{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WV\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-secures-forklift-for-five-loaves-and-two-fishes-food-bank-in-kimball-", "Manchin Secures Forklift for Five Loaves & Two Fishes Food Bank in Kimball", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Secures Forklift for Five Loaves & Two Fishes Food Bank in Kimball  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, WV  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement following the delivery of a much needed forklift to Five Loaves & Two Fishes Food Bank in Kimball, WV. Today Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia donated a forklift to Five Loaves & Two Fishes. After learning about the food banks need for a forklift, Senator Manchin was instrumental in securing the forklift for the food bank.\r\nSince I learned of the urgent need from Senator Richard Ojeda at Five Loaves & Two Fishes Food Bank in McDowell County, Ive been working with Bob and Linda McKinney, local officials and businesses to help secure a forklift that will allow them to continue receiving shipments and feeding the people of this community.\r\nWeve since seen such a wonderful outpouring of support, starting with United Rentals of Beckley which allowed the Food Bank to have immediate use of a forklift that got them through such a critical time of year.\r\nA long-term solution was always the goal, and today I am so proud and grateful to announce that Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) has stepped forward, in great fashion, to donate a forklift to Five Loaves & Two Fishes.\r\nI know everyone is moved and humbled by this incredible act of community giving by Toyota, and also relieved to see a permanent forklift finally here in Kimball  where the need remains great, and the desire to help and serve remains strong.\r\nI would like to thank Tom Lego, Leah Curry and TMMWV for making this moment possible and especially for the individuals, families and children whose lives will be touched by this generous donation.\r\nI thank Dave Vincent and United Rentals of Beckley for stepping forward immediately to ensure that the Food Bank wasnt without a forklift over the past several weeks.\r\nAnd I thank Bob and Linda and everyone with Five Loaves & Two Fishes for working every day to lift up people in their greatest time of need. Its the kind of work that inspires. Its the kind of work that saves lives. And it represents who we are as West Virginians  neighbors who always help each other.\r\nThank you and may God Bless McDowell County, and our great state of West Virginia.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-miner-death-in-fayette-county-", "Manchin Statement on Miner Death in Fayette County", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on Miner Death in Fayette County  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, WV  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of Thurman A. Watts, a coal miner who was working in Fayette County.\r\nAll of West Virginia is heartbroken to learn of the loss of Thurman A. Watts today. Yet again, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifices our coal miners and their families make every day. Gayle and I join the entire state in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Watts family during this difficult time.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-brown-kaine-warner-and-casey-urge-secretary-acosta-to-protect-miners-safety_health-", "Manchin, Brown, Kaine, Warner & Casey Urge Secretary Acosta to Protect Miners Safety & Health", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Brown, Kaine, Warner & Casey Urge Secretary Acosta to Protect Miners Safety & Health  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), Alexander Acosta, urging him to keep the Respirable Dust Rule to protect mine safety and miners health. This letter comes after the rule was included in the Unified Agenda for re-examination.\r\nThe Senators said in part: Given this increase in black lung disease and the devastating impact that this disease has on coal miners and their families, we believe that it is critical that we maintain this rule. Claims that the Respirable Dust Rule is unnecessary, imposes a costly burden, or provides little to no benefit to society ignore the fact that it can take up to a decade or longer for simple black lung disease to develop.\r\nWe are also keenly aware that the rate of black lung disease fell after Congress passed the Coal Act of 1969 and that comprehensive evidence that this rule has been effective will not be fully available until 2026 at the earliest. We should not abandon our coal miners three short years after the rule went into effect.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Secretary Acosta,\r\nOn December 14, 2017, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) published its fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, a semiannual list of federal regulatory and deregulatory actions. We write to express our concerns regarding the decision to list several rules under the purview of the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) for re-examination in the Unified Agenda. These rules are meant to protect the health and safety of our nations coal miners.\r\nThe Trump Administration has made clear its commitment to reducing regulatory burdens. We agree that unnecessary, outdated, or duplicative regulations should be examined for elimination or modification. However, we believe that worker safety is of the utmost importance and we unequivocally oppose rolling back the Respirable Dust Rule (the rule) which is meant to protect the safety, health, and  in effect  the livelihood of our coal miners.\r\nIn particular, the rule, which took effect in 2014, was promulgated by MSHA in an effort to reduce occupational lung diseases - namely coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as black lung disease. Black lung disease is a common but preventable disease that has plagued coal miners in Appalachia for decades. The impacts of black lung disease are debilitating and, in the most serious cases, fatal.\r\nIn 2010, the Secretary of Labor, acting under the authority of the Federal Mine Safety Health Act of 1977, proposed the rule. The rule lowers the acceptable threshold for concentrations of respirable coal mine dust with the goal of making the air that miners breathe in coal mines less toxic. The final rule decreased the dust limits from 2.0 milligrams per cubic meter to an improved level of 1.5 milligrams per cubic meter.\r\nUnfortunately, recent research, most notably a report from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has indicated the prevalence of black lung in Appalachian coalfields is worse than previously thought. Furthermore, black lung clinics in Appalachia report that younger coal miners are being diagnosed with the disease at increasing rates.\r\nGiven this increase in black lung disease and the devastating impact that this disease has on coal miners and their families, we believe that it is critical that we maintain this rule. Claims that the Respirable Dust Rule is unnecessary, imposes a costly burden, or provides little to no benefit to society ignore the fact that it can take up to a decade or longer for simple black lung disease to develop.\r\nWe are also keenly aware that the rate of black lung disease fell after Congress passed the Coal Act of 1969 and that comprehensive evidence that this rule has been effective will not be fully available until 2026 at the earliest. We should not abandon our coal miners three short years after the rule went into effect.\r\nIn short, we believe in worker safety first and foremost. MSHAs mission is a critical one for the safety and health of our nations miners and the Respirable Dust Rule is vital to ensuring that MSHA succeeds in that mission. We urge you to retain the Respirable Dust Rule and prevent the unnecessary erosion of vital mine safety and health standards.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-wishes-west-virginians-a-merry-christmas-", "Manchin Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Wishes West Virginians a Merry Christmas  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement wishing West Virginians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\r\nGayle and I, along with the entire Manchin family, would like to wish all West Virginians, Americans, and our brave service men and women a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.\r\nThis holiday season, it is important to celebrate our many blessings  especially the love of our families and friends. It is also a time to remember the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Their sacrifices allow us to enjoy these blessings this holiday season. Let us keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but each day.\r\nIve always said if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. We are all so blessed to enjoy their opportunities of this great nation. That is why, during this spiritual season, I encourage every West Virginian to share their blessings and generosity with those who may need a helping hand.\r\nAgain, Gayle and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, peace, and joy. As we look forward to 2018, let us all recommit ourselves to working toward the common goal of building a positive future for ourselves, our children, and our communities across this great nation. May God bless us all and may God continue to bless America and the great state of West Virginia.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/42240-americans-die-from-opioids-last-year-manchin-asks-when-government-will-take-it-seriously-", "42,240 Americans Die From Opioids Last Year, Manchin Asks When Government Will Take It Seriously", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t 42,240 Americans Die From Opioids Last Year, Manchin Asks When Government Will Take It Seriously  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released a statement on the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) new report on opioid overdose deaths in 2016. The report stated that in 2016, there were 42,249 opioid related overdose deaths in the US. That is a 28% increase over 2015. Thats 115 people dying every day.\r\nThere has not been a year since I have been in the Senate that opioid overdose deaths have gone down, and this year is no different. Desp\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/good-news-energy-department-report-shows-manchin-led-storage-hub-effort-good-for-appalachia-", "Good News: Energy Department Report Shows Manchin Led Storage Hub Effort Good for Appalachia", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t Good News: Energy Department Report Shows Manchin Led Storage Hub Effort Good for Appalachia  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded a Department of Energy (DOE) report that demonstrates opportunities for a natural gas liquids storage hub in the Appalachian region are vast and would lead to positive economic development.\r\nThe Appalachian Storage Hub is a vital American energy infrastructure project that will enhance energy and national security while leveraging the regions unique energy resources for the long-term economic benefit of families, manufacturers, and communities in West Virginia, neighboring states and across the nation, Senator Manchin said. This storage hub will create jobs and expand the economy in the Appalachian region, which has been affected by the decline in energy production and manufacturing in the region. The Department of Energy projections prove what Ive been saying all along, the Appalachian Storage Hub is critical to powering our nation and will attract significant investment to our region.\r\nIn June, Senator Manchin introduced the Capitalizing American Storage Potential (CASP) Act, which would make a regional storage hub eligible for the Department of Energys Title XVII loan guarantee program, allowing the Mountain State to realize the unique opportunities associated with Appalachias abundant natural gas liquids (NGLs) resources, naturally-occurring geologic storage, and expanding energy infrastructure.\r\nSome key points of the report:\r\n \r\nThe Appalachian region is endowed with significant NGL resources projected to be economically recoverable over at least the next three decades. Since the boom in natural gas production  unlocked by technological innovation  industry has invested billions of dollars in natural gas and NGL infrastructure in Appalachia.\r\nThe U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that natural gas production in Appalachia will increase over 350 percent from 2013 to 2040.\r\nAppalachian NGL production is projected to increase over 700 percent in the 10 years from 2013 to 2023.\r\nIncreased recovery of ethane, instead of rejecting it in the dry natural gas stream, presents opportunities for new downstream investments using ethane as a feedstock.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-applauds-president-trump-executive-order-on-critical-minerals-", "Manchin Applauds President Trump Executive Order on Critical Minerals", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Applauds President Trump Executive Order on Critical Minerals  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded President Trump for issuing an executive order to identify new sources of critical minerals  also known as rare earth elements - in the United States. Senator Manchin introduced the Rare Earth Element Advanced Coal Technologies Act (REEACT Act) in July to ensure the Department of Energy (DOE) office of Fossil Energy continues this important program, and authorizes and annual appropriation of $20 million per year through 2025.\r\nI am pleased that President Trump recognizes the vulnerability caused by our reliance on foreign imports of critical minerals, Senator Manchin said. The National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown has worked to develop a domestic supply of critical minerals from coal and coal byproducts since 2011, and I look forward to working with President Trump to continue this important research that will protect our national security interests, and also help to give a much needed boost to coal country.