Press Releases
Statement From Senator Manchin Regarding the 9/11 Health Bill
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, by unanimous consent: "I strongly supported this legislation because it provides critical care for the tens of thousands of 9/11 first responders, who were exposed to highly toxic dust. We will never forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and we should not forget about those who bravely answered our nation's call that day - our … Continue Reading
December 22, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the 2011 Defense Authorization Bill
Sen. Joe Manchin released the following statement after Congress passed the 2011 Defense Authorization bill by unanimous consent earlier today: "I am pleased the Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization bill passed Congress with unanimous support. This legislation endorses better pay and benefits for our all-volunteer active duty and reserve forces, gives our military the tools needed to effectively pursue their mission at home and abroad, ends troubled defense programs and promotes better … Continue Reading
December 22, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement applauding the passage of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): "After many months of negotiations, numerous public hearings and extended debate in the Senate, I am pleased that the Senate approved the New START Treaty today in a strong bipartisan fashion. "I voted for the agreement, because I believe we must do everything in our power to keep the American people safe, and the ratification of this important … Continue Reading
December 20, 2010
Senators Manchin and Rockefeller Send Letter to EPA Urging the Agency not to Retroactively Veto the Spruce No. 1 Mine Permit
WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) today jointly sent a letter to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lisa Jackson, urging the agency not to veto the Spruce No. 1 Mine permit. The Senators' letter states that, "We understand that EPA has a specific mandate from Congress, and that ensuring the economic stability of our Nation is not part of the Agency's mission. However, the environment and the economy are not mutually … Continue Reading
December 19, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement after he voted against the Risch amendment to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): "I did not support the Risch amendment because it needlessly put at risk the important strategic goals of the START Treaty. I am confident the Senate will advise the President on legitimate concerns about defensive weapons systems and not allow politics to kill this important treaty. "Overall, I support the START Treaty because I believe it … Continue Reading
December 18, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding his decision to not support the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy: "Over the past several days, I have spoken with many passionate West Virginians who hold different views on this policy. I greatly appreciate all of the feedback that my office has received. "As I have said before, my primary concern with repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) stems from the Armed Services Committee testimony … Continue Reading
December 18, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the Dream Act
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act: "While sympathetic to those who passionately support it, I cannot support the DREAM Act, as is, at this time. "I strongly believe the DREAM Act should require the completion of a degree. As currently written, the legislation does not. Requiring the completion of a degree is exactly what the DREAM Act should be about, as it will help ensure that the … Continue Reading
December 15, 2010
Rockefeller, Manchin, Rahall Announce $261,250 in Funding for Rhodell Volunteer Fire Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin III, (both D-W.Va.), along with Congressman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), today announced that the Rhodell Volunteer Fire Department in Raleigh County will receive $261,250 in funding as part of the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This money will assist with updating operations and safety equipment and vehicle acquisition. "The people of West Virginia count on first responders to be there for our communities - their … Continue Reading
December 14, 2010
Statement from Senator Joe Manchin Regarding Vote on Tax Cut Compromise
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding the Senate's vote to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in a message from the House on H.R. 4853, with the Reid-McConnell substitute tax amendment, entitled The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010: "The stark choice we face is between doing nothing, which would result in a massive tax increase, as well as less help for the unemployed and small businesses, or extending all the tax … Continue Reading
December 13, 2010
Senator Joe Manchin (D.W.VA.) Participates in Launch of No Labels
NEW YORK - Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) today joins New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Congressman Bob Inglis (R-SC), along with more than 1,000 Democratic, Republican and Independent citizen leaders from across the nation, to launch "No Labels," a new nonpartisan organization committed to bringing all sides together to move the nation forward. "I am excited to participate in this event," Manchin said. "I have said … Continue Reading
December 10, 2010
