 fleet. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to incorporate House Section 1043 supporting a [Total Aircraft Inventory] of 292 C-130 Aircraft in the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,\u201d the members concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Capito and Manchin, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.).\n\nRead the full letter below or click here.\n\nDear Chairmen and Ranking Members:\n\nWe write in support of House Section 1043 which would require the Air Force maintain a Total Aircraft Inventory (TAI) of 292 C-130 aircraft in the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. As Senators from states that have Air National Guard (ANG) C-130 wings, we are deeply concerned by the effects a lower minimum number of C-130s would have.\n\nOur Air National Guard C-130 flying wings provide nearly half of the Air Force\u2019s tactical airlift capability. For more than 50 years, we have brought Americans into combat, provided humanitarian relief around the globe, and supported domestic response throughout the nation. As the Air Force proposes changes to align our force structure with the National Defense Strategy (NDS), it is vitally important we do not trade experience and knowhow in pursuit of expensive, less defined capabilities.\n\nThe Senate\u2019s proposed language takes the approach of setting a minimum number of C-130 aircraft in the fleet by adopting a Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory (PMAI) of 230 aircraft. Unlike the House approach, mandating PMAI alone does not account for training aircraft inventory requirements or backup aircraft needed to support maintenance inspection and depot requirements. This disconnect could hamper the ANG\u2019s readiness and training capabilities due to a potential lack of training assets and extended maintenance downtime. The House\u2019s proposed TAI of 292 C-130s sets an aircraft minimum that accounts for all aircraft, including the training and maintenance needs of the C-130 fleet. In fact, the 2018 Mobility Capabilities and Requirements Study recommended a TAI of 300 C-130s to support combatant commanders\u2019 wartime mobility requirements.\n\nFurther, House Section 1043 is supported by 14 governors from states whose ANGs have C-130 flying missions. As these governors highlighted in a recent letter to your committees, Section 1043 would ensure that their ANG wings can continue to support the nation\u2019s essential worldwide and domestic contingencies. As such, the 292 C-130 TAI would allow the ANG to support the NDS without inhibiting the Guard\u2019s unique domestic missions responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.\n\nThe ANG C-130 fleet has been the backbone of our tactical airlift capability for a generation. Our ANG wings have built experience and expertise through repeated deployments and domestic operations. Hard choices will be required as we restructure the Air Force to face future foreign and domestic challenges. Therefore, we must make informed, data driven, decisions as we manage the C-130 fleet. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to incorporate House Section 1043 supporting a TAI of 292 C-130 Aircraft in the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/veterans-day-2020", "Veterans Day 2020", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "My name is Theresa Marie Baker and I currently work for Congressman Alex X. Mooney under the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program (WWFP) as the Military & Veteran Constituent Services Representative. I am a disabled Marine Corps veteran who was released from the Marine corps in 2019. My Marine Corps career consisted of working in the intelligence field and being a marksmanship coach.\n\nMy one dream in life was to be a Marine so in 2019 when I was medically released in my eyes it was the worst possible scenario that could have ever happened to me. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life with my plan shattering as it did, so I found a job as an armed security officer and for a while. I enjoyed it until I saw an opening for a position where I would be able to help my brother and sister veterans. I applied to a position with the WWFP and received a call from Congressman Mooney's office for my interview and received the position.\n\nSince working in this office, I have had the pleasure of helping countless numbers of Veterans. It is personally satisfying to help them through the complicated process of dealing with the federal bureaucracy and to be involved in the distribution of many resources developed specifically for our veterans.\n\nAs a Marine Corps disabled Marine Corps veteran who is one of Mooney's constituents, I have had the personal and professional satisfaction of assisting the Congressman as he continues to pay homage to our dedicated military veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2930", "McKinley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Halt Flow of Opioids and Crack Down on Pill Mills", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) and Kathy Castor (D-Tampa-FL14) introduced the Preventing Pill Mills Through Data Sharing Act (H.R. 8732), to require drug wholesalers that ship opioids to take greater responsibility for reporting suspicious quantities to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).While Congress has been rightly focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid epidemic has not gone away. In fact, across the country overdose deaths have only increased,said McKinley.West Virginia is all too familiar with the opioid epidemic. In the past, millions of prescription pills flooded into our communities and ripped families apart by the horrors of addiction. Our bipartisan bill ensures that the Drug Enforcement Agency will be able to collect and share data necessary to identify and prevent companies from dumping mass amounts of pills into vulnerable communities, which will help keep American families safe.\r\nFar too many families in Florida and across the country continue to struggle with opioid addiction, and the COVID-19 pandemic only has exacerbated this ongoing public health crisis,said Castor.I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. McKinley to equip the DEA with necessary tools to require drug distributors, manufacturers and pharmacies accountable identify, report and halt suspicious orders of controlled substances. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill will take the necessary steps to increase transparency and hold all companies and pharmacies on the supply chain accountable. Most importantly, it will go a long way in keeping our communities informed and ensure our neighbors are safe.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Washington Post and HD Media, which publishes the Charleston Gazette-Mail in West Virginia, undertook a year-long legal battle for access to the DEA's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System, known as ARCOS. The data reviled that 76 billion pills were distributed across the country during the seven-year time frame ending in 2012.For more of the data and an interactive map click here.\r\nThis legislation builds on the work of McKinley'sBlock, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act (H.R. 3878), which passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this year.\r\nPreventing Pill Mills Through Data Sharing Act will:\r\n \r\n    Requires drug manufacturers and distributors to report the sale, delivery or other disposal of all controlled substances on a monthly, rather than quarterly basis as current law requires.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Extends the penalties and reporting requirements that currently apply to drug manufacturers and distributors to pharmacies.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Requires DEA to provide quarterly reports to manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies in a format and manner that better facilitates the identification of suspicious orders.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Requires DEA to provide Congress the same reports that it provides to states every six months, and expands the reporting requirements to include unusual volumes of controlled substances that are disposed of rather than sold, and unusual numbers of deleted transactions of high volumes of controlled substances.\r\n \r\nSenators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) have previously introduced a companion bill in the Senate.\r\nClick here for the bill text.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-highlights-west-virginia-initiatives-in-newly-released-appropriations-bills", "Capito Highlights West Virginia Initiatives in Newly Released Appropriations BillsRead More", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today made a statement on the release of the Chairman\u2019s Marks of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations bills. The 12 bills and reports that direct funding for the federal government did not undergo the regular appropriations process this summer. Instead, a stopgap funding measure was signed into law on September 30, 2020 to avoid a government shutdown through December 11, 2020. Included in these marks is Senator Capito\u2019s FY21 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.\n\n\u201cThe release of the bills today by the Appropriations Committee is a critical step in working towards completion of the FY21 funding process,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cCongress\u2019s ability to pass all 12 appropriations bills last year makes me optimistic we can do so again. It is our crucial Congressional duty. As previous years, this legislation supports numerous important initiatives and programs in West Virginia that I have prioritized since my first day in the Senate. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the committee, and then in the full Senate to ensure we deliver for the state and the American people.\u201d\n\nIn August 2019, with Senator Capito\u2019s support, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019. That legislation enabled Congress to set appropriations funding levels over the next two years and made it possible for the Senate Appropriations Committee to pass FY20 funding legislation and work towards doing the same for FY21.