Press Releases
Manchin Earns Spot on Senate Banking Committee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he will represent West Virginians on the Senate Banking Committee, in addition to his current assignments on the Energy, Armed Services and Aging committees. "At a time when we our economy is still wounded and recovering ever so slowly, it is important that our community banks and local credit unions serve their customers and communities to the best of their ability," Senator Manchin said. "We need to make sure that … Continue Reading
December 11, 2012
Manchin Statement on Sissonville Gas Explosion
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement today after hearing about the devastating gas explosion in Sissonville. "I am so very thankful to hear that there have been no fatalities reported at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with the people injured in today's explosion. Although it is truly devastating that so many buildings, structures and roads have been severely damaged, material objects can be rebuilt or replaced; lives, however, … Continue Reading
December 11, 2012
Manchin Votes to Help Community Banks Lend More Money for Job Creation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted today to extend the Transaction Account Guarantee program, an effort that has widespread support from West Virginia's community banks as a proven way to encourage lending. The program is fully funded by the member banks and would not cost taxpayers a single penny. The Transaction Account Guarantee program offers unlimited deposit insurance coverage on non-interest-bearing deposits like checking accounts. The previous limit was … Continue Reading
December 11, 2012
Manchin Congratulates University of Charleston on Expansion
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) applauded the University of Charleston's announcement today that the school is embarking on major expansions in Beckley and Martinsburg, as well as online. The University of Charleston's expansion came after the school took over Mountain State University. New locations will be named UC-Charleston, UC-Martinsburg and UC-Net. "I could not be more proud of the way the people of our state came together to continue educating the students … Continue Reading
December 07, 2012
Manchin Statement on Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released today a statement on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. "There are days that define America, and this is one of them - the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In that attack - on December 7, 1941 - 2,402 Americans were killed and 1,282 were wounded, and America was plunged into the deadliest war in all of human history. President Roosevelt famously called that December 7th a day of 'infamy.' But it also was a day of destiny … Continue Reading
December 07, 2012
Manchin Asks MTV To Cancel “Buckwild”
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) asked MTV today to cancel the so-called reality show "Buckwild," which has been compared to an Appalachian version of the television program "Jersey Shore." The show is set in West Virginia. The full text of the Senator's letter is below and a PDF is attached. Dear Mr. Stephen K. Friedman, As a proud West Virginian, I am writing to formally request that you put a stop to the travesty called "Buckwild." As a U.S. Senator, I am … Continue Reading
December 06, 2012
Manchin Applauds Armstrong Hardwood Flooring for Adding 145 New Jobs
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the announcement that Armstrong Hardwood Flooring will be adding 145 new jobs in Randolph County. "Any day that West Virginia adds new jobs is a great day for our state, and 145 good-paying new jobs is a truly great day," Senator Manchin said. "West Virginia is an excellent place to do business, and this is just a further testament to the quality of our workforce and the products we make." … Continue Reading
December 06, 2012
Manchin Statement on Bipartisan Trade Agreement with Russia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the vote to approve Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia. The agreement passed the Senate 92-4. "With a strong trading relationship with Russia, this agreement will increase our ability to create jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector," Senator Manchin said. "West Virginia is already exporting nearly $10 million a year in goods to Russia, and this will only increase trading … Continue Reading
December 05, 2012
Manchin Urges Additional Assistance for Sandy Recovery
Washington, D.C. - In testimony submitted to the Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) asked for additional assistance from FEMA to help West Virginians recover from Superstorm Sandy. "As we all know, Superstorm Sandy caused severe damage in many states on the eastern seaboard. This storm uniquely affected West Virginia with not only heavy winds and rains, but also snow accumulation of 50 inches in the mountains of Northern and Western parts of … Continue Reading
December 04, 2012
Manchin Defense Measures Cut Wasteful Contracting, Protect Veterans’ Benefits and Get Troops Out of Afghanistan
Manchin also offers measure to honor General Chuck Yeager with a second star and strengthen the Guard Washington, D.C. - As the annual defense authorization bill passed with broad bipartisan support, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) scored legislative victories by authoring nine amendments that will strengthen the military by cutting costs, taking care of service members and giving the National Guard appropriate resources. Significant provisions from the Coburn-Manchin "Audit the … Continue Reading
December 04, 2012
Manchin Statement on U.N. Disabilities Treaty
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted today in favor of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a measure supported by both Republicans and Democrats. The United Nations resolution was defeated in the Senate in a 61-38 vote. The measure needed 66 votes to pass. Prior to the vote, Senator Manchin stood alongside Senator Bob Dole at an event in Washington, D.C. to recognize America's commitment to … Continue Reading
December 03, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Highway Safety In WV
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with Senator Joe Manchin today announced over $859,000 in federal funding for the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Office to improve highway safety programs in the state. "Too often, West Virginia's families are impacted by motor vehicle accidents that could have been prevented through basic safety precautions like wearing a seatbelt or improving driver … Continue Reading
December 02, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Rahall Announce Funding for Health Centers Across WV
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced more than $916,000 in federal funding for three medical centers in West Virginia to continue operations and improve preventive care. The three facilities receiving funding are Camden-On-Gauley Medical Center, Rainelle Medical Center, and St. George Medical Clinic. "Ensuring affordable health care for all West Virginians has always been one of my top priorities," said … Continue Reading
November 30, 2012
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