Press Releases
Manchin, Rockefeller and Rahall Announce Extension for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller, Joe Manchin and Congressman Nick Rahall today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency is extending the paper application deadline for the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, which provides federal funds for agencies needing critical equipment, training and other fire-fighting resources. Rockefeller this week sent a letter to FEMA Administrator William Fugate seeking an extension amid widespread power outages in West Virginia and the … Continue Reading
July 03, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Almost $6.3 Million for Yeager Airport Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin announced that Yeager Airport in Charleston will receive almost $6.3 million in federal funding for airport runway improvements to help keep the airport safe and running smoothly, which is especially vital in the wake of last week's storm. "Making sure West Virginia's airports are as effective and safe as possible is absolutely essential," said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. … Continue Reading
July 03, 2012
Manchin Statement on Call with Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) spoke today with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about West Virginia's critical needs following last week's severe storms. "I had a very good conversation with my friend Secretary Napolitano, and she told me that her heart goes out to the people of West Virginia. She assured me that the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA will do all they can to help our state recover. I specifically mentioned that West Virginia is … Continue Reading
July 03, 2012
Manchin Statement on Celebrating America’s Independence Day
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on celebrating America's Independence Day: "As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, many of our fellow West Virginians are still dealing with the serious damage caused by last weekend's severe storms, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. This is a time to come together to lend our neighbors a helping hand and check on your neighbors in need, and I know … Continue Reading
July 01, 2012
STORM INFORMATION CENTER
Information from FEMA available here: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=16692 Urges West Virginians to report any information about stolen Frontier Communications generators LATEST UPDATE Washington, D.C. - In the aftermath of severe storms that have left hundreds of thousands of West Virginians without power in very hot weather, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is advising those in need to be in contact with their County Office of Emergency Services. At this early stage of … Continue Reading
June 30, 2012
Manchin Statement on West Virginia State of Emergency
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement about the declared State of Emergency in West Virginia: "Last night's storms caused severe damage and left hundreds of thousands of West Virginians without electricity in this extreme heat. I urge all West Virginians to be very careful, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors - especially the elderly. I know the state will do all it can to care for those in need, and I will do everything in my power … Continue Reading
June 29, 2012
Manchin Meets with WV Bicyclists at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
**Photos Available** Washington, D.C. - Last night at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) greeted a group of eight bicyclists from West Virginia who completed a 425-mile ride from Huntington to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness to help homeless veterans. "The men and women who have served so bravely in the defense of our country deserve the very best in treatment and care, and even one veteran sleeping on the street is one too many. My total … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Manchin Applauds Bipartisan Agreement on Jobs-Creating Transportation Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement about a bipartisan agreement on the surface transportation bill. "Investing in infrastructure isn't a Democratic idea or a Republican idea - it's an American idea. While this measure is not perfect, I am pleased that my colleagues were able to work together across party lines to reach an agreement. When it comes to infrastructure and all of our critical priorities, our states are counting on us to work … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Manchin Praises Dupont’s Commitment to National Guard and Reserve
Washington, D.C. -- As the co-chair and founder of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), representatives from DuPont and officials from the Department of Defense at a ceremony today highlighting the value that members of the National Guard and Reserve add to private companies. At the ceremony, DuPont formally reaffirmed their corporate commitment to the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve organization. ESGR is a … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller and Rahall Welcome Advocates for Homeless Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall today issued the following statements on the six-day, 425-mile ride from Huntington to Washington, D.C. by eight bicyclists advocating for the Homeless Veterans Resource Center in Huntington. "This was a tough ride through the mountains of West Virginia and into Washington, D.C. - and a committed journey that reflects the sacrifices of those they're advocating for. I applaud the bicyclists for … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Manchin Statement on Supreme Court Health Care Ruling
