url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year,Video: Capito Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.15 Video: Capito Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year I ask that you join me in thanking those who are serving far away from home and loved ones this holiday season. Their sacrifices enable us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish, and we must keep these brave men and women in our thoughts and prayers. - Senator Capito Click here or the image above to watch the video **Download the video here** CHARLESTON, W.Va. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued a video statement wishing West Virginians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Full video transcript included below: Hello and Merry Christmas! During this time of year, it is customary for family and friends to gather together and reflect on the year that has passed. As I reflect on my first year in the United States Senate, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve West Virginia and proud of the work we have accomplished. From education reform, to a highway bill, to funding our nations military - the Republican-led Senate is off to a strong start. I look forward to building on this years accomplishments as we create new opportunities for our state in 2016. I ask that you join me in thanking those who are serving far away from home and loved ones this holiday season. Their sacrifices enable us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish, and we must keep these brave men and women in our thoughts and prayers. I wish all West Virginians a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2957,WBOY: Congressman McKinley Meets With Clarksburg Water Board,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David McKinley met with officials from the Clarksburg Water Board on Wednesday. McKinley spent the day in Harrison County asking many organizations how he could best bring their concerns to Washington when the session returns next week. Officials with the Water Board say they want to look into consolidation of water systems around the state to help make federal funding more worthwhile. To read the rest of the article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2960,WDTV: Delegation sends letter to President requesting more flood assistance in WV,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, as well as Representatives David McKinley, Evan Jenkins, and Alex Mooney sent a letter to President Trump asking for more assistance to be granted for those affected by storms on July 28 and 29 in North Central West Virginia. In the letter, the delegation showed support for Governor Jim Justices request to include West Virginia in any request submitted to Congress for supplemental appropriations. A major disaster declaration was made for Harrison, Marion, Marshall, and Wetzel counties after the storms. Federal funding was made available Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, and Wetzel counties. The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA or the Small Business Administration was October 17. To read the full article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-congratulate-wheeling-jesuit-on-volleyball-national-championship,Capito and Manchin Congratulate Wheeling Jesuit on Volleyball National Championship,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.15 Capito and Manchin Congratulate Wheeling Jesuit on Volleyball National Championship WASHINGTON, D.C. A resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) congratulating the Wheeling Jesuit University Womens Volleyball team on their victory in the Division II National Championship passed late Friday. The Senate resolution recognizes the Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals players and coaches on their victory over Palm Beach Atlantic University. To read the resolution in its entirety, click here. I am beyond thrilled for the young women and coaches of the Wheeling Jesuit volleyball team for winning the Division II National Championship and making West Virginia proud, said Senator Capito. As the mother of a former college volleyball player, I have seen the hard work and dedication that is required of student athletes. Balancing education and athletics is no easy task, and these young women have shown that they can do just that and thrive at the top level. It is my pleasure to congratulate the Cardinals on their first-ever National Championship! I am so proud of the Wheeling Jesuit volleyball team for winning the Division II National Championship, Senator Manchin said. Being a student athlete can be challenging, and these young women and coaches have proven you can have both academic and athletic success. The Cardinals have worked hard toward their first-ever National Championship, and I commend them on their dedication and sportsmanship. Congratulations! Individual player accolades are listed below: Andrea Thobe, Most Outstanding Player Award Jessica Thobe, All-Tournament Team Haley Kindall, All-Tournament Team Kayce Krucki, All-Tournament Team The 2015 Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals National Championship Team: Andrea Thobe Abby Moffit Kayce Krucki Haley Kindall Alexa Brown Sydney Obringer Maddy Smyth Jessica Thobe Allegra Shippy Julie Henderson Samantha Obringer Maddy Kassen Emily Blank Katie Campbell Emma Schleucher Lauren Graves Head Coach Christy Benner Assistant Coach Matt Benner Graduate Assistant Coach Allissa Ware ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=477,McKinley: A Missed Opportunity to Help Coal,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement regarding his vote against the government funding bill that passed the House today:""Every weekend when I go home, I see people struggling because of the downturn in coal all around me. With the highest unemployment in the nation, mines closing, and communities struggling, the urgency of doing something to stop the incessant attacks on our energy industry is real and demands immediate action. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement regarding his vote against the government funding bill that passed the House today: Every weekend when I go home, I see people struggling because of the downturn in coal all around me. With the highest unemployment in the nation, mines closing, and communities struggling, the urgency of doing something to stop the incessant attacks on our energy industry is real and demands immediate action. That's why we must take every opportunity to fight for these families. For the entire year we have been working to use the power of the purse to thwart the War on Coal. We fought to include provisions to stop regulations that will shut down underground coal mines and power plants in this must pass' spending bill but they were not included. More specifically, the bill did not adequately address our three top priorities on energy defending the ability to recycle coal ash, protecting pensions and health care for retired miners, and stopping the Stream Buffer Rule, which has been called the most destructive regulation yet for coal mining. Unfortunately in the end the bill included nothing of substance to provide peace of mind and confidence to the families struggling because of Obama's attacks on coal. Congress missed an opportunity today to take meaningful action to help West Virginia and other areas reliant on coal. While there may be good aspects of the bill more money for fossil energy research at the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL), removing the ban on oil exports, and additional funding for medical research at the National Institute of Health -- there is not nearly enough to make a real difference in the immediate lives of thousands of coal miners, their families and their communities. I voted no to send a message that we can't ignore this dire situation any longer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-and-congressman-sam-graves-mo-6-place,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) and Congressman Sam Graves (MO-6) Place Friendly Wager on Saturdays Division II Championship Game,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Congressman Alex X. Mooney and Congressman Sam Graves have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the Division II Championship football game. Congressman Mooneys Shepherd University Rams are taking on Congressman Graves Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. I look forward to seeing Congressman Graves proudly wear a Shepherd University football jersey on January 5th. In the highly unlikely event that Shepherd loses, I have agreed to wear Northwest Missouri State University gear the first day that Congress is back in session, said Rep. Alex Mooney. Despite retirements, adversity, and constant turnover, Northwest has been the mark of consistency in college football over the past few decades, Rep. Sam Graves said. Im looking forward to watching them continue their Division 2 dominance in Kansas City tomorrow, and especially to seeing Congressman Mooney wearing Northwest football gear in the Capitol next year. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-commends-passage-of-bipartisan-chemical-safety-legislation,Capito Commends Passage of Bipartisan Chemical Safety Legislation,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.15 Capito Commends Passage of Bipartisan Chemical Safety Legislation The strong bipartisan support behind this critical legislation serves as another example of the Senate getting back to work for the American people. -Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. Adding yet another bipartisan achievement to the list of Senate accomplishments in 2015, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today commended the Senates passage of the bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act chemical safety legislation that updates the 40-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Senator Capito co-sponsored this legislation and voted to pass it out of the committee earlier this year. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act provides needed reforms to our nations outdated chemical safety law. This bipartisan legislation will protect our families while providing a consistent regulatory framework, said Senator Capito. I am glad the final bill contains language I supported in the EPW Committee to make sure that storage near significant sources of drinking water is a criteria for EPA to account for in deciding which chemicals to review. The strong bipartisan support behind this critical legislation serves as another example of the Senate getting back to work for the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-government-funding-bill-includes-several-important-west-virginia-priorities,Capito: Government Funding Bill Includes Several Important West Virginia Priorities,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.15 Capito: Government Funding Bill Includes Several Important West Virginia Priorities Includes funding to fight the drug epidemic, help West Virginia miners and support domestic energy production, provides permanent tax relief to families and small businesses WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted for a bipartisan bill with several provisions that benefit West Virginia, including significant funding to enhance our national security, combat the drug epidemic and expand access to affordable broadband. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Capito was well-positioned to ensure that several West Virginia priorities were included in the final bill. The bill also provides tax relief and certainty to American families. It passed on a 65-33 vote. Senator Capito issued the following statement after the vote: This bill includes many priorities that will benefit West Virginia and grow the economy. Those who took issue with specific parts of the legislation and voted against it failed to consider the overall positive impact this bill will have on American families, workers and businesses. The bill includes significant funding to combat the drug epidemic that is taking the lives of many West Virginians. It will help expand rural broadband to the more than half of our state that lacks access to high-speed internet, and it boosts funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission. For those who have been devastated by this administrations relentless regulatory campaign, the bill includes resources to help our displaced West Virginia miners and improve mine safety. It supports research at West Virginia institutions to make coal, oil and natural gas energy production cleaner and more efficient. The bill increases resources for our military to modernize operations and better equip our troops. It strengthens our cybersecurity and tightens security requirements in the Visa Waiver program, and prohibits funding to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. It supports veterans health care and job training. As we confront threats at home and abroad, this bill will help to enhance our national security, and ensure that we properly care for those who have bravely served our country. This bill provides an increase in funding to treat, cure and hopefully end Alzheimers. This will help the 36,000 West Virginians living with Alzheimers and others who have been touched by the disease, including my own family. It also promotes the work of researchers and higher institutions in West Virginia to develop medical breakthroughs and new technologies. Lastly, the bill puts onerous Obamacare tax hikes on hold and provides tax benefits for members of the military and small businesses. It permanently extends the enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which according to the WV Center for Budget and Policy, helps a combined 131,000 children in 81,000 families in West Virginia. This will provide significant tax relief and certainty to middle-class families and businesses, and lay the path for comprehensive tax reform in the future. Congress should take its role in determining our nations spending priorities very seriously. For the first time in six years, all 12 appropriations bills were reported out of the Appropriations Committee this year, most with bipartisan support. Unfortunately Democrats put forth a strategy designed to keep Congress from working, including those who are now decrying the current process, and voted to block consideration of individual funding bills on the Senate floor. Because of this Democratic obstruction, we were left with few options: consider the funding bills as a single package or risk shutting down the government. In the future, I urge my Democratic colleagues to allow Congress to pass individual funding bills in a timely manner. While this bill is far from perfect, it will move us forward in significant ways. I remain disappointed that the Miners Protection Act was not included but am committed to protecting our coal mining community from EPAs devastating regulations and safeguarding our miners hard-earned benefits. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-statement-on-the-passing-of-friend-charles-lanham,Capito Statement on the Passing of Friend Charles Lanham,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.15 Capito Statement on the Passing of Friend Charles Lanham Charles was a true gentleman, a friend, and a leader who had a vision for his community - Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of community leader and long-time U.S. Route 35 advocate Charles Lanham of Point Pleasant. West Virginia lost a great man this week with the passing of Charles Lanham. Charles was a true gentleman, a friend, and a leader who had a vision for his community. He worked tirelessly to build the case for expanding U.S. Route 35, and thanks to his efforts the project is nearly complete. I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for the final stretch of U.S. Route 35 with Charles in October, said Senator Capito. I also touted his efforts in my maiden speech on the Senate floor in March. Charles will be greatly missed, and I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to his wife Lilly Faye and his family during this difficult time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mooney-introduces-act-better-technical-education,Mooney introduces act to better technical education,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Technical Education and Career Help Act, also known as the TEACH Act, was introduced by Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV) on Tuesday. Under the TEACH Act, allocated grant funding issued for Higher Education will be able to be put towards training of teachers in a vocational and technical setting. ""Currently, Higher Ed funding doesn't allow for teacher training. This corrects that, and I believe that this is important to West Virginia for vocational education,"" Mooney said. Title II of the Higher Education Act provides grant funding to help improve the quality of prospective teachers at post-secondary institutions and local schools. To date, none of these grants have been focused on career and technical education. The TEACH Act would allow the Title II Teacher Quality funds, about $40 million a year, to be used to give aspiring CTE teachers the preparation necessary to better lead in the CTE classroom. ""Students would benefit from this as well. They deserve to be taught by well-trained instructors to get the best education,"" Mooney said. ""Training needs vary, especially in technical fields; take cyber security, for instance. There is a constant need to train in this dynamic economy. This is an acknowledgement of this reality,"" Mooney added. The TEACH Act is designed to help recruit mid-career professionals in relevant technical fields, recent college graduates, veterans and currently licensed teachers who are interested in transitioning to CTE-focused education. Mooney also said this bill will be an incentive to keep teachers at the community college level. ""They are an integral part to education, especially in West Virginia where so many of our students choose to receive training and get careers in the technical fields. We want to keep them in these schools,"" Mooney said. The TEACH Act amends the Higher Education Act by: Establishing a grant that will facilitate CTE-specific partnerships with high-needs schools and post-secondary institutions to train CTE teachers Requiring that CTE teacher-training initiatives consist of at least a one-year residency initiative with a high-needs school and include teacher mentorship for a minimum of two years Ensuring exposure to workforce opportunities for students by requiring that prospective teachers have work experience in the field in which they will teach or, in the case of recent college graduates, have demonstrated proficiency through relevant coursework Requiring grantees to complete an evaluation that includes measurable performance objectives to determine the partnership's impact Mooney said he is dedicated to keeping the bill bi-partisan. ""I am hoping it will pass and I want to keep this strictly bipartisan. Currently, there are four Republicans and fourDemocrats supporting it and right now is it pretty balanced geographically. I plan to keep bringing on support two at a time to keep it level,"" Mooney said. ""Every congressional district has students who want to enter into these types of careers. Certainly, I would think they have seen a similar need in their area,"" Mooney added. Mooney said he hopes to have this reviewed and passed sometime next year. Staff writer Katiann Marshall can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 182, or at Twitter.com/KmarshallJN.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-and-congresswoman-katherine-m-clark-ma-5,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) and Congresswoman Katherine M. Clark (MA-5) Introduce Bipartisan TEACH Act,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney and Congresswoman Katherine M. Clark introduced H.R. 4263, the Technical Education and Career Help Act, also known as the TEACH Act. This bill invests in career and technical education (CTE) around the country. I am proud to introduce H.R. 4263, the Technical Education and Career Help Act. As I travel across my district in West Virginia and visit schools and community colleges, I hear time and again that quality career and technical education opens up options for high-paying jobs. Having high quality educators in our schools training the workforce of tomorrow is imperative, said Rep. Alex X. Mooney. My bipartisan bill will ensure that students interested in careers such as welding or emergency service receive the training necessary to prepare them for a competitive professional environment. The TEACH Act will ensure that our 21st century workforce has theskill set for success in todays economy, said Rep. Katherine M.Clark. ""This bill will allow students to develop highly marketable skills and support Career and Technology Education teachers. The TEACH Act will broaden participation in technical careers and strengthen our economy. ACTE is proud to endorse the TEACH Act, which will bridge the gap between future CTE educators and the classroom, said Association for Career and Technical Education Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. It is critical that we encourage new professionals to enter the CTE teaching field and provide them with the support they need to succeed in their role, especially in the face of challenges currently posed by teacher shortages nationwide. The TEACH Act invests in CTE teachers by expanding, without authorizing new spending, the Higher Education Act's teacher residency grant program to help schools recruit and train high-quality CTE teachers. This will increase the quality of training that students receive and ensure that they are truly prepared with the skills they need to succeed in todays workplace. Other cosponsors includeRep. Rod Blum (R-IA), Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA). The Alliance for Excellent Education, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Consortium (NASDCTEc), Public Advocacy for Kids, and Future Farmers of America also support the bill. The bipartisan legislation has alsobeen introduced in the Senate (S.2174) by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (R-WI), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). For more information on the bill click here. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=480,McKinley: Climate Deal Is Just Window Dressing,2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on the climate change agreement reached in Paris on Saturday: ""As the public reads through the Paris climate agreement they will understand that it is simply window dressing. While the aftermath of the agreement has been full of self-congratulatory applause and high-minded rhetoric about saving the planet, the real impact of the agreement is questionable. It appears to be more about President Obama's desire to embellish his legacy than making a tangible difference in global temperatures. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on the climate change agreement reached in Paris on Saturday: As the public reads through the Paris climate agreement they will understand that it is simply window dressing. While the aftermath of the agreement has been full of self-congratulatory applause and high-minded rhetoric about saving the planet, the real impact of the agreement is questionable. It appears to be more about President Obama's desire to embellish his legacy than making a tangible difference in global temperatures. As Secretary of State John Kerry admitted yesterday, the deal doesn't have mandatory targets for reduction and it doesn't have an enforcement, compliance mechanism.' It is a feel-good exercise that will have little impact in the real world. The ink on the agreement is barely dry, and India has already indicated it will continue with plans to double coal production by 2020. Developing countries like China and India will continue to need affordable energy as they grow, and no agreement can change that. The Obama Administration deliberately shaped the agreement to circumvent Congress because it knows this plan wouldn't stand a chance of approval. The agreement could not be ratified as a treaty, because Congress will not go along with a policy to move away from coal and natural gas and hurt our economy, increase energy prices, and destroy jobs in the process.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-new-va-clinic-ronceverte,REP. JENKINS: NEW VA CLINIC IN RONCEVERTE,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) thanked the Department of Veterans Affairs today for announcing its further commitment to West Virginias veterans by signing a lease for a new, permanent clinic in Greenbrier County. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald promised Rep. Jenkins and other members of the congressional delegation in July that the VA would reopen a permanent community-based outpatient clinic in Greenbrier County. The previous clinic was closed after problems with the building, and a temporary clinic will open soon at 3584 Davis Stuart Road in Lewisburg. The new clinic will be located at 228 Shamrock Lane in Ronceverte, and construction will take at least six to eight months. West Virginias veterans depend on the VA for the care they have been promised, and I thank Secretary McDonald for standing by his word. More than 1,700 veterans from Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas and Summers counties rely on this facility and deserve access to quality care close to home. I will continue to monitor progress on this new facility and look forward to seeing it open as soon as possible, Rep. Jenkins said. Rep. Jenkins wrote a letter to Secretary McDonald in June urging him to reopen a clinic in Greenbrier County. Please click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-introduces-end-government-shutdowns-act,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Introduces the End Government Shutdowns Act,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Alex X. Mooney introduced H.R. 3776, the End Government Shutdowns Act. The End Government Shutdowns Act will bring certainty and security to the federal spending process by eliminating the threat of government shutdowns. For the last 18 budget cycles, since 1997, Congress has failed to pass spending bills on time through the regular appropriations process. This has resulted in several federal government shutdowns, hasty budget agreements, economic uncertainty, and disruptions in services for many hardworking taxpayers; our country cannot continue to operate like this, said Rep. Mooney. The End Government Shutdowns Act will put an end to this government funding chaos by providing an automatic Continuing Resolution, also known as a CR, for any of the twelve regular appropriations bills not completed by October 1. Once 120 days have elapsed, the federal budget will be trimmed by 1 percentage point. Each 90 day period thereafter, congressional spending will receive an additional 1 percent cut. These cuts will place pressure on the federal funding process without shutting down the government. This proposal does not play favorites among liberal or conservative spending priorities. This will serve as a critical incentive for both sides to come together and solve Americas spending challenges in an equitable manner. