April 23, 2025 - West Virginia's GOP senators are urging top Trump officials to undo DOGE cuts that threaten the health and safety of their state's coal miners.

Newly sworn-in Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) poses for photographs with his fellow West Virginian Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) just outside the Senate Chamber. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Why it matters: It's a clear example of how the fast-paced, deep cuts in federal spending are hitting even rural, GOP communities — and creating crises for the lawmakers who represent them.

• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday asking him to undo some of the thousands of layoffs at the agency that are part of the DOGE cuts.
• The issue is specifically at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Morgantown, West Virginia, a main hub for the safety and health of coal miners and other workers.
• "It is my understanding that the [Reduction in Force] impacted every employee in these important programs," Capito wrote. "I urge you to bring back the NIOSH employees immediately so they can continue to support our nation's coal industry."

Between the lines: Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) also called the cuts to NIOSH "problematic," and told Axios he has spoken with several Trump officials about the issue, but not RFK Jr.

• "West Virginians, they're in lock step with President Trump," Justice told Axios. "But at the same time, there's so, so, so many people that are dependent" on programs like NIOSH. Justice expressed faith that Trump would fix the issue.

Zoom in: Before leaving for the two-week congressional recess, Capito told Axios she had raised her concern directly with Kennedy but was still waiting for action.

• "He listened, and I'm hoping that we get some reinstatement there," she said, adding she's "concerned" about the cuts to the programs, especially in Morgantown.