\n\nHighlights of the Senate Chairman\u2019s mark of the appropriation bills are listed but not limited to:\n\n$400 million for U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Development Broadband ReConnect program, which Senator Capito helped create and secured funds for in the past three budget cycles. If enacted, this year\u2019s funding will total over $2 billion for the program since its creation.\n\nBoth a $354 million increase for Alzheimer\u2019s research through National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a $5 million increase for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research through the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer\u2019s Act.\n\nFunding is maintained for both Community Health Centers, vital players in the state, and State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, with language Senator Capito authored enabling West Virginia to receive over $100 million since the establishment of the program in 2018.\n\nAlso included is a three percent pay raise for our service members and language instructing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study on security infrastructure at VA medical facilities.\n\nFull funding is provided for Fossil Energy Research, supporting the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) in Morgantown as they work to create clean, affordable, and efficient energy production through engineering and supercomputing.\n\nFurthermore, the committee continued to fund competitive academic research opportunities, which institutions in the state are increasingly awarded for their unique interdisciplinary studies.\n\nAdditionally, $180 million was marked for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) a driver of economic development, workforce training, and entrepreneurial support in the region. Funding was maintained for the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grants, an extremely competitive program West Virginia, which has received $80 million since 2018 and $100 million for the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS).\n\nMore information for the FY21 appropriations bills can be found here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-releases-veterans-day-statement", "Capito Releases Veterans Day StatementRead More", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the following statement ahead of the observance of Veterans Day:\n\n\u201cFor decades, West Virginians have answered the call and bravely fought to defend our country and the values we hold dear. From the Greatest Generation\u2014like Woody Williams and my father, former West Virginia Governor Arch Moore, Jr.\u2014to younger soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, all have served admirably. We are forever grateful for these men and women who selflessly put their lives at risk to protect our way of life, defend our freedoms, and ensure our nation remains a beacon of freedom for all. Because of their sacrifice, Mountaineers are always free.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-appropriations-committee-releases-capito-fy2021-homeland-security-funding-bill", "Senate Appropriations Committee Releases Capito FY2021 Homeland Security Funding BillRead More", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Senate Appropriations Committee today released legislation by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The legislation provides $69.8 billion to support investments in border security, disaster recovery and prevention, cybersecurity, aviation security, state and local grants, critical programs to improve national security and keep Americans safe, and efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.\n\n\u201cThe bill released today is a fiscally responsible way to invest and support the broad aspects of the mission of the Department of Homeland Security enabling them to fulfill their mission,\u201d Chairman Capito said. \u201cI will continue to work with my Senate colleagues and House counterparts to complete the FY2021 appropriations process. In the meantime, the men and women of the department, who have worked tirelessly through a challenging period in our history, deserve our support for their commitment and dedication to our nation.\u201d\n\nChairman Capito included several items in the legislation important to West Virginia, including continued funding for Homeland Security Investigation\u2019s (HSI) partnership with Marshall University on opioid prevention and dark web monitoring; an increase in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Dam Safety Grant Program that Chairman Capito previously authorized; funding for IT enhancements at Coast Guard facilities in the Eastern Panhandle; funding for facility expansion and improvements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Advanced Training Center and Summit Point facilities in West Virginia; and necessary funds to support FEMA grant programs that are of critical importance to local first responders, such as volunteer fire departments.\n\nBILL HIGHLIGHTS:\n\nCustoms and Border Protection (CBP): $15.48 billion is recommended for CBP including $1.96 billion, as requested, for 82 miles of border wall system. This level maintains support for border surveillance technology, as well as construction and facility improvements, and continues to prioritize the use of innovative technologies and capabilities to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate travel and trade.\n\nImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): $8.8 billion is recommended for ICE including continued support for immigration enforcement activities consistent with FY20 enacted levels. The bill also sustains HSI investments for combatting the opioid epidemic and cyber security investigations on the dark web.\n\nTransportation Security Administration (TSA): $8.06 billion in gross discretionary funding is recommended for TSA. The bill supports operations and recommends targeted increases to adequately staff checkpoints and deploy necessary technologies to ensure aviation security is prioritized at all airports, including small and rural airports.\n\nU.S. Coast Guard (USCG): $12.5 billion is recommended to support the Coast Guard\u2019s domestic and overseas missions. The recommendation supports ongoing acquisitions for vessel and aircraft recapitalization. In addition, the bill recommends necessary funds for significant shore infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT enhancements.\n\nCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): $2 billion is recommended for CISA and includes $1.2 billion in cybersecurity, $140 million above the budget request amount, for the protection of civilian federal networks.\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): $22.1 billion is recommended for FEMA including $17.7 billion to support the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). The recommendation provides $3.1 billion in grants, sustaining support for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, including $560 million for State Homeland Security Grants; $1.1 billion for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters (AFG), and Emergency Management Performance (EMPG) grants; and increases for dam safety and regional grants.\n\nBill text is available here and bill highlights are available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-32-million-to-protect-communities-improve-data-collection-", "Capito, Manchin Announce $3.2 Million to Protect Communities, Improve Data Collection Read More", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $3,203,020 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat violent crime and improve data recording in West Virginia. This funding was made available through DOJ\u2019s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), and the State Justice Statistics (SJS) program.\n\n\u201cIt is important that we equip our state\u2019s Division of Justice and Community Services, Supreme Court of Appeals, and community partners with the resources they need to do their job properly, and keep West Virginians safe. I am encouraged to see this funding coming to bolster justice and reduce crime within our state, and thank the DOJ for their continued support of initiatives in West Virginia,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\n\u201cWest Virginians should feel safe in their communities, and this funding will help the justice system in West Virginia protect our fellow West Virginians by combatting violent crime and supporting data collection. I am pleased by this investment in our state and I will continue to advocate for funding that helps West Virginians stay safe,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nIndividual awards listed below:\n\n2005 State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program for Statistical Analysis Centers (SAC): Supreme Court Of Appeals Of West Virginia \u2013 $1,739,332\n\nNational Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP): West Virginia Division Of Justice And Community Services \u2013 $1,374,733\n\nProject Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): Young Women\u2019s Christian Association Of Wheeling \u2013 $690,553\n\nProject Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): West Virginia Division Of Justice And Community Services \u2013 $77,758\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-demands-transparency-and-fairness-presidential-election-vote", "Mooney Demands Transparency and Fairness in Presidential Election Vote Count", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) issued the following statement urging every legal vote be counted in this presidential election:\n\nI am proud of West Virginia for having a fair, accurate and transparent Election Day. In this presidential election, we've witnessed a lack of transparency in some other states that disgraces the integrity of our national election.\n\nLeading up to Election Day, highly biased polls discouraged conservative voters. For example, The Washington Post-ABC poll on October 28 claimed that President Trump was down by seventeen points in Wisconsin. A Quinnipiac poll on November 2 reported Biden winning by four points in Ohio. A CNN poll reported on October 21 that President Trump was down by ten points in Pennsylvania. These polls are far outside their claimed margin of error and, intentional or not, result in discouraging Republicans from voting.\n\nTransparency is integral to the American election process. In Pennsylvania and in Michigan, for example, poll watchers for President Trump are being prevented from observing the ballot count, resulting in widespread distrust.