\r\nEarlier this month, DOE announced that coal samples collected from several basins nationwide, spanning the entire coal supply chain, were found to contain high concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), a promising sign to the successful commercialization of coal separation technologies.\r\nSenator Manchins REEACT Act will ensure DOE and its partners continue vital research into developing and commercializing the technology for domestic production of REEs from coal and coal byproducts  a critical step toward re-establishing a U.S. domestic supply for these products that will make our nation less vulnerable to potential supply disruptions.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-disappointed-to-vote-no-on-short-sided-and-rushed-tax-bill-", "Manchin Disappointed to Vote No on Short Sided and Rushed Tax Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Disappointed to Vote No on Short Sided and Rushed Tax Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote against the rushed Senate tax plan.\r\nFor the last several months I have worked with President Trump, Gary Cohn, Marc Short and the economic team at the White House on a tax reform plan that I hoped would benefit the people of West Virginia and the country. I was honored to be invited to the White House on multiple occasions to meet with the President and know that he was genuine in his desire to make this a bipartisan tax bill that helped the working class, grew jobs and made our businesses competitive in the global economy.\r\nI tried to work with my Republican colleagues in the Senate to make this truly a bipartisan bill like Ronald Reagan did. Unfortunately, it was clear from the time Senator McConnell passed his irresponsible budget, that he had no intentions of working in a bipartisan way, and instead, wanted to use the tax bill as a political tool that adds a minimum of $1.4 trillion to our national debt.\r\nI am truly disappointed that this process turned partisan, because I believe our country needs real tax reform and anything that is done in such a strictly-partisan way is not good for West Virginia or the country as a whole.\r\nWhen we started this process I believed that real reform needed to meet four goals: it needed to focus on permanent relief for working class families; make small businesses and corporations competitive in a global economy and set an environment for job growth; be fiscally responsible and not grow our debt; and simplify the tax code.\r\nUnfortunately, I do not believe that this bill meets those goals. It hurts seniors by threatening severe cuts to Medicare next year and it hurts families by destabilizing the healthcare market raising the average healthcare cost for a family of four by nearly $2,000 each year.\r\nI do believe that this bill will provide temporary relief to some working class families, and I will work with the President to make those permanent, so that hard-working Americans can plan for their future like the corporations and very wealthy individuals that are receiving extremely large and permanent tax cuts will do.\r\nDespite my best efforts, this bill does not work for the future of West Virginia: It hurts our seniors, leaves the working class paying more, and tilts the playing field against small businesses while irresponsibly adding to our growing $20 trillion national debt.\r\nDuring my first few months in the Senate, Admiral Mike Mullen, who was Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that he believed the single biggest threat to our national security is our national debt. This has stuck with me during my time as a United States Senator and has hardened my resolve to get our national debt under control.\r\nWhile I am disappointed that we were not able to take advantage of this historic opportunity and pass real tax reform, I will continue to work with President Trump to help the working class and reign in our debt  something I know he cares deeply about.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/19/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending December 9, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 15.5 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 1% lower than last weeks estimate and 0.4% higher than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchins full reportclick here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-more-than-12-million-for-west-virginia-head-start-programs", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION FOR WEST VIRGINIA HEAD START PROGRAMS", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION FOR WEST VIRGINIA HEAD START PROGRAMS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,231,457 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to support Head Start programs in Raleigh County.\r\nHead Start allows the children of West Virginia access to early education that is vital to their development, Senator Manchin said. These funds will support the programs in Raleigh County, and Im excited for the continued investment in the educational foundation of our children.\r\nAs a supporter of Head Start, I am glad this funding is coming to southern West Virginia,Senator Capito said.Early childhood education is important for emotional and cognitive development, and programs like this can help give West Virginia children a leg up.\r\nIndividual awards are:\r\n$1,231,457  Raleigh County Community Action Association, Inc.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-sends-recommendations-on-combating-opioid-epidemic-to-west-virginia-dhhr-for-use-in-response-plan", "MANCHIN SENDS RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMBATING OPIOID EPIDEMIC TO WEST VIRGINIA DHHR FOR USE IN RESPONSE PLAN", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN SENDS RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMBATING OPIOID EPIDEMIC TO WEST VIRGINIA DHHR FOR USE IN RESPONSE PLAN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Bill Crouch, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), proposing recommendations for West Virginias response plan to combat the opioid crisis. Last month, the DHHR announced the development of an opioid response plan through public engagement and collaboration with experts that will be presented to Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Legislature in January 2018.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: Given the deadly impact of this epidemic, I am pleased to see West Virginia moving forward to develop a response plan to combat the opioid epidemic. As a former Governor and current United States Senator of our great state, I wanted to share a few commonsense recommendations for the panel to consider. I have been on the frontlines of this battle for many years and some progress is being made, but now more than ever, we need to double down and fight to save the lives of our fellow West Virginians.\r\nIn the letter, Senator Manchin made three recommendations for the panel to consider:\r\n \r\nEmpower regulators to go after bad actors: prescribers, pharmacies, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies that are contributing to the flood of opioid pills in West Virginias communities.\r\nAdopt mandatory prescriber education about the dangers of opioids and the risks of addiction and overdose deaths.\r\nIssue a State of Emergency declaration to provide additional flexibility in accessing the resources needed to address the opioid crisis.\r\n \r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Secretary Crouch:\r\nAs you know, we lost more than 33,000 Americans to opioid overdoses in 2015 alone and early estimates indicate that that number was even higher in 2016. Our state of West Virginia has been the hardest hit state in the country: in 2016, we lost more than 700 West Virginians to an opioid overdose. This epidemic has devastated our communities and torn families apart. That is why it is so important that we all work together to take steps to end this crisis.\r\nGiven the deadly impact of this epidemic, I am pleased to see West Virginia moving forward to develop a response plan to combat the opioid epidemic. As a former Governor and current United States Senator of our great state, I wanted to share a few commonsense recommendations for the panel to consider. I have been on the frontlines of this battle for many years and some progress is being made, but now more than ever, we need to double down and fight to save the lives of our fellow West Virginians.\r\nFirst, I urge you to use every authority that you have to empower regulators, including the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the Board of Pharmacy, to go after bad actors: those prescribers, pharmacies, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies that are contributing to the flood of opioid pills in West Virginias communities. These individuals and companies are doing incredible harm to our state and should not be allowed to continue to practice. I have been working at the federal level to ensure that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal agencies have the authorities that they need to stop irresponsible opioid prescribing and distribution, but we all must work together at every level of government to end the flow of unnecessary opioids coming to our state.\r\nSecond, I urge you to adopt mandatory prescriber education about the dangers of opioids and the risks of addiction and overdose deaths. Too many well-meaning medical professionals have had insufficient training on opioids, including effective pain management alternatives and the risks of substance use disorders. I have introduced a bill in the Senate that would require prescribers in every state to receive 3 hours of training to qualify for a DEA license, and I have pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require prescriber training for opioid prescribers, but West Virginia can take that step now and lead the way for the rest of the country to follow.\r\nFinally, I urge the Governor and the State Legislature to issue a State of Emergency declaration. While West Virginia is not the only state impacted by the opioid crisis, we have been hit particularly hard and lead the nation in the number of people dying each year from an overdose. This declaration would provide the state additional flexibility in accessing the resources needed to address this crisis. Several states have already issued a State of Emergency declaration, including our neighbors in Maryland and Virginia. This has enabled them to tap into previously unavailable funding, increase access to the overdose-reserving drug naloxone, and get more people into treatment. We need to make sure that every available resource is being utilized to its maximum value. \r\nI am committed to doing everything that I can to address this crisis and look forward to working with you and sharing additional ideas for steps that we must take  at the local, state, and federal levels  to rebuild our communities and save lives. Only working together can we stop this deadly epidemic.\r\nAgain, thank you for the work that you are doing to raise awareness and to promote commonsense solutions to address stop the opioid crisis. Too many people in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to opioids and we must do everything in our power to help them. I look forward to continuing to work with you.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-manchin-moran-call-for-bipartisan-legislative-solution-to-protect-free-and-open-internet-promote-rural-broadband-access", "Sens. Manchin, Moran Call for Bipartisan Legislative Solution to Protect Free and Open Internet, Promote Rural Broadband Access", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2017\n\t\t\t Sens. Manchin, Moran Call for Bipartisan Legislative Solution to Protect Free and Open Internet, Promote Rural Broadband Access \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.U.S. SenatorsJoe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, today issued the following statement:\r\nAs senators who have been working to close the digital divide, we believe federal policy must continue to promote the expansion of broadband access across rural America. Consumers and innovators deserve clear rules of the road that will continue to ensure the internet remains an open marketplace, will drive our online economy and will support investment throughout our internet ecosystem.\r\nTo that end, we agree with the calls of Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Thune and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must find bipartisan consensus that codifies strong net neutrality protections and conclusively resolves this debate. Consumers want an internet that is free of content-based discrimination and supports the deployment of reliable, affordable broadband access throughout the country. Congress enshrining net neutrality protections based on clear and certain rules into law is necessary to guarantee the internet remains free and open.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-applauds-new-bridge-of-hope-scholarship-program-for-people-in-recover", "MANCHIN APPLAUDS NEW \u2018BRIDGE OF HOPE\u2019 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE IN RECOVERY", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN APPLAUDS NEW BRIDGE OF HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE IN RECOVERY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, W.Va.  Today at Recovery Point Charleston, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin joined representatives from Fruth Pharmacy and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to unveil a new program, Bridge of Hope, that will provide scholarships for people in recovery to seek education and job training.\r\nToday is about people right here in West Virginia who want to make a change, who have made a change, and who want a bright future, Senator Manchin said. These scholarships will give those who have battled and overcome addiction the boost and support they need to take that next step  to go the extra mile and get the education or training that will allow them to achieve their dreams.