{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9b3a240c-2135-4c1d-98dd-bb5fdf9b63e8", "Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2014\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\u201cOn behalf of my wife Gayle and the entire Manchin family, I would like to wish all West Virginians and Americans a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.\r\n\u201cThere is no time like the holidays to celebrate our countless blessings \u2013 especially the love of our families and friends. I have always said that \u2018If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings.\u2019 During this blessed time, I hope all of us will share our blessings by sharing generously with those less fortunate.\r\n\u201cAs you gather together with your loved ones, remember that we wouldn\u2019t be able to enjoy our blessings without the brave men and women who are overseas this holiday season, keeping this great country safe by giving up their own family gatherings for the rest of us. Let us keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.\r\n\u201cAnd for the New Year, let us all resolve to build a future of peace, freedom and prosperity for ourselves, our families, our communities and our country. My wish is that the joyful spirit that surrounds you this holiday season stays with you throughout the New Year.\r\n\u201cAgain, Gayle and I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and we pray that each of you enjoy the holidays filled with perpetual joy, hope and peace. May God bless us all and may God continue to bless America, and the great state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\nTo view a brief video of Senator Manchin\u2019s Christmas greeting for broadcast purposes, please click on the FTP links below:\r\nHD Version \u2013 https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Manchin/121114_MANCHIN_1_WEB_HD.mp4  SD Version \u2013 https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Manchin/121114_MANCHIN_1_WEB_SD.mp4\r\nTo view a YouTube video of Senator Manchin\u2019s Christmas greeting, please click on the link below:\r\nYouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frf-GhctS20&feature=em-upload_owner\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=df5878d3-0fc5-4a65-a7e0-aa014bc9aa19", "Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations \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 Recommends 36 students from 17 counties\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he will nominate 36 West Virginia students from 17 counties to the U.S. service academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.\r\n\u201cIt is a great privilege to recommend 36 of West Virginia\u2019s brightest young men and women to the U.S. service academies,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAll of our students worked hard to earn these nominations and are determined to serve our country. Many are also striving to carry on their families\u2019 proud military heritage. Today, I join all West Virginians in congratulating these hardworking and dedicated students, because a nomination to one of our elite service academies will develop these young men and women to become our next generation of military leaders.\u201d\r\nThe students are from the following counties: Berkeley, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Taylor and Wood.\r\nSenator Manchin is recommending the following students to the service academies. Final admission is determined by the respective academy.\r\nAir Force Academy\r\nMara Brown, Seoul Korea, from Raleigh County\r\nDominic Raymond, Trinity Christian High School\r\nIsaac Childers, Fairmont High School\r\nGrace Skidmore, Braxton County High School\r\nEmma Lindberg, Wentworth Military Prep School, from Jefferson County\r\nSimon Sneeringer, Northwestern Prep School, from Putnam County\r\nChase Loving, Woodrow Wilson High School\r\nNic Cheuvront, Parkersburg High School\r\nAlex Baumgartner, West Virginia University Parkersburg, from Wood County\r\nJacob Hanni, Teays Valley Christian High School\r\nMilitary Academy at West Point\r\nHunter Hill, Parkersburg High School\r\nGabby Lovell, Jefferson High School\r\nSam Brown, Basic Training, from Clay County\r\nCody Bailey, Ripley High School\r\nJacob Morgan, Grafton High School\r\nTeran Barnitz, Virginia Tech, from Cabell County\r\nNicole Hess, Germany, from Berkeley County\r\nRyan Hayes, George Washington High School\r\nGrant Lares, George Washington High School\r\nJake Matthews, Basic Training, from Putnam County\r\nNaval Academy\r\nMitchell Winkie, Bridgeport High School\r\nEllie McClung, Sissonville High School\r\nTrevor Tucker, Ripley High School\r\nChad Hollandsworth, George Washington High School\r\nConnor Jelich, Ravenswood High School\r\nBrady Watson, Frankfort High School,\r\nArianna Crawford, Nicholas County High School\r\nSean Timberlake, Shepherd University, from Jefferson County\r\nGarret Wilkins, South Harrison High School\r\nJack Terosky, Parkersburg High School\r\nMerchant Marine Academy\r\nHannah Hill, Parkersburg High School\r\nJustin McKown, Ripley High School\r\nCary Robertson, Pocahontas County High School\r\nShandy Kuzava, Liberty High School\r\nSallie Samolitis, Parkersburg High School\r\nBryce Humphreys, Winfield High School\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=a9cfda4e-d808-4569-89f0-e98e06ca2ddf", "Senator Manchin Concludes Fifty-Five County Outreach Tour", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2014\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Concludes Fifty-Five County Outreach Tour \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 will wrap up his 2014 statewide tour in Webster County\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will wrap up his 2014 statewide outreach tour, which has included stops in all of West Virginia\u2019s fifty-five counties. Senator Manchin has traveled from region to region this year when Congress has been out of session to connect with West Virginians. During his visits, he has met with thousands of residents including veterans, seniors, students, educators, community leaders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, coal miners and local and state officials to hear their commonsense concerns and ideas for improving our state and our nation.\r\n\u201cThe people of West Virginia deserve the very best in service from those elected to represent this great state, and there is nothing more important to me than staying connected and hearing from West Virginians,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIt was a privilege to visit all fifty-five counties this year and engage with so many wonderful residents who want to address our challenges and discuss ways to make our state and our nation a better place. It is the commonsense discussions, ideas and connections that I have in the small communities across our state that have kept me going in Washington day after day. I will continue to work hard to make sure that we address our challenges and find commonsense solutions.\r\n\u201cI always remind my staff to put the constituent first, something that I call retail government. We truly understand that each and every West Virginian is the reason why we are here and why I can serve in the U.S. Senate. My staff is ready to assist, and I encourage my fellow West Virginians not to hesitate to call my office and ask questions or ask for help. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the opportunity to serve the great state of West Virginia. We look forward to visiting with our fellow West Virginians again in the coming year.\u201d\r\nHighlights from Senator Manchin\u2019s statewide outreach tour include:\r\n\u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin hosted a business exporter forum with Chairman Fred Hochberg of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.   \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin delivered a Congressional Update to members of the West Virginia Legislature.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin joined FHL Bank Pittsburgh to present nearly $1.8 million in affordable housing grants to eight state projects.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin participated in a major expansion announcement at Eagle Manufacturing in Brooke County.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin helped launch Variety the Children\u2019s Charity \u201cMy Bike\u201d West Virginia Program for children with disabilities.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin joined representatives from the RCBI, ATK, the U.S. Navy, and Marshall University for a public-private partnership announcement in advanced manufacturing.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin was presented the Boy Scouts of America Silver Buffalo Award.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin hosted an energy tour in the state to highlight the need for balanced solutions to address our nation\u2019s energy needs and environmental concerns.   \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin hosted 40 town hall meetings with constituents.  \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin participated in 12 roundtable discussions on various issues including clean water, drug abuse, economic development, school safety, energy issues, and helping our seniors and veterans.   \u2022\u00a0Senator Manchin delivered remarks at various events including: Annual Mining Symposium in Charleston, Annual Governor\u2019s Energy Summit at the Stonewall Jackson Resort, American Legion Convention in Huntington, National Marine Corps League Convention in Charleston, UMWA installation of officers ceremony in Morgantown, West Virginia Chamber\u2019s Annual Meeting and Business Summit in Greenbrier County, as well as many county chamber events.\r\nTo view an interactive map with photos and details from each of Senator Manchin\u2019s stops on his statewide tour, please click here.\r\nIn addition to Senator Manchin\u2019s events, his regional outreach representatives also hosted and participated in various events around the state on his behalf this year. They have been active in every county, attending events, visiting businesses, meeting with community leaders and hosting mobile office hours. In addition, they have participated in every town hall that the VA hospitals and regional offices have hosted. Highlights of Senator Manchin\u2019s staff this year include: one hundred mobile office events for the fourth annual Commonsense Connections Week; four regional outreach meetings for seniors; multiple veterans visits as part of National Salute to Veterans Week; six veterans\u2019 outreach mobile office events; various West Virginia facility tours for National Health Center Week; and statewide flag presentations in honor of Flag 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=a90b8f8a-06dc-4245-833d-c8982e63d5be", "Manchin Statement on the Passing of Marshall President Stephen Kopp", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on the Passing of Marshall President Stephen Kopp \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement on the passing of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp.\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe sudden and tragic death of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp is incredibly shocking and heartbreaking. The Marshall community has truly lost one of its best. There is no doubt that Stephen will leave behind a legacy as an outstanding leader, a beloved adopted West Virginian, and a dedicated husband and father. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in keeping Jane, the entire Kopp family and the Marshall and Huntington communities in our thoughts and prayers as they grieve and try to get through this painful time, especially as we approach the holidays.\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=b85ce11a-c3ba-4da3-b78b-a05df7c76c6e", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for Achievement Awards", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for Achievement Awards \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 Deadline for nominations is January 5th\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.\u00a0-\u00a0 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to nominate Mountain State small businesses and entrepreneurs for the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) 2015 Small Business Week awards and for the West Virginia\u2019s District Office awards. Winners of the West Virginia District Office awards will compete for national titles and attend National Small Business Week activities in Washington, D.C. in May 2015. All nominations are due by Monday, January 5th at 3 p.m.\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, small businesses make up 97 percent of our state\u2019s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and providing the goods and services we depend on every day,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn the coming weeks, I strongly encourage all West Virginians to honor the great achievements of our small businesses and entrepreneurs by nominating them for one of these outstanding awards. This is a great opportunity to say \u2018thank you\u2019 to our Mountain State businesses for all they do to make our state a great place to live and do business.\u201d\r\nSBA is seeking national nominations for the following awards: Small Business Person of the Year Award, Small Business Exporter of the Year, Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery, Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery,\u00a0 Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award, Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award, Federal Procurement Award - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award, Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award and Women\u2019s Business Center of Excellence Award.\r\nTo nationally nominate a small business or entrepreneur, please use the Small Business Week Nomination Portal, or send to the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office at 320 West Pike Street, Suite 330, Clarksburg, WV 26301.\r\nIn addition to national awards, the West Virginia District Office is seeking nominations for the following district awards: Entrepreneurial Success of the Year, Family-Owned Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Financial Champion of the Year, Home-Based Champion of the Year, Minority Small Business Champion of the Year, Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year and Women in Business Champion of the Year.\r\nDistrict nominations must be submitted directly to the West Virginia District Office. Guidelines and nomination forms can be found on the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office web page at www.sba.gov/wv or by contacting Nikki Bowmar at (304) 623-7445 or nikki.bowmar@sba.gov(link sends e-mail).\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=c3de7b71-2db6-4296-ac58-2c5a1e3a943c", "Manchin Votes Against Tax Extenders Bill", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Votes Against Tax Extenders Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after voting against extending tax deductions:\r\n\u201cSince I have joined the Senate more than four years ago, I have questioned again and again why Congress refuses to confront our financial challenges when our country faces more than $18 trillion in debt? Instead of working together on comprehensive tax reform, we continue to kick the can down the road by passing temporary tax deductions year after year. Passing tax extenders simply places a Band-Aid on our financial problems and is irresponsible, reckless and unethical.\r\n\u201cIt is past time members of Congress come together to find a commonsense, comprehensive pathway toward fixing our long-term spending and debt problems. We need a big fix, focusing on a three-pronged approach that increases revenue, reduces out-of-control spending, and reforms our tax code.\r\n\u201cTo start, we can work together to pass long-term, comprehensive tax reform that will restore fairness and confidence in our economy. I can only hope that the 114th Congress will recognize our dire financial challenges and will be eager to work toward getting our financial house in order.\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=ab2c95f1-b239-47d1-90b9-0514f94290cc", "Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 114th Congress", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 114th Congress \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 will join the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced that he has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee for the 114th Congress. He will continue to be a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\r\n\u201cIt is a privilege to be assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee as we enter into a new Congress,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe breadth of issues that these two committees oversee will help me better represent the people of the Mountain State and our West Virginia values.\r\n\u201cAs a member of these new committees, I will have a greater influence in making sure that we continue to promote economic development in a global marketplace, create good-paying jobs across America, support trade and small businesses, invest in advanced technology and communications infrastructure, provide much-needed highway and transportation funding, encourage tourism initiatives, and most importantly, honor our veterans and reduce veterans\u2019 unemployment.\r\n\u201cI look forward to continuing to work for the people of West Virginia in all four Senate committees and making sure Mountain State values are represented every day in Congress. As always, I will work hard to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle our nation\u2019s many challenges. By bringing a bit of West Virginia common sense to the table, I have the utmost confidence we can rekindle a spirit of bipartisanship and work more efficiently.\u201d\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, please click here.\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, 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=e99688b4-2605-4372-ba17-7134eccd4c30", "Manchin Statement on Opposition to Dr. Murthy's Surgeon General Confirmation", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Opposition to Dr. Murthy's Surgeon General Confirmation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin issued the following statement on his opposition to confirming Dr. Vivek Murthy\u2019s as America\u2019s next Surgeon General.\r\n\u201cOur Surgeon General serves as America\u2019s leader on public health services and chooses what health policies we should prioritize. For that reason, I don\u2019t believe it\u2019s appropriate for America\u2019s number one doctor to participate in political activism. It is essential that the Surgeon General gains the public\u2019s trust, so this position must be separated from the political arena. After meeting with Dr. Murthy, I don\u2019t question his medical qualifications; I just question whether the public will believe that he can separate his political beliefs from his public health views. I am wary that his past comments and political involvement will have an impact on his leadership capabilities and effectiveness. For these reasons, I am unable to vote for his confirmation as the United States\u2019 next Surgeon General.\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=f5c2fc81-01b6-4ced-b95c-ee5cde29f4f2", "Manchin Submits Floor Speech in Opposition to Omnibus Legislation", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Submits Floor Speech in Opposition to Omnibus Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Manchin urges members of the Senate to work together on bipartisan omnibus legislation that better represents American values\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) tonight submitted remarks on the Senate floor explaining his opposition to the $1.1 trillion government spending bill due to many troubling provisions that cannot be amended. Senator Manchin urges his colleagues to stay in session an additional week to draft a bipartisan omnibus package that fairly represents American values.\r\nPlease read Senator Manchin\u2019s floor remarks as prepared for delivery below:\r\n\u00a0   I rise today to voice my opposition to the spending bill we are being forced to vote on. \u00a0   I am not voting to shut down the government. I\u2019m voting to negotiate on a bill where we are at least able to participate. \u00a0\r\n  I am voting to stay here, work with all my colleagues on a better bill, and put an end to the dysfunctional process we are forced to endure every year. \u00a0\r\nI have read through the bill, and I\u2019m sure everyone can find something in here that they like. \u00a0\r\nI certainly have some items in the bill that will help my little state of West Virginia. \u00a0\r\nBut there is just too much waste, too much taxpayer risk, and too little transparency for me to stomach.   \u00a0   In the four years I have been in the Senate and on the Armed Services Committee, I have heard from officials on the damage done by the sequester and how it has cannibalized the Armed Forces. \u00a0\r\nAnd yet, while DoD officials were forced to absorb across-the-board cuts in 2013, I\u2019ve made it a point to ask if they are being forced into projects they don\u2019t want or need.\u00a0\r\nThis bill, however, completely ignores what the Department of Defense has said. \u00a0\r\nWe are wasting $5 billion dollars on Department of Defense spending that the Pentagon did not ask for and does not need.\u00a0They didn\u2019t ask for some of these ships, tanks and airplanes, but we are forcing them to purchase those projects anyway. \u00a0\r\nAnd not only are we wasting this money, but we are denying it from other important programs that desperately need those funds. \u00a0\r\nIn this bill, we gut hard-working Americans\u2019 pensions, and instead of using the $5 billion to fund the Care Act, which ensures that the UMWA\u2019s Pension Plan remains solvent to benefit miners who have helped power this nation, we give the Pentagon tanks and ships and planes they don\u2019t need or even want.   \u00a0   We have seen our political process become more corrosive than ever in recent years.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nWe have already seen the negative effects that the Citizens United ruling has had on our elections. \u00a0\r\nIt has allowed unlimited and dark money to distort the records of our colleagues, flood our airwaves with negative advertisements and shrink our campaigns to sound bites instead of ideas. \u00a0\r\nAnd what does this bill do to address this? \u00a0\r\nIt increases the limits for individual contributions to political parties by TEN times the current limit. TEN times. \u00a0\r\nThe current limit of $32,400 was already too high for most West Virginians and Americans to be able to take full advantage.\u00a0 The new limit of $324,000 is inconceivable for the vast majority of Americans. \u00a0\r\nThat means that our political process will only be available to a small number of wealthy individuals who will have more influence on our government than the hard-working Americans we are sent here to represent.   \u00a0   Main Street America is still hurting from the fallout of Wall Street\u2019s greedy behavior. \u00a0\r\nAmericans lost 8.8 million jobs and our GDP fell by at least $7.2 trillion.\u00a0 We lost a generation of jobs and economic progress. \u00a0\r\nAnd while our economy is still trying to recover and millions of Americans are still out of work, Wall Street has seen record profits. \u00a0\r\nInstead of working to help our small businesses, community banks, and credit agencies, this bill allows Wall Street banks to go back to the same risky behavior that drove us into the Great Recession in the first place. \u00a0\r\nIf we pass this bill, we will allow Wall Street banks to trade risky derivatives and once again force American taxpayers to bail them out if they lose their bets. \u00a0\r\nHaven\u2019t we learned our lesson yet? \u00a0\r\nIf big banks want to trade in risky derivatives and act with greed, then THEY should bear the cost of their mistakes, not the American taxpayer. \u00a0\r\nM. President, I understand Omnibus bills are made out of negotiation and compromise, but negotiations start with participation.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nHere, most members of the Senate weren\u2019t even consulted on this bill, nor was there an opportunity to offer amendments. \u00a0\r\nSenator Robert C. Byrd, a man who defined what it meant to be a representative of the people and one of the most dedicated and passionate United States Senators to date, told me what is was like to work in the Senate before the process was broken. \u00a0\r\nUpon arriving in the Senate, I assumed those same rules of conduct applied until Members here in this Body explained to me just how much has changed. \u00a0\r\nWe used to consider individual appropriations bills that were carefully deliberated by Committee members, and then we brought those smaller bills to the floor and were given an opportunity to offer amendments and debate the bill in a timely, proper manner.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nSomehow, the Senate process has gotten away from the days of regular order. \u00a0\r\nInstead, here we are today, where we were given two days to read a 1,600 page bill\u00a0loaded with provisions that we cannot even amend. \u00a0\r\nSince we are forced to consider this bill as a whole, I have determined that it is simply too flawed for me to support. \u00a0\r\nI urge my colleagues to stay here another week and truly draft a bipartisan omnibus package that fairly represents American values.\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=792a94da-8980-417f-ad9c-6c24adebe82b", "Manchin Calls for Debate on Using Military Force in Syria Before Sending More American Troops", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Calls for Debate on Using Military Force in Syria Before Sending More American Troops  \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 reiterates his opposition to escalating a ground war in Syria\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) sent a letter to President Obama calling on him to submit to Congress his proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).\u00a0Senator Manchin believes Congress should debate America\u2019s military strategy before sending more American troops to the region or beginning a military program to train and advise Syrian rebels. Senator Manchin argues that the American people deserve a public debate before we find ourselves once again in an open-ended war in the Middle East.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nSenator Manchin writes to President Obama, in part: \u201cI was encouraged by your statements showing support in principle for a congressionally approved AUMF related to our conflict with ISIL.\u00a0I write today to ask that you submit such a request to Congress immediately, so that we may debate its merits and your strategy, before more American men and women are sent into harm\u2019s way.\u201d\r\n\r\nPlease read the full text of the letter to President Obama below:\r\n\r\n\r\nDecember 11, 2014\r\n\r\nThe President\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n\r\nI was encouraged by your statements showing support in principle for a congressionally approved Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) related to our conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).\u00a0I write today to ask that you submit such a request to Congress immediately, so that we may debate its merits and your strategy, before more American men and women are sent into harm\u2019s way.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nMy position with regard to the conflict with ISIL is by now well known. I support, as all my colleagues do, the military, intelligence, and law enforcement actions that prevent attacks on American property or persons.\u00a0You have said as much yourself, and there is unanimity in such purpose. But before we commit more of our nation\u2019s blood and treasure to political reform and religious settlement in the Middle East, we must acknowledge that a decade of war, trillions of dollars of financing to be paid by future generations, and some 4,500 American lives were not sufficient to establish the pro-western representative democracy that was once envisioned.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nFor these reasons I am adamantly opposed to sending American troops into Syria to further escalate a ground war that I do not believe is in the best interest of America or the region. History has taught us that militarily training and arming Syrian rebels of uncertain provenance will put the United States on a path that leads inevitably to regime change and nation-building in Syria.\u00a0Such a course defies the lessons of the American-led military operations of the last twelve years. I cannot in good conscience justify to the people of West Virginia support for this course of action.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nAnd while I caution against repeating the mistake of Middle Eastern nation-building, I reiterate my strongest support for our military, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals who are today defending Americans at home and abroad from the vile atrocities perpetrated by terrorists. They demonstrate every day that we have the capability to identify terrorists and prevent them from doing harm to America.\u00a0If I thought that sending military trainers and weapons to Syria would further that end or would make Americans safer, I would support doing so. I do not.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nMr. President, submit to Congress your proposed AUMF.\u00a0Allow us to give the American people the public debate they deserve, before we find ourselves again in an open-ended war in the Middle East.\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=1eb6916d-0ece-4550-9888-ebdb327abcc0", "Manchin Opposes Antonio Weiss Nomination to be the Next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at Treasury Department", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Opposes Antonio Weiss Nomination to be the Next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at Treasury Department \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Manchin delivers remarks on the Senate floor\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today delivered remarks on the Senate floor explaining his opposition of Wall Street investment banker Antonio Weiss to be the next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Department of Treasury.\r\nPlease read Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery below:\r\nM. President \u2013\r\nI represent and serve the great state of West Virginia, a rural state where we believe in common sense solutions and values. In the Mountain State, we understand the importance of leveling the playing field for community institutions and helping small businesses create and keep jobs.\u00a0 As the Senator from West Virginia, I was sent here to represent the people of Main Street.\r\nFor those reasons, I rise today to explain why I must oppose the nomination of Wall Street investment banker, Antonio Weiss, for Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Department of Treasury.\r\nI cannot and will not support his nomination because I do not believe he possesses the characteristics and the background we need in an Under Secretary to push for strong Wall Street oversight and to protect our small businesses and financial institutions on Main Streets across America.\u00a0\r\nThe position to which Mr. Weiss has been nominated is one that would put him at the head of the Treasury\u2019s decision-making on issues of domestic finance, fiscal policy, government liabilities, and other related domestic matters.\u00a0 He would oversee critical issues such as Wall Street reform, financing the national debt, housing finance reform, and small business credit.\r\nI have serious doubts that Mr. Weiss has the right experience to take on such a role. It is clear that as Global Head of Investment Banking at Lazard, Mr. Weiss is very talented and experienced in working in financial markets and economic institutions.\r\nBut as an investment banker on Wall Street he does not have the experience for this particular oversight position.\r\nHe has dealt almost entirely with European investment banking matters, not domestic finance, community banking, or regulatory issues of any kind, all of which falls under the jurisdiction of this important position.\r\nAnd besides not having the right background for the job, the fact that Mr. Weiss is a top corporate dealmaker with a specialization in international finances is in and of itself troubling.\r\nHe has spent a good deal of his professional career working on mergers and acquisitions for the world\u2019s largest corporations and he has spent time in Paris running the firm\u2019s European division.\r\nThis fits the Administration\u2019s pattern of choosing Wall Street insiders to senior policy positions instead of those with strong consumer protection or community bank and credit union experience. Plainly spoken,\u00a0 people that have worked on Main Street.\r\nTo make matters worse, the substantial compensation Lazard plans to offer Mr. Weiss upon his confirmation is another reason to be skeptical. The financial giant is planning to pay him $20 million if he were to win confirmation.\r\nThis kind of an arrangement and human nature suggests he will be especially sympathetic to Lazard\u2019s lobbying efforts. Public service is a noble cause, and a $20 million golden parachute makes it very hard to gain the public trust.\r\nWith that being said, I do not believe Mr. Weiss can fulfill the duties of Undersecretary at the Treasury Department.\r\nSince joining the Senate Banking Committee, I have tried to make our banking and financial system work better for small businesses, banks and middle class West Virginians and Americans, and I will continue to so do. That\u2019s why I cannot support this nomination.\r\nMr. Weiss does not have the experience for this particular job, and it is important to send the message that we will no longer allow Wall Street to exclusively make our fiscal policy decisions, especially when they affect so many on Main Street.\r\nEconomic and banking policies have too often been made without the input of our nation\u2019s mid-sized banks, community banks and credit unions. We must strive to have a balanced view by engaging voices on all sides of these important issues.\r\nBy confirming Weiss as the Under Secretary, we are putting Wall Street before Main Street, and we\u2019ve already seen from the 2008 crisis how that harms the nation as a whole.\u00a0\r\nI would urge the President to nominate instead someone with experience in strong oversight and who understand the struggles of mid-sized banks, community banks and credit unions. The Treasury Under Secretary for Domestic Finance plays a leading role in developing policies that will impact the full spectrum of the U.S. financial system.\r\nTo be effective in that role, the Under Secretary should have a broad background in financial services, with the critical inclusion of community banking, which is so important to thousands of rural communities, small towns, and suburbs.\r\nA person with direct Main Street experience can fully appreciate the special concerns of that industry. Unfortunately, Mr. Weiss does not fit the bill, and for that reason, I must oppose his nomination.\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=20c0b4e2-5a52-4914-b44c-38f9404841b1", "Manchin Welcomes I-79 Corridor Businesses To Washington at 7th Annual WV Identification Intelligence Seminar And Expo", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Welcomes I-79 Corridor Businesses To Washington at 7th Annual WV Identification Intelligence Seminar And Expo \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Manchin delivers remarks at the seventh West Virginia Identification Intelligence Seminar and EXPO VII\r\n\r\nExpo provides opportunities for WV businesses from I-79 Corridor to network with executives in the identity management sector and representatives from federal agencies, including DHS, DOJ, NIST, NSF, DoD, DIA and the FBI\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, as Honorary Chair of the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) welcomed West Virginia businesses from the I-79 Corridor to the seventh annual Identification Intelligence Seminar and Expo in Washington, D.C. The annual identification intelligence industry\u00a0event provided opportunities for executives in cyber security,\u00a0forensics, biometrics and big data to explore business partnerships, research synergies and investment\u00a0opportunities in West Virginia.\r\n\r\nThe Expo was hosted by Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, West Virginia Development Office, I-79 Development Council, Identification Intelligence Ridge, along with significant supporting roles from both Marshall University and West Virginia University. The event was sponsored by CrossResolve, Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, Marshall University and West Virginia University.\r\n\r\nWest Virginia companies that participated in the exhibition included: Azimuth, Allegheny Science & Technology, CrossResolve, Ideal Innovations, Lakota Software Solutions, Parabon, Tygart Technology, as well as Marshall University and West Virginia University\u2019s research institutions.\u00a0\r\n\r\nPlease read Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery below:\r\n\r\nThank you all for being here this evening to learn more about the technologies and capabilities West Virginia businesses and schools can offer to federal agencies that operate in the intelligence sector.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAs honorary Chairman of the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, I am proud to welcome our business executives from the I-79 Corridor, leaders from Marshall University and West Virginia University, representatives from the Italian, German, French, British and Taiwanese Embassies, as well as the government officials who are interested in investing and doing business with West Virginia businesses.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nFirst and foremost, I would like to recognize Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, the West Virginia Development Office, the I-79 Development Council, Identification Intelligence Ridge, along with Marshall University and West Virginia University \u2014 Thank you for your collective efforts to making this networking event possible year after year.\r\n\r\nIn addition, I would like to acknowledge this year\u2019s Expo sponsors: CrossResolve, the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, Marshall University and West Virginia University. Without your support, this event would not be what it is today.\r\n\r\nI would also like to thank my dear friend Senator Rockefeller, who launched Discover the Real West Virginia more than 20 years ago. Although he is unable to attend tonight\u2019s Expo, it is because of his commitment to this organization that so many critical business opportunities and jobs have come to West Virginia.\u00a0\r\n\r\nInvestments from Japanese companies alone total more than $2 billion and the number of jobs created from our relationship has increased to more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. And these numbers only represent one successful partnership.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo I truly look forward to continuing the great work Senator Rockefeller started more than two decades ago.\u00a0\r\n\r\nBecause of West Virginia\u2019s abundance of natural resources, fiscally-responsible policies, advanced technology, and a well-trained, dedicated workforce, the Mountain State remains one of the most competitive, business-friendly states in the country.