{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=72198F4A-9174-4582-A22C-1188E7EBCFCB", "Manchin and More than 30 Senate Colleagues Urge New Administration to Support FAA Contract Tower Program", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and 33 of his Senate colleagues yesterday called on President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence to support the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) Contract Tower Program. There are currently 253 airports and surrounding communities in 46 states benefitting from the enhanced safety and improved air traffic control (ATC) services provided by FAA contract towers.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe senators wrote, \u201cNot only do these contract towers provide an important safety service, but they do so in a cost-effective fashion as validated in numerous reports by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. This is demonstrated by the fact that FAA contract towers handle approximately 28 percent of all U.S. air traffic control tower operations but account for just 14 percent of FAA\u2019s overall budget allotted to tower operations. Additionally, the contract tower program provides FAA and American taxpayers an annual savings of approximately $200 million.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the letter, they encourage the new administration to adopt regulatory reform measures to the benefit-cost analysis process used by the FAA in managing this program. These measures were included in both the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the full Senate-passed FAA reauthorization legislation (H.R. 4441 and S. 2658) earlier this year.\r\n\u00a0\r\nClick here to read the full letter.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9D8CC6C7-EE1D-414C-943F-E98EC0DE682C", "Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement wishing all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cGayle and I, along with the entire Manchin family, wish all West Virginians, Americans and our brave service men and women a very merry Christmas and peaceful and prosperous New Year. As you gather together with your loved ones, remember that we wouldn\u2019t be able to enjoy our blessings without the brave men and women who are overseas this holiday season. They are giving up their own time with their family protect our great country. Let us keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe holidays are a time to celebrate our many blessings \u2013 especially the love of our families and friends. I have always said that \u2018If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings.\u2019 We are all so blessed and I hope all of us will share our blessings by sharing generously with those less fortunate.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn the New Year, let us all resolve to build a future of peace, freedom and prosperity for ourselves, our families, our communities and our country. My wish is that the joyful spirit that surrounds you this holiday season stays with you throughout the New Year. Again, Gayle and I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and we pray that each of you enjoy the holidays filled with perpetual joy, hope and peace. May God bless us all and may God continue to bless America, and the great state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBEA3348-DC7B-4D20-8C13-4561AD96BA56", "Manchin Statement on UN Resolution on Israel Settlement", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on United Nations (UN) resolution on Israel resettlement:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI urge the Obama Administration to veto the United Nations resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building. I support two-party negotiations to reach agreement on any settlement issues, and this U.N. resolution is not the way to pursue peace between the Palestinian Authority and the State of Israel.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4FB804CB-857B-403B-827E-89E875C74BB0", "Manchin Encouraged by Department of Energy Loan Guarantees for Carbon Capture Technology", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraged by the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) recent announcement that it\u2019s committed to guarantee loans up to $2 billion to construct the world\u2019s first methanol production facility to employ carbon capture technology.\r\n\u201cCoal will power the United States and the world for decades to come. Instead of demonizing coal, we should be investing in technology that will allow us to use it in a cleaner more affordable manner, while also developing equipment that we can manufacture and export to the world creating jobs at home. That is why I am encouraged to see this announcement and will monitor the loan guarantee and progress of this important project,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cThis loan program has been completely underutilized, which is why I included provisions in the comprehensive energy bill to reform our research and development of carbon capture technology and to ensure the Department of Energy is committing funds toward the development of this technology. I want to ensure that these loan guarantees are deployed in a manner that will support projects that will eventually lead us to broad commercial deployment of this technology. We must find a pathway forward for carbon capture technology that is cost-effective and allows for large-scale commercialization. I look forward to working with the Department of Energy on future projects, particularly for power generation units.\u201d\r\nSenator Manchin championed key provisions in the Energy Policy Modernization Act focused on ensuring the development and deployment of carbon capture utilization and sequestration technology.\r\nLake Charles Methanol, LLC would be the world\u2019s first methanol production facility to employ carbon capture technology in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The captured carbon would be utilized for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in Texas. This plant would also be the first petroleum coke (petcoke) to methanol facility in the U.S. Petcoke is a byproduct from oil refining and methanol is one of the world\u2019s most widely-used industrial chemicals. By using petcoke as the feedstock and carbon capture at the project, the proposed project will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5D59A85E-E30B-4D25-A005-6C1EE21C0AC5", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $118K to Assist Homeless Veterans", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that two West Virginia housing facilities will receive a total of $118,726 from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The grants will help end homelessness among the veteran population in West Virginia by providing financial assistance to help homeless veterans find housing and seek additional services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe, and it is simply unacceptable that any veteran is homeless,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhen these men and women return home they deserve the best care, and that begins with making sure they have access to safe and adequate housing. This funding will provide our Veterans and their families with the housing assistance they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s veterans have risked their lives and made tremendous sacrifices in order to defend our great nation, and we must ensure these men and woman have a roof over their heads. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was glad to support this funding that will help change lives,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$32,456 \u2013 Parkersburg Housing Authority \r\n$86,270 \u2013 Housing Authority of Raleigh County\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10C69872-B604-4916-AFD2-13CA72F8A434", "Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $7 Million in Funding for Housing Programs Across State", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that housing facilities across West Virginia will receive a total of $7,761,222 under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program for projects with the goal of ending homelessness.\r\n\u201cWest Virginians in need will have the opportunity to develop specific skill sets to help them reenter the workforce, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding ensures those who are struggling to get by, including children, seniors and Veterans, have a roof over their heads and have access to the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. In West Virginia, we have a strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors so I\u2019m glad our state is receiving this funding to continue to help those who have fallen on hard times.\u201d\r\n\u201cHelping each other in times of need is a well-known West Virginia tradition and one that I am particularly proud to call ours,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cIt is great news that housing facilities throughout the state are receiving this funding that will help so many in need. Whether you are a veteran or a child, every West Virginian deserves to have a roof over their head and a place they can call home. This funding will go a long way to provide the necessary resources to help those struggling get back on track.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding to organizations and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families and improve self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.\r\nThe following housing facilities/projects were awarded grants:\r\n \r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Residential Housing renewal project \u2013 $258,429\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / FY2016 Supportive Services Only renewal \u2013 $135,796\r\nGreater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless / WV-500 CoC Planning FY2016 \u2013 $18,956\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / CHCH Rapid Rehousing Renewal 2016 \u2013 $87,023\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Housing First (SSO) 2016 Renewal \u2013 $107,595\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Project Hope Renewal 2016 \u2013 $208,175\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / Safe Quarters 2016 Renewal \u2013$127,066\r\nCabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / WV-501 Planning 2016 \u2013 $33,500\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS NEW REALLOCATION \u2013 $63,888\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 HMIS Renewal Consol \u2013$68,927\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 10 \u2013 $26,782\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 12 \u2013 $12,576\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 13 \u2013 $90,112\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 15 \u2013 $6,705\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 23 \u2013 $53,738\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 2-3 \u2013 $582,768\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 5-7-11-21 \u2013 $229,342\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 6 \u2013 $76,581\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 8 \u2013 $121,091\r\nHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority / SNAP 2016 Renewal 9-11A-22 \u2013 $163,146\r\nPrestera Center for Mental Health Services / Balen \u2013 $46,285\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #1 \u2013 $113,269\r\nCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care Grant #2 \u2013 $121,937\r\nCity of Charleston / Centralized Assessment Team \u2013 $91,713\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First \u2013 $164,407\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First III \u2013 $77,364\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First IV \u2013 $46,091\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Housing First V \u2013 $46,391\r\nCovenant House, Inc. / Rapid Re-Housing 2016 \u2013 $35,866\r\nKanawha Valley Colective, Inc. / Homeless Management Information System \u2013 $63,999\r\nKanawha Valley Collective / CoC Planning Project FY16 \u2013 $40,151\r\nReligious Coalition for Community Renewal / Samaritan Inn \u2013 $46,965\r\nRoark-Sullivan Lifeway Center / Twin Cities Center \u2013 $261,942\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment \u2013 $67,254\r\nYWCA of Charleston / Shanklin Phase II Chronically Homeless \u2013 $46,561\r\nBartlett House, Inc / Transitional Housing for Homeless Individuals and Families \u2013$207,346\r\nBartlett House, Inc / West Run Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $109,918\r\nClarksburg Housing Authority / PSH-1 \u2013 $370,711\r\nCommunity Networks, Inc. / JCLP \u2013 $157,872\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc.\u00a0 / North Central WV Community Action Agency, INC SHP Permanent Project \u2013 $53,544\r\nNorth Central WV Community Action, Inc.\u00a0 / North Central WV Community Action Agency, Inc. SHP Permanent Project II \u2013 $39,765\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Leasing \u2013 $127,805\r\nRaleigh County Community Action Association, Incorporated / RCCAA Supportive Housing \u2013 $168,720\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Permanent Supportive Housing FY 2016 \u2013 $61,898\r\nRandolph County Housing Authority / RCHA Rapid Rehousing FY 2016 \u2013 $107,412\r\nSouthwestern Community Action Council, Inc. / Simms Housing \u2013 $66,601\r\nTelamon Corporation / Hearthstone Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $157,547\r\nTelamon Corporation / Potomac Highlands Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $158,823\r\nTelamon Corporation / Reliable Housing Permanent Supportive Housing \u2013 $153,253\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 1 - 2016-17) \u2013 $155,130\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 2 - 2016-17) \u2013 $84,004\r\nWestbrook Health Services, Inc. / Permanent housing for individuals and families (Perm 3 - 2016-17 \u2013 $61,093\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / HMIS Renewal FY2016 \u2013 $389,746\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / Jar'Kai Rapid Rehousing FY2016 \u2013 $195,263\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / Kenobi Rapid Re-Housing - FY2016 \u2013 $177,308\r\nWV Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.\u00a0 / WV-508 CoC Planning Application FY2016 \u2013 $117,158\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Coordinated Intake FY2016 \u2013 $129,869\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH H1 2016 Renewal \u2013 $186,833\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU EPH Regional H1 2016 Renewal \u2013 $221,697\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU FY2016 RRH N&I \u2013 $126,988\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU Ooliblikasmees Coordinated Intake \u2013 $42,994\r\nWVU Research Corporation / WVU PSH 2016 Renewal \u2013 $189,533\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5D39322F-ECA0-4D9C-B2CC-00F62842AB31", "Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 115th Congress", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced that he has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He will continue to be a member of the Senate Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, and Veterans\u2019 Affairs.\r\n\u201cIt is a privilege to be assigned to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as we enter into a new Congress,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe two committees oversee a range of issues that will help the people of West Virginia and our values.\r\n\u201cAs a member of these new committees, as well as a new member of Senate leadership, I will have a greater influence over where our federal dollars are going, and how our country\u2019s intelligence activities and programs keep us safe. In addition, I look forward to continuing to work for the people of West Virginia on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, two uniquely important committees that affect our state greatly. As always, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common sense solutions to the challenges we face. In these four committees and as a member of Senate leadership, I am hopeful that I can work to rekindle a spirit of bipartisanship that will allow Congress to work more effectively and efficiently on behalf of the people we represent.\u201d\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, please click here.\r\nTo review more information on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, please click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6233FB05-0527-4C35-BFAF-906FB9CCAC91", "Manchin Statement on Release of Final Stream Protection Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement in response to the\u00a0U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement\u2019s (OSMRE) announcement that it has finalized the stream protection rule. \u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile we all must carefully review this 1,648 page final rule, I want to reiterate that the proposed rule was very alarming in its scope and potential impacts. I believe that the manner in which this rule making was executed was flawed and lacked transparency, and I will pursue legislation to ensure it does not harm our coal mining communities and economies,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cRules by the Department of the Interior and OSMRE must be based on comprehensive data that is available to stakeholders, particularly when those rules threaten to eliminate thousands of jobs. Furthermore, agencies should not be issuing duplicative rules that overlap with regulations under other environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act.\u201d\r\n\u201cLast year, I cosponsored the Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining (STREAM) Act, which would require the Secretary of the Interior to make all scientific data which was used to draft the rule public.\u00a0 This information must be easily accessible and readily available. I remain unconvinced that this jobs-killing regulation is necessary or substantiated, particularly when you consider state and federal regulations already in place. The consequences of this regulation will have far-reaching impacts on the future of coal mining and, therefore, will only serve to hinder development of affordable reliable energy.\u201d\r\nThe final stream protection rule will be available here. In June, Senator Manchin sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to express his concern about the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement\u2019s (OSMRE) decision to send its final stream protection rule to the White House without fulfilling obligations for state engagement as directed by Congress. Click here to read the full letter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=73F230CD-AC1B-4E13-9E69-FB135C91F50E", "Manchin Announces $87 Million in West Virginia Flood Assistance", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced $87,280,000 of funding for West Virginia flood relief efforts as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant \u2013 Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) Program. This funding is in addition to the $17 million Senator Manchin announced in October bringing the total funding to $104 million through CDBG-DR.\r\n\u201cThis funding is a much needed boost for the West Virginia families that are still recovering from the June flooding,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will provide assistance as our communities rebuild, schools repurchase desks and textbooks and families bind together to create new homes. In the months following the June flooding I have made rehabilitating the impacted communities one of my highest priorities. In the past six months, I have sent letters to President Obama, Secretary Castro and others. I have spoken directly to the President's Chief of Staff, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Senate Leadership to ensure they understood the need facing West Virginia. I am grateful that this vital assistance is on the way, and I will continue working every day until all of our neighbors are back on their feet.\u201d\r\nOn June 25, 2016, Senator Manchin sent a letter to President Obama for the first time in support of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin\u2019s request for additional federal disaster funding following the June 23rd flooding. On June 28, 2016, Senator Manchin sent President Obama a second letter supporting Governor Tomblin\u2019s request for additional federal disaster assistance. On September 13, 2016, Senator Manchin sent a third letter to President Obama reinforcing the need for federal disaster assistance following the flooding. On October 6, 2016, Senator Manchin sent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro a letter further reinforcing the need for disaster assistance in West Virginia.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CD9344E2-7333-4A21-AE50-EFD02ED47FFF", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for SBA Achievement Awards", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to nominate West Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurs for the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) 2017 National and District Small Business Week awards. Winner of national titles will attend National Small Business Week activities in Washington, D.C. in May 2017. All nominations are due by Tuesday, January 10th.\r\n\u201cWith over 120,000 small businesses making up 96 percent of our employers, it is the hard-working entrepreneurial spirit that defines West Virginia,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI encourage all West Virginians to nominate local businesses for these prestigious awards so that they get the support and recognition that they deserve. By encouraging small business growth, we are helping to build a stronger, more diversified Mountain State economy.\u201d\r\nThe SBA is seeking national nominations for the following awards: Small Business Person of the Year Award; Small Business Exporter of the Year; Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery; Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery - Public Official; Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery \u2013 Volunteer; Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award; Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award; Federal Procurement Award - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence; 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award; Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award; Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award; Women's Business Center of the Year Excellence Award Jody C. Raskind Lender of the Year; Small Business Investment Company of the Year\r\nIn addition to national awards, The West Virginia District office is seeking nominations for the following district awards: WV Young Entrepreneur of the Year; WV Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Encore Entrepreneur of the Year; WV Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Family-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year; WV Small Business Champion of the Year.\r\nTo nominate a small business or entrepreneur for a national or district award, please mail or hand deliver to the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office at 320 West Pike Street, Suite 330, Clarksburg, WV 26301.\r\nDistrict nominations must be submitted directly to the West Virginia District Office. Guidelines and nomination forms can be found on the SBA\u2019s West Virginia District Office web page at\u00a0http://1.usa.gov/1SfCqJ0 or by contacting Nikki Bowmar at (304) 623-7445 or\u00a0nikki.bowmar@sba.gov(link sends e-mail).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1C18FD65-56A4-4662-9798-C084B7E08F76", "Manchin Completes Annual Tour of All 55 Counties", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Manchin completes his annual tour across the Mountain State as another successful year of helping West Virginians comes to a close\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) completed his annual tour of all 55 West Virginia counties, with his last stop today in Preston County where he is delivering the keynote address at the Mountaineer Challenge Academy graduation.\r\n\u201cAs 2016 comes to a close, I am reminded once again of how fortunate we are to live in a state where our people are passionate about helping others, where a strong work ethic comes naturally and where we set our priorities based on our values,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIt is important to me to make stops in each county throughout the year so that I stay connected and hear directly from West Virginians on how to move our state and nation forward. Traveling the state every year and hosting public forums really help me best serve the people of our state.\u201d\r\nSome other highlights from 2016 include Senator Manchin participating in hundreds of events, including school and university visits, constituent meetings, business tours, roundtables and town halls, where he invited the public to voice their opinions and concerns and then took their views back to Washington.\r\nSenator Manchin also hosted more than 20 Skypes with West Virginia students and hosted 14 Job Fairs across the state that had thousands of West Virginians in attendance, and helped link West Virginians up with jobs.\r\nAfter the June flood, Senator Manchin toured the affected counties and visited with survivors. He instructed his staff to be on the ground continuously for many weeks following the aftermath, speaking with residents, offer assistance through the FEMA process, taking individual cases and being part of the long-term recovery.\r\nAdditionally, the senator\u2019s office has participated in more than 1,000 official events and meetings has opened 4,008 cases and closed 4,107, and has written more than 400 letters of support to federal agencies and organizations that will assist in developing infrastructure, promoting healthy and safe communities and aiding with job creation.\r\nThroughout the year, Senator Manchin has also met with students, community leaders, first responders, senior center directors and medical professionals about the national drug abuse crisis and the importance of prevention. Most recently, he was instrumental in the distribution of 55,000 drug deactivation pouches to the state ensure proper disposal of unused or outdated prescription medications.\u00a0 Each of the 55 counties received 1,000 pouches for their residents.\r\n\u201cI truly believe in a philosophy of retail government\u2014of serving my constituents and bringing your government to you. It has been another outstanding year, and I look forward to serving West Virginians in 2017 with more public forums,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=430ABBB6-9A8A-464C-B013-7548250282AE", "Manchin, Kaine, Warner, Brown, Casey Introduce RECLAIM Act", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the RECLAIM Act last week. This legislation will provide funds to states and Indian tribes for the purpose of promoting economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining.\r\n\u201cThis legislation will help the many mining communities throughout West Virginia and the country that have been devastated by the decline in the coal industry,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cNow, we must make sure these communities and their residents get back on their feet, and this bill will do just that by deploying funds that are just sitting unused in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) estimates that we can create 4,600 reclamation jobs across the country by putting these funds to work. While this investment is not all that is needed, it\u2019s a start. I\u2019m proud to join my Senate colleagues in introducing this commonsense piece of legislation and look forward to ensuring its passage.\u201d\r\n\u201cMine reclamation supports 300 to 400 Virginia jobs per year, contributes to economic revitalization, and cleans up contaminated land and water. For decades, coal companies have been paying fees per ton of coal to support reclamation projects, and today, many of those dollars sit in a federal account, unused. Senator Warner and I are proud to co-sponsor this common-sense bill, with our Democratic colleagues from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, that will turn those dollars loose to support new reclamation projects in Southwest Virginia. We welcome any and all support from our Republican colleagues in making Appalachian economic development a bipartisan priority,\u201d Senator Kaine said.\r\n\u201cWe have a lot of work to do to ensure that communities that have historically relied on coal are not being left behind by rapid technological and economic shifts,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cThe RECLAIM Act will speed up the release of a billion dollars already set aside to help Appalachian communities respond to environmental damage from coal mining, and fast-track investments in projects to restore the environment, create new jobs, and diversify the economy so that more people have greater access to economic opportunities.\u201d\r\n\u201cOhio coal communities helped build and power this country and they deserve our respect and attention,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis investment will provide a down payment toward creating new jobs and giving local communities across Appalachia the tools they need to grow.\u201d\r\n\u201cCleaning up abandoned mine sites and promoting economic development will create jobs and spur growth throughout former and current coal mining communities in Pennsylvania,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cEvery person in these communities deserves a fair shot in our economy and cleaning up these abandoned sites is the first step. Businesses and workers in areas where abandoned mine cleanup is occurring benefit from a safer, cleaner environment as well as increased local economic activity from wages and purchases.\u201d\r\nOver the last eight years, the coal industry has undergone a dramatic decrease in production resulting in a disproportionate impact on communities that have historically relied on the industry for their economic livelihoods.\u00a0 Decreased coal production has led to significant job losses in communities with few other economic opportunities.\r\nThe RECLAIM Act aims to support the development of new economic and community development opportunities in impacted coal communities. This legislation utilizes $1 billion of existing funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to revitalize coal communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7D14B5DF-3A27-483D-9570-523D7D3F3BF6", "Manchin Outlines Expectations for Next EPA Administrator", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey outlining his expectations for the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n\u201cNo one has fought harder against administration overreach and regulation than I have, and I need to make sure the next EPA Administrator is as serious as I am about reforming this rogue agency,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI\u2019ve worked in a bipartisan way with my friend, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, on commonsense legislation that would repeal the Clean Power Plan, the New Source Performance Standard for new and modified electric generating units, the most recent ozone NAAQs standard, and the WOTUS rule, among others because they just don\u2019t make sense. Having spent my entire life in West Virginia, I understand the devastating impact government overreach can have on our economy which is why as Governor I sued the EPA for overstepping its boundaries regarding mining practices. Like all West Virginians, I want clean water and clean air, but these rules ignore commonsense and go too far by preventing people from working.