U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has received Voices for National Service’s National Service Champion Award for her leadership in promoting the expansion of opportunities for citizens to serve and support in building a stronger future for national service.
“Senator Capito has been a vocal and longstanding champion for AmeriCorps as a common-sense solution for strengthening communities, addressing pressing needs, and developing tomorrow’s leaders,” said AnnMaura Connolly, president of Voices for National Service.
“For decades, she has supported bipartisan legislation to expand and strengthen AmeriCorps so Americans of every background have the opportunity to serve. It is our immense privilege to honor her.”
“Service — in all its forms — is a longstanding tradition in West Virginia,” Capito said.
“On many occasions, AmeriCorps has joined our efforts to help friends and neighbors in West Virginia in times of need, and that commitment to helping others is a primary reason I have been so supportive of AmeriCorps in the Senate, especially with my role on the Appropriations Committee,” Capito said.
“I am grateful to be recognized with the National Service Champion Award, but I am far more grateful for each and every volunteer that has stepped up to help others.”
Voices for National Service advocates for public support of AmeriCorps programs that respond to the country’s most immediate and pressing challenges from natural disasters to education, supporting veterans, and more.
The award comes as AmeriCorps celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Capito is the top Republican on the Senate’s Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, one of the most powerful assignments in Congress.
As such, she is responsible for funding AmeriCorps and has advocated for a robust investment in the program.
Capito cosponsored a resolution that recognizes Sept. 11 as a ‘‘National Day of Service and Remembrance.’’
She encourages all Americans to give back to their community by volunteering on this day, and she secured funding for a West Virginia service project that mobilized 1,500 community volunteers on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
As vice chair of the National Service Congressional Caucus, Capito understands the value of service both in the communities served and in the lives of those who step forward to serve, officials said.
They added that she carves out time to visit AmeriCorps programs operating throughout West Virginia to celebrate the impact AmeriCorps members have across the state.