Press Releases
Manchin and Wicker Introduce Legislation to Protect Community Banks with Carve Out to Volcker Rule
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced legislation to protect community banks from losing millions of dollars due to an oversight in the Volcker Rule. The Volcker Rule, which went into effect on December 10, 2013, and was intended to protect the U.S. economy from risky bets by large banks, currently requires community banks to sell at depressed values securities that helped them raise capital; the investments were never intended for … Continue Reading
January 10, 2014
Manchin Applauds Treasury Decision to Exempt Volunteer Firefighters from Unintended Healthcare Mandate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement applauding the Treasury's decision to fully exempt volunteer firefighters and volunteer medical emergency personnel from being counted as full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) under the employer shared responsibility provisions of the "Affordable Care Act." The new rule clarifies that volunteer fire departments will not be subject to the employer healthcare mandate. This requirement would have imposed … Continue Reading
January 10, 2014
Manchin Statement on Federal Response to Water Contamination
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement after Governor Tomblin and President Obama issued a federal disaster declaration for West Virginia as a result of a chemical spill that may have contaminated the tap water for nine counties: Kanawha, Boone, Logan, Lincoln, Putnam, Jackson, Roane, Clay and Cabell. "Today I have spoken with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the regional administrator of the Federal Emergency … Continue Reading
January 10, 2014
EMERGENCY INFORMATION CENTER
Flushing will commence by zones. Click here to review the procedure for flushing out the system and check for your zone: http://bit.ly/1eDz00P If you have specific questions about the flushing procedure, please call WV American Water at their toll-free hotline 1-855-390-4569 or read through these detailed instrictions. http://bit.ly/1a2DSxk Please do not begin the flushing process until the "Do Not Use" order is lifted for your zone. To read my statement on federal response to water … Continue Reading
January 09, 2014
Manchin, Inhofe Urge Full Funding of FAA Contract Towers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) urging that members fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Contract Tower Program. "It is critical that we invest in our country's infrastructure and air safety," Senator Manchin said. "Reliable transportation is … Continue Reading
January 08, 2014
Manchin Statement on Need to Protect Homeowners from Drastic Flood Insurance Increases
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced he supports the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" to protect homeowners from paying drastically higher flood insurance costs under the revised version of the National Flood Insurance Program. This legislation, cosponsored by 28 additional Senators, would delay changes to the insurance program overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) until the agency can finish an affordability study required by … Continue Reading
January 08, 2014
Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for Achievement Awards
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to nominate Mountain State small businesses and entrepreneurs for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2014 Small Business Week awards and for West Virginia's District Office awards. Winners of the national award categories will compete for national titles and attend National Small Business Week events in Washington, D.C., May 12-16, 2014. All nominations are due by Friday, January 17, 2014. "Small … Continue Reading
January 08, 2014
Manchin, Portman, Barrasso, Lee Call on Interior Nominee to Denounce Politically Motivated Jobs Statistics
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rob Portman (R-OH), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Mike Lee (R-UT) today sent a letter to Ms. Janice Schneider, the nominee to be the next Assistant Secretary for Land and Management at the Department of the Interior, urging her to promptly address a report that poses serious questions about the integrity of Office of Surface and Mining (OSM). If confirmed, Ms. Schneider would have direct oversight for OSM. On December 20, 2013, the Inspector … Continue Reading
January 07, 2014
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Help Families in Need Find Employment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-WV), today announced more than $227,300 in federal funding to help families who are receiving vouchers find employment that pays a living wage and leads to economic independence. "As West Virginians, we understand the importance of supporting those in our community who have fallen on hard times," Manchin said. "We should do all we can to make sure that our neighbors have the resources … Continue Reading
January 07, 2014
Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he will nominate 45 West Virginia students to the U.S. service academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. "West Virginia has built a reputation of service and sacrifice, and I am extremely proud of these students for their commitment to carrying on our state's … Continue Reading
January 07, 2014