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe EPA is in desperate need of reform and I have spent my entire six years as your United States Senator leading efforts to do just that.\u00a0 It is critical that the next EPA Administrator has the necessary experience and expertise to get the job done. I look forward to meeting with Attorney General Pruitt and hearing how he intends to right-size the EPA and refocus it in line with the principles that I have set forth in my years of work on behalf of West Virginians.\u201d\r\nPlease read the full letter below, or click here.\r\nDear Mr. Morrisey,\r\nHearing from West Virginians is important to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to voice your support for the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I welcome your input, particularly in light of my conversations earlier this week with President-elect Donald Trump about the nation\u2019s energy industry and the important role regulatory reform will play in allowing us to realize our full potential.\r\nAs you know, I have joined several efforts led by Attorney General Pruitt in an effort to push back on regulatory overreach by the EPA. Along with 33 of my Senate colleagues in the Senate, I joined an amicus curiae brief filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals which urges that court to vacate the Clean Power Plan as an egregious overreach of the EPA\u2019s authority under the Clean Air Act. I recently signed onto another brief filed with the Sixth Circuit that argues against the EPA\u2019s waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, a rule that would irreparably harm industries such as agriculture and energy by requiring federal water permits for vast but unfounded new categories of what the EPA purports to be \u201cnavigable waters\u201d. As you will recall, as Governor, I sued the EPA for overstepping its boundaries regarding mountaintop removal practices in West Virginia\u2019s coal industry in an effort to ensure that the states have rights and the power to oversee, regulate and protect their citizens and resources. Like all West Virginians, I want clean water and clean air, but these rules ignore common sense and go too far by preventing people from working.\r\nIn the Senate, I have led, sponsored and co-sponsored legislation that would repeal or roll back burdensome regulations including the Clean Power Plan, the 111(b) New Source Performance Standard for new and modified electric generating units, the most recent ozone NAAQs standard, and the WOTUS rule, among others. And, legislation that I championed which ensures the states are able to establish permitting programs to ensure the safe disposal and beneficial reuse of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) just passed Congress. This law will ensure that EPA\u2019s coal combustion residuals regulations are kept in check and that consumers are not saddled with unnecessary costs.\u00a0\r\nI believe that Attorney General Pruitt has an impressive resume, and, as a former executive, I believe that the President should have a chance to pick his team. With that being said, I also take my Constitutional responsibility of advise and consent very seriously. Article II, Section II, Clause II of the United States Constitution provides for a full review of all Presidential appointments by the United States Senate to ensure our federal government is and will remain responsible to the people of our great nation. Your interest as a representative of our great state of West Virginia is noted.\u00a0\r\nThe EPA is in desperate need of reform and I have spent my entire six years as your United States Senator leading efforts to do just that.\u00a0 It is critical that the next EPA Administrator has the necessary experience and expertise to get the job done. I look forward to meeting with Attorney General Pruitt and hearing how he intends to right-size the EPA and refocus it in line with the principles that I have set forth in my years of work on behalf of West Virginians.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJoe Manchin III   United States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=65BB8CA2-2E71-45E6-BAA8-30B09235F8CB", "Manchin Applauds Signing of 21st Century CURES Act Into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As a lead advocate of opioid abuse prevention and funding, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today attended the signing ceremony of the 21st Century Cures Act at the White House. This law includes funding to fight the opioid epidemic, improves medical research and modernizes mental health services.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased the President signed this much needed legislation that will address the opioid epidemic, strengthen medical research, and expand access to mental health care,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI was proud to be there with David Grubb as the President signed into law critical funding that will help millions of Americans like his daughter Jessie. Mr. Grubb first shared his daughter\u2019s battle with addiction with the President when he came to Charleston for a town hall on opioid abuse and his daughter\u2019s story has inspired the President to put more resources toward providing treatment for the people who are suffering from opioid abuse and addiction. The funding will go a long way in fighting the opioid epidemic and I\u2019m glad that this legislation was signed into law.\u201d\r\nSome of the provisions in the 21st Century CURES Act will: \u00a0\r\n \r\nAuthorize $1 billion in funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic over two years.\r\nProvide $4.8 billion between FY17-FY20 to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for President Obama\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden\u2019s \"Cancer Moonshot\u201d to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.\r\nStrengthen pediatric and high risk/high reward medical research.\r\nSupport a \u201cEureka Prize Competition\u201d to foster research that could realize significant advancements in health outcomes and disease treatments.\r\nModernize and strengthens grants for providing mental health services, promotes evidence-based practices, and strengthens mental health parity provisions to ensure that insurance companies treat mental health problems on par with physical health problems. It also expands Medicaid coverage of mental health services.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CDB6F50F-A56C-48C1-9CF9-8591F50575F9", "Manchin Statement on Meeting with President-elect Trump", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI had a very productive and informative meeting with President-elect Trump. I was honored that the President-elect asked me to meet with him and discuss ways we can work together and improve the lives of millions of Americans, and the hard-working people of West Virginia. I was humbled to be considered for the Secretary of Energy position. I have dedicated my life in public service to doing what is best for the people of West Virginia. Right now, I believe that I can best serve my state of West Virginia in the United States Senate. I hope all Americans join me in working with President-elect trump in a bipartisan way to bring our country together and make it successful. I am committed to working with President Trump and his Administration to find commonsense solutions to pass the Miners Protection Act, solve our opioid crisis, rebuild our infrastructure, reform our broken tax code and build an economy that works for all Americans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D91EB5D8-AFE7-4207-B554-2EBEA14A7583", "Manchin Statement on Passing of Ken Hechler", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the passing of former West Virginia Secretary of State and Congressman Ken Hechler:\r\n\u201cGayle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Ken Hechler's family as they mourn the loss of an incredibly caring human being and a dedicated public servant. Ken was a man of his word - a fierce advocate for West Virginians who was always willing to help any person in need. Ken was a dear friend who I could always turn to for trusted advice. He was held in the highest level of trust as a public servant who will be missed by all West Virginians.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2914E0DA-1A9B-42C4-9A02-779C7217BE0F", "Manchin Votes Against Continuing Resolution with Inhumane Fix for Retired Miners Healthcare", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manchin secures assurance from Majority Leader McConnell to find long-term fix for retired miners\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted against cloture for the continuing resolution because the 4-month proposal to fund retired miners healthcare is inhumane and unacceptable. Earlier today, he allowed a vote to move forward after speaking with Leader Mitch McConnell who promised him that the 22,800 miners who will lose their healthcare in April will not lose it and committed to working with him to come to a long term solution for retired miners healthcare and pensions.\r\n\u201cMajority Leader McConnell and I talked about a defined path forward for the 22,800 retired coal miners and widows who are on the verge of losing the healthcare benefits they were promised,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI continue to think the four month fix included in today\u2019s Continuing Resolution is not a meaningful solution to this dire problem. That is why I opposed cloture and urged my colleagues to do the same. I believe Senator McConnell and I have come to an agreement on how we can work together to come up with a permanent solution that is worthy of these brave miners and their families. This has been a long fight and it is far from over. Everyone who joined me in this fight and opposed cloture understands that fighting for working people is what we were sent here to do. \u00a0I took my vote in honor of the retired miners that came to Washington on their own time and on their own dime over and over again. They walked the halls of Congress and sat in the Senate gallery as we debated these vital issues.\u00a0 I took my vote in honor of them and their brothers and sisters all over this country.\u00a0I promised them that this body will not abandon them and we will keep working to find a solution that this is worthy of them.\u201d\r\nTo watch Senator Manchin\u2019s full remarks on the Senate Floor before the vote, click here.\r\nSenator Manchin introduced the bill and followed regular order. He pushed for a legislative hearing and secured passage out of the Finance Committee. The bill also has the 60 votes needed for Senate passage.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0D092D00-1231-4215-B019-9368BFEF1642", "Manchin Votes for 21st Century CURES Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes funding to fight the opioid epidemic, improves medical research and modernizes mental health services. Although Senator Manchin voted against cloture and has been blocking all live UC action on the Senate floor, he does not object to the legislation itself.\r\n\u201cToday I voted to pass the 21st Century CURES Act because this bill will provide critical resources to address the opioid epidemic, strengthen medical research, and expand access to mental health care,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI will, however, continue to fight to pass the Miners Protection Act. It\u2019s simply unacceptable that we can come together and pass 21st Century Cures Act but cannot vote on a long term solution for retired miner\u2019s healthcare and pensions. There are 16,300 miners who were notified in October that they would lose their healthcare by December 31.\u00a0And, if the CR passes with the language as it currently stands, then they we \u2013 Congress - are essentially telling them that they will lose their healthcare in April because there are no guarantees after that. That\u2019s inhumane. The proposed 4-month fix leaves these miners worse off, and I will not let Congress adjourn until we do what is right.\r\n\u201cI voted for this legislation because it does many good things that will improve the lives of millions of Americans, but it leaves out some of the most hard working and dedicated people of our country \u2013 our retired miners.\u201d\r\nSome of the provisions in the 21st Century CURES Act will:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Authorize $1 billion in funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic over two years\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide $4.8 billion between FY17-FY20 to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for President Obama\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden\u2019s \"Cancer Moonshot\u201d to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strengthen pediatric and high risk/high reward medical research.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support a \u201cEureka Prize Competition\u201d to foster research that could realize significant advancements in health outcomes and disease treatments.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Modernize and strengthens grants for providing mental health services, promotes evidence-based practices, and strengthens mental health parity provisions to ensure that insurance companies treat mental health problems on par with physical health problems. It also expands Medicaid coverage of mental health services.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83600FBF-3BAE-4E91-815B-4CDEF05EC9A9", "Manchin, Warner, Casey, Brown Take to the Senate Floor to fight for Retired Miners and Their Families", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Without Action, 16,300 Coal Miners Will Lose Healthcare on Dec. 31\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) spoke on the Senate floor on the urgent need to pass the Miners Protection Act, which will protect the health and pensions of more than 120,000 retired coalminers nationwide. With 16,300 retired coal miners set to lose healthcare by Dec. 31, 2016 without Congressional action, the Senators announced that they will continue to block all attempts to pass legislation by unanimous consent in the Senate until the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) healthcare and pension shortfall is adequately addressed to give miners long-term certainty and the benefits they earned over a lifetime of hard work.\r\n\u201cWe are coming up on a deadline, a deadline we knew almost 2 years ago we would hit. Because we have been unable to secure a vote, that would keep our promise to the miners and their families who have given so much to this country, I am forced to come to this floor and object to some good pieces of legislation. I want my colleagues to know that I am not objecting to the content or to my friends. I am objecting on behalf of the miners and their families who need their pension and healthcare benefits they have earned.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5B51B008-B9AD-409A-A31A-3AD77FDF4F0F", "Manchin, Capito Praise Inclusion of Coal Ash Provision in Bicameral, Bipartisan WIIN Deal", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) praised the bipartisan deal with the House of Representatives to include authorization for permit programs for the control of coal combustion residuals in the final Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act announced today.\u00a0 The provision makes several improvements to the coal combustion residuals section that was included in the version passed by the Senate\u00a0on September 15\u00a0to better protect the rights of states that want to operate permit programs and to provide more certainty for the regulated community:\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re pleased that the final WIIN package builds off the Senate passed provision and provides the authority that states have been seeking to regulate coal ash through authorized state permit programs,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cThis new permitting authority fixes the main problems with the recent coal ash regulation\u00a0issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, by removing citizen suits as the sole means of enforcement and allowing states to tailor permit requirements on a case-by-case basis. We\u2019re happy that we were able to work with our colleagues in the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis to get this important legislation across the finish line.\u201d\r\nBackground\r\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Dec. 19, 2014, to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals from utilities as a nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).\u00a0 Because of the limited authority under RCRA Subtitle D, the requirements of the EPA rule apply directly to facilities and are enforceable only by citizen suits, not through state or federal permit programs.\u00a0 This legislation amends RCRA to authorize State permit programs, subject to EPA approval and oversight, to regulate coal combustion residual units based on the technical standards in EPA\u2019s rule or state-specific standards that are at least as protective as those in the EPA rule.\r\nThe changes in this legislation from the version passed by the Senate in September\u00a0include:\r\n \r\nExtending the time period for when EPA must review authorized state programs from 5 years to 12 years;\r\nExtending the deadline by when EPA must approve a state\u2019s programs from 90 days to 180 days to accommodate public notice and comment on a state\u2019s application for program approval;\r\nChanging the authority of states to request EPA review of another state\u2019s program;\r\nMandating EPA to operate backstop permit programs in states that are not authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations.\r\n \r\nThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation was developed with input from states, the regulated community, environmental groups, and EPA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8363169B-1010-42E6-96EA-583EDFFAC5C4", "Manchin Statement on Conversation with President-Elect Trump", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement:\r\n\"Last week, President-elect Trump and I had a wide-ranging and constructive conversation about the future of our country and how we can work together to help the state of West Virginia. I was humbled and honored to share my views with the President-elect and assured him that I am willing to work in a bipartisan manner to find commonsense solutions to the serious challenges we face. I have always believed that public officials must put their state and country first and set aside partisan politics to do what\u2019s right for the people they serve. It is why I truly look forward to continuing the conversation with President-elect Trump later this week on how we can work together to make that happen.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8AE79D43-7777-428B-B1B1-2ED6C21C14E7", "Senators: No Special Consideration for Other Bills Until We Save Coal Miners Healthcare, Retirement", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Coal-State Senators Look to Force Vote on Bipartisan Bill By Blocking Live UC Requests until Action is Taken to Save Retired Miners \u00a0\r\nWithout Action, 16,300 Coal Miners Will Lose Healthcare on Dec. 31\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, a coalition of Senators fighting to protect the health and pensions of more than 120,000 retired coalminers nationwide announced their intent to use any means necessary to make sure that these workers and their families are protected. With 16,300 retired coal miners set to lose healthcare by Dec. 31, 2016 without Congressional action, U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced that they will block all attempts to pass legislation by unanimous consent in the Senate until the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) healthcare and pension shortfall is adequately addressed to give miners long-term certainty. By blocking other bills from sailing through with special privileges, the Senators hope to force House and Senate leadership to include the bipartisan mineworkers fix in the year-end spending package or allow an independent vote on the bill. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Senators released the following joint statement:\r\n\r\n\u201cFor several months, we have joined thousands of our states\u2019 retired coal miners and their families to call for a vote on this bipartisan, paid-for bill. And for several months those calls have gone unanswered. These miners cannot wait another day and it\u2019s up to us to protect what they\u2019ve earned for a lifetime of dangerous, backbreaking work. We are confident this bill would pass on the floor and we demand action to provide long-term certainty for these miners.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=42EE8AE2-3423-4FFC-BEC1-EC5B6E6E0242", "Manchin ready to keep Congress in session if theres no vote on Miners Protection Act | MetroNews", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says he\u2019ll do what he has to do procedurally to keep Congress in session until Christmas if the provisions of the Miners Protection Act aren\u2019t included in a bill to continue the funding of the federal government.\r\nManchin and fellow U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito have been pushing a financial fix for the program that has guaranteed funding of union miners\u2019 pensions and lifetime health care since the 1940\u2019s.\r\nThe provisions of the Miners Protection Act did not make it into a multi-billion dollar bill to fight the drug epidemic that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday (21st Century Cures Act). It should have, Manchin said Thursday during an appearance on MetroNews \u201cTalkline.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur health care and pensions fit right into it perfectly but they wouldn\u2019t put it in,\u201d Manchin said. \u201cThey (supporters) couldn\u2019t get it in.\u201d\r\nThe next opportunity, according to Manchin, is the bill, a continuing resolution, to fund the operation of the federal government, which is scheduled to come to the Senate from the House next Monday.\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s my last hope. That\u2019s my last opportunity,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nCongress wants to pass the continuing resolution by Dec. 9 and then head home for the holidays. Manchin said Thursday if the provisions of the Miners Protection Act aren\u2019t in the bill he\u2019ll make procedural moves to keep Congress in session through the holidays if he has to.\r\n\u201cI am not going to walk out of here Dec. 9. So if they think I am going to be the bad guy because I\u2019m making them stay through Christmas\u2013then so be it,\u201d he said.\r\nApproximately 12,500 retired union miners and the widows of retirees stand to lose their pension and health care benefits on Dec. 31 because the program that has funded the benefits will be exhausted. A number of coal company bankruptcies has significantly reduced the amount of money in the program. The protection act would transfer excess money from the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 UMWA pension plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has so far failed to put the measure up for a vote. McConnell has expressed concern about the impact of pensions for non-union miners. The bill needs 60 votes to pass. Manchin said Thursday he believes 46 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the Senate would vote in favor of the measure if it makes it to the calendar. If not, Manchin is prepared to gather votes to keep Congress in session.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve got to get 41 senators that will vote to stay here and fight it for the sake of the people we\u2019ve (the federal government) made a commitment to and the 12,500 retired miners and mostly the families (widows) are going to lose everything Dec. 31,\u201d Manchin said.\r\nManchin plans to read letters on the Senate floor in the coming days from coal mining families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=4570C29E-F484-48AC-AECA-E37AC15DC0E4", "Manchin in the middle | Washington Examiner", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"I am not far Right, and I am not far Left. I am a proud West Virginia Democrat and I would be dishonest to myself and the people who voted for me if I changed parties,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSitting in a circular turquoise booth at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston, W.Va., in the shadow of the state capitol where he once held what he called \"the best job in America\" as the state's governor, Manchin is adamant that there has to be a place for conservative-to-moderate Democrats in Washington.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnter newly elected Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who found such a place for Manchin in his leadership team.\r\n\r\n\"It was basically a put-up-or-shut-up proposition,\" said Manchin of how he found his way onto the Senate minority leadership team. It's an unlikely place for an outspoken moderate in a left-of-center party.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManchin leans forward to tell his story as folks courteously greet him as they patronize the 120-year-old former shoe store that now houses a bookstore, local artisan's pottery and paintings and an upscale coffee shop. It's stacked with muffins and scones made every morning at 4:30 by the store's 82-year-old English-born owner Ann Saville.\r\n\r\n\"Let me tell you how it all happened,\" he begins. \"There is a tug of war going on. Everybody in the party thinks they must go further to the left. I don't think this is about going to the left or the right. It's just that our message was not accepted in a genuine, sincere manner,\" he said of the frenzy of Democratic members' responses after losing not only the presidential race, but their chance at the Senate majority.\r\n\r\nDemocrats also came nowhere near chipping away effectively at the Republicans' House majority and now have lost 919 state legislative seats in the past eight years, giving the once-vaunted party of the working class the smallest minority in nearly 100 years.\r\n\r\n\"People didn't believe in us. They did not buy into our message,\" he said of his party's attempts to win the presidency and rebuild its majority.\r\n\r\n\"As far as Bernie [Sanders] and his troops who believe that if he had been the nominee he would have won? I think there would have been the passion, but I don't think that he would have won the presidency,\" Manchin said.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManchin, who calls Schumer a friend, said the two men were talking after the election when he articulated to the New York senator how he felt about the results.\r\n\r\n\"I told him, 'I have to be honest with you, the far Left is not speaking for me or the conservative Democrats I represent. I am an American first. As far as the D and the R goes, well that comes way down on the list for me,'\" he said.\r\n\r\n\"I am there [in the Senate] to get things done. And I am going to get things done, but if you think Bernie is going to be preaching the mantra of who I am, well that is not me.\"\r\n\r\nManchin said he told Schumer he planned on vocalizing his positions if things get heated. \"If Bernie is wrong, I am going to be speaking out hard and strong against him,\" he said of Sanders.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\"Schumer's response was if I felt that strongly about it, why didn't I join his leadership team?\r\n\r\n\r\n\"And that is how I got to be in leadership,\" he said.\r\n\r\nThe 'horrible' Clinton moment\r\n\r\nIn the 228 miles between the Pennsylvania state line and the West Virginia state capitol, the evidence of President-elect Trump's dominance in this once-powerful Democratic-led state still remains two weeks after Election Day. Stray signs still stand proudly in people's yards and along the rolling mountain back roads.\r\n\r\nTrump crushed\u00a0Hillary Clinton\u00a0here Nov. 8, winning nearly 70 percent of the vote. The sweep came two years ahead of the steadfast Clinton supporter's own re-election contest in November 2018.\r\n\r\nIt was a backing he maintained even after she made those \"horrific\" remarks where she promised to kill all coal jobs in the state.\r\n\r\n\"I was consumed with anger when she blurted that out,\" Manchin said. \"I had talked to her just a couple weeks before about how we were losing all of our coal mining jobs and the ancillary jobs that go along with them.\r\n\r\n\"I stressed to her that companies were going broke and I don't know if they'll ever come back or be resurrected again.\"\r\n\r\nClinton committed to him that she would deploy her husband Bill to the state within the first 100 days of her administration and bring back a series of big projects that included comprehensive broadband for the mountainous state, along with highway projects in southern West Virginia.\r\n\r\n\"And the icing on the cake was a big beautiful hydro-dam that would open up recreation activities so our people can diversify their economy, and also bring in some revenue coming from the power,\" he said.\r\n\r\n\"When she turned around and made that statement two weeks later, I got so damn mad, you know how you just react?\" he said.\r\n\r\nBoth Clintons called and apologized. Manchin told the former president, \"Why don't we just remain friends and go our separate ways?\"\r\n\r\nHe told Hillary, \"There is absolutely no way I can defend what you said, there's also no way that you can make it right. Damage is done. That is not who we are, and I hope that is not what you think of us. I just think it's best we part ways.\"\r\n\r\nHer response was a firm no, and she asked to come back to the state. She did, but as he told her, the damage was already done, to both her and him.\r\n\r\n\"It was horrible. People saw me with her and they called me 'Traitor Joe.' People who I have known all my life were calling me these names, people who I have worked with and I have supported them and they have supported me,\" he said shaking his head.\r\n\r\nManchin stuck with her for the promises to help his state. \"That was what I was elected to do, but if this election was about me, well I would have gone the other way,\" he said of supporting Trump over her.\r\n\r\nDeconstructing Harry\r\n\r\nNot even McConnell can match Manchin's enthusiasm for the departure of Harry Reid from the halls of the Capitol.\r\n\r\nManchin and Reid have been at odds since the former governor came to the Senate in 2010 in a special election, a friction that caused him to almost leave the Senate seat and seek his old governor's office back.\r\n\r\nIt escalated after the election when Reid released blistering remarks about the president-elect, calling him a sexual predator who lost the popular vote and fuels bigotry and hatred.\r\n\r\nManchin slammed Reid publicly. \"I want to be very clear, he does not speak for me ... His words needlessly feed the very divisiveness that is tearing this country apart,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSitting at the bookstore one week later, he still bristles at Reid's decision to be so divisive. \"His behavior is just so embarrassing,\" he said.\r\n\r\nHis relationship with Schumer is much different, and despite their vastly different backgrounds, they share a passion for getting things done.\r\n\r\n\"Chuck will look at anything in a pragmatic way and look for a pathway forward to get things done,\" Manchin said.\r\n\r\n\"When Schumer asked me to join the leadership, I told him I am not going to be a token conservative on your membership team. But if you have me as a trusted friend, I will tell you exactly what is going on and make sure that you have every opportunity to succeed,\" he said.\r\n\r\nSchumer outlined Manchin's strengths, such as his ability to reach across the aisle and his resistance to campaign against his Republican peers for Democratic candidate gains.