Shelley Moore Capito

Shelley Moore Capito (Image Source: https://capito.senate.gov/)

Shelley Moore Capito

Shelley Moore Capito is a familiar face in West Virginia politics, serving as the state’s Senator since 2015. From 2001 to 2015 she has served seven terms as the U.S. representative from West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, she’s known for her focus on economic development, energy independence, and supporting veterans. Here’s a closer look at her background, career, and key achievements

Early Life and Career

Born in 1953 in Glen Dale, West Virginia, Capito comes from a family deeply rooted in the state’s political landscape. Her father, Arch Alfred Moore Jr., served as Governor of the state for three terms. Capito was educated at the Holton-Arms School, and the  Duke University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology. She earned her master’s degree at the  the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Capito pursued a career in education, as a career counsellor at West Virginia State University and as the director of the educational information centre for the West Virginia Board of Regents.

Political Journey

  • Capito’s political journey began in 1996 when she was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. She served two terms, from the year 1996 to 2000.
  • Capito ran as a Republican for West Virginia’s 2nd district in 2000 .After winning a seat She was the first Republican to represent West Virginia in Congress since 1983 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  •  From 2001 to 2015 Capito has served seven terms from West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district  as the U.S. Representative
  • During her time in the House, Capito focused on issues like energy policy, healthcare, and veterans’ affairs.

Her Committee Assignments include :

Key Focus Areas:

  • She is a sponsor of the Gender Advancement in Pay (GAP) Act, and  is concerned about sex discrimination against women in the workplace
  • She has  voted against federal funding for abortion and for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act
  • Capito had voted for the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and 2006, which intended to ban same-sex marriage in the United States.
  • She supports rare abortion in cases when the pregnant patient’s health is at risk and such abortions should be legal . She believes states should have a free will in  banning abortion. She has also voted against federal funding for abortion and for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act,
  •  In August 2018, She along with  Senator Joe Manchin announced $899,927 for the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women
  • Capito has also opposed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act(called Obamacare)
  • She does not support citizenship for undocumented immigrants and is in favour of  a solution that provides for increased border security to protect Americans.

Legacy

  • Capito is a popular figure in West Virginia and a respected member of the Republican Party.
  • Her work on economic development, energy independence, and veterans’ affairs has earned her praise from many constituents.
  •  Capito believes that today’s challenges demand bipartisan solutions and  policies that promote economic growth, unleash energy potential, lift up working families, and build a better tomorrow.
  •  She is also the dean of West Virginia’s congressional delegation. Until 2011 Capito was the only Republican in West Virginia‘s congressional delegation

Shelley lives with her husband,  Charles L. Capito, in Charleston.They have three children

Additional Resources:

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