\n\nThe Democrat Secretary of State in Pennsylvania, declaring an emergency and overriding state laws, unilaterally declared that Pennsylvania ballots could be received up to three days after Election Day, even without a postmark. Democrat state officials are undermining the integrity of this election when they violate laws in order to benefit their party.\n\nI agree with President Trump that every legal vote must be counted to ensure the integrity of our election process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-19-million-eda-investment-for-marshall-county-water-service-", "Capito, Manchin Announce $1.9 Million EDA Investment for Marshall County Water Service Read More", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,900,000 in federal funding for Grandview Doolin Public Service District in Proctor, West Virginia. This funding was made available through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be used for water infrastructure to provide potable water service to industrial customers in Marshall County. Additionally, this EDA investment, which will be located in an Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $1.3 million in local investment and is expected to spur $135 million in private investment.\n\n\u201cWest Virginians deserve access to clean water and reliable infrastructure to deliver it to our homes and businesses. Investments like this from the EDA help make these improvements, while also spurring economic development and improving the lives of West Virginians. As chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have fought to ensure West Virginia receives the support we need to improve our infrastructure both above and below the ground. EDA has been a steadfast partner in this mission, and I am grateful for their continuous support to our state. This project will help fuel local economies by utilizing Opportunity Zones, and I look forward to its implementation in Marshall County,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\n\u201cCreating jobs and opportunities across West Virginia is a top priority of mine, and I am pleased to see the EDA investing in Marshall County. In April I supported this project application, and now this funding will support infrastructure upgrades that will help industrial users in the area retain and create approximately 75 jobs, leverage more than $100 million in private follow-on investment, and allow for the development of additional commercial and industrial sites. West Virginia and our federal partners must continue investing in infrastructure projects like this to attract new companies and grow existing businesses in our state. I will continue working with the EDA and other agencies to ensure West Virginia continues to see infrastructure investments,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThis project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) program, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal through activities and programs that support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.\n\nThe funding announced today goes to one of West Virginia\u2019s 55 Opportunity Zones. Created through language Senator Capito co-sponsored in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones are economic development tools designed to drive investment, encourage economic growth, and created jobs in economically-distressed communities. In June 2019, EDA added Opportunity Zones as an Investment Priority, which increases the number of catalytic Opportunity Zone-related projects that EDA can fund to fuel greater public investment in these areas.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-12-million-for-maternal-and-child-health-services-", "Capito, Manchin Announce $1.2 Million for Maternal and Child Health Services Read More", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,221,801 for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to support maternal and child health services in West Virginia. This funding is made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\n\u201cEnsuring that our mothers, infants, and young families have access to the proper health resources they need is incredibly important, especially as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cWith increased reliance and responsibility within our state health departments, it is crucial that we provide the appropriate level of support so that West Virginians can continue to receive the services they rely on regularly. I am thankful that HHS has recognized the need for this support and will continue to advocate for the women and children of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cWest Virginia mothers and children deserve to have accessible, affordable health services no matter where they live in our state. This funding will help the West Virginia DHHR ensure that our children, infants, and mothers have the help they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that West Virginia is receiving this funding and will continue to fight for programs that support our families here in the Mountain State,\u201d said Senator Manchin.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2928", "House Republicans Unveil Plan to Address Pandemic, Improve Health Care", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, House Republicans introduced the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act (H.R. 14), which includes a variety of provisions to improve pandemic preparedness and response, strengthen American-made supply chains for essential goods, and address mental health and drug abuse problems associated with the pandemic.This legislation contains more than 50 bipartisan bills, including five championed by Rep. McKinley.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed glaring weaknesses in our healthcare system,McKinley said.If we adopt this plan we can improve our preparedness, secure our supply chains, and strengthen our domestic manufacturing capabilities. The bill also takes steps to ensure vulnerable populations can utilize telehealth and mental health services.\r\nThese reforms would help us defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and provide West Virginia communities with a peace of mind,added McKinley.Congress provided much-needed relief to address this economic and public health crisis earlier this year, but there is much more to be done. This package of bills would be a common-sense start.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act (H.R. 14) is made up of over 50 bipartisan bills from the Energy and Commerce Committee and several other committees.\r\nThe bill encompasses several areas that are key to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and the unintended consequences associated with it including:\r\n \r\n    pandemic preparedness;\r\n    manufacturing and supply chain;\r\n    updates to the strategic national stockpile;\r\n    public health infrastructure improvements;\r\n    addressing health disparities;\r\n    mental health and substance abuse;\r\n    tax incentives to improve health care, Medicare and telehealth.\r\n \r\nThe five McKinley bills included are:\r\n\r\n \r\n    H.R. 3878, the Block, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act.This bill would require drug manufacturers, distributors and other DEA registrants to both report and stop any suspicious drug orders. This legislation also addresses a recommendation from the Energy and Commerce Committee's 2018 report on the pill dumping scandal.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 3927, the PDMP Help Patients Act.This bill creates a pilot program to test the feasibility and outcomes of integrating a substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment locator tool into the prescription drug monitoring programs of eligible States.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    H.R. 6930, MADE in America Act.This bill requires HHS to submit a report to Congress on barriers to domestic manufacturing of medical products and requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess whether the differing regulatory requirements across countries create inefficiencies in drug manufacturing.\r\n \r\nThe full section-by-section for H.R. 14 can be foundHERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-drug-free-community-grant-in-elkview", "Capito, Manchin Announce Drug Free Community Grant in ElkviewRead More", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $125,000 for the Regional Family Resource Network, Inc., in Elkview through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. This funding was made available through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and will help establish collaboration among communities to prevent and reduce substance abuse among young people.\n\n\u201cAs we continue to battle the opioid epidemic in West Virginia, it is clear that a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal partners provides a holistic approach and helps save lives,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cJust this year, I have hosted White House ONDCP Director Jim Carroll in Williamson, Logan, and Huntington to show how opioids are directly impacting our communities and to see how communities throughout the state are tackling this problem head-on. Providing comprehensive services to those in the grip of addiction and preventative efforts to block illegal narcotics from entering our state remain top priorities. I will continue to advocate for the resources and policy our communities need in West Virginia to help end the opioid epidemic.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Drug Free Communities program has been instrumental in combatting and preventing drug misuse and abuse in communities across America, and especially among our youth,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cWest Virginia has been hit hard by the drug epidemic, and I am pleased the ONDCP is partnering with the Regional Family Resource Network in Elkview to provide support to the youth in their community. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I will continue to support funding for programs that support our youth and combat substance misuse.