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the Supreme Court's ruling on the health care law today. "We should all recognize that the health care challenges that many West Virginians and Americans face are not going to go away unless Congress takes additional action to repair this bill. Now that the Court has ruled, we can move forward with fixing what is wrong with this bill and saving what is right. I have always been determined to reduce … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Manchin Addresses Prescription Drug Abuse, Student Loans and Energy Needs in Latest Installment of ‘Manchin’s Mailbox’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released his fourth episode of "Manchin's Mailbox" today to answer questions from West Virginians about his positions on critical issues, including fighting the war on prescription drug abuse, keeping student loan interest rates low and keeping good energy jobs in the state. The 6-minute question-and-answer session can be found here. "I truly value the concept of 'retail government,' so I can personally reach out to the people of West … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Manchin on Second Anniversary of Senator Robert C. Byrd’s Death
**Audio, Video Available** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement in advance of the second anniversary of Senator Robert C. Byrd's death. "Today, we remember our dear friend and a great statesman for all his contributions to our beautiful state and great nation. An unwavering defender of the Constitution and a determined fighter for West Virginia, Senator Robert C. Byrd remains on West Virginians' minds, while his legacy of public service … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Manchin Congratulates Marshall University on its Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after learning that Marshall University's Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted Precandidate accreditation status by the Accreditation Council For Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Board of Directors. "I congratulate Marshall University, President Kopp and the faculty and staff of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy on achieving Precandidate accreditation status for the Doctor of Pharmacy … Continue Reading
June 26, 2012
Manchin Shares Stories of West Virginians’ Efforts to Fight Drug Abuse
Manchin applauds expected passage of provision to put tighter controls on synthetic substances Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin went to the Senate floor this morning to share the personal stories of West Virginians who are demanding that lawmakers confront the prescription drug epidemic. Senator Manchin offered a measure to put tighter controls on a highly addictive painkiller called hydrocodone. The measure passed unanimously across party lines in the Senate, but was ultimately … Continue Reading
June 25, 2012
Manchin Statement on the Advancement of the FDA Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement about his support for a bill to continue funding the Food and Drug Administration's prescription drug and device approval process in a Senate vote tonight. "While this bill isn't perfect, I supported the FDA bill tonight because it contains so many important provisions that will ensure that people get the medicine they need," Senator Manchin said. "However, I am extremely disappointed that the bill didn't … Continue Reading
June 25, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce More Than $653K to Hire Veterans for Law Enforcement Jobs in WV
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) announced today that five cities in West Virginia will receive more than $653,000 to hire veterans as law enforcement officers through the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. All new officers hired under the grant must be military veterans who have served for at least 180 days of active military service. "Even though many of us are forced to tighten our belts during … Continue Reading
June 21, 2012
Manchin: ‘I Don’t Know How We Can Ignore Prescription Drug Abuse Much Longer’
**Audio, Video Available** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) vowed today to continue his fight against prescription drug abuse and find a way forward for his hydrocodone rescheduling amendment. Two weeks ago, the Senate unanimously adopted a Manchin-sponsored measure to make it harder to get hydrocodone pills for illegitimate reasons. Senator Manchin's amendment to the FDA bill moved hydrocodone to the list of Schedule II substances from the list of Schedule III … Continue Reading
June 21, 2012
Manchin-Sponsored Amendment in Farm Bill Will Help Prevent Childhood Obesity
Washington, D.C. - In a strong bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate passed a significant measure today to reform the country's agriculture policy to reduce the deficit by $23 billion while also supporting 16 million jobs. In addition, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act contains a Manchin-sponsored amendment that would help young children develop healthy eating habits. The bill passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 64-35. The Manchin amendment, co-sponsored by Senator Kelly Ayotte … Continue Reading
June 20, 2012
Manchin Celebrates State’s History on West Virginia Day
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement in celebration of West Virginia Day. "The history of our state is so special. We are one of two states to be born out of the Civil War, and President Lincoln's handprints are all over our state, as he was responsible for our creation. The history of our state is so important to me, and West Virginia Day is a day to remember how we came to be and how proud we are to be West Virginians. It's also a day to … Continue Reading