Dear West Virginian,
It was another busy week in the Senate and there’s a lot to update you on. Keep scrolling for the latest:
Our National Security Obligations
I have said time and time again that I am in favor of supporting our nation’s allies abroad, such as Israel and Ukraine. But that obligation is closely tied to ensuring the homeland is safe and protected.
As I have said many times before, there is no doubt that we currently live in a time of heightened concern for our national security. Not only is this felt around the globe, but also in every state and community in our own country because of the crisis on our border. We see the chaos, we see the monthly records of illegal crossings, and we see how those who are truly seeking asylum are being disadvantaged by the cartels and smugglers who are playing the system.
Click here or on the image above to watch my Senate floor speech.
The supplemental national security package that Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer put forward for a vote this week does not make any policy changes needed to tackle the crisis at our southern border. It is for that reason I could not vote to advance this legislation. Read my full statement on this vote here.
Coal Powers America
In case you missed it, John Kerry flew to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai on a jet to say: “there shouldn’t be any more coal power plants permitted anywhere in the world,” and signaled a pledge to do just that.
The Biden administration’s goal?
To close down coal plants through the Clean Power Plan 2.0 and other rules.
The catch here is the administration has these grand ideas, but no actual plan to replace the reliable baseload electricity that coal currently provides. This is especially true as they mandate EVs and electric appliance usage.
Almost every state’s electric grid would be decimated if the Biden administration achieved their stated goal and West Virginia would be among the group that is hardest hit, with 90% of our electricity supply being generated by coal.
It’s clear that the Biden administration would rather seek applause from the global climate community with hypocritical statements like this instead of supporting energy solutions that actually protect America’s grid reliability.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks on this earlier this week at a Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference.
Charleston Post Office Facility
Since the announcement of the Mail Processing Facility Review of the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center, I have heard from West Virginians that work at and those that depend on this facility. This facility is essential not only for all hundreds of employees at the center, but also for the West Virginians that depend on it for all their postal needs.
I have remained on top of this issue, and recently sent a letter to U.S. Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy seeking answers to questions and clarity on the future of this facility. Read my full letter here.
Pearl Harbor Day
Thursday marked the 82nd anniversary of the deadly surprise attacks on U.S. service members at Pearl Harbor. Let us always honor those who sacrificed so much, those who fought to defend our freedoms, and remember that out of tragedy emerges strength.