\r\n\r\nAnd because of the 25 year development of West Virginia\u2019s biometrics and intelligence sectors, we can now boast that we have such a robust identity management industry, particularly along the I-79 Corridor.\r\n\r\nThanks to years of strategic investments and synergizing industry, research, education and government, the North-Central region is home to state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced telecommunications facilities, high-tech cyber security support, innovative forensics laboratories, and extensive databases.\r\n\r\nDue in large part to companies\u2019 sharing of ideas, resources, data and intelligence, there are already several federal agencies that have physical locations along the I-79 Corridor, and take advantage of the technology hub\u2019s next generation of identification intelligence.\u00a0\r\n\r\nFor instance, the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division works closely with companies in the region. Their Assistant Director, Steve Morris, who is here with us today, compares the region to Silicon Valley\u2019s boom in the \u201870s and \u201880s.\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo quote Steve, he touted: \u201cTwenty years from now, if not sooner, when people think of biometrics and identity management, they're going to see this I-79 Corridor as the birthplace of all that.\u201d\r\n\r\nAnd this industry\u2019s growth is far from waning. With the FBI\u2019s Next Generation Information System fully operational, along with the multitude of existing collaborative efforts, the identity management market will continue to expand and develop, leading to innovative technologies, start-up businesses, and an influx of good-paying jobs.\r\n\r\nThis is a great opportunity for federal agencies to invest in our businesses, which will continue to provide innovative tools and methods to advance identity intelligence.\r\n\r\nWith West Virginia\u2019s minimal 2-3 percent turnover rate among the region\u2019s 2,500 employees, compared to the 25 percent turnover rate in Washington, D.C., this simply adds to the multitude of reasons why federal intel departments should regionalize operations to North-Central West Virginia.\r\n\r\nAnd not only does the I-79 Corridor support a collaborative platform for identity management, biometrics, forensics, cyber security and big data organizations, but West Virginia\u2019s high-tech nucleus continuously teams up with our local universities.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe collaboration ultimately gives our students direct access to these technology systems and prepares them for successful, high-paying careers in the industry.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIt also advances research opportunities and enhances state and national intelligence capabilities. \u00a0\r\nFor example, WVU was the first institution in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in biometrics and founded the Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR)) to advance the training and use of identification capabilities.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSince the new FBI Biometrics Technology Center is located just miles away from WVU, those students will gain the knowledge and experience necessary to help jumpstart the center\u2019s facial recognition and palm print identification programs.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSimilarly, Marshall University was the first institution to partner with a state crime laboratory. Marshall\u2019s Forensic Science Center works closely with the West Virginia State Police to help develop and maintain a DNA database system.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that leveraging public-private partnerships like these will drive innovation, expand business development, and boost economic prosperity across West Virginia and this country.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo tonight, I would like to thank you all once again for gathering together and exploring joint ventures and collaborate efforts. Your efforts will undoubtedly diversify our state and our nation\u2019s economic landscape.\r\n\r\nI look forward to learning more about the potential partnerships and business prospects that come out of tonight\u2019s expo and seminar.\u00a0\r\n\r\nI have no doubt that your efforts will not only protect our national security interests and enhance identity management, but will also help build the brightest futures possible for those working across the Mountain State, inside our nation\u2019s capital, and around the country.\u00a0\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=ad1cd2f2-09fb-43b8-8328-cedcca6ca9c2", "December 7 a Reminder of Who We Are as Americans | Wheeling Intelligencer", "2014-12-07", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2014\n\t\t\t December 7 a Reminder of Who We Are as Americans | Wheeling Intelligencer \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSeventy-three years later, America still remembers the \"date which will live in infamy.\" It was the first phrase pronounced to the world by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the wake of one of America's greatest tragedies, which has since engraved itself in history forever. December 7, 1941 will always mark the date that 2,403 American lives were lost when Japan led a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. It is a day that evoked fear and uncertainty across our nation and catapulted the United States into a Second World War.\r\nYet while December 7, 1941 will forever be shrouded in pain and darkness, we must remind ourselves that from the horror and sorrow of that day also comes resolve and strength as a nation. Pearl Harbor is also known as a day in which Americans proved that when faced with adversity, we are not only resilient, but we will come together and become even stronger as a united front.\r\nOn that fateful December morning, there was no greater symbolism of American resilience than U.S.S. West Virginia, one of the four battleships that sank in Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. West Virginia took seven torpedoes hits and was targeted by Japanese planes more than any other ship. By the time enemy fire ceased, the ship had sunk 40 feet into the depths of the harbor.\r\nPlans to rebuild the ship began a week after the attack, but the battleship was considered a low priority because of the severe damage it suffered. Many believed the U.S.S. West Virginia would never again be salvaged. Even so, after six months, the battleship was pumped out and raised.\r\nThree years later, the naval ship had been completely restored, modernized, and sailed again to see combat. In fact, the U.S.S. West Virginia proved to play an instrumental role in the very last naval battle of World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Unleashing its fury on Japanese ships, working with veteran Pearl Harbor battleships, supporting underwater demolition teams, and protecting ally troops ashore, the U.S.S. West Virginia found reprisal in helping to end the vicious war.\r\nThis great ship that proudly represents the Mountain State is a symbol of the American people. The ship's story reveals that even in those moments when we are shaken to the core, we should never lose hope. Like the American people, the U.S.S. West Virginia signifies that while we may face difficult times, they also become the moments we remember the most, defining who we are and what we are made of.\r\nToday, we pay homage to those brave Americans who sacrificed their lives on that infamous December morning. We will never forget their service and sacrifice, always remembering those lost not only in our hearts, but also in the way we live our lives.\r\nLet us never forget those who came before us, and lived and died for this nation. And let us always mark dates like December 7, 1941 as the times we remember who we are as a nation and the strength of American resilience.\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    By Joe Manchin\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=bd640af5-12c8-4190-a5db-2ec3e1606b63", "Say thank you to a miner today | Bluefield Daily Telegraph", "2014-12-06", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2014\n\t\t\t Say \u2018thank you\u2019 to a miner today | Bluefield Daily Telegraph \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday we celebrate National Miner\u2019s Day, an incredibly meaningful day of recognition not only for the state of West Virginia, but for our entire country. This nation was built on the backs of our coal miners, and today, miners continue to go to work every day to provide millions of Americans with the electricity that powers our lives. That is why it is so important that we take the time to thank them for all that they have done and continue to do for the sake of our livelihood.\r\nOver the course of our history, coal mining has been the core of West Virginian and American vitality, and it has been life-giving to the progression of every local community across the country. It opened the door for American industrialization, providing the energy and the steel that built our infrastructure and established a quality of life and prosperity that has developed the United States of America into the greatest country in the world. Today, coal generates nearly 37 percent of our electricity, and it will continue to be our most significant source of electricity for decades to come.\r\nBut you can\u2019t tell the story of coal without talking about our coal miners, the bravest and some of the most patriotic men and women I know. We owe them our gratitude for their constant strength and fearless dedication, and they deserve our utmost and whole-hearted respect for putting their lives on the line every day to advance this country. For our miners, it\u2019s not just a job \u2014 it\u2019s a way of life and a true act of patriotism. It has always made me so proud to have the honor of representing our state\u2019s miners, whose work ethic is truly second to none.\r\nAs we take a moment to honor and reflect on the tremendous contributions of our miners, let us especially commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to mine the coal that has made this great country the place it is today.\r\nGrowing up in the small coal-mining town of Farmington, I witnessed at a young age the pride and resilience of our miners. In 1968, after the Farmington No. 9 mine disaster that claimed 78 victims, including my uncle and several of my classmates, I experienced the hardship and tragedy that sometimes mark mining communities.\r\nYet, I also felt the healing strength of coal mining families. As governor, in the wake of the Upper Big Branch, Sago and Aracoma disasters, I understood how important it was to treat the victims\u2019 families the same way that I would have wanted state leaders to treat my family and those families who lost loved ones all those years ago in Farmington. I knew how important it was to stay with the families during those disasters and give them up-to-date information as we received it, and I continue to remain close with those brave West Virginians. The miners of West Virginia and their families will always be a true an inspiration for me.\r\nWhile nothing can replace the beloved miners who we lost in horrific disasters, all miners and their families should be assured that the loss of their loved ones will not be remembered in vain. I will always make it my top priority to stand up for the safety of our coal miners. Likewise, I will continue to fight vigorously in Congress to develop advanced technology that allows us to continue to use American coal to help achieve energy independence for our country \u2014 which will ensure our national security and protect coal mining jobs.\r\nSo today, it is my privilege to say \u201cthank you.\u201d I encourage every single West Virginian and American to thank a coal miner today. It is because of their sacrifices that we have sustained the way of life we enjoy today. Generation after generation of coal miners have done the job that many people would not to keep our great nation free and strong.\r\nThe selflessness and bravery of our miners has never faltered, and for this we thank them on this National Miner\u2019s Day.\r\nJoe Manchin is a Democratic member of the United States Senate representing the state of West Virginia.\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    By Joe Manchin\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=ba1b925c-475d-4f41-b25d-e587e9ed2ee3", "Manchin Statement on Ashton Carters Nomination to Secretary of Defense", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Ashton Carter\u2019s Nomination to Secretary of Defense  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued a statement to announce his support for Ashton Carter\u2019s nomination to Secretary of Defense.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI intend to support Ashton Carter\u2019s nomination to Secretary of Defense. Our country faces serious national security challenges and I believe Ashton will provide capable leadership of the Department of Defense in meeting these challenges. His record of public service has been excellent, and he enjoys credibility with Members of Congress. I expect he will face hard questions during the confirmation process about the military and security policies our government should pursue. I am confident that he will distinguish himself in this most important cabinet position, and I look forward to working with him.\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=ec50fb32-297e-4091-b1bd-5b63f488f2d4", "Manchin Celebrates National Miners Day", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Celebrates National Miner\u2019s Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow\u2019s celebration of National Miner\u2019s Day to recognize past, present and future brave miners across America.\r\n\u201cNational Miner\u2019s Day remains an incredibly meaningful day of recognition not only for the state of West Virginia, but for our entire country. This nation was built on the backs of our coal miners, and today, miners continue to go to work every day to provide millions of Americans with the electricity that powers our lives. It is because of their sacrifices that we have sustained the way of life we enjoy today. As we take a moment to honor and reflect on the tremendous contributions of our miners, let us especially commemorate those who have tragically been lost while mining the coal that has made this country great. The selflessness and bravery of our miners has never faltered, and for this we thank them on this National Miner\u2019s Day. So I encourage us all to thank our miners and always recognize the hard work and dedication of past, present and future miners.\u201d\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=e03d4b25-05be-4d1b-b6e1-d222ce07c584", "Manchin Announces More Than $60,000 to Revitalize Rural Communities in Fayette County", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Announces More Than $60,000 to Revitalize Rural Communities in Fayette County  \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 Funds will be used by the Southern Appalachian Labor School to rebuild homes of families in need\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced today that Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) in Kincaid, West Virginia will receive $60,337.51 through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The funds will be used to redevelop and revitalize rural areas of Fayette County by rehabilitating the homes of families in need to safe and energy efficient standards.\r\n\u201cThese investments in our rural communities will provide much needed assistance to families who truly need them,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will help improve the quality of life for residents of Fayette County and it will help attract residents and businesses to the region. I truly appreciate the dedication of the people at Southern Appalachian Labor School, who work tirelessly for the betterment of their community. I know they will put these funds to good use.\u201d\r\nThe HPG program provides assistance to low-income homeowners in rural communities to repair and rehabilitate their homes. Assistance also may be provided to rental property owners as long as they agree to make their rehabilitated units available to low-income families.\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5fe9d9dd-ca60-49c2-93f6-4e70e4bed6e3", "Buck season a treasured tradition | Elkins Inter-Mountain", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2014\n\t\t\t Buck season a treasured tradition | Elkins Inter-Mountain \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThis time of year marks a long-standing and treasured tradition for the people of the Mountain State - buck firearms season. As the season continues, thousands of hunters of all ages - from every corner of our state and from beyond our borders - will gear up and trek into the West Virginia backwoods - all with the same anticipation of getting themselves the big buck.\r\nThere is no doubt that West Virginia is one of the best places in America for deer hunting. With exceptional natural surroundings and deer populations in all of our 55 counties, hunting for deer is part of our state's cultural heritage, and it has a significant place in our history. Hunting skills and traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation as West Virginia parents and grandparents share the fervor of deer hunting with their young ones every year.\r\nAs an avid sportsman myself, I have so many fond memories of deer hunting throughout the years. From learning to hunt as a young boy in Farmington and growing up hunting near the Blackwater Canyons of Tucker County, to witnessing my grandson Joey get his first deer in Taylor County, the traditional buck season has brought so much joy to my entire family. To this day, we always try to get together during buck season and wake up early, bear the frigid temperatures, cross the rumbling rivers, enjoy each other's company and take part in the hunt.\r\nNot only is deer hunting a great way to gather with family and friends, but it also has a tremendous impact on our tourism industry and our economy. This season, it is expected that 330,000 deer hunters will flock to West Virginia's forests. And while they are here, they will spend an estimated $230 million, much of it in our rural communities that greatly depend on the hunting season for revenue.\r\nAnd buck season also is a great time to give back. I strongly encourage all West Virginia hunters remember Hunters Helping the Hungry this year. For 23 years, this critical organization has been distributing thousands of pounds of highly nutritious meat to families in need. When I was governor, I was proud to establish the annual Governors One Shot Deer Hunt at Stonewall Resort State Park, which has raised and donated $390,000 to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program since 2007.\r\nHunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program should call 304-558-2771 or visit the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.\r\nAnd above all, I ask that our West Virginia hunters remember that the safety of the hunt is most important. Please make sure that all those in your party understand the West Virginia deer hunting rules and regulations have completed the necessary education courses, purchased a license and are supplied with the proper safety gear and equipment.\r\nThe tradition of buck season here in the Mountain State is one to be preserved for ages to come. I hope this year that all of our proud hunters will teach someone new this great recreational adventure that is so important to our state and our people. As this buck season continues, I wish all hunters success. Enjoy the outdoor experience!\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    By Joe Manchin\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=9854ac44-0b02-459e-bbd0-2994e9a62b14", "Manchin Announces $100,000 to Improve School Cafeterias Access to Local, Fresh Foods", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Announces $100,000 to Improve School Cafeterias\u2019 Access to Local, Fresh Foods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will receive $100,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Farm to School Program. The funding will be used to help effectively move food from local farms to school cafeterias. The WVDE Office of Child Nutrition and the West Virginia Farm to School Community Development Group will collaborate to develop food hubs. These hubs will establish a distribution infrastructure where farmers can respond to the growing demand for local food and continue to maintain a profit margin, while also providing schools an outlet to purchase local products at an affordable cost.\r\n\u201cInvesting in public-private partnerships like these farm to school projects truly benefit many aspects of our local communities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cNot only will our farmers sell fresh products to local residents, but our students will receive healthier food options at school, ensuring that our children remain well-nourished so they can learn better. I am pleased that this funding will offer wonderful opportunities to promote agricultural practices, encourage the next generation of farmers in our local areas and ensure our kids understand the importance of eating healthy.\u201d\u00a0   \u00a0   To learn more about West Virginia\u2019s Farm to School program, 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=59fedd31-143c-4fc4-ab0b-0c9ab6ec047e", "Union Mission provides Thanksgiving dinner for those in need | WV MetroNews", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 26, 2014\n\t\t\t Union Mission provides Thanksgiving dinner for those in need | WV MetroNews \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W. Va. \u2013 Volunteers gathered in Downtown Charleston to provide those in need an extra Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday.\r\nThe Union Mission Crossroad Homeless Shelter was the site for the organization annual, starting about 24 years ago, event where hundreds were expect to come through.\r\n\u201cWe anticipate up to 500 people that will be served through out time together,\u201d Rex Whiteman, President and CEO of Union Mission said. \u201cIt\u2019s a tradition for us to help do it a day before Thanksgiving because simply because we want to spread out the events because churches and Frankie Veltri\u2019s foundation does it [Thursday]. It kinda makes it a little more special for more than one day.\u201d\r\nAmong those offering their time to help serve the meals was U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. He and others said it was a way to share your blessings this Holiday season.\r\n\u201cNo matter what your lot in life may be, no matter how difficult your challenges you might have in life, you\u2019re always able to give something back,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cTo be able to contribute just a kind word or a little bit of your time or volunteer this or that, everybody can do that.\u201d\r\nManchin also lauded the efforts of the mission, not just during the Holiday season, but throughout the entire year.\r\n\u201cTo have the Union Mission that basically does it 365 days, it\u2019s a labor of love,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just one day where they come out and show good will, they do it every day, every single day. For us to come down, and me to come down and say thank you. This is my way of saying thank you for what you do every single day.\u201d\r\nWhiteman said he was pleased with the number of volunteers that came out Wednesday because it both makes the event stay organized and raises awareness of other opportunities available to volunteer through the year.\r\nAll anyone has to do, he said, is call the mission at 304-925-0366.\r\n\u201cWe have volunteer coordinators ready to take their call and ready to help them plug in to an activity of involvement,\u201d Whiteman said. \u201cThe mission has many programs, many places that we serve. We\u2019re working in a lot of areas.\u201d\r\nAnother event coming for the mission on Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Annual Drumstick Dash 5K run/walk. Participants for the 9 a.m. race will \u201cshuffle their feet so others can eat\u201d as all proceeds will go toward feeding the homeless and canned food donations are encouraged.\r\nMore information on the event can be found at drumstickdashwv.com\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    Aaron Payne\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=b50f7e54-a35a-4fb1-92ef-24be81c734dd", "Manchin visits Mineral County, presents computers to KMS | Mineral News-Tribune", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin visits Mineral County, presents computers to KMS | Mineral News-Tribune \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tKEYSER - Sen. Joe Manchin hosted one of his \"Coffee and Common Sense\" town hall meetings at Castiglia's in Keyser Monday afternoon, speaking to the crowd about national security, the minimum wage, and the state of education, among other topics.\r\nThe Senator opened his visit to Mineral County with a meeting at Rocket Center with employees of ATK and IBM, in addition to assorted public officials, including two county commissioners and three local mayors.\r\nHe then traveled to Castiglia's, followed by a stop at Potomac State College, and the offices of the Mineral Daily News Tribune.\r\nAt all the stops, he touched on several different topics, and answered questions from the audience.  One of the issues he spoke about was national security, and the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East which he believes will never come to an end.\r\n\"Not in your lifetime, and not in your child's lifetime will you see us not involved over there,\" he said, expressing the opinion that nothing the United States can do is going to \"stop these countries from killing each other,\" but the U.S. needs to continue to put them on notice that \"we're not going to tolerate\" threats against our country.\r\n\"If we catch you planning to harm America, we're going to get you,\" he said. \"We've got to protect this country.\"\r\nOn the home front, Manchin spoke about the minimum wage and the need to revamp the system.  \"If a person gets up every morning and works for 40 hours, should they still be making poverty wages?\" he asked. \"I believe they should be above the poverty guidelines.\"\r\nOn the other hand, he said, a young person just starting out, working part-time with no skills, shouldn't necessarily receive the same wage as someone starting out in a full-time job.\r\nHe suggested \"stepping into\" a minimum wage increase which would include different levels of wages.\r\nHe expressed his disappointment in the Senate's recent failure to approve the pipeline from Canada to the Gulf, and noted that he would \"rather do business with our friends than our enemies.\"\r\n  He also believes the United States must become as energy independent as possible.  \"Unless you're energy independent, you cannot be secure as a nation,\" he said. \"Every war that has ever been fought has been over energy, in one way or another,\" he said.\r\nHe also advocates tax reform to help bring business and jobs back into the country.\r\nNoting that many industries have taken their business - and jobs - off shore to get away from taxes, he said, \"We're going to continue to trade globally, but there's no reason in the world a corporation should have to go off shore to operate.\r\n\"We need a revamp of the tax code, both for corporations and individuals.\"\r\nThe Senator also spoke about the education system today, noting that, in his day, students were \"flunked\" and not allowed to proceed to the next grade if they didn't master the skills necessary to\u00a0 move on.\r\n\"Have you heard of a kid being flunked lately?\" he said. \"No, today we pass them and put them out into society for you all to deal with them.\"\r\nHe noted there needs to be more emphasis on learning, particularly in the \"STEM\" subjects of science, technology, engineering and math.\r\n\"We're not No. 1 in anything any more,\" he said. \"We used to be No. 1 in everything.\"\r\nDuring his meeting at Castiglia's, he presented Keyser Middle School with five computers through the U.S. Senate Computers for Schools program.\r\nKMS principal Mary Racey, who accepted the gift along with teachers Amy Rice and Kara Breedlove, said the additional computers would allow them to start a computer lab for the fifth grade.\r\nEvery grade at the school will now have its own computer lab for testing and class activities.  \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    Liz Beavers", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8aaad022-b13e-436d-aa19-7e86c60d6f3c", "Manchin Congratulates Marshall University For Its Successful Football Season", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Congratulates Marshall University For Its Successful Football Season \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 Urges West Virginians to show their support this Friday\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Charleston, W.Va. - Senator Manchin issued a statement congratulating Marshall University on its football season so far and encouraging West Virginians to rally behind the Herd this Friday.   \u00a0  \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of the Marshall University football team, Coach Doc Holliday, the staff and the athletic department, and the entire state of West Virginia should be, too.   \u00a0  \u201cThroughout this season, the Thundering Herd has brought positive national exposure to our state and proudly showcased the true Marshall spirit.   \u00a0  \u201cThe biggest reason for Marshall\u2019s success, both on the athletic field and off, has been the tremendous level of support that the community has shown to the students of Marshall. In fact from its founding in 1837 to the 1970 tragic plane crash to today, the one constant has been the loyal fans.   \u00a0  \u201cThe Marshall story is perhaps one of the greatest tales of perseverance, courage and the incredible spirit of a community and a university determined to succeed and overcome. Today\u2019s football program is further proof of this amazing spirit. Marshall has taken the national stage by storm this season, and that is great for our state. Now the Herd has an opportunity to host the Conference USA Championship game, which will give our entire state positive national attention.   \u00a0  \u201cThat is why I am encouraging all Marshall fans to come out and pack the stadium for Friday\u2019s game. All West Virginians should join the Huntington community to cheer for the Thundering Herd to soundly defeat the Hilltoppers and continue this historic football season.   \u00a0  \u201cPut simply, Marshall\u2019s success is the Mountain State\u2019s success. Gayle and I wish Coach Holliday and the team the best of luck!\u201d\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=c98de53b-56d0-4fca-aa8e-22e0b4951540", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small This Saturday", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small This Saturday \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 Small Business Saturday is November 29\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.\u00a0- \u00a0U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to shop at Mountain State small businesses this Saturday, November 29\u00a0 in celebration of the fifth annual Small Business Saturday.\r\n\u201cWhether it is the local grocer, the corner coffee shop or the family-owned diner, our small businesses are what fuel our economy, and their success is critical to our communities. Today, West Virginia\u2019s more than 120,000 small businesses make up an estimated 96 percent of the state\u2019s economy, providing thousands of jobs as well as the goods and services we depend on every day. As a small businessman myself, I can relate to the challenges our small businesses face, and I understand the vital contributions they make to our nation\u2019s livelihood.\r\n\u201cSmall Business Saturday is a great opportunity for all West Virginians and Americans to show support for our small businesses. At a time when many folks are preparing their holiday shopping lists, it is important to remember that when you support your small businesses, you are investing in our communities. By working together to support local businesses, we are helping them stay competitive, which in turn helps them create more jobs and move our economy forward. I encourage all West Virginians to remember to shop at our small businesses not just this Saturday, but for the entire holiday season and throughout the year.\u201d\r\nSmall Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to promote shopping at small businesses throughout the country.\r\nTo find small businesses in your community to support this Saturday, 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=3ddf6ae8-4d92-4111-90c5-47ad7ff66822", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $291,000 to Improve Highway Safety Programs in WV", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $291,000 to Improve Highway Safety Programs in WV \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $290,895.22 in federal funding to the West Virginia Governor\u2019s Highway Safety Office to support programs that will improve driver behavior and performance while helping reduce motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).\r\n\u201cAs the holiday season officially kicks off this week, it is one of our highest priorities to make sure drivers and passengers on our roads and highways arrive at their destinations safely,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am pleased that this funding will support programs to help curb dangerous driver behaviors, prevent traffic accidents and keep our residents and travelers safe.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese grants are essential to making sure our roads stay safe for drivers and passengers,\u201d said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. \u201cImproving the safety of West Virginia\u2019s roads has always been one of my top priorities. This funding will help the Highway Safety Office implement critical public safety initiatives, including efforts to guard against distracted and impaired driving.\u201d\r\nIndividual award amounts are listed below:\r\n$215,208.94 - Impaired Driving Countermeasures Program: Funding will be used to reduce driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.\r\n$68,905.01 \u2013 Occupant Protection Program: Funding will be used to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from the nonuse and misuse of seatbelts.\r\n$6,781.27 \u2013 Motorcyclist Safety Program: Funding will be used to reduce the number of single-and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists.\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=7cf211f8-5e8c-4dbb-89ee-6f508617c729", "W.Va. National Guard stands ready | Charleston Daily Mail", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t  W.Va. National Guard stands ready | Charleston Daily Mail \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMonday, the news broke that a second patient died from Ebola on U.S. soil.\r\nDr. Martin Salia\u2019s tragic death is a sign that the Ebola epidemic is still a danger to the American public, and we should be ever vigilant to contain, control and combat this virus overseas.\r\nAnd while many physicians, medical personnel and aid workers now fear confronting the Ebola crisis, West Virginians need not look any farther than our own West Virginia National Guard since our Guardsmen advance to the front lines of training and assisting our Armed Forces in preventing the spread of the deadly disease.\r\nThe West Virginia National Guard frequently provides support for major national-level military operations, often without fanfare.\r\nFor instance, specially trained West Virginia Guardsmen played a critical role in training active duty soldiers who were deploying to Liberia to assist in preventing Ebola from spreading beyond its borders.\r\nJust a few weeks ago, the same day that President Obama called the fight against Ebola a \u201ctop national security priority,\u201d and the federal government began increasing airport screenings in the United States and in West Africa, the U.S. Army called the West Virginia Army National Guard for immediate support.\r\nThe 101st Airborne was in the process of training roughly 1,000 soldiers when a senior Army Physician Assistant reached out to the West Virginia Army National Guard to fill training gaps at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.\r\nWithin four hours of receiving the request for assistance, the Guard pulled together its resources and sent 17 West Virginia Guard expert trainers to Kentucky to participate in the 101st Airborne\u2019s training program.\r\nActive and Guard soldiers worked together, as they have for years, to improve the effectiveness of the training sessions that helped prepare the soldiers to properly remove their personal protective equipment and adhere to the strict procedures on how to use the special protective gear.\r\nThanks to the swift execution of our Guardsmen upon their arrival, the 101st Airborne added four more instruction stations and helped the soldiers cycle through the equipment exercises until they felt confident and satisfied in their training.\r\nAfter the sessions were complete, the 101st Airborne\u2019s Commanding General personally reported back to West Virginia National Guard\u2019s leadership that the participating Guardsmen had contributed to a \u201ctotal army solution\u201d for his soldiers deploying to Liberia, which is truly quite a compliment from a top Army commander.\r\nIf nothing else, this story underscores our great need to maintain a ready and capable National Guard.\r\nThe West Virginia National Guard\u2019s proficient support to the Active Duty Army demonstrates its unique capabilities and the invaluable technical expertise that National Guard units can maintain through proper funding and readiness.\r\nThe National Guard offers the best commanders, best training, and best resources to protect America\u2019s securities, freedoms and liberties every day, and this example is one of thousands that verify the importance of maintaining the Guard\u2019s relevancy and proficiency.\r\nIt was one of my most privileged roles to be Commander-in-Chief of the West Virginia National Guard, and I can assure you that watching the performance of the Guard firsthand is unparalleled to anything I\u2019ve witnessed.\r\nI often times recall my travels to Afghanistan and Iraq while serving as Governor. Every one of the commanders on every one of the bases I visited made a point to tell me that West Virginia Guardsmens\u2019 expertise, professionalism and commitment were invaluable to their command posts.\r\nAnd those sentiments resonate across the U.S. and beyond our borders to this day. Just last Friday, I traveled to Guantanamo Bay on a fact-finding mission to review the detainment facilities, and I had the honor of meeting members of the West Virginia Army National Guard. Their profound dedication to duty and professionalism know no bounds, and that is something to be proud of.\r\nThe United States military strength is unchallenged worldwide, and that\u2019s in large part due to our National Guard. Their ability to serve multiple, demanding roles at a moment\u2019s notice serves as an irreplaceable asset to our military, and I believe that our Guard units\u2019 successful missions should be shared with the people they protect.\r\nSo today, I join all West Virginians in commending West Virginia Army National Guard on their monumental efforts to support our brave service members who are joining the fight to battle Ebola.\r\nU.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is former governor.  \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    By Joe Manchin", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63333d1d-eed4-4e10-ba31-1f3a9ac4d12a", "Manchin Statement on President's Immigration Executive Actions", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on President's Immigration Executive Actions \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 President Obama\u2019s decision to issue executive actions on immigration reform.