\r\nFruth Pharmacy committed $20,000 to start the program and, in partnership with the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, is working with Recovery Point, the Charleston and Huntington Health Departments, Cabell Huntington Hospital and others across the health care and recovery spectrum in West Virginia to reach as many people as possible. So far, donations to the program have reached $100,000.\r\nThe key to complete recovery is to bridge the gap of training and education needed for people to secure meaningful employment, feel better about themselves, and become an active and contributing member of our communities, said Lynne Fruth, President of Fruth Pharmacy.\r\nBridge of Hope will help individuals who are in sustained recovery obtain a college degree or job training. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will administer the fund and the application process. People in recovery can apply for scholarship help to access training in trades like carpentry, HVAC and welding or certification in areas like cosmetology or massage therapy. Scholarships for two- and four-year degrees will also be available.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-urge-congressional-leadership-to-commit-resources-to-opioid-epidemic", "Manchin, Capito Urge Congressional Leadership to Commit Resources to Opioid Epidemic", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Urge Congressional Leadership to Commit Resources to Opioid Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  As the nations opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, U.S. SenatorsJoe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined a bipartisan group of senators in calling on Senate leadership to provide states with the resources they need to tackle this ongoing public health emergency.\r\nIn their letter, the bipartisan group urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to include additional funding dedicated to addressing the crisis in the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation.\r\nOpioid misuse is not a partisan issue. It is ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families regardless of party affiliation, the senators wrote. We have worked together on this issue in the past, and with the clear statement from [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Eric Hargan] that the administration is looking for Congress to lead the way, it is time for us to work together again. As the Senate considers pending supplemental and omnibus appropriation legislation, please make every effort to ensure that new, substantial and sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in any legislative package.\r\nOther senators signing the letter include U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).\r\nThe full text of the letter is below, and a PDF is available here.\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer:\r\nWe write today to discuss our Nations opioid misuse epidemic and the urgent need for Congress to provide our states with the resources they need to deal with this public health emergency. In light of recent statements from the administration asking Congress to act on this issue, we believe the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation present significant opportunities for additional funding.\r\nAs you are aware, the opioid misuse epidemic is taking a toll on individuals, families and communities across the Nation. It is tearing apart families and straining the resources of local governments, law enforcement and public health agencies. Although we are pleased by the recent declaration of the epidemic as a public health emergency, that action needs to be coupled with adequate, sustained resources.\r\nOn December 4, Acting HHS Secretary Eric Hargan stated that the administration is looking forward to hearing from Congress about how they intend to address this. That means it is up to us to act. We urge you to advance a spending package that will provide substantial new resources for our families and our communities who have waited too long for help. Although the measures in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), the 21st Century Cures legislation and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 were important first steps, we must now build upon those efforts to ensure that states have adequate resources for first responders, enforcement, prevention efforts and treatment and recovery services. We must also provide more resources for research into addiction and pain, to gain a better understanding of the disease and develop innovative new treatments for substance misuse.\r\nOpioid misuse is not a partisan issue. It is ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families regardless of party affiliation. We have worked together on this issue in the past, and with the clear statement from Acting Secretary Hargan that the administration is looking for Congress to lead the way, it is time for us to work together again. As the Senate considers pending supplemental and omnibus appropriation legislation, please make every effort to ensure that new, substantial and sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in any legislative package.\r\nThank you and we look forward to working with you to ensure that our communities receive the resources they need to effectively address this national crisis.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-calls-on-fda-and-dea-to-consider-rescheduling-nerve-pain-medication-that-has-been-connected-to-overdose-deaths-in-west-virginia-", "MANCHIN CALLS ON FDA AND DEA TO CONSIDER RESCHEDULING NERVE-PAIN MEDICATION THAT HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO OVERDOSE DEATHS IN WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN CALLS ON FDA AND DEA TO CONSIDER RESCHEDULING NERVE-PAIN MEDICATION THAT HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO OVERDOSE DEATHS IN WEST VIRGINIA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Robert Patterson, Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), asking the administrations to consider rescheduling and requiring additional risk mitigation for the drug gabapentin, a nerve-pain medication labeled as a drug of concern by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: While our focus is appropriately on the devastating impact of prescription opioids, there are other prescription drugs that are also contributing to this crisis. In fact, the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy recently designated the nerve-pain medication gabapentin as a drug of concern after the number of overdose deaths related to the drug increased from 36 in 2012 to 106 in 2016. Though gabapentin is currently listed as a Schedule V drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act, West Virginia is not the only state raising concerns about this drug; officials in Kentucky and Ohio have also increased regulation on and surveillance of gabapentin.\r\nIn the letter, Senator Manchin asked the FDA and DEA heads to answer the following questions:\r\n \r\nAre the FDA and DEA currently investigating the rise in abuse of gabapentin and related overdose deaths?\r\nAre the FDA and DEA considering rescheduling this drug given the larger public health impact and the potential for abuse when taken with other dangerous medications?\r\nIs the FDA considering implementing new REMS for gabapentin to ensure that prescribers and patients are fully aware of the danger of this drug when taken with other medications, including opioids?\r\n \r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Dr. Gottlieb and Acting Administrator Patterson:\r\nAs the senior Senator from West Virginia, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities in my state. We lost 884 West Virginians to a drug overdose last year alone. Families and communities in my state and around the country are reeling.\r\nWhile our focus is appropriately on the devastating impact of prescription opioids, there are other prescription drugs that are also contributing to this crisis. In fact, the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy recently designated the nerve-pain medication gabapentin as a drug of concern after the number of overdose deaths related to the drug increased from 36 in 2012 to 106 in 2016. Though gabapentin is currently listed as a Schedule V drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act, West Virginia is not the only state raising concerns about this drug; officials in Kentucky and Ohio have also increased regulation on and surveillance of gabapentin.\r\nA recent study highlighted the increase in abuse of gabapentin. The researchers found that 20% of the patients tested were using gabapentin without a prescription and the significant majority of those patients were using other prescription drugs including opioids, benzodiazepines, and others. The authors of the study concluded: Until recently, it was considered to have little potential for abuse however this review has shown that a significant amount of patients are taking Gabapentin without physician consent. This could be due to the fact that recent studies have revealed that Gabapentin may potentiate the high obtained from other central nervous system acting drugs.\r\nGiven the recent rise in overdose deaths associated with gabapentin and the studies funding increased abuse of this drug, I am urging the FDA and the DEA to consider rescheduling this drug and requiring additional risk mitigation measures including physician and patient education around the potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths when this drug is prescribed and used with other dangerous medications, including opioids.\r\nI ask that you provide answers to the following questions:\r\n \r\nAre the FDA and DEA currently investigating the rise in abuse of gabapentin and related overdose deaths?\r\nAre the FDA and DEA considering rescheduling this drug given the larger public health impact and the potential for abuse when taken with other dangerous medications?\r\nIs the FDA considering implementing new REMS for gabapentin to ensure that prescribers and patients are fully aware of the danger of this drug when taken with other medications, including opioids?\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/pentagon-begins-audit-in-response-to-manchin-led-effort_", "PENTAGON BEGINS AUDIT IN RESPONSE TO MANCHIN LED EFFORT", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2017\n\t\t\t PENTAGON BEGINS AUDIT IN RESPONSE TO MANCHIN LED EFFORT   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Department of Defense\u2019s decision to begin auditing the Pentagon, an effort led by Senator Manchin since 2012. Senator Manchin has introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act in the 112th Congress, 113th Congress and the 114th Congress and included audit language in the National Defense Authorization Act that President Trump signed today.\r\n\u201cThe United States of America has \u2013 and will continue to have \u2013 the greatest military in the world. However, at a time when our federal government\u2019s finances are out of control, we need to make sure that we are cutting the fat and not the muscle from our Defense Department so that we will continue to maintain our great military strength,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe must ensure that we\u2019re using our limited resources most efficiently to support the men and women in uniform. One of best ways to find the most accurate information about our military\u2019s spending and priorities is to shed light on the Department of Defense budget without jeopardizing our national security secrets. I have always said it is unacceptable that the Department of Defense is the only major federal agency that has not completed a financial audit and I am glad that we are finally setting it right. I have beat this drum for five years and I applaud Secretary Mattis and Comptroller Norquist for getting this process started.\u201d\r\nSection 9 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States requires all agencies of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense, to publish \u201ca regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money\u201d. The Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 mandated that all federal departments produce unqualified annual financial statements by 1992. The Department of Defense is the only federal department that has not complied with this law. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 mandated that the Secretary of Defense perform a full audit of the fiscal year 2018 financial statements of the Department of Defense and submit the results to Congress by March 31, 2019.\r\nKey Findings in the Department of Defense\u2019s failure to complete a clean audit opinion:\r\n \r\nThe Department of Defense did not publish an auditable spending statement before March 1, 1997.\r\n \r\n \r\nEvery year since 1995, the Government Accountability Office has labeled the Department of Defense \u201cHigh Risk\u201d for waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement due to the agency\u2019s inability to adequately manage its funds.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn September 2010, it was determined that the nearly $6 billion spent to improve financial information was not successful and the Government Accountability Office could not predict when the DoD would be able to provide these financial statements.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/11/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending December 2, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 15.7 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 11.6% lower than last week\u2019s estimate and 9.0% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-launches-thisiswv-series-and-encourages-west-virginians-to-share-state-pride", "MANCHIN LAUNCHES #ThisIsWV SERIES AND ENCOURAGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO SHARE STATE PRIDE", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN LAUNCHES #ThisIsWV SERIES AND ENCOURAGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO SHARE STATE PRIDE \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today launched a \u201cThis is West Virginia\u201d series to highlight the best of the state, its people and communities. Senator Manchin is encouraging West Virginians to engage in the series by sharing what makes them proud of the Mountain State by posting photos, events, individual stories and commentaries using the hashtag #ThisIsWV.