{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=72198F4A-9174-4582-A22C-1188E7EBCFCB", "Manchin and More than 30 Senate Colleagues Urge New Administration to Support FAA Contract Tower Program", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and 33 of his Senate colleagues yesterday called on President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence to support the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) Contract Tower Program. There are currently 253 airports and surrounding communities in 46 states benefitting from the enhanced safety and improved air traffic control (ATC) services provided by FAA contract towers.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe senators wrote, \u201cNot only do these contract towers provide an important safety service, but they do so in a cost-effective fashion as validated in numerous reports by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. This is demonstrated by the fact that FAA contract towers handle approximately 28 percent of all U.S. air traffic control tower operations but account for just 14 percent of FAA\u2019s overall budget allotted to tower operations. Additionally, the contract tower program provides FAA and American taxpayers an annual savings of approximately $200 million.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the letter, they encourage the new administration to adopt regulatory reform measures to the benefit-cost analysis process used by the FAA in managing this program. These measures were included in both the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the full Senate-passed FAA reauthorization legislation (H.R. 4441 and S. 2658) earlier this year.\r\n\u00a0\r\nClick here to read the full letter.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9D8CC6C7-EE1D-414C-943F-E98EC0DE682C", "Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement wishing all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cGayle and I, along with the entire Manchin family, wish all West Virginians, Americans and our brave service men and women a very merry Christmas and peaceful and prosperous New Year. As you gather together with your loved ones, remember that we wouldn\u2019t be able to enjoy our blessings without the brave men and women who are overseas this holiday season. They are giving up their own time with their family protect our great country. Let us keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe holidays are a time to celebrate our many blessings \u2013 especially the love of our families and friends. I have always said that \u2018If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings.\u2019 We are all so blessed and I hope all of us will share our blessings by sharing generously with those less fortunate.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn the New Year, let us all resolve to build a future of peace, freedom and prosperity for ourselves, our families, our communities and our country. My wish is that the joyful spirit that surrounds you this holiday season stays with you throughout the New Year. Again, Gayle and I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and we pray that each of you enjoy the holidays filled with perpetual joy, hope and peace. May God bless us all and may God continue to bless America, and the great state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBEA3348-DC7B-4D20-8C13-4561AD96BA56", "Manchin Statement on UN Resolution on Israel Settlement", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on United Nations (UN) resolution on Israel resettlement:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI urge the Obama Administration to veto the United Nations resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building. I support two-party negotiations to reach agreement on any settlement issues, and this U.N. resolution is not the way to pursue peace between the Palestinian Authority and the State of Israel.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-more-than-118k-to-assist-homeless-veterans", "Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $118K to Assist Homeless Veterans", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.16\n\t\t\t Capito and Manchin Announce More Than $118K to Assist Homeless Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that two West Virginia housing facilities will receive a total of $118,726 from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The grants will help end homelessness among the veteran population in West Virginia by providing financial assistance to help homeless veterans find housing and seek additional services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\nWest Virginias veterans have risked their lives and made tremendous sacrifices in order to defend our great nation, and we must ensure these men and woman have a roof over their heads. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was glad to support this funding that will help change lives, said Senator Capito.\r\nWest Virginias Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe, and it is simply unacceptable that any veteran is homeless, Senator Manchin said. When these men and women return home they deserve the best care, and that begins with making sure they have access to safe and adequate housing. This funding will provide our Veterans and their families with the housing assistance they need and deserve.\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$32,456  Parkersburg Housing Authority \n\r\n$86,270  Housing Authority of Raleigh County\n\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-happy-holidays", "VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians Happy Holidays", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.16\n\t\t\t VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians Happy Holidays \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nCHARLESTON, W.Va.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released a video message wishing West Virginians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.\r\nFull video transcript included below:\r\nHello and Merry Christmas!\nAs 2016 draws to a close, I am excited to join with friends and family in West Virginia and reflect on all that we have to be grateful for this year, and all that we are poised to accomplish in 2017 under Republican leadership.\nDuring the holiday season, please join me in remembering the meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and spreading joy, happiness and kindness throughout our communities, including to the families that continue to recover from this summers devastating flooding.\nPlease also join me in praying for our troops. Let us give thanks for the tremendous sacrifices these servicemen and women have made in order to keep us safe, especially those who are serving far away from their homes and their loved ones.\nI wish all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4FB804CB-857B-403B-827E-89E875C74BB0", "Manchin Encouraged by Department of Energy Loan Guarantees for Carbon Capture Technology", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraged by the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) recent announcement that it\u2019s committed to guarantee loans up to $2 billion to construct the world\u2019s first methanol production facility to employ carbon capture technology.\r\n\u201cCoal will power the United States and the world for decades to come. Instead of demonizing coal, we should be investing in technology that will allow us to use it in a cleaner more affordable manner, while also developing equipment that we can manufacture and export to the world creating jobs at home. That is why I am encouraged to see this announcement and will monitor the loan guarantee and progress of this important project,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cThis loan program has been completely underutilized, which is why I included provisions in the comprehensive energy bill to reform our research and development of carbon capture technology and to ensure the Department of Energy is committing funds toward the development of this technology. I want to ensure that these loan guarantees are deployed in a manner that will support projects that will eventually lead us to broad commercial deployment of this technology. We must find a pathway forward for carbon capture technology that is cost-effective and allows for large-scale commercialization. I look forward to working with the Department of Energy on future projects, particularly for power generation units.\u201d\r\nSenator Manchin championed key provisions in the Energy Policy Modernization Act focused on ensuring the development and deployment of carbon capture utilization and sequestration technology.\r\nLake Charles Methanol, LLC would be the world\u2019s first methanol production facility to employ carbon capture technology in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The captured carbon would be utilized for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in Texas. This plant would also be the first petroleum coke (petcoke) to methanol facility in the U.S. Petcoke is a byproduct from oil refining and methanol is one of the world\u2019s most widely-used industrial chemicals. By using petcoke as the feedstock and carbon capture at the project, the proposed project will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5D59A85E-E30B-4D25-A005-6C1EE21C0AC5", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $118K to Assist Homeless Veterans", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that two West Virginia housing facilities will receive a total of $118,726 from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The grants will help end homelessness among the veteran population in West Virginia by providing financial assistance to help homeless veterans find housing and seek additional services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe, and it is simply unacceptable that any veteran is homeless,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhen these men and women return home they deserve the best care, and that begins with making sure they have access to safe and adequate housing. This funding will provide our Veterans and their families with the housing assistance they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s veterans have risked their lives and made tremendous sacrifices in order to defend our great nation, and we must ensure these men and woman have a roof over their heads. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was glad to support this funding that will help change lives,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$32,456 \u2013 Parkersburg Housing Authority \r\n$86,270 \u2013 Housing Authority of Raleigh County\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-secures-25-million-five-redevelopment-projects", "REP. JENKINS SECURES $25 MILLION FOR FIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) announced today that five redevelopment projects in Fayette, Mingo, Nicholas and Raleigh counties will receive $25 million in funds he helped secure.\nThe funds are part of a $90 million abandoned mine lands reclamation pilot program that Rep. Jenkins and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers secured during the committee\u2019s appropriations work for fiscal year 2016. The pilot project aims to help redevelop and repurpose abandoned mine lands in West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania to create jobs and economic opportunity. The $90 million is split equally among the three states.\n\u201cI fought hard to secure these millions of dollars for West Virginia because I knew they could be used to create jobs, put displaced coal miners back to work, and revitalize our coalfields. These five projects are key investments in our communities that will diversify our economy while celebrating our heritage. I congratulate each and every project on receiving these critical funds and look forward to following their progress,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nThe projects are:\nSullivan Industrial Park Project, $12 million, Raleigh County\nThe Sullivan Industrial Park is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 77 in Beckley and is a joint project between the West Virginia National Guard and the Beaver Coal Company. The first tenant would be the National Guard, which would conduct Humvee and other equipment repair at the site. Rep. Jenkins visited the Sullivan Industrial Park site earlier this year.\nPatriot Guardens Golden Delicious Apple Project, approximately $5.3 million, Clay and Nicholas counties\nThis project will plant 100,000 apple trees on 500 acres in Clay and Nicholas counties \u2013 Clay County is the home of the golden delicious apple. The Patriot Guardens project will employ displaced coal miners and veterans, promote local agriculture, and celebrate the state\u2019s heritage. It is a collaboration among the West Virginia National Guard, the Department of Environmental Protection\u2019s Office of Special Reclamation and Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation, West Virginia State University Extension Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, ERP Compliant Fuels and Pardee Natural Resources.\nHighland Mountain and Crickmer Road waterline extension projects: $4.1 million, Fayette County\nThese two projects, served by the Danese Public Service District, will expand municipal water service to 43 new customers. Access to city water service is critical for business and agricultural development, as well as promoting public health.\nAquaponics on AML Project, nearly $3.6 million, Mingo County\nThis project will build an aquaponics farm in Kermit, allowing them to grow sustainable, commercial quantities of fish and vegetables. The project\u2019s goal is to grow sustainable food while employing displaced workers. It is a collaboration among the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, Coalfield Development Corporation and Refresh Appalachia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-more-than-7-million-in-funding-for-housing-programs-across-state", "Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $7 Million in Funding for Housing Programs Across State", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $7 Million in Funding for Housing Programs Across State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that housing facilities across West Virginia will receive a total of $7,761,222 under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program for projects with the goal of ending homelessness.\r\nHelping each other in times of need is a well-known West Virginia tradition and one that I am particularly proud to call ours, said Senator Capito. It is great news that housing facilities throughout the state are receiving this funding that will help so many in need. Whether you are a veteran or a child, every West Virginian deserves to have a roof over their head and a place they can call home. This funding will go a long way to provide the necessary resources to help those struggling get back on track.\r\nWest Virginians in need will have the opportunity to develop specific skill sets to help them reenter the workforce, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities, Senator Manchin said. This funding ensures those who are struggling to get by, including children, seniors and Veterans, have a roof over their heads and have access to the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. In West Virginia, we have a strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors so Im glad our state is receiving this funding to continue to help those who have fallen on hard times.\nThe Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding to organizations and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families and improve self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.\nThe following housing facilities/projects were awarded grants:\r\n \r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Residential Housing renewal project  $258,429\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Supportive Services Only renewal  $135,796\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / WV-500 CoC Planning FY2016  $18,956\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / CHCH Rapid Rehousing Renewal 2016  $87,023\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Housing First (SSO) 2016 Renewal  $107,595\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Project Hope Renewal 2016  $208,175\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Safe Quarters 2016 Renewal $127,066\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / WV-501 Planning 2016  $33,500\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS NEW REALLOCATION  $63,888\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS Renewal Consol $68,927\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 10  $26,782\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 12  $12,576\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 13  $90,112\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 15  $6,705\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 23  $53,738\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 2-3  $582,768\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 5-7-11-21  $229,342\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 6  $76,581\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 8  $121,091\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 9-11A-22  $163,146\r\nPrestera Center for Mental Health Services / Balen  $46,285\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #1  $113,269\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #2  $121,937\r\nCity of Charleston / Centralized Assessment Team  $91,713\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First  $164,407\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First III  $77,364\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First IV  $46,091\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First V  $46,391\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Rapid Re-Housing 2016  $35,866\r\nKanawha Valley Colective, Inc. / Homeless Management Information System  $63,999\r\nKanawha Valley Collective / CoC Planning Project FY16  $40,151\r\nReligious Coalition for Community Renewal / Samaritan Inn  $46,965\r\nRoark-Sullivan Lifeway Center / Twin Cities Center  $261,942\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment  $67,254\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Phase II Chronically Homeless  $46,561\r\nBartlett House, Inc / Transitional Housing for Homeless Individuals and Families $207,346\r\nBartlett House, Inc / West Run Permanent Supportive Housing  $109,918\r\nClarksburg Housing Authority / PSH-1  $370,711\r\nCommunity Networks, Inc. / JCLP  $157,872\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc. / North Central WV Community Action Agency, INC SHP Permanent Project  $53,544\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc. / North Central WV Community Action Agency, Inc. SHP Permanent Project II  $39,765\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Leasing  $127,805\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Supportive Housing  $168,720\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Permanent Supportive Housing FY 2016  $61,898\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Rapid Rehousing FY 2016  $107,412\r\nSouthwestern Community Action Council, Inc. / Simms Housing  $66,601\r\nTelamon Corporation / Hearthstone Permanent Supportive Housing  $157,547\r\nTelamon Corporation / Potomac Highlands Permanent Supportive Housing  $158,823\r\nTelamon Corporation / Reliable Housing Permanent Supportive Housing  $153,253\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 1 - 2016-17)  $155,130\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 2 - 2016-17)  $84,004\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 3 - 2016-17  $61,093\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. / HMIS Renewal FY2016  $389,746\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. / Jar'Kai Rapid Rehousing FY2016  $195,263\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. / Kenobi Rapid Re-Housing - FY2016  $177,308\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. / WV-508 CoC Planning Application FY2016  $117,158\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Coordinated Intake FY2016  $129,869\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH H1 2016 Renewal  $186,833\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH Regional H1 2016 Renewal  $221,697\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU FY2016 RRH N&I  $126,988\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Ooliblikasmees Coordinated Intake  $42,994\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU PSH 2016 Renewal  $189,533\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10C69872-B604-4916-AFD2-13CA72F8A434", "Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $7 Million in Funding for Housing Programs Across State", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that housing facilities across West Virginia will receive a total of $7,761,222 under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program for projects with the goal of ending homelessness.\r\n\u201cWest Virginians in need will have the opportunity to develop specific skill sets to help them reenter the workforce, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding ensures those who are struggling to get by, including children, seniors and Veterans, have a roof over their heads and have access to the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. In West Virginia, we have a strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors so I\u2019m glad our state is receiving this funding to continue to help those who have fallen on hard times.\u201d\r\n\u201cHelping each other in times of need is a well-known West Virginia tradition and one that I am particularly proud to call ours,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cIt is great news that housing facilities throughout the state are receiving this funding that will help so many in need. Whether you are a veteran or a child, every West Virginian deserves to have a roof over their head and a place they can call home. This funding will go a long way to provide the necessary resources to help those struggling get back on track.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding to organizations and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families and improve self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.\r\nThe following housing facilities/projects were awarded grants:\r\n \r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Residential Housing renewal project \u2013 $258,429\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Supportive Services Only renewal \u2013 $135,796\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / WV-500 CoC Planning FY2016 \u2013 $18,956\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / CHCH Rapid Rehousing Renewal 2016 \u2013 $87,023\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Housing First (SSO) 2016 Renewal \u2013 $107,595\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Project Hope Renewal 2016 \u2013 $208,175\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Safe Quarters 2016 Renewal \u2013$127,066\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / WV-501 Planning 2016 \u2013 $33,500\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS NEW REALLOCATION \u2013 $63,888\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS Renewal Consol \u2013$68,927\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 10 \u2013 $26,782\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 12 \u2013 $12,576\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 13 \u2013 $90,112\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 15 \u2013 $6,705\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 23 \u2013 $53,738\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 2-3 \u2013 $582,768\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 5-7-11-21 \u2013 $229,342\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 6 \u2013 $76,581\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 8 \u2013 $121,091\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 9-11A-22 \u2013 $163,146\r\nPrestera Center for Mental Health Services / Balen \u2013 $46,285\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #1 \u2013 $113,269\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #2 \u2013 $121,937\r\nCity of Charleston / Centralized Assessment Team \u2013 $91,713\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First \u2013 $164,407\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First III \u2013 $77,364\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First IV \u2013 $46,091\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First V \u2013 $46,391\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Rapid Re-Housing 2016 \u2013 $35,866\r\nKanawha Valley Colective, Inc. / Homeless Management Information System \u2013 $63,999\r\nKanawha Valley Collective / CoC Planning Project FY16 \u2013 $40,151\r\nReligious Coalition for Community Renewal / Samaritan Inn \u2013 $46,965\r\nRoark-Sullivan Lifeway Center / Twin Cities Center \u2013 $261,942\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment \u2013 $67,254\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Phase II Chronically Homeless \u2013 $46,561\r\nBartlett House, Inc / Transitional Housing for Homeless Individuals and Families \u2013$207,346\r\nBartlett House, Inc / West Run Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $109,918\r\nClarksburg Housing Authority / PSH-1 \u2013 $370,711\r\nCommunity Networks, Inc. / JCLP \u2013 $157,872\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc.\u00a0 / North Central WV Community Action Agency, INC SHP Permanent Project \u2013 $53,544\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc.\u00a0 / North Central WV Community Action Agency, Inc. SHP Permanent Project II \u2013 $39,765\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Leasing \u2013 $127,805\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Supportive Housing \u2013 $168,720\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Permanent Supportive Housing FY 2016 \u2013 $61,898\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Rapid Rehousing FY 2016 \u2013 $107,412\r\nSouthwestern Community Action Council, Inc. / Simms Housing \u2013 $66,601\r\nTelamon Corporation / Hearthstone Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $157,547\r\nTelamon Corporation / Potomac Highlands Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $158,823\r\nTelamon Corporation / Reliable Housing Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $153,253\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 1 - 2016-17) \u2013 $155,130\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 2 - 2016-17) \u2013 $84,004\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 3 - 2016-17 \u2013 $61,093\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / HMIS Renewal FY2016 \u2013 $389,746\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / Jar'Kai Rapid Rehousing FY2016 \u2013 $195,263\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / Kenobi Rapid Re-Housing - FY2016 \u2013 $177,308\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / WV-508 CoC Planning Application FY2016 \u2013 $117,158\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Coordinated Intake FY2016 \u2013 $129,869\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH H1 2016 Renewal \u2013 $186,833\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH Regional H1 2016 Renewal \u2013 $221,697\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU FY2016 RRH N&I \u2013 $126,988\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Ooliblikasmees Coordinated Intake \u2013 $42,994\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU PSH 2016 Renewal \u2013 $189,533\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-helps-secure-872-million-flood-aid-west-virginia", "REP. JENKINS HELPS SECURE $87.2 MILLION IN FLOOD AID FOR WEST VIRGINIA", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) announced today that he has helped secure more than $87.2 million in disaster funding for West Virginia to help rebuild from the June flooding.\nThis money was included in the government funding bill passed earlier this month, and the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery amount for West Virginia of $87,280,000 was released today. This is an addition to $17 million in flood aid West Virginia received from Congress in September, bringing the total federal assistance up to more than $104 million.\n\u201cAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ve worked diligently to make sure our state receives the federal funding needed to help rebuild our communities. I saw the damage from these floods firsthand throughout West Virginia and know how much support our towns and families will need on the long road to recovery. This funding is a down payment on our future needs, and I will continue to use my role on the Appropriations Committee to fight for West Virginians and to hold federal agencies accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-stop-stream-buffer-zone-rule", "REP. JENKINS INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP STREAM BUFFER ZONE RULE", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) introduced a resolution today to force Congress to take an up-or-down vote on an anti-coal regulation just finalized by the Obama administration.\nRep. Jenkins\u2019 joint resolution of congressional disapproval would require a simple majority vote of each chamber on the stream buffer zone rule, which the administration published in the Federal Register today.\n\u201cThis rule is President Obama\u2019s final chapter in his anti-coal legacy, a legacy that has cost West Virginia thousands of jobs and decimated our state\u2019s economy. I am taking swift action to stop this rule and this president\u2019s anti-coal agenda. I urge my colleagues to join me in saying no to this president \u2013 no more overregulation, no more lost jobs, and no more policies that put West Virginians out of work,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nThe joint resolution of congressional disapproval Rep. Jenkins introduced would allow Congress to quickly consider and vote to overturn the stream buffer zone rule with a simple majority vote of each chamber. Additionally, once invalidated, similar rules may not be issued by the agencies unless Congress explicitly authorizes it by law.