Press Releases
Manchin Statement on Mining Tragedies in Greenbrier and Harrison Counties
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement after learning about the mining tragedies that took place in Greenbrier and Harrison Counties earlier today. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the mining tragedies that took place earlier today. My greatest, deepest sympathies go out to the family of the fallen miner in Greenbrier County, Steve Odell, especially to his wife, Caitlin, his mother, Peggy, along with the entire … Continue Reading
November 29, 2012
Manchin Co-Sponsors Resolution to End War in Afghanistan
**Video, Audio Available** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today to help lead the fight to pass a Sense of the Senate resolution to end the war in Afghanistan. Senator Manchin was an original cosponsor of the amendment, and has been a vocal advocate for ending America's longest war. The amendment passed 62-33. "After more than 10 years, more than 2,000 American lives lost and more than $500 billion spent, it is time to bring … Continue Reading
November 28, 2012
Manchin Statement on Upper Big Branch Investigation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about a former Massey executive agreeing to plead guilty to criminal conspiracy charges as a result of the ongoing investigation into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. "I hope and pray that our great state will never again endure a tragedy like the Upper Big Branch deaths, and criminal charges are an important step in bringing those responsible to justice. I have always urged our prosecutors to pursue … Continue Reading
November 28, 2012
Manchin Discusses Future of Coal With Lifelong Advocate “Bugs” Stover
Washington, D.C. - After walking from Wyoming County to the nation's Capitol, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) welcomed Wyoming County Circuit Clerk David "Bugs" Stover to discuss the importance of promoting coal production in West Virginia and across America. "There's just no one else who fights for coal like Bugs, and it was truly a pleasure to talk with him about how I'm going to fight every day along with him," Senator Manchin said. "As I've always said, you can live with coal or you … Continue Reading
November 27, 2012
Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Federal Disaster Declaration Granted for State of West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced that a major disaster declaration has been issued for the State of West Virginia, providing Federal disaster assistance to help communities recover from Hurricane Sandy. "Having travelled to several counties in the aftermath of the storm and seen first-hand the ferocity with which Hurricane Sandy struck West Virginia communities, I welcome the Federal … Continue Reading
November 21, 2012
Manchin: If You Can Count Your Blessings, You Can Share Your Blessings
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on giving thanks this Thanksgiving holiday: "Every Thanksgiving, I recall one of the most important lessons my parents taught me: If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. "No other national holiday reflects the American character more than Thanksgiving. It is the one day of the year that the entire American family gathers together to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy in … Continue Reading
November 20, 2012
Manchin Joins Community Members in Serving Others
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will join other volunteers today and Wednesday to serve food to the less fortunate and thank the volunteers for their dedication and hard work. "Every Thanksgiving, I recall one of the most important lessons my parents taught me: If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings," Senator Manchin said. "That is why Gayle and I think it is so important to spend time serving others who need a helping hand, especially during … Continue Reading
November 15, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller, 11 Additional Senators Request Disaster Aid for Superstorm Sandy in 2013 Budget
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) have joined 11 other senators from states impacted by Superstorm Sandy and asked President Obama to provide additional emergency aid for federal disaster assistance programs. The Senators wrote to the President and asked him to take swift action so the necessary funds can be used to help victims of Sandy rebuild and recover. The Senators also requested an increased federal share for recovery costs. Senators Manchin … Continue Reading
November 14, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller & Rahall Urge West Virginians Affected by Derecho to Apply for FEMA Assistance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today reminded West Virginians that the deadline for applying for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) related to this summer's "derecho" is fast approaching. Following a letter Rockefeller, Manchin and Rahall wrote to President Obama in September asking for reconsideration of an earlier denial of Individual Assistance to Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas and … Continue Reading
November 13, 2012
Manchin Bill Would Increase Sportsmen's Access to Pubic Lands, Preserve Hunting and Fishing Rights
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted tonight for a measure that he co-sponsored to increase sportsmen's access to public lands, protect special habitats and preserve hunting and fishing rights. The Senate voted 92-5 to move forward with consideration of the bill and will continue debating the measure this week. More than 50 sportmen's groups, including the National Rifle Association, support the measure. "Our hunting and fishing heritage - especially in West Virginia - … Continue Reading
November 13, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funds for WV Police to Protect Children Against Internet Crime