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI disagree with the President\u2019s decision to use executive action to make changes to our immigration system, and I disagree with the House\u2019s decision to not even take a vote on the bipartisan Senate legislation that overwhelmingly passed in June 2013.\r\n\u201cThe American people made it clear on election night that they want government to work better for them and to solve real problems that impact their lives. We have the chance to show them that we heard their message and are willing to act. We will only achieve sustainable, comprehensive immigration reform if all sides work together. For that to happen, Congress must work with the President to debate the issues and vote to secure our borders, create a tough legalization process, and ensure employers don\u2019t hire illegal immigrants. We successfully passed a bipartisan bill on the Senate side, and all we\u2019re asking is that the House takes a vote as well.\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=7a0a70e5-c75c-4110-858e-c98aa3b4c460", "Manchin Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Reform Black Lung Benefits Program", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Reform Black Lung Benefits Program \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 Legislation aims to prevent coal companies from unfairly denying benefits to deserving miners and families\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 In an effort to ensure coal miners receive the benefits they\u2019ve earned and deserve, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today introduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 along with Senators John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mark Warner (D-VA), as well as Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Joe Courtney (D-CT), George Miller (D-CA), and Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA).\r\nThe proposed legislation would make sweeping reforms to the federal black lung benefits program. Federal law requires that coal companies compensate disabled miners who contract black lung, which is caused by inhaling coal dust over an extended period of time, but coal companies routinely deploy an array of unfair tactics to avoid paying miners the benefits they deserve.\r\n\u201cOver the years, black lung disease and our miners who suffer its devastating effects have not received the attention they deserve,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhat many Americans may not realize is that the federal government\u2019s commitment to the health and wellbeing of miners goes back to the 1930s, when President Franklin Roosevelt began investigating medical care in the coalfields. He recognized that our miners mined the coal that produced the steel that built our nation and helped us win World War II. Every day, then and now, thousands of miners walk into darkness to help defend our nation, power our businesses, and meet our energy needs. We have upheld that commitment ever since and must continue to do so, which is why I am proud to sponsor this legislation with my colleagues. The very least we can do is make sure that all miners have access to adequate medical care and legal counseling while ensuring that unfair practices do not delay or deny a miner their benefits. I will continue this fight until our brave miners receive the necessary assistance and care they have earned.\u201d\r\nThe Black Lung Benefits Act of 2014 will strengthen the black lung benefits program by:\r\nImproving miners\u2019 access to medical evidence  \u2022\u00a0Requiring full disclosure of medical information related to a claim, whether or not such information is entered as evidence  \u2022\u00a0Helping miners review and rebut potentially biased or inaccurate medical evidence developed by coal companies  \u2022\u00a0Allowing miners or their survivors to reopen their cases if they had been denied because of medical interpretations that have subsequently been discredited  \u2022\u00a0Establishing a pilot program in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to provide unbiased evidence for the most severe black lung cases\r\nHelping miners access better, more timely benefits  \u2022\u00a0Adjusting black lung benefits to increases in the cost of living  \u2022\u00a0Helping claimants secure legal representation by providing interim attorney fees if miners prevail at various stages of their claim  \u2022\u00a0Developing a strategy to reduce the backlog of black lung benefits claims still awaiting consideration\r\nAdditional information on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 is available here.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nRecent analyses by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC News found that doctors who are paid by coal companies have systematically misdiagnosed miners with black lung as having other diseases, thus preventing the miners from accessing benefits. Furthermore, Senator Manchin testified at recent Senate hearings that revealed coal company lawyers have caused some miners\u2019 claims to be denied by withholding medical evidence that proves that the miner has black lung. To read Senator Manchin\u2019s full testimony, please click here.\u00a0\r\nSenator Manchin also continues to fight to protect funding for West Virginia Black Lung Clinics. Since February 2014, Senator Manchin has worked closely with Senator Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall to urge HRSA and the Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) to ensure West Virginia receives sufficient funding so that miners suffering from black lung disease can get the treatment and medical services they need. To read more information, please visit Senator Manchin\u2019s website here.\r\nIn March 2014, Senator Manchin sent a letter, along with Senator Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall, to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez on a proposed Department of Labor rule that could limit the ability of miners suffering from Black Lung disease to access medical records needed to prove their eligibility for federal benefits. To read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter, please click here.\r\nIn addition, Senator Manchin, along with Senator Rockefeller, introduced S. 805, the Robert C. Byrd Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act, which required the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to finalize regulations to lower the permissible breathable dust exposure levels and update testing procedures to find the maximum protection from breathable dust that can be achieved through environmental controls. The rule was finalized by MSHA on April 23, 2014.\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=e4a0a5a2-42fb-4687-8a1f-5170e3d6b08d", "Manchin Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Rural Communities on National Rural Health Day", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Rural Communities on National Rural Health 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 Funding will deliver medical services and educational opportunities to rural communities in West Virginia\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, on National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced $1,225,611 in federal funding to CAMC Health Education and Research Institute, Monongalia County General Hospital Company and West Virginia Network. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded the funding through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The funds will be used in a variety of ways to help remotely connect residents in West Virginia\u2019s rural communities to medical services and educational opportunities.\r\n\u201cThese smart investments will make it easier for West Virginians living in remote areas of our beautiful state to access the best available medical resources and educational opportunities while not having to drive long distances to our urban communities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will provide long-distance medical services and establish innovative learning tools, which will truly help improve the quality of life for thousands of West Virginians.\u201d\r\nThe DLT Grant Program establishes interactive video conferencing to connect patients and students in rural communities to their medical professionals, teachers or experts in additional areas of expertise.\u00a0\r\nListed below are the individual award amounts:\u00a0\r\n$229,368 - CAMC Health Education and Research Institute: Funding will be used to increase access to mental health services for approximately 5,000 children and adolescents living in the rural areas of Boone, Calhoun, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Pocahontas, and Webster Counties.\u00a0\r\n$496,252 \u2013 Monongalia County General Hospital Company: Funding will be used to connect medical professionals in Morgantown with health care providers and patients in the rural areas of Barbour, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker and Webster Counties.\r\n$499,991- West Virginia Network: Funding will be used to provide classroom video conferencing capabilities at twelve West Virginia campuses and create a mobile application that will enable instruction for adults seeking to complete a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree.\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=ee3c7550-4ff5-45f8-8109-71c06374d9fd", "Manchin Recognizes 97th Birthday of Senator Robert C. Byrd", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Recognizes 97th Birthday of Senator Robert C. Byrd \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 the 97th birthday of the late Senator Robert C. Byrd:\r\n\u201cOn November 20, 1917, one of the greatest Americans to grace the hills of West Virginia and the halls of United States Senate, Robert C. Byrd, was born. From his humble beginnings as a child of the Appalachian coalfields to his rise as one of the most influential voices in Congress, Senator Byrd led a distinguished life that has inspired so many, including myself. He was a proud defender of the Constitution, a determined fighter for the Mountain State and a dedicated husband and father, and his contributions to our state and nation are unparalleled. I know that his life and his legacy will continue to inspire West Virginians and Americans for generations to come, and every day that I walk down the halls of the United States Senate, I do my best to follow in his footsteps. So today, on his 97th birthday, I join all West Virginians in remembering our great statesman for his lifelong dedication of outstanding public service. May God bless his memory today and 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=1a790430-c201-4175-bb52-4b68894e5888", "Manchin Backs State, Not Party | Wheeling Intelligencer", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Backs State, Not Party | Wheeling Intelligencer  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is a staunch Democrat who believes in most of his party's principles. But he is a West Virginian first, committed to doing what is best for his fellow Mountain State residents.\r\nManchin demonstrated that again a few days ago, when Senate Democrats met to elect a new minority leader. That necessity arose when voters throughout the nation sent enough Republicans to the Senate to make that party the majority.\r\nFor most Senate Democrats, the decision was easy. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has been their majority leader. Voting to make him minority leader was virtually automatic for many in his party.\r\nNot for Manchin. He voted against Reid. He made it clear his action was because that was what his fellow West Virginians expected.\r\nHe was right about that. Reid has blocked many pieces of legislation that would have been good for our state's residents, while pursuing initiatives that have hurt us. He has served as President Barack Obama's bodyguard in the Senate - allowing virtually nothing the White House opposes to happen.\r\nHis power - and the allegiance of most Senate Democrats to him and other party leaders - was demonstrated by the vote to make him minority leader, starting next year. Even many Democrats from states where voters earlier this month demonstrated their displeasure with the Reid-Obama partnership stuck with Reid.\r\nManchin's action will be misinterpreted by some observers. It was not a vote against Democrat policies such as those many West Virginians have supported for years, even decades. It was a vote against the current crop of party leaders who have shifted policies far to the left, away from many Democrats in many states, not just ours.\r\nNo doubt Manchin is being criticized widely and harshly among some in his party. Those engaging in that miss the point of true public service - to represent one's constituents, not to support one's political party.\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=d86f61d8-3192-4bab-bb5f-19d60318f305", "We owe our Veterans our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year | Beckley Register Herald", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t We owe our Veterans our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year | Beckley Register Herald \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLast week, I had the honor of joining many of our proud veterans, service members, military families and residents at the 95th annual Welch Veterans Day Parade in McDowell County, one of America\u2019s oldest Veterans Day traditions. It filled me with so much pride and inspiration to witness how Veterans Day uniquely brings our communities together.\r\nWe celebrate Veterans Day every year as a reminder to us all that our veterans are our heroes; however, saying \u201cthank you\u201d to our veterans and their families one day a year is just not enough. We owe them our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year.  It is without a doubt that the courage and commitment of our veterans and service members keep the American spirit alive in this country. The men and women who have served risked their lives and protected us so that we can enjoy our freedoms every day. Due to these selfless acts, when our troops return home, we must show them our gratitude each and every day through our actions, contributions and involvement.\r\nThere are many ways we can honor our veterans in our daily lives. First, we should all commit to making sure our veterans and service members receive the best education, housing, medical and other services and opportunities they rightly deserve. Many veterans deeply struggle with the adjustment \u2014 physically, mentally and emotionally \u2014 back to civilian life, and they need our support.\r\nOrganizations around our state and country help serve our veterans, service members and our military families in a wide variety of ways. The West Virginia National Guard Foundation, American Legion, Marine Corps League, VFW West Virginia, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation are just a few of the hundreds of groups around America showing their gratitude.   I strongly encourage West Virginians to learn more about how these organizations lend the necessary assistance to our veterans, as well as research additional local, state and national organizations on ways to get involved in some capacity.\r\nHiring veterans is another common sense way to honor our veterans upon their return home. Our veterans already have the qualifications and assets employers look for when hiring new employees. Like every generation of warriors, today\u2019s young veterans make great hires. Their experiences entail discipline, maturity, crisis management skills, leadership capabilities and loyalty, and their resumes should be at the top of every employer\u2019s stack. Many large companies and small businesses alike have already taken the pledge to hire veterans, and those businesses should serve as an example for employers nationwide.\r\nI have said time and time again, West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country. And we can all agree that we are proud of the number of veterans that have served our military honorably and proudly. It\u2019s important that we continue to do all we can do to defend them in return.\r\nOn behalf of the grateful state of West Virginia, I want to again thank our veterans for their patriotism and sacrifice, not just today but every day. Let us all continue to stand up for them and honor them all year round.\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    By Joe Manchin\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=dbff62a8-7f08-46e0-8413-62dd62f7296a", "The Fed Needs Governors Who Arent Wall Street Insiders | Wall Street Journal", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t The Fed Needs Governors Who Aren\u2019t Wall Street Insiders | Wall Street Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWith two vacancies to fill, Obama should pick nominees who will look out for Main Street, not the big banks.\r\nWe joined the Senate Banking Committee to try to make the banking system work better for American families. That\u2019s why we\u2019re concerned that the Federal Reserve\u2014our first line of defense against another financial crisis\u2014seems more worried about protecting Wall Street than protecting Main Street. Fortunately, this is one problem the Obama administration can start fixing today by nominating the right people to fill the two vacancies on the Fed\u2019s Board of Governors.\r\nThe Board of Governors is responsible for supervising the country\u2019s biggest banks. It\u2019s also responsible for overseeing the regional Federal Reserve banks, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For decades, the Board of Governors and the New York Fed have been responsible for supervising Wall Street banks, but after the 2008 crisis and the regulatory lapses it revealed, Congress gave the Fed even more oversight authority. According to the new chair of the Board of Governors, Janet Yellen , the Fed\u2019s obligation to supervise the big banks is now \u201cjust as important\u201d as its better-known obligation to set interest rates and conduct the country\u2019s monetary policy.\r\nTwo recent reports highlight that the Fed isn\u2019t very good at supervising certain banks. In September, Carmen Segarra, a former bank examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, released secret recordings she had made of meetings at the New York Fed in 2012. The recordings revealed that New York Fed employees had identified concerns with a proposed Goldman Sachs deal with Banco Santander , calling it \u201clegal but shady.\u201d\r\nThe New York Fed didn\u2019t attempt to make Goldman address these concerns. The recordings also showed Ms. Segarra\u2019s superiors pressuring her to soften her finding that Goldman did not comply with federal regulations on conflicts of interest. While the recordings offered important new insights, they ultimately confirmed the old suspicion that the Fed is too cozy with big banks to provide the kind of tough oversight that\u2019s needed.\r\nAn October report from the Fed\u2019s Office of Inspector General provided additional confirmation that the Fed is failing to oversee the big banks. The report found that the New York Fed had failed to examine J.P. Morgan Chase \u2019s Chief Investment Office\u2014the office that incurred over $6 billion in losses in the infamous 2012 \u201cLondon Whale\u201d incident\u2014despite a recommendation to do so in 2009 from another Federal Reserve System team. The report concluded that the New York Fed needed to improve its supervision of the biggest, most complex banks.\r\nLax supervision isn\u2019t an abstract or academic problem. The stakes couldn\u2019t be higher. Just this summer, the Fed and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. determined that 11 of the country\u2019s biggest banks had no credible plan for being resolved in bankruptcy. That means that if any one of these banks makes more wild bets and loses, the taxpayers would have to bail it out to prevent the economy from crashing again. We\u2019re all counting on the Fed to monitor the big banks and stop them from taking on too much risk, but evidence is mounting that this faith in the Fed is misplaced.\r\nWhile there will be a congressional hearing this week to examine what\u2019s wrong at the Fed and to consider changes in the law, the administration shouldn\u2019t wait for Congress to act. The president is responsible for nominating people to serve on the Fed\u2019s seven-member Board of Governors. Currently, two of the seven seats on the board are vacant. The president has the opportunity to move the board in a new direction\u2014and to make that change for the long haul, since governors can end up serving terms of 14 years or more.\r\nThe president should use that opportunity to address the Fed\u2019s supervisory problem. The five sitting governors have a variety of academic and industry experience, but not one came to the Fed with a meaningful background in overseeing or investigating big banks or any experience distinguishing between the greater risks posed by the biggest banks relative to community banks. By nominating people who have a strong track record in these areas and who have a demonstrated commitment to not backing down when they find problems, the administration can show that it is taking the Fed\u2019s supervision problem seriously. Nominating Wall Street insiders for the Board of Governors would send the opposite message.\r\nIf regulators had been more willing to protect Main Street over Wall Street before 2008, they might have averted the financial crisis and the Great Recession that hurt millions of American families. So long as the Fed and other regulators are unwilling or unable to dig deeply into dangerous bank practices and hold the banks accountable, our economy\u2014and our country\u2014remains at risk. The administration has a chance to protect the families that are still struggling to recover from the last financial crisis. It should not pass it up.\r\nMs. Warren and Mr. Manchin are Democratic U.S. senators from, respectively, Massachusetts and West Virginia.\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    By Elizabeth Warren and Joe Manchin\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=68f8f27a-2f71-4e18-856e-16c2b0ec717e", "Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Aim to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans and Service Members", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Aim to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans and Service Members  \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 Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill would offer critical measures to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), John McCain (R-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Richard Burr (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill of 2014 to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for veterans and service members.\r\nThe bill would require a third-party evaluation of the existing suicide prevention programs at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to measure effectiveness and make consolidation, elimination or improvement recommendations. The legislation would also provide for a new website that would offer veterans information on available mental healthcare services; create a pilot loan repayment program for VA psychiatrists; and improve the exchange of training, best practices and other resources among the VA, Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) and non-profit mental health organizations to enhance collaboration of suicide prevention efforts.\r\n\u201cAn estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day, a shocking and unacceptable reality,\u201d said Senators Manchin, McCain, Blumenthal, Burr, Blunt and Murkowski. \u201cWe are proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve and modernize the suicide prevention programs and resources available to our fighting men and women. When enacted, this bill will provide additional resources for veterans who suffer from mental health disorders that place them at higher risk of suicide. It will ensure that existing suicide prevention programs are reviewed to determine which ones work and get rid of those that don\u2019t, improve collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Organizations, and provide incentives to attract more psychiatrists to treat veterans through the VA. Our nation has a long way to go to decrease the rate of suicide among our veterans and we must do much better in fulfilling our responsibilities to care for those who have risked everything on behalf of their fellow Americans.\u201d\r\nIraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) also praised the introduction of The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill of 2014.\r\n\u201cIAVA thanks the Senate leaders for taking initiative on this vital issue for the veteran community,\u201d said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of IAVA. \u201cCombating veteran suicide has been a top priority for IAVA this year. When passed, this bill will ensure our veterans receive the top quality mental healthcare they deserve, most specifically by implementing evaluation programs to assess the success of mental health and suicide prevention programs at DoD and the VA. Reversing the suicide trend among veterans requires more than one helping hand. This bill empowers the VA to collaborate with VSOs and nonprofit mental health organizations to combat veteran suicide. We urge Congress to move quickly on this legislation and put their partisanship aside. Lives are on the line. IAVA expects to see the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act receive expedited consideration and unanimous support in the full Senate very soon.\u201d\r\nTo read the text of the legislation, 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=a4f96696-f8d9-49af-ba5c-9c3b80c59fcd", "Manchin Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Vote", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline 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 the Senate failing to approve the Keystone XL pipeline by a vote of 59-41.\r\n\u201cI am deeply disappointed that the Senate failed to pass the Keystone XL pipeline,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe have everything to gain by building this pipeline, especially since it would help create thousands of jobs right here at home. Keystone XL is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs during construction and 118,000 indirect and spinoff jobs. With well over 1,000 American businesses already supplying goods and services to pipeline companies, the ripple effects of these projects would continue to boost economic prosperity and create more employment opportunities in other industries. Every state - including West Virginia - would benefit economically from this activity.\r\n\u201cContrary to assertions, Keystone is not an export pipeline. The State Department\u2019s Environmental Impact Statement has even stated that it would not be cost-effective to export the pipeline\u2019s oil, stating that 'export is unlikely to be economically justified for any significant' time.\r\n\u201cBuilding the Keystone XL pipeline would not only create jobs, but it would limit our dependence on foreign oil. Energy security is often discussed, but the benefits of Keystone are much more than simple generalizations. The global supply of energy relies on oil producers in deeply unstable regions, and the Keystone pipeline would help stabilize global supply while also benefiting Americans and our allies.\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=d816a440-69c4-45a6-863e-218776d8ece2", "Manchin Statement on Synagogue Attack in Jerusalem", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Synagogue Attack in Jerusalem  \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 heinous attacks at a synagogue in East Jerusalem.\r\n\u201cI was saddened and appalled to learn that three Americans and a Briton, at least some of whom were reported as rabbis, were murdered while worshiping at a synagogue in Jerusalem today,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cPalestinian leadership must take immediate action to end violence directed at Israeli Jews and condemn terrorists and their supporters. I join the American people in praying for the victims of this heinous attack as well as their families and community members. We continue to stand with Israel as it confronts the menace of this terror.\u201d\u00a0\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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=c2265fa9-4f2f-406b-bc70-01fc583f6512", "Manchin votes right on Senate leadership | Charleston Daily Mail", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin votes right on Senate leadership | Charleston Daily Mail  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tObstructionist Harry Reid didn\u2019t deserve any senator\u2019s vote\r\nWest Virginia\u2019s own Sen. Joe Manchin smartly and courageously made the right move in a procedural vote in a secret U.S. Senate caucus last week.\r\nThe Democrat and former chairman of the Senate\u2019s \u2018no-labels\u2019 group challenged his party\u2019s majority and voted against Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to be the Senate minority leader.\r\n\u201cToday I cast my vote against the current Democrat leadership because the people of West Virginia spoke loud and clear in last week\u2019s elections for change,\u201d Manchin announced. \u201cThey voted for members of both parties to put aside partisan politics and start working together to vote on issues that are important to West Virginians and the American people.\u201d\r\nHear Hear.\r\nWhile Reid has been on the offensive in blaming Republicans for the gridlock in Congress since he became Senate majority leader in 2007 \u2014 a charge that seemed to work for several years \u2014 informed government watchers finally began to realize that it was Reid who limited amendments, debate and votes as the Obstructionist in Chief.\r\nAfter the Nov. 4 elections when voters across the U.S. repudiated the partisanship in Congress, Democrats are no longer the majority in the U.S. Senate, thanks in large part to Reid\u2019s actions.\r\nSeth Mandel, assistant editor in Commentary magazine, wrote in 2012: \u201cI\u2019ve written before about the various Senate traditions and procedures that Reid has destroyed in his ongoing quest for a debate-free, vote-free, budget-free Senate. The amendment process is a major one, however, and those mourning the end of the Senate we once knew can either continue their partisan venting by attacking Republicans or they can be honest and go right to the source. They can talk to Harry Reid.\u201d\r\nIt\u2019s not just Republican measures that Reid blocked in his time as majority leader.\r\n\u201cReid has refused to bring up measures that would almost certainly pass with bipartisan support, such as legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, or the ... medical-device tax repeal,\u201d Mandel said.\r\nThanks to Sen. Manchin for listening to the voters instead of following the partisans in the Senate. It may cost him some power as a Democrat in the Senate, but it better represents the views of his constituents back home.  \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/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a27ab92b-15da-48df-94f1-2308167e3d54", "Manchin Statement on Guantanamo Bay Fact-Finding Mission", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Guantanamo Bay Fact-Finding Mission \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after he led a fact-finding mission to Guantanamo Bay on Friday, November 14. Senator Manchin was joined by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) to review detainee facilities and detention operations, the legal status of individual detainees, and the military commissions process that is used to try detainees.\r\n\u201cYesterday, I led a bipartisan group of Senators to tour the detention operations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where I witnessed the profound dedication to duty and professionalism of our troops serving there, including members of the West Virginia Army National Guard.\r\n\u201cThe troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay guarding and protecting the prisoners who have tried to do harm to Americans are serving with excellence and distinction, and should be a model for prisons around the world.\r\n\u201cThe fact remains, however, that the detention center at Guantanamo Bay does not make us safer, and it is wildly expensive. I believe that Congress must debate what we do with the prisoners currently being housed there. The status quo is not an acceptable solution, and I am confident we can find a solution that protects Americans and responsibly manages our tax dollars. I look forward to this debate.\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=ac6c7e8b-59b3-4352-a0c2-bff8b1637c4f", "Manchin Statement on the Passing of Freda Mae Tomblin", "2014-11-16", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on the Passing of Freda Mae Tomblin \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the passing of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin\u2019s mother, Freda Mae Tomblin:  \u00a0  \u201cGayle and I are deeply saddened to hear that Freda Mae Tomblin has passed away,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe extend our deepest condolences to all Freda Mae\u2019s family and friends, especially her loving husband, Earl, and her sons, Earl Ray and Carl Edward, as they grieve the passing of a truly wonderful West Virginian. We join all West Virginians in keeping in our thoughts and prayers the Tomblin family as they go through this difficult time.\u201d  \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=fc007492-cebc-4daf-a172-499683d4c9d7", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Improve Health Services Across West Virginia", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Improve Health Services Across West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding will improve health care services in Braxton, Clay, Harrison, Pocahontas, Randolph and Upshur Counties\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $1,179,010 in federal funding for Community Care of West Virginia to improve operations and health care services at medical centers in rural and underserved communities.\r\nCommunity Care of West Virginia operates many health care centers in the state, including: Big Otter Health Clinic in Ivydale, Braxton Health Associates in Gassaway, Care Express and Pediatrics in Buckhannon, Community Care of Green Bank in Green Bank, Community Care of Marlinton in Marlinton, Little Meadow Health Center in Helvetia, Primary Care Systems in Clay, Tri-County Health Clinic in Rock Cave and West Milford Health Center in West Milford.\r\n\u201cAll West Virginia families deserve access to quality and reliable preventative and primary health care,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cCommunity Care of West Virginia will be able to use this funding to make necessary upgrades and improvements in order to advance to health and wellbeing of all West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u201cDuring my time in the Senate, providing affordable health care for all West Virginians has been a top priority,\u201d said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care. \u201cAccess to preventive and primary health care is critical to the well-being of so many West Virginians, and our community health centers are a critical access point for that care. This much-needed funding will support Community Care of West Virginia and the important health services it provides.\u201d\r\nThe Health Center Cluster grant provides financial assistance to health centers that offer primary and preventive health care services to underserved or rural areas. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human 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/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1b335f73-10d5-40cf-bf68-4bac66065ce7", "Manchin Statement on his Vote for Change in Democrat Leadership", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on his Vote for Change in Democrat Leadership \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 his vote against Minority Leader Harry Reid.\r\n\u201cToday, I casted my vote against the current Democrat Leadership because the people of West Virginia spoke loud and clear in last week\u2019s elections for change. They voted for members of both parties to put aside partisan politics and start working together to vote on issues that are important to West Virginians and the American people. I have the utmost respect for Harry Reid, but I had hoped he would give all members of the caucus the opportunity to evaluate what led to the destructive gridlock in Washington and propose ways to modify our results to better connect with the American people. Unfortunately, we were not granted that opportunity, and I refused to vote for the status quo. As Congress moves forward to the 114th Congress, I promise to continue working with Democrats and Republicans to debate and vote on legislation that will help get this country back on track.\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=433a3c5b-bb8b-4933-93bb-be6c1aab2d7b", "Manchin Statement on the Indictment of Don Blankenship", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on the Indictment of Don Blankenship \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after a federal grand jury indicted former Massey Energy chief executive, Don Blankenship with criminal charges related to the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster:\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve always had complete faith that justice would be served and Don Blankenship\u2019s indictment today is a first step in providing some peace to the families of the Upper Big Branch miners who lost their lives.\u201d\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=eb3f321f-a5cc-4371-8441-4f78579c9bcf", "Manchin and Toomey Call for Congress to Protect Students From Child Predators", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Toomey Call for Congress to Protect Students From Child Predators \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators Manchin and Toomey urge colleagues to vote on legislation to protect our children from predators in the classroom\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday evening, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to urge Congress to pass The Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predator Act, legislation that would protect children from sexual and violent predators in schools.\r\nThe Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predator Act would require any state education agency receiving federal funds to perform background checks on all employees who have access to children; prevent schools from hiring individuals who have previously been convicted of certain crimes, including crimes against children and; prohibit schools from quietly helping dismissed child predators finding jobs in other schools.\r\n\u201cEvery child deserves to have at least one place where they feel safe and comfortable. For many of our kids these days, that place is at school,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis commonsense bill will truly help protect our kids from sexual assault predators or any individuals who inappropriately behave in our schools.\u201d\r\nThe bill was introduced by Senators Manchin and Toomey after the death of Jeremy Bell, a 12-year student from Fayette County, West Virginia. Bell was raped and murdered by a principal who came to West Virginia from Pennsylvania after being quietly dismissed for sexual misconduct.