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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, as well as co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, today launched a new initiative inviting West Virginians to share information on broadband challenges or solutions they’ve seen in their communities, as well as other feedback related to this issue.

“I have always said that if we can get a man or a woman on the moon, we can get internet in the mountains. Now, I need to hear from you. As we head into 2022, please join me in tackling this critical issue by sharing your feedback with me. Call or write to one of my offices or submit your feedback on my website. I am excited to continue and build on the work we started years ago, and I am committed to knocking down even more barriers to better connect our communities. This is about the future of our state. Let’s finally close the digital divide in West Virginia,” Senator Capito said in the video.

West Virginians are encouraged to share their stories and experiences on a new webpage: capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories or contact any of Senator Capito’s offices here: https://www.capito.senate.gov/contact/office-locations

Over the coming weeks, Senator Capito and members of her staff will carefully evaluate the input received from West Virginians in all corners of the state, and announce next steps for the Capito Connect Plan.

BACKGROUND:

Through her Capito Connect plan, her work as a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, and her leadership on both the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees, Senator Capito has long made improving access to broadband in West Virginia and across the country a priority. As former chair of the Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a current member of the Commerce Committee, Senator Capito has worked closely with the FCC, along with officials across multiple administration’s, to help close the digital divide. As a current member of the Committee on Appropriations, Senator Capito continues to work diligently to secure funding for critical broadband-related programs.

Additionally, as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Senator Capito led the initial negotiations with President Biden that began the process resulting in the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law at the end of last year. Through this law, West Virginia is slated to receive a significant amount of funding to help bridge the digital divide. Click here for Senator Capito’s statement following its passage in the Senate, and click here for a one-pager on how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will benefit West Virginia.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

“Since I came to the Senate in 2015, connecting West Virginia has been one of my top priorities.

“That’s because reliable and affordable broadband is the key to creating so many new opportunities for West Virginia families, students, and job creators.

“One of my first initiatives as a United States Senator was launching my Capito Connect Plan to help bridge the digital divide in our state.

“The plan has served as a roadmap to bringing affordable, high-speed internet access to homes, businesses, and classrooms across West Virginia.

“Over the past six years, we’ve made a lot of progress connecting communities in our state that many thought would be impossible.

“Whether it’s expanding cellular service in Paw Paw and Lincoln County by initiating the search for providers, securing millions of dollars in broadband investments through USDA programs, hosting multiple visits with FCC officials to bring attention to our state’s broadband needs, increasing rural broadband funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission, supporting major broadband builds like Zayo’s announcement to construct a fiber optic network through North Central West Virginia, receiving critical feedback through listening sessions in all 55 counties to hear directly from West Virginians, or most recently, leading the efforts to craft the bipartisan infrastructure law and making sure it includes significant funds to connect our state, we are making a difference.

“But, there is always more work to be done, and I need your help.

“What challenges are you facing when it comes to broadband?

“What solutions are working?

“I have always said that if we can get a man or a woman on the moon, we can get internet in the mountains.

“Now, I need to hear from you.

“As we head into 2022, please join me in tackling this critical issue by sharing your feedback with me.

“Call or write to one of my offices or submit your feedback on my website at www.capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories.

“I am excited to continue and build on the work we started years ago, and I am committed to knocking down even more barriers to better connect our communities.

“This is about the future of our state.

“Let’s finally close the digital divide in West Virginia.” 

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