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-celebrates-montgomery-amtrak-station-ribbon-cutting", "PHOTOS: Capito Celebrates Montgomery Amtrak Station Ribbon CuttingRead More", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MONTGOMERY, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today rode aboard Amtrak\u2019s Cardinal train from Charleston to Montgomery for the ribbon cutting of the newly remodeled Montgomery Amtrak station.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so impressed with the newly remodeled Montgomery Amtrak station. Now all riders\u2014including riders with disabilities\u2014are better able to use and enjoy this facility,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThe new station complements the economic growth and development we\u2019re seeing that is revitalizing Montgomery. The ride from Charleston to Montgomery\u2014that I had the chance to experience today\u2014really showcases the wild and wonderful beauty of our state, and I know when visitors ride through, they\u2019ll want to stop and stay. Amtrak\u2019s route through our state is important not only for day-to-day ease of travel, but it also helps connect West Virginia to more metropolitan areas like Chicago and New York.\u201d\n\nPhotos from the event are below:\n\nSenator Capito joins Montgomery mayor Greg Ingram in cutting the ribbon at Amtrak\u2019s newly renovated Montgomery station.\n\nSenator Capito elbow bumps a Montgomery police officer.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-trump-signs-capito-conservation-bills-into-law", "President Trump Signs Capito Conservation Bills into LawRead More", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today applauded President Donald J. Trump for signing into law America\u2019s Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act), legislation she cosponsored in the Senate. The bill includes language from the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act and the Chesapeake WILD Act, two bipartisan bills Senator Capito has sponsored to support habitat restoration and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region.\n\n\u201cThis is great news for West Virginia and our Chesapeake Bay watershed region. The ACE Act\u2014which includes both the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act and the Chesapeake WILD Act\u2014will not only better support conservation and habitat restoration efforts in the area, but will also bolster our state\u2019s growing outdoor recreation industry. I thank President Trump for signing this bill into law,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act would provide $90 million in FY2020 with a $500,000 increase each year for the five years authorized. The vast majority of funding for the program would go directly toward states within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed \u2013 West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as the District of Columbia \u2013 to help control pollution and manage runoff into the tributaries that feed into the bay.\n\nThe Chesapeake WILD Act would give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a direct role in the restoration and protection of living resources and their habitat in the 64,000 square mile Chesapeake Bay region. This non-regulatory bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a grants program to enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats. There are key areas in the tidal Chesapeake Bay system that would benefit from this program, including areas for wetland restoration. However, there is a tremendous need in upland areas, and some commitments under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement are behind schedule. This legislation would enable the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to more fully engage in habitat restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay region.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-host-virtual-grant-symposium", "Congresswoman Miller to Host Virtual Grant Symposium", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) will host a Virtual Grant Symposium on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is designed to connect local officials with the federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, FEMA, USDA Rural Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to discuss how to apply for, receive, and utilize federal grants. The symposium will focus on public safety, infrastructure, and small cities and communities. This event is open to Mayors, City Managers, County Commissioners, County Emergency Management Directors, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, and Regional Planning and Development Council Directors. This event requires preregistration. Please reach out to Congresswoman Miller's Beckley District Office at(304) 250-6177 to register. WHAT: Virtual Grant Symposium WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2020  \n\t 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. CONTACT: Beckley District Office  \n\t  (304) 250-6177  \n\t\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-miller-mckinley-and-mooney-sign-letter-support-port-virginia-norfolk", "Reps. Miller, McKinley, and Mooney Sign Letter in Support of Port of Virginia in Norfolk Widening", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. West Virginia Reps. Carol Miller, David McKinley, and Alex Mooney, sent a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell T. Vought, to support the Norfolk Harbor and Channels Project recommended by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the Administration considers the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Work Plan. The project will widen and deepen the Port of Virginia in Norfolk to allow for larger ships and 2-way traffic. In 2019 alone, 127 West Virginia businesses used the port to transport nearly $300 million in cargo and $2.4 billion worth of coal. \"As we work to revitalize our state, we must build up America's infrastructure to allow Appalachia to remain economically competitive, said Congresswoman Miller. \"The Port of Virginia in Norfolk plays an essential role in ensuring West Virginia products and resources, like coal, are efficiently transported around the world. Expanding the port's capabilities will supply more stable jobs to our region, bring new investment into our state, and make West Virginia's goods competitive in international markets. I encourage Director Vought to support this project.\" The Port of Virginia is essential for getting West Virginia coal to international markets. As the largest coal exporting port in the United States, it is a vital lifeline for tens of thousands of jobs in the West Virginia coalfields, said Congressman McKinley. Given the Port of Virginia's importance to Americas economic and national security, these investments are critical.  The Norfolk Harbor is critical to West Virginia's economy. Coal, cargo and other goods from West Virginia are shipped to a number of states in the mid-Atlantic region through this port. My colleagues and I urge the Trump Administration to support the Norfolk Harbor and Channels Project so that the Mountain State's economy can continue to grow,\" said Congressman Mooney. Full Text of the Letter:   Dear Director Vought,\n\tWe are writing to express our support for the Norfolk Harbor and Channels Project, as the Administration considers the recommendations from US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) forconstruction new start designations in their upcoming Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Work Plan. This project is critical to both the U.S. Navy as well as the export and import of goods to a large number of states in the mid-Atlantic region, including West Virginia. We humbly request a new start designation and $78.6 million in FY21 funding for the federal share of the project in the FY21 Work Plan. As you know, this project was originally authorized for deepening in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 and again in the 2018 WRDA for both deepening and widening. These authorizations allow for deepening and widening of the main shipping channel that serves Norfolk Harbor. This project is important for national security, trade, and the state of West Virginia, which relies on the Port of Virginia for containerized cargo and its many coal shipping terminals. West Virginia depends on the port facilities in Norfolk, due to both their excellent rail access and the fact that their export terminals handles almost all coal mined on the East Coast. In 2019, West Virginia had 127 businesses utilize the Port of Virginia, with nearly $300 million worth of cargo and 21 million tons of coal worth $2.4 billion moving through the Port. Demand for American metallurgical coal, used specifically in the steel making process, remains in high demand. The widening of the channel is important due to the need to ensure that commercial and Navy ships can safely operate and to enable the channel to be used 24 hours per day. The much larger container ships now calling on East Coast ports due to the Panama Canal expansion presently require the Norfolk shipping channels to be temporarily closed to two-way traffic, which creates economic inefficiencies as other ships are delayed in entering and exiting the Port in a timely manner. The deepening is also critical to coal exports from West Virginia, as it will finally allow large bulk coal carriers to load at Norfolk to their full draft, rather than only taking on a partial load due to the current depth. This improvement will significantly lower shipping costs for our coal producers. We thank you for your consideration of this request.   \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-announces-rural-development-grant-kanawha", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney Announces Rural Development Grant for Kanawha County", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02)announced a $250,000 loan and a $475,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. This funding will go towards the Kanawha Public Service District for a wastewater pump station.\n\nFunding from the USDA for the Kanawha Public Service District will benefit thousands of our citizens in the Upper Kanawha Valley. This upgraded infrastructure is critical to economic growth in the region. In Congress, I am focused on helping secure federal grants to improve infrastructure in our communities, so I'm happy to announce this funding today, said Congressman Alex Mooney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-miller-nasa-host-virtual-girls-in-stem-event", "VIDEO: Capito, Miller, NASA Host Virtual Girls in STEM EventRead More", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or the image above to watch the event recording.