Photo by Office of U . S . Senator Shelley Moore Capito .
tivity , lower taxes or new roads and bridges being built , it is rewarding to know the work being done here can , and often does , positively affect the people of my home state ,” she says . “ I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of West Virginians and lucky enough to be in a position to do that every day .”
Over the course of her career , Capito has traveled the state listening to West Virginians discuss what they need most and has taken those concerns to Washington .
“ It is the honor of my life to represent the people of West Virginia in Congress ,” she says . “ Over the last 20 years , I have been able to increase funding for transportation projects , double West Virginians ’ share of federal funding to combat opioid addiction and secure critical resources to help us deal with the health and economic challenges of COVID-19 . I believe my voice is a powerful one to help the people of West Virginia , and I am grateful to represent them .”
Senator Joe Manchin
Manchin was born and raised in the small coal mining town of Farmington , WV , where he learned the values that all West Virginians share — family , common sense , fairness and hard work . Manchin carried these values with him into each of his leadership roles , including his service in the West Virginia Legislature from 1982-1996 , as West Virginia Secretary of State from 2001-2005 , as governor of West Virginia from 2005- 2010 ; and now in the U . S . Senate , a position he has held since 2010 .
His reputation for working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle has earned him praise and a reputation as a centrist , moderate , conservative Democrat .
“ In the Senate , I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find commonsense , bipartisan solutions to the problems our nation faces . That is simultaneously my favorite thing and the most challenging thing about my role as West Virginia ’ s senior senator ,” he says .
In his years of public service , Manchin is most proud of his work protecting health and pension benefits for West Virginia miners , the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( IIJA ), helping the New River Gorge receive its national park designation and the passage of Jessica ’ s Law , which helps ensure medical professionals understand a patient ’ s previous opioid use and consider that while determining appropriate care .
Joining Forces
According to Capito , the Senate ’ s recent gridlock — with both sides oftentimes unable to see past their political differences to address key issues — makes her job challenging .
“ Working together with members from both sides and finding common ground and compromise when we can is what we can and should be doing to deliver results for the American people ,” she says .
This is where Capito and Manchin shine a positive light on West Virginia . While the state has its fair share of issues , its people are known for banding together to get things done and taking care of each other in times of need , and its senators are living out those characteristics on the national stage .
“ West Virginians expect us to work together and keep their best interests top of mind in the Senate ,” says Capito . “ I ’ m here to get things done and ensure working families in our great state are represented well . In order to do that , I often need to work with members from both parties , including Senator Manchin . I ’ ve known Joe Manchin for
“ Our positions on these important committees benefit West Virginia , and I ’ m proud to serve alongside Shelley as we work to improve the Mountain State .”
- Senator Joe Manchin
Manchin tours the ITER site with ITER Chief Scientist Tim Luce in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance , France . Photo by iter . org .
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