\nIn November, Rep. Jenkins helped pass legislation to stop this administration \u2013 and future ones \u2013 from pushing through regulations in their last months in office. The Midnight Rules Relief Act would give Congress the authority to review and reject rules that any president issues during the final months of their terms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=311", "McKinley Meets with Top NASA Officials in Fairmont", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. welcomed NASA Administrator Major General Charles Bolden, Jr, and other top NASA officials in Fairmont, joining them in a briefing at the NASA IV&V facility and participating in a discussion about the role the facility plays and the importance of diversifying West Virginia's economy. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      McKinley Meets With Top NASA Officials in Fairmont Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. welcomed NASA Administrator Major General Charles Bolden, Jr, and other top NASA officials in Fairmont, joining them in a briefing at the NASA IV&V facility and participating in a discussion about the role the facility plays and the importance of diversifying West Virginia's economy. The mission of NASA's IV&V program is extremely important and we must continue support its growth and expands its presence in Fairmont. Along with other federal agencies that have decided to locate in Fairmont, NASA serves as a linchpin for job creation and economic growth, said McKinley. Investing in research and new technologies will help grow the number of good paying jobs and keep America on top as the world's innovative leader. As demonstrated with the I-79 Technology Park, West Virginia has enormous potential. NASA and others agencies like the FBI, NOAA, and the Department of Energy have led the way, and I'm looking forward to creating new partnerships to bring more opportunities to our area, McKinley said. Background: The goal of NASA's IV&V program is to provide the highest achievable levels of safety and cost-effectiveness for mission critical software. The facility opened in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1993 with a few dozen employees and since that time, the program has grown to include over 300 personnel. It is now one of several federal agencies, along with the FBI, NOAA, and the Commerce Department to open a facility in I-79 Technology Park.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5D39322F-ECA0-4D9C-B2CC-00F62842AB31", "Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 115th Congress", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced that he has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He will continue to be a member of the Senate Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, and Veterans\u2019 Affairs.\r\n\u201cIt is a privilege to be assigned to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as we enter into a new Congress,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe two committees oversee a range of issues that will help the people of West Virginia and our values.\r\n\u201cAs a member of these new committees, as well as a new member of Senate leadership, I will have a greater influence over where our federal dollars are going, and how our country\u2019s intelligence activities and programs keep us safe. In addition, I look forward to continuing to work for the people of West Virginia on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, two uniquely important committees that affect our state greatly. As always, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common sense solutions to the challenges we face. In these four committees and as a member of Senate leadership, I am hopeful that I can work to rekindle a spirit of bipartisanship that will allow Congress to work more effectively and efficiently on behalf of the people we represent.\u201d\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, please click here.\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, please click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-rule-another-example-administration-overreach", "REP. JENKINS: RULE ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF ADMINISTRATION OVERREACH", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the administration\u2019s announcement of the final stream buffer zone rule:\n\u201cBy issuing this rule in the final weeks in office, the Obama administration is making one last-ditch effort to push its anti-coal agenda on the American people. We cannot afford to have any more job-killing regulations crippling our state, our economy and our families. I will lead the charge in Congress in stopping this rule and fighting for West Virginia\u2019s jobs,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nCongress does have a legislative tool, the Congressional Review Act, which it can use to overturn this rule. The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to quickly consider and vote to overturn burdensome agency rules with a simple majority vote of each chamber. When Congress invalidates a rule under the Congressional Review Act, the rule under consideration is nullified. Additionally, once invalidated, similar rules may not be issued by the agencies unless Congress explicitly authorizes it by law.\nIn November, Rep. Jenkins helped pass legislation to stop this administration \u2013 and future ones \u2013 from pushing through regulations in their last months in office. The Midnight Rules Relief Act would give Congress the authority to review and reject rules that any president issues during the final months of their terms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=500", "McKinley: SPR is an Outrageous Attack by a Lame Duck Administration", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman McKinley released the following statement, after the Obama Administration moved to finalize the SPR, an overreaching regulation that further limits and restricts coal mining. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      McKinley: SPR is an Outrageous Attack by a Lame Duck Administration Congressman McKinley released the following statement, after the Obama Administration moved to finalize the SPR, an overreaching regulation that further limits and restricts coal mining. This action is outrageous. The SPR is yet another attack on the coal industry and this Administration's final shot in the War on Coal before President Obama leaves office. It is clear that this Administration was not paying attention in November. This rule is nothing but an insult to the working men and women of this country because it's economic impact will be massive, McKinley said. The implementation of this rule would result in a decrease of up to 85% in coal reserves, threatening the livelihoods of 80,000 coal miners and their families. Fortunately, this regulation will be promptly overturned. After meeting with House Leadership and members of the incoming Trump Administration, I am confident that Congress and the President-elect will block this regulation, before it can cause more harm to the hard working families of the coal industry, said McKinley.  Background On July 27, 2015, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) proposed the Stream Protection Rule (SPR). Coal industry leaders called this rule the single greatest threat to the jobs and family livelihoods of their employees.  Stopping this rule has been the Congressional Coal Caucus's number one priority and as Chairman, Congressman McKinley has been leading the fight. Over the past year and a half the Congressman has led meetings with House Leadership, state regulatory agencies, and the Obama Administration in an attempt to stop, delay the publication of the final rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-statement-release-stream-protection-rule", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Statement on the Release of the Stream Protection Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) released the following statement on the publication of the Office of Surface Mining\u2019s Stream Protection Rule (SPR).\n\u201cThe Office of Surface Mining released its devastating Stream Protection Rule this week as a final parting shot on the coal industry by President Obama. I can assure the people of West Virginia that I will work with President-Elect Trump and the new head of the Office of Surface Mining next year to make sure that the so-called \u201cStream Protection Rule\u201d will not go into effect and further harm the coal industry,\u201d said Rep Alex \u00a0X. Mooney.\nThe National Mining Association released a study on the projected job loss impact of the Stream Protection Rule on the economy across the country. It is estimated that over 5,000 jobs in Western mining states will be lost due to the SPR, over 5,000 jobs will be lost in interior states, and over 30,000 in Appalachia will be lost due to this new \u201cStream Protection Rule.\u201d\nAlex X. Mooney represents West Virginia\u2019s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-secures-more-than-87-million-for-west-virginia-flood-relief", "Capito Secures More Than $87 Million for West Virginia Flood Relief", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Capito Secures More Than $87 Million for West Virginia Flood Relief \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $87,280,000 has been secured for West Virginia flood relief through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) Community Development Block Grant  Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) Program. This funding builds on the $17 million in CDBG-DR funding that Senator Capito secured for West Virginia in October, resulting in a total of more than $104 million for flood recovery through CDBG-DR to date.\r\nTodays news is an early Christmas gift for countless families and businesses in southern West Virginia who are continuing to recover from this summers devastating flooding. No amount of money can replace what was lost, but this disaster recovery support means that many families can begin to get back on their feet, businesses can rebuild and our communities can become safer and stronger than ever. I fought every step of the way to direct this critical funding to West Virginia, and I am grateful for my colleagues who supported this effort to help our friends and neighbors in need, said Senator Capito.\r\nAs a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Capito led efforts to secure funding for the CDBG-DR Program, most recently in the continuing resolution that passed the Senate and was signed into law by the president on December 10, 2016.\nLast week, Senator Capito urged HUD Secretary Julian Castro to dedicate a significant portion of the funding to victims in West Virginia.\nI made a strong commitment to West Virginians who were devastated by the floods that ravaged our state in June. The funding that I secured and supported as part of the continuing resolution will help West Virginia families and businesses who have unmet needs continue down the path to recovery, Capito continued.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-vows-to-block-anti-coal-rule", "Capito Vows to Block Anti-Coal Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Capito Vows to Block Anti-Coal Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Administration issues final Stream Protection Rule just weeks before President Obama leaves office\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining released its final Stream Protection Rule:\r\nIt is disappointing, but certainly not surprising, that the Obama Administration has decided to pursue this last-ditch effort to further harm West Virginia coal jobs. The Stream Protection Rule would cause significant harm to both surface and underground coal mines. Fortunately, the decision by voters last month makes todays announcement by the Office of Surface Mining an exercise in futility. Working with President-elect Trump and our Republican congressional majority, I am confident that we will be able to use the Congressional Review Act to stop this rule from taking effect.\r\nSenator Capito recently joined 22 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama requesting his administration stop issuing non-emergency rules and regulations in the final weeks of his term.\nShe also introduced the Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining Act of 2015 (STREAM Act), which would ensure that any rule issued by U.S. Department of Interior is based on sound, open data and would not needlessly increase regulatory burdens or eliminate thousands of jobs.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6233FB05-0527-4C35-BFAF-906FB9CCAC91", "Manchin Statement on Release of Final Stream Protection Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement in response to the\u00a0U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement\u2019s (OSMRE) announcement that it has finalized the stream protection rule. \u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile we all must carefully review this 1,648 page final rule, I want to reiterate that the proposed rule was very alarming in its scope and potential impacts. I believe that the manner in which this rule making was executed was flawed and lacked transparency, and I will pursue legislation to ensure it does not harm our coal mining communities and economies,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cRules by the Department of the Interior and OSMRE must be based on comprehensive data that is available to stakeholders, particularly when those rules threaten to eliminate thousands of jobs. Furthermore, agencies should not be issuing duplicative rules that overlap with regulations under other environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act.\u201d\r\n\u201cLast year, I cosponsored the Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining (STREAM) Act, which would require the Secretary of the Interior to make all scientific data which was used to draft the rule public.\u00a0 This information must be easily accessible and readily available. I remain unconvinced that this jobs-killing regulation is necessary or substantiated, particularly when you consider state and federal regulations already in place. The consequences of this regulation will have far-reaching impacts on the future of coal mining and, therefore, will only serve to hinder development of affordable reliable energy.\u201d\r\nThe final stream protection rule will be available here. In June, Senator Manchin sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to express his concern about the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement\u2019s (OSMRE) decision to send its final stream protection rule to the White House without fulfilling obligations for state engagement as directed by Congress. Click here to read the full letter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=73F230CD-AC1B-4E13-9E69-FB135C91F50E", "Manchin Announces $87 Million in West Virginia Flood Assistance", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced $87,280,000 of funding for West Virginia flood relief efforts as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant \u2013 Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) Program. This funding is in addition to the $17 million Senator Manchin announced in October bringing the total funding to $104 million through CDBG-DR.\r\n\u201cThis funding is a much needed boost for the West Virginia families that are still recovering from the June flooding,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will provide assistance as our communities rebuild, schools repurchase desks and textbooks and families bind together to create new homes. In the months following the June flooding I have made rehabilitating the impacted communities one of my highest priorities. In the past six months, I have sent letters to President Obama, Secretary Castro and others. I have spoken directly to the President's Chief of Staff, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Senate Leadership to ensure they understood the need facing West Virginia. I am grateful that this vital assistance is on the way, and I will continue working every day until all of our neighbors are back on their feet.\u201d\r\nOn June 25, 2016, Senator Manchin sent a letter to President Obama for the first time in support of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin\u2019s request for additional federal disaster funding following the June 23rd flooding. On June 28, 2016, Senator Manchin sent President Obama a second letter supporting Governor Tomblin\u2019s request for additional federal disaster assistance. On September 13, 2016, Senator Manchin sent a third letter to President Obama reinforcing the need for federal disaster assistance following the flooding. On October 6, 2016, Senator Manchin sent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro a letter further reinforcing the need for disaster assistance in West Virginia.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CD9344E2-7333-4A21-AE50-EFD02ED47FFF", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for SBA Achievement Awards", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to nominate West Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurs for the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) 2017 National and District Small Business Week awards. Winner of national titles will attend National Small Business Week activities in Washington, D.C. in May 2017. All nominations are due by Tuesday, January 10th.\r\n\u201cWith over 120,000 small businesses making up 96 percent of our employers, it is the hard-working entrepreneurial spirit that defines West Virginia,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI encourage all West Virginians to nominate local businesses for these prestigious awards so that they get the support and recognition that they deserve. By encouraging small business growth, we are helping to build a stronger, more diversified Mountain State economy.\u201d\r\nThe SBA is seeking national nominations for the following awards: Small Business Person of the Year Award; Small Business Exporter of the Year; Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery; Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery - Public Official; Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery \u2013 Volunteer; Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award; Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award; Federal Procurement Award - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence; 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award; Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award; Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award; Women's Business Center of the Year Excellence Award Jody C. Raskind Lender of the Year; Small Business Investment Company of the Year\r\nIn addition to national awards, The West Virginia District office is seeking nominations for the following district awards: WV Young Entrepreneur of the Year; WV Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Encore Entrepreneur of the Year; WV Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Family-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Small Business Champion of the Year.\r\nTo nominate a small business or entrepreneur for a national or district award, please mail or hand deliver to the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office at 320 West Pike Street, Suite 330, Clarksburg, WV 26301.\r\nDistrict nominations must be submitted directly to the West Virginia District Office. Guidelines and nomination forms can be found on the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office web page at\u00a0http://1.usa.gov/1SfCqJ0 or by contacting Nikki Bowmar at (304) 623-7445 or\u00a0nikki.bowmar@sba.gov(link sends e-mail).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1C18FD65-56A4-4662-9798-C084B7E08F76", "Manchin Completes Annual Tour of All 55 Counties", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Manchin completes his annual tour across the Mountain State as another successful year of helping West Virginians comes to a close\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) completed his annual tour of all 55 West Virginia counties, with his last stop today in Preston County where he is delivering the keynote address at the Mountaineer Challenge Academy graduation.\r\n\u201cAs 2016 comes to a close, I am reminded once again of how fortunate we are to live in a state where our people are passionate about helping others, where a strong work ethic comes naturally and where we set our priorities based on our values,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIt is important to me to make stops in each county throughout the year so that I stay connected and hear directly from West Virginians on how to move our state and nation forward. Traveling the state every year and hosting public forums really help me best serve the people of our state.\u201d\r\nSome other highlights from 2016 include Senator Manchin participating in hundreds of events, including school and university visits, constituent meetings, business tours, roundtables and town halls, where he invited the public to voice their opinions and concerns and then took their views back to Washington.\r\nSenator Manchin also hosted more than 20 Skypes with West Virginia students and hosted 14 Job Fairs across the state that had thousands of West Virginians in attendance, and helped link West Virginians up with jobs.\r\nAfter the June flood, Senator Manchin toured the affected counties and visited with survivors. He instructed his staff to be on the ground continuously for many weeks following the aftermath, speaking with residents, offer assistance through the FEMA process, taking individual cases and being part of the long-term recovery.\r\nAdditionally, the senator\u2019s office has participated in more than 1,000 official events and meetings has opened 4,008 cases and closed 4,107, and has written more than 400 letters of support to federal agencies and organizations that will assist in developing infrastructure, promoting healthy and safe communities and aiding with job creation.\r\nThroughout the year, Senator Manchin has also met with students, community leaders, first responders, senior center directors and medical professionals about the national drug abuse crisis and the importance of prevention. Most recently, he was instrumental in the distribution of 55,000 drug deactivation pouches to the state ensure proper disposal of unused or outdated prescription medications.\u00a0 Each of the 55 counties received 1,000 pouches for their residents.\r\n\u201cI truly believe in a philosophy of retail government\u2014of serving my constituents and bringing your government to you. It has been another outstanding year, and I look forward to serving West Virginians in 2017 with more public forums,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=59", "Congressman McKinley Nominates Impressive Group of Students to Service Academies", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman McKinley Nominates Impressive Group of Students to Service AcademiesWashington, D.C.  Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the Naval Academy. A Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. Nominated students must also meet the strict admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. \"These students who have earned this nomination have demonstrated an enormous amount of leadership potential both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication to our country and to serving others should make all of us proud to be West Virginians. These young Mountaineers each have an enormous amount of potential and I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish,\" said McKinley.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n       Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the Naval Academy. A Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. Nominated students must also meet the strict admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. These students who have earned this nomination have demonstrated an enormous amount of leadership potential both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication to our country and to serving others should make all of us proud to be West Virginians. These young Mountaineers each have an enormous amount of potential and I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish, said McKinley. Nominees: Alexander Altenburg (Clarksburg) attends Notre Dame High School. While maintaining a challenging course load of Advanced Placement classes, Alexander has received a varsity letter in soccer, cross country, baseball, and basketball. He is active in the Civil Air Patrol and won the Civil Air Patrol Eaker Award in 2015. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Cole Amos (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Cole excels in psychology and literature and was a player on the state champion football team. Cole is a volunteer at the Union Mission and a local nursing home. He is also a member of the Drug Free Club, the Student Council, and the Future Business Leaders of America. Nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Dalton Bolyard(Thornton) attends Preston High School. Dalton has been an impressive athlete for Preston High School, winning varsity letter for football, basketball, and lacrosse. Dalton gives back to his community by volunteering for the local VA Medical Hospital, St. Patrick's Church, and the Mannington Senior Center. Nominated to the Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy.  Brette Geary(Follansbee) attended Brooke High School. Brette was the Captain of the Brooke High School soccer and softball teams and a recipient of the National Youth Leadership Award. She is a volunteer firefighter and first responder and member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of South Florida. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy.  Aaron Flowers (Morgantown) attends University High School. Aaron is an Eagle Scout Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide and is a member of Order of the Arrow. He is a national jr. competitor for the UHS rifle team, plays football, and lacrosse. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Zachary Kimble (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Zachary is a varsity letter winner in both football and track and field and when he is not playing sports he is serving as the President of the French Honor Society. He is actively involved in the Drug Use Prevention Group, the FBI Youth Academy, and the Student Council. Nominated to the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy.  Luke Knollinger(Valley Grove) attends Wheeling Park High School. Luke is a four year letter winner for the school hockey team and team captain of the rifle club. He was the winner of the Wheeling Boys Home fishing tournament and is currently a member of the National Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy. Zachary Kovalski(Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. Zachary is a member of the Astronomy Club, the Writing Club, and is currently working on becoming an Eagle Scout. He excels in world history, is a member of the school marching band and is a four year member of the Science Bowl Team. Nominated for the Naval Academy. Ryan McCord (Maidsville) attends University High School. Ryan is an honor student in English, biology, algebra, history, and physical science and an all-star lacrosse player who was a member of his high school state's champion team of 2014. He is a member of the Key Club, Chess Club, and National Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy. Hayden Miller(Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Hayden is a varsity letter winner for basketball and baseball and has served as Class President. He spends much of his time volunteering for the Clarksburg Mission, WV Flood Relief, and the Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division. Nominated to the Naval Academy. Andrea Andi Queen(Ridgeley) attends Frankfort High School. Andrea is a member of the Frankfort High School varsity cross country team and served as the co-captain her senior year. She is the Club Secretary for the National Honor Society and is a member of the Rocketry Club. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. Fisher Rector(Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Fisher competed in the AA State Championship and Regional & Big 10 Championship for track and field, as well as the AA State Championship for cross country. He is active in the community and received a Proclamation and Key to the City of Bridgeport, and recognition as Citizen of the Month in July 2016. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  William Sellers (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. William excels in physics, biology, statistics, and history and has received a total of nine Varsity letters for competing with the cross country, track and field, and swimming teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Officer School Club, and will soon be completing his Eagle Scout project. Nominated to the Air Force Academy. Alia Stutzman(Morgantown) attended Courtland High School in Virginia and is currently attending WVU where she is majoring in chemical engineering. In high school she excelled in physics, calculus, world history, and was a member of the marching band and the National German Honor Society. Nominated to the Naval Academy.  Robert Warner(Morgantown) attends University High School. Robert excels in mathematics and science and placed first in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science Competition  Jr. Division in 2013 and 2014. He is currently serving his second year on the Monongalia County Superintendent's Student Advisory Council and is on the UHS Mylan Leadership Grant Committee. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=430ABBB6-9A8A-464C-B013-7548250282AE", "Manchin, Kaine, Warner, Brown, Casey Introduce RECLAIM Act", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the RECLAIM Act last week. This legislation will provide funds to states and Indian tribes for the purpose of promoting economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining.\r\n\u201cThis legislation will help the many mining communities throughout West Virginia and the country that have been devastated by the decline in the coal industry,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cNow, we must make sure these communities and their residents get back on their feet, and this bill will do just that by deploying funds that are just sitting unused in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) estimates that we can create 4,600 reclamation jobs across the country by putting these funds to work. While this investment is not all that is needed, it\u2019s a start. I\u2019m proud to join my Senate colleagues in introducing this commonsense piece of legislation and look forward to ensuring its passage.\u201d\r\n\u201cMine reclamation supports 300 to 400 Virginia jobs per year, contributes to economic revitalization, and cleans up contaminated land and water. For decades, coal companies have been paying fees per ton of coal to support reclamation projects, and today, many of those dollars sit in a federal account, unused. Senator Warner and I are proud to co-sponsor this common-sense bill, with our Democratic colleagues from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, that will turn those dollars loose to support new reclamation projects in Southwest Virginia. We welcome any and all support from our Republican colleagues in making Appalachian economic development a bipartisan priority,\u201d Senator Kaine said.