\r\n\r\nSchumer's proposal? Be his liaison to find out where they could move forward on pieces of legislation. \"Where a deal is to be had, whether it be Paul Ryan in the House or Mitch McConnell in the Senate, you're that guy,\" Manchin said, explaining the minority leader's pitch.\r\n\r\nManchin considered and decided to accept. \"It is a tremendous honor and opportunity to maybe heal the wounds of the country.\"\r\n\r\n2018\r\n\r\nOne day after the election, Manchin said dozens of his friends called to tell him they received a robo-call that pitted him against every Republican elected official in the state for an election to be held two years from now.\r\n\r\nHe expects every single one of them to take a run at him in a Republican primary. \"A little healthy competition is good. I am happy to campaign on my record from the mistakes I have made and also the successes we have had,\" he said.\r\n\r\nManchin knows that his appointment to leadership as he faces re-election is both a blessing and a curse. \"And I am willing to take the challenge.\"\r\n\r\nHis party faces defending 10 senators up for re-election in 2018 in states Trump carried, some unequivocally like West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and North Dakota.\r\n\r\n\"This year's election is probably the biggest political surprise we have ever seen, and the results tell you that people were just so damn mad; they felt that the American dream was never going to be in their reach, or in their children's reach,\" he said.\r\n\r\nLike Bob Casey in Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Manchin says he knows he makes an appealing target for Republicans. The best thing he says he can do is just be himself.\r\n\r\nThe other thing he said is to learn from the message voters gave both Democrats and Republicans. \"That is what I am going to do, because that is what I have always done. You need to listen to the people, and always stay true to yourself.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5BA4D28D-53FB-433B-9FEB-F10EE2314B9D", "Manchin Calling on West Virginia Coal Miners to Share their Story", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is calling on West Virginia coal miners and their families to send him their stories so he can read them on the Senate Floor, explaining the hardships they will face if we do not immediately pass the Miners Protection Act now. \u00a0Miners can send their stories to miners@manchin.senate.gov.\r\n\u201cIn October, 12,500 of our nation\u2019s coal miners, including 5,654 West Virginians, received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated by the end of this year, but they have just over a week to purchase new plans and try to figure out how to pay for them\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cOn February 1, another 3,600 miners will lose their health care and 6,500 more will follow throughout the rest of the year, suffering the same demoralizing and devastating fate. I will do everything in my power to pass the Miners Protection Act, and that's why I need the more than 27,000 retirees and their families who live in West Virginia to send me their stories about how Congress\u2019s failure to pass the Miners Protection Act will affect them. I will read them on the Senate Floor so all of my colleagues know what they are about to put the people who built our country through.\u201d\r\nSince introducing the Miners Protection Act, Senator Manchin has followed regular order to pass this important piece of legislation. It has had a legislative hearing and passed out of the Senate Finance Committee with a bipartisan vote of 18 to 8.\u00a0 The bill is paid for and has the 60 votes needed for passage.\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=672156F7-9CA2-4FB2-8914-5DA2350EEA3D", "Manchin Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to December 31, 2026.\r\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s top state sponsor of terrorism, according to the Department of State, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that this regime is not able to increase its ballistic missile capabilities.\u00a0 Allowing the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expire would be a concession to Iran, who continues to act aggressively in spite of the Iran Deal,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis bill maintains sanctions pressure on the Iranian regime through 2026 to curtail Iran\u2019s development of ballistic missiles, which Iran continues to pursue.\u201d\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Act, originally called the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA), was introduced during a tightening of U.S. sanctions on Iran twenty years ago. The original sanctions curbed the strategic threat from Iran by hindering its ability to modernize its key petroleum sector. The Iran Sanctions Extension Act targets further development of Iran\u2019s ballistic missile program and inhibits their ability to purchase conventional weapons.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11D102B7-A55E-48B8-888F-1D1534C42335", "Manchin Votes to Improve Healthcare in Rural Areas", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted to pass the Enhancing Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model into health systems across the country. The ECHO model is an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams (\u201chubs\u201d) with primary care providers (\u201cspokes\u201d) in rural and underserved areas.\r\n\u201cCommunities in rural and underserved areas of West Virginia face unique challenges when it comes to access to healthcare,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThrough telecommunications, these West Virginians will have access to the ECHO model, a quality healthcare program that will improve the education of our healthcare providers and the quality of healthcare services. I commend the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute for launching Project ECHO in West Virginia, to help treat and prevent hepatitis C in our state.\u201d\r\nThe West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) launched Project ECHO in April 2016 to address hepatitis C cases that have been on the rise in West Virginia largely due to the increase in drug use. Using the hub and spoke network, ECHO established West Virginia University as the central hub and each week connects rural clinics throughout West Virginia with hepatitis C specialists as well as an addiction expert, a pharmacist, and a nurse.\r\n\"We discovered project ECHO last year when we were searching for care for our patients with Hepatitis C.\u00a0 This is a complex disease that usually requires specialist care which is tough to find in a rural state.\u00a0 ECHO is a proven cost effective method for supporting primary care providers in caring for complex medical conditions such as hepatitis.\u00a0 Using bi-weekly video conference sessions, the specialists provide education and case consultation with a network of primary care practitioners. Early on the leadership at the WVU School of Medicine and the C.W. Benedum Foundation saw the value of the ECHO model for improving care of complex medical problems in West Virginia.\u00a0 The WVU HepC ECHO has been running for 9 months and planning is underway for additional ECHO clinics to extend to care for other complex medical problems such as chronic pain and addiction treatment. We appreciate the wisdom of Senator Manchin and the U.S. Senate in passing the legislation to study the ECHO model as a strategy to address the acute problem of specialist level care in rural communities,\u201d said Craig Robinson, Executive Director of Cabin Creek Health Systems.\r\nThe ECHO Act will bill:\r\n \r\nRequire the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), to prioritize analysis of the model, its impacts on provider capacity and workforce issues, and evidence of its effects on quality of patient care.\r\nRequest a GAO report regarding opportunities for increased adoption of such models, efficiencies and potential cost savings from such models, ways to improve health care through such models, and field recommendations to advance the use of such models.\r\nRequire the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the GAO report and the HHS report, including ways such models have been funded by HHS and how to integrate these models into current funding streams and innovative grant proposals.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7C8C018E-642E-4FFB-A9AA-300EF652A9A6", "Manchin Wishes West Virginians a Happy Thanksgiving", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement wishing West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving:\r\n\u201cGrowing up in the Manchin household we were always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. This lesson has stuck with me throughout my adult life and I have tried to pass it along to my children and grandchildren.\r\n\u201cAs Americans, we are particularly blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave. While we should thank our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guard Members and Reservists every day for the sacrifices they make on behalf of each of us, this holiday season let us take a moment to thank them and their families.\r\n\u201cDespite the personal struggles we may encounter, we are blessed to live in the greatest country on Earth. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the wonderful people of West Virginia. On behalf of Gayle and our whole family, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. God bless America, and God bless the great state of West Virginia.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=03EA9C56-8550-41B8-A0FE-18E298250E29", "Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small this Saturday", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Small Business Saturday is November 26\r\nWashington, D.C. ?\u00a0 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to shop at West Virginia small businesses this Saturday, November 26th\u00a0in celebration of the seventh\u00a0annual Small Business Saturday.\r\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s a local coffee shop, a family owned bakery or a tech start-up, these small businesses are what fuels our economy,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cSmall businesses are the fiber of our communities and they are critical to our state\u2019s economic success. West Virginia\u2019s more than 120,000 small businesses make up an estimated 96 percent of our state\u2019s economy. When these businesses succeed, our state sees additional jobs and community development. As a small businessman myself, I value the important contributions West Virginia\u2019s small businesses make to our state, and I appreciate the many challenges they face. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all West Virginians to show support for our small businesses. I encourage all West Virginians to remember to shop at our small businesses not just this Saturday, but for the entire holiday season and throughout the year.\u201d\r\nSmall Business Saturday was launched in 2010. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to promote shopping at small businesses throughout the country.\r\nTo promote #smallbizsat, Senator Manchin visited a locally owned restaurant in Charleston last week and shops in downtown Spencer earlier this week.\r\nTo find small businesses in your community to support this Saturday, please click here.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BC9C09BC-3DCD-4C22-8D47-BF901C2AD95F", "Manchin Fights for Green Bank Observatory", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter to Dr. France A. Cordova, the Director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), urging her to continue the NSF partnership with the Green Bank Observatory (GBO). Senator Manchin is still urging West Virginians to submit public comments on the future of the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County.\r\nSenator Manchin said: \u201cThe unique scientific expertise of GBO within the research and educational communities is complemented by the significant economic impact within Pocahontas County and the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. The more than 100 year-round employees and 40 seasonal summer employees contribute more than $17 million annually to the local economy. In total, the GBO generates nearly $30 million every year, which in turn supports the first responders and organizations that support local families. In an area that has welcomed the sacrifices of this unique way of life, the economic contributions of GBO are vital to the continued success and growth of the community.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nTo submit a written comment, email envcomp-AST-greenbank@nsf.gov, with subject line \u201cGreen Bank Observatory,\u201d or mail to Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: Green Bank Observatory, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045, Arlington, VA 22230.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or click here.\r\nDear Dr. C\u00f3rdova:\r\nAs you may know, the world\u2019s largest fully steerable telescope is located in Green Bank, West Virginia. For the United States to continue to be a leader in scientific discovery and radio astronomy, our scientists must have access to the best equipment in the world. With that in mind, I write in strong support of the research occurring at the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) and urge the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue its partnership with this important facility in West Virginia.\r\nThe GBO was originally dedicated in 1957, and the updated GBO of today continues to drive world-class research in many fields including physics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary studies, and STEM education that will help our nation better conduct the science activities of tomorrow. The Green Bank Telescope is the premiere facility available to scientists developing new astronomical techniques, and it has also engaged more than 100 teachers and 2,000 high school students through the Pulsar Search Collaboratory in analyzing more than 2.5 million pieces of data. More than 50,000 students, teachers, and visitors annually tour the facility and visit the surrounding community.\u00a0\r\nThe unique scientific expertise of GBO within the research and educational communities is complemented by the significant economic impact within Pocahontas County and the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. The more than 100 year-round employees and 40 seasonal summer employees contribute more than $17 million annually to the local economy. In total, the GBO generates nearly $30 million every year, which in turn supports the first responders and organizations that support local families. In an area that has welcomed the sacrifices of this unique way of life, the economic contributions of GBO are vital to the continued success and growth of the community. \u00a0\r\nFor all these reasons \u2013 scientific, educational, and economic \u2013 GBO plays a critically important role in Pocahontas County and across West Virginia, and through the research capabilities it provides for the nation. This observatory should be quantified not only by these measures but by its value as an emblematic public display of the positive impact NSF-supported activities can have on our communities and the lives of those who live in them.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE025AE1-3D7C-4146-85F6-F141985CB30B", "Manchin, Capito, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Immediate Passage of Miners Protection Act", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined 20 bipartisan Senators in a letter to Senate and House leadership, calling for the passage of the Miners Protection Act by the end of this year. Without a change to current law, 12,500 of the country\u2019s retired coal miners will lose their healthcare on December 31, 2016. \u00a0\r\nThe Senators said in part: \u201cDuring the month of October, approximately 12,500 of our nation\u2019s retired coal miners received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated at the end of this year. The funding provided for Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employee\u2019s Beneficiary Association (Patriot VEBA) will be exhausted by December 31, 2016, leaving these miners and their families without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work. On November 1st, another 3,600 miners began to receive notices.\u00a0 And next year, 6,500 more will suffer the same fate. Additionally, the pension fund that these miners and their widows rely on for life\u2019s basic necessities will reach the point of no return shortly thereafter. Therefore, we ask that you pass the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470) by the end of this year.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenators Manchin and Capito were joined by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Richard Burr (R-NC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\u00a0\r\nTo read the full letter, click here.\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=95499DA2-1B40-4D4F-915E-598993501159", "Manchin Named Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Vice-Chair", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today he will serve as Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Vice-Chair.\r\n\u201cI am honored to represent West Virginia in a Senate Leadership role and to bring our values and beliefs to the table to get the Senate working like it used to. My role in leadership is simple: to be a voice for the pro-growth, commonsense policies that West Virginians support and to work with Republicans to move those policies forward. It\u2019s now more important than ever that we work in a bipartisan way and have constructive relationships with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, something I have been doing since the day I became a Senator. I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get things done and to create solutions to the many challenges the American people are facing.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BACF731D-D6CB-421E-8C97-39D193C3B732", "Manchin Votes to Add Gold Star Family Stories to Veterans History Project", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted for the Gold Star Families Voices Act that would allow Gold Star Families to add their collection of video and audio recordings of biographical histories by immediate family members of Fallen service members to the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center. This legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 97-0 and is on its way to the President for his signature. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cAllowing Gold Star Families to add their service members\u2019 story to this powerful collection will give a voice to those who never made it home,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis important project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations can hear first-hand accounts from the Veterans themselves. By including stories from Gold Star Families of their Fallen loved-ones, we allow all Americans to learn their personal stories behind those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our country will always remain the strongest on earth because of the men and women who are willing to serve in the military, and their loved ones who support them.\u00a0 I am proud that West Virginia has one of the highest rates of military service in the nation, and this vote ensures that legacy is never forgotten.\u201d\r\n\u201cAnytime we can speak about our children who have served and died, it helps to keep their memories alive. As long as their story is out there and their name is in print, they are still with us and that\u2019s what\u2019s important to us,\u201d said Shirley and Stan White, Gold Star Parents of Staff Sergeant Robert White, U.S. Army and Corporal Andrew White, U.S. Marines, who both served and died for our country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD4CD0D6-5F4C-40EF-BD8C-51D69AB6F391", "Manchin Statement on New Jobs in West Virginia", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on the announcement that Bombardier will expand the West Virginia Air Center that provides maintenance services for Bombardier-manufactured commercial aircrafts.\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that Bombardier is continuing to invest in West Virginia. This is great news for the residents of Bridgeport and the entire state of West Virginia. Years of strategic investments, fiscally-responsible policies, and a well-trained, dedicated workforce, have ensured our state remains one of the most business-friendly states in the country.\r\n\u201cWhile serving as Governor, I worked with the Legislature to lower taxes for businesses and residents alike, while also enhancing West Virginia\u2019s business profile by fixing our workers\u2019 comp system, improving our credit ratings and getting our financial house in order. During my time as United States Senator, I have remained committed to enhancing our job climate so every West Virginian is able to have a good paying job. \u00a0I\u2019m proud to have cohosted 14 job fairs to connect companies like Bombardier with West Virginia workers, and will continue this program in the future. I applaud Bombardier for recognizing our state\u2019s aptitude for prosperity and for pursuing this expansion.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2696B98C-9C9D-4B92-81A5-639CC467628B", "Manchin Statement on Leader Reid's Statement", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on Leader Harry Reid\u2019s (D-NV) comments regarding Donald Trump.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cSenator Harry Reid's statement today attacking President-elect Trump is wrong! It is an absolute embarrassment to the Senate as an institution, our Democratic party, and the nation. I want to be very clear, he does not speak for me.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs difficult as it is for anyone to lose an election, the American people have spoken and Donald Trump is our President-elect. Senator Reid\u2019s words needlessly feed the very divisiveness that is tearing this country apart. Now, more than ever, it is time for us all to come together as Americans. We must as Secretary Clinton and President Obama so graciously said, have an open mind and give President-elect Trump the chance to lead.\r\n\r\nTo be clear, as I have always said and believed, I will work with anyone, no matter their party, to improve the lives of West Virginians and all Americans. Just as I will oppose anyone who may propose policies that hurt our nation; we are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans first.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, there are some who forget that at times like these it is wrong to put party and politics above our country.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4C379596-016E-487D-B902-FCEF79D78A7D", "Manchin: Americans Owe our Liberties, Freedoms to our Veterans", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) encouraged West Virginians to recognize the sacrifices and contributions and thank our nation\u2019s Veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every day. Today Senator Manchin celebrated Veterans Day at Capital High School in Charleston, where he also awarded a Purple Heart to the family of West Virginia Veteran, John Himelrick.\u201cI\u2019ve always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cTime and time again throughout our country\u2019s history, West Virginians have been at the forefronts of our fights for liberty, justice, and peace. These are our neighbors, family members, co-workers, and friends. Most importantly, they are our fellow Americans. We shouldn\u2019t honor these brave men and women just once a year, though. Showing our appreciation is something we should do each and every day. As a nation, we should show our gratitude to our veterans by providing whatever they need when they return home. I am pleased with the progress we are making for our state and nation\u2019s Veterans, but we\u2019ve got more work to do. Too many of our Veterans are homeless, jobless, and without access to adequate healthcare. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees to make sure that this country keeps its promises to our Veterans and provides our service members with the care, benefits and services they have earned and deserve.\u201cWe owe those who have served and their families an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. As West Virginians and Americans across our great nation celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a Veteran. It is because of them that America remains a beacon of hope and liberty for people across the world. It is because of them that I am inspired for my work. May God continue to bless our Veterans and may He bless the United States of America and the state of West Virginia.\u201d As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Manchin has worked tirelessly to address Veterans issues and make improvements to ensure West Virginia\u2019s Veterans are well-served. His recent actions on behalf of Veterans have included: \r\n \r\nHelped over 10,000 West Virginia Veterans with their individual Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense claims, or with Veteran related issues.\r\nSuccessfully urged the U.S. Navy to name a Navy ship after Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\r\nRaised $90,000 for the West Virginia National Guard Foundation to honor Gold Star Families by hosting two Ride for Fallen Service Heroes.\r\nProudly works alongside the WV National Guard, to include during the June 2016 flood and all other state emergencies, and advocates for all WV National Guard priorities\r\nFormed a Veterans Advisory Group from Veterans across the state to help advise on issues facing our state.\r\nHosted VA Secretary Robert McDonald in West Virginia for a statewide tour concentrated on finding solutions to the challenges Mountain State Veterans are currently facing.\r\nSuccessfully coordinated, along with the Fisher House and the Department of Defense, the payment of death gratuity benefits to families of the Fallen during the government shutdown\r\nEnsured that the Greenbrier Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) would reopen by bringing Secretary McDonald to Greenbrier County, and securing his commitment to reopening the clinic.\u00a0 Senator Manchin continues to work with VA to reopen the facility and save thousands of West Virginia Veterans from driving several hours to seek treatment.\r\nWorked with the Fisher House and Ken Fisher, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, to secure a Fisher House at the Huntington VA Medical Center\r\nHas nominated nearly 200 West Virginia students to the military service academies, and has worked with ROTC and the WV National Guard to enroll West Virginia students in their programs\r\nProudly works on behalf of Veterans to request long overdue military commendations for service members, to include a Purple Heart for Korean Prisoner of War Willie Lewis, and a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for World War II Combat Veteran John Hemelrick\r\nCoordinated the first ever Senate Veterans Affairs Caseworker Conference, which allowed caseworkers from all over the country to come together and voice their constituents\u2019 concerns with VA leaders and to share best practices on how to better serve our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\nWorked with the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and West Virginia Veterans such as Al Hancock to bring both a Mobile Health Clinic and a permanent VA clinic to Princeton. The facility opened in June 2015.\r\nOriginal co-sponsor of the bipartisan Veterans First Act, which is an omnibus bill that includes accountability provisions, and makes significant improvements to veterans\u2019 healthcare and benefits.\u00a0\r\nOriginal co-sponsor of the Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, which streamlines the veterans benefits appeals process so that veterans can receive the benefits they deserve more quickly.\u00a0\r\nLaunched the Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus to address the challenges that the new generation of post-9/11 Veterans face when entering the job market. Hosted a Post-9/11 Veterans caucus event in Washington on agriculture programs available to help veterans, and featured the West Virginia Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture project.\r\nFormed the bipartisan Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus to urge employers to hire Veterans and to reduce the high rate of unemployment for Veterans, resulting in the \u201cI Hire Veterans\u201d initiative.\r\nBelieves in and supports the \u201cI Hire Veterans\u201d initiative by employing Veterans to work in his State and Washington DC offices.\r\nCosponsored the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act to address problematic overprescribing practices and provide safer and more effective pain management services to our nation\u2019s Veterans. It was signed into law last summer as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (P.L. xxx).\r\nAddressed serious concerns with the implementation of the Veterans Choice Program. The VA subsequently decided to change the calculation used to determine the distance between a Veteran\u2019s home and the nearest VA medical facility.\r\nIntroduced the Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2015 to build on existing homeless Veterans' programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\r\nIntroduced the Veterans Access to Extended Care Act to allow Veterans greater access to long-term care (LTC) services in their home communities.\r\nIntroduced the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act to create a system that can withstand surges in disability claims without generating another Veteran disability claims backlog.\r\nIntroduced the Veterans Small Business Opportunity and Protection Act to protect spouses and dependents of Veteran-owned small businesses after servicemembers pass away from a disability or in the line of duty.\r\nAddressed the significant inadequacies in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Fiduciary Program.\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97F4C7F0-C04B-41B2-A95E-2FF1D82FA79C", "Manchin, Capito Announce more than $1 Million for Maternal and Child Health Services in West Virginia", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,162,326 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will support the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Services programs. The funding will support programs with the goals of increasing healthy pregnancies, improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality.\r\n\"We know that lifelong health starts with a healthy pregnancy, so we must ensure that pregnant women and new mothers have the resources they need from the beginning,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \"This funding will increase prenatal visits for pregnant women and improve access to safe sleep training for new mothers. It\u2019s important that we equip mothers with these resources so they can raise healthy children and live up to their God-given potential.\u201d\r\n\u201cBy encouraging healthier pregnancies and improved health care for kids, this funding will help reduce the infant mortality rate, promote better birth outcomes, and ensure the health and well-being of West Virginia\u2019s mothers and children. It will also support outreach programs to reduce bullying and increase physical activity for kids, two very worthy goals. I am glad this important funding is heading to our state,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=299B80AB-60AB-46B8-9663-66B312B9F308", "Manchin, Capito, Jenkins Provide Information on How to Submit Public Comment on the Future of Green Bank Observatory", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-WV) are providing West Virginians with information on public meetings and how to submit public comments on the future of the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County. The National Science Foundation (NSF) will hold two public meetings on November 9th and accept written public comments until November 19th.