Press Releases
Manchin on Federal Court’s EPA Ruling: ‘A Great Day for West Virginia’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who led a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency when he was Governor, issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of West Virginia. As Governor, Senator Manchin filed the first lawsuit against the EPA for overreaching its authority under the Clean Water Act. "What a great day for West Virginia. I'm pleased and gratified to hear that the federal court has ruled in … Continue Reading
July 31, 2012
Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce HUD Funding for Emergency Shelter Grants
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 federal funding has been awarded to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters in West Virginia. "What more powerful reminder do we need than Mother Nature's recent derecho that sometimes families, through no fault of their own, lose their homes," said Rahall. "Federal investments helping provide emergency housing make sense, … Continue Reading
July 27, 2012
Manchin Helps Dedicate Upper Big Branch Memorial
Whitesville, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) helped dedicate the Upper Big Branch Memorial today, paying tribute to the miners who were lost and their grieving families while laying out his commitment to make sure no other family ever suffers from a preventable tragedy. "We gather today to remember the 29 brave souls who were lost at Upper Big Branch Mine, pay tribute to their families and dedicate this beautiful memorial for future generations as a testament to our shared … Continue Reading
July 27, 2012
Manchin Supports Governor Tomblin’s Request for Individual Assistance for Storm Victims
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) sent a letter to President Barack Obama today in support of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for individual assistance for people in 24 counties affected by the severe storms that hit the state late last month. The declaration would help individuals and businesses pay for structural damage to houses and buildings, lost food, wages and medicine. "I personally visited an immeasurable number of individuals and business owners who were … Continue Reading
July 26, 2012
Manchin: ‘Recent Storms are Just a Taste – Imagine if Breakdown Was Intentional’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement today in support of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. Senator Manchin voted to move forward with the bill this afternoon. "In nearly every briefing about our national security, the issue of cybersecurity is on the front burner - and let me tell you, the recent devastating storms were just a taste of what could happen if our entire system goes down. Imagine if the breakdown was intentional," Senator Manchin … Continue Reading
July 26, 2012
Manchin: ‘I Will Always Put Our Miners’ Safety First’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today about his support for the Robert C. Byrd Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act of 2012. Senator Manchin is one of the original cosponsors on the bill, which Senator Rockefeller reintroduced today. "A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting once again with a few of the families of the fallen miners of Upper Big Branch who traveled to Washington. These families have endured so much, and have … Continue Reading
July 24, 2012
Manchin to Vote to Cut Taxes for 99 Percent of West Virginians
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today in a speech on the Senate floor that he will vote to extend tax cuts for the middle class that will help more than 99 percent of West Virginians. The Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on a proposal to extend the Bush tax cuts for families that make less than $250,000, which includes more than 99 percent of West Virginians. A competing proposal would extend all of the Bush tax cuts, including those that benefit the … Continue Reading
July 24, 2012
Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce DOT Funding for Tri-State Transit Authority
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 the Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) has been selected on a competitive basis to receive a federal grant to expand its facility in Huntington. "This federal funding will finish the job already begun with a sister grant received earlier to enhance workspace already a couple of generations old. TTA provides an invaluable service to enhance the quality … Continue Reading
July 23, 2012
Manchin Statement on Federal Disaster Declaration for West Virginia
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made the following statement today after the President issued a federal disaster declaration for West Virginia in the wake of severe storms and straight-line winds that devastated the state from June 29 to July 1, 2012. On July 18, 2012, Senator Manchin wrote a letter to President Obama in support of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for a major disaster declaration for the state. A copy of that letter is available here. "West … Continue Reading
July 23, 2012
Manchin Statement on the Passing of Jim Carlen
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the passing of Jim Carlen. "Gayle and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Coach Carlen's passing," Senator Joe Manchin said. "I first met Jim in 1966 and he made a big impression on me. I was going into my sophomore year at WVU when Jim was hired on as our head coach. Jim was truly a driving force, and his clear vision, unwavering spirit and persistent dedication kept our team focused and … Continue Reading