\r\n\u201cWe have a lot of work to do to ensure that communities that have historically relied on coal are not being left behind by rapid technological and economic shifts,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cThe RECLAIM Act will speed up the release of a billion dollars already set aside to help Appalachian communities respond to environmental damage from coal mining, and fast-track investments in projects to restore the environment, create new jobs, and diversify the economy so that more people have greater access to economic opportunities.\u201d\r\n\u201cOhio coal communities helped build and power this country and they deserve our respect and attention,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis investment will provide a down payment toward creating new jobs and giving local communities across Appalachia the tools they need to grow.\u201d\r\n\u201cCleaning up abandoned mine sites and promoting economic development will create jobs and spur growth throughout former and current coal mining communities in Pennsylvania,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cEvery person in these communities deserves a fair shot in our economy and cleaning up these abandoned sites is the first step. Businesses and workers in areas where abandoned mine cleanup is occurring benefit from a safer, cleaner environment as well as increased local economic activity from wages and purchases.\u201d\r\nOver the last eight years, the coal industry has undergone a dramatic decrease in production resulting in a disproportionate impact on communities that have historically relied on the industry for their economic livelihoods.\u00a0 Decreased coal production has led to significant job losses in communities with few other economic opportunities.\r\nThe RECLAIM Act aims to support the development of new economic and community development opportunities in impacted coal communities. This legislation utilizes $1 billion of existing funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to revitalize coal communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-requests-additional-flood-relief-funding-for-west-virginia-communities-", "Capito Requests Additional Flood Relief Funding for West Virginia Communities", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Capito Requests Additional Flood Relief Funding for West Virginia Communities  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  In an effort to help West Virginians recover from the June 2016 flood, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is urging U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julian Castro to direct a portion of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funding to victims in West Virginia. West Virginia initially received a down payment toward flood relief funding after the Senate passed a short-term government funding bill in September. In a letter to Secretary Castro, Senator Capito is requesting funding from the $1.8 billion CDBG-DR appropriation approved by Congress and signed into law last week.\r\nCongress acted to address the unmet disaster recovery needs in West Virginia and other states by passing last weeks continuing resolution. It is critically important that the Department of Housing and Urban Development utilize a portion of that CDBG-DR appropriation to meet West Virginias disaster recovery needs, wrote Senator Capito, who is a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations subcommittee.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below and here.\nDear Secretary Castro:\nWest Virginia was devastated by catastrophic flooding that struck the state on June 23, 2016. Today, as we head into winter nearly six months after the flood, many West Virginia residents continue the process of rebuilding their homes and their communities.\nAs a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations subcommittee, I have strongly advocated for funding for the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program in order to provide resources to help disaster stricken communities in West Virginia. On September 29, 2016, President Obama signed H.R. 5325, the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017[1] which provided $500 million to the CDBG-DR program. I am pleased that West Virginia received an initial down payment towards flood recovery from this September appropriation.\nIt was clear, however, that the September appropriation was a first step, and not sufficient to meet West Virginias significant unmet recovery needs. On December 9, 2016, I voted for H.R. 2028, the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations, Act 2017  legislation that President Obama signed into law the following day.[2] Section 192 of this law provides an additional $1.8 billion for the CDBG-DR program.\nAs you no doubt heard during your meeting with West Virginias Governor in October, my state continues to need federal resources to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the June 2016 flood. The Office of Management and Budget recognized in its November 21, 2016 letter to the Appropriations Committee that West Virginia continues to have significant needs associated with the flood that have not been fully addressed. I appreciate your departments assistance in making that request. Additionally, the Senate Appropriations Committee specifically mentioned West Virginias need for disaster recovery resources in Chairman Cochrans December 6, 2016 statement announcing the introduction of the government funding resolution.\nCongress acted to address the unmet disaster recovery needs in West Virginia and other states by passing last weeks continuing resolution. It is critically important that the Department of Housing and Urban Development utilize a portion of that CDBG-DR appropriation to meet West Virginias disaster recovery needs.\nThank you for the assistance you have already provided to West Virginia communities in their recovery efforts and for your consideration of this request for much needed additional support.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-nomination-of-governor-rick-perry-for-energy-secretary", "Capito Statement on Nomination of Governor Rick Perry for Energy Secretary", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Capito Statement on Nomination of Governor Rick Perry for Energy Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Perrys nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Energy:\r\nPresident-elect Trumps nomination of Governor Perry for Energy Secretary is encouraging news. As a leader in energy production, West Virginia plays a critical role in powering the nation with affordable, reliable energy. I look forward to working with Governor Perry to address some of our top priorities, including expanding energy infrastructure, advancing the cutting edge research taking place at the Department of Energys National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, and modernizing Americas energy policy.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7D14B5DF-3A27-483D-9570-523D7D3F3BF6", "Manchin Outlines Expectations for Next EPA Administrator", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey outlining his expectations for the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n\u201cNo one has fought harder against administration overreach and regulation than I have, and I need to make sure the next EPA Administrator is as serious as I am about reforming this rogue agency,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI\u2019ve worked in a bipartisan way with my friend, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, on commonsense legislation that would repeal the Clean Power Plan, the New Source Performance Standard for new and modified electric generating units, the most recent ozone NAAQs standard, and the WOTUS rule, among others because they just don\u2019t make sense. Having spent my entire life in West Virginia, I understand the devastating impact government overreach can have on our economy which is why as Governor I sued the EPA for overstepping its boundaries regarding mining practices. Like all West Virginians, I want clean water and clean air, but these rules ignore commonsense and go too far by preventing people from working.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe EPA is in desperate need of reform and I have spent my entire six years as your United States Senator leading efforts to do just that.\u00a0 It is critical that the next EPA Administrator has the necessary experience and expertise to get the job done. I look forward to meeting with Attorney General Pruitt and hearing how he intends to right-size the EPA and refocus it in line with the principles that I have set forth in my years of work on behalf of West Virginians.\u201d\r\nPlease read the full letter below, or click here.\r\nDear Mr. Morrisey,\r\nHearing from West Virginians is important to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to voice your support for the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I welcome your input, particularly in light of my conversations earlier this week with President-elect Donald Trump about the nation\u2019s energy industry and the important role regulatory reform will play in allowing us to realize our full potential.\r\nAs you know, I have joined several efforts led by Attorney General Pruitt in an effort to push back on regulatory overreach by the EPA. Along with 33 of my Senate colleagues in the Senate, I joined an amicus curiae brief filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals which urges that court to vacate the Clean Power Plan as an egregious overreach of the EPA\u2019s authority under the Clean Air Act. I recently signed onto another brief filed with the Sixth Circuit that argues against the EPA\u2019s waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, a rule that would irreparably harm industries such as agriculture and energy by requiring federal water permits for vast but unfounded new categories of what the EPA purports to be \u201cnavigable waters\u201d. As you will recall, as Governor, I sued the EPA for overstepping its boundaries regarding mountaintop removal practices in West Virginia\u2019s coal industry in an effort to ensure that the states have rights and the power to oversee, regulate and protect their citizens and resources. Like all West Virginians, I want clean water and clean air, but these rules ignore common sense and go too far by preventing people from working.\r\nIn the Senate, I have led, sponsored and co-sponsored legislation that would repeal or roll back burdensome regulations including the Clean Power Plan, the 111(b) New Source Performance Standard for new and modified electric generating units, the most recent ozone NAAQs standard, and the WOTUS rule, among others. And, legislation that I championed which ensures the states are able to establish permitting programs to ensure the safe disposal and beneficial reuse of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) just passed Congress. This law will ensure that EPA\u2019s coal combustion residuals regulations are kept in check and that consumers are not saddled with unnecessary costs.\u00a0\r\nI believe that Attorney General Pruitt has an impressive resume, and, as a former executive, I believe that the President should have a chance to pick his team. With that being said, I also take my Constitutional responsibility of advise and consent very seriously. Article II, Section II, Clause II of the United States Constitution provides for a full review of all Presidential appointments by the United States Senate to ensure our federal government is and will remain responsible to the people of our great nation. Your interest as a representative of our great state of West Virginia is noted.\u00a0\r\nThe EPA is in desperate need of reform and I have spent my entire six years as your United States Senator leading efforts to do just that.\u00a0 It is critical that the next EPA Administrator has the necessary experience and expertise to get the job done. I look forward to meeting with Attorney General Pruitt and hearing how he intends to right-size the EPA and refocus it in line with the principles that I have set forth in my years of work on behalf of West Virginians.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJoe Manchin III   United States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-president-signs-bill-help-wv-s-opioid-crisis", "REP. JENKINS: PRESIDENT SIGNS BILL TO HELP WVS OPIOID CRISIS", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) said today that the 21st Century Cures Act, which President Obama signed into law Tuesday afternoon, will make a real difference in West Virginia\u2019s fight against the drug crisis.\n\u201cThere is hardly a family in West Virginia that\u2019s not been touched by the drug crisis sweeping our state. Our communities and first responders have made tremendous strides in addressing treatment needs, stopping drug trafficking, and preventing overdose deaths, but we need more resources. This bill does just that, providing $1 billion over the next two years that can be sent to states with the highest instances of drug abuse, like West Virginia, to spend on prevention, treatment, care for those seeking recovery, and more training for healthcare providers. This is a much-needed step to help West Virginians live healthy, drug-free lives, and to stop the spread of opioids and illegal drugs throughout our communities,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act will also invest billions into accelerating medical research and innovations to find cures for common and rare diseases alike. This bill provides additional research into mental health, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and traumatic brain injuries, among many others. It also includes $1.8 million for Vice President Biden\u2019s cancer \u201cmoonshot\u201d to find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.\nFor more about the 21st Century Cures Act, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=65BB8CA2-2E71-45E6-BAA8-30B09235F8CB", "Manchin Applauds Signing of 21st Century CURES Act Into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As a lead advocate of opioid abuse prevention and funding, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today attended the signing ceremony of the 21st Century Cures Act at the White House. This law includes funding to fight the opioid epidemic, improves medical research and modernizes mental health services.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased the President signed this much needed legislation that will address the opioid epidemic, strengthen medical research, and expand access to mental health care,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI was proud to be there with David Grubb as the President signed into law critical funding that will help millions of Americans like his daughter Jessie. Mr. Grubb first shared his daughter\u2019s battle with addiction with the President when he came to Charleston for a town hall on opioid abuse and his daughter\u2019s story has inspired the President to put more resources toward providing treatment for the people who are suffering from opioid abuse and addiction. The funding will go a long way in fighting the opioid epidemic and I\u2019m glad that this legislation was signed into law.\u201d\r\nSome of the provisions in the 21st Century CURES Act will: \u00a0\r\n \r\nAuthorize $1 billion in funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic over two years.\r\nProvide $4.8 billion between FY17-FY20 to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for President Obama\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden\u2019s \"Cancer Moonshot\u201d to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.\r\nStrengthen pediatric and high risk/high reward medical research.\r\nSupport a \u201cEureka Prize Competition\u201d to foster research that could realize significant advancements in health outcomes and disease treatments.\r\nModernize and strengthens grants for providing mental health services, promotes evidence-based practices, and strengthens mental health parity provisions to ensure that insurance companies treat mental health problems on par with physical health problems. It also expands Medicaid coverage of mental health services.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CDB6F50F-A56C-48C1-9CF9-8591F50575F9", "Manchin Statement on Meeting with President-elect Trump", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI had a very productive and informative meeting with President-elect Trump. I was honored that the President-elect asked me to meet with him and discuss ways we can work together and improve the lives of millions of Americans, and the hard-working people of West Virginia. I was humbled to be considered for the Secretary of Energy position. I have dedicated my life in public service to doing what is best for the people of West Virginia. Right now, I believe that I can best serve my state of West Virginia in the United States Senate. I hope all Americans join me in working with President-elect trump in a bipartisan way to bring our country together and make it successful. I am committed to working with President Trump and his Administration to find commonsense solutions to pass the Miners Protection Act, solve our opioid crisis, rebuild our infrastructure, reform our broken tax code and build an economy that works for all Americans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-urges-president-elect-trump-to-connect-rural-america-improve-broadband-", "Capito Urges President-Elect Trump to Connect Rural America, Improve Broadband", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Capito Urges President-Elect Trump to Connect Rural America, Improve Broadband  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  In a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is encouraging the new administration to include broadband deployment as a core component of any infrastructure proposals. In the letter, Senator Capito outlines the clear need for expanded broadband access in rural America, including West Virginia, and her desire to work with the new administration on this important issue.\r\nImproving broadband accessibility in West Virginia has been and remains one of Senator Capitos top priorities since being sworn in to the U.S. Senate. As many as 74% of residents in the Mountain State lack proper access to broadband services that meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benchmarks. Senator Capito has led efforts to address this issue through her Capito Connect Plan and the recently launched Senate Broadband Caucus.\r\nWest Virginia needs to grow and diversify its overall economy, and internet access is fundamental to that transition. Broadband can revolutionize rural communities by linking them to the national, and even global, economy. I look forward to working with [the Trump] administration to advance policies that bridge the digital divide across the country and provide the broadband infrastructure that our nations urban and rural communities need to succeed, Senator Capito wrote.\nThe full text of the letter is available below and here.\nDear Mr. President-Elect:\nI write to you because I am encouraged by your commitment to strengthen our nations infrastructure. As you strive to streamline projects that drive economic growth, I urge you to include broadband deployment as a component of the infrastructure proposal that guides your administration.\nAs a pillar of our 21st century infrastructure, high-speed internet access has allowed us to connect with one another on a scale we never would have imagined even a decade ago.No other technology has become such a platform for innovation, competition, and economic growth. The same smart government policies you have outlined for our nations pipelines and highways should be applied to robust broadband deployment.\nIt is essential that all communities have access to internet platforms that will help them connect and compete on a global scale. Small, rural communities across my state lack this fundamental infrastructure  and lack access to vital opportunities as a result. Broadband expands access to education, allows for those in rural areas to receive crucial medical help and allows businesses to thrive. A recent study by the Federal Communications Commission indicates that 56 percent of West Virginia residents do not have access to broadband services that meet its benchmarks. In rural areas of the state, this number is as high as 74 percent. West Virginia cannot attract and retain businesses if we are not connected, and we cannot succeed if we do not have the tools necessary to compete.\nPursuing policies that generate broadband expansion and access can and should play a key role. These policies include: reducing barriers to investment in infrastructure, streamlining the regulatory environment for wireless providers, encouraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring accountability on behalf of the taxpayer for federally funded projects.\nWest Virginia needs to grow and diversify its overall economy, and internet access is fundamental to that transition. Broadband can revolutionize rural communities by linking them to the national, and even global, economy.\nI look forward to working with your administration to advance policies that bridge the digital divide across the country and provide the broadband infrastructure that our nations urban and rural communities need to succeed.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-water-infrastructure-bill-will-modernize-improve-nations-waterways", "Capito: Water Infrastructure Bill Will Modernize, Improve Nations Waterways", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Capito: Water Infrastructure Bill Will Modernize, Improve Nations Waterways \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation Headed to Presidents Desk\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito(R-W.Va.) applauded passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN), legislation that will modernize water infrastructure and address flood prevention. The bill passed the Senate on a 78-21 vote early Saturday morning and includes the Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate earlier this year.\r\nThe WIIN Act invests in critical water infrastructure, including waterways, flood protection and other resources, in a commonsense, bipartisan way. These important projects will bring vitality to our economy and support needed improvements in communities across the country, said Senator Capito.\r\nOf particular importance to West Virginia, this bill gives states authority and certainty when regulating coal ash, calls for a study of flood risk management projects within the Kanawha River Basin, authorizes funding for the high hazard dams across West Virginia that are important to the states economy, and addresses drinking water infrastructure issues.\nThe WIINAct includes several bipartisan provisions that benefit West Virginia, including:\nRehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams: Authorizes $445 million over ten years for FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams, including 422 dams in West Virginia. Senator Capito championed this provision with Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.).\nKanawha River Basin: Directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies to determine the feasibility of implementing projects for flood risk management and other water resource related purposes within the Kanawha River Basin, including West Virginia. Senators Capito and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) authored this provision.\nApproval of State Programs for Coal Ash Disposal: Authorizes EPA to review and approve state permitting programs for coal ash disposal units. EPA currently lacks authority to approve state permitting programs.\nProjects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in West Virginia, from being delayed while other projects are completed.\nDisposition Studies: Requires studies by the Army Corps of Engineers to include a review of the economic and recreational significance and national, state or local impacts, and understands the full impact of Corps facilities before making any decision to dispose of them.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D91EB5D8-AFE7-4207-B554-2EBEA14A7583", "Manchin Statement on Passing of Ken Hechler", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the passing of former West Virginia Secretary of State and Congressman Ken Hechler:\r\n\u201cGayle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Ken Hechler's family as they mourn the loss of an incredibly caring human being and a dedicated public servant. Ken was a man of his word - a fierce advocate for West Virginians who was always willing to help any person in need. Ken was a dear friend who I could always turn to for trusted advice. He was held in the highest level of trust as a public servant who will be missed by all West Virginians.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=482", "McKinley: Coal Miners Deserve a Long-Term Solution", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) released the following statement after the Senate followed the lead of the House and passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that extended health care benefits for coal miner retirees and their family members through April. If this legislation had not passed, over 15,000 people would have been in danger of losing their healthcare starting January 1st. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      McKinley: Coal Miners Deserve a Long-Term Solution Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) released the following statement after the Senate followed the lead of the House and passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that extended health care benefits for coal miner retirees and their family members through April. If this legislation had not passed, over 15,000 people would have been in danger of losing their healthcare starting January 1st. While it's disappointing to see only a short term extension of benefits at this time, this issue was way too important to offer false hope and risk our miners walking away with nothing. This CR has now given us a chance to fight another day, said McKinley. I have already spoken to members of House Leadership, incoming Chairman Frelinghuysen and incoming Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and received a commitment to work toward a long-term solution for healthcare and pensions early in the next Congress. It's time to work together and give our miners peace of mind so they know their benefits won't be jeopardized by politics, McKinley said. Background The Continuing Resolution (CR) extends healthcare benefits for many coal miner retirees and their families for the length of the CR which extends to April 28th, 2017. If action is not taken, over 15,000 people could begin to lose their health benefits starting on January 1st. Congressman McKinley spoke on the House floor and called for action on this issue early next Congress. Those remarks can be seen here. Congressman McKinley has been fighting for a solution to this problem for more than four years, working with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), operators, other industry stakeholders, and members of Congress to solve this problem and introduced TheCoal Healthcare and Pension Protection Act in 2013.The Senate subsequently introduced a companion bill in 2015. McKinley recently led a bipartisan group of 29 Representatives and wrote a letter to House leadership, calling for immediate action on this issue. A copy of the signed letter can be read here. A previous floor speech from Congressman McKinley calling for action on this issue can be seen here. TheCoal Healthcare and Pension Protection Act:  Protects pension benefits for 120,000 retirees and their families, and the healthcare coverage of 22,000 retirees threatened by coal company bankruptcies.  Requires excess funds from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to be set aside for retired miners' health benefits and ensures the 1974 UMWA pension plan remains solvent.  Keeps a promise initiated by the Krug-Lewis Agreement signed by the Truman Administration in 1946.  Prevents the UMWA pension fund from going bankrupt and dumping these retirees into the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-calls-on-president-elect-trump-to-prioritize-miners-protection-act-", "Capito Calls On President-Elect Trump to Prioritize Miners Protection Act", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Capito Calls On President-Elect Trump to Prioritize Miners Protection Act  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  In a letter sent following only a short-term extension of miners health care benefits, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is calling on President-elect Donald Trump to take up the Miners Protection Act early in his administration. Senator Capito and other coal state Senators introduced the Miners Protection Act as an amendment to the continuing resolution to permanently protect the health care and pension benefits of our nations miners, but it was not included in the final bill.\r\nPreserving retirement benefits for our nations coal miners is among the most important and pressing items on the congressional agenda, Senator Capito wrote to the president-elect. Your recent election has provided hope in West Virginia communities I look forward to working with you on policies that will help put our miners back to work and rebuild local economies that rely on energy production. It is just as important that we act to preserve health care and pension benefits for retirees who have suffered from the down turn in the coal industry. I ask that you work with me and a bipartisan group of my congressional colleagues to enact the Miners Protection Act early in the 115th Congress.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below and here.\nDear Mr. President-Elect:\nPreserving retirement benefits for our nations coal miners is among the most important and pressing items on the congressional agenda. I write to request your help and support for enacting the Miners Protection Act early in the 115th Congress.\nThe Miners Protection Act is legislation that I helped to introduce during the current Congress to protect the hard earned health care benefits of 22,000 retired coal miners and their dependents, as well as the pension benefits of 120,000 current and future coal mine retirees.