West Virginia

State Senators:

Joe Manchin (I)

Term Start: November 15, 2010

Full Name: Joseph Manchin III
Date of Birth: August 24, 1947
Birthplace: Farmington, West Virginia, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Joe Manchin was born in Farmington, West Virginia, into a prominent political family. His grandfather, Joseph Manchin, owned a grocery store and served as Farmington’s mayor, while his father, John Manchin, owned a furniture store and served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Manchin attended Farmington High School and later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from West Virginia University in 1970.

Personal Life: Joe Manchin is married to Gayle Conelly Manchin, and they have three children. The family resides in Charleston, West Virginia. Known for his pragmatic approach and dedication to public service, Manchin continues to work towards policies that promote economic growth, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After graduating from college, Manchin worked in his family’s business, eventually becoming involved in several entrepreneurial ventures in the coal industry. He also served as president of Energex, a coal brokerage company he founded. He served as a state senator in the West Virginia Legislature from 1982 to 1996, where he focused on issues such as economic development, healthcare, and education. Manchin eventually made his way into politicsa and served as the Secretary of State of West Virginia from 2000 to 2004.

Political Career:

West Virginia House of Delegates: Elected in 1982, Manchin served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1983 to 1984.
West Virginia State Senate: Elected in 1986, Manchin served in the West Virginia State Senate from 1986 to 1996.
Secretary of State of West Virginia: Elected in 2000, Manchin served as West Virginia’s Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005.
Governor of West Virginia: In 2004, Manchin was elected Governor of West Virginia, serving from 2005 to 2010. As governor, Manchin focused on economic development, energy policy, and healthcare reform. He worked to attract new businesses to the state, promote the coal industry, and improve infrastructure. Manchin’s tenure was marked by efforts to create jobs and improve the state’s economy.
U.S. Senate: In 2010, Manchin was elected to the U.S. Senate in a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Robert Byrd. He took office on November 15, 2010, and has been re-elected since. As a senator, Manchin is known for his centrist stance and willingness to work across party lines. He often plays a key role in bipartisan negotiations and is considered a swing vote on many issues.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Chairman)
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Legislative Achievements:

Energy and Natural Resources: As Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Manchin has focused on balancing energy development with environmental protection. He supports an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes renewable energy, coal, and natural gas.
Bipartisanship: Known for his centrist stance, Manchin often works across party lines. He has played a key role in bipartisan negotiations on major legislation, including infrastructure, healthcare, and economic stimulus packages.
Healthcare: Manchin supports expanding access to healthcare while also advocating for reforms to control costs. He has voted to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and supports measures to address the opioid crisis and improve mental health services.
Economic Development: Manchin advocates for policies that promote economic growth and job creation, particularly in West Virginia. He supports infrastructure development, workforce training, and measures to stimulate investment in rural communities.
Veterans’ Affairs: Manchin is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has worked on legislation to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.

Senator Manchin is known for his centrist stance, commitment to bipartisanship, and focus on energy policy, healthcare, economic development, and veterans’ affairs. His background in business and public service, along with his extensive experience in West Virginia politics and the U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit West Virginians and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Voting patterns

Senator Manchin has a voting record that reflects his commitment to centrist policies, bipartisanship, energy policy, healthcare, economic development, and veterans’ affairs.

Key Voting Patterns:

Energy and Environment:

All-of-the-Above Energy Policy: Manchin supports an energy policy that includes coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. He advocates for a balanced approach that promotes energy independence while addressing environmental concerns.
Environmental Regulations: Manchin has a mixed record on environmental regulations. While he supports some measures to protect the environment, he also advocates for reducing regulatory burdens on the energy industry to promote economic growth.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Manchin supports the ACA and has voted to protect and improve it. He advocates for expanding access to healthcare and lowering costs. He has also supported measures to address the opioid crisis and improve mental health services.
Medicaid Expansion: Manchin has supported the expansion of Medicaid under the ACA, which has been crucial for providing healthcare to low-income individuals in West Virginia.

Economic Policies:

Infrastructure Investment: Manchin supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. He has voted for legislation to improve transportation, broadband, and public utilities.
Job Creation: Manchin advocates for policies that promote job creation and economic development, particularly in rural areas and communities affected by the decline of the coal industry.

Social Issues:

Gun Rights: Manchin has a mixed record on gun rights. He supports the Second Amendment but has also co-sponsored legislation to expand background checks for gun purchases.
Abortion: Manchin identifies as pro-life and has supported some restrictions on abortion, though he has also opposed efforts to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide women’s health services.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Balanced Budgets: Manchin advocates for fiscal responsibility and has supported measures to reduce the national debt. He often emphasizes the importance of balancing budgets and reducing government spending.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Manchin is dedicated to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation to enhance healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Bipartisanship:

Working Across the Aisle: Manchin is known for his willingness to work with both Democrats and Republicans. He often plays a key role in bipartisan negotiations on major legislation, including infrastructure, healthcare, and economic stimulus packages.

