{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=41ca79c9-be97-49db-9947-e020e5cca9de", "Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent", "2013-12-29", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 Sen. Joe Manchin built his reputation at home in West Virginia as a politician who didn\u2019t subscribe to the ideals of either major national party.\r\nWith more than three years in the U.S. Senate now under his belt, Manchin, D-W.Va., is a fixture in national news for his efforts to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans.\r\nIn both roles, the constant theme has been putting constituents first, according to those who\u2019ve worked with him.\r\n\u201cHe has done a fantastic job in putting a face on West Virginia as a state where we care about people,\u201d said West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Tim Miley, D-Harrison. \u201cWe care about balancing our budget. We care about doing the right thing, regardless of differences on the issues. ... He is a great ambassador for the state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\nMiley, who was elected to the House of Delegates the same year Manchin was elected governor, said he\u2019s learned a lot over the years from Manchin.\r\nWhen Miley was elected speaker, Manchin called him up.\r\n\u201cThe most poignant thing that he shared with me is that good policy always makes for good politics and good policy and good politics transcend party lines,\u201d Miley said.\r\nWest Virginia Senate Clerk Joe Minard described some other achievements from Manchin\u2019s days in state politics, including work on medical malpractice reform and tort reform.\r\n\u201cHe\u2019s always been fairly independent,\u201d Minard said. \u201cHe never was a straight party man. I guess you might say he was always an independent thinker.\u201d\r\nNow that the backdrop is one of the most fiercely divisive political landscapes of recent memory, Manchin\u2019s attempts can sometimes seem like wishful thinking.\r\nBut sometimes they work.\r\nMost recently Manchin, The Exponent Telegram Statesman of the Year, worked with a group of bipartisan senators on a proposal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling.  Manchin teamed up with Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine to find common ground, and the resulting template was used to draft the final bill that ended the shutdown.\r\nManchin used that accomplishment as an example of when compromise can work.\r\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean he won\u2019t get discouraged, especially as other initiatives, including a bill to expand the gun sale background check system, have stalled.\r\nThe reaction to that bill showed how disillusioned citizens are with Washington, according to Manchin.\r\n\u201cI get very frustrated,\u201d he said. \u201cI really do. I keep thinking, \u2018how come it\u2019s not so plain to everyone else to see what we\u2019re doing to our great country?\u2019 How can we not see that and not take more positive steps? ... I guess the thirst of power and all the money that\u2019s involved. We\u2019ve got to work past it.\u201d\r\nState and Washington, D.C., politics are different beasts, in Manchin\u2019s eyes.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s the city itself of Washington, D.C.,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s the power and the money that goes with this city \u2014 the prestige, the world stage we\u2019re on. It makes it a little more challenging to get people to look to put our country before them or their party or their purpose that they\u2019re here. It should be all about country.\u201d\r\nBut the junior senator from West Virginia also has a lot of bipartisan successes to be proud of, including an agreement on stronger federal regulation of toxic chemicals.\r\nBefore an update to the Toxic Substances Control Act, which had not been improved in more than 30 years, thousands of chemicals were allowed to remain on the market without being tested for safety.\r\nManchin was credited for helping broker a deal between New Jersey Democrat Frank Lautenberg, who advocated for a tougher bill, and Louisiana Republican David Vitter, who supported a more lenient, industry-backed proposal.\r\nManchin also worked with a bipartisan group of senators on a bill to reduce student loan interest rates after they doubled to 6.8 percent on July 1\u2014 to 3.86 percent for subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate students, 5.41 percent on unsubsidized loans for graduate students and 6.41 percent on PLUS loans for parents and graduate students.\r\nTo prevent dramatic increases in the future, the bill also required that for each academic year, all newly-issued student loans be set to the U.S. Treasury 10-year borrowing rate, and that interest rates never exceed 8.25 percent for undergraduate students, 9.5 percent for graduate students and 10.5 percent for PLUS borrowers.\r\nManchin was proud of the FDA\u2019s recent announcement that it will recommend rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance.  He had fought for stricter control of the drug for years, including sponsoring the \u201cSafe Prescribing Act\u201d with Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Representatives Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., and Ed Markey, D-Mass.\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s not going to win the war on drugs,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cBut it\u2019s going to help us have a better tool in the arsenal to fight it, and I think it will save a lot of lives.\u201d\r\nManchin said he will continue working on more bipartisan efforts because that\u2019s why he was sent to Congress in the first place.\r\n\u201cWhen I take that oath of office, I take the oath to represent and to serve everybody, not just the Democrats or the people that voted for me. ... I take it very seriously,\u201d he said.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Erin Beck", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0986c8c9-01e5-412a-b293-69ef5d837547", "Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press", "2013-12-24", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 24, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFRIENDLY, W.Va. (AP) \u2014 Many locals around here see Sen. Joe Manchin as one of them, so much so they greet the 30-year veteran of West Virginia politics by his first name more often than by his title.\r\nBut in the Senate, the 66-year-old upstart stands out as a rare breed: A back-slapping, gun-owning Democrat who attracts widespread support from working class whites in an increasingly Republican state.\r\nLast November, two years after winning a special election to succeed the late Robert Byrd, Manchin won his first full term with more than 60 percent of the vote. He ran 25 percentage points ahead of President Barack Obama, posting the Senate's top crossover spread in two election cycles.\r\nThat success could offer Democrats a road map in other GOP strongholds, particularly Southern states that share West Virginia's conservative makeup.\r\nThe grandson and great-grandson of immigrants, Manchin \u2014 taken from the Italian \"Mancini\" \u2014 calls his delicate walk between his party and his own identity a journey of \"balance\" and \"common sense.\" And he attributes his success to his small-town upbringing and experience as a state legislator, secretary of state and governor dating back to 1982.\r\nIn a whirlwind of stops across the state, Manchin praises federal programs, implemented under Democratic presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson, which helped West Virginia over the years; but he's also quick to tout the work ethic of beneficiaries of such programs, telling one crowd, \"If you think government should do everything for you, I'm the wrong person for you.\"\r\nHe turns questions about party and philosophy into indictments of Washington acrimony: \"I'm a proud West Virginia Democrat, but I'm willing to work with anybody.\"\r\nOn the revolving fiscal fight in Congress, Manchin bemoans Republicans who reject all tax hikes and Democrats who blast most spending cuts. \"They're both right and they're both wrong,\" he says, offering his own solution that seems to combine a little of both. He's also open to reviewing the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-wage workers, while calling for increasing the minimum wage to at least $10 per hour.\r\nHe insists that environmentalists and the energy industry can reconcile, if government sets \"reasonable and attainable\" pollution limits and fossil fuel plants embrace them. As governor he sued Obama's Environmental Protection Agency and still hammers the administration for \"pie-in-the-sky\" environmental standards. Those are necessary tactics for any statewide elected official in this leading coal state, but they're also true to the Manchin form: \"We can balance the economy and the environment.\"\r\n\"Balance\" is also his defense when he's chastised \u2014 and it happens often \u2014 for a gun compromise he pushed after last year's Connecticut elementary school massacre. The measure didn't include new weapons or ammunition bans. Instead, it would have extended existing background checks to more gun sales, but not to private transactions between parties who know each other.\r\nPerhaps Manchin's deftest tightrope walk concerns the president himself. Obama got walloped twice in West Virginia, and a recent poll suggested that almost half the state's voters want him impeached. Manchin says Obama's poor standing isn't about him being the first black president, even though about 19 out of 20 West Virginia residents are white. Manchin contends that Democrats have a more general cultural problem on everything from guns to abortion, and that Obama's environmental positions escalate the distrust. \"People have to like you and trust you,\" he said.\r\nManchin insists that \"the White House and I don't exactly get along,\" but he nonetheless defends the president on some matters. Almost pre-emptively, he says at several stops, \"Whether he's a Republican or Democrat, we should always respect the president and want him to succeed, because we want the nation to succeed.\" When one woman in Moundsville blasted Obama as an insufficient defender of Israel, Manchin interrupted her: \"I don't think that's true.\"\r\nManchin supported the immigration overhaul that Obama backed and that has been stymied in the GOP-run House. \"You can't just deport 11 million people,\" he told people angry about his vote. The Affordable Care Act passed before he took office, but Manchin tells voters \"the intentions were right\" and insists that a full repeal isn't practical or beneficial. Even as he criticized implementation of the health care law, Manchin said Congress' job is to make it work.\r\nBut he also reminds his more partisan critics that he opposes the confirmation of Janet Yellen, Obama's nominee for Federal Reserve chairman. He voted, too, against a Senate rules change that allows Democrats to confirm certain nominees with a simple majority of 51 votes, rather than the 60 previously required when the minority party objected.\r\n\"Most people know he doesn't just follow the party line,\" said Republican Bob Miller, a Marshall County commissioner. Although he supported Manchin's Republican opponent in the last two Senate elections, Miller said he's \"never looked at Joe as Satan.\"\r\nManchin said he operates as he did at the statehouse in Charleston, where he remains an influential figure. State Sen. Larry Edgell, a Democrat, said then-Gov. Manchin met regularly with both party caucuses and also hosted small, bipartisan groups of lawmakers. Manchin now uses the same strategy inviting groups of senators out on a boat he keeps docked near Washington. The social outings have produced pairings like Republican Ted Cruz of Texas and Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York, according to Manchin's staff. \"You've got to find leverage\" on issues, Manchin said, \"and have the relationships to use it.\"\r\nManchin said he's not trying to amass influence to \"be a lifer\" in the Senate. He also didn't reject the possibility of looking beyond West Virginia, should an opportunity arise. \"I'm not sure I'd put my family through that,\" he said of his own national campaign. But he added, \"I'm happy to help wherever I can.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Bill Barrow", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=93d98348-5a49-4ac4-bac1-df00a016ff56", "Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement wishing all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\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.\r\n\u201cAs a country, we are blessed to have such a devoted and patriotic military. Our brave service men and women are far from the beautiful holiday sights and sounds we get to enjoy. They are holding vigil where there is no peace. But their vigil is what makes our peace possible. So let us make sure to keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.\r\n\u201cWe are all so blessed, and that is never more apparent than during the holidays as we share our blessings with our family, friends and neighbors. Many times it\u2019s easy to take things in our lives for granted. But especially during the Christmas season, let\u2019s remind ourselves of the countless blessings we have.\r\n\u201cMay God bless you all with peace and good will this holiday season. And may the hope and joy of the season fill the stockings and hearts of every West Virginian.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b389a58a-a4b2-47ec-962f-5b4a7ff76f38", "Manchin Statement on Additional Health Care Penalty Delay", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Additional Health Care Penalty Delay \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration\u2019s announcement to allow penalty delays for some individuals whose insurance has been canceled because their health care plans did not comply with minimum requirements under the new law.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve always said that 2014 should be a transition year for the health care law, and we must give the American people a chance to shop around for the best and most affordable insurance plans. Yesterday\u2019s announcement to delay the mandate penalty for those whose plans were cancelled under the individual market is a step in the right direction, but why not delay all mandate penalties like the bipartisan legislation Senator Kirk and I introduced? This piecemeal approach, including delaying fines for larger employers and small businesses but not all parts of the mandate, doesn\u2019t make any sense. We should provide certainty and confidence and allow all Americans \u2013 who are some of the best shoppers in the world \u2013 to have the time they need to browse and explore the options best suited for their families, waiving all penalties and fees across the board. Let\u2019s work to fix the serious problems with the rollout of Healthcare.gov and the law\u2019s implementation so that all West Virginians and Americans can access affordable health care.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=418fc2fb-c8d6-4a96-ae03-84d69dad748b", "Manchin Sees Firsthand The Impact of Sequestration on Military Aviators", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Sees Firsthand The Impact of Sequestration on Military Aviators \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Manchin participates in training exercises with Marine Corps fighter squadron\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chair of the Airland Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently had the honor of spending the day with a Marine Corps fighter squadron at Andrews Air Force Base. He wanted to see firsthand the impact sequestration and budgetary cuts has had on military aviators as well as learn more about the Marine Corps\u2019 plans to modernize their fighter jets.\r\nOn Monday, December 16, Senator Manchin, a commercial pilot himself, participated in a Marine Corps flight briefing, donned a survival vest and flight helmet, and joined fighter pilots in routine training exercises.\r\n\u201cAfter spending the day with an elite group of individuals, I left Andrews Air Force Base with a deeper appreciation for these Marines and for military aviators,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cOur nation\u2019s air superiority is unchallenged, but that advantage is tenuous if sequester cuts continue to force aviation units across America to be grounded. Our military units need continued investment and funding, and I left even more convinced that the sequester\u2019s across-the-board cuts are damaging the effectiveness of our military. I am encouraged that the Murray-Ryan budget deal will help bring back a sense of normalcy to our fighting units and aviators.\u201d\r\nTo view photos of Senator Manchin\u2019s visit to Andrews Air Force Base, please visit his website or Facebook page.\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8d9ad647-1095-4bd0-9fec-732c56965769", "Manchin, Kirk, Wicker Urge Federal Banking Officials to Protect Community Banks", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Kirk, Wicker Urge Federal Banking Officials to Protect Community Banks \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senators send letter to correct a bureaucratic oversight by the regulators of the Dodd-Frank Act\u2019s Volcker Rule\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today sent a letter to federal officials who oversee banking rules, including Treasury Secretary Lew and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, in order to ensure community banks are protected from the broad brush of federal regulation. Due to a technical oversight in the Volcker Rule, which was intended to protect the U.S. economy from risky bets by large banks, community banks fear that they would have to write off hundreds of millions of dollars in capital in just a couple of weeks. In addition, if the rule is not addressed immediately, the banks would be required to sell securities at depressed values. This oversight would not only severely punish community banks, but it would also undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability.\r\nThe letter, in part, states: \u201cThe purpose of the Volcker Rule was to ensure that the trading activities of the big banks do not undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability, not to punish community banks.\u00a0 In finalizing the Volcker Rule, regulators have wisely sought to ensure that these community banks, which had nothing to do with the actions that necessitated the Volcker Rule in the first place, were not negatively impacted.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that cannot be said about the treatment of pools of trust-preferred securities (\u201cTruPs\u201d) owned by community banks.\r\n\u201cWe urge each of your agencies to take action swiftly to grant relief to those financial institutions that had nothing to do with the 2008 economic crisis, but will have everything to do with our economic recovery.\u201d\r\nPlease read the full text of the letter below:\r\nDear Secretary Lew, Chairman Bernanke, Commissioner Curry, Chairman Gensler, Chairman Gruenberg, Chairwoman White:\r\nWe write regarding the recently finalized Volcker Rule requirements of Section 13 of the Bank Holding Company Act (\u201cBHC Act\u201d) as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (\u201cDodd-Frank\u201d).\u00a0 We know the agencies embarked on a long, arduous process, and there is no doubt the financial industry needed this rule before we could truly move on from the 2008 financial crisis.\u00a0 However, we have said from the outset that community banks were not responsible for that crisis, and they should not have to pay the price for Wall Street\u2019s misconduct.\u00a0 We have consistently urged the agencies to ensure that community banks are protected from the broad brush of federal regulation.\r\nThe purpose of the Volcker Rule was to ensure that the trading activities of the big banks do not undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability, not to punish community banks.\u00a0 In finalizing the Volcker Rule, regulators have wisely sought to ensure that these community banks, which had nothing to do with the actions that necessitated the Volcker Rule in the first place, were not negatively impacted.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that cannot be said about the treatment of pools of trust-preferred securities (\u201cTruPs\u201d) owned by community banks.\u00a0\r\nThe Volcker Rule is not the appropriate vehicle for the regulators to revisit how community banks manage their portfolios of TruPs.\u00a0 Indeed, unless your agencies take action immediately, a sizable number of community banks will have to liquidate their performing pools of TruPs and take an accounting loss \u2013 hurting earnings and capital.\u00a0 The intent of these previously approved investments was to strengthen capital in community banks.\u00a0 If held to maturity, these securities would most likely not have mandated losses.\u00a0\r\nIf the regulators stand by the misdirected application of the Volcker Rule to community bank TruPs, the impacts could be devastating to shareholders and the capital of a large number of community banks across the country.\u00a0 These banks would be required to recognize a write-off in the current quarter for any unrealized losses from holding the security and would be required to liquidate the security by July 2015.\u00a0 If the bank was able to hold these securities until maturity, the anticipated loss would be zero.\u00a0 The unrealized losses embedded in the securities today are related to the illiquid market for these securities, rather than true credit losses.\u00a0\r\nIn addition, the rule would not only require banks to mark the TruPs to current market prices, which are still somewhat depressed, but would also result in a fire sale from a required July 2015 divestment, which would further push prices down and could result in severe and unnecessary losses.\u00a0 One of the purposes of the Volcker Rule is to reduce the exposure of banks to the ups and downs of securities trading markets; yet the application of it to TruPs of community banks actually makes the situation worse.\u00a0\r\nThese actions are completely unwarranted since the agencies could easily rely on their authorities to grant a carve-out or a grandfather status to banks under a certain asset size for their ownership of these types of securities acquired prior to the final rule.\u00a0 The agencies have admitted in their guidance for community banks that \u201c[o]nly a small number of community banks own . . . collateralized debt obligations\u00a0 . . . backed by trust preferred securities.\u201d\u00a0 Accordingly, there is very little to no systemic risk for community banks to continue to own these securities.\u00a0 On the other hand, the effect on the banks to divest these securities in relatively short order would be devastating.\u00a0 It is obvious to conclude that the community banks deserve relief, such as an exception or a grandfather status from this rule.\r\nAs you probably know, several community banks have voiced serious concern and are truly fearful of their reporting requirements at the end of this year.\u00a0 We urge each of your agencies to take action swiftly to grant relief to those financial institutions that had nothing to do with the 2008 economic crisis, but will have everything to do with our economic recovery.\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=3890e3b0-aeb8-41a3-82e7-390d59b5bae8", "Manchin, Boozman Work to Bring Transparency, Fairness to EPA Science Review Process", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Boozman Work to Bring Transparency, Fairness to EPA Science Review Process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and\u00a0John Boozman (R-AR)\u00a0 today introduced legislation to improve confidence in the fairness and transparency of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and rulemaking by reforming the science advisory process.\r\n  The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act makes changes to the Science Advisory Board (SAB) by increasing transparency, enabling SAB reviews of EPA \u201crisk or hazard assessments\u201d that are used to justify regulations, ensuring that the dissenting views of scientists on review panels are not silenced, standardizing the SAB member selection process to make it consistent with practices at the National Academies and other federal agencies, limiting non-scientific policy advice, increasing SAB disclosures, and eliminating SAB conflicts of interest.\r\n\u201cFor too long, the EPA\u2019s regulations have been the result of a process that is too closed and too vulnerable to conflicts of interest and insider politics,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThe EPA must improve its credibility with the American people and the entire energy sector, and this bipartisan legislation makes sure that the EPA is held accountable for creating fair, unbiased, and science-based rules and regulations. I thank Senator Boozman for his leadership in crafting commonsense ideas on how we can strengthen EPA transparency.\u201d\r\n  \u201cAmericans are worried about EPA rules and regulations that are not based on transparent science or developed through a fair and open process. These actions drive up the cost of food, electricity, gas, and items on the store shelf; and low-income families are hit the hardest. We must promote conservation, and protect our air and water. But Arkansans and all Americans want the rule-making process to be fair and science-based, without conflicts of interest,\u201d Boozman, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said.\r\nThe SAB was established by the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 (ERDDA) to provide scientific advice upon the request of the EPA Administrator and Congressional Committees, but improvements need to be made.\r\nThis legislation:\r\n\u2022\u00a0Strengthens public participation and comment opportunities   \u2022\u00a0Modernizes the selection of Science Advisory Board (SAB) and sub-panel members;  \u2022\u00a0Eliminates conflicts of interest and increasing disclosures;  \u2022\u00a0Expands the ability of SAB members to express dissenting views;   \u2022\u00a0Enables SAB reviews of EPA \u201crisk or hazard assessments\u201d; and   \u2022\u00a0Limits non-scientific policy advice.\r\n  Similar legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Chris Stewart, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b34dd986-dd8d-462c-aba9-392a6acb874d", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support National Guard", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support National Guard \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 **Lawmakers call on Secretary of Defense to preserve dual mission capabilities**\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \u00a0WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 As the Department of Defense completes its year-end budget review, U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall\u00a0(all D-W.Va.), are leading a bipartisan coalition of House and Senate Members urging Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to protect and strengthen the National Guard in next year\u2019s Army budget.\r\n\u201cThe National Guard is America\u2019s longest serving military fighting force and has always answered the call when the American people need help in the most trying of times \u2013 from lending a hand in floods, snow storms, tornadoes, and life-threatening emergencies to fighting side by side with our armed forces overseas,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cNow, as our nation faces budget deficits, the Guard can undertake the toughest missions anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost. We must remain the strongest country in the world, but we need to act in a cost-efficient way. And the National Guard gives us that option.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Guard has a critical dual-use role, not only to serve overseas but also to ensure the security of our homeland and to protect our State\u2019s and its residents during times of natural disasters.\u00a0 By better using our National Guard and Reserve Component, we can find cost-savings in the budget and avoid draconian cuts that would hurt our Nation\u2019s and State\u2019s defense capability, as well as our\u00a0 men and women who serve and sacrifice in behalf of us all,\u201d said Rahall.\u00a0\r\nRahall, a Member of the House National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives to urge the Secretary to oppose proposals under consideration that would reduce the Army National Guard to 315,000 soldiers \u2013 35,000 fewer soldiers than pre-9/11 levels.\r\nSenator Manchin, joined by Senator Jay Rockefeller, is leading a similar effort in the Senate, working in a bipartisan manner with his Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues, to urge Secretary Hagel to fully consider the role of the National Guard as the most cost-effective defenders of our nation.\r\n\u201cOur National Guard is a critical and unique component of our Army, thanks to the supreme dedication and incredible work of all those who serve,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cMaking cuts to the Guard could jeopardize the safety and preparedness capabilities they provide that are critical during emergency responses. Instead, during these challenging fiscal times, we should maximize the capabilities of our National Guard. This would provide support for our nation\u2019s security efforts and allow for greater efficiencies in our military budget.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe National Guard is America\u2019s longest serving military fighting force and has always answered the call when the American people need help in the most trying of times \u2013 from lending a hand in floods, snow storms, tornadoes, and life-threatening emergencies to fighting side by side with our armed forces overseas,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cNow, as our nation faces budget deficits, the Guard can undertake the toughest missions anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost. We must remain the strongest country in the world, but we need to act in a cost-efficient way. And the National Guard gives us that option.\u201d\r\nIn urging the Defense Department to rebalance its use of Active and Reserve Component Army units to find long-term budgetary savings, Rahall cited the Reserve Forces Policy Board at the Department of Defense that recently noted an increased role for the National Guard could sustain the Army\u2019s combat capability while reducing costs.\r\n\u201cOur Nation is at a critical juncture, we must reduce our debt and reinvest in our infrastructure while also maintaining a strong national and homeland defense.\u00a0 The National Guard, just as the Founding Fathers envisioned, is key to solving this problem.\u00a0 The Guard is a cost effective and timely capability at home and abroad and I am glad our elected leaders believe we are part of the solution!\u201d said Major General James Hoyer, Adjutant General, West Virginia National Guard.\r\n\u201cAs I noted in my letter to the Secretary of Defense, I am convinced that cutting the Reserve Component is not a practical or long-term solution to ensuring our Nation\u2019s security in an era of fiscal restraints.\u00a0 Congress last year rightly rejected similar proposals to cut the Air National Guard, and so I am pressing the Secretary to do likewise for the Army and to forgo large reductions that would inhibit our Army\u2019s ability to respond to world events and domestic emergencies,\u201d said Rahall.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83938ff5-9cee-4931-b875-724d13c1a780", "Senator Manchin and Congressman Cicilline Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Focus on Job Growth", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin and Congressman Cicilline Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Focus on Job Growth \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) today introduced commonsense legislation that would help Washington stay focused on what matters most to hardworking Americans: creating and protecting American jobs.\r\nUnder current law, the government must \u201cscore\u201d pieces of legislation to estimate the cost. Manchin and Cicilline\u2019s legislation would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to also determine the number of jobs that would be created, protected, or lost should a specific piece of legislation become law. This bill will make debates about jobs more transparent and concrete, giving lawmakers a solid basis of information for decision-making.\r\n\u201cAlthough America\u2019s unemployment numbers have slowly declined from the beginning of the worst recession since the Great Depression, there are still too many hardworking Americans out of work. There should not be a higher priority in Congress than creating jobs right here at home, and it\u2019s time that lawmakers start thinking about one simple question before they cast their votes: how will this bill impact jobs and job growth in America?\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe Jobs Score Act is a piece of commonsense legislation that will ensure our elected representatives know exactly how many jobs would be created, protected or lost with each bill.\u201d\r\n\u201cMy top priority in Congress is to strengthen our economy through job creation, and it is critical that we know the likely impact our decisions in Congress will have on employment across our nation,\u201d said Cicilline. \u201cI am proud to have worked with Senator Manchin in leading bipartisan efforts in both chambers, and look forward to continuing working for passage of this law and doing everything I can to get our economy back on track and get Rhode Islanders back to work.\"\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a83a4c75-993e-4142-ac86-b322fb7bc0ee", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Raleigh County Head Start Program", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Raleigh County Head Start Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall,\u00a0(all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Head Start funding for Raleigh County Community Action Association.\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, we prioritize based on our values, and we value taking care of our children,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cAll West Virginia kids deserve a chance at success, and these essential programs provide our youth with the best opportunities and resources for a healthy start and to compete academically and to create a brighter future for themselves.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cWith these investments in neighborhood programs and the caring educators and parents who run them in Raleigh County, we can help to ensure that every child, regardless of economic circumstances, can have the opportunity to succeed in school and life.\u00a0 I strongly believe that Federal investments in early education and childhood development programs, as well as health and nutrition services for young children, pay huge dividends further down the road and help to set kids on the right track early.\u00a0 I am fighting hard for our State\u2019s young children and their families who depend on these programs and the Federal investments that keep them going,\u201d said Rahall.\r\n\u201cInvestments in the Head Start program give children the early support and care they need so that they can enter the classroom healthy and prepared to succeed,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cI\u2019ve long supported this program and the services it provides to children and families, and I\u2019m committed to making sure Head Start is available to those who need it most.\u201d\r\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1,121,678 to Raleigh County Community Action Association in Beckley to continue its Head Start program, which serves pre-school aged children at eight sites throughout Raleigh County.   \u00a0   Head Start is a national development program for low-income children that prepare them for school from a young age. The HHS program provides comprehensive education activities in classrooms, as well as other services such as social, nutritional, health and mental health, and transportation for children and their families.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e537ef0d-e7a7-4500-8851-c236f5b1aaeb", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Coons, Schumer, McCaskill, Klobuchar Introduce Silver Alert Bill to Help Locate Missing Seniors", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Coons, Schumer, McCaskill, Klobuchar Introduce Silver Alert Bill to Help Locate Missing Seniors \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 System Based on AMBER Alert is Designed to Locate Missing Adults with Dementia\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today introduced legislation to create a nationwide network for locating missing adults and senior citizens. The National Silver Alert Act would create a federal program modeled after the AMBER Alert and provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies, similar to a system currently in place in West Virginia.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Silver Alert was put in place in West Virginia when I was Governor and has proven to be a positive and effective program since it started in 2009,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn West Virginia, we\u2019ve been fortunate enough to need the system activated only a handful of times, and we have been very successful in returning those missing individuals home safely. As a proud member on the Special Committee on Aging, I encourage my colleagues to remember that America\u2019s priorities should be based on our values, and keeping our promises to our seniors should be one of our highest priorities. Our seniors helped build and defend this nation, and we have an obligation to them that we must never break.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe know that a strong communications network is critical to first responders when they\u2019re dealing with an emergency situation, such as when an elderly person goes missing,\u201d said Senator Rockefeller. \u201cThe Silver Alert, which is modeled after a successful West Virginia program, has the potential to greatly improve the way we locate missing adults and seniors by allowing for coordination and support across jurisdictions.\u201d\r\n\u201cEvery day, the families of those suffering with dementia live with the fear that their loved one will go out and forget the way home,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSeniors and adults with medical conditions are especially susceptible to illness, injury, or death if they are not found within 24 hours. Since 2008, Delaware\u2019s Gold Alert program has coordinated state and local efforts to quickly locate missing seniors and persons with disabilities. This bill will ensure law enforcement officials across the nation have the resources they need to bring lost loved ones home safely.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhen a person with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia wanders from his or her home, it is frightening for that individual and their family and friends,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cStatistics show that with timely notification, the chances of finding a missing person are greatly increased. This bill will provide federal coordination and assistance in setting up Silver Alert systems to make sure that we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement to ensure the protection and care of our senior citizens.\u201d\r\n\u201cA rapid response system like Silver Alert will save lives,\u201d said Senator McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection. \u201cAlerting the public and coordinating search efforts for missing adults and seniors, especially those with disabilities, can only help ensure our families\u2019 safety. This program has proven itself to be extremely effective all across the country; implementing it at a federal level is just common sense.\u201d   \u201cAs Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia continue to affect too many Minnesotans, many seniors are at a high risk of ending up lost and in a dangerous situation,\u201d Senator Klobuchar said. \u201cThis legislation, which is similar to a program already in place in Minnesota, will help law enforcement across the country spread the word anytime a senior has gone missing and help improve the chances that tragedy is averted.\u201d\r\nThis legislation is supported by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Alzheimer\u2019s Foundation of America, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs\u2019 Association.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f62dc9f3-8235-4e10-97c3-f5b455cded3c", "Manchin Statement One Year After Newtown Tragedy", "2013-12-14", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement One Year After Newtown Tragedy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement one year after the Newtown tragedy:\r\n\u201cToday, Gayle and I join all West Virginians and Americans across the country in grieving for the families who lost their loved ones in Newtown. Though we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, my heart will always weigh heavier on this day as we remember the precious lives lost in this unspeakable and horrific tragedy. A year ago, as a father and a grandfather, I couldn\u2019t wrap my head around how this country could even begin to offer these families comfort. Today, one year later, I am still in awe of their courage and kindness. There is nothing anyone can say to ease their pain and anguish. All we can do is pray that these incredibly brave families get through this indescribably difficult time.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12c35e69-8247-4068-a70a-6c74394adfde", "Manchin Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Corn Ethanol Mandate", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Corn Ethanol Mandate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced with eight cosponsors The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013.\u00a0 The bill, cosponsored by Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Corker, (R-TN), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Patrick Toomey (R-PA), eliminates the corn ethanol mandate within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which requires a yearly increase in the amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into the total volume of gasoline refined and consumed in the United States.\u00a0 The RFS, which was first enacted in 2005 and then expanded in 2007, requires refiners and blenders to use 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2013.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe time to end the corn ethanol mandate has arrived,\u201d Dr. Coburn said. \u201cThis misguided policy has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, increased fuel prices and made our food more expensive.\u00a0 Eliminating this mandate will let market forces, rather than political and parochial forces, determine how to diversify fuel supplies in an ever-changing marketplace.\u00a0 I\u2019m grateful my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are prepared to take this long-overdue step to protect consumers and taxpayers from artificially high fuel and food prices.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am pleased to join Senator Coburn and others on a bill to eliminate the federal corn ethanol mandate from the Renewable Fuel Standard, while maintaining provisions designed to grow the low-carbon biofuel industry,\u201d Senator Feinstein said.\u00a0 Under the corn ethanol mandate in the RFS, roughly 44 percent of U.S. corn is diverted from food to fuel, pushing up the cost of food and animal feed and damaging the environment. Oil companies are also unable to blend more corn ethanol into gasoline without causing problems for automobiles, boats and other vehicles. I strongly support requiring a shift to low-carbon advanced biofuel, including biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other revolutionary fuels. But a corn ethanol mandate is simply bad policy.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have long opposed efforts to increase the use of corn ethanol as a fuel additive and am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation,\u201d Senator Collins said.