Mike Stuart
WASHINGTON – Three West Virginians have been confirmed by the U.S. Senate for federal positions.
Mike Stuart was confirmed October 7 as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He will report to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Moore Capito
Harvey
The Senate also confirmed Moore Capito and Matt Harvey as U.S. Attorneys for the Southern and Northern Districts, respectively, of West Virginia.
Stuart, who also resigned from his state Senate seat, said he is ready to get to work.
“I am grateful to finally be confirmed but, to be honest, I am also frustrated that it took 238 days,” he said. “Those are 238 days that are lost in an administration in which every single day is filled with historic achievements. … Thank you to Senators (Shelley Moore) Capito and (Jim) Justice for being strong advocates in support of my nomination.”
Stuart is the only West Virginian nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate twice, having served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in Trump’s first term. He also is the first sitting West Virginia state lawmaker to be nominated for a senior post in an administration and the first West Virginian to ever serve as general counsel for the department.
“This is not only a great honor for me but for the people of West Virginia,” Stuart said. “I am incredibly humbled. …
“As the only West Virginian asked to serve in both his administrations, I am profoundly grateful to President Trump for his repeated confidence in me. … It is an even greater honor on an entirely different scale to have President Trump’s confidence a second time and the opportunity to serve as top counsel and in a senior post for the world’s largest public health organization in a department that is nearly a third of the federal budget with more than 60,000 employees including nearly 600 lawyers that touches every American family and nearly every aspect of American life.”
Harvey resigned as Jefferson County prosecuting attorney and chairman of the West Virginia First Foundation Board of Directors. Moore Capito is a former delegate and is the son of Sen. Capito.
Sen. Capito praised the appointment of all three.
“Mike Stuart brings a strong history of legal and governmental service in West Virginia — including his prior tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia,” she said. “As HHS’ lead appropriator, I look forward to working with him in his new role and am confident that he will serve with distinction, ensuring the agency operates with accountability, clarity, and respect for the law. …
“West Virginians are fortunate to have two individuals of such high integrity and proven commitment to public service confirmed to serve as United States Attorneys. Both Matt Harvey and Moore Capito bring strong legal experience and a steadfast dedication to upholding the law and keeping our communities safe.
As U.S. Attorneys, they will play a critical role in advancing justice, supporting law enforcement, and protecting the people of our great state. I was proud to vote to confirm both of them, and I look forward to working together to continue strengthening our state and advancing President Trump’s commitment to law and order.”
Justice also praised the confirmations.
“This is a proud moment for the state of West Virginia,” he said. “The Senate confirmed three exceptional public servants from our great state to serve in high-level federal roles. Michael Stuart, Moore Capito, and Matt Harvey are rock-solid leaders who represent the very best of our state.
“I thank my colleagues for voting to confirm them, and I am absolutely confident they will do a great job and make our state proud.”
West Virginia state Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston) also praised Stuart.
“Mike has worked tirelessly for the Seventh District and the people of West Virginia, and I know that work will continue as he moves on to serve the Trump Administration in Washington,” Smith said. “We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this new challenge.”