\r\n\u201cOur state takes enormous pride in the awe-inspiring scientific research performed at the observatory and I am doing everything in my power to protect and preserve the observatory for future generations,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cFor over half a century, the observatory has contributed to West Virginia\u2019s scientific, educational and economic well-being. The observatory is the largest scientific asset in our state and an important economic engine in the region. I am encouraging all West Virginians to attend these public meetings and submit written comments to ensure the future of this observatory and its positive impacts on our state for years to come. I am asking fellow West Virginians to join me in fighting to save this important facility. The NSF needs to hear from us on this issue, so let\u2019s show them care much we care about Green Bank.\u201d\r\n\u201cI recently visited the Green Bank Observatory, where I toured the world class facility and met the talented researchers whose work provides us with a window to the universe. This facility is such a point of pride for many West Virginians, in addition to being an economic driver for the community. I\u2019ve been proud to support Green Bank Observatory and astronomy research through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I hope all West Virginians will join me in fighting for its future by attending a public meeting and submitting written comments,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\n\u201cThe Green Bank Observatory employs West Virginians, gives our children incredible opportunities, and brings millions in investments to our state. As West Virginians, we must stand together and let those in Washington and across America know that the Green Bank Observatory is important to our state and important to our country. While I\u2019m fighting in Congress to make sure this important asset is protected and preserved, I hope West Virginians will join me in making their voices heard,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said.\r\nThe observatory is an important economic asset for the region. The roughly $8 million annual NSF investment in this facility generates nearly $30 million every year for the local economy.\r\nTo submit a written comment, email envcomp-AST-greenbank@nsf.gov, with subject line \u201cGreen Bank Observatory,\u201d or mail to Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: Green Bank Observatory, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045, Arlington, VA 22230.\r\nTo attend the public meetings on November 9, please see additional information below: \u00a0\r\n \r\nAfternoon meeting: November 9, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\r\nEvening meeting: November 9, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24915, Telephone: (304) 456-2011.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=207B6B39-9244-4818-AEEC-20733FB4A8D6", "Manchin, Group of Senators Call on DEA, Justice Department to Explain Reduction of Enforcement Efforts Against Wholesale Opioid Distributors", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators express concerns that DEA, in coordination with DOJ, scaled back enforcement against violators, allowing more legal controlled substances to enter the illicit drug market as opioid epidemic exploded\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined a group of senators in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) questioning both agencies about lax enforcement efforts against wholesale opioid distributors that may have violated federal rules intended to prevent legal controlled substances from entering the illicit market.\r\nThe Senators wrote in part: \u201cWhile much of the national attention has focused rightly on opioid painkiller manufacturers like Purdue Pharma, wholesale distributors also play a significant role in the crisis when they place prescription drugs in the hands of corrupt drugstores, pill mills, and crooked physicians. DEA\u2019s Diversion Control Division is charged with disrupting and preventing this flow of pharmaceuticals for illicit purposes while maintaining an adequate supply for legitimate needs.\u201d\r\nA recent story in the Washington Post (\u201cThe DEA slowed enforcement while the opioid epidemic grew out of control\u201d, October 22, 2016) revealed that, over the last several years, as opioid overdose deaths began to dramatically rise, the DEA was hampered in its enforcement efforts. Several roadblocks, including requiring DEA to use a higher standard of proof before enforcement cases could proceed, and other efforts by the industry to circumvent the agency, led to a drop in civil case filings against distributors, manufacturers, pharmacies, and doctors, from 131 in fiscal year 2011 to just 40 in fiscal year 2014. However, in 2014 alone, U.S. retail pharmacies dispensed 245 million opioid painkiller prescriptions and there were 28,647 opioid overdose deaths.\r\nOther senators signing the letter include Dick Durbin (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\r\nTo read the full text of the letter, click here.\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=E2126104-4B16-496F-95C4-689AAF89309E", "Manchin and Capito Announce Grant to Increase Testing and Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that a $65,673 grant has been awarded to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC) National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STDs & TB Prevention. This funding will be used to increase testing for viral Hepatitis and to connect those living with the disease to care and treatment services.\r\n\u201cThe opioid crisis plaguing communities across West Virginia has led to a rise in the number of individuals infected with Hepatitis B and C,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding is essential for helping our dedicated health professionals diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent these diseases. This funding will help us build a stronger, healthier West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith Hepatitis B and C rates on the rise in West Virginia due to increased drug-use, there is a need to increase screenings for these forms of the Hepatitis virus. Diagnosis is key to getting needed medical care, and this grant funding will help increase testing and detection in West Virginia so that more people can be linked with the treatment services they need,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\n$65,673 \u2013 West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=653CE785-BDA1-472C-B4EB-BFEA7C3781AB", "Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Recommends 40\u00a0students from\u00a017\u00a0counties-Berkeley, Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Ohio, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, and Wirt\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today that he will nominate 40\u200e\u00a0West Virginia students from\u00a017\u00a0counties 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\nSenator Manchin is nominating the students after reviewing the recommendations made by a seven-member Service Academy Selection Board that convened on October 17-19.\u00a0 The Board is comprised of West Virginians who have served in the military or who are educators.\u00a0The Board interview process ensures that candidates have met the needed qualifications and criteria.\r\n\u201cIt is such an honor to recommend \u200e40\u00a0\u200eof 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 committed 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\n\u201cI also thank my Service Academy Selection Board, who interviewed every candidate. The students go through a rigorous interview process with my office so the nominees are really among an elite group of West Virginia students. I am confident that these young men and women will serve our state and country well in their future endeavors.\u201d\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\nWilliam R. Sellers\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County\r\nRobert M. Warner\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 University High School, Monongalia County\r\nAndrew J. Panzarella\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jefferson High School, Jefferson County\r\nBryce N. Graley\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 WV Technology, Putnam County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nErin E. Leslie\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USAFA Prep, Greenbrier County\r\nAva C. Ratcliff\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Huntington High School, Cabell County\r\nAndrew R. Henthorn\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. Albans High School, Kanawha County\r\nJacob P. Fisher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Home Schooled , Berkeley County\r\nJaret K. Brown\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 West Virginia University, Putnam County\r\nSarah D. Leslie\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USAFA Prep, Greenbrier County\r\nMilitary Academy at West Point\r\nAntonella C. Blanco\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 James Monroe High School, Monroe County\r\nBethany F. Blankenship\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Riverside High School, Kanawha County\r\nFisher A. Rector\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bridgeport High School, Harrison County\r\nZachary A. Kimble\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bridgeport High School, Harrison County\r\nCole D. Amos\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bridgeport High School, Harrison County\r\nAaron C. Flowers\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 University High School, Monongalia County\r\nTyler F. Owens\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Potomac State at WVU, Pocahontas County\r\nDrew A. Adams\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wirt County High School, Wirt County\r\nDanielle A. Burdette\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Musselman High School, Berkeley County\r\nDalton Bolyard \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Preston County High School, Preston County \u00a0\r\nNaval Academy\r\nAlexander A. Altenburg\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Notre Dame High School, Harrison County\r\nLuke K. Knollinger \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County\r\nJoshua D. Greear \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 South Charleston High School, Kanawha County\r\nSebastien L. Morel\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hedgesville High School, Berkeley County\r\nAislyn M. Hayman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Point Pleasant High School, Mason County\r\nNickolas J. Elekes\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0West Virginia University, Berkeley County\r\nClay P. Havens\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 James Monroe High School, Monroe County\r\nHaden R. Miller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bridgeport High School, Harrison County\r\nKayla D. Foley\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Massanutten Military Academy, Raleigh County\r\nDevan J. McKinney\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 US Army Reserves, Boone County\u00a0\r\nMerchant Marine Academy\u00a0\r\nHamilton K. Fletcher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. Albans High School, Kanawha County\r\nJackson T. Carpenter\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington High School, Jefferson County\r\nKenneth Tyler Evans\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 New Mexico Military Institute, Raleigh County\r\nGrant D. McVicker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nitro High School, Kanawha County\r\nMadison Dyke\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Greater Beckley Christian School, Raleigh County\r\nChristopher B. Harris\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Capital High School, Kanawha County\r\nAlivia C. Sherry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Capital High School, Kanawha County\r\nSeth A. Coleman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keyser High School, Mineral County\r\nMatthew A. Liller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keyser High School, Mineral County\r\nCole D. Pancake\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keyser High School, Mineral County\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=7FD15882-743F-47ED-B2E5-175FEEBD69BC", "Manchin and Capito Announce Investments to Boost Economy and Create Jobs in Bluefield", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bluefield will benefit from more than $2 million EDA investment\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that Bluefield will receive $2,040,000 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to invest in development of an industrial incubator to serve start-up businesses in Bluefield. This region has been hit particularly hard by the decline in coal production, and this investment will help to strengthen the regional economy. The industrial incubator will create jobs, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and will further develop West Virginia\u2019s economy.\r\n\u201cSince, the founding of our state, West Virginians have always been hardworking and refused to accept the state quo. Today, as we work to strengthen and diversify West Virginia\u2019s economy, we must make sure that our private and public sectors are working together,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will help our state overcome its economic challenges by helping to foster sustainable growth and entrepreneurship in Bluefield.\u201d\r\n\u201cStartups can power our small communities and bring new opportunities to the Mountain State, especially in areas that have been negatively impacted by harmful anti-coal policies. When I visited the Bluefield Commercialization Center in March, I saw the important role it can play in growing our economy and our manufacturing industry for years to come. I test drove a remote controlled lawnmower that is being manufactured at this facility and learned how the large space offered by the 60,000 square foot facility is boosting small manufacturing businesses. Incubator projects are needed to lay the groundwork for tech innovation in Southern West Virginia, and I am glad this valuable funding is being awarded to the City of Bluefield,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nThis project is funded through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative.\u00a0 POWER is a coordinated effort, involving multiple federal agencies, with the goal of effectively aligning federal economic and workforce development programs and resources to assist communities negatively impacted by changes in the coal industry and power sector.\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=962462A1-9B73-47A2-AC9B-284B1AB7BA6D", "Manchin and Capito Announce More than $9 Million in Economic Development Grants", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "EDA and ARC funding will support programs throughout West Virginia and in hard-hit coal communities\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced several grants through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) totaling $9,335,158.\r\nThis funding aims to grow West Virginia\u2019s economy and will support a variety of projects and programs in Cabell, Kanawha, Marion, Mercer, Mingo, Monongalia, Nicholas, Putnam, Randolph and Webster counties, with the potential to impact several more.\r\n\u201cThis administration\u2019s harmful regulations have devastated our state\u2019s economy but we must continue to fight to make sure every out-of-work coal miner has access to meaningful job opportunities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cThat is why over the past year I have been hosting job and resource fairs throughout the state, to connect hardworking West Virginians with meaningful employment and job training opportunities. I have always said that government cannot create every job, but it can create an environment that promotes job growth and fosters economic expansion. West Virginians are the hardest working and most dedicated in the nation and given the opportunity all they want to do is work. I\u2019m glad this funding will help us continue down the road to revitalization and will support job creation in areas that have been hardest hit by the downturn in the coal industry.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have worked vigorously to help address the needs of West Virginia\u2019s struggling coal communities, including making certain that EDA and ARC officials understand the unique challenges facing our state. Although federal funding won\u2019t undo the harmful effects of overreaching regulations, I am hopeful that the grants announced today will have a positive impact on West Virginia\u2019s road to economic recovery,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Capito.\r\nIn May 2015, Senator Capito invited Assistant Secretary Williams to visit West Virginia and see the state\u2019s challenges firsthand. This May, Senator Capito hosted a meeting with the West Virginia delegation and Assistant Secretary Williams about the need for investments made by EDA to bolster the state\u2019s most distressed communities and get West Virginians back to work.\r\nSpecific Grant Awards from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC):\r\nBluefield Commercialization Station project, City of Bluefield - Bluefield/Mercer County\r\nEDA Funding - $2,040,000 \r\nUnder this project, the city, in partnership with the Shott Foundation, will rehabilitate and transform an existing 50,000 square foot freight station into an incubator to serve new and existing businesses. This project will provide high-tech business services including prototype development, product design and development, retooling, and supply chain assistance. This project will support the creation and retention of 72 jobs, expand at least 12 local businesses, and leverage $510,000 in private investment.\r\nSprouting Farms project, Marshall University Research Corporation \u2013 Huntington/Cabell County\r\nARC Funding - $1,502,938\r\nThe project will facilitate the development of a vibrant agricultural industry in a nine-county area in southern West Virginia by educating new farmers, launching farm businesses, jump-starting wholesale market channels, and encouraging business and farm sustainability. ARC funds will be used to: implement workforce and farm business accelerator training programs; secure and upgrade the project site and facilities; and provide direct business support and employment to new agricultural businesses and program graduates. The project will create 20 new businesses and 33 new jobs, and leverage $961,475 in additional investment. Additional funding is being provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.\r\nBuilding Entrepreneurial Communities: The Foundation of an Economic Transition for Appalachia, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship \u2013 Chapel Hill, North Carolina \r\nARC Funding - $1,747,806\r\nThe project will build and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in an 18-county region covering southeastern Ohio, southern West Virginia and southeastern Kentucky. Project activities include: establishing a support system that can identify and develop new entrepreneurs; assisting new and expanding businesses with skill development; and connecting entrepreneurs with existing capacity-building resources in the region. The project will create 72 new businesses and 250 new jobs.\r\nAppalachia RISES (Revitalizing an Industry-ready Skilling Ecosystem for Sustainability) Initiative, Hocking College \u2013 Nelsonville, Ohio \r\nARC Funding - $1,422,965\r\nThe project will leverage the expertise of regional education, business and government entities to deliver comprehensive workforce training services in employment fields that meet current and anticipated industry needs in North Central Appalachia, including advanced energy, automotive technology, petroleum technology, welding and commercial driver's licenses (CDL). The project will train 306 workers over the life of the award, and primarily serve a 17-county region covering southeastern Ohio and central West Virginia.\r\nAppalachia Angel Investor Network project, RAIN Source Capital, Inc. \r\nARC Funding - $499,480\r\nARC funds will enable the awardee to work with existing and new angel investment funds to enhance the capability of coal-impacted communities across nine Appalachian states to make investments in start-up, early stage, and growth companies. Specifically, the project will create at least four new angel funds in target communities, and will provide tools, training, and support services to existing angel funds and networks already operating in Appalachia. The project will result in the creation of 20 new businesses and 100 new jobs, and will leverage $4,000,000 in private investment from 100 investors.\r\nWV Rural Health Infrastructure Loan Fund project, Center for Rural Health Development, Inc. \u2013 Hurricane/Putnam County\r\nARC Funding - $362,989 \r\nARC funds will assist in capitalizing a revolving loan fund designed to strengthen the health care industry in a 25-county region in central West Virginia. In addition, the award will provide technical and business development assistance to existing health care providers with business-related needs. The project will create or retain 65 jobs, yield $1,000,000 of financing for health care businesses, and provide 216 organizations with technical assistance.\r\nReconnecting McDowell, Inc. \u2013 Charleston/Kanawha County\r\nARC Funding - $150,000 \r\nFunding will be used to create an economic development and diversification strategy for the City of Welch and McDowell County centered on the Renaissance Village Apartments, a housing project that will develop rental housing in downtown Welch for teachers and young professionals employed in the area. Renaissance Village will serve as an anchor for redevelopment efforts in the downtown area and provide affordable housing. The planning project will assist with an entrepreneurship and small business initiative, along with financial and operations modeling for Renaissance Village.\r\nWest Virginia Connecting Communities Inc. in partnership with the New River Gorge Trail Association \u2013 Charleston/Kanawha County\r\nARC Funding - $140,000 \r\nFunds will be used for the development of an economic feasibility study for a regionally-connected bike trail system in Fayette and Nicholas Counties. The focus of the study will be the viability of linking over 500 miles of bike trails and the impact to small communities throughout the region.\r\nRegion 4 Planning and Development Council \u2013 Summersville/Nicholas County\r\nARC Funding - $123,488 \r\nFunds will be used to develop a strategic plan for the Upper Kanawha Valley. In partnership with the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, the plan will include prioritizing economic strategies, building regional collaboration across counties, and assisting communities to create greater economic diversification that fosters sustainability\r\nHealthy Workforce Initiative: Workforce Empowerment and Opioid Recovery Center, Williamson Health and Wellness Center \u2013 Williamson/Mingo County\r\nARC Funding - $105,000\r\nFunding will be used to provide grant writing assistance, and develop a feasibility study, a strategic plan, and preliminary architectural design work for a vacant building in Williamson\u2019s downtown. If deemed viable, the building will be rebuilt as a one-stop facility that would provide workforce training, opioid addiction and substance abuse treatment services to assist individuals in recovery to become employment ready. The service area will include counties in West Virginia and Kentucky.\r\nWest Virginia Community Development Hub \u2013 Fairmont/Marion County\r\nARC Funding - $93,495 \r\nFunds will be used in partnership with the International Economic Development Council to provide technical assistance to five coal-impacted counties (Boone, Greenbrier, Lincoln, McDowell and Wyoming) through economic development mentoring for local community teams. As a result of this investment, community teams will develop local economic diversification strategies.\u00a0\r\nRandolph County Development Authority \u2013 Elkins/Randolph County\r\nARC Funding - $90,000 \r\nFunds will be used to develop a strategic plan focused on the promotion and expansion of the hardwood industry cluster. In partnership with the Hardwood Alliance Zone, the strategic plan will assist in strengthening the economy of the nine-county region.\u00a0The project will build on the recent EDA and ARC POWER grants that are enabling a local wood products manufacturer to expand its operations.\r\nWebster County Economic Development Authority \u2013 Webster Springs/Webster County \r\nARC Funding - $60,000\r\nFunds will be used to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a multi-county All-Terrain Vehicle trail system in five counties. This grant will assist in developing a major tourism asset for the region and create opportunities for local small businesses. The project will work in partnership with the Hatfield McCoy Trail Authority.\r\nCoalfields Cluster Mapping Initiative research project, Region 1 \u2013 Planning and Development Council \u2013 Princeton/Mercer County\r\nARC Funding - $497,000 \r\nFunds will be used to map the coal industry supply chain across the tri-state region of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. The resulting information will complement ongoing work undertaken by other ARC-funded projects, examining the extent of the decline in the coal economy and providing business technical assistance to aid the impacted supply chain firms in their return to growth and profitability.\r\nEconomic Analysis of Coal Industry Ecosystem in Appalachia project, West Virginia University Research Corporation \u2013 Morgantown/Monongalia County \r\nARC Funding - $349,999 \r\nThis study will examine the full ecosystem of the coal industry in Appalachia through an in-depth quantitative analysis. Specifically, this research will identify, quantify, and map data on all relevant coal industry activity throughout the Appalachian Region. The three tasks of this research project are to: identify all components of the coal ecosystem and estimate the supply chain impacts in Appalachia; examine the implications of the coal industry downturn on freight rail, barge, and truck transportation in Appalachia; and develop a typology of regional economies that surround the coal-fired plants in the region using both econometric and input-output techniques.\r\nStrengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachian Communities project, Downstream Strategies \u2013 Morgantown/Monongalia County\r\nARC Funding - $149,998 \r\nThis research will explore and document strategies and policies local leaders can use to enhance the future economic prospects of coal-impacted communities throughout the Appalachian Region. There are four key components to this research project: develop a comprehensive, quantitative framework to explore economic resilience; identify a series of best-practice strategies for strengthening local economic resilience; conduct up to 10 in-depth case studies; and produce a concise guidebook that interprets and integrates findings of the research, written specifically for local economic development practitioners.\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=80AF8689-04E5-4ECB-A722-2760C5383403", "Manchin Pleased Secretary Carter Halted National Guard Clawbacks", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter decision to halt the National Guard bonus clawbacks. The Pentagon was trying to take back $20 million in bonuses that were given to thousands of National Guard service members and veterans when they enlisted.\r\n\u201cSince the beginning of this great nation, the National Guard played a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of Americans.\u00a0 As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and as your former Governor, I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to honor their service and sacrifice both here in West Virginia and those who serve around the globe. Like many of you, I was outraged by reports that members of the California National Guard were having bonuses clawed back because of actions by a few corrupt bureaucrats.\u00a0 I am relieved that Defense Secretary Ash Carter has put a stop to these clawbacks and I will support any legislation, if necessary, that allows the Pentagon to pay back the service members who may have already returned these bonuses.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C368EC35-593F-4C06-BB8F-B4348116FFFA", "Manchin Announces Launch of Statewide Drug Abuse Prevention Initiative", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mallinckrodt is donating 55,000 drug deactivation pouches to the state - 1,000 to every county \u00a0\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined elected officials and community leaders at Winfield Middle School, during National Red Ribbon Week to unveil a statewide drug prevention initiative. Mallinckrodt has pledged to donate 55,000 drug deactivation pouches to the state to ensure proper disposal of unused or outdated prescription medications. \u00a0Each of the 55 counties will receive 1,000 pouches for their residents.\r\n\u201cPrescription drug abuse has devastating effects on countless families across our nation,\u201d Senator Joe Manchin said. \u201cI have made a promise to the people of West Virginia and to the American people that I will do everything I can to beat this epidemic and to help those in recovery return to the lives they once enjoyed, drug-free. An important part of keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands is proper drug disposal, and that is what we hope to accomplish through this statewide initiative.\u201d\r\nSenator Manchin\u2019s office will work with each county sheriff\u2019s office and local law enforcement, drug prevention coalitions, and senior centers in distributing the drug deactivation pouches to help keep prescription drugs off the streets.\r\n\u201cThe Sheriffs in West Virginia are very happy to be able to help get prescription drugs off the street and\u00a0prevent their abuse\u00a0by any means possible,\u201d Executive Director of the West Virginia Sheriffs\u2019 Association Rodney Miller said.\u00a0 \u201cThis project lets people destroy unused or unwanted drugs in a safe manner before they can get in the hands of potential abusers or children who could accidently consume them.\u00a0 West Virginia's Sheriffs thank Sen. Manchin for his efforts in fighting our drug abuse problems in our State.\"\r\nThe drug deactivation pouches were purchased and donated by Mallinckrodt, a global specialty pharmaceutical company. The user-friendly, pouch-based systems deactivate prescription drugs and render chemical compounds safe for landfills. After placing pills in the specially formulated pouch and adding regular tap water, it can be sealed and thrown away with the household trash, making the disposal process convenient for all.\r\n\u201cThe Bureau of Senior Services welcomes the opportunity to be a part of this statewide program to help fight drug abuse in West Virginia,\u201d Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services Robert Roswall said. \u201cIt is important that our state\u2019s seniors do their part in this fight as well. Providing seniors information and an easy and efficient way to dispose of unused and outdated medicines has the potential to make a serious impact on the fight against drug abuse in the Mountain State.