\r\n\u201cWhen people who aren\u2019t from West Virginia ask about our state, we jump at the chance to tell them who we are,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAs West Virginians, we know how special our home is. And we know it\u2019s our job to tell the world, \u2018No, that\u2019s not West Virginia. This is West Virginia. We are proud and patriotic. We are hard-working and compassionate. We have awe-inspiring sights and the best people you\u2019ll ever meet. That\u2019s who we are, and we hope you\u2019ll come visit.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\r\nTo launch the series, Senator Manchin released this video.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-bipartisan-senators-urge-extension-of-secure-rural-schools-program", "MANCHIN, BIPARTISAN SENATORS URGE EXTENSION OF SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN, BIPARTISAN SENATORS URGE EXTENSION OF SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined a bipartisan group of 32 senators in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urging them to include a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country.\r\nThe SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and it has not been reauthorized for FY16 or beyond. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without SRS, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support critical services these counties must provide.\r\nThe Senators wrote in part: \u201cThe SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies. In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\r\nIn addition to Senator Manchin, senators who signed the letter include: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Margaret Wood Hassan (D-N.H.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Jeffery A. Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James E. Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\r\nClick here or read the full letter below:\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:\r\nWe write to strongly urge the inclusion of at least a two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, in any end-of-the-year legislation.\u00a0\r\nOn U.S. Forest Service land, the federal government has historically shared 25 percent of timber harvest revenues with counties to compensate for federal ownership. On certain land managed by the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management shares 50 percent of the revenue from federal timber sales with counties. Due to declining timber harvests, a critical source of funding for rural counties, sometimes referred to as \u201cforest counties,\u201d has seen significant decreases, often decimating impacted county budgets.\r\nIn 2000, Congress passed SRS with broad bipartisan support as a fiscal solution to help fund essential services resulting from the reduced revenue-sharing receipts. Since then, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.\u00a0 However, SRS authorization lapsed last year and rural counties are now back to simply receiving the timber revenue-sharing receipts. These receipts are up to 80 percent less than what forest counties received under SRS.\r\nWe are now witnessing firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing. Without the certainty of SRS payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas.\u00a0\r\nThe SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies.\u00a0\r\nIn the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year\u00a0legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-cornyn-introduce-skylars-law-to-save-children-like-skylar-neese-", "MANCHIN, CORNYN INTRODUCE SKYLAR\u2019S LAW TO SAVE CHILDREN LIKE SKYLAR NEESE", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN, CORNYN INTRODUCE SKYLAR\u2019S LAW TO SAVE CHILDREN LIKE SKYLAR NEESE  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced \u201cSkylar\u2019s Law,\u201d which will establish a national endangered missing advisory (EMA) communications network to enable immediate public notification for missing child cases that do not meet the strict criteria for issuance of an AMBER Alert system.\r\nIn July of 2012, sixteen-year-old Skylar Neese went missing from her home in Morgantown, West Virginia. Even though Skylar\u2019s parents were immediately alarmed at their daughter\u2019s absence and insisted that Skylar would not have left home voluntarily, no AMBER Alert was issued at the time of Skylar\u2019s disappearance because her case did not meet the strict criteria for issuance of an AMBER alert.\u00a0 Skylar was later found to have been murdered by two of her friends, and her case gained national attention. The SKYLAR Act would assist law enforcement officers nationwide in issuing immediate public notifications to help locate missing individuals like Skylar whose cases do not meet the strict criteria for an AMBER Alert but are still at risk of serious injury or death.\r\n\u201cWhat Skylar went through and what her family is dealing with is unconscionable and it\u2019s something that I will do whatever I can to prevent from happening ever again,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI have been working with Skylar\u2019s parents on \u201cSkylar\u2019s Law\u201d which would establish a national communications network to issue immediate public notifications for missing individuals like Skylar whose cases do not meet the strict criteria for an AMBER Alert but are still at serious risk. \u201cSkylar\u2019s Law\u201d is a no brainer and I hope my colleagues see this legislation and hear Skylar\u2019s story and swiftly pass this bill.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile AMBER alerts have been successful in bringing missing children home, there are still missing persons who do not meet the alerts\u2019 strict criteria but whose cases warrant an immediate public alert,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cI am proud to join Senator Manchin on Skylar\u2019s Law which will create a national communications network that can be activated immediately so our law enforcement officers can access timely information to help solve these cases.\u201d\r\n\u201cI want to thank Senator Manchin for his hard work and staying on top of this. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This about our kids; protecting our kids. Anytime a child goes missing, it\u2019s the most helpless feeling in the world and I don\u2019t want anyone to have to go through what we went through. With the introduction of \u2018Skylar\u2019s Law,\u201d we can help children and other parents,\u201d said Dave Neese, Skylar\u2019s father.\r\nThe AMBER Alert system has succeeded beyond all expectations, and is credited with directly aiding the safe recovery of approximately 75 children every year.\u00a0 However, issuance of the AMBER Alerts requires satisfaction of strict criteria\u2014including evidence of abduction.\u00a0 In most cases, such evidence is usually not present, especially in the critical first few hours of the case. Immediate public notification is critical. More than two-thirds of all child abduction homicides began as a missing child or runaway report, and one out of five child abduction homicide victims are already dead before police are even notified.\u00a0 Yet states are understandably wary of issuing AMBER alerts absent clear evidence of abduction, in order to avoid dulling the public response.\r\nThis bill establishes a national Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA) communications network, modeled after state-wide networks already in operation in states like Montana and California, which can be activated immediately to notify the public that a child has gone missing.\r\n \r\nCOORDINATED: Much like the AMBER Alert network, the national EMA network would be overseen by a coordinator who works closely with states, law enforcement agencies, local governments, and AMBER Alert professionals to develop EMA plans and act as the network\u2019s nationwide point of contact.\u00a0 The Coordinator would establish voluntary minimum standards for the issuance of alerts through the network and ensure that state and local law enforcement agencies and communications personnel are trained to utilize it.\r\n \r\n \r\nVOLUNTARY: The EMA system only works when it\u2019s voluntary for both states and communications network participants, and this bill would preserve the voluntary nature of the system.\u00a0 Recent trends are positive \u2013 in 2005, only 5 states had EMA networks in place.\u00a0 Now, 18 states have such networks, plus another 16 who have similar networks in place for missing seniors.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-calls-on-fda-to-adopt-changes-to-properly-fight-opioid-epidemic", "MANCHIN CALLS ON FDA TO ADOPT CHANGES TO PROPERLY FIGHT OPIOID EPIDEMIC", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN CALLS ON FDA TO ADOPT CHANGES TO PROPERLY FIGHT OPIOID EPIDEMIC \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Scott Gottlieb, calling on him to adopt three policy changes through the Opioid Policy Steering Committee in order to reduce the number of unnecessary and dangerous opioid medications available.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: \u201cI am strongly supportive of your effort to establish the Opioid Policy Steering Committee to strengthen FDA\u2019s response to this crisis. I have been very critical of the role that the FDA has played in this epidemic, but I have been heartened to see the changes that the agency has been making to take responsibility for the public health impact of these deadly drugs.\r\n\u201cI appreciate the opportunity to submit three commonsense policy changes for the Opioid Policy Steering Committee to consider. I believe that these simple steps could have a dramatic impact in reducing the number of unnecessary and dangerous opioid medications on the market.\u201d\r\nRead full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Dr. Gottlieb,\r\nAs you know, our country faces a national crisis. In 2015, we lost more than 33,000 Americans to opioid overdoses\u00a0and early estimates indicate that that number was even higher in 2016.\u00a0 As the senior Senator from West Virginia, I have seen this devastation first hand. No state in the nation has been harder hit than mine. In 2016, we lost more than 700 West Virginians and many more have seen their communities and families torn apart. That is why it is so important that we work together and do everything in our power to end this crisis.\r\nThat is why I am strongly supportive of your effort to establish the Opioid Policy Steering Committee to strengthen FDA\u2019s response to this crisis. I have been very critical of the role that the FDA has played in this epidemic, but I have been heartened to see the changes that the agency has been making to take responsibility for the public health impact of these deadly drugs.\r\nI appreciate the opportunity to submit three commonsense policy changes for the Opioid Policy Steering Committee to consider. I believe that these simple steps could have a dramatic impact in reducing the number of unnecessary and dangerous opioid medications on the market.\r\nFirst, I strongly believe that the FDA should require mandatory and continuing education for every healthcare provider who prescribes opioids. Too many of our medical professionals have received too little training on the dangers of opioids, signs of addiction, and alternatives to opioids for pain management. We must ensure that they have the information that they need to make medically appropriate decisions for their patients\u2019 care.\r\nSecond, to strengthen the FDA\u2019s new commitment to consider the public health impact of opioid medications, I urge you to seek Advisory Committee guidance and review every opioid product that is currently on the market to determine for each one if the risks outweigh the benefits. These risks include not just addiction and overdose deaths, but also outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C that occur when a drug is too easy to abuse. Every opioid that an Advisory Committee determines is more dangerous than beneficial should be immediately removed from the market.\r\nThird, for every new opioid medication approved, the FDA should remove one or more older opioid medications from the market with a particular focus on those opioids that are not crush-resistant and are more easily abused. There are several dozen opioid extended-release and long-acting opioid medications that have been approved by the FDA and at least two dozen short-acting opioid medications. This market is saturated and we can currently treat everything from short-term, acute pain to excruciating cancer pain. We simply do not need to increase the number of opioid medications on the market.\r\nAgain, thank you for the work that you are doing to raise awareness and to promote solutions to address this deadly epidemic. Too many in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to opioids and we need to be doing everything humanly possible to help them. These commonsense changes are a critical first step. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to continuing to work with you.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/05/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending December 1, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.1 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 5.6% lower than last week\u2019s estimate and 13.9% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report\u00a0click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-manchin-questions-health-officials-on-the-status-of-the-american-opioid-crisis", "ICYMI: MANCHIN QUESTIONS HEALTH OFFICIALS ON THE STATUS OF THE AMERICAN OPIOID CRISIS", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2017\n\t\t\t ICYMI: MANCHIN QUESTIONS HEALTH OFFICIALS ON THE STATUS OF THE AMERICAN OPIOID CRISIS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned Dr. Debra Houry, Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health and Former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy of the President\u2019s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis\u00a0 on the business rationale behind flooding 780 million pain pills into West Virginia from 2007 to 2012.