\u00a0\r\nFor video of Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks, please click here.\r\nFor audio of Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks, please click here.\r\nSenator Manchin\u2019s full remarks are below:\r\nM. President, I thank my good friend Senator Pat Toomey for working with me on critical legislation to make sure our kids remain safe in every single school across the country.\r\nI am a father of three and a grandfather of eight, and there is nothing more important to me than protecting my children and grandchildren.\r\nOur bill is just common sense and has already passed by voice vote with no opposition in the House.\r\nThis legislation simply makes sure that all employees who work with our students pass a background check to make sure they have no criminal records or an abusive history.\r\nThat includes everyone from principals, teachers and secretaries, to cafeteria workers and janitors.\r\nSince January 1st, 410 teachers across America have been arrested for sexual misconduct. That is more than one teacher per day who has sexually assaulted a student. And that only includes those who have been caught and detained.\r\nDo we dare wonder just how many predators we could have prevented from harming our students if this bill had been passed years ago, including preventing the outcome of the rape and death of a young West Virginia student, Jeremy Bell?\r\nJeremy was a fifth grade student from Fayette County, West Virginia who had been on an overnight fishing trip with his elementary school principal when he mysteriously died from a head injury in 1997.\r\nNearly eight years later, investigators discovered that Jeremy was raped and murdered by none other than Edgar Friedrichs Jr., Jeremy\u2019s principal and supervisor on the trip.\r\nThankfully, Mr. Friedrichs is now serving a life sentence in connection with the Jeremy\u2019s death.\r\nAnd although Jeremy\u2019s death is in-and-of-itself disturbing, Mr. Friedrichs\u2019 past proves to be even more troublesome.\r\nPrior to working as Fayette County\u2019s principal, Mr. Friedrichs had previously been dismissed by a school in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on suspicion of sexual misconduct.\r\nThat school then helped him land a new teaching position in West Virginia.\r\nHe taught for 26 years in West Virginia \u2013 26 years \u2013 before he was finally dismissed in 2001 when he was indicted for sexually abusing four boys.\r\nM. President, this story is heartbreaking and simply unacceptable.\r\nAs a parent, as a grandparent and as a representative of the great state of West Virginia \u2013 inaction is not an option.\r\nThere are more than four million teachers and school staff employed by our public school districts across the United States.\u00a0\r\nAnd there are millions of additional workers who have direct access to students, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers and janitors.\r\nAnd yet, there is no national background check policy in place for the people who work directly with our kids every day.\r\nEven worse, not all states require checks of child abuse and neglect registries or sex-offender registry checks.\r\nAnd a recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that five states don\u2019t require background checks at all for applicants seeking employment our schools.\r\nIn addition, not all states use both state and federal sources of criminal data like a state law enforcement database or the FBI\u2019s Interstate Identification Index.\r\nOur bill would simply require mandatory background checks of state criminal registry, state child-abuse and neglect registries, an FBI fingerprint check, and a check of the National Sex Offender Registry for existing and prospective employees.\r\nM. President, every child deserves to have at least one place where they feel safe and comfortable. For many of our kids these days, that place is at school.\r\nThis is truly just a commonsense bill that aims to help protect our kids from sexual assault predators or any individuals who inappropriately behave in our schools.\r\nIf we can even make the smallest difference in changing the outcomes of students\u2019 lives like Jeremy Bell, then we did our jobs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=592e8d82-aa92-450d-bc65-0a8d16c2703a", "Manchin Statement on US-China Climate Agreement", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on US-China Climate Agreement \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 climate agreement reached between President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.\r\n\u201cI look forward to reviewing the details of the climate agreement between President Obama and Chinese leaders and assessing what the true implications will be on the front lines here at home. As I've said many times before, there is no question that 7 billion people have an impact on our climate. I am encouraged that the Chinese are willing to come to the table and that the Administration has recognized the importance of investing in research for clean fossil fuel technology. That being said, we cannot enter into an agreement that asks little of the Chinese, while simultaneously promising more than we can achieve domestically with our current technology.\u201d\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=803f3975-599c-4a5c-abdc-a5b437b411b6", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $350,000 to Improve the Safety of WV Roads and Highways", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $350,000 to Improve the Safety of WV Roads and Highways \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $343,656.96 in federal funding for the West Virginia Governor\u2019s Highway Safety Office to improve highway safety programs in the state. The funding will be used to help improve driver behavior and performance, and to reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related crashes.  \u00a0  \u201cInvesting in our state\u2019s infrastructure is critical to protecting the safety of our drivers, while also laying the foundation for economic growth,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am pleased that these funds will help prevent traffic accidents and keep West Virginians and visitors safe.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cThis grant is great news for West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. \u201cImproving the safety of our highways is essential for our drivers and passengers.\u00a0 If we can prevent even one loss of life through this investment, we are moving in the right direction. These funds will go a long way toward making sure road safety remains a top priority.\u201d  \u00a0  The U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted the funding through the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program.\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=c1fcdac6-18d2-45df-b2e4-16d7dd025b00", "Manchin Honors America's Veterans", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Honors America's Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Manchin encourages West Virginians to thank our veterans every day of the year\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:\r\n\u201cVeterans Day gathers us together as a nation to express our deepest gratitude to the men and women who have fought to safeguard our beloved nation and secure the freedoms we enjoy every day. No matter the war, no matter the rank, no matter the duty, every one of our heroic veterans have answered America\u2019s call of duty. In times of need, they stepped forward and vowed to protect this country. It is because of our veterans that America remains a beacon for all who love liberty and cherish freedom. The world is truly a better place because of their courage.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cShowing our appreciation to the men and women who have served this nation is something we should do each and every day. They have served this nation with unparalleled duty, honor, courage, discipline, integrity, and love of family and country. We owe those who have served and their families a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. So 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. May God bless the United States of America, the state of West Virginia and all the men and women who keep us safe.\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=9ce13747-04d0-4cb6-9074-aafbc90def4e", "Eagle expansion shared with Manchin | Herald-Star", "2014-11-08", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2014\n\t\t\t Eagle expansion shared with Manchin | Herald-Star \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWELLSBURG - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was on hand Friday to congratulate the management and staff of Eagle Manufacturing on an upcoming major expansion and hear concerns from public officials and residents about various issues.\r\nJoe Eddy, president of Eagle Manufacturing, said new production innovation, expanded production capacity and overall expanded space will help the 120-year-old company to grow.\r\nHe shared with Manchin and many area public officials and other guests news that the 120-year-old company will be opening a new metal fabrication department at the former Pillsbury building on Maple Avenue and expanding its warehouse on Commerce Street (state Route 2) to 90,000 square feet.\r\nEXPANDING \u2014 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., listened as Joe Eddy, president of Eagle Manufacturing, announced news for expansion during a visit Friday to the company\u2019s plastics warehouse. - Warren Scott\r\nUsed for many years to produce paper bags for flour sold by the Pillsbury Co., the 48,000 square foot building will be used to manufacture a new line of metal bollards (posts used to prevent vehicles from striking buildings and other property), machine guards and spill containment pallets.\r\nThe 120-year-old company produces more than 1,000 types of industrial safety and hazardous material handling products.\r\nEddy also unveiled plans for a 50,000 square foot expansion of the 40,000 square foot plastics warehouse it built at the intersection of Commerec and 22nd streets last year.\r\nThe warehouse was built at the former site of Banner Fiberboard, which underwent an environmental cleanup through grants secured by the Brooke-Hancock Regional Development Council.\r\n\"We are in the process of finalizing construction bids, securing financing and otaining approvals for the project. We expect to complete the approval process in December and start construction in early March,\" he said.\r\nEddy said the addition will allow the facility to be used as Eagle's main distribution center and bring the amount of land occupied by Eagle operations in the city to more than 750,000 square feet, or more than 17 acres.\r\nHe said Eagle has ordered two new plastic processing systems, including a 500-ton structural foam injection molding system, that will allow the company to expand its plastics production by 25 percent.\r\nEddy said the new facilities and equipment will amount to an investment of at least $10 million and will create many new jobs.\r\nManchin said the news is very welcome at a time when many young West Virginians feel they must leave the state to find work.\r\nHe said as a member of Congress he can work to turn the tide of manufacturing jobs leaving the country by repealing a corporate tax structure that benefits American companies that take their operations overseas.\r\nManchin added he will continue to oppose trade agreements that give foreign companies that employ workers at low wages and under poor working conditions an advantage over domestic ones.\r\n\"That's not how we built this company. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican, that doesn't make sense,\" he said.\r\n\"My hat's off to Eagle for making this investment,\" Manchin said.\r\nManchin also met earlier with Wellsburg city officials to discuss issues of concern to them, including the Biggerts Water Act.\r\nThe federal legislation was aimed at helping the Federal Emergency Management Agency to overcome millions of dollars in claims filed following Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. But it also has resulted in dramatic increases in flood insurance rates for residents in Wellsburg's flood plain.\r\nManchin said rates for those covered by the federal flood insurance program should be based on the frequency of floods and level of damage typical for a given area.\r\n\"The flood plain here isn't a devastating one,\" he said, adding he would like to see a ratings system employed for those with flood insurance.\r\nManchin said the higher rates prevent people from selling their homes and deter new residents from buying homes in a designated flood zone.\r\n\"It basically stymies everything,\" he said.\r\nMayor Sue Simonetti asked Manchin to consider holding one of his town hall meetings, where he discusses various issues, in the city, and he agreed.\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    Warren Scott", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=d4cc0a8d-7ebc-4048-8270-142b27670534", "Manchin stresses importance of education | Weirton Daily Times", "2014-11-08", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin stresses importance of education | Weirton Daily Times \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWEIRTON - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., spoke to Weir High School students about the importance of education and several other national issues during an informal talk and discussion with student government leaders and the senior civics class.\r\nEd Bowman, former Weirton mayor and state senator, introduced Manchin.\r\nManchin spoke about a wide range of issues, from whether he would make a presidential run and his disagreements with President Barack Obama's Environmental Protection Agency to illegal immigration, Common Core, raising the minimum wage and legalizing marijuana.\r\nSen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., spoke to the Weir High School student government and senior civics class during a series of stops in the Hancock and Brooke counties Friday. -- Summer Wallace-Minger\r\nParticipating in the democratic process is a partnership and responsibility, he said.\r\n\"When I was your age, I never thought about it, either,\" Manchin said. \"I thought it was someone else's responsibility.\r\nHis change of heart was inspired by the example set by the \"young, vibrant\" President John F. Kennedy.\r\n\"In 1962, he told us we were going to put a man on the moon - and bring him back,\" he said. \"In 1962, we couldn't even get a rocket off the ground. Russia was cleaning our clocks. (Kennedy) threw the gauntlet down. Why? Because we're Americans, and there's nothing we can't do.\"\r\nManchin didn't enter politics until he was in his mid-30s, making the decision after seeing a politician suggest his father repay past favors by helping him get elected.\r\n\"My dad never asked for a favor,\" Manchin said. \"He would say something if someone needed help. That's not doing a favor, that's doing your job. My father had asked him to do his job, and he came back like he had done him a favor.\"\r\nManchin entered the House of Delegates race, then decided to make the jump to the state Senate.\r\n\"As a delegate, I was one in 100,\" he said. \"In the state Senate, I would be one in 34, and that gave my voice three times as much weight.\"\r\nHe later ran for governor in 1996 and lost, describing it as a learning experience.\r\n\"Defeat doesn't have a home, but victory has a thousand homes,\" he said. \"It's easy to win. When you lose, it's time to show who you are.\"\r\nManchin later became secretary of state in 2000, governor in 2008 and was appointed U.S. senator after the death of Robert C. Byrd in 2010.\r\nManchin compared the United States' educational system to that of China, where, after nine years, those who don't meet certain standards are shunted out of the educational system into the work force. Students frequently attend school six days a week, returning in the evenings to help tutor their parents. He called for year-round education, suggesting nine-week terms followed by three-week breaks.\r\n\"They want the life that you and I take for granted,\" Manchin said. \"They saw we were who we were because of our education.\"\r\nThe United States no longer is first in education, he said.\r\n\"Korea is eating our lunch every day, in every test,\" Manchin said.\r\nImprovements must be made in the educational system, and students must do their best to get as much out of their education as possible and apply themselves.\r\n\"Are you wringing every drop out of your education?\" Manchin asked.\r\nHe also encouraged them to give back to their communities.\r\n\"You want to feel good about yourself?\" he asked. \"Go help someone else. No matter how bad you have it, someone has it worse.\"\r\nOne of the most important skills the students must master is being able to manage their finances. Manchin warned them against going into too much debt during their college years, encouraging them to speak with their principal, counselor or call his office to seek financial aid and counseling for college.\r\nManchin described himself as a moderate to conservative Democrat, \"fiscally conservative and socially compassionate,\" and spoke about the importance of being able to compromise and treat other legislators with professionalism.\r\nManchin said campaigning for president is \"probably not in the cards for me,\" but he is looking to support a candidate, regardless of party, whom he believes shares his priorities in education, veterans' affairs and senior citizens.\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    Summer Wallace-Minger", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8ea13688-1c61-4cba-866a-fdd91e5c9910", "Manchin Policy About to Pay Off | Wheeling Intelligencer", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Policy About to Pay Off | Wheeling Intelligencer \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFew Democrats had any reason to smile this week. By the hundreds throughout the country, they were thrown out of office. Here in West Virginia, their party lost control of both houses of the Legislature. In Washington, Republicans improved their majority in the House of Representatives and seized command of the Senate.\r\nSo not many Democrats had any reason for optimism or cheerfulness this week.\r\nExcept for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.\r\nNo doubt Manchin was as perturbed as any Democrat at the many losses his party suffered on Tuesday. He makes no secret of being a staunch supporter of his party.\r\nBut he has cultivated a reputation of bipartisanship - of being willing to listen to Republicans and, when he thinks doing so is good for West Virginia, to work with them.\r\nManchin is the kind of pragmatic, centrist Democrat who went out of style among many party leaders, including President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Their preference is for Democrats who toe the party line without pause or question.\r\nWhile governor of West Virginia, Manchin prided himself on being able to work with both Republicans and Democrats. He carried that through to the U.S. Senate.\r\nNow it will serve him well. Republicans who will control the Senate have no scores to settle with him. They have no reason to taunt him that now, the shoe is on the other foot.\r\nOf course, every senator ought to have Manchin's attitude - that he or she is in Washington to serve the nation and their state, not just their political party. For several years that attitude has been out of vogue, in favor of fierce, unyielding partisanship.\r\nThen, Manchin did not fit in. Now, suddenly, he does, in a way. His attitude of public service above politics will serve him, our state and the nation well during the next few years.\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=3c6cf4bb-6f5b-44bb-a8c5-021083d4fa06", "Manchin Steps Down As Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Steps Down As Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about stepping down as honorary co-chair of No Labels:\r\n\u201cNo Labels began as an organization that attempted to foster bipartisan conversation amongst Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. I believe in this mission, and believe that No Labels has done a lot to open a dialogue, not only between Democrats and Republicans, but also between Members of the House and Senate \u2013 something that was lacking in Washington. Given my position as a sitting United States Senator, who cannot be involved in the day-to-day decision making of the organization, I believe it is appropriate for me at this time to step down as honorary Co-Chair. I still support the original goals of No Labels and will continue to work with them to foster bipartisan communication and bring some common sense back to Washington.\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=e5465219-d8d1-42d5-a449-96f2c0fc66c5", "Joe Manchin visits Tank Works | Tyler Star News", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2014\n\t\t\t Joe Manchin visits Tank Works | Tyler Star News \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tContinually operating for the past 120 years and family owned for the last 30, Sistersville Tank Works welcomed U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on Friday.\r\nManchin, who earlier in the day met in St. Marys for a roundtable discussion with local officials and members of the Pleasants County Camber of Commerce, stopped in Sistersville around 3:30 p.m. for a scheduled visit.\r\nPlant Manager Jason Morgan and his mother Darlene Morgan, vice president of the company, were both on hand to greet Senator Manchin and to explain a little about the history of their operation and how they are looking to improve and grow as a local business. Jason Morgan said around 30 years ago the plant was owned by a company out of Illinois that was struggling and ready to call it quits. He said his grandmother and mother, who were employees at the time, took advantage of the opportunity and purchased the plant. Jason Morgan said as plant manager he is in charge of the day-to-day operation, while his mother and grandmother manage the office, and his brother runs the shop.\r\nJason Morgan said plans are in the works to build a new state of the art facility in Pleasants County. He said the new plant will have 40,000 square feet along with new office space and restrooms. According to Jason Morgan, the new plant will have one large bay which will allow the company to take on bigger and bigger projects, like bullet tanks and large heat exchangers. He said the Sistersville plant will continue to operate with no downturn in business, but will be doing much smaller projects. He noted at the present location it becomes very difficult to move large tanks from the shop to the river and it is also very expensive. Some moves can cost as high as $35,000 and can be very time consuming and difficult to make. With the move to the new facility the company will have direct access to the railway and the river, which will eliminate the high cost moves and save the company a significant amount of time and money.\r\nSenator Manchin, expressed his desire to do whatever he can to help small business people. He said there are several different ways he can do that. \"In order to bring more good paying jobs to our state and improve the quality of life for our hard working families, we need to continue having open discussions about how we can coordinate our efforts and resources, make smart investments, and boost economic development in our local communities,\" Senator Manchin said.\r\n\"One way we try and help companies is by connecting them with the import-export bank,\" he noted. Manchin said it is a great way for companies to exchange funds when dealing with foreign markets. He said they also want to make sure businesses like Sistersville Tank Works are taking advantage of the oil and gas boom in West Virginia.\r\nManchin expressed concern with the rate hikes he said are coming for electric. He spoke about the cost of doing business in West Virginia and how we should be doing all we can to help promote the use of fossil fuels, including coal.\r\n\"We hear a lot about global climate and since it is global, we should have a global fix,\" said Manchin. Standards for power plants should be set where the playing field is equal, he asserted; so we will not have to shoulder the whole load.\r\nManchin said he was very impressed with the Sistersville plant. He said he comes from a family of small business owners and he knows how difficult it can be. Manchin said, \"I look forward to meeting with residents to hear their concerns and ideas for making the Mountain State an even better place to live and do business.\"\r\nJason Morgan said Sistersville Tank Works has a very good working relationship with the local banks. He said they have been great to work with, noting cash flow is very important especially when you are trying to expand and take advantage of the world market. He said, if someone would have told his grandmother 20 years ago they would be selling to Austria or China, she would have thought they were crazy. He said he was very interested in the import-export bank and would welcome any help the senator would offer.\r\nWhen asked by Senator Manchin why Jason Morgan chose Pleasants County for the new facility, he said it was all about location. \"We need to have access to the river.\" He also said it should give the company a better draw for skilled labor. Tyler County Development Authority President Eric Peters said he tried to find a suitable location in Tyler County for the plant, but it just wasn't available.\r\nJason Morgan said his shop is unionized and highly skilled. \"I would put our welders up against any in the United States.\" He said most of his welders have been trained in house and work out of the Boilermakers. He said the Sistersville plant employs 50 people with full benefits and he hopes to employ another 50 at the new location when it is up and running. \"Competition for skilled labor is tough and we have had to raise our rates some to attract the people we have\", said Jason Morgan.\r\nHe said one thing he very proud of is that his mother was the 1988 West Virginia State Business Person of the Year and was featured in Time Magazine. Senator Manchin said it is wonderful to see small businesses likes this flourish. He promised to do whatever he can to help.\r\nAlso present for the round table meeting were State Senator Larry Edgell, House Representative Roger Romine, and Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice. All three offered their service and commitment to helping local business and to continue working to provide opportunities for the local workforce.\r\nDan Beringer, plant manager of Momentive, in Friendly, was also at the meeting and he thanked Senator Manchin for his work and efforts to keep electric rates low. He said it is detrimental to the local plant for the rates to remain where they are. Manchin said it looks like electric will go higher as we move toward alternative fuel.\r\nBefore moving on for another meeting in Pittsburgh, Manchin took the time to tour the Sistersville Tank Works plant and to greet and talk to several of the Sistersville employees. Manchin seemed fascinated with some of the welding projects and the size of the tanks.\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    Ed Parsons", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=e1247e7d-3751-4d53-b2ee-b6ec4e69b4da", "Manchin talks about issues | Parkersburg News and Sentinel", "2014-11-01", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 01, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin talks about issues | Parkersburg News and Sentinel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSpeaks at Pleasants County Public Library during tour\r\nST. MARYS - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., made a stop at the Pleasants County Public Library during his tour of the state Friday to talk about issues facing the nation and state.\r\nManchin said there are many issues facing the nation and the only way to fix them is to put politics aside.\r\n\"First I want to apologize to you for what you see on television, the toxic atmosphere in Washington; it's a shame,\" he said. \"Whether you are Democrat or Republican, Independent or whatever you want to be you got to be Americans first and we have to put our country first.\"\r\nWhen he was governor, Manchin said he and the Legislature would put side their differences and do what was best for West Virginia.\r\n\"Things have gotten serious here in 2014; there is so much money coming in on both sides,\" he said. \"If the Democrats want to blame the Republicans they are wrong and they are right and if the Republicans want to blame the Democrats they are wrong and they are right. It's everybody's fault.\"\r\nManchin said he fears all the money and recruiting candidates instead of electing local people will destroy democracy. Manchin said he is also shocked to see how negative the campaigns have been to date.\r\n\"We are all guilty of it to a certain extent, I guess,\" he said. \"There should be some civility to where people basically can say 'I may disagree with you, but I don't hate you.'\"\r\nManchin said the answer on how to fix the situation is hard to find.\r\n\"You try to work together and find some commonality,\" he said. \"In Washington it is guilt by conversation; they don't expect me and a Republican or somebody else even conversing because they think you have gone over to the dark side.\r\n\"How in the world are you going to fix any of the problems.\"\r\nManchin said he identified that as the biggest problem in Washington. He spent his first year meeting each member of the Senate, getting to know them and all he could learn about each member.\r\n\"I wanted to have a personal conversation, because it is easy to have a personal conversation,\" he said. \"If I think we have a lot in common I'll be looking for other ways to work with them.\"\r\nManchin said he has taken a pledge of not to go to other states to campaign against or raise funds for a campaign against a sitting senator.\r\nManchin said the biggest problem is there are few moderates left in the Senate and several of them are vulnerable this year. Manchin said he wants to see Republican moderates like Susan Collins of Maine, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina reelected to the Senate along with Democrats Mark Udall of Colorado, Mark Begich of Alaska and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.\r\nHe said the moderates are a core group who can get together and talk over problems and they need to be reelected.\r\n\"If we could pass a rule where you could not campaign against a fellow sitting senator it would change the atmosphere in Washington,\" he said. \"I think something is going to have to happen; we need to get our financial house in order.\"\r\nManchin also discussed the role of coal in the mix of energy sources. He said it is best to have a balanced \"power portfolio.\"\r\nManchin said the answer is not to keep coal from being used in the United States, stating the U.S. burns a small amount of the total burned in the world daily.\r\n\"Everyday eight billion tons of coal are burned, not just in the U.S.,\" he said. \"If the U.S. were to stop burning coal it would amount to less than one billion tons. If we are serious about climate change we need to change our trade rules.\r\n\"If other countries want to trade with us and sell us their products, they need to make changes in how they burn coal and reduce their emissions.\"\r\nManchin said there is money at the U.S. Department of Energy for coal research and it has not been touched.\r\nManchin said emissions have been reduced and more could be done.\r\nInstead of setting standards that are impossible to match, the standard should be based on the emissions from the six best plants in the country.\r\n\"We want to do what is doable,\" he said. \"We are facing a reliability problem. Last year during the polar vortex we were 700 megawatts from the power grid collapsing. Recently 100,000 megawatts have been removed.\"\r\nManchin said if something is not done there could be rolling blackouts and brownouts.\r\n\"In situations like that the most vulnerable are the elderly and the poor,\" he said. \"This does not make sense.\"\r\nManchin said it is important to repeal and push back many of the EPA regulations put on energy production.\r\nManchin said he was going to look into concerns raised about the collection and use of student personal data collected in testing. He said he has always been a supporter of state's rights and agreed it is important to get the federal government out of education.\r\nHe said programs such as Race to the Top and Common Core have gone horribly wrong.\r\n\u00a0\r\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    Jeffrey Saulton", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=b272ee75-e112-4231-ba81-54c2c8eaa174", "Manchin helps celebrate nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing grants | Clarksburg Exponent", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 31, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin helps celebrate nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing grants | Clarksburg Exponent  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFAIRMONT \u2014 Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was the special guest speaker for a ceremony Thursday to present nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to eight projects in West Virginia. The projects will benefit low-income, elderly and other special needs persons by providing quality affordable housing. The grants represent a total of 79 housing units and a total development investment of more than $4.4 million.  The grant funds were provided by Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and its member financial institutions, in this case Huntington Federal Savings Bank, Pendleton Community Bank, United Bank and WesBanco Bank, through the AHP.\r\n\u201cThese grants have helped scores of West Virginia citizens achieve the dream of affordable housing for themselves and their families,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cFHLBank Pittsburgh, together with its members and housing partners, are providing a valuable service to our neighbors who need a little help to improve their lives and revitalize communities. It is rewarding to see this grassroots effort that uses no tax dollars and has such a powerful impact in our communities.\u201d\r\nManchin was introduced by FHLBank Pittsburgh Board Chair Patrick A. Bond. Bond, who is Founding General Partner of Mountaineer Capital LP, thanked Senator Manchin for his outstanding support of this and other FHLBank programs and initiatives.\r\nThe event was hosted by one of the grant recipients, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority, which received $146,917 for 10 units built in Fairmont. Other organizations recognized\u00a0 included: Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, White Sulphur Springs (five units, $250,000); Coalfield Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $500,000); Fairmont Community Development Partnership, Fairmont (4 units, $55,553); Housing Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $253,100); Mon County Habitat for Humanity, Morgantown (3 units, $36,000); Southern Appalachian Labor School, Kincaid (10 units, $81,200); and YWCA Wheeling (7 units, $467,283).\r\n\u201cThis AHP grant funding provided by the FHLBank Pittsburgh has an immeasurable positive impact on our communities,\u201d remarked John Martys, Executive Director, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority. \u201cWe are so pleased to stand with our partner sponsors across the Mountaineer State to channel these funds to where they are making a real difference in people\u2019s lives. These grants directly affect the revitalization of our neighborhoods, people\u2019s health and safety, and the overall quality of life.\u201d\r\nAnnually, FHLBank Pittsburgh allots approximately 10 percent of its net income to fund the AHP. The AHP supports projects that provide affordable housing to individuals and families whose incomes are defined as low- (51 to 80 percent of area median) or very-low (50 percent and below of area median).\r\nKristina K. Williams, Chief Operating Officer, FHLBank Pittsburgh, discussed the impact of AHP in her home state, noting, \u201cIn West Virginia alone, AHP grants have totaled $13 million for 98 projects creating over 1,500 housing units.\u201d She also described how the Bank works with area lenders and community groups for job creation and community vitalization. \u201cWe are proud to partner with our member institutions and sponsoring organizations to fund these vital programs. It is rewarding to see that, together, we can make a difference in quality of life, jobs and a strong local economy.\u201d\r\nThe event also included a testimonial by the Cuchea family who lives in the Jerome Park Place project in Morgantown. The family thanked the donors and the Mon County Habitat for Humanity, and shared the enormous positive effect the grant has made in their lives.\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=116529bb-3461-43e4-9e4e-605d93de4ccf", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Protect and Improve the Health of West Virginia Families", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Protect and Improve the Health of West Virginia Families \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $1,191,254 in federal funding to protect and improve the health of women, children and families in West Virginia. The funding will be received by the West Virginia State Department of Health and Human Resource\u2019s Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health (OMCFH). The goal of the OMCFH is to establish partnerships with qualified health centers, physicians, local health departments and clinics to ensure all West Virginians have access to quality medical services.\u00a0\r\nIn addition to ensuring accessible, quality care, the OMCFH will use the funding for early intervention programs to identify newborns at risk of death or those who are suffering from developmental delays or complications. Mothers and children who are screened will receive the necessary medical care. The funding will also be used to support the Right from the Start Program, which provides comprehensive services to low-income women, children and infants from birth to age one, as well as the Parent Network Specialists System and Adolescent Health program, which both provide necessary support for families and children into adolescent years.\r\n\u201cMaking sure all West Virginia families have access to quality medical services is so important, especially our mothers and children who face health complications and require special health needs,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis grant will allow the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to provide our health centers and facilities across the state with the essential resources to care for at-risk mothers and their infants and children in need.\u201d\r\n\u201cThroughout my career, I have always supported programs aimed at giving kids a healthy start in life through access to quality prenatal care and children\u2019s health services,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cThis funding gives West Virginia the ability to keep up its maternal and child health services, which are critical to the overall health and well-being of our state\u2019s children.\u201d\r\nThe two-year funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program. This program serves 44 million American women and children and it is the only federal program that is solely dedicated to the health of women, children and families.