\u00a0 \u201cCorn ethanol blended gasoline poses economic and safety risks by damaging or destroying engines of older cars, boats, and snowmobiles, has caused food and feed prices to rise, and presents significant environmental concerns.\u00a0\u00a0 Expanding alternative, domestic fuel sources remains critically important for energy independence, however, and I continue to support the development of promising advanced biofuels to meet our energy and environmental challenges.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s become obvious that the Renewable Fuel Standard is having some unintended consequences, like higher food prices and fuel market disruptions that could raise gas prices,\u201d Senator Corker said.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill is a common-sense step to mitigate those consequences and move our energy policy in a direction that better reflects the realities of our domestic fuel demand and production.\u201d\r\n\u201cDiverting corn to produce ethanol hurts hardworking families by raising the cost of food,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhile I believe that we need to develop alternative energy sources as part of a domestic, all-of-the-above energy approach, we must be smart about where we make our investments. It is long past time to eliminate these harmful corn ethanol requirements that do little to make us energy independent, while raising the cost of food in these already tough economic times.\u201d\r\n\u201cSince 2005, fuel suppliers like those in Trainer and Philadelphia have been forced to blend millions of gallons of biofuels - notably corn ethanol - into the nation's gasoline supplies,\u201d Sen. Toomey said.\u00a0 \u201cThis flawed central planning harms the viability of good paying jobs, drives up gas prices, increases food costs, and harms the environment. This is the government using corporate welfare to shower money on a favored industry and send the bill to the general public. Labor leaders, business, and environmental groups have pushed back against this harmful regulatory regime.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to repeal the requirement that directs more corn in our gas tank at the expense of the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania.\u201d\r\nAdditional background information here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=85eff665-b4f6-47fc-88a6-0bee389be862", "Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Proposal designed to allow localities to retain volunteer first responders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Begich (D-AK) to introduce bipartisan legislation that ensures volunteer firefighters and other first responders can continue protecting communities that rely on them. The \u201cProtect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act\u201d amends the \u201cAffordable Care Act\u201d to make it clear that volunteer emergency service workers are not required to be counted as full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) for purposes of healthcare coverage.\r\nSome volunteer firefighters are nominally paid, and most volunteer first responders have other full-time employment. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers, nor do most volunteer first responders expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service.\r\n\u201cWe all know that the main goal of the Affordable Care Act is to provide all Americans with accessible and affordable health care coverage,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cHowever, we also know that there have been many missteps and unintentional consequences during the implementation of this law. Due to a technical error that unintentionally penalizes volunteer fire departments, the law jeopardizes funding for training and emergency response hours by imposing unreasonable burdens on many of our volunteer emergency response agencies. Our bipartisan fix makes sure there is a clear distinction between full-time, paid emergency responders and volunteers so that our emergency response teams can keep our communities safe without the threat of reducing necessary funding for training or emergency response hours. I thank my good friend Senator Mark Warner for his leadership on fixing this problem with the Affordable Care Act.\u201d\r\nThis bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and Congressional Fire Services Institute.\r\n\u201cThe IAFC strongly supports Sen. Warner and Sen. Manchin\u2019s bill to clarify the status of volunteer firefighters under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This is a bipartisan issue which could have serious impacts on staffing at fire departments across the United States,\u201d said Chief William Metcalf, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. \u201cThe IAFC looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to help ensure fire departments of all types are able to continue saving lives and serving their communities.\u201d\r\nThe text of the Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act is available here. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=09e4a3e4-8796-4b28-bf5e-f44e4be8242b", "Manchin Statement on Budget Conference Deal", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Budget Conference Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013:\r\n\u201cThis budget agreement is the first bipartisan deal that has been proposed since I became a member of the Senate more than three years ago. I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans were able to sit down in a room together, negotiate, and arrive at a deal. I commend Senator Murray and Representative Ryan for their leadership in debating, deliberating and finally compromising on an agreement. While this deal is not perfect, and not the one I would have written myself, it is a first step toward getting Congress back on track. I am hopeful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will build upon this deal and work together toward a long-term budgetary fix.\r\n\u201cIn the meantime, I will be reviewing the details of this budget agreement to make sure we strike the proper balance between funding our government, creating certainty for businesses to hire hardworking Americans and reducing our deficit with responsible spending cuts. Let\u2019s return our focus to rebuilding America.\u201d\r\nAttached is a fact sheet on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which provides information on some provisions included in the budget package.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2bc91633-6847-420d-a905-654344e6a576", "Manchin, Fischer Introduce \u2018Gone Act\u2019 to Eliminate Government Spending on Nothing", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Fischer Introduce \u2018Gone Act\u2019 to Eliminate Government Spending on Nothing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to close out thousands of expired grant accounts, which cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act would require agencies to close out expired, empty grant accounts.\u00a0It would also\u00a0require federal agencies to identify exactly why those accounts were never closed in the first place. \u00a0\r\nSpecifically, the GONE Act would require the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to submit a report to Congress and agency heads detailing all expired, empty grant accounts, which must be closed within six months after the report is submitted. Afterwards, agencies would be required to update the council within three months on whether the grant accounts actually were closed. To ensure accountability, the council must also submit a follow up report to Congress and the committees of jurisdiction on the status of grant accounts identified for closure.\r\n\r\n\u201cFixing America\u2019s finances and getting our financial house in order has always been a top priority for me, especially when we can cut waste, fraud and abuse,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIt is truly remarkable how much our great nation can save if our federal government cuts the fat and not the muscle from many of our programs, especially ones that are no longer serving the American people. Our taxpayer dollars should be spent on programs and grant opportunities that actually support the people who we as Americans value most \u2013 including our children, veterans and seniors \u2013 not on administering empty grant accounts that help nobody. I thank Senator Fischer for leading this commonsense effort to address head-on our government\u2019s wasteful spending.\u201d\r\n\u201cTo literally spend money on nothing is a new height of government waste,\u201d Senator Fischer said. \u201cThe GONE Act will stop the federal government from throwing away the money of hardworking taxpayers, while increasing government accountability \u2013 a top priority of mine. This legislation addresses just a snapshot of wasteful spending, but it proves decades of Washington\u2019s fiscal malpractice have produced plenty of fat to trim.\u201d\r\nOn April 24, 2013, The Washington Post reported,\u00a0\u201cThis year, the government will spend at least $890,000 on service fees for bank accounts that are empty. At last count, Uncle Sam has 13,712 such accounts with a balance of zero. They are supposed to be closed. But nobody has done the paperwork yet.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83ffe84e-8999-4d1b-8cd2-46a817e5a017", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Logan County Head Start Program", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Logan County Head Start Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with\u00a0Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Head Start funding for PRIDE Community Services.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia is blessed with community organizations, like PRIDE, that are providing critical education and nutritional assistance to children in Logan County.\u00a0 As the Congress considers the Federal budget for the coming year, I continue to press to raise awareness about the importance of Head Start programs in our State and to ensure that our children, regardless of economic circumstances, have an opportunity to reach their full potential,\u201d said Rahall.\u00a0 \u201cAs parents and grandparents, we know time and loving care invested in our children early on pays huge dividends throughout their lives. By encouraging learning, improving graduation rates, and ensuring that our children have the 21st century skills, we better equip our Nation to compete in the ever-growing global economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve long supported the Head Start program and stood behind its critically important mission of providing our youngest West Virginians with the support and structure they need to succeed once they enter the classroom,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cThis funding for PRIDE Community Services will give children in the Logan County community the opportunity to access health, education and social services, all of which are necessary to building in these girls and boys strong foundations for the future.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to make sure that all of our kids get the care, education, and services they need to become successful,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cIt is important to invest in educational opportunities like Head Start that can help lead our next generation to a brighter future, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure these essential programs remain funded for West Virginia children. This grant will ensure that our kids in Logan County receive access to necessary resources that will help our educated students compete in the global marketplace, which strengthens our economy and keeps jobs here at home.\u201d\r\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $781,931 to PRIDE Community Services, Inc., of Logan, to continue its Head Start program, which serves 235 children in 25 collaborative classrooms throughout Logan County.\u00a0\r\nHead Start is a national development program for low-income children that prepares them for school from a young age. The HHS program provides comprehensive education activities in classrooms, as well as other services such as social, nutritional, health and mental health, and transportation for children and their families.\r\nPRIDE\u2019s Head Start Program began in May 1965, making it one of the oldest such programs in the nation.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=23307b03-9446-467a-9428-dd2459c04848", "Media attention keeps focus on Manchin | Charleston Daily Mail", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Media attention keeps focus on Manchin | Charleston Daily Mail \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNone of the members of the national television crew with Sen. Joe Manchin had ever fired a gun.\r\nSo instead of just shooting extra footage of the Democrat expending a few rounds, the Fox News team joined Manchin Thursday morning in firing away.\r\n\u201cThey did good. The girls about showed us all up,\u201d Manchin said later that afternoon, after an interview with the station.\r\nIf people outside of West Virginia know about Manchin, there\u2019s a good chance it\u2019s because of guns.\r\nThey might recall a campaign advertisement from 2010, when a rifle-toting Manchin blasted a hole through a piece of legislation.\r\nBut West Virginia\u2019s junior senator gained national attention more recently for his proposal in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.\r\nThe measure called for background checks on people purchasing guns online or at trade shows.\r\nIt failed by a handful of votes in the Senate, but a $200,000 advertising battle between the National Rifle Association and Manchin helped keep the idea front and center on the country\u2019s political landscape.\r\nThat attention took the measure and debate to \u201ca whole other dimension,\u201d Manchin said.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s funny, when you evaluate it on that level, there are so few people I guess that are going based on the facts and their convictions, of trying to do and improve things,\u201d Manchin said.\r\n\u201c(They) worry more about how it will affect them personally or their political stature or their political standing in the party.\r\n\u201cAnd I\u2019ve never put that ahead of what I was there to do. I think that\u2019s what\u2019s kind of elevated it. It\u2019s an anomaly right now. I don\u2019t think it used to always be that way.\u201d\r\nManchin, 66, is still relatively new in Washington, D.C. Heading to Capitol Hill in late 2010 for the remainder of the late Sen. Robert Byrd\u2019s unexpired term, Manchin won his first election to a full Senate term last fall.\r\nThursday he downplayed the idea that the political cover of no imminent campaign made it easier for him to introduce the background check bill this year. The only thing that matters is whether he can explain his decisions \u201cback home.\u201d\r\nHe brought those explanations to a crowd of local politicians, law enforcement officers, lobbyists and others during Thursday\u2019s lunch meeting at the Fifth Quarter restaurant in Charleston.\r\nThe group included Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, Kanawha Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey, Sheriff Johnny Rutherford, Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Ron Duerring, state AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue and others.\r\nThe senator bounced from topic to topic. The nation\u2019s finances are his key focus, but he\u2019s very committed to fixing the national health care law and to helping veterans find jobs, he told the room.\r\nOft-used phrases found their way into the conversation: Manchin described an idea as a \u201ccommonsense\u201d measure. The concept of \u201cguilt by association\u201d has transformed into \u201cguilt by conversation,\u201d Manchin proclaimed, his frequent explanation for difficulty in working across the aisle.\r\nA man who said he\u2019s a member of the AARP told the senator he\u2019s fed up with the bickering in Washington.\r\nManchin agreed, noting the general public\u2019s dislike extends to people of either party in political office. Referring to an ambiguous \u201cthem,\u201d a Manchin metaphor drew laughter from the crowd.\r\n\u201cI told them this, I said, \u2018Back in West Virginia, you jump in the pig pen, by God, you get a little smell on ya!\u2019\u201d The senator\u2019s spent a fair amount of time in the slop this year, and the nation\u2019s noticed.\r\nThe New York Times recently described Manchin as a \u201ccentrist Democrat\u201d who \u201chas shown an impulsive, almost reflexive willingness to reject the position of his leaders and try to entice fellow senators to a middle ground.\u201d\r\nThe article outlined some of Manchin\u2019s skirmishes with Democrats: he wants a one-year delay of the penalty associated with not having health insurance under President Barack Obama\u2019s signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act. He opposed Obama\u2019s call for military action in Syria, and supported a GOP-backed student loan bill.\r\nIt pointed to his two-year \u201cpestering\u201d as part of the reason the Federal Drug Administration recently moved toward reclassifying hydrocodone \u2014 the active ingredient in power painkillers like Lortab and Vicodin \u2014 as a Schedule II drug.\r\nManchin championed the move Thursday, a change that increases regulations on the medication, including cutting the amount of medication a patient can receive at one time.\r\n(After the meeting, he said he hasn\u2019t spoken about the issue with his daughter Heather Bresch, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Mylan Inc. \u201cWe don\u2019t talk about business at all. I can\u2019t, with the public company she has. We don\u2019t put ourselves in that position,\u201d Manchin said after the lunch.)\r\nLike many other West Virginia politicians, Manchin is quick to criticize any regulation from the president or the Environmental Protection Agency he deems detrimental to coal.\r\nThis coal policy clash appears frequently in the national media: recently, the Wall Street Journal, Politico and others chronicled his eventually successful campaign to keep Ron Binz from becoming the leader of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.\r\nIn October, Roll Call quoted Manchin saying, \u201cI want to kick myself\u201d for leaving his job as governor to run for Senate. Three years in to the federal position, he said he\u2019s still trying to bring people together.\r\nThe Fox News crew and an Associated Press reporter followed Manchin Thursday. Abby Huntsman, host of a daily show broadcast nationally on MSNBC, reportedly sampled the fare at a local Tudor\u2019s Biscuit World when she and a crew joined Manchin Friday in West Virginia.\r\nThe national media watches Manchin. They want to know what he\u2019s going to do next, legislatively or politically.\r\n\u201cThey keep thinking I\u2019m going to do this or that. I don\u2019t know, I\u2019ve never plotted out what I\u2019m going to do,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI always want to put myself in a position to do the best I could to help people.\u201d\r\nLaughing, he added, \u201cI don\u2019t have the ambition to hit the campaign trail.\u201d\r\nAsked directly if he\u2019d thought about running for governor again or seeking higher office, Manchin pointed to the around the- clock nature of the media.\r\nHe talked about getting through the 2014 election cycle.\r\nHe didn\u2019t answer the question.\r\n\u201cWhatever happens will happen,\u201d he said.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Dave Boucher\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGuns, other issues keep senator in national spotlight", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4041f650-0acc-4eb3-ac40-02c290cf1d54", "Senator Manchin and Entire Staff Sign Up on Health Care Exchanges", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin and Entire Staff Sign Up on Health Care Exchanges \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 42 staff members, including Manchin, enrolled today\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he and his entire staff have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act\u2019s health insurance exchanges.\r\n\u201cToday, my staff and I joined the thousands of Americans who signed up for the Affordable Care Act\u2019s health insurance exchanges. I\u2019ve always said that this should be a transition year to give the American people a chance to shop around for the best and most affordable insurance plans for themselves and their families. We are all aware that there have been colossal failures and missteps during the implementation of this law, and there are many policies within the Affordable Care Act that must be fixed. However, there are also many good aspects to the law that offer more health services to millions of hardworking Americans. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fix this law\u2019s many problems while keeping its positive aspects.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=260a434d-b567-425e-83c8-b9d7470bccad", "Manchin holds roundtable at WVSU | Charleston Gazette", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin holds roundtable at WVSU | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSen. Joe Manchin said he supports raising the minimum wage, but hesitated to endorse any specific legislation until he has a chance to evaluate it.\r\n\u201cIf you took the minimum wage in 1968, I think it was in the $1.60, $1.70 range in 1968,\u201d Manchin said Thursday, \u201cand it was automatically adjusted for inflation, today\u2019s minimum wage would be over $10.\u201d\r\nMajority Leader Harry Reid has said that the Senate will vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage before 2014, although minimum wage legislation is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled House.\r\nManchin spoke on a variety of topics \u2014 the financial crisis, immigration, health care, education \u2014 to students and professors at a town hall-style-event at West Virginia State University on Thursday.\r\nManchin said that his concern with the Affordable Care Act is that people will not use the preventive care that has been made available to them and will instead wait until medical issues worsen and become more expensive.\r\n\u201cIf a person doesn\u2019t use that health-care card and go to their screenings, their annual checkups,\u201d Manchin said, \u201cif they\u2019re not going to utilize that, the system will fall on its own weight.\u201d\r\nHe said he\u2019d like to see some sort of market-incentive system to get people to be healthier.\r\n\u201cYou\u2019d better make sure there\u2019s personal responsibility and accountability to make people well or keep them well,\u201d he said. \u201cIf they fall into a sick category, the system will collapse and we ain\u2019t got nothing, that\u2019s what scares me.\u201d\r\nManchin told a crowd of students anxious about a dismal job market upon graduation that they needed to look at themselves as a product and offer good value and good service.\r\n\u201cYou\u2019re the product \u2014 how good are you?\u201d Manchin asked.\r\n\u201cYou\u2019ve got a person who\u2019s got a good product, and they\u2019re reasonable about their value and what they want, but they\u2019re not a self-starter. You got to kick them in the butt every day and tell them what to do. That ain\u2019t going to make it.\u201d\r\nManchin spoke about the need to continue to reduce the deficit, which has fallen by more than 50 percent since 2009. He said that his most sobering moment as a senator came during a hearing of the Committee on Armed Services. Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was asked about the greatest threat the country faces.\r\n\u201cWithout even blinking an eye, he said \u2018the financial situation this country faces,\u2019 \u201d Manchin recalled. \u201cUnmanaged debt will make a coward out of you.\u201d\r\nA crew from Fox News had been following Manchin during his schedule Thursday. Jonathan Kott, a Manchin spokesman, said a crew from MSNBC was planning on following Manchin today.\r\n\u201cThey\u2019ve got it in their heads he\u2019s running for president. I keep telling them he\u2019s not,\u201d Kott said.\r\nWhen asked if he was planning on running for president, Manchin answered with an unequivocal, \u201cNo.\u201d  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    David Gutman\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9863a831-7081-41cb-9217-577d6f2a91fb", "Manchin Statement on EPA Administrator's Trip to China", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on EPA Administrator's Trip to China \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy\u2019s trip to China:\r\n\u201cIt is unfortunate that Gina McCarthy continues to hold energy hearings across the country and across the world and still refuses to travel to the front lines here in West Virginia. If she wants to discuss how we can clean up the environment and reduce emissions, she should come to our state, where some of our top-producing mines are less than five hours outside of Washington. We have expressed over and over our willingness to have an honest conversation about balancing our energy and environmental needs. If we are going to find the technology, let\u2019s do it here in America and in West Virginia.   \u00a0  I understand her decision to travel to China, but while the EPA is focusing their efforts on foreign countries, they are ignoring the pain they are causing hard-working families in mining states like ours, who are being impacted by regulations that are shutting down mines and killing good-paying jobs.\u00a0 I believe that the lessons that she can learn in Marshall, Boone and Logan counties and every mining county in this state are every bit as important as the ones she will learn in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. I would hope Ms. McCarthy would ask China\u2019s environment relations what exactly they are doing themselves to secure a balanced economic and environmental future.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f36c64d6-f16a-4a60-9ba0-84e6256a421f", "Manchin Statement on National Miner's Day", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on National Miner's Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement encouraging West Virginians to show appreciation for our miners and mining families on National Miner\u2019s Day:\r\n\u201cToday on National Miner\u2019s Day, we honor and celebrate the bravest and most patriotic men and women I have ever met in my life. You can\u2019t talk about coal without talking about coal miners. My own family first came to America to work in the mines. Growing up in the small coal-mining town of Farmington, I saw just how proud and courageous all the miners were. The fact is they deserve the same respect as our military veterans \u2013 because they go down into the mines for the same reasons that our veterans took up arms. It\u2019s not just a job \u2013 it\u2019s a calling, a way of life, even an act of patriotism in the defense of this great country. I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal, and I hope that our miners know that as long as there's coal to mine, I will proudly stand by their side. I urge all West Virginians today to show appreciation for our hardworking miners and the mining families of this great state and our nation.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=177d75dd-16d1-4a97-924f-9801268e2003", "Manchin Hears Concerns From Marshall County | Wheeling Intelligencer/News Register", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Hears Concerns From Marshall County | Wheeling Intelligencer/News Register \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMOUNDSVILLE - Energy and gun control were just two of the issues Sen. Joe Manchin addressed during a public meeting Wednesday at the Marshall County Courthouse.\r\nManchin, D-W.Va., focused the conversation on keeping the coal industry in West Virginia alive and growing the natural gas industry in the county. Manchin said the Department of Energy reported coal will be the leading generator of energy for the next 30 years. However, he said the Environmental Protection Agency produces regulations that make it difficult for coal companies to survive.\r\n\"If they're saying it why aren't they working with us?\" Manchin said. \"I'm for all wind and solar, but I'm enough of a realist to understand that it is not going to fuel or power this country right now. It might be 40 or 50 years, but it's a pipe dream right now.\"\r\nGun control was a more controversial topic, as several citizens expressed a need for the government to decrease gun regulations and opposed legislation to require background checks when purchasing a firearm.\r\nManchin said he has pushed for background checks saying \"it made sense\" to require one in a commercial transaction either in person or online. Manchin said mental health issues, gun culture such as violent video games and building schools with bulletproof glass also need to be addressed when discussing gun control.\r\n\"We hardly do anything with mental illness,\" Manchin said. \"Also, as governor we built a lot of schools and not one architect ever came and said to pass legislation to have every first floor window be bullet proof. We're working right now in every school to get them on the first floors.\"\r\nTodd Ruthers, a member of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, said he would rather see the Senator focus on coal instead of being involved in introducing gun regulations.\r\n\"Just because you put restrictions on guns doesn't mean a person isn't going to find a gun,\" Ruthers said.\r\nThe meeting also touched on other issues including immigration, health care reform and the debt crisis.\r\nAfter the meeting, Manchin said he wanted to come to Marshall County to discuss the booming gas industry and to express his concerns about safety regulations in the Shoemaker and McElroy, which are in the process of being purchased by Murray Energy.\r\n\"I'm in touch with the people back home and I know where they're coming from and I think the dialogue really helps in making the decisions,\" Manchin said. \"Coming here to Marshall County, it's the epicenter of energy right now with 90 percent of the gas produced in the state produced right here. The opportunities we have downstream, once we are producing, that means more jobs.\"\r\nManchin met with about 25 county residents and officials, including county Commissioner Bob Miller, Prosecutor Jeff Cramer and Delegates David Evans and Mike Ferro.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t     Sarah Harmon\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=18ba3602-e44e-422c-9cb3-b98177ea3a46", "Shutdown prevention: Back-room talks start | Politico", "2013-11-29", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2013\n\t\t\t Shutdown prevention: Back-room talks start | Politico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLed by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and launched during the government shutdown as a springboard for bipartisan negotiations, the \u201ccommon sense caucus\u201d may offer solutions on budget issues that have long plagued each party.\r\nFor now, the group is working in the shadows of the more high-profile budget conference committee chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). The deadline for that panel to craft an agreement is Dec. 13, and there are some signs it might reach a narrow deal to replace the sequester with more targeted spending before the eruption of another fiscal impasse.\r\nBut if that effort fails, the 16-member Collins-Manchin group may be the best hope of avoiding another shutdown on Jan. 15. Members of the group \u2014 who say theirs isn\u2019t one of the Senate\u2019s famous gangs \u2014 believe their personal relationships and built-in communication infrastructure might offer Congress a way out.\r\n\u201cLet\u2019s say the Budget Committee is unable to reach any kind of agreement,\u201d Collins said. \u201cI would think that our group would reconvene and talk about whether we could put together a plan.\u201d\r\n\u201cThey\u2019re making some headway. Not as much as I\u2019d like to see,\u201d Manchin said of the budget leaders. \u201cIf they fall and get nothing and you come on the eve of a shutdown? You don\u2019t want that to happen. We\u2019re not going to let that happen.\u201d\r\nThe group has been there before: Bipartisan deal makers like Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) believe their October talks and draft legislation paved the way for an eventual deal between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to reopen the government and avoid a debt crisis.\r\nThe group includes lawmakers who aren\u2019t afraid to buck their leadership, whether it\u2019s Republicans Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting with Democrats to advance President Barack Obama\u2019s nominees or Democrats Manchin and Mark Pryor of Arkansas opposing Reid\u2019s historic push to revamp the filibuster rules.\r\nNebraska Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) described the caucus as \u201ckind of the volunteer fire department,\u201d explaining that it may again be called on to unlock negotiations during what looks to be a heated debate between two parties long divided over tax and spending policy.\r\nThe entire group met formally in early November and agreed not to disband, though members decided not to endorse specific policies until the budget committee negotiations play out. But the aisle-crossing crew has continued to meet in small groups and speak privately since the shutdown ended, mindful that it took precious days to build the bipartisan fiscal negotiating team during the 16-day government shutdown this fall.\r\nFor more than a week in October, Washington was paralyzed by the first government shutdown in 17 years. So Collins went solo to the Senate floor to pitch a plan that she believed both parties could support, a key breakthrough in terms of simply getting members of both parties talking to each other again.\r\n\u201cWhen nothing was happening, we tried to be a catalyst to get the government open,\u201d Ayotte said.\r\n\u201cI really believe that we helped paved the way to an earlier end to the shutdown than otherwise would have occurred,\u201d Collins added.\r\nSpearheaded by the moderate Mainer, the group began discussing a proposal that would lift the debt ceiling, reopen the government, create a budget conference committee, offer sequestration flexibility, delay Obamacare\u2019s medical device tax and enforce stricter income verification requirements on those seeking subsidies for health insurance.\r\nUltimately, Reid and McConnell made their own deal to end the deadlock, but members of the Collins-Manchin group believe their work spurred the Senate leaders toward an eventual compromise. They see a final proposal that included nearly everything they sought, save for the device tax delay and sequester flexibility, which liberal Democrats opposed because it would prolong the automatic budget cuts.\r\nAnd with relations between Reid and McConnell at a nadir following Reid\u2019s decision to eliminate the filibustering of most presidential nominees, it could again fall to rank-and-file members to figure something out at the last minute.\r\n\u201cAs much as I hoped after the shutdown that everything would be bright and shiny because people would realize the repercussions of what they did \u2014 not only to the economy but to the reputation of the people working in [the Capitol] \u2014 I don\u2019t really think that happened,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cWe did some good things and we could do more in the future.\u201d\r\nThe group includes a wide swath of centrist-minded senators: Manchin and fellow Democrats Klobuchar, Pryor, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Mark Warner of Virginia and independent Angus King of Maine. Republicans besides Collins include Johanns, Ayotte, Murkowski, John McCain of Arizona, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Dean Heller of Nevada.\r\nHeller and Warner recently approached Collins to ask to join the group, she said. Save for Heller, the Republicans in the group supported the eventual Reid-McConnell fiscal agreement to reopen the government and lift the debt ceiling, defying conservative outside groups and their tea party-flavored colleagues.\r\nLed by Collins and Manchin, perhaps the least reliable party-line votes in either caucus, the group believes it has developed a positive chemistry among members who are unafraid to take risks.\r\n\u201cWhat you have is a group of folks that are committed to trying to bring about constructive solutions to some of our difficult problems,\u201d Murkowski said. \u201cWe kinda like hanging out with one another.\u201d\r\nSenate leadership isn\u2019t entirely following the machinations of the group, aides in both parties said. But Collins, Manchin and company have given a friendly heads-up to Murray that if she and Ryan can\u2019t make it work, they\u2019ve got her back.\r\nThe fact that the group has stayed intact since the government reopened appears to only further motivate Murray to reach a budget deal with Ryan by the deadline and keep the Commonsense Caucus on the sidelines.\r\n\u201cThey said they\u2019re there for me when we need it,\u201d Murray said. \u201cThey want us to get to a deal and they\u2019re there to make sure that we find some way of coming to an agreement.\u201d  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Burgess Everett\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tA bipartisan group of senators may serve as a last-minute lifeline if the government faces another shutdown at the start of next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8a087332-9fa3-49ec-8290-3f1dbcac2034", "Manchin Encourages All West Virginians to Count Their Blessings During Thanksgiving Holiday", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Encourages All West Virginians to Count Their Blessings During Thanksgiving Holiday \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on giving thanks this Thanksgiving holiday:\r\n\u201cFrom an early age, my parents taught my siblings, cousins and me that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. It is a lesson that has stuck with me at every turn of the road, and is a message that I have passed along to my own children and grandchildren. Starting at Thanksgiving and throughout this holiday season, I encourage all West Virginians to take a moment and reflect on our blessings.\r\n\u201cIt is easy to forget how truly blessed we are to live in a country with the greatest liberties and freedoms in the world. But Thanksgiving is the one day each year that the entire American \u201cfamily\u201d gathers together to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy in this great country. We come together no matter what is happening in the life of our country \u2013 whether in war or peace, in boom or bust, in triumph or tragedy.\r\n\u201cAlthough we should thank our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Guard Members every day for their dedication to this country, Thanksgiving is a time to offer special thanks for their service and sacrifice. And I will pray a special prayer that every one of them will return safely to their homes \u2013 and to a grateful nation.\r\n\u201cOn 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###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=fb760067-7952-4d9f-b8e8-6649ee738caf", "Manchin breaks with party on Fed, filibuster votes | Charleston Gazette", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 22, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin breaks with party on Fed, filibuster votes | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin broke ranks with Democrats on two high-profile bills Thursday, voting to preserve the minority party\u2019s ability to filibuster presidential nominees in the Senate and voting against Janet Yellen, President Barack Obama\u2019s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve.\r\nBoth votes were in vain, as Yellen advanced through the Senate Banking Committee, 148, and the Senate voted 52-48 to end the use of filibusters on all presidential appointments, oth\u00ad  er than nominees to the Supreme Court.\r\nManchin was the only Democrat on the Banking Committee to vote against Yellen. Three Republicans voted for her nomination. Yellen is likely to be confirmed by the full Senate.\r\nIn a statement, Manchin said that he could not vote for Yellen because of her support of quantitative easing \u2014 the Fed\u2019s program of buying large amounts of Treasury securities to lower real interest rates and, hopefully, increase lending. \u201cSince 2010, the Fed has pumped tens of billions of dollars into the economy every single month,\u201d Manchin said in a written statement. \u201cUnfortunately, during my conversation with Dr. Yellen and during her testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Dr. Yellen never mentioned a limit nor a desire to back off these policies.\u201d\r\nThe Federal Reserve\u2019s normal mechanism for boosting the economy is to cut interest rates, but the interest rates it directly controls have been at zero since December 2008.\r\nSince unemployment is still high and inflation is below the Fed\u2019s stated target rate of 2 percent, the Fed has used quantitative easing as one of its strategies to stimulate the economy.\r\nManchin also said that current Fed policy will allow Congress to increase debt and deficits.\r\nIn her confirmation hearing on Nov. 14, Yellen said that recent near-term reductions in federal spending\u2014 the federal deficit for fiscal 2013 was less than half of what it was in 2009 \u2014 had \u201cdetracted from the momentum of the economy and demand.\u201d\r\nShe said that deficit reduction should \u201cfocus on achieving gains in the medium-term horizon while not subtracting from the impetus that we need to keep a fragile recovery moving forward.\u201d\r\nAlso Thursday, Manchin was one of three Democratic senators who voted with every Republican to preserve Senate filibusters on federal judges and other executive appointments, including cabinet secretaries.\r\nBecause they failed, nominees will now be approved with a simple majority vote.\r\nIn the past few weeks, Republicans have repeatedly used the filibuster to block Obama\u2019s three nominees to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Despite that court\u2019s three openings, Republicans have said that they would not allow Obama to make any appointments to it, saying the court did not have a heavy enough caseload to warrant its full slate of 11 judges.\r\nThe Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is often called the second most important court in the country. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas all previously served on that court.\r\nIn past years both parties have threatened to do away with filibusters on presidential nominees, but have backed down when compromises were struck at the last minute.\r\nIn 2005, when majority Republican senators threatened to end the filibuster, a compromise was struck which led to five of President George W. Bush\u2019s judicial appointments being confirmed.\r\nManchin said that he proposed creating two standards for nominees, but was rejected by Democratic leadership. He would have done away with the filibuster for cabinet secretaries and other nominees whose terms expire with the president, but kept the filibuster for judicial nominees who have lifetime appointments, including those for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.\r\nManchin said that doing away with the filibuster on presidential nominees, the so-called \u201cnuclear option,\u201d went too far.\r\n\u201cI was willing to support modest changes to make the system more efficient, but my proposal was rejected,\u201d he said in a written statement. \u201cI voted against the rules changes today because they simply went too far. I firmly believe that the filibuster is a vital protection of the minority views.\u201d\r\nSen. Jay Rockefeller voted with all but three Democrats to end the filibusters, because he said Republicans were blocking nominees purely for political reasons.\r\n\u201cWhile I have no issue with a senator opposing a nominee on substantive grounds, it is when a senator votes again and again against a qualified nominee \u2014 or nominees \u2014 purely for political reasons that we must change,\u201d Rockefeller said in a written statement. \u201cThe Senate has been stuck in this escalating pattern of obstruction for too long, holding back presidential appointments for months and in some cases years.