\nAs you no doubt saw during your visit to West Virginia earlier this year, coal miners are hardworking men and women at the core of our states communities. Coal mine retirees spent decades producing the energy that has powered Americas economy. They did so with the promise that health care coverage and a modest pension would await them in retirement.\nThe past eight years have been incredibly difficult for coal communities. According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, there were more than 60,000 fewer coal jobs nationwide in 2016 than there were five years ago. \nIn addition to these lost jobs, coal industry bankruptcies have jeopardized retiree health care benefits and drastically reduced contributions to the Mineworkers pension plan.\nThe Miners Protection Act is bipartisan legislation that would use existing funding sources including interest on the Abandoned Mine Land trust fund and a permanent direct appropriation authorized in 2006 to continue retiree health care and protect the solvency of the pension fund for miners. This legislation was approved by the Senate Finance Committee in September with support from both sides of the aisle.\nLanguage in the recently passed continuing resolution extends health coverage for retired miners who were scheduled to lose their coverage on December 31, 2016 until April 30, 2017. While this provision prevents miners from losing their health care coverage in the coming weeks, it is critical that Congress and the new administration take quick action to protect these benefits for the long term. \nYour recent election has provided hope in West Virginia communities that the regulatory assault on the coal and energy industries that has contributed to this economic devastation will soon come to an end. I look forward to working with you on policies that will help put our miners back to work and rebuild local economies that rely on energy production.\nIt is just as important that we act to preserve health care and pension benefits for retirees who have suffered from the down turn in the coal industry. I ask that you work with me and a bipartisan group of my congressional colleagues to enact the Miners Protection Act early in the 115th Congress.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-miners-health-and-the-continuing-resolution", "Capito Statement on Miners Health and the Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Capito Statement on Miners Health and the Continuing Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tonight voted to protect hard-earned retirement benefits for West Virginia miners by voting for final passage of a government funding bill known as the continuing resolution. The bill also includes critical resources to help West Virginia communities recover from the devastating June floods and fight the opioid epidemic.\r\nEarlier this week, the House advanced the continuing resolution with only a four month extension of health care benefits for miners who would otherwise lose their health care on January 1, 2017. Tonight, Senators Capito and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced the Miners Protection Act as an amendment to the continuing resolution to permanently protect the health care and pension benefits of our nations miners, but unfortunately the Senate voted to end debate and amendments.\r\nOnce the opportunity to amend or change the continuing resolution ended, Senator Capito voted for final passage of the continuing resolution in order to extend miners health care for four months, avoid a government shutdown and help West Virginians suffering from flood damage and opioid addiction.\nSenator Capito issued this statement following tonights vote:\nI am very disappointed that the continuing resolution only extends health care coverage to our miners for four months. Four months of health care is clearly not the result I wanted. It is not the result our miners wanted, nor is it the result they deserve. Yet, the only way to prevent thousands of West Virginians and miners across the country from losing their benefits in just a matter of weeks was to pass this funding bill.\nShutting down the government would not have achieved the outcome we all want, and thats protecting health benefits for West Virginias miners. There is much work to be done in the next Congress to address this issue and bring jobs back to our coal communities. I am committed to working with my colleagues and the new administration to accomplish those important goals.\nI also made a strong commitment to help West Virginians devastated by the June floods get the resources needed for their recovery. The funding I secured in this bill will provide significant assistance for flood ravaged parts of my state. Communities across West Virginia also need help to save lives and treat those who are recovering from addiction. The funding in this continuing resolution will bring much-needed relief to aid prevention, recovery and treatment efforts.\nBackground:\nThe continuing resolution includes $1.8 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to be used to rebuild areas impacted by natural disasters. It is estimated that West Virginia will receive tens of millions of dollars as a result.\nWest Virginia has the nations highest rate of drug overdose deaths. To combat the opioid epidemic, the continuing resolution directs $500 million to states for overdose prevention, recovery and treatment. This is the first half of the $1 billion, two-year opioid funding authorization that the Senate passed earlier this week as part of the 21st Century Cures Act.\nThe continuing resolution that passed the Senate by a vote of 63 to 36 funds the government through April 28, 2017 and now goes to the president to be signed into law.\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2914E0DA-1A9B-42C4-9A02-779C7217BE0F", "Manchin Votes Against Continuing Resolution with Inhumane Fix for Retired Miners Healthcare", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manchin secures assurance from Majority Leader McConnell to find long-term fix for retired miners\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted against cloture for the continuing resolution because the 4-month proposal to fund retired miners healthcare is inhumane and unacceptable. Earlier today, he allowed a vote to move forward after speaking with Leader Mitch McConnell who promised him that the 22,800 miners who will lose their healthcare in April will not lose it and committed to working with him to come to a long term solution for retired miners healthcare and pensions.\r\n\u201cMajority Leader McConnell and I talked about a defined path forward for the 22,800 retired coal miners and widows who are on the verge of losing the healthcare benefits they were promised,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI continue to think the four month fix included in today\u2019s Continuing Resolution is not a meaningful solution to this dire problem. That is why I opposed cloture and urged my colleagues to do the same. I believe Senator McConnell and I have come to an agreement on how we can work together to come up with a permanent solution that is worthy of these brave miners and their families. This has been a long fight and it is far from over. Everyone who joined me in this fight and opposed cloture understands that fighting for working people is what we were sent here to do. \u00a0I took my vote in honor of the retired miners that came to Washington on their own time and on their own dime over and over again. They walked the halls of Congress and sat in the Senate gallery as we debated these vital issues.\u00a0 I took my vote in honor of them and their brothers and sisters all over this country.\u00a0I promised them that this body will not abandon them and we will keep working to find a solution that this is worthy of them.\u201d\r\nTo watch Senator Manchin\u2019s full remarks on the Senate Floor before the vote, click here.\r\nSenator Manchin introduced the bill and followed regular order. He pushed for a legislative hearing and secured passage out of the Finance Committee. The bill also has the 60 votes needed for Senate passage.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-advances-national-defense_authorization-act", "Capito Advances National Defense  Authorization Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Capito Advances National Defense  Authorization Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which passed the Senate on a 92-7 vote and now heads to the presidents desk.\r\nEnsuring our military has the tools and adequate funding needed to carry out its core mission is one of Congress primary responsibilities. In light of the serious threats we face today, it is essential that we invest in our troops who serve on the front lines to keep Americans safe. The National Defense Authorization Act is good for our troops, their families and national security, and I was glad to help advance this critical bill, said Senator Capito.\r\nNDAA Highlights:\r\n \r\nAuthorizes a total of $619 billion to provide for national defense.\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorizes a 2.1 percent across-the-board pay raise for uniformed service members.\r\n \r\n \r\nPrevents further reductions in troop levels and increases the total number of authorized troops.\r\n \r\n \r\nBlocks the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnhances leave for primary and secondary caregivers in the case of birth and adoption.\r\n \r\n \r\nImplements a JAG pilot program to improve the handling of military sexual assault trials in military courts-martial.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-don-t-forget-about-our-coal-miners", "REP. JENKINS: DONT FORGET ABOUT OUR COAL MINERS", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On the House floor today, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) shared stories from West Virginia miners and families asking Congress to protect their pensions and health care.\nRobin Workman of Boone County wrote to Rep. Jenkins about how she and her husband depend on the benefits he earned.\n\u201cShe said, \u2018My husband put in 35 years underground. A promise made to them shouldn\u2019t be broken! West Virginia helped keep the lights on back then as well as today. Please don\u2019t forget about us!\u2019\u201d Rep. Jenkins read on the House floor.\nThe congressman urged his colleagues to support and help pass the Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act, which would shore up pensions and health benefits for miners and their widows.\nPlease click here to watch the congressman's speech. The full transcript is below.\n\u00a0\n\t\u201cMr. Speaker, miners and their widows in West Virginia and across the country are asking us to protect their pensions and health care. Families like Robin Workman of Boone County, who wrote to me about how she and her husband depend on these benefits. These are benefits they earned.\n\u201cShe said, \u2018My husband put in 35 years underground. A promise made to them shouldn\u2019t be broken! West Virginia helped keep the lights on back then as well as today. Please don\u2019t forget about us!\u2019\n\u201cThis promise dates back to 1946, when the Truman administration signed an agreement with coal miners \u2013 an agreement that guaranteed their pensions and health care would be there for them when they retired.\n\u201cNow, that agreement \u2013 no, that promise \u2013 is in jeopardy. In just a few weeks, tens of thousands of miners and widows will lose their health insurance. These miners have back problems, they have knee problems, breathing problems, all from their work in the mines. They simply cannot go without insurance.\n\u201cKenny Meade\u2019s father is one of those retired miners. He lives in Chapmanville and reached out to me to share the story of his parents.\n\u201cKenny wrote about his father: \u2018He worked 31 years in the mines and often for less than other miners so he could bargain for the rights to health care and pensions,\u2019 he said.\n\u201cThis is an issue we can fix, but it\u2019s not an issue that arose overnight. The war on coal has decimated coal jobs in West Virginia and across the country. An onslaught of overregulations, federal regulations have made it harder to mine coal and harder to burn coal. Coal-fired power plants have shut down, making electricity more expensive and reducing the market for coal.\n\u201cAnd as demand has decreased and regulations have made it harder to mine coal, mines are closing and companies are filing for bankruptcy. And a company in bankruptcy isn\u2019t going to have the resources to meet its pension obligations.\n\u201cAll of these \u2013 market forces, regulations, the war on coal \u2013 have had devastating impacts on our miners and their families.\n\u201cIt is time for Congress to act to keep the promise and protect the benefits the miners worked their entire lives to earn. The Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act won\u2019t cost taxpayers anything. It uses existing funds paid for by mining companies to provide for retired miners. This is not a tax. Taxpayers won\u2019t be on the hook for these pensions.\n\u201cThis is about ensuring a promise made is a promise kept.\n\u201cMr. Speaker, as we approach the holiday season, I hope we will remember the retirees and widows worried about what the new year will bring. We must act now to pass a solution to this crisis to keep our word. I yield back.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-statement-on-miners-provisions-in-the-continuing-resolution", "Capito Statement on Miners Provisions in the Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t  Capito Statement on Miners Provisions in the Continuing Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding the short-term provisions to address miners health benefits in the continuing resolution.\r\nIm disappointed that the full Miners Protection Act to address health and pensions benefits for our miners was not included in the continuing resolution that was released tonight. While the short-term, four-month patch will prevent our miners from losing their health care benefits in just a few weeks, we have more work to do. I will continue fighting until a long-term solution is reached.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-statement-on-selection-of-scott-pruitt-for-epa-administrator", "Capito Statement on Selection of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t  Capito Statement on Selection of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trumps intent to nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\nAttorney General Pruitt is exactly the type of person we need to lead the EPA during this critical time. He has been a driving force behind the legal battle against President Obamas environmental policies and far-reaching regulations. I look forward to working with him to reverse policies that threaten affordable, reliable energy and jobs.\nIn May 2015, Attorney General Pruitt testified before a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee hearing chaired by Senator Capito about the legal issues surrounding EPAs carbon regulations.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-commemorates-75th-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-attack", "Capito Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Capito Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor:\r\nToday, on the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we remember and honor the thousands who were killed that day and in the war that followed. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor and was extremely humbled by the memorial. It was a reminder that out of tragedy emerges strength. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those who have served our great nation and fought to defend our freedoms.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-praises-passage-of-lifesaving-medical-innovation-bill-", "Capito Praises Passage of Lifesaving Medical Innovation Bill", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Capito Praises Passage of Lifesaving Medical Innovation Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 21st Century Cures Act provides major funding to prevent and treat opioid addiction, advances lifesaving medical research, makes needed reforms to the Food and Drug Administration, and improves the mental health system.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) voted to pass the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which makes better health possible for nearly every American. The bill passed on a 94-5 vote and now heads to the presidents desk to be signed into law.\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act provides major funding to prevent and treat opioid addiction, advances lifesaving medical research, makes needed reforms to the Food and Drug Administration, and improves the mental health system. It also includes legislation I introduced to help the millions of Americans experiencing eating disorders, and it increases funding for Alzheimers research - a disease that is close to my heart. This bill will touch nearly every American household, including those in West Virginia who have been affected by the opioid epidemic and other health challenges, said Senator Capito.\r\nKey provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act:\r\n \r\nProvides $1 billion in state grants over two years to fight the opioid abuse epidemic. Funding will supplement state activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs, implementing prevention activities, training for health care providers and expanding access to opioid treatment and recovery programs. Priority for these grants will be given to states with the highest need such as West Virginia.\r\n \r\n \r\nAdvances lifesaving medical research by creating the National Institutes of Health Innovation Projects. This includes $1.8 billion to support the cancer moonshot, and $1.5 billion to treat, prevent and cure disorders like Alzheimers, schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury through the BRAIN Initiative.\r\n \r\n \r\nMakes needed reforms at the Food and Drug Administration to improve the regulatory processes associated with new emerging therapies and move drugs and medical devices to patients more quickly, while maintaining the same standard for safety and effectiveness.\r\n \r\n \r\nImproves and strengthens Americas mental health system by elevating mental health issues within federal health agencies, creating new grant programs for community-based mental health care, expanding the type of inpatient treatment services that may be paid for by Medicaid, and providing greater federal oversight of insurance companies to ensure that mental health coverage in insurance plans is equivalent to the benefits provided for physical health coverage. One in five American adults suffers from a mental illness, but nearly 60 percent arent getting the treatment they need. The 21st Century Cures Act will ensure greater access to mental health services.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncludes provisions of the Anna Westin Act, which Senator Capito introduced to help combat eating disorders. These provisions will expand access to treatment while enhancing awareness and prevention efforts.\n\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0D092D00-1231-4215-B019-9368BFEF1642", "Manchin Votes for 21st Century CURES Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes funding to fight the opioid epidemic, improves medical research and modernizes mental health services. Although Senator Manchin voted against cloture and has been blocking all live UC action on the Senate floor, he does not object to the legislation itself.\r\n\u201cToday I voted to pass the 21st Century CURES Act because this bill will provide critical resources to address the opioid epidemic, strengthen medical research, and expand access to mental health care,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI will, however, continue to fight to pass the Miners Protection Act. It\u2019s simply unacceptable that we can come together and pass 21st Century Cures Act but cannot vote on a long term solution for retired miner\u2019s healthcare and pensions. There are 16,300 miners who were notified in October that they would lose their healthcare by December 31.\u00a0And, if the CR passes with the language as it currently stands, then they we \u2013 Congress - are essentially telling them that they will lose their healthcare in April because there are no guarantees after that. That\u2019s inhumane. The proposed 4-month fix leaves these miners worse off, and I will not let Congress adjourn until we do what is right.\r\n\u201cI voted for this legislation because it does many good things that will improve the lives of millions of Americans, but it leaves out some of the most hard working and dedicated people of our country \u2013 our retired miners.\u201d\r\nSome of the provisions in the 21st Century CURES Act will:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Authorize $1 billion in funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic over two years\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide $4.8 billion between FY17-FY20 to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for President Obama\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden\u2019s \"Cancer Moonshot\u201d to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strengthen pediatric and high risk/high reward medical research.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support a \u201cEureka Prize Competition\u201d to foster research that could realize significant advancements in health outcomes and disease treatments.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Modernize and strengthens grants for providing mental health services, promotes evidence-based practices, and strengthens mental health parity provisions to ensure that insurance companies treat mental health problems on par with physical health problems. It also expands Medicaid coverage of mental health services.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83600FBF-3BAE-4E91-815B-4CDEF05EC9A9", "Manchin, Warner, Casey, Brown Take to the Senate Floor to fight for Retired Miners and Their Families", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Without Action, 16,300 Coal Miners Will Lose Healthcare on Dec. 31\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) spoke on the Senate floor on the urgent need to pass the Miners Protection Act, which will protect the health and pensions of more than 120,000 retired coalminers nationwide. With 16,300 retired coal miners set to lose healthcare by Dec. 31, 2016 without Congressional action, the Senators announced that they will continue to block all attempts to pass legislation by unanimous consent in the Senate until the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) healthcare and pension shortfall is adequately addressed to give miners long-term certainty and the benefits they earned over a lifetime of hard work.\r\n\u201cWe are coming up on a deadline, a deadline we knew almost 2 years ago we would hit. Because we have been unable to secure a vote, that would keep our promise to the miners and their families who have given so much to this country, I am forced to come to this floor and object to some good pieces of legislation. I want my colleagues to know that I am not objecting to the content or to my friends. I am objecting on behalf of the miners and their families who need their pension and healthcare benefits they have earned.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=227", "McKinley Applauds Agreement on Coal Ash Legislation", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman McKinley released the following statement after an agreement was reached between the House and Senate Conference Committees to address the disposal of coal ash in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation authorizes states to implement their own coal ash permit program, which would create certainty for utilities and users of coal ash. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      McKinley Applauds Agreement on Coal Ash Legislation Congressman McKinley released the following statement after an agreement was reached between the House and Senate Conference Committees to address the disposal of coal ash in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation authorizes states to implement their own coal ash permit program, which would create certainty for utilities and users of coal ash. This is an issue that we've worked on since coming to Congress six years ago and I am pleased that we are finally able to reach an agreement between the House and Senate. This legislation will help protect 316,000 jobs while empowering individual states to ensure the proper management and disposal of coal ash, said McKinley. After working with stakeholders and both parties to find common ground, we've reached a solution that creates certainty for everyone. This is legislation that both parties should support and I'm looking forward to seeing it passed through Congress and signed into law, McKinley said. Background: Congressman McKinley has introduced legislation on this issue that has passed the House seven times. After being passed in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses, these measures died in the Senate. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-colleagues-request-president-obama-stop-issuing-new-regulations", "Capito, Colleagues Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Colleagues Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined 22 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama requesting his administration stop issuing non-emergency rules and regulations in the final weeks of his term. Senator Capito and her colleagues stressed to the president that the American people made it clear on November 8 that they expect regulatory relief.\r\nThe letter reads in full:\r\nDear Mr. President:\nWe write to request your administration cease issuing new, non-emergency rules and regulations given the recent election results of November 8. In a clear and direct repudiation of consistent regulatory overreach by federal agencies, the American people have, for the first time since 2007, handed control of both the executive and legislative branches of government to the same majority. It is our job now to determine the right balance between regulation and free market principles and make sure that our federal government no longer stands between Americans and financial success.\nWhether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy. But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people.\nToday, we have the opportunity to return to commonsense principles of regulation and curb unnecessary government interference in the private sector. In doing so, we will grow the economy, create jobs, and, above all, help the people who have been overlooked the past eight years. To this end, we respectfully request you honor the will of the American people and refrain from working on or issuing any new, non-emergency regulations while carrying out your remaining term in office.\nThe letter was also signed by Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger F. Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael B. Enzi (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-convenes-republican-leaders-in-charleston", "Capito Convenes Republican Leaders in Charleston", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Capito Convenes Republican Leaders in Charleston \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va.  This morning, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) convened West Virginias Republican congressional and state elected leaders to discuss their work on behalf of West Virginians over the coming year. Senator Capito issued this statement following the meeting:\r\nI was glad to convene such a productive meeting this morning in Charleston. We discussed the great opportunity that lies ahead for our state with Republican leaders representing more offices in West Virginia than ever before in my lifetime. West Virginians made their voices heard in November, and now its time for us to deliver the results they have asked for. From job and infrastructure growth to regulatory reform, I look forward to working with my colleagues at the state and federal levels to shake things up and create a stronger West Virginia.\r\nAt the meeting, Senator Capito was joined by: Congressmen Evan Jenkins, David McKinley, and Congressman Alex Mooney; Speaker Tim Armstead; Attorney General Patrick Morrisey; Senate Majority Leader and Senate President-Elect Mitch Carmichael; State Auditor-Elect J.B. McCuskey; Commissioner of Agriculture-Elect Kent Leonhardt and Secretary of State-Elect Mac Warner.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-praise-inclusion-of-coal-ash-provision-in-bicameral-bipartisan-wiin-deal", "Capito, Manchin Praise Inclusion of Coal Ash Provision in Bicameral, Bipartisan WIIN Deal", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Manchin Praise Inclusion of Coal Ash Provision in Bicameral, Bipartisan WIIN Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) praised the bipartisan deal with the House of Representatives to include authorization for permit programs for the control of coal combustion residuals in the final Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act announced today. The provision makes several improvements to the coal combustion residuals section that was included in the version passed by the Senateon September 15to better protect the rights of states that want to operate permit programs and to provide more certainty for the regulated community:\nWere pleased that the final WIIN package builds off the Senate passed provision and provides the authority that states have been seeking to regulate coal ash through authorized state permit programs, the Senators said. This new permitting authority fixes the main problems with the recent coal ash regulationissued by the Environmental Protection Agency, by removing citizen suits as the sole means of enforcement and allowing states to tailor permit requirements on a case-by-case basis. Were happy that we were able to work with our colleagues in the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis to get this important legislation across the finish line.\nBackground\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Dec. 19, 2014, to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals from utilities as a nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Because of the limited authority under RCRA Subtitle D, the requirements of the EPA rule apply directly to facilities and are enforceable only by citizen suits, not through state or federal permit programs. This legislation amends RCRA to authorize State permit programs, subject to EPA approval and oversight, to regulate coal combustion residual units based on the technical standards in EPAs rule or state-specific standards that are at least as protective as those in the EPA rule.