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Wyoming County Head Start Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Head Start funding for MountainHeart Community Services in Oceana. "Investing in educational opportunities is critical to creating a successful future for our state," Manchin said. "Our children are our top priority, and we are responsible for making sure that the next generation of West Virginians can someday compete in the global marketplace. I am pleased … Continue Reading
January 06, 2014
Manchin Statement on Yellen Confirmation Vote
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on his vote to confirm Janet Yellen as the next Federal Reserve Chair: "When I first met privately with Vice-chair Yellen and during my questioning of her in the Senate Banking Committee, I came away believing that she was clearly qualified to be Federal Reserve Chair. I struggled until the last moment with my vote in the Senate Banking Committee, but I remained troubled by the unchecked quantitative … Continue Reading
January 02, 2014
Manchin Statement on the 8th Anniversary of the Sago Mine Disaster
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the 8th anniversary of the Sago mine disaster: "Eight years ago, the precious lives of twelve miners were taken tragically at Sago," said Senator Manchin. "On that day, I grieved with the miners' families and with all West Virginians. Their strength and sacrifice remain in my heart each and every day, and my thoughts and prayers go out to them and their loved ones on this sad anniversary. Since Sago, we … Continue Reading
January 02, 2014
Manchin Statement on the Passing of Buck Harless
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the passing of Buck Harless: "Buck Harless was a dear friend not only to me, but to all of West Virginia," said Senator Manchin. "Gayle and I are deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and we extend our condolences to his wife Hallie, his entire family and to all of those who were touched by his exceptional life. I will always remember and admire Buck's passion to make West Virginia a better place to … Continue Reading
December 23, 2013
Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement wishing all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. "Gayle and I, along with the entire Manchin family, wish all West Virginians, Americans and our brave service men and women a very merry Christmas and peaceful and prosperous New Year. "As a country, we are blessed to have such a devoted and patriotic military. Our brave service men and women are far from the beautiful holiday … Continue Reading
December 20, 2013
Manchin Statement on Additional Health Care Penalty Delay
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration's announcement to allow penalty delays for some individuals whose insurance has been canceled because their health care plans did not comply with minimum requirements under the new law. "I've always said that 2014 should be a transition year for the health care law, and we must give the American people a chance to shop around for the best and most affordable insurance plans. … Continue Reading
December 19, 2013
Manchin Sees Firsthand The Impact of Sequestration on Military Aviators
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chair of the Airland Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently had the honor of spending the day with a Marine Corps fighter squadron at Andrews Air Force Base. He wanted to see firsthand the impact sequestration and budgetary cuts has had on military aviators as well as learn more about the Marine Corps' plans to modernize their fighter jets. On Monday, December 16, Senator Manchin, a commercial pilot himself, … Continue Reading
December 19, 2013
Manchin, Kirk, Wicker Urge Federal Banking Officials to Protect Community Banks
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today sent a letter to federal officials who oversee banking rules, including Treasury Secretary Lew and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, in order to ensure community banks are protected from the broad brush of federal regulation. Due to a technical oversight in the Volcker Rule, which was intended to protect the U.S. economy from risky bets by large banks, community banks fear that they would … Continue Reading
December 18, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support National Guard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the Department of Defense completes its year-end budget review, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), are leading a bipartisan coalition of House and Senate Members urging Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to protect and strengthen the National Guard in next year's Army budget. "The National Guard is America's longest serving military fighting force and has always answered the call when the American people need help in … Continue Reading
December 18, 2013
Manchin, Boozman Work to Bring Transparency, Fairness to EPA Science Review Process
WASHINGTON -U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced legislation to improve confidence in the fairness and transparency of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and rulemaking by reforming the science advisory process. The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act makes changes to the Science Advisory Board (SAB) by increasing transparency, enabling SAB reviews of EPA "risk or hazard assessments" that are used to justify regulations, ensuring that the … Continue Reading