\u201d\r\nThe statewide West Virginia donation is part of Mallinckrodt\u2019s nationwide one-million pouch donation initiative to help combat the abuse of prescription pain medications, which is one of the top public health threats in the country today.\r\nA national survey of U.S. adults who used opioids showed that nearly 6 out of 10 had or expect to have leftover opioids, according to findings published online June 13, 2016, in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal. Nearly 68 percent of those who used prescription pain relievers non-medically in 2012-2013 got them from friends or relatives, according to the 2013 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health.\r\n\u201cWe are pleased and excited that Senator Manchin selected Putnam County to unveil this statewide plan,\u201d Putnam Wellness Coalition Project Director Bill O\u2019Dell said. \u201cThe Putnam Wellness Coalition, like many of the other substance abuse coalitions around the state, is thankful for this effort and for all the help Senator Manchin and others provide. Our vision for Putnam County is to have an empowered community which promotes healthy living, the elimination of substance abuse, and that is a great place to live, work, play, go to school, and raise a family.\u00a0 The Putnam Wellness Coalition engages communities within Putnam County in ongoing efforts to eliminate substance abuse by creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment that inform, advocate, and support youth and adults. Today\u2019s announcement is one example that fits all of those criteria.\u201d \u00a0\r\nThe drug deactivation pouches are manufactured by Verde Technologies.\r\nThe pouches will be delivered to the county coordinators in the coming weeks. Individuals who would like to obtain a pouch, can contact the coordinator in their county listed below.\r\nCounty Coordinators\r\n \r\nBarbour County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Philip Ferguson, 8 North Main Street, Philippi, WV 26416\r\nBerkeley County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Kenneth LeMaster, 802 Emmett Rousch Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25401\r\nBoone County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Randall White, 206 Court Street Madison, WV 25130\r\nBraxton County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Eddie Williams, 300 Main Street, Sutton, WV 26601\r\nBrooke County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Chuck Jackson, 300 Courthouse Square, Wellsburg, WV 26070\r\nCabell County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Thomas McComas, 750 5th Avenue, Suite 101, Huntington, WV 25701\r\nCalhoun County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Carl Ballengee, 363 Main Street, Suite 204, Grantsville, WV 26147\r\nClay County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Garrett Samples, 246 Main Street, Clay, WV 25043\r\nDoddridge County \u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Michael Headley, 135 Court Street, West Union, WV 26456\r\nFayette County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Steve Kessler, 100 North Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840\r\nGilmer County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Larry Gerwig, 10 Howard Street, Glenville, WV 26351\r\nGrant County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Emory Feaster, 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847\r\nGreenbrier County\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Jan Cahill, 200 North Court Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901\r\nHampshire County\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff John Alkire, 66 N High Street, Romney, WV 26757\r\nHancock County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Ralph Fletcher, 102 North Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047\r\nHardy County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Bryan Ward, 204 Washington Street, Moorefield, WV 26836\r\nHarrison County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Albert Marano, 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301\r\nJackson County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Anthony Boggs, 100 Maple Street, Ripley, WV 25271\r\nJefferson County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Peter Dougherty, 102 Industrial Boulevard, Kearneysville, WV 25430\r\nKanawha County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff John Rutherford, 301 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301\r\nLewis County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Adam Gissy, 110 Center Avenue, Weston, WV 26452\r\nLincoln County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Ken Farley, 8000 Court Avenue, Hamlin, WV 25523\r\nLogan County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Sonya Dingiss-Porter, 300 Stratton Street, Logan, WV 25601\r\nMarion County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Joseph Carpenter, 316 Monroe Street, Fairmont, WV 26554\r\nMarshall County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Kevin Cecil, 600 7th Street, Moundsville, WV 26041\r\nMason County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Gregory Powers, 200 6th Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550\r\nMcDowell County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Martin West, 90 Wyoming Street, Welch, WV 24801\r\nMercer County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Don Meadows, 210 West Main Street, Princeton, WV 24740\r\nMineral County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Jeremy Taylor, 150 Armstrong Street, Keyser, WV 26726\r\nMingo County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff James Smith, 72 East 2nd Avenue, Williamson, WV 25661\r\nMonongalia County\u00a0 Sheriff Allen Kisner, 116 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 \r\nMonroe County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Michael Gravely, 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983\r\nMorgan County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Vince Shambaugh, 111 Fairfax Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411\r\nNicholas County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff David Hopkins, 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651\r\nOhio County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Patrick Butler, 51 16th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003\r\nPendleton County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Donald Hedrick, 100 South Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807\r\nPleasants County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff D Wayne Wilson, 305 Barkwill Street, Saint Mary\u2019s, WV 26170\r\nPocahontas County\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff David Jonese, 900 10th Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954\r\nPreston County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Daniel Loughrie, 103 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537\r\nPutnam County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Steve Deweese, 3389 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213\r\nRaleigh County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Steve Tanner, 215 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25802\r\nRandolph County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Mark Brady, 4 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nRitchie County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Bryan Backus, 109 North Street, Harrisville, WV 26362\r\nRoane County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Todd Cole, 200 Main Street, Spencer, WV 25276\r\nSummers County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Gary Wheeler, 120 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951 Taylor County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Terring Skinner, 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354\r\nTucker County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Sheriff Brian Wilfong, 215 Second Street, Parsons, WV 26287\r\nTyler County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Sheriff Earl Kendle, 121 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149\r\nUpshur County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Sheriff David Coffman, 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201\r\nWayne County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Wayne County Commission, 700 Hendricks Street, Wayne, WV 25570\r\nWebster County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sheriff David Bender, 2 Court Street, Webster Springs, WV 26288\r\nWetzel County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sheriff John Brookover, 200 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155\r\nWirt County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wirt County Commission, 1 Court Street, Elizabeth, WV 26143\r\nWood County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Sheriff Ken Merritt, 401 Second Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101\r\nWyoming County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sheriff C.S. Parker, 24 Cedar Avenue, Pineville, WV 24874\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DFA41EF2-D9CB-4737-9177-65105EEAD05E", "Manchin, Capito Announce $1.7 Million in FEMA Funding for Flood Recovery Efforts", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $1,710,060 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of West Virginia.\r\nThe $1.7 million grant will be used by the Nicholas County School District for emergency protective measures to secure temporary facilities destroyed or damaged as a result of the historic flooding in West Virginia on June 23.\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=E9BA422B-97AD-467D-925D-17B144216EEC", "Manchin, Capito Announce $2.6 Million in FEMA Funding for Flood Recovery Efforts", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $2,683,773 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of West Virginia.\r\nThe $2.6 million grant will be used by the Nicholas County School District for emergency protective measures to secure temporary facilities destroyed or damaged as a result of the historic flooding in West Virginia on June 23.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=85051E18-9BD2-41D6-B5F5-74BB45DB29BB", "Senator Manchin Speaks at UMWA Rally in D.C.", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston Office: \n\t\t\t900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 629  Charleston, WV 25302   Phone: 304-342-5855  Toll-Free: 855-275-5737 (To use with 304 or 681 area code)   Fax: 304-343-7144\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Eastern Panhandle Office: \n\t\t\t261 Aikens Center  Suite 305  Martinsburg, WV\u00a0 25404-6203   Phone: 304-264-4626   Fax: 304-262-3039\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Fairmont Office \n\t\t\t230 Adams Street  Fairmont, WV 26554  Main Line: 304-368-0567  Fax: 304-368-0198\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington D.C. Office: \n\t\t\t306 Hart Senate Office Building   Washington DC, 20510   Phone: 202-224-3954   Fax: 202-228-0002", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=DCBDE590-CF41-4956-B4D5-A9EF272BFA2A", "Manchin Reads Obituary of Opioid Victim on the Senate Floor", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston Office: \n\t\t\t900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 629  Charleston, WV 25302   Phone: 304-342-5855  Toll-Free: 855-275-5737 (To use with 304 or 681 area code)   Fax: 304-343-7144\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Eastern Panhandle Office: \n\t\t\t261 Aikens Center  Suite 305  Martinsburg, WV\u00a0 25404-6203   Phone: 304-264-4626   Fax: 304-262-3039\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Fairmont Office \n\t\t\t230 Adams Street  Fairmont, WV 26554  Main Line: 304-368-0567  Fax: 304-368-0198\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington D.C. Office: \n\t\t\t306 Hart Senate Office Building   Washington DC, 20510   Phone: 202-224-3954   Fax: 202-228-0002", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=286F3C5B-B508-4575-8B12-5A72270DDFE0", "Monongalia County Receives High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Designation", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) applauded the designation of Monongalia County, West Virginia as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Monongalia is one of 18 counties nationwide that was announced by Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli.\u00a0\r\nThe HIDTA designation will enable Monongalia County to receive federal resources to further the coordination and development of drug control efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement officials. It also will allow local agencies to benefit from ongoing HIDTA-coordinated initiatives working to reduce drug use and its consequences across the United States.\r\nOn July 20, 2016, Senators Manchin and Capito, Representatives McKinley, Evan Jenkins (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV) sent a letter to Director Botticelli encouraging the designation of Monongalia County as HIDTA County.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe health and safety of our West Virginia families and communities depends upon ending the drug abuse epidemic,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cTo put a stop to this epidemic, it is absolutely critical that our local law enforcement officials and drug task forces have the resources they need to combat the influx of drugs coming into our state. It has been one of my top priorities to address our state\u2019s drug abuse crisis, and I am very pleased to have worked with Director Botticelli to ensure that Monongalia County and other high risk communities across West Virginia get the resources they need to fight this epidemic.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe must embrace and intensify prevention strategies in order to have an impact on the drug epidemic that is devastating far too many families. Programs like HIDTA help coordinate initiatives that reduce drug use and abuse. This is why I supported funding for HIDTA as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and why I have worked with Director Botticelli and my colleagues to advocate for this crucial designation for Monongalia County. This announcement is encouraging news for our state,\u201d said Senator Capito.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cCombating drug abuse and addiction is an issue we take very seriously in West Virginia.\u00a0\u00a0 Since 2011, we have successfully added designations in 6 counties in the First District and they are making a difference in our fight against drugs,\u201d said Congressman McKinley.\u00a0 \u201cThese new resources will help federal, local, and state officials coordinate their efforts and share information that will ultimately protect West Virginia families from the dangers that drugs present.\u201d\r\nMonongalia is the 20th county in West Virginia to be designated. The following counties also have a HIDTA designation: Berkeley, Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Hancock, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Ohio, Putnam, Raleigh, Wayne and Wyoming.\r\nTo read the PDF of the letter sent to Director Botticelli, please click here.\r\nPlease read the full text of the letter below:\r\nMichael Botticelli\r\nDirector, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy\r\n750 17th NW\r\nWashington, D.C. 20503\r\nDear Mr. Botticelli,\r\nWe write today to express our support for the efforts by a coalition of law enforcement agencies to designate Monongalia County in West Virginia as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) County.\u00a0 By designating this county as a HIDTA county, additional funding will be allocated and local communities will be better equipped to battle the pharmaceutical and illegal drug trafficking epidemic in West Virginia.\r\nThe HIDTA program provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in areas identified as critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.\u00a0 In other areas of West Virginia, we have seen firsthand how the HIDTA program has made a tremendous difference.\u00a0 That is why, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, this delegation has been steadfast and vocal supporters of robust funding for this program.\r\nMonongalia County has a unique set of circumstances that would make additional funding for the local drug task force especially useful and the following criteria make this area of the state particularly deserving of a HIDTA designation:\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 West Virginia has the highest drug overdose death rate in the country, with 34 per 100,000 people suffering drug overdose fatalities.\u00a0 Monongalia County has the 3rd highest drug overdose death rate in West Virginia \u2013 outdone only by Berkeley and Cabell counties, which have both been designated as HIDTA counties by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University and Morgantown, one of West Virginia\u2019s major population centers.\u00a0 The presence of a large university results in thousands of students from other parts of the country coming to the region, along with additional drug activity.\u00a0 The addition of HIDTA resources will ensure that the county has all the resources necessary to deal with the issues that come with having a large university.\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Monongalia County faces threats from drug trafficking organizations that have ties to large metropolitan areas such as Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, and Chicago.\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North Central West Virginia, which includes Monongalia County, is a significant source of heroin, cocaine and pharmaceutical drug trafficking.\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The perceived lack of law enforcement pressure in West Virginia has made Monongalia County an attractive area in which to operate as opposed to larger cities with more law enforcement resources.\r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law enforcement agencies in Monongalia County are committed to addressing the significant drug trafficking problems in the region and the United States Attorney\u2019s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia has agreed to increase its response if the proposed county is granted a HIDTA designation.\r\nThe Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, consisting of entities such as the Monongalia County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Morgantown Police Department, West Virginia State Police, DEA, ATF, FBI and United States Attorney\u2019s Office, has committed resources to the drug trafficking problem and possesses the determination to respond aggressively to this urgent crisis.\u00a0 Additionally, West Virginia University has also committed the college\u2019s Police Department and its considerable resources and programs to this Task Force.\u00a0 The additional funding that a HIDTA designation would bring to the region would provide a tremendous boost to the Task Force\u2019s tireless efforts and benefit communities and citizens not only in West Virginia, but also in neighboring states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.\r\nThank you for your tireless support of our state\u2019s efforts to fight back against this drug epidemic.\u00a0 The attention and federal resources that you and your staff have provided to our state does not go unnoticed and is much appreciated. The West Virginia Congressional Delegation supports and encourages the designation of Monongalia County as a HIDTA county and asks that you strongly consider granting it this status.\u00a0 Should you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact Octavian Jordan in Congressman David McKinley\u2019s office (202-225-4172 or octavian.jordan@mail.house.gov) or Victoria Flood in Senator Shelley Moore Capito\u2019s office (202-224-6472 or victoria_flood@capito.senate.gov).\r\nSincerely,\r\nJoe Manchin III\r\nUnited States Senator\r\nShelley Moore Capito\r\nUnited States Senator\r\nDavid B. McKinley, P.E.\r\nMember of Congress\r\nEvan H. Jenkins\r\nMember of Congress\r\nAlex X. Mooney\r\nMember of Congress\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=46E1DA9E-8EDB-4A0E-B3EB-FD00163642F4", "Sen. Manchin speaks to PCHS juniors and seniors | The Inter-Mountain", "2016-10-12", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FRANKLIN \u2014 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin,D-W.Va. told Pendleton County High School juniors and seniors Thursday that their generation is the hope of the world.\r\n\r\n\u201cYou are an elite class in the world today with more opportunities that anyone else. You are the luckiest young people on earth; I hope you take advantage of it,\u201d\u00a0Manchin said.\r\nManchin emphasized education and nonuse of opiates.\r\nHe discussed his ability to make appointments to the service academies which could provide a great education as part of the great institutions in the world.\r\n\u201cAfter you graduate, you can write your ticket as to what you want to do, and you have a lifetime job,\u201dManchin noted.\r\nHe said the Promise scholarship program, which pays college tuition, was capped, but still funded for students with the grades and SAT scores to qualify. He urged all the students to get financial advice before borrowing funds to get any higher education.\r\n\u201cPush yourselves more to see and be surprised at what you can achieve! \u2026The rest of my life depends on you all \u2014 you\u2019re going to do something great!\u201d\u00a0he added.\r\nHe warned against ever trying an opiate.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s one of the silent killers and is a number one cause of death in West Virginia,\u201d\u00a0Manchin said.\r\nManchin\u2019s stop in Franklin to chat with students was part of a three-day sweep of eastern part of the state with other stops in Harts, Elkins, Roanoke and Green Bank to discuss current issues of importance to community and business leaders.\r\nAfter the students went back to class, Manchin assured Pendleton County Commissioner Gene McConnell and state Delegate Isaac Sponaugle he continued to work to find a suitable tenant for the former Sugar Grove Navy Base. Possibly the federal and state governments should have another chance at the base.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m trying to get the Veterans Administration to look at the base as a facility to treat PTSD to help these wounded warriors get back into the mainstream of American life. The base would also be perfect as a drug rehabilitation facility which West Virginia does not currently have. I haven\u2019t given up yet!\u201d\u00a0he stated.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=41C7E6D0-5B2D-44ED-8A03-2F221982D605", "Manchin Welcomes Chairman Wheeler to West Virginia", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manchin hosted Chairman Wheeler at locations throughout West Virginia to meet with key stakeholders from West Virginia\u2019s communication technology sector\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined U.S. Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler in West Virginia to meet with key stakeholders from West Virginia\u2019s communication technology sector. Senator Manchin and Chairman Wheeler hosted an Innovation and Broadband Connectivity Roundtable, visited Union Education Complex to discuss the E-Rate program, toured the Moorefield Readiness Center and visited the Wardensville Garden Market to discuss rural innovation and entrepreneurship.\r\n\u201cIn our ever-evolving economy, broadband is more important than ever to our state\u2019s infrastructure and we must continue to make investments to ensure every part of West Virginia is connected,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI\u2019m pleased Chairman Wheeler has listened to my calls for more investment in mobile broadband. The Chairman was able to learn firsthand about the challenges facing West Virginia students, business owners and residents without access to reliable broadband service. I will continue to fight for increased investments in places like rural West Virginia to ensure every community has the access it deserves.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cMaking sure all Americans have access to our nation\u2019s critical communications networks is one of the FCC\u2019s top priorities. I am grateful to Senator Manchin for inviting me to see the opportunities and challenges faced by West Virginians, and we will continue to work together to expand broadband connectivity in rural areas,\u201d Chairman Wheeler said.\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=D4D195F1-BB39-4B46-AAFB-13D30397A4C3", "Manchin and Capito Statement on Patriot Voluntary Employee Beneficial Association Letter", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0issued this joint statement about a Patriot Voluntary Employee Beneficial Association (Patriot VEBA) letter notifying beneficiaries it will run out of money on December 31, 2016. The letter was sent to approximately 12,500 coal mine retirees and their dependents, including 5,000 West Virginians, on October 5, 2016:\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that America\u2019s coal communities are suffering, and this letter is just the latest in a string of bad news for our miners. Without the Miner\u2019s Protection Act, the situation for communities in our state and in other coal producing areas will get even worse. Together, we are putting all of our energy behind passing this bipartisan legislation before year\u2019s end. We urge our Senate colleagues to recognize the uncertain futures facing our miners and join our efforts before it\u2019s too late.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=733DEA05-EE40-4977-B808-28178A58B852", "Delegation Urges HUD to Allocate Funding to West Virginia Flood Relief", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) and Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.), sent a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro in support of disaster recovery funding for West Virginia from the Community Development Block Grant\u2013Disaster Recovery (CDBG) program included in the recently passed Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act. \u00a0\r\nIn the letter, the delegation urged Secretary Castro to allocate a fair portion of the disaster recovery funds included in the Continuing Appropriations Act to aid West Virginia in rebuilding from June\u2019s catastrophic floods. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will allocate funds from the Continuing Appropriations Act to states based on unmet disaster recovery needs. Recognizing that additional funding beyond the down payment included in the Continuing Appropriations Act will be necessary, the delegation also requested that West Virginia be included in any disaster supplemental appropriations proposal that the administration submits to Congress later this year.\r\nRead the full letter below or download it here.\r\nThe Honorable Julian Castro\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\r\n451 7th Street Southwest\r\nWashington, D.C. 20410\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Castro:\r\nOn June 23, 2016, West Virginia was devastated by catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of 23 people. Twelve West Virginia counties were declared federal disaster areas as a result of the flood.\u00a0\u00a0 In some areas, as much as 10 inches of rain fell in a 24 hour period. Forecasters have described the event as a thousand year flood. More than three months later, five counties in our state remain under a state of emergency.\r\nWhile a number of federal government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have provided significant assistance to West Virginia communities impacted by the flood, it is clear that significant unmet needs remain. On September 13, 2016, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin wrote to President Obama and identified $310 million in unmet needs resulting from the June flood that could be eligible for assistance from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program. Over 5,100 homes and businesses suffered a loss verified by FEMA and nearly 90 percent were not covered by flood insurance.\u00a0 Additionally, many of the areas impacted by this flood were already facing significant economic challenges making the cost of rebuilding homes and infrastructure all the more difficult to bear. \u00a0\r\nOn September 29, 2016, President Obama signed H.R. 5325, the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act. This legislation includes $500 million for the Community Development Block Grant\u2013Disaster Recovery program. Bipartisan congressional leaders and appropriators expressed clear legislative intent that West Virginia receive a fair portion of disaster recovery funds included in that bill to aid our state in rebuilding from the catastrophic floods. We strongly support West Virginia\u2019s request for CDBG-DR funds appropriated last month, and we believe that this is an important down payment for our recovery.\r\nWe understand that additional appropriations will be necessary in order to meet the true disaster recovery needs in West Virginia and in other states. We request that you include West Virginia\u2019s additional unmet needs in any disaster supplemental appropriations proposal that the Administration submits to Congress. While the recent $500 million allocation of Community Development Block Grant\u2013Disaster Recovery funding will help jumpstart the recovery for West Virginia families and small businesses impacted by the June flood, we look forward to working with you and the President to ensure that we have the resources we need to rebuild safe, strong, sustainable communities.\r\nThank you for your consideration.\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=93BAFC45-C380-401B-B2FA-951A692FA3F8", "Manchin Applauds DEA Decision to Lower Opioid Quotas", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) along with Senators Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin (I-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Angus King (I-ME) today commended the Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA) decision to lower opioid quotas. Earlier this year, Manchin and the other Senators sent a letter urging DEA Acting Administrator Rosenberg to use the agency\u2019s quota-setting authority to limit the quantity of opioid pills on the market. The DEA announced this week that it has decided to reduce next year\u2019s production quotas by 25 percent for nearly all Schedule II drugs, including prescription opioids. The three powerful, addictive painkillers that will see the most significant reductions from what was allowed on the market this year are hydrocodone (34% reduction), oxymorphone (45% reduction), and hydromorphone (38% reduction).\r\n\u201cThis decision from the DEA brings us one step closer to curbing this opioid epidemic and I applaud their commitment to reversing this trend,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThere are simply too many opioid pills on the market and \u200ethe DEA is an important partner in addressing that problem. This decision will cut next year\u2019s production quota\u2019s by 25 percent which will greatly reduce the amount of opioids available for prescription. We must keep working with everyone to combat this epidemic from all sides and the DEA decision is another turning point in our fight.\u201d\r\nWith its existing quota-setting authority, the DEA effectively serves as a gatekeeper for how many opioids can be produced and sold in the United States every year. Over\u200e the past two decades, the DEA had approved ever-greater increases in opioid quotas, allowing production of oxycodone to increase 39-fold, hydrocodone to increase 12-fold, hydromorphone to increase 23-fold, and fentanyl to increase 25-fold. This week\u2019s announcement represents the largest decrease in opioid production quotas in two decades.