All New Congress, Same Problems
By: Sujata Khandelwal
Updated: January 3, 2013
WASHINGTON D.C. - On Capitol Hill, incumbents Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito were sworn in Thursday afternoon. They say this past week's fiscal cliff fiasco could be a barometer for the challenges that lie ahead.
Both Senator Manchin and Congresswoman Capito say there was no easy solution to averting the fiscal cliff.
"I think for the best health of the American economy and job growth we've got to lay down our arms and work across the aisle," says U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, (R) WV, 2nd District.
"We averted, in West Virginia, 99.9 percent of the people see no difference, and we kept some very needed programs in place," says U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, (D) WV.
Entering his third year, Senator Manchin says his priorities haven't changed much. At the top of his list; reducing the nation's debt while preserving medicare and social security.
"We've got to stop the wasteful spending," says Senator Manchin. "We've got to cut some things out and you don't have to cut the core programs."
Congresswoman Capito says she's working towards a more energy independent U.S., she hopes with West Virginia resources.
"We have an abundant resource of coal and natural gas, and I think we should be using it efficiently and in an environmentally safe way," says U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R) WV, 2nd District.
And the Senator says the issue of gun reform will remain on his table until action is taken.
"I can assure then that they are not going to lose their rights. I will fight to the bitter end, and no one is trying to take anyone's second amendment rights away," says Senator Manchin.
Both say they are thankful for another term of service to their state.
"I still have the same aspirations, and I still have the same awe I had when I first walked into the Capitol," says Congresswoman Capito.
"The best part of the job is truly I'm seeing the country and the world at a different level than I would have ever had the opportunity," says Senator Manchin.
Both the Congresswoman and Senator say the congress' 12 percent approval rating is unacceptable and are hopeful 2013 will see more reaching across the aisle between parties.
President Barack Obama will be sworn in on January 21st.
Both Senator Manchin and Congresswoman Capito say there was no easy solution to averting the fiscal cliff.
"I think for the best health of the American economy and job growth we've got to lay down our arms and work across the aisle," says U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, (R) WV, 2nd District.
"We averted, in West Virginia, 99.9 percent of the people see no difference, and we kept some very needed programs in place," says U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, (D) WV.
Entering his third year, Senator Manchin says his priorities haven't changed much. At the top of his list; reducing the nation's debt while preserving medicare and social security.
"We've got to stop the wasteful spending," says Senator Manchin. "We've got to cut some things out and you don't have to cut the core programs."
Congresswoman Capito says she's working towards a more energy independent U.S., she hopes with West Virginia resources.
"We have an abundant resource of coal and natural gas, and I think we should be using it efficiently and in an environmentally safe way," says U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R) WV, 2nd District.
And the Senator says the issue of gun reform will remain on his table until action is taken.
"I can assure then that they are not going to lose their rights. I will fight to the bitter end, and no one is trying to take anyone's second amendment rights away," says Senator Manchin.
Both say they are thankful for another term of service to their state.
"I still have the same aspirations, and I still have the same awe I had when I first walked into the Capitol," says Congresswoman Capito.
"The best part of the job is truly I'm seeing the country and the world at a different level than I would have ever had the opportunity," says Senator Manchin.
Both the Congresswoman and Senator say the congress' 12 percent approval rating is unacceptable and are hopeful 2013 will see more reaching across the aisle between parties.
President Barack Obama will be sworn in on January 21st.
Comments
Manchin is one of those gutless politicians residing in the pockets of the NRA.
Shawn B.
January 3, 2013 at 5:59 pm
