Newletter: Shelley's Weekly Update - Islamic State Must Be Stopped

Statement

Dear Friends,

As you may know, the House voted yes this week to authorize efforts to stop the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (known as ISIL or ISIS). I'd like to share with you my thoughts on why I voted yes.

The group known as the Islamic State, ISIL and ISIS has shown a bloodthirsty determination to kidnap, torture and terrorize, proving itself to be a clear threat to peace worldwide. As a nation, we must respond boldly to the threat that this group poses to America and our allies around the world. We must work with our allies to stop ISIL from spreading its hate, terror and malicious words and deeds.

I joined my fellow members of Congress in asking the president to present a plan to combat and halt ISIL's actions. While the president's plan is not perfect, it is the only current proposal that would take action against the serious threat that ISIL poses. For that reason, I voted to provide the president temporary authorization to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels, subject to robust congressional oversight.

The authorization was offered as an amendment to H.J.Res. 124, the continuing resolution to fund the federal government until Dec. 11, 2014. While I may disagree with the continued practice of short-term bills, it is important that we move forward and work on a funding agreement for the rest of the fiscal year.

The Senate has passed the continuing resolution (with the attached authorization on the Islamic State), and the president is expected to sign it into law shortly.

SHELLEY RILEY MOORE

Many of you have reached out to share your support and thoughtful words about the life of our mother, Shelley Riley Moore, and I want to thank you for your kind thoughts.

She was a compassionate and affectionate mother who loved her family deeply, including her husband of 65 years, Arch. She was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a loyal friend. Mom was an inspiration to us all and proudly served as West Virginia's first lady for 12 years.

We will miss her dearly.
SERVICE ACADEMY DAYS

Please don't forget -- Sunday is my Academy Day in South Charleston!

As a member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating a select group of individuals for admission to the United States service academies: Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marine. Dozens of students I have nominated have been accepted to these academies and have served us honorably in the armed forces.

I encourage students interested in a career in the military and their parents or guardians to attend one of my upcoming Academy Days to learn more about the opportunities available at our nation's service academies:

Sunday, September 21, 2014
2-4 p.m.
South Charleston High School
1 Eagle Way
South Charleston, W.Va. 25309

Sunday, September 28, 2014
2-4 p.m.
Washington High School
300 Washington Patriot Dr.
Charles Town, W.Va. 25414

The number of available appointments is highly competitive, so I encourage students interested in applying to attend one of my Academy Days or contact my Charleston office at (304) 925-5964 as soon as possible for more information.

Applicants should be residents of the Second Congressional District of West Virginia and between the ages of 17 and 22. The deadline for receiving all required information is Friday, Oct. 31, 2014.

For an application for a nomination from my office, please click here.

AUDIT THE FED

On Wednesday, I voted yes on a bill to require the Federal Reserve to be fully audited within one year. The Government Accountability Office would be required to conduct a full audit of the Federal Reserve System and report the findings to Congress, giving Congress the information and insight necessary to hold this important government agency fully accountable.

The bill was passed 333-92 with bipartisan support.

Will the Senate follow the House's leadership and hold the Fed accountable to American taxpayers?

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES

Small businesses are the backbone of West Virginia's economy. I was honored this week that the National Federation of Independent Businesses named me one of Congress' Guardians of Small Business.

Thank you for reading my weekly e-newsletter, and as always, you can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

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