Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving as vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, addressed the Senate floor today. Her speech emphasized the key issues impacting West Virginians and outlined Republican strategies to tackle these challenges.

Senator Capito began by acknowledging recent public sentiment: “A few weeks ago, the American people spoke loud and clear. They rejected the failed policies that we’ve been seeing through this current administration.” She underscored her party's readiness to move forward with their agenda, stating, "This newly-formed Republican Senate majority is ready to close the Biden-Harris chapter."

She expressed support for President-elect Trump and upcoming Majority Leader John Thune, asserting that Republicans are poised to deliver solutions in areas such as economic revitalization, border security, energy independence, crime reduction, and strengthening America's global standing.

Capito highlighted energy policy as a central focus for her state: “West Virginia knows the difference between good and bad energy policy all too well." She advocated for "America First Energy policies" to achieve energy dominance without reliance on foreign sources.

On economic matters, she noted ongoing financial strains due to inflation: “Residents across my state... are still reeling from elevated costs.” Capito supports legislative measures aimed at reducing regulations and taxes.

Discussing crime and border security, Capito linked these issues to drug trafficking crises exacerbated by open borders. She cited alarming statistics on fentanyl seizures and overdose deaths: “Customs and Border Protection seized 27,000 pounds of fentanyl in Fiscal Year 2023.”

In foreign policy remarks, Capito criticized perceived weaknesses under current leadership. She called for a robust military stance against threats from nations like Iran: “America must lead through strength.”

Concluding her address, Capito urged immediate attention to critical legislation including defense authorization and funding bills before transitioning fully into new priorities in Congress.