Press Releases
Senators Manchin and Toomey Pledge To Work Together On Energy Issues
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) pledged to work together on regional energy issues after participating today in the Jones Day Energy Conference in Pittsburgh. The Senators discussed how to rev up the region's economic energy engine. The conference brought together leaders from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio to discuss how the region can create jobs, take control of our energy's future, and boost the economy now and for future … Continue Reading
February 14, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Reintroduce Legislation To Fight Prescription Drug Abuse
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jay Rockefeller and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall today announced they have introduced companion legislation to combat the growing prescription drug abuse epidemic. Senator Joe Manchin cosponsored the Senate bill. In the last decade, West Virginia has experienced a tragic increase in deaths and overdoses from prescription drugs. West Virginia has one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths in the country, and nine out of ten drug-related deaths in the state result … Continue Reading
February 13, 2013
Manchin Statement on State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement about the State of the Union address. "I was pleased to hear the President strike a bipartisan and cooperative tone in his speech last night. He discussed commonsense priorities and a balanced approach to getting our fiscal house in order and creating American jobs. I was, however, disappointed that he refused to mention coal when he discussed controlling our energy future. I've consistently pushed for an … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Manchin Fights for West Virginia Women and Children
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted today to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA), legislation that is critical to the continued funding of grant programs that prevent domestic crimes and violence across West Virginia. The bill passed in the Senate today 78-22. "In 2010, there were more than 11,000 domestic violence investigations in West Virginia," Senator Manchin said. "Any act of violence is one too many, and fighting on behalf of all … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Highway Funds for Storm-Related Highway Repairs in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.), announced Tuesday that the State of West Virginia has been awarded $1.4 million in emergency relief funds by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads that suffered serious damage as a result of storm damage in 2012. "The destruction that Mother Nature unleashed on us last year caused significant and repeat … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Manchin Invites West Virginia Veteran as Guest to State of the Union
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he is honored to invite Major Richard Ojeda, a West Virginia veteran and a community organizer, as his guest for the President's State of the Union address. Major Ojeda started the Logan Empowerment Action and Development (LEAD) organization that leads several volunteer projects in Logan County and addresses drug abuse and addiction in his community. "Major Ojeda is one of the most well-loved and active members of his … Continue Reading
February 06, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding For Three WV Fire Departments
WASHINGTON D.C.- Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced more than $108,000 in federal funding for three West Virginia fire departments to purchase safety equipment, and strengthen professional training and wellness programs. "West Virginia's firefighters are quick to protect our families and neighbors no matter the emergency," said Rockefeller. "This award will not only provide essential safety equipment, but will also give departments an opportunity to purchase equipment … Continue Reading
February 06, 2013
Manchin Disappointed Postal Service to End Saturday Deliveries
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the Postal Service's decision to end Saturday delivery services: "I am disappointed in the Postal Service's decision to end Saturday deliveries," Senator Manchin said. "In our rural areas, these postal facilities are more than just places to send and receive mail - they are truly the lifelines of their communities and can be the only way a town is able to stay connected. Although the Postal Service … Continue Reading
February 01, 2013
Manchin, Portman Introduce Legislation to Protect, Honor Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio
Washington, D.C. - Last night, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to create a commemorative coin in recognition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame represents the best in professional football by honoring the individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport, preserving the history of the game, and promoting the positive values of the sport. Canton, … Continue Reading
January 31, 2013
Manchin Statement on Debt Ceiling Vote
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to raise the nation's debt ceiling: "I cannot understand why Congress refuses to confront our financial challenges. Pretending that we aren't accumulating more debt by the minute is irresponsible, reckless and unethical. We must deal with our out of control debt right here, right now. That is why I have voted against suspending the debt ceiling. Our failure to pass a budget is … Continue Reading
January 31, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding for Three WV Fire Departments