\n\nCHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) today joined National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA Astronaut Loral O\u2019Hara in hosting a virtual conversation with female students from elementary schools in the Mercer County School District.\n\nThe virtual event highlighted the importance of encouraging more girls in STEM fields, as well as NASA\u2019s Artemis program, which is the first of several steps to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Additionally, students from 14 Mercer County elementary schools had the chance to ask questions about STEM and what it\u2019s like to be an astronaut. Senator Capito has strongly advocated for more female involvement in STEM fields\u2014whether it\u2019s through her Girls Rise Up program or other legislative efforts.\n\n\u201cInspiring the next generation of West Virginians\u2014especially our young women\u2014is very important to me. Today\u2019s virtual event with NASA and Congresswoman Miller gave young girls in Mercer County the chance to learn more about the importance of STEM and how young girls like them can help achieve new goals in this field. Within the past few days, NASA collected a sample from an asteroid and discovered water molecules on the Moon. These are the kinds of discoveries that can inspire the next generation of astronauts and engineers. Whether it\u2019s a career in STEM or becoming the first woman on Mars\u2014or helping us put her there\u2014I can\u2019t wait to see all of the wonderful things these Mercer County students will accomplish in the years to come,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to join with Senator Capito to inspire young girls in Southern West Virginia to learn about America\u2019s space program and explore futures in STEM careers,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cAs a mother and grandmother, I know first-hand how important it is to give girls the tools and courage they need to follow their dreams. Thank you to NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine for his partnership in continuing West Virginia\u2019s space legacy, from Katherine Johnson to Homer Hickam, and now to our future generations as we work to put a man and woman on the Moon by 2024. I\u2019d also like extend a special thank you Astronaut O\u2019Hara for participating today and serving as an example of what all girls can do if we stick to our goals.\u201d\n\n\u201cInspiring the next generation of explorers \u2013 the Artemis Generation \u2013 through STEM education ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery. As NASA continues to further progress with the Artemis program, we envision having students from West Virginia join us in our journey. From supplier support for our Orion and Space Launch System programs to the Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility, which contributes to the safety and success of NASA\u2019s highest-profile missions, to award winning student robotics teams, West Virginia already is playing a role in America\u2019s Moon to Mars exploration plans. Senator Capito and Representative Miller have strengthened STEM education opportunities for students in the state, especially young women, and NASA is grateful for their leadership,\u201d NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said.\n\nClick here to learn more about Senator Capito\u2019s Girls Rise Up program.\n\nClick here to learn more about NASA\u2019s Artemis program.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-questions-big-tech-ceos-about-freedom-of-speech-section-230", "VIDEO: Capito Questions Big Tech CEOs About Freedom of Speech, Section 230Read More", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today participated virtually in a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing entitled \u201cDoes Section 230\u2019s Sweeping Immunity Enable Big Tech Bad Behavior?\u201d During the hearing, Senator Capito and Committee members heard from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.\n\nThe hearing examined legislative proposals to modernize the decades-old law, increase transparency and accountability among big technology companies for their content moderation practices, and explore the impact of large ad-tech platforms on local journalism and consumer privacy. The hearing also provided an opportunity to discuss the unintended consequences of Section 230\u2019s liability shield and how best to preserve the internet as a forum for open discourse.\n\nLast week, Senator Capito spoke directly with Mark Zuckerberg about these issues, as well as broadband deployment in West Virginia. As a result of Senator Capito\u2019s consistent efforts, Facebook has begun building fiber optic cable across the state to connect data centers in Columbus, Ohio and Ashburn, Virginia. Click herefor more details.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON CONTENT MODERATION: \u201cThe topic today is on objectionable content and how you make those judgements\u2026In Section 230, the term is \u2018objectionable content or otherwise objectionable.\u2019 Would you be in favor of redefining that more specifically? That\u2019s awful broad, and that\u2019s where I think many of these questions become very difficult to answer.\u201d\n\nON SECTION 230 HELPING SMALL COMPANIES: \u201cYou\u2019ve expressed the need to have Section 230 protections because of the protections that it gives to small innovators. Well you sit in front of us and I think all of us are wondering how many small innovators are there and what kind of market share could they possibly have when we see the dominance of the three of you? \u2026 How can a small innovator really break through and what does Section 230 really have to do with that ability? I\u2019m skeptical on the argument, quite frankly.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSection 230 of the Communications Decency Act states, \u201cNo provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider\u201d (47 U.S.C. \u00a7 230). In other words, online platforms such as Facebook or Twitter are not liable for publishing third-party content. While there are important exceptions, Section 230 gives broad protection, allowing online free speech to thrive.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/west-virginia-delegation-urges-president-trump-to-designate-state-funeral-for-last-surviving-wwii-medal-of-honor-recipient", "West Virginia Delegation Urges President Trump to Designate State Funeral for Last Surviving WWII Medal of Honor RecipientRead More", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him to designate a state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Last year, the delegation wrote a similar letter to the president. Click here for more details.\n\n\u201cWe are writing you again to encourage you to designate a single state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, which would not only recognize that one veteran, but all 16 million men and women who put their lives on the line during the war to defend the freedoms that we hold dear,\u201d the delegation wrote.\n\nRead the full letter below or click here.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe are writing you again to encourage you to designate a single state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, which would not only recognize that one veteran, but all 16 million men and women who put their lives on the line during the war to defend the freedoms that we hold dear.\n\nAs West Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation, it is an incredible honor to call one of the two remaining recipients, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams, our own. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Woody Williams valiantly stormed pillboxes with his flamethrower, as the last American demolition sergeant on the beach, clearing the way for his fellow soldiers.\n\nOf the 472 Medal of Honor recipients from WWII, Woody Williams is joined by U.S. Army Technical Sergeant Charles Coolidge of Tennessee as the two still living. Woody Williams has said, \u201cThis medal doesn\u2019t belong to me. It belongs to them, because they gave their lives for me, I was just doing a job that I was trained to do.\u201d\n\nWe urge you to designate a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient because it would not only recognize these two men, but all who were doing the jobs that they were trained to do. The sacrifices of all who served during World War II have not gone unrecognized, but it is crucial that we as a nation continue to show our immense gratitude for the greatest generation.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-delivers-public-comments-longview-power-application", "Congresswoman Miller Delivers Public Comments at Longview Power Application Hearing", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) delivered public comments today at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection hearing for Longview Power's application forcertification under the state's implementation of Section 111 of the Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. Congresswoman Miller's Testimony as Prepared:  Good evening. My name is Carol Miller and I represent West Virginia's Third Congressional District, which encompasses southern West Virginia. I wanted to ensure I spoke today in support of Longview's permit application to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Affordable Clean Energy rule.  The destructive Obama-Era Clean Power Plan decimated our state's coal industry. The widespread and devastating impacts of this rule cost the livelihoods of many and shuttered our small towns and communities. That is why I was pleased when President Trump and his Administration replaced this failed policy with the Affordable Clean Energy rule. This rule empowers West Virginia and ensures that thermal coal mines in my district in Mingo, Boone, Logan, and Wyoming counties can continue to provide good paying jobs for our miners. Furthermore, this rule allows us to continue to power our homes, schools, and places of work with reliable baseload energy and, ultimately, helps promote America's energy diversity.