Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
This week the House acted on two bills that will ensure the federal government continues to assist local communities in funding important water and wastewater projects.
First, we passed legislation (HR 569) that reauthorizes Environmental Protection Agency grants to address combined sewer overflow systems. These systems - found in several West Virginia communities - can create environmental hazards during major rainfalls because they mix storm water and sewage.
Today, we authorized $14 billion to be used over the next four years for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. These funds will continue to provide the federal capital necessary for West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection and other states to provide loans to local communities for water system upgrades and expansion.
UPDATE: English Language Unity Act
Today, our nation's population has swollen to nearly 300 million and we have never been more diverse. And while our nation was built on diversity and still welcomes it, we are also a nation that strives for unity. That's why I believe the value of English as a unifying force has never been higher.
In that spirit, I recently co-sponsored the English Language Unity Act (H.R. 997). This legislation makes English our official language and requires the official functions of our government to be conducted in English.
H.R. 997 requires that a uniform test of English ability be given to everyone seeking to become a naturalized American citizen. This bill recognizes that new Americans should be expected to read and understand the texts of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and America's laws in English. Furthermore, it stipulates that all naturalization ceremonies shall be conducted in English.
It is not possible to fully assimilate into our country if you don't have a solid grasp of the English language. I believe that this legislation makes an important statement in standing up for a common language - the tie that has bound Americans since before the birth of our country. As the motto goes, “Out of Many, One.”
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Capito Welcomes West Virginia American Legion Delegation
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2007 – Congresswoman Capito met with members of the West Virginia American Legion to discuss veterans' issues. Pictured from left to right are: Irene Weber, Miles Epling (State Adjutant, West Virginia American Legion), Congresswoman Capito, Lynda Lancaster, Nancy Plants and Harold Plants.
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Spencer Student and Presidential Classroom Scholar Meets with Capito
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2007 – Congresswoman Capito had the opportunity to visit with Ben Ward, Spencer High School student and Presidential Classroom Scholar. During their week in Washington, D.C., Presidential Classroom students are taken behind the scenes of our nation’s capital for seminars and discussions featuring members of Congress, presidential appointees, senior military officials, top business leaders and journalists.
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Harpers Ferry Receives $350,000 for New Water Tank
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the Corporation of Harpers Ferry a $350,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan Program.
The funding will be used to replace the existing 190,000 water tank built in 1917 with a new 261,000 gallon tank that will serve 826 customers. Click here to read more.
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