\r\n\u201cThis is truly a bipartisan problem. This is not a Republican or a Democrat problem that we have here - it\u2019s been a silent killer for far too long,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201c780 million Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. That\u2019s 433 pain pills for every man, woman and child. 433. And you\u2019re saying a flag was never raised and now all of a sudden you\u2019re all looking at them? Do you all believe that this has been, from the pharmaceuticals, to the distributors to the PBMs, a business model or a health-healing model?\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenator Manchin also touched on both the Jessica Grubb Legacy Act and Jessie\u2019s Law, two bills in honor of Jessica Grubb to bring privacy regulations for substance abuse treatment in line with HIPPA and to establish best practices for hospitals to ensure that this information is shared throughout a health system.\r\nTo watch a video of Senator Manchin\u2019s questioning, please click here.\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-calls-on-west-virginians-to-share-their-stories-on-why-chip-is-important-to-them", "MANCHIN CALLS ON WEST VIRGINIANS TO SHARE THEIR STORIES ON WHY CHIP IS IMPORTANT TO THEM", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN CALLS ON WEST VIRGINIANS TO SHARE THEIR STORIES ON WHY CHIP IS IMPORTANT TO THEM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is asking West Virginia families to share stories on how the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has made an impact in their lives and the lives of their children. CHIP provides health insurance to almost 9 million children in America, and ensures that more than 21,000 children in West Virginia have access to the healthcare services they need.\r\nFamilies wishing to share their CHIP stories can email them to chip@manchin.senate.gov. Senator Manchin will read your stories on the Senate Floor. He encourages you to include a photo of your family.\r\n\u201cAs any West Virginian, I believe that we must take care of our children first and foremost. No matter where a child lives or how much their family makes, we owe it to them to make sure they receive the best health care available,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cCongress\u2019 failure to reauthorize CHIP is disgraceful. That is why I want to hear from my fellow West Virginians about what CHIP has done for you. I know your stories will inspire my colleagues to reauthorize the CHIP program so millions of kids aren\u2019t in limbo and parents can rest easy knowing that their child has health care.\u201d\r\nCHIP expired on September 30, 2017. Unless the program is reauthorized, West Virginia is expected to freeze enrollment in the program on February 28, 2018. CHIP in West Virginia is currently 100% funded by the federal government. So without CHIP, tens of thousands of West Virginian children are at risk of losing health insurance coverage. Services covered by CHIP in West Virginia include:\r\n \r\nDoctor visits\r\nCheck-ups\r\nHospital visits\r\nImmunizations (Shots)\r\nPrescriptions\r\nTests and X-rays\r\nDental care\r\nVision care\u00a0\r\nEmergency care\r\nMental Health\r\nDiabetic supplies\r\nUrgent Care or After Hour Clinic Visits\r\nCase Management for Special Needs\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-announce-funding-to-help-bridge-workforce-skills-gap", "Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Help Bridge Workforce Skills Gap", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Help Bridge Workforce Skills Gap \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and\u00a0Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0today announced $179,022 for West Virginia Public Broadcasting from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Funding comes through CPB\u2019s American Graduate program, which is focused on supporting community-based solutions to educate youth and improve high-school graduation rates.\r\n\u201cWe turn to our public broadcasters for our news and entertainment, and I\u2019m excited to now see the Corporation for Public Broadcasting invest in the workers of West Virginia. The American Graduates Initiative will work to improve the skillsets of West Virginians in every corner of the state, and I look forward to the CPB\u2019s proven track record of success implemented throughout all of our communities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cThe 21st century economy requires a skilled labor force that is able to compete on a global scale,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cIt is critical that young West Virginians, as well as their parents and teachers, realize the enormous opportunities a STEM education can provide. This funding allows West Virginia Public Broadcasting to help prepare our children and our state for the future.\u201d\r\n\"There's a big need to educate students and parents about STEM jobs that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a college degree,\" said Scott Finn, CEO of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. \"This American Graduate grant allows WVPB to work with educators and employers to make sure they hear that message.\"\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-introduces-amendment-to-republican-tax-plan-for-west-virginians-", "Manchin Introduces Amendment to Republican Tax Plan for West Virginians", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Introduces Amendment to Republican Tax Plan for West Virginians  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced an amendment to the Republican tax plan to recommit the bill back to the Finance Committee in order to permanently secure tax cuts for middle-class, working people, and small businesses and to keep the medical expense deduction, the student loan interest deduction, the retirement savings incentives, the homeownership incentives and the historic tax credit.\r\n\u201cMy amendment would simply send this legislation back to the Senate Finance Committee with instructions to change provisions important to West Virginians,\u201d Senator Manchin. \u201cFirst, it would call for the reductions on individual tax rates for middle class and working people to be made permanent. Currently, individuals receive temporary relief, while corporate changes are made permanent \u2013 a gimmick that provides uncertainty to West Virginia taxpayers. Next it directs the committee to maintain important priorities like the medical expense deduction, student loan interest deduction, retirement savings incentives, homeownership incentives and the historic tax credit.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s important that we provide this permanent relief to American taxpayers who are slated to see higher taxes as rates go up in the later years of this bill. In my state alone, 79% of West Virginians make under $75,000 and will see their taxes spike as their tax relief expires. Finally, the amendment calls for small businesses to receive much needed relief and for the corporate tax rate to be set at 25%. In my state 95.6% of business are small businesses and employee over 50% of West Virginians.\u201d\r\nTo read the text of the amendment, click here. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-votes-no-on-flawed-rushed-tax-plan-", "Manchin Votes No on Flawed, Rushed Tax Plan", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Votes No on Flawed, Rushed Tax Plan  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote against the flawed, rushed Senate tax plan.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor the last several months I have tried to work with my Republican colleagues on a tax plan that works for the people of West Virginia because I believe in tax cuts. I visited the White House with my Republican colleagues to meet with President Trump, I assembled meetings with his economic team and my Senate colleagues, and I offered idea after idea to try to make this bill bipartisan. I took this seriously, because tax reform is too important to be done on party lines, and anything that is done in such a strictly-partisan way is not good for West Virginia or the country as a whole. Despite my efforts, this bill does not work for West Virginia: It hurts our seniors, leaves the middle class paying more, and tilts the playing field against small businesses while irresponsibly adding to our growing $20 trillion national debt.\u00a0\r\n\u201cLet me be clear, I support sustainable tax cuts to grow our economy and raise wages, but this rushed bill is nothing more than a sugar high with an old fashioned bait and switch, where 79% of West Virginians will end up paying more in just a few years.\u00a0It hurts seniors by triggering a $25 billion cut to Medicare next year. It hurts families by raising the average healthcare cost for a family of four by nearly $2,000 each year. It hurts students and their families by ending itemized deductions they rely on. It hurts our historic cities who rely on historic credits to revitalize Main Street and create jobs. It hurts our grandchildren by adding $1.5 trillion to our already staggering debt. And as our deficits continue to grow it significantly harms our military readiness, the ability to equip our National Guard to respond to domestic emergencies, and ability to properly care for our Veterans. \u00a0Today, I am rejecting this flawed and rushed bill, because I cannot in good conscience vote for legislation that hurts West Virginia families, seniors, students, teachers and business owners.\u201d\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-heller-to-congress-pass-our-bill-to-protect-veterans-from-dangerous-medical-providers", "MANCHIN AND HELLER TO CONGRESS: PASS OUR BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM DANGEROUS MEDICAL PROVIDERS", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND HELLER TO CONGRESS: PASS OUR BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM DANGEROUS MEDICAL PROVIDERS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New GAO Report Confirms that VA Concealed Mistakes Made by Providers\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Following the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failed to report poorly-performing medical providers, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Dean Heller (R-NV) urged the Senate to swiftly take action on their bipartisan legislation that stops the VA from concealing providers\u2019 medical mistakes.\u00a0\r\nAccording to the GAO, the VA failed to report 90 percent of poor-performing medical providers to a national database designed to prevent them from crossing state lines and endangering patients elsewhere. The GAO report\u2019s findings are in line with a USA Today investigation that prompted Manchin and Heller to introduce the VA Provider Accountability Act.\r\nThe VA Provider Accountability Act addresses issues raised in the GAO report by requiring the VA to report major adverse actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards. It will also prohibit the VA from signing settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees that allow the VA to conceal serious medical errors or purge negative records from personnel files.\r\n\u201cThis GAO report, like the USA Today report that preceded it, is disturbing and shows a pattern of incompetence that could hurt both VA and non-VA patients. While I appreciate that VA is making attempts to correct this on their own, I believe these improvements in accountability measures need to be codified. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push this important piece of legislation through quickly,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cThe nonpartisan GAO\u2019s findings are truly shocking, worrisome, and downright reprehensible. America\u2019s military veterans deserve the world-class medical care that they have rightfully earned, and by medical workers who uphold the VA\u2019s mission statement. It is a shame the GAO has found that the VA has not been forthcoming when it comes to reporting poor-performing doctors to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards, and that\u2019s why Congress must immediately pass the VA Provider Accountability Act,\u201d Senator Heller said. \u201cThis report is further evidence that we must enact my bipartisan legislation that holds the VA\u2019s feet to the fire so that the veterans the agency exists to serve have trust in their caretakers. Congress must now act swiftly to help ensure that our military veterans are not at risk of receiving unsafe care from poor-performing and dangerous medical professionals and ensure these individuals are held accountable outside the VA system.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenators Manchin and Heller introduced the VA Provider and Accountability Act last month after a\u00a0USA Today investigation recently revealed the VA has for years repeatedly buried and concealed poor care and mistakes made by its medical workers.\r\nThe VA Provider Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senator Cassidy and supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Federation of State Medical Boards.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/29/2017/manchin-statement-on-miner-death-in-boone-county", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON MINER DEATH IN BOONE COUNTY", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON MINER DEATH IN BOONE COUNTY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of Zachary Grant Harris, a coal miner who was working in Boone County.\r\n\u201cOur coal miners and their families make unthinkable sacrifices every day. Today, we are heartbroken at the loss of Zachary Grant Harris in Boone County. