U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi during a hearing to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Justice. The session took place as part of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.
During the hearing, Senator Capito highlighted the importance of the ATF’s National Tracing Center located in West Virginia. She stated, “I wanted to point out the ATF’s National Tracing Center, which is in West Virginia, is the only one of its kind to trace U.S. and foreign manufactured firearms.” She emphasized the need for adequate funding to sustain its critical services.
Attorney General Bondi assured that the budget would continue to fully fund this facility. “Senator, our budget continues to fully fund the National Tracing Center,” she said. Bondi also expressed her personal commitment to ensuring its operation and her interest in visiting the center.
The discussion also covered issues at Hazelton Prison. Capito acknowledged recent improvements with new leadership: “Hazelton…is a very large prison with over 3,000 inmates. They’ve had some issues out there… I do want to compliment the president on his appointment of William Marshall.”
Senator Capito further reiterated her support for the Violence Against Women Act, expressing concern over family violence: “I will say, I’ve been a big supporter of the Violence Against Women Act… It’s really sad when you think of what happens in families sometimes.”