\r\nFor more information on the West Virginia programs supported by the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, 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=7171adbe-047e-4948-a770-36e5d46604a3", "Manchin Welcomes New Partners to the \"I Hire Veterans\" Initiative", "2014-10-27", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 27, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Welcomes New Partners to the \"I Hire Veterans\" Initiative  \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 Textron, Verizon and Teach for America pledge their commitment to hiring veterans by joining the \"I Hire Veterans\" initiative\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 As co-founder of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced the addition of three new partners to the Caucus\u2019 \u201cI Hire Veterans\u201d initiative. Textron and Verizon Communications Inc. have joined as corporate partners and Teach for America has joined as an organizational partner. By joining as partners, Textron, Verizon and Teach for America signify that they are proud to make the commitment to hiring veterans or veterans\u2019 family members as employees.\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve always said, if you want to help a vet, hire a vet \u2013 and do business with the folks who hire vets,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am proud that the leaders at Textron, Verizon and Teach for America have made the decision to join our initiative, and I look forward to working with them, my colleagues in Congress and the organizations and companies across America who have committed to helping reduce our veterans\u2019 high unemployment rate.\u201d\r\nTo learn more about the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, please click here. \r\nMore information about the new partners is below:\r\nTextron's businesses span industries and continents, and their companies share discoveries and talent, combining all of their capabilities to achieve bigger, bolder, smarter and more advanced results. They believe that the skills and expertise of military veterans are invaluable and that the technical capability, teamwork and commitment of America\u2019s veterans will help them achieve the most advanced results. To learn more about Textron\u2019s rewarding career opportunities for veterans, please click here.\r\nVerizon Communications Inc. caters to military service members and veterans with personal and professional development programs, flexibility, a wide range of benefits and more. They also offer veterans the opportunity to work across a wide range of career areas so they can find a challenging yet rewarding career that best suits their interests and expertise. To learn more about the rewarding military career opportunities at Verizon, please click here.\r\nTeach for America launched the You Served For America, Now Teach For America initiative in 2012 to bring more veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in to the fight against educational inequity. This initiative aims to put the power of military veterans, military professionals transitioning out of active service, armed forces reservists and national guard personnel, and spouses of military professionals to work in our nation\u2019s highest-need schools. They believe that the students who attend these schools will benefit greatly from veterans\u2019 depth of experience, strength in leadership, and desire to continue to serve their country. To learn more about how to get involved with Teach for America, 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=69e6cca4-dbaf-473b-aab3-386b5f2a37ef", "Reason | The Cumberland Times-News", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2014\n\t\t\t Reason | The Cumberland Times-News \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tClimate change foes unite to seek solutions\r\nTwo U.S. Senators who are about as far apart philosophically as one can get on a particular subject began this week to find common ground on which to work together.  Both of them base their beliefs on personal experience. That they are willing to look for compromise is a breath of fresh air in a political arena that reeks with the smell of uncompromising ideologies.\r\n  That both of them are Democrats really doesn\u2019t matter.\r\n  Sen.?Joe Manchin represents West Virginia, a state where the coal industry is key to the economy. He has been pushing back against the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s targeting of coal-fired power plants on grounds it will cripple the state\u2019s fossil fuel industry.\r\n  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has seen the effect of climate change on his home state and has no intention of withdrawing his support for the EPA\u2019s targeting of coal-fired utilities.\r\n  Rather than simply continue to argue about it, they took a joint tour of West Virginia\u2019s coal and energy resources this week. Included were visits to coal-fired plants, a center where the U.S. Department of Energy is funding research into cleaner fossil fuel use and meetings with utility executives who discussed the effect of new federal regulations.\r\n  They began two weeks ago when Manchin went to Rhode Island to visit coastal locations to see the effects of beach erosion and talk to fishermen and scientists about the effect climate change has had.\r\n  Each acknowledges that the other man makes valid points. They agree that climate change is a problem and America isn\u2019t the only country that must address it. Both say technology must advance to enable cleaner burning of fossil fuels and that America will continue to rely on fossil fuels for years to come.\r\n  Manchin and Whitehouse continue to disagree on some\u00a0things, but are trying to understand why the other feels the way he does and to work together on finding solutions.\r\n  Isn\u2019t that refreshing?\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=07e67268-d43e-4c8a-be0b-342a790fa96b", "Changing Minds Concerning Coal | Wheeling Intelligencer", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2014\n\t\t\t Changing Minds Concerning Coal | Wheeling Intelligencer  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has a well-deserved reputation as a conciliator, eager and often able to make political opponents understand his positions and sometimes agree with them.\r\nHe may have taken on his toughest battle to date - persuading other senators the war on coal and affordable electricity is bad policy not just for West Virginia, but for the nation as a whole.\r\nTo that end, Manchin is showing a fellow senator, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., around our state this week. They will be visting facilities related to the coal industry.\r\nThat comes on the heels of a trip Manchin made to Rhode Island, where Whitehouse explained why many residents of his state are concerned about climate change.\r\nClimate change has become virtually a religion among too many Democrat leaders. It has become an effective political tool for them because it allows them to portray themselves as fighters against a looming global catastrophe.\r\nExcept that such is not the case, as Manchin understands. Proponents of drastic U.S. action to limit climate change are alarmists who hope voters will not see through the deception.\r\nManchin understands climate change should be viewed as a challenge. But he also realizes actions planned by President Barack Obama's administration - which aims for nothing less than the destruction of the domestic coal industry and shutting down virtually every coal-fired power plant in the United States - would be far more detrimental to Americans than coping with an increase in sea levels of a few millimeters.\r\nOne wonders how Rhode Island residents would react if told they could reduce their electric bills by 40 percent while affecting sea levels virtually not at all.\r\nThey could, by abandoning the natural gas-fired power plants the state relies on now and moving to coal-fired generation. The effect on global warming, even according to projections used by many climate change alarmists, would be almost unnoticeable.\r\nManchin's task, with Whitehouse and other senators, is to point out that coal can be used as a source of electricity in the United States without having the drastic effect on climate that the alarmists claim. That is \"settled science.\"\r\nAnd Manchin needs to convince other senators that instead of throwing away billions of dollars on unrealistic \"alternative energy\" such as wind and solar power, the nation should be putting more emphasis on clean coal technology.\r\nWhitehouse's reaction to his visit to West Virginia will be interesting. No doubt there will be no sea change - no pun intended - in his attitude toward coal.\r\nStill, efforts such as Manchin's cannot help but be productive. If they prompt Whitehouse and other senators to ask just a few more questions about whether climate change alarmism is good for Americans, they will be more than worth the effort.\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=bc2280a2-b6bb-4354-8508-0d1c3fefa79d", "Senator Manchin Hosts Tour of  WV Energy Facilities for Senator Whitehouse", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2014\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Hosts Tour of  WV Energy Facilities for Senator Whitehouse \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) hosted Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in West Virginia to continue their ongoing discussions about finding meaningful solutions to balancing our nation\u2019s energy needs with our environmental concerns. Senator Manchin emphasized the importance of developing new fossil fuel technology to continue producing affordable and reliable electricity, while steadily reducing carbon emissions and addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Senator Manchin toured several coastal areas of Rhode Island on October 10.\r\n\r\nDue to inclement weather, travel restraints required the day\u2019s agenda to be slightly readjusted. Senator Manchin and Senator Whitehouse toured the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to gather information about the facility\u2019s development of groundbreaking energy projects, including details on how to operationalize carbon capture and storage. Then, they traveled to Longview Power to learn about the advanced technologies at their coal-fired power plant. They also attended a briefing led by officials from Dominion Energy, American Electric Power and FirstEnergy to discuss the utility companies\u2019 actions to produce cleaner power from their coal facilities and the impact stricter environmental regulations have on their ability to ensure reliable and affordable electricity throughout the region and this country. Finally, they met with officials from PJM Interconnection to hear about the importance of reliability to our nation\u2019s electrical grid.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt has been a pleasure showing Senator Whitehouse a few of our innovative energy facilities in West Virginia and continuing our discussions about the importance of investing in innovative technologies that can produce clean power while also making sure Americans are guaranteed affordable, reliable electricity,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe agree that we must face the reality of climate change without delay, but we also agree that fossil fuels will be a vital part of our energy portfolio for decades to come. Working together, I hope that we can find that balance and show not only America, but the world, that we can look past our differences to better this planet now and for our future.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI thank Senator Manchin for hosting me in the Mountain State today and for showing me the innovative work being done here to minimize carbon pollution from fossil fuels,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse.\u00a0\u201cFrom improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy use to investing in technologies to capture and recycle carbon pollution, there is much we can do that will benefit both coastal states like Rhode Island and fossil-fuel-producing states like West Virginia. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Manchin on these issues.\u201d\r\n\r\nOnce Congress returns from its recess after the election season, Senators Manchin and Whitehouse will continue to work with the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure its available $8 billion in loan guarantees and $1.7 billion in available advanced fossil grants are used to invest in innovative technologies, including those that capture, utilize, and sequester carbon dioxide.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo view photos of Senators Manchin and Whitehouse\u2019s trip in West Virginia, please visit Senator Manchin\u2019s website 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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0778fbc9-539e-4224-aee8-48bd939dd03e", "Sen. Manchin Speaks on Government, Middle East, War on Coal in Berkeley Springs | In the Panhandle", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Sen. Manchin Speaks on Government, Middle East, War on Coal in Berkeley Springs | In the Panhandle \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBERKELEY SPRINGS, WV - Sen. Joseph Manchin, D-W.Va. made the rounds in the Eastern Panhandle on Wednesday and Thursday. Some of his stops were a town hall in Hardy County, Romney Senior Center in Romney, Martinsburg VA Medical Center, his new office in Martinsburg, and the Hedgesville Public Library.\u00a0 He made a stop in Berkeley Springs Thursday at the Country Inn for a congressional update luncheon hosted by the Berkeley Springs Chamber of Commerce.\r\nSen. Manchin talked a lot about what is wrong in Washington, and the disconnect of the elected officials with the people. He stressed a need for everyone of all political parties to work together. He looked around the room at the crowd that included local and state elected officials, state and federal candidates, volunteers in many community organizations, and business owners. The audience was a mixture of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. He recognized some by name and spoke about how he had worked with them at the state and federal levels for the greater good of the country, Morgan County, and West Virginia.\r\n\u201cWe never did put politics ahead of West Virginia. We might have differences and have fun with politics, but at the end of the day, it was all about Morgan County, the Town of Bath, West Virginia, and America. We rose above the politics. We\u2019re not seeing that cooperation in Washington.\u201d\r\nHe told them he asks young people if they vote or feel they have a stake in the running of the country.\r\n\u201cI tell them the Constitution says government of the people, by the people, for the people. Are they expecting the country to do for them without giving back? You have to give something back. When you get good people involved, good things happen. So, I\u2019m having town meetings, going around trying to get good people involved in the political process.\u201d\r\nHe said it\u2019s \u201cawful\u201d that money coming in to support congress is driving people apart. \u201cThe money supports bad behavior.\u201d\r\nTo some people\u2019s surprise, he announced he wants to introduce legislation to ban campaigning against any sitting congressperson regardless of political party.\r\nHe said, \u201cI\u2019m asked every day to campaign against a sitting official, or raise money to use against them just because they have an \u2018R\u2019 after their name. I will not do it. I will go to an open state with an open seat. They campaign against each other, and then they\u2019re expected to work together the next week. But I won\u2019t campaign against a sitting official.\u201d\r\nManchin proceeded to talk about a few key issues, like Ebola, the situation in Syria, taxes, and amnesty or immigration. He polled the audience to get their feelings on major issues.  He said he believes every port of entry should be checked to stop the spread of Ebola. He acknowledged it as a concern for those in the Eastern Panhandle due to the close proximity to Dulles International Airport and Washington, D.C.\r\nHe knew healthcare workers are worried and said, \u201cAll the hospitals have public dollars, so we have a lot to say in how we control it and protect the workers. The CDC should be much involved, and you\u2019ll see a rapid change.\r\nOn the topic of immigration or amnesty, he said a bipartisan bill was passed in the Senate. \u201cIt said if you came here illegally, you committed a crime. You must go to the government and get a number and be fined. You will go through a legalization process that takes about ten years.\r\nYou\u2019ll learn English and get a job. If you commit a crime, you are out of here. We have to shut our borders down and control them. It was balanced legislation, but everybody got scared and it became a political football. So many presidents tried to do something about immigration, and no one took it seriously.\u201d\r\nHe said the same legislation would revoke an employer\u2019s license for life if they employed an illegal immigrant.\r\nManchin added, \u201cYou won\u2019t see anything move on this legislation until after the election. My Republican friends are afraid of being accused of amnesty if they vote for it. They\u2019re scared. We have to put the politics aside for the country.\u201d\r\nMoving onto Syria and the Middle East, he said at one time he was for having troops in Syria, but not now. Even though Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Bashar al-Assad of Syria were barbaric dictators, he believes that part of the world doesn\u2019t understand any other type of leader, and the different factions won\u2019t work long with us before they turn against us or so-called allies. He wants to see more Saudi Arabian and Jordanian troops on the ground.\r\nHe said, \u201cWe\u2019ve been there 13 years, spent $2 trillion, and lost almost 7,000 Americans. We injured or maimed 55,000 more. We\u2019ve given our blood to liberty.\u201d\r\nHe said his friend Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, and he now have different views. \u201cI told him West Virginians aren\u2019t afraid of a good fight. WE like to fight to keep in practice if there isn\u2019t a big one. But, we\u2019re not insane.\u201d\r\nThe audience seemed split on whether to send ground troops to Syria.\r\nBriefly, he talked about the veteran\u2019s administration controversy and said he was glad it wasn\u2019t a problem in W.Va. He cited eight-day turnaround in Alaska of veteran concerns. \u201cThey don\u2019t have one V.A. hospital,\u201d he said. \u201cThey use public health centers. We want veterans to be able to use the most available healthcare center as quickly as possible. Those are democrats and republicans working together on those issues.\u201d  The number one problem in America he said was our finances. He said Republicans and Democrats are all at fault. The audience agreed the tax code must be simplified to make it fairer across the board with fewer loopholes, and tax breaks should be given to small businesses.  Manchin said, \u201cThe Bowles-Simpson plan was a bipartisan plan to fix it. I fought the President for not grabbing onto that.\u201d\r\nManchin cited the \u201creal war on coal.\u201d He disagrees with the President on his energy policy and said they\u2019ve had several conversations. When Pres. Obama was a state, then a U.S. senator and he was governor, he said they worked together on energy issues. But after Obama became president, Manchin said the dialogue shut down.\r\n\u201cI disagree with the President. The EPA is overreaching. Government should work with you, not against you. And about coal. . .coal will be used for 30 or 40 years whether you like it or not. We hear about the global climate, not the American climate. The U.S. burns less than one billion tons, but in this country they\u2019ve got you believing coal causes all the problems.\u00a0 They know if we stopped burning all the coal tomorrow, it wouldn\u2019t change the world climate two-tenths of one percent. So if the President is serious about fixing the global climate, let\u2019s look at a global fix. You don\u2019t need a carbon tax. You need a carbon fix.\u201d\r\nTopics of discussion during the Q and A were Manchin\u2019s keynote points, minimum wage laws, education, and conservation, among others.\u00a0 Some of those present raised their hands for a hike in the minimum wage. But, Manchin said it should be graduated, not raised to $10.10 overnight. And, there should be adjustments for age. He said he\u2019s working with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to find a middle ground with Republicans.\r\nDel. Daryl Cowles said when Manchin was governor, he was there to lead the congress or committees, spurring them on to fix things in contention. Cowles said he\u2019s not seeing that in Washington, referencing Pres. Obama.\r\nManchin said, \u201cI\u2019m not seeing good leadership on either side of the aisle, but you are right that good leadership starts at the top.\u201d\r\nOne person asked him his thoughts on the Common Core curriculum. He said he had to fight the school system in his own county for not testing the kids. He was told if they had perfect attendance, so everything was alright. He said, \u201cA bump on a log could have perfect attendance.\u201d  He said he believes in Jeb Bush\u2019s push of common Core and in testing children to see what they\u2019ve learned.\r\nManchin said he took a hit for believing in year-round school. But, he said he\u2019d been around the world, and seen how the kids in countries like China take frequent short breaks then \u201cgo right back at it\u201d and retain more of what they learned.\r\nAnn Beckley of the Morgan Arts Council complained about spotty cell coverage and problems with Frontier communications and internet service. She disliked having only one major provider of internet service. \u201cI was in rural Indonesia recently,\u201d she said, \u201cAnd I had perfect Wi-Fi and cell use. There\u2019s no competition here. What is Washington doing to encourage building infrastructure to upgrade wiring and equipment?\u201d\r\nManchin asked if everyone felt the same way, and the crowd roared. Others said the county was trying to solve the cell dead zones. Just before he left, he vowed to look into the problems with Internet and cell coverage.  \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    Tricia Strader", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=235959e1-779e-4ecd-8c6c-fa31cb82e6ec", "U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin tours Eastern Panhandle | Hagerstown Herald-Mail", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin tours Eastern Panhandle | Hagerstown Herald-Mail  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. \u2014\u00a0 Congress in gridlock, U.S. policy in the Mideast, the nation's energy policy, immigration and excessive prescription drugs handed to veterans were among the topics for discussion Thursday during U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin's tour of the Eastern Panhandle.  Manchin's first stop was a private morning meeting with veterans and staff in the Martinsburg VA Medical Center's Peer Support Group.\r\nThe support is provided by veterans of all ages who have regained independence with the community and mastery over their own recovery process, which can take months or more than a year.\r\nSeveral veterans told Manchin that some of their drug addiction problem stemmed from being overmedicated with prescription drugs over long periods.\r\nManchin said he has met veterans around the country who said they felt they had been overmedicated beginning while they were in the military.\r\n\"I was high for seven years,\" one veteran told Manchin.\r\nThe five veterans who met with the senator have successfully completed the peer support program.\u00a0 One said he would not be around without the program's intensive treatment.  \"Long-term programs like this one is the only way to go,\" Manchin said.\r\nAbout 70 people were gathered for lunch at the Country Inn in Berkeley Springs when Manchin came in.\r\nThe luncheon was sponsored by the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.  \"It's wrong that the Congress has become so divided,\" Manchin told the audience during a question and answer period.\r\n\"We're operating from the fringes from the extreme right and left,\" he said. \"All that money going into campaigns supports bad behavior.\r\n\"We have to start coming together or it won't work.\"\r\nHe recalled President John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech: \"Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.\"\r\n\u00a0\"Can you imagine hearing that speech today?\" Manchin asked.\r\n\"Insanity\" is how Manchin referred to any U.S. military attempts to eradicate ISIS in the Mideast.\r\n\"It cost nearly 7,000 American deaths and nearly $7 trillion\" trying to bring peace to the region, he said. \"We've given enough of our blood and treasure to change that part of the world. It's futile to go into Syria.\"\r\n\"Some say we should go in and wipe it (ISIS) out. Is Iraq any better off after we got Hussein, or Gadafhy in Libya?\" he asked. \"Sunnis won't fight Sunnis. Only the Kurds are willing to fight and die.\"\r\nManchin said the United States will stand strong against threats.\r\n\"If you want to kill each other go ahead. We're not going to interfere,\" he said. \"But If you plan to attack us, we will come and get you.\"\r\nHe said one plan being discussed calls for the U.S. to spend $500 million to train 5,000 Syrians.  \"That's $100,000 per person and we expect them to fight ISIS Sunnis,\" he said. \"If we give weapons to Syria sooner or later they will be used against us.\"\r\nManchin headed next to Hedgesville to participate in the official opening of that town's new library.\r\nHis last stop of the day was in Martinsburg, where he opened his new office at 261 Aikens Center off of Queen Street.  \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    Richard Belisle\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=bb586a4a-afea-4a56-9615-b82a4c6e9150", "Manchin: Take ownership of government | Martinsburg Journal", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin: Take ownership of government | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMARTINSBURG - The hardest thing Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., faces as a U.S. Senator is recruiting good West Virginians to serve, he told a packed room at an open house for his new offices in the Aikens Center off Edwin Miller Boulevard in Martinsburg.\r\n\"I'm worried about young people,\" he said, turning to a group of middle-schoolers, who were invited to the open house.\r\n\"This is your country - this is your government - you own it - people need to act like they own it,\" Manchin told the students. \"Government gets a bad wrap. It's your best partner if it works right. It's your worst nemesis if left unchecked.\"\r\nHis Eastern Panhandle regional offices moved in September from the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on West King Street in downtown Martinsburg to the third floor of 261 Aikens Center. That also is the home of Shepherd University Martinsburg Center. Manchin was joined by Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley.\r\n\"We wanted a warm and friendly and inviting place for our offices,\" Manchin said. \"Coming into the courthouse with the scanning was difficult for some people. And this is a natural fit - government and education.\"\r\nHe talked about growing up in the retail business and that is how he thinks of government.\r\n\"I believe in retail government,\" Manchin said. \"In retail, you live and die on the satisfaction of your customers. We're here for you. Public service is not self-service.\"\r\nManchin served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. He was elected secretary of state in 2000. He was elected governor in 2004 and re-elected governor in 2008.\r\nAfter U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., died in 2010, a special election was held in November to fill Byrd's unexpired term through 2012. Manchin won that election and was elected to a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate in 2012.\r\nManchin is obviously frustrated with the political situation in Congress.\r\n\"You can't politicize everything,\" he told the crowd Thursday. \"You can't be a Democrat every day. You can't be a Republican every day. You have to be an American every day. You have to be a West Virginian every day. Politics cannot drive our lives.\"\r\n- Staff writer John McVey can be reached at 304-263-3381, ext. 128.  \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    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=fa85dd08-055a-4692-8ca2-6f7af78a7c6c", "Apple Harvest Festival kicks off with annual Royal Gala | Martinsburg Journal", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Apple Harvest Festival kicks off with annual Royal Gala | Martinsburg Journal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLES TOWN - The Mountain State Harvest Festival kicked off another year of celebrating the Eastern Panhandle's agricultural history during the 35th annual Royal Gala on Thursday evening.\r\nHollywood Casino at Charles Town Races hosted the event and welcomed guests in surrounding communities together for a night of fellowship and commemoration.\r\nU.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., stopped by the gala to share some words about the significance of the MSAHF.\r\n\"Anytime we have these types of festivals in West Virginia, it brings out the best in West Virginia. It shows the culture of our area, of the Eastern Panhandle. A lot of people, even a lot of people in different parts of West Virginia, don't know that we have a tremendous apple harvest,\" Manchin said.\r\nWith the backdrop of New York City scenery and the constant flash of camera lights, it was no surprise that \"The Big Apple\" was this year's gala theme.\r\nYet, the gala remained true to the Mountain State, as guests toasted their glasses above apple-stuffed bouquets.\r\nIn fact, tradition was alive and well with long-standing participants eager to share the importance of the Royal Gala and its role within the annual MSAHF.\r\nLauren McKenzie Linton, last year's Queen Pomona XXXIV, said she was humbled to carry on the tradition with her court.\r\n\"I loved being able to promote the apple industry,\" Linton said.\r\n\"I've learned that it's not just one person's job, it's everyone's job,\" she said.\r\nLinton said one girl even referred to her as the \"Apple Lady\" during the promotion of the agricultural history throughout area schools.\r\nBut it wasn't just about being crowned Queen Pomona for Linton.\r\nLinton said she learned much about herself within the past year.\r\n\"When you wear a crown, you have to remember that everyone is watching and counting on you. You become a role model,\" Linton said.\r\nLinton passed the crown on to this year's new Queen Pomona XXXV, Madison Paige Smallwood, during the annual celebration.\r\nNo stranger to knowing the responsibilities that come along with being Queen Pomona, Smallwood said she has had her eye on the crown since the sixth grade when she was a maid on the court.\r\n\"Since then it has been my goal. ... This is such a great honor and I'm so humbled,\" Smallwood said.\r\nIn the race for the crown, Smallwood studied the history of the local agriculture and its importance within the Eastern Panhandle.\r\nHowever, Smallwood was the not the only member of her family to participate in the annual MSAHF.\r\nSmallwood's mother, Christal, said the yearly festival has been a family tradition for years.\r\n\"My grandmother was involved in making the first quilt,\" Christal said.\r\nSince then, Christal said her family has worked hard to become participants in the annual festival.\r\nEvents for the MSAHF will continue throughout the weekend. More information about the festival, including a schedule of events, is available at www.msahf.com.\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    Chelsea DeMello\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=86fa442b-9716-4620-b09a-baef114e0a4e", "Byrd inspires current members of Congress to curb presidential power | Charleston Gazette", "2014-10-14", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2014\n\t\t\t Byrd inspires current members of Congress to curb presidential power | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA lifelong defender of the \u201cseparation of powers\u201d between the three branches of American government, the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd believed the Senate had to stop any president from usurping its role in determining policies \u2014 especially policies leading to military invasions and wars.\r\n\u201cEvery West Virginian who has paid attention to the political process over the last half century knows that, if you violated the Constitution, you would have the wrath of Robert Byrd,\u201d said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who now holds the seat that was Byrd\u2019s between 1959 and 2010.\r\nBetween 1993 and 2000, Byrd vigorously opposed some of President Bill Clinton\u2019s key political goals, among them the \u201cline-item veto,\u201d which would allow presidents to strike out any line from any legislation Congress passed. Byrd won that fight against his fellow Democrat.\r\nIn 2002, Byrd opposed the Iraq war resolution backed by President George W. Bush. Byrd believed that resolution, which passed the Senate 77-23, unconstitutionally shifted more power away from Congress.\r\nNow, some members of Congress believe President Obama is misusing authority that was granted to Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorist attacks to go after militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (the group also known as ISIS or Islamic State).\r\n\u201cI have more admiration for Senator Byrd today than I had when he was in the Senate, now that I am sitting here myself,\u201d Manchin said last week.\r\nWith one dissenter, Congress passed the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force three days after the al-Qaida attacks. It authorized Bush and subsequent presidents to use \u201cnecessary and appropriate\u201d force against anyone involved in the attacks.\r\n\u201cI believe we need to come back and repeal that,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nWhite House officials have said the Obama administration\u2019s legal reasoning for military action against ISIL stems from the 2001 authorization from Congress.\r\n\u201cUnder George Bush\u2019s AUMF, the White House thinks they have all the approval they need from Congress. I believe that is wrong,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cByrd would be standing with 10 feet of constitutional books arguing against this.\u201d\r\nOther members of the Senate feel the same. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. and longtime supporter of Obama, had \u201ca spirited discussion\u201d with him earlier this year about the need to get congressional approval before going to war against ISIL, The New York Times reported last week.\r\n\u201cSenator Tim Kaine is adamant that the president needs to come back to Congress to get reauthorization,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI truly believe the president needs to make his case to get involved in Syria, before getting involved in a civil war that could last for years.\u201d\r\nAsked if he believes the president needs congressional authority for his actions against ISIL, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., emphasized the dangers posed by the group.\r\n\u201cISIL is a cowardly but dangerous enemy, a practitioner of heinous acts of brutality. The group poses a very real threat, not only to U.S. personnel and facilities in the region, but also to the stability of the Middle East as a whole. If ISIL goes unchecked, they have the potential to launch attacks directly at the United States. Their campaign of terror must end,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cWith that goal in mind, the president has begun to take steps to degrade ISIL through powerful airstrikes. However, those airstrikes alone will not be sufficient to truly destroy ISIL, and this will not be a quick or easy operation. These realities will force many hard decisions in the months ahead.\u201d\r\nRep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., has served in the House of Representatives for nearly 40 years, and often cites Byrd as his mentor and primary influence.\r\n\u201cSenator Byrd taught us to look to the Constitution in times of war. He taught us that open and transparent debates would keep our nation true to its values and principles,\u201d said Rahall, who voted for the 2001 AUMF after the al-Qaida attacks but against the 2002 Iraq war resolution giving Bush increased powers to wage war.\r\nRockefeller voted for the 2001 AUMF and the 2002 Iraq war resolution. He called the 2002 vote \u201cone of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my [then] 18 years in the Senate.\u201d\r\nDavid Corbin, a Byrd biographer and member of the senator\u2019s staff for 26 years, said, \u201cByrd was a firm believer in Congress as part of the three branches of power. Congress was equal to the president.\r\n\u201cBefore you commit combat troops on the ground, it should be subjected to congressional oversight. Byrd was a firm believer that only Congress has the right to declare war,\u201d Corbin said.\r\nIn February 2003, Byrd delivered a moving speech criticizing the Senate for failing to block the shift of war powers to the president.\r\n\u201cThere is no debate, no discussion, no attempt to lay out for the nation the pros and cons of this particular war,\u201d Byrd said. \u201cWe stand passively mute in the United States Senate, paralyzed by our own uncertainty, seemingly stunned by the sheer turmoil of events.\u201d\r\nCorbin wrote, \u201cTo Byrd, Bush was attempting to disrupt, if not destroy, the system of checks and balances that America\u2019s founding fathers established.\u201d\r\nByrd and Obama became friends after Obama joined the Senate in 2004, and Obama headlined the West Virginia Democratic Party\u2019s annual fundraiser in 2006, during Byrd\u2019s last re-election campaign. However, less than a month after Obama took office, Byrd criticized his decision to appoint administrative \u201cczars\u201d who did not have to win Senate approval to oversee federal agencies.\r\nRahall said he believes Congress will have an opportunity to examine part of the president\u2019s Middle East strategy \u2014 the training and arming of Syrian rebels \u2014 soon.\r\nThe House resolution granting Obama the authority to train Syrian rebels expires in December, Rahall said, giving \u201cCongress and the American people another opportunity to take a look at the situation.\u201d\r\nManchin said. \u201cI can only imagine if Robert C. Byrd were still here and what we would hear from him. I was one of the few Democrats who said I do not think we should be arming and training people who we don\u2019t know what side of the fence they will be on. The weapons we give them will be used against us, sooner or later.\r\n\u201cLeaders have been warned for centuries that this is an area, because of deep sectarian and religious differences, that will not be changed in a reasonable manner or through force.\r\n\u201cThey want to drag us into another civil war in Syria. Bashar al-Assad is a barbarian dictator who has committed genocide on his own people. In that part of the world, Saddam Hussein did the same in Iraq, as did Moammar Kadafi in Libya.\u201d\r\nHighly critical of Assad, Manchin expressed frustration that the United States has received no commitments for help from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey or the United Arab Emirates.\r\n\u201cRobert C. Byrd would say. \u2018When it comes time to be using our resources and our military might in a war, you need the approval of Congress,\u2019\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThat is where I stand and that is where Robert C. Byrd would be.\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    Paul Nyden", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2986adc8-c6a0-43bb-ac5c-f05b812ddb5c", "Manchin Statement on the Passing of Oce Smith", "2014-10-14", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on the Passing of Oce Smith \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 passing of Oce Smith, former Sergeant-At-Arms for the West Virginia House of Delegates.