Voting Rights:

Election Security: Manchin has supported measures to protect the integrity of elections and improve voter access. He advocates for policies that ensure fair and secure elections.

Senator Manchin’s voting record reflects his commitment to centrist and pragmatic principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and a balanced approach to environmental protection. He advocates for policies that aim to promote economic growth, support the coal industry, and protect the rights of all individuals while working across party lines to find bipartisan solutions.

Full Name: Shelley Wellons Moore Capito
Date of Birth: November 26, 1953
Birthplace: Glen Dale, West Virginia, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Shelley Moore Capito was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia, to a politically active family. Her father, Arch A. Moore Jr., served as the Governor of West Virginia. Capito attended Holton-Arms School, a private college-preparatory school in Bethesda, Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Duke University in 1975 and a Master of Education from the University of Virginia in 1976.

Personal Life: Shelley Moore Capito is married to Charles L. Capito Jr., and they have three children. The family resides in Charleston, West Virginia. Known for her dedication to public service and her pragmatic approach to governance, Capito continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: Before entering politics, Capito worked as a career counselor at West Virginia State University and as the director of the educational information center for the West Virginia Board of Regents. Her experience in education and counseling provided her with valuable insights into the challenges facing students and educators in West Virginia.

Shelley Moore Capito (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2015

Political Career:

West Virginia House of Delegates: Elected in 1996, Capito served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1997 to 2001. During her tenure, she focused on education, healthcare, and economic development.
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2000, Capito represented West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district from 2001 to 2015. In the House, Capito worked on issues such as financial services, energy policy, and healthcare. She served on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
U.S. Senate: In 2014, Capito was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first female senator from West Virginia. She took office on January 3, 2015, and has been re-elected since. As a senator, Capito has focused on issues such as economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and combating the opioid crisis. She is known for her pragmatic approach and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Environment and Public Works (Ranking)
Committee on Rules and Administration

Legislative Achievements:

Infrastructure: Capito has been a strong advocate for infrastructure development. She played a key role in negotiating and supporting the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” which aims to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband access.
Healthcare: Capito supports efforts to combat the opioid crisis and has worked on legislation to increase funding for treatment and prevention programs. She also advocates for policies that improve access to healthcare in rural areas.
Economic Development: Capito focuses on promoting economic growth and job creation in West Virginia. She supports policies that foster small business development, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate investment in the state’s economy.
Energy Policy: Representing a coal-producing state, Capito advocates for an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. She supports measures to protect coal jobs and promote energy independence.
Education: Capito has worked on legislation to improve education at all levels. She supports increased funding for public schools, higher teacher salaries, and measures to make higher education more affordable.

Senator Moore Capito is known for her dedication to infrastructure development, healthcare, economic growth, energy policy, and education. Her background in education and public service, along with her extensive experience in the West Virginia House of Delegates, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate, shape her legislative priorities. She continues to advocate for policies that benefit West Virginians and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Rules and Administration: Committee ensures that the Senate functions smoothly and efficiently by overseeing its rules, administration, elections, and public access.

Voting patterns

Senator Capito has a voting record that reflects her commitment to conservative principles, infrastructure development, healthcare, economic growth, energy policy, and education.

Key Voting Patterns:

Infrastructure:

Infrastructure Investment: Capito has been a strong advocate for infrastructure development. She played a key role in negotiating and supporting the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” which aims to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband access.
Transportation: Capito supports measures to improve the nation’s transportation systems. She has voted for legislation that provides funding for highway construction, public transit, and airport improvements.

Healthcare:

Opioid Crisis: Capito has worked on legislation to address the opioid crisis, including measures to increase funding for treatment and prevention programs. She supports policies that improve access to addiction services and mental health care.
Rural Healthcare: Capito advocates for improving healthcare access in rural areas. She has supported legislation aimed at increasing funding for rural health clinics and expanding telehealth services.

Economic Growth:

Job Creation: Capito focuses on promoting economic growth and job creation, particularly in West Virginia. She supports policies that foster small business development, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate investment in the state’s economy.
Tax Reform: Capito voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Energy Policy:

All-of-the-Above Energy Policy: Representing a coal-producing state, Capito advocates for an energy policy that includes coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. She supports measures to protect coal jobs and promote energy independence.
Environmental Regulations: Capito has a mixed record on environmental regulations. While she supports some measures to protect the environment, she also advocates for reducing regulatory burdens on the energy industry to promote economic growth.

Education:

Funding and Access: Capito supports increased funding for public education, higher teacher salaries, and measures to make higher education more affordable. She has worked on legislation to improve access to early childhood education and vocational training programs.

Social Issues:

Gun Rights: Capito is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. She has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
Abortion: Capito identifies as pro-life and has supported some restrictions on abortion. She has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Balanced Budgets: Capito advocates for fiscal responsibility and has supported measures to reduce the national debt. She often emphasizes the importance of balancing budgets and reducing government spending.

Senator Capito’s voting record reflects her commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. Her stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence while supporting the development of renewable energy sources.