\nThe changes in this legislation from the version passed by the Senate in Septemberinclude:\n\r\n \r\nExtending the time period for when EPA must review authorized state programs from 5 years to 12 years;\r\nExtending the deadline by when EPA must approve a states programs from 90 days to 180 days to accommodate public notice and comment on a states application for program approval;\r\nChanging the authority of states to request EPA review of another states program;\r\nMandating EPA to operate backstop permit programs in states that are not authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations.\r\n \r\nThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation was developed with input from states, the regulated community, environmental groups, and EPA.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-calls-for-immediate-action-to-save-benefits-for-coal-miners", "Video: Capito Calls for Immediate Action to Save Benefits for Coal Miners", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Video: Capito Calls for Immediate Action to Save Benefits for Coal Miners \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t We have a solution right in front of us thats ready for a vote to prevent any lapse in benefits. Its a solution that has support from both sides of the aisle. And, its a solution that could mean the difference in the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  In a speech on the Senate floor tonight, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) called for immediate passage of the Miners Protection Act, a bill to prevent any lapse in important benefits for retired miners.\r\nPrior to the speech, Senator Capito voted against cloture on 21st Century Cures because once it advances there would be no opportunity to amend the Cures bill to address miners benefits.\r\n\r\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMister/Madame President, I rise today to talk about an issue of great urgency: the fate of tens of thousands American workers.\nIn just a matter of weeks, 16,000 coal miners and their dependents will lose their health care. Roughly 6,000 others are set to join them in 2017.\nHere we are, just days away from Congress wrapping up its work for the year. That should and must motivate action. Ive served in Congress long enough to know that deadlines often force action, and this time should be no different. Heres why:\nWithout some resolution before Congress adjourns, the men and women who have powered our nation and spurred economic growth for generations will have the carpet pulled out from under them.\nThey will lose the health benefits they so rely on.\nIts important to recognize the risks our coal miners have taken to better our lives.\nWhen you visit a coal mine, you see the rigorous, often dangerous conditions, where these men and women do their jobs to provide the energy we need to live our lives.\nThey are the pillars of their communities, and many are veterans who have fought for this nation. For decades, theyve worked hard and played by the rules.\nYet, the realities facing these men and women are stark. They are up against a wall, and the challenges they face will only grow if we fail to take immediate action.\nWe can talk about the realities of the war on coal, but this is about more than that. This is about the families in my state and others who are in need. This is about the thousands of coal jobs that have been lost, forcing miners to rely on these modest benefits more than ever before. This is about the employers that are going bankrupt and leaving benefit plans underfunded.\nWe have a solution right in front of us, thats ready for a vote to prevent any lapse in benefits. Its a solution that has support from both sides of the aisle. And, its a solution that could mean the difference in the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans.\nI had hoped that we could offer the Miners Protection Act as an amendment to the 21st Century Cures bill. And thats why, despite its many benefits to address the opioid epidemic, cancer and advance medicine, I had to oppose our moving forward on the Cures bill tonight without an amendment process. Thats how important this issue is to our miners.\nBefore Friday, we will move forward on a bill to fund the government. We must take action in that bill  the continuing resolution  to protect important benefits for our miners. If we dont, we will be failing to act on behalf of thousands of American workers.\nThank you, and I yield the floor.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5B51B008-B9AD-409A-A31A-3AD77FDF4F0F", "Manchin, Capito Praise Inclusion of Coal Ash Provision in Bicameral, Bipartisan WIIN Deal", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) praised the bipartisan deal with the House of Representatives to include authorization for permit programs for the control of coal combustion residuals in the final Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act announced today.\u00a0 The provision makes several improvements to the coal combustion residuals section that was included in the version passed by the Senate\u00a0on September 15\u00a0to better protect the rights of states that want to operate permit programs and to provide more certainty for the regulated community:\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re pleased that the final WIIN package builds off the Senate passed provision and provides the authority that states have been seeking to regulate coal ash through authorized state permit programs,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cThis new permitting authority fixes the main problems with the recent coal ash regulation\u00a0issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, by removing citizen suits as the sole means of enforcement and allowing states to tailor permit requirements on a case-by-case basis. We\u2019re happy that we were able to work with our colleagues in the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis to get this important legislation across the finish line.\u201d\r\nBackground\r\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Dec. 19, 2014, to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals from utilities as a nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).\u00a0 Because of the limited authority under RCRA Subtitle D, the requirements of the EPA rule apply directly to facilities and are enforceable only by citizen suits, not through state or federal permit programs.\u00a0 This legislation amends RCRA to authorize State permit programs, subject to EPA approval and oversight, to regulate coal combustion residual units based on the technical standards in EPA\u2019s rule or state-specific standards that are at least as protective as those in the EPA rule.\r\nThe changes in this legislation from the version passed by the Senate in September\u00a0include:\r\n \r\nExtending the time period for when EPA must review authorized state programs from 5 years to 12 years;\r\nExtending the deadline by when EPA must approve a state\u2019s programs from 90 days to 180 days to accommodate public notice and comment on a state\u2019s application for program approval;\r\nChanging the authority of states to request EPA review of another state\u2019s program;\r\nMandating EPA to operate backstop permit programs in states that are not authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations.\r\n \r\nThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation was developed with input from states, the regulated community, environmental groups, and EPA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8363169B-1010-42E6-96EA-583EDFFAC5C4", "Manchin Statement on Conversation with President-Elect Trump", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement:\r\n\"Last week, President-elect Trump and I had a wide-ranging and constructive conversation about the future of our country and how we can work together to help the state of West Virginia. I was humbled and honored to share my views with the President-elect and assured him that I am willing to work in a bipartisan manner to find commonsense solutions to the serious challenges we face. I have always believed that public officials must put their state and country first and set aside partisan politics to do what\u2019s right for the people they serve. It is why I truly look forward to continuing the conversation with President-elect Trump later this week on how we can work together to make that happen.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8AE79D43-7777-428B-B1B1-2ED6C21C14E7", "Senators: No Special Consideration for Other Bills Until We Save Coal Miners Healthcare, Retirement", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Coal-State Senators Look to Force Vote on Bipartisan Bill By Blocking Live UC Requests until Action is Taken to Save Retired Miners \u00a0\r\nWithout Action, 16,300 Coal Miners Will Lose Healthcare on Dec. 31\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, a coalition of Senators fighting to protect the health and pensions of more than 120,000 retired coalminers nationwide announced their intent to use any means necessary to make sure that these workers and their families are protected. With 16,300 retired coal miners set to lose healthcare by Dec. 31, 2016 without Congressional action, U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced that they will block all attempts to pass legislation by unanimous consent in the Senate until the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) healthcare and pension shortfall is adequately addressed to give miners long-term certainty. By blocking other bills from sailing through with special privileges, the Senators hope to force House and Senate leadership to include the bipartisan mineworkers fix in the year-end spending package or allow an independent vote on the bill. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Senators released the following joint statement:\r\n\r\n\u201cFor several months, we have joined thousands of our states\u2019 retired coal miners and their families to call for a vote on this bipartisan, paid-for bill. And for several months those calls have gone unanswered. These miners cannot wait another day and it\u2019s up to us to protect what they\u2019ve earned for a lifetime of dangerous, backbreaking work. We are confident this bill would pass on the floor and we demand action to provide long-term certainty for these miners.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-alex-x-mooney-wv-2-votes-passage-national-defense", "Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) Votes for the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Alex Mooney", "M001195", "mooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Republican Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-2) made the following statement after voting to fund our nation\u2019s military for 2017:\n\u201cOur troops deserve our country\u2019s deepest respect and gratitude. Those who devote their lives to protecting and serving our country must be given the best tools to do so,\u201d said Rep. Alex X. Mooney. \u201cWest Virginia is home to the largest per capita veteran population in the country. As such, voting for the National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important and meaningful pieces of legislation for the people of our great state.\u201d\nThe NDAA conference report provides critical support for our nation\u2019s troops, who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect and defend our nation. The report includes a 2.1% pay increase for our troops, the largest since 2011. It also represents a significant shift in defense policy by ending our troop drawdowns. The report increases our topline military staffing level, and boosts authorized troop numbers for both the Army and Air National Guards, a priority for West Virginia.\nAlex X. Mooney represents West Virginia\u2019s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Budget and Natural Resources Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=42EE8AE2-3423-4FFC-BEC1-EC5B6E6E0242", "Manchin ready to keep Congress in session if theres no vote on Miners Protection Act | MetroNews", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says he\u2019ll do what he has to do procedurally to keep Congress in session until Christmas if the provisions of the Miners Protection Act aren\u2019t included in a bill to continue the funding of the federal government.\r\nManchin and fellow U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito have been pushing a financial fix for the program that has guaranteed funding of union miners\u2019 pensions and lifetime health care since the 1940\u2019s.\r\nThe provisions of the Miners Protection Act did not make it into a multi-billion dollar bill to fight the drug epidemic that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday (21st Century Cures Act). It should have, Manchin said Thursday during an appearance on MetroNews \u201cTalkline.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur health care and pensions fit right into it perfectly but they wouldn\u2019t put it in,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThey (supporters) couldn\u2019t get it in.\u201d\r\nThe next opportunity, according to Manchin, is the bill, a continuing resolution, to fund the operation of the federal government, which is scheduled to come to the Senate from the House next Monday.\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s my last hope. That\u2019s my last opportunity,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nCongress wants to pass the continuing resolution by Dec. 9 and then head home for the holidays. Manchin said Thursday if the provisions of the Miners Protection Act aren\u2019t in the bill he\u2019ll make procedural moves to keep Congress in session through the holidays if he has to.\r\n\u201cI am not going to walk out of here Dec. 9. So if they think I am going to be the bad guy because I\u2019m making them stay through Christmas\u2013then so be it,\u201d he said.\r\nApproximately 12,500 retired union miners and the widows of retirees stand to lose their pension and health care benefits on Dec. 31 because the program that has funded the benefits will be exhausted. A number of coal company bankruptcies has significantly reduced the amount of money in the program. The protection act would transfer excess money from the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 UMWA pension plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has so far failed to put the measure up for a vote. McConnell has expressed concern about the impact of pensions for non-union miners. The bill needs 60 votes to pass. Manchin said Thursday he believes 46 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the Senate would vote in favor of the measure if it makes it to the calendar. If not, Manchin is prepared to gather votes to keep Congress in session.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve got to get 41 senators that will vote to stay here and fight it for the sake of the people we\u2019ve (the federal government) made a commitment to and the 12,500 retired miners and mostly the families (widows) are going to lose everything Dec. 31,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nManchin plans to read letters on the Senate floor in the coming days from coal mining families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=4570C29E-F484-48AC-AECA-E37AC15DC0E4", "Manchin in the middle | Washington Examiner", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"I am not far Right, and I am not far Left. I am a proud West Virginia Democrat and I would be dishonest to myself and the people who voted for me if I changed parties,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSitting in a circular turquoise booth at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston, W.Va., in the shadow of the state capitol where he once held what he called \"the best job in America\" as the state's governor, Manchin is adamant that there has to be a place for conservative-to-moderate Democrats in Washington.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnter newly elected Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who found such a place for Manchin in his leadership team.\r\n\r\n\"It was basically a put-up-or-shut-up proposition,\" said Manchin of how he found his way onto the Senate minority leadership team. It's an unlikely place for an outspoken moderate in a left-of-center party.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManchin leans forward to tell his story as folks courteously greet him as they patronize the 120-year-old former shoe store that now houses a bookstore, local artisan's pottery and paintings and an upscale coffee shop. It's stacked with muffins and scones made every morning at 4:30 by the store's 82-year-old English-born owner Ann Saville.\r\n\r\n\"Let me tell you how it all happened,\" he begins. \"There is a tug of war going on. Everybody in the party thinks they must go further to the left. I don't think this is about going to the left or the right. It's just that our message was not accepted in a genuine, sincere manner,\" he said of the frenzy of Democratic members' responses after losing not only the presidential race, but their chance at the Senate majority.\r\n\r\nDemocrats also came nowhere near chipping away effectively at the Republicans' House majority and now have lost 919 state legislative seats in the past eight years, giving the once-vaunted party of the working class the smallest minority in nearly 100 years.\r\n\r\n\"People didn't believe in us. They did not buy into our message,\" he said of his party's attempts to win the presidency and rebuild its majority.\r\n\r\n\"As far as Bernie [Sanders] and his troops who believe that if he had been the nominee he would have won? I think there would have been the passion, but I don't think that he would have won the presidency,\" Manchin said.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManchin, who calls Schumer a friend, said the two men were talking after the election when he articulated to the New York senator how he felt about the results.\r\n\r\n\"I told him, 'I have to be honest with you, the far Left is not speaking for me or the conservative Democrats I represent. I am an American first. As far as the D and the R goes, well that comes way down on the list for me,'\" he said.\r\n\r\n\"I am there [in the Senate] to get things done. And I am going to get things done, but if you think Bernie is going to be preaching the mantra of who I am, well that is not me.\"\r\n\r\nManchin said he told Schumer he planned on vocalizing his positions if things get heated. \"If Bernie is wrong, I am going to be speaking out hard and strong against him,\" he said of Sanders.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\"Schumer's response was if I felt that strongly about it, why didn't I join his leadership team?\r\n\r\n\r\n\"And that is how I got to be in leadership,\" he said.\r\n\r\nThe 'horrible' Clinton moment\r\n\r\nIn the 228 miles between the Pennsylvania state line and the West Virginia state capitol, the evidence of President-elect Trump's dominance in this once-powerful Democratic-led state still remains two weeks after Election Day. Stray signs still stand proudly in people's yards and along the rolling mountain back roads.\r\n\r\nTrump crushed\u00a0Hillary Clinton\u00a0here Nov. 8, winning nearly 70 percent of the vote. The sweep came two years ahead of the steadfast Clinton supporter's own re-election contest in November 2018.\r\n\r\nIt was a backing he maintained even after she made those \"horrific\" remarks where she promised to kill all coal jobs in the state.\r\n\r\n\"I was consumed with anger when she blurted that out,\" Manchin said. \"I had talked to her just a couple weeks before about how we were losing all of our coal mining jobs and the ancillary jobs that go along with them.\r\n\r\n\"I stressed to her that companies were going broke and I don't know if they'll ever come back or be resurrected again.\"\r\n\r\nClinton committed to him that she would deploy her husband Bill to the state within the first 100 days of her administration and bring back a series of big projects that included comprehensive broadband for the mountainous state, along with highway projects in southern West Virginia.\r\n\r\n\"And the icing on the cake was a big beautiful hydro-dam that would open up recreation activities so our people can diversify their economy, and also bring in some revenue coming from the power,\" he said.\r\n\r\n\"When she turned around and made that statement two weeks later, I got so damn mad, you know how you just react?\" he said.\r\n\r\nBoth Clintons called and apologized. Manchin told the former president, \"Why don't we just remain friends and go our separate ways?\"\r\n\r\nHe told Hillary, \"There is absolutely no way I can defend what you said, there's also no way that you can make it right. Damage is done. That is not who we are, and I hope that is not what you think of us. I just think it's best we part ways.\"\r\n\r\nHer response was a firm no, and she asked to come back to the state. She did, but as he told her, the damage was already done, to both her and him.\r\n\r\n\"It was horrible. People saw me with her and they called me 'Traitor Joe.' People who I have known all my life were calling me these names, people who I have worked with and I have supported them and they have supported me,\" he said shaking his head.\r\n\r\nManchin stuck with her for the promises to help his state. \"That was what I was elected to do, but if this election was about me, well I would have gone the other way,\" he said of supporting Trump over her.\r\n\r\nDeconstructing Harry\r\n\r\nNot even McConnell can match Manchin's enthusiasm for the departure of Harry Reid from the halls of the Capitol.\r\n\r\nManchin and Reid have been at odds since the former governor came to the Senate in 2010 in a special election, a friction that caused him to almost leave the Senate seat and seek his old governor's office back.\r\n\r\nIt escalated after the election when Reid released blistering remarks about the president-elect, calling him a sexual predator who lost the popular vote and fuels bigotry and hatred.\r\n\r\nManchin slammed Reid publicly. \"I want to be very clear, he does not speak for me ... His words needlessly feed the very divisiveness that is tearing this country apart,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSitting at the bookstore one week later, he still bristles at Reid's decision to be so divisive. \"His behavior is just so embarrassing,\" he said.\r\n\r\nHis relationship with Schumer is much different, and despite their vastly different backgrounds, they share a passion for getting things done.\r\n\r\n\"Chuck will look at anything in a pragmatic way and look for a pathway forward to get things done,\" Manchin said.\r\n\r\n\"When Schumer asked me to join the leadership, I told him I am not going to be a token conservative on your membership team. But if you have me as a trusted friend, I will tell you exactly what is going on and make sure that you have every opportunity to succeed,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSchumer outlined Manchin's strengths, such as his ability to reach across the aisle and his resistance to campaign against his Republican peers for Democratic candidate gains.\r\n\r\nSchumer's proposal? Be his liaison to find out where they could move forward on pieces of legislation. \"Where a deal is to be had, whether it be Paul Ryan in the House or Mitch McConnell in the Senate, you're that guy,\" Manchin said, explaining the minority leader's pitch.\r\n\r\nManchin considered and decided to accept. \"It is a tremendous honor and opportunity to maybe heal the wounds of the country.\"\r\n\r\n2018\r\n\r\nOne day after the election, Manchin said dozens of his friends called to tell him they received a robo-call that pitted him against every Republican elected official in the state for an election to be held two years from now.\r\n\r\nHe expects every single one of them to take a run at him in a Republican primary. \"A little healthy competition is good. I am happy to campaign on my record from the mistakes I have made and also the successes we have had,\" he said.\r\n\r\nManchin knows that his appointment to leadership as he faces re-election is both a blessing and a curse. \"And I am willing to take the challenge.\"\r\n\r\nHis party faces defending 10 senators up for re-election in 2018 in states Trump carried, some unequivocally like West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and North Dakota.\r\n\r\n\"This year's election is probably the biggest political surprise we have ever seen, and the results tell you that people were just so damn mad; they felt that the American dream was never going to be in their reach, or in their children's reach,\" he said.\r\n\r\nLike Bob Casey in Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Manchin says he knows he makes an appealing target for Republicans. The best thing he says he can do is just be himself.\r\n\r\nThe other thing he said is to learn from the message voters gave both Democrats and Republicans. \"That is what I am going to do, because that is what I have always done. You need to listen to the people, and always stay true to yourself.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5BA4D28D-53FB-433B-9FEB-F10EE2314B9D", "Manchin Calling on West Virginia Coal Miners to Share their Story", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is calling on West Virginia coal miners and their families to send him their stories so he can read them on the Senate Floor, explaining the hardships they will face if we do not immediately pass the Miners Protection Act now. \u00a0Miners can send their stories to miners@manchin.senate.gov.\r\n\u201cIn October, 12,500 of our nation\u2019s coal miners, including 5,654 West Virginians, received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated by the end of this year, but they have just over a week to purchase new plans and try to figure out how to pay for them\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cOn February 1, another 3,600 miners will lose their health care and 6,500 more will follow throughout the rest of the year, suffering the same demoralizing and devastating fate. I will do everything in my power to pass the Miners Protection Act, and that's why I need the more than 27,000 retirees and their families who live in West Virginia to send me their stories about how Congress\u2019s failure to pass the Miners Protection Act will affect them. I will read them on the Senate Floor so all of my colleagues know what they are about to put the people who built our country through.\u201d\r\nSince introducing the Miners Protection Act, Senator Manchin has followed regular order to pass this important piece of legislation. It has had a legislative hearing and passed out of the Senate Finance Committee with a bipartisan vote of 18 to 8.\u00a0 The bill is paid for and has the 60 votes needed for passage.\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-pass-miners-pensions-bill", "REP. JENKINS: PASS MINERS PENSIONS BILL", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the House floor, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) urged his colleagues to support passage of legislation to protect miners\u2019 pensions and benefits.\n\u201cTime is running out to do the right thing by our miners and their families. We have a solution \u2013 the Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act \u2013 legislation I am a proud cosponsor of. It\u2019s a bipartisan bill, and a similar bill is pending in the Senate. Congress needs to act to fulfill this promise \u2013 to keep our word to the miners of West Virginia and other coal states,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nPlease click here to watch his floor speech. The full transcript is below.\n\u201cMr. Speaker, with only weeks left in this Congress, two to be exact, our retired coal miners and widows are wondering if we will act to protect them. At the end of the year, the healthcare benefits of many miners and their widows will dry up, and their pensions could be cut in the months and years ahead.\n\u201cWhen they went down into the mines, they were made a promise \u2013 when you retire, you\u2019ll have a good pension and healthcare benefits. Now, that promise is in jeopardy. The pensions and benefits they worked their whole lives for are in jeopardy.\n\u201cMr. Speaker, time is running out to do the right thing by our miners and their families.\n\u201cWe have a solution \u2013 the Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act \u2013 legislation I am a proud cosponsor of. It\u2019s a bipartisan bill, and a similar bill is pending in the Senate. Congress needs to act to fulfill this promise \u2013 to keep our word to the miners of West Virginia and other coal states.\n\u201cThese miners and their families deserve no less than what they worked their entire lives to earn \u2013 the peace of mind that comes with a pension.\n\u201cI urge my colleagues to keep the promise and support this important legislation. Time is running out to stand up for our miners and their families. I yield back.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-bipartisan-group-of-senators-urge-smooth-transition-for-chemical-safety-reform-implementation-in-new-administration", "Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In Letter to Trump Transition Team, Senators Call on New Administration to 'Maintain Momentum' on TSCA Reform\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) sent a bipartisan letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence in his role as chair of the Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee, urging the new administration to ensure there is continuity in the implementation of the landmark, bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. The historic chemical safety law, which was signed into law in June with broad bipartisan support, reforms the badly broken Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 and is focused on protecting children, families and communities from potentially dangerous chemicals.\r\n\"TSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products. The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase, the senators wrote in the letter.\r\nIn the letter, the senators stressed the importance of communication between the presidential transition team and EPA to ensure successful implementation of the critical reform law, which will safeguard public health and the environment and bolster confidence in the marketplace for manufactures and consumers alike.\nWe want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed, the senators concluded. In order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new laws deadlines. We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful.\"\nThe full text of the letter is available below and here.