\r\n\u201cOce Smith was a trusted, dear friend not only to me, but to all who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout his four and a half decades of public service. Oce became a life-long friend to all members of the House of Delegates and he will truly be missed throughout West Virginia. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.\u201d\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=46a6cf89-609e-4a44-911e-316367af2cd3", "Senator Manchin Visits Rhode Island to Tour Coastal Areas and Discuss Climate Policy", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Senator Manchin Visits Rhode Island to Tour Coastal Areas and Discuss Climate Policy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) traveled to coastal areas of Rhode Island with his colleague, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), to learn more about the effects climate change has on the Rhode Island shoreline. The trip was planned as a part of the Senators\u2019 ongoing discussions about the need for meaningful conversations that lead to real solutions on combatting the adverse effects of climate change while also developing the technology necessary to produce affordable and reliable electricity that meets our nation\u2019s growing energy needs.\u00a0\r\nSenators Manchin and Whitehouse visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tide Gauge in Newport, where the rise in sea-level has been measured for decades; toured BioProcess Algae, a local business that coverts carbon pollution into products such as animal feed and biodiesel; participated in a fish trawl survey on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management\u2019s research vessel; met with representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing community to learn about how changes in ocean conditions affect fish populations; and attended a climate change briefing by local experts from the University of Rhode Island\u2019s (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that Senator Whitehouse and I have continued these important discussions about how we can establish an all-of-the-above energy policy that acknowledges the reality of climate change, while also understanding that fossil fuels \u2013 including coal \u2013 will be a vital part of our energy mix for decades to come,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIt has been a pleasure to travel around Rhode Island\u2019s beautiful coastline and meet with the great people of Rhode Island today. Working together, I hope that we can find that balance and show not only America, but the world, that we can look past our differences to better this planet now and for future generations.\u201d\r\n\u201cAmerica is still a beacon to the world, because we have the ability to work through disagreements to common ground, on a shared platform of fact,\u201d Whitehouse said. \u201cWith the commitment of serious leaders like Sen. Manchin, I am confident that we can move forward on this issue in a way that preserves the economy and quality of life in West Virginia, in Rhode Island, and for all Americans. I thank him for joining me today in Rhode Island and I look forward to visiting West Virginia.\"\r\nSenator Whitehouse will travel to West Virginia on October 22. Details of the upcoming trip will be available soon.\r\nSenators Manchin and Whitehouse have also agreed to work on legislation to ensure that the Department of Energy\u2019s available $8 billion in loan guarantees and $1.7 billion in available advanced fossil grants are used to invest in innovative technologies, including clean coal and natural gas technologies, to guarantee our energy supply remains accessible, affordable and reliable for all Americans.\r\nTo view photos of Senator Manchin\u2019s trip to Rhode Island, please visit his website 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=db506936-7e9d-46ef-9b6d-73b39630d06d", "Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 07, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTop youth volunteers will receive a cash prize, engraved medallions and a trip to Washington, D.C. for the national recognition events\r\nApplication deadline is November 4\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today encouraged West Virginia students in grades 5-12 who have been involved in volunteer community service to apply for the 20th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. The program will present awards to recognize the students\u2019 dedication and contributions to their community on the local, state and national level. Students chosen to be state honorees will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C. on May 2-5, 2015 for the national recognition events. The application deadline is November 4.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI have always said that West Virginians of all ages understand the importance of serving the community and helping their neighbors,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThere are so many young West Virginians across our state who are making a difference by helping others, and I encourage them to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Awards Program. This is a unique opportunity for our youth volunteers to be recognized and rewarded for their outstanding contributions to their communities.\u201d\r\nTo apply, students must submit an online application and have it certified by their school principals, the Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate.\r\nThe Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program recognizes middle and high school students annually for their volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 and has recognized over 100,000 students since, making it is the nations\u2019 largest youth recognition program. It is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).\r\nFor an informational flyer on the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, please click here.\r\nTo apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, please click here. Paper application forms can be requested by calling 877-525-8491.\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=0f194cb7-7a6f-4321-a019-0fac262f3830", "Giving them a warm welcome | Times West Virginian", "2014-10-06", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 06, 2014\n\t\t\t Giving them a warm welcome | Times West Virginian \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFAIRMONT \u2014 Today, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin welcomed 46 senior business executives from Japan to the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport during part of the executives\u2019 10-day nationwide tour.  But there\u2019s a reason the executives decided to stop in West Virginia. The relationship between Japan and West Virginia was started many years ago thanks to Sen. Rockefeller, who said Japan was a passion of both his mother and father\u2019s, who visited Japan each year for the last 30 years of their lives.\r\nWhen Rockefeller became governor of West Virginia, he developed a desire for the state to have a close relationship with Japan. He insisted working with Nagoya, Japan, because that\u2019s where business was taking place.\r\nHe knew the task wouldn\u2019t be easy, but Rockefeller refused to back down from a challenge.\r\n  In 1989, a trade office began between Japan and West Virginia, and ever since then the relationship has been beneficial to both West Virginia and Japan\u2019s economies.  There are 20 Japanese companies in West Virginia that support 2,500 employees. Perhaps the most well-known company that has come to West Virginia through this partnership is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, which came to West Virginia in 1996 when it built its main headquarters in Buffalo.\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    Angelee Wiley\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=bbf84cc5-4364-4afc-9a94-5bd0430cd982", "New Coast Guard facility opens in Jefferson | Shepherdstown Chronicle", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 03, 2014\n\t\t\t New Coast Guard facility opens in Jefferson | Shepherdstown Chronicle  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tJefferson County became the official home to the Coast Guard Operation Center as officials gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kearneysville. Among the dignitaries present were Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who both praised the Coast Guard for their service and touted the advantages for both the USCG and West Virginia and Jefferson County's economic development.\r\nThe new facility, located in the Burr Business Park is a 40,000 square foot building that has helped the USCG combine three facilities into two. At a cost of approximately $13 million to construct, the center currently houses 292 employees and will top 300 government and contact employees at capacity.\r\nThomas Michelli, Deputy Assistant Commander for C4IT and Deputy Chief Information Office, USCG, addressed spectators at Monday's ceremony explaining that the new location is the preliminary data center for the Coast Guard. The functions of those employed there will enhance the effectiveness of the Coast Guard as a whole, he said.\r\n\"We look forward to delivering more for the nation at this facility,\" Michelli said.\r\nManchin commended the Coast Guard for seeing the potential of locating in the Eastern Panhandle.\r\n\"The Coast Guard has seen the value of locating here, the quality of life, the economy, the proximity to D.C. And the cost effectiveness. It speaks volumes to have this expansion here,\" Manchin said.\r\nManchin went on to say that it is the role of every citizen to support America's service personnel despite their opinions on policy. '\r\n\"Our support of military personnel goes unquestioned,\" he said as he commended the Coast Guard for their work in the first line defense of the nation.\r\nCapito echoed those sentiments as she talked of the highly skilled technical jobs now housed in this new business location in Jefferson County. The Congresswoman commented on the potential partnership between Shepherd University and the potential for college graduates to gain employment in the skilled workforce.\r\n\"This bodes will for things in the future,\" Capito sai.d \"Jobs will grow here.\"\r\nJefferson County Development Authority Director John Reisenweber explained that the project was put on the fast track within the county's planning offices. August 2013 saw the closing on the land and the building was finished in April of this year, he said. He went on to say that the expansion of the OSC center will add to the needed technological support the OSC provides to USCG operations as a whole.\r\n\"We are so pleased to have them here in Jefferson County,\" Reisenweber said.\r\nIn addition to Manchin and Capito, greetings were presented from the offices of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, neither of whom were able to attend Monday's event.  \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    Toni Milbourne\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=9aa006af-7cab-4c33-8aec-e371490e6c4d", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $600,000 for Critical Water Infrastructure Project", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 02, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $600,000 for Critical Water Infrastructure Project  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding will help provide a safe and reliable new water source for 23 new households in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties and for the students and staff at the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center\r\nWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that a total of $600,000 has been awarded to the Gilmer County Public Service District (PSD) for the Route 5 and Hattie Road Water System Extension Project. By installing 20,800 feet of new waterline to the existing system along West Virginia Route 5 and Hattie Road, the project aims to provide 23 new households in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties with a safe and reliable new water supply. The new waterline will also provide water service to the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center.\r\n\u201cHaving access to safe and reliable water is critical to the wellbeing of our residents and the prosperity of our businesses, schools and economy,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cBy extending the water line system in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties, this project will help enhance the quality of life in the community, guarantee improved water service to West Virginia families and promote success and development at the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis project is great news for Calhoun and Gilmer County \u2013 not only will this funding improve the well-being of residents, it will also stimulate the local economy,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cClean water is a vital to the health and safety of our communities and installing new water line will go a long way in making sure West Virginians get the clean water they deserve.\u201d\r\nThe $600,000 in funding includes a $390,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC), $160,000 in funds from West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council and $50,000 in local funds.\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=88419685-39f0-433f-a47f-e92f84481f8a", "Manchin Congratulates West Virginias 2014 National Blue Ribbon Honor Schools", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 30, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Congratulates West Virginia\u2019s 2014 National Blue Ribbon Honor Schools \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tC. W. Shipley Elementary School in Harpers Ferry and Woodsdale Elementary School in Wheeling have been recognized nationally for high levels of achievement among students at all levels\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin congratulated C.W. Shipley Elementary School in Harpers Ferry and Woodsdale Elementary School in Wheeling for being recognized as West Virginia\u2019s National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 based on overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among students.\r\n\u201cThe students, teachers and families at C.W. Shipley and Woodsdale Elementary Schools have demonstrated their commitment to making sure that all students are achieving academic excellence at the highest level, and therefore have earned this esteemed Blue Ribbon honor,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAt every school across West Virginia, it is crucial that we create an educational environment where our kids are engaged, challenged and given the opportunity to be the best they can possibly be. These two schools have proven to exceed these expectations, and I am proud of their successful efforts to give our young students the necessary support so that they can truly excel and shine. I thank the communities at C.W. Shipley and Woodsdale Elementary for their leadership and dedication to excellence, and I congratulate then on receiving this award.\u201d\r\nAt the invitation of U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, two representatives from each of the 337 schools selected nationwide are invited to Washington, D.C. for the Recognition Ceremony on November 10th and 11th.\u00a0 At the ceremony, each school will receive a National Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards and/or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education selects and celebrates the chosen schools. More than 7,500 schools across the country have been presented with this award.\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=b80e58ef-58e1-4230-b40b-9a73b0ea0574", "Manchin Applauds Additional Law Enforcement Resources to Fight Drug Trafficking and Abuse in West Virginia", "2014-09-29", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 29, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Applauds Additional Law Enforcement Resources to Fight Drug Trafficking and Abuse in West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAt Manchin\u2019s urging, Berkeley County and Harrison County have been designated as critical drug-trafficking regions\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 At the strong urging of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announced today that both Berkeley County and Harrison County have been designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA).\u00a0 These counties will receive additional federal resources to address the influx of drugs and reduce drug abuse.\r\nBerkeley and Harrison will join the 17 counties in West Virginia that are currently designated as HIDTAs: Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Hancock, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Ohio, Putnam, Raleigh, Wayne and Wyoming.\r\n\u201cThe health and safety of our families and communities in West Virginia depend on ending the drug abuse epidemic,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cNot only must we continue to combat our destructive prescription drug problem, but we also must face the growing number of meth labs, heroin overdoses and drug trafficking cases. I will continue to do everything in my power to aggressively curb these trends in our state, and that includes making sure our law enforcement officers in high risk communities have the necessary federal resources to address drug trafficking and abuse. I have every assurance that our local law enforcement officials who are on the frontlines of this fight in Berkeley and Harrison will put these resources to good use.\u201d\r\nIn urging the ONDCP to designate Berkeley County and Harrison County as HIDTAs, Senator Manchin cited the state\u2019s high drug overdose rate, improper prescribing practices and increased access to heroin. Berkeley County had the highest number of heroin overdose deaths in the state, resulting in 36 deaths between 2007 and 2012. Harrison County\u2019s overdose death rate is 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people, which far exceeds the national average of 13 deaths per 100,000 people.\r\nSenator Manchin also emphasized the geographical location of these counties in his request for additional HIDTA resources. He noted that heroin dealers from Baltimore feel comfortable dealing in our Eastern Panhandle counties, and dealers from Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh view North Central, West Virginia as an opportunity to exploit the people of our great state. Senator Manchin believes that our drug task forces need HITDA funds in order to address the influx of drugs from these surrounding metropolitan areas.\r\nThe HIDTA program currently funds 681 initiatives nationwide, in the areas of enforcement and prosecution, intelligence and information sharing, and drug use prevention and treatment. There are 28 regional HIDTAs coordinating these efforts. Berkeley County is part of the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA and Harrison County falls within the Appalachian HIDTA office.\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=f48d5bab-0b5a-4f6e-96ca-4202413f73a8", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $569,000 to Support Law Enforcement Jobs in WV", "2014-09-29", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 29, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $569,000 to Support Law Enforcement Jobs in WV \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced a total of $569,569 for West Virginia law enforcement agencies through the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) to create and preserve law enforcement jobs. The funding will support the hiring or rehiring of law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacities and crime prevention efforts.  \u00a0   \u201cIt is critical that our law enforcement agencies in West Virginia have the necessary resources to keep our communities safe, and that begins with having a sufficient force,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe are so grateful for the sacrifices our law enforcement community makes every day to protect our families, and I am pleased that these funds will directly support the jobs of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u201cCreating and preserving jobs for police officers is good news for communities throughout West Virginia,\u201d Senator Rockefeller said. \u201cI am a longtime supporter of the COPS program because West Virginia families deserve to live in safe neighborhoods and these grants go far toward achieving that goal. I am pleased to see that the cities of Dunbar, Fairmont, Spencer, and Vienna are receiving this funding.\u201d\r\nThe individual awards are:\r\nThe City of Fairmont\u2014$250,000  The City of Vienna\u2014$125,000  The Dunbar Police Department\u2014$121,905  The City of Spencer\u2014$72,664\u00a0\r\nThe FY2014 CHP grants will provide75 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time positions or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date. Priority was given to agencies that requested support to hire school resource officers, build trust between the police force and its community, hire military veterans, focus on homicide or gun violence, designate an area as a Promise Zone to enhance economic development, or assist an area that experienced an unanticipated catastrophic event.\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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=e36b3cd5-946d-4631-a42b-b07443a87005", "Land Trust celebrates acquisition of Gauley River tract | Charleston Gazette", "2014-09-28", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 28, 2014\n\t\t\t Land Trust celebrates acquisition of Gauley River tract | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tKESSLER\u2019S CROSS LANES \u2014 On a hike down the Pierson Hollow Trail on Friday, Ashton Berdine pointed out three species of ferns, a cluster of towering, 300-plus-year-old hemlocks and three trail-traversing copperheads.\r\nBerdine, the lands program manager for the West Virginia Land Trust, was leading a group of hikers into the Trust\u2019s most recent acquisition \u2014 a 665-acre tract of Gauley River canyonland wedged between the state-managed Civil War battlefield and the federally owned Gauley River National Recreation Area. As trail began to descend steeply into Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, the roar of the Gauley River rapids filled the air, and the trail passed into the newly-acquired tract. Soon, the Gauley came into view just as a series of rafters and kayakers drifted silently past headed toward the notorious Pillow Rock Rapids, just around the bend.\r\n\u201cThe Gauley River Canyon is one of those iconic places we try hard to preserve,\u201d Berdine said. In addition to thundering whitewater and tall timber, the newly purchased land \u2014 which will eventually be added to the Gauley River National Recreation Area \u2014 is home to endangered Indiana and Virginia big-eared bats and seldom-seen eastern hellbender salamanders, which can reach two feet in length and weigh up to five pounds.\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s a unique river scour zone along the shores where certain plants, like the federally threatened Virginia spiraea, are known to grow,\u201d Berdine said.\r\nThe new Land Trust acquisition stretches in a narrow band to include nearly six miles of shoreline. It is mostly on the river right, or Carnifex Ferry side of the Gauley, but also encompasses both walls of the canyon downstream from Pillow Rock.\r\nBerdine said National Park Service officials consider purchases of such Gauley River National Recreation Area inholdings to be one of the agency\u2019s top priorities east of the Mississippi.\r\n\u201cThis place gives people a sense of remoteness and wildness,\u201d said Trish Kicklighter, superintendent of the New River Gorge National River. \u201cIt is also globally significant, because it will be part of one of the only unfragmented forests in this part of the world.\u201d\r\nIn addition to providing unbroken habitat for animals living in the park today, \u201cAs climate changes occur, animals will have a place to migrate through,\u201d she said.\r\nKicklighter was among speakers taking part in a program celebrating the purchase of the tract and its eventual transfer to the National Park Service. Nearly 100 people took part in the event, held at a viewpoint at Carnifex Ferry overlooking the canyon.\r\nAlso speaking was Summersville businessman Bill Bright, who had once planned to build a development, \u201cThe Retreat at Carnifex Ferry\u201d on the tract.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m now glad to keep the land undeveloped and unspoiled for future generations of West Virginians,\u201d Bright told the crowd.\r\n\u201cA visit to this place is priceless,\u201d said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. \u201cIt\u2019s a place you\u2019ll want to share with family and friends for generations to come.\u201d\r\nManchin said he was more accustomed to viewing the stretch of the Upper Gauley now protected by the Land Trust, from a whitewater raft, \u201cand sometimes from the river itself\u201d after being knocked out of the boat.\r\nAs many as 60,000 paddlers pass through the stretch of river every year.\r\nManchin then recalled the effort made by Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., to get bipartisan Congressional approval to create the New River Gorge National River and the Gauley River Recreation Area during the Reagan administration, a feat he said was unlikely to happen in today\u2019s era of Congressional contention.\r\n\u201cI had to work across party lines and ask Republicans to support my legislation, and make the calls that needed to be made, and they did what I asked for,\u201d Rahall said. \u201cIt\u2019s that type of across-the-aisle cooperation we need today.\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    Rick Steelhammer\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=7630d47e-9225-42d0-abc5-fcec97dbd550", "Manchin Talks With WVSU Students About Foreign Policy | WCHS Online", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Talks With WVSU Students About Foreign Policy | WCHS Online \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tUnited States Senator Joe Manchin talks to West Virginia State University students and their professors about America's conflict with middle eastern terrorists.\r\nManchin supports air strikes to cripple ISIS training and weapons areas, but he strongly opposes sending American troops back to the region to engage the extremists on the ground, or train and equip Syrian rebels.\r\nStudents say hearing his up-to-the minute message on foreign policy was very educational.  \"The text has to be so very general,\" Matthew LaGrange from Charleston said. \"Obviously, there was no ISIL or ISIS when they wrote the text. So, we have to discuss in generalities what congress does, what senators do, representatives do. In this case its better than CNN because I can ask him whatever.\"\r\nIn addition to lecturing, Manchin took questions from the students. He wanted to gauge their feelings on U-S military involvement in the middle east and how the country should move forward in the region.\r\n\"It reaffirmed the things that I've thought,\" Manchin said. \"In West Virginia that they don't believe we should be arming, or we should be training or have a presence, a western presence in that part of the world. We tried it, didn't work, unless the people that live there, the Arab and Muslim world want to clean up their neighborhood.\"  \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    Kennie Bass\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=f080b98e-8674-4043-85df-4c4f2c54cd9e", "Manchin, Rockefeller Announce More Than $5 Million for Health Centers Across West Virginia", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller Announce More Than $5 Million for Health Centers Across West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Health Care,\u00a0today announced more than $5,044,000 in federal grant funding for sixteen community health centers in West Virginia to continue operations and improve preventive care.\r\n\u201cImproving the quality, affordability and accessibility of healthcare resources is critical for the people of West Virginia, especially our children, seniors, veterans and those living in our rural communities,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will help facilities all across our great state provide the best possible preventive care, treatment and health services to residents.\u201d \u201cCommunity health centers across our state serve some of our most rural areas making them a critical access point for care,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cFederal funding supports these centers in their mission to keep West Virginians healthy. I\u2019m so pleased to see several centers receive this funding for their preventive and primary health care services.\u201d\u00a0  \u00a0\u00a0  The Health Center Cluster grant is a competitive grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide financial assistance to community health centers that offer comprehensive primary and preventive health care services to underserved or rural areas.  \u00a0  The individual award amounts are:  \u00a0  \u2022\u00a0$208,052 \u2013 Belington Community Medical Services Association \u2013 Belington, W.Va.   \u2022\u00a0$230,032 \u2013 Cabin Creek Health Center \u2013 Cabin Creek, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$212,000 \u2013 CHANGE \u2013 Weirton, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$254,970 \u2013 Community Care of West Virginia \u2013 Rock Cave, W.Va.   \u2022\u00a0$219,202 \u2013 E.A. Hawse Health Center \u2013 Baker, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$1,368,630 \u2013 Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center \u2013 Grantsville, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$214, 398 \u2013 Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers \u2013 Fairmont, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$202,406 \u2013 Pendleton Community Care \u2013 Franklin, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$214,014 \u2013 Preston-Taylor Community Health Centers \u2013 Grafton, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$212,482 \u2013 Ritchie County Primary Care Associates \u2013 Harrisville, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$204,362 \u2013 Roane County Family Health Care \u2013 Spencer, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$283,998 \u2013 Shenandoah Valley Medical Systems \u2013 Martinsburg, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$198,026 \u2013 St. George Medical Clinic \u2013 St. George, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$209,848 \u2013 Valley Health Care \u2013 Mill Creek, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$550,205 \u2013 Wirt County Health Services Association \u2013 Elizabeth, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$265,316 \u2013 Womencare \u2013 Scott Depot, W.Va.  \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=364e6880-a664-4c41-b1f7-8452e5f517e9", "Manchin Urges West Virginians to Participate in National Drug Take-Back Day", "2014-09-24", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 24, 2014\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 Ninth National Drug Take-Back Day is an opportunity to help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and increase awareness of this critical public health epidemic\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today urged West Virginians to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA) ninth National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drug Take-Back Day is an opportunity for the public to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by disposing of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Participants must simply deliver the prescription medications to one of the more than 130 certified drop-off locations around the state, where local law enforcement officials will then anonymously collect the medications with no questions asked.\u00a0\r\n\u201cPrescription drug abuse continues to proliferate in our state and across our nation, and it is important that we all work together with local, state, and federal leaders as well as law enforcement to help overcome this epidemic. Drug Take-Back Day is a simple and common sense initiative we can all rally around to combat drug abuse. It is an outstanding opportunity for neighbors and families to protect themselves from the harmful effects of prescription drugs and the possibility of drug-related break-ins, while also raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. I am encouraged by the efforts of the DEA, state law enforcement, and the many community contributors who make Drug Take-Back Day successful year after year, and I hope all West Virginians will participate this Saturday.\u201d\r\nDuring last April\u2019s Drug Take-Back Day, Americans turned in more than 780,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites.\u00a0 When those results are combined with what was collected in its previous Take-Back events over the past four years, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.1 million pounds\u2014more than 2,100 tons\u2014of pills.\u00a0\r\nOn September 8th, DEA finalized rules for the safe and secure disposal of prescription drugs, as required under the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010. According to the DEA, the regulations outline processes to transfer unused or unwanted pharmaceutical controlled substances to authorized collectors for the purpose of disposal. The new rules also permit long-term-care facilities to do the same on behalf of residents or former residents of their facilities. The new rules will take effect on October 9.\r\nTo find a certified drop-off location in your area, please 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\nNational Drug Take Back Days: Senator Manchin has encouraged West Virginians to participate in the DEA\u2019s Drug Take-Back Day events, in which local law enforcement officials anonymously collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications at locations around the state with no questions asked. The DEA has hosted eight events since September 2010 and have scheduled a ninth event at the end of this month.\r\nHydrocodone Rescheduling: On August 21, 2014, after fighting to reschedule hydrocodone-combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance for more than two years through proposed legislation and correspondence and meetings with FDA, HHS, and DEA officials, Senator Manchin applauded the DEA\u2019s announcement that these highly addictive painkillers were officially reclassified.\r\nBanning Zohydro: Senator Manchin sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to overturn the Federal Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) approval of the powerful and highly addictive opioid drug, Zohydro Extended Release (ER). Senator Manchin expressed his concerns with the FDA\u2019s approval process given that the FDA\u2019s own expert advisory panel voted against the approval of the painkiller by a vote of 11-2 and health experts repeatedly warned of the its potential to increase prescription drug abuse. In March, Senator Manchin introduced legislation to ban the dangerous painkiller from the market.\r\nServicemembers 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\nPrescription 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\nExpanding 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\nFunding 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\nFunding 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\nSupport 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\nSupport 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b1464d39-5a9d-4ac1-884d-2ef84d59e88a", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Applaud Reopening of Greenbrier County Community Based Outpatient Clinic", "2014-09-23", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 23, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Applaud Reopening of Greenbrier County Community Based Outpatient Clinic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, Representative Nick Rahall and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller issued the following statement on the announcement that the Veterans Affairs Greenbrier County Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Maxwelton will reopen today.\r\n\u201cI am so pleased that the Greenbrier County CBOC has reopened its doors to our veterans today,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe nearly 2,000 veterans from Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas and Summers counties can once again have access to the medical care and services they need without having to travel long distances to other locations. Our vets deserve the best available treatment and care without facing unnecessary barriers, and reopening the CBOC will help ensure those services are accessible to our veterans more conveniently.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe reopening of the Greenbrier clinic is welcome news and I appreciate VA officials responding to my repeated inquiries on the matter,\u201d Rep. Rahall said. \u201cI will continue to work closely with VA officials to help ensure our clinics have the resources they need to provide quality and timely care for our veterans in a safe environment.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur veterans have given so much for our country, so we must make sure they have access to the health care and services they earned,\u201d said Senator Rockefeller, the longest serving member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cOur VA clinics are a critical access point for veterans, especially in rural areas, which is why I worked so hard in 1996 to pass reform legislation that authorized the VA to expand its outpatient services and introduce community-based outpatient clinics in West Virginia and across the county. The reopening of the Greenbrier County CBOC is welcome news for all our veterans who need its services.\u201d\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=070309bf-1e8f-435a-82a2-1b35f28579ab", "Manchin Urges West Virginia Students to Apply for Service Academy Nominations", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 19, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Urges West Virginia Students to Apply for Service Academy Nominations \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 Application deadline is October 31st\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) strongly encouraged West Virginia students who are interested in military service to apply for a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. Applicants must be high school seniors and demonstrate a commitment to education and athletic achievements. A congressional nomination is needed for a Service Academy appointment. The deadline to apply is October 31st.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cWest Virginia has built a reputation of service and sacrifice, and I truly believe we are the most patriotic state in the nation,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cSo for those bright young men and women who feel a calling to serve and who are serious about duty, honor, commitment and our country\u2014I strongly urge you to apply for the opportunity to serve and become a part of this proud tradition. I look forward to reviewing the applications and helping our West Virginia students reach America\u2019s esteemed institutions\u2014whether it is U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval or Merchant Marine Academy.