\n\tI want to thank my colleagues in the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Justice for acting swiftly under SB 810 to ensure that the Affordable Clean Energy rule can be implemented throughout the state. I also want to compliment Secretary Caperton and Laura Crowder at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for their work on this effort.\n\tThe Longview Power plant is the cleanest and most efficient coal-fired power plant in North America. Longview provides affordable and reliable energy to more than 500,000 homes. No matter how cold the weather gets, Longview Power ensures that those of us in Appalachia can keep our homes connected. The plant also supports 150 good-paying jobs, which is important now, more than ever.\n\tRecovering from the War on Coal is an effort that takes every level of government as well as a committed partnership with the private sector. Approving Longview Power's application to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Affordable Clean Energy rule is necessary to ensure that we can continue to support good paying jobs as well as reliable and affordable energy. West Virginia has a proud coal heritage, and through innovation and investment, we can ensure it will remain part of our future. Congresswoman Miller additionally joined with Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Rep. David McKinley, and Rep. Alex Mooney to send a letter of support to Austin Caperton, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and Andrew Wheeler, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-durbin-urge-hhs-to-implement-childhood-trauma-task-force-", "Capito, Durbin Urge HHS to Implement Childhood Trauma Task Force Read More", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate implementation of the Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care, a provision authored by both senators that was passed into law in October 2018 as part of the federal opioid response. The bipartisan provision established a Task Force of federal agencies to set a national strategy to address childhood trauma and to promote trauma-informed care across federal grant programs. HHS has missed three key deadlines for implementation and creation of the Task Force.\n\n\u201cIn fact, particularly now\u2014amid a pandemic, economic challenges, and national conversation on racial injustice, all of which have inflamed the very issues of trauma that the Task Force should address\u2014the failure to submit this plan on time raises concerns,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cHaving a comprehensive federal plan can help communities that have experienced trauma by coordinating agency activities, engaging stakeholders and the public, and identifying best practices for dissemination. However, we have been discouraged by the lack of meaningful progress or substantive engagement in the Task Force\u2019s statutory duties. Millions of children and families that have experienced trauma are waiting for the federal government to step up and provide this framework\u2026 Helping children and families cope with traumatic experiences can help uplift our communities and improve employment, health, and academic outcomes.\u201d\n\nAfter missing two initial statutory deadlines in 2018 and 2019 to appoint the Task Force\u2019s membership and hold its first meeting, the federal Task Force was supposed to have submitted to Congress (as well as the Departments of Education, HHS, Labor, Interior, and Justice) an Operating Plan for the Task Force\u2019s activities, which was October 24, 2020.\n\nDecades of research have established that exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)\u2014such as witnessing violence or parental drug overdose\u2014can cause stress on the developing brain and, if left unaddressed, may be linked to long-term negative health, academic, and societal outcomes. To address these traumatic experiences, there are effective strategies and interventions that can help screen and support children to help them cope and build resilience. However, there remain major gaps in identifying and supporting such children and families with the right interventions and with trained employees from health care, education, or social services settings.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2927", "McKinley, Pascrell Lead Bipartisan Effort to Secure COVID-19 Testing", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. .U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.) and Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), led a letter with 54 Members of Congress to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns over recent coverage denials from health plans for COVID-19 testing.The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by Congress in March and the CARES Act both included provisions ensuring that individuals can receive COVID-19 tests without out-of-pocket costs. However, recent changes have created confusion regarding coverage requirements for COVID-19 testing.\r\nOne of the tools needed for safely reopening our society and getting people back to work and school is for COVID-19 testing to be widely available,McKinley said.Cost should not be a barrier for anyone who needs a test. Penalizing people with out-of-pocket costs will only discourage people from getting tested and may prolong this pandemic.\r\nAccess to covered testing is a critical tool for Americans to move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic,said Rep. Pascrell.The Housetook action to ensure coverage for any type of diagnostic test. TheTrump administrationnowmustlisten to the people's representativesand implementguidance immediately. To delay any further would risk countless American lives.\r\nIn the letter, McKinley and the other Members wrote:\r\nUnfortunately, changes made in a tri-agency guidance on June 23, 2020 have created confusion regarding coverage requirements for COVID-19 testing,wrote the Members.In recent weeks, there has been an increase of coverage denials from health plans for COVID-19 testing, particularly for asymptomatic individuals.\r\nFor all Americans desiring to safely return to school and work, access to testing is critical. Individuals should not have any question whether they will face out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 diagnostic or antibody testing. We urge HHS to clarify the June 23 tri-agency guidance to be consistent with congressional intent and, ultimately, so that individuals who need a test can receive one without cost-sharing, medical management, or prior authorization, and regardless of whether the individual is symptomatic,added the Members.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-millers-statement-senates-confirmation-amy-coney-barrett-supreme", "Congresswoman Miller's Statement on Senate's Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate's vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court: I extend my highest congratulations to Justice Amy Coney Barrett on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. Justice Barrett has shown she is highly-qualified to sit on the highest court in the land, and I am confident she will fairly and responsibly rule in defense of the Constitution. My Republican colleagues in the Senate deserve great credit for the professionalism and expediency displayed during this confirmation process, and I applaud the Trump Administration for nominating such a remarkable candidate.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mooney-applauds-amy-coney-barrett-senate-confirmation", "Mooney Applauds Amy Coney Barrett Senate Confirmation", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  TodayCongressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02)issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate vote confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court:\n\nI applaud the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Barrett remained poised in the face of aggressive attacks by Democrats to delegitimize and obstruct her confirmation. She displayed to the American people her judicial expertise and knowledge of the Constitution. I'm confident Justice Barrett will serve the American people in rightful defense of our Constitution and founding principles,said Congressman Alex X. Mooney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-reed-introduce-legislation-to-provide-seniors-with-free-covid-19-vaccine", "Capito, Reed Introduce Legislation to Provide Seniors with Free COVID-19 VaccineRead More", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) recently introduced the Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Seniors Act to ensure that all senior citizens enrolled in Medicare can access free COVID-19 vaccines as soon as a safe, effective vaccine becomes available. The bipartisan legislation would close a loophole to ensure a future vaccine is available to vulnerable seniors on Medicare without cost-sharing.\n\n\u201cWe have already lost far too many Americans and West Virginians\u2014especially among our senior population\u2014to COVID-19,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cIt is essential that as soon as a safe, effective, and thoroughly reviewed vaccine is available that those with Medicare have access to it without a financial burden. This was the intent of the language Congress passed back in March and what this bill would ensure. While we hope and pray that such a vaccine is imminent, it is essential that until that time comes, we continue to take all efforts to prevent the spread of the disease\u2014including washing our hands, social distancing, and wearing our masks when necessary.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen a safe, effective, and fully vetted vaccine arrives, we need to ensure it is widely available and everyone can get the vaccines recommended by their doctors. That means removing barriers such as cost, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. This bill means more Rhode Island seniors can get covered and won\u2019t have to pay out of pocket for something that lawmakers across the spectrum agree should be free,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cA vaccine will be vital to people\u2019s health and the health of our economy. This bipartisan bill updates the law to ensure seniors on Medicare can protect themselves and that vaccines are covered by insurance with no cost-sharing.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Seniors Act could benefit up to 62 million Americans who rely on Medicare for health coverage, including more than 450,000 West Virginians and 220,000 Rhode Islanders.