Capito Meets With West Virginia Service Members at Re-Enlistment Ceremony on Capitol Grounds

Op-Ed

Capito Meets With West Virginia Service Members at Re-Enlistment Ceremony on Capitol Grounds

Rep. Capito with West Virginia Army officers Major Cox, Captain Schuerman and Captain Eakle at a re-enlistment ceremony on the U.S. Capitol grounds. The ceremony marked the 100 Year Anniversary of the Army Reserve.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This was Small Business Week on Capitol Hill and Congress marked the occasion with passage of legislation to support small businesses. The House also passed legislation to preserve portions of the Monongahela National Forest and I sponsored a new measure to reform our nation's housing market.

Capito Amendment Included in Small Business Bill

The House this week passed legislation to reauthorize important programs that support research and development efforts by small businesses. Included in the bill was an amendment I offered to provide greater access for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, enabling them to more effectively take advantage of each program.

West Virginia veterans serve admirably and face unique challenges when they return home. With this amendment, they'll have improved access to resources and support so they can be successful after they've served our nation.

Monongahela National Forest

After many years of work and my lengthy discussions with local leaders and constituents, the House passed the Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places to preserve portions of the Monongahela National Forest.

The bill creates the Roaring Plains West wilderness designation in Randolph and Pendleton Counties. Because I believe that the residents of these counties understand these areas best, it was important that their voices were heard as this legislation came to fruition. This legislation reflects their desire to preserve portions of our natural landscape while also ensuring flexibility for local residents.

Housing Reform Legislation Sponsored by Capito

Joining two of my House colleagues, I recently offered legislation to make needed reforms in the troubled housing market and bolster consumer confidence. More importantly it provides a measured response to the housing crunch without irresponsibly jeopardizing taxpayer dollars.

The legislation would modernize the Federal Housing Administration and enable housing administrators to better assist responsible borrowers with expanded access to stable mortgage options. Additionally, it would increase oversight of mortgage lenders and mandate a one-page mortgage summary for new mortgages that outlines the potential financial liability, ensures transparency and provides clarity for new homeowners.

I believe this legislation is a productive addition to the ongoing debate about the housing crisis.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

In Case You Missed It...

Wilderness Bill Passes House
Elkins Intermountain
Anthony Gaynor
April 24, 2008

The U.S. House of Representatives passed The Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places on Tuesday that will protect 37,771 acres in the Monongahela National Forest by designating the land as wilderness. The bill has gone through significant changes since its initial introduction by U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd District.

"West Virginians have a unique appreciation for our state's beauty and majesty," U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd District, said upon passage of the bill. "They are hunters, anglers, mountain bikers and outdoorsmen who recognize that we must preserve and protect our natural landscape. With this legislation we can establish new wilderness areas to preserve the splendor of our forests and mountains, while also respecting the needs and wishes of those who live and interact with our state's natural wilderness."

The original legislation, House Resolution 5151 introduced Rahall, would have protected 45,672 acres in the MNF by expanding three existing wilderness areas, Cranberry, Dolly Sods and Otter Creek; and creating four new areas, Big Draft, Roaring Plains West, Spice Run and Cheat Mountain.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources then suggested 49,733 acres for wilderness designation and Capito in turn proposed lowering the acreage to 31,788 by eliminating Cheat Mountain from the plan.

Both the Elkins City Council and Randolph County Commission passed resolutions opposing any additional wilderness in the county. The only additional acreage in Randolph county will be a portion of the 6,8000 acres of Roaring Plains West.

According to a statement from Capito's office, the U.S. Forest Service recommended the addition of Roaring Plains West wilderness designation after a lengthy study of the MNF.

In addition to the creation of the Roaring Plains West, the legislation will expand or create federal wilderness areas to include Big Draft in Greenbrier County, Cranberry Expansion in Pocahontas and Webster counties, Dolly Sods Expansion in Tucker County, Dry Fork in Tucker County and Spice Run in Greenbrier County.

Speaking in support of the legislation on the House floor, Capito reflected on discussions with her constituents in Randolph and Pendleton counties.

"The people of this area are well acquainted with wilderness," she said. This legislation "reflects their desire to preserve these natural treasures, while maintaining important flexibility for local residents."

Source