Assignments
Capito, Justice Learn Committee Roles
West Virginians have become accustomed to having strong representation in the U.S. Senate, by elected officials who have earned influential positions on important committees. It seems as though that influence is set to be extended — perhaps even strengthened — as U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Sen.-elect Jim Justice, R-W.Va., have been given their committee assignments for the coming year.
Capito will be chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She was already chosen by her caucus to be chairwoman of the Republican Policy Committee, making her the fourth most powerful person in Senate Republican leadership. She will also maintain her position on the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as slots on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and the Rules and Administration Committee.
That is wonderful news for Mountain State residents.
Meanwhile, Justice will replace outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He has also received appointments to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, the Committee on Aging, and the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
It’s easy to see both have been placed on committees where they can do important work for West Virginians and the country as a whole.
No doubt they will remember their responsibility lies in working on our behalf, rather than chasing political points or supporting agendas purely because party leadership ordered it.
But Capito and Justice have already demonstrated not just political prowess, but loyalty to West Virginia. They know who we are, and they know their job is serve US.
Congratulations to both, then, on having received committee appointments that will help them to even better do just that.