\r\nThe Senators also welcomed the DEA\u2019s announcement that it had considered the impact of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC) \u201cGuideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain\u201d on doctors\u2019 prescribing practices in determining the quantities of prescription opioids required to meet legitimate medical and scientific need.\r\nFor a full list of Senator Manchin\u2019s legislation to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, click here. \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C2BA0E93-6CDF-4E1C-98D6-76B6E9AEFA09", "Manchin, Capito Announce Nearly $200K for Rural Business Development in West Virginia", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $191,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Business Development program. Four organizations in Barbour, Hardy and Monroe counties will use this funding for individual business development projects.\r\n\u201cThese investments in our rural communities will provide much needed resources to West Virginia small businesses,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cHelping local businesses to expand is a smart investment and will help improve the quality of life for residents of our communities, attract new businesses that create jobs, and make West Virginia a better place to live, work, and play.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia small businesses are an integral part of our state\u2019s economy. This funding will not only help promote local farmers, support new and existing agriculture programs and establish a new retail business incubator, it will help put these communities on a path toward long-term success,\u201d said Senator Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nThe individual award amounts below:\r\n \r\n$53,000 \u2013 Monroe County Council on Aging: Funding will be used for the restoration of the Old Greenville School (OGS) to support the Farm to School, Farm to Family and Farm to Business initiatives through the Monroe Farm Market Cooperative in Monroe County.\r\n \r\n \r\n$53,000 \u2013 Farm Work Wonders Corporation: Funding will be used for the operation and marketing of the Wardensville Garden Market which will promote local farmers and specialty agriculture products in Hardy and Hampshire Counties.\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n$32,000 \u2013 Eastern WV Community & Technical College Foundation: Funding will be used for the development and implementation of agriculture development program including Agriculture Action Council, Ag-Innovation Program, Farm Transition Plan and Bicohar Research and Education Initiative.\r\n \r\n \r\n$53,000 \u2013 Barbour County Development Authority: Funding will be used for the purpose of leasing the GC Murphy Building in downtown Philippi to open and operate a retail business incubator to assist both existing and new emerging business enterprises.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6B7ED490-DEFE-4513-8102-553651B0A467", "Manchin Participates in Environment and Public Works Subcommittee Field Hearing in West Virginia", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) made a statement at the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee\u2019s Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee in Logan. He focused on the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) harmful regulations and how they\u2019ve affected West Virginia\u2019s economy. Senator Manchin also stressed the importance of passing the Miner\u2019s Protection Act as soon as possible in order to secure health care and retirement security for thousands of West Virginian families.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: \u201cThe coal economy of our state has been devastated. Cheap natural gas prices compounded by a regulatory onslaught from the EPA \u2013 an agency that has overstepped its authority time and time again \u2013 have put coal production in a downward spiral. We continue to experience persistently high unemployment rates. In this county and the surrounding area \u2013 traditionally our largest coal-producing region \u2013 we are consistently posting unemployment numbers in the double digits. As we look to diversify our economy, to find our workers new skills and opportunities, to attract investment in the state and to create good middle-class jobs, we must also continue to fight the EPA\u2019s agenda to ensure that clean coal energy has a role in the nation\u2019s and the world\u2019s energy future.\u201d\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s prepared statement below:\r\nMadam Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing to examine the local impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) climate regulations. I want to acknowledge the witnesses, particularly Mr. Gene Trisko of the UMWA, Commissioner Pasley and Mr. Copley, Congressman Jenkins, Chairman Inhofe, Ranking Member Boxer and the Environment and Public Works Committee.\u00a0 And I thank you, Chairman Capito, for inviting me to speak today.\r\nIt\u2019s no secret to any of us that West Virginia is facing severe economic challenges. The coal economy of our state has been devastated.\u00a0 Cheap natural gas prices compounded by a regulatory onslaught by the EPA \u2013 an agency that overstepped its authority time and time again \u2013 have put coal production in a downward spiral. We continue to experience persistently high unemployment rates. In this county and the surrounding area \u2013 traditionally our largest coal-producing region \u2013 we are consistently posting unemployment numbers in the double digits. Some of our southern counties are posting unemployment rates more than double the national average.\u00a0 For the month of August, Workforce West Virginia reported that, here in Logan County, the unemployment remains at about 10 percent.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mingo County \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11.7%\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clay County \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a09.1%\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wyoming County \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9.4%\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Boone County \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8.4%\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 McDowell County \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12.9%\r\nSince 2008, West Virginia has lost 13,000 coal jobs. The Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) reports that, in 2008, there were 2,129 coal mines and prep plants.\u00a0 In 2015, that number was 1,459.\u00a0 That\u2019s a loss of 670. Countless companies have declared bankruptcy. And, \u201cWorkforce West Virginia\u201d reports that between July 2015 and July 2016, WV lost 4,800 mining and logging jobs, 700 manufacturing jobs, and 1,700 in trade, transportation and utility jobs. The ripple effect of the near total loss of our state\u2019s biggest energy industry is affecting the daily quality of West Virginian lives - whether it be fewer and fewer grocery stores, childcare options or health care services.\u00a0\r\nTo complicate matters, we just experienced a once-in-a century flood that took West Virginia lives, homes and businesses \u2013 a tragic event from which we will be recovering for years. So, when I look at the manner in which the Obama Administration and the EPA have handed down regulation after regulation - entirely outside of the bounds of what Congress intended when it passed legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act - I can\u2019t help but believe that they did not have a plan for our state or others in Appalachia. And, that is not only infuriating, it is tragic.\r\nHistorically, West Virginia has been an energy exporter. Our home state sits on abundant reserves of coal and natural gas. In its 2016 Annual Energy Outlook, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected that, in a Clean Power Plan scenario, coal consumption by the electricity sector will make up about 18 percent of our generation portfolio through 2040. While cheap natural gas has been a major factor in the downturn in coal production, it is important to remember that we have ridden the markets before and coal remained a competitive fuel. It is undeniable that EPA\u2019s regulatory overreach is the catalyst behind the transition away from coal in West Virginia and the nation at large. And it is also clear to me that there was no and is no consideration by this Administration of how West Virginia will secure a role in the nation\u2019s clean energy future.\u00a0\r\nThe EPA\u2019s new source performance standard for power plants and the Clean Power Plan for existing power plants are both examples of the EPA legislating instead of regulating. I have introduced, co-sponsored and supported legislation that would roll back climate regulations and other harmful EPA rules. I co-sponsored Senator Capito\u2019s Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act (ARENA) reining in the harmful effects of the Clean Power Plan. I introduced the Clean Air, Strong Economies Act which stems the economic harm of the new ozone standard. And I also support the Ozone Standards Implementation Act. I championed the coal ash legislation that just passed the Senate. I introduced legislation that would require EPA to base its regulatory standards on technology that is actually proven and commercially available for use.\u00a0 The first bill that I introduced as a United States Senator was legislation that would prevent the EPA from retroactively vetoing mine permits.\r\nIn unprecedented legal action in 2010, I sued the EPA for overstepping its bounds regarding mountaintop removal practices in West Virginia\u2019s coal industry to ensure states have the power to oversee, regulate and protect their citizens and resources. And, earlier this year, I joined 33 of my colleagues in the Senate and 171 members of the House in filing a brief with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the legality of the Clean Power Plan. Oral arguments were heard just last week on this case \u2013 West Virginia v EPA - and I will say again that I hope the Court recognizes that the EPA is on very shaky legal ground.\r\nFirst, Congress never authorized the EPA to make the policy choices contained in the Clean Power Plan. Second, the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act included changes to section 111(d) that prohibit concurrent regulations of existing power plants if those plants are already regulated under section 112 and existing coal plants are already regulated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act for hazardous air pollutants.\u00a0 And, third, the rule violates \u201ccooperative federalism\u201d because the federal government cannot compel states to implement a regulatory program.\u00a0 The federal government can set national standards while leaving the administration, implementation and enforcement of those standards to the states.\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s what Congress did in the Clean Air Act.\r\nFurthermore, I do not believe that the EPA consulted with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) in a comprehensive meaningful way to determine the true effects of this rule on the reliability of our electric grid. Coal has delivered reliable affordable baseload energy to this country for decades. The ongoing closures of coal-fired power plants will undoubtedly put our grid at greater risk.\u00a0\r\nI remain unconvinced that these issues have been addressed. The Courts must vacate this rule.\r\nFossil fuels are going to continue to be a major part of both domestic and global energy consumption for purposes of electricity generation for decades to come. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the International Energy Agency have confirmed this. Therefore, I believe that we must further develop and commercialize carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) in order to secure a future for reliable affordable coal energy both here at home and abroad.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe must put the necessary infrastructure in place to take advantage of the robust opportunities that come from our abundant natural resources, while ensuring the reliability of our electric grid. But, instead of looking to technology and infrastructure to clean up these fossil fuels and secure the future of energy-producing states like West Virginia, the EPA has taken it upon itself to legislate a climate agenda that Congress never authorized.\r\nWest Virginia has helped powered the nation for decades. As we look to diversify our economy, to find our workers new skills and opportunities, to attract investment in the state and to create good middle-class jobs, we must also continue to fight the EPA\u2019s agenda to ensure that clean coal energy has a role in the nation and the world\u2019s energy future. Thank you, Madam Chair.\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=E4EE904A-5D58-40F5-9952-49AE2142DD25", "Manchin and Capito Applaud New Mine Rescue and Emergency Preparedness Funding", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)\u00a0welcomed a $171,805 award for West Virginia University (WVU) from the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s Mine Safety and Health Administration. The funding will support mine rescue and mine emergency preparedness efforts.\r\nWVU is one of six organizations receiving funding through the Brookwood-Sago Grant Program, which promotes mine safety, while honoring the West Virginia miners lost in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster. The program was created by the MINER Act, which Senator Capito introduced while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. The award will enhance mine safety by funding the development and implementation of a series of realistic mine safety training exercises.\r\n\u00a0\u201cI was Governor during the Sago, Aracoma and Upper Big Branch disasters and I have seen firsthand the need for increased mine safety standards. Following those disasters, I fought for stronger mine safety practices and equipment to protect our miners and make sure they come home to their families every day. A strong mining industry begins with a strong commitment to the safety of our miners. For many West Virginia families, mining is a way of life and has been an important part of our state\u2019s culture and livelihood for decades. I\u2019m pleased to see WVU receive this funding that will enable them to continue investing in programs that better prepare our mine rescue teams,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cCoal mining is a proud tradition here in the Mountain State, but it is not without risks, and I cannot stress enough the importance of mine safety,\u201d said Senator Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. \u201cThis funding will allow WVU to invest in training programs that will equip mine rescue teams and fire brigades with the right tools.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=078D1529-A286-4229-BB7F-089C3915EC96", "Manchin and Capito Announce Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants", "2016-10-04", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0today announced that several local governments in West Virginia will receive grants totaling $418,473 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The State Side of the LWCF provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs a lifelong, avid sportsman, I\u2019m thrilled that more than $400,000 in funding will go towards community parks throughout West Virginia,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn our state, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities are family traditions that help foster a deep and lasting appreciation for all the outdoors have to offer. This funding will help us protect these traditions and preserve our outdoor heritage for generations to come.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs a strong supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, I am glad more than $400,000 in funding will benefit West Virginia\u2019s community parks. These grants will keep our outdoor spaces updated so West Virginians can get outside and enjoy the parks across our beautiful state,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$60,000 \u2013 Boone County Commission. Funds will be used for Waterways Park Outdoor Stage and ADA Improvements.\r\n \r\n \r\n$100,000 \u2013 Brooke County Commission. Funds will provide assistance to replace the pool and upgrade the bathhouse at Brooke Hills Park.\r\n \r\n \r\n$40,000 \u2013 City of Clarksburg. Funds will enable the construction of new restroom facilities at City Park.\r\n \r\n \r\n$33,393 \u2013 City of Clarksburg. Funds will be used to replace existing hilltop shelter at Veterans Memorial Park with an upgraded group shelter\r\n \r\n \r\n$25,000 \u2013 City of Dunbar. Funds will be used to construct a new group picnic shelter and install new playground equipment at the Dunbar City Park.\r\n \r\n \r\n$60,000 \u2013 City of Lewisburg. Funds will be used to install and/or replace baseball field lights at Dorrie Miller Park and Hollowell Park.\r\n \r\n \r\n$58,840 \u2013 City of Ripley. Funds will be used to install a splash pool, including overhead line burial and minor ADA fixture improvements at its City Park.\r\n \r\n \r\n$10,194 \u2013 City of Shinnston. Funds will be used to provide assistance for bathhouse renovations at the Ferguson Park pool.\r\n \r\n \r\n$31,046 \u2013 Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. Funds will be used to install two group picnic shelters at the James Hite Park.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1F059B74-F1A6-402E-A6E0-6786E0573172", "Manchin Announces Funding to Improve Transportation Safety in West Virginia", "2016-10-04", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced $317,804 from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\u2019s (PHMSA) Hazardous Materials Emergency Grant Program (HMEP). This funding will go towards developing or revising emergency plans and training activities to account for bulk transportation of energy products by rail and over the road; Conducting commodity flow studies to determine the frequency and quantity of hazardous materials shipments being transported through local communities; Training emergency responders to respond appropriately to incidents involving bulk shipments of energy products as well as other hazardous materials.\r\n\u201cOur state has experienced a crude-by-rail accident firsthand, and we realize the importance of making sure our first responders have the resources they need to prepare for and respond to these kinds of incidents,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe were fortunate that many of our first responders had recently completed a training to help them better respond to these types of derailments, but we need to do more to protect our citizens from these accidents while also ensuring the flow of energy products to those who need them. This funding will allow us to respond more quickly to future incidents and better protect West Virginia communities.\u201d\r\nThis grant funding allows emergency response personnel to maintain a safe environment for themselves and the public when responding to hazardous materials related emergencies. Well-trained first responders play a critical role in mitigating or responding to any hazardous materials incident. HMEP grants are part of PHMSA\u2019s comprehensive approach to improving the safe transportation of crude oil and other hazardous material across the country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2787613C-CB59-4C10-8C93-3D91C93251B0", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding for Local Police Efforts", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0today announced more than $560,000 in federal grants for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. These grants will aid police departments in Cameron, Parkersburg, and Roane and Summers Counties.\r\n\u201cOur law enforcement officers throughout West Virginia go above and beyond to protect our communities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cThese COPS Hiring Program grants will ensure that police departments in Cameron, Parkersburg, and Roane and Summers Counties have the necessary resources to do their jobs well.\u201d\r\n\u201cCOPS Hiring Program grants help provide our local police forces with the resources they need to keep our communities safe. This funding will help boost law enforcement services including efforts to fight the opioid epidemic, and protect West Virginians in Cameron, Parkersburg, and Roane and Summers Counties,\u201d said Senator Capito.\u00a0\r\nThe COPS Hiring Program provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and rehire career law enforcement officers, and to increase their community policing and crime prevention efforts.\r\nIndividual grants are listed below:\r\n \r\n$123,263 \u2013 City of Cameron\r\n \r\n \r\n$250,000 \u2013 Parkersburg Police Department\r\n \r\n \r\n$96,710 \u2013 Roane County Sheriff's Department\r\n \r\n \r\n$92,392 \u2013 Summers County Sheriff's Department\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=71A53443-AC2C-465B-A6EE-A30FAA5B5D8E", "Manchin Announces $300k For Disability Housing Program", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living will receive a $300,000 Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living is an advocacy resource center for people with disabilities and the communities in which they live.\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, we have a long standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. I\u2019m pleased to see this funding will support Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living and their mission to eliminate housing discrimination and create equal housing opportunities,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\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=D3488D88-E46B-489B-87CC-B455A66406D6", "Manchin Announces FCC Chairman Wheeler Visit To West Virginia", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler will travel to West Virginia on October 11.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that Chairman Wheeler has accepted my invitation to come see firsthand the real communication challenges facing West Virginia and our neighbors across rural America,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cI am pleased that Chairman Wheeler has answered my call to move forward with the second phase of the Mobility Fund, and I am eager to show the Chairman the challenges our students, businesses and residents face due to their lack of access to reliable broadband service. I look forward to working with him to ensure that this program will increase investments in places like West Virginia that are some of the most remote and challenging areas to serve.\u201d\r\nThis visit comes after a recent FCC staff report highlighted the need for the Mobility Fund, something that Senator Manchin has pushed for since becoming a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In July, Senator Manchin sent a letter to Chairman Wheeler calling for the FCC to prioritize new mobile broadband deployment in rural areas as well as preserve and upgrade mobile broadband where it is currently available. To read the full letter, click here.\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=EA5D15FA-0C7B-4EFD-A3AA-F376F8F67C6B", "Manchin Attends Seminar To Help West Virginia Businesses Get Online", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) delivered remarks at a seminar in Wheeling, hosted by Google and the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation (DRWVF). The seminar is part of Google\u2019s Let\u2019s Put Our Cities on the Map program, which focuses on helping small businesses use online tools to expand their business. Let\u2019s Put Our Cities on the Map is a program that empowers communities to support their local businesses and encourage them to get online where the majority of people are going to find goods and services.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to participate in this important seminar that will help provide our small business owners, non-profits and local agencies with the tools they need to get online and increase awareness of their organizations,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis partnership between Google and the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation will spur economic development and will help share the good things that the Mountain State is doing to get and keep our people working.\u201d\r\nSmall businesses need to be online because their customers are: 4 in 5 consumers use search engines to find information about local businesses, but less than half of US small businesses have a website (45%) and only 37% have claimed or updated their business information on a search engine. Complete business information helps generate economic value to individual communities. In small communities, this could be worth up to +$300K a year.\r\nGoogle is partnering with StartLogic to provide its popular website offerings for free including an easy-to-build website, a customized domain name, and web-hosting for one year.\u00a0 Participating Northern Panhandle businesses can go to GYBO.com to get a free website as well as free tools, training and resources to help their business succeed online.\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=33EA6991-140B-4BB3-998A-A64F46F9CBAF", "Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $200,000 for West Virginia State University", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for programs at West Virginia State University to support outreach and technical assistance for veteran and minority farmers.\r\n\"I am pleased to see this funding awarded to West Virginia State University to the agribusiness initiatives they have invested in the last several years,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThese programs improve the lives of each participant and their community. This is great news for West Virginia State University and our entire state.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis funding is great new for West Virginia State University and will go to programs that enrich the lives of our veterans,\u201d said Senator Capito.\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=E9791296-934F-4B98-B704-7C7DB6C43C02", "Manchin, Capito Announce $1.5 Million in FEMA Funding for Flood Recovery Efforts", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $1,458,105 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of West Virginia.\r\nThe $1.5 million grant will be used by the Nicholas County School District to replace damage contents in facilities destroyed or damaged as a result of the historic flooding in West Virginia on June 23.\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=1A91F719-0BC0-448C-A6A4-A231C7C43A81", "Manchin Applauds Passage of Funding for West Virginia Flood Recovery in Budget Deal", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement after voting in support of the continuing resolution that passed the Senate.\r\n\u201cI applaud my colleagues for finally coming together in a bipartisan manner to pass this critical legislation that specifically supports two critical issues facing West Virginia right now \u2013 helping communities rebuild from natural disasters and providing additional funding to combat the opioid epidemic. The continuing resolution includes $500 million to support disaster recovery efforts nationwide, including many West Virginia communities impacted by the historic flood in June. This funding will support efforts to rebuild homes, businesses, schools and communities. In addition to supporting flood recovery efforts, this bill includes $7 million to fight the opioid epidemic that is taking lives in communities all across our state.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4F012DD7-EC9E-4D7A-AE97-0BC7F380519F", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Address Behavioral Health Disorders in West Virginia Youth", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that the Health and Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded $211,755 to West Virginia University.\r\nThis grant has been awarded through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program, which helps fund clinical internships and field placements for various behavioral health occupations to expand the mental health and substance abuse workforce serving children, adolescents and young adults who have or are at risk of developing behavioral health disorders\r\n\u201cAs West Virginians, we value nothing more than the well-being of our children and families, and supporting them is one of my top priorities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am so glad that this funding from the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program will go toward providing the necessary training to the mental health and substance abuse workforce to ensure that the youth who are at risk of developing behavioral health disorders have access to the services that they need.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis funding will provide the support needed to help youth who are susceptible to engaging in harmful behaviors and their families. I am glad to have played a part in securing this funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and look forward to positive outcomes that will result from this investment,\u201d said Senator Capito.\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=DD3A48BF-D709-41B2-9C41-83DDA5BC06C7", "Manchin Statement on the Passing of Shimon Peres", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on the passing of former President and Prime Minister of Israel, Shimon Peres.\r\n\u201cGayle and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Israel on the passing of President Shimon Peres. As a man of peace and vision he brought stability, prosperity and hope to a region beset with conflict and violence. He was a model statesman and truly a mentor to the world.\u00a0 On behalf of all West Virginians we are sorry for your loss and will continue to work towards his vision of peace.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F7F066C3-91D7-41A3-BDA8-BDF3EB3F19D9", "Manchin Overrides President's Veto to Allow 9/11 Families To Sue Saudi Arabia", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement after voting to override the President\u2019s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which would ensure that families of victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 have the right to pursue justice in United States federal courts against alleged supporters. This legislation passed the House and the Senate unanimously earlier this year.\r\n\u201cFamilies and survivors deserve a way to seek justice and closure against alleged supporters of the 9/11 terrorists,\" Senator Manchin said. \u201cFamilies of the victims of 9/11 have been waiting far too long for their day in court and I am glad to vote in support of them again today. This legislation demonstrates that we stand with these victims and signals that we are serious about prosecuting terrorists and those who fund them.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C60C163D-91F2-4003-8F57-2A26F69C9CDF", "Manchin Votes for Funding for West Virginia Flood Recovery", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement after voting in support of the continuing resolution that failed to pass the Senate.