Newsletter - May 26, 2013

Statement

Dear Friend,

Last week, the House took steps towards energy independence by passing the Keystone XL Pipeline. We also passed legislation to help our nation's veterans.

Taking Steps Towards Jobs, Energy Independence

The House recently passed H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. This bipartisan legislation would end the barriers preventing construction on the Keystone XL Pipeline, a $7 billion private-sector investment that would directly create 20,000 jobs and an estimated 100,000 jobs indirectly.

Despite the overwhelming support of the American people, President Obama has single-handedly stood in the way of the Keystone XL Pipeline. It has been over 1,700 days since the application for the project was filed, yet the president continues to drag his feet. The pipeline is not only a job creator, but it could move 830,000 barrels of oil per day, which represents about half the amount the U.S. imports from the Middle East.

The Keystone XL is the most studied pipeline in our nation's history, and with more than 15,500 pages of review indicating that the project is safe and in the national interest, it is time to move forward. An energy economy is a jobs economy. It is time to forge ahead with the pipeline and take steps toward energy independence.

I also spoke on the House floor in support of the pipeline. You can read my remarks and watch the video here.

Helping Our Nation's Veterans

I took action last week to help our nation's veterans. I supported the American Heroes COLA Act and the Stolen Valor Act on the House floor, which would allow for an annual COLA increase without congressional approval and would punish individuals who profit from fraudulently claiming to be a recipient of certain military honors. I also signed onto a letter to President Obama asking him to end the VA backlog crisis.

Our nation's veterans have sacrificed so much for the country they love. After everything they have given, Congress has an obligation to provide them with the benefits they have earned. I was proud to support our nation's veterans last week by voting for legislation that ensures they will receive their benefit increases without an act of Congress and that protects the sanctity of military honors. And with more than 600,000 veterans stuck in the VA disability claims backlog, I was honored to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in asking the president to make addressing this crisis a priority.

Memorial Day: Honoring the Heroes Who Have Given Their All in the Pursuit of Freedom

I wanted to honor the men and women who have given their all to this great country with a video tribute. You can watch the video by clicking here.

"This Memorial Day we remember and celebrate the heroes who have given their all in the pursuit of freedom.

"Even in our nation's darkest days, our military men and women have voluntarily put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms and liberties that our nation was founded upon.

"Whether it was the attack on Pearl Harbor or the September 11th terrorist attack, millions of men and women valiantly enlisted to hold our enemies accountable and protect the country we all love.

"As the proud daughter of a World War II veteran, thank you to everyone who has served or is currently serving our great nation. Your selfless sacrifice does not go unnoticed.

"For those we have lost, a grateful nation honors their sacrifice. And for the families who remain behind, please know that the memory of your loved one will never be forgotten.

"We live in the greatest nation in the world because of the sacrifices our military men and women make every single day. And for that, we are eternally grateful."

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito
Member of Congress

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