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in holding the Harris family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-urge-department-of-state-to-keep-training-facility-at-summit-point-raceway-open-", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO URGE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO KEEP TRAINING FACILITY AT SUMMIT POINT RACEWAY OPEN", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO URGE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO KEEP TRAINING FACILITY AT SUMMIT POINT RACEWAY OPEN  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)\u00a0 sent a letter to U.S Secretary of State Tillerson, urging that the State Department keeps the Summit Point Raceway training facility open, without consolidating its functions within the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC).\r\nThe Senators said in part: \u201cWe understand that the State Department plans to close the Summit Point training site and consolidate its functions within the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) currently under construction at Fort Picket in Virginia. While we are glad that such an important program will continue, current plans to consolidate this training in one location may not provide sufficient capacity to meet our future training needs. If the site at Fort Pickett is not able to accommodate all of the requisite training operations, no viable alternative would be available and a temporary or prolonged suspension of training operations would be inevitable.\u00a0 That is unacceptable. The West Virginia facility can and should remain open to prepare our public servants traveling abroad for any kind of threat they may encounter.\u201d\r\nClick here or read the full letter below:\r\nDear Secretary Tillerson:\r\nWe write to you to ask for your support in protecting the training facility at the Summit Point Raceway in Summit Point, West Virginia.\r\nAs you know, Summit Point is currently the site of the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) training course which is an essential program provided to diplomatic personnel and their families to prepare them to safely live and work overseas.\r\nWe understand that the State Department plans to close the Summit Point training site and consolidate its functions within the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) currently under construction at Fort Picket in Virginia. While we are glad that such an important program will continue, current plans to consolidate this training in one location may not provide sufficient capacity to meet our future training needs. If the site at Fort Pickett is not able to accommodate all of the requisite training operations, no viable alternative would be available and a temporary or prolonged suspension of training operations would be inevitable.\u00a0 That is unacceptable. The West Virginia facility can and should remain open to prepare our public servants traveling abroad for any kind of threat they may encounter.\r\nAs members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we have been strong advocates of the continued funding of programs like the one at Summit Point because of the important work they do to prepare our diplomatic personnel. Summit Point has a proven track record of success for over three decades, and the unparalleled training provided by this facility is vital to keeping Americans safe. We strongly encourage you to maintain the site as an operational alternative training ground to ensure that this program will always be accessible to our men and women who depend on it.\r\nWe also invite you to tour the training facility at Summit Point so that you can see for yourself just how well the site runs and manages their FACT training courses and why it should remain operational.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThank you for your time and attention on this important matter. We urge you to strongly consider this request and look forward to working with you to find a solution that serves our country and honors the brave men and women who serve our country overseas.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-votes-against-motion-to-proceed-on-senate-republican-tax-plan-", "MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST MOTION TO PROCEED ON SENATE REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST MOTION TO PROCEED ON SENATE REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote against the motion to proceed on the Senate Republican Tax Plan.\r\n\u201cToday I voted against the motion to proceed on the Republican Tax Plan because I haven\u2019t seen a final bill. I haven\u2019t been able to review any legislation or see a Congressional Budget Office score to consider its impacts on West Virginia. I am still trying to work with my Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration to find a bipartisan way forward. I will continue to try to work across the aisle in the hopes that Republicans will slow down and work with us. The working people of West Virginia know that our country needs tax reform but we must work together to truly achieve comprehensive, bipartisan reform that allows the middle class, small businesses and our economy to grow and thrive.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-more-than-92-million-for-rural-development-in-west-virginia", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $9.2 MILLION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 28, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $9.2 MILLION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $9,295,505 - $591,505 in grant funding and $8,704,000 in approved loans - from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program for rural development projects in four West Virginia communities.\r\n\u201cRural development projects provide economic opportunities that are felt across very corner of West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cThis funding will be used to purchase a new police vehicle in Lewis County, construct a new water treatment plant in McMechen, conduct a feasibility study in Mingo County and improve the water and waste disposal system in Wyoming County.\u201d\r\n\u201cAccess to quality public services and economic opportunity are essential for West Virginia\u2019s rural communities to thrive. This funding will assist local leaders in their efforts to grow our economy, and improve the quality of life for West Virginians. I will continue to advocate for programs like these that invest in our state\u2019s future,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n$6,650,000 to the City of McMechen - Rural Development funds will be used to construct a new water treatment plant, rehabilitate and install security for the ground wells, complete potable water line replacements, and rehabilitate two water storage tanks. The City of McMechen owns and operates a Class I ground water only public water system in Marshall County, West Virginia. It is located adjacent to the Ohio River, south of Wheeling, WV off WV Route 2. The source of raw water is pumped from four ground wells. The system consists of a water treatment plan, two steel finished potable water storage tanks, and a distribution system with a total of 0.6 M gallon storage capacity. The distribution system consists of approximately 5.79 miles of water main ranging from 4\" to 12\" diameter steel pipe. The City serves approximately 956 residential and commercial customers and 1 resale user.\r\n$4,900 to the Lewis County Commission - Rural Development funds will be used to purchase a new AWD Ford Police Interceptor sedan through the WV State bid procurement process, with the installation of all necessary emergency response police equipment.\r\n$50,605 to the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority - Rural Development funds will be used to conduct a study of the feasibility of a Wood Products Industrial Park to be located in Mingo County West Virginia. The study will investigate opportunities in marketing value added and end-use manufacture of wood products of the West Virginia timber industry.\r\n$2,590,000 to the Center Public Service District - Rural Development funds will be used to replace approximately 1,250' of 15\" pipe, 4,812' of 12\" pipe, and 38 existing manholes in the Sycamore Avenue and Rock Castle Creek areas. The project will consist of installing a rotary fan press, modifying the existing screen mechanism, and installing a new NPW system. These improvements will significantly decrease I&I, customer complaints, and environmental concerns. No customers will be added with this project.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-moderate-senate-democrats-call-for-bipartisan-way-forward-on-tax-reform-", "MANCHIN, MODERATE SENATE DEMOCRATS CALL FOR BIPARTISAN WAY FORWARD ON TAX REFORM", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 28, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN, MODERATE SENATE DEMOCRATS CALL FOR BIPARTISAN WAY FORWARD ON TAX REFORM  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Tom Carper (D-DE), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Gary Peters (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) at a press conference highlighting their willingness to work with Republicans on a bipartisan way forward on tax reform.\r\n\u201cWe are all here today because we believe that our country needs tax reform and we believe that it must be done in a bipartisan way,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe want our Republican colleagues to know that if they slow down, reach out, and work in a bipartisan way, you will have Democrats willing to work with you. I believe that tax reform should focus on permanent relief for the middle class; making sure our small businesses are treated the same way our large corporations are, while also making sure our corporations are globally competitive; and not adding trillions of dollars of debt that our children and grandchildren will be responsible for. I have worked on some ideas that I have shared with the White House and my Republican colleagues to no avail but I am still hopeful they will slow down, work in a bipartisan way and make this real tax reform that grows and helps our middle class in a responsible way.\u201d\r\nTo watch a full video of the press conference click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-clean-power-plan-public-hearing-in-west-virginia-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON CLEAN POWER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING IN WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 28, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON CLEAN POWER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING IN WEST VIRGINIA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) public hearing in West Virginia this week on the Clean Power Plan.\r\n\u201cThe Clean Power Plan was an assault on our state\u2019s economy and our way of life. This unlawful and harmful policy proved that the Obama administration not only didn\u2019t know the impacts of the Clean Power Plan but also, that they didn\u2019t care. From 2008-2016, 10,473 hardworking West Virginia coal miners lost their jobs and 178 coal mines closed due to, in part, the uncertainty caused by the Clean Power Plan.\r\n\u201cI am glad that the EPA is finally paying attention to these impacts in West Virginia, one of the most affected states of the Clean Power Plan, and is actually on the ground talking with West Virginians about this failed experiment and ways we can work together to create an all of the above energy policy that benefits everyone.\r\n\u201cMoving forward in the 21st century economy, we need to strike a balance between the environment and the economy and I have always said that the Clean Power Plan never achieved that balance. The Clean Power Plan never worked and I commend President Trump for doing away with this harmful regulation and preventing further job losses, increases to consumer energy bills, and more damage to our economy.\r\n\u201cToday, coal makes up 30% of our electric portfolio and it will continue to power our nation for generations.\u00a0To truly achieve an all-of-the-above energy policy, we must use everything we have \u2013 coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, hydro, and wind \u2013 while also making sure that we are not adversely hurting our economy and taking away people\u2019s livelihoods. I thank the EPA for finally coming to West Virginia and listening to what we have to say.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/27/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 27, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending November 24, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.9 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 0.9% higher than last week\u2019s estimate and 6.2% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report,\u00a0click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/27/2017/manchin-wishes-west-virginians-a-happy-thanksgiving", "MANCHIN WISHES WEST VIRGINIANS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 22, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN WISHES WEST VIRGINIANS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, WV \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement wishing West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving:\r\n\u201cAs we gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, it\u2019s important for all of us to reflect on the great blessings we share as West Virginians and Americans. In the Manchin household, we were always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. This lesson has stuck with me throughout my adult life and I have tried to pass it along to my children and grandchildren. One the blessings I always count is my family and loved ones. That\u2019s why last week I introduced a resolution in the Senate that designates the week of Thanksgiving \u2018National Family Week.\u2019 This week, we are surrounded by our families and loved ones and we must never forget to give thanks for them.