Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
This was a busy week for me and for Congress. After hosting Academy Days in Charleston and spending time with the family of a WWII veteran from St. Albans, I returned to the Capitol where the House passed important legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Academy Days 2007 in Charleston
High school students from the Charleston area joined me Sunday at Capital High School to hear from representatives from the nation’s service academies. The representatives helped provide information and guidance to students that have expressed interest in attending one of these distinguished institutions.
The service academies truly showcase our nation at its best, and I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to nominate exceptional young West Virginians to attend the academies. My office will host a second Academy Days event late next month.
Capito Presents Medals to Charleston WWII Veteran
On Sunday, I also had the opportunity to spend time with WWII Veteran Bob Hudson and his family at Little Creek Park in South Charleston. Mr. Hudson served admirably in WWII, but never received his numerous medals and honors from the Army.
His son contacted my office and, after a bit of work, we were able to have the Army re-issue the medals in time for Sunday’s Hudson Family Reunion. I then had the honor and privilege of presenting the medals – which included the Bronze Star – to a surprised Bob Hudson.
Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorized
This week was a legislative win for West Virginia children as the House and Senate passed a bill to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The revised legislation received support from both sides of the aisle and will ensure that West Virginia’s low income children receive the healthcare they need, without making cuts to Medicare Advantage.
I have been a strong supporter of SCHIP from my time in the state legislature and I’m glad this bill received strong bipartisan support.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Capito Presents Army Medals to
WWII Veteran
SOUTH CHARLESTON, September 24, 2007 – Rep. Capito with World War II veteran Robert Lee "Bob" Hudson and his son Chuck Hudson. Bob Hudson received his Army medals in a ceremony with Rep. Capito in South Charleston.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Capito Focuses on Mortgage Crisis
Charleston Daily Mail
September 24, 2007
CHARLESTON – Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is applauding legislation that would give homeowners more security in the crumbling housing market.
The U.S. House last week passed a bill that overhauls the Federal Housing Administration, allowing current homeowners leverage in refinancing their mortgages before they lose their home.
Failing mortgages have climbed in recent weeks and disturbed financial markets.
As the new ranking Republican member of the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee, Capito says she's focusing on alleviating the mortgage crisis any way she can.
She and West Virginia's other two representatives, Democrats Alan Mollohan and Nick Rahall, voted in favor of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created in 1934 during the Depression to help first-time home buyers get favorable loan terms by guaranteeing mortgage payments to lenders.
The bill awaits action in the Senate.
It allows for a loan cap of up to $829,750, which is more than half of what's now allowed under federal guidelines. The legislation would also make zero or lower down payment loans for borrowers who can afford mortgage payment but lack the cash for a substantial down payment.
The program has traditionally been a resource for low-income, first-time home buyers, but others have utilized the loans during the recent housing boom.
On the House floor last week, Capito said, "The legislation we are considering is an important step towards stabilizing a housing market that has been in a steady decline over this past year.
While many of us were working in our districts over the recess period, our financial systems were experiencing a bit of a credit crunch, due in part to the problems in the sub-prime housing markets.
"The reforms to the FHA will help provide stability in the housing market by providing greater assistance to new and riskier home buyers."
To read the full text of this story, click here.
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