\u201d\r\n\r\nSenator Manchin is limited to the number of nominations that he can submit each year. He will consider each candidate for a nomination to fill vacancies to selected academies. Once selected, Senator Manchin\u2019s nominations will be submitted to the service academies by December 31st. Academy officials then have the responsibility to appoint nominees based on their competitive evaluation.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAll required information must be submitted by October 31, 2014 to the following address, email address or fax:\u00a0\r\n\r\nAttn: Academy Coordinator\u00a0\u00a0   United States Senator Joe Manchin III   900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 629   Charleston, WV 25302\u00a0\r\n\r\nEmail: academy@manchin.senate.gov or fax 304-343-7144\r\n\r\nPlease find the Application for a Service Academy Nomination as well as the Service Academy Nomination Checklist on Senator Manchin\u2019s website.\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo view a video message from Senator Manchin urging students to apply for a service academy nomination, please click here.\r\n\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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=412560d6-d9a3-4313-b4d3-eb36ad3b24b8", "Nightmare: Manchin on target | Charleston Gazette", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Nightmare: Manchin on target | Charleston Gazette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhen Washingtin tries to impose its will on the Middle East, calamity can occur.\r\nThe Reagan White House secretly sent the CIA to arm fanatical Muslim \u201cfreedom fighters\u201d to drive Russians out of Afghanistan in the 1980s \u2014 and that resistance eventually spawned the al-Qaida terror network that attacked America on 9/11. The Bush-Cheney White House pulled America into the disastrous Iraq War in 2003 on false claims of horror weapons \u2014 and now Iraq has deteriorated into a nightmare that spawned the murderous Islamic State or ISIS, which decapitates Americans.\r\nIn the column below, Leonard Pitts asks: \u201cIf we never had kicked this hornet\u2019s nest, would we now find ourselves obliged to confront the criminal gang that calls itself the Islamic State?\u201d\r\nWest Virginia\u2019s Sen. Joe Manchin delivered a superb Senate speech Wednesday making the same point. He said America has no choice but to loose air strikes on the dangerous ISIS conquerors \u2014 but he warned against arming other Muslim militias to fight the deadly fanatics, because they may become tomorrow\u2019s enemy.\r\nCongress must vote soon on a continuing resolution to keep the U.S. government afloat. Unfortunately, the resolution contains money to arm \u201cmoderate\u201d militias that are fighting both ISIS and Syrian dictator Bashar Assad.\r\nManchin said the so-called moderates are mostly Islamist \u201choly warriors\u201d \u2014 and that they \u201csold American journalist Steven Sotloff to ISIS, who beheaded him and put the video on the Internet.\u201d The West Virginian declared: \u201cI strongly believe that if our military arms and trains Syrian rebels, we will be involving ourselves in a ground conflict we cannot resolve, where potentially everyone is our enemy.\u201d\r\nWith U.S. weapons, the \u201cmoderates\u201d might team up with ISIS to fight dictator Assad, enlarging the menace to America. \u201cI can foresee a Senate debate a few years from now about how to defeat the next group of Islamist terrorists that we helped train and install,\u201d he said.\r\n\u201cWe have been at war in that part of the world for the past 13 years,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cIf money and military might could have made a difference, it would have by now.\u201d\r\nHe pointed out that 6,600 young Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, with 57,000 others wounded, and U.S. taxpayers have lost $1.6 trillion, \u201cnot including the costs of long-term care of wounded veterans.\u201d\r\nManchin is right: America mustn\u2019t get sucked deeper into this quicksand.\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=fe9b9439-b273-45c7-9c5d-2977943a89c0", "Manchin Correct On Syrian Rebels | The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Correct On Syrian Rebels | The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMost of President Barack Obama's proposal for destroying the Islamic State terrorist group seems logical. Unfortunately, U.S. officials have boxed themselves into a corner to the point there are not many options.\r\nBut part of the president's plan is an invitation to disaster, as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., pointed out Wednesday.\r\nDuring a speech on the floor of the Senate, Manchin argued against Obama's plan to provide weapons and training to Syrian rebels other than the Islamic State.\r\nObama views some of those insurgents as allies because they have been fighting the Islamic State.\r\nBut such alliances are notoriously weak, as Americans who remember our support of Afghan forces fighting the Soviet Union know. Later, those very allies became the Taliban.\r\nAnd the rebels may not be our friends now. As Manchin noted, there have been reports that one \"moderate\" Syrian insurgent group sold American journalist Steven Sotloff to the Islamic State group - which beheaded him.\r\nManchin is right: U.S. leaders should have little, if any, faith in Syrian rebels who profess now to be our friends. Arming and training them could prove to be a terrible mistake.\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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=6073e6e5-bf2e-4072-afdc-7cbd4846da0c", "America needs a game plan for next president and Congress | CNN", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 17, 2014\n\t\t\t America needs a game plan for next president and Congress | CNN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(CNN) -- In case you haven't heard, nothing worthwhile will happen in Washington until after the midterm elections. That's the conventional wisdom anyway, where the thinking is that a bitterly divided Congress will be lucky to name a post office, let alone deal with pressing issues like the budget or jobs.\r\n  The conventional wisdom is wrong.  \u00a0\r\nOn Wednesday, something important is happening in Washington. On that day, a bipartisan group featuring dozens of members of Congress, state and local leaders and business, citizen and community leaders is gathering at the No Labels National Ideas Meeting to kick off a yearlong process to set a path for where America needs to go and how we get there.\r\n  This isn't the type of gathering you'd expect six weeks out from an election. These days, members of the two parties barely talk, let alone work with one another. To crib an old Bill Murray line from \"Ghostbusters\": the sight of Democrats and Republicans actually meeting together may cause mass hysteria.  The subject of debate will be No Labels' National Strategic Agenda, which sets a framework for action on four goals chosen with input from a nationwide survey that No Labels conducted last fall: Create 25 million new jobs over the next 10 years; balance the federal budget by 2030; secure Medicare and Social Security for the next 75 years; and make America energy-secure by 2024.  The process to create No Labels' National Strategic Agenda has been endorsed by over 80 members of Congress, and it's coming together with an entirely original approach.  \u00a0  This is not just another policy plan.  In fact, at this point, the National Strategic Agenda isn't a policy plan at all, because its details will be filled in over the next year -- with input from people across America.  This agenda will be developed in a step-by-step fashion that solves problems the way they should be solved. The way we tried to solve problems when we served as the governors of Utah and West Virginia.  At the National Ideas Meeting, participants will join working groups (with a member of Congress in each group) to focus on one of the four signature goals, progress to agreement on the fundamental facts, and conclude by agreeing on broad policy principles that can inform the creation of specific policy and legislative solutions. Subsequent meetings in New Hampshire, Iowa and elsewhere will take a similar approach.\r\n  The effort will culminate on October 5, 2015, when the fully formed National Strategic Agenda will be unveiled in New Hampshire and Iowa.  No Labels will work to inject the agenda into the emerging presidential debate by activating our network of citizens, members of Congress, and state and local leaders. The ultimate aim of this exercise is for the next president and the next Congress to use the National Strategic Agenda as a basis for bipartisan action.  Like everything No Labels has proposed since its launch in December 2010, the National Strategic Agenda will be a product of discussion and agreement from every part of the political spectrum.  \u00a0  We don't for a moment underestimate how hard it will be for a future Congress and president to coalesce around even one of these goals. But difficulty is no excuse for inaction.\r\n  For too long, Washington has been a place defined by all tactics, and no strategy. We spend all our time focused on winning the day, the week or the next election, and in the process, we've lost sight of doing what's necessary for America to win the future.  With the National Strategic Agenda, No Labels is bringing a unity of purpose that has been missing in our government. We're not just identifying what needs to be done. We've developed a rigorous process for how it gets done.  To the many millions of Americans who are wondering what, if anything, they can do to fix the dysfunction in our government, this is your chance to get involved. These National Strategic Agenda meetings could be coming to a town near you, and you can help determine what is in the final plan. If you can't make a meeting, you can still work to ensure that candidates and members of Congress endorse the National Strategic Agenda.\r\n  This is no time to let frustration with the political process lead you to tune out. Because America is facing a fork in the road.  We can continue the partisan fighting and failures of the last decade.  Or we can choose a different path. Our leaders can come together around a shared vision to deliver good jobs, a balanced budget, peace of mind for our seniors and energy security.\r\n  We've done it before. We can do it again.\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    By Jon Huntsman and Joe Manchin\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=2a5ad04f-d66c-4ef0-a3e7-3c6e575b3f86", "Manchin and Toomey Introduce Legislation to Protect Valuable Veterans Employment and Training Services", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Toomey Introduce Legislation to Protect Valuable Veterans Employment and Training Services \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators Manchin and Toomey introduce the Protect VETS Act to restore employment and training assistance to our veterans\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey (R-PA) today introduced the Protect VETS Act (Protect Veterans Employment & Training Services Act) to restore valuable federal employment and training assistance to our military veterans. The legislation specifically aims to ensure that our veterans continue to have access to job assistance specialists that work with businesses to develop job opportunities for veterans, and help veterans find work\u2014especially those disabled veterans with different employment needs.\r\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to ensure that our brave veterans, who have sacrificed so much in defense of our country, receive the best care and services when they return home, and that starts by helping them find secure, good-paying jobs,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cBy reducing employment assistance to our veterans, we are not only ignoring our obligation to our heroes, but we are also ignoring the fact that the unemployment rate for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan significantly exceeds the national average. This legislation will reverse the Labor Department\u2019s latest cuts and restore the critical job services our veterans rightly deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cI cannot understand why the Department of Labor would reduce employment and job training services for the vast majority of America\u2019s veterans, especially when young veterans already face an unemployment rate exceeding the national average,\u201d said Sen. Toomey. \u201cEven worse, the Department of Labor has taken away these services from some disabled veterans.\r\n\u201cSince 1944, when Congress first created veterans job specialists in the GI Bill, we have recognized that America has a special obligation to help veterans find employment. We have also recognized that veterans are most likely to find jobs if they are assisted by jobs coaches trained in leveraging the unique combination of skill, discipline, character, and talent that veterans bring to the marketplace. Our veterans have proudly served us; the least we can do is ensure no veteran is denied the job services they deserve.\u201d\r\nCongress first created veterans job specialists, known as Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialists, in the 1944 GI Bill. These specialists are trained in leveraging the unique combination of skills veterans bring to the market place. In April, the Labor Department issued a guidance memo that forbids veterans job specialists, from assisting 70 percent of veterans, including some disabled veterans. Congress fully funded these veterans job specialists, despite the sequesters budget cuts.\r\nThe legislation proposed by Senators Manchin and Toomey reverses the Labor Department\u2019s cuts and restores these valuable job-training services to veterans.\r\nThe following groups support the Protect VETS Act:\r\nThe American Legion  Vietnam Veterans of America  Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America  AMVETS  Paralyzed Veterans of America  Vets First  VETS Group, Inc.\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=cf984e8d-c3bd-4c23-a113-8d11b826ba80", "Manchin Delivers Senate Floor Speech Opposing Funding  Syrian Opposition Forces", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Delivers Senate Floor Speech Opposing Funding  Syrian Opposition Forces \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 also expresses opposition to CR vote that includes funding Syrian opposition forces\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today delivered remarks on the Senate floor outlining why he opposes funding, arming or training Syrian opposition forces. He also expressed opposition to voting for the Continuing Resolution if it includes a measure that will support the Syrian opposition forces.\r\nPlease read the full text of Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks below.   \u00a0  M. President, I rise today to discuss the gravest and most important issue we can debate in congress.\r\nI'm here today to talk about America's involvement in the Middle East and President Obama\u2019s plan to defeat ISIS.\r\nAnd make no mistake Mr. President, we must defeat and destroy ISIS. But how we destroy them is what we must get right.\r\nI applaud the President for presenting a plan to the American people. I support air strikes against ISIS. I support providing humanitarian aid. I support cutting off terrorist funding sources. Doing these things has already helped prevent genocide and has begun to roll-back ISIS\u2019 gains in Iraq.\r\nI also support engaging the world community, but most importantly, Turkey and the Arab League nations.\r\nUnfortunately, I have not seen signs from the region that tell me we have their full support.\r\nM. President, this should be an Arab ground war and a U.S. air war. But I cannot and will not support arming or training the Syrian opposition force.\r\nI did not come to this decision easily. I spoke with military and foreign policy experts, attended classified briefings and asked questions of the Administration.\r\nBut most importantly, I studied our history. We have been at war in that part of the world for the past 13 years. If money and military might could have made a difference, it would have by now.\r\nIn Iraq alone, we spent the better part of 8 years training a military of 280,000 at a cost of $20 billion to the American people. And the first time they had to step up and defend their country, their people and their lives, what did they do? They folded in the face of ISIS, abandoning their equipment and facilities to the enemy.\r\nSo I ask my colleagues and the President, why do we think that training Syrian rebels would turn out any differently?\r\nM. President, the first principle of war is to know the enemy. And we certainly know our enemy.\u00a0\r\nISIS are barbaric terrorists with no respect for humanity and they deserve to die. I\u2019ve seen the videos, and like every American I was disgusted and outraged.\r\nBut as important as it is to know your enemy, it is equally important to know our allies. And I am not confident that we know who are allies are.\r\nTo illustrate that point, I refer my colleagues to press reports that \"moderate\" Syrian opposition forces sold American journalist Steven Sotloff to ISIS, who beheaded him and put the video on the Internet.\r\nAre those people our allies? Who are our other allies in this fight?\r\nAs of today, we have only hints of military support from Arab countries, who themselves face a greater threat from ISIS than anyone else.\r\nM. President, Syria's neighbors have the technical ability and financial resources to support and train the Syrian opposition forces, if that is the correct course of action.\r\nIn the 1991 Iraq War, we had commitments from our allies around the world, but most importantly from the Arab community.\u00a0\r\nI know that Secretary of State Kerry has been working tirelessly to build a similar coalition and recruit support from Iraq\u2019s neighbors. Because it\u2019s their neighborhood, and theirs to defend. And I hope it is successful because, as our intelligence community has said repeatedly, ISIS could soon become a direct threat to the United States.\r\nBut I strongly believe that if our military arms and trains Syrian rebels, we will be involving ourselves in a ground conflict we cannot resolve, where potentially everyone involved is our enemy.\r\nTo my mind, the reasons NOT to arm Syrian rebels TODAY are clear:\u00a0\r\nFirst, the weapons we give to \u201cmoderate opposition\u201d may not remain in their hands.\u00a0 If my colleagues have seen the videos of ISIS shipping Iraqi Army Humvees and MRAPs out of Iraq, they will understand what I mean.\r\nSecond, I have seen no evidence that the Syrian rebels we plan to train and arm will remain committed to American goals or interests.\u00a0 The vast majority of national-level Syrian rebel groups are Islamists, none of whom are interested in allying with the United States, and none of whom we should be associating with.\u00a0 Further, the opposition fighters that we will train care more about overthrowing Assad than they do about defeating ISIS.\u00a0 Assad is evil, but he is not a threat to America.\u00a0 If the \u201cmoderate opposition\u201d have to choose between defeating Assad and defeating ISIS, why do we believe they\u2019ll choose our priority over theirs? How do we know that they won\u2019t join forces with ISIS if it helps them overthrow Assad?\r\nThird, authorizing military support for Syrian rebels will inextricably draw us into a civil war that we have no way to end.\u00a0\r\nOur fight is against ISIS and the Islamist terrorist groups who threaten the United States.\u00a0 And the limit of that fight should be doing what we need to do to protect Americans and prevent genocide.\u00a0 Every further step we take from that basic principle\u2014protecting Americas and preventing genocide\u2014takes us back down the road of Middle Eastern nation-building.\r\nThat means we should support others with counter-terrorism forces, intelligence gathering, air power, and diplomatic efforts.\u00a0 And it means stopping the flow of illicit oil, money and fighters across Syria\u2019s borders. We do not need to arm and train Syrian rebels to protect Americans.\r\nI would ask my colleagues to consider America\u2019s history of intervention in the Middle East.\u00a0 It is not a successful one.\r\nInterventions have failed in Lebanon, Somalia, Libya and Iraq, and Afghanistan is on the brink of failure.\r\nWhat have we learned from our actions?\u00a0 Certainly not that going into Muslim countries to restore order or establish democracy is a winning strategy.\r\nNow, I have been very clear: we have every right to, and we must, defend ourselves and protect American citizens and interests against terrorists anywhere in the world. So I again voice my strongest support for the counter-terrorism efforts already ongoing to protect Americans.\u00a0\r\nBut we have proven by blood and treasure already spent that we have not made a difference with American boots on the ground in this part of the world.\r\nSome have used the examples of our garrisons in Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Balkans as examples of where the United States successfully established rule of law with residual military forces.\r\nBut such comparisons have little basis in history. Once our mission was achieved and occupation began, our troops did not face the threat of violence from the same people we had just defended and liberated.\r\nOthers have said that if we had kept a residual force in Iraq, ISIS would never have taken hold.\u00a0 I respectfully disagree.\u00a0\u00a0 How can I fault a President for pulling troops out after 8 years, billions spent, and thousands of lives lost, with no end in sight?\r\nAgain, we trained an Iraqi military of 280,000 at a cost of $20 billion and when they faced their first test, they folded. And that was a fraction of the total cost of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan:\r\n\r\n \r\nIraq: (conservatively) $818 billion\r\nAfghanistan: $747 billion and growing\r\nTotal costs of our recent wars: $1.6 trillion, not including the costs of long term care of wounded veterans.\r\n \r\nBut the cost in money is nothing compared to the cost in lives.\u00a0 In Iraq: 4,400 dead, 36,000 wounded.\u00a0 In Afghanistan: 2,200 dead, 21,000 wounded.\u00a0\r\nM. President I know that my vote comes with a price. It is my understanding that the same vote we make to fund and train the Syrian opposition forces will also be one to pass a CR and fund our government.\r\nI do not believe we should be forced to decide between funding our government and arming Syrian rebels. We should be ashamed for failing to pass appropriations bills to finance government operations for the fiscal year that starts two weeks from now.\u00a0\r\nAnd more ashamed that, for the sake of expediency, we are using a stop-gap continuing resolution as a vehicle for authorizing major military activity.\u00a0\r\nAsking us to make this choice is a disservice to the American people. But if that is a decision I am forced to make, it is one I am committed to making.\r\nI understand that my vote will likely not be the deciding vote, but even if it were, I would cast it the same way.\r\nI believe that these votes should be separate and debated.\u00a0 We have the time to do so and I am prepared, as some of my colleagues may be, to stay in session so that we can give the American people the debate and transparent decision they deserve.\u00a0\r\nM. President, we must learn from our past mistakes and we must not repeat them.\r\nI believe that our country deserves this debate.\r\nLet me make it clear, I believe ISIS is a grave threat to the region and could become a direct threat to the United States.\u00a0 We must confront and defeat them.\r\nI just do not believe that arming the Syrian opposition forces is the correct approach. Because I can foresee a Senate debate a few years from now about how to defeat the next group of Islamist terrorists that we helped to train and install.\r\nI have not come to this decision easily. I know it comes with consequences. But I believe that the people of West Virginia sent me here to make tough decisions and vote to do what is best not only for all West Virginians, but for all Americans.\r\nThank you, M. President. I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=facfe842-9063-4f98-add3-5ed57d9c8cee", "Manchin, Hoeven, Donnelly, Murkowski Introduce Measure to Streamline Cross-Border Permitting Process, Preventing Long Delays to Projects Like Keystone XL", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Hoeven, Donnelly, Murkowski Introduce Measure to Streamline Cross-Border Permitting Process, Preventing Long Delays to Projects Like Keystone XL \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, a measure that will prevent unnecessarily protracted delays for important energy infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline is now in its sixth year of review following five favorable environmental impact studies (EIS).  \u00a0  The North American Energy Infrastructure Act eliminates the Presidential Permit requirement for projects crossing the national boundary between the United States and Canada or Mexico and puts the decision making into the hands of appropriate agencies. The legislation also:  \u00a0  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Imposes a 120-day time limit on the U.S. State Department to either issue a certificate of crossing or deny a project approval following completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Focuses the NEPA process to the federal section of the pipeline \u2013 the portion that crosses the border and recognizes that the states are the ones to regulate the siting of pipelines within their boundaries.  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Expedites natural gas pipeline permits to Canada or Mexico by requiring the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to approve the permit within 30 days of receipt and  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Streamlines the electrical transmission permits by consolidating two separate DOE reviews into one determination.\r\n\u201cIt is important to strike a balance between adopting regulations that are necessary to protect our environment and managing the adverse economic impact these regulations have on investment and growth,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation would make it easier for companies to go through the approval process needed to attain pipeline and transmission permits with Canada or Mexico while also reducing the economic burden of unnecessary or redundant regulations. I am pleased to have worked on this commonsense bill with my good friend, Senator John Hoeven. This bill would not only expedite the process of new cross-border pipeline projects that create jobs and promote economic prosperity, but it would also help expedite projects like the Keystone Pipeline.\"  \u00a0  \u201cWith our closest friend and ally Canada, we can produce more energy than we use, but we can\u2019t get to the point of energy independence without the infrastructure necessary to achieve it,\u201d Senator John Hoeven said. \u201cISIS is reported to be making more than a million dollars a day selling oil from the land it occupies in the Middle East. Energy infrastructure projects are too important to our economy and our national security to be dragged out, virtually for years in the case of the Keystone XL pipeline. We need a process that is fact-based and transparent, a process that looks out for the interests of the American people now and into the future. Our bill achieves that goal.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cA strong energy economy is an essential part of both Indiana\u2019s and our country\u2019s economic successes and critical to our national security. We need to streamline the process for approval of energy infrastructure projects, so that they are not subject to endless, unnecessary delays. I have long advocated for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline because it is in our economic and national security interests. I am pleased to join my friend, Senator Hoeven to introduce this commonsense legislation to help streamline the approval process for energy infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, and I hope the Senate will consider it yet this fall,\u201d said Senator Joe Donnelly.  \u00a0  \u201cThis legislation will help us avoid future political pandering that makes hostages of commonsense decisions related to our energy security and economy. The jobs, economic activity, and enhanced security that the Keystone XL pipeline represents should have been realized years ago. Unfortunately, politics got in the way of decisions that would have strengthened the ties with our neighbor and closest ally. This bill will ensure such debacles are not repeated, while maintaining strong environmental protections,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski.  \u00a0  The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar measure in June, 238-173. The Senate can be found 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=76fc24fe-4896-4560-908e-a8e6d9ce1a6e", "Manchin Alarmed by New Report on Rising Coal Plant Retirements", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 15, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Alarmed by New Report on Rising Coal Plant Retirements \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 GAO reports that 13 percent of the nation\u2019s coal-fired plants will close in response to EPA\u2019s proposed rule\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) expressed concern after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an updated report on the projected number of retiring coal\u2013fired plants in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for carbon dioxide emissions. According to the report, approximately 13 percent of coal-fueled generating capacity has either been retired since 2012 or is planned for retirement by 2025, which surpasses the previous estimates in 2012. The report found that West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky represented 38 percent of planned closures.\r\n\u201cThe number of coal-fired plants that are being forced to shut down is alarming, and I truly believe we are setting ourselves up for a major electric stability crisis in this country,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe GAO report verifies the dangerous impact the EPA\u2019s proposed rules are having on our electrical grid and our economy, and it should be an eye-opener not just for West Virginians, but for hard working individuals and families across America who depend on coal for reliable and affordable energy, especially during the harsh winters when the grid is pushed to capacity. This report should also clearly demonstrate that it is time for the Department of Energy to accelerate available grants and loan guarantees for advanced fossil fuel projects. I will do everything in my power to continue pushing all relevant federal agencies to live up to their responsibilities to ensure the reliability of our national electricity system.\r\n\u201cIt is long past time that these agencies recognize that we will rely on fossil fuels for decades to come, and rather than simply forcing plants to close, we need to figure out how to help them run more efficiently. If we don\u2019t, prices will soar and the grid will fail.\u201d\r\nThe GAO report reveals that the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has responded inadequately regarding the potential electric reliability impacts of regulations proposed by the EPA. It reports that in the last two years, only \u201cinitial steps\u201d have been taken to establish interagency interactions.\r\nTo review the full report released by the GAO, 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=8656526b-73cb-44d7-9772-4f059e3b1529", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $3.6 Million Improvement Grant for Yeager Airport", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 15, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $3.6 Million Improvement Grant for Yeager Airport \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and\u00a0Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced more than $3.6 million in federal funding for the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority to carry out ongoing infrastructure improvements at Yeager Airport.\r\n\u201cInvesting in transportation infrastructure will keep our residents and travelers safe while also attracting new business and promoting economic growth,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI am so pleased that West Virginia is receiving these funds to make the critical improvements at Yeager Airport that will help the facility operate as efficiently as possible.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cIt\u2019s imperative that we continue investing in our critical infrastructure, and ongoing federal funding for our regional airports is a big part of that effort. Just as important is keeping West Virginians connected to the world,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cYeager Airport serves as a gateway for businesses, jobs and tourism in our state. This award gives Yeager the ability to make updates and improvements that will benefit those traveling in and out of our state\u2019s capital.\u201d These funds, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be used to purchase an electric Preconditioned Air (PCA) system and gate electrification equipment through the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) infrastructure program. The VALE program was established in 2004 by Vision 100 to encourage airport sponsors to implement clean technology projects that improve air quality.\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/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=a4075df5-f3c3-4f99-9b2d-57b0b63761fb", "Keeping children safe: Federal measure merits support | Bluefield Daily Telegraph", "2014-09-14", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 14, 2014\n\t\t\t Keeping children safe: Federal measure merits support | Bluefield Daily Telegraph \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA group of lawmakers led by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., are correctly calling on the U.S. Senate to pass a common-sense bill that would keep sexual predators out of schools. The proposed legislation would seek added security checks on teachers, coaches and bus drivers to protect students from potential harm.\r\nThe measure, co-sponsored by Manchin and Toomey, would specifically require states that receive federal education funding to conduct periodic background checks. It also would bar schools from hiring employees or contractors convicted of certain offenses, such as any violent or sexual crime against a child or drug and assault-related crimes committed within five years.\r\nA similar measure passed the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives by a unanimous vote last year. But the bill introduced in the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate remains stalled in committee. Why?\r\nWe see nothing sinister or political about this common-sense measure. All efforts should be made on both the state and federal level to ensure that our children are safe in school. And this includes keeping sexual predators, and those individuals previously convicted of violent crimes against children, out of the classroom. The last thing we need is a sex offender or someone with a violent criminal history teaching or coaching our children.\r\nSince Jan. 1, more than 325 teachers and school employees have been arrested across the country for cases of sexual misconduct involving children. We, too, have seen similar headlines in recent years right here in Mercer County.\r\nThe legislation was prompted by the case of 12-year-old Jeremy Bell, who was raped and murdered in West Virginia in 1997, according to the Associated Press. Edgar Friedrichs Jr. is now serving a life sentence in connection with the boy\u2019s death. Toomey said Friedrichs had been dismissed by a school in Delaware County, Pa., on suspicion of sexual misconduct. That school then helped Friedrichs land a new teaching job in West Virginia.\r\nToomey and Manchin correctly argue that the U.S. Senate needs to act now to ensure that children are safe in their own schools. An array of law enforcement and child advocacy groups are backing the Toomey-Manchin measure.\r\nHowever, some educators say the proposed law violates their privacy. We would disagree with this argument. Most people seeking employment in this day and age \u2014 regardless of occupation \u2014 are required to undergo a stringent criminal background check, as well as a drug test. We would expect nothing less from those educators who are charged with the safety and well being of our children.\r\nBut Democrats aren\u2019t the only lawmakers guilty of holding up this important measure in the U.S. Senate. Some Republicans are claiming that the bill amounts to nothing more than another federal mandate. We disagree with that argument as well. In fact, we would suggest that lawmakers \u2014 on both the federal and state level \u2014 should be doing everything in their power to protect our children. And this includes doing their job by passing legislation on the federal level that keeps sexual predators out of our schools.\r\nThe Toomey-Manchin measure should be passed, and promptly, by the U.S. Senate.\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=0faa157f-c00e-434a-a5dc-9d368ad063f8", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $2 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure Project in Calhoun County", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 12, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $2 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure Project in Calhoun County \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding will help install new water lines and improve reliability and quality of water service for residents\r\nWashington, D.C. -- U.S Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that a total of $2,415,000 has been awarded to the Pleasant Hill Public Service District for the Water Extension and Line Replacement project. The project aims to improve the quality and reliability of the water service in Calhoun County by installing 28,000 feet of new waterline. The new waterline will replace the current system, located alone West Virginia Route 16 between Five Forks and Big Spring, which has been experiencing routine breaks, causing loss of revenue and disrupting service for local residents.\r\nIn addition to improving water service for current customers, the new water line will provide additional water service to 64 households located in Leafbank, Upper Back Fork, Klipstine Road and Leading Creek where residents are currently relying on poor-quality well water.\r\n\u201cInvesting in water infrastructure projects that are outdated not only improves the quality of life for our local residents, but preserves countless good-paying jobs, boosts economic development and improves the prosperity of our families, businesses and communities,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cWhen state and local governments partner with the federal government on projects like these, it\u2019s a win-win for everyone involved.\u201d\r\n\u201cHaving access to a clean water supply is so vital to the well being of families and the local economies in West Virginia,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cNobody should have to suffer from unreliable sources of good drinking water. This much-needed funding will go a long way in making sure Calhoun County has access to the clean water it deserves.\u201d\r\nThe $2,415,000 in funding includes a $932,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC), $1,000,000 in grant funds from USDA Rural Development and $483,000 in local funds.