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-and-manchin-statement-on-greenbrier-county-va-announcement,Capito and Manchin Statement on Greenbrier County VA Announcement,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.15 Capito and Manchin Statement on Greenbrier County VA Announcement WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today welcomed the announcement of a new permanent location for the Greenbrier County VA Clinic. The announcement follows VA Secretary Robert McDonalds visit to West Virginia in September and previous commitments to reopen the Greenbrier Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). According to the Beckley Department of Veterans Affairs, the new clinic will be located at 228 Shamrock Lane in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Renovations of the new site are expected to take a minimum of six to eight months. A temporary VA clinic located at 3584 Davis Stuart Road in Lewisburg, West Virginia is expected to open in 2016 and will be operational until the permanent location is completed. For several months, I have been working diligently to reopen the Greenbrier facility and ensure our veterans have access to the best possible medical care. Todays announcement is welcome news for the many West Virginia veterans who have had to travel long distances in the absence of a nearby clinic. I am grateful to Secretary McDonald for keeping his commitment to our veterans and look forward to the official opening of this important facility, said Senator Capito. Today, we have made an important step to fulfilling our promise of quality care and services to our Veterans in southern West Virginia with the announcement of the reopening of the Greenbrier Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), Senator Manchin said. When Secretary McDonald and I traveled through southern West Virginia in September, we met with more than 200 Veterans who were concerned about their access to permanent care and services. Now with the reopening of the Greenbrier health clinic, they will have access to the permanent quality care they have earned and deserve. The West Virginia Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and our local Veterans have worked together to achieve this great accomplishment, and I thank them for all of their hard work and dedication. I am pleased the new Greenbrier health clinic will once again open its doors to our Veterans and provide them with the care they are owed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-frontier-settlement-will-improve-wv-internet-access,REP. JENKINS: FRONTIER SETTLEMENT WILL IMPROVE WV INTERNET ACCESS,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement on West Virginias landmark settlement with Frontier Communications announced today: Once again, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and his office are defending consumers in West Virginia. This settlement means faster Internet speeds for consumers, and Frontier will improve our states Internet infrastructure. I thank the attorney general for his hard work on behalf of our states residents and know this improved Internet access will help attract new jobs and improve our quality of life, Rep. Jenkins said. The estimated $160 million settlement resolves complaints about consumers Internet speeds and is the largest consumer protection settlement in the states history. Frontier will invest at least $150 million over three years to establish and maintain high-speed Internet access across the state. Some consumers will see a reduction in their rates, and Frontier will pay $500,000 to the states Consumer Protection Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-more-than-7-million-for-infrastructure-repair-in-west-virginia-,Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $7 Million for Infrastructure Repair in West Virginia,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.15 Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $7 Million for Infrastructure Repair in West Virginia WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that West Virginia will receive $7,397,643 from the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help finance federal road and bridge repairs in 19 counties following severe weather incidents in the spring and summer of 2015. This funding is important to West Virginia communities that were struck by severe weather earlier this year. Roads, bridges and highways play a vital role in a mountainous state like ours, and this financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration will help put these 19 counties on the road to recovery, said Senator Capito. The severe weather earlier this year took a toll on communities throughout West Virginia, impacting our businesses, highways, roads and our homes, Senator Manchin said. Over the past couple of months, I have heard from numerous West Virginians about the dire road conditions caused by the severe weather. I am glad this funding will help repair the damage while also creating an environment for economic growth. More than $6.5 million is being awarded through FHWAs Emergency Relief (ER) program and more than $800,000 is from the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program. Individual awards are listed below: $813,181 Funds are awarded through the ERFO program to support repairs in Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas and Greenbrier Counties $1,316,892 Funds are awarded through the ER program for the following West Virginia counties affected by the July 2015 flooding: Boone, Braxton, Clay, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Jackson, Nicholas, Roane, Webster and Wood. $5,267,570 Funds are awarded through the ER program for the following West Virginia counties affected by the April 2015 flooding: Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mingo, Pleasants, Wayne and Wetzel. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/columns/rep-jenkins-highway-bill-victory-west-virginia,Rep. Jenkins: Highway bill is a victory for West Virginia,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Virginia has many road projects that have been long promised but never completed. Some are actually seeing progress, like Route 35 in Mason and Putnam counties, which is on schedule to be fully upgraded. Others, like the King Coal Highway, Coalfields Expressway and Tolsia Highway remain in various stages of completion or lack thereof. Nearly every day, West Virginians ask me to help find a solution to this critical issue. I hear about a road thats unsafe, a highway thats incomplete, or a bridge that fails to meet safety standards. I agree funding our transportation infrastructure must be a priority. I want my family and every West Virginia family to drive on safe, well-maintained roads and bridges. Help is on the way. Just days ago, the House and Senate passed a fully funded, five-year highway bill the FAST Act that will bring billions of dollars to West Virginia to fix our roads and invest in our future. The president has signed this into law, which means that Congress has achieved something that hasnt been done in a decade passing a multi-year highway bill. We also ensured that the FAST Act is fully paid for without increasing the gas tax, a tax increase many West Virginians oppose in these tough economic times. The need for the FAST Act and the money it will bring is great. Theres no debating the fact that our roads and bridges are in poor shape. According to a May 2015 national transportation study, West Virginia ranks the fifth worst in the nation for rural pavement conditions. That means 29 percent of our rural roads are considered unfit for travel. Our bridges arent any better. The Federal Highway Administration reports that 35 percent of our states bridges more than 2,500 bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The FAST Act will bring nearly $2.5 billion in transportation funding to West Virginia over the next five years, which will go a long way to building new roads, repairing existing roads, and fixing our dilapidated bridges. This fiscal year alone West Virginia will receive more than $420 million, and that amount will grow every year for the duration of this law. The lack of a long-term highway bill has tied the hands of our state highway department. Without knowing that funds will be there for years to come, highway officials have held off on many major projects. Roads are not built overnight they require years of planning and consistent, reliable funding. This bill provides just that. It also allows states to use federal funds for local bridges, many of which are in rural areas. Previously, it was difficult for states to get approval to use Highway Trust Fund dollars to pay for bridges that are not part of the federal highway system, meaning that most of the bridges in our district could not be fixed with these federal funds. Because of the FAST Act, West Virginia will be able to use these funds to fix many of the bridges we have that fail to meet safety standards. The FAST Act also includes several provisions that will make railways safer, something thats in all of our minds after the Mount Carbon derailment at the beginning of the year. It improves safety standards for both new and existing railroad tank cars, making them better protected in the event of a derailment or accident. The law also increases funding for highway-railroad grade crossings, which will make West Virginians safer as they drive across the at-grade train crossings across our district. Instead of making spending decisions in Washington, the FAST Act gives money to the states to decide which projects will be built and prioritized. I know the people of southern West Virginia want to see highway dollars invested in their backyards, and I will be fighting for these projects and for the Third District to receive its fair share. It will be up to all of us to let those in Charleston know about the roads, bridges and projects in the Third District that we want to be completed with this money. As a member of Congress, Im dedicated to being part of solutions that work for West Virginia. This highway bill makes meaningful investments in our roads and bridges while allowing us to plan for our states long-term needs. Smart investments in our highways and bridges will help keep and bring good-paying jobs to our towns and communities. If West Virginia is to get its economy back on track, we must make sure the way there is safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-commends-passage-of-every-student-succeeds-act,Capito Commends Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.15 Capito Commends Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act Bipartisan education reform bill includes Capito amendments to improve student access to the internet at home, fund health and social services at community schools, and provide parents with information about schools WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted for a bipartisan education reform bill that overhauls the No Child Left Behind Act and ends the Common Core mandate. The Every Student Succeeds Act a combination of the Senate-passed Every Child Achieves Act and the House-passed Student Success Act passed the Senate on an overwhelming 85-12 vote. Todays passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act is a significant step forward for an education system that is outdated and out of step with the needs of our students. This legislation ends the Common Core mandate and eliminates Washingtons one size fits all approach to education. It puts decisions about education back in the hands of those who know best: states, parents and teachers, said Senator Capito. Our students deserve the highest academic standards, the best available teaching and the resources needed to excel in school. The Every Student Succeeds Act will help achieve those goals. Many provisions in the bill will directly benefit West Virginias nearly 300,000 students, including funding for STEM programs and drug prevention education. The bill also includes three provisions I introduced to empower students and their families. These amendments seek to improve student access to the internet at home, fund health and social services at community schools, and provide parents with important information about their childrens schools. Senator Capitos amendments in the Every Student Succeeds Act include: Develops Metrics for SuccessRequires state and local educational agencies to include college enrollment information on state and local report cards. By including this simple, easy to understand outcome measure, parents and students will have the information they need to make informed choices about their education. Additionally, the data will help states and school districts target limited resources to the schools that need them. Promotes Digital LearningAuthorizes a report on closing the homework gap for students without internet access at home as proposed in the Digital Learning Equity Act and allows funding in the bill to be used to close this technology gap. Building on her Capito Connect plan, Senator Capito introduced legislation similar to these provisions with Senator Angus King (I-Maine) in June. Helps Community SchoolsEnsures that any West Virginia community school program receiving Title I funds can use these funds for their program and for a site resource coordinator at their school or local education agency. The bill also creates a new grant program to expand the community school model. Title I of theElementary and Secondary Education Actprovides financial assistance to local schools with high numbers of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Site resource coordinators work with the local community and nonprofits to identify additional resources that benefit students. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bluefield-daily-telegraph-editorial-fast-act-federal-highway-bill-now-law,Bluefield Daily Telegraph editorial: FAST Act: Federal highway bill now law,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation that will fast track federal funding for critical highway infrastructure projects in West Virginia and Virginia, including the King Coal Highway and the Coalfields Expressway, has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. The U.S. House of Representatives approved The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act last week by a vote of 350 to 65. The U.S. Senate then voted 83 to 16 to approve the FAST Act. The measure was signed into law by Obama late Friday evening. The long-awaited federal highway bill will provide more than $2.6 billion in federal transportation dollars to West Virginia over a five-year period. In neighboring Virginia, another $6.2 billion in federal transportation funding will be allocated to the Commonwealth over the next five years. The measure is the first long-term highway funding bill to be approved by Congress in more than a decade. It is long overdue and desperately needed, and should help in jump-starting both the King Coal Highway and the Coalfields Expressway, while also allocating additional dollars to urgently needed road and bridge repairs in both West Virginia and Virginia. Lawmakers across the region voted in support of the bill, including U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., U.S. Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. Jenkins, a member of the House Appropriations Committee who serves on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee, said the new long-term highway bill will allow West Virginia to rebuild roads, complete highway projects, repair bridges, and improve rural transit programs all without raising the gas tax. West Virginia will have the funding, certainty and tools needed to move forward on long-term highway projects like King Coal Highway, Tolsia Highway, Coalfields Expressway and Route 10 just to name a few, Jenkins said. Instead of making spending decisions in Washington, this bill gives money to the states to decide which projects will be built and prioritized. I know the people of southern West Virginia want to see highway dollars invested in their backyards, and I will be fighting for these projects and for the Third District to receive its fair share. Under the FAST Act, West Virginia will receive over $2.3 billion dollars to maintain existing infrastructure and continue construction on critical high priority corridors such as the King Coal Highway, the Coalfields Expressway, and Corridor H, Manchin added. The bill also includes a new national freight program that will bring $70 million to West Virginia over the next five years to support the efficient movement of goods throughout our national highway system. Two road projects that are expected to see a resumption of construction as a result of the new federal highway bill are the King Coal Highway and the Coalfields Expressway. In Mercer County, the federal highway bill should help to ensure that funding will be in place for the resumption of construction on a long-stalled section of the King Coal Highway near Bluefield, which was recently included in West Virginias six-year highway improvement plan by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. The future Intestate 73/74 corridor currently comes to an abrupt end at the Christine West Bridge near Stoney Ridge and the Mercer Mall. Current plans call for the creation of a usable segment of the highway that will extend toward Route 123, and the Mercer County Airport. Getting this road moving again is critical to the future of southern West Virginia. Its a great day, and its been quite a few years since weve had a transportation bill, King Coal Highway Authority Executive Director Mike Mitchem told the Daily Telegraph last week. We are hoping it will jump-start the Mercer County section there that is in the six-year plan, the airport, the railcar place the city of Bluefield is working on and will help bring some other economic development to the area. In terms of the Coalfields Expressway, officials are hoping the federal funding will allow them to get the four-lane corridor to the Pineville area of Wyoming County. A section of the road is already open to traffic in Raleigh County. Richard Browning, executive director of the Coalfields Expressway Authority, says the authority is continuing to look at contracts in McDowell County, and possible public-private agreements. Thats of critical importance considering that McDowell County still doesnt have a usable section of four-lane highway. We welcome and applaud the passage of the FAST Act. With a new long-term federal highway bill in the books, it is now imperative for state officials to get back to work on building the King Coal Highway and the Coalfields Expressway, and fixing our dilapidated roads and bridges.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-house-strengthens-visa-waiver-program,REP. JENKINS: HOUSE STRENGTHENS VISA WAIVER PROGRAM,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) voted yes today on legislation to help identify and stop terrorists from entering the United States via the Visa Waiver Program. Rep. Jenkins is also a cosponsor of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives 407-19. As the president has failed to lead to make our nation secure from the threat of terrorism, Congress must take every action possible to protect our nation and safeguard against those who wish to do us harm. The Visa Waiver Program, as it stands now, has clear loopholes that would allow someone who recently traveled to ISIS territories to come to the United States as a visitor with minimal scrutiny. Americans deserve to know that visitors from other countries have been thoroughly screened, and we must use every resource possible to prevent terrorists from entering our country, Rep. Jenkins said. Thirty-eight countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which expedites entry into the United States. However, thousands of holders of passports from Visa Waiver Program countries have traveled to Iraq, Syria and other troubled areas to meet up with ISIS and other terrorist groups. Through the Visa Waiver Program, these individuals could travel to the United States with little scrutiny. The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act would strengthen our national security by requiring every participating country to have e-passports, lost or stolen passports be reported to Interpol, and people who have traveled to Iraq, Syria or other areas of concern go through the regular, thorough visa screening process. H.R. 158 is sponsored by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.). For more about the bill, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=429,"McKinley Votes to Keep Americans Safe, Fix Loopholes in Visa Waiver Program",2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan plan to strengthen oversight of the Visa Waiver Program and close security gaps in the program, which allows passport holders from 38 countries around the world to travel to the United States for 90 days without a visa. share: f t Today the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan plan to strengthen oversight of the Visa Waiver Program and close security gaps in the program, which allows passport holders from 38 countries around the world to travel to the United States for 90 days without a visa. Terrorists from ISIS have already made it abundantly clear they will use our freedom and openness to hurt us, said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). Giving more scrutiny to travelers with connections to Syria, Iraq, and other terrorist hotspots is just common sense. We know that thousands of Europeans who would qualify for the Visa Waiver Program have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS, said McKinley. It's imperative we stop these terrorists from boarding a flight in Brussels, Paris, or London and traveling to America to cause harm. The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) requires individuals who have traveled to countries that are State Sponsors of Terrorism or troubled areas like Syria or Iraq to apply for a visa before coming to the U.S., just like most travelers. It would also allow the U.S. to suspend countries from the program if they don't cooperate and share information on terrorist threats. We need to give Americans the peace of mind that our government is taking all steps necessary to stop potential terrorist attacks before they happen, said McKinley. This plan is a step to reduce these threats and will help keep Americans safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-more-than-350k-for-employment-assistance-in-west-virginia,"Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $350K for Employment Assistance in West Virginia",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.15 Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $350K for Employment Assistance in West Virginia WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $350,159 in federal funding for local housing agencies in West Virginia to help families in need find employment and become economically independent. A state filled with small towns and tightknit communities, West Virginians often come together to help neighbors in need. These funds will help West Virginia entities better assist families looking to achieve economic independence. By helping these individuals secure employment, this program has the ability to transform lives and help many West Virginians get back on a solid footing, said Senator Capito. One of our core values as West Virginians is helping our neighbors who are struggling and in need our support, Senator Manchin said. We should help those in need to make sure they have the resources they need to get back on their feet, provide for their families and contribute to their communities. This funding will help West Virginians who have fallen on hard times acquire the skills and training they need to find jobs that provide a living wage and become financially independent. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-sufficiency (FSS) program. This program helps put those currently receiving vouchers on the path to economic independence by helping them obtain employment. The money is distributed to public housing agencies that work with schools, businesses, and other local entities to support programs that give participants skills and experience to help them find employment. In addition to employment assistance, funding can also support child care, transportation, education and job training, and counseling. Below are the individual award amounts: $18,104 Benwood McMechen Housing Authority $81,960 Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority $34,028 Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority $34,500 Housing Authority of Mingo County $22,736 Randolph County Housing Authority $30,186 The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority $36,960 The Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority $43,275 Parkersburg Housing Authority $48,410 Wheeling Housing Authority ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/beckley-register-herald-congressman-jenkins-meets-local-health-officials,Beckley Register-Herald: Congressman Jenkins meets with local health officials to discuss NAS babies,2015-12-05,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"RONCEVERTE About 500 babies are delivered at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center (GVMC) each year. Three years ago, 19 percent of babies born suffered from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or NAS. Thats about 100 babies each year who suffer the effects of withdrawal from being exposed to drugs in the womb, officials said Friday. After having several interventions and getting drug-addicted mothers the help they need, the number has dropped to about 5 percent. Thats still too high, according to West Virginia Congressman Evan Jenkins. Jenkins visited GVMC Friday to talk to staff about how NAS affects lives, big and small. Vivian Davies, director of Womens Services at GVMC, said segments of umbilical cords are tested for drug exposure. Normally, if the cord tests negative for drugs, we get that result back quickly, Vivian Davies said. If its positive for drugs, it takes a few days to get results. Those few days of waiting can be a major problem if insurance providers dont want to pay for five days' worth of care for an infant. Normally they pay for three days, Davies said. Oftentimes the symptoms dont appear for five days and thats a problem. Weve had babies that needed to stay for 30 days. The hospital ends up eating the cost of caring for those children. Jenkins said it costs about $4,500 to deliver a healthy baby. An NAS baby costs the state about $70,000. Not only is it costly to take care of an NAS baby, its taxing as well, Davies said. Its extremely hard on the nurses, she said. The nurses are often taking care of babies while the mom is out there doing drugs. Thats just frustrating. An NAS baby must be weaned off of drugs slowly so they can live a happy, full life. It may seem like nothing can be done to ease the baby's pain, but we know enough about the babies to treat them in the best way possible, according to an addictions therapist from the GVMC. We have these little swings called MamaRoos, Tameran Asbury said. They sway and rock in a way that is soothing to NAS babies. You cant hold an NAS baby. Touch makes them panic because they are hyper-sensitive. Low-lighting and quiet environments are soothing for the babies, too. While the baby is soothed, the drug-weaning process starts. For some babies, this can take days or weeks. For others, like a baby we had recently, it can take months, Asbury said. Jenkins said he once held an NAS baby and it changed his life. Five years ago, two nurses invited me to see and understand the ravages of a newborn who was drug-exposed, he said. They are born and they have to essentially detox. NAS babies are rigid. They cry incessantly. Theyre inconsolable. They have the potential for seizures and serious intestinal issues. They sweat constantly. They pretty much have all the symptoms of an adult who is going through withdrawal. Withdrawal is tough on adults, so it can only be pure suffering for someone who is 2 days old, Jenkins said. These are the most victimized victims in all of the drug crisis, he said. Their suffering is simply unacceptable to me. Jenkins co-sponsored a bill to help NAS babies that was signed into law Wednesday by President Barack Obama. The bill, called the Protecting Our Infants Act, will build a system to better treat babies that are affected by NAS. Congressman Jenkins also introduced a bill Wednesday that would offer clinical care to NAS babies while giving counseling to mothers and families. The bill also expands Medicaid coverage to victims of NAS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bluefield-daily-telegraph-editorial-nas-babies-necessary-measure-now-law,Bluefield Daily Telegraph editorial: NAS babies: Necessary measure is now law,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Protecting Our Infants Act, a necessary measure that will improve care for babies who are exposed to drugs during pregnancy, has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. The bill, which was championed by U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-.W.Va., will build on best practices from doctors and nurses in West Virginia and across the country in treating babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Jenkins was a cosponsor of the House version of the bill, which was introduced in response to the growing tragedy of newborns who are suffering from withdrawal from the drugs their mothers consumed during pregnancy. Several years ago when he was still a state lawmaker, Jenkins was involved in the three-year process to build Lillys Place in Huntington, one of the first stand-alone residential pediatric recovery centers in the country. Since coming to Congress, I have made it my mission to fight for babies impacted by the drug epidemic, Jenkins said. Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start ones life, but thats the reality for far too many newborns in West Virginia. The Protecting Our Infants Act becoming law means we will improve treatment for NAS babies and increase our understanding of opioid exposure during pregnancy. The new law will improve care for mothers and babies alike, as correctly noted by Rebecca Crowder, executive director of Lilys Place. The number of babies born with prenatal exposure to drugs is growing at a rapid rate across the nation, Crowder said. The Protecting Our Infants Act will create positive outcomes for the mother and child, focusing on prevention as well as the treatment of babies already born affected. West Virginia is making great strides in treatment, care for babies born prenatally exposed to drugs, and much-needed services for families. Congressman Jenkins has led the charge in making all of this possible in West Virginia, and now we have the opportunity to become a model for other states. We, too, applaud Jenkins for championing this all- important measure. And it is our hope that the new law can make a meaningful difference in West Virginia where an alarming number of infants are being born drug addicted. The passage of this measure is a rare example of Congress and President Barack Obama putting politics aside and working together for the greater cause. This is a positive move, as there is no room for politics and political bickering when it comes to fighting the deadly scourge of drug abuse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-visa-waiver-program-loopholes-threaten-our-security,REP. JENKINS: VISA WAIVER PROGRAM LOOPHOLES THREATEN OUR SECURITY,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) has signed on as a cosponsor of legislation to help identify and stop terrorists from entering the United States via the Visa Waiver Program. This bill is expected to pass the U.S. House of Representatives next week under suspension, meaning it has broad bipartisan support for passage. Thirty-eight countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which expedites entry into the United States. However, thousands of holders of passports from Visa Waiver Program countries have traveled to Iraq, Syria and other troubled areas to meet up with ISIS and other terrorist groups. Through the Visa Waiver Program, these individuals could travel to the United States with little scrutiny. H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, would strengthen our national security by requiring every participating country to have e-passports, lost or stolen passports be reported to Interpol, and people who have traveled to Iraq, Syria or other areas of concern go through the regular, thorough visa screening process. The presidents failed policies in Syria have led to the threat that ISIS poses to America and across the world. The Visa Waiver Program, as it stands now, has clear loopholes that would allow someone who recently traveled to ISIS territories to come to the United States as a visitor with minimal scrutiny. As the president has failed to lead to make our nation secure from the threat of terrorism, Congress must act quickly to strengthen our borders and improve the screening of visitors arriving on American soil. Next week the House will take up the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation ensures that travelers are thoroughly screened and that other countries are held to the highest passport standards. We must take every action possible to protect our nation and safeguard against those who wish to do us harm, Rep. Jenkins said. H.R. 158 is sponsored by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.). For more about the bill, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=449,"McKinley Votes to Replace No Child Left Behind, Return Power to Teachers and Parents",2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) voted today to replace the flawed No Child Left Behind policy, and enact reforms that will return power back to local teachers, principals, and parents and prevent the government from forcing Common Core on the states. share: f t Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) voted today to replace the flawed No Child Left Behind policy, and enact reforms that will return power back to local teachers, principals, and parents and prevent the government from forcing Common Core on the states. We have talked to parents, teachers, and education officials throughout West Virginia and heard a constant refrain that the current system is broken, said McKinley. They are fed up with one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, too much reliance on testing, and Common Core being forced on them. While the bill is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction, said McKinley. It reduces the federal role in education and empowers parents to make choices for their kids. Voting against this would have meant endorsing the status quo, which is clearly not working, said McKinley. Our kids and grandkids are falling behind and the system is failing them. Today the House took a step in the right direction to say no to Common Core and yes to more local control. Rep. McKinley had two amendments incorporated into the final version of the bill: a provision to require multiple measures to grade school performance, not just tests; and one that ensures paraprofessional educators are qualified. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=486,McKinley: Highway Bill Will Help West Virginia,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that will help improve West Virginia's roads and bridges. ""We can't rebuild and grow our economy unless we have good roads,"" said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). ""Our infrastructure is failing and needs immediate attention. This five-year plan will give West Virginia and our local communities the certainty they need to make planning decisions."" share: f t Today the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that will help improve West Virginia's roads and bridges. We can't rebuild and grow our economy unless we have good roads, said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). Our infrastructure is failing and needs immediate attention. This five-year plan will give West Virginia and our local communities the certainty they need to make planning decisions. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was negotiated between the House and Senate and is the first long-term transportation bill since the Bush Administration. The $300 billion plan makes important reforms to streamline permitting, gives states and communities more flexibility, and will provide West Virginia with more funding than it has received in the past. This bill pays special attention to rural infrastructure, said McKinley. It will give us the resources West Virginia desperately needs for important projects like Corridor H. Congress has been talking about a long-term highway bill for years, and now we're finally doing it, said McKinley. We've eliminated a hurdle and now our leaders in Charleston will be able to build off our work and develop a transportation system for the future. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-highway-bill-victory-west-virginia,REP. JENKINS: HIGHWAY BILL IS A VICTORY FOR WEST VIRGINIA,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) voted yes today on a landmark, five-year highway bill that will bring billions of dollars to West Virginia to rebuild our roads, complete highway projects, repair bridges, and improve rural transit programs all without raising the gas tax. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 359-65 today to pass the FAST Act, the conference report for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act. The FAST Act, which works out the differences between the House and Senates highway bills, now goes to the Senate for passage and to the president to be signed into law. Everywhere I go in the Third District, I hear about a road thats unsafe, a highway thats incomplete, or a bridge that fails to meet safety standards. We need roads that will bring jobs to southern West Virginia, safe bridges for drivers, and highways that connect rural communities and open up new corridors of commerce. The FAST Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will invest billions in West Virginias infrastructure across the state without increasing the gas tax. Congress has not passed a multi-year highway bill in a decade, which has tied the hands of our state highway departments. Roads are not built overnight they require years of planning and consistent, reliable funding. This bill provides just that. West Virginia will have the funding, certainty and tools needed to move forward on long-term highway projects like King Coal Highway, Tolsia Highway, Coalfields Expressway and Route 10 just to name a few. Instead of making spending decisions in Washington, this bill gives money to the states to decide which projects will be built and prioritized. I know the people of southern West Virginia want to see highway dollars invested in their backyards, and I will be fighting for these projects and for the Third District to receive its fair share, Rep. Jenkins said. Rep. Jenkins is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Rep. Jenkins is proud to support the FAST Act and its investments in our transportation future: Provides nearly $2.5 billion in transportation funding for West Virginia over five years. Strengthens and secures the future of the Highway Trust Fund without raising the gas tax. Allows states to use federal funds for local bridges, many of which are in rural areas. Boosts dedicated bus funding by 89 percent over five years, helping our rural transit programs. Increases funding for highway-railway grade crossings. Improves safety standards for both new and existing railroad tank cars. For more about the FAST Act, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-passage-of-multi-year-transportation-funding,Capito Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Transportation Funding,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.15 Capito Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Transportation Funding Bill includes funding for transit, highway programs and rural broadband expansion WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regardingthe Senates passage of a bipartisan, five-year transportation funding bill, known as theFixing Americas Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act. The bill passed on a 83-16 vote. Todays passage of the FAST Act is welcome news for West Virginia. For the first time in more than a decade, Congress has passed a multi-year funding bill to move our transportation system forward, bringing the cycle of short-term extensions that result in fewer yet more costly fixes to an end, said Senator Capito. West Virginias highway and transit programs will receive more than two billion dollars over the next five years to advance critical projects and improve the poor condition of our roads and bridges. The certainty and stability that comes from a long-term bill will help relieve traffic congestion, improve access to rural communities and fuel economic development. The bill also includes an important initiative to increase high speed Internet access in rural communities throughout West Virginia. How the FAST Act Benefits West Virginia: Multi-year funding: The FAST Act will provide long-term certainty and multi-year funding to West Virginia. West Virginia will receive $2.5 billion over the five year period for highway and transit programs. Improving Broadband Access: The FAST Act also includes the Appalachian High-speed Broadband Deployment Initiative introduced by Senator Capito earlier this year. This initiative, administered through the Appalachian Regional Commission, will increase affordable access to high speed Internet, support distance learning opportunities and the use of telehealth technologies, and promote business development. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-to-repeal-and-replace-obamacare,Capito Votes to Repeal and Replace Obamacare,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.15 Capito Votes to Repeal and Replace Obamacare The failures of this law have been absolutely devastating. It is time to begin healing the wounds of Obamacare and pursuing a health care system that works. - Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted for the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, a bill that repeals Obamacare and begins the process of creating an improved health care system for hardworking American families. This is the first Obamacare repeal bill that will reach the presidents desk. Americans deserve a health care system that works for them and Obamacare is not it. I have consistently voted to repeal and replace this disastrous health care law, and I am glad that a repeal bill will finally reach the presidents desk. This legislation will enable us to revisit the problems caused by Obamacare and replace them with reforms that provide quality, affordable care for all Americans. In addition to lifting the heavy burden of Obamacare, this bill also repeals more than $1 trillion in onerous taxes and includes significant resources for mental health and substance abuse services funding that is vital to West Virginia. I also fought to include a two year transition period for Medicaid expansion in the bill, which will allow us time to enact alternative reforms without disrupting coverage. The failures of this law have been absolutely devastating. It is time to begin healing the wounds of Obamacare and pursuing a health care system that works. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=452,McKinley Votes to Stop Obama's Anti-Coal Regulations,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this year President Obama issued regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants that would effectively prevent any new power plant from being built and lead to the closure of many current plants. Today the House voted to reject these two overreaching rules issued by President Obama. share: f t Earlier this year President Obama issued regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants that would effectively prevent any new power plant from being built and lead to the closure of many current plants. Today the House voted to reject these two overreaching rules issued by President Obama. The Senate already passed both measures, so they will now go to the President's desk for his expected veto. President Obama's executive actions will make electricity more expensive, kill jobs, and increase the likelihood of power outages, said McKinley. His plan will severely damage America's economy while having little impact on the climate. Bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress oppose his regulatory overreach and 26 states are suing the EPA to stop it, said McKinley. This significant opposition makes it clear that many Americans are worried about how these regulations will impact their power bills and their livelihoods. The latest action by the House utilized a seldom-used procedure which allows Congress to repeal major regulations. It's vital that we use every tactic we have to stop these dangerous policies in Congress, in the courts, and in the states, said McKinley. I will continue to fight to protect our coal miners and keep utility bills affordable. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/huntington-herald-dispatch-obama-signs-bill-sponsored-us-rep-evan-jenkins,Huntington Herald-Dispatch: Obama signs bill sponsored by US Rep. Evan Jenkins,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - A bill championed by U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., that will improve care for neonatal abstinence syndrome babies has been signed into law. The Protecting Our Infants Act will build on best practices from doctors and nurses in West Virginia and across the country in treating babies with NAS, exposure to drugs while in the womb. ""Since coming to Congress, I have made it my mission to fight for babies impacted by the drug epidemic,"" Jenkins said in a press release Monday. ""Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one's life, but that's the reality for far too many newborns in West Virginia. The Protecting Our Infants Act becoming law means we will improve treatment for NAS babies and increase our understanding of opioid exposure during pregnancy."" Rep. Jenkins was a cosponsor of the House version of the bill, which will help advance the research needed to develop the absolute best care available for babies with NAS. ""Securing passage of the Protecting Our Infants Act was just the first step. As this bill is implemented and new treatment models are used, my legislation, the Cradle Act, will be even more important to pass. Congress and the states must continue to work together to solve our nation's most dire problems, including the drug epidemic. I will continue to fight for West Virginia's most vulnerable, our babies, and making sure legislation like the Protecting Our Infants Act becomes law,"" Rep. Jenkins said. Rebecca Crowder, executive director of Lily's Place, said this law will improve care for mothers and babies alike. ""The number of babies born with prenatal exposure to drugs is growing at a rapid rate across the nation,"" Crowder said in the release. ""The Protecting Our Infants Act will create positive outcomes for the mother and child, focusing on prevention as well as the treatment of babies already born affected. West Virginia is making great strides in treatment, care for babies born prenatally exposed to drugs, and much-needed services for families. Congressman Jenkins has led the charge in making all of this possible in West Virginia, and now we have the opportunity to become a model for other states.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-epa-s-actions-cost-wv-jobs-raise-energy-prices-families,"REP. JENKINS: EPAS ACTIONS COST WV JOBS, RAISE ENERGY PRICES FOR FAMILIES",2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) took to the House floor Monday night to urge his colleagues to vote yes this week on two resolutions disapproving of the EPAs new regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. This week we will join together with the House to send President Obama and the EPA a strong message no more attacks on coal. No more attacks on domestic energy. No more attacks on the people who produce energy, he said. Rep. Jenkins said the EPAs regulations will not only cost thousands of coal miners their jobs but raise electricity prices on those who can least afford it. Not only will the EPAs plan destroy jobs, but it will increase utility costs for consumers and lead to higher household electricity bills for all American families. Our seniors, the middle class, and Americans on fixed incomes should not have to bear the burden of increased costs. Our economy is still struggling to recover. People are struggling to survive, Rep. Jenkins said. Please click here to watch the congressman's speech. The full transcript is below. Thank you to the gentleman from Ohio, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our natural resources power this nation and our economy. We have abundant, affordable resources that provide low-cost energy and give thousands of people good-paying jobs. In my district, in southern West Virginia, coal is struggling because of this administrations anti-coal regulations. The people who mine coal and the families who depend on coals paychecks are suffering. We are at a critical point in the war on coal. I know times are tough. I see it every time I talk to a coal miner or their family. Our nation is at a turning point. We will fight for coal each and every day. But the question is, will we support jobs and domestic energy? Or will we favor an environmental agenda at the expense of our economy and our communities? Coal must play a critical role in an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy. We can use our resources to create jobs here at home, provide safe and affordable energy for businesses and families alike, and reduce our dependence on energy from unfriendly nations. Unfortunately, it appears that the EPA and the Office of Surface Mining are dead set on bankrupting coal. They have issued rule after rule that will decimate our industry and the livelihoods of our coal miners. The proposed stream buffer zone rule would lead to losses of tens of thousands of direct mining jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs linked to mining. Likewise, the EPAs finalized regulations on coal-fired power plants will hurt our economy and drive up electricity rates for our families, seniors and small businesses. It sets unachievable emissions limits for our coal-fired power plants and forces states to adopt different energy policies or else become subject to additional federal regulations and a cap-and-trade program. Not only will the EPAs plan destroy jobs, but it will increase utility costs for consumers and lead to higher household electricity bills for all American families. Our seniors, the middle class, and Americans on fixed incomes should not have to bear the burden of increased costs. Our economy is still struggling to recover. People are struggling to survive. Each of us here tonight has led the fight against the EPAs overregulation and overreach. On the House Appropriations Committee, I helped to secure a provision in the Interior/EPA funding bill that would prohibit funding for the rulemaking on power plants to proceed. I was an early cosponsor of Chairman Whitfields resolutions to block implementation of the EPAs coal-fired power plant rules. And this week we will join together with the House to send President Obama and the EPA a strong message no more attacks on coal. No more attacks on domestic energy. No more attacks on the people who produce energy. We will take up resolutions to disapprove of the EPAs new regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. We will also vote on a broad energy bill that will update our policies to allow America to take advantage of all of our domestic energy while strengthening our energy security and independence. Congress is standing up to this administrations regulatory overreach. We must send a message to President Obama and his runaway EPA and end the war on coal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and, again, thank you to the gentleman from Ohio for his leadership. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-announces-beckley-office-hours,Capito Announces Beckley Office Hours,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.15 Capito Announces Beckley Office Hours BECKLEY, W.Va. Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced Beckley office hours for the month of December. Staff members will be on site to meet with constituents one-on-one and offer assistance with federal issues. Office hours are open to the public, however, appointments are encouraged. Call the Charleston office at (304) 347-5372 to make an appointment. It is also recommended that residents bring documents relevant to the issue of concern. Information for the upcoming office hours is included below: Thursday, December 109:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 220 North Kanawha St. Suite 1 Beckley, WV 25801 Thursday, December 1711:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 220 North Kanawha St. Suite 1 Beckley, WV 25801 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-repeal-bill-offers-chance-to-replace-obamacare-with-reforms-that-work,Capito: Repeal Bill Offers Chance to Replace Obamacare with Reforms that Work,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.15 Capito: Repeal Bill Offers Chance to Replace Obamacare with Reforms that Work This bill will repeal significant portions of the health care law that are not working, like the enforcement for the individual and employer mandates, and will relieve onerous taxes. It will also provide a bridge to replace this law with an improved health care system that strengthens Medicare and will dedicate resources to fight the growing drug epidemic. - Senator Capito Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the Obamacare repeal bill being considered in the Senate this week. Later this week the Senate will consider a bill to repeal Obamacare, an expensive disaster that has cost countless Americans access to their doctor and access to the health care plan of their choice. This bill will repeal significant portions of the health care law that are not working, like the enforcement for the individual and employer mandates, and will relieve onerous taxes. It will also provide a bridge to replace this law with an improved health care system that strengthens Medicare and will dedicate resources to fight the growing drug epidemic. Senator Capito also spoke on the Senate floor today urging support for the Obamacare repeal bill. Click here or the image below to watch Senator Capitos speech. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-resolution-blocking-harmful-epa-regulations-heads-to-presidents-desk,Capito Resolution Blocking Harmful EPA Regulations Heads to Presidents Desk,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.15 Capito Resolution Blocking Harmful EPA Regulations Heads to Presidents Desk U.S. House Passes Resolutions to Stop Destructive Clean Power Plan Regulations WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of two bipartisan resolutions to void the Environmental Protection Agencys harmful Clean Power Plan regulations for new and existing power plants. The two resolutions sponsored by Senators Capito and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) now head to President Obamas desk, sending a strong signal in the midst of the international climate negotiations in Paris that the presidents climate policies do not have the backing of Congress. Hardworking families cannot afford these crushing regulations that threaten jobs and affordable energy while doing little to actually improve the environment, said Senator Capito. Sending these resolutions to the presidents desk is an important step in the fight against the harmful Clean Power Plan, and shows that any international climate deal reached in Paris will be met with skepticism here at home. World leaders should be cautious about entering into a deal with an administration whose misguided policies lack the backing of a bipartisan majority in Congress. Before moving to the House, the resolutions of disapproval passed the U.S. Senate with a bipartisan majority. A resolution of disapproval filed under the Congressional Review Act is a legally binding resolution that provides Congress the ability to eliminate onerous regulations imposed by the executive branch through an expedited procedure for consideration in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-president-signs-nas-bill-law,REP. JENKINS: PRESIDENT SIGNS NAS BILL INTO LAW,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON A bill championed by U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) that will improve care for neonatal abstinence syndrome babies has been signed into law. The Protecting Our Infants Act will build on best practices from doctors and nurses in West Virginia and across the country in treating babies with NAS, exposure to drugs during pregnancy. Rep. Jenkins was a cosponsor of the House version of the bill, which will help advance the research needed to develop the absolute best care available for babies with NAS, exposure to drugs during pregnancy. Since coming to Congress, I have made it my mission to fight for babies impacted by the drug epidemic. Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start ones life, but thats the reality for far too many newborns in West Virginia. The Protecting Our Infants Act becoming law means we will improve treatment for NAS babies and increase our understanding of opioid exposure during pregnancy. Securing passage of the Protecting Our Infants Act was just the first step. As this bill is implemented and new treatment models are used, my legislation, the Cradle Act, will be even more important to pass. Congress and the states must continue to work together to solve our nations most dire problems, including the drug epidemic. I will continue to fight for West Virginias most vulnerable, our babies, and making sure legislation like the Protecting Our Infants Act becomes law, Rep. Jenkins said. Rebecca Crowder, executive director of Lilys Place, said this law will improve care for mothers and babies alike. The number of babies born with prenatal exposure to drugs is growing at a rapid rate across the nation. The Protecting Our Infants Act will create positive outcomes for the mother and child, focusing on prevention as well as the treatment of babies already born affected. West Virginia is making great strides in treatment, care for babies born prenatally exposed to drugs, and much-needed services for families. Congressman Jenkins has led the charge in making all of this possible in West Virginia, and now we have the opportunity to become a model for other states, Crowder said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-capito-wishes-west-virginians-a-happy-and-blessed-thanksgiving,Senator Capito Wishes West Virginians a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving,2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.25.15 Senator Capito Wishes West Virginians a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving CHARLESTON, W.Va. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the Thanksgiving holiday: This Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for the many blessings we are fortunate to enjoy as Americans, I encourage all West Virginians to join me in remembering the men and women who are overseas defending our nation and keeping us safe. America is uniquely blessed with the greatest freedoms in the world, and the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend these freedoms deserve our deepest gratitude. As West Virginians, we are blessed to live in a state full of tightknit communities, where our strong and resilient people come together to help friends and neighbors in need. Charlie and I look forward to being with our children and grandchildren in Charleston on Thanksgiving Day and celebrating the community we are proud to call home. We would like to wish all West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving and blessed day with family and friends. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-announces-us-service-academy-nominations,Capito Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations,2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.24.15 Capito Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced academy nominations for outstanding high school seniors from 20 West Virginia counties. In addition to hosting several Academy Days throughout the state, Senator Capito appointed a board to review each application, interview students and recommend the nominees. One of my most important responsibilities is nominating young men and women for admission to our countrys service academies, said Senator Capito. I am thrilled to support these outstanding students for admission to our nations most prestigious academic institutions. All of the nominees have worked hard to reach this point in their lives, and I am confident that, if selected, these students will represent West Virginia and our nation with honor and integrity. For more information on how to apply to a service academy, click here. Service Academy Nominees are listed below: United States Air Force Bronson V. Ballard Jefferson County Joshua Ian Baroni Marion County Sara Burton Berkeley County Samantha Nicole Dent Wood County Nickolas John Elekes Berkeley County Bryce Nathaniel Graley Putnam County Erin Elizabeth Leslie Greenbrier County Sarah Dawn Leslie Greenbrier County Crimson Lace Shoemake Mineral County Isaac Brian Turner Ohio County United States Merchant Marine Academy Colin Mark Harvath Marion County Drew Michael Polczynski Jefferson County Nicholas Bryant Johnson (also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy)Wood County United States Military Academy Jonathan William Benson Ohio County Jeremy Drake Hammes Kanawha County Seth Tyler Kerby Wirt County Zane Jerrat Kessler Putnam County Jacob Elam Morgan Taylor County Tyler Ford Owens Pocahontas County Sophie Stewart Parker Monongalia County Braden Joseph Welsh (also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy)Marshall County Erik Coleman Willis Mineral County Charles Jacob Willis Kanawha County Charles R. Withers IV Mason County United States Naval Academy Mary Catherine Bolton Wood County Bridget Marie Carson Nicholas County Natelie Grayce Chappell Hancock County Stephen Chase DeMoss Raleigh County Brette Elizabeth Geary Brooke County Nigel A. Goldsborough Lewis County Adrien Michael Inman Berkeley County Andrew Charles Johnson Berkeley County Nicholas Bryant Johnson Wood County Noah Allen Kessler Putnam County Jacob Reiner Laing Ohio County Juliana Maria O'Reilly Berkeley County Troy Landon Palmer Jr. Kanawha County Michael Scott Reed Ohio County Braden Joseph Welsh Marshall County Hunter Christian White Mason County ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressmen-push-slash-epa-15,Congressmen push to slash the EPA by 15%,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Coal country congressmen, fed up with the Environmental Protection Agency, have introduced legislation to cut that agency's staff by 15 percent. Noting that during the government shutdown of 2013, 95 percent of EPA personnel were deemed ""non-essential,"" Reps. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., and Alex Mooney, R-W.Va, have introduced the ""Maximum Achievable Contraction of Technocrats Act of 2015."" ""Clearly, the EPA has a role,"" Griffith told the Washington Examiner. ""I'm not one of those folks who think the EPA doesn't have a role ... But frankly, the EPA seems to be full of people who seem to have nothing better to do than to think of new regulations. ""This is a bill from frustration,"" he added. ""Here's the bottom line: Folks in D.C. in the ivory towers say we can transition into a 'new economy.' I'll tell you, all we've got is mountains."" The goal of the legislation is to reduce the size of the organization by 15 percent by 2018, but Griffith said he would be satisified with any meaningful reduction, willing to accept a reduction as small as 12 percent, for instance. The EPA employs 15,200, so a 15 percent cut would eliminate about 2,300 jobs. Griffith noted that his concern with the size of the EPA's staff stems from philosophical concerns in addition to more narrow coal concerns for his district, and that other industries have been affected by the EPA. Griffith said the situation in his district is bleak, having lost ""at least 1,000 jobs"" in 2015, but noted that the situation in regions like eastern Kentucky and West Virginia is arguably worse. Mooney won election to Congress in 2014 in a tough primary and general election with a honed message against, among other things, ""Obama's War on Coal,"" as he terms it. ""This country has never seen anything like the out-of-control EPA under President Obama,"" Mooney told the Examiner. ""Frankly, it's an affront to the heritage of our state."" ""It's like going into Kentucky and trying to ban horse racing,"" he added. Mooney pointed the Examiner to a 2008 YouTube clip of then-Sen. Barack Obama pledging to ""bankrupt"" the coal industry, and indicated that Obama is using the EPA to make good on that pledge, ""ignoring science"" and ""having already made his conclusion."" ""So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can. It's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted. That will also generate billions of dollars that we can invest in solar, wind, biodiesel and other alternative energy approaches,"" Obama said in an interview with The San Francisco Chronicle editoral board in January 2008. When asked about potential parallel legislation in the Senate, lead sponsor Griffith was optimistic, but not from his state. ""Warner and Kaine, I mean, come on,"" Griffith said, referring to Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Tim Kaine, D-Va. Though Griffith noted, ""in fairness,"" that Warner had been helpful on a few of his initiatives in the past. Griffith represents a substantial, highly rural district that begins just west of the city of Roanoke, encompassing most of what is just called ""Southwest"" in Virginia. The area has long been a geographical and political oddity. The far western town of Ewing, Va., is farther west than Detroit and all of West Virginia, and is closer to nine state capitals than it is to Virginia's capital, Richmond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-president-wrong-threaten-veto-national-security-bill,REP. JENKINS: PRESIDENT WRONG TO THREATEN VETO OF NATIONAL SECURITY BILL,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) joined 288 House Republicans and Democrats today in voting to protect American citizens and strengthen our national security legislation President Obama has threatened to veto. H.R 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, would prevent admission of any proposed Syrian or Iraqi refugee until the nations top security officials the Homeland Security secretary and the directors of the FBI and National Intelligence certify that the refugee does not represent a security threat. Rep. Jenkins is a cosponsor of the bill, which passed 289-137. This legislation will protect our nation and our citizens, but President Obama is putting his ideology ahead of the nations interests by threatening to veto this bill. The Obama administration has failed to craft and execute a clear strategy to defeat ISIS, and now we see that the president is failing to enact provisions to thoroughly screen refugees and certify that they pose no threat to our national security. Democrats and Republicans alike have joined together to send a strong message to this president the security of our nation must come first. Until we can address the dire security issues surrounding this refugee crisis, we must pause our acceptance of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. President Obama is again ignoring the will of Congress and the American people by issuing yet another veto threat, Rep. Jenkins said. Rep. Jenkins also joined 109 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to put the safety and security of our country first. The members also asked that the administration establish a thorough vetting process for potential refugees and an extensive monitoring process for relocated refugees. Please click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=433,"McKinley Votes to Protect National Security, Fix Refugee Process",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday many Americans have expressed concern about the Syrian refugee program and the possibility that ISIS could pose as refugees to enter the country and do harm on American soil. Today the House addressed these concerns by passing a bill to require thorough background and security checks to be completed before any refugee from Syria or Iraq can come to the United States. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038) passed with a strong bipartisan veto-proof majority. share: f t Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday many Americans have expressed concern about the Syrian refugee program and the possibility that ISIS could pose as refugees to enter the country and do harm on American soil. Today the House addressed these concerns by passing a bill to require thorough background and security checks to be completed before any refugee from Syria or Iraq can come to the United States. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038) passed with a strong bipartisan veto-proof majority. My single greatest responsibility is to ensure our national security and keep American citizens safe, said David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). Today we took a first step to reduce the risk of terrorists using the refugee program to attack the United States. Given the events of the last month in Paris, Beirut, Egypt, Africa, and elsewhere around the world pushing the pause button to do thorough checks before we allow additional refugees is the most responsible course of action, added McKinley. While we should show compassion for the plight of refugees from these war-torn countries, Congress also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the American people, said McKinley. This is a good first step and Congress should continue working to mitigate the threats posed to us by radical extremists.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-us-needs-halt-acceptance-syrian-iraqi-refugees,"REP. JENKINS: U.S NEEDS TO HALT ACCEPTANCE OF SYRIAN, IRAQI REFUGEES",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) announced today that he has cosponsored legislation to halt bringing Syrian and Iraqi refugees to America. H.R 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, would prevent admission of any proposed Syrian or Iraqi refugee until the nations top security officials the Homeland Security secretary and the directors of the FBI and National Intelligence unanimously certify that the refugee does not represent a security threat. The sympathies and prayers of all Americans go out to the people of Paris and France, and we will stand by our allies in the fight against terrorism. Sadly, the Obama administration has failed to craft and execute a clear strategy to contain and defeat ISIS. Without a strong American strategy, ISIS has been allowed to spread terror across the Middle East and Europe and now threatens a strike on American soil. President Obama has consistently and repeatedly failed to acknowledge the magnitude of the threat ISIS poses to civilized society. The Paris attacks must serve as a wake-up call to our nation. We must take every step possible to protect the lives of Americans and keep our nation safe. We cannot be certain that all individuals seeking refuge from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq pose no threat to Americans. After attending a classified briefing Tuesday night and studying the shortfalls of our refugee screening process, I am joining with many of my colleagues in calling for a halt to bringing Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States at this time. Until we can address the dire security issues surrounding this refugee crisis, we must pause our acceptance of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. As Americans, we want to always extend the hand of friendship, but we cannot jeopardize the safety of our people and our nation, Rep. Jenkins said. Rep. Jenkins also joined 109 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq. The members also asked that these admissions be suspended until the administration establishes a thorough vetting process for potential refugees and an extensive monitoring process for relocated refugees. Please click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-calls-on-fcc-to-increase-transparency-enforcement-for-rural-broadband-funding,"Capito Calls on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.18.15 Capito Calls on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va) today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider strict enforcement measures and increase transparency for the recently announced Connect America Fund funding. The FCC announced more than $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund to expand and support broadband service in rural areas. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) also joined the letter. We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used are necessary to ensure the integrity of the [Connect America Fund] program and the success of the FCCs efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use, the senators wrote. In the letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the senators call on the FCC to provide a publically available list of accountability measures for proper use of the funds, and to explain what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented if carriers fail to meet their obligations under the Connect America Fund program. In states like West Virginia and Maine where a single carrier receives the funding, it is critical that these limited funds are effectively and efficiently used. Too many West Virginians are denied economic and educational opportunities simply because they lack access to high-speed internet. With the recently announced funding available through FCCs Connect America Fund, we must ensure that those dollars are used efficiently and effectively, deliver on the stated goals of the program, and close the broadband gap in our states rural areas, Senator Capito added. Through her Capito Connect plan, Senator Capito is working to bring affordable, high-speed internet to homes, businesses and classrooms in West Virginia. Read the full text of the letter below or download it here: Dear Chairman Wheeler: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an imperative and unique role in supporting rural connectivity. In the 21st century economy, robust telecommunications networks are increasingly important for todays users, and serve as the foundation of future innovation and economic progress. As the Commission continues to reform its universal service funding mechanisms to adapt to a changing technological environment, we commend the Commissions ongoing attention and support of underserved rural areas. Unfortunately, deployment of these networks in rural communities continues to lag behind those in urban areas. Recently, the Commission announced over $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund (CAF). The primary purpose of these funds is supporting investments in the most underserved communities. The Commission has announced that ten telecommunications carriers have accepted this support, which will direct over $9 billion to rural broadband development over the next six years. The high cost to deploy networks in rural areas creates a heavy reliance on the federal funding provided by the FCC, and it is important that these funds are used efficiently. We agree with your recent remarks at the NTCA Fall Conference on the importance of ensuring accountability within the Commissions universal service program. While your statement was directed at reports of fraud and abuse by a handful of carriers, we believe the same commitment to responsible and efficient use of federal funds should be applied to all carriers who benefit from universal service program funding, including those supported by CAF. We also applaud your recent Public Notice reminding carriers to not use their funding in wasteful or fraudulent ways. Should we need stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the Fund is used appropriately to advance rural broadband deployment, we would look forward to working with you on identifying the right solutions. CAF is designed to advance critical broadband deployment in our rural communities and improve rural access. In order to ensure the success of the CAF program, we respectfully request a list of accountability mechanisms currently in place to ensure that recipients are using the funds for their intended purpose, that build-out requirements are being met, and that locations reported as newly served are actually receiving service that meets CAF II standards. As you may be aware, the general public has an increasing interest in the outcomes of CAF investments, and we believe making these measures of accountability publicly available would be well received. We would also like to know what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented in cases where carriers fail to meet their obligations. We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used, are necessary to ensure the integrity of the CAF program and the success of the FCCs efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use. We look forward to working with you to promote the continued adoption and expansion of broadband services, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Connect America Fund. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-usda-funding-to-support-west-virginia-state-university,Capito and Manchin Announce USDA Funding to Support West Virginia State University,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.18.15 Capito and Manchin Announce USDA Funding to Support West Virginia State University WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $1,798,667 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Funding will support research, teaching and extension activities at West Virginia State University, which is an 1890 historically black land-grant university. West Virginia State University has made significant contributions in research, innovation and development for agriculture and extension programs, said Senator Capito. I am pleased to see one of our own leading colleges here in West Virginia receive this funding. This funding will play a vital role to advance agricultural research and education that will encourage new break-through discoveries. West Virginia State University continues to lead West Virginia and our nation by providing opportunities through innovative STEM research and world-class academics, Senator Manchin said. WVSU plays an important role in our state, and I am glad that the school will receive this important funding to enhance research, teaching and extension activities that will allow our students to thrive and help them succeed. The fiscal year 2015 grants for West Virginia State University are listed below: Teaching $299,940 West Virginia State University: Funding will help high school teachers improve science education by recreating lab experiences in a way that reflects the same open-ended explorations of scientists. The program will establish a workshop that will promote a U.S. food safety focus at WVSU. $599,688 West Virginia State University: Funding will support the Healthy Grandfamilies Project by providing these families with workshops coupled with social work case management services. Their grant proposal states that West Virginia ranks fourth in the nation among states with grandparents serving as the primary caregiver for one or more grandchild. The majority of these grandfamilies are low income, have very little access to health care, have high rates of obesity and lack strong social support systems. Research $299,042 West Virginia State University: Funding will support a project that allows college students the opportunity to involve themselves in various experiments dealing with horticulture, genetics, genomics, metabolomics and entomology, which will ultimately increase their chances of employment at various levels. Extension $599,997 West Virginia State University: Funding will go towards creating an agriculture training facility, develop and agricultural training incubator program and strengthen technical assistance to increase farmers success. This award will also help address the needs of farmers in the areas of production methods, market needs, safety, and economic development. They requested this funding, stating that is important for southern West Virginia communities where employment opportunities in the coalfields have steadily decreased. This particular grant can help grow the agriculture industry, providing alternative job opportunities for displaced workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-nas-bill-soon-will-be-signed-law,REP. JENKINS: NAS BILL SOON WILL BE SIGNED INTO LAW,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON A bill championed by U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) that will improve care for neonatal abstinence syndrome babies is on its way to President Obamas desk to be signed into law. Rep. Jenkins said this bill will build on best practices from doctors and nurses in West Virginia and across the country in treating babies with NAS, exposure to drugs during pregnancy. Today, in a facility in my hometown that I helped start, Lilys Place is caring for 10 babies suffering the ravages of withdrawal. It took years of working through the regulatory burdens and certification limitations just to do what is right for our most innocent. The gaps in care are real, and so are the obstacles in treating NAS babies. This legislation will pave the way to consider new models of care like Lilys Place for our NAS babies, Rep. Jenkins said in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Protecting Our Infants Act cleared the House on Monday after being passed by the U.S. Senate. Rep. Jenkins was a cosponsor of the House version of the bill, which will help advance the research needed to develop the absolute best care available for babies with NAS, exposure to drugs during pregnancy. Please click here to watch the congressmans speech. The full transcript of the congressmans remarks is below. Every day in hospitals across my district and the country, tragically, babies begin their lives suffering through drug withdrawal because they were exposed during pregnancy. Sadly, the rates of babies with NAS have skyrocketed. NAS is a nationwide crisis. The Protecting Our Infants Act addresses the many gaps in the care and treatment of NAS babies. How do I know there are gaps? Today, in a facility in my hometown that I helped start, Lilys Place is caring for 10 babies suffering the ravages of withdrawal. It took years of working through the regulatory burdens and certification limitations just to do what is right for our most innocent. The gaps in care are real, and so are the obstacles in treating NAS babies. This legislation will pave the way to consider new models of care like Lilys Place for our NAS babies. I commend my colleagues, Leader Mitch McConnell and Representatives Katherine Clark and Steve Stivers, for helping to give every child a chance at a healthy start in life. With that, I yield back my time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-floor-speech-need-jefferson-county-be,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Floor Speech on the Need for Jefferson County to be HIDTA Designated,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney spoke on the House floor about the ongoing drug problem in West Virginia and the importance of designating Jefferson County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-local-officials-discuss-substance-abuse-leadership-with-jefferson-county-students,"Capito, Local Officials Discuss Substance Abuse, Leadership with Jefferson County Students",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.15 Capito, Local Officials Discuss Substance Abuse, Leadership with Jefferson County Students HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II visited C. W. Shipley Elementary School in Harpers Ferry yesterday to speak with the schools fifth grade class about current trends impacting young people in the Mountain State. Senator Capito shared tips for avoiding drug encounters and reporting suspected drug abuse while also discussing the importance of leadership and community engagement. Ihlenfeld spoke with students about substance abuse and addiction, highlighting the power that young people have to control the trajectory of their futures by choosing to be drug free. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with our youth the future of West Virginia about the devastating effects of drug abuse. This program is an example of the comprehensive outreach our state is undertaking to address this growing epidemic, said Senator Capito. Communities throughout West Virginia need to be prepared to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse, while we also work to address our treatment and enforcement needs. Addiction has established a fierce grip in our region, noted Ihlenfeld. We are always looking for creative ways to reduce the demand for illegal drugs in our communities. That begins with prevention efforts targeted at young people. It is important to have honest and informed conversation with our children about the science of addiction while highlighting how quickly and powerfully drugs can change their lives. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with local youth. Students also had the opportunity to interact with local law enforcement officials. Jefferson County Sherriff Peter Dougherty joined Ihlenfeld and Capito at C.W. Shipley Elementary School to discuss his role as Sheriff with the students. Individuals interested in scheduling presentations or interactive forums on substance abuse trends or other topics for students and community groups in the Northern District of West Virginia are encouraged to contact the United States Attorneys Office by calling (304) 234-0100 or emailing tara.tighe@usdoj.gov. Photos from the event: Senator Capito met students during her visit to C. W. Shipley Elementary School on Monday. Senator Capito and U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld spoke to fifth grade students about substance abuse and leading by example. C.W. Shipley Elementary fifth graders spoke with Senator Capito and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld about drug prevention. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-senate-passes-bipartisan-capito-heitkamp-resolution-to-block-epa-regulations-,"U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Capito, Heitkamp Resolution to Block EPA Regulations",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.15 U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Capito, Heitkamp Resolution to Block EPA Regulations Capito Also Supported McConnell, Manchin Resolution to Stop EPA Rule for New Power Plants **Click here for video of Senator Capito discussing her resolution today on the U.S. Senate floor** WASHINGTON, D.C. In a major step forward to stop the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) unworkable and overreaching regulations, a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) to void EPAs regulations for existing power plants passed the Senate today. Todays vote signaled that a majority of the U.S. Senate disapproves of the presidents economically catastrophic energy regulations. American jobs and economic growth are being held hostage as the administration proposes regulations that harm energy-producing states, said Senator Capito. Todays passage of a bipartisan resolution of disapproval makes clear that enough is enough the president cannot move forward with policies at expense of our families, communities and economy. The administration needs to understand coals role in our energy landscape, and I will continue my efforts to ensure that our state has access to affordable, reliable energy. North Dakota power plants need workable rules if theyre going to continue generating affordable and reliable electricity for families and small businesses, said Senator Heitkamp. EPAs rules on existing power plants are not realistic for my state and many others, and this resolution makes it clear that a bipartisan majority of the Senate agrees. To make sure overly burdensome EPA regulations dont hurt my state, Ill keep pushing for a viable solution through legislation, negotiation, and legal challenges. Senator Capito also voted with a bipartisan majority of the Senate to pass a resolution disapproving of the Clean Power Plan regulations for new power plants introduced by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). Both resolutions will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-urges-support-for-cra-resolution-blocking-harmful-clean-power-plan-regulations-,VIDEO: Capito Urges Support for CRA Resolution Blocking Harmful Clean Power Plan Regulations,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.15 VIDEO: Capito Urges Support for CRA Resolution Blocking Harmful Clean Power Plan Regulations Congress should pass this resolution and place this critical issue squarely on President Obamas desk. Americas economic future is at stake. It is time to send a clear signal that enough is enough. - Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) spoke on the Senate floor this morning in support of the bipartisan resolution she introduced with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) under the Congressional Review Act to block harmful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for existing power plants. The Senate will vote today on this resolution along with a bipartisan resolution introduced by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to stop regulations that attack new coal-fired energy plants and their workers. Video of Senator Capitos speech and the remarks as prepared for delivery are included below. Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mister President. Today, I rise to speak in support of my resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act against EPAs greenhouse gas regulation targeting existing power sources. I am proud to have the support of Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and 47 cosponsors in this bipartisan effort to stop the existing coal plant rule. We have had a lot of discussion about this. It affects all of our states differently. But I think its important to talk not just about what this does to our individual states, but what its going to do to the country as a whole. If the administrations proposed Clean Power Plan moves forward, hardship will be felt across the country. Fewer job opportunities, higher power bills and less reliable electricity will result. West Virginia, and other coal producing states like Kentucky and Wyoming, are feeling the pain caused by prior EPA regulations. Nearly 7,000 WARN notices, or notifications to employees under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act that they could be laid off within 60 days, have been issued at West Virginia mining facilities in 2015. More than 2,600 of those were issued last month alone. Our neighboring state of Kentucky lost more than 10 percent of its coal jobs during the first quarter of this year. Kentuckys coal employment now stands at its lowest level since the 1920s. The Energy Information Administrations most recent annual coal report for 2013 showed that the average number of coal mine employees dropped by roughly 10 percent in other coal producing states like Alabama, Utah and Virginia. According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, coal mining employment nationally has dropped by a massive 31 percent in just the last four years. --- The impact of the war on coal extends far beyond the coal industry. These regulations are affecting all aspects of Americans lives. Last month, West Virginias governor announced that most state agencies would have to endure four percent cuts, largely because of shrinking energy tax revenues. For the first time in many years, the governor cut our education budget in the state of West Virginia because of this war on coal. That means less money for roads, for schools and for health care services. But the terrible impact that prior regulations have had on West Virginia and the nation would get far worse if EPAs Clean Power Plan goes into effect. --- The Clean Power Plan is the most expensive environmental regulation that EPA has ever proposed on our nations power sector. Compliance spending is estimated to total $29 billion to $39 billion per year. Household spending power the money that American families have in their pockets - will be reduced by $64 billion to $79 billion by this rule. A new study by the National Economic Research Associates (NERA), a respected economic analysis firm, of the final rule found that electricity prices in West Virginia would increase between 13 and 22 percent. But West Virginia will certainly not be alone in enduring higher energy prices and job loss. NERA projects that all of the lower 48 states will see their electricity prices go up under the Clean Power Plan. As many as 41 states could see electricity prices increase by at least 10 percent. Twenty-eight states could see electricity prices increase by at least 20 percent. What does that mean for our nations economy? The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association found that a 10 percent increase in electricity prices could mean 1.2 million jobs lost across the country. Half a million of those lost jobs would be in rural communities. The National Black Chamber of Commerce found that the Clean Power Plan would increase poverty among blacks by 23 percent and poverty among Hispanics by 26 percent. Affordable energy matters, especially to those living on fixed incomes. Households earning less than $30,000 per year spend an average of 23 percent of their income on energy costs. These families will suffer most under the administrations policies. Energy reliability also matters. Coal is a source of base load generation, and the administration wants to replace coal with intermittent sources. What does that mean? On a hot day, when air conditioners are running and factories are operating, we can be confident that a coal-fired power plant will be supplying the electricity needed to cool our homes and keep our businesses running. In the cold winter of 2014, when demand for electric heat surged, coal was the energy source that utilities relied on to keep families warm. Renewable sources can play an important role in our countrys energy mix, but there will always be times when the wind doesnt blow or the sun doesnt shine. It is critical that we preserve more reliable energy sources to meet the demand of powering our economy. --- Innovation, not across the board regulation, should be our focus. But these regulations will not spur innovation. The Clean Power Plan sets a standard for new plants that cannot be met by the best commercially available technology. That not only flies in the face of the Clean Air Act, but also makes gradual improvements in technology that would improve our environment impossible to implement. The effect will be to instead choke off our most reliable and affordable source of energy and devastate the livelihoods of many folks around this country. Prior to this administration, our country did a laudable job in protecting and improving our environment while promoting economic growth. Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, which were signed into law by President George H.W. Bush and supported by senators across the political spectrum. Our air is now the cleanest it has been in decades. We continue to reduce harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, as our energy consumption increases and our population grows. Since 2005, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by 13 percent. According to EIA, West Virginia emitted 19 percent less carbon dioxide from energy production in 2013 than it did in 2000. We should continue to protect our environment, but not at the expense of our families, our communities and our economy. ---- With this rulemaking, the EPA is attempting to impose the same type of cap-and-trade system that Congress rejected just five years ago. Having failed at its attempt to pass cap-and-trade legislation, the administration is taking a second bite at the apple by claiming authority under the Clean Air Act to impose a regulatory cap-and-trade program. This raises an obvious question if EPA had cap-and-trade authority all along, why did the administration go to such great lengths to attempt to pass cap-and-trade legislation? The answer is clear: the Clean Air Act does not authorize a mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program. With its Clean Power Plan, EPA ignores forty-years of history and prior regulations that, consistent with the law, always based standards on controls installed at an existing plant. Let me be clear: in the 40-year history of the Clean Air Act, EPA has never issued an existing plant program like this one. As one EPA official summed it up to the New York Times: The legal interpretation is challenging. This effectively hasnt been done. Rather than regulate existing plants using the best available technology, EPA is instead attempting to regulate the entire energy grid. This has not been done before because the Clean Air Act does not authorize EPA to do it. Both states and the private sector are doing what they can to fight back against this regulatory overreach. West Virginia is one of 27 states that have filed lawsuits seeking to block this rule. Additionally, 24 national trade associations, 37 rural electric cooperatives, 10 major companies and three labor union representing 878,000 members are challenging the EPAs final Clean Power Plan in court. -- In less than two weeks, international climate negotiations will begin. The world is watching to see whether the United States will foolishly move forward with costly regulations that will do virtually nothing to protect our environment. Under the Congressional Review Act, the Senate now has the chance to take a real up or down vote on whether EPAs Clean Power Plan can and should move forward. This is a legally binding resolution that, if successful, will prevent the Clean Power Plan or a similar rule from taking effect. Passing this resolution will send a clear message to the world that a majority of the U.S. Congress does not stand behind the presidents efforts to address climate change with economically catastrophic regulations. Passing this resolution will also demonstrate to the American people that the Senate understands the need for affordable and reliable energy. Congress should pass this resolution and place this critical issue squarely on President Obamas desk. Americas economic future is at stake. It is time to send a clear signal that enough is enough. Clickhereor the image above for video of Senator Capitos speech. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-bipartisan-group-of-senators-offer-support-for-draft-cdc-opioid-prescribing-guidelines-and-urge-continued-evidence-based-input,"Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Offer Support for Draft CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines and Urge Continued Evidence-Based Input",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.15 Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Offer Support for Draft CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines and Urge Continued Evidence-Based Input WASHINGTON, D.C.In an ongoing effort to combat Americas growing opioid epidemic, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently joined with a bipartisan group of Senators on a letter to Thomas Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in support of CDCs recently released draft opioid prescribing guidelines for chronic pain patients. The letter notes the potential these guidelines have to serve as a significant tool for prescribers and acknowledges the role they are already playing in encouraging a nationwide conversation on the subject of opioid prescribing practices.It also callsonthe CDC to take into account feedback from prescribers, patients and othermedical professionals with experience treating both addiction and chronic pain in order to ensure that thefinalguidelines represent the best evidence-based practices available. Treating patients with pain, particularly chronic pain, is understandably a challenging endeavor for the medical community as well as their patients. We regularly hear from constituents, including many prescribers, who would like to see more educational opportunities and tools made available to assist with this aspect of medical practice. In our experience, the vast majority of prescribers want to be engaged partners in the effort to prevent opioid abuse and seek to find the right balance between safeguarding their patients against addiction and overdose risk, and ensuring their patients for whom opioids are the best pain management treatment option are able to safely receive those medications. Tools like the CDC guidelines can play a helpful role in that effort,thesenators wrote in the letter. As the process of developing these guidelines continues, we ask that the CDC recognize the importance of ensuring that the guidelines represent the best evidenced-based practices available at this time while also ensuring that the guidelines take into account the practical experiences of prescribers, as well as their professional feedback. The bipartisan letter was also signed by Senators Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). The full text of the letter is available below orhere. DearDr.Frieden: Thank you for your ongoing efforts to address our nations epidemic of prescription drug abuse and drug overdose. We are writing in regards to the efforts being undertaken at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop best prescribing practices for opioids. As you are aware, drug overdose deaths have now surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of injury death in the United States. This increase has been attributed in significant part to overdoses involving prescription opioids and other prescription medications. According to data from the CDC, more than 16,000 lives have been lost annually in recent years due to prescription opioid overdose death. In addition to the lives lost, millions of Americans have abused or are addicted to opioid pain medications. Consequently, we are now seeing a resurgence in heroin use and overdose death as individuals struggling with opioid use disorders transition from prescription opioids to heroin. While addressing this epidemic will require a long-term commitment, there are steps that we can take in the short-term that will have a meaningful impact, including increasing access to naloxone, expanding prevention efforts, supporting state efforts to better utilize their Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and ensuring that prescribers have the training and tools they need to properly prescribe opioids. We appreciate the ultimate goals of the task undertaken by the CDC to develop guidelines for prescribing opioid medications to treat chronic pain in primary care settings. These guidelines, along with other educational resources, have the potential to serve as a significant tool for prescribers. In fact, it is our belief that the draft guidelines have already elevated and further spurred an important dialogue among health care professionals concerning opioid prescribing practices and trends in this country. Treating patients with pain, particularly chronic pain, is understandably a challenging endeavor for the medical community as well as their patients. Weregularly hear from constituents, including many prescribers, who would like to see more educational opportunities and tools made available to assist with this aspect of medical practice. In our experience, the vast majority of prescribers want to be engaged partners in the effort to prevent opioid abuse and seek to find the right balance between safeguarding their patients against addiction and overdose risk, and ensuring their patients for whom opioids are the best pain management treatment option are able to safely receive those medications. Tools like the CDC guidelines can play a helpful role in that effort. As the process of developing these guidelines continues, we ask that the CDC recognize the importance of ensuring that the guidelines represent the best evidenced-based practices available at this time while also ensuring that the guidelines take into account the practical experiences of prescribers, as well as their professional feedback. We also believe it is important that stakeholders and the public understand the framework that the CDC has used to develop the guidelines as well as the scientific standards that underlie that process. As the CDC continues its efforts, we request that the CDC ensure it engages medical professionals, patients, and other key stakeholders and that the final guidelines take into account feedback from these groups, including those of patients and medical experts who have experience treating addiction and chronic pain. Thank you again for your attention to this ongoing public health crisis in our country and for your consideration of our letter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-mcconnell-begin-senate-process-to-address-obama-administrations-anti-coal-regulations,"Capito, McConnell Begin Senate Process to Address Obama Administrations Anti-Coal Regulations",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.15 Capito, McConnell Begin Senate Process to Address Obama Administrations Anti-Coal Regulations WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced today that he and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) placed their resolutions of disapproval regarding the Obama Administrations Clean Power Plan regulations on the Senates calendar, meaning they could come up for a vote as early as this week. Senators Capito and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) filed a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) last month that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from moving forward with its proposed Clean Power Planregulations for existing power sources. Leader McConnell and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) filed a separate CRA that is designed to stop the White House from imposing anti-jobs regulations that attack new coal-fired energy plants and their workers. A CRA is a legally binding resolution that provides Congress the ability to eliminate onerous regulations imposed by the executive branch through an expedited procedure for consideration in the Senate. These regulations make it clearer than ever that the president and his administration have gone too far, and that Congress should act to stop this regulatory assault, Leader McConnell said. Heres what is lost in this administrations crusade for ideological purity: the livelihoods of our coal miners and their families. Folks who havent done anything to deserve a war being declared upon them. EPAs regulations fail to consider the livelihoods of countless American families and communities who cannot afford fewer jobs and higher energy prices. The administration bypassed Congress entirely when it developed this rule, and these resolutions of disapproval will give senators an opportunity to approve or disapprove of these far-reaching regulations, said Senator Capito. If both CRAs are enacted into law, they would eliminate both pillars of the costly Clean Power Plan even if portions of the plan have already gone into effect. The Obama Administrations regulations would consist of two major phases of implementation: First, the administration has proposed and finalized a regulation that attacks existing power plants. In effect, this regulation would result in the closures of coal-fired plants throughout the country. Secondly, the finalized regulation would limit the construction of new coal-fired plants. This portion of the costly power plan would effectively ban coal-fired power plants from being built in the future, thus, eliminating the future potential for coal jobs in America. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-wake-of-paris-terror-attacks-capito-and-manchin-call-for-increased-efforts-to-keep-the-us-safe-and-secure-,"In Wake of Paris Terror Attacks, Capito and Manchin Call for Increased Efforts to Keep the U.S. Safe and Secure",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.15 In Wake of Paris Terror Attacks, Capito and Manchin Call for Increased Efforts to Keep the U.S. Safe and Secure Senators say that the U.S. should not accept any Syrian refugees until they are thoroughly vetted to guarantee 100 percent that they are not involved with ISIS WASHINGTON, D.C. In a letter to President Obama, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) are calling for increased efforts to ensure that no refugee related to the Syrian crisis is allowed into the United States unless the U.S. government can guarantee, with 100 percent assurance, that the refugee is not involved with ISIS. In the letter, the Senators request that the Administration outline the challenges it faces for checking the background of Syrian refugees and the potential risks to national security; detail what special or enhanced measures will be added to the screening process for Syrian refugees in the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks; and describe how it plans to address the vetting challenges raised by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey. Please read the full text of the Senators letter below or here. Dear Mr. President: We stand in solidarity with the people of France and against the terrorists who carried out the horrific attacks of November 13th that clearly were designed deliberately to kill as many innocent people as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. As we mourn the loss of life and provide France all the support and assistance it needs, the U.S. government must redouble its efforts to keep the American people safe. We believe that an essential component of that effort is ensuring that no refugee related to the Syrian crisis is admitted to the United States unless the U.S. government can guarantee, with 100 percent assurance, that they are not members, supporters, or sympathizers of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as Daesh or ISIL. It is already clear that ISIS is responsible for the barbaric attacks. Reports indicate that ISIS apparently utilized the flow of refugees to infiltrate at least one of the Paris attackers into Europe. These facts require a serious and objective reexamination of the Administrations policy toward Syrian refugees to avoid unnecessary risks. While our country has a long history of welcoming refugees and has an important role to play in the heartbreaking Syrian refugee crisis, our first and most important priority must be to ensure that any refugee who comes to the United States does not present a threat to the American people. Compassion for Syrian refugees is important, but a fierce determination to protect the American people is also important. The fact that ISIS may have utilized the flow of refugees to infiltrate Europe and potentially the United States is not a surprise. In September, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), James Clapper, publicly warned the U.S. intelligence community has a huge concern that ISIS may seek to infiltrate Syrian refugees who are flowing into Europe and potentially the United States. As they [refugees] descend on Europe, one of the obvious issues that we worry about, and in turn as we bring refugees into this country, is exactly whats their background? DNI Clapper added: We dont obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugees. On October 21, 2015, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey told the House Committee on Homeland Security that the U.S. government may not have the ability to vet thoroughly all Syrian refugees coming into the United States. He explained that if a Syrian person is not already in the FBIs database, that person is unknown to the agency, leaving an inadequate basis for the persons background to be screened for terrorism risk. We can only query against that which we have collected, Director Comey cautioned. He also said, So if someone has never made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interest reflected in our database, we can query our database until the cows come home but we are not going tothere will be nothing because we have no record on that person. Given DNI Clappers stated concern that ISIS may try to infiltrate Syrian refugee movements as well as FBI Director Comeys public acknowledgment of the U.S. governments limitations in thoroughly vetting all Syrian refugees, we respectfully request your Administration: List comprehensively the challenges, prior to the November 13th terrorist attacks, in the process for checking the background of Syrian refugees and checking potential risks to national security, including potential terrorism risks; Detail what special or enhanced measures will be added to the screening process for Syrian refugees in the aftermath of the November 13th terrorist attacks; and Describe how it plans to address the vetting challenges that Director Comey describes. We ask that your Administration immediately share this information with the American people. We look forward to a timely response. We cannot imagine a more urgent or higher priority. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-statement-veterans-day,REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement in advance of Veterans Day: This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who served in uniform to protect freedom at home and abroad. When America has asked for men and women to serve, West Virginia has answered that call. Nearly 10 percent of our states residents have served in uniform. All have made some sacrifices in defense of our nation and our principles, but some have sacrificed all. To each and every veteran, I say thank you without you, our nation would not be the same. May Veterans Day remind all Americans of the debt we owe our veterans, the responsibility we have to appreciate their sacrifices, and the duty we have to express our gratitude for their service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-assistance-for-beckley-area-veterans-struggling-with-homelessness,"Capito, Manchin Announce Assistance for Beckley-Area Veterans Struggling with Homelessness",2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.15 Capito, Manchin Announce Assistance for Beckley-Area Veterans Struggling with Homelessness The Housing Authority of Raleigh County will receive award through the HUD-VASH Program WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $22,593 in funding for the Housing Authority of Raleigh County to provide housing assistance for homeless Veterans. With Veterans Day around the corner, I am pleased to announce funding that will assist homeless veterans in need of permanent housing in Raleigh County. We can never do enough to repay our veterans, but we can do everything in our power to ensure West Virginia veterans have access to the resources and care they have earned. These funds will help our heroes in need find a home and get access to the help they deserve, said Senator Capito. The men and women who have courageously defended our country deserve the best care and benefits, and even one Veteran sleeping on the street is one too many, Senator Manchin said. I am pleased that Raleigh County will receive funds to assist those who are struggling with homelessness. This program will help provide our heroes who are facing difficulties as they return home get the help they need. It is our duty to fight for those who have fought for us, and I remain committed to making sure our country keeps its promises to our Veterans. The funding is being awarded through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, a cooperative grant program established under the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). This program helps homeless Veterans find housing through a combination of HUDs Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance and the VAs case management and clinical services. The money is distributed to public housing agencies so they can provide long-term housing assistance to vulnerable Veterans who have experienced homelessness for extended periods of time. To learn more about the HUD-VASH Program, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-supports-passage-of-military-and-veteran-funding-defense-bills,"Capito Supports Passage of Military and Veteran Funding, Defense Bills",2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.15 Capito Supports Passage of Military and Veteran Funding, Defense Bills From providing the best medical equipment and training, to treating the unseen scars of mental health, it is our duty to uphold this nations sacred vow to those who serve. -Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the Senates 93-0 passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA) Appropriations Act, which funds military construction projects and veterans services. Supporting our veterans is not only necessary, its what our men and women deserve. I am glad that the Senate came together in a bipartisan way to pass legislation that makes critical investments in our military and veterans services. From providing the best medical equipment and training, to treating the unseen scars of mental health, it is our duty to uphold this nations sacred vow to those who serve. When I am back home for Veterans Day tomorrow, I look forward to telling West Virginias veterans that the Senate responsibly supported them by passing this legislation, said Senator Capito, a member of the MilCon/VA appropriations subcommittee. Senator Capito also voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today, which passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote. NDAA prohibits the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the United States. Last month, Senator Capito traveled to Guantanamo with Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). After recently visiting Guantanamo Bay, I strongly believe that detainees must continue being held there. Dangerous terrorists must be detained in a manner that ensures the safety and security of all Americans, and today senators from both parties overwhelmingly voted to ban the transfer of these detainees to the United States, Senator Capito added. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-kaine-introduce-bill-to-prevent-opioid-overdose-deaths,"Capito, Kaine Introduce Bill to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths",2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.09.15 Capito, Kaine Introduce Bill to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation last week to help prevent opioid overdose deaths by encouraging physicians to co-prescribe the life-saving drug naloxone alongside opioid prescriptions and by making naloxone more widely available in federal health settings. The Co-prescribing Saves Lives Act will enable more health professionals to get naloxone, a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses, into the homes of people who are at-risk of overdose. Families and communities across West Virginia have been affected by the drug abuse epidemic, with our state sadly leading the nation in drug-related overdose deaths, said Senator Capito. We must fight this terrible epidemic from all fronts, including preventing deaths from opioid overdoses. This bill will help save lives, better equip our health care professionals with tools to treat overdoses and give West Virginians suffering from addiction a second chance. In every corner of Virginia, the drug abuse epidemic is hurting families, challenging local law enforcement and leaving businesses without a capable workforce, said Senator Kaine. A particularly heartbreaking aspect of this crisis is that many of the deaths from opioid and heroin overdoses could have been prevented. My bill would increase access to medication that can save someones life during an overdose and establish clear prescribing guidelines that will help get vital information about opioids to doctors and patients. West Virginia has the highest number of drug overdose deaths in the nation. Nationwide, heroin and prescription opioids account for approximately 25,000 American deaths per year. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, reversed more than 26,000 overdose cases between 1996 and 2014. Since joining the Senate, Senator Capito has worked to bring more attention and resources to the table to tackle West Virginias drug epidemic, including introducing legislation to combat increased heroin and methamphetamine trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico Border. In March, she supported legislation to protect first responders, health professionals and family members who are educated in administering an opioid overdose prevention drug in an emergency situation of overdose. In June, Senator Capito and others introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to veterans. The Co-prescribing Saves Lives Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish physician education and co-prescribing guidelines for federal health settings, including VA hospitals, DoD hospitals, Indian health service facilities and Federally-Qualified Health Centers. Additionally, the bill would authorize a program to grant state Departments of Health funding that would help them establish co-prescribing guidelines, purchase naloxone, and fund training for health professionals and patients. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-ftc-wrong-block-cabell-huntington-st-mary-s-merger,"REP. JENKINS: FTC WRONG TO BLOCK CABELL HUNTINGTON, ST. MARYS MERGER",2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the U.S. Federal Trade Commissions block of the Cabell Huntington Hospitals merger with St. Marys Medical Center: I am disappointed by the Federal Trade Commissions refusal to approve this important merger. I worked closely with West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey to craft a comprehensive agreement to protect consumers, patients and our hard-working hospital employees. This agreement safeguarded access to care while controlling costs for patients and saving jobs, which I argued in a letter to the FTC. I will continue to advocate for our communitys leadership position as a center of healthcare excellence, Rep. Jenkins said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-keystone-rejection-a-major-disappointment-to-american-families,Capito: Keystone Rejection a Major Disappointment to American Families,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.06.15 Capito: Keystone Rejection a Major Disappointment to American Families WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the following statement regarding President Obamas decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline: After more than seven years of politically motivated delays and obstruction, President Obamas rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline is a major disappointment to American families who cant afford higher energy costs and fewer job opportunities. Todays decision shows that the president is not through standing in the way of progress, as he continues to pick winners and losers in the energy landscape. The Keystone XL pipeline is a no-brainer for jobs, security and the energy economy. Its only downside is the threat to the presidents anti-fossil fuel agenda, which has already crippled West Virginias economy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-highway-bill-invests-west-virginia-s-future,REP. JENKINS: HIGHWAY BILL INVESTS IN WEST VIRGINIAS FUTURE,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a six-year highway bill: For the past six years, Washington has been unable to find a long-term solution for our nations crumbling roads and bridges, passing piecemeal, temporary spending bills. That ends now. The Houses six-year highway bill provides hundreds of billions in funds to reinvest in our roads, repair failing bridges, and create jobs. Our state transportation departments will have the funding, certainty and tools they need to move forward on multi-year highway projects like King Coal Highway, Tolsia Highway, Coalfields Expressway and Route 10. Roads are not built overnight they require years of planning and consistent, reliable funding. This bill provides just that. Democrats and Republicans alike support this transportation bill. When we work together, we can achieve great things for our state and our nation. Providing strong and reliable funding for our roads and bridges has been one of my top priorities in my first year in Congress, and I will continue to fight for the resources West Virginia needs to grow our economy and invest in our future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=485,McKinley: Highway Bill an Important Step in Improving our Roads,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the House passed a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that invests in our nation's infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform (STRR) Act of 2015 reauthorizes and reforms federal transportation programs for the next six years. share: f t Today the House passed a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that invests in our nation's infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform (STRR) Act of 2015 reauthorizes and reforms federal transportation programs for the next six years. Anyone who drives on our roads can see that we must invest in our infrastructure and fix our roads and bridges, said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). This long term plan will give West Virginia and our local communities the certainty they need to make planning decisions and prioritize important projects such as Corridor H. The House bill also makes reforms to streamline permitting, give states and communities flexibility to address their priorities, and promote innovative approaches. As an engineer who started in construction building I-70 across Ohio County, I understand the important role our entire transportation infrastructure plays in our lives, said McKinley. Passing a long-term plan will help put people to work in construction, promote economic growth, and improve our quality of life, said McKinley. This is an important step towards better roads and a modern infrastructure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-votes-surface-transportation,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Votes for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney voted for H.R. 22, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015. This bill authorizes the federal highway program for six years. This bill is important to economic development in West Virginia. A safe and modern highway system will help facilitate jobs and economic growth. Authorizing the highway program for six years will enable West Virginia to properly plan for needed upgrades to our roads and bridges, said Rep. Mooney. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 is a multi-year highway bill that improves our Nations roads and bridges, empowers the states to make more decisions, streamlines the permitting process, and maintains a commitment to safety. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-introduces-resolution-calling-protection,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Introduces Resolution Calling for the Protection of Religious Liberties,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney introduced his resolution H.Res. 514, Protecting Religious Freedom in America. The ability to live by our religious convictions is inherent to the founding principles of our country. Unfortunately, this right is under attack today. Despite this freedom being explicitly laid out in our Constitution, we have seen federal, state, and local governments continue to violate this founding principle, said Rep. Mooney. The right to free expression of religious ideas without fear of persecution is expressed in the Declaration of Independence, made into law in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and reiterated in many Supreme Court cases. We must fight for this right. This resolution is one way to do that. Congress must make a strong statement that attacks on religious liberty must stop. H.Res. 514 has been endorsed by the Family Research Council and already has 15 co-sponsors. Yesterday Congressman Mooney spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to talk about the resolution. Click here for the link to the video. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-ayotte-whitehouse-klobuchar-lead-bill-to-improve-treatment-for-pregnant-women-and-moms-with-substance-use-disorders,"Capito, Ayotte, Whitehouse, Klobuchar Lead Bill to Improve Treatment for Pregnant Women and Moms with Substance Use Disorders",2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.04.15 Capito, Ayotte, Whitehouse, Klobuchar Lead Bill to Improve Treatment for Pregnant Women and Moms with Substance Use Disorders Bill Would Reauthorize Treatment Programs for Pregnant and Postpartum Women WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve treatment programs for pregnant women and mothers who have a substance use disorder. The Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act would reauthorize residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women supported by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. The bill would also authorize a pilot program for state substance abuse agencies that allows funds to be used for family-based services for pregnant and postpartum women in non-residential settings. Similar legislation was recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.). An alarming number of babies are being born addicted to drugs in West Virginia. Just this year there have been at least 79 confirmed cases in our state. New mothers suffering from drug addiction and women at risk of giving birth to drug-addicted babies need access to treatment that will help them create a better life for their children, said Senator Capito. This bipartisan legislation will play a critical role in preventing cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome and stemming West Virginias drug epidemic. Senators Capito, Ayotte and Whitehouse are also cosponsoring the Protecting Our Infants Act, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a strategy to address the alarming number of infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome after being exposed to opioids while in the womb. The bill passed the Senate last month. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-funding-to-boost-jobs-and-urban-development-in-beckley-and-vienna,"Capito, Manchin Announce Funding to Boost Jobs and Urban Development in Beckley and Vienna",2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.04.15 Capito, Manchin Announce Funding to Boost Jobs and Urban Development in Beckley and Vienna WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $367,411 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. The purpose of the CDBG program is to develop communities by providing the means necessary to establish practical housing and living environments, while also promoting greater job growth and other opportunities. The Community Development Block Grant program gives cities like Beckley and Vienna the boost they need to make necessary community improvements, said Senator Capito. With this funding, two West Virginia cities will be able to establish better housing options and job opportunities that will attract newcomers to the state and improve the lives of current residents. Investments that improve our neighborhoods and revitalize our communities are important to cities like Beckley and Vienna, Senator Manchin said. This HUD funding will not only provide housing support for West Virginians in need, but it will also establish strategies that will boost local and regional economies through community development and revitalization projects. Individual awards are listed below: $277,639 City of Beckley $89,772 City of Vienna ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-to-block-misguided-wotus-rule,Capito Votes to Block Misguided WOTUS Rule,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.04.15 Capito Votes to Block Misguided WOTUS Rule WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today after the Senate passed a resolution of disapproval to nullify the Waters of the United States rule, commonly known as WOTUS. The resolution passed on a 53-44 vote. West Virginias farmers, small businesses, energy producers and agriculture community have shared their concerns with me about the burdens and uncertainty this regulation would impose. Protecting our drinking water sources and precious natural resources is a goal we all support, but the WOTUS rule would lead to a massive expansion of costly permitting requirements, hampering farmers and rural communities and subjecting small puddles and ditches to the same regulations as large lakes and rivers. These are costs West Virginias already struggling economy cannot afford. On October 9, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a ruling blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from implementing the WOTUS rule nationwide. Senator Capito has supported several measures to rein in the flawed WOTUS rule. In April, Senator Capito helped introduce theFederal Water Quality Protection Act, an alternative approach to the WOTUS rule that would protect traditional navigable water from pollution while also protecting farmers, energy producers, small businesses and manufacturers. Senator Capito was an original cosponsor of the joint resolution that passed the Senate today. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-more-than-12-million-in-funding-from-us-department-of-agriculture,Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $12 Million in Funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.03.15 Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $12 Million in Funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture Funding Will Support Water and Waste Infrastructure Improvements in Jackson, Randolph, Logan, McDowell and Mingo Counties WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced loans and grants for five projects in West Virginia to develop water and wastewater infrastructure. The funds have been awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will provide rural communities with the resources necessary to improve or repair their water and wastewater systems. USDA has awarded $12,246,000 to four West Virginia communities for projects in the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. This program provides crucial funding for projects that promote clean drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses. Additionally, a $500,000 grant has been awarded to the Mingo County Public Service District for the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program, which assists in the preparation or recovery process for emergencies threatening the availability of safe and reliable drinking water. It is essential that every West Virginian have access to clean water. This funding will not only assist rural communities throughout the state in repairing and establishing safer and more reliable water and waste systems, but it will also help solidify local economies, said Senator Capito. I am pleased to join Senator Manchin in announcing this important funding that will help to strengthen our communities and keep our residents healthy. It is important to invest in infrastructure projects like these that make sure our communities are connected to the basic necessities of life, like water, Senator Manchin said. All West Virginians deserve access to clean and safe water, and this funding will improve our water systems to ensure the health and safety of our residents. This project will also help boost economic development, protect tourism activities in these regions and improve the prosperity of our families, businesses and communities. I will continue to work to make these commonsense infrastructure investments a reality. Individual awards are listed below: Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program $719,000 loan/$936,000 grant Cottageville Public Service District: Funding will be used to support the Phase II Sewer Project. $6,073,000 loan City of Elkins: Funding will be used for water system improvements. $1,782,000 loan/$750,000 grant Logan County Public Service District: Funding will be used towards the Big Harts Phase III Water Project. $1,105,000 loan/$881,000 grant City of Welch: Funding will contribute to waterline replacement on McDowell Street and riverside. Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Program $500,000 grant Mingo County Public Service District: Funding will support emergency flooding recovery projects in Mingo County. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-urges-support-for-measure-blocking-misguided-wotus-rule,VIDEO: Capito Urges Support for Measure Blocking Misguided WOTUS Rule,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.03.15 VIDEO: Capito Urges Support for Measure Blocking Misguided WOTUS Rule WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) spoke on the Senate floor today about the need to pass a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act that would nullify the EPA and Corps of Engineers Waters of the United States rule, commonly known as the WOTUS rule. Video of Senator Capitos speech and the remarks as prepared for delivery are included below. Click here or the image above for video of Senator Capitos speech. Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Madame President West Virginia is no stranger to the crushing consequences of harmful regulations. Our unemployment rate is the highest in the country, layoff notices keep coming and declining coal severance taxes are eroding the states budget. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Waters of the United States rule, known as the WOTUS rule, is just the latest example of a regulatory environment that threatens to put West Virginia out of business. Everyone can agree that we must protect our drinking water sources and our precious natural resources. But a rule that subjects puddles and ditches to regulation goes too far. EPAs unprecedented expansion of federal authority has very serious consequences both in my state and throughout the country. The steep mountainous terrain in West Virginia means that EPA would have oversight over any land located in a valley or low lying area. As the West Virginia Coal Association points out, this WOTUS rule would trigger an alphabet soup of statutes, regulatory programs and federal regulatory agencies involved in traditionally non-regulated activities. Something as simple as digging a ditch on a farm, or building a home on privately owned property could be under the purview of the EPA. And a failure to comply with the rule could result in fines as high as $37,500 per day. A county commissioner from Monongalia County recently wrote to my office expressing concern that this WOTUS rule would impede the countys attempts to create developable tracts of land needed to attract large employers to West Virginia. And a small business owner in Scott Depot, West Virginia shared her concern that small businesses were not adequately considered in the WOTUS rule making process. Government regulations, like the proposed rule, are complicated, expensive to navigate and a real obstacle to growing my business. This change, and its ridiculous overreach and restrictions could decrease land value and hinder my ability to expand, develop and use my own private land, she wrote. There is a reason that 31 states, including West Virginia, are suing to overturn the misguided rule, and two courts have already found it likely illegal. Rather than incorporating input from Congress and concerned Americans, this misguided rule doubles down on overreach and threatens to impede small businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, coal and natural gas production and many other vital sectors of the economy. The decision by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to block implementation of the WOTUS rule nationwide confirms that WOTUS was the wrong approach to protecting our water resources and reinforces the need to rein in this administrations unprecedented and overreaching regulations. Along with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I proudly supported Senator Barrassos Federal Water Quality Protection Act, which would have directed the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw this rule and issue an alternative approach that is crafted in consultation with states, local governments and small businesses. The bill we voted on earlier today received bipartisan support from 57 Senators, but only partisan opposition. Both Republicans and Democrats supported moving forward on the Federal Water Quality Protection Act because we wanted to offer a real solution that would bring clarity and common sense to the protection of our nations waters. This legislation would have provided certainty to farmers, manufacturers, energy producers, state and local governments, and anyone seeking to do virtually anything on private land. Unfortunately, 41 Democrats stopped a bipartisan majority from considering the bill. We now must consider other options to block the misguided WOTUS regulation issued by the EPA and the Corps of Engineers, and I am glad that we will have the opportunity to vote on a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval offered by the Senator from Iowa. This resolution would protect hardworking West Virginia families, small businesses, energy producers and others across the country who would be unfairly burdened by the onerous and deeply flawed WOTUS rule. The WOTUS rule would lead to a massive expansion of costly permitting requirements and hinder our already struggling economy an outcome West Virginia simply cannot afford. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important effort to block the harmful WOTUS rule. Thank you, and I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-help-drug-exposed-babies,REP. JENKINS INTRODUCES BILL TO HELP DRUG-EXPOSED BABIES,2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) has introduced the Cradle Act, bipartisan legislation to improve and expand care for babies diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, exposure to opioids during pregnancy. Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start ones life, but thats the reality for many newborns in West Virginia and across the country. Before coming to Congress, I helped to start Lilys Place in Huntington, one of the first standalone residential pediatric recovery centers in the country to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome babies. This model is making a difference in the lives of babies and families, and we should encourage more centers to open nationwide to treat these newborns. I want to thank Rep. Katherine Clark for signing on as the lead cosponsor it will truly take a bipartisan effort for us to fight the drug crisis and ensure healthy lives for children across the country, Rep. Jenkins said. The Cradle Act, H.R. 3865, would establish clear guidelines for residential pediatric care centers to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome, exposure to opioids during pregnancy. This legislation would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to set up certification guidelines for these centers, just as there are certification guidelines for hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. This legislation also includes an emphasis on residential pediatric recovery centers offering counseling to the mothers and families to help build those important connections from birth. The bill enjoys bipartisan support and is cosponsored by 25 members, with Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) signing on as the lead cosponsor. Rep. Clark introduced H.R. 1462, the Protecting Our Infants Act, to develop best practices for care of NAS babies, and the House passed the bill in September. Congress has a moral obligation to make the opioid crisis a national priority, and passing the Cradle Act is a critical part of that mission. Infants suffering from opioid withdrawal need special care during their first precious days of life. By removing barriers to specialized clinical care, the Cradle Act offers babies and their mothers a chance to start their lives together in a loving and healthy environment, Rep. Clark said. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed Rep. Jenkins legislation, and the March of Dimes has sent Rep. Jenkins a letter expressing its appreciation for his leadership on the issue. The letter is available online here. Other cosponsors include: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Charles Boustany (R-La.), Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Bob Dold (R-Ill.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Frank Guinta (R-N.H.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.), David Jolly (R-Fla.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Ann Kuster (D-N.H.), Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine), Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and David Valadao (R-Calif).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360,McKinley Statement on Election of Speaker Paul Ryan,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"McKinley Statement on Election of Speaker Paul Ryan f t # e Washington, DC, October 29, 2015 Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on today's election for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives:""Paul Ryan is the best choice to unify our conference and lead the House. He has a proven conservative record and has been very effective at communicating our agenda of smaller, more effective government, economic opportunity, and strong national security. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on today's election for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives: Paul Ryan is the best choice to unify our conference and lead the House. He has a proven conservative record and has been very effective at communicating our agenda of smaller, more effective government, economic opportunity, and strong national security. Now is not a time to dwell on division and internal squabbles. Instead we must refocus our work on behalf of the American people. I look forward to working with our new Speaker to move our agenda forward and help the people of the First District. -###- f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357,McKinley Statement on Budget Vote,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"McKinley Statement on Budget Vote f t # e Washington, DC, October 28, 2015 Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement about his vote opposing a two year budget agreement and debt ceiling increase:""In 2011, I came to Congress with a pledge to reduce out-of-control spending and stop adding to the unsustainable debt we are passing on to our children and grandchildren. We have made some incremental progress on this front, but we still have a lot of work to do. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement about his vote opposing a two year budget agreement and debt ceiling increase: In 2011, I came to Congress with a pledge to reduce out-of-control spending and stop adding to the unsustainable debt we are passing on to our children and grandchildren. We have made some incremental progress on this front, but we still have a lot of work to do. The budget deal we were presented with would undo this work by increasing spending immediately without making the fundamental changes we need to bring our financial house in order. That's why I opposed it. I will continue to fight for smaller, more efficient government, work to reduce waste, and oppose the President's plans to mortgage our future for the sake of bigger government. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-statement-voting-rep-daniel-webster,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Statement on Voting for Rep. Daniel Webster for Speaker of the House in Republican Conference Today,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney released the following statement of support for Congressman Daniel Webster for Speaker of the House in Republican Conference. Today, I voted for Congressman Daniel Webster of Florida at the Republican Conference nomination meeting. As I stated in my October 8th press release, we need a Speaker who will forcefully assert our authority in the U.S. House of Representatives and fight President Obamas many abuses of his executive power, said Rep. Mooney. Congressman Paul Ryan won the Republican nomination with 200 votes, Congressman Daniel Webster received 43 votes, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn received 1 vote, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy received 1 vote. The vote on the full House floor for the next Speaker of the House of Representatives will be held tomorrow, October 29, 2015. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-applauds-passage-of-cybersecurity-bill,Capito Applauds Passage of Cybersecurity Bill,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.27.15 Capito Applauds Passage of Cybersecurity Bill The cyber threats posed by terrorist organizations and hostile governments prompt the need to take action. - Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted in favor of the bipartisan Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, which passed the Senate on a 74-21 vote. Senator Capito issued the following statement regarding the bills passage: Information sharing about cyber threats between the private and public sector must happen if we are going to prevent devastating cyberattacks on systems such as the power grid, air traffic control and other critical information structures. The cyber threats posed by terrorist organizations and hostile governments prompt the need to take action. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 will protect our communities from future cyber threats by facilitating voluntary information sharing, and enabling us to compare notes and develop defenses to hackers attacks. I applaud my colleagues for coming together in a bipartisan way to pass this very important legislation that is critical to keeping our country safe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-more-than-1-million-to-support-family-health-care-services,Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $1 Million to Support Family Health Care Services,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.27.15 Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $1 Million to Support Family Health Care Services WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced $1,191,631 in funding to the West Virginia Office of Maternal and Child Health Services (OMCHS) to support various programs with the goal of building better health care infrastructure in West Virginia. OMCHS programs specialize in serving the needs of women, infants, children, families, and children with special health care needs. Throughout my career in public service, I have always worked to ensure West Virginias children have access to the quality health care and services they deserve, said Senator Capito. This funding for the West Virginia Office of Maternal and Child Health Services will boost the overall health and well-being of our young people, mothers and families, and support West Virginias health care infrastructure. In West Virginia, the health and well-being of our families and our children will always be one of our top priorities, Senator Manchin said. The West Virginia Office of Maternal and Child Health Services is a significant resource for women and children throughout our state. This funding will provide the organization with resources and tools to deliver critical preventive and primary health care services to families and children in need. The funding is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support state and community efforts to improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-ayotte-scott-express-support-for-female-guards-at-guantanamo,"Capito, Ayotte, Scott Express Support for Female Guards at Guantanamo",2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.27.15 Capito, Ayotte, Scott Express Support for Female Guards at Guantanamo 9/11 Terrorists Object to Being Guarded by Female Service Members WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) held a joint press conference to discuss their visit last week to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The senators discussed a military court order issued at the request of the 9/11 Five that restricts how fully-qualified and well-performing women guards at Guantanamo do their jobssimply because they are women. During their visit, the senators met with women guards at Guantanamo and discussed how this court order is negatively impacting operations, inhibiting their ability to compete successfully for promotion, and damaging morale. After visiting Guantanamo for the first time and seeing firsthand the incredible character of the men and women serving at the detention facility, I am deeply concerned with a court order that prevents female service members from doing their jobs and serving in the same capacity as their male counterparts, said Senator Capito. These women deserve better and should not be prevented from fully performing their duties simply because of a capitulation to the demands of terrorists."" In total, there are 114 detainees still detained at Guantanamo, and they include terrorist trainers, former bodyguards of Osama bin Laden, terrorist financiers, recruiters and facilitators, and bomb makers. Click forvideo. