Newly sworn in U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Tuesday to serve as counsel to the Majority Leader in the 114th Congress.
Along with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah; Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska; and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Capito will provide guidance and advice to GOP leadership.
She is the only freshman senator to be tapped to this position of leadership.
Capito press secretary Amy Graham said this appointment will put the newly elected senator "in a strong position to advocate for West Virginia jobs and families."
“As a member of the Senate Republican leadership team, Sen. Capito will bring invaluable insight to our conference on issues that affect American families. She is firmly committed to working on increasing jobs and improving the economy for America's middle class, and getting the Senate back to work,” McConnell said.
“I am truly humbled and honored to serve as counsel to Majority Leader McConnell in the 114th Congress. On Election Day, the American people spoke loud and clear – they want real Leadership in Washington. They want results – not just hollow rhetoric. We will work day and night in order to fulfill that promise, and I look forward to doing my part to ensure the voices of West Virginians – and all American families – are heard," stated Capito.
After being sworn in Tuesday on Capital Hill, Capito reaffirmed her commitment to West Virginia coal and natural gas.
"On the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will advocate for a six-year highway bill to rein on the EPA's job-killing regulations. And I will ensure West Virginia has a big seat at the table when our nation's spending priorities are being set on the Appropriations Committee," she said.