3/14/2007

WASHINGTON - Rounding out her Congressional committee assignments, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has reclaimed her position on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. 

The appointment, approved this week by the full House, is Capito's second committee assignment this year after being appointed to the Committee on Financial Services in January. 

"I am extremely happy to be rejoining the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee," said Capito.  "Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have worked to maximize the amount of federal assistance West Virginia has received to improve the safety and usability of our highways and roads."

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) credited Capito for consistently being a champion of West Virginia's transportation needs.  "As long as I have known Shelley Moore Capito, I have understood her commitment to improving the critical transportation issues facing West Virginia," Boehner said.  "Shelley's knowledge of the issues and her previous experience on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee are an asset to both her constituents and the committee."

Capito added that transportation safety and congestion problems remain one of the most critical issues facing West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District.  "Whether it is Route 35 in Mason and Putnam Counties or Route 9 in the eastern panhandle, the safety and accessibility of our highways remains of critical importance across the district."

Capito previously served on both the Transportation & Infrastructure and Financial Services Committees after first being elected to Congress in 2000.  In 2005, Capito left both committees after having been placed on the powerful House Rules Committee, though she was placed on a leave of absence from the transportation committee during that time. 

In January, following the transfer of power in the House of Representatives to the Democratic Party, Capito left the Rules Committee and says she's pleased with her current committee assignments.

"It is important for me that I put myself in the best position possible to serve my constituents.  The timing was right for me to make this move, and I look forward to working to make the most of it for my constituents."