Cross-posted at West Virginia Blue
Here is yet another example of Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito's "independent voice". On Thursday, Congresswoman Capito (who is a member of the Subcommittee which oversees the insurance industry, spoke against and voted against H.B. 3121. HB 3121 (The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act) has to do with restoring total funding to the national flood insurance program. Now, just exactly how will Congresswoman Capito explain her vote to residents of Gilmer, Hardy, Barbour, Lewis, Grant, Webster, and Pendleton counties who suffered over $7 million in flood damage in May 2007?
Congresswoman Capito likewise voted against the Taylor Amendment. The Taylor Amendment's purpose is to provide funding for wind damage coverage under the national flood insurance program. As you might know, Congressman Taylor's house in Mississippi was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and although he had purchased both wind and damage policies, his wind claims were denied by State Farm. Thousands of other homeowners were also screwed over by the insurance industry following Katrina for many of the companies refused to recognize or pay out wind damage claims.
How will Congresswoman Capito be able to explain to her constituents why she voted in favor of the insurance industry instead of for victims of natural disasters? I believe this is something for which State Senator John Unger should begin criticizing Capito. "Independent voice"? I don't think so.