\u201d\r\nImmediately after the filibuster vote, the Senate voted 55-43 to end debate on the judicial nomination of Patricia Millett, a Washington lawyer who has worked for both Democrats and Republicans. Manchin and Rockefeller both voted to move forward Millett\u2019s nomination, which had previously been blocked by a Republican filibuster.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    David Gutman", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=967dba96-90ff-43fe-a4a5-6258e0e149f8", "Manchin Pays Tribute to John F. Jennedy on 50th Anniversary of Assasination", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 22, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Pays Tribute to John F. Kennedy on 50th Anniversary of Assasination \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senator Manchin submits a Congressional record statement in memory of President John F. Kennedy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today submitted a Congressional record statement to pay tribute to President John F. Kennedy on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination.\r\nIn part, Senator Manchin wrote: \u201cJohn Kennedy was in the White House for only one thousand days, not even three years.\u00a0 But his achievements exceeded his years.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to dismiss his Presidency as one of rhetoric more than results.\u00a0 But to do so ignores the New Frontier he pioneered \u2013 a new era of economic growth, space exploration, civil rights advancements, conservation of natural resources, nuclear disarmament and generations of Americans who have made public service a way of life.\r\n\u201cJohn Kennedy\u2019s immortal words, especially those of his Inaugural Address, still call us to action \u2013 to think beyond our own self-interests, and to do what is best for our country and the people of the world.\u201d\r\nBelow is the full text of the Congressional record statement:\r\nMr. President, fifty years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, America still mourns his loss. For those of us who were inspired by his Presidency, it\u2019s easy to understand why.\u00a0 In a time of indifference, he reawakened this nation to the finest meaning of citizenship \u2013 placing public service ahead of private interest.\r\nThat is why a half a century later, he remains a powerful symbol of a time of soaring idealism in America, when our people believed our country could do anything \u2013 even go to the moon. John Kennedy also inspires Americans who know him only from history books or from the stories their parents and grandparents tell of that all-too-brief shining moment that was his Presidency.\r\nJohn Kennedy was in the White House for only one thousand days, not even three years.\u00a0 But his achievements exceeded his years.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to dismiss his Presidency as one of rhetoric more than results.\u00a0 But to do so ignores the New Frontier he pioneered \u2013 a new era of economic growth, space exploration, civil rights advancements, conservation of natural resources, nuclear disarmament and generations of Americans who have made public service a way of life.\r\nJohn Kennedy\u2019s immortal words, especially those of his Inaugural Address, still call us to action \u2013 to think beyond our own self-interests, and to do what is best for our country and the people of the world.\r\nLike millions of Americans, I vividly recall the exact moment on that cold day of November 22, 1963, when I heard the shocking news from Dallas that the President had been shot.\u00a0 I was a junior at Farmington High School. By the time we were told of the tragedy, it was just after lunch and my classmates and I walked into English class. Mr. Simon Matthews, our English teacher who also was one of our football coaches, broke the unspeakable news.\r\nMr. Matthews announced austerely, \u201cThe President has been shot.\u201d We thought he was joking and teased him to quit kidding us. He said again, \u201cThe President has just been assassinated,\u201d and we were sent home from school early.\r\nWhen I arrived home, I was stunned to walk in to my living room and find it filled by my entire family. I had never seen my grandfather or father or my uncles leave work early. It was a somber time for every member of my family as we tried to come to grips with the terrible news. It was just so hard to believe our President could be taken from us. But he was.\r\nThree days later, it was decided that our family would go to Washington to pay our respects to the President. As an eager sixteen year old who had just gotten my license a few months before, I volunteered to drive us in Papa\u2019s \u201958 Cadillac. Six of us piled into the car and made the trip to our nation\u2019s capital.\r\nI will never forget, as the caisson bearing the President\u2019s casket was led down Pennsylvania Avenue on its way to Arlington Cemetery, my cousins and I climbed into the trees for a better view of the procession. We saw the President\u2019s stricken family and friends, the somber Washington dignitaries and world leaders, and Black Jack, the riderless horse with boots turned backwards in the stirrups, a heartbreaking symbol of the loss of a great leader. As I watched the procession move slowly to the sad cadence of military drums, I thought of the time I had been fortunate enough to meet members of the Kennedy family.\r\nI was working on my go-cart downstairs in the garage when they visited my family in Farmington as then-Senator Kennedy was preparing for the West Virginia presidential primary.\u00a0 My hands were dirty and greasy, but my mother insisted that I wipe them clean and come upstairs to meet a few people. As I climbed the steps, I smelled my grandmother, Mama Kay\u2019s, spaghetti. Everyone had gathered at the table for dinner and an exciting discussion about the political race ramping up in West Virginia. That was the day I shook hands with the Kennedys.\r\nJohn Kennedy and his family spent so much time campaigning in West Virginia that he once quipped that \u201cWest Virginia\u201d was the third word his daughter Caroline learned to pronounce. He once boasted that he was the only Presidential candidate in history, other than West Virginian John Davis in 1924, \u201cwho knows where Slab Fork is and has been there.\u201d\r\nJohn Kennedy came to West Virginia to show that a Catholic could win in a predominantly Protestant state. Americans worried that a Catholic President would be controlled by the Pope and that Catholic Mass would be held in the White House every day. Let me just note here that John Kennedy carried the West Virginia primary in a landslide \u2013 with 60.8 percent. He won our votes and our heart. He went on to become, as he put it, \u201cnot the Catholic candidate for President,\u201d but \u201cthe Democrat Party\u2019s candidate for President, who happens also to be a Catholic.\u201d But there was one Catholic Mass in the White House, on November 23, 1963 \u2013 a Requiem Mass for the slain President.\r\nAs I reflect now on how much life intersected with John Kennedy\u2019s life, I prefer to think about the beginning of the Kennedy Presidency rather than its tragic ending. I prefer to remember his Inaugural Address. It was just 1,355 words and 14 minutes long, but it set in motion a generation of Americans with a passion for public service.\r\nSome were inspired to defend liberty as soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. Some would march for civil rights in the South. Some would join the Peace Corps and become ambassadors of peace in villages throughout the world. And some would answer the call to service by seeking public office.\r\nJohn Kennedy was a powerful and positive force in my life and the life of our nation. To me, he embodied a time when politics could be harnessed to higher aspirations, to do good things for the country.\r\nNot only did his Inaugural Address famously challenge us to ask ourselves what we can do for our country, it also provided timeless advice on how to overcome the bitterness of partisan politics. An election, he said, is \u201cnot a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom,\u201d not an end but a beginning \u201csignifying renewal.\u201d That is still good advice.\r\nJohn Kennedy was a committed Democrat and few people loved politics more than he and his family.\u00a0 But he understood \u2013 as he wrote in his book Profiles In Courage, that \u201cthere are few if any issues where all the truth and all the right and all the angels are on one side.\u201d He accepted the fact that democracy relies on competing views and vigorous debate.\r\nBut he did not believe the objective should be to win political power but to solve our country\u2019s problems. As he once said, \u201cLet us not despair but act. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past - let us accept our own responsibility for the future.\u201d\r\nThat is what I have always tried to do \u2013 to find the right answer and to do what is best for my country and the generations of Americans to follow. That is why, 50 years after John Kennedy\u2019s death, I still try to follow his admonition to \u201cgo forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help \u2026 knowing that here on earth God\u2019s work must truly be our own.\u201d\r\nHe acknowledged that this was not the work of a hundred days, or of a thousand days, or of one administration, or of a lifetime, but of generations. Even so, he said, \u201cLet us begin.\u201d And, Mr. President, to you and to all our colleagues in the Senate, I say: Let us continue.\r\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=1a34bb7a-ce58-4335-b4dd-441014681f9d", "Manchin responds to first-grader\u2019s plea | Charleston Daily Mail", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin responds to first-grader\u2019s plea | Charleston Daily Mail \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA West Virginia first-grader got to take a break from school this week \u2014 thanks to a little political clout.\r\nSophie Mullins, a student at Gauley River Elementary School in Craigsville, got a call from Sen. Joe Manchin on Wednesday, after writing the senator a letter in which she told him that all she does is \u201cwork, work, work.\u201d\r\n\u201cI need a break,\u201d Sophie wrote to the senator. \u201cCan you please help?\u201d\r\nManchin responded by calling Sophie at school on Wednesday.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m giving you a break right now, that\u2019s why I called you,\u201d Manchin told Sophie in a video of the call Manchin\u2019s office posted online Wednesday. \u201cI wanted you to take a little bit of time off because you work so hard.\u201d\r\nHe doesn\u2019t let the student off that easy, though. He takes the opportunity to lecture her a little on the value of hard work.\r\n\u201cIf you work hard it\u2019s going to pay off, you\u2019re going to get smarter aren\u2019t you?\u201d Manchin says.\r\n\u201cYes,\u201d Sophie answers confidently.\r\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s good isn\u2019t it?\u201d Manchin says.\r\n\u201cSo you just keep working hard on your studies so you get smarter so you can help us.\u201d\r\nThey wrap up the call with Sophie telling the senator that she\u2019d like her dad to bring her to Washington, DC, for a trip, and Manchin telling her that if he does, she should be sure to come visit him at the Capitol. \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Shay Maunz\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=70436f46-64a7-4203-83b1-97943766cfeb", "Manchin Statement on Voting Against Change of Senate Filibuster Rules", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Voting Against Change of Senate Filibuster Rules \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on why he voted against changing Senate filibuster rules:\r\n\u201cAll West Virginians and Americans deserve a government that works for them, and I completely understand their frustration with the partisan gridlock in Washington. It has become increasingly clear to me that both parties have abused the filibuster by using it to gain political advantage, instead of truly debating an issue. With this in mind, I offered a commonsense compromise that would have allowed the President to put his team in place, but required greater consideration for nominees whose posts outlasted the President. I was willing to support modest changes to make the system more efficient, but my proposal was rejected. I voted against the rules changes today because they simply went too far. I firmly believe that the filibuster is a vital protection of the minority views and exactly why the Framers of our Constitution made the Senate the \u2018cooling saucer.\u2019 As the late, great Robert C. Byrd himself said in the months before his death, \u2018While I welcome needed reform, we must always be mindful of our responsibility to preserve this institution\u2019s special purpose.\u2019\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time to fix Congress and make the legislative process work in a way that puts the American people ahead of petty politics. It\u2019s past time Congress begins working together to move this country forward.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c355e622-d466-457f-8797-f2fe9ca566d6", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce More Than $1.5 Million for Community Health Centers in W.Va.", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce More Than $1.5 Million for Community Health Centers in W.Va. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Funding will expand centers\u2019 capacity to help care for an additional 5,000 patients\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On National Rural Health Day, Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding for two community health centers in West Virginia. The facilities set to receive funding are Community Care of West Virginia in Rock Cave and Williamson Health and Wellness Center. The funding will help these community health centers strengthen and expand their health and wellness services, and begin to service more than 5,000 additional patients.\r\n\u201cEspecially in underserved and rural areas, improving access to quality health care is a major priority for the people of West Virginia,\u201d said Manchin.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so important that our families can get the preventive and primary care that will keep them healthy, and this funding will help these facilities provide the best possible preventive care, treatment and health services.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhen I first came to West Virginia, I was struck by the number of adults and children who\u2019d never been to a dentist, or visited a doctor for a basic check-up. Since then, I\u2019ve been committed to helping the uninsured and those living in underserved communities in our state access good medical care,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cThis funding is so important because it will boost the health care services provided by two important community health centers \u2013 and in turn, that\u2019s going to boost the foundation we have in West Virginia to support and maintain a healthier population.\u201d\r\n\u201cCommunity health centers, like in Williamson, are critical to expanding access to high-quality, primary and preventive care services in southern West Virginia.\u00a0 This funding will go a long way toward addressing the unmet health care needs of our region, while boosting local employment and economic growth,\u201d said Rahall.\r\nThe $1,516,667 in federal funding comes from the Affordable Care Act through the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS/HRSA) Health Access Point Grant Program. This initiative provides grant funding to community health centers to help increase their ability to provide comprehensive health care, including primary and preventive care, to underserved areas and areas with high numbers of uninsured.\u00a0\r\nThe individual award amounts are:\r\n\u2022\u00a0$812,500 \u2013 Williamson Health and Wellness Center \u2013 Williamson, W. Va.  \u2022\u00a0$704,167 \u2013 Community Care of West Virginia \u2013 Rock Cave, W. Va.\r\nClick here for a video of Senator Rockefeller discussing National Rural Health Day.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f691c094-590d-4336-a7b4-dc0567eb8ea4", "Manchin Statement on Fed Chair Nominee Janet Yellen Committee Vote", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Fed Chair Nominee Janet Yellen Committee Vote \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on why he did not vote for Federal Reserve Chair nominee Janet Yellen in the Senate Banking Committee.\r\n\u201cAfter meeting with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to discuss her views on how to best grow our economy and balance our budget, hearing her testimony before the Senate Banking committee, and discussing monetary policy with experts, I cannot support her nomination to be Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve.\u00a0 I believe that Dr. Yellen is a very intelligent and capable nominee, but her views and beliefs to continue quantitative easing, despite a failure to see any real gains, greatly troubles me. A long time ago, I learned from my family in Farmington, West Virginia, \u2018You can\u2019t spend your way to prosperity and borrow your way out of debt.\u2019\r\nBefore this crisis, the Federal Reserve never held even $1 trillion dollars on its balance sheets.\u00a0 While the Fed had to take extraordinary action in the wake of the financial crisis, it\u2019s been five years since we started quantitative easing, and we continue this risky endeavor without seeing the gains we expected.\r\nSince 2010, the Fed has pumped tens of billions of dollars into the economy every single month. We kept buying in 2011 and bought even more in 2012.\u00a0 Finally, almost one year ago, we increased our purchases to $85 billion a month.\u00a0 That\u2019s almost $1 trillion dumped into the economy in just one year.\u00a0 Today, the Federal Reserve has almost $4 trillion of government debt and mortgage-backed securities on its books.\u00a0\r\nWhat\u2019s been the result? Unemployment is still above 7.2%, our gross domestic product, the measure of our economy\u2019s performance, is still sluggish with 2.5% economic growth in 2010 and only 2.8% now.\u00a0 That\u2019s not the kind of improvement we expected from the Fed\u2019s program.\r\nUnfortunately, during my conversation with Dr. Yellen and during her testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Dr. Yellen never mentioned a limit nor a desire to back off these policies.\u00a0 While I support her desire to limit risk in the banking sector and help community banks, her views on the Federal Reserve\u2019s direction force me to oppose her nomination.\r\n\u201cI have said since the day that I arrived in the Senate, as well as my time as Governor of the great state of West Virginia, that if we don\u2019t balance our budget, we can\u2019t support our priorities. I believe that the current lending policy of the Fed will continue to allow Congress to run up record debts and deficits while our economy continues to lag behind.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=48c0443f-f7a8-4a0a-9ffb-abfc62e217e8", "Manchin is getting notice in Washington | Daily Mail", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin is getting notice in Washington | Daily Mail \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCongress has the nation agreeing on one thing: 86 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing, according to the latest Gallup poll.\r\nWhile Americans expect political debates to be intense, what Americans are getting in Washington is dysfunction, where the politicians become so stubborn that both sides are willing to shut the government down rather than resolve their differences.\r\nThere has to be a better way and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is determined to find it by reaching out to Republicans.\r\n? In April, gun owner Manchin worked with Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., to propose expanding background checks for online gun sales.\r\n? In June, Manchin worked with Sens. Burr, R-N.C., Coburn, R-Okla., Alexander, R-Tenn., and King, I-Maine, on student loan legislation.\r\n? In September, Manchin and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., worked with Republicans to pass a resolution that may have headed off a war in Syria.\r\n? In October, Manchin and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, led a bipartisan effort to reach a budget deal and avoid default.\r\n? Also in October, Manchin worked with Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., on consumer credit legislation.\r\n? In November, Manchin is working with Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., on a bipartisan effort to protect coal and the nation\u2019s \u201call-of-the-above\u201d energy strategy.\r\nNot all his efforts will become laws nor or all popular with his base, but Manchin\u2019s willingness to work together for the good of the nation is refreshing and is making an impact. People are noticing.\r\nSalena Zito, a political writer for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, asked him if he would run for president.\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t say,\u201d Manchin replied. \u201cI mean, you never know. I will help my country any possible way that I can. I really would.\u201d\r\nRight now, Manchin is serving the nation well as the fellow who is willing to listen to the other side and work out a compromise.\r\nThat\u2019s what real leaders do.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Editorial\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGetting both parties to work together on issues is important\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=76096ed8-1c1e-4c55-9dba-9601e0070194", "Sen. Manchin fights for coal\u2019s future | Charleston Gazette", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Sen. Manchin fights for coal\u2019s future | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWest Virginians know Sen. Joe Manchin as a tireless advocate for coal throughout his time as both a U.S. senator and as the state\u2019s governor.\r\nSen. Manchin truly represents the voice of West Virginians and coal communities in Washington \u2014 voices too often drowned out by administration officials and lawmakers.\r\nThe senator recently was awarded the Washington Coal Club\u2019s Achievement Award. The award was timely, because Manchin and Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky drafted legislation to counter stringent EPA regulations for new coal-fueled power plants.\r\nSen. Manchin recognizes the critical role coal plays in powering America\u2019s energy needs affordably and reliably. Every day, he strives to work across party lines to ensure coal continues to fuel economic growth and provide energy security.\r\nCongratulations to Sen. Manchin on a worthy and well-deserved achievement. West Virginia is lucky to have an advocate in Washington who fights every day for coal\u2019s future.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Mike Duncan, president American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity Washington\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLetter to the Editor\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=153fab51-4089-46de-b820-b5f802b8d4e9", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding Awarded for Housing Programs in Southern West Virginia", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding Awarded for Housing Programs in Southern West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded funding to rehabilitate housing owned and occupied by low-income families in southern West Virginia.\r\n\u201cWe should do all we can to care for our neighbors who are in need and make sure those struggling have the necessary resources to get back on their feet,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThese important programs offer hope and assistance to West Virginians with the ultimate goal of helping individuals rise above their challenging circumstances and make a fresh start.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith the holidays just around the corner, this funding couldn\u2019t come at a better time for coal mining families in southern West Virginia,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cBeyond the immediate benefits, this investment will have a ripple effect throughout communities in southern West Virginia by increasing security in neighborhoods, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cGood housing is important to maintaining stable communities and creating jobs,\u201d said Rahall. \u201cInvestments in home improvement go far beyond fixing four walls of a housing structure.\u00a0 These are investments in the security of our neighborhoods, and enhancing the sense of pride for working West Virginia families.\u201d\r\nSouthern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) in Kincaid was awarded $20,400 towards a $134,420 project to rehabilitate housing owned and occupied by low- and very-low income families in coal camps located in southern West Virginia.\u00a0 The Housing Authority of Mingo County will receive a $34,000 grant to allow qualifying homeowners in Mingo and Logan Counties to make necessary repairs to their homes.\r\nThe funding announced today has been awarded through USDA Rural Development\u2019s Housing Preservation Grant program, which provides competitive grants to state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations to make housing repairs and improve housing conditions for limited income rural residents.\u00a0 Grants may be used to make general repairs or provide or enhance access to people with disabilities.\u00a0 Funds may also be used to make homes more energy efficient.\r\n-30-\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0e68930e-7913-4d16-bc9c-7fb586178a48", "Party lines invisible to Sen. Manchin of West Virginia | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review", "2013-11-17", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2013\n\t\t\t Party lines invisible to Sen. Manchin of West Virginia | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 Joe Manchin didn't set out to become a Senate power broker when he arrived in Washington in 2010.\r\nYet he is suddenly that.\r\nPeople outside his home state of West Virginia are talking about the Democrat who doesn't follow party lines, and his ability to get colleagues to sign on to legislation, including a bill that likely pressured the White House to change its response to the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\u201cI don't have all of the ideas, but I have a few,\u201d Manchin, 66, told the Tribune-Review. \u201cI am not always right, but I am not always wrong, either. I think with that approach, I can fix things.\u201d\r\nBowing to criticism from millions of Americans who received cancellation notices for individual insurance policies since the law went online in October, President Obama on Thursday said consumers can keep plans that don't meet requirements for one more year.\r\nHis proposed fix \u2014 to delay requiring that insurers end policies that don't meet minimum coverage standards \u2014 is not enough, Manchin said.\r\nHe will keep pushing legislation he co-sponsored with Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., to reinstate any canceled policies.\r\n\u201cOur fix is permanent; the president's is temporary,\u201d Manchin said.\r\n\u2018A VERY LIKABLE GUY'\r\nIt's not the first time the plain-speaking former governor emerged in an unlikely Senate leadership role.\r\nIn April, his national standing soared when he forged a compromise bill with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Lehigh County to expand background checks for gun purchases to online sales. The bill did not pass, but Manchin \u2014 who famously shot a hole through Obama's cap-and-trade bill in a TV campaign ad \u2014 gained notice.\r\nIn July, the Senate passed his bipartisan student loan bill, which cut rates for the year and based them on Treasury bonds instead of a fixed number, despite pushback from progressive Democrats such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.\r\nTwo months later, experts credited his proposed resolution to give President Bashar al-Assad 45 days to sign an international chemical weapons ban with cooling the White House at the height of the Obama administration's push for military action in Syria.\r\nAnd Manchin was the guy who cut a deal with Fisher House Foundation, a veteran\u2019s charitable organization, to help pay death benefits to families of fallen troops when the government shutdown in October halted payments.\r\nToomey said Manchin is \u201cin the center of a lot of important issues\u201d because he wants to get things done and \u201cis willing to break with his party orthodoxy to do that.\u201d\r\nManchin has won the trust and confidence of Senate colleagues, Toomey said: \u201cHe is a very likable guy. He is not faking it when he tries to bridge issues. \u2026 Personalities matter in the Senate, and his is definitely conducive to making progress.\u201d\r\nManchin has no patience for critics who attack him or others for crossing party lines.\r\n\u201cI could give two hoots about that,\u201d he said. \u201cThe bottom line is the extremes on the right and left are trying to control the dialogue and the policy, and if we let that happen, God help us now.\u201d\r\nWILD, WONDERFUL W.VA.\r\nManchin grew up in Farmington , W.Va., a town of fewer than 400 people best known for its 1968 coal mine disaster that killed 78 miners. The grandson of Italian and Czechoslovakian immigrants who own grocery stores, he and his wife, Gayle, live in Fairmont. His uncle, the late A. James Manchin, was a colorful politician in the state House of Delegates and its secretary of State and treasurer.\r\n\u201cI love my home state,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThere is no other place like it in the world, and it is where I am at home.\u201d\r\nWhen governor, he advocated returning to the state motto \u201cWild, Wonderful West Virginia\u201d when people hated his \u201cOpen for Business\u201d slogan.\r\nWhen he is home, he likes to fish for trout and learned to fly-fish a year ago.\r\nHe keeps moonshine \u2014 the legal kind \u2014 in his office to offer during after-hours toasts.\r\nHis Capitol Hill suite is reminiscent of the office of a popular school principal, not a button-down shirt-wearing elected official.\r\nA football scholarship got Manchin into West Virginia University, but an injury during practice ended his playing days. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in information management. In 1982, at 35, he was elected to the Legislature.\r\nHe took the seat of Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving U.S. senator, in a special election after Byrd's death, and he won a full term two years later.\r\nOn a recent Wednesday, staffers put out a spread of doughnuts, muffins, pastries and coffee to welcome any West Virginian who wanted to drop by. More than 50 constituents came to chat, including actress Jennifer Garner, who lived in the state capital, Charleston, in her youth.\r\nHe talked via Skype to an honors American history class in Shinnston, W.Va., and promised to visit Lincoln High School sometime.\r\nNot every West Virginian is a fan.\r\nMelody Potter, 58, of South Charleston, the state's Republican national committeewoman, doesn't trust that Manchin is as conservative as he projects.\r\n\u201cHe won the Senate seat because he tells people what they want to hear, but his actions are contradictory,\u201d Potter said, citing cap-and-trade legislation he signed in 2009 as governor. \u201cI believe that most of what he does is for his own political gain.\u201d\r\nHOPING FOR HILLARY\r\nOn the underground train ride from Hart Office Building to the U.S. Capitol, Manchin takes credit for another policy change.\r\n\u201cSee this?\u201d He points to \u201cNo Running\u201d signs on the electric people movers. \u201cThis is my fault,\u201d he said, explaining that he often ran alongside the train to its next stop if he missed his ride.\r\nThe Washington press corps mobs him at the Capitol, thrusting recorders as reporters ask his opinion of Obama and his delaying his signature health care law.\r\nNo one knew him for the first year or so, Manchin said. That changed when his frustration with divisive politicians inspired him to cross the aisle.\r\n\u201cThey put you on the spot; you say one wrong word, and they crucify you,\u201d he said of the reporters, once the scrum was out of earshot. \u201cSometimes you can't even go to the bathroom.\u201d\r\nWhen he steps off an elevator moments later, more questions and flashbulbs greet him.\r\nThough he breaks ranks with ease in the Senate, he will support his party's presidential nominee in 2016 and hopes it will be Hillary Clinton, a friend since he was a state senator.\r\nShe might reverse West Virginia's recent trend of voting Republican for president, Manchin said.\r\n\u201cI can't make people change their minds on social issues, but if she runs on governing and performance and her ability to reach out and get things accomplished, she will win West Virginia,\u201d he said.\r\nHe is less sure about his own ambitions for a presidential run.\r\n\u201cI can't say. I mean, you never know,\u201d he said.\r\n\u201cI will help my country any possible way that I can. I really would,\u201d he said, adding that his \u201cburning desire is to be the best I can be to represent West Virginia. That is what drives me.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Salena Zito", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=24eccdc4-7269-454f-a209-624bef313432", "Senator Manchin Takes On Democratic Party Leaders in Pursuit of a Middle Ground | New York Times", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Takes On Democratic Party Leaders in Pursuit of a Middle Ground | New York Times \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 In late August, Senate Democrats gathered on a conference call with President Obama\u2019s national security adviser, Susan E. Rice, to hear why the administration had to respond militarily to a chemical weapons attack by the Syrian government.\r\nSenator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia hung up, took a phone call from another red-state Democrat, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and together they rejected their president\u2019s reasoning. Within days, they were circulating new language calling for a diplomatic solution. Republicans joined the effort, Secretary of State John Kerry eventually endorsed a similar approach, and with the American public dubious about intervention, the drive toward a military strike fizzled.\r\nIt has been that way all year for Mr. Manchin, a centrist Democrat from an increasingly Republican state who has shown an impulsive, almost reflexive, willingness to reject the position of his leaders and try to entice fellow senators to a middle ground. Now he is trying to delay parts of the new health care law, the latest effort by Mr. Manchin, a former governor and the grandson of an Italian immigrant, to engage on virtually every issue flaring up on Capitol Hill, just as he did in West Virginia.\r\n\u201cThere wasn\u2019t anything going on in any part of the state that he wasn\u2019t involved in,\u201d said State Senator Jack Yost, a Democrat who had his share of clashes with a governor more inclined to bipartisanship than some in his party always liked. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t surprise me that he has his hands in everything there, too.\u201d\r\nAs he nears the three-year mark in the Senate, Mr. Manchin has found himself sometimes on the president\u2019s side, and sometimes a thorn in his side. In a state where Mr. Obama got just 36 percent of the vote in 2012, that is just fine, said Gil White, who served in the Legislature for 14 years as a Republican before working for the governor as his chief legislative liaison. \u201cI don\u2019t think that Joe has anything to worry about regarding his West Virginia base,\u201d Mr. White said.\r\nMr. Manchin\u2019s latest gambit \u2014 to delay key parts of the president\u2019s health care law and force significant changes \u2014 may prove his most significant so far.\r\nIt has fed Republican hopes that a nearly united Democratic front backing the Affordable Care Act may be cracking. It has spooked White House and health insurance company officials who worry that his push for legislation to reinstate canceled insurance plans will undermine the law and hurt the insurance market, and that his push to delay penalties on those who fail to buy insurance and to extend the enrollment period will undermine efforts to ensure that young adults enter the market at the same time those with higher health risks do. And his call to redefine part-time workers under the law as those who work fewer than 40 hours a week, not 30, could significantly raise the Affordable Care Act\u2019s cost to the federal government.\r\nMr. Manchin said he had discussed his concerns with the White House chief of staff, Denis McDonough, who has counseled Democrats to be patient before calling for any such changes. But the West Virginian shows no sign of backing down.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m respectful. I want my president to do well,\u201d he said of a commander in chief who is unpopular in his state. But, Mr. Manchin added firmly, \u201cI have never been against something unless I had a better idea,\u201d and he says he believes penalizing people for not buying insurance from a website they are struggling to gain access to is a bad idea.\r\nTo some of his colleagues, his iconoclasm, industry and impulsiveness can be taxing. He springs his latest enterprise on the public with little or no consultation with leadership \u2014 or even staff. But Mr. Manchin\u2019s jovial penchant for taking on serious tasks without seeming terribly serious brings senators along.\r\n\u201cYou rarely see any senator get involved in more issues so quickly and yet so effectively,\u201d said Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, the Senate\u2019s No. 3 Democrat.\r\nMr. Manchin, who once fired a rifle at the president\u2019s \u201ccap and trade\u201d energy bill in an ad, proved an unlikely ally at the start of 2013 as Mr. Obama sought a bipartisan deal on background checks for gun purchases. Mr. Manchin broke down in tears in his office as the parents of children slain in Newtown, Conn., pleaded for action. His background check bill, written with Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, nearly kept a sweeping gun safety bill on track. But the effort fell short. He has swerved away from the administration and his Senate leaders.\r\nHis push for a diplomatic resolution in Syria helped deflate Mr. Obama\u2019s drive toward military action. Mr. Manchin undermined his own Senate leadership when he embraced a student loan bill that set interest rates based on Treasury bond rates, not a fixed, subsidized number. By gathering a bipartisan group of former governors in the Senate, he won that battle, helping secure a rare win for House Republicans who mirrored his approach.\r\nTwo years of near-constant Manchin pestering helped persuade the Food and Drug Administration last month to tighten regulations on prescription painkillers that have ravaged his rural state. During October\u2019s 16-day government shutdown, he cut a deal with the Fisher House Foundation, a charitable organization focused on veterans and military families, to help pay for death benefits for the families of slain service members, which had been suspended.\r\nHe was the first Democrat to join three Republicans trying to find a negotiated solution to the budget crisis, though Mr. Obama was holding firmly to his line that he would not negotiate.\r\nOn the explosive issue of the health care law rollout, he has teamed with a Republican, Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, to draft a bill delaying fines until 2015 on people who fail to buy insurance. He joined Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Republicans, and Senator Joe Donnelly, Democrat of Indiana, to raise the part-time worker threshold. He was among the first to join Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana, on a bill to force insurers to reinstate policies they canceled in recent months because they failed to meet the law\u2019s coverage standard.\r\n\u201cIf you turn on the TV today, 10 times an hour, any news station has the president saying: \u2018If you like your insurance you can keep it. If you like your doctor, you can keep him.\u2019 Well, we\u2019re finding out that might not be 100 percent accurate, might be 90 percent accurate, not 100 percent,\u201d he said in a folksy drawl straight from Farmington, W.Va., the coal-country hamlet he grew up in.\r\nHailing from a state that is drifting away from the national Democratic Party, he knows he has to represent those sensibilities. \u201cPeople can shake your hand, look you in the eye and see your soul,\u201d he said. \u201cThey know if you\u2019ve BSed them.\u201d  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Jonathan Weisman", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5e50279a-fde5-4640-8459-1af64e10433a", "Manchin Proud of Industrial Investment Announcement to Build First Cracker Plant in West Virginia", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Proud of Industrial Investment Announcement to Build First Cracker Plant in West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 The project will create thousands of good-paying jobs, boost economic prosperity and keep West Virginia and America competitive worldwide\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today in regards to the announcement the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, has the option to purchase land in Wood County to explore industrial opportunities, including the potential to build West Virginia\u2019s first cracker plant:\r\n\u201cWith our state\u2019s continued development of natural gas drilling, I am extremely pleased that Governor Tomblin has announced that the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, is interested in exploring the development of a new petrochemical complex in Wood County. After years of our local and state leaders working together with energy companies worldwide, this is a textbook example of how a public-private partnership can strengthen not only West Virginia, but also the entire Mid-Ohio Valley region. Today\u2019s announcement is further proof that our collaborative efforts \u2013 among every West Virginia economic stakeholder \u2013 are continuing to restore confidence in the hearts and minds of West Virginians and the business community that the Mountain State is indeed a great place to do business.\r\n\u201cI thank Governor Tomblin, Odebrecht and all the parties involved in making this deal possible, especially since it will create thousands of good-paying jobs in the construction, energy and manufacturing sectors, while keeping us strong and competitive. As plans develop and work on this venture continues, I stand ready to assist in any way that I can while also making sure this Administration and the EPA work as our partner and not as our adversary.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e09c4797-3ca1-42fc-9411-76906be83f0c", "Manchin Testifies at House Hearing in Support of Legislation to Rein In EPA's Proposed Standards", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Testifies at House Hearing in Support of Legislation to Rein In EPA's Proposed Standards \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 The potential impact of EPA\u2019s regulations on jobs and the economy was the focus at hearing on Manchin-Whitfield legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power to testify in support of his draft legislation with Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY). The bill, which addresses the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s proposed greenhouse gas emission standards for coal-fired power plants, would protect Americans\u2019 access to reliable and affordable electricity by ensuring that regulatory standards are based on technology that is proven and commercially available for use.