\n\nThe CARES Act, which Congress passed overwhelmingly and was signed into law at the end of March, included provisions requiring Medicare to cover U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved COVID-19 vaccines with no-cost sharing. These provisions are designed to ensure that as soon as there is an approved and available COVID-19 vaccine; seniors across the country would be able to get the vaccine for free under Medicare. However, the law was written in a way that failed to reconcile Medicare\u2019s current guidelines with \u201cemergency use\u201d designations. Given that the most likely pathway to market for a new COVID-19 vaccine is through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), under Section 564 of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Capito-Reed bill is needed to ensure that traditional Medicare beneficiaries do not face cost-sharing for a COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for emergency use under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths have occurred among adults 65 years of age and older, with the highest fatality rates among senior citizens age 85 or older.\n\nThe Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Seniors Act would require Medicare to cover a free COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, just as it would for one approved through regular FDA channels. This would bring Medicare in line with Medicaid and private insurers who have already committed to covering a COVID-19 vaccination for free at no cost to consumers.\n\nCurrently, seniors enrolled in Medicare are eligible for a free annual flu shot. The Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Seniors Act would make sure that those same seniors would also be eligible for a free COVID vaccine as well.\n\nSimilar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.).\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-to-confirm-supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett", "Capito Votes to Confirm Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney BarrettRead More", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tonight issued the below statement after voting to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court:\n\n\u201cTonight, I was proud to cast my vote in support of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as our newest Supreme Court Justice. Based on Judge Barrett\u2019s impressive resume, coupled with her depth of legal knowledge, she is clearly qualified to serve on our nation\u2019s highest court. Her judicial philosophy and record on the Seventh Circuit are those of a mainstream jurist who considers herself bound by the law\u2014not free to decide cases based on her own personal opinions.\n\n\u201cUltimately, the most important factors in my decision to confirm a Supreme Court nominee are whether the nominee is well-qualified, has a record of applying the original text of our Constitution, and has the support of my fellow West Virginians. Judge Barrett meets the criteria. After meeting with Judge Barrett personally, thoroughly examining her record, and watching her impressive hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am even more certain that she is a fair-minded individual that understands and respects the responsibilities of a Supreme Court justice.\n\n\u201cWest Virginians want a Supreme Court Justice with experience and integrity who will protect our Constitution and decide cases fairly. West Virginians want a Supreme Court Justice who will serve as a role model for our children and grandchildren. That\u2019s exactly what they will get with Jude Amy Coney Barrett, and it\u2019s for those reasons and more that I was proud to vote to confirm her to the United States Supreme Court.\u201d\n\nLast week, Senator Capito spoke on the Senate floor in support of Judge Barrett. Click here to watch.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Capito participated in a September press conference with several of her female Senate colleagues to discuss Judge Barrett as a jurist and role model, as well as the Left\u2019s double standard with it comes to covering women in public service. Click here to watch.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-capito-welcomes-national-guard-troops-home", "ICYMI: Capito Welcomes National Guard Troops HomeRead More", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Over the weekend, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) welcomed back more than 160 members of the 157th Military Police Company, 771st Troop Command Battalion, headquartered in Martinsburg and Moorefield, West Virginia. The troops returned to West Virginia from a nine-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they provided support for Joint Task Force \u2013 Guantanamo in its safe, legal and humane detention mission.\n\n\u201cThe 157th Military Police Company have faithfully served our county overseas and bring great pride to the State of West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cIt is always a fantastic day when West Virginians are welcomed home from tours of duty, and I am overjoyed for our service members and their families as they are able to reunite today. Our National Guard troops are on the front lines in our state; they serve as first responders, and are our local heroes. I am so thankful for their continued service and the role they play both domestically and abroad. To all our returning troops and their families, I send wishes of health and happiness during this difficult time, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you or your family. Welcome home!\u201d\n\nCurrently, the West Virginia National Guard has more than 150 soldiers and airmen deployed around the globe supporting operations in the U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Southern Command areas of responsibility.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2910", "ICMYI: McKinley Leads Bipartisan Effort to Stand Up for Hospitals", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-W.Va.), Mike Levin (D-CA), Roger Marshall M.D., (R-KS), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), led a letter with 239 Members of Congress to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns over recent changes to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) requirements.The funds authorized under the CARES Act have provided critical relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds have been used to help protect the safety of frontline doctors and nurses, ensure access to quality care, and in many cases, have helped enable providers to keep their doors open during these challenging times.\r\nEven before the pandemic, rural hospitals across West Virginia have been hanging on by a thread,said McKinley. The funding Congress provided in the CARES Act has provided stability for hospitals to provide the level of care our communities are counting on. Penalizing hospitals and making it harder to keep this much-needed relief is the last thing we need right now.\r\nThe AHA appreciates the leadership of Representative McKinley and the bipartisan support from Congress on this important issue,said Tom Nickels, AHA's executive vice president. Their work to revise the reporting requirements will help ensure that hospitals and health systems can continue to care for their patients and provide services to their communities, particularly those in rural areas and those serving vulnerable communities.\r\nThe Provider Relief Fund is a critical lifeline for essential hospitals serving vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Once again, Rep. McKinley has demonstrated his strong support for the health care safety net and the patients we serve. We thank Reps. McKinley, Levin, Marshall, Thompson, Lucas, O'Halleran, and their 239 House colleagues for helping to ensure providers have the resources they need to combat COVID-19,said Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, president and CEO, America's Essential Hospitals.\r\nIf already-struggling private safety-net hospitals are ordered to return some of their Provider Relief Funds, the health care disparities between their low-income, medically vulnerable communities and others will only grow,said Ellen Kugler, Executive Director, National Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals.NASH is most grateful to Representatives McKinley, Thompson, Marshall, Levin, Lucas, and O'Halleran for leading the effort to address this problem.\r\nIn the letter, McKinley and the other Members wrote:\r\nOn September 19, 2020, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced changes to the PRF reporting requirements that could force many hospitals and other providers to return some of this vital funding and jeopardize patients' access to care while the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,wrote the Members.This represents an about-face from the stipulations that HHS outlined months ago, which providers based their planning upon during an already tumultuous fiscal environment. HHS should return to PRF reporting requirements established on June 19, 2020.\r\nThis sudden and dramatic shift has created numerous problems for the nation's hospitals at the very same time they continue to be our first line of defense against the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore urge you to reinstate the June 19 requirements so that our frontline providers are able to focus their full resources on protecting the health and safety of the communities they serve,added the Members.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.  \r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe idea for writing the letter to HHS Secretary Azar came from McKinley hosting several meetings with hospitals in West Virginia.\r\nThe CARES Act delivered an initial $30 billion in funds to states. Over 1,770 West Virginia providers received a total of $246,574,851 in funding.\r\nOver concern for the recent changes to the PRF reporting requirements, HHS announced it has amended its reporting instructions to provide for the full applicability PRF distributions to lost revenues.