Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
The economy continues to be a major focus in Congress as the House passed an economic stimulus package this week. The economy was also on the mind in the Eastern Panhandle this week when I met with local business leaders and Rotarians in Martinsburg.
Economic Stimulus Package
With the economy dominating recent Congressional dialogue, the House swiftly passed a broad – bipartisan – economic stimulus package that will put money back in the hands of low and middle income Americans. I was happy to support this effort because it is clear that the American people are feeling the crunch of increased gas prices and a downturn in the housing market, and are looking for solutions.
I was also glad to see such broad compromise in this plan, and I’m hopeful we can continue this productive dialogue as we tackle other issues throughout this year.
Export Achievement Award
Despite troubling economic news, one West Virginia company received praise from the Department of Commerce for their international success. I had the pleasure of presenting the Department of Commerce’s “Export Achievement Award” to Schonstedt Instrument Company in Kearneysville on Thursday.
Schonstedt received credit for their work exporting American-made products to more than 76 countries around the world. They’ve also made generous donations to under-developed regions around the world, and I was glad to be there as they received recognition.
Rotary Club in Martinsburg
While in Berkeley County on Thursday, I also had the opportunity to speak with the members of the Martinsburg Rotary Club, where I gave an update about recent news from Congress and took questions from local Rotarians.
We spoke about a number of important issues facing our state, including the ever-present concerns about our economic outlook, the need for permanent updates to our nation’s intelligence laws, the effects of illegal immigration and the need for earmark reform.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to address the group, and would like to thank the Martinsburg Rotary for their hospitality.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Capito Discusses Economy in Trip to Martinsburg
KEARNEYSVILLE, January 31, 2008 – Rep. Capito meets with employees at Schonstedt Instruments in Kearneysville after presenting the Department of Commerce "Export Achievement Award" to the West Virginia-based company.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Capito Focuses on Economy, War During Area Visit
Martinsburg Journal
February 1, 2008
MARTINSBURG —A $150 billion economic stimulus package and the war in Iraq were among issues discussed by U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. during a Thursday stop in the Eastern Panhandle.
Capito spoke to members of the noon Rotary Club at the Holiday Inn about issues facing West Virginia in particular, and the nation as a whole.
Recent reports show that economic growth is down significantly over past years, she told Rotarians. The housing market has softened, and gas prices have continued on a roller coaster ride that has forced drivers to dig deeply in to their pockets. As a result, Congress has come up with a $150 billion stimulus package, which is expected to result in tax rebates for most Americans.
“As members of Congress, we should come in and shore up our economy,” Capito said.
Some question how much the package will help the country’s financial state, she said, noting that many believe that the sheer amount of money that could be pumped in to the economy as a result could help turn things around. The housing boom that had once helped this portion of her 18-county district has experienced a real downturn, she said.
“I think this area of my district has felt the housing crunch,” she told the audience.
Capito also talked with Rotary members about the ongoing war in Iraq, and President George Bush’s decision to deploy troops there.
“History will judge whether that was a good decision, or the right decision,” she said.
During her remarks, Capito expressed her support for the troops. Last August, when she traveled to Iraq’s Umbar Province, she met with soldiers from the district. She talked with a young man from Martinsburg who had left his job as a park ranger to serve his country, she said.
The soldier was missing his first anniversary with his new wife.
“They are strong,” she said of America’s soldiers. “and smart, and young ... and they are giving up a lot.”
Capito said that she did not know the optimal time to bring soldiers like the former park ranger home. That decision, she said, was best left in the hands of generals and those more involved in the operation.
During her visit to Iraq, Capito learned about how much the situation had improved in the area. Just six months prior to her August travels, the area was engulfed in violence, she said.
Capito said that time and history would judge the president for the decisions he had made in the months and years following Sept. 11. Still, she said that while she was very proud of Bush and what he had done, she offered some criticism.
“If I had any criticism of the president... I think it’s the perception, real or otherwise, that he’s too stubborn,” she said.
To read the full text of this story, click here.
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