\nDear Mr. Vice President-Elect:\nAs you continue the transition process, we want to highlight for you the implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This bill to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 was signed by the President on June 22, 2016. The badly needed reforms were widely supported in Congress by a 403-12 vote in the House of Representatives and by voice vote in the Senate with near unanimous support. The effort took several years to complete, resulting in the most recent reform of a landmark environmental law since the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments.\nTSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products.The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase.\nHaving worked to strengthen and pass the Lautenberg Act in order to help protect children and communities from dangerous chemicals, we are now looking to EPA to vigorously implement the new law. This includes moving expeditiously to identify and address chemicals with the greatest potential impact on public health, especially those affecting vulnerable populations expressly required to be protected in the Act, including pregnant women, children, workers, and other at-risk communities. The EPA announced the first ten chemicals for risk evaluation ahead of schedule. Successful implementation of this law will also help ensure there is certainty and restore confidence in the marketplace for manufacturers, consumer product producers, and the public.\nWe want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed. In order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new laws deadlines. We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-to-extend-iran-sanctions", "Capito Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Capito Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today voted in favor of a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, which is set to expire on December 31st. The legislation, which passed the House last month by an overwhelming majority, today passed the Senate on a 99-0 vote and now heads to the presidents desk.\nIran continues to be a serious threat to the security of the United States and our allies, said Senator Capito. These sanctions are an essential tool to prevent nuclear proliferation by the worlds largest state sponsor of terror, and it is critical that we keep them in place in order to protect the American people. I urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=672156F7-9CA2-4FB2-8914-5DA2350EEA3D", "Manchin Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to December 31, 2026.\r\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s top state sponsor of terrorism, according to the Department of State, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that this regime is not able to increase its ballistic missile capabilities.\u00a0 Allowing the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expire would be a concession to Iran, who continues to act aggressively in spite of the Iran Deal,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis bill maintains sanctions pressure on the Iranian regime through 2026 to curtail Iran\u2019s development of ballistic missiles, which Iran continues to pursue.\u201d\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Act, originally called the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA), was introduced during a tightening of U.S. sanctions on Iran twenty years ago. The original sanctions curbed the strategic threat from Iran by hindering its ability to modernize its key petroleum sector. The Iran Sanctions Extension Act targets further development of Iran\u2019s ballistic missile program and inhibits their ability to purchase conventional weapons.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-spur-investments-coal-communities", "REP. JENKINS INTRODUCES BILL TO SPUR INVESTMENTS IN COAL COMMUNITIES", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) introduced legislation today to bring millions of dollars to struggling coal communities to spur investment and diversify the economy.\nThe Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies Act, H.R. 6403, would allocate a portion of available New Markets Tax Credits to be used for development in communities impacted by the downturn in coal. The CORE Act would set aside $525 million in credits over three years to invest in states with significant coal job losses, including heavily impacted communities in West Virginia.\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito introduced the CORE Act, S. 3, in the Senate in November.\n\u201cOur coal communities have been hit hard by the downturn in coal and are struggling to attract new industries and create new jobs. They deserve our support and help as they work to diversify their economies and ensure good-paying jobs. The CORE Act will do just that, providing incentives for new businesses to move to coal communities and invest in our people. I want to thank Sen. Capito for her leadership in the Senate on this important issue and legislation. By working together, we can diversify our industries, kickstart our economy, and create new opportunities for West Virginians here in West Virginia,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nRep. Jenkins spoke on the House floor this morning about his bill. Please click here to watch his remarks.\nSince 2000, the New Markets Tax Credits program has spurred investment in low-income areas by supporting projects like health care, manufacturing and mixed-use redevelopment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=154", "House Passes Landmark Medical Innovation Bill", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman McKinley released the following statement after the 21st Century Cures Act passed the House. This landmark legislation increases funding for medical research, modernizes new treatments for rare diseases, reforms mental health programs, and provides new funding to fight opioid abuse. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman McKinley released the following statement after the 21st Century Cures Act passed the House. This landmark legislation increases funding for medical research, modernizes new treatments for rare diseases, reforms mental health programs, and provides new funding to fight opioid abuse. Investing in research will allow America to advance new technologies and remain the world leader in medical innovation and scientific discoveries. It will encourage a new approach to treatments and cures to devastating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. It also offers a real plan to strengthen collaboration in our fight against drugs, said McKinley. This legislation is fully paid for and will not increase the national debt. It is a true bipartisan success and it will ultimately save lives. Because of Chairman Upton's steadfast leadership, it has remained one of our top priorities in the House, and I'm looking forward to seeing it signed into law, McKinley said. Background The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 344-77 in July 2015. Congressman McKinley co-sponsored the bill and spoke on the House floor in support of its passage. Last week, House and Senate leaders reached a deal that would include new funding for medical research, update mental health programs, and new funding to combat opioid abuse. The 21st Century Cures agreement will:  Provide $4.8 billion to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for a Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden's \"Cancer Moonshot to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and speed diagnosis and treatment.  Help bring drugs and devices to market more quickly and at less cost by making needed reforms to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including: expedited review for breakthrough devices, increased patient involvement in the drug approval process, a streamlined review process for combination products that are both a drug and device, and freedom from red tape for software like fitbit or calorie counting apps.  Provide $500 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Provide $1 billion in grants to states to address the opioid crisis.  Address the country's mental health crisis and help the one out of five adult Americans suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders receive the care they need. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-releases-dates-for-16-mobile-offices-in-december", "Capito Releases Dates for 16 Mobile Offices in December", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.16\n\t\t\t Capito Releases Dates for 16 Mobile Offices in December \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va.  Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced new mobile office sessions for the month of December. Members of Senator Capitos staff have been traveling the state meeting with constituents and will continue to do so through the end of the year. Each mobile office session is an opportunity for West Virginians to receive one-on-one assistance with casework or issues related to federal agencies.\r\nAppointments are not required but are encouraged and can be made by visiting Senator Capitos mobile office webpage: https://www.capito.senate.gov/mobile.\r\nDecember mobile office schedule:\r\nThursday, December 1\r\nHANCOCK COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Lynn Murry Memorial Library  601 Railroad Ave.  Chester, WV 26034\nLINCOLN COUNTY  3:30 p.m.  4:30 p.m.  Hamlin-Lincoln County Public Library  7999 Lynn Ave.  Hamlin, WV 25523\nMonday, December 5\nKANAWHA COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Tiskelwah Center  CANS Nutrition Site  600 Florida St.  Charleston, WV 25302\nLOGAN COUNTY  1:30 p.m.  2:30 p.m.  Logan Area Public Library  16 Wildcat Way  Logan, WV 25601\nTuesday, December 6\nFAYETTE COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Fayetteville Town Hall  125 N. Court St.  Fayetteville, WV 25840\nWIRT COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Dora B. Woodyard Memorial Library  411 Mulberry St.  Elizabeth, WV 26143\nOHIO COUNTY  12:00  1:00 p.m.  Wheeling Visitors Center  1401 Main St.  Wheeling, WV 26003\nWednesday, December 7\nWYOMING COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Wyoming County Riverside Complex  155 Park St.  Pineville, WV 24874\nTYLER COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Paden City Public Library  114 S. Fourth Ave.  Paden City, WV 26159\nThursday, December 8\nCABELL COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Huntington City Hall  800 Fifth Ave.  Huntington, WV 25701\nTAYLOR COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Taylor County Courthouse  214 W. Main St.  Grafton, WV 26354\nTuesday, December 13\nPUTNAM COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Hurricane Branch Library  410 Midland Trail  Hurricane, WV 25526\nROANE COUNTY  3:30 p.m.  4:30 p.m.  Roane County Library  110 Parking Plaza  Spencer, WV 25276\nWednesday, December 14\nCLAY COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Clay Nutrition Site  184 Precious Maysel Rd  Clay, WV 25043\nMonday, December 19\nKANAWHA COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Elk River Community Center  1058 Main St.  Elkview, WV 25071\nTuesday, December 20\nBRAXTON COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Braxton County Senior Center  33 Senior Center Dr.  Sutton, WV 26601\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-nominates-32-west-virginians-for-admission-to-us-service-academies", "Capito Nominates 32 West Virginians for Admission to U.S. Service Academies", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Capito Nominates 32 West Virginians for Admission to U.S. Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced U.S. service academy nominations for 32 qualified high school seniors from 15 counties throughout West Virginia. Nominees were selected by a board chosen by Senator Capito that reviewed each application, interviewed candidates and made recommendations.\r\nOver the last several months I have met exceptional students from all over West Virginia who are pursuing admission to our nations service academies. These outstanding young people represent the future of West Virginia, and I am proud to nominate them for admission to these prestigious academic institutions, said Senator Capito.\r\nService Academy Nominees are listed below:\nUnited States Air Force Academy\nCaleb Matthew Barley  Raleigh County\nNickolas John Elekes (also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy)Berkeley County\nJacob Philip Fisher  Berkeley County\nBryce N. Graley  Putnam County\nAndrew Ross Henthorn  Kanawha County\nZachary Allen Kovalski  Ohio County\nAndrew Jacob Panzarella  Jefferson County\nCharly Rojas  Berkeley County\nWilliam Russell Sellers  Ohio County\nRobert Munroe Warner  Monongalia County\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\nKenneth Tyler Evans  Raleigh County\nUnited States Military Academy\nDrew Alexander Adams  Wirt County\nAlexander Anthony Altenburg  Harrison County\nCole Douglas Amos  Harrison County\nBethany Faye Blankenship  Kanawha County\nAaron Carl Flowers  Monongalia County\nKayla Dawn Foley  Raleigh County\nZachary Alan Kimble  Harrison County\nSebastien Luc Morel (also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy)Berkeley County\nTyler F. Owens (also nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy)Pocahontas County\nFisher Alan Rector  Harrison County\nUnited States Naval Academy\nAntonella Carmen Blanco  Monroe County\nBrette Elizabeth Geary  Brooke County\nJoshua Daniel Greear  Kanawha County\nClay Paul Havens  Monroe County\nAislyn Marie Hayman  Mason County\nQuentein Ethan Lavallee  Jefferson County\nDevan Jay McKinney  Boone County\nHaden Ryan Miller  Harrison County\nAndrea Rae Queen  Mineral County\nAlia Nicole Stutzman  Monongalia County\nHunter Christian White  Mason County\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-selection-of-congressman-tom-price-to-lead-hhs", "Capito Statement on Selection of Congressman Tom Price to Lead HHS", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Capito Statement on Selection of Congressman Tom Price to Lead HHS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trumps nomination of Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (Ga.-06) to serve as the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):\nCongressman Tom Price is a physician, a respected member of the House of Representatives, and a leading voice in the effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. Having served together in the House for 10 years, I am confident he is the right person to lead the Department of Health and Human Services during this crucial time. I look forward to working with Tom to ensure that Americans have access to a healthcare system that truly works.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-selection-of-elaine-chao-for-transportation-secretary-", "Capito Statement on Selection of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Capito Statement on Selection of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trumps nomination of Elaine Chao to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation:\nElaine Chao is an excellent choice for transportation secretary. She is a trail blazer with a proven record of leadership. I enjoyed hosting Elaine in West Virginia during the Bush Administration and hope she will visit again in her role as transportation secretary to see why infrastructure is a top priority for the Mountain State.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11D102B7-A55E-48B8-888F-1D1534C42335", "Manchin Votes to Improve Healthcare in Rural Areas", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted to pass the Enhancing Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model into health systems across the country. The ECHO model is an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams (\u201chubs\u201d) with primary care providers (\u201cspokes\u201d) in rural and underserved areas.\r\n\u201cCommunities in rural and underserved areas of West Virginia face unique challenges when it comes to access to healthcare,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThrough telecommunications, these West Virginians will have access to the ECHO model, a quality healthcare program that will improve the education of our healthcare providers and the quality of healthcare services. I commend the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute for launching Project ECHO in West Virginia, to help treat and prevent hepatitis C in our state.\u201d\r\nThe West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) launched Project ECHO in April 2016 to address hepatitis C cases that have been on the rise in West Virginia largely due to the increase in drug use. Using the hub and spoke network, ECHO established West Virginia University as the central hub and each week connects rural clinics throughout West Virginia with hepatitis C specialists as well as an addiction expert, a pharmacist, and a nurse.\r\n\"We discovered project ECHO last year when we were searching for care for our patients with Hepatitis C.\u00a0 This is a complex disease that usually requires specialist care which is tough to find in a rural state.\u00a0 ECHO is a proven cost effective method for supporting primary care providers in caring for complex medical conditions such as hepatitis.\u00a0 Using bi-weekly video conference sessions, the specialists provide education and case consultation with a network of primary care practitioners. Early on the leadership at the WVU School of Medicine and the C.W. Benedum Foundation saw the value of the ECHO model for improving care of complex medical problems in West Virginia.\u00a0 The WVU HepC ECHO has been running for 9 months and planning is underway for additional ECHO clinics to extend to care for other complex medical problems such as chronic pain and addiction treatment. We appreciate the wisdom of Senator Manchin and the U.S. Senate in passing the legislation to study the ECHO model as a strategy to address the acute problem of specialist level care in rural communities,\u201d said Craig Robinson, Executive Director of Cabin Creek Health Systems.\r\nThe ECHO Act will bill:\r\n \r\nRequire the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), to prioritize analysis of the model, its impacts on provider capacity and workforce issues, and evidence of its effects on quality of patient care.\r\nRequest a GAO report regarding opportunities for increased adoption of such models, efficiencies and potential cost savings from such models, ways to improve health care through such models, and field recommendations to advance the use of such models.\r\nRequire the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the GAO report and the HHS report, including ways such models have been funded by HHS and how to integrate these models into current funding streams and innovative grant proposals.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7C8C018E-642E-4FFB-A9AA-300EF652A9A6", "Manchin Wishes West Virginians a Happy Thanksgiving", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement wishing West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving:\r\n\u201cGrowing up in the Manchin household we were always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. This lesson has stuck with me throughout my adult life and I have tried to pass it along to my children and grandchildren.\r\n\u201cAs Americans, we are particularly blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave. While we should thank our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guard Members and Reservists every day for the sacrifices they make on behalf of each of us, this holiday season let us take a moment to thank them and their families.\r\n\u201cDespite the personal struggles we may encounter, we are blessed to live in the greatest country on Earth. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the wonderful people of West Virginia. On behalf of Gayle and our whole family, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. God bless America, and God bless the great state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-announces-support-for-legislation-to-encourage-investment-in-economically-distressed-communities-", "Capito Announces Support for Legislation to Encourage Investment in Economically Distressed Communities", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Capito Announces Support for Legislation to Encourage Investment in Economically Distressed Communities  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently co-sponsored a bipartisan, bicameral bill that encourages investors to direct capital toward startups, small businesses, real estate, infrastructure and other assets in economically distressed communities.\r\nThe Investing in Opportunity Act (IIOA) was introduced by U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in May to remove barriers to investment through temporary deferral of capital gains taxes for investments made in Opportunity Zones.Opportunity Zones are low income areas that would be designated by governors within their states. During the first five years of the economic recovery, West Virginia lost 3.4 percent or 1,320 of its businesses. During this period, West Virginia has seen establishment growth in only about 11 percent of its counties, compared to 49 percent of counties during the 1990s recession.\r\nIt is no secret that our coal communities in West Virginia have experienced tremendous job loss in recent years, causing economic distress across the state, said Senator Capito. Solutions like the Investing in Opportunity Act can help spur growth in these communities and provide the boost our state needs. The unequal nature of this economic recovery has left states like West Virginia behind, and now is the time to change course by promoting new investments and opportunities.\r\nSenator Capito introduced a similar bill last week known as the Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies (CORE) Act, which encourages investments in underserved communities through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-seniors-access-to-shingles-vaccine", "Capito Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Seniors Access to Shingles Vaccine", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Capito Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Seniors Access to Shingles Vaccine \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t One in Three Americans Will Develop Shingles in Their Lifetime\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act (S.3477) to increase seniors access to the shingles vaccine. Seniors are at a greater risk of developing shingles. Shingles is a painful rash and sufferers are at risk for developing more serious complications.\r\nWith roughly one million new cases emerging across the country each year, it is important that West Virginians have access to treatment that protects against shingles,said Senator Capito. Im glad to partner with Senator Hirono to introduce this bill, which will make it easier for seniors, who face a greater risk of battling this painful disease, to receive the vaccines they need.\r\nSeniors in Hawaii and across the country, including millions on a fixed income, deserve the protection from the shingles virus regardless of their ability to pay for a vaccine. This bill, which I am proud to introduce with Senator Capito, provides these seniors access to the shingles vaccine without having to worry about high out of pocket costs, said Senator Hirono.\r\nThe Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) endorses the Shingles Prevention Act, which would eliminate out-of-pocket shingles vaccine costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and ensure that they receive important information about Medicare vaccine coverage, said Laura Hanson, co-chair of AVAC. Less than 30 percent of Americans over the age of 60 have received a shingles vaccine; this bill addresses two of the biggest barrierscost and lack of awarenessthat prevent more Americans from accessing it.As a diverse health coalitiondevotedexclusively to increasing adult vaccine rates, AVAC applauds Senators Hirono and Capito for their leadership on this bill.\r\nThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that seniors over 60 receive the shingles vaccine. However, because of high out of pocket Medicare costs, only about a quarter of seniors get vaccinated. The Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act provides the shingles vaccine free of charge for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, and improves outreach on the importance of getting vaccinated.\nThe Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act is supported by 23 organizations including the American College of Preventative Medicine, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-joins-over-80-bipartisan-members-of-congress-in-calling-for-improved-mail-service-protections-in-comprehensive-postal-reform-legislation", "Capito Joins Over 80 Bipartisan Members of Congress in Calling for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Capito Joins Over 80 Bipartisan Members of Congress in Calling for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 legislators from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in calling for adding lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive legislation to reform the U.S. Postal Service which was introduced in the House.\nLed by U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), the legislators underscored to leaders of the House and Senate the need for better, more reliable mail service  which is often a critical lifeline for families and businesses across the country in both rural and urban areas.\nThe Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation, the members of Congress wrote. It is essential that we preserve the Postal Services commitment to the American public.For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability.Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.\nClick hereto read the full letter from U.S. Senators, andhereto read the full letter from members of the U.S. House of Representatives.\nTogether, the members of Congress are calling on congressional leaders to build on the progress of the current U.S. House of Representatives bipartisanPostal Reform Act of 2016, which would help improve the Postal Services financial condition. Additionally, the group is pushing for key provisions to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers, including:\r\n \r\nMaking mail service and delivery more reliable The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.\r\nImproving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met.\r\nBoosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.\r\nContinuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Services finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-bipartisan-group-of-senators-call-for-immediate-passage-of-miners-protection-act", "Capito, Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Immediate Passage of Miners Protection Act", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Immediate Passage of Miners Protection Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined 20 bipartisan Senators in a letter to Senate and House leadership, calling for the passage of the Miners Protection Act by the end of this year. Without a change to current law, 12,500 of the countrys retired coal miners will lose their healthcare on December 31, 2016.\r\nThe Senators said in part: During the month of October, approximately 12,500 of our nations retired coal miners received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated at the end of this year. The funding provided for Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (Patriot VEBA) will be exhausted by December 31, 2016, leaving these miners and their families without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work. On November 1st, another 3,600 miners began to receive notices. And next year, 6,500 more will suffer the same fate. Additionally, the pension fund that these miners and their widows rely on for lifes basic necessities will reach the point of no return shortly thereafter. Therefore, we ask that you pass the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470) by the end of this year.\r\nSenators Capito and Manchin were joined by Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).\nTo read the full letter, click here.\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This  coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are orphan retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees  has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=03EA9C56-8550-41B8-A0FE-18E298250E29", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small this Saturday", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Small Business Saturday is November 26\r\nWashington, D.C. ?\u00a0 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to shop at West Virginia small businesses this Saturday, November 26th\u00a0in celebration of the seventh\u00a0annual Small Business Saturday.\r\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s a local coffee shop, a family owned bakery or a tech start-up, these small businesses are what fuels our economy,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cSmall businesses are the fiber of our communities and they are critical to our state\u2019s economic success. West Virginia\u2019s more than 120,000 small businesses make up an estimated 96 percent of our state\u2019s economy. When these businesses succeed, our state sees additional jobs and community development. As a small businessman myself, I value the important contributions West Virginia\u2019s small businesses make to our state, and I appreciate the many challenges they face. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all West Virginians to show support for our small businesses. I encourage all West Virginians to remember to shop at our small businesses not just this Saturday, but for the entire holiday season and throughout the year.\u201d\r\nSmall Business Saturday was launched in 2010. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to promote shopping at small businesses throughout the country.\r\nTo promote #smallbizsat, Senator Manchin visited a locally owned restaurant in Charleston last week and shops in downtown Spencer earlier this week.\r\nTo find small businesses in your community to support this Saturday, please click here.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BC9C09BC-3DCD-4C22-8D47-BF901C2AD95F", "Manchin Fights for Green Bank Observatory", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter to Dr. France A. Cordova, the Director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), urging her to continue the NSF partnership with the Green Bank Observatory (GBO). Senator Manchin is still urging West Virginians to submit public comments on the future of the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County.