Capito Speaks at Association of American Universities Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, spoke to presidents and chancellors of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

During the event, Senator Capito discussed topics ranging from biomedical and health research, strengthening America's talent pipeline, and the role of research universities in addressing the country's most pressing challenges.

Excerpts from Senator Capito's remarks (as prepared for delivery) are included below:

On research funding: "Showing results is always valuable. I think it's important to show the return on investment that everyday people can receive from the truly life-changing research that higher education does. Your schools-and schools like West Virginia University and Marshall University in my state-do absolutely incredible work that really make a tangible impact on the lives and health of all Americans. The work funded by NIH not only saves lives though, it is also a driver of economic growth, generating $94.5 billion in national economic activity in FY2024. Investing in biomedical research has proven to save lives while exponentially strengthening the U.S. economy. Getting that message across to folks is key - that's what I try to do in our committee hearings and when I'm talking to people back home."

On the government shutdown: "The simplest and best path forward - and the only real solution - is to reopen the government. It's important not to lose sight of the fact that too many hardworking federal employees are going without pay or are not sure if they will receive their next paycheck."

On ACA subsidies: "Senate Republicans offered a clean, bipartisan CR to extend funding and give us the time we need to pass appropriations bills through regular order and negotiate on ACA premium subsidies. Democrats have rejected our CR 12 times over claims that they don't believe Republicans will work with them to find a solution on ACA subsidies. Leader Thune, many of my Republican colleagues, and I have been very clear that we are willing to work out a deal. 67,000 West Virginians rely on these subsidies, so this issue is important to me. But, the only way we can get to a solution is to reopen the government."

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of research universities across the country that transform lives through education, research, and innovation. These universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow's visionary leaders and innovators.

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