\r\n\u201cThis Thanksgiving, let us thank our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guard Members and Reservists who sacrifice so much, including seeing their own family this holiday, so that we may enjoy the comfort and safety of this great country. Their courage and strength shine as an example of what it means to express love for one\u2019s country.\r\n\u201cEach day presents its own unique struggles and anxieties, but it\u2019s always important to remember the blessing of living in the great country on Earth. I would like to thank all of the wonderful people of West Virginia who have given me the opportunity to represent them. 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###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-announce-funding-to-hire-law-enforcement-in-three-west-virginia-counties", "Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Hire Law Enforcement in Three West Virginia Counties", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 22, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Hire Law Enforcement in Three West Virginia Counties \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0today announced a total of $498,694 from the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. Funding will be used to hire full-time law enforcement officers in Marion, Cabell and Fayette counties.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see this investment in our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe. This funding will enable Fairmont, Oak Hill and Cabell County Sheriff Departments to hire additional officers and better protect us,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s law enforcement professionals work tirelessly to keep dangerous criminals off of our streets and ensure our communities are safe, and it is critical that we support them in their efforts,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis funding will allow the cities of Fairmont and Oak Hill and the Cabell County Sheriff\u2019s Department to hire additional officers to help them continue the important work they do.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\nCity of Fairmont - $250,000\r\n \r\n \r\nCabell County Sheriff\u2019s Department - $125,000\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Oak Hill - $123,694\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-announce-funding-for-health-facilities-and-community-infrastructure", "Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Health Facilities, and Community Infrastructure", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Health Facilities, and Community Infrastructure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $355,000 for Highland-Clarksburg Hospital and Cowen Public Service District (PSD) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Funding will be used to improve the hospital facility and water service to Cowen PSD customers.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see this investment in Highland-Clarksburg Hospital and Cowen Public Service District. Quality\u00a0healthcare facilities\u00a0and safe water infrastructure are important elements of our communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for resources to improve our West Virginia communities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cQuality health care facilities and public services are essential for West Virginia\u2019s rural communities,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cI am particularly thrilled that part of this funding will go toward improving facilities for those suffering from mental and behavioral health issues, including substance abuse disorders. I will continue to fight for programs that invest in the well-being of West Virginians.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\n$325,000 \u2013 Highland-Clarksburg Hospital: This funding will go toward an outdoor recreation area for patients, as well as roof repairs. It is provided through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.\r\n \r\n \r\n$30,000 \u2013 Cowen Public Service District: This funding will go toward a study to identify and correct leaks in the PSD\u2019s system. It is provided through the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program.\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-calls-on-doj-to-reverse-decision-and-reopen-bannum-place-of-wheeling-", "MANCHIN CALLS ON DOJ TO REVERSE DECISION AND REOPEN BANNUM PLACE OF WHEELING", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN CALLS ON DOJ TO REVERSE DECISION AND REOPEN BANNUM PLACE OF WHEELING  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reconsider the Bureau of Prisons\u2019 decision to not renew the contract of Bannum Place of Wheeling, a residential reentry center that provides former offenders\u00ad\u00ad a structured, supervised environment in which to live and receive job counseling and substance abuse treatment after their release from prison while they seek to rebuild their lives and reenter the workforce.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: \u201cWest Virginia currently suffers from the lowest labor force participation rate and the highest overdose rate in the nation.\u00a0 In 2016, West Virginia reported 818 overdose deaths \u2013 nearly a 13% increase over 2015.\u00a0 For a state with such statistics, it is critical that we do everything necessary to provide treatment to individuals who need help so that they can return to the workforce and rejoin their communities. This problem is getting worse, not better. The state of West Virginia is now home to only three residential reentry centers. Closing Bannum Place of Wheeling is a step backwards in our fight against this epidemic.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe closing of Bannum not only devastated myself and my employees but also the residents of Wheeling. We were a great community resource. At the time of the closing of Bannum, every one of the residents were employed. It is a big loss, especially for female inmates, to have no place to come and find employment, open bank accounts, and receive an education. The recidivism rate will likely skyrocket as a result of the closing of this critical resource,\u201d said Lynette Banks, Director of Bannum Place of Wheeling.\r\nOpened in 2006, Bannum Place of Wheeling had been open for over 10 years providing critical services such as employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, financial planning education, and medical/mental health care. These services contributed to the 90% program completion rate of Bannum Place of Wheeling. It had an average daily population of 15 people.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Attorney General Sessions:\r\nI write to express my strong objection to the recent closure of Bannum Place of Wheeling in Wheeling, West Virginia. I share the expressed concerns of the judges serving on the United States District Court in the Northern District of West Virginia and urge you to reopen this facility as soon as possible.\r\nResidential reentry centers promote addiction recovery, job training, and most importantly, community reintegration. Located in the heart of downtown Wheeling, Bannum Place of Wheeling maintained excellent working relationships with local law enforcement, employers, and community leaders. The strong relationships cultivated by the center and its outstanding director, Lynette Banks, contributed to the 90% completion rate and an extremely high rate of employment following completion of the program. The success of this facility cannot be overstated. It had been, without question, fulfilling its mission to reduce recidivism and strengthen communities.\r\nThe pervasive nature of the opioid epidemic and the urgency with which attention is needed has been underscored by several members of the Trump Administration including the President himself during his recent declaration of a public health emergency. In his speech, he mentioned the \u201cshocking death toll\u201d observed across the country and, most importantly, stated that \u201cwe can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic.\u201d I, too, believe that we can end the opioid epidemic and request the assistance of the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice to achieve this goal.\r\nWest Virginia currently suffers from the lowest labor force participation rate and the highest overdose rate in the nation.\u00a0 In 2016, West Virginia reported 818 overdose deaths \u2013 nearly a 13% increase over 2015.\u00a0 For a state with such statistics, it is critical that we do everything necessary to provide treatment to individuals who need help so that they can return to the workforce and rejoin their communities. This problem is getting worse, not better. The state of West Virginia is now home to only three residential reentry centers. Closing Bannum Place of Wheeling is a step backwards in our fight against this epidemic.\r\nBannum Place of Wheeling was the only residential reentry center in the Northern Panhandle, and I am concerned about the limited treatment and community reentry options now available to the residents of that region. Simply redirecting program participants to other residential reentry centers in the state is not feasible. The closest center in the state, located in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is a two hour drive from the jobs these residents have already obtained. Furthermore, the Clarksburg facility, with only nineteen beds, is simply too small to absorb the displaced participants from Bannum Place of Wheeling.\u00a0\r\nAccordingly, I write to ask that you consider all measures available to reopen the Bannum Place of Wheeling.\u00a0 If it is not practical to renew the service contract with the previous operator of the center, I ask that you award a new contract to another service provider in order to allow the Wheeling Center to reopen and resume its critical role in serving West Virginians and helping our citizens reenter society.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-others-introduce-bipartisan-chesapeake-restoration-legislation", "Manchin, Capito, Others Introduce Bipartisan Chesapeake Restoration Legislation", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito, Others Introduce Bipartisan Chesapeake Restoration Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined several colleagues yesterday to introduce the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act of 2017. This legislation increases mandatory funding for the bay, strengthens the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP) and provides more opportunities for effective conservation efforts. Senators Capito and Manchin were joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) introduced the House companion measure.\r\n\u201cSince 2014, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program invested $19.1 million for 6 projects with 88 partners in West Virginia. These projects have improved water quality and benefited the wildlife in our streams and rivers in the Eastern Panhandle. Overall, these investments have improved water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, without placing an unfair burden on the state,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation, to provide partners greater resources and ensure we continue to restore the nation\u2019s largest estuary.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay headwaters in West Virginia sustain important ecosystems and play a vital role in our state\u2019s economy,\u201d\u00a0Senator Capito said.\u00a0\u201cThis bipartisan legislation will provide essential grant funding for West Virginia, which will go a long way in continuing our efforts to support the bay\u2019s restoration and care, ensuring that it remains a vibrant natural resource for future generations.\u201d\r\n\u201cNot only is the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure, it\u2019s also crucial to Maryland jobs and our economy,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and lead sponsor of the bill. \u201cThis bill will provide more resources for restoration efforts that are key to the Bay\u2019s health. As we begin work on the Farm Bill, I urge my colleagues to seriously consider this legislation. This investment will help ensure that our Bay economy continues to thrive and that Marylanders and tourists can enjoy this treasure for generations to come.\u201d\r\nIn the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress authorized the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative to provide assistance to agricultural producers to minimize excess nutrients and sediments in order to restore, preserve, and protect the Chesapeake Bay. On average, approximately $50 million was invested annually in the Chesapeake Bay through in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative. In 2014, the RCPP was created in order to prioritize conservation resources that were previously handled by separate conservation programs such as the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative. Unfortunately, under the RCPP, the Chesapeake Bay has received significantly less funding \u2013 averaging around $13 million annually.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act would help restore some of this much-needed funding by tripling the amount of mandatory RCPP funding available per fiscal year from $100 million to $300 million. The bill would also improve technical assistance for partners and prioritize projects that improve water quality and water quantity and implement multi-state watershed restoration plans.\r\nThe text of the legislation can be found here. A letter from groups supporting this legislation can be found here.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/16/2017/manchin-applauds-senate-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act-", "Manchin Applauds Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Applauds Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauds the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, a vital piece of legislation that will provide our military with the means necessary to defend our nation.