\r\nSenator Manchin said: \u201cThe unique scientific expertise of GBO within the research and educational communities is complemented by the significant economic impact within Pocahontas County and the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. The more than 100 year-round employees and 40 seasonal summer employees contribute more than $17 million annually to the local economy. In total, the GBO generates nearly $30 million every year, which in turn supports the first responders and organizations that support local families. In an area that has welcomed the sacrifices of this unique way of life, the economic contributions of GBO are vital to the continued success and growth of the community.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nTo submit a written comment, email envcomp-AST-greenbank@nsf.gov, with subject line \u201cGreen Bank Observatory,\u201d or mail to Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: Green Bank Observatory, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045, Arlington, VA 22230.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or click here.\r\nDear Dr. C\u00f3rdova:\r\nAs you may know, the world\u2019s largest fully steerable telescope is located in Green Bank, West Virginia. For the United States to continue to be a leader in scientific discovery and radio astronomy, our scientists must have access to the best equipment in the world. With that in mind, I write in strong support of the research occurring at the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) and urge the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue its partnership with this important facility in West Virginia.\r\nThe GBO was originally dedicated in 1957, and the updated GBO of today continues to drive world-class research in many fields including physics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary studies, and STEM education that will help our nation better conduct the science activities of tomorrow. The Green Bank Telescope is the premiere facility available to scientists developing new astronomical techniques, and it has also engaged more than 100 teachers and 2,000 high school students through the Pulsar Search Collaboratory in analyzing more than 2.5 million pieces of data. More than 50,000 students, teachers, and visitors annually tour the facility and visit the surrounding community.\u00a0\r\nThe unique scientific expertise of GBO within the research and educational communities is complemented by the significant economic impact within Pocahontas County and the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. The more than 100 year-round employees and 40 seasonal summer employees contribute more than $17 million annually to the local economy. In total, the GBO generates nearly $30 million every year, which in turn supports the first responders and organizations that support local families. In an area that has welcomed the sacrifices of this unique way of life, the economic contributions of GBO are vital to the continued success and growth of the community. \u00a0\r\nFor all these reasons \u2013 scientific, educational, and economic \u2013 GBO plays a critically important role in Pocahontas County and across West Virginia, and through the research capabilities it provides for the nation. This observatory should be quantified not only by these measures but by its value as an emblematic public display of the positive impact NSF-supported activities can have on our communities and the lives of those who live in them.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE025AE1-3D7C-4146-85F6-F141985CB30B", "Manchin, Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Immediate Passage of Miners Protection Act", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined 20 bipartisan Senators in a letter to Senate and House leadership, calling for the passage of the Miners Protection Act by the end of this year. Without a change to current law, 12,500 of the country\u2019s retired coal miners will lose their healthcare on December 31, 2016. \u00a0\r\nThe Senators said in part: \u201cDuring the month of October, approximately 12,500 of our nation\u2019s retired coal miners received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated at the end of this year. The funding provided for Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employee\u2019s Beneficiary Association (Patriot VEBA) will be exhausted by December 31, 2016, leaving these miners and their families without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work. On November 1st, another 3,600 miners began to receive notices.\u00a0 And next year, 6,500 more will suffer the same fate. Additionally, the pension fund that these miners and their widows rely on for life\u2019s basic necessities will reach the point of no return shortly thereafter. Therefore, we ask that you pass the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470) by the end of this year.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenators Manchin and Capito were joined by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Richard Burr (R-NC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\u00a0\r\nTo read the full letter, click here.\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-statement-on-the-passing-of-friend-hike-heiskell", "Capito Statement on the Passing of Friend Hike Heiskell", "2016-11-20", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.16\n\t\t\t Capito Statement on the Passing of Friend Hike Heiskell \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va. -U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)issued the following statement regarding the passing of former West Virginia Secretary of State Edgar F. Hike Heiskell III.\r\n\"West Virginia lost a patriot, a wonderful public servant and a tireless advocate with the passing of Hike Heiskell. Hike was a dashing, sincere man, and wewere lucky to have him as a friend who always stood with us. Ourprayers are with the Heiskell family during this trying time.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-capito-outlines-plan-to-boost-rural-economies", "ICYMI: Capito Outlines Plan to Boost Rural Economies", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Capito Outlines Plan to Boost Rural Economies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  In an op-ed for todays Daily Mail opinion page of the Charleston Gazette-Mail, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) describes her new legislation to spur investment in rural economies impacted by significant job loss in the coal industry. The Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies (CORE) Act leverages available tax credits to support new investment and business development in distressed communities throughout West Virginia.\nWhile we continue to fight for critical energy jobs, we must also look for opportunities to diversify and grow the states economy. Doing so will get more West Virginians back to work, attract talented new professionals and businesses to the state and make us more competitive  all leading to a brighter and more secure future for West Virginians, wrote Senator Capito.\nView the op-ed HERE and below.\nCORE Act targets underserved communitiesBy: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)  Daily Mail opinion page of the Charleston Gazette-MailNovember 18, 2016\nIts no secret that West Virginia is undergoing an economic transition.\nOur coal communities have lost thousands of jobs due to over regulation and increased competition.\nYet, coal is and must remain a part of our energy mix to meet the demands of powering the nation. While we continue to fight for critical energy jobs, we must also look for opportunities to diversify and grow the states economy.\nDoing so will get more West Virginians back to work, attract talented new professionals and businesses to the state and make us more competitive  all leading to a brighter and more secure future for West Virginians.\nWe all know the transition wont be easy, but its necessary to ensure that West Virginia and our workforce can continue to drive economic growth in Appalachia and across the country.\nOver the last two years, I have teamed up with economic development experts to conduct a thorough analysis of our states economy, including how West Virginia is utilizing federal incentives for economic and community development.\nIve met with leaders in business, local government and academia. Ive heard directly from employees at companies of all sizes, toured numerous businesses from budding startups to established manufacturing facilities, and surveyed neighboring states.\nThe New Markets Tax Credit program, which is operated through the U.S. Department of Treasury, began in 2000 to provide an incentive for investment in projects in low-income communities.\nThese tax credits support investments in projects such as mixed-use redevelopment projects, health care facilities, new grocery stores in food deserts, new manufacturing facilities and direct investments in businesses. Private investors receive a significant tax credit for investing in projects in struggling communities.\nSince 2000, more than $40 billion has been invested across the nation, but underserved states like West Virginia have not seized the full potential of this program. Only 17 projects, equal to just $97 million, have been invested in the state since 2000, far less than neighboring states.\nKentucky has received over $730 million in new market tax credit investment, Ohio has received over $1.9 billion, and Pennsylvania has received nearly $1.4 billion.\nThe disparity between West Virginia and our neighbors is quite stark. Yet, many of these rural communities have shared the devastation thats resulted from a major downturn in the coal industry.\nTo promote new investment and boost economic growth in economically distressed regions of the country, Ive introduced legislation that will leverage the power of this program by dedicating a portion of the credit to struggling communities affected by coal job losses.\nOver the next three years $10.5 billion in new market tax credits will be invested across the nation. The Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies or CORE Act sets aside 5 percent annually for investments in states like West Virginia that are considered under served.\nCoal communities have powered U.S. economic growth for generations, providing the nation with affordable, reliable energy. But as the nation has transitioned to an all-of-the-above energy policy, much of rural America has been left behind and suffered major job loss.\nBy maximizing the power of available tax credits and spurring new public and private investment, the CORE Act presents a tremendous opportunity for struggling coal communities to receive critical funding that will create new jobs and strengthen local economies.\nInvestors are looking for projects in West Virginia, and they are ready to work with us. The CORE Act will prompt much-needed economic development and diversify our economy, creating a stronger foundation for West Virginians.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-senators-capito-and-baldwin-recognize-american-education-week", "U.S. Senators Capito and Baldwin Recognize American Education Week", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Capito and Baldwin Recognize American Education Week \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the goals and ideas of American Education Week. The resolution urges the people of the United States to observe American Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact of all those who work together to educate children.\nKnowledge is a powerful tool and a resource everyone deserves access to. As the mother of three children who are products of our local public schools in West Virginia, I saw firsthand how hard the teachers, administrators and staff worked to create a safe environment for students to learn. Lets celebrate public education this week by honoring and thanking those who have played such an influential role in so many lives, said Senator Capito.\nAmerican Education Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate our public education system and those who do the hard work of educating our children, said Senator Baldwin. I am excited to celebrate its 95th anniversary this year.\nNovember 14 through November 18th, 2016, marks the 95th annual observance of American Education Week which is an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are working in public education.\nA copy of the resolution is available here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-new-capito-legislation-aims-to-spur-economic-development-in-rural-economies", "New Capito Legislation Aims to Spur Economic Development in Rural Economies", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.16\n\t\t\t  New Capito Legislation Aims to Spur Economic Development in Rural Economies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t CORE Act encourages new development in economically distressed regions of the country impacted by coal industry job losses\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced legislation to spur investment in communities facing significant economic challenges due to coal industry job losses. The Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies (CORE) Act encourages new development by setting aside a percentage of available New Markets Tax Credits for investments in underserved, low-income communities across the country.\nWest Virginia and other states facing severe job losses in the coal industry are in dire need of new economic investment. By leveraging the power of the New Markets Tax Credit Program, the CORE Act presents a tremendous opportunity for underserved communities across the country to receive critical funding for projects that will help create new job opportunities, spur business investment, revitalize communities, and strengthen struggling economies, said Senator Capito.\nThe New Markets Tax Credit Program was enacted in 2000 to spur investment in low-income regions. The program supports investment in projects such as mixed-use redevelopment projects, health care facilities, manufacturing facilities and direct investments in businesses. Investors receive a 39 percent tax credit over a seven year period in return for investing in these communities.\nOver the next three years, $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credits will be allocated annually across the nation. The CORE Act sets aside 5 percent of the annual credit allocation for investments in 12 states that contain counties with significant coal job loss between 2012 and 2015 according to the Mine Safety & Health Administration. These states include Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.\nSince 2000 more than $40 billion worth of New Markets Tax Credits have been allocated across the nation, but underserved states like West Virginia have not seized the full potential of this program. West Virginia has benefitted from only 17 projects totaling $97 million in investments since 2000, far less than neighboring states. The CORE Act aims to increase the number of projects initiated in West Virginia and other underserved areas.\nClick here to view a one-pager on the CORE Act.\nClick here to view the bill text.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=95499DA2-1B40-4D4F-915E-598993501159", "Manchin Named Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Vice-Chair", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today he will serve as Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Vice-Chair.\r\n\u201cI am honored to represent West Virginia in a Senate Leadership role and to bring our values and beliefs to the table to get the Senate working like it used to. My role in leadership is simple: to be a voice for the pro-growth, commonsense policies that West Virginians support and to work with Republicans to move those policies forward. It\u2019s now more important than ever that we work in a bipartisan way and have constructive relationships with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, something I have been doing since the day I became a Senator. I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get things done and to create solutions to the many challenges the American people are facing.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BACF731D-D6CB-421E-8C97-39D193C3B732", "Manchin Votes to Add Gold Star Family Stories to Veterans History Project", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the Gold Star Families Voices Act that would allow Gold Star Families to add their collection of video and audio recordings of biographical histories by immediate family members of Fallen service members to the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center. This legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 97-0 and is on its way to the President for his signature. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cAllowing Gold Star Families to add their service members\u2019 story to this powerful collection will give a voice to those who never made it home,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis important project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations can hear first-hand accounts from the Veterans themselves. By including stories from Gold Star Families of their Fallen loved-ones, we allow all Americans to learn their personal stories behind those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our country will always remain the strongest on earth because of the men and women who are willing to serve in the military, and their loved ones who support them.\u00a0 I am proud that West Virginia has one of the highest rates of military service in the nation, and this vote ensures that legacy is never forgotten.\u201d\r\n\u201cAnytime we can speak about our children who have served and died, it helps to keep their memories alive. As long as their story is out there and their name is in print, they are still with us and that\u2019s what\u2019s important to us,\u201d said Shirley and Stan White, Gold Star Parents of Staff Sergeant Robert White, U.S. Army and Corporal Andrew White, U.S. Marines, who both served and died for our country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD4CD0D6-5F4C-40EF-BD8C-51D69AB6F391", "Manchin Statement on New Jobs in West Virginia", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on the announcement that Bombardier will expand the West Virginia Air Center that provides maintenance services for Bombardier-manufactured commercial aircrafts.\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that Bombardier is continuing to invest in West Virginia. This is great news for the residents of Bridgeport and the entire state of West Virginia. Years of strategic investments, fiscally-responsible policies, and a well-trained, dedicated workforce, have ensured our state remains one of the most business-friendly states in the country.\r\n\u201cWhile serving as Governor, I worked with the Legislature to lower taxes for businesses and residents alike, while also enhancing West Virginia\u2019s business profile by fixing our workers\u2019 comp system, improving our credit ratings and getting our financial house in order. During my time as United States Senator, I have remained committed to enhancing our job climate so every West Virginian is able to have a good paying job. \u00a0I\u2019m proud to have cohosted 14 job fairs to connect companies like Bombardier with West Virginia workers, and will continue this program in the future. I applaud Bombardier for recognizing our state\u2019s aptitude for prosperity and for pursuing this expansion.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2696B98C-9C9D-4B92-81A5-639CC467628B", "Manchin Statement on Leader Reid's Statement", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on Leader Harry Reid\u2019s (D-NV) comments regarding Donald Trump.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cSenator Harry Reid's statement today attacking President-elect Trump is wrong! It is an absolute embarrassment to the Senate as an institution, our Democratic party, and the nation. I want to be very clear, he does not speak for me.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs difficult as it is for anyone to lose an election, the American people have spoken and Donald Trump is our President-elect. Senator Reid\u2019s words needlessly feed the very divisiveness that is tearing this country apart. Now, more than ever, it is time for us all to come together as Americans. We must as Secretary Clinton and President Obama so graciously said, have an open mind and give President-elect Trump the chance to lead.\r\n\r\nTo be clear, as I have always said and believed, I will work with anyone, no matter their party, to improve the lives of West Virginians and all Americans. Just as I will oppose anyone who may propose policies that hurt our nation; we are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans first.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, there are some who forget that at times like these it is wrong to put party and politics above our country.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4C379596-016E-487D-B902-FCEF79D78A7D", "Manchin: Americans Owe our Liberties, Freedoms to our Veterans", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) encouraged West Virginians to recognize the sacrifices and contributions and thank our nation\u2019s Veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every day. Today Senator Manchin celebrated Veterans Day at Capital High School in Charleston, where he also awarded a Purple Heart to the family of West Virginia Veteran, John Himelrick.\u201cI\u2019ve always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cTime and time again throughout our country\u2019s history, West Virginians have been at the forefronts of our fights for liberty, justice, and peace. These are our neighbors, family members, co-workers, and friends. Most importantly, they are our fellow Americans. We shouldn\u2019t honor these brave men and women just once a year, though. Showing our appreciation is something we should do each and every day. As a nation, we should show our gratitude to our veterans by providing whatever they need when they return home. I am pleased with the progress we are making for our state and nation\u2019s Veterans, but we\u2019ve got more work to do. Too many of our Veterans are homeless, jobless, and without access to adequate healthcare. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees to make sure that this country keeps its promises to our Veterans and provides our service members with the care, benefits and services they have earned and deserve.\u201cWe owe those who have served and their families an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. As West Virginians and Americans across our great nation celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a Veteran. It is because of them that America remains a beacon of hope and liberty for people across the world. It is because of them that I am inspired for my work. May God continue to bless our Veterans and may He bless the United States of America and the state of West Virginia.\u201d As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Manchin has worked tirelessly to address Veterans issues and make improvements to ensure West Virginia\u2019s Veterans are well-served. His recent actions on behalf of Veterans have included: \r\n \r\nHelped over 10,000 West Virginia Veterans with their individual Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense claims, or with Veteran related issues.\r\nSuccessfully urged the U.S. Navy to name a Navy ship after Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\r\nRaised $90,000 for the West Virginia National Guard Foundation to honor Gold Star Families by hosting two Ride for Fallen Service Heroes.\r\nProudly works alongside the WV National Guard, to include during the June 2016 flood and all other state emergencies, and advocates for all WV National Guard priorities\r\nFormed a Veterans Advisory Group from Veterans across the state to help advise on issues facing our state.\r\nHosted VA Secretary Robert McDonald in West Virginia for a statewide tour concentrated on finding solutions to the challenges Mountain State Veterans are currently facing.\r\nSuccessfully coordinated, along with the Fisher House and the Department of Defense, the payment of death gratuity benefits to families of the Fallen during the government shutdown\r\nEnsured that the Greenbrier Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) would reopen by bringing Secretary McDonald to Greenbrier County, and securing his commitment to reopening the clinic.\u00a0 Senator Manchin continues to work with VA to reopen the facility and save thousands of West Virginia Veterans from driving several hours to seek treatment.\r\nWorked with the Fisher House and Ken Fisher, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, to secure a Fisher House at the Huntington VA Medical Center\r\nHas nominated nearly 200 West Virginia students to the military service academies, and has worked with ROTC and the WV National Guard to enroll West Virginia students in their programs\r\nProudly works on behalf of Veterans to request long overdue military commendations for service members, to include a Purple Heart for Korean Prisoner of War Willie Lewis, and a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for World War II Combat Veteran John Hemelrick\r\nCoordinated the first ever Senate Veterans Affairs Caseworker Conference, which allowed caseworkers from all over the country to come together and voice their constituents\u2019 concerns with VA leaders and to share best practices on how to better serve our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\nWorked with the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and West Virginia Veterans such as Al Hancock to bring both a Mobile Health Clinic and a permanent VA clinic to Princeton. The facility opened in June 2015.\r\nOriginal co-sponsor of the bipartisan Veterans First Act, which is an omnibus bill that includes accountability provisions, and makes significant improvements to veterans\u2019 healthcare and benefits.\u00a0\r\nOriginal co-sponsor of the Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, which streamlines the veterans benefits appeals process so that veterans can receive the benefits they deserve more quickly.\u00a0\r\nLaunched the Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus to address the challenges that the new generation of post-9/11 Veterans face when entering the job market. Hosted a Post-9/11 Veterans caucus event in Washington on agriculture programs available to help veterans, and featured the West Virginia Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture project.\r\nFormed the bipartisan Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus to urge employers to hire Veterans and to reduce the high rate of unemployment for Veterans, resulting in the \u201cI Hire Veterans\u201d initiative.\r\nBelieves in and supports the \u201cI Hire Veterans\u201d initiative by employing Veterans to work in his State and Washington DC offices.\r\nCosponsored the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act to address problematic overprescribing practices and provide safer and more effective pain management services to our nation\u2019s Veterans. It was signed into law last summer as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (P.L. xxx).\r\nAddressed serious concerns with the implementation of the Veterans Choice Program. The VA subsequently decided to change the calculation used to determine the distance between a Veteran\u2019s home and the nearest VA medical facility.\r\nIntroduced the Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2015 to build on existing homeless Veterans' programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\r\nIntroduced the Veterans Access to Extended Care Act to allow Veterans greater access to long-term care (LTC) services in their home communities.\r\nIntroduced the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act to create a system that can withstand surges in disability claims without generating another Veteran disability claims backlog.\r\nIntroduced the Veterans Small Business Opportunity and Protection Act to protect spouses and dependents of Veteran-owned small businesses after servicemembers pass away from a disability or in the line of duty.\r\nAddressed the significant inadequacies in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Fiduciary Program.\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-keep-green-bank-observatory-open", "REP. JENKINS: KEEP GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY OPEN", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) spoke at Wednesday\u2019s public scoping hearing at the Green Bank Observatory, strongly encouraging continued investment in this vital scientific and community resource.\n\u201cOur state is hurting right now. We are hurting, and Green Bank is the shining beacon for our future and for hope for that future. \u2026The impacts for science, for education and for the community is why there is such an outpouring as shown here today for this facility,\u201d he said.\nIn addition to highlighting the nearly $30 million a year that Green Bank contributes to the economy, he also said Green Bank exposes our students to science education and exploration they would never have otherwise.\n\u201cThese educational programs are giving West Virginia students the opportunity to have hands-on experience in science and research fields. For many students, especially underprivileged and female, they need these opportunities and these are opportunities that they can\u2019t get or have copied simply in the classroom or at home. The Green Bank Observatory is giving a chance to students that will truly change their lives,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nThe National Science Foundation is conducting an environmental impact statement for the Green Bank Observatory, and the public scoping hearing is the first step in this process. The NSF will be considering five possible actions:\n Continued NSF investment for science-focused operations.\n\tCollaboration with interested parties for science- and education-focused operations with reduced NSF-funded scope.\n\tCollaboration with interested parties for operation as a technology and education park.\n\tMothballing of facilities (suspension of operations in a manner such that operations could resume efficiently at some future date).\n\tDeconstruction and site restoration.\n The full transcript is below. For a copy of the audio file of the congressman\u2019s remarks, please email Rebecca Neal at rebecca.neal@mail.house.gov. \n\u201cI\u2019m Evan Jenkins, I\u2019m the congressman from the Third Congressional District that goes from Mason and Cabell County over on the west all the way right here to Pocahontas County.\n\u201cTo all of the Pocahontas County residents to the employees of Green Bank to those who have traveled from out of state to come here to have your voice heard, thank you. This was important for me as well to come over to make sure that I join your voices to make sure that this critically important asset is preserved.