U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, engaged in a discussion with U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer during a hearing on the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
During the session, Senator Capito addressed concerns regarding highway construction projects in West Virginia. She stated: “Madam Secretary, we’ve talked about this issue, but it’s about the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Davis-Bacon wage determinations for highway construction. They’re just unworkable…The Biden wage determinations left out key job classifications that are commonly used on highway projects. It’s been very frustrating.” She further emphasized the delays caused by these issues and sought commitment from Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to resolve them: “So will you commit to continue working with me to resolve this issue, to ensure that West Virginia’s highway construction projects can begin without undue burden?”
Senator Capito also raised concerns about potential closures of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) offices in West Virginia. She noted: “I’m really concerned because I’m hearing from my constituents that MSHA offices in West Virginia are closing.” In response, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer assured her commitment to worker protection and mentioned ongoing efforts with GSA regarding office leases.
Furthermore, Senator Capito highlighted successful public-private partnerships in workforce development within West Virginia. She cited an example involving Toyota and local community colleges providing work-study programs leading to employment opportunities.