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m disappointed in my colleagues for failing to pass this critical legislation that addresses two of the most dire issues facing West Virginians \u2013 helping communities rebuild from natural disasters and providing additional funding to combat the opioid epidemic. The funding bill that the Senate failed to pass today includes up to $500 million to support disaster recovery efforts nationwide, including many West Virginia communities impacted by the June floods. Although the flood waters have receded, West Virginians still have a great deal of work to do rebuilding homes, businesses, schools and communities. This funding would go a long way towards supporting those efforts. In addition to supporting flood recovery efforts, this bill includes $7 million to fight the opioid epidemic that is taking lives in communities all across our state. I will continue to look for ways to work with my colleagues to ensure this funding bill passes and West Virginians receive the support they deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill\u2019s failure is the sad result of a broken system in Washington \u2013 one where we wait until a crisis to do our work and then can\u2019t find common sense compromises to deliver the solutions Americans need. As a Governor and Senator, I know what it takes to keep our state and country working. I hope my colleagues can find that spirit in the next 3 days, so that we can do our jobs and deliver the help West Virginians have been waiting for far too long.\u201d \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=93F9F38A-59A0-4BAD-8EDF-85BB374E9ECC", "Manchin and Capito Announce New Economic Development Grant Awards", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "33 West Virginia counties will benefit from $420,000 EDA investment\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide six grants totaling $420,000 to several regional planning and development councils in West Virginia. This funding will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in those regions.\r\n\u201cThe economic success in regions across West Virginia depends on collaboration between the public and private sectors. This funding will support more efficient collaboration and provide necessary support to boost economic development and get hard working West Virginians back to work,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cThis investment will boost economic development and job growth for years to come in the Mountain State. Our regional planning and development councils are in the best position to identify what solutions will work in their communities. I will continue fighting to ensure that they have the right resources to create a stronger and more prosperous West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nEDA funding supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region III BCKP Regional Intergovernmental Council in South Charleston, which includes Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam counties.\r\n \r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region II Planning and Development Council in Huntington, which includes Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo and Wayne counties.\r\n \r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region VI Planning and Development Council in Fairmont, which includes Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties.\r\n \r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council in Martinsburg, which includes Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.\r\n \r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region I Planning and Development Council in Princeton, which includes McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties.\r\n \r\n \r\n$70,000 to the Region V Mid-Ohio Valley Regional and Development Council in Parkersburg, which includes Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=31A40ACA-B495-4217-A588-8A44E7340B06", "Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $1 Million For Flood Recovery Efforts in West Virginia", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $1,470,231.24 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of West Virginia.\r\nThis more than $1 million grant will be used by the Kanawha County Board of Education for Emergency Protective Measures to alleviate immediate threats to lives, public health and safety.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=416CF6B3-3022-490B-BF28-4C9FE3AB91E7", "Manchin and Capito Congratulate WVU on NIH Funding for Children's Health", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0applauded the National Institutes of Health (NIH) $1.8 million award to West Virginia University (WVU) to participate in the creation of a nationwide Pediatric Clinical Trials Network to support research efforts regarding children\u2019s health.\r\nThis funding is awarded through a seven-year initiative known as the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. The purpose of the ECHO program is to discover the influence exposure to various environmental factors has on a child\u2019s health. WVU is one of only 17 research institutions nationwide to participate in this program. The program will establish pediatric clinical trials networks throughout West Virginia, so doctors and patients have access to the same treatments that are available at the WVU\u2019s hospital in Morgantown.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m happy to see this funding go to the talented researchers at West Virginia University. Every sick child in West Virginia deserves to have access to the state-of-the-art clinical trials that can both help them and further much needed research into pediatric illnesses,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will increase access to innovative medical treatments and strengthen our efforts to understand the environmental factors and health risks that harm pediatric patients, allowing us to provide a better, healthier future for our children.\u201d\r\n\u201cLast year, I had the opportunity to host NIH officials in Morgantown to highlight the ground breaking research taking place in the state. I saw firsthand how institutions like WVU are paving the way with innovative developments made possible with support from NIH\u2019s IDeA program. This funding will build on our earlier success and bring new insights into children\u2019s health. Through education and research we can help hospitals, medical practices and pediatric health programs provide quality care to those children who need it most,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Capito.\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=9C39E753-ECFD-4AB1-8F90-43A7221EB525", "Manchin and Capito Announce $800,000 for Coalfield Development Corporation", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $800,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families to support the development and improvement of the Coalfield Development Corporation\u2019s factory in Wayne, West Virginia. This funding will help expand community job training programs and social services for West Virginians who have experienced layoffs in the coal mining industry.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s coal country has been devastated by this Administration\u2019s harmful regulations, and we are fighting to keep the coal jobs we have left. Making sure every out-of-work coal miner has access to meaningful job opportunities is one of my top priorities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will support the communities most deeply impacted by these anti-coal regulations. We must do everything possible to help our miners through these uncertain times, and I\u2019m happy the Coalfield Development Corporation will be able to continue their crucial work.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Obama Administration\u2019s war on coal has hit West Virginia communities particularly hard, impacting our miners and their families. As I work to roll back the administration's harmful regulations, we also need to identify new career and skills training opportunities for these unemployed West Virginians. Helping those who are struggling to find jobs is critical to the future of our state, and I am glad the Coalfield Development Corporation will use these funds to expand needed programs and services,\u201d said Senator Capito.\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=331B71DF-61AE-4183-A05D-719239B0093C", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Support Transitional Housing in Wheeling", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)announced that the YWCA of Wheeling will receive $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women for the Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program.\r\nThe Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program aims to provide needed aid to individuals who are homeless or in need of housing assistance and are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. The program\u2019s goal is to deliver flexible support to victims, including transitional housing services. The victim-centered approach that the program has adopted allows victims to select the course of action that suits their individual needs. The YWCA of Wheeling will use these funds to provide housing and supportive services to help victims shift from transitional to permanent housing.\r\n\u201cAs a proud supporter of the Violence Against Women Act, I am pleased to see this funding for transitional housing programs in Wheeling. I have had the pleasure to tour this YWCA, speak to the dedicated staff there and see firsthand the positive impact that they are making in so many lives. This funding will support efforts to rebuild the lives of domestic violence victims and provide the dignity of a safe environment in which they can move forward. During my time as Governor and now as Senator, I have heard so many stories from organizations in West Virginia about how these grants make a tremendous difference to families as they begin to rebuild,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u00a0\r\n\u201cWest Virginians are known for coming together in times of need, and we are proud of this reputation,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cI am so glad to announce this award for the YWCA of Wheeling. This funding will help individuals get back on solid footing and put them on a path to long-term recovery by providing housing opportunities and supportive services.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7A1D1D15-5C38-41A3-BA78-4D17F132783F", "Manchin Commends Finance Committee Passage of Miners Protection Act", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today commended the Senate Finance Committee on passage of the Miners Protection Act, legislation that would ensure that the federal government and coal operators honor their obligation of lifetime pensions and health benefits to retired miners and their families who are facing uncertainty as a result of the financial crisis and corporate bankruptcies.\u00a0\r\nIn June, after months of negotiations and urging, the Senate Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch personally promised Senator Manchin that the Miners Protection Act would receive a vote in the Finance Committee this September.\r\n\u201cEven though it is long overdue, the Miners Protection Act passage through the Senate Finance Committee brings us one step closer to fulfilling the commitment that we made to our miners more than 70 years ago,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe have just returned from the longest Congressional recess in history and my colleagues are already running for the door with unfinished business. If we do not pass this bill, 16,000 miners will lose their healthcare at the end of this year.\u00a0 Then 3,500 miners will lose their healthcare in March and another 3,500 miners will lose their healthcare in July. We need to get the job done.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nAt the Finance Committee mark-up, Senator Manchin submitted a statement to the record on the commitment made to our miners in 1946 and the importance of the passage of the Miners Protection Act. To read the full statement, click here.\r\nOn May 25th, Senator Manchin and 28 of colleagues sent a letter to Leader McConnell calling for action on the Miners Protection Act before the long, summer recess. To read the full letter click here. \r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B395DF5-C5F3-4A16-9404-DF9C4DCF9A54", "Manchin Applauds Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week", "2016-09-19", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Administration\u2019s new efforts to combat the prescription opioid and heroin abuse epidemic as part of Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.\r\n\u201cToday, we have taken another step toward ending this crisis and I applaud these new programs that will help us curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn July, Congress passed bipartisan, bicameral comprehensive opioid legislation but we must continue to fight for real resources to put behind these programs and initiatives. It is clear that our country has reached a crisis point and we must act now towards a comprehensive, commonsense strategy to end this epidemic.\u201d \u00a0\r\nThe Administration\u2019s new actions to combat the prescription drug epidemic include:\r\n \r\nExpanding substance use disorder treatment in the TRICARE system to include coverage of intensive outpatient programs and treatment of opioid use disorders with medication-assisted treatment.\r\nEstablishing enhanced measures in conjunction with the Chinese government to combat the supply of fentanyl and its analogues coming to the United States.\r\nSupporting distance learning and telemedicine programs that expand access to healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, and educational opportunities in rural communities.\r\nProviding funding to strengthen Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs across the country and grants to support State-level law enforcement investigations of drug manufacturing and drug distribution networks.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3BBBE72A-F2F3-43B2-82D7-C2506F9372F4", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $3 Million for West Virginia Health Centers", "2016-09-19", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that a total of $3,358,366 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health Human Services (HHS) Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has been awarded to 28 West Virginia health centers.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m happy to see this funding head to health centers across West Virginia. Every West Virginia community deserves quality healthcare facilities and this funding will support the health centers that provide the primary and preventive care that many West Virginians rely on,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cCommunity health centers offer vital health care services to countless West Virginians, especially in rural areas. This funding will help ensure that these facilities have the resources necessary to continue providing the primary and preventative care services that so many rely on,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$63,590 - New River Health Association, Inc. (Scarbro, WV)\r\n$49,437 - Camden-On-Gauley Medical Center, Inc. (Camden On Gauley, WV)\r\n$82,691 - Community Care of West Virginia (Rock Cave, WV)\r\n$64,282 - Lincoln County Primary Care Center (Hamlin, WV)\r\n$54,848 - Wirt County Health Services Association, Inc. (Elizabeth, WV)\r\n$57,790 - Cabin Creek Health Center, Inc. (Dawes, WV)\r\n$46,445 - Pendleton Community Care (Franklin, WV)\r\n$80,929 - Community Health Systems, Inc. (Beckley, WV)\r\n$52,963 - Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers, Inc. (Fairmont, WV)\r\n$51,206 - Monroe County Health Center (Union, WV)\r\n$46,564 - Roane Co. Family Health Care, Inc. (Spencer, WV)\r\n$51,535 \u2013 Bluestone Health Association, Inc. (Princeton, WV)\r\n$54,247 - E.A. Hawse Health Center, Inc. (Baker, WV)\r\n$47,214 - Valley Health Care, Inc. (Mill Creek, WV)\r\n$101,632 - Valley Health Systems, Inc. (Huntington, WV)\r\n$45,943 - Clay Battelle Health Services Assoc. (Blacksville, WV)\r\n$50,196 - Preston-Taylor Community Health Centers, Inc. (Grafton WV)\r\n$48,800 - Tug River Health Association, Inc. (Gary, WV)\r\n$72,274 - Womencare, Inc. (Scott Depot, WV)\r\n$49,835 - Ritchie County Primary Care Association, Inc. (Harrisville,WV)\r\n$43,415 - St. George Medical Clinic, Inc. (St. George, WV)\r\n$52,765 - CHAGE, INC. (Weirton, WV)\r\n$47,667 - Belington Community Medical Services Association, Inc. (Belington, WV)\r\n$48,958 - Rainelle Medical Center, Inc. (Rainelle, WV)\r\n$44,507 - Williamson Health and Wellness Center (Williamson, WV)\r\n$1,813,226 - West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)\r\n$53,693 - Minnie Hamilton Health Center, Inc. (Grantsville, WV)\r\n$81,714 - Shenandoah Valley Medical Systems, Inc. (Martinsburg, WV)\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=748DC7ED-4CDA-4AFC-B48A-52D73754CD97", "Manchin, Capito Announce More than $1 Million for Flood Recovery Efforts in West Virginia", "2016-09-16", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $1,060,209 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of West Virginia.\r\nThis $1 million grant will be used by the Nicholas County School District for emergency protective measures for several facilities damaged as a result of the historic flooding in West Virginia on June 23, 2016.\u00a0   \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C81CDEB2-8E52-4264-90D1-40D177FC185A", "Manchin and Capito Announce FEMA Firefighter Grants", "2016-09-16", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)\u00a0announced $1,095,694 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fire safety in Bruceton Mills, Lewisburg, Morgantown, Princeton, Weston and Winfield. The grants awarded through FEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program will help local fire departments purchase equipment and recruit personnel.\r\n\"Our brave firefighters and \u200efirst responders put their lives on the line every day to keep West Virginia communities safe,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \"I witnessed their hard work and commitment firsthand from my experience working with the Marion County Volunteer Fire Department. This funding will provide volunteer fire departments in Weirton, Mason and Jefferson with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to emergencies and continue to protect West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn order to keep our communities safe, local fire departments must be prepared with trained personnel and up-to-date equipment. I am glad to announce more than $1 million from FEMA to help fire departments in these six West Virginia communities meet their staffing and equipment needs. West Virginians will be safer as a result of this funding,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nFEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program aims to help meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments. Through funding assistance, the program helps fire departments enhance their ability to protect both the public and first responders from fire and related hazards.\r\nThe SAFER Grant Program is a competitive grant program administered by FEMA with the goal of enhancing a local fire department\u2019s ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\nAFG Grants:\r\n \r\n$12,818 \u2013 Bruceton-Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department\r\n$171,905 \u2013 Green Valley Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department\r\n$452,174 \u2013 West Virginia University\r\n$50,065 \u2013 Winfield Volunteer Fire Department\r\n \r\nSAFER Grants:\r\n \r\n$176,900 \u2013 Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department\r\n$231,832 \u2013 Weston Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1C73D13C-3EE2-49A0-8485-696D329D0BEF", "Manchin and Capito Secure Passage of Coal Ash Recycling Legislation", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) secured the inclusion of the Coal Combustion Residuals Regulatory Improvement Act in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2016, which passed today by a vote of 95 to 3. This bipartisan measure will create a states-first approach to regulating coal ash that provides both certainty for the safe and efficient recycling of coal ash and an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash.\u00a0This legislation builds on the Senators\u2019 past efforts to find a bicameral, bipartisan solution for the recycling and disposal of coal ash.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am proud we were able to come together and pass this commonsense legislation that will protect jobs and our economy, while giving families and businesses the certainty they need,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe overregulation of coal ash by the EPA would threaten vital industries and unnecessarily cost West Virginia and the nation more jobs. This bipartisan measure would give states the ability to take the lead on setting up their own permitting programs to make sure coal ash is safely recycled and reused under existing EPA health and environment regulations. This legislation now heads over to the House, where I will work to ensure its passage and its eventual signing into law.\u201d\r\n\u201cStates, not the EPA, know how to best regulate within their own borders,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan approach will allow states to set up their own permitting programs for recycling and reusing coal ash, providing needed certainty to industry and businesses, while ensuring the health and safety of families and communities.\"\r\nIn March of this year, Senator Manchin delivered opening remarks on this legislation at the Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. To watch Senator Manchin\u2019s remarks at the committee hearing, please click here.\r\nThe Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) final coal ash rule, announced in December of 2014, correctly regulates coal ash as a non-hazardous material, but this regulation does not create an effective enforcement mechanism for the disposal of coal ash as it relies on citizen-suit litigation to enforce coal ash disposal standards.\u00a0Senator Manchin introduced the original legislation with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in January.\u00a0 It would:\r\n \r\nContinues to authorize states to create permit programs to enforce coal ash disposal standards, while it responds to EPA feedback on earlier legislation by requiring states to set up their permit program through a traditional EPA application process and giving EPA final approval of a state\u2019s permit program prior to implementation.\r\n \r\n \r\nStates that choose not to create a permit program or that do not have an approved application from EPA will be regulated directly by EPA.\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2EA26642-9BC9-4621-B0FC-3DECD27DB7E3", "Manchin Secures Army Corps of Engineers Study for Kanawha River Bain", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) secured a provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2016, authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to study the hydrology of the Kanawha River Basin, including the Elk River Basin, the Greenbrier River Basin and the Cherry River Basin to reduce flood risks, enhance the ecosystem, support navigation, water supply, recreation and other water resource related purposes. The legislation passed the Senate today by a vote of 95 to 3.\r\n\u201cI am thrilled I was able to include a provision authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies to reduce flood risks,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWest Virginia is still recovering from the devastating floods we experienced on June 23rd and this legislation is another step we can take to prevent future flooding throughout our state. I remain committed to using every tool at my disposable to helping our state recover and rebuild and look for ways to prevent this devastation in the future.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1A5104AC-CD06-48AD-B172-3B6A02516BEA", "Manchin and Capito Announce Forensic Science Funding for West Virginia University", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced two grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for forensic science research programs at West Virginia University.\r\n\"As the only institution in the country to offer a bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, as well as a doctoral degrees in forensic science, West Virginia University continues to advance cutting edge forensic science research,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \"These grants are wonderful news for WVU and the entire state. I applaud the University for their dedication to forensic science research throughout the years.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia University is a source of great pride for our state, and I am so glad this funding will help support the critical forensic science research taking place there,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThis research has the potential to lead to breakthroughs that will save lives and curb crime.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$213,735 \u2013 West Virginia University Research Cooperation: Funding will support research to better discern how examiners interpret the pattern recognition process of footwear comparison from start to finish. For more information click here. \r\n$49,977 \u2013 West Virginia University: Funding will support research to evaluate the toxicity of confirmed pyrolytic products produced from the smoking process of selected representative synthetic cannabinoids. For more information click here. \r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C936243A-71D0-4633-8182-D6573553DE43", "WV Delegation Urges President to Include West Virginia in Supplemental Appropriations Requests", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, sent a letter to President Obama to express their full support for Governor Earl Ray Tomblin\u2019s new request to include West Virginia in any Presidential supplemental appropriations request that the Administration may submit to Congress.\r\nThe delegation said in part: \u201cIn West Virginia, more than two months after the deadly June floods that killed 23 people, eight counties remain under a state of emergency. More than 5,000 homes and businesses were damaged during the disaster and over 70 percent of all applicants incurred at least some FEMA-verified loss. Unfortunately, much like Louisiana, the vast majority of the flooded homes and businesses (nearly 90 percent) did not carry flood insurance at the time of the disaster, and, according to FEMA estimates, the average grant award for each eligible West Virginian will be less than $9,000. The challenge we face is clear \u2013 without additional assistance, these individuals and the communities in which they live simply cannot afford to rebuild.\u201d\r\nPlease read the full letter below, or\u00a0click here.\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nThe hardworking men and women of West Virginia have pulled together to help each other rebuild from the devastating one-in-a-thousand-year floods that inundated their communities earlier this year and led to a major disaster declaration on June 25, 2016 (DR-4273). While we are humbled by the heroic actions of our first responders and the thousands of individual citizens who helped friends, neighbors and complete strangers escape rising flood waters, we now find ourselves unable to help many of these same individuals begin down their own road to recovery, and we urge you to include West Virginia in any Presidential supplemental appropriations request that your Administration may submit to Congress.\r\nIn West Virginia, more than two months after the deadly June floods that killed 23 people, eight counties remain under a state of emergency. More than 5,000 homes and businesses were damaged during the disaster and over 70% of all applicants incurred at least some FEMA-verified loss. Unfortunately, much like Louisiana, the vast majority of the flooded homes and businesses (nearly 90%) did not carry flood insurance at the time of the disaster, and, according to FEMA estimates, the average grant award for each eligible West Virginian will be less than $9,000. The challenge we face is clear \u2013 without additional assistance, these individuals and the communities in which they live simply cannot afford to rebuild.\r\nWe strongly support West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin\u2019s request for $310 million in disaster funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR) program to address the critical unmet needs of our constituents. The additional CDBG-DR funding requested by the Governor would help homeowners rebuild safer and stronger. It would give our small businesses an opportunity to reinvest in the communities on which they depend. It would give these communities the resources they need to reduce their exposure to flood threats and promote sustainable development for decades to come. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity. While the scope and scale of this disaster may seem relatively small to some, we cannot forget the 23 men, women and children whom we lost during these floods.\r\nThis was one of the deadliest disasters our country has experienced this year, and we owe it to the memory of those that we lost to do everything in our power to ensure a tragedy like this never happens here again.\r\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=08FB26CC-66C6-4CF2-88F4-3A02E189C528", "Manchin and Capito Announce Investments to Boost Economy and Create Jobs in West Virginia", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $70,000 to the Region 4 Planning and Development Council and $70,000 to the Region 7 Planning and Development Commission. This funding will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region. The Region 4 Planning and Development Council are comprised of Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and Webster counties. The Region 7 Planning and Development Commission are comprised of Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Randolph, Tucker, and Upshur counties.\r\n\u201cIn order to boost our economy and improve the economic success in West Virginia, we must ensure that our public and private sectors are working together,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will help coordinate our resources efficiently to overcome our economic challenges, spur our economic growth and develop new opportunities across West Virginia.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have worked closely with West Virginia\u2019s economic development councils to advance opportunity and create new jobs throughout the state. During this period of economic hardship in West Virginia, we must continue looking for new ways to encourage investment and coordination in the private and public sectors. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure this funding, which will help put us on a path toward long-term growth and prosperity,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nEDA funding supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.\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=5F4CCF5A-BFD3-4DD7-B169-0670B94FC4DD", "Manchin, Capito Announce USDA Water Infrastructure Investments in West Virginia", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making investments to improve water and waste infrastructure in Braxton, Fayette, Marion and Nicholas counties. Through the USDA Rural Development\u2019s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, this funding will provide assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.\r\n\u201cInvesting in water infrastructure projects in rural communities 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 Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am pleased these projects will receive the funding needed to improve the water systems in Braxton, Fayette, Marion and Nicholas counties and will expand water services to underserved communities that truly need it.