\r\n\u201cWe need a diverse energy portfolio \u2013 a true \u201call-of-the-above\u201d mix of natural gas, nuclear, renewables, oil and coal,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cUnfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has chosen a regulatory path devoid of common sense that will take us way off course from a future of abundant, affordable, clean energy. Our legislation tries to get the EPA back on track, but in a way that does nothing to prevent the EPA from acting in a reasonable, rational way.\u201d\r\nTo view a one-pager on the Manchin-Whitfield legislation, please click here.\r\nTo watch a video of Senator Manchin\u2019s testimony, please click here.\r\nSenator Manchin\u2019s full remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of our draft legislation, which addresses EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from both new and existing power plants. Our legislation would protect Americans\u2019 access to reliable and affordable electricity now and for decades to come.\r\nWe need a diverse energy portfolio \u2013 a true \u201call-of-the-above\u201d mix of natural gas, nuclear, renewables, oil and coal. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has chosen a regulatory path devoid of common sense that will take us way off course from a future of abundant, affordable, clean energy. Our legislation tries to get the EPA back on track, but in a way that does nothing to prevent the EPA from acting in a reasonable, rational way.\r\nMr. Chairman, EPA\u2019s proposed standards for new coal-fired power plants would effectively prevent any new plants from being constructed. Their standards require coal-fired power plants to deploy technologies that are not currently commercially viable. And though EPA has yet to formally propose new standards for existing power plants, there is every indication that these standards will be unachievable as well.\r\nThe EPA is holding the coal industry to impossible standards. And for the first time ever, the federal government is trying to force an industry to do something that is technologically impossible to achieve \u2013 at least, right now.\r\nThe industry is making steady progress but is still a ways off from developing the carbon capture and storage technologies that the EPA claims are commercially viable.\r\nRight now, coal provides 37 percent of all the electricity generated in the United States, and the Department of Energy projects coal will provide at least that much through 2040. Right now, we simply can\u2019t make up the difference with renewables. That\u2019s just wishful thinking.\r\nSo, if we just stand by and do nothing and let the EPA eliminate coal from our energy mix, we\u2019re going to see the stability of our electrical grid threatened and see the price of electricity rise dramatically, jeopardizing America\u2019s economy and countless jobs with no real environmental benefit. But we aren\u2019t just standing by.\r\nOur bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a part of a national discussion about our energy future and the proper role of regulatory bodies like the EPA.\r\nOur legislation ensures that the EPA will no longer be able to impose unachievable standards on coal-fired power plants. It is just common sense that regulations are based on what is technologically possible at the time they are proposed.\u00a0 With regulations, if they aren\u2019t feasible, they aren\u2019t reasonable.\r\nFor new plants, our legislation will require that any EPA regulation must be categorized by fuel type \u2013 coal or gas. EPA can only impose a standard if that standard has been achieved for 12 consecutive months at six different US electricity generating plants operating on a full commercial basis.  \u00a0  For existing plants, any EPA proposed rule will not take effect until a federal law is enacted specifying the rule\u2019s effective date. And EPA must report to Congress on the economic impact of the rule.  \u00a0  Mr. Chairman, it\u2019s time we strike a balance between a healthy environment and a healthy economy. And that\u2019s what our legislation does. Abundant, reliable, affordable energy made this country the economic leader of the world \u2013 and that\u2019s the same formula that will keep us at the front.\r\nIt\u2019s time the EPA started working as our partner, not our adversary, to achieve that balance. And the EPA can start by recognizing it is just common sense that regulations should be based on what is technologically possible at the time they are proposed.\r\nAgain, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to appear before your committee. And thank you for the opportunity to work with you on this very important piece of legislation.\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=ecbaf59c-f611-4fa7-9bb8-14c56ea2d0fd", "Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Braxton County Head Start Program", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Braxton County Head Start Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON D.C.\u2014 Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced more than $531,000 in federal funding for the Braxton County Board of Education to improve and support their Head Start Program\r\n\r\n\u201cWhen we talk about what we value as West Virginians and as Americans, we need to choose our priorities based on our values,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Manchin.\u201cThat means keeping our promises to those who matter the most to us, and our children should be at the top of that list. I am pleased that this grant will help provide the children in Braxton County with the services necessary to succeed. No child\u2019s education, meals or basic health care services provided by Head Start should be stripped away because Congress cannot solve our nation\u2019s spending problems, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure essential programs like Head Start remain funded for West Virginia\u2019s children.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe must do everything possible to give children a positive, healthy start in life. For so many decades, the Head Start Program and its wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff in West Virginia have given so much of themselves to make sure our most disadvantaged girls and boys are prepared to handle the demands of classroom instruction,\u201d said Rockefeller, a long-time advocate for the Head Start Program. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen what a difference it makes in the futures of our youngest ones when they\u2019re provided access to a good meal, social services, and a caring counselor and teacher. I\u2019m thrilled Braxton County is receiving this funding boost that goes toward helping our youngest West Virginians succeed when they start school.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $531,336 to the Braxton County Board of Education for its Head Start Program.\r\nHead Start is a national development program for low-income children that helps prepare them for school from a young age. The program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers eligible children and their families access to critical health, nutrition, education, and social services.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=10e8cd5a-0a7c-4dc2-9cfc-18951c72396d", "U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin teams up with lawmakers to establish hiring veterans act | State Journal", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 11, 2013\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin teams up with lawmakers to establish hiring veterans act | State Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWith Veterans Day on the minds of many, lawmakers are trying to ensure veterans and service members get the help they need finding a job.\r\nU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., along with Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus co-chairs Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., representatives Jeff Denham, R-Calif., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., introduced the \"United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act,\" a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would streamline and consolidate duplicative government job portals to better connect current and former members of the armed services with future employment.\r\n\"Our veterans are some of the most disciplined, reliable, hardworking and dedicated individuals in the world,\" Manchin said. \"They are trained to strive for excellence and exceed expectations every day.\r\n\"It makes zero sense that our veterans find it difficult to search for jobs when they return home.\"\r\nKirk said he believes Americans owe everything to those who make the ultimate sacrifice wearing a uniform in defense of their country.\r\n\"In honor of their sacrifices, we should provide every available resource to help our returning heroes' transition to civilian life and enter the workforce,\" Kirk said. \"This legislation will make it easier for veterans to take advantage of government employment services with the ultimate goal of getting a high-quality job.\"\r\nStatistics cited by Manchin's office show veterans returning home from the Middle East face an unemployment rate that is 3 percent higher than the national average. The Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs operate duplicative portals aimed at veterans and service members searching for public and private sector employment. No requirement currently exists for government agencies to consolidate these services.\r\nThat's where the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act comes into play.\r\nThe act would require the consolidation of each department's online employment services into a single portal across the federal government within on year. The basic function of portal would remain the same: connect veterans and armed service members with public and private sector employers seeking to hire people with military experience.\r\nThe Caucus engages executive branch agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to help identify ways to reduce the unemployment rate of the nation's approximately 21 million veterans.\r\nAmong many of the businesses dedicated to hiring veterans, Starbucks announced last week its plan to develop a \"comprehensive hiring platform for veterans and active duty spouses in response to record growth and in anticipation of a 500,000 person future global workforce.\r\n\"We are humbly indebted to their commitment, every day, and have never lost sight that the freedoms we enjoy are due in no small part to the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made over the years,\" the coffee conglomerate said in a statement.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=280a342d-652b-4f5a-9a27-d26e72cd3066", "Senator Manchin Encourages Us All to Honor Our Veterans Today and Everyday", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 11, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Encourages Us All to Honor Our Veterans Today and Everyday \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on Veterans Day:\r\n\u201cThe sacrifices and patriotism of the men and women who have served this country know no bounds. They have served with unparalleled honor and distinction. It doesn\u2019t seem right that our nation pays our brave veterans tribute only once a year. We should thank our veterans every day for their unwavering devotion and passion to the greatest country in the world. Fortunately, America has long been committed to honoring our veterans, and we must continue to make sure they have access to the best care, medical services, benefits, educational opportunities and good-paying jobs our country has to offer.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs we approach the 50th anniversary of our dear President John F. Kennedy\u2019s assassination, I recall his words to express our sincere gratitude to our veterans: \u2018We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.\u2019\r\n\u201cSo today, as West Virginians and Americans across our great nation celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a veteran and honor our veterans not just today, but every day.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=f6f14e85-3ceb-4cd0-a074-67e242e924e9", "Mobile clinic: Promise kept for area veterans | Bluefield Daily Telegraph", "2013-11-10", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Mobile clinic: Promise kept for area veterans | Bluefield Daily Telegraph \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA new mobile health clinic that will be stationed in Mercer County in early 2014 to serve area veterans has arrived at the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The Beckley VA is now beginning the process of finding necessary personnel to be hired, and is working out the details of the delivery of the mobile unit to Mercer County.\r\nThis is excellent news for veterans across southern West Virginia, and particularly those in Mercer and McDowell counties, who will benefit from the new mobile unit. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., who was joined last week by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., in announcing the arrival of the mobile unit at the Beckley VA Center, says it is his hope that the details can be finalized quickly so that veterans in Mercer and surrounding counties can begin taking advantage of the health services provided by the mobile unit without delay. We agree. It is important for the mobile unit to arrive \u2014 and remain stationed in Mercer County \u2014 on time and as originally planned.\r\nRahall says the opening of the new tele-health facility planned for the existing Vet Center in Princeton has fallen behind schedule, which he admits is a concern. But, he is encouraged by reports from VA officials that efforts are being made to get the project back on schedule and all of the necessary contracts signed. The tele-health center is now slated to open early next year.\r\nIt is important for both the mobile unit and the tele-health center to be up and running as quickly as possible.\r\n\u201cI appreciate VA officials for being responsive to the concerns of local veterans and their families.,\u201d Rahall said. \u201cThe mobile clinic is a major first step toward increasing access to veterans\u2019 care in Mercer County and the surrounding area and I hope that our veterans will make full use of these new services, which is the best way to demonstrate the need for future VA investments.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur veterans deserve access to the best treatment and care that is available,\u201d Manchin added last week. \u201cThis is truly a great day for the veterans of this region, and much of it is because of a very special veteran, Al Hancock. After 17 years of working to make this idea a reality, the retired Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam can finally see this idea turn into a reality for the veterans of Mercer County. I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA center and all those who have worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhen veterans need primary and mental health care services, they shouldn\u2019t face barriers like having to travel more than an hour to receive the care they earned and deserve,\u201d Rockefeller, who is the longest serving member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, added. \u201cI want to express my appreciation to the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and our local heroes, for their tireless work to bring this mobile clinic to Mercer County. Starting next year, and for years to come, the clinic will give our veterans access to critical health care services.\u201d\r\nThe mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA Medical Center. The fully self-contained mobile center includes two exam rooms, a waiting area and a restroom. Electronic records will be maintained through the use of satellite technology. All three lawmakers say the facility will remain in Mercer County as long as it is utilized by area veterans.\r\nWe are glad to hear that the mobile unit has now arrived at the Beckley VA, and we look forward to seeing the clinic stationed in Mercer County early next year. It is good to see that the promise made to area veterans is being kept \u2014 even if the tele-health center has fallen behind schedule.\r\nWe applaud Rahall, Manchin and Rockefeller \u2014 and Al Hancock in particular \u2014 for helping make these long requested facilities a reality for veterans across our region.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Editorial\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0da90d96-9dfd-4dfa-b68b-8692cc00d9f5", "Manchin Calls For Federal Harmony | The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register", "2013-11-09", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Calls For Federal Harmony | The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWHEELING - Sen. Joe Manchin says the United States is poised for \"economic renaissance\" if only the federal government could overcome its differences, and work to regain the confidence of the American people and the world.\r\nManchin, D-W.Va., addressed members of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Friday during a luncheon at the River City restaurant in Wheeling.\r\nHe said the country has moved to the point where it is now producing coal and natural gas for export to other countries, and the time is ripe for investment.\r\n\"Economically, we have never in this country been in this position to have so much vitality and growth in our economy because we never had interest rates this low for this long - or have had this much cheap energy,\" he said.\r\n\"That is the most perfect storm for an economic explosion I've ever seen. But because of the uncertainty in Washington, we're not seeing it happen. That's all from inconsistency, and a lack of confidence\" in government.\r\nManchin admitted when it comes to the President Barack Obama's stance on energy, \"I'm at odds with this administration.\" New standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency are \"impossible\" for coal-fired plants to achieve, he continued.\r\nHe suggested the EPA instead monitor the emissions of the six coal-fired electric plants in the nation thought to be the most efficient - among them, the Longview Power Plant in Morgantown. Their emission levels should be considered the new standard based on what is achievable, according to Manchin.\r\n\"If it's unattainable, it's unrealistic,\" he said.\r\nManchin also spoke of the mounting federal debt - now at more than $17 trillion.\r\nHe said Democrats and Republicans worked together to achieve a balanced budget as recently as 2001. But since then the country has paid for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the government has given two rounds of tax cuts to the American people.\r\nIf these federal expenditures hadn't occurred, \"we would have been totally debt-free by 2012 - totally debt-free by now,\" he said. \"For the first time since President Andrew Johnson, we would have been totally debt free as a nation. And with the rest of the world the way they are - we would have been a super-duper power. Now we're in a position where we can't take care of ourselves, and that shouldn't have happened.\"\r\nWhile he acknowledged \"we live in a dangerous world,\" Manchin doesn't believe the money spent on efforts in the Middle East has helped to improve conditions there.\r\n\"I fought with everything I could to keep us from dropping any bombs in Syria because if we go to war anymore in North Africa, we are not going to change anything,\" he said. \"If money or military might would have changed anything in that part of the world, by God we would have done it by now. We've spent almost $2 trillion, and we've lost 7,000 Americans ... it's been horrible what's been happening. And you know what? Iraq is as bad of shape or in worse shape as it was before we took on the war.\"\r\nManchin predicts the day American troops leave Afghanistan, the country will have no better feelings toward Americans than they did a decade ago.\r\n\"They will just have more money, and more wherewithal to fight us,\" he said.\r\nManchin started the day by hosting a \"coffee and common sense\" town hall event at Vito's 2 Restaurant in Follansbee.\r\nWhile there, Manchin said he had mixed feelings about the Affordable Care Act - also known as Obamacare - but he believes it can be fixed if given time.\r\n\"I never liked the mandate, but I understand what they are trying to do,\" Manchin said.\r\nManchin next joined community leaders in Beech Bottom in celebrating the rebirth of the former Wheeling Corrugating Plant, now home to Jupiter Aluminum.\r\nManchin said the facility is a \"prime example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen an entire community.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Joselyn King\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSays cooperation needed to achieve success for nation", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=2e2d39dc-67c1-46a2-a10a-231aeff1bf2b", "Officials celebrate rebirth of Beech Bottom plant | Weirton Daily Times", "2013-11-09", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Officials celebrate rebirth of Beech Bottom plant | Weirton Daily Times \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBEECH BOTTOM - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin joined county and community leaders Friday in celebrating the rebirth of the old corrugating plant, now home to Jupiter Aluminum.\r\nManchin, a West Virginia Democrat, said it's a \"prime example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen an entire community\" and said it builds on West Virginia's strengths.\r\n\"We have a very educated work force, we're known for that,\" Manchin said during a walking tour of Jupiter's 111,000 square feet plant space. \"We've always done the heavy lifting, the tough jobs, manufacturing jobs, fabrication jobs, and we're still doing all that ... we've just got to make sure peple around the country understand what we can do here, what we have done here already and what we're still capable of doing.\"\r\nHackman Capital specializes in buying industrial properties as well as buying and selling industrial equipment. It picked up the 650-acre corrugating property out of bankruptcy for $4.4 million, then promptly resold it to the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle for $200,000. Hackman retained the rights to the building and equipment, but the BDC holds title to the land and with it, any environmental issues that might exist.\r\nPat Ford, executive director of the BDC, said the partnership, born a year ago, has already resulted in more than $12 million in site improvements.\r\n\"The turnkey nature of the facility, with the recent investment in the site and infrastructure, gives the Northern Panhandle both building and site inventory with considerable room to accomodate future economic development opportunities,\" Ford said.\r\nHe said Jupiter originally intended to relocate the line, but realized early on it made more economic sense to take advantage of the existing work force and keep it in Beech Bottom.\r\nThe company, headquartered in Illinois, also purchased and installed a slitter line as well as a packaging line, giving them the capability of cutting coils to different widths.\r\n\"We really appreciate the attention,\" said Ron Nuckles, Jupiter general manager. \"We believe in the area, we've got a great work force in, so far, ex-employees who worked here before. We've invested in new equipment and refurbishing old equipment. We expect to be here a long time. We really appreciate the community backing us and hope to (be here) for a long time.\"\r\nNuckles said they're in limited operation now, with about nine people on their payroll. He hopes to see that number grow to about 45 in the spring.\r\n\"We've got to build a customer base, obviously. We'll be sending out samples to customers we already have for additional product lines we can supply to them with this line,\" he said. \"We won't hit our peak for a couple of years, but I think we can be at 24 hours a day, five days a week in the spring.\"\r\n\"Ultimately, we'd like to have about 55 or 60 employees,\" he said. \"That would be good news for everybody - it would be good for Jupiter, good for the economy here and for the ex-employees here - it will get them back to work in a job they know and do well.\"\r\nNuckles said the company had been looking for an opportunity to grow its business for some time, \"and this fit our needs. We could get into a new product line with experienced workers. This line is taking a little more attention than we anticipated to get it running again, but we've got a commitment from the owner and financial backing, and we're excited about the operation.\"\r\nHackman Vice President Dave Smith said his company \"couldn't be happier\" about what's transpired at the property since it was purchased a year ago.\r\n\"It's exactly what we want to see happen,\" he said. \"We want to see tenants (like Jupiter) come in and make a commitment to the area.\"\r\nSmith said his company's partnership with the BDC and the Beech Bottom community \"is a win-win-win scenario.\"\r\n\"Going into a venture like this, worst-case scenario ... is that you look at possibly taking a building down,\"he said. \"But if you find an organization like Jupiter that sees value in a place like we saw value in it, it just gets better and better and better. It's better for the community and for everybody involved.\"\r\nHe said they're focused now on geting the rest of the property cleaned up \"so it shows well\" to prospects, \"and people can see vision there.\"\r\n\"We always seem to have good prospects that we're dealing with,\" he added. \"While we don't have anything to talk about, we're working hard.\"\r\nBDC Chairman Bill D'Alesio said Jupiter's decision to repurpose the old Wheeling Corrugating paint line \"effectively leverages an ideal combination of former mill workers, traditional workers in the aluminum and steel coating industry, and the proven Jupiter Aluminum production system.\"\r\nOthers participating in the tour included Beech Bottom Mayor George Lewis, Brooke County Commissioner Jim Andreozzi, Hancock County Commissioners Jeff Davis and Dan Greathouse, former state Sen. Ed Bowman, who represents Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in the Northern Panhandle, and BDC Assistant Director Marvin Six and members Bill Kiefer and Mike Wehr.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Linda Harris", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=13860bcf-2184-4203-9cc7-e1754507382a", "Sens. Collins, Manchin revive centrist talks| The Hill", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Sens. Collins, Manchin revive centrist talks| The Hill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) are bringing their \"common-sense coalition\" back together in hopes of laying the groundwork for fiscal reforms and other bipartisan legislation.   \u00a0  Collins, Manchin and their allies hope to form a bipartisan coalition that could help break ideological gridlock on issues such as the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration.  \u00a0  The group has added Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) \u2014 expanding to 16 members. Members of the group met Wednesday morning.\r\n\u201cSeveral of the members suggested that we get together and review what our future role should be,\u201d said Collins. \u201cThere\u2019s great interest in staying together and continuing to tackle issues particularly when the regular order breaks down around here.  \u00a0  \u201cWe\u2019re going to continue to meet and that\u2019s very positive,\u201d she said.   \u00a0  Lawmakers are letting a bicameral budget conference headed by Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) take the lead in negotiating a budget agreement for 2014.   \u00a0  If that effort falls short because of an impasse over tax increases, centrist senators are prepared to step into the debate.   \u00a0  \u201cWe\u2019re going to continue to try to help find common-sense solutions to some of these issues,\u201d said Sen. Angus King (Maine), the independent member of the group.   \u00a0  \u201cWe\u2019re discussing what the purpose is but certainly we just want to contribute to solving some of these problems,\u201d he said. \u201cWe feel like we did contribute before on the shutdown.  \u00a0  \u201cWe feel like our work was constructive and we want to see if we can continue to play that role,\u201d he added.   \u00a0  Collins and Manchin convened a bipartisan group of 14 senators during last month\u2019s government shutdown to help negotiate a deal to reopen federal agencies and raise the debt limit.   \u00a0  Their work set the stage for later talks between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Republican leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) that resulted in an agreement staving off a national default.   \u00a0  Fourteen senators formed the coalition during the government shutdown when Reid, McConnell and Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) were hardly talking to each other.   \u00a0  The Democratic members include Sens. Mark Pryor (Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), in addition to Manchin and Warner.  \u00a0  The Republican members also include Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), John McCain (Ariz.), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Mike Johanns (Neb.) and Mark Kirk (Ill.).   \u00a0  Not all members attended the Wednesday morning meeting.   \u00a0  \u201cI was unfortunately unable to meet but I\u2019m certainly interested in meeting with them,\u201d said Ayotte.   \u00a0  The group could invite other lawmakers, including Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), to sit in on their sessions.  \u00a0  \u201cI go to all meetings. The more you expose yourself, the more you learn,\u201d he said.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Alexandra Bolton\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12419325-8a27-4fe4-8b0e-10da155ecc84", "Manchin Says Heritage Area Bill Will Strengthen Tourism, Economic Opportunities in WV", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Says Heritage Area Bill Will Strengthen Tourism, Economic Opportunities in WV \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senators Rockefeller, Mikulski and Cardin join bill to reauthorize funding for two National Heritage Areas in West Virginia while adding new designation for a third that includes Maryland\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Joe Manchin today said legislation he introduced will strengthen tourism in West Virginia and Maryland by securing federal funding for existing National Heritage Areas in Wheeling and in southern West Virginia, while creating a new one in the state\u2019s eastern mountains, as well as the Mountain Counties of Maryland.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe West Virginia National Heritage Area Act of 2013, co-sponsored by Senators Jay Rockefeller, Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, supports continued National Park Service funding and technical assistance for the Wheeling National Heritage Area and the National Coal Heritage Area, while designating the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area as a National Heritage Area. The new region would encompass 16 counties in West Virginia and two in Maryland.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWest Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in our nation and we must preserve our many natural wonders for the next generation of West Virginians and for the visitors from all over the world who visit our great state each year,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThis commonsense measure is an investment in a healthy future for both our children and our growing tourism industry.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nFederal funding for the National Coal Heritage Area expired in 2012, and will expire for the Wheeling National Heritage Area in 2015. Manchin\u2019s bill would continue funding for all three National Heritage Areas until 2017.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cTourism is such an important part of West Virginia's economy, creating jobs and enriching people\u2019s lives,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cOur state has so much to offer, whether it\u2019s a tour of Independence Hall in Wheeling, a trip back in time through the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, or a day spent fishing on mountain streams in the Monongahela National Forest. These historic, cultural and natural treasures need to be preserved for\u2014and enjoyed by\u2014future generations of West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cStrengthening the tourism economy of Western Maryland is a smart investment that will continue to draw in new visitors, new jobs and economic development to the region,\u201d said Senator Mikulski. \u201cMaryland is a state rich in history and culture with many unique treasures. By supporting National Heritage Areas, we will honor Maryland\u2019s key role in American history for future generations while encouraging heritage tourists to enjoy the state\u2019s terrific combination of natural beauty.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Appalachian Forest Heritage Area supports the growing outdoor recreation and tourism economies of Garrett and Allegany counties. Importantly, it simultaneously helps to preserve the rich culture of Mountain Maryland,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cI want to applaud Maryland\u2019s local leaders who encouraged this new designation, understanding how celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of Mountain Maryland is good for business in Mountain Maryland and the entire region.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nNational Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. NHAs are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1652d972-14d2-44fa-a601-0511c973b6c0", "Manchin Announces Bill to Improve Job Opportunities for Veterans", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Announces Bill to Improve Job Opportunities for Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Bill helps veterans and servicemembers by streamlining duplicative government job portals\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 As Veterans Day approaches, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with his Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus co-chairs, Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Representative Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) and Representative Tim Walz (D-Minn.), introduced the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would streamline and consolidate duplicative government job portals to better connect current and former members of the Armed Services with employment opportunities.\r\n\u201cOur veterans are some of the most disciplined, reliable, hardworking, and dedicated individuals in the world. They are trained to strive for excellence and exceed expectations every day. Their leadership and high-tech skills are unmatched worldwide,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cSo it makes zero sense that our veterans find it difficult to search for jobs when they return home. That\u2019s simply unacceptable. The very least we can do to show our appreciation to our veterans is to help them find jobs. Like I\u2019ve always said, if you want to help a vet, hire a vet, and this bill is one step toward making it easier for our service men and women to find opportunities for good-paying jobs.\u201d\r\n\"We owe everything to those who wore the uniform in defense of our country,\" Senator Kirk said.\u00a0 \"In honor of their sacrifices, we should provide every available resource to help our returning heroes transition to civilian life and enter the workforce.\u00a0 This legislation will make it easier for veterans to take advantage of government employment services with the ultimate goal of getting a high-quality job.\"\r\nVeterans returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq face an unemployment rate that is 3 percent higher than the national average. Today, the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs operate duplicative portals aimed at veterans and servicemembers searching for public and private sector jobs. Combined with a wealth of resources provided by the private and nonprofit sectors, the lack of a single government portal to connect employers with veterans makes navigating the hiring process difficult for both the job seeker and organizations looking to hire them. No requirement currently exists for government agencies to consolidate these services.\r\nThe United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act would require the consolidation of each department\u2019s online employment services into a single portal across the federal government within one year of enactment. The basic function of portal would remain the same: connect veterans and members of the Armed Services with public and private sector employers seeking to hire people with military experience. The portal would also provide other resources to veterans like resume assistance.\r\nSenators Kirk and Manchin and Representatives Denham and Walz, established the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus to shed light on the employment challenges Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Members face as they transition to civilian life. The Caucus engages executive branch agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to help identify ways to reduce the unemployment rate of the nation\u2019s approximately 21 million veterans.\r\nTo view a fact sheet on the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act, please see the attached document.\r\nTo learn more about the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, please click here.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=386abd05-d989-47e8-91f9-ad685ae85f51", "Senators Manchin and Kirk Introduce Legislation to Delay Individual Mandate Penalty", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Senators Manchin and Kirk Introduce Legislation to Delay Individual Mandate Penalty \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today introduced legislation to delay the implementation of the individual mandate under the \u201cPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act\u201d from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015. The bill would eliminate the $95 penalty that will go into effect in 2014 under current law.\u00a0\r\n\u201cSince the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, there have been many identifiable problems exposed in the law that need to be addressed,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe\u2019ve worked through a few of these issues, but our job in Congress is far from over. We need to start working together to fix this law and make it work so that all Americans have access to affordable and reliable health care coverage. We can start with a one-year delay of the individual mandate to eliminate penalty fees if individuals choose to not enroll for a health care plan in 2014. This commonsense proposal simply allows Americans to take more time to browse and explore their options, making 2014 a true transition year.\u201d\r\n\u201cHealthcare should not be a burden on consumers, which is why we must delay the penalty for individuals,\u201d Senator Kirk said. \u201cLast July, American businesses were given more time to provide employees health coverage. If a delay is good enough for businesses, it should be good enough for all Americans.\u201d\r\nKey Findings in Manchin-Kirk Bill:\r\n1.\u00a0Congress must ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible;\r\n2.\u00a0Political disagreements must be set aside so that Congress and the President can work together to improve healthcare quality, access and affordability;\r\n3.\u00a0Affordable access to preventative care can provide enormous benefits and reduce overall costs to all Americans, young and old;\r\n4.\u00a0Individuals and families are ultimately responsible and accountable for their own well-being and long-term health, and our laws should reflect this reality;\r\n5.\u00a0Subscribing to a healthy lifestyle should be a goal for all Americans, and Congress should act in an appropriate and responsible manner to make this goal achievable;\r\n6.\u00a0There are many positive reforms included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that are improving coverage, ending discrimination, and reducing costs. Requiring insurers to cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and emergency services and allowing young adults to stay on their parents\u2019 plans until age 26 are examples of positive reforms in the Act that must continue to be implemented.\r\n7.\u00a0Nevertheless, it is important to recognize when a new program is not meeting the high standards that the American people expect. So far, the federal healthcare exchanges have failed, and we must deliver a better product;\r\n8.\u00a0While every program must go through a transition period, no individual or family should be penalized while the problems in new healthcare exchanges are being addressed;\r\n9.\u00a0Congress should work toward fixing these flaws and ensuring the new programs are strong, while giving the American people a transition period; and\r\n10.\u00a0Delaying the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is not an appropriate or responsible action, but Congress should not hesitate to enact commonsense reforms, such as an individual mandate transition year, to improve this important legislation.\r\nLegislative actions Senator Manchin supports to repair the Affordable Care Act:\r\n1099 Provision: Removes requirement that would force businesses, charities and churches to file excess forms and filings with IRS.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin was the lead cosponsor of the legislation, which successfully repealed this provision in 2011.\r\nOne-Year Delay of Individual Mandate: Delays individual mandate provision for one year to eliminate penalty fees for not signing up for healthcare coverage, which would give consumers a true transition year.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin sponsored the legislation.\r\nFull Time Workweek Definition Extends to 40-Hours: Changes the definition of a full-time workweek under the law from 30 to 40 hours, which would help small businesses and prevent employees from having their hours reduced.   \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation.\r\nGrandfather Current Health Care Plans: Allows individuals to stay on their current health care plans and prevents insurers from cancelling coverage currently offered if policyholders would like to continue with their existing plans.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation.\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=26d2d208-1429-4a4b-be62-a65b6cc4e6ed", "Manchin Supports Legislation to Lower Taxes on Hard Cider Products and Increase Farmers' Sales", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Supports Legislation to Lower Taxes on Hard Cider Products and Increase Farmers' Sales \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senator Manchin cosponsors the CIDER Act to tax hard cider like beer, not wine\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he cosponsored the CIDER Act (Cider Investment and Development through Excise Tax Reduction Act) to modernize the definition of cider in the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowed alcohol by volume in cider beverages from 7 percent to 8.5 percent and to allow the use of pears as well as apples. The alcohol content of hard cider fluctuates greatly due to sugar content, and current law often forces these products to be taxed at a higher rate, preventing it from being labeled as hard cider. The change in the tax code would allow more hard cider products to be labeled and taxed like beer rather than wine.\r\nThe CIDER Act would also level the playing field in the global marketplace by changing the tax code for carbonation levels in hard cider to be in accordance with European Union levels, which would help producers better compete with European products and expand business opportunities in West Virginia and abroad.\r\n\u201cAny time that we can help the nearly 500 apple producers in West Virginia increase sales and support business ventures so our farmers can compete on a larger scale is simply a commonsense investment worth making,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am thankful to work with my good friend Senator Chuck Schumer on this bill that will lower taxes on hard cider products, while also increasing competition at the local, state and national levels. Let\u2019s continue to promote business growth for our hardworking farmers and reform an outdated tax that would increase the sales of delicious hard cider beverages and goods.