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2925", "McKinley: Congress Must Not Lose Sight of Opioid Crisis", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today marks the second anniversary of President Donald J. Trump signing landmark legislation to fight the opioid epidemic  the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6)  into law. The bipartisan bill was a sweeping response to the opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across West Virginia and the nation.The legislation was the product of significant bipartisan work on both sides of the Capitol and included four bills championed by U.S. Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.).\r\nWhile the SUPPORT Act has made a difference and helped save lives, the opioid epidemic still rages  and has been made even worse by the COVID-19 pandemic this year.\r\nTwo years ago, Congress showed we could work together across party lines to address a significant national emergency  the opioid crisis,McKinley said.However, we should not rest on our laurels. There is still more that can be done. Too many families are still being torn apart by the horrors of opioid addiction.\r\nWhile Congress and the public are rightfully focused on addressing the public health and economic challenges we face due to COVID-19, we can't forget the families struggling with addiction,McKinley said.The opioid epidemic has not gone away. In fact, across the country overdose deaths have only increased.\r\nOur team is continuing to fight for more funding for West Virginia and working on new legislation to improve access to treatment and prevent drug companies from pill dumping in the future,added McKinley.We can walk and chew gum at the same time. Congress must place a priority on addressing this crisis.\r\nThis year, Rep. McKinley has introduced two bills aimed at addressing the opioid crisis:\r\n \r\n    The Block, Report, And Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act, H.R. 3878, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to require drug manufacturers, distributors and other DEA registrants to both report and stop any suspicious drug orders. This legislation also addresses a recommendation from the committee's opioid distribution report.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The TREATS, H.R. 7593, would extend telehealth flexibilities by making permanent key waivers, including the ability to prescribe Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) and other necessary drugs without needing a prior in-person visit and the ability to bill Medicare for audio-only telehealth services.\r\n \r\nSo far this Congress the House under Speaker Pelosi has not made addressing the opioid crisis a priority and held zero oversight hearings on the implementation of H.R. 6.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6) passed the House overwhelmingly on September 28. The Senate then sent the bill to the President's desk on October 3 and it was signed into law on October 24, 2018.\r\nThe package includes four bills championed by McKinley:\r\n \r\n    H.R. 5176, the Preventing Overdoses While in Emergency Rooms (POWER) Act:This bill was authored by McKinley and cosponsored by Rep. Michael Doyle (D-PA). The billprovides resources for hospitals to develop protocols on discharging patients who have overdosed.This will help avoid repeat overdoses by connecting patients with peer-support specialists and referring them to treatment and other services.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 5197, the Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO) in the Emergency Department Act:This bill was authored by McKinley and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). The billestablishes a demonstration program to test alternative pain management protocols tolimit to use of opioids in hospital emergency departments and reduce the over-prescribing of opioids.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 5695, Emmett's Law:This bill educates health care providers about information on substance abuse and overdoses they can share with family members.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 5628, Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act:This bill will helpimprove access to safe drug disposal programs for prescription medicine. Easy access of leftover prescription drugs is one of the leading pathways to opioid addiction.\r\n \r\nAdditionally, McKinley is aco-sponsor of 13 other bills that were included in H.R. 6.\r\nTo learn more about the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6)please click here.\r\nYou can watch McKinley's floor speech in support of H.R. 6 in June byclicking here.\r\nThe SUPPORT Act was not the first Energy and Commerce Committee-led response to the nation's opioid crisis. Previous Congressional efforts have included the passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act in the 114th Congress. In addition, billions of dollars were appropriated to boost programs that fight, treat, and stop substance abuse, and support access to mental health services in the 115th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/joe-biden-confirmed-last-night-s-debate-his-policies-would-devastate", "Joe Biden Confirmed at Last Nights Debate His Policies Would Devastate West Virginia's Economy", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02)discusses last night's presidential debate:\n\nAt last night's presidential debate, former Vice President Joe Biden confirmed his left-wing policies that would continue the Obama-Biden war on West Virginia's economy. Biden said he would transition' away from oil. He said in the first presidential debate that nobody's going to build another coal fire plant in America.' Fossil fuels are a critical part of our economic engine, creating jobs and prosperity, not only in the Mountain State, but nationwide.\n\nBiden's tax plan will increase taxes on hardworking Americans. I am proud to have worked with President Trump to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced taxes and encouraged good-paying jobs to relocate to America. Biden has stated he will repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, said Congressman Alex Mooney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-discusses-broadband-deployment-free-speech-with-facebook-founder-and-ceo", "Capito Discusses Broadband Deployment, Free Speech with Facebook Founder and CEORead More", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today spoke with Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to discuss broadband deployment in West Virginia and the importance of transparency with social media platforms as it relates to how they moderate speech.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been working with Facebook for several years to make their broadband deployment project a reality and I appreciate their interest in helping to better-connect West Virginia. Improving broadband access in our state has been a top priority since day one, which is why I launched my Capito Connect Plan and have been working with companies like Facebook to drive investment to the Mountain State. Facebook\u2019s broadband investment that Mark Zuckerberg and I spoke about today is yet another example of how my Capito Connect initiative is working to achieve our connectivity goals right here at home,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cAlso during our call today, I took the time to speak to Mr. Zuckerberg about how\u2014in light of recent events\u2014we can ensure that social media platforms like Facebook uphold American values like free speech and allow for civil discourse. Freedom of expression is so important and the need for transparency is critical. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Zuckerberg, as well as other tech executives, during our upcoming Commerce hearing on Wednesday.\u201d\n\nSenator Capito has long advocated for this partnership with Facebook and has advocated for similar investments. A timeline of her efforts to make this project a reality is included below:\n\nDuring a 2018 Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Capito discussed the fiber issue directly with Mark Zuckerberg. During the hearing, Senator Capito received a commitment from him to help close the digital divide in West Virginia.\n\nIn March 2019, Senator Capito joined Governor Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and others to announce Facebook\u2019s plans to build fiber optic cable across West Virginia to connect data centers in Columbus, Ohio and Ashburn, Virginia.\n\nIn November 2019, Senator Capito joined state leaders and Facebook representatives for a ceremonial groundbreaking in southern West Virginia. Since then, Facebook has been actively in the construction process.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Capito met with Facebook representatives at one of the construction sites in South Charleston, West Virginia where she received an update on construction progress.\n\nADDITIONAL PROJECT BACKGROUND:\n\nFacebook\u2019s broadband investment project consists of an approximate 275-mile route across West Virginia, which will provide the state with enhanced fiber optic connectivity. Because of this investment, West Virginians and communities along the route will be able to access this fiber to build networks to serve their communities. Facebook\u2019s infrastructure will serve as the interstate that allows local communities to partner with providers in West Virginia to build out the local access roads to serve their residents and businesses. These communities will also be able to apply for federal funds with the help of Senator Capito\u2019s Capito Connect Plan.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 753, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "WV", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 753, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 733, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 20, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 753, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 753, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-10-23,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecapito~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcapito-discusses-broadband-deployment-free-speech-with-facebook-founder-and-ceo", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WV&year=2020&_next=2020-10-23%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecapito~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcapito-discusses-broadband-deployment-free-speech-with-facebook-founder-and-ceo&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 173.50089317187667, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}