\u201d\r\n\u201cMaintaining and improving access to our water and wastewater infrastructure is critical for communities throughout the state, including rural towns like Sutton, Monongah, Nettie and Pax,\u201d said Senator Capito, a member of the Appropriations Committee. \u201cThis USDA funding is welcome news for these areas as they work to improve water infrastructure systems and strengthen local economies and the reason why I advocated for an increase in this program in this year\u2019s Agriculture Appropriations bill.\u201d\r\nThe individual award amounts below:\r\n \r\nFlatwoods-Canoe Run PSD \u2013 Exchange Road Waterline Extension Phase I \u2013 $570,000 (Loan), $570,000 (Grant)\r\nMonongah \u2013 Water System Improvements Phase II \u2013 $5,950,000 (Loan), $950,000 (Grant)\r\nNettie-Leivasy Public Service District \u2013 Water System Improvements \u2013 $2,753,000 (Loan)\r\nPax \u2013 Willis Branch Sewer Project \u2013 $236,000 (Loan), $555,000 (Grant)\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8CFA989B-F1D1-43ED-BE55-5AB7F28CAE62", "Manchin Welcomes Secretary Moniz to West Virginia", "2016-09-12", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in West Virginia to discuss the future of coal. Senator Manchin and Secretary Moniz participated in a panel discussion at the Innovation Forum at West Virginia University and toured the Longview Power Plant.\r\n\u201cCoal is an abundant, affordable and reliable energy source. Right now, American ingenuity should be harnessed \u2013 not restrained \u2013 to advance clean coal technology in order to protect our future at home and around the globe,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI will continue to push the federal government to re-commit to that principle, to collaborate with us, and to ensure reliability and affordability in our clean energy future. I secured a commitment from Secretary Moniz last year to have him come see firsthand the innovation and strength of the West Virginia energy industry, and I am pleased that Secretary Moniz has accepted my invitation to visit West Virginia and meet with hardworking West Virginians who are actively developing the clean coal technology that our country and the world can use for decades to come.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E82C49EB-F0D8-4DBE-B726-6471FD7008DC", "Manchin Statement on 15th Anniversary of September 11", "2016-09-11", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on the fifteenth anniversary of September 11th.\r\n\u201cEach and every one of us can remember exactly where we were when we first learned that our country was under attack fifteen years ago. It was a tragic day, not just in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, but in the hearts and minds of all Americans who shared in the collective grief of our nation. But as we grieved, the great strength and character of our first responders, and service men and women reminded us all why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.\u00a0On this fifteenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, I urge you to honor the victims, survivors and families affected by 9/11 by remembering the pride we feel in this nation, the love of our freedoms and our way of life that unite us.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B050D2C2-0A0C-4931-93E2-5F0829E23EDA", "Manchin and Capito Announce New Crime Prevention Funding for West Virginia", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced nine grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for communities and law enforcement organizations throughout West Virginia for crime prevention and criminal justice efforts.\r\n\u201cEvery day law enforcement officers across West Virginia put their lives in harm\u2019s way to protect our communities. Ensuring they have the necessary resources to do their jobs well is one of my highest priorities. I am pleased to see this Department of Justice funding head to well deserving police departments across the state,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cAs a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am dedicated to making sure our law enforcement has the right equipment and proper training to do their jobs,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThese grant awards will benefit several West Virginia organizations, improve operations in our communities and help keep residents safe.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$433,742 \u2013 West Virginia State Police (DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program): Funds will assist the West Virginia State Police in the purchasing of new laboratory equipment and personnel to help expedite the turnaround time of samples submitted and uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).\r\n \r\n \r\n$12,927,595 \u2013 West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services (VOCA Victim Assistance Program): Funds are provided through the Crime Victims Fund to improve crime victim services throughout West Virginia.\r\n \r\n \r\n$85,554 \u2013 West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Implementation Grant): Funds will be used for hiring new personnel and upgrading equipment.\r\n \r\n \r\n$1,235,991 \u2013 West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funding will be used for implementing West Virginia\u2019s Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) project. The primary focus of this project is substance abuse and violent crime.\r\n \r\n \r\n$18,317 \u2013 City of Morgantown (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funds will be used to enhance officer and public safety through the purchase of less than lethal weapons and peripherals.\r\n \r\n \r\n$12,404 \u2013 Hampshire County (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funds will be used to improve efficiency of effectiveness of Hampshire County\u2019s police operations by purchasing equipment to assist with criminal investigation.\r\n \r\n \r\n$14,075 \u2013 Clarksburg City (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funds will be used to enhance safety and professionalism by purchasing in-car cameras for the Clarksburg Police Department.\r\n \r\n \r\n$13,754 \u2013 Fayette County (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funds will be used to purchase new safety and operations equipment that supports local law enforcement initiatives.\r\n \r\n \r\n$31,878 \u2013 City of Beckley (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program): Funds will be used to purchase firearms storage, a polygraph machine, and forensic, audio-visual and IT equipment. These purchases will help enhance the department\u2019s operations and public safety goals.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=922E33B0-BE17-4548-BBFE-47FA9BDBFC58", "Manchin and Capito Announce New Funding to Combat Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault", "2016-09-07", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services will receive $147,891, and the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence will receive $91,641 respectively from the Grants to State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program. This funding will help provide technical assistance and support infrastructure to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.\r\n\u201cEnsuring every woman and child is free from domestic violence must be one of our highest priorities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAnd that begins with supporting programs like the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services that make a tremendous difference in the lives of victims across the state. As a staunch supporter of the Violence Against Women Act, I am proud that this funding will continue to support the life changing work that these programs conduct.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services and the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence each play an important role in aiding the victims of abuse and helping to prevent future crimes. Anyone who has suffered from domestic violence or sexual assault deserves access to resources that will keep them safe and help them heal. This funding, which I supported as a member of the Appropriations Committee, will help ensure that these critical services are provided,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Capito.\r\nThe Grants to State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women, provides funding to assist state coalitions with victim services. State coalitions have played a critical role in advancing the goals of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, serving as a collective voice to end violence against women through collaboration with federal, state and local organizations.\r\nState coalitions provide support to member rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and victim service programs, and conduct activities such as providing technical assistance to member agencies, expanding technological capacity, conducting community-based meetings and workshops, increasing the representation of underserved populations, and coordinating law enforcement agencies to develop or enhance strategies to address identified problems.\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=B2D2979A-20AE-4432-89C4-35B334ED5C2D", "Manchin Praises Opening of Ramaco Coal Mine in West Virginia", "2016-09-07", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plant will create good-paying coal mining jobs and up to 1,000 construction jobs\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today applauded the announcement of the opening of a new Ramaco mine in West Virginia that will create good-paying coal mining jobs and up to 1,000 construction jobs in southern West Virginia.\r\n\u201cThis investment is good news for our state and our miners in West Virginia who have faced hardship in recent years. I spoke to the CEO of Ramaco today to thank him for his commitment to hard-working West Virginia miners, and pledged to help him open these mines in any way that is needed.\u00a0 I was pleased to hear that the construction and opening of this new mine will create good-paying coal mining jobs and up to 1,000 construction jobs. As I have said, our nation continues to rely on West Virginia to produce the energy needed to power this country. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure coal remains a vital part of our energy future.\u00a0 There is a commonsense path forward to secure the future of the coal industry, and if we work together, we can achieve it.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=412E7764-6B37-48EC-81EC-2D248E5EBC44", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $800,000 for Volunteer Fire Departments in Southern West Virginia", "2016-09-06", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin (D-WV) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced two Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) awards totaling $871,907 for volunteer fire departments in Cabell and Wayne counties. These funds will be used to purchase new equipment, including a power lift for the Prichard Volunteer Fire Department and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department.\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, our dedicated firefighters and \u200efirst responders wake up each morning and voluntarily put their lives on line to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Senator Manchin, who has worked with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County. \u201cThis funding will provide volunteer fire departments in Barboursville and Prichard with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to any emergency quickly and to continue to protect West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur local fire departments work around-the-clock to keep us safe, especially during emergency situations,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThese AFG grants will go a long way in helping the Barboursville and Prichard Volunteer Fire Departments replace old equipment and purchase new tools so they can continue to safely respond to fires and other hazards.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$825,513 \u2013 Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department (Cabell County)\r\n$46,394 \u2013 Prichard Volunteer Fire Department (Wayne County)\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BF2C6ABB-38E0-4EFB-A741-C21BE8635B0B", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Support Drug-Free Efforts across West Virginia", "2016-09-02", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin (D-WV) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has awarded funding to communities throughout West Virginia through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. This funding will be used to enhance community efforts to combat the drug epidemic in the state by employing environmental strategies and broad initiatives that address each DFC-funded community\u2019s specific needs.\r\nThe primary goal of the DFC program is to establish and strengthen community partnerships that support efforts at a local level to prevent substance abuse. Specifically, the grants issued through this program are intended to support community-specific strategies to address local substance use problems. By tailoring strategies to meet the needs of each community, DFC-funded communities have proven to deliver more positive and effective results.\r\n\u201cThe impact substance abuse is having on communities across West Virginia is devastating and we must continue to take steps to end the epidemic,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe have a responsibility \u2013 particularly to our next generation \u2013 to curb this abuse, and I applaud those on the ground who are working tirelessly to end the epidemic. This funding will support efforts in Weirton, Wheeling and Huntington to create drug-free communities ensuring every citizen can live up to their full potential.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia has unfortunately been at the center of drug addiction epidemic that has spread throughout our nation\u2019s communities,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThe DFC program is a reliable system that delivers results, which is why I worked diligently on the Senate Appropriations Committee to help secure this funding for our state. While this announcement will provide us with more resources to follow through with our plans to create a drug-free West Virginia, our efforts do not stop here. I remain committed to working on all levels to develop new solutions to tackle this epidemic that is crushing too many families.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$125,000 \u2013 West Side Ward 4 Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (Kanawha County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Putnam Wellness (Kanawha County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition (Jackson County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Strong Through Our Plan (the S.T.O.P.) Coalition (Mingo County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Morgan County Partnership, Inc. (Morgan County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Kanawha Communities That Care (Kanawha County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention (Ohio County)\r\n$125,000 \u2013 Advocates for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) (Brooke County & Hancock County)\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F4B797DB-768D-4699-944B-1128C93695F2", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Protect Children Affected by Abuse in Mercer County", "2016-09-02", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced that Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. will receive a $500,000 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Assistance Program (Rural Program) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women. The grant will help support the Mending Mercer County Project, which aims to protect and provide guidance to children and families affected by abuse.\r\n\u201cEvery act of violence is troubling but those against a child are particularly disturbing,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cThe work done by the Mending Mercer County Project saves lives and strengthens communities. I am pleased this grant will continue to fund this innovative and successful program to provide protection to victims of violence, especially those in remote and geographically isolated areas who face barriers to accessing services.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s difficult to imagine a crime more devastating than sexual assault or domestic abuse of a child. Especially in rural areas, we must ensure that victims of these terrible crimes have access to the help and support they need to escape dangerous situations and begin to heal. I worked to secure funding for this grant program through the appropriations process and am glad that Child Protect and the Mending Mercer County Project can continue to provide essential services to victims, and to combat domestic violence and sexual assault,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nRural Program grants are used to support programs that identify, assess and appropriately respond to child, youth and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in rural communities. The funding is intended to establish and expand victim services in rural communities, to increase the safety and well-being of women and children in rural communities, and to create strategies for awareness and prevention of these crimes.\r\nGrant details:\r\n$500,000 Rural Program grant \u2013 Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. \r\nChild Protect, a non-profit victim service provider, provides direct services to underage victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking through forensic interviews, trauma-focused mental health services, advocacy and support services, medical exam coordination, case tracking and case coordination. The grant funding will contribute to the Mending Mercer County Project, which aims to mend the lives of victims in Mercer County through an improved medical, mental health, victim advocacy, investigative and prosecutorial response.\r\nTo accomplish this goal, Child Protect, along with their project partners, the Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney\u2019s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff\u2019s Department, and the West Virginia State Police-Princeton Detachment, will:\r\n \r\nProvide on-call Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) nurses around the clock to conduct SANE exams for victims of sexual assault.\r\n \r\n \r\nPrepare the monthly SANE on-call schedule, coordinate SANE services with both local hospitals and ensure that SANE program requirements are maintained.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport victim advocates who will provide advocacy and support for victims of sexual assault.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide advocacy, support, medical exam accompaniment, crime victim compensation assistance, court preparation and court accompaniment for underage victims.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnsure all annual training requirements are maintained.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport a special investigator who will investigate crimes related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport a forensic interviewer who will conduct neutral, non-leading forensic interviews with child victims and cognitively impaired adult victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport a special prosecutor who will prosecute crimes related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E5CB2427-1849-4E58-A5EF-7906B8D77A85", "Manchin, Capito Applaud Crucial Funding for West Virginia to Combat Opioid Abuse", "2016-09-01", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) applauded $53 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health Human Services (HHS) that will support six programs in 44 states administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).\r\n\u201cThis funding will help reduce opioid overdose-related deaths, raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, track nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses and will bring us one step close to ending the opioid epidemic once and for all,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding puts real resources behind these programs, which are imperative to combating this crisis on the ground. Since the President traveled to Charleston for a town hall on opioid abuse and saw firsthand the impact opioid abuse has had on West Virginians, the Administration\u2019s efforts to combat this epidemic have dramatically increased. I especially applaud West Virginia native Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell and her colleagues for joining me in this critical fight to treat and prevent opioid addiction. It is clear that our country has reached a crisis point and this funding and these programs bring us one step closer towards a comprehensive, commonsense strategy to end this epidemic.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have consistently said that we are at risk of losing an entire generation if we don\u2019t combat the opioid epidemic with a spectrum of solutions. That\u2019s why I fought for this vital funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and worked to ensure that West Virginia has the right resources to address the scourge of addiction. These grants aim to help reduce the number of overdose deaths, improve the monitoring of opioid overdoses and strengthen drug prevention. They will also raise awareness about the dangers of overprescribing, a strategy I have supported through bipartisan legislation. I am hopeful that this funding will be helpful in West Virginia\u2019s efforts to stem the devastation caused by the opioid crisis,\u201d said Senator Capito.\u00a0\r\nThrough the SAMHSA and CDC programs below, West Virginia, among other states, will be the recipient of the following funding:\r\n \r\nThe Prescription Drug Opioid Overdose Prevention Grants will provide up to $11 million to 12 states to reduce opioid overdose-related deaths. Funding will support training on the prevention of opioid overdose-related deaths as well as the purchase and distribution of naloxone to first responders.\r\nThe Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Prescription Drugs Grants provide up to $9 million to 21 states and four tribes to strengthen drug abuse prevention efforts. The program is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of sharing medications and work with pharmaceutical and medical communities on the risks of overprescribing. The program also seeks to raise community awareness and bring prescription drug abuse prevention activities and education to schools, communities, parents, prescribers, and their patients.\r\nThe Enhanced State Surveillance of Opioid-Involved Morbidity and Mortality program is awarding $4.27 million in funds to 12 states to better track fatal and nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses. States will use the funding to:\r\n\r\n\r\nIncrease the timeliness of reporting nonfatal and fatal opioid overdose and associated risk factors\r\nDisseminate surveillance findings to key stakeholders working to prevent opioid-involved overdoses\r\nShare data with CDC to support improved multi-state surveillance of and response to opioid-involved overdoses\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C9186983-6704-4FE3-BB07-3AC997459EDC", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $625K to Assist Homeless Veterans", "2016-08-31", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that three West Virginia housing facilities will receive a total of $626,200 from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The grants will help end homelessness among the veteran population in West Virginia by providing financial assistance to help homeless veterans find housing and seek additional services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe, and it is simply unacceptable that so many of them are living in poverty,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWhen these men and women return home they deserve the best care, and that begins with making sure they have access to safe and adequate housing. This funding will provide our Veterans and their families with the housing assistance they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur veterans have made incredible sacrifices on our behalf,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cAs the daughter of a World War II veteran and a staunch supporter of our servicemen and women, I strongly believe that these individuals deserve the very best when they return home. Programs like this can help bring us closer to ending veteran homelessness, and I am pleased this funding will benefit veterans and their families in West Virginia.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$301,283 - Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center, Inc. (Kanawha, Cabell, & Wayne Counties)\r\n$134,342 - The Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall & Wetzel Counties)\r\n$190, 575 - Helping Heroes, Inc. (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall & Wetzel Counties)\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=F52FA775-C0C9-4A5B-A096-4C3B21A9EF0C", "Manchin Co-Hosts Job Fair in Bluefield", "2016-08-31", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Charleston Office: \n\t\t\t900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 629  Charleston, WV 25302   Phone: 304-342-5855  Toll-Free: 855-275-5737 (To use with 304 or 681 area code)   Fax: 304-343-7144\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Eastern Panhandle Office: \n\t\t\t261 Aikens Center  Suite 305  Martinsburg, WV\u00a0 25404-6203   Phone: 304-264-4626   Fax: 304-262-3039\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Fairmont Office \n\t\t\t230 Adams Street  Fairmont, WV 26554  Main Line: 304-368-0567  Fax: 304-368-0198\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington D.C. Office: \n\t\t\t306 Hart Senate Office Building   Washington DC, 20510   Phone: 202-224-3954   Fax: 202-228-0002", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=907C79E9-45F1-4996-A187-9B7C8C472102", "Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Prevent and Control Crime in Five West Virginia Counties", "2016-08-29", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced a total of $140,878 in funding for communities throughout West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).\r\nThe Byrne JAG Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their state\u2019s specific needs. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support and information systems for criminal justice.\r\n\u201cOur law enforcement officers in West Virginia go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our communities safe,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis funding will enable the units to expand operations, engage the community and purchase updated equipment. I am happy to see this funding head to deserving police departments across our state.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn order for our law enforcement to properly do their jobs, it is critical that we equip them with best available training and tools,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cThese grants will help our police departments continue to protect residents, improve public safety and be a key part of the West Virginia communities they serve.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\n \r\n$11,311 \u2013 City of Martinsburg (Berkeley County): The City of Martinsburg will use this JAG award to continue building relationships between officers and citizens by using the funds to support the city police departments bicycle patrol unit with the purchase of a computer, bicycles and bicycle lights.\r\n \r\n \r\n$16,132 \u2013 Berkeley County: Funds will be used to enhance law enforcement engagement with the community by deploying community engagement training to law enforcement personnel.\r\n \r\n \r\n$26,093 \u2013 Raleigh County: Raleigh County will utilize this grant award to enhance law enforcement operations and officer safety by purchasing firearms, sights and a thermal imaging camera.\r\n \r\n \r\n$27,893 \u2013 Nicholas County: Funds will be used in Nicholas County to support law enforcement initiatives by purchasing a police cruiser.\r\n \r\n \r\n$17,674 \u2013 City Of South Charleston (Kanawha County): The City of South Charleston will use this JAG award to enhance law enforcement operations and public safety with the purchase of a radar speed trailer, firearms, in-car computers and prisoner restraints.\r\n \r\n \r\n$41,775 \u2013 City Of Wheeling (Ohio County): The disparate jurisdictions will utilize the JAG award to help improve officer and public safety by purchasing video enhancement equipment, ballistic helmets, gas masks and headsets.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0DF24B90-C216-4F80-B912-835387CD9B22", "Manchin and Capito Announce FEMA Firefighter Grants in Mason, Ranson and Weirton", "2016-08-26", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced $1,390,235 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fire safety in Mason, Ranson and Weirton. The grants awarded through FEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program will help the fire departments purchase equipment and recruit personnel.\r\n\"Our brave firefighters and \u200efirst responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our West Virginia communities safe,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\"I witnessed their hard work and commitment firsthand from my experience working with the Marion County Volunteer Fire Department. This funding will provide volunteer fire departments in Weirton, Mason and Jefferson with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to emergencies and continue to protect West Virginians.\u201d\r\n\u201cFirefighters and emergency responders are often the first on the scene of an emergency, and they rely on their equipment to perform rescues. This funding will enable the fire departments in Mason and Weirton purchase new equipment and technology, and will help the Jefferson County Emergency Service Agency Fire Board recruit emergency responders to keep their communities safe,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nFEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program aims to help meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments. Through funding assistance, the program helps fire departments enhance their ability to protect both the public and first responders from fire and related hazards.\r\nThe SAFER Grant Program is a competitive grant program administered by FEMA with the goal of enhancing a local fire department\u2019s ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).\r\nIndividual awards are listed below:\r\nAssistance to Firefighter Grants:\r\n \r\n$188,572 \u2013 City of Weirton Fire Department\r\n \r\n \r\n$240,953 \u2013 Mason Volunteer Fire Department\r\n \r\nSAFER Grant:\r\n \r\n960,710 \u2013 Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency Fire Board\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 215, "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": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 215, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 215, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 215, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 215, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-08-26,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D0DF24B90-C216-4F80-B912-835387CD9B22", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2016&_next=2016-08-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D0DF24B90-C216-4F80-B912-835387CD9B22&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 134.79037815704942, "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"}