July 22, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Joe Manchin today announced $2 million in federal funding for the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) so they can retire outdated vehicles and upgrade their fleet. "Every day public buses carry people to where they need to go throughout the region, and it is essential that these vehicles are updated, safe, and efficient. This funding will … Continue Reading
July 20, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funds for Improvements at Braxton County Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Joe Manchin today announced $471,260 in federal funding for the Braxton County Airport for runway repairs and improvements. "Air travel into and out of West Virginia is important for small businesses, for tourism, and for our economy," said Rockefeller. "This money is great news for Braxton County, so that this airport and the people who use it will benefit. … Continue Reading
July 20, 2012
Manchin Statement on Colorado Theater Shooting Tragedy
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement in response to the Colorado theater shooting tragedy. "I know that all West Virginians join Gayle and me in praying for those who have lost their lives, those who have been wounded and their families who are … Continue Reading
July 19, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Grants for Airports in Wood and Greenbrier Counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senator Joe Manchin today announced federal funding for two West Virginia airports to help make important upgrades, improve access and increase safety. "Keeping our airports and transportation infrastructure up-to-date is so important because they remain a critical link in our state for business, tourism and West Virginia's economy," Rockefeller said. "These grants will … Continue Reading
July 19, 2012
Manchin Supports ‘Bring American Jobs Home Act’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted today for legislation that would provide tax incentives to encourage business to "insource," or move their overseas operations back to the United States. The legislation would give businesses a 20 percent tax credit on all insourcing expenses they experience as they shut down a unit overseas and move it back to the United States or expand in the United States, as long as moving operations would increase domestic employment. The … Continue Reading
July 18, 2012
Manchin Showcases Martinsburg’s HMS Technologies in Nation’s Capital
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) invited Mr. Roy Jones, Vice President of Contracts for HMS Technologies of Martinsburg to Washington, D.C. today for a meeting on Capitol Hill to showcase businesses doing innovative work that is creating good jobs. HMS was incorporated in 2003 as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business, which means that it is at least 51 percent owned by an individual who is considered by the government to be a Service-Disabled Veteran. HMS … Continue Reading
July 18, 2012
Manchin Requests Support for Governor Tomblin’s Major Disaster Declaration Request
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama in support of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's request for a declaration of a major disaster for West Virginia as a result of the severe storms that hit the state beginning on June 29, 2012. "Within four hours, the June 29th storm crossed the entire State from west to east, causing severe damage in all fifty-five counties. The straight-line, hurricane-force winds that traversed West Virginia on … Continue Reading
July 18, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce $1.69M in Trade Adjustment Assistance for West Va. Workers
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.) today announced that West Virginia will receive $1,696,159 in Trade Adjustment Assistance funding, which helps pay the cost of training, job search allowances, relocation allowances, and employment and case management services for workers who have lost their jobs because of foreign trade. Earlier this year, West Virginia received its first allocation of Trade Adjustment Assistance … Continue Reading
July 18, 2012
Manchin: West Virginia is ‘All-Star’ State for Military Voting Rights
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that the Military Voter Protection Project recognized West Virginia for its strong leadership efforts in promoting and protecting the voting rights of America's military service members and their families. As part of the Military Voter Protection Project's 2012 Heroes Vote Initiative, West Virginia is one of 15 states to be named as "All-Star" states for its extraordinary efforts to make it easier for servicemembers to … Continue Reading
July 17, 2012
Manchin Statement on Importance of Keeping Miners Healthy and Reducing Black Lung Cases
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today about the need for standards that will keep miners healthy and reduce incidences of black lung. "The health and safety of our miners is the highest priority I have for our coal industry - it always has been, and always will be," Senator Manchin said. "When it comes to black lung, we must do everything in our power to keep our miners healthy. I know we can work together to do better, and I am … Continue Reading