Skip to content
Hill Policy
U.S. SENATE

Shelley Moore Capito

RepublicanWest VirginiaCurrently serving

Sworn into the Senate on Source

What they said 7

Their stated policy positions and commitments, with quotes and links to the original sources.

After the election · Original date not established

Keep permits in force when projects comply with the law

AI-assisted summary

Shelley Moore Capito supports the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which would provide that projects keep their permits as long as they remain in compliance with the law. She presented this as part of the bill’s effort to make permitting more predictable. The Senate advanced the bill on November 10, 2026; the remarks urged senators to pass it, so this provision was proposed rather than enacted in the source.

Context: The statement concerns permits covered by the bill; it does not specify additional conditions or how compliance would be assessed.

After the election · Original date not established

Require data center developers to pay infrastructure costs

AI-assisted summary

Capito supports the bill’s Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require potential data center developers to pay their own infrastructure costs. She says this provision is intended to prevent increased electricity expenses from being shifted to other utility customers.

Context: The provision was part of proposed legislation that had not completed Senate consideration or received House approval.

After the election · Original date not established

Support federal permitting reform

AI-assisted summary

Shelley Moore Capito supports the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which would revise federal environmental review and permitting requirements under laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. She says the reforms are intended to provide greater certainty for projects that have received permits and reduce delays associated with litigation. Capito argues that lengthy reviews delay investment and raise costs, and says the reforms could help lower electricity bills and other household expenses.

Context: The bill had advanced to Senate consideration but had not received final Senate passage or House approval as of the source’s November 10, 2026 publication.

While serving · Original date not established

Coordinate public and private broadband efforts

AI-assisted summary

Capito’s Capito Connect plan calls for partnerships among private organizations and local, state, and federal agencies to expand broadband in West Virginia. The plan aims to reduce duplicate and outdated programs so services can be delivered more efficiently.

Context: The plan is specific to West Virginia.

While serving · commitment · Original date not established

Ensure small businesses have access to high-speed broadband

AI-assisted summary

Under her Capito Connect plan, Capito says she will ensure small businesses have the tools to succeed and expand, including access to high-speed broadband. She identifies broadband as important for developing new businesses and retaining established small businesses in West Virginia.

Context: The source does not specify a funding mechanism or implementation details.

While serving · Original date not established

Direct federal economic-development investment to West Virginia

AI-assisted summary

Capito supports a continued role for the Economic Development Administration in West Virginia, describing it as a federal partner that makes targeted investments in local communities alongside local leaders. She has worked with the agency to increase its presence and funding in the state, including investments in infrastructure, workforce training, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.

Context: The funding and project examples are described as past and ongoing agency activity, not as a specified new funding commitment.

While serving · Original date not established

Support low-tax, pro-growth policies

AI-assisted summary

Capito supports low-tax, pro-growth economic policies that she says encourage small-business hiring and expansion. She also credits tax-code reform and rolling back regulations as measures that can support workers, businesses, and economic growth in West Virginia.

Context: The source does not specify particular tax rates or regulations.