\u201d\r\nWest Virginia apple production was ranked 9th in the country in 2011, according to the U.S. Apple Association. The CIDER Act would positively impact the rising trend of apple production statewide.\r\nPlease review additional West Virginia apple production statistics below:\r\n\u2022\u00a0West Virginia apple production jumped 36 percent in 2012, while production fell nationally 4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\r\n\u2022\u00a0West Virginia growers harvested 91 million pounds of apples in 2012, up 24 million pounds from 2011. (67 million pounds in 2011 and 64 million pounds in 2010.)\r\n\u2022\u00a0According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average per-pound price for West Virginia apples was 25.8 cents in 2012, up 8.3 cents from 2011.\r\n\u2022\u00a0The U.S. Apple Association announced West Virginia\u2019s estimated apple production for 2013 will be 1.5 million bushels, which is 63 million pounds.\r\n\u2022\u00a0West Virginia commercially grows several apple varieties, including Red Delicious, Grimes Golden, Golden Delicious, York Imperial, Rome Beauty, Stayman, and Gala.\r\n\u2022\u00a0West Virginia\u2019s apple production is centered in the state\u2019s Eastern Panhandle in Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire and Morgan counties.\r\nList of apple producing orchards in West Virginia:\r\nMorgan Orchard   Monroe County\r\nShanholtz Orchard  Hampshire County\r\nMount Levels Orchard  Hampshire County\r\nNob Hill Orchards  Berkeley County\r\nMountaineer Orchard   Berkeley County\r\nOrr's Farm Market & Orchard  Berkeley County\r\nWalnut Hill Orchard  Jefferson County\r\nSummit Point Raceway Orchards  Jefferson County\r\nWarm Spring Orchard  Jefferson County\r\nRidgefield Farm And Orchard  Jefferson County\r\nJefferson Orchards  Jefferson County\r\nMcConnell Berry Farm  Monongalia County\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=37e6bbeb-0045-4fcb-8317-dab897698a46", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Mobile Health Clinic for Veterans in Mercer County to Open in 2014", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Mobile Health Clinic for Veterans in Mercer County to Open in 2014 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today thanked the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which officially announced that Mercer County\u2019s new mobile health clinic will begin to serve patients in early 2014. The mobile outpatient clinic will help the growing number of veterans in the area access needed primary medical services.\r\n\u201cOur veterans deserve access to the best treatment and care that is available,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis is truly a great day for the veterans of this region, and much of it is because of a very special veteran, Al Hancock. After 17 years of working to make this idea a reality, the retired Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam can finally see this idea turn into a reality for the veterans of Mercer County. I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA center and all those who have worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhen veterans need primary and mental health care services, they shouldn\u2019t face barriers like having to travel more than an hour to receive the care they earned and deserve. I want to express my appreciation to the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and our local heroes, for their tireless work to bring this mobile clinic to Mercer County,\u201d said Rockefeller, who is the longest serving member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs. \u201cStarting next year, and for years to come, the clinic will give our veterans access to critical health care services. I\u2019m also pleased to report that we are continuing to make progress on bringing the tele-health facility to Mercer County. I encourage all veterans to make use of these important health care services once they are up and running.\u201d  \u00a0  Rockefeller is deeply committed to improving the care of all veterans. He continues to work with the director of the Beckley VA Medical Center to find ways to provide the important mental health and medical services that veterans in the area need. The Senator has worked for years to establish and expand the network of Community-Based Outreach Clinics in the state \u2013 including one for Mercer County.\r\n\u201cWith the arrival of the mobile clinic in Beckley, I hope the necessary personnel can be hired and the details of its delivery to Mercer County can be finalized quickly so that veterans can begin taking advantage of the health services without further delay. Although the opening of the tele-health facility planned for the Vet Center in Princeton has fallen behind schedule, which is a concern, I am encouraged by reports from VA officials that they are making progress on the necessary contracts and that the facility will be opening next year,\u201d said Rahall.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI appreciate VA officials for being responsive to the concerns of local veterans and their families.\u00a0 The mobile clinic is a major first step toward increasing access to veterans\u2019 care in Mercer County and the surrounding area and I hope that our veterans will make full use of these new services, which is the best way to demonstrate the need for future VA investments,\u201d said Rahall.\r\nBeckley VAMC Director Karin McGraw stated, \u201cWe are excited about the early delivery of the mobile health clinic and we are committed to increasing the ability of Veterans living in southern West Virginia to take advantage of VA health care.\u201d\r\nThe mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA Medical Center. The fully self-contained mobile center has already been delivered and includes two exam rooms, a waiting area and a restroom. Electronic records will be maintained through the use of satellite technology.\r\nManchin, Rockefeller and Rahall worked with the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and local veterans to get the VA to approve the mobile health clinic in Mercer County.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8fc762cc-35ea-481b-9f07-9b26eee957ad", "Manchin Statement After Meeting With Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement After Meeting With Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Following his meeting with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement.\r\n\u201cI had a very productive and honest meeting today with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen on how best to grow our economy as well as the lessons we learned from when we last balanced our budget. I conveyed to her my concerns that community banks be treated fairly as we finalize Dodd-Frank regulations, but also the need to implement these rules so that we address the problems that led to Too-Big-To-Fail.\u00a0 Finally, we discussed the need to tighten our quantitative easing policy as our economy improves. I was encouraged by her honest and straight forward approach and look forward to speaking further with her at our Banking Committee hearing to learn more about her plans to better our economy.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9218688-b7b6-45a1-8a8a-1bf3d872638d", "Manchin Seeks to Redefine Full-Time Employee to Expand Access to Health Coverage", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Seeks to Redefine Full-Time Employee to Expand Access to Health Coverage \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Sends letter to Budget Committee leaders to address \u201cForty Hours is Full Time Act\u201d in budget conference\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a bipartisan letter to Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions asking them to address legislation he cosponsored, the Forty Hours is Full Time Act (S.1188), in their budget conference. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also signed the letter.\r\nThe senators cited the need for a sensible definition of \u201cfull-time employee\u201d under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), writing, \u201cEffective health care reform should expand access to coverage, while not inhibiting economic growth. For this reason, we are concerned that the PPACA definition of full time as an employee working just 30 hours a week is too low and out-of-step with standard employment practices in the U.S. today.\u201d\r\nTo address this concern, the senators have introduced the Forty Hours is Full Time Act, which would set the PPACA\u2019s definition of \u201cfull-time\u201d employee at 40 hours a week and would make a matching adjustment in the monthly hours used to calculate \u201cfull time equivalent\u201d employee.\u00a0\r\nA complete list of legislative proposals Senator Manchin supports to help repair the Affordable Care Act is available below.\r\nPlease read the full text of the letter below.\u00a0\r\nNovember 6, 2013\r\nThe Honorable Patty Murray\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Jeff Sessions  Chairman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ranking Member  Committee on the Budget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Committee on the Budget  624 Dirksen Senate Office Building\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 624 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, DC\u00a0 20510\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, DC 20510\r\nDear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions:\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During consideration of S. Con Res 8 in March, the Senate adopted SA 144, calling for a sensible definition of \u201cfull-time employee\u201d for purposes of calculating the Employer Mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). We have since introduced the \u201cForty Hours is Full-Time Act\u201d (S. 1188), bipartisan legislation to set the PPACA\u2019s definition of \u201cfull-time employee\u201d at 40 hours per week. We urge you to seek adoption of a budget resolution that would accommodate the budgetary effects of this legislation in the upcoming Budget conference with the House.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Effective health care reform should expand access to coverage, while not inhibiting economic growth. For this reason, we are concerned that the PPACA definition of full time as an employee working just 30 hours a week is too low and out-of-step with standard employment practices in the U.S. today.\u00a0 Data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average American works 8.8 hours per day, which equates to 44 hours per week.\u00a0 The PPACA definition is nearly one-third lower than actual practice.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By using a threshold of 30 hours a week to define \u201cfull time\u201d employee, PPACA artificially drives up the number of workers that appear to be employed \u201cfull-time\u201d by a business, exposing those businesses to the risk of substantial penalties. These penalties begin at $40,000 for businesses with 50 employees, plus $2,000 for each additional \u201cfull-time equivalent\u201d employee. As a consequence, some businesses have reduced their employees\u2019 work to 29 hours per week, to ensure workers are considered \u201cpart time\u201d for purposes of PPACA.\u00a0 If more businesses follow suit, millions of American workers could find their hours and their earnings reduced.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 S. 1188 would set the PPACA\u2019s definition of \u201cfull-time\u201d employee at 40 hours a week, and would make a matching adjustment in the monthly hours used to calculate \u201cfull time equivalent\u201d employee. This sensible definition will help protect millions of employees from having their hours curtailed as a result of the PPACA\u2019s arbitrary and unreasonable definition of \u201cfull time\u201d employee.  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We thank you for your consideration of our request.  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sincerely,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSusan M. Collins  United States Senator  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Joe Donnelly  United States Senator\r\nLisa Murkowski  United States Senator  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Joe Manchin  United States Senator\r\nLegislative actions Senator Manchin supports to repair the Affordable Care Act:\r\n1099 Provision: Removes requirement that would force businesses, charities and churches to file excess forms and filings with IRS.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin was the lead cosponsor of the legislation, which was successfully repealed in 2011.\r\nOne-Year Delay of Individual Mandate: Delays individual mandate provision for one year to eliminate penalty fees for not signing up for healthcare coverage, which would give consumers a true transition year.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin sponsored the legislation.\r\nFull Time Workweek Definition Extends to 40-Hours: Changes the definition of a full-time workweek under the law from 30 to 40 hours, which would help small businesses and prevent employees from getting their hours reduced.   \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation.\r\nGrandfather Current Health Care Plans: Allows individuals to stay on their current health care plans and prevents insurers from cancelling coverage currently offered if policyholders would like to continue to receive their existing plans.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation.\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=328cea38-e6ae-4045-bf61-3a999b6eae07", "Senator Manchin Announces State Director Departure", "2013-11-04", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 04, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Announces State Director Departure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Manchin thanks State Director Kelley Goes for her unwavering dedication to the people of West Virginia as she leaves to pursue private sector opportunities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that his long-time State Director Kelley Goes will be leaving her position to become a member of the prestigious law firm, Jackson Kelly.\r\n\u201cIt is difficult to imagine my Senate office without Kelley Goes, who is truly a one-of-a-kind public servant. Since my first days in the Senate, Kelley has served as my State Director, a job that made her my eyes and ears back home and my go-to person on every issue affecting the families and businesses of West Virginia. When I chose her to oversee all my Senate offices in West Virginia, Kelley had already proven her mettle, having served with great distinction in two important positions during my Governorship \u2013 as West Virginia\u2019s Commerce Secretary and Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office. No matter what the issue, I could always count on Kelley to see the ripple effect and to understand the impact on the lives of West Virginians.\r\n\u201cI am sorry that Kelley is leaving public service and my office. I will miss the energy, creativity and dedication she brought to my office. But I know she will bring the same enthusiasm, wit and commitment as she moves to the private sector. I wish Kelley the best of luck in her future endeavors, but I know that she is only a phone call away and will always be a part of the Manchin family.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=d0831bf2-8215-4423-911e-660e593e110a", "Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Parkersburg News and Sentinel", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 29, 2013\n\t\t\t Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Parkersburg News and Sentinel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is being honored by the Washington Coal Club for his contributions to the coal industry.\r\nThe group announced Wednesday it would present Manchin with its Annual Achievement Award, which honors an individual or individuals who have recently made a meaningful contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community.\r\nManchin, a former governor of West Virginia, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and has been a national voice for the coal industry.\r\n\"As West Virginia's former governor and now as U.S. senator, I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal -- our coal heritage, our coal industry and our hardworking coal miners. I am honored to accept this national recognition from the Washington Coal Club,\" Manchin said in a press release Wednesday.\r\nDuring the past year, Manchin has worked to create partnerships among all interested constituencies to support policies that maintain coal's significant role in the domestic fuel mix, protect the pensions of retired miners, and ensure new regulatory mandates on coal-fueled power are fair, achievable and based on demonstrated technologies.\r\n\"As a Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have urged my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with the coal industry on shared goals, expanded developments and smart investments,\" Manchin said. \"Coal provides the greatest share of electricity we use, generating around 40 percent of our power, and will continue to be a major source of electricity for at least the next 30 years.\"\r\nFormalized in 1981, the Washington Coal Club is a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit organization of more than 300 individuals with diverse interests in coal, ranging from its production to its utilization.\r\nFor more on the Washington Coal Club, including a list of past award recipients, visit www.washingtoncoalclub.org.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Michael Erb\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator poised to receive Annual Achievement Award\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0e10e89d-25ab-471b-8251-d2af4ff73321", "Manchin Statement on Consol Energy Announcement to Sell Five Coal Mines to Murray Energy", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 29, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Consol Energy Announcement to Sell Five Coal Mines to Murray Energy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on CONSOL Energy\u2019s announcement to sell five West Virginia coal mines to Murray Energy Corporation. The five mines affected are Blacksville No. 2., Loveridge, McElroy, Robinson Run and Shoemaker.\r\n\u201cThroughout the many years that I\u2019ve worked with CONSOL Energy, they have always been an industry leader in mine safety as well as a community-minded company that has continued to reach out to our hardworking miners and their families. I have looked to CONSOL to set the gold corporate standard in mining conditions, and I can only hope that Murray Energy will follow in CONSOL\u2019s footsteps to put our miners first. I look forward to meeting this week with Murray Energy\u2019s leaders to further discuss this transition.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=23ed0461-6350-4086-8485-3d7796f486b2", "Manchin Proud to Stand in Support of Miners at Capitol Coal Rally", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 29, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Proud to Stand in Support of Miners at Capitol Coal Rally \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senator Manchin stands up for coal and condemns EPA\u2019s unreasonable regulations at American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) rallied with West Virginia coal miners and workers from the mining, manufacturing, labor and construction industries at the American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington to fight for America\u2019s energy sector and our nation\u2019s hardworking coal miners.\r\n\u201cCoal miners are some the bravest and most patriotic men and women I have ever met in my life and it is always an honor to stand side by side with our hardworking miners, especially during today's coal rally at the steps of the United States Capitol. As Governor and now as Senator, I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal. But we are not just fighting for the good-paying jobs coal provides. We are fighting for our coal heritage and a way of life that sinks deep into the roots of West Virginia's rich culture. For decades, our coal miners have worked hard every day to produce the energy that lights our cities and heats our homes, and I hope that our miners know that as long as there's coal to mine, I will proudly stand by their side.\u201d\r\nTo view photos of Senator Manchin talking to West Virginia coal miners at today\u2019s rally, please click here.\r\nTo view a video of Senator Manchin delivering remarks at today\u2019s rally, please click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5bb66f3a-4572-41f4-9831-4e7602b300d4", "Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 28, 2013\n\t\t\t  Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced $733,068 in federal funding for community organizations across the state to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth in West Virginia.\r\n\u00a0The funding comes from the Office of National Drug Control Policy\u2019s (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant program with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia and across this country, substance abuse has become one of the most critical problems facing our communities, our families and our children,\u201d\u00a0said Manchin. \u201cWe have a responsibility \u2013 especially to our future generations \u2013 to combat this national drug abuse epidemic head on. I am pleased that the FDA has recently announced their plans to reschedule hydrocodone combination drugs, which are in highly addictive painkillers like Vicodin and Lortab. Every step we take to make sure these drugs don\u2019t get into the wrong hands is a step toward curbing substance abuse. This program will add to the FDA\u2019s recent efforts and will focus on bringing our communities together to address this serious challenge to facilitate drug prevention efforts.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear that our communities are in need of meaningful investments in prevention efforts targeted at reducing substance abuse among our youth,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cSAMHSA and ONDCP helped establish drug take-back day and prescriber training in our state, which are strong steps toward keeping prescription drugs and illegal substances from falling into the hands of our young ones. I\u2019m so glad this grant funding was awarded in our state \u2013 it will help build on these initiatives that are critical to the health and well-being of our youngest West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nTwo coalitions received new funding awards including:\r\n \r\n$108,222 \u2013 West Side Ward 4 Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition \u2013 Institute, W. Va.: The funding will be used by the coalition to increase efforts that aim to reduce prescription drug abuse and marijuana use among youth.\r\n$124,846 \u2013 Kanawha Communities That Care \u2013 Charleston, W. Va.: The funding will be used by the coalition to establish and strengthen collaboration with local entities aimed at preventing and reducing substance abuse among youth.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nFour West Virginia coalitions received $125,000 awards for their ongoing efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse:\r\n \r\nOhio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition \u2013 Wheeling, W. Va. \r\nAdvocates for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) \u2013 Weirton, W. Va.\r\nMorgan County Partnership, Inc. \u2013 Berkeley Springs, W. Va.\r\nJackson County Anti-Drug Coalition \u2013 Ripley, W. Va.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f77e45d0-1537-4ac3-ab6a-6acbab2935dd", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Pipeline Safety in West Virginia", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 28, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Pipeline Safety in West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senator Joe Manchin, along with Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced more than $697,000 in federal funding for pipeline safety efforts in West Virginia. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, investing in natural gas is important for job creation and economic growth, but the bottom line is that we need to make sure drilling is done safely,\u201d\u00a0Manchin said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe are fortunate that no one was seriously injured last year when a gas pipeline ruptured in Sissonville. This incident proved that we constantly need to be prepared and safety should always be our top priority. This funding will help ensure the pipelines are being operated safely, maintained properly and inspected regularly so that incidents like the rupture last December don\u2019t happen again.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s booming natural gas industry relies heavily on pipelines, which means they must be safe, reliable and durable. As Commerce Committee Chairman, I\u2019ve worked hard to make sure there is oversight of our pipeline operations to prevent accidents that could harm both our communities and our economy,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cThe importance of establishing the strongest possible safeguards against future pipeline explosions was never more apparent than after the devastating explosion in Sissonville last December. This funding is an important investment in our work to make pipelines as safe and secure as possible.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt would be pennywise but pound foolish not to invest in pipeline safety,\u201d said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with jurisdiction over PHMSA.\u00a0 \u201cOur State just witnessed the consequences of pipeline failure and a strong federal partnership is a good insurance policy against future failures.\u00a0 Constant maintenance and consistent inspections are key ingredients in keeping our families, businesses and industries, our infrastructure and communities safe.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe funding comes from the Department of Transportation\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and was awarded to two agencies in West Virginia in the following amounts:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n$496,943 \u2013 West Virginia Public Service Commission \u2013 The Commission received this funding through PHMSA\u2019s fiscal year 2013 Pipeline Safety Base Grant program as a reimbursement to help alleviate the cost of the State\u2019s pipeline safety programs.\r\n$200,717 \u2013 West Virginia Emergency Response Commission \u2013 The Commission received this funding through PHMSA\u2019s Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Program, which gives States assistance in performing hazardous materials response duties.\r\n \r\n\r\nAs Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Rockefeller is in charge of Congressional oversight of pipeline safety. Rockefeller authored legislation that was signed into law in 2011 to strengthen pipeline safety. He also held a field hearing on pipeline safety in Charleston earlier this year in response to the pipeline explosion in Sissonville, West Virginia on December 11, 2012.\u00a0 The Commerce Committee has held four hearings on pipeline safety in the past three years.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1a4ad244-a7d8-4ce3-923a-c1fabdd56d30", "Mountaineer Food Bank filled with venison | The Dominion Post", "2013-10-26", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Mountaineer Food Bank filled with venison | The Dominion Post  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ROANOKE \u2014 Hunters are taking aim at hunger this weekend during the Governor\u2019s One Shot Whitetail Hunt, based at Stonewall Jackson Resort.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   On Friday evening, they tested their hunting weapons at the annual \u201csighting of the rifles\u201d at the public shooting range.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   This morning, after a pre-sunrise breakfast, each two-person team set out with their volunteer guides to hunt antlerless deer on private lands.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Money and venison from the hunt goes to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program administered by the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway, said Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro during the Friday sighting.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Teams pay a $2,000 entry fee, he said, and individual and corporate sponsors may donate as much as $10,000. The cash goes directly to the food bank. The venison is processed locally, free of charge and divided into 2-pound packs and given to the food bank.   \u00a0\u00a0   \u00a0Hunters are in the field until 4 p.m., he said, then return to the resort for a reception, awards banquet, raffles and live auction. Seventeen two-person teams registered this year.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., arrived at the Stonewall lobby after the sighting and described how he and Jezioro originated the program in 2007 while he was governor.   \u00a0\u00a0   In 2005, Manchin said, he and Jezioro went to Wyoming for a one-shot antelope hunt; it\u2019s the nation\u2019s oldest organized hunt, originated by the governors of Wyoming and Colorado.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u201cWe went out there and had a great time,\u201d Manchin said. And he told Jezioro, \u201cFrank, we could do that back home.\u201d   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   So Jezioro set to work with his staff. They teamed up with Mountaineer Food Bank Executive Director Carla Nardella to direct the meat and money to the food bank, and brought in Gen. Chuck Yeager to help get it off the ground.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   In its first year, Jezioro said, the hunt raised $17,000; in 2012, it raised $75,000. All told, it\u2019s raised more than $300,000. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin agreed to keep offering it when he took office.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   Manchin said he missed it last year, but wanted to be here this year to team up with Jezioro and bag a pair of does. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful event, it really is,\u201d he said.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   It\u2019s also a friendly contest, they said. Teams earn points based on the times they bag their deer and the weight of the deer. A hunter is supposed to down the deer with one shot, they said, hence the name.   \u00a0\u00a0   \u00a0In Wyoming, Manchin said, they both bagged theirs early and could have won, but Jezioro\u2019s required a second shot, costing them penalty points.   \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   They hold the hunt on private lands, Jezioro said, so they don\u2019t interfere with other hunters. Bagging only antlerless deer, he said, helps control the deer populations on those private lands.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    David Beard\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHunters shoot deer to benefit helping the hunger program\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3a247947-0db8-4c6b-8d47-52c3119adfd2", "Group Awarded U.S. Citizenship at Ceremony | WHAG", "2013-10-26", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Group Awarded U.S. Citizenship at Ceremony | WHAG \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMARTINSBURG, W.Va. - A special ceremony was held Friday morning at the U.S. District Court in Martinsburg. Among those attending were U.S. Senator Joe Manchin D-WV, and some special guests.\r\nIt was also a very busy morning in the courtroom, as many were being sworn in as citizens of the United States.\r\nOfficials say 38 people from 21 different countries took their oath.\r\nSot Eva Marie Bedana Moreno is originally from the Philippines. She now lives in Martinsburg, and she became a U.S. citizen.\r\n\"I'm very excited, happy, and now I can say I'm part of America,\" Moreno said.\r\nA part of America, as they received their certificates of citizenship from Senator Joe Manchin.\r\nManchin said it's a refreshing change from the constant complaining and dysfunction of Washington.\r\n\"\u2026And when you see people that have worked hard, that came here for the land of promise, to basically the land of opportunity, and still believe in America. It kind of reinforces, it reinvigorates me, but it reinforces that this is the best country on earth,\" said Senator Manchin after the ceremony.\r\nOne new citizen said he's actually living the American Dream.\r\n\"I had about $500 in my pocket. I didn't have anything else,\u201d said Titus Warui, who came from Kenya to Falling Waters.\r\n\u201cI just came here and dreamed that one day I would make things work, or things would work out. I believed that it was all going to work out,\" he said.\r\nAnd it did work out. Titus has been here for over 11 years. He now has with a family of three kids, and they couldn\u2019t be more excited for him.\r\nSenator Manchin also encouraged those who are coming to the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship legally.\r\nHe says our arms, and doors are still open.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Caitlin Francis\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3e9ac45c-ea67-4437-b635-b3634cecefd9", "Manchin apologizes for gov\u2019t shutdown | Martinsburg Journal", "2013-10-26", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin apologizes for gov\u2019t shutdown | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSHEPHERDSTOWN-Senator Joe Manchin III (D-West Virginia) addressed topics including the recent government shutdown, Second Amendment rights, the economy and national debt, the coal industry and health care at Shepherd University's Wellness Center Friday morning during a \"Coffee and Common Sense\" discussion.\r\nManchin spoke briefly at the informal session, then took questions and comments from the audience.\r\nHe began by apologizing for the recent government shutdown, something he said \"never should have happened.\"\r\n\"We still are a financial, global market. People are still looking to America for financial stability, and we weren't showing much leadership there,\" Manchin said. \"We've become a divided country, we've become a divided Congress, and that's not what we were sent there to do. You can be a Democrat, a Republican or an independent, but above all, you're an American first.\"\r\nManchin received questions about gun control measures, mainly the effectiveness of background checks that are required by law when someone purchases a gun.\r\nArt Thomm, vice president of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, along with other members of the League who attended the discussion, felt the background checks are largely ineffective and do not keep firearms out of the hands of criminals.\r\n\"Enforcing the laws that you currently have would be better than restricting (the rights of gun owners). All you talk about is ways to take away my rights under the Second Amendment. I haven't heard once how you're going to strip the Second Amendment rights from criminals, the people actually going out and committing these crimes,\" Thomm said.\r\nManchin said part of the problem surrounding Second Amendment rights has to do with the lack of good mental health facilities and programs in the state and the nation. He said that need must be met, but it's up to communities within the state to come up with the funding for such treatment.\r\n\"And you're right, they haven't done a good job in the background checks, they haven't followed up, and they haven't enforced them. The problem was that there was never any penalty put on the states,\" Manchin said. \"In the future, under a new bill, states will lose their law enforcement support money, and I guarantee you, they will start reporting.\"\r\nManchin expressed the need for better infrastructure, even though the nation's economic state is not as favorable as it could be. He said he thought more of the money from the stimulus would go towards infrastructure, but instead went to \"prop up government\" at the federal, state and local levels.\r\n\"If you go back in history, what happened in the 1930s with the Depression? It was all public works projects that rebuilt America. It gave people pride and dignity, it gave them a job, and it also gave the country value,\" Manchin said. \"The formula is right for this economy to take off like a rocket, but the uncertainty and the political dysfunction has kept everybody sitting on the sidelines.\"\r\nOne of the industries that could boost West Virginia's economy is coal mining. Despite the coal industry's impacts on the environment, Manchin said it is one of three reliable sources of energy available at this point in time, apart from gas and nuclear energy.\r\n\"Mining is part of our culture, it's who we are, right, wrong or indifferent. We made this country what it is with the resources that come from coal. It's one of the most affordable, abundant, dependable, reliable resources we've ever had. You can mine it, stockpile it, and run it 24/7. We don't have anything to replace it with,\" Manchin said.\r\nManchin also addressed questions about health care, including some concerns about the changes coming with the Affordable Care Act. Manchin believes there should not be penalties on citizens who do not enroll in the program, and that there should be a one-year grace period until January 1, 2015 to allow people some time to figure out a plan.\r\n\"I believe there should be a transition here. You shouldn't be fined $95 for not signing up for something that's not there. I'm going to introduce legislation saying that this year will be a transitional year, we're working through it,\" Manchin said. \"The Affordable Care Act should be this: no one should have to buy insurance that's more expensive than what they have, or less effective than what they have.\"\r\nManchin's stop at Shepherd University was part of a larger tour of the Eastern Panhandle on Thursday and Friday that focused on job creation and the state of the local economy.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Mary Stortstrom", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=b1522694-3a14-4596-9639-400194933869", "Senator addresses DC gridlock | Martinsburg Journal", "2013-10-26", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator addresses DC gridlock | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMARTINSBURG - While touring a couple business sites in Martinsburg Thursday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., felt compelled to apologize for things happening - or not happening - in Congress.\r\n\"I want to apologize for all the dysfunction in Washington,\" he told the crowd during groundbreaking ceremonies at DC Corp's new high-tech data center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Park. \"There is political gridlock in Washington and that's not why I was sent there. The best politician is the politician who does the right thing.\"\r\nManchin said America's economy should be taking off like a rocket, because of low energy prices and low interest rates.\r\n\"But the economy is stagnant, because of uncertainty, because of uncertainty in Washington,\" he said.\r\nLater, after touring the Martinsburg Ecolab plant, Manchin again apologized to a gathering of employees.\r\n\"If you think it looks ugly, it's even uglier where I'm sitting,\" he said. \"Political ambitions are rising above the good of the nation. And we need to do something before we hit the wall financially. We need a budget we can count on, not continuing resolutions. We have to get our financial house in order.\"\r\nManchin said the federal government shutdown \"was uncalled for\" and the $24 billion it cost the nation cannot be retrieved.\r\n\"We can't continue with a multi-trillion dollar debt,\" he said. \"There could be a financial meltdown not because we don't raise the debt ceiling, but because we can't pay our bills. Politics is a criminal shame, but we can fix it.\"\r\nManchin said the world is a dangerous place, referring to Iran and its nuclear development program, and the civil war in Syria, adding that he was glad the United States did not take military action against Syria over the use of chemical weapons there.\r\n\"We are the superpower in the world,\" he said. \"But being a superpower is about more than military might. We can do whatever we want anywhere in the world. Being a superpower also means you have to have super patience, super discipline and super compassion.\r\n\"We can't be everything to everybody,\" Manchin continued. \"We have to pick our priorities and help those who help themselves.\"\r\nHe said the biggest threat to America comes from within.\r\n\"We have generations who do not, who are not taking ownership of their country, who are not being a part of society,\" Manchin said. \"They sit on the sideline and expect us to do for them. We have to change that mindset. Our children's generation must want to be part of a world power.\"\r\nHe said the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, would benefit a lot of people, but there are apparent problems with the program that need to be fixed.\r\nManchin is calling for a transitional year when no one would be fined for not enrolling in a health insurance plan. He and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., are working on legislation to forego fines until Jan. 1, 2015.\r\nHe also criticized those who are trying to politicize the problems with the Affordable Care Act and private firms that are forcing employees off company health insurance policies and into the health care exchanges.\r\nManchin left the Ecolab employees with some advice: don't be intimidated by politicians.\r\n\"It a politician introduces himself with his title, you're going to have trouble,\" he said. \"That means they think more about the title than the job.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    John McVey\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8b4a7737-281a-4261-a5ef-103dc8e0af69", "Ecolab all about cleaner, safer world | Martinsburg Journal", "2013-10-25", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 25, 2013\n\t\t\t Ecolab all about cleaner, safer world | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMARTINSBURG - While touring the Ecolab plant in Martinsburg Thursday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., wanted to know what is the local facility's biggest challenge.\r\n\"Finding enough employees that can work here,\" Jonathan Gavlinski, plant manager, answered unhesitantly.\r\nHowever, Gavlinski told Manchin that the plant works with Blue Ridge Community and Technological College to train employees. Ecolab helps with tuition and students can get two-year degrees and go on to four-year bachelor degrees.\r\nThe plant has about 185 employees and about 15 contract employees, working three shifts five days a week, Gavlinski said.\r\nEcolab mixes, packages and distributes cleaning fluids for commercial customers at the Martinsburg plant, which opened in 2001.\r\nThe 90-year-old, worldwide company, with corporate headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., is a $13 billion business. The company also has units specializing in food service and hospitality; commercial kitchen repair and maintenance; food safety; pest elimination; laundries; and other commercial and industrial areas.\r\nEcolab recently bought Nalco, which specializes in paper products, clean water, clean energy and air protection technologies.\r\nGavlinski said the local Ecolab plant produced nearly 300 million pounds of product last year. The plant's production has doubled since 2006.\r\n\"Because Ecolab is wildly successful, the company has invested $3 million in the plant and the company consolidated operations at an Ohio plant to here,\" he said.\r\nManchin also wanted to know how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency affects the local Ecolab plant.\r\n\"The EPA is good for us,\" Gavlinski said. \"The EPA is all about a clean environment, and that is what we're all about. And they've treated us more than fairly.