\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=0c773637-2a3b-49c7-a6d0-706951dca646", "Manchin Statement on 13th Anniversary of September 11", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on 13th Anniversary of September 11 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the thirteenth anniversary of September 11th.\r\n\u201cOn the 13th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, we come together as a nation to reflect and remember the many lives lost on one of the most horrific days in American history. The shocking images of the Twin Towers falling, the Pentagon in flames, and the rural Pennsylvania field scattered with fiery debris will be forever imbedded in our minds as the terrifying tragedy that all Americans endured together. September 11, 2001 was a turning point for American history, but it was also the event that united us stronger than ever before. American flags graced every front porch and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with unparalleled passion and patriotism. Now, it is time that we rekindle the spirit of unity that we felt in the aftermath of those terrible attacks. In our shared grief, it is important that we put aside our political differences for our common trust in this great nation. As we remember and honor the victims and their families, I urge all West Virginians to recommit themselves to serving their neighbors, strengthening their communities, and showing the world yet again why we are the greatest nation on Earth. May God bless us all and may God bless America.\u201d\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=a10ca808-c558-4a6b-966d-0c238fb5c138", "Manchin Congratulates Shinnston Native on Being Honored as a 'Champion of Change' at the White House", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Congratulates Shinnston Native on Being Honored as a 'Champion of Change' at the White House \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Manchin thanks Brittany Valdez for her commitment to helping West Virginians through her\u00a0use of the TapToTalk smartphone application\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin congratulated Brittany Valdez, a Shinnston native, on being honored at the White House as a national \u201cChampion of Change.\u201d Brittany has been recognized for her development of the TapToTalk smartphone application to help emergency responders communicate with individuals during disasters and emergency situations.\u00a0\r\nA graduate student in Educational Psychology at West Virginia University, Brittany is one of ten individuals from around the country being honored for her extraordinary work to build safer communities and better prepare individuals and communities for emergencies.\u00a0 She works with Partnerships in Assistive Technologies (PATHs, Inc.) and the West Virginia Assistive Technology System, both of which are focused on helping individuals in need access assistive technology devices and services.\r\n\u201cI am proud of Brittany for being chosen to represent West Virginia at the White House today as one of ten nationwide 2014 Champions of Change,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cHer development of the TaptoTalk smartphone application is an incredible communication tool for first responders in emergency situations, and I thank Brittany for her dedication to protecting the lives of all West Virginians. Her focus on innovation and safety encourages a culture of technological advancement that I am excited to see West Virginia continue to develop and embrace.\u201d\r\nThe Champions of Change program was created to recognize individuals performing extraordinary work to empower and inspire members of their communities.\u00a0 To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.\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=a95f97c0-514a-4718-b753-d4bde7232348", "Manchin Applauds DEA's Final Rule to Safely Dispose of Unused or Unwanted Prescription Drugs", "2014-09-08", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 08, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Applauds DEA's Final Rule to Safely Dispose of Unused or Unwanted Prescription Drugs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today applauded the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA) finalized rules for the safe and secure disposal of prescription drugs, as required under the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010. According to the DEA, the regulations outline processes to transfer unused or unwanted pharmaceutical controlled substances to authorized collectors for the purpose of disposal. The new rules also permit long-term-care facilities to do the same on behalf of residents or former residents of their facilities. The new rules will take effect on October 9.\r\n\u201cBy creating commonsense ways to securely dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs, we are taking direct action to combat prescription drug abuse that affects so many West Virginians and Americans,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn order to build strong, drug-free communities, we all must fight against prescription drug abuse by safely discarding old prescribed medications to the appropriate officials so that these potentially dangerous drugs don\u2019t end up in the wrong hands. I applaud the DEA\u2019s new rules and remain reassured that they will help save lives and curb the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs.\u201d\r\nThe final rule will be officially published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, and will be available on both the DEA website, http://www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov, and at http://www.regulations.gov.\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: On August 21, 2014, after fighting to reschedule hydrocodone-combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance for more than two years through proposed legislation and correspondence and meetings with FDA, HHS, and DEA officials, Senator Manchin applauded the DEA\u2019s announcement that these highly addictive painkillers were officially reclassified.\r\n\u2022\u00a0National Drug Take Back Days: Senator Manchin has encouraged West Virginians to participate in the DEA\u2019s Drug Take-Back Day events, in which local law enforcement officials anonymously collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications at locations around the state with no questions asked. The DEA has hosted eight events since September 2010 and have scheduled a ninth event at the end of this month.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Banning Zohydro: Senator Manchin sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to overturn the Federal Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) approval of the powerful and highly addictive opioid drug, Zohydro Extended Release (ER). Senator Manchin expressed his concerns with the FDA\u2019s approval process given that the FDA\u2019s own expert advisory panel voted against the approval of the painkiller by a vote of 11-2 and health experts repeatedly warned of the its potential to increase prescription drug abuse. In March, Senator Manchin introduced legislation to ban the dangerous painkiller from the market.\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.\u00a0  \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\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=6cc3c20e-0f9e-4eab-ae34-f22626fd13b3", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announced $4 Million for Higher Education Institutions in West Virginia", "2014-09-05", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 05, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announced $4 Million for Higher Education Institutions 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 Funding will help the University of Charleston and West Virginia Wesleyan College provide quality education and better serve students in need\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a total of $4,000,000 through its Strengthening Institutes Program (SIP) to the University of Charleston and West Virginia Wesleyan College. The funds will be used to improve and strengthen their academic programs, institutional management, and financial stability in order to become self-sufficient and better serve students in need.\u00a0\r\n\u201cBy providing our colleges and universities with the resources they need to administer quality and affordable education, we are investing in our future and leading our students to bright and successful careers,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cWith these grants, the University of Charleston and West Virginia Wesleyan College will be able to make critical improvements to their programs which will allow them to best serve our students, our communities and our state.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe owe it to our West Virginia students who work hard and want to attend college to create opportunities and provide resources that will allow them to achieve their goals and secure an education,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cThis much-needed SIP grant funding will strengthen the ability of University of Charleston and West Virginia Wesleyan College to provide quality education to students in need.\u201d\r\nThe individual awards are:\r\nWest Virginia Wesleyan College\u2014$2,000,000  University of Charleston\u2014$2,000,000\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=4b4ee6a3-c9f0-4550-b4f1-c26ed7bad0f9", "Manchin, state officials tour Navy Base, The Inter-Mountain", "2014-09-04", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 04, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, state officials tour Navy Base, The Inter-Mountain \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSUGAR GROVE - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Division of Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein toured the Navy Base to determine if it could be restructured as a minimum security corrections facility when it closes in 2015.\r\n\"I've always been impressed here - this is a tremendous facility, and we've been trying to find the proper use and a marriage-able fit to sustain it as a state entity,\" Manchin told a group of local business, educational and elected officials at an informational luncheon held after the tour.\r\n\"It's good to have state, federal and local people here today together to discuss the future use of the base,\" Manchin added.\r\nThe lower base of the Navy Information Operations Command Sugar Grove is due to be phased out by the National Security Agency by October 2015.\r\nThe close-out procedure gives priority to federal, then state, then private organizations.\r\nThe Department of Defense and other federal government entities informally have declined a use for the base. Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services have not determined yet if either one wants the base, according to Base Commander William J. Kramer Jr.\r\nThe General Services Administration has until March, 2015 to conduct a public benefit conveyance to the state, a non-profit or educational group for public use. If there is no conveyance, then the base will close Sept. 30. 2015.\r\n\"The GSA will determine the best public use of the property by March/April 2015. If there is no interest, it will list the property for public sale,\" Kramer said.\r\n\"We're here to facilitate information to any and all entities,\" Kramer added.\r\n\"If the federal government does not take the base, it truly would be a mistake if the state did not hold on to such an asset,\" Manchin said.\r\nRubenstein said the state has a number of correction facilities around the state with a growing inmate population. He and the governor see the benefit of education so that the inmates can go back into society as tax-paying citizens.\r\n\"West Virginia has one of the lowest rates of recidivism,\" he said.\r\nRubenstein visualizes no hardened criminal inmates at the Sugar Grove location, but those transitioning back into society.\r\n\"This base site does not lend itself to work as a high security facility,\" he said.\r\nAlso impressed with the base, Tomblin said the facility offered several educational amenities for transitional inmates. Some of these could be taught by going out into the community if that would be acceptable to local citizens.\r\n\"We'll check to see if the base will fit into our correctional program. We also want to do what we can to maintain local jobs,\" Tomblin said.\r\nCounty Commissioners Gene McConnell, Carl Hevener and Randy Roberson have no problem with a correctional facility being located in Pendleton County. They said it would be an asset to have a state agency that would remain on site with state civil service paying jobs with good benefits.\r\nMcConnell said locals, looking at the economic potential, would probably be supportive of a transitional or minimum security type corrections facility.\r\n\"If it were a maximum security, there would be less support,\" he said.\r\nHevener said \"You're still going to get flak from about 50 nay-sayers.\"\r\nThe DOC has the job of educating the local population with a public relations program holding public hearings, including presentations from several who live near like facilities, Rubenstein said.\r\n\"We can be a good neighbor with assistance in such thing such as road and stream cleanups. Ninety percent of our inmates will be going back into society to become law abiding, tax-paying citizens,\" he said.\r\nManchin promised he would do all he could, if the locals want the state facility.\r\n\"I'll work with the governor's and Sen. (Jay) Rockefeller's offices on this,\" Manchin said. \"Since we're all on the same page, this is a high priority with us. ...We'll do anything we can to help. We'll try to expedite and get HUD and HHS to make their decisions soon.\"\r\nThe GSA is the final arbiter on whether the base goes to the DOC or an educational group.\r\n\"The locals need to convey to the GSA what they want,\" Manchin 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    Joan Ashley", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8da8d43c-9703-4c15-b49f-1a2f1240317d", "Manchin visits TCHS seniors, Parsons Advocate", "2014-09-04", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 04, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin visits TCHS seniors | Parsons Advocate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHAMBLETON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin told Tucker County High School seniors an education is the greatest equalizer and the best investment they will ever make in their lives. Manchin met with TCHS seniors last Monday during his visit to the region.\r\nU.S. Senator Joe Manchin visits with Tucker County High School seniors last Monday at the school.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin visits with Tucker County High School seniors last Monday at the school.\r\n\u201cThere will be times when you say it isn\u2019t worth it and times you say you cannot afford an education,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cYou may have every excuse in the world why you don\u2019t want to get an education. But it is the greatest equalizer you will ever have.\u201d\r\nI was born and raised in Farmington and there were about 500 people in the town,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThere were about 75 seniors in my high school and went to West Virginia University to play football. I understood the importance of an education and was the first person in my family to get an education.\u201d\r\nManchin said getting that education came with challenges.\r\n\u201cMy father had a little business and it burned down,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cWe lost everything. I dropped out of college to go back and help my family. I could have said that was it but I knew it was important to go back and finish.\u201d\r\nManchin said he could not imagine someone growing up in a small town having so many opportunities.\r\n\u201cI came from a little school and have the opportunity to be in the public process \u2013 government services,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI became the governor of West Virginia \u2013 I did not come from big time, big money. I lived between the creek and the tracks and was raised in a three-room garage apartment.\u201d\r\nManchin said he has been through it all.\r\n\u201cThe bottom line is education was the great equalizer for me,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gave me the opportunity to be on equal par with everyone else. I can compete at any level \u2013 I felt very confident of that. That\u2019s because of education. So I cannot say enough about the opportunity you have.\u201d\r\nManchin said he because involved in politics when he was 35 because he thought he could help the public.\r\n\u201cI got involved because I thought it could be better,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cI thought public service was serving the public not serving myself.\u201d\r\nManchin also encouraged the seniors to leave a little meat on the bone for the next dog.\r\n\u201cThat means, in the real world, in the business world, in the world of life, leave a little bit for someone else,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t try to take it all. It\u2019s hard to get people to think that way because we are in a millennial generation where it\u2019s all about me.\u201d\r\nTucker County High School Principal Jay Hamric said Manchin\u2019s visit was prompted after he Skyped with several students and was impressed their responses.\r\n\u201cWe are happy to have Senator Manchin visit our school and spend time getting to know our students,\u201d Hamric said.\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    Beth Christian Broschart \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=26cdbc0f-0697-44f5-a274-1dda679c6bc9", "Manchin to Host Veterans Employment Forum on Sept. 10th in Washington, D.C.", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 29, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin to Host Veterans Employment Forum on Sept. 10th in Washington, D.C.  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  On behalf of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus,  Senator Joe Manchin III, Senator Mark Kirk,  Representative Jeff Denham, and Representative Tim Walz  warmly welcome all veterans, as well as Active, Reserve, National Guard,   military families, and supporters  to a veteran employment focused forum at our Nation\u2019s Capitol.  \u00a0  Please join us at the Kennedy Caucus Room  Russell Senate Office Building \u2014 Room 325  Wednesday, September 10, 2014  RSVP \u2013 ihirevets@manchin.senate.gov  \r\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=44f0e213-c4c1-404c-b538-9e1e1aa462bc", "Manchin Statement on Labor Day", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 29, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Labor Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement in honor of Labor Day:\r\n\r\n\u201cOn this Labor Day, I encourage all West Virginians to take a moment in between picnics, parades and time with family and friends to reflect on the true reason for this annual celebration\u2014our dedicated American workforce.\u00a0 It is important not just today, but every day, for us to pay tribute to the hardworking men and women across West Virginia and America whose strength, vision and drive have always been the bedrock of this great country. Our labor workers represent the heart of America, taking pride in their work and going the extra mile to do the job right. So on behalf all West Virginians, I want to express my utmost gratitude to our workers for supporting our communities, keeping our country running every day, and contributing immeasurably to America\u2019s economic prosperity.\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=13676a25-87ce-4f35-86a9-70fc211074b1", "Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Significant Funding for Health Centers Across West Virginia", "2014-08-27", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 27, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Significant Funding for Health Centers Across West Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller\u00a0today announced more than $997,600 in federal grant funding for four community health centers across West Virginia. The funds will help support efforts aimed at coordinating patient health care through patient-centered medical homes.\r\n\u201cOur West Virginia families and children all across our state, including our most rural communities, deserve to have access to the best quality healthcare services,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThese grants will help make much needed upgrades and improvements to our health centers so that our West Virginia health care professionals can provide top-of-the-line service and care to all of our residents.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn our rural communities, patient-centered medical homes have become a great resource for our health centers in their work to improve access to care and health outcomes in underserved areas,\u201d Rockefeller said. \u201cThis investment in several health centers across West Virginia will provide additional resources for medical homes and their important work to coordinate patient care and educate patients on how to be an active partner in their care. Supporting the work of health centers is critical to maintaining and improving the health of all West Virginians.\u201d\r\nThe funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and made available through the Affordable Care Act.\r\nThe individual award amounts are:\r\n\u2022\u00a0$250,000 \u2013 Community Care of West Virginia \u2013 Rock Cave, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$247,675 \u2013 Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers \u2013 Fairmont, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$250,000 \u2013 Valley Health Care \u2013 Mill Creek, W.Va.  \u2022\u00a0$250,000 \u2013 Womencare\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 Scott Depot, W.Va.\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=7d3b038e-2458-495c-9480-1b4cb91d6f2b", "Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $852,000 for WV Volunteer Fire Departments", "2014-08-27", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 27, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $852,000 for WV Volunteer Fire Departments \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that $852,302 will be awarded to three West Virginia volunteer fire departments through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will help the volunteer fire departments in Buffalo, Sherrard and Walton supply critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary to protect local communities.\r\n\u201cDay after day the dedicated volunteers at our local fire departments help protect our local communities in West Virginia,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAs a former volunteer for the Marion County volunteer rescue squad, I appreciate and understand their hard work and dedication first-hand. These grants will provide the volunteer fire departments in Buffalo, Sherrard and Walton with the necessary resources to respond properly to all types of emergencies and to continue to keep West Virginians safe.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is essential that our firefighters have the resources they need while working to protect our communities during emergency situations,\u201d said Rockefeller. \u201cI am so pleased the Buffalo, Sherrard, and Walton Volunteer Fire Departments are receiving critical funds that will help support the life-saving public services they provide.\u201d\r\nThe individual award amounts are:\r\nBuffalo Volunteer Fire Department\u00a0 \u2013 $70,082  Sherrard Volunteer Fire Department \u2013 $711,540  Walton Volunteer Fire Department \u2013 $70,680\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=7324a53f-b87f-4420-8d8c-1eab4c699317", "Manchin Offers Town Hall Talk | The Inter-Mountain", "2014-08-26", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 26, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Offers Town Hall Talk | The Inter-Mountain  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBUCKHANNON - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., encouraged conversation on healthcare, energy, foreign policy and other topics Monday during a \"Coffee and Common Sense\" town hall meeting at the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College.\r\nOne of Manchin's overarching themes was dismantling extremism in American politics. It's impossible to make progress when Democrats and Republics put their parties before the greater good, he said.\r\n\"We don't need extremes. If you give me someone from the Far Left and the Far Right, I'm going to get nothing done,\" Manchin said. \"When it comes down to it, we have to be able to put our state before our party. I see trickling down this visceral approach of scorching the whole system. We can't let that happen.\"\r\nU.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D.W.Va., talks about foreign policy Monday during a \u2018Coffee and Common Sense\u2019 town hall meeting at West Virginia Wesleyan College.\r\nWesleyan President Dr. Pamela Balch was pleased with Manchin's honest discussion of the issues. She also appreciated that he brought a West Virginian's perspective to the table.\r\n\"I think he's down to Earth and honest. He has a lot of sincerity, and it's pretty clear he's trying to make a difference for our state and our country,\" Balch said. \"It's very important that we never forget our grassroots, even if at times we're at odds with others. He's very careful not to push one party over the other.\"\r\nBalch said the college was pleased to offer a chance for students, faculty and community members to sit in on the exchange.\r\n\"Events like this are good because they create an opportunity for students to have first-hand experiences with government and politics,\" she said.\r\nAndrew Flores is studying political science and criminal justice at the college. He said Monday's town hall discussion provided a great forum for open dialogue.\r\n\"It's a great opportunity for students to hear about the topics that we'll be facing when we enter the working world,\" Flores said. \"I think he had a good point when he says that we should put our country before our party.\"\r\nDuring the conversation, Manchin told the audience he has often been at odds with the Obama administration's energy policy. He often finds it unreasonable and unrealistic, he said.\r\nManchin said he believes a well-rounded energy policy should include all sources, from renewable energy to fossil fuels, all used with great responsibility.\r\n\"Respectfully, they will not look at an energy policy that includes fossils,\" Manchin said. \"The Department of Energy recognizes that this country cannot run without natural gas, without coal and without oil. But they do nothing to support it.\"\r\nIt's crucial to focus on developing the technology to use energy efficiently and safely, Manchin said. In addition to investing in the technology for renewable energy, funding should continue to be provided for research into cleaner methods of burning coal.\r\nMillions in research funding is sitting idle at the Department of Energy, and the private sector is afraid to step up to the plate because of fear of an anti-fossil fuel mentality in Washington.\r\n\"There are 8 billion tons of coal being burned in the world. In the United States, we burn less than 1 billion. There's been a perception that if you quit burning coal in America you clean up the climate, right? That means you believe the wind and ocean currents start and stop in North America,\" Manchin said.\r\n\"Now, I'm not a denier. I believe that 7 billion people have impacted the environment and that we have a responsibility. With that being said, we also have a responsibility to be in the real world. The real world is this: China is going to burn 4 billion tons a year whether you like it or not. India's on the way to exceeding 2 billion. There are going to be 1,200 new coal-fired power plants in the world within the next four to five years,\" he added.\r\nThe Affordable Care Act also was a topic of discussion during the town hall meeting. Manchin reiterated that it was not his favorite choice for addressing the healthcare crisis in the United States. But now that it has been implemented, there's little to be gained by endless attempts to repeal it, he said.\r\n\"I would have done something completely different. But I'd rather try to fix what we've got than try to repeal it. My reason for fixing it versus repealing it is I haven't seen anything come along saying here's your alternative. Vote for this instead,\" Manchin said.\r\nThe Affordable Care Act created a product that the market was not prepared to accept, Manchin said.\r\n\"I'm not a fan of mandates. We can't make you buy something you don't want to buy. And we can't make you pay for something you can't afford. We just can't. We can't give you something we really want to give you because we can't afford it,\" he said.\r\nBut like most markets, Manchin believes the healthcare market will begin to regulate itself over time.\r\n\"You'll put pressure on the system to make that happen,\" he said.\r\nManchin also discussed the Middle East, as well as the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia.\r\n\"The world is at a real crossroads. It's troubled. I'm concerned. I'm concerned about what's going on and has happened,\" he said.\r\nManchin said he believes the United States could help the Ukraine. But regarding the Middle East, he believes there is no benefit to providing arms and training to rebels because those arms and that training eventually could be used against American interests if those personnel are later folded into a terrorist regime.\r\n\"If military might and money were going to change the Middle East, we would be done by now. We've lost over 7,000 Americans. Wounded and maimed 35,000 to 40,000. We've spent over $3 trillion. We cannot change the course of sectarian wars that have been going on for 1,400 years,\" he said.\r\nManchin had a different view of terrorists that pose a direct threat to America.\r\n\"If you're training terrorists to do harm to America, we'll get you wherever you are. There will be no protection. We will use all of our technology and our military might to strike you and strike you hard,\" he said.\r\nManchin also spoke in Philippi and at Tucker County High School Monday.\r\nToday he is scheduled to stop at the following places in Pendleton and Pocahontas counties:\r\n- At 10 a.m., he will visit with students and answer questions at the Pendleton County High School in Franklin.\r\n- At 11:45 a.m., he will be receiving an operational update on the Sugar Grove Naval Base while visiting their facility.\r\n- At 3 p.m., he will visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Science Center in Green Bank.\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    Roger Adkins", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ea29fbf8-d8a2-4ec5-8992-e2fafbe91463", "Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program and Scholarship", "2014-08-26", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 26, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program and Scholarship  \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 Two West Virginia students will be chosen to attend the unique government education program and each will receive a $5,000 scholarship\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin encouraged West Virginia high school juniors and seniors interested in government and public service to apply for the 53rd Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Two applicants will be selected by the West Virginia Department of Education to attend the week-long government educational program held in Washington, D.C. on March 7-14, 2015. In addition, the delegates will each receive a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship to the college or university of their choice. The application deadline is September 19.\r\n\u201cEvery year, the U.S. Senate Youth Program brings together the brightest young leaders from around our country for a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to experience American democracy,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cDuring the program, our students will get a firsthand look at the U.S. Senate, and they will gain an unparalleled understanding of the political processes of our government. This is a truly special opportunity for our West Virginia students to explore a future in public service, and I strongly encourage those who are interested in government to apply for this outstanding program.\u201d\r\nDuring the week-long program, the students will learn about the history and procedures of the Senate, meet with high-level elected officials and be encouraged to explore a career in public service. They will also have the unique opportunity to hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense and directors of federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S Supreme Court.\r\nSelection to the program will be based on the students\u2019 proven academic excellence, leadership abilities and commitment to public service. Eligible students must also be currently serving as a student officer and be a West Virginia resident. Interested students should contact their high school principal or the West Virginia selection administrator, Robert Wiseman at rjwisema@access.k12.wv.us or (304) 558-5325 x 53220.\r\nFor more information about the 53rd Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program, 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=006e8595-dc07-4fc1-98a5-7ce882ca173d", "Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs Statewide", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 22, 2014\n\t\t\t Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs Statewide \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Representative Nick Rahall, announced $526,266 in funding to help individuals and families in West Virginia with non-disaster related emergencies. The funding is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and will be used to expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for West Virginians in need.\r\n\u201cAs West Virginians, we understand the importance of making sure our neighbors in need have a place to turn to for support,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis critical funding offers hope and assistance to West Virginians with the ultimate goal of helping individuals rise above challenging circumstances and get back on their feet.\u201d\r\n\"This funding award is critical to organizations in southern West Virginia that focus everyday on making sure no one in their communities goes to bed hungry or without a roof over their head,\" Rockefeller said. \"Their presence also goes a long way toward helping lift West Virginians out of poverty and putting them on a path to a brighter future.\"\r\n\"West Virginians know well what it means to \u2018help thy neighbor,\u2019 especially those in our communities who are struggling with family emergencies,\" said Rahall. \u201cFederal funds like these are an important lifeline to help needy families with children get through some very difficult times.\u201d\r\nMember agencies of the EFSP National Board include: American Red Cross; Catholic Charities USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; United Way Worldwide; and FEMA.\r\nFor a list of individual awards in West Virginia, please click here.\r\n\u2022\u00a0Barbour County\u2014 $5,327\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Berkeley County\u2014 $8,781\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Boone County\u2014 $9,650\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Braxton County\u2014 $5,652\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Brooke County\u2014 $3,106\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Calhoun County\u2014 $3,224\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Clay County\u2014\u00a0 $4,563\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Doddridge County\u2014 $2,800\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Fayette County\u2014 $15,627\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Gilmer County\u2014 $2,800\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Grant County\u2014 $5,673\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Greenbrier County\u2014 $12,267\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Hampshire County\u2014 $7,368\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Hancock County\u2014 $13,146\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Hardy County\u2014 $2,800\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Harrison County\u2014 $19,991\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Huntington/Cabell/Wayne Counties\u2014\u00a0 $43,196\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Jackson County\u2014 $9,839\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Jefferson County\u2014 $4,508\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Kanawha County\u2014 $59,555\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Lewis County\u2014 $5,296\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Lincoln County\u2014 $7,756\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Logan County\u2014 $13,198\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Marion County\u2014 $17,584\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Marshall County\u2014 $12,351\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Mason County\u2014 $10,990\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0McDowell County\u2014 $7,986\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Mercer County\u2014 $18,159\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Mingo County\u2014 $9,807\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Monongalia County\u2014 $25,329\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Monroe County\u2014 $2,800\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Morgan County\u2014 $2,800\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Nicholas County\u2014 $10,446\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Ohio County\u2014 $14,664\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Pocahontas County\u2014 $3,569\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Preston County\u2014 $4,427\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Putnam County\u2014 $5,674\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Raleigh County\u2014 $25,444\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Randolph County\u2014 $10,278\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Ritchie County\u2014 $3,255\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Roane County\u2014 $6,102\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0State Set-Aside Committee, WV\u2014 $204\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Summers County\u2014 $4,197\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Taylor County\u2014 $5,108\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Tyler County\u2014 $3,423\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Upshur County\u2014 $7,662\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Webster County\u2014 $4,082\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Wetzel County\u2014 $7,138\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Wood County\u2014 $28,490\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Wyoming County\u2014 $8,174\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"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 292, "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": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-08-22,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D006e8595-dc07-4fc1-98a5-7ce882ca173d", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2014&_next=2014-08-22%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D006e8595-dc07-4fc1-98a5-7ce882ca173d&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 160.83246190100908, "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"}