U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, spoke at a full Appropriations Committee markup regarding the fiscal year 2026 Labor-HHS funding bill.
During her remarks, Capito acknowledged committee leadership and members for their work on the appropriations process. She highlighted the large number of member requests received for this bill and noted its complexity in negotiations.
“This is the third year Senator Baldwin and I have been at the helm of the Labor-H Subcommittee, and I’m pleased to once again present a bipartisan bill to the Full Committee,” Capito stated.
Capito said that the bill directs taxpayer resources to bipartisan priorities while reducing spending compared to fiscal year 2025. She emphasized continued investments in biomedical research, child care, education, mental health services, rural health programs, and efforts against opioid abuse.
“As we work to right-size the federal government, the bill also includes careful, targeted decreases, while ensuring that agencies have appropriate staffing levels to carry out their statutory responsibilities,” she said.
The legislation maintains existing policy riders without introducing new controversial measures. Capito stressed that input from West Virginians helped guide funding decisions for state initiatives.
“Our legislation seeks to provide more certainty and support for the work being done in my home state that help improve the lives of so many West Virginians,” she said.
The bill increases funding for biomedical research through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with specific attention given to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, women’s health issues including maternal health, rare diseases, and cancer. Funding is maintained for NIH’s Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program supporting states like West Virginia with historically lower NIH funding levels. The program benefits institutions such as West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University.
Addressing substance abuse concerns in West Virginia remains a focus through dedicated funds for addiction treatment programs as well as prevention and recovery efforts. The measure also supports healthcare workforce development—particularly nurses and professionals responding to addiction crises—which will aid providers within West Virginia.
Education remains a priority from early childhood through postsecondary education under this proposal. Investments are made in workforce training programs intended to improve job outcomes and support career advancement. The legislation includes grants for apprenticeships—including those targeting utility sector jobs—in alignment with national goals on apprenticeship growth.
“The bill maintains important funding to support workers’ rights and ensure the safety of our workplaces,” Capito added.
She concluded by thanking staff members from both her team and those assisting subcommittees throughout committee proceedings before reiterating her encouragement for colleagues’ support of the bipartisan measure.