\"\r\nHe added that the biggest impact the EPA has had on the local plant is the EPA's Chesapeake Bay restoration program.\r\n\"We've removed all the nitrogen and phosphorus from our waste stream,\" Gavlinski said. \"We've met the EPA's Chesapeake Bay requirements. Out industrial waste stream is pretreated at a plant on site before going to the (Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District's) Baker Heights plant.\"\r\nThe EPA mandated dramatic reductions in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus - known as nutrients - that can get into the Chesapeake Bay via its tributaries. Nutrients are blamed for causing algal blooms in the bay that rob the water of oxygen, killing aquatic life.\r\nMartinsburg and Berkeley County are in the Potomac River watershed. The Potomac is one of the bay's main tributaries.\r\nEcolab and the local plant are well known for its charitable work in the community. Since opening, the Martinsburg plant has donated about $1 million to local charities, including $500,000 to local schools, Gavlinski said.\r\nAfter the tour, Manchin talked with about 30 Ecolab employees. He praised the employees and pointed out that West Virginia has a reputation for a good, strong work force.\r\n\"We need to find balance in life,\" Manchin said. \"Economy and ecology go hand in hand.\"\r\nWith which Gavlinski agreed.\r\n\"Our world is about a cleaner, safer world,\" he said.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    John McVey\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=99b9af90-8498-4b29-9c68-5ca3fad188c5", "Sen. Manchin thanks developers for confidence in W.Va. | Martinsburg Journal", "2013-10-25", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 25, 2013\n\t\t\t Sen. Manchin thanks developers for confidence in W.Va. | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMARTINSBURG - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., thanked the developers of DC Corp during groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday for having confidence in West Virginia and the people of West Virginia.\r\n\"High tech is the future for West Virginia and the future for the country,\" Manchin said. \"Our work force is a dedicated, committed, intelligent work force and without good employees, you won't be a success.\"\r\nCharles \"Chuck\" Asbury II is the founder of DC Corp, which he describes as the first large-scale data center in West Virginia and the first Custom Hybrid Data Facility - a trademarked name - anywhere. DC Corp is moving into the former Ralph Lauren Childrenswear Distribution Center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Center at the Eastern Regional Airport.\r\nU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., gestures to the crowd Thursday at groundbreaking ceremonies for DC Corp\u2019s new high-tech data center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Center.\r\n\"No dream is too big, but you have to have a lot of faith,\" Manchin said before grabbing a shovel for the ceremonial turning of a spadeful of dirt.\r\nDC Corp will offer disaster recovery, continuity of operations planning, cloud services and active primary hosting to its public- and private-sector clients.\r\n\"DC Corp vows to have a tremendous impact on the community,\" Asbury told the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking. \"I want other high-tech IT companies to look to the Eastern Panhandle as the most sought-after area to do business. This is the beginning of much growth.\"\r\nAsbury is from Gerrardstown. He graduated from Musselman High School and Shepherd University. He was president of Clear Solutions LLC, an information technology consulting firm, from 2005-10.\r\nDC Corp was formed in 2011.\r\nAsbury has a lease/purchase agreement with S. Schwab Co. of Cumberland, Md., for the 180,000-square-foot structure, including 11,000 square feet of office space.\r\nThe first phase of development will entail a $50 million investment. It will include remodeling 10,000 square feet of the cavernous warehouse to house an initial 50 employees and the installation of fiber optics infrastructure. The construction phase will employ 250-300 workers.\r\nThe company is starting with three clients. Asbury expects to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2014. As DC Corp's client list grows, more space will be remodeled and more staff will be hired. Asbury expects to employ several hundred when the facility is built out.\r\nThe building is about 13 years old. The Ralph Lauren Childrenswear facility closed in 2010, when the company's warehouse and distribution operations were consolidated at a facility in Greensboro, N.C.\r\nEmployment applications are being handled internally. Resumes are being accepted at jobs@dccorpwv.com.\r\n\"I am sincerely excited,\" said Rick Wachtel, chairman of the Eastern Regional Airport Authority, which operates the science and technology center. \"The potential to draw similar industries is phenomenal. We're on the road back.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    John McVey\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a3c965df-d1a5-41ed-94a2-27bfb600d89a", "Manchin Urges West Virginians To Participate in National Drug Take Back Day", "2013-10-25", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 25, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Urges West Virginians To Participate in National Drug Take Back Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Seventh National Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity for all West Virginians to help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and increase awareness of critical public health epidemic\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) encouraged West Virginians to participate in the seventh National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the event, local law enforcement officials will anonymously collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications at more than 130 locations around the state with no questions asked.\u00a0\r\n\u201cPrescription drug abuse in our state and our nation has reached a crisis point, and ignoring the problem is simply unacceptable,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cLocal, state and federal leaders must continue to combine their efforts and devise commonsense solutions to put an end to this horrific epidemic. Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to bring neighbors and families together to work toward fighting against drug abuse. These events not only help combat drug abuse by providing an opportunity to safely dispose of these medications, but they spread awareness of this critical issue. Let\u2019s continue to work together so that West Virginia and our beautiful country can have strong, drug-free communities.\u201d\r\nTo view a full list of drop-off site locations, click here.\r\nBackground:\r\nSenator Manchin has fought for many legislative initiatives to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in West Virginia and across the nation, including:\r\n\u2022\u00a0Hydrocodone Rescheduling: Senator Manchin recently reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat prescription drug abuse by tightening restrictions on some of the most powerful, addictive narcotics on the market. The \u201cSafe Prescribing Act of 2013\u201d would reclassify hydrocodone painkillers, such as Vicodin and Lortab, from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. The reclassification would accurately reflect the drugs\u2019 high potential for addiction and abuse. An expert advisory panel to the FDA has already voted 19-10 in favor of re-classifying hydrocodone painkillers as a Schedule II controlled substance.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act of 2013: Senator Manchin sponsored legislation that would provide for a prescription drug take back program for veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Drug take programs allow for the safe and effective collection and disposal of unwanted and unnecessary prescription drugs and would help to combat the challenge posed by prescription drug misuse and abuse in our military and veteran populations.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act: Senator Manchin cosponsored Senator Rockefeller\u2019s legislation that requires health care professionals to attend new safe pain management training courses, promotes consumer and patient education about safe disposal and treatment of prescription drugs, and supports state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Expanding High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA): The Office of National Drug Control Policy\u2019s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program provides funds to local law enforcement agencies located in counties in drug-trafficking regions. There are 11 counties in West Virginia currently designated as HIDTAs, and Senator Manchin is working with regional authorities to get more areas accepted into the program.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Funding for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Senator Manchin has supported funding for COPS programs to provide local police departments with federal grant money. The program helps to advance community policing in many areas where funding is needed to help combat drug abuse.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Funding for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG): Senator Manchin supports funding for the Byrne JAG program, which provides state and local governments with critical resources necessary to support various law enforcement efforts and drug treatment initiatives.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Support for Drug Free Communities: Senator Manchin has supported funding for Drug Free Communities, which provides grants to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent substance abuse in youth.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Support for National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month: Senator Manchin is a cosponsor of S.Res.261, which designated October 2011 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. The resolution passed the Senate on September 23, 2011.\r\nTo view a fact sheet on the American epidemic of prescription drug abuse, specifically drugs containing hydrocodone, please click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=788c72ee-7ce9-491e-a0c3-c1a4f35f7cc6", "Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Times West Virginian", "2013-10-24", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2013\n\t\t\t Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Times West Virginian \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFAIRMONT \u2014 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was presented on Wednesday with the Washington Coal Club\u2019s 2013 Annual Achievement Award.\r\nThe award is given to \u201can individual or individuals who have recently made a meaningful contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community.\u201d\r\nManchin currently serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He is also chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining, and serves on the Subcommittee on Energy.\r\nIn a statement, Manchin voiced his support for the work done by the WCC.\r\n\u201cThe Washington Coal Club is vital to the future of coal production,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cIt is a pleasure to be able to work with the club so closely on fighting for our coal heritage, our coal industry and our hardworking coal miners.\u201d\r\nManchin has argued for achieving energy independence in the United States within one generation, and has often criticized the Obama administration for a \u201cwar on coal.\u201d\r\nManchin said that through his work on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he has worked with both Democrats and Republicans to create \u201can all-of-the-above energy portfolio that accepts coal is, and will be for the foreseeable future, a major part of our energy mix.\u201d\r\nOther West Virginians who have previously been given the award include Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., and the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.\r\nThe club also gave out two Senator Jennings Randolph Lifetime Achievement Awards. The award was named for late state Democrat Jennings Randolph, who served in the House of Representatives from 1933 to 1947 and the Senate from 1958 to 1985. The award aims to recognize \u201cindividuals who have demonstrated a life\u00adlong dedication to the utilization of coal as a reliable and secure national energy resource,\u201d the WCC stated.\r\nThe lifetime achievement awards were granted to Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., and West Virginia University\u2019s Richard A. Bajura. Bajura is the director of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy at West Virginia University, and is also a member of the WCC\u2019s board of directors.\r\n\u201cOur research at WVU has been dedicated to developing technologies that make coal cleaner, from mining it to using it to create power and transporta\u00adtion fuels,\u201d Bajura said. \u201cI am honored to receive this award as a reflection of the outstanding researchers with whom I have had the privilege to work.\u201d\r\nWCC president Rick Axthelm said in a statement that the three award recipients \u201call share a common threat of having con\u00adtributed mightily to the growth and sustainability of the coal industry, and the well-being of its workforce.\u201d\r\nThe Washington Coal Club is a Washington D.C.-based not\u00adfor- profit organization. It was formalized in 1981, and has more than 300 members who include academics, policy mak\u00aders, coal producers and trans\u00adporters, and members of associa\u00adtions interested in coal and the American economy.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Colleen S. Good\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFor \u2018contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community\u2019\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5a8e83f3-dde7-4c2f-94e3-1d09c82d5f85", "Manchin Applauds FDA for Rescheduling Hydrocodone to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse", "2013-10-24", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Applauds FDA for Rescheduling Hydrocodone to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Announcement comes 9 months after Manchin testified before the FDA\u2019s Advisory Committee\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 After years of fighting in the United States Senate to help curb the nation\u2019s prescription drug abuse epidemic, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) expressed his appreciation today after Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sebelius informed Senator Manchin that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will recommend rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive substance found in drugs like Vicodin and Lortab.\r\nToday, the FDA has officially recommended that HHS reschedule hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. HHS is expected to pass along this recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which will immediately begin the reclassification process.\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday was a tremendous step forward in fighting the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has ravaged West Virginia and our country,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cRescheduling hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug will help prevent these highly addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands and devastating families and communities. I want to sincerely thank my good friend Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa for being so helpful in making this possible. I am also extremely grateful that the Food and Drug Administration has finally implemented its own advisory committee\u2019s recommendations to reclassify these addictive drugs. The agency has just saved hundreds of thousands of lives.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhile we recognize that a legitimate need for pain management exists, we also realize that the diversion of prescription pain medication for illegal purposes is one of the biggest problems we face in West Virginia,\u201d said West Virginia State Police Colonel C. R. \u201cJay\u201d Smithers. \u201cThe reclassification of hydrocodone is a major step toward restoring accountability and oversight between medical providers and patients suffering from acute injuries, chronic pain and terminal illness. I would like to thank Senator Manchin, the United States Congress, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Drug Administration for proactively taking a major step toward addressing the issue of prescription drug diversion not only here in West Virginia, but nationwide. It is my sincere belief that this measure will decrease the amount of hydrocodone available to those who do not possess a legitimate prescription.\u201d\r\nBackground:\r\n\u2022\u00a0May 2012 \u2013 Senator Manchin included an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act to reschedule hydrocodone. The measure passed by unanimous consent in the Senate.\r\n\u2022\u00a0June 2012 \u2013 Senator Manchin urged negotiators of a House-Senate compromise of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act to support the amendment, however it was not included in the version of the bill passed in the House of Representatives.\r\n\u2022\u00a0October 2012 \u2013 When Senator Manchin\u2019s measure was omitted in the final piece of legislation that was signed into law, he requested that the Food and Drug Administration hold a Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee hearing, which advises the FDA on the abuse potential of drugs and makes recommendations about how they should be controlled.\u00a0\r\n\u2022\u00a0January 25, 2013 \u2013 The FDA\u2019s own advisory committee voted 19-10 to reclassify the highly addictive drug on the same day that Senator Manchin testified at its committee hearing. Senator Manchin shared several stories from West Virginians who have struggled with hydrocodone addictions or family members whose loved ones overdosed on these painkillers.\r\n\u2022\u00a0March 20, 2013 \u2013 Senator Manchin sponsored the \u201cSafe Prescribing Act,\u201d along with Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Ed Markey (D-MA), to reclassify hydrocodone painkillers. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation received widespread support from Democrats and Republicans in both legislative chambers, as well as from health care providers, addiction specialists, law enforcement, advocacy groups and victims across the nation.\r\n\u2022\u00a0After allotting time for the FDA to implement its own committee\u2019s recommendations to reschedule the drug, Senator Manchin sent three letters to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg urging the agency to immediately take action.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6a7745de-ac0d-45ba-8147-1acea94c8d25", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Boost Economy and Create Good-Paying Jobs Across West Virginia", "2013-10-24", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Boost Economy and Create Good-Paying Jobs Across West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Partnership planning funds will bring together public and private sectors to develop economic roadmap for state\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $420,000 to regional development councils to help spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs across West Virginia. These EDA projects aim to strengthen West Virginia\u2019s economy by bringing together the public and private sectors to establish strategies that will boost local and regional economies by overcoming challenges and focusing on job creation. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is encouraging to see that our public and private sectors can work together to help boost our economy and improve the economic success in regions across West Virginia and this country,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThese funds will help us coordinate our resources more efficiently and will put hardworking West Virginians back to work.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur regional development and planning councils work tirelessly to create jobs for West Virginians and put in place initiatives to support our local economies,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cTo execute their strategies for growth, it is essential they have the resources necessary to overcome the tough economic challenges our communities face. I\u2019m glad to see this funding go toward an effort that invests directly in job opportunities and economic development that will benefit our state.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cBy leveraging Federal funding with local investments, we can create jobs in tough economic times while making the wisest use of scare resources,\u201d said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over the EDA.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have to reinvent the wheel, but rather connect some critical dots and sustain partnerships to ensure access to the assets, technical assistance, and training that can make all the difference for local leaders and entrepreneurs.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe following Regional Councils will each receive $60,000 from EDA to support economic development projects:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nBel-O-Mar Regional Council (Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nBCKP Regional Intergovernmental Council (Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Putnam)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nRegion 1 Planning and Development Council (McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nRegion 2 Planning and Development Council (Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, and Wayne)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nRegion 4 Planning and Development Council (Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and Webster)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nRegion 8 Planning and Development Council (Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nRegion 6 Planning and Development Council (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ca86c484-18a9-4fbd-8f01-c853c74c0c84", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for West Virginia Airports", "2013-10-23", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 23, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for West Virginia Airports  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Funding to Benefit Kanawha, Randolph and Wayne Counties\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON D.C.\u2014 Senator Joe Manchin, along with\u00a0Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-WV), today announced more than $8.9 million in federal funding awards for airport improvements in Kanawha, Randolph and Wayne Counties. \r\n\u201cHaving reliable, safe and innovative infrastructure and equipment at our airports helps us attract business opportunities that drive economic development while keeping travelers safe,\u201d\u00a0Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cI am committed to making West Virginia a more competitive place to work and do business, and I am truly pleased that our airports will have the opportunity to make vital improvements with these funds.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cThe ongoing funding from the FAA that invests in our local airports\u2019 overall efficiency and safety is critically important to keeping our local airports up-to-date and open for business,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cTogether, these awards will provide for significant improvements to West Virginia\u2019s airports, which is good news for passengers and for West Virginia\u2019s economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cTri-State Airport continues to plan for the long-range.\u00a0 That is a sound investment as these federal funds will compliment the Airport\u2019s master plan,\u201d said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over the FAA. \u201cPlanning that saves tax dollars in the long run, not only greatly improves the taxpayers\u2019 bottom line, but with the current federal budget tightening, makes our bid for federal dollars more competitive.\u201d\r\nThe $8,940,885 in funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which Rockefeller oversees as Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.  The funding awards include:\r\n \r\n$7,623,540 \u2013 Yeager Airport \u2013 Charleston, W. Va.: The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority will receive $7,423,540 to make updates to a runway at Yeager Airport, including removing terrain obstructions and constructing three storm water sedimentation ponds, pipe crossings, overflow protection, and related diversion channels. Yeager Airport will also receive $200,000 to help establish and implement the airport\u2019s sustainability plan.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$1,067,345 \u2013 Elkins-Randolph County-Jennings Randolph Field Airport \u2013 Elkins, W. Va.: The Elkins-Randolph County Airport Authority will use the funding to rehabilitate taxiways and taxi lanes at the Elkins-Randolph County-Jennings Randolph Field Airport.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$250,000 \u2013 Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field Airport \u2013 Huntington, W. Va.: The Tri-State Airport Authority will use the funding to establish and implement the airport\u2019s sustainability plan.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d17d845f-6842-4c58-8ff0-bc8849f57180", "Manchin Honored to Receive Annual Achievement Award from Washington Coal Club", "2013-10-23", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 23, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Honored to Receive Annual Achievement Award from Washington Coal Club \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Senator Manchin graciously accepts Washington Coal Club\u2019s 2013 Annual Achievement Award\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 The Washington Coal Club today will present its 2013 Annual Achievement Award to U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). This prestigious award is dedicated to an individual or individuals who have recently made a meaningful contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community. Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) and Richard A. Bajura, Director of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy at West Virginia University, will also receive awards.\r\n\u201cI humbly express my deepest appreciation to the Washington Coal Club and all of its members for honoring me with the 2013 Annual Achievement award,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am proud to join the many other West Virginians who have received this award, including Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, Congressman David McKinley, Congressman Alan Mollohan and the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. The Washington Coal Club is vital to the future of coal production and it is a pleasure to be able to work with the Club so closely on fighting for our coal heritage, our coal industry and our hardworking coal miners.\r\n\u201cCoal produces the electricity that lights our cities and heats our homes, and will continue to be a major source of American energy for at least the next 30 years. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have worked with my Democrat and Republican colleagues toward an all-of-the-above energy portfolio that accepts coal is, and will be for the foreseeable future, a major part of our energy mix. I look forward to continue working with the Washington Coal Club and its members on fighting for coal.\u201d\r\n\u201cThese three award recipients \u2013 Senator Manchin, Senator Enzi, and Director Bajura \u2013 may come from different backgrounds, coal basins, or even political philosophies, but they all share a common thread of having contributed mightily to the growth and sustainability of the coal industry and the wellbeing of its workforce,\u201d said Rick Axthelm, 2013 Washington Coal Club President. \u201cThe Washington Coal Club is pleased to recognize those contributions and proud to call each a coal champion.\u201d\r\nFormalized in 1981, the Washington Coal Club is a Washington, D.C. based not-for-profit organization consisting of more than 300 individuals with diverse interests in coal, ranging from its production to its utilization. Membership includes a wide range of coal interests, from coal producers and transporters, associations focused on coal\u2019s role in the American economy, academics involved in coal-related research, and policy makers from both the executive and legislative branches of government.\u00a0\r\nAdditional information regarding the Washington Coal Club is available on the Washington Coal Club website: www.washingtoncoalclub.org.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=105ec829-2529-4643-a13e-b372d279f071", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for City of Huntington", "2013-10-22", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for City of Huntington \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 As part of an ongoing redevelopment of Harris Riverfront Park, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall, (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Federal funding for the City of Huntington to construct a new skateboarding park.\u00a0\r\nThe City of Huntington is partnering with the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District to integrate elements of a \u201cstreet\u201d skateboarding park into the newly greened landscape of Harris Riverfront Park.\r\nThe $50,000 grant, awarded by the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is a partnership program that provides matching funds for the development of outdoor recreation sites and facilities, will provide skateboard enthusiasts with a safe place to practice away from busy pedestrian streets.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d074323a-f1bf-45ad-84aa-31f91382b667", "Health Care Help From Joe", "2013-10-22", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2013\n\t\t\t Health Care Help From Joe \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Health Care Help From Joe  \r\n What you need to know about enrolling under the Affordable Care Act \r\nI understand that the Health Insurance Marketplace website, www.HealthCare.gov, has not been operating properly. However, my staff and I are here to help, and we will do everything in our power to make the enrollment process simpler for you and your family or small business.  For immediate assistance, call my office at 202-224-3954 or fill out a contact form by clicking here.\r\n Four ways to apply  \r\n\u2022 Click here to apply online.  \u2022 Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For businesses, call 1-800-706-7893.  \u2022 Click here to download the paper application form and instructions.  \u2022 Click here or call (304) 558-0684 to find the closest office you can visit for in-person help.\r\n What the Affordable Care Act means to you \r\nIf you are already insured: West Virginians who have health insurance through job-based coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE or an individual market policy, DO NOT have to purchase insurance through the Marketplace.\u00a0  Click here if you already have health insurance and you want to know more about how you\u2019ll be affected.  If you are uninsured: Starting January 1, 2013, you will be required to purchase health insurance or you will pay a penalty, unless you are exempt.  Learn more about the penalty fee for not having health care. Click here. Learn more about applying for exemption from the fee. Click here.\r\n Key Dates  \r\nOctober 1, 2013: Marketplace open enrollment started  January 1, 2014: Health coverage can start  March 31, 2014: Open enrollment ends\r\n How much health care will cost you \r\nGet plan information in your area by clicking here. In West Virginia, Highmark Health Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield is offering a variety of plans with various levels of coverage at different price values.\u00a0  If you are between the ages of 19 and 64 you may qualify for Medicaid with coverage starting January 1, 2014.\r\nClick here to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3cee1a63-0d6b-45f0-a813-f0fc24b5e221", "Manchin: \u2018We have got to get a budget' | WV MetroNews", "2013-10-18", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 18, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin: \u2018We have got to get a budget' | WV MetroNews \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, W.Va. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) says he is going to do what he can do on Capitol Hill to chart out deficit reduction for the U.S. government as part of a long term budget plan.\r\n\u00a0\u201cWe can blame people until the cows come home.\u00a0 We have got to get a budget.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to have a downward trajectory,\u201d said Manchin on Friday\u2019s MetroNews \u201cTalkline.\u201d\r\n\u201cBy 2025 or 2030, our goal should be a balanced budget amendment.\u201d\r\nThis week\u2019s agreement to reopen the government and avoid default set up a House-Senate bipartisan group of lawmakers to work to develop a long term budget plan.\u00a0 The co-chairs of that group are Senate Budget Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).\r\nA report is due to Congress by Dec. 13.\r\nAt the same time, Manchin said a parallel bipartisan group of U.S. Senators will work on an alternative plan.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re keeping a group on the side together.\u00a0 We\u2019re working with Erskine Bowles. We\u2019re working with all the different think tanks.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to have a good, solid plan,\u201d he said.\r\nWithout a budget agreement, the current spending bill, approved this week, will run out on Jan. 15.\u00a0 The U.S. government is now also on track to hit the debt ceiling by Feb. 7.\r\nManchin said a balanced budget plan, with a reduced or eliminated deficit, would help avert the kind of shutdown the federal government saw for 16 days this month.\r\n\u201cI know I can\u2019t do it in five and, maybe, not even ten years,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cBut, by golly, if we set our goal to that then you wouldn\u2019t have to have the debt ceiling fight.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Shauna Johnson\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8888bcb2-628e-4bee-a389-571c4c774cb6", "Sen. Manchin resolved death gratuity issue | Beckley Register Herald", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2013\n\t\t\t Sen. Manchin resolved death gratuity issue | Beckley Register Herald \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEditor:\r\nAs a retired naval officer, having served 30 years, and now as vice president for community development and public affairs at Fisher House Foundation, I was shocked to see your letter from Jack Bowyer.\r\nLast Tuesday morning, Sen. Joe Manchin contacted Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher House Foundation, to ask if the Fisher House Foundation would step in and pay the families the death gratuity until the shutdown was resolved. Fisher immediately said yes and the foundation moved forward to make payments to the families.\r\nSen. Manchin signed a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel that morning offering Fisher House Foundation\u2019s assistance to the Pentagon. The next day the House of Representatives passed a bill that authorized the Pentagon to pay the death gratuity, by Thursday the Senate had passed the bill and by Thursday evening President Obama signed it into law.\r\nThe Pentagon is now paying the families. In the meantime, the Fisher House Foundation is offering all 29 families a $25,000 check each to help ease their burden, all thanks to the original phone call from Sen. Manchin.\r\nSen. Manchin is the reason why this issue was moved to the forefront.\r\nAs a West Virginian, I\u2019m from Oak Hill, I am grateful for the intervention offered by Sen. Manchin. He and his team stepped in to resolve a very difficult issue.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCindy Campbell, Fisher House Foundation, Rockville, Md.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Letter to the Editor\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=f3b88ecd-e189-4a6d-9dfe-156ad3c2d2cd", "Manchin Among Senators Who Crafted Compromise To End Shutdown | WCHS", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Among Senators Who Crafted Compromise To End Shutdown | WCHS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe government shutdown may soon be over as congress has reached a bipartisan deal.\r\nThe White House is urging quick congressional approval of a deal to raise the debt ceiling and end the partial government shutdown.\r\nWhite House spokesman Jay Carney said the deal reached by Senate leaders \"achieves what's necessary\" to reopen the government, remove the threat of default and move past brinksmanship.\r\nCarney said the agreement is bipartisan and that President Barack Obama is looking for Congress to act so he can sign it and remove the threat to the economy.\r\nObama's spokesman is praising Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for working together.\r\nReid announced the deal at the start of Wednesday's Senate session.\r\nThe agreement would reopen the government through Jan. 15 and increase the nation's borrowing authority through Feb. 7.\r\nU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was among a group of 14 lawmakers who helped craft the compromise.\r\nAn equal mix of Republicans and Democrats came up with the deal which will re-open the government avoid a U.S. default on its debts.\r\nManchin said the compromise is important to West Virginians for a number of reasons.\r\n\u201cWhen you look at all the people in West Virginia who work for the federal government who have been furloughed needlessly, not knowing if their paycheck was going to come or if they're going to get a paycheck, we can get that back up and running again,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nAdditionally, Manchin said a deal would also restore the West Virginia National Guard to full strength and re-open federal facilities including the New River National Park.\r\nThe Associated Press contributed to this story.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=f62dab5b-48d1-4a7e-a53b-561cc934fea4", "Sen. Joe Manchin: Moderates will find a way to end the shutdown | MSNBC", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2013\n\t\t\t Sen. Joe Manchin: Moderates will find a way to end the shutdown | MSNBC  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tModerate lawmakers began to take center stage in the budget impasse as the Senate appeared poised to put together a deal to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling Wednesday\u2013just a day before the Treasury said it would have exhausted its borrowing authority.\r\nDemocratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said on Wednesday\u2019s The Daily Rundown that a bipartisan group had been working all along toward a solution\u2013even as the most conservative members of the House continued to dig in. The moderate Democrat, who\u2019s been part of the group of 14 senators, led by Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, said he believes the Senate is moving closer to a deal Wednesday, and that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) were supportive of their progress.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a template of what we\u2019ve put together, and we\u2019re very encouraged that Reid and McConnell\u201d are moving forward, said Manchin.\r\n\u201cI respect everyone\u2019s decision, I really do, but there\u2019s a time to move forward. You\u2019ve got to put the good of the country first,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cThe only place you can get a decision is in the middle.\u201d\r\nDecisions don\u2019t come \u201cfrom the fringes or the extremes,\u201d he added.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m probably the most independent in the center,\u201d Manchin added. \u201cBut I truly believe my colleagues on the Republican side overplayed this.\u201d\r\nIn September, the House GOP insisted that a stopgap budget bill, designed to keep the government funded beyond Sept. 30 deadline, include anti-Obamacare provisions that delayed or defunded the president\u2019s landmark health care law. The bill was a known non-starter with the Senate and the White House, and it triggered the shutdown\u2013now on Day 16.\r\n\u201cIf we allow this to happen, we should have a gut check as to why we\u2019re here,\u201d said Manchin.\r\nBut Manchin did joke that he disagreed with New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who said earlier this week, if \u201cI was in the Senate right now, I\u2019d kill myself.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe won\u2019t do that,\u201d if there\u2019s not a deal by midnight, Manchin said, \u201cbut we might be on suicide watch.\u201d  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Jessica Taylor\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2398f0fe-eaf9-4949-a9e5-44f67bdd8368", "Senators Urge Passage of Bipartisan Plan to Open Government and Avoid Default", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2013\n\t\t\t Senators Urge Passage of Bipartisan Plan to Open Government and Avoid Default \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A bipartisan group of United States Senators is urging Congressional approval of a bipartisan Reid-McConnell agreement to reopen the federal government and avoid a default on the national debt.\u00a0 The group of fourteen senators\u2014seven Republicans, six Democrats, and one Independent\u2014 have been negotiating a compromise plan to reopen government, avert the default, and restart budget negotiations on a long-term fiscal plan to deal with our nation\u2019s unsustainable debt, among other provisions.  \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u201cWe are pleased that elements of our plan have been incorporated into the Senate leaders\u2019 plan,\u201d the Senators said in a joint statement.\u00a0 \u201cThe clock has run out, and it is time for our colleagues in both houses of Congress to adopt this bipartisan agreement.\u201d  \u00a0Below are the members of the bipartisan group:\r\n\u00a0  Republicans\r\n1.\u00a0Susan Collins (ME)  2.\u00a0Lisa Murkowski (AK)  3.\u00a0Kelly Ayotte (NH)  4.\u00a0John McCain (AZ)  5.\u00a0Mike Johanns (NE)  6.\u00a0Mark Kirk (IL)  7.\u00a0Jeff Flake (AZ) Democrats and Independent\r\n1.\u00a0Joe Manchin (WV)  2.\u00a0Mark Pryor (AR)  3.\u00a0Amy Klobuchar (MN)  4.\u00a0Angus King (I-ME) caucuses with Democrats  5.\u00a0Joe Donnelly (IN)  6.\u00a0Heidi Heitkamp (ND)  7.\u00a0Jeanne Shaheen (NH)\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e9dfe301-454b-4bd1-a98c-afa07d892296", "Manchin Statement on Bipartisan Agreement to Avoid Default and Reopen Government", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Bipartisan Agreement to Avoid Default and Reopen Government \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan agreement that prevents a default on our debt and reopens the federal government.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that our leaders could put politics aside and come together in a bipartisan way to reach a deal that reopens the government and prevents a first-ever default on our debt. I thank Senator Susan Collins and our group of fourteen bipartisan senators \u2013 seven Republicans, six Democrats and one Independent \u2013 who helped draft the template of the final budget deal.\r\n\u201cThe bottom line is that we managed to avoid this self-inflicted wound to the national and global economy, but it is past time for America to get its financial house in order. We need a bipartisan, big fix like the Bowles-Simpson template that focuses on spending, revenue and reform. I am hopeful that the development of the bipartisan, bicameral budget committee required under this agreement will be a first step in finding a balanced approach to reducing our deficit, balancing our budget, and responsibly reining in out-of-control spending.