Shelley's Weekly Update - July 21, 2013

Statement

Dear Friend,

I want you to know that I am always fighting for you in Washington, D.C. Over the week, the House passed legislation that would delay the employer and individual mandates. I also testified on behalf of a West Virginia business at an International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing.

Delaying the Employer and Individual Mandates

Not only did President Obama violate his own health care law when he announced that he will be giving businesses a temporary break from the job-killing employer mandate, but he left hardworking families out in the cold. Businesses aren't the only ones who are suffering under the president's "train wreck." It is only fair to give the millions of Americans who could lose their health care coverage and get hit with rising costs a break as well.

Without knowing what insurance options will be available to them or how much they will cost, Americans need more time to navigate the complexities of ObamaCare before getting hit with fines on January 1. With just a few months left before families are subjected to fines, the House took steps to buy them time and delay both the employer and individual mandates. These interim steps are crucial to our efforts to fully repeal this job-killing and disastrous law.

Standing Up for West Virginia Jobs

Felman Production, LLC, located in Mason County, supports 524 direct and indirect jobs and contributes greatly to West Virginia's economy. I recently testified at an ITC hearing to make sure that the current anti-dumping duties are renewed. If they are not, foreign countries could push Felman out of business. This would lead to permanent job loss and a major increase in unemployment in Mason County. It is imperative that American businesses are allowed to compete on a fair playing field against international competitors, which is why I am working to protect them from unlawful trade practices.

ICYMI: Op-ed: West Virginians Won't Let President Obama Turn Off the Lights

"West Virginians understand that coal is an affordable and abundant source of energy. We also know that coal isn't just the backbone of our state, but it plays a vital role in our nation's economy.

"Yet, despite the obvious benefits of coal, President Obama has waged a renewed war on the industry. He recently announced that he will be pursuing stringent regulations that could devastate our state. And if you aren't convinced that the president is waging a war on coal, look no further than his own climate adviser Daniel Schrag. He told the New York Times that "a war on coal is exactly what's needed."

"President Obama's announcement and his climate adviser's comments underscore the deep disconnect between Washington politicians and the real world. Shutting down the production of coal will not only make it impossible for America to become energy independent but it could deliver an unrecoverable blow to coal-rich states like West Virginia."

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito
Member of Congress

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