Dear West Virginian,
This has been another busy week in the United States Senate with infrastructure still at the center of conversation.
After leading my colleagues in introducing the Republican framework to improve our infrastructure, I have continued discussions with my colleagues and the White House about the steps forward regarding a bipartisan infrastructure deal. One of those conversations was on Thursday when I spoke directly with President Biden on the matter. During our conversation, we both expressed our mutual desire to work together and deliver results for the American people. I stand ready to be a partner in advancing bipartisan infrastructure legislation—just as we’ve done in the past.
Working Together to Address Our Nation’s Infrastructure Challenges:
On Thursday, the Senate passed the Drinking Water and Waste Water Infrastructure Act of 2021 by a vote of 89-2, showing broad, bipartisan support for responsibly investing in the water systems of communities across our country.
This legislation is a bipartisan, responsible, and meaningful investment that will advance infrastructure to help local communities keep their drinking water safe and clean. With investments to identify and prevent water loss, test water quality, increase resilience in infrastructure, and recruit the next generation of our nation’s water workforce, the priorities laid out in the bill speak to the bipartisan goal of ensuring neglected water systems are not merely tended to, but made stronger.
I’m so proud of the work we’ve done on this legislation, and I’m even more thrilled to see it pass. Passing this bill in a bipartisan way like we did shows the American people that their elected officials in Congress can work collaboratively together on infrastructure. This bill also represents the solid work that comes out of good-faith negotiations. I’m hopeful that as we move forward with our work on other infrastructure priorities that we remember this moment.
President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress:
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend President Biden’s first joint address to Congress.
President Biden looked Americans in the eye on Wednesday and said, “let’s get to work,” and I implore him to follow through. For me, actions always speak louder than words. This isn’t the first time he has expressed this sentiment.
At his inaugural address in January, President Biden pledged unity, but so far, on key issues like COVID relief, Republicans—who have an equal number of seats in the Senate—have been left out.
I hope he and the White House have realized that isn’t the way Americans want us to conduct our work, and that they follow a different, bipartisan course as infrastructure conversations continue.
Local News Highlights:
I always enjoy catching up with local reporters back home on issues that are important to West Virginia. Check out some of the stories this week:
Parkersburg News and Sentinel: Capito: Passage of water infrastructure bill a positive sign for larger deal
Metro News: Water bill introduced by Capito is first piece of federal infrastructure package to advance
WV News: West Virginia’s Sen. Capito: Talking with White House ‘almost daily’ over infrastructure compromise
Metro News: Biden, Capito discuss infrastructure as debate, bipartisan focus continue
WCHS: ‘We’re all at the table’ Sen. Capito says on infrastructure plan
Closing the Digital Divide:
On Tuesday, I introduced the Every Child Connected Act, legislation that aims to reduce the digital divide between students with and without internet access, known as the Homework Gap.
This bill would be a critical step forward in addressing the Homework Gap by redefining the classroom to include learning from home and bringing broadband to more schools and communities.
Important Grant Funding Heading to West Virginia:
This week, I made several grant announcements that will bring crucial funding to West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for the support West Virginians need to make direct impact in their lives.
- $199,000 to West Virginia University from NASA
- $1,049,182 through National Science Foundation for projects in West Virginia
- $1,936,080 through the Economic Development Agency for Broadband Expansion in Webster County
Additional COVID-19 Resources:
I created a page on my website with information and resources to keep you up-to-date on the coronavirus situation as it continues to evolve.
In addition to my webpage, I also want to make sure you know where to get the latest updates from the medical experts at CDC.gov and West Virginia DHHR.
I will continue doing my best to keep you up to speed on what we are doing here at the federal level to help and other resources that can be useful back at home. I will be posting regular updates on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, so be sure to follow me there.