West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito believes that today's challenges demand bipartisan solutions. She supports commonsense policies that promote economic growth, unleash energy potential, lift up working families, and build a better West Virginia for the next generation.
From growing up in Glen Dale in the Northern Panhandle, to representing the 2nd Congressional District from the Ohio River up to the Eastern Panhandle, to raising her family in Charleston, Shelley knows the ins and outs of every region of the state. Early in life, Shelley saw how her father, Governor Arch Moore Jr., instituted changes to improve West Virginia—building up not only infrastructure and the economy but also families and state pride. It’s that mindset that inspires her work today.
As the daughter of a decorated World War II veteran, Senator Capito values the sacrifices made by those who honorably serve our nation. She is dedicated to ensuring that our servicemen and women, veterans and their families are provided with the support and benefits they deserve.
Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Capito has advocated for the reforms necessary to improve access and quality of care for veterans. Senator Capito cosponsored the Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015, which broadens veteran access to private medical providers by revising the 40-mile rule within The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act. This change would take into account the actual driving distance for veterans to get to a VA Medical Center, rather than the VA’s current “as the crow flies” calculation.
Previously, as a member of the House of Representatives, then Congresswoman Capito supported the passage of The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which took necessary steps to provide veterans greater access to private care and demanded accountability for the lack of effective delivery of care.
As the injuries from war change and a new generation of veterans re-enter civilian life, it is crucial that Congress work with the VA to provide all the resources necessary to ensure a smooth transition for our veterans. This includes continually modernizing efforts in job training and opportunities, mental health services, housing assistance and educational benefits.
Senator Capito has grave concerns about the lack of mental health services within the VA. While our veterans are provided with better technology and protection in the face of war, the traumatic effects can be detrimental for returning veterans and their families. Senator Capito was a proud cosponsor of The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which established a pilot-program to recruit more mental health professionals to the VA, created a website with better access to resources and materials for assistance, and required a third party evaluation of the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs within the VA. Senator Capito also introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the VA’s opioid prescribing practices.
As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Senator Capito works to represent West Virginia veterans and their needs and will continue to fight for reforms that improve the treatment of veterans and their families.
We live in an era of constant threats to our national security. It is as important as ever that Congress provide the resources necessary to our military servicemen and women to accomplish the jobs that we ask them to do. Countries such as Iran seeking to inflame sectarian violence across the region have compounded the growing instability of weak and failed states such as Yemen. Senator Capito believes it is crucial that the United States stands against the forces of terrorism and defends the freedoms we hold dear.
Senator Capito has responded resolutely to these issues by supporting strong sanctions against Iran that resulted in negotiations. She is a staunch supporter of Israel and providing aid to strategic allies whose stability helps keep the United States safe.
Senator Capito believes Congress must work in a bipartisan way to ease the effects felt within the Department of Defense on military personnel and force readiness, while ensuring the strength and viability of the all-volunteer force.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Subcommittee for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Senator Capito has supported the appropriation of funds to assist not only our troops at home and abroad, but also specific initiatives that will help forces in West Virginia. Senator Capito is also a member of the Senate National Guard Caucus where she proudly represents over 6,000 National Guard servicemen and women in West Virginia.
Senator Capito will continue to work 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 threats to national security. As Congress debates the role of the United States in current and future conflicts, Senator Capito will always weigh the thoughts and concerns of West Virginians first.