This week, Representative David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) delivered remarks in an Energy and Commerce hearing that highlighted how Democrats’ energy agenda will kill American jobs, raise utility costs, and still result in severe weather because countries like China will continue to pollute.  

McKinley pointed out that Democrats’ promise of a “Just Transition” from fossil fuels is an empty promise that has previously yielded no results for other industries:  

“Liberal Democrats are using a political timeline to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in 10 years or less. Now I’ve heard the promise of a ‘Just Transition,’ it just won’t happen. Look what’s happened over history with steel, electronics, and textile industry, the government said all of these promises, but betrayed the American people.”

Listen to Representative McKinley’s Five Minutes of Questioning

This week, President Biden committed the United States to a new climate goal that aims to achieve a 50% to 52% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. This goal is a part of the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Climate Agreement. McKinley released a statement upon the announcement of the goal, below is a snippet: 

“Both Republicans and Democrats agree that we need to reduce carbon emissions. But we believe it should be done in a way that’s not harmful to the American people. Through investments in innovative technology, like carbon capture, we can make our energy resources cleaner while retaining American jobs.”

Read the Full Statement

This week, Representative McKinley introduced the bipartisan Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, which would help states expand the availability of high-quality recovery housing as an option for those in and seeking recovery from a substance use disorder.

“The overdose crisis continues to affect the lives of millions of Americans. In recent years, West Virginia has experienced a marked growth in overdoses,” said  McKinley. “In order to combat this crisis, we must provide resources to people to aid them in recovery. This bill does just that by helping to improve access to recovery housing, which has been demonstrated as an important tool in combating substance abuse. This bill could help save lives.” 

This year the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on April 24. On this day, you can safely and anonymously turn in any unused prescription drugs that you have in your household. 

Participating locations can be found using the U.S. Department of Justice website. 

This week, House Republicans held a virtual forum that highlighted dozens of bills and solutions that Republicans have to deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment while also growing our economy.

During the three day event, Representative McKinley had an opportunity to talk with a local miner from Tunnel Ridge Mine about the impact that Democrats' energy policies would have on their workforce. 

Listen to Representative McKinley's Conversation 

This week Representative McKinley introduced the bipartisan Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, which will make it easier for Medicare patients in underserved communities to receive care.

The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act would allow pharmacists to provide basic care such as immunizations, diabetes management, blood pressure screenings and routine checks to seniors. There is currently no avenue for Medicare to directly reimburse pharmacists for providing this care. 

“Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering care in rural communities that often lack some of the most basic healthcare services. As we’ve seen during the COVID vaccine rollout, pharmacists are often on the front-line providing services in many underserved areas,” said McKinley. “This bipartisan bill ensures they can continue to provide basic healthcare services in their communities and improves access to care.”

The State Journal - West Virginia's Rep. McKinley voices concern for future of pipelines

WV News - McKinley's right to keep energy discussion going

The Wheeling Intelligencer - Standing Against D.C. Hypocrisy 

WFMZ - Senator Luján, Senator Scott Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Drunk Driving (And Rep. McKinley)

To date, 543,654 people in West Virginia are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 694,200 people have received at least one vaccine dose. 

The free vaccination clinics will be held across the states and are offered to West Virginians who are 16 years of age and older. More information can be found here. 

West Virginians can now pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine through the West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System at www.vaccinate.wv.gov.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources offers free COVID-19 testing in counties located near you. 

For more information on testing locations, click here. 

In March, Governor Jim Justice announced loosened restrictions on businesses, social gatherings, and youth travel sports. The executive order: 

• Increases the capacity limit for all restaurants and bars to 100% of their seating capacity
• Lifts all capacity limitations for small businesses, retail stores, and grocery stores
• Increasing the capacity limit for other businesses that still had capacity restrictions, such as gyms, fitness centers, and museums to 100% 
• Increases the social gathering limit to 100 people

All businesses, social gatherings and youth travel sports are still required to follow public health safety guidelines, including, but not limited to, mandatory face coverings and social distancing.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 
1- 800 - 887- 4304 

More information on the indoor face covering requirement, click here.
More Information, click here.    
Click here for the COVID19 West Virginia website. 

We encourage everyone to follow the CDC recommendations on how to help protect yourself and others.

Follow the three W's to protect yourself and your loved ones: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance

For more updated information from the CDC click here.

Unemployment Benefits for West Virginians

Paycheck Protection Program  for Small Business Owners

Veterans Information on COVID-19

Meal Pick-Up Sites for Children 

Economic Impact Payment Information for Second Round