Statement from Senator Manchin Regarding the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Sen. Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding his decision to not support the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy: "While I believe the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy will be repealed someday, and probably should be repealed in the near future, I do not support its repeal at this time. I truly understand that my position will anger those who believe repeal should happen now and for that I sincerely apologize. While I am very sympathetic to … Continue Reading
December 08, 2010
Statement from Senator Joe Manchin on the Passing of Elizabeth Edwards
Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding the passing of Elizabeth Edwards: "Elizabeth Edwards was a courageous and passionate fighter for those less fortunate. She will forever inspire all of us to do what we can to better the lives of others. Gayle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Edwards family as they go through this extremely difficult time." # # … Continue Reading
December 08, 2010
West Virginians Deserve Their Pensions Protected
This week, I attended my first Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee meeting. This committee addresses polices relating to our country's health care, education, employment and retirement. I had the opportunity to question Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) Director Joshua Gotbaum during a hearing on the future of the PBGC, which is a federal corporation created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. PBGC protects the defined benefit pensions … Continue Reading
December 08, 2010
Statement from Senator Joe Manchin Regarding Today's Votes on Tax Cuts
Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement regarding today's votes on tax cuts: "Today's votes are another sign that there is much more work to be done to bridge the divide between Republicans and Democrats. I plan to do everything in my power to help bridge that divide. "While I have said repeatedly I prefer all the tax cuts be extended, I was open to a common sense compromise that would extend the cuts to those who make up to $1 million - or 99.9 percent of West … Continue Reading
December 08, 2010
Manchin Joins Bipartisan Effort to End Ethanol Subsidies, Tariffs
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin today sent a letter to Senator Harry Reid expressing opposition to continued preferential pricing support by the federal government for ethanol. Senator Manchin joins Senators Dianne Feinstein and Jon Kyl along with a bipartisan group of 15 other Senators in opposition to this measure. Manchin states in his letter, "I understand that if the current subsidy for blending ethanol into gasoline is extended for five years, the cost to the Federal … Continue Reading
November 30, 2010
Manchin's First Vote on Passage is to Improve Food Safety and Protect West Virginia Families
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin today voted for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will protect American families from dangerous food contamination. This vote marks the Senator's first vote on passage of a bill. "Protecting our families without overburdening our small farms and food producers is a win-win for West Virginia," Manchin said. "Our local growers can continue to sell their goods in our communities … Continue Reading
November 30, 2010
Manchin Disappointed Amendments to Repeal 1099 Forms for Small Businesses Fail
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin was disappointed that two attempts to repeal the 1099 provision from health care reform, including one amendment he cosponsored, failed to win enough support to move forward. The amendments (Johanns amendment 4702 and Baucus amendment 4713) would have repealed one of the health care reform's requirements for small businesses to file 1099 forms with the IRS on payments made for goods and services more than $600. "I am disappointed that the first … Continue Reading
November 30, 2010
Statement from Senator Joe Manchin Regarding the Coburn Amendment
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin issued the following statement regarding the Coburn amendment, which relates to earmarks: "The topic of earmarks is often contentious so I appreciate Senator Coburn putting forth this amendment to open up the dialogue. However, I did not support this amendment because this issue deserves the full attention of the Senate. A deliberate debate should be carried out on earmarks so that Senators from both parties can have enough time to discuss and … Continue Reading
November 29, 2010
Senator Joe Manchin Names Chris Kofinis as Chief of Staff
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin today announced the appointment of Chris Kofinis as chief of staff. "I am extremely pleased that Chris has agreed to lead my Senate team," Senator Joe Manchin said. "I have known him for several years now and value his friendship, experience and expertise. He will bring years of knowledge and professionalism to this office that will not only benefit me, but all West Virginians." Throughout his political career, Mr. Kofinis has worked as a Democratic … Continue Reading
November 24, 2010
Senator Manchin Votes to Move Forward on Equal Pay in the Workplace
Washington, D.C.-Senator Joe Manchin today took his first vote as a U.S. Senator to allow the Senate to move forward on a workplace fairness bill for equal pay for equal work, so that he would have an opportunity to give input and protect small businesses. "This is an important issue because women and men deserve equal pay for equal work. We need to move forward with this bill so that we can amend it further and make it better. We can accomplish the goals of pay equity and fairness, but we … Continue Reading