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ed75e10a-5120-454d-b3e5-dde3da0985d5", "Manchin and Half the Senate Send Letter to White House Denouncing U.N. Arms Trade Treaty", "2013-10-15", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 15, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin and Half the Senate Send Letter to White House Denouncing U.N. Arms Trade Treaty  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 For the third time, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and a group of 47 additional senators, today sent a letter to President Obama reiterating that the Senate overwhelmingly opposes the ratification of the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and will not be bound by its obligations.\r\n\r\n\u201cUnder no circumstances should this country surrender our gun rights to the control of the United Nations,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhile we can work toward improving the regulation of the international trade of weapons, I am very concerned that the rights of law-abiding Americans would be violated by entering into this agreement. I strongly oppose any treaty that infringes on our Second Amendment rights.\u201d\r\n   In the letter to the president, the Senators outline six reasons why they will not give advice and consent to the treaty and are therefore not bound to uphold the treaty\u2019s object and purpose.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe urge you to notify the treaty depository that the U.S. does not intend to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, and is therefore not bound by its obligations,\u201d the 50 Senators wrote to President Obama.\r\n\r\nThe six reasons for opposing ratification of the ATT include:\r\n\r\n \r\nThe treaty failed to achieve consensus, and was adopted by majority vote in the U.N. General Assembly. This violates the red line drawn by the Obama Administration;\r\nThe treaty allows amendments by a three-quarters majority vote, circumventing the power and duty of the U.S. Senate to provide its advice and consent on treaty commitments before they are assumed by the United States;\r\nThe treaty includes only a weak non-binding reference to the lawful ownership, use of, and trade in firearms, and recognizes none of these activities, much less individual self-defense, as fundamental individual rights. This poses a threat to the Second Amendment;\r\nThe State Department has acknowledged that the treaty is \u201cambiguous.\u201d By becoming party to the treaty, the U.S. would therefore be accepting commitments that are inherently unclear;\r\nThe criteria at the heart of the treaty are vague and easily politicized. They violate the right of the American people, under the Constitution, to freely govern themselves. The language restricts the ability of the United States to conduct its own foreign policy and allows foreign sources of authority to impose judgment or control upon the United States; and,\r\nThe State Department has acknowledged that the treaty includes language that could hinder the United States from fulfilling its strategic, legal and moral commitments to provide arms to key allies such as the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the State of Israel.\r\n \r\n\r\nThe letter is signed by a bipartisan group of 50 U.S. Senators including: Joe Manchin (D-W Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Jeffrey Chiesa (R-N.J.), Daniel Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Ind.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), David Vitter (R-La.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\r\n\r\nPlease read the full text of the letter to President Obama below:\r\n\r\nDear President Obama:\r\n\r\nWe write to express our concern and regret at your decision to sign the United Nations\u2019 Arms Trade Treaty. For the following reasons, we cannot give our advice and consent to this treaty:\r\n\r\nFirst, the treaty was adopted by a procedure which violates a red line laid down by your own administration. In October 2009, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the U.S. supported the negotiation of the treaty only by \u201cthe rule of consensus decision-making.\u201d But in April 2013, after the treaty failed to achieve consensus, it was adopted by majority vote in the U.N. General Assembly. We fear that this reversal has done grave damage to the diplomatic credibility of the United States.\r\n\r\nSecond, the treaty allows amendments by a three-quarters majority vote. As the treaty is amended, it will become a source of political and legal pressure on the U.S. to comply in practice with amendments it was unwilling to accept. This would circumvent the power and duty of the Senate to provide its advice and consent on treaty commitments before they are assumed by the United States.\r\n\r\nThird, the treaty includes only a weak non-binding reference to the lawful ownership and use of, and trade in firearms, and recognizes none of these activities, much less individual self-defense, as fundamental individual rights. It encourages governments to collect the identities of individual end users of imported firearms at the national level, which would constitute the core of a national gun registry, and it creates a national \u201cresponsibility\u201d to \u201cprevent . . . [the] diversion\u201d of firearms, which could be used to justify the imposition of controls within the U.S. that would pose a threat to the Second Amendment and infringe on the rights protected therein.\r\n\r\nFourth, the State Department has acknowledged that the treaty is \u201cambiguous.\u201d By becoming party to the treaty, the U.S. would therefore be accepting commitments that are inherently unclear. The Senate cannot effectively provide advice on an ambiguous treaty, and it should never provide its consent to such a treaty.\r\n\r\nFifth, the criteria at the heart of the treaty are vague and easily politicized. They will restrict the ability of the U.S. to conduct our own foreign policy, and will steadily subject the U.S. to the influence of internationally-defined norms, a process that would impinge on our national sovereignty.\u00a0 We believe that treaties which allow foreign sources of authority to impose judgment or control upon the US, as this one does, violate the right of the American people, under the Constitution, to freely govern themselves.\r\n\r\nSixth, the State Department has acknowledged that \u201cspecific . . .\u00a0 country concerns, including Taiwan, China, and the Middle East, create challenges for establishing [treaty] criteria that can be applied without exception and fit U.S. national security interests. These concerns would make Senate ratification difficult.\u201d We are indeed deeply concerned that the treaty criteria as established could hinder the United States in fulfilling its strategic, legal, and moral commitments to provide arms to key allies such as the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the State of Israel.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe urge you to notify the treaty depository that the U.S. does not intend to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, and is therefore not bound by its obligations. As members of the Senate, we pledge to oppose the ratification of this treaty, and we give notice that we do not regard the U.S. as bound to uphold its object and purpose.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your consideration on this issue and look forward to your response.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0b5be77f-e54c-4da8-be13-d0626f594a5c", "Self-cast group of Senate moderates wants to make a deal from the middle, for the middle | Washington Post", "2013-10-14", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Self-cast group of Senate moderates wants to make a deal from the middle, for the middle | Washington Post \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  In the past few days, a bipartisan group of 12 senators has come together to push both parties toward a compromise, hoping to re-open the government and raise the national debt ceiling all at once.\r\nThese 12, led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) , are not the Senate\u2019s usual impact players.\r\nFive of them are in their first term in office. Three of them are in their first year in office \u2014 in a chamber where, traditionally, time turns into power at roughly the speed that dead plants turn into oil.\r\nBut, after weeks of deadlock, this small group seems to have given party leaders a blueprint to end the crisis. What sets these 12 apart, analysts say, is that \u2014 in an era of powerful polarizations \u2014 these senators have personal or political reasons to seek an answer in the middle.\r\n\u201cEither they\u2019re temperamentally .\u2009.\u2009. pragmatists and moderates. Or they come from states where they aren\u2019t a perfect fit for the voters \u2014 where they need to demonstrate their political independence,\u201d said Stuart Rothenberg, an independent political analyst who runs the Rothenberg Political Report . The result, Rothenberg said, is a drive to \u201cwork from the middle, for the middle.\u201d\r\nThis loose group has been at the center of the shutdown crisis since Friday, when its members proposed an agreement that would have raised the debt ceiling until Jan. 31 and funded federal agencies through March.\r\nDemocratic leaders rejected that proposal over the weekend, because it would allow a new round of \u201csequester\u201d cuts to take effect in January. But the proposal started a new round of intense negotiations, which continued Monday when the group met for two hours in the morning.\r\nIf a deal is struck \u2014 probably by Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) \u2014 these 12 could be crucial in selling it to their colleagues.\r\nThe best-known member of the group is probably Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) , the 2008 Republican presidential nominee famous for his \u201cmaverick\u201d politics. On Monday, McCain said the group was working on the details of an agreement: \u201cWe\u2019re on dates and times. We\u2019re working on specifics,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have outlines of what we think. We still have some differences.\u201d\r\nThe rest of the group includes several senators who are independent by personality. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) was ranked the Senate\u2019s 30th most liberal member in 2012 , according to vote rankings compiled by the National Journal. But Klobuchar touted her work as a deal maker in last year\u2019s reelection campaign: In one speech, she was quoted saying, \u201cI refuse to obey the fence lines .\u2009.\u2009. instead, I get things done.\u201d\r\nCollins, in office since 1997, is a Republican moderate who has frequently voted with Democrats \u2014 including on the 2009 stimulus bill. Sen. Angus King (I) , Maine\u2019s other senator, won his election as an independent last fall (though he caucuses with the Democrats).\r\nManchin has only been in office since 2010, but he has established himself as a would-be architect of compromise. During the gun-control debate that followed the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., Manchin struck a deal with Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.) that would have tightened some gun regulations.\r\nThat deal ultimately failed , but it established Manchin as an independent voice in the Senate. That persona fits Manchin\u2019s political situation: He represents a state that is shifting quickly toward Republicans, so Manchin\u2019s best hope might be to underscore that he is not a pawn of his own party.\r\nSeveral others among the 12 find themselves in similar political situations. Their states have either swung between the two parties or, in some cases, turned solidly to the other side.\r\nThree of the Republicans on the list \u2014 Kirk, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) \u2014 come from states whose other senator is a Democrat. Three of the Democrats \u2014 Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) , Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) \u2014 come from states whose other senator is a Republican.\r\nFor all of them, there is danger in appearing too close to their party\u2019s extremes. Pryor might be the most endangered of the Democrats, facing reelection next year. His campaign Web site says he is working to find \u201ccommon ground and bipartisan solutions.\u201d\r\nThe 12th member of the group is Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.). Johanns is in his first term, but he has reached that special part of a senator\u2019s career that allows for a flourishing of independent thinking.\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s no risk for him here. He can do what he needs to do,\u201d said Jennifer Duffy of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    David A. Fahrenthold and Rosalind S. Helderman", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=c377dbeb-52d9-47c3-8720-b6650a764370", "Manchin reveals bipartisan plan to reopen the federal government and avoid a default | State Journal", "2013-10-14", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin reveals bipartisan plan to reopen the federal government and avoid a default | State Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOn Oct. 14, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. hosted a conference call to discuss the Manchin-Collins bipartisan plan to reopen the federal government and avoid a default.\r\nManchin and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, are part of a group consisting of six Republican and six Democratic senators attempting to avoid a budget default by bringing the budget to a budget conference, which hasn't happened yet.\r\nManchin said Democrats put together a budget that narrowly passed and the next step is a budget conference.\r\nDespite differences in opinion that may arise, Manchin said he is confident the people on both sides of the issue will get in a room together to discuss.\r\nWhat is important, he said, is that a meeting does occur and that both sides work through their differences and focus on what can be agreed on, then reporting back two weeks prior to default.\r\nA continuing resolution will likely extend until the first of the year, Manchin said.\r\nAccording to Manchin, the Medical Device Tax would be delayed for two years, in order to help transition into the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.\r\nAlso included is income verification, which basically prevents fraud, Manchin said.\r\nWhile Manchin sees movement in the right direction, he said a decision has to be made.\r\n\"The most important thing is funding the government and not defaulting,\" he said.\r\nOn Oct. 11, Manchin said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., was against the plan, but as of Oct. 14, was \"80 percent there.\"\r\nThe plan will be revealed Oct. 14, with an response to it expected by Oct. 17.\r\n\"Thursday morning is when I think we'll have an answer,\" Manchin said.\r\nAlthough Manchin said both sides are willing to work together and understand each other, he also said it's not over yet.\r\n\"I will be happy when the last vote comes,\" he said.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Erin Timony\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=e47e40e4-254a-4d54-aab1-500b1854bc15", "Scheme in Washington could hurt W.Va. communities, Manchin calls emergency Senate hearing | Bluefield Daily Telegraph", "2013-10-14", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Scheme in Washington could hurt W.Va. communities, Manchin calls emergency Senate hearing | Bluefield Daily Telegraph \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin called Wednesday for an emergency Senate hearing into reports of a \u201cpay to play\u201d scheme in Washington that could be hurting West Virginia communities by making it easier for doctors to write prescriptions for certain painkillers.\r\nCiting a report by Peter Whoriskey of The Washington Post, Manchin said that private pharmaceutical companies paid as much as $25,000 per meeting recently to participate in a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel discussions on federal regulations for prescription painkillers.\r\nTwo academic researchers set up the meetings, in order to provide advice to the FDA on how to weigh evidence from clinical trials.\r\nA leading FDA official later called the group \u201can essential, collaborative effort.\u201d\r\nAccording to Manchin, the \u201cpay to play scheme\u201d could explain why FDA officials have disregarded recommendations by its own advisory panel to make it harder for patients to be prescribed certain hydrocodone pills.\r\n\u201cI am gravely concerned by the allegations of \u2018pay to play\u2019 between the FDA and pain medicine companies and am calling for a full investigation to see how deep this goes,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cIf these allegations are true, they explain why it has taken the FDA almost a year to reach a decision to reschedule hydrocodone even after their own expert advisory panel recommended it.\u201d\r\nThe FDA \u201cschedules,\u201d or classifies, drugs based in part on how addictive they can be and how \u201ceasy\u201d it is to fall into abusing them. The schedule system is designed to protect patients\u2019 interests. The system also regulates how doctors write scripts for drugs.\r\nEight months ago, an internal FDA panel of 29 scientists and researchers had urged FDA regulators in a 19-to-10 vote to re-classify hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination drugs like Lortab and Vicodin as \u201cSchedule II\u201d because they have a higher potential for addiction and abuse.\r\nThe Schedule II classification would limit doctors to writing only one 30-day prescription for the pills, under typical circumstances. (A 90day supply could be written on three, separate scripts.) To date, the FDA still classifies hydrocodone \u201ccombo\u201d drugs as Schedule III, meaning that doctors may legally write prescriptions with up to five refills \u2014 a key draw for addicts and those who sell the drugs on the black market for huge profits.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m asking for a full Senate investigation,\u201d said Manchin Wednesday. \u201cI want to find out how someone adopted the policy of \u2018pay to play.\u2019 \u201cI\u2019ve never heard of such a thing,\u201d Manchin told reporters. \u201cThat might explain why we have never been able to get the hydrocodone rescheduled.\r\n\u201cThis is ridiculous \u2014 having a government agency ... paid to say what\u2019s on the market,\u201d he said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make sense to me.\u201d\r\nManchin stopped short of accusing FDA officials of criminal wrongdoing.\r\nHe added, \u201cBut I sure as heck want to find out.\u201d\r\nManchin said it at least appears that the $9 billion painkiller industry in the United States may have influenced public policy in a way that has increased drug addiction in West Virginia.\r\nManchin added that when the National Institutes of Health challenged the FDA on the panel, FDA officials continued with the arrangement, anyway.\r\n\u201cIt looks like they were buying access to direct policy and not to the benefit of the consumer,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI\u2019m going to take it all the way to the Department of Justice and anywhere else.\u201d\r\nThe Center for Disease Control has reported an increase in overdose deaths each year since 1999, with 60 percent of the overdose deaths involving prescription drugs.\r\nOf the prescription drug deaths, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and others represented 75 percent of the deaths.\r\nManchin, who has pushed for a reclassification of hydrocodone combo drugs for several years, had testified last year before the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee that hydrocodone combination drugs should be rescheduled, due to the high risk of addiction.\r\n\u201cAll manufacturers of the drugs have opposed it,\u201d he reported.\r\nWest Virginia has the highest rate of deaths due to drug overdoses in the nation, according to a national report released Monday.\r\n\u201cIt is a shame that some of these companies were able to influence the FDA\u2019s decision with a $25,000 contribution, while West Virginian families are destroyed by the addiction these pills cause,\u201d Manchin stated.\r\nManchin acknowledged reports from constituents that some pill abusers take advantage of public assistance to get painkiller prescriptions from doctors and often sell those same pills in the community.\r\n\u201cFor a Schedule III right now, if you get the right doctor, they can prescribe you six months (supply) in a day,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cIf the law allows them to do it and maybe some would do it; they\u2019re not breaking the law.\r\n\u201cIf we get this rescheduled from III to II, they will be breaking the law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=f925186b-2cdf-4945-b4f7-cae392a7c4a5", "Sen. Joe Manchin: Bipartisan 'Collins plan' to end shutdown has something for everyone | Washington Times", "2013-10-14", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Sen. Joe Manchin: Bipartisan 'Collins plan' to end shutdown has something for everyone | Washington Times \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDemocratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Monday he supports a plan from Republican Sen. Susan Collins to end the government shutdown and extend the nation\u2019s debt limit because it includes something for everyone, including reforms to the new health care law.\r\nMr. Manchin, of West Virginia, said it is \u201cunconscionable\u201d to think Congress is pushing the debate toward Thursday, the Treasury-designated deadline to extent the nation\u2019s borrowing authority.\r\n\u201cYou let this thing start tumbling down, and you\u2019re affecting a lot of people,\u201d he told MSNBC\u2019s \u201cMorning Joe.\u201d\r\nThe markets, Mr. Manchin said, need to understand that \u201cwe are the greatest country on Earth.\u201d\r\nHe said he started talking to the likes of Ms. Collins and Sen. Bob Corker, Tennessee Republican, because he feared that many other lawmakers weren\u2019t reaching out to each other.\r\nMr. Manchin noted that Ms. Collins\u2019 plan addresses the new health care law by delaying for two years the medical device tax \u2014 a divisive funding mechanism that some Democrats have opposed \u2014 and by improving the income verification process among those obtaining benefits tied to Obamacare.\r\nHe also indulged in some dark humor with MSNBC\u2019s hosts, who noted that some governors-turned-senators tend to go on suicide watch once they hit partisan roadblocks on Capitol Hill.\r\n\u201cI miss the good ol\u2019 days, I\u2019ll tell you that,\u201d said Mr. Manchin, who led the Mountaineer State from 2005 to 2010.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Tom Howell Jr.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=5b1b128f-1ef3-41c5-bd0d-964fc81d945e", "Real Money Is in Drug Policy | Wheeling Intelligencer", "2013-10-12", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Real Money Is in Drug Policy | Wheeling Intelligencer \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDrug pushers can make big money, but for most of them, $25,000 in a single transaction is the stuff of dreams. Maybe they ought to get into a different line of work - holding meetings to discuss how the government can curb drug abuse.  \u00a0  It happens. According to a published report, the Food and Drug Administration is working with two academic researchers to develop new rules for prescription painkillers. The researchers set up panel discussions on the subject.  \u00a0  Pharmaceutical companies wishing to participate paid as much as $25,000 per meeting.  \u00a0  When Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., heard about that, he hit the ceiling. He has called for a Senate investigation of what he calls a \"pay for play\" system of discussing issues such as controls over painkiller prescriptions and sales.  \u00a0  Manchin has more reason than senators from other states to be concerned about drug abuse. A report released just days before he demanded the Senate probe disclosed that West Virginia has a much higher rate of drug overdose deaths than any other state.  \u00a0  During 2010, overdoses killed 28.9 people per 100,000 in our state. The next highest rate was New Mexico, at 23.8.  \u00a0  And the problem has grown much worse during recent years. In 1999, the drug overdose death rate in West Virginia was just 4.1.  \u00a0  Many overdose deaths involve drugs that are legal but misused - primarily painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Lortab.  \u00a0  How to regulate those drugs is an ongoing debate.  \u00a0  Drugs are designated in certain classes by the FDA, with one determining factor how addictive they are. Many painkillers are Class III drugs. One ramification of that is that physicians can write prescriptions allowing patients to obtain up to six months' supplies of the pills.  \u00a0  Manchin and others worried about painkiller abuse think the drugs ought to be in Class II - with prescriptions legal for no more than 30 days' worth of pills.  \u00a0  Obviously, that would make it tougher for pushers to obtain the large supplies of painkillers on which they depend to turn profits. Not just incidentally, it also could allow doctors to spot signs of dependence on painkillers before patients become hooked.  \u00a0  Pharmaceutical companies don't like the proposal, Manchin says.  \u00a0  But clearly, it's a good idea. There's no good reason for anyone to need a six-month supply of painkillers all at once. Getting 30-day prescriptions renewed isn't a big deal. Some physicians will renew prescriptions over the phone - if they have no reason to think they ought to take a look at the patient before doing so.  \u00a0  FDA officials seem a bit mystified by Manchin's anger. One called the meetings in question \"an essential, collaborative effort.\"  \u00a0  Well, perhaps so - if you could afford the $25,000 for the right to be involved in it. But what if you're someone with concerns about painkillers and weren't able to attend one of the meetings? What if - and this is a favorite tactic of people who want to limit input that might steer a conversation where they don't want it to go - you weren't even aware the meetings were being held?  \u00a0  Manchin is absolutely correct in wanting to know more about the pay-to-play racket - and why the FDA went along with it.  \u00a0  How much money was collected? Where did it go? What companies paid to get their opinions across to the FDA?  \u00a0  And perhaps most important, does this happen a lot when government agencies are developing policies?  \u00a0  More West Virginians are killed by drug overdoses than in traffic accidents. Nationwide, more people are killed by prescription drugs than by heroin and cocaine combined.  \u00a0  We need all the help we can get to end the plague. Yet the FDA seems to think it's fine to charge $25,000 per meeting to allow people with vested interests in selling more drugs to influence policy.  \u00a0  Go get 'em, Joe.  \u2003\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Mike Myer\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tColumn\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=709fbf2f-1976-4747-b3cd-0efb7964a961", "Manchin working to end shutdown | Parkersburg News and Sentinel", "2013-10-12", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin working to end shutdown | Parkersburg News and Sentinel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - A U.S. senator from West Virginia who helped put together a compromise plan to get the U.S. government operational and end the federal shutdown is hopeful the plan will be considered by the Senate leadership.\r\nSen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., held a telephone press conference with reporters from the state Monday afternoon to discuss the bipartisan agreement with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and 10 additional senators, equally divided among Democrats and Republicans, resulting from two weeks of meetings.\r\nThe draft bill includes measures to raise the nation's borrowing limit, fund the government through March at the $986 billion sequester limit and mandate budget conferences between the House and Senate to debate budget plans passed by each house that have been stalled over the pass few years in favor of continuing resolutions, which have kept the government operational.\r\n\"It is a good offer and we are sharing it with the leadership,\" Manchin said. \"The bill would fund the government and make sure we won't default.\"\r\nOf the budget conference mandates, Manchin said it would require both sides to meet in the same room to try to work out a plan. He pointed out there has not been a budget conference meeting for five years.\r\n\"This puts them in the same room so they can work on their differences and see what they agree on,\" Manchin said.\r\nThe proposal delays the medical device tax component of the Affordable Care Act for two years, which Manchin said would allow companies to better transition into it.\r\nThe proposed legislation includes income verification measures to prevent people from defrauding the health care exchanges providing coverage through the Affordable Care Act.\r\nManchin said other measures would give departments, like the defense department, the flexibility in being able to manage cuts brought on by sequestration if they stay in place. That flexibility was subject to congressional approval with the understanding plans could move forward if Congress failed to act on it.\r\nManchin said the plan was about 80 percent complete with the remaining 20 percent being worked out in meetings.\r\nThe senator said this deal could get the government back into a mode of doing regular business with room to work out a budget plan.\r\nWith the 12 senators working on this Manchin said it is a \"good nucleus to start with.\"\r\n\"It is time to reopen the government,\" he said. \"It should not have been shut down.\"\r\nDeals could have been offered Monday evening or sometime today. With procedural votes that are required, Manchin believes the shutdown could end as early as Thursday morning.\r\nForeign financial officials are looking at what is happening in the American government and it can have far-reaching implications if lawmakers do not reach an agreement, Manchin said.\r\n\"We are still the beacon of hope in the financial world,\" Manchin said. \"We need to start acting like the world leaders we are.\r\n\"We need to rise to the occasion.\"  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Brett Dunlap\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=790953d0-41e7-4ff1-b1e6-7f3bf1f15faf", "Manchin calls for the \u201ccraziness\u201d to end | MetroNews", "2013-10-10", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin calls for the \u201ccraziness\u201d to end | MetroNews \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says he believes Congress will come together before the October 17th debt ceiling deadline.  \u00a0  \u201cI\u2019ll go on record. There\u2019s not going to be a default,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cI believe the adults will start acting like adults and start speaking to each other about adult situations. I really believe that.\u201d  \u00a0  Manchin may be one of the few in Washington taking a positive outlook on the looming deadline these days. But he said it won\u2019t happen unless cooler heads prevail. That means Congress must start working together.  \u00a0  \u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable to even think you can have a default,\u201d stressed Manchin.  \u00a0  The senator said he\u2019s not in agreement with everything President Obama is backing, especially not new EPA regulations overseeing the coal industry.\u00a0 However, he said, he\u2019s put that aside for the time being because it\u2019s important to solve the debt crisis and get the government back up and running again.  \u00a0  \u201cI think we should be back to work. We should be voting today to have a clean CR (continuing resolution). I would ask the House, \u2018Please vote! Please vote on the CR!\u2019 Then we\u2019ll sit down and negotiate,\u201d said Manchin.  \u00a0  He compared the situation to a dysfunctional family trying to pay their bills.  \u00a0  \u201cHere\u2019s our annual budget. We have this much savings. Your Mom and I have good jobs. This is how much we can do. This is what we\u2019re going to do. That\u2019s the budget,\u201d explained Manchin. \u201cOK, we can\u2019t get a budget because we can\u2019t get an agreement. The husband and wife won\u2019t sit down.\u201d  \u00a0  Manchin said the solution to the problem is getting enough Republicans to look into the future to see what damage would be done if Congress doesn\u2019t raise the debt ceiling.  \u00a0  \u201cWe\u2019ve just got to get out of this craziness. This is absolutely insane,\u201d according to Manchin.  \u00a0  He said getting government back to work and settling, even for a few months, on a spending plan, is the only way forward for America.  \u2003\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Jennifer Smith\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=799a43e3-ebb4-4d1b-bbc4-c2cbf16bd340", "Blocking anti-coal FERC nominees | Williamson Daily News", "2013-10-10", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Blocking anti-coal FERC nominees | Williamson Daily News \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPolitics may be the art of compromise, but there has been precious little of it from President Barack Obama. That is why West Virginians, Ohioans and others who understand the importance of coal-fired power plants should temper any celebrations of a political defeat the president suffered this week.\r\nObama had nominated Ron Binz, a Coloradan with a strong anti-coal record, to head the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Binz withdrew his name from consideration last week, after it became clear the Senate would not confirm him.\r\nThat small victory was due largely to a decision by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to oppose Binz.\r\nManchin is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; his vote, along with those of Republicans on the panel, would have kept Binz\u2019s nomination from reaching the full Senate.\r\nGood for Manchin, then, but maybe not so good for Americans in the long run.\r\nObama\u2019s no-compromise record in his war on coal means he probably will follow up with an equally objectionable FERC nominee.\r\nIf he chooses to do that, Manchin and Republican senators should block that person, too.\r\nRefusing to compromise is a game two can play. Opponents of Obama\u2019s attempt to shut down coal-fired power plants score few victories.\r\nThis ought to be a continuing one.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9bac9015-c279-4134-a61b-96cd1530544d", "As shutdown continues, charity group Fisher House offers to pick up slack for death benefits for fallen troops' families | CNN", "2013-10-09", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 09, 2013\n\t\t\t As shutdown continues, charity group Fisher House offers to pick up slack for death benefits for fallen troops' families | CNN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel obtained by CNN, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, shares the news that Fisher House Foundation has stepped in and offered an advance grant to families of the fallen during the government shutdown, \u201cto ensure there is no funding gap during the most difficult of times, with the understanding that reimbursements would be made at an appropriate time.\u201d\r\nThe Pentagon has said it cannot pay death benefits to families of troops killed in Afghanistan. This afternoon Manchin spoke to Fisher House CEO Ken Fisher to discuss what could be done to help these families.\r\nA Fisher House spokeswoman tells CNN that the charity is making this offer to families of fallen troops with the understanding that whenever the government can pay them, the two parties will work out a reimbursement plan.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re also already helping several of them with free airline tickets, and of course, most will be staying at our Dover Fisher House,\u201d the spokeswoman said. \u201cIf the house is full, we\u2019ll pay the hotel bill and any incidentals.\u201d\r\nDefense One's Gayle Tzemach Lemmon reports Pentagon Comptroller Bob Hale told reporters Friday, \u201cWe've had a number of people die recently and we will be able to pay them, but not until the lapse of appropriation ends.\r\n\"We're trying to be helpful through aid societies and others to the family members who are involved in these tragic circumstances. But unfortunately, we don't have the legal authority to make those payments.\u201d\r\nFisher House is a charity established to help troops and families in need.  \u2003\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Jake Tapper\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=bbde4a5f-e394-45e3-87ea-2a063b3809f1", "Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Anti-Drug Efforts", "2013-10-09", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Anti-Drug Efforts \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), Wednesday announced Federal funding for two southern West Virginia community coalitions working to strengthen local anti-drug efforts among youths.\r\n\r\n\u201cWest Virginians have shown that we are not powerless in battling drug abuse.\u00a0 The STOP Coalition and Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership are excellent examples of how West Virginians concerned about the harmful impact of illicit drugs on our families and workplaces can join together and take positive action in behalf of our communities,\u201d said Rahall, who invited the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to Huntington earlier this year and has lobbied for Federal resources to expand drug awareness programs in southern West Virginia. \u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership in Huntington and Strong Through Our Plan (STOP) Coalition in Gilbert will each receive $125,000 to strengthen community partnerships that foster drug-free environments for young people. The funding supports salaries for staff, as well as community work and education programs and events, to prevent underage drinking and drug abuse.\r\n\r\nThe funding was approved, prior to the October 1 government shutdown, by the Office of National Drug Control Policy through the Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant program.\u00a0 The DFC program supports community coalitions comprised of parents, teachers, youths, religious organizations, and business professionals in preventing and reducing illicit substance use among youth. \u00a0Rahall has noted that some Federal grants approved prior to the government shutdown, but not yet awarded, may not be transmitted until the government shutdown is ended and Federal agencies resume full operations.\r\n\r\n\u201cAs Washington remains entangled in an unnecessary shutdown, I will continue to press to prevent anti-drug programs needed by our communities from being undercut,\u201d said Rahall.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ee800e5c-e8ba-4b7f-9ee0-c6fd4571e2c8", "Manchin Calls For Full Investigation of FDA & Personnel After Reports of \u2018Pay To Play\u2019 Between Pain Medicine Companies and Agency", "2013-10-09", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Calls For Full Investigation of FDA & Personnel After Reports of \u2018Pay To Play\u2019 Between Pain Medicine Companies and Agency \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration informing them he will be calling for a full investigation after news reports of \u2018pay to play\u2019 allegations between the pharmaceutical industry and FDA officials overseeing safety regulations of painkiller medicine.\r\n\r\nThis week, The Washington Post reported that private companies paid as much as $25,000 to participate in FDA advisory panel discussions on federal regulations for prescription painkillers. If these allegations are accurate, there is a direct conflict of interest that allows pharmaceutical companies to have undue influence over the FDA\u2019s decision-making process, particularly in regards to rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs, a highly addictive painkiller.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cI am gravely concerned by the allegations of \u2018pay to play\u2019 between the FDA and pain medicine companies and am calling for a full investigation to see how deep this goes,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cIf these allegations are true, they explain why it has taken the FDA almost a year to reach a decision to reschedule hydrocodone even after their own expert advisory panel recommended it. It is a shame that some of these companies were able to influence the FDA\u2019s decision with a $25,000 contribution, while West Virginian families are destroyed by the addiction these pills cause.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nSenator Manchin has led the fight to tighten restrictions on some of the most powerful, addictive narcotics on the market. Rescheduling hydrocodone painkillers, such as Vicodin and Lortab, from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance would accurately reflect the drugs\u2019 high potential for addiction and abuse. The FDA\u2019s own advisory board, consisting of leading scientists and experts in the field, has already completed a review and overwhelmingly voted to reschedule the drug. However, the agency has yet to act.\r\n\r\nTo read the Washington Post article, please click here.\u00a0\r\n\r\nBelow is Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to Commissioner Margaret Hamburg:\r\n\r\nDear Commissioner Hamburg:\r\n\r\nI write regarding recent reports describing the improper relationship between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, private companies have paid thousands of dollars to participate in FDA advisory panel discussions concerning federal regulations for prescription painkillers. These allegations clearly demonstrate a conflict of interest by allowing pharmaceutical companies to have undue influence over the FDA\u2019s decision making process. I plan to call for a full congressional investigation into this issue to determine whether these relationships have impacted the FDA\u2019s rescheduling of hydrocodone combination drugs.\r\n\r\nAccording to reports, two medical professors organized a panel in consultation with the FDA on how to test the safety and effectiveness of painkillers. According to e-mails between these two professors, pharmaceutical companies paid as much as $25,000 each to have a seat at the table with FDA officials.\u00a0 When challenged by the companies on the cost, one of the professors responded that \u201c20k is small change, and they can justify it easily if they want to be at the table.\u201d The professor continued to justify the high cost of admission to these closed-door meetings by pointing out that the pharmaceutical companies are \u201cimpact[ing] FDA thinking\u2026for very little money.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of various products, including painkillers. This task requires the FDA to evaluate scientific data and put the public first.\u00a0 These recent reports raise serious doubts about the FDA\u2019s ability to make objective and scientifically based decisions regarding the proper treatment of prescription painkillers.\u00a0 Even worse, when challenged by another federal agency, the National Institutes of Health, on the stigma of this \u201cpay to play process,\u201d the FDA balked and continued with the arrangement.\r\n\r\nThe painkiller industry is a booming business, with profits growing to $9 billion in the United States. As the painkiller market grows, so does the \u201cepidemic\u201d of addiction and abuse.\u00a0 Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) demonstrates the role that opioid pain relievers play in overdose deaths.\u00a0 The CDC study showed that drug overdose deaths increased for eleven straight years since 1999.\u00a0 Sixty percent of the drug overdose deaths (22,134) involved pharmaceutical drug products, and prescription drug products containing oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and others represented three-quarters of those deaths (16,651).