Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
As Memorial Day approaches, our thoughts turn to all the members of America's armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation through the years. We don't have to just look to the past to find heroes, though. Some of our greatest heroes are currently fighting terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan--terrorists who could otherwise plot attacks on American soil. Our troops have all volunteered to do dangerous work. I believe we must back them up with the funds they need to accomplish their missions.
Funding the Troops
On Thursday, Congress sent $120 billion in supplemental funding to the White House to be signed into law. The majority of this money--$94 billion--goes directly to support the troops serving right now in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm relieved that people from both sides of the aisle finally came together to get this done for the troops and General Petraeus.
We can never thank the people who defended America enough, and we must reassure them that they will get the best care possible when they return home. To that end, this spending bill also sets aside an additional $1.7 billion for the Veterans Administration for the coming year.
A Higher Minimum Wage
The same legislation that funds the troops also contains a requirement that will raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour by 2009. Earlier this year, I supported raising the minimum wage, so I am happy to report that this boost for West Virginia's working families has now been made law.
Gas Prices
These days, just about everyone I talk to mentions that something needs to be done about the price of gasoline. Last year, I released a five-point plan that I think Congress should follow to reduce the cost of gas. This week, I voted for the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act, which passed the House. This legislation gives a legal definition for price gouging and provides for harsh penalties for anyone caught gouging motorists at the pump.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Capon Bridge Elementary Visits Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2007 –Third grade students, their teachers, and parents from Capon Bridge Elementary School in Hampshire County join Rep. Capito for a photo on the steps of the United States Capitol.
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No Federal Housing For Illegal Immigrants
THIS WEEK, I along with three other members of Congress successfully amended a bill that was on its way to passing the House. My amendment to the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act does two important things to keep illegals from taking advantage of your tax dollars:
- Prevents illegal aliens from owning or renting housing funded by the federal Affordable Housing Fund
- Requires adults occupying federal housing to prove their legal residency with a secure form of ID (such as a driver's license or a U.S. passport)
In addition to getting control of our borders, it is the duty of the federal government to ensure that illegal immigrants are not taking advantage of the American taxpayer.
If the Senate passes amnesty legislation, I will not support it. And I will continue to take the illegal immigration crisis seriously.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. . .
West Virginia Coal vs. Foreign Oil
Coal liquefaction--turning coal into liquid fuels--has been done since World War II. Today, South Africa uses this technology to produce approximately 40 percent of its transportation fuels.
As we know, West Virginia coal powers much of America's electrical grid. But it can do so much more. It can even reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.
This week, I co-sponsored the Coal Liquid Fuel Act. This bill would establish price certainty for liquid fuels produced from coal. This in turn would spur incentives for producers to manufacture coal liquids. In the past, the incentives just haven't been there. We can change that.
Please click here to read more.
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