“ I believe my voice is a powerful one to help the people of West Virginia , and I am grateful to represent them .”
- Senator Shelley Moore Capito
Photo by Office of U . S . Senator Shelley Moore Capito .
many years , and I think West Virginia is lucky to have problems and issues attacked from both parties .”
One way they show their state allegiance is through their committee assignments . Capito is the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee , Manchin is the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee , and together they serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee .
“ Working alongside my dear friend and colleague Senator Shelley Moore Capito to pass crucial bipartisan legis - lation that positively impacts each and every West Virginian is one of the highlights of this job ,” Manchin says . “ 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 .”
This commitment , although certainly not new , has come to the forefront in recent years as the senators work together to support federal legislation and funding that will help West Virginia get back on its feet after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic . As the state continues to face economic challenges , worker shortages and infrastructure needs , this cooperation is more important than ever .
Localizing Legislation
In March , Congress passed the $ 1.5 trillion Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations package , which set appropriations levels and allocations for the remainder of the year .
“ The omnibus appropriations bill was a critical piece of legislation that funded vital government operations ,” Capito says . “ The agencies it funded and the work they do can foster economic growth in West Virginia through job training programs or investing in research and development at our universities or businesses . Among the congressionally directed spending items I requested are several economic development projects that I worked directly with localities on , and I am anxious to see them develop and grow . The omnibus bill helped with funds for these kinds of investments .”
In addition to standard funding , the bill included $ 15 billion in emergency COVID-19 resources and $ 486 million for the Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program . These supplemental funds are part of the reason both West Virginia senators voted in favor of the legislation .
Broadband deployment and increasing access to affordable , high-speed internet are among Capito ’ s top priorities , which also underscores her work on the IIJA , which was signed into law in November of 2021 . Capito led the initial negotiations on the bill , which ultimately contributed to the final product .
“ Broadband deployment was a key part of our bipartisan infrastructure law , and I fought to ensure West Virginia would receive a significant amount of funding , given the issues our communities and residents have with internet connection ,” she says . “ Once accurate maps are finalized , we will continue working with the West Virginia Department of Commerce , as well as our state leaders , to implement the proper safeguards that ensure the $ 100 million coming to West Virginia is well spent . It ’ s also important to note there will be additional formula-based funding disbursed , and the law specifies that unserved and underserved areas must be prioritized . That bodes well for rural states like West Virginia and will bring us closer to our goal of closing the digital divide .”
According to Capito , the IIJA made historic , needed investments in America ’ s core infrastructure and reflects Congress ’
Photo by Marcus Constantino .