\u00a0 This is a problem that the FDA must address.\r\n\r\nAs we have discussed on many occasions, I have been urging the FDA to reschedule hydrocodone combination drugs from Schedule III to Schedule II.\u00a0 In spite of these conversations, I continue to be frustrated with the amount of time the FDA has taken to properly schedule these drugs. It has been 4 years since the second petition requesting that the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) evaluate the proper scheduling of hydrocodone combination drugs. Even more concerning, it has been over 8 months since I testified at the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee (DSaRM) where the FDA\u2019s own advisory panel, consisting of leading scientists and researchers in the field, overwhelmingly voted to recommend rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs.\r\n\r\nThese press reports raise troubling questions about the FDA\u2019s delay in issuing a recommendation regarding this petition. I truly hope that the FDA is not allowing their relationship with the pharmaceutical industry to influence their duty to protect the American public.\u00a0\r\n\r\nMr. Douglas Throckmorton, a deputy director of the agency, said that because the panel was not initiated by the FDA, the rules prohibiting \u201cpay to play\u201d did not apply. I find that claim questionable and truly hope that the FDA will rethink their extremely misguided policy on this matter.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf the FDA is seriously alleging that its conduct is proper and that payments by the pharmaceutical industry to participate in closed-door advisory panels is not impacting its decisions, then the FDA should have no problem disclosing the following information to my office in a prompt manner:\r\n\r\n \r\nThe location, date and time of all meetings, discussion panels and conferences attended by FDA personnel where private companies, individuals and/or interest groups were able to attend if payments over $1,000 were made to the FDA or the organizing entity. Examples of these meetings, discussion panels and conferences were described in the Washington Post article \u201cPharmaceutical Firms Paid to Attend Meetings of Panel that Advises FDA,\u201d Peter Whoriskey, Oct. 6, 2013;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe location, date and time of all meetings, discussion panels and conferences organized by Professors Robert Dworkin and/or Dennis Turk that involved the FDA;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nA list of all companies that paid to attend the meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet and the amounts that they paid;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe topics of discussion at these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAll recommendations arising from these meetings, discussion panels and conferences;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAll e-mails written by Professors Robert Dworkin, Dennis Turk, and Mr. Douglas Throckmorton or anyone else at the FDA regarding these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe total cost of each of these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet broken down by category of disbursements (e.g., food costs, venue costs, etc.);\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAny funds related to these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet that directly went to the FDA or any individuals at the FDA;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAll individuals who attended these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet;\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nA list of all former FDA employees who left the FDA for employment at any company that paid funds to attend these meetings, discussion panels and conferences described in the first bullet.\r\n \r\n\r\nI respectfully request responses to these requests in a prompt and timely manner. I look forward to your answers.\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=f00066e7-132a-47df-8041-2f58e9164980", "Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Anti-Drug Efforts", "2013-10-09", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - Following the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failed to report poorly-performing medical providers, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Dean Heller (R-NV) urged the Senate to swiftly take action on their bipartisan legislation that stops the VA from concealing providers' medical mistakes. \r\nAccording to the GAO, the VA failed to report 90 percent of poor-performing medical providers to a national \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 29, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of Zachary Grant Harris, a coal miner who was working in Boone County.\r\n\"Our coal miners and their families make unthinkable sacrifices every day. Today, we are heartbroken at the loss of Zachary Grant Harris in Boone County. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in holding the Harris family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 29, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote against the motion to proceed on the Senate Republican Tax Plan.\r\n\"Today I voted against the motion to proceed on the Republican Tax Plan because I haven't seen a final bill. I haven't been able to review any legislation or see a Congressional Budget Office score to consider its impacts on West Virginia. I am still trying to work with my Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration to find a \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 29, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) sent a letter to U.S Secretary of State Tillerson, urging that the State Department keeps the Summit Point Raceway training facility open, without consolidating its functions within the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC).\r\nThe Senators said in part: \"We understand that the State Department plans to close the Summit Point training site and consolidate its functions within the Foreign Affairs Security \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 28, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $9,295,505 - $591,505 in grant funding and $8,704,000 in approved loans - from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program for rural development projects in four West Virginia communities.\r\n\"Rural development projects provide economic opportunities that are felt across very corner of West Virginia,\" said Senator Manchin. \"This funding will be used to purchase a new \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 28, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Tom Carper (D-DE), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Gary Peters (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) at a press conference highlighting their willingness to work with Republicans on a bipartisan way forward on tax \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 28, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) public hearing in West Virginia this week on the Clean Power Plan.\r\n\"The Clean Power Plan was an assault on our state's economy and our way of life. This unlawful and harmful policy proved that the Obama administration not only didn't know the impacts of the Clean Power Plan but also, that they didn't care. From 2008-2016, 10,473 hardworking West Virginia coal miners \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 27, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending November 24, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.9 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 0.9% higher than last week's estimate and 6.2% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin's full report, click \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 22, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharleston, WV - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement wishing West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving:\r\n\"As we gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, it's important for all of us to reflect on the great blessings we share as West Virginians and Americans. 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 \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 22, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $498,694 from the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. Funding will be used to hire full-time law enforcement officers in Marion, Cabell and Fayette counties.\r\n\"I'm glad to see this investment in our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe. This funding \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $355,000 for Highland-Clarksburg Hospital and Cowen Public Service District (PSD) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Funding will be used to improve the hospital facility and water service to Cowen PSD customers.\r\n\"I'm glad to see this investment in Highland-Clarksburg Hospital and Cowen Public Service District. Quality healthcare \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 17, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reconsider the Bureau of Prisons' decision to not renew the contract of Bannum Place of Wheeling, a residential reentry center that provides former offenders\u00ad\u00ad a structured, supervised environment in which to live and receive job counseling and substance abuse treatment after their release from prison while they seek to rebuild their lives and reenter the workforce.\r\nSenator Manchin \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 17, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined several colleagues yesterday to introduce the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act of 2017. This legislation increases mandatory funding for the bay, strengthens the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP) and provides more opportunities for effective conservation efforts. Senators Capito and Manchin were joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauds the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, a vital piece of legislation that will provide our military with the means necessary to defend our nation.\r\n\"This defense package is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation and provides necessary funding to support our troops, defend our nation and provide support to our West Virginia service members and facilities,\" Senator Manchin said. \"Maintaining a \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDescription\r\nFull responsibility and accountability for managing plant operations in a defined territory. Consult with third party providers on all pertinent operational issues critical to running daily operations including: safety, quality, receiving, inspecting, repairing inventory, shipping, and operational cost accountability. Partner with third partyproviders to create a Quality Management System (QMS) within their service center and identify and execute opportunities for continuous \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJob Description\r\nMonday-Friday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm\r\n\r\nLab Assistant/Data Entry needed in the Accessioning department.\r\n\r\nDuties for this position include:\r\n\r\n\r\nProcessing paperwork and performing all required procedures to prepare received specimens\r\nMatching paperwork to the specimen samples\r\nData entry of specimen typing and information, as well as assigning computer generated labels to each specimen recieved.\r\nSorting and packaging specimens according to standard operating \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act, to strengthen opioid therapy safety and pain care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community care programs, including through the VA Choice program. Senator Capito named the legislation in \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on voting against confirming the nomination of David Zatezalo to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).\r\n\"Too many families in our state have lost loved ones serving our nation in the mines and we are too familiar with the painful human toll of mining accidents. Since the beginning of 2017, 14 miners have lost their lives - 7 of those miners were West Virginians. That is why for West Virginians, strong \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today applauded the passage of a Senate Resolution commemorating the ship christening of USNS Hershel \"Woody\" Williams (T-ESB4). The ship is named after Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \"Woody\" Williams.\r\n\"Perhaps in no other time in our recent history has it been more vital to remember and emulate the heroism, perseverance, and patriotism of those who belong to the greatest \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\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\n        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today introduced the Targeted Opioid Formula Act to prioritize federal funding for states that have been hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, including West Virginia. The bill would require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to take into account \u2026\u00a0Continue\u00a0Reading", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=148d4141-21b8-48d2-a842-0b3773f6a5ec", "Manchin Thanks Fisher House For Volunteering To Cover Expenses For Families Of Fallen Soldiers During Shutdown", "2013-10-08", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 08, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Thanks Fisher House For Volunteering To Cover Expenses For Families Of Fallen Soldiers During Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 During the government shutdown, our citizens step up to do what is right\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, following reports that the Department of Defense would not be able to pay death gratuities to families of service members killed in combat, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) worked with the CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, to make sure these families are taken care of in their time of greatest need. \u00a0\r\nThe Fisher House generously agreed to offer the families an advance grant until the government can make reimbursements at an appropriate time.\u00a0The Fisher House will also cover flights, hotels and other incidentals for family members.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAfter losing a loved one in service to our nation, these families should not have to endure more pain as the result of political squabbling,\u201d said Ken Fisher, Chairman & CEO of Fisher House Foundation. \u201cFor the last 20 years, Fisher House has been there to support our military families in their time of greatest need. We are now stepping up to honor the sacrifices that have been made, and to repay a debt that is truly unpayable.\u201d\r\n\u201cAfter speaking to Ken Fisher today, I am so grateful that the Fisher House Foundation volunteered to help military families to make sure there is no funding gap during a time of unimaginable grief.\u00a0I applaud Ken and the Fisher House for their generosity and dedication to serving our brave soldiers and their families during their times of need, especially while this senseless shutdown continues.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is a shame that this shutdown is falling on the backs of our military families who have already given so much for this great country. However, during these times of dysfunction and gridlock rampant in Washington, it shows the strength of family organizations and the American people that they are are willing to step up and continue to move this great country forward.\u201d\r\nFisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge.\u00a0The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.\r\nTo read more about the Fisher House Foundation, please visit their website.\r\nPlease see the attached document to read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to Defense Secretary Hagel.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=955b8f19-f7d2-4dcd-9f3d-d6b22fefc9da", "Manchin, Rahall Announce Funding for Summers County Wastewater Infrastructure", "2013-10-07", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rahall Announce Funding for Summers County Wastewater Infrastructure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and Rep. Nick Rahall (both D-W.Va.), Monday announced Federal funding for the Meadow Creek Public Service District (PSD) Wastewater System extension project.\r\n\r\n\"This funding for the Meadow Creek project will not only extend water and wastewater services to current residents and businesses, it also will help to put into place the necessary water infrastructure for the area's tourism industry and future economic development, helping to bring new revenues and jobs to Summers County. \u00a0Tapping into the resources of the Appalachian Regional Commission, which my Committee oversees, has helped to fund needed water and wastewater projects throughout Southern West Virginia, bringing cleaner, safer water to families and businesses all across the region,\" said Rahall.\r\n\r\n\u201cInvesting in infrastructure projects that make sure our communities are connected to basic necessitates of life, like water, are critical for the continued wellbeing of our great state,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cNot only do all West Virginians deserve access to clean and safe water, but this project will also help boost the local economy, protect tourism activities in the region and prepare for future success in southern West Virginia.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), prior to the government shutdown on October 1, approved the $1.58 million grant to the Summers County Commission for the Meadow Creek Public Service District (PSD) project, which will serve 84 households, a church, a post office, and the National Park Service Meadow Creek campground.\u00a0 The project will extend sewer service to 25 households currently not served.\r\nThe ARC funds will be used to leverage $215,000 in other Federal and state funds, as well as nearly $651,000 from local sources, bringing total project funding to $2,444,000.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ea50cd52-6fbf-46ec-8015-3b92bcf0b0cf", "ICYMI: Manchin Letter to Secretary Hagel Results in Ending National Guard and Reserve Furlough", "2013-10-07", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 07, 2013\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Manchin Letter to Secretary Hagel Results in Ending National Guard and Reserve Furlough \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 ICYMI: On Friday, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) led an effort to make sure all service members, the National Guard, and civilian workers who help protect the United States return to work during the government shutdown. Senator Manchin, along with a group of 49 bipartisan senators, sent a letter to Secretary Hagel to ensure that the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d was quickly implemented so all service members, including National Guard and Reserves, and civilians who work for the Department of Defense, return to their jobs as quickly as possible.\r\nNearly 24 hours later, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that he would recall approximately 90 percent of defense employees. While this is a good start, Senator Manchin will continue to review the details of this announcement with leaders of the National Guard, the Department of Defense, and the Administration to ensure that our national security is not disrupted.\r\nSenator Manchin has also thanked Secretary Hagel, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Sylvia Mathews Burwell, and Adjutant General James Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard for working together to quickly resolve some of the issues the military is experiencing during the government shutdown.\r\nTo read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to Secretary Hagel, please click here.\u00a0\r\nTo read a Washington Post article on the Defense Department\u2019s announcement to recall most furloughed workers, please click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=39905a2c-b2bc-4fe9-aca6-70887620c71e", "Senator Manchin and 49 Bipartisan Senators Send Letter to Department of Defense to Ensure National Guard and Reserves Receive Pay During Government Shutdown", "2013-10-04", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 04, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin and 49 Bipartisan Senators Send Letter to Department of Defense to Ensure National Guard and Reserves Receive Pay During Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\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 Letter signed by half the Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mark Udall (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and 44 additional bipartisan Senators today sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urging that the National Guard and Reserves, and the civilians who support our troops, receive pay during the government shutdown.\r\nEven though the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d was quickly signed into law before the government shut down to make sure all military personnel receive pay, there have been reports that many service members or civilians, especially in the National Guard and Reserves, have been furloughed without compensation.\r\n\u201cBefore our government shut down, Washington unanimously agreed to make sure paychecks go out to our service members and those who dedicate their lives to protect us each and every day,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cIt is simply not fair and not right that the National Guard and Reserves and other civilians who also work on our national security have been furloughed and are forced to stay at home without receiving their paychecks. I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have swiftly come together to make this wrong a right. I thank the many West Virginia Guardsman and women, and their families, who contacted me about this issue: your voice matters.\u201d\r\n\u201cCongress made it clear with the passage of the Pay Our Military Act that the financial well-being and readiness of those serving our country must not suffer due to gridlock on Capitol Hill,\u201d Moran said. \u201cI am deeply concerned over reports that members of our Armed Forces and civilians who are directly supporting soldiers and airmen are being furloughed. Congress has given the Department of Defense the authority and latitude to maintain pay and benefits for all service members and the civilians who support them. This must be rectified as soon as possible.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe cannot allow this foolish and counterproductive shutdown to place our country at any more risk than it already has. The men and women in uniform who safeguard our national security and the civilians who provide essential support to our troops should not be victimized by a politically driven act that deprives them of their pay and harms their morale,\" Udall said. \"Thousands of Coloradans stand watch over us every day, and I'm urging Secretary Hagel to exercise the authority Congress has given him to keep our troops, Department of Defense civilian employees and reservists on the job.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhile we continue to work toward finding a compromise to fund the government, it is vital that our men and women in uniform receive their pay and benefits,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWe made it clear to Secretary Hagel that the nation needs to continue paying our troops and those who support them as they work to protect and defend our country.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis week, Congress unanimously passed the \u2018Pay Our Military Act\u2019 to ensure our men and women in uniform, and those that support them, receive the pay and benefits they\u2019ve earned,\u201d Pryor said. \u201cUnfortunately, I\u2019m still hearing about furloughs happening at military bases across my state. That\u2019s unacceptable. I was proud to team up with this bipartisan coalition of senators to right this wrong, and I\u2019ll continue to press the Department of Defense so we can protect the families who have sacrificed so much for our country.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that more than 300 New Hampshire National Guard military technicians are being furloughed.\u00a0 I urge the Department of Defense to use the maximum discretion available under the law to avoid furloughs for military technicians in the National Guard and for DoD civilians like those at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,\u201d said Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 \u201cOur men and women in uniform who are helping to defend our country, and the skilled DoD civilians who support them at our depots and shipyards, should not have to worry about being furloughed because of dysfunction in Washington.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur nearly 45,000 members, all of them current or former National Guard officers, applaud this bipartisan effort to do what's right for all of our force,\" said retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, the president of the National Guard Association of the United States.\u00a0 \"Sequester, and now this shutdown, are quickly degrading both military readiness and morale.\u00a0 We thank all those in Congress who are truly putting America first and working to quickly stem this dangerous slide before it also puts the nation's defense and security at risk.\u201d\r\nSenators Manchin, Moran, Udall, Hoeven, Pryor, Ayotte and 44 additional senators sent the letter to Secretary Hagel requesting that the Department of Defense resolve any discrepancies immediately to make sure that those who serve this country, and their families, receive the paychecks they have earned and deserve. The Senators urged the Department of Defense to use the authority that they\u2019ve been given by Congress to maintain our national security without interruption.\u00a0\r\nThe following United States Senators sent the letter to Secretary Hagel.\r\nJoe Manchin III, Jerry Moran, Mark Udall, Kelly Ayotte, Mark Pryor, John Hoeven, John D. Rockefeller IV, Pat Roberts, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Michael Bennet, Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Mark Kirk, Susan M. Collins, Saxby Chambliss, Debbie Stabenow, Tom Udall, John Boozman, Johnny Isakson, Joe Donnelly, Mazie K. Hirono, Mark Begich, Barbara Boxer, Robert Menendez, Chris Coons, Ron Wyden, Heidi Heitkamp, Benjamin L. Cardin, Mary Landrieu, Bill Nelson, Angus S. King, Tim Johnson, Amy Klobuchar, Bernard Sanders, Roy Blunt, Jon Tester, Martin Heinrich, Max Baucus, Charles E. Grassley, Al Franken, Pat Toomey, Richard Burr, Dan Coats, Chris Murphy, Jeff Sessions, James Inhofe, Kay Hagan, Dean Heller and Roger Wicker.\r\nTo read the entire letter sent to Defense Secretary Hagel, please see below:\r\nDear Secretary Hagel,\r\nOne of the issues that this divided Congress can agree on is ensuring that our troops who serve in harm\u2019s way, and those that support them, receive the pay and benefits that they have earned. That is why Congress unanimously passed the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d and the President quickly signed the bill into law.\r\nThe \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d gives the Department of Defense broad latitude to pay service members and civilians. The bill does not limit the provision of pay to civilians or certain service members who were previously categorized by the Administration as 'excepted' or 'essential' during sequestration furloughs. The law that we recently passed is explicitly clear: all members of the Armed Forces, including Reserve component personnel serving in an active status, will be paid in the event of a government shutdown. Further, the bill requires that civilian Department of Defense personnel \u201cproviding support to members of the Armed Forces\u201d continue to receive their pay and allowances.\r\nUnfortunately, we are receiving disturbing and conflicting reports from constituents and military personnel that uniformed service members and civilians who are directly supporting troops, including those in combat, are being furloughed. It is our understanding that under the current Department of Defense guidance, our National Guard and Reserves are seeing disruptions for personnel, to include:\r\n\u2022\u00a0Traditional members of the Guard or Reserve who attend drill and annual training, including those who are performing domestic disaster relief and recovery operations; and  \u2022\u00a0Dual-status technicians, who are uniformed service members, and also non-dual status technicians; and   \u2022\u00a0Active Guard Reserve (AGR) personnel; and   \u2022\u00a0Personnel on short-term, mission-essential, active duty tours (commonly known as ADOS); and  \u2022\u00a0Federally reimbursed state civilians, such as firefighters, air traffic controllers and other civilians in direct support of military operations.\r\nBeyond the impact on the National Guard and Reserves, we have also received reports of civilians who have been furloughed, even though they directly support deployed troops and their family members.\r\nTherefore, we urge you to review the policies that the services are disseminating to their commands to ensure that the spirit of the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d is upheld and that guidance is standard across the services. Congress has given you the authority to maintain our national security without interruption. We strongly believe that all service members, and the civilians that support them, should receive equitable and fair treatment under this law.\u00a0\r\nThank you for reviewing this matter.\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=54fc2e3a-7ab9-45e9-ade4-b184191de4ec", "Senator Manchin Donates Shutdown Salary to Save the Children Charity", "2013-10-04", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 04, 2013\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Donates Shutdown Salary to Save the Children Charity \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he will donate the salary he receives during the government shutdown to the Save the Children charity in West Virginia.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSave the Children has started several core programs around West Virginia that focus on early steps to school success through language, social and emotional development; literacy programs that increase reading skills; and healthy choice programs to increase information and access to regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.\r\n\r\nSenator and Mrs. Manchin have dedicated their lives to making sure all kids get a great start in life. They have worked to ensure all children receive the best educational opportunities available, proper health care and a safe and loving environment wherever their homes are in West Virginia.\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo read more about Save the Children in West Virginia, click here.\u00a0\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e672a4b9-c4d2-4309-b1a0-c426a53cf1f6", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Send Letter to Department of Defense to Ensure National Guard and Reserves Receive Pay During Government Shutdown", "2013-10-04", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 04, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Send Letter to Department of Defense to Ensure National Guard and Reserves Receive Pay During Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, and 48 other bipartisan senators, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.) today sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urging that the National Guard and Reserves, and the civilians who support our troops, receive pay during the government shutdown.\r\nEven though the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d was quickly signed into law before the government shut down to make sure all military personnel receive pay, there have been reports that many service members and civilians, especially in the National Guard and Reserves, have been furloughed without compensation.\r\n\u201cBefore our government shut down, Washington unanimously agreed to make sure paychecks go out to our service members and those who dedicate their lives to protect us each and every day,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cIt is simply not fair and not right that the National Guard and Reserves and other civilians who also work on our national security have been furloughed and are forced to stay at home without receiving their paychecks. I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have swiftly come together to make this wrong a right. I thank the many West Virginia Guardsman and women, and their families, who contacted me about this issue: your voice matters.\u201d\r\n\u201cCongress took action before the shutdown began to ensure that the men and women of our armed forces, including the Reserves and National Guard, would continue to be paid, and I am pressing the Department of Defense to adhere closely to that policy,\u201d said Congressman Rahall, who wrote a separate letter with 85 House Republicans and Democrats to the Secretary of Defense.\u00a0\r\n\u201cHowever, we also must not forget there are many other West Virginians whose pay will be disrupted by this shutdown, not to mention the countless West Virginians who will be denied access to essential government services. The House needs to focus on the harm it is doing to families and businesses and pass legislation quickly to reopen the government and cease this ridiculous political standoff.\u201d\r\n\"On behalf of the men and women of the National Guard we appreciate the continued high level of support from our delegation,\u201d said Adjutant General James Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard. \u201cThe outstanding advocacy and efforts by Senator Manchin and his staff has lead to the awareness of this inequity and a bipartisan effort to correct it.\u00a0 They have been in contact with us almost hourly to understand our issues and keep us advised of efforts to correct them and take care of our Guardsmen and their families.\u201d\r\nThe letter sent to Secretary Hagel requested that the Department of Defense resolve any discrepancies immediately to make sure that those who serve this country, and their families, receive the paychecks they have earned and deserve. Senators Manchin and Rockefeller, along with Congressman Rahall, urged the Department of Defense to use the authority that they\u2019ve been given by Congress to maintain our national security without interruption.\u00a0\r\nThe following United States Senators sent the letter to Secretary Hagel.\r\nJoe Manchin III, Jerry Moran, Mark Udall, Kelly Ayotte, Mark Pryor, John Hoeven, John D. Rockefeller IV, Pat Roberts, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Michael Bennet, Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Mark Kirk, Susan M. Collins, Saxby Chambliss, Debbie Stabenow, Tom Udall, John Boozman, Johnny Isakson, Joe Donnelly, Mazie K. Hirono, Mark Begich, Barbara Boxer, Robert Menendez, Chris Coons, Ron Wyden, Heidi Heitkamp, Benjamin L. Cardin, Mary Landrieu, Bill Nelson, Angus S. King, Tim Johnson, Amy Klobuchar, Bernard Sanders, Roy Blunt, Jon Tester, Martin Heinrich, Max Baucus, Charles E. Grassley, Al Franken, Pat Toomey, Richard Burr, Dan Coats, Chris Murphy, Jeff Sessions, James Inhofe, Kay Hagan, Dean Heller and Roger Wicker.\r\nTo read the entire letter sent to Defense Secretary Hagel, please see below:\r\nDear Secretary Hagel,\r\nOne of the issues that this divided Congress can agree on is ensuring that our troops who serve in harm\u2019s way, and those that support them, receive the pay and benefits that they have earned. That is why Congress unanimously passed the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d and the President quickly signed the bill into law.\r\nThe \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d gives the Department of Defense broad latitude to pay service members and civilians. The bill does not limit the provision of pay to civilians or certain service members who were previously categorized by the Administration as 'excepted' or 'essential' during sequestration furloughs. The law that we recently passed is explicitly clear: all members of the Armed Forces, including Reserve component personnel serving in an active status, will be paid in the event of a government shutdown. Further, the bill requires that civilian Department of Defense personnel \u201cproviding support to members of the Armed Forces\u201d continue to receive their pay and allowances.\r\nUnfortunately, we are receiving disturbing and conflicting reports from constituents and military personnel that uniformed service members and civilians who are directly supporting troops, including those in combat, are being furloughed. It is our understanding that under the current Department of Defense guidance, our National Guard and Reserves are seeing disruptions for personnel, to include:\r\n\u2022\u00a0Traditional members of the Guard or Reserve who attend drill and annual training, including those who are performing domestic disaster relief and recovery operations; and  \u2022\u00a0Dual-status technicians, who are uniformed service members, and also non-dual status technicians; and   \u2022\u00a0Active Guard Reserve (AGR) personnel; and   \u2022\u00a0Personnel on short-term, mission-essential, active duty tours (commonly known as ADOS); and  \u2022\u00a0Federally reimbursed state civilians, such as firefighters, air traffic controllers and other civilians in direct support of military operations.\r\nBeyond the impact on the National Guard and Reserves, we have also received reports of civilians who have been furloughed, even though they directly support deployed troops and their family members.\r\nTherefore, we urge you to review the policies that the services are disseminating to their commands to ensure that the spirit of the \u201cPay Our Military Act\u201d is upheld and that guidance is standard across the services. Congress has given you the authority to maintain our national security without interruption. We strongly believe that all service members, and the civilians that support them, should receive equitable and fair treatment under this law.\u00a0\r\nThank you for reviewing this matter.\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=686ad1be-84ee-4045-995b-c18611307c71", "Manchin Statement on Government Shutdown", "2013-10-02", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 02, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the federal government shutting down.\r\n\u201cI am embarrassed and ashamed of Congress and the unnecessary harm that is being inflicted on our citizens and country. Shutting down the federal government is unacceptable. The voters sent us here to work together and fix problems, not engage in partisan fights to score cheap political points. Today, for the first time in seventeen years, our government is not open. The people of West Virginia rely on their government for essential services like mine safety inspection, Head Start, small business loans and veteran\u2019s benefits, and today, instead of solving problems, we continue to fight.\u00a0\r\n\r\nWhile I continue to have strong concerns about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the choices and costs that West Virginians will face, I believe there are aspects of the health care law that are important to West Virginia\u2019s seniors, children, uninsured and those with pre-existing conditions. I believe that today, as the exchanges open, we will see first-hand which parts of the law need to be reformed, repaired or repealed as we did with the burdensome 1099 tax reporting requirements for businesses, and I will be the first one to work with my colleagues to do so. That being said, I do not believe we should hold our government hostage while we work through the health care law.\u00a0\r\n\r\nHealth care for Americans is a serious issue, but I still believe that it should not be part of the budget negotiations that fund our government.\u00a0 The real problem is that we have refused to deal with our budget crisis in a responsible manner. \u00a0For too long we have kicked the can down the road from one crisis to the next. It is time that Members got serious and start working towards commonsense solutions that will grow our economy and put Americans back to work. We must get our financial house in order.\r\n\r\nBefore we can even start fixing our nation\u2019s many challenges, we first need to fund our government.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62e92242-4a42-4985-9f96-77b72bd10e78", "Manchin Statement on Avoiding Government Shutdown", "2013-09-26", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Avoiding Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement on the threat of a government shutdown.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have always opposed the individual mandate, and I continue to have concerns with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the cost and choices West Virginians will have in the health care exchanges. That being said, I do not believe that this issue should be used to shut down the government, and I will not vote to shut down the government. We need to work together as Americans to solve these problems so we can get our economy back on track and create American jobs.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6d59c2ea-457d-4765-bf4e-0f68b4218b33", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Education Grant for Job Training and Placement", "2013-09-26", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 26, 2013\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Education Grant for Job Training and Placement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today announced Huntington Junior College has been awarded a federal grant to train and place students in real-time writing careers for captioning services in video programming.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u201cI truly believe that education is the most important investment we can make for the future of our state and our country,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThis grant will provide our students at Huntington Junior College with the experience and skills needed to be competitive in the workforce and will help grow and keep jobs in West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u201cFederal investments in education and workforce training are essential to our State\u2019s economic future. Our community colleges are demonstrating how the right kind of Federal investments can equip our workforce with skills that open doors to new economic opportunities and better paying jobs,\u201d said Rahall.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe future of West Virginia\u2019s workforce relies on affordable access to training and degree programs at local institutions,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cThis award for Huntington Junior College will give many West Virginians the opportunity to further their education and prepare for careers in fields with good-paying jobs.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nHuntington Junior College, which is one of only 50 schools in the nation certified by the National Court Reporting Association, was awarded a $266,175 two-year grant by the U.S. Department of Education, and will use the funding to train and place 20 high school students and 25 adults per year in real-time writing careers.\u00a0 It also will offer retraining to 80 court reporters in West Virginia.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Labor has predicted the growth rate of real-time writer jobs will grow 14 percent between years 2010 and 2020.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 343, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "WV", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-09-26,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D6d59c2ea-457d-4765-bf4e-0f68b4218b33", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2013&_next=2013-09-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D6d59c2ea-457d-4765-bf4e-0f68b4218b33&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 138.97808897309005, "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"}