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-heitkamp-47-other-senators-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-block-epa-regulations-for-existing-power-sources,"Capito, Heitkamp, 47 Other Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Block EPA Regulations for Existing Power Sources",2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.27.15 Capito, Heitkamp, 47 Other Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Block EPA Regulations for Existing Power Sources WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), along with 47 Senate co-sponsors, have introduced a resolution disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for existing power sources. With this resolution, members of Congress will have an opportunity to voice their opinion about whether the administrations far-reaching Clean Power Plan should go into effect, said Senator Capito. There is a reason that 25 states have already filed lawsuits against the Clean Power Plan - this impractical rule fails to consider the costs to American families, communities and jobs. It is time to send a clear signal that across the board regulations from Washington are not the best way forward. This is just one piece of our efforts to push back against EPAs final rule for existing power plants a rule that is totally unworkable aswritten for North Dakotas utilities and regulators without causing severe reliability issues and massive rate increases, said Senator Heitkamp. Our bipartisan legislation enables senators to express their frustration with the rule. Beyond this resolution, Ive already successfully pressed EPA to meet directly with our utilities and regulators. As a result, EPA has agreed to send technical staff to North Dakota to see firsthand how unique our situation is and to work directly with our utilities and regulators on how or if we can resolve the many obstacles to meeting these goals. We need workable solutions for North Dakota utilities, as well as for a viable path forward for coal which provides almost 80 percent of North Dakotas electricity to guarantee our states families and small businesses have affordable and reliable power. The resolution introduced by Senators Capito and Heitkamp is co-sponsored by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee; Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.); John Barrasso (R-Wyo.); Roy Blunt (R-Mo.); John Boozman (R-Ark.); Bill Cassidy (R-La.); Dan Coats (R-Ind.); Thad Cochran (R-Miss.); Bob Corker (R-Tenn.); John Cornyn (R-Texas); Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Mike Crapo (R-Idaho); Ted Cruz (R-Texas); Steve Daines (R-Mont.); Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Deb Fischer (R-Neb.); Jeff Flake (R-Fla.); Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Orrin Hatch (R-Utah); John Hoeven (R-N.D.); Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.); Ron Johnson (R-Wis.); James Lankford (R-Okla.); Mike Lee (R-Utah); Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.); John McCain (R-Ariz.); Jerry Moran (R-Kan.); Rand Paul (R-Ky.); David Perdue (R-Ga.); Jim Risch (R-Idaho); Pat Roberts (R-Kan.); Mike Rounds (R-S.D.); Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); Ben Sasse (R-Neb.); Tim Scott (R-S.C.); Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.); Richard Shelby (R-Ala.); Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); John Thune (R-S.D.); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.); Pat Toomey (R-Pa.); David Vitter (R-La.); and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). View the bipartisan Capito-Heitkamp resolution here. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-Ky.) introduced a related resolution of disapproval regarding the proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for new power sources. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-more-than-25-million-to-assist-households-with-energy-costs,"Capito, Manchin Announce More than $25 Million to Assist Households with Energy Costs",2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.26.15 Capito, Manchin Announce More than $25 Million to Assist Households with Energy Costs WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced West Virginia will receive $25,927,056 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to help keep West Virginia families safe and healthy by assisting with household energy costs. West Virginia is a tight knit community where friends and neighbors look out for one another. During these challenging economic times, this funding will go a long way to help West Virginians who qualify for assistance to heat their homes and stay safe during the winter months, said Senator Capito. As West Virginians, we take care of those who cannot take care of themselves and those who are the most vulnerable, Senator Manchin said. These are challenging times for our state and many people are struggling to make ends meet. This important funding will ensure that eligible West Virginians can heat and prepare their homes for the winter weather. This funding is through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program that aims to reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices. LIHEAP provides assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-capito-op-ed-build-wvs-economy-from-the-ground-up,ICYMI: Capito Op-Ed: Build WVs Economy From the Ground Up,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.26.15 ICYMI: Capito Op-Ed: Build WVs Economy From the Ground Up WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) penned an op-ed in the Daily Mail opinion page of todays Charleston Gazette-Mail about strengthening West Virginias economy by laying the groundwork for innovation. There is no question that we must keep fighting back against the harmful policies that have hindered our state. However, we also have an obligation to explore new opportunities to grow, wrote Senator Capito. View the op-ed HERE and below. Build WVs economy from the ground up By: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) Daily Mail opinion page of the Charleston Gazette-Mail October 26, 2015 West Virginias economy is facing difficult times. There is no question about it. Our unemployment rate remains well above the national average, our state ranks last nationally in labor force participation with only 53 percent of eligible West Virginians working, layoff notices keep coming and declining coal severance taxes are eroding the states budget. Much of this economic hardship is due to the overregulation that has become a staple of the Obama Administration. Harmful Environmental Protection Agency mandates are stifling our coal and energy sectors, and skyrocketing costs under Obamacare are choking small businesses. I have fought back against these misguided policies at every turn and will continue to advocate for fewer overreaching regulations, a fresh start on healthcare reform, a simplified tax code, and other commonsense solutions that will enable our economy to grow from the ground up. By seizing the potential of our vast energy resources, strong work ethic, first-rate institutions and entrepreneurial spirit, we can strengthen our foundation and create new opportunities to move our state forward. We should start by embracing the success stories that are taking place in West Virginia right now and recreating them across the state. The Governors of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania recently announced an agreement to work across state lines and turn the Tri-State area into a hub for shale development. If we are truly going to maximize the opportunity presented by shale development, we must work together rather against one another. If Ohio gets a cracker plant, this presents downstream opportunities for West Virginia and vice versa. Last month, Procter & Gamble broke ground on a manufacturing facility in Berkeley County that will employ 700 full-time workers. The company cited the labor force, low business costs, infrastructure and proximity to East Coast population centers as reasons for choosing to do business in West Virginia. Lets tout Procter & Gambles decision along with other manufacturing success stories, such as Eagle Manufacturing expanding operations in Wellsburg and the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing advancing manufacturing in Huntington, and use these stories to draw more companies to West Virginia. The ground breaking ceremony for expansion of the final stretch of U.S. Route 35 in Putnam and Mason Counties this month marked a critical step forward for one of our most critical highway projects. U.S. Route 35 is an important freight link for trucks transporting goods between the Southeast and the Midwest. We must continue to prioritize investments in infrastructure that will open the door to new opportunities for growth. Additionally, programs like the HIVE in Beckley and the Launch Lab at West Virginia University are laying the groundwork for tech innovation in the Mountain State. The Launch Lab will help students turn their ideas into products that can be commercialized and the HIVE provides a suite of business services to entrepreneurs in southern West Virginia. The Appalachian Regional Commission also recently awarded funding to West Virginia for the Entrepreneurial Schools Initiative, which will encourage and help implement entrepreneurship curriculum and activities in public schools. The West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundations INNOVA Technical Assistance and Early Stage Investment Program also received funding to grow entrepreneurial technology firms. Through programs like this, we can turn West Virginia into a high-tech startup hub. The Internet has decentralized business and enabled Americans to create startups in all corners of the country. Startups can power our small communities and bring limitless opportunities to the state. As more and more businesses shift online, it is important that we continue to prioritize STEM education in our schools, and help small business adapt. This summer, a Google-sponsored workshop for small businesses looking to get online attracted more than 60 West Virginia business owners. West Virginia is filled with entrepreneurs who want to turn their good ideas into reality, and we must create an environment where they can do that. While Internet connectivity is a challenge we face in many areas of the state, I am working to bring affordable broadband services to every home, business and classroom in West Virginia through my Capito Connect Plan. This is no small task, but by forming partnerships between private, local, state and federal organizations we can meet the unique demands of our state. There is no question that we must keep fighting back against the harmful policies that have hindered our state. However, we also have an obligation to explore new opportunities to grow. By tapping into the potential of our people, our schools and our strengths we can get our economy moving in the right direction, strengthen the small businesses and vital energy industry that form that backbone of our state, and make West Virginia more competitive than ever before. Republican Shelley Moore Capito serves in the U.S. Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/west-virginia-congressional-delegation-urges-continued-support-for-summit-point-training-facility,West Virginia Congressional Delegation Urges Continued Support for Summit Point Training Facility,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.26.15 West Virginia Congressional Delegation Urges Continued Support for Summit Point Training Facility WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, members of West Virginias congressional delegation and their staff met with Assistant Secretary Gregory Starr from the State Departments Bureau of Diplomatic Security to discuss the Summit Point Training Facility in Jefferson County, West Virginia. The Summit Point Training Facility does vital work ensuring the safety of our diplomats, embassy staff and their families. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over funding for foreign affairs security training, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) invited Assistant Secretary Starr to meet with the delegation and discuss the proposed construction of the State Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The bureaus proposal, which would require the construction of an entirely new facility with a half-billion dollar price tag, was introduced as part of the State Departments efforts to meet their increasing security training needs. As the delegation notes, however, these needs can already be met at the Summit Point Training Facility. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, has written several letters to the leadership at the State Department and the GAO. The delegation issued the following joint statement following todays meeting with Assistant Secretary Starr: Summit Point has provided the State Department with a state-of-the-art training facility for more than three decades while meeting the departments core mission requirements and safeguarding our diplomats. The State Department should consider expanding the existing facility that already meets the departments needs and is roughly an hours drive from Washington instead of building a costly new facility and disrupting security training. In todays meeting with Assistant Secretary Starr, we made clear that building a new facility would be duplicative and unnecessary. As a delegation, we will continue to lead the fight to keep these vital operations at Summit Point. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-votes-defend-life-dismantle-obamacare,"REP. JENKINS VOTES TO DEFEND LIFE, DISMANTLE OBAMACARE",2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) voted yes today on legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, invest in community health centers to expand care for women, and eliminate Obamacare provisions that limit consumer choices and raise costs. H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives 240-189. Todays vote expands access to health care while protecting the lives of the unborn. We have taken strong action in the House to help dismantle Obamacares burden on families and reaffirm that no taxpayer dollars should be used to fund abortion. Many provisions in this bill, including the repeal of numerous new taxes imposed by Obamacare, are supported by Republicans and Democrats alike in both the House and the Senate. I will continue to fight in Congress to replace Obamacare with patient-centered, affordable health care. Together we are making a difference for families in West Virginia and across the nation, Rep. Jenkins said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-heitkamp-to-introduce-resolution-to-overturn-clean-power-plan-rules-for-existing-power-sources,Capito and Heitkamp to Introduce Resolution to Overturn Clean Power Plan Rules for Existing Power Sources,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.23.15 Capito and Heitkamp to Introduce Resolution to Overturn Clean Power Plan Rules for Existing Power Sources WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) will introduce a resolution of disapproval under theCongressional Review Act to stopthe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from moving forward with its proposed Clean Power Planregulations for existing power sources next week. Todays announcement follows publication of the Clean Power Plan in the Federal Register. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress can overturn actions by a federal agency, like EPA, after a rule is formally published and submitted to Congress. If the resolution is enacted into law, it would nullify the Clean Power Plan, including any portions of the regulations that have already gone into effect. ""It is my intent to pursue all available avenues for fighting back against the administrations devastating assault on West Virginias energy industry. Too many Americans, jobs, families and communities have been negatively impacted by this administrations overreaching regulations, and more pain will be felt if the Clean Power Plan is ever implemented,"" said Senator Capito. ""Congress deserves to have an opportunity to vote on whether the administrations far-reaching energy regulations should go into effect, and I look forward to working with Leader McConnell and others to make that happen."" North Dakota needs flexible, feasible rules if were going to find a realistic path forward to reduce emissions. And, as I have long said, those rules need to acknowledge the reality that coal provides almost a third of our countrys electricity, said Senator Heitkamp. The EPA regulations on existing power plants dont fit the bill. In fact, the final rule requires emissions reductions four times higher for North Dakota than were required by the proposed rule, even after my states utilities spent considerable time and resources working in good faith with the EPA on a viable goal. This resolution enables many senators to express their frustration legislatively, and is just one avenue Ill keep doing everything I can to find workable solutions for North Dakota utilities and consumers through any and all available options. Last month, I got EPA to commit to sending technical staff to North Dakota to address our challenges on the ground. North Dakota families and small businesses should know they can get the affordable, reliable electricity they need. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced that he will introduce a related resolution of disapproval today regarding the proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for new power sources. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-co-sponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-mint-coins-in-support-of-breast-cancer-research-,Capito Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Mint Coins in Support of Breast Cancer Research,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.22.15 Capito Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Mint Coins in Support of Breast Cancer Research Bill Would Mint Coins to Boost Efforts to Fight Breast Cancer During Breast Cancer Awareness Month WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced her support today for bipartisan legislation to fight breast cancer by minting coins for one year to benefit life-saving breast cancer research. Too many families have experienced a friend or loved one battle breast cancer my own included and they shouldnt have to, said Senator Capito. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in co-sponsoring legislation that will support and accelerate breast cancer research, giving our daughters, mothers, wives, sisters and loved-ones a better chance to live long and healthy lives. Introduced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act would create pink, silver and metal-alloy coins to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundations efforts to fight breast cancer. Minted at no additional cost to taxpayers, the coins would become available for purchase in 2018, and would be minted the following year using the funding from coin orders. Breast cancer impacts 231,840 women nationwide, who according to estimates, will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2015. Breast cancer ranked highest in 2014 among all cancer care expenditures, costing an estimated $18.1 billion. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Additional co-sponsors include Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-to-join-congressional-delegation-visit-to-guantanamo-bay-detention-facility,Capito to Join Congressional Delegation Visit to Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.22.15 Capito to Join Congressional Delegation Visit to Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)today announced that shewill join acongressional delegation visitto the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in the coming days with SenatorsKelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) andTim Scott (R-S.C.). The Senators will tour Joint Task Force Guantanamo, review detention operations at the base and meet with troopsserving there, including service members from their respective states. They will also discuss the impact of a court order currently preventingfemale service membersfromperforming their duties as guards for the9/11 Fiveaftercomplaints fromthe terroristdetainees. The 9/11 Five, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, are charged with facilitating theSeptember 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. This being my first visit to Guantanamo, I look forward to personally thanking our troops serving there and seeing firsthand the facilities used to detain dangerous terrorists, said Senator Capito. I have been a strong supporter of detaining terrorists in a manner that ensures the safety and security of all Americans and fought to prevent President Obama from bringing those terrorists into the United States. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Subcommittee for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I have worked hard to make sure our military members receive the support and protection they need, our borders are secure and the United States remains vigilant in defending against terrorism and threats to national security. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-veto-of-defense-bill-sends-wrong-message-to-our-troops,Capito: Veto of Defense Bill Sends Wrong Message to Our Troops,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.22.15 Capito: Veto of Defense Bill Sends Wrong Message to Our Troops It is regrettable that the president today chose politics over our national security, especially when our service members face emerging and dangerous threats around the world. - Senator Capito WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today after President Obama vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed Congress on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. This important legislation authorizes vital resources for our nations troops, our wounded warriors and their families, provides for our national security needs and includes programs that will directly benefit West Virginias National Guard, including our partnership program with Peru and the Drug Interdiction and Counter Drug program to fight the wave of prescription drug overdoses in our state, said Senator Capito. Republicans and Democrats in Congress worked hard to pass this important legislation, which authorizes the same amount of spending for national defense that the president asked for in his budget submission. The president often calls on Congress to work across the aisle, and we did that. It is regrettable that the president today chose politics over our national security, especially when our service members face emerging and dangerous threats around the world. The National Defense Authorization Act included several provisions that would have benefited West Virginia: Drug Interdiction & Counter-Drug Program:The National Guard Counter-Drug program is a vital partnership between the National Guard, federal, state and local law enforcement, and private groups to safeguard communities from drugs and drug violence. TheNDAAfunds the Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug program at requested levels. As the battle against methamphetamines, opiates and heroine continues across West Virginia, funding for this important program is critical. STARBASE Youth Program:STARBASE is a federally funded Department of Defense youth program.West Virginia has STARBASE locations in Charleston and Martinsburg. STARBASE incorporates a fast-paced and motivational curriculum of hands-on activities, tours and experiments to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM fields. National Guard State Partnership Program:The State Partnership Program provides federal funding for state National Guards to partner with other countries and conduct joint training and exercises. The West Virginia National Guard currently partners with Peru. TheNDAAextends the National Guard State Partnership program for five years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2946,Preston County News and Journal: McKinley hosts women's roundtable in Kingwood,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Drugs are having a limiting effect on Preston Countys available workforce, U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., was told Tuesday. Preston County Economic Development Director Robbie Baylor told McKinley that employers are having trouble finding new employees. When I talk to the businesses, there are open jobs all over the county that cant be filled, Baylor said. Allegheny Wood Products had positions to fill and went through 200 applicants to get two people to fill jobs. I think it goes back to drugs, Baylor said. I have been told, If you can get someone to show up and work, I can teach them everything. I need to find someone to show up and work. Preston County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristy Ash said as an executive, and as a mother and grandmother, she is concerned about the drug use. Drugs concern me because Preston County is such a nice place to live and work, Ash told McKinley. We need more rehabilitation facilities. Sherry Durr, owner of Preston Personal Errand Service, theorized that drugs are filling a void. I think the kids are going to drugs because there is nothing to do, Durr said. And I am tired of hearing marijuana doesnt hurt you ... it is a gateway drug to others. The participants all said they would like to see more drug education for both the youth and adults, because as people smoke marijuana in their homes, it is also affecting their children. McKinley also heard about the countys infrastructure needs. Baylor said West Virginia needs to keep competitive with the rest of the states, especially with Pennsylvania and Maryland bordering Preston County. In order to keep competitive, we need infrastructure water, sewer and broadband, Baylor said. Jessica Lipscomb, co-owner of Houses and More, agreed with Baylor there is a need for better infrastructure. We do have septic and wells in Preston County, Lipscomb said. And home buyers sometimes dont like that. It is concerning for me to see communities around us start to thrive and grow. To read the rest of the article click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-president-s-initiatives-fall-short,REP. JENKINS: PRESIDENTS INITIATIVES FALL SHORT,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On the House floor today, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) said he hoped President Obama would use his visit to West Virginia to present plans to expand treatment opportunities and address the states jobs crisis. These proposals, however, Im afraid do not go far enough to really make a difference and treat those battling addiction. The president needs a strong plan to get people real treatment to address their addictions and become healthy and productive members of society again. Many West Virginians who want treatment dont have anywhere to go. Those suffering from addiction are forced to leave West Virginia to find help, treatment, and their families are falling apart, Rep. Jenkins said. The congressmans full remarks are below. To watch a video of the congressmans remarks, please click here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. President Obama is coming to West Virginia today to talk about our states and nations drug crisis. What I hope he will also talk about on his visit to our capital city, Charleston, is what I hope he will acknowledge and that is our states jobs crisis. West Virginia has lost good jobs, jobs in our coal mines, jobs in our schools, small businesses, jobs in our small towns and communities throughout southern West Virginia. Regulations from the presidents own environmental protection agency are forcing coal mines to close. Our coal miners are out of work. Our coal families are facing an uncertain future. We have lost an estimated 43 percent of our coal jobs in just the last six years under this administrations policies. Eighteen percent of unemployed people reported using illegal drugs. Thats more than twice the number of people who used illegal drugs who were employed. The best anti-drug policy is a good jobs policy. West Virginia has the highest overdose rate in the country. We also have the highest unemployment rate in the country. Nearly every family in this state has been touched by drug abuse and tragically far too many, any family, there are those who suffered and buried a loved one due to the horrible disease of addiction. The president will announce several initiatives to help address the heroin and opioid crisis. Hes going to talk about prescriber training. Hes going to talk about access to a powerful anecdote to an overdose. Hes going to talk about public education. These are all excellent steps. These are actually things we already are doing in West Virginia. We have taken great strides on many fronts, including these in West Virginia to arrest this problem. These proposals, however, Im afraid do not go far enough to really make a difference and treat those battling addiction. The president needs a strong plan to get people real treatment to address their addictions and become healthy and productive members of society again. Many West Virginians who want treatment dont have anywhere to go. Those suffering from addiction are forced to leave West Virginia to find help, treatment, and their families are falling apart. To improve West Virginia, to give West Virginians hope for a better future, to give them an alternative to destructive lifestyles, we have to get people back to work. Mr. President, a good job solves a lot of problems. West Virginians are proud people. We are not asking for a hand out. We want to do a full days work for a full days pay. The administration is crushing West Virginias coal miners, machinists, health care workers, truckers, small business owners, and Main Street. Mr. President, if you want to help win the war on drugs, stop your war on coal. What we need is the federal government to get out of the way of West Virginia and let us get back to work. Mr. Speaker, I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=493,McKinley: Obama Playing Politics with our Military,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on President Obama's threat to veto the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has passed the House and the Senate with bipartisan support:""The House and Senate have passed a bipartisan bill that provides the resources our military needs to keep us safe, makes needed reforms to save taxpayer money, and ensures our troops get the benefits they deserve. Yet President Obama has announced he plans to veto it. