CHARLESTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is busy preparing for the beginning of Donald Trump’s administration, and she has high hopes.
She believes the incoming administration changes will help Congress get things done.
“The last eight years have been challenging,” Capito said. “The policies have hindered growth and jobs in West Virginia, and we need to get our confidence back.”
Capito said one of her goals is increasing access to broadband to West Virginia. She said connecting to broadband would allow West Virginia to make a better connection to the outside world as well as bring new job opportunities to the state.
“The state is in a transition from a coal state to an entrepreneurial state, and I want to be a part of the generation of West Virginians willing to try new things to help,” Capito said.
Capito also wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act during the new term. She said the ACA is a program that doesn’t work for everyone.
“Dealing with the health care problem is a process that can’t be done by one party,” Capito said. “One party can repeal it, but it’s going to take both parties working together to replace it.”
The divisiveness of the country and its government is an area of concern for Capito. She hopes the Senate can pull together to get things accomplished.
“The challenge is going to be the same as always,” Capito said. “Partisanship is the biggest hurdle to getting things done. This election caused so much upheaval, I think people are going to expect quick, affirmative action. I want to deliver on that, so I’m hopeful negotiations between parties will lead to results.”
One of the ways Capito hopes to get results is by serving on Senate committees. Capito will still serve on the committee of appropriations, environment and public works, as well as the committee of rules and administration.
Capito is also excited to be added to the committee of commerce, science and transportation for the upcoming term. Capito said serving on the commerce, science and transportation committee will enable her reach her goal of bringing broadband to West Virginia. She said being on the committee places her in a position to potentially generate jobs and modernize infrastructure in West Virginia as well.
Going forward, Capito said she’s happy to hear from people in the state and try to help them as much as possible. According to Capito, she’s always willing to listen to the people of West Virginia. She said her office receives approximately 150 to 200 calls per day, and she receives a lot of visitors. Capito said hearing from West Virginians and trying to help is an important part of her job.
“West Virginia is my home,” Capito said. “I was raised here, I raised my kids here; I got into politics because I wanted to make a difference for my state. I want other West Virginians to have the ability to raise their families here in a safe and stable place as well.”