WASHINGTON D.C.- Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced more than $167,000 in federal funding for three West Virginia fire departments to purchase safety equipment and strengthen professional training. "Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect families and homes," said Rockefeller. "They set a true example of bravery and selflessness through their service to our communities. This funding will help West Virginia's firefighters by providing professional … Continue Reading
January 31, 2013
Manchin Announces New Communications Director
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today the appointment of Jonathan Kott as Communications Director. "I welcome Jon Kott to my team," Senator Manchin said. "Jon brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to my office, and he will make a strong communications team even stronger. I am confident that he will do a great job." Jonathan most recently served as communications director for Governor Jack Markell's reelection campaign and for Representatives Anthony … Continue Reading
January 29, 2013
Manchin Statement On Kerry Confirmation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on John Kerry's confirmation to Secretary of State: "John Kerry is uniquely qualified to serve as our country's Secretary of State. Over four decades of public service, from the battlefields of Vietnam to the floor of the United States Senate, he has established his credentials as one of our country's brightest statesmen. America is exceptional because it does exceptional things, as John likes to … Continue Reading
January 29, 2013
Manchin: Nothing Fair About Paycheck Gap
Washington, D.C. - On the four-year anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Play Act, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement announcing that he strongly supports the Paycheck Fairness Act. "On the four-year anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, it's past time that we correct this unfairness to make sure that women are paid what they deserve," Senator Manchin said. "The first vote I took in the Senate was for paycheck fairness, and I will continue to fight … Continue Reading
January 28, 2013
Manchin Statement on Pipeline Safety Field Hearing
Washington, D.C. - In the aftermath of the December 2012 Sissonville pipeline explosion, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) thanked senior Senator Jay Rockefeller and those who testified today for an informative field hearing on pipeline safety. "I thank Senator Rockefeller for organizing this field hearing today to make sure horrific explosions like the one in Sissonville never happen again. After hearing from a variety of experts, I am confident that our natural gas industry will do … Continue Reading
January 25, 2013
Manchin Thanks FDA Committee on Vote to Place Tighter Controls on Addictive Drug
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he is grateful the FDA Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee has voted to reschedule drugs containing hydrocodone after listening to his testimony at a public meeting earlier this morning. The recommendation will help guide the FDA in their final decision to reschedule the addictive drug. "Today was a huge step forward in fighting to help curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has ravaged our … Continue Reading
January 25, 2013
Manchin Fights to Prevent Prescription Druge Abuse
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) testified today at a FDA hearing to urge the agency to consider placing tighter controls on drugs containing hydrocodone to help curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic. "It is time to have a serious dialogue about the importance of rescheduling hydrocodone-combination drugs from Schedule III to Schedule II," Senator Manchin said. "This drug is a highly addictive prescription painkiller that can easily fall into the wrong hands. I have … Continue Reading
January 24, 2013
Manchin Supports Chuck Hagel Nomination
Washington, D.C. - After meeting with former Senator Chuck Hagel, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin issued a statement today to announce his support for Hagel's nomination to Secretary of Defense. "I had a constructive meeting with former Senator Chuck Hagel this week. He assured me that he shares my commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and he stands strongly with our close ally, Israel. Based on that conversation, I intend to support Chuck Hagel's nomination. Chuck is a … Continue Reading
January 24, 2013
Manchin Proud to Support Women in Combat
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today to announce his support for Secretary Panetta's decision to end the ban on women serving in combat: "I am proud of all of our service members - both men and women. Women have fought bravely in combat, and should have the same opportunities as men. I have a woman combat veteran on my senior staff, and her contributions and perspective are invaluable to my work on the Armed Services Committee. I look … Continue Reading
January 23, 2013
Manchin Unveils Legislative Priorities for the 113th Congress
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) unveiled his priorities for the 113th Congress, focusing on issues important to West Virginians and approaching them in ways that reflect the values of the Mountain State. The Senator also expressed confidence that Washington can overcome its partisanship to address major challenges facing the country. "As we begin the work of the 113th Congress, I start with fresh optimism and determination to make sure that we set our legislative … Continue Reading
