During the confirmation hearing for EPA administrator-nominee Lee Zeldin, a heartwarming gesture took place as Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse presented a special gift to new Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito. Whitehouse offered Capito a gavel made in 1956, with a significant connection to West Virginia.
Whitehouse explained that the gavel was crafted from wood sourced from the Old West Virginia State House by students at McKinley Vocational High School in Wheeling, West Virginia. This unique gift symbolized a bond of camaraderie between the senators.
Capito, who hails from the northern panhandle of West Virginia, where Wheeling is located, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the historic gavel. The gesture was met with appreciation and a sense of unity among the committee members.
Further adding to the sentimental value of the gift, Whitehouse revealed that the gavel had originally been presented to former Governor Hulett Smith, a Democrat who preceded Capito's father, former Governor Arch Moore Jr. Governor Moore had retained the gavel from his predecessor, creating a personal link to Capito's family history.
Whitehouse concluded the presentation by wishing Chairwoman Capito well and humorously stating, 'May you bang it in good health.' The exchange highlighted a moment of bipartisan goodwill and respect, setting a positive tone for the proceedings.
