Latest News, Photos WVPA Sharing: Photo of Congressional Hearing on chemical leak available on February 10, 2014 More in Latest News: Harrison, West Virginia, judge issues preliminary injunction in middle school free speech case May 3, 2024 No small undertaking: Local couple talks ongoing restoration of Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill May 3, 2024 WV’s U.S. House members split on abandoned wells research bill May 3, 2024 Photo by Tom Hindman, The Charleston Daily MailDuring Monday’s Congressional Hearing at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Jimmy Gianato, third from left, director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management for the state of West Virginia, reads a statement regarding the chemical leak at Freedom Industries’ tank facility in Charleston, W.Va. The incident contaminated drinking water for more than 300,000 West Virginia residents. State, local and industry officials appeared before U.S. Representative Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House transportation committee. Several West Virginia lawmakers joined Shuster. including U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., the ranking Democrat on the committee, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla. both members of the committee. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was allowed to join the hearing and ask questions.