Press Releases
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 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 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 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
January 20, 2013
Manchin Statement on Celebrating the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on celebrating the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Every Presidential Inauguration is a special occasion for the entire country - a celebration of the American spirit and a renewal of our commitment to the continuing pursuit of 'a more perfect' union. The second Inauguration of President Obama is especially so - it marks only the 16th time in American history that one of our … Continue Reading
January 17, 2013
Manchin Congratulates West Virginia’s Natural Gas Investment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) proudly supported today the construction of three natural gas stations that are planned to be built along the I-79 corridor. "I am so proud that IGS Energy CNG Services sees West Virginia the same way that I do - as a great place to do business," Senator Manchin said. "As Governor and now as a Senator, I have strongly encouraged public-private partnerships like this one that help create good paying jobs, invest in our communities for … Continue Reading
January 17, 2013
Manchin Statement On MSHA’s Mine Safety Ruling
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the Mine Safety and Health Administration's new rule that focuses on improving mine safety. "A strong mining industry begins with a strong commitment to our miners," Senator Manchin said. "Our coal miners are some of the hardest working people in America, and they are proud to do the heavy lifting that keeps this country strong. In our state, we're absolutely and totally committed to the safety of … Continue Reading
January 16, 2013
Manchin Statement on White House Mass Violence Proposals
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today in response to the White House proposals on mass violence: "I appreciate the work that went into the President's recommendations. I have not had a chance to review them yet, because I have been meeting with West Virginians today to discuss school safety and the culture of mass violence that has permeated our society today. I will weigh each recommendation carefully. "However, I am disappointed that … Continue Reading
January 14, 2013
Manchin Statement on the Inauguration of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about today's state inauguration ceremony for Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and other statewide executive branch officers. Manchin is in New York for a morning meeting of No Labels, a citizens-led organization he co-chairs that is promoting bipartisan commonsense solutions to our nation's challenges. He and Mrs. Manchin are expected to attend the inaugural celebration in Charleston this evening. "On this historic … Continue Reading
January 11, 2013
Manchin Sends Letter to President Urging American Combat Troops to Withdraw from Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) sent a letter today to President Obama urging him to minimize the number of combat troops in Afghanistan so that we can focus our resources on rebuilding America, not Afghanistan "Today, I sent a letter to President Obama respectfully urging him to adopt a plan that narrows our mission in Afghanistan and brings our troops home. This war is the longest in American history and it has cost us dearly. The only troops remaining should be there … Continue Reading
January 11, 2013
Manchin Thanks Rockefeller for Decades of Service to West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) thanked U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) today for his decades of service to the people of West Virginia. "Gayle and I join all West Virginians in thanking Jay for representing our state for more than 40 years - whether it was as a state legislator, Secretary of State, our Governor or as a member of the United States Senate. We wish him, his wife Sharon and their family only the best in their future endeavors, and I know that Jay … Continue Reading
January 10, 2013
Manchin to Lead National Organization Promoting Country Over Party Politics
Washington, D.C. - In an effort to bring more Americans together around commonsense solutions, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has agreed to lead No Labels, a national citizen-led effort to change Washington attitudes and make Congress work. Senator Manchin and former Governor Jon Huntsman, a Utah Republican, are serving as honorary co-chairs of the organization. "We need to fix our politics from the inside, but we need help from the outside," Senator Manchin said. "No Labels is the only … Continue Reading
January 09, 2013
Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding for WVU to Research Impact of Laws That Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving
WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Joe Manchin today announced more than $182,000 for West Virginia University to research the impact of laws banning cell phone use while driving. "Studying the effectiveness of state laws that limit or ban cell phone use while driving is an investment in the safety of our nation's roads," said Rockefeller. "Distracted driving hurts the driver, passengers, and … Continue Reading
January 09, 2013
Manchin Announces Communications Director’s Departure
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that Communications Director Emily Bittner is departing to join the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as national press secretary and senior communications advisor. "With Emily leaving our office, I'm sad and proud at the same time. Any time a key member of our staff has an opportunity, you're proud that others see their value - but sad that they're leaving the nest," Senator Manchin said. "Emily has done great work … Continue Reading