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced more than $275,000 in federal funding to the West Virginia State Police to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute sexual exploitation against children. The grant will also help the West Virginia State Police upgrade their computer capabilities to help reduce the backlog of cases and streamline analysis. "The Internet is a great resource for learning, but it can also put kids at risk," said Rockefeller. … Continue Reading
November 13, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funds to Strengthen Sexual Violence Prevention & Education in WV
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced more than $150,000 in federal funding for the West Virginia State Department of Health and Human Resources to continue the Rape Prevention and Education program. "Making sure West Virginians are safe in their homes and in their communities is so important, and we must do everything possible to reduce sexual violence," said Rockefeller, cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act. "Improving education and building … Continue Reading
November 11, 2012
Manchin: Honor Our Veterans All Year Long
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on Veterans Day: "The men and women of our country go to war with a noble pride, a raw courage, and a firm conviction that the power of America's values is at least as great as the power of America's weapons. It has been that way for every generation of Americans that has been willing to step into the line of fire for their fellow countrymen for the last 237 years, from Concord to Calais to Khe Sanh … Continue Reading
November 05, 2012
Manchin Meets with Secretary Napolitano, Governor Tomblin and National Guard to Assess Storm Damage
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will meet today with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and National Guard officials for a briefing on storm damage in West Virginia. "I truly thank my friend Janet Napolitano for everything she and this Administration have done to make sure that the people of West Virginia get the help we need to recover from this storm. She has worked hard to make sure that we've received anything we've asked for: … Continue Reading
November 02, 2012
Manchin Joins Governor Tomblin for Third Day of Storm Damage Assessment
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will travel across the state today with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and the National Guard to make sure communities and first responders are getting the federal aid they need to help West Virginians to recover from the recent storm. They will visit the following locations: 11 a.m. Martinsburg 167th Airbase 222 Sabre Jet Boulevard Martinsburg, W.Va. 12:30 p.m. Preston County Emergency Operations Center 300 … Continue Reading
November 01, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Urge FEMA to Open Up More Federal Resources in Aftermath of Storm
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today urged the President to approve the Governor's request that federal disaster assistance be made available to help West Virginia recover from this week's storm. President Obama on Tuesday declared a federal state of emergency in West Virginia, which authorized FEMA to provide emergency protective measures for all counties in West Virginia. Rockefeller, Manchin and Rahall today agreed with the … Continue Reading
November 01, 2012
Manchin to Join Governor Tomblin, National Guard to Continue to Assess Storm Damage
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will join Governor Earl Ray Tomblin for a second day of travel to assess damage from this week's storm. "We're touring some of the hardest-hit areas of our state today to let people know that help is on the way. We're hoping to see the areas that have been inaccessible because of the extremely heavy snowfalls and make sure that people get the supplies they need. We're working very closely together in a coordinated effort with FEMA, the … Continue Reading
October 31, 2012
Manchin, Rahall Joining Governor Tomblin on Storm Damage Assessment Tour Today
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall are joining Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on a tour of storm-struck areas in Braxton, Nicholas, Fayette and Raleigh counties. At National Guard armories and local emergency management offices, Senator Manchin and Congressman Rahall will assess the needs of residents and businesses and make sure West Virginians are receiving needed federal resources to help recover from the storm's aftermath. Senator Manchin and Congressman … Continue Reading
October 30, 2012
WV Congressional Delegation, Governor Incensed with EPA's Delay of King Coal Highway Project
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, Rep. Nick Rahall and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (all D-W.Va.) are outraged with the Environmental Protection Agency's delay of a key permit that would allow the CONSOL mine and King Coal Highway to move forward. After the EPA delayed issuing a needed 402 permit, CONSOL issued a WARN Notice tonight notifying workers that they would be laid off. The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority estimates that 2,000 acres of land could be … Continue Reading
October 30, 2012
Manchin Assures West Virginians He Will Make Sure State Has Needed Resources to Recover
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the storm and recovery efforts. "As we continue to weather this storm and recover from its effects, I know the people of West Virginia will watch out for their neighbors in the aftermath. I continue to urge everyone to listen to the directions of local authorities and to stay safe. I will remain in close contact with state and federal officials to make sure that our state has the resources we need to … Continue Reading