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement on President Obama's threat to veto the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has passed the House and the Senate with bipartisan support: The House and Senate have passed a bipartisan bill that provides the resources our military needs to keep us safe, makes needed reforms to save taxpayer money, and ensures our troops get the benefits they deserve. Yet President Obama has announced he plans to veto it. President Obama is not threatening a veto because of a disagreement over policies in the defense bill, but rather because he wants to spend more money on other non-defense programs. In short, the President is holding the military hostage so he can spend more money on pet projects. At a time when we face threats from terrorists, rogue nations, and cybercriminals, the President should not be playing an irresponsible political game. The American people deserve better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-president-obamas-visit-to-west-virginia,Capito Statement on President Obamas Visit to West Virginia,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.21.15 Capito Statement on President Obamas Visit to West Virginia President Announces Public and Private Sector Efforts to Address Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Use CHARLESTON, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after attending President Obamas community discussion in Charleston, West Virginia today about the heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic in America. President Obama also announced new public and private sector efforts to address this epidemic. Michael Botticelli, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), who visited West Virginia with Senator Capito earlier this year for a drug prevention roundtable, and West Virginia native and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell also attended todays event. I appreciate President Obama traveling to West Virginia today to address a devastating problem the growing drug epidemic harming our communities, families and loved ones and raise needed attention about the issues facing the Mountain State. Several of the efforts announced by the administration today enjoy bipartisan support and are important steps to end prescription drug abuse and heroin use, improve access to treatment and stem this mounting public health concern. Over the past several months, I have worked with local communities, law enforcement, health professionals and others to develop a spectrum of solutions to curb this epidemic and am pleased we have a partner in the White House on this issue. While we still have a long road ahead, I am encouraged that with ongoing efforts in Congress and the new efforts announced by the administration today, we can make meaningful strides toward a drug-free West Virginia. Since joining the Senate, Senator Capito has worked to bring more attention and resources to the table to tackle West Virginias drug epidemic. Below is a timeline of Senator Capitos efforts to curb drug abuse: February 5, 2015: Introduced theStop Drugs at the Border Act of 2015 with Senator Donnelly (D-Ind.) to combat increased heroin and methamphetamine trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico Border. March 19, 2015: Co-sponsored the Protecting our Infants Act of 2015, which requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to report on prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome. March 23, 2015: Co-sponsored the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2015 to protect first responders, health professionals and family members who are educated in administering an opioid overdose prevention drug in an emergency situation of overdose. April 15, 2015: Joined with Senate colleagues to introduce the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which holds the FDA accountable for opioid drugs approved. April 27, 2015: Hosted a Drug Prevention Summit in Martinsburg with National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program Director Michael Gottlieb and Washington-Baltimore HIDTA Director Tom Carr to discuss solutions for combatting drug abuse. Tom Carr called the summit an ""eye-opening experience"" and pledged to look into the region's lack of treatment facilities and other solutions. May 1, 2015: Penned an op-ed for the Martinsburg Journal highlighting the lessons learned primarily the need for substance abuse treatment facilities and next steps following the Drug Prevention Summit. May 20, 2015: Sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling for the reinstatement of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days given their successful track record reducing the prescription drug supply. July 9, 2015: Met with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg and discussed the state of the drug issue, as well as reinstating Prescription Drug Take Back Day. June 12, 2015: Convened White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Michael Botticelli and local drug prevention experts for a roundtable at West Virginia University. June 22, 2015: Introduced the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act, bipartisan VA reform legislation aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to veterans. June 23, 2015: Spoke on the Senate floor about reforming the overreliance on painkillers by the VA and urging support for the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act. July 22, 2015: Sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calling for guidance to state Medicaid directors to remove methadone from preferred drug lists for pain management. July 24, 2015: As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted to pass the FY2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill, which includes $245 million for the HIDTA program. July 28, 2015: Announced DEAs reinstatement of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. August 17, 2015: Following Director Botticellis visit to West Virginia, applauded new funding announced for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) across the country, including $400,000 for the Appalachia HIDTA, which includes West Virginia. An additional $2.5 million was also announced to establish an unprecedented Heroin Response Strategy among five regional programs - Appalachia, New England, Philadelphia/Camden, New York/New Jersey. September 26, 2015: Participated in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in Charleston. October 1, 2015: Announced the completion of an in-depth analysis by the Washington-Baltimore HIDTA detailing the magnitude of heroin addiction in Berkeley County. The assessment is a result of the Drug Prevention Summit hosted in Martinsburg in April. October 7, 2015: Questioned National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow about prescription drug and heroin prevalence in Appalachia during a Senate Appropriations hearing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-statement-new-marshall-president,REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON NEW MARSHALL PRESIDENT,2015-10-20,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the announcement of Jerome Jerry Gilbert as the 37th president of Marshall University: The selection of Jerry Gilbert begins an exciting new chapter in the history of Marshall University. I have full confidence in his ability to provide the leadership and vision Marshall needs to serve our students, expand our programs, and plan for the future. I look forward to welcoming Jerry and his wife, Leigh, to Huntington and to working with him to grow this great institution. I also extend my deepest appreciation to interim President Gary White, who provided the leadership Marshall needed after the loss of President Stephen Kopp. President White is a true son of Marshall and will always be a member of the Marshall University family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-co-sponsors-legislation-to-expand-broadband-infrastructure,Capito Co-Sponsors Legislation to Expand Broadband Infrastructure,2015-10-20,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.20.15 Capito Co-Sponsors Legislation to Expand Broadband Infrastructure Legislation builds on goals of Capito Connect Plan and increases broadband deployment by cutting red tape for companies, states and local governments that want to install broadband infrastructure on federal land WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand broadband infrastructure and further the goals of her Capito Connect Plan. TheStreamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Actwould increase broadband deployment by cutting red tape for companies, states and local governments who want to install broadband infrastructure on federal land, and promotesthe simultaneous installation of underground broadband conduit during federal transportation projects. Improving rural broadband access is one of my top priorities, especially in a state like West Virginia where 56 percent of residents lack access to broadband services that meet the Federal Communications Commissions benchmarks, said Senator Capito. Earlier this year I introduced my Capito Connect Plan for bringing affordable, high-speed internet to homes, businesses and classrooms throughout the Mountain State. By improving the deployment of broadband infrastructure, this bipartisan legislation will bring us one step closer to bridging the digital divide in West Virginia and in rural areas around the country. This bipartisan bill will strengthen Americas capacity to meet the demands of consumers across the country for better and more complete wireless coverage, said Wireless Infrastructure Association President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein, who announced his support for the legislation at a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Americas economic and technological growth depends on reliable access to mobile data, which means greater deployment of cutting edge wireless facilities. These are difficult issues, but the legislation offers practical ways forward that reduce redundancies when deploying the backbone of our wireless world, whether along our rights of way or bringing service to federal lands and rural communities. TheStreamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Actwould ensure states simultaneously install broadband conduits as part of certain federal transportation projects that involve constructing a new highway or adding an additional lane or shoulder known as dig once. The bill establishes a standard fee to streamline leasing agreements involving the installation, construction and maintenance of a communications facility by instructing agencies in possession of federal government property or infrastructure to grant a real property interest to applicants, which may include states, wireless carriers or other organizations seeking to install communications facilities. Dig once is essential to expanding broadband infrastructure because the Federal Highway Administration estimates that 90 percent of the cost of deploying broadband consists of digging up and replacing the road. This means that it is ten times more expensive to install broadband conduit alone instead of installing it along with road repairs. Broadband conduit installations currently add to the number of road construction projects, creating more traffic congestion.Further, streamlining the siting process for wireless infrastructure on federal land will make deployment in underserved areas easier. The legislation was introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-announces-new-offices-in-martinsburg-and-beckley,Capito Announces New Offices in Martinsburg & Beckley,2015-10-19,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.19.15 Capito Announces New Offices in Martinsburg & Beckley WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced two new office locations in Martinsburg and Beckley to assist West Virginians. I am committed to delivering quality and effective constituent services to those West Virginians seeking assistance. It is my hope that these new office locations will provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of residents in Martinsburg and Beckley, said Senator Capito. Additional office locations were also recently announced in Charleston and Morgantown. Details for the Martinsburg and Beckley offices are included below: Martinsburg, W.Va. Office300 Foxcroft Avenue Suite 202A Martinsburg, WV 25401 Phone: 304-262-9285 Fax: 304-262-9288 Beckley, W.Va. Office220 N Kanawha Street Suite 1 Beckley, WV 25801 Phone: 304-347-5372 **Note: Appointments are required for service at this location. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-supports-bill-to-empower-veteran-entrepreneurship,Capito Supports Bill to Empower Veteran Entrepreneurship,2015-10-19,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Shelley Capito,C001047,www.capito.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.19.15 Capito Supports Bill to Empower Veteran Entrepreneurship WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced her support for bipartisan legislation today that would offer veterans access to resources provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and their G.I. Bill benefit to open a business. TheVeterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2015 (VET Act) is authored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). As our service members in West Virginia and across the country transition from military to civilian life, many are eager to become small business owners and entrepreneurs. With 9 percent of businesses owned by veterans, we need to create opportunities and spur growth for others who aspire to start their own ventures, said Senator Capito. The VET Act will give our veterans flexibility, choice and the resources they need to achieve their goals and boost the economy. While some veterans choose to use their G.I. Benefits to pursue higher education, more often veterans are looking to enter the workforce. According to the Small Business Administration, veterans made up 9.1 percent of all business owners in 2012. TheVET Actproposes an innovative way to support veterans in their professional development by offering veterans a choice in accessing the resources, training and support they need to start a small business, create jobs and generate economic growth. TheVET Actestablishes a three-year pilot program that would enable up to 250 G.I. Bill benefit-eligible veterans to start a new business or purchase an existing business or franchise. The program would be overseen by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in consultation with the SBA Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The pilot program includes a thorough application process and requires participation in an approved entrepreneurial training program. Interested veterans would be required to develop a business plan to be approved by their training program advisor and the SBAs Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development. TheVET Actis supported by the Small Business Administration, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans2Commerce, 1 Vet At A Time, the American Legion, the Military Business Owners Association, The Bunker, The Kauffman Foundation and Association of Defense Communities. U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis (ret), former Commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has also offered support for the legislation. Click here for a summary of the VET Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-announces-15-million-coal-communities,REP. JENKINS ANNOUNCES $1.5 MILLION FOR COAL COMMUNITIES,2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) joined state and federal officials in Williamson today to announce more than $1.5 million in grants for southern West Virginia communities hurt by the downturn in coal. The grants are part of a federal effort to address the economic downturns in coal communities, spur redevelopment, and invest in infrastructure. Southern West Virginia has been hard hit by the war on coal. Everywhere I go, I see small towns and families suffering as coal production drops and our coal mines close. Iwill always fight to secure investments for our communities, but the best way to jumpstart our economy is to stop theEnvironmental Protection Agencys policies that have decimated our way of life. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought successfully to include funding to redevelop abandoned mines and spur economic growth. I will continue to stand up for the people of West Virginia as a member of Congress and push to block efforts to regulate our coal jobs out of existence, Rep. Jenkins said. Rep. Jenkins joined officials from the Appalachian Regional Commission and U.S. Economic Development Administration to announce one of the grants at the Williamson Health and Wellness Center. The Third Congressional District grants are: $826,400 EDA grant to the town of Union to extend public water services from the town to the UTC Aerospace Systems manufacturing plant in order to meet its water demand. The project will also expand access to municipal water to residents and improve firefighting capabilities. UTC is a major employer in Summers County, and Rep. Jenkins visited the plant earlier this year to see firsthand how this project will help UTC and the community. $600,000 EDA grant to the Coalfield Development Corporation in Wayne for the Regional Economic Diversification Project. The project will support increased agricultural production on surface mine sites. It will also provide job training and mentorship for farmers to help develop a local food economy and promote healthy diets and lifestyles. This a joint program with the Williamson Health and Wellness Center (see below). $75,000 ARC grant to the Williamson Health and Wellness Center in Williamson for the Health Innovation and Food Hub. The grant will fund the startup of the Health Innovation and Food Hub, which will promote local farming efforts, access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and promote healthy diets and lifestyles. This is a joint program with the Coalfield Development Corporation (see above). $36,000 EDA grant to the Southern Appalachia Labor School in Robson, West Virginia to evaluate possible uses and redevelopments of abandoned and reclaimed surface mine operations. The House Appropriation Committees Fiscal Year 2016 Interior Appropriations bill includes $30 million for a pilot program in Appalachia to redevelop abandoned mine lands and spur economic growth. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Jenkins was proud to help secure this funding, which will give West Virginia millions to redevelop mine sites, create jobs, and invest in regional economic development. This pilot program will allow West Virginia and surrounding states to test the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-announces-house-wounded-warrior-program,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Announces House Wounded Warrior Program,2015-10-14,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eligible disabled veterans will be considered for a position in Mooneys Charleston office WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Alex Mooney announced that the House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Program is accepting applications for positions in congressional offices around the country, including in his Charleston office. My father served in Vietnam as a Captain in the Army where he received the Bronze Star. He was lucky enough to have returned home healthy and safe, but that is not the case for every veteran who sacrifices for our nation, said Congressman Mooney. The Wounded Warrior Program plays an integral role in opening doors for our veterans who wish to continue their public service. I look forward to the potential of adding another veteran to my dedicated staff. The new position available in Mooneys Charleston office is for a caseworker who would be responsible for facilitating and coordinating responses to a wide range of requests received from constituents. District caseworkers also help constituents interact with administrative and government agencies by acting as facilitators, ombudsmen and, in some cases, advocates. A full list of vacancy announcements for the program can be found here. The Wounded Warrior Program was established to create fellowships that provide employment opportunities within the House of Representatives. The fellowships allow veterans to gain experience and exposure to ultimately develop their scope of transition prospects. Positions are available in congressional district offices nationwide. According to the Wounded Warrior Program, applicants must have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, have a 30 percent or greater service-connected disability rating and less than 20 years of service. In addition to a current resume, applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 and a VA letter confirming that they have at least a 30 percent service-connected disability rating. If you are interested please visit the Wounded Warrior Programs website to view its Frequently Asked Questions section to learn how to be considered for one of these fellowships. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mooney-bikers-share-passion-helping-abused-children,"Mooney, bikers share passion for helping abused children",2015-10-13,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"MARTINSBURG - There was no mistaking the roar of motorcycle engines Monday afternoon when nearly two dozen Bikers Against Child Abuse members rolled up to the Children's Home Society of West Virginia - ready to meet U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va. Mooney, who spent time chatting with club members before climbing onto a nearby motorcyle, praised their volunteer spirit and sense of compassion. ""It's just a win-win, because they have taken a hobby that they love and made it so much more by how they are helping abused children. I just can't say enough about the men and women you see here today,"" said Mooney, smiling as he watched the bikers share stories about amazing children who'd ended up touching their lives. It was also an opportunity for Mooney to learn more about the Children's Home Society, a private, nonprofit agency (located at 653 Winchester Ave.) that provides a variety of family services including adoption and birth parent counseling. Continue Reading...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-court-pushes-back-epa-overregulations,REP. JENKINS: COURT PUSHES BACK ON EPA OVERREGULATIONS,2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals stay of the Waters of the United States rule: The Sixth Circuit was right to put the brakes on the implementation of yet another disastrous EPA rule from the Obama administration. The federal government is using rules like the Waters of the United States to impose more regulations on West Virginians, and these rules are crushing our economy and costing families their jobs. This administrations continued disregard for the impact of its regulations on working families, farmers and small businesses must be stopped. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has led the charge in the courts to defend West Virginians and rein in the EPA, and I commend him for his advocacy on this important issue, Rep. Jenkins said. In May, Rep. Jenkins voted to block implementation of the Waters of the United States rule. H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 11 by a vote of 261-155. This bill would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the rule and rework it with input from states, local governments, and other stakeholders before proposing a new definition. The Energy and Water Appropriations bill, passed by the House at the end of April, included language preventing the Army Corps of Engineers from using any funds in the bill to develop or implement any changes to the existing definition of federal jurisdiction of waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. Rep. Jenkins is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-statement-mt-carbon-derailment,REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON MT. CARBON DERAILMENT,2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Evan Jenkins,J000297,evanjenkins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the Federal Railroad Administrations findings on the cause of the Mount Carbon CSX train derailment: The Federal Railroad Administrations report shows the Mount Carbon derailment could have been prevented. The safety of the rail lines that run through West Virginias cities and towns must be an absolute priority, and our residents deserve the peace of mind of knowing that the tracks have been thoroughly inspected. I will push to ensure the FRAs recommendations are fully implemented so a derailment like the one we saw in Mount Carbon never happens again. I visited Mount Carbon immediately after the derailment, spoke with residents who had to flee their homes, and saw the fires firsthand. We are fortunate that there was no loss of life from this derailment, but that may not be the case next time. This derailment must serve as a warning for train companies and federal inspectors alike the lives of West Virginians depend on it, Rep. Jenkins said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=484,"McKinley: Decision to Block EPA Water Rule a Win for Farmers, Small Businesses Everywhere",2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier today a federal court of appeals blocked implementation of the EPA's controversial proposed rule expanding its authority over water and wetlands. The regulation, also known as ""Waters of the U.S.,"" would give the EPA significantly more power to regulate bodies of water, including intermittent streams and puddles. Previously this power only applied to ""navigable waters"" like rivers and lakes. share: f t Earlier today a federal court of appeals blocked implementation of the EPA's controversial proposed rule expanding its authority over water and wetlands. The regulation, also known as Waters of the U.S., would give the EPA significantly more power to regulate bodies of water, including intermittent streams and puddles. Previously this power only applied to navigable waters like rivers and lakes. The EPA's unprecedented expansion of power would have a devastating effect on farmers, coal miners, and homeowners across West Virginia and the rest of the country, said McKinley.Once again the courts have rebuked President Obama's overreach. The fight is not over yet, added McKinley. We must continue to work to stop this drastic power grab using all means available including the courts and legislation. Rep. McKinley has joined multiplelettersto delay or block the EPA's rule and votedto halt the rule's implementation earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-statement-after-federal-court-strikes,Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Statement After Federal Court Strikes Down Harmful WOTUS Ruling,2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WV,Alex Mooney,M001195,mooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a nationwide stay of the Environmental Protection Agency's Waters of the United States regulations: This is a major win for farmers, businesses, and families in West Virginia. The Environmental Protection Agencys harmful WOTUS rule is detrimental to our communities in West Virginia and across the country, said Rep. Mooney. West Virginias own Attorney General Patrick Morrissey led the charge in stopping this rule, and I applaud his efforts to prevent this devastating regulation from going into effect. Alex X. Mooney represents West Virginias Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z