WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement following President Joe Biden’s joint address to Congress:
“President Biden looked Americans in the eye tonight 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.
“I truly believe the president himself wants to negotiate in good faith and deliver for the American people, especially when it comes to areas where we have common ground like infrastructure. Make no mistake, many of the topics President Biden discussed are ones we need to address, but raising taxes is not the right way. I am always ready to work with those on the other side of the aisle to create a better future for West Virginians.
“What doesn’t help create this better future is three straight multi-trillion dollar spending packages that will saddle future generations of Americans with debt. What doesn’t help is a border crisis that has so far gone unnoticed and unaddressed by the administration, all while the addiction epidemic worsens in communities across West Virginia. And what doesn’t help is a reluctance to put our students first by keeping them out of the classroom, something the science has shown to be detrimental to learning and growth.
“I appreciate President Biden’s sentiment tonight, but when it comes time for the rubber to meet the road, I urge him to put partisan politics aside and work with all of us to address these critical issues. Working families, employers, and our children who will be most impacted by what we do in this moment are counting on us.”
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