\n\u201cI appreciate the Green Bank Observatory for hosting this event and the wonderful accommodations, and I appreciate again all that you do.\n\u201cI want to thank the National Science Foundation for their work and for their engagement in this facility. I welcome you to this wonderful state of West Virginia. This is a very special place.\n\u201cGreen Bank Observatory is the reason that the United States is a global leader in radio astronomy. The Green Bank Telescope is leading the way in tracking pulsars, investigating star formation, exploring our galaxy, and even looking for alien life. I understand this is about an environmental impact statement, this is about impact. Without this critical asset, the United States would lose its footing in radio astronomy, a position that could take decades to reclaim.\n\u201cScientists from all over the world use the Green Bank for cutting-edge research. Many of these scientists at one time or another find themselves in this beautiful mountainous area of Pocahontas County.\n\u201cThis bridge has been of key importance for the students from our state and many others.\n\u201cEvery year Green Bank brings in 3,000 to 5,000 students and teachers to participate in educational programs. Students are given the opportunity to use the equipment and look for astronomical bodies, including discovering pulsars.\n\u201cThese educational programs are giving West Virginia students the opportunity to have hands-on experience in science and research fields. For many students, especially underprivileged and female, they need these opportunities and these are opportunities that they can\u2019t get or have copied simply in the classroom or at home. The Green Bank Observatory is giving a chance to students that will truly change their lives.\n\u201cGreen Bank provides even more to the community than creating the next generation of scientists. The facility provides an irreplaceable economic boost to Pocahontas County and West Virginia. Green Bank as we know employs over 100 people year round, and during the busy season, about 40 additional seasonal jobs. During this time, Green Bank is the largest private employer in this county.\n\u201cThe Green Bank Observatory\u2019s employees contribute an all-important $17.1 million to the local economy. And when included with the economic impact from tourism, the Green Bank Observatory adds nearly $30 million to the West Virginia economy.\n\u201cOur state is hurting right now. We are hurting, and Green Bank is the shining beacon for our future and for hope for that future. There is a continued need for Green Bank and it could not be more apparent than the recent efforts being undertaken by the Breakthrough Listen project. Green Bank is a key part of investigating the skies for intelligent life.\n\u201cThe impacts for science, for education and for the community is why there is such an outpouring as shown here today for this facility. I want to make it perfectly clear, I think options four and five on the chart are simply unacceptable. I fully support the Green Bank Observatory and know that it can be a critical asset for science and West Virginia for decades to come. Thank you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-statement-veterans-day-0", "REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement in advance of Veterans Day:\n\u201cOn Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have defended our freedom at home and overseas, and we remember those who never came home. But let our remembrances not be limited to just one day \u2013 may we reflect every day on the cost of freedom and the sacrifices of those who have fought to protect our nation. To each and every veteran, I say thank you \u2013 thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifices, and thank you for the freedoms we enjoy. We owe you a debt we can never repay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-releases-statement-ahead-of-veterans-day", "Capito Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.16\n\t\t\t Capito Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) thanked the men and women who have served our nation ahead of the Veterans Day holiday.\r\nOn Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who have served our great nation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who put their lives at risk to protect our country and our values. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, the well-being of this community is an issue close to my heart. I am committed to making sure the voices of our veterans are heard. I encourage all West Virginians to join me today and every day in thanking a service member for their bravery and selfless service, said Senator Capito.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-statement-president-elect-trump", "REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cI have already reached out to President-Elect Trump\u2019s transition team to offer my congratulations and to begin the push for an agenda to enact solutions to get our coal communities growing again, to invest in our highways and infrastructure, and to create economic opportunity for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=509", "McKinley: The American People Have Spoken", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "David McKinley", "M001180", "mckinley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) released this statement following Donald Trump's historic election victory.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      McKinley: The American People Have Spoken Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) released this statement following Donald Trump's historic election victory.  The American people have spoken and they have decided that we need a new direction. Now is the time to set our political differences aside and put our country first. Last night's historic election of Donald Trump is a much needed step towards advancing an agenda that will prioritize working families and small businesses on Main Street, said McKinley. This agenda must include the repeal and replacement of Obamacare, the rolling back of job killing regulations and executive orders, and finally, a national energy policy that stimulates the economy and makes America more secure. I look forward to working with the new Trump Administration and both parties in Congress to get this done, McKinley said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-releases-november-mobile-office-schedule", "Capito Releases November Mobile Office Schedule", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.16\n\t\t\t Capito Releases November Mobile Office Schedule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va.  Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced her Mobile Office schedule for November. Members of Senator Capitos staff will be available throughout the month to meet with West Virginians and assist with casework and issues related to federal agencies. Appointments are not required but are encouraged and can be made by visiting Senator Capitos mobile office webpage here.\r\nNovember mobile office schedule:\r\nWednesday, November 9\nGREENBRIER COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Lewisburg City Hall  Council Chambers  942 Washington St.  Lewisburg, WV 24901\nMONONGALIA COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Granville Town Office  1245 Main St.  Granville, WV 26534\nMCDOWELL COUNTY  2:30 p.m.  3:30 p.m.  McDowell Public Library  90 Howard St.  Welch, WV 24801\nMonday, November 14\nCALHOUN COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Calhoun County Library  250 Mill St.  Grantsville, WV 26147\nTuesday, November 15\nTAYLOR COUNTY  10:00 a.m.  11:00 a.m.  Grafton Municipal Building  1 W. Main St.  Grafton, WV 26354\nWEBSTER COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Webster Springs City Hall  146 McGraw Ave.  Webster Springs, WV 26288\nJEFFERSON COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  1:00 p.m.  Jefferson County Senior Center  103 W. Fifth Ave.  Ranson, WV 25438\nMINGO COUNTY  3:30 p.m.  4:30 p.m.  Williamson Public Library  101 Logan St.  Williamson, WV 25661\nWednesday, November 16\nFAYETTE COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Fayette County Courthouse  Commission Chambers  100 N. Court St.  Fayetteville, WV 25840\nJACKSON COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Ripley City Hall  203 S. Church St.  Ripley, WV 25271\nMINERAL COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  Keyser Senior Center  30 S. Church St.  Keyser, W.Va. 26726\nMONONGALIA COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Star City Town Hall  370 Broadway Ave.  Star City, WV 26505\nThursday, November 17\nCLAY COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Clay County Courthouse  246 Main St.  Clay, WV 25043\nMORGAN COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  1:00 p.m.  Berkeley Springs Senior Center  106 Sand Mine Road  Berkeley Springs, WV 25411\nWETZEL COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  New Martinsville City Building  191 Main St.  New Martinsville, WV 26155\nMASON COUNTY  2:30 p.m.  3:30 p.m.  New Haven Public Library  106 Main St.  New Haven, WV 25265\nFriday, November 18\nGILMER COUNTY  1:00 p.m.  2:00 p.m.  Gilmer County Courthouse  201 N. Court St.  Glenville, WV 26351\nMonday, November 21\nHAMPSHIRE COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  1:00 p.m.  Romney Senior Center  School Street and Birch Lane  Romney, WV 26757\nWAYNE COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Wayne County Courthouse  700 Hendricks St.  Wayne, WV 25570\nTuesday, November 22\nBOONE COUNTY  10:00 a.m.  11:00 a.m.  Boone-Madison Public Library  375 Main St.  Madison, WV 25130\nNICHOLAS COUNTY  11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Nicholas County Courthouse  700 Main St.  Summersville, WV 26651\nHARDY COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  Moorefield Senior Center  409 Spring Ave.  Moorefield, WV 26836\nMonday, November 28\nWOOD COUNTY  10:30 a.m.  11:30 a.m.  Wood County Courthouse  1 Court Square  Parkersburg, WV 26102\nPENDLETON COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  Franklin Senior Center  231 Mill Road  Franklin, WV 26807\nTuesday, November 29\nBERKELEY COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  Berkeley County Senior Center  217 N. High St.  Martinsburg, WV 25401\nDODDRIDGE COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  West Union Town Hall  300 Court St.  West Union, WV 26456\nWednesday, November 30\nGRANT COUNTY  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  Petersburg Senior Center  111 Virginia Ave.  Petersburg, WV 26847\nWETZEL COUNTY  12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Hundred Town Office  30 Pennsylvania Ave.  Hundred, WV 26575  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-13-senators-urge-administrations-candidness-with-international-community-on-us-paris-agreement-", "Capito, 13 Senators Urge Administrations Candidness with International Community on U.S. Paris Agreement", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.16\n\t\t\t  Capito, 13 Senators Urge Administrations Candidness with International Community on U.S. Paris Agreement  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committees Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, joined 13 Republican Senators in sending a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging the administrations candidness with the international community regarding the durability of commitments made on behalf of the United States under the Paris Agreement.\nWe are concerned the administration has not been forthright in acknowledging the legal limitations of the presidents domestic climate actions, primarily the Clean Power Plan, and the pathway the administration has taken to join the Agreement, Capito and the Senators said in the letter. Bypassing the U.S. Congress for convenience has consequences.Given the United States central role to the durability of this Agreement, these consequences warrant a clear understanding by invested parties. [In] the context of climate change policies  Congresss unwillingness to support the presidents international efforts is not the result of gridlock  it is the result of explicit opposition.\nThe Senators continued, Paris Agreement parties relying on fulfillment of promised U.S. climate actions should be fully aware that the administrations commitment is opposed by the majority of Congress, its legal soundness is questioned by the U.S. Supreme Court, and, under the best of circumstances, the country will fall short of meeting the 26 to 28 percent reduction by a range of forty-five to sixty percent. Most importantly, any future administration will have numerous options to forego President Obamas political commitments under the Paris Agreement and the fact that it will soon be in force is of no consequence.\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-stabenow-collins-markey-applaud-announcement-that-medicare-will-implement-hope-for-alzheimers-act-pay-for-new-care-plan-to-support-patients-and-their-families", "Capito, Stabenow, Collins, Markey Applaud Announcement that Medicare Will Implement HOPE for Alzheimers Act, Pay for New Care Plan to Support Patients and their Families", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Stabenow, Collins, Markey Applaud Announcement that Medicare Will Implement HOPE for Alzheimers Act, Pay for New Care Plan to Support Patients and their Families \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Medicare to Begin Covering New Care Plan in 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) announced that for the first time Medicare will pay for new individual care plans to support Alzheimers patients and their families. This new coverage will begin in January 2017. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid finalized its decision, first proposed earlier in July, to pay for the new plans, effectively implementing the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimers Act. The Senators introduced this bipartisan legislation in March 2015.\r\nThis announcement from CMS is welcome news for the millions of Americans who are battling Alzheimers, said Senator Capito. Having recently cared for loved ones with this devastating disease, I understand the importance of care planning and am glad that CMS has recognized the needs of Alzheimers patients and their caretakers. Doing so will ensure that they have the right information to make informed decisions about treatment options.\r\nTodays announcement will make a major difference in the lives of Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones who help care for them every day, said Senator Stabenow. My HOPE for Alzheimers Act called for new care plans to be developed for patients and their families, and Im pleased Medicare will begin paying for this vital service for the first time ever in the New Year.\nAlzheimers is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on millions of individuals as well as their family caregivers, said Senator Collins. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimers Task Force, I know the importance of ensuring that newly-diagnosed individuals and their families obtain essential support through care planning. I am pleased that CMS has recognized the importance of this benefit, which was one of the provisions of our HOPE for Alzheimers Act. I will continue to work to help Alzheimers patients and their caregivers receive the support they need.\n\"This announcement is major victory for everyone suffering from Alzheimers disease and those committed to their care, said Senator Markey. The HOPE for Alzheimers Act focused on the early detection, documented diagnosis and access to care planning services that are key to helping ensure better outcomes for Alzheimers patients and their caregivers, and todays announcement from CMS gives them exactly that  hope. Patients, caregivers and families will welcome this new benefit that will help them learn what treatments are available so they plan for the challenges that lie ahead.\nThe HOPE for Alzheimers Act requires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. This new benefit would encourage doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimers disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-announce-more-than-1-million-for-maternal-and-child-health-services-in-west-virginia", "Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $1 Million for Maternal and Child Health Services in West Virginia", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Manchin Announce More Than $1 Million for Maternal and Child Health Services in West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced $1,162,326 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will support the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Services programs. The funding will support programs with the goals of increasing healthy pregnancies, improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality.\r\nBy encouraging healthier pregnancies and improved health care for kids, this funding will help reduce the infant mortality rate, promote better birth outcomes, and ensure the health and well-being of West Virginias mothers and children. It will also support outreach programs to reduce bullying and increase physical activity for kids, two very worthy goals. I am glad this important funding is heading to our state, said Senator Capito.\r\n\"We know that lifelong health starts with a healthy pregnancy, so we must ensure that pregnant women and new mothers have the resources they need from the beginning, Senator Manchin said. \"This funding will increase prenatal visits for pregnant women and improve access to safe sleep training for new mothers. Its important that we equip mothers with these resources so they can raise healthy children and live up to their God-given potential.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97F4C7F0-C04B-41B2-A95E-2FF1D82FA79C", "Manchin, Capito Announce more than $1 Million for Maternal and Child Health Services in West Virginia", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,162,326 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will support the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Services programs. The funding will support programs with the goals of increasing healthy pregnancies, improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality.\r\n\"We know that lifelong health starts with a healthy pregnancy, so we must ensure that pregnant women and new mothers have the resources they need from the beginning,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \"This funding will increase prenatal visits for pregnant women and improve access to safe sleep training for new mothers. It\u2019s important that we equip mothers with these resources so they can raise healthy children and live up to their God-given potential.\u201d\r\n\u201cBy encouraging healthier pregnancies and improved health care for kids, this funding will help reduce the infant mortality rate, promote better birth outcomes, and ensure the health and well-being of West Virginia\u2019s mothers and children. It will also support outreach programs to reduce bullying and increase physical activity for kids, two very worthy goals. I am glad this important funding is heading to our state,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-white-house-stop-stream-buffer-zone-rule", "REP. JENKINS TO WHITE HOUSE: STOP STREAM BUFFER ZONE RULE", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Evan Jenkins", "J000297", "evanjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 During a call with the White House, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) urged the administration to reconsider a new regulation that would cost West Virginia even more coal jobs.\nRep. Jenkins spoke with the White House\u2019s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Administrator Howard Shelanski about the harm the proposed stream buffer zone rule would cause to West Virginia, including the loss of more coal jobs in hard-hit coal communities.\n\u201cNot only would the stream buffer zone rule halt countless coal mines, it also represents this administration\u2019s ideologically-driven agenda that ignores the will of Congress and the voices of the states. I called Administrator Shelanski to make sure he personally heard how this rule will hurt West Virginia, and I asked him to reconsider this proposal and its many flaws. West Virginia has lost tens of thousands of coal mining jobs in just the past few years, and this rule threatens more. The White House has a chance to make this right \u2013 they just have to make that choice,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\nOSM has failed to re-engage with the states in a meaningful and transparent way - as they were mandated to do in legislation we passed in December 2015. I relayed to Administrator Shelanski the devastating economic impact the rule would have in West Virginia and requested he take a hard look at OSM\u2019s proposal and its many flaws.\nThe stream buffer zone rule is currently being drafted by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, which has repeatedly failed to work with the states to get their feedback on this rule. Congress passed legislation in December 2015 requiring the office to re-engage with the states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-jenkins-provide-information-on-how-to-submit-public-comments-on-the-future-of-green-bank-observatory", "Capito, Manchin, Jenkins Provide Information on How to Submit Public Comments on the Future of Green Bank Observatory", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.02.16\n\t\t\t Capito, Manchin, Jenkins Provide Information on How to Submit Public Comments on the Future of Green Bank Observatory \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-WV) are providing West Virginians with information on public meetings and how to submit public comments on the future of the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County. The National Science Foundation (NSF) will hold two public meetings on November 9th and accept written public comments until November 19th.\nI recently visited the Green Bank Observatory, where I toured the world class facility and met the talented researchers whose work provides us with a window to the universe. This facility is such a point of pride for many West Virginians, in addition to being an economic driver for the community. Ive been proud to support Green Bank Observatory and astronomy research through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I hope all West Virginians will join me in fighting for its future by attending a public meeting and submitting written comments, said Senator Capito.\nOur state takes enormous pride in the awe-inspiring scientific research performed at the observatory and I am doing everything in my power to protect and preserve the observatory for future generations, Senator Manchin said. For over half a century, the observatory has contributed to West Virginias scientific, educational and economic well-being. The observatory is the largest scientific asset in our state and an important economic engine in the region. I am encouraging all West Virginians to attend these public meetings and submit written comments to ensure the future of this observatory and its positive impacts on our state for years to come. I am asking fellow West Virginians to join me in fighting to save this important facility. The NSF needs to hear from us on this issue, so lets show them care much we care about Green Bank.\nThe Green Bank Observatory employs West Virginians, gives our children incredible opportunities, and brings millions in investments to our state. As West Virginians, we must stand together and let those in Washington and across America know that the Green Bank Observatory is important to our state and important to our country. While Im fighting in Congress to make sure this important asset is protected and preserved, I hope West Virginians will join me in making their voices heard, Rep. Jenkins said.\nThe observatory is an important economic asset for the region. The roughly $8 million annual NSF investment in this facility generates nearly $30 million every year for the local economy.\nTo submit a written comment, email envcomp-AST-greenbank@nsf.gov, with subject line Green Bank Observatory, or mail to Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: Green Bank Observatory, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045, Arlington, VA 22230.\nTo attend the public meetings on November 9, please see additional information below: \nAfternoon meeting: November 9, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\nEvening meeting: November 9, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=299B80AB-60AB-46B8-9663-66B312B9F308", "Manchin, Capito, Jenkins Provide Information on How to Submit Public Comment on the Future of Green Bank Observatory", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-WV) are providing West Virginians with information on public meetings and how to submit public comments on the future of the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County. The National Science Foundation (NSF) will hold two public meetings on November 9th and accept written public comments until November 19th.\r\n\u201cOur state takes enormous pride in the awe-inspiring scientific research performed at the observatory and I am doing everything in my power to protect and preserve the observatory for future generations,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cFor over half a century, the observatory has contributed to West Virginia\u2019s scientific, educational and economic well-being. The observatory is the largest scientific asset in our state and an important economic engine in the region. I am encouraging all West Virginians to attend these public meetings and submit written comments to ensure the future of this observatory and its positive impacts on our state for years to come. I am asking fellow West Virginians to join me in fighting to save this important facility. The NSF needs to hear from us on this issue, so let\u2019s show them care much we care about Green Bank.\u201d\r\n\u201cI recently visited the Green Bank Observatory, where I toured the world class facility and met the talented researchers whose work provides us with a window to the universe. This facility is such a point of pride for many West Virginians, in addition to being an economic driver for the community. I\u2019ve been proud to support Green Bank Observatory and astronomy research through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I hope all West Virginians will join me in fighting for its future by attending a public meeting and submitting written comments,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\n\u201cThe Green Bank Observatory employs West Virginians, gives our children incredible opportunities, and brings millions in investments to our state. As West Virginians, we must stand together and let those in Washington and across America know that the Green Bank Observatory is important to our state and important to our country. While I\u2019m fighting in Congress to make sure this important asset is protected and preserved, I hope West Virginians will join me in making their voices heard,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\r\nThe observatory is an important economic asset for the region. The roughly $8 million annual NSF investment in this facility generates nearly $30 million every year for the local economy.\r\nTo submit a written comment, email envcomp-AST-greenbank@nsf.gov, with subject line \u201cGreen Bank Observatory,\u201d or mail to Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: Green Bank Observatory, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045, Arlington, VA 22230.\r\nTo attend the public meetings on November 9, please see additional information below: \u00a0\r\n \r\nAfternoon meeting: November 9, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\r\nEvening meeting: November 9, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-and-manchin-announce-usda-funding-to-support-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure-improvements-", "Capito and Manchin Announce USDA Funding to Support Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Shelley Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.01.16\n\t\t\t Capito and Manchin Announce USDA Funding to Support Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced loans and grants for two projects in West Virginia to develop water and wastewater infrastructure. The funds have been awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will provide rural communities with resources to improve or repair their water and wastewater systems.\r\nInfrastructure development is key to economic growth in West Virginias rural communities. It is also essential to the health and well-being of our people, which is why this USDA program was one of my priorities during the appropriations process. I am glad this funding is heading to the Mountain State where it will be put to good use, said Senator Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nIm pleased to see this funding awarded to the Jefferson County Public Service District and Malden Public Service District for investments in their water infrastructure facilities. Water infrastructure investments preserve quality jobs and boost economic development to improve the overall quality of life in our communities, Senator Manchin said.\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$3,575,000 loan  Jefferson County Public Service District: Funding will be used for a sewer system improvement project.\r\n \r\n \r\n$912,000 loan/$800,000 grant  Malden Public Service District: Funding will be used for wastewater treatment plant improvements.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 676, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "WV", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 461, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 215, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 676, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 676, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 676, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-01,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecapito~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcapito-and-manchin-announce-usda-funding-to-support-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure-improvements-", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WV&year=2016&_next=2016-11-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecapito~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcapito-and-manchin-announce-usda-funding-to-support-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure-improvements-&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 124.93551499210298, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}