Press Releases
Senator Manchin: EPA's Unprecedented and Irresponsible Decision Jeopardizes our Economic Recovery and Jobs
Charleston, W.Va. - Senator Joe Manchin today voiced his strong opposition to the unprecedented decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to retroactively veto a coal mining permit for the Spruce No. 1 Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. The permit was already approved after an exhaustive, approximately 10-year regulatory process which included time for an extensive review by the EPA. "Today's EPA decision is not just fundamentally wrong, it is an unprecedented act by the federal … Continue Reading
January 12, 2011
Rahall, Rockefeller, Manchin Announce more than $2.9 Million for Pocahontas County
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall and Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today released $2,922,000 in funds previously earmarked by the late-Senator Robert C. Byrd for the Pocahontas County Commission to construct a multi-purpose community center in Marlinton. "This is a major investment in Pocahontas County that will provide a much-needed, after-school facility for our youth," said Rahall, who … Continue Reading
January 11, 2011
Manchin: We Have Always Persevered By Uniting Together, And We Will Again
Charleston, W. Va. - Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has kicked off his first statewide tour of the 112th Congress. The "Call for Common Sense" tour will include more than a dozen stops across the state, during which Sen. Manchin will hear from West Virginians about their concerns, insights, and commonsense ideas for Washington. In light of the tragic events of January 8, 2011, Sen. Manchin also believes this tour offers a unique opportunity to bridge the partisan divides that mark much of our … Continue Reading
January 08, 2011
Statement From Senator Manchin Regarding Today's Shooting in Tuscon
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, U.S. District Court Judge John M. Roll and several others: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and all of the innocent victims of this unspeakable and horrific tragedy. Gayle and I offer our heartfelt sympathies and pray for comfort to the families of all those killed and … Continue Reading
January 07, 2011
Senator Manchin Cosponsors Bill to Repeal Health Care's 1099 Provision
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin will cosponsor the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act to repeal the burdensome 1099 mandate, a provision that would require businesses, charities and churches to file an IRS form for any transaction greater than $600. Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) is introducing the measure. "As small businesses struggle to make ends meet, we can't force them to take on additional burdens that any reasonable person would reject," Senator Manchin said. "Small … Continue Reading
January 07, 2011
Senator Manchin Launching 'Call for Common Sense' Tour on Monday
Charleston, W.Va. - During the Senate's first work period of the 112th Congress, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) will travel around the state to hear from West Virginians personally about their concerns, insights and commonsense ideas for Washington. Senator Manchin's two-week "Call for Common Sense" tour will include a series of listening stops on federal issues and substantive discussions of how to bring West Virginia's values of commonsense problem-solving to Washington. "In West Virginia, we … Continue Reading
January 06, 2011
Senator Joe Manchin Urges Incoming Speaker Boehner to Rethink Jobs-Killing Rule Change
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today delivered a letter to incoming Speaker John Boehner outlining his grave concerns with a proposed rule change that will threaten thousands of jobs and our economic recovery by jeopardizing annual highway and transit funding. Senator Manchin urged Speaker Boehner to reconsider the proposed change. Selected excerpts of the letter are below, followed by full text. "West Virginia has several critical transportation and infrastructure … Continue Reading
January 05, 2011
Rockefeller, Manchin, Rahall Announce $784,326 in Funding for Fire Departments Across West Virginia
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 following fire departments will receive a total of $784,326 as part of the fifth round of funding under the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The following fire departments were awarded grants: Rainelle Volunteer Fire Department ($63,935) Benwood Volunteer Fire Department ($570,000) West Hamlin Volunteer Fire … Continue Reading
January 05, 2011
Senator Manchin Selects Emily Bittner as Communications Director
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin has named Emily Bittner, a West Virginian and former communications director for the Democratic Governors Association, as his DC-based communications director. "Emily is uniquely qualified for this work: She grew up in West Virginia, she is sharp, hard-working, and she understands how to communicate a commonsense approach to government," Senator Manchin said. "From her work with the Democratic Governors Association to her time as a reporter, she is a … Continue Reading
January 04, 2011
Joe Manchin: Together We Can Make a Real Difference
I ran for the U.S. Senate to make a meaningful difference, to bring commonsense values to Washington and, above all else, to stand up for West Virginia families and our way of life. Over the past five weeks, after more than 31 hours of caucuses, 21 hours presiding as Senate president and 46 roll-call votes on bills, resolutions, cloture motions and nominations, I have been committed to standing up for our state and representing all West Virginians to the best of my ability. To that end, on … Continue Reading
December 22, 2010
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 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 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 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