\r\n\u201cThis defense package is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation and provides necessary funding to support our troops, defend our nation and provide support to our West Virginia service members and facilities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cMaintaining a strong defense must be one of our highest national priorities, and while I am not happy about the price tag of this bill, I support this legislation because it provides critical resources for our military. I am committed to continuing to work to reduce spending in a strategic way that is good for the taxpayer and that will not harm our servicemen and women.\u201d\r\nSenator Manchin is glad that included in FY18 NDAA is a 2.4 percent pay increase for military personnel, a required study by the Department on Defense on opioid-prescribing practices and Audit the Pentagon provisions, which have previously been introduced by Senator Manchin in the 112th, 113th and 114th Congress. The Department of Defense remains the only major federal agency that has not completed a financial audit, yet receives more than half of the discretionary budget funds. These provisions are designed to help the Department meet its obligation to complete an unqualified audit by 2018.\r\nAdditionally, Senator Manchin is pleased that this bill provides federal civilian employees in the National Guard eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select. Extending eligibility to dual-status military technicians was a critical part of S.766, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Manchin this spring, and dual-status technicians will be included in the expansion.\r\nLastly, Senator Manchin supports the NDAA provisions that prohibit federal agencies from using any software platform developed by Russia-based Kaspersky Lab and cuts all network connections to the lab\u2019s software.\r\nBelow is a list of Senator Manchin\u2019s priorities included in the National Defense Authorization Act:\r\nPersonnel\r\n \r\nPay increase for military personnel\r\n \r\nNational Guard Specific\r\n \r\nExtends a suicide prevention and resilience program for members of the National Guard and Reserves\r\nAuthorizes Reserve Component service members activated under 12304a or 12304b orders to receive pre-mobilization and transitional TRICARE health care\r\nAuthorizes a review and report on effects of personnel requirements and limitations on the availability of members of the National Guard for the performance of funeral honors duty for veterans\r\n \r\n\r\nOpioids\r\n \r\nRequires a DoD study on opioid-prescribing practices\r\n \r\nForeign Policy\r\n \r\nFederal agencies would be prohibited from using any software platform developed by Russia-based Kaspersky Lab and would have to cut all network connections to the lab\u2019s software\r\n \r\n\r\nBusiness Practices (language from our Audit the Pentagon Act last Congress)\r\n \r\nRequires that any individual appointed as the Comptroller, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, or Assistant Secretaries for Financial Management of each of the departments have significant financial management, budget, or audit experience in complex organizations. These requirements will help create an experienced team that will be more effectively able to conduct the first Department-wide audit by the March 31, 2019 deadline.\r\n \r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/data-entry-lab-assistant-labcorp", "Data Entry Lab Assistant, LabCorp", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t Data Entry Lab Assistant, LabCorp \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Princeton, WV\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tJob Description\r\nMonday-Friday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm\r\n\r\nLab Assistant/Data Entry needed in the Accessioning department.\r\n\r\nDuties for this position include:\r\n\r\n\r\nProcessing paperwork and performing all required procedures to prepare received specimens\r\nMatching paperwork to the specimen samples\r\nData entry of specimen typing and information, as well as assigning computer generated labels to each specimen recieved.\r\nSorting and packaging specimens according to standard operating procedures\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Requirements\r\nLicense/Certification/Education: Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent w/1-2 years of experience.\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-applaud-passage-of-senate-resolution-commemorating-usns-hershel-woody-williams-ship-christening-", "MANCHIN, CAPITO APPLAUD PASSAGE OF SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING USNS HERSHEL WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN, CAPITO APPLAUD PASSAGE OF SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING USNS HERSHEL WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today applauded the passage of a Senate Resolution commemorating the ship christening of USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams (T-ESB4). The ship is named after Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\r\n\u201cPerhaps in no other time in our recent history has it been more vital to remember and emulate the heroism, perseverance, and patriotism of those who belong to the greatest generation.\u00a0 Woody is the embodiment of the best of his generation,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThrough the christening of a ship that bears his name, we are both honoring his great service and lifting up a role model to inspire all West Virginians and Americans alike. I would like to salute Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\u00a0 I also want to thank him for his great service to this great nation and the great state of West Virginia \u2013 for showing us the power of patriotism, freedom and family.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe USNS Hershel \u2018Woody\u2019 Williams could not have a better namesake,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cWoody\u2019s life is the embodiment of what it means to serve this country, both during World War II and his dedication to veterans and Gold Star families. I am proud to call Woody a friend, and this ship is a true testament to his bravery and unwavering commitment to serving others.\u201d\r\nOn October 21, the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams was christened in San Diego, California. Senator Manchin was at the christening to celebrate Woody\u2019s service. The decision to name the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams after Woody came after Senator Manchin sent a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recommending that a Navy ship be named after Woody Williams for his outstanding sacrifice and dedication to the nation. To read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Mabus, click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/plant-operations-representative-chep", "Plant Operations Representative, CHEP", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t Plant Operations Representative, CHEP \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Martinsburg, WV\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Description\r\nFull responsibility and accountability for managing plant operations in a defined territory. Consult with third party providers on all pertinent operational issues critical to running daily operations including: safety, quality, receiving, inspecting, repairing inventory, shipping, and operational cost accountability. Partner with third party  providers to create a Quality Management System (QMS) within their service center and identify and execute opportunities for continuous improvement.\r\n\r\nResponsibilities\r\n \r\nWill manage our Third Party provider relationships at each plant, to meet CHEP operational requirements.\r\nWill make recommendations to Third Party based on plant performance and needs.\r\nWill manage accessorial budget at each plant. (i.e. OT, special services, equipment purchases)\r\n40% day travel required. Flexibility required on overnight travel.\u00a0\r\nAbility to work independently.\u00a0\r\nAbility to function successfully in both warehouse and corporate environments.\u00a0\r\nFlexibility required to address the unexpected (i.e. travel to customer, assist colleagues)\u00a0\r\n \r\n\r\nRequirements\r\n \r\nBachelor\u2019s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or equivalent significant related experience\r\n3-5 yrs.\u2019 operations experience\u00a0\r\nStrong influencing skills\u00a0\r\nDemonstrated ability to develop and foster relationships across all functions\u00a0\r\nKnowledge of and ability to execute within a LEAN Six Sigma environment\u00a0\r\nSelf-starter:\u00a0Ability to work independently in a remote location\u00a0\r\nProven analytical and problem-solving skills\u00a0\r\nUnderstanding of basic accounting principles\u00a0\r\nExcellent verbal and written communication skills\u00a0\r\nAbility to quickly develop and execute a plan amongst ever changing priorities\u00a0\r\nKnowledge of Microsoft office programs including MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point or comparable programs\u00a0\r\nSkills and Knowledge\u00a0\r\nAbility to acquire working knowledge of CHEP specific systems (SAP , Seibel, BW)\u00a0\r\n \r\n\r\nTo apply click here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-opioid-safety-in-va-choice-program", "Manchin, Capito Introduce Bill to Strengthen Opioid Safety in VA Choice Program", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Introduce Bill to Strengthen Opioid Safety in VA Choice Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan VA reform legislation named in memory of  West Virginia veteran Andrew White\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act, to strengthen opioid therapy safety and pain care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community care programs, including through the VA Choice program. Senator Capito named the legislation in memory of West Virginian Andrew White, a Marine who was overprescribed a strong antipsychotic drug after returning home from Iraq and died tragically in his sleep at the age of 23.\r\nTo improve opioid safety and care for our veterans, Congress passed legislation introduced by Senators Capito and Baldwin\u2014the Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act (Jason\u2019s Law)\u2014to strengthen the VA\u2019s opioid prescribing guidelines, put in place stronger oversight and accountability, and provide safer and more effective pain management services for our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\nWhile the VA has made progress increasing opioid safety and reducing overprescribing within the VA health care system through Jason\u2019s Law, recent reports have found that veterans receiving opioid therapy from community care providers, including through the VA Choice program, are at a significant risk.\r\n\u00a0\u201cAs a country, we owe our Veterans the best medical care available and that includes safely managing pain,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn 2016, I was proud to join Senator Baldwin in passing the\u00a0Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act\u00a0in 2016, which strengthened VA opioid prescribing guidelines, and oversight and accountability. The\u00a0Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act\u00a0is the next step to ensure that VA is not sending veterans out to irresponsible or reckless providers in the community who overprescribe opioids. I look forward to passing this legislation, which will safeguard the well-being and care of our nation\u2019s bravest men and women.\u201d\r\n\u201cJason\u2019s Law was a significant step in preventing opioid overprescribing at the VA and holding VA officials and health care professionals accountable to the men and women who have selflessly served our country. However, it has become clear that more can be done to prevent addiction and opioid abuse among our veterans served by community care providers,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis legislation will help ensure the health and well-being of all veterans seeking care\u2014veterans like Andrew White, a brave Marine and West Virginian who tragically lost his life after being overprescribed. I\u2019m proud to honor Andrew\u2019s memory with this bill and to continue such an important effort with Senator Baldwin.\u201d\r\nA July 2017 VA Office of Inspector General report on opioid prescribing in VA community care programs found that contract providers are not subject to many of the opioid safety reforms included in Jason\u2019s Law and implemented at the VA. Specifically, community care providers are not aware of and thus, not complying with, VA opioid therapy and safe prescribing protocols. Furthermore, the VA is not consistently tracking opioid prescriptions from community care programs due to significant information exchange gaps between VA and non-VA providers.\r\nThe bipartisan Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act would strengthen opioid therapy safety and pain care at VA community care programs by implementing the VA Inspector General\u2019s recommendations and extending targeted opioid safety reforms in Jason\u2019s Law to VA purchased care. This would ensure community care providers follow the same safe opioid prescribing standards and have access to the same up-to-date pain care information as VA practitioners to help guarantee that all of our veterans receive safe and high-quality care in their communities.\r\nSpecifically, the Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act would:\r\n \r\nDirect the VA to provide critical health information, including a list of medications, as well as the latest opioid safety guidelines immediately to a non-VA provider when a veteran accesses services through a community care program to ensure the provider has the information needed to provide safe and effective care.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire non-VA community care providers to review the updated VA/DOD safe opioid prescribing guidelines and Opioid Safety Initiative protocols prior to delivering care to a veteran.\r\n \r\n \r\nDirect non-VA community care providers to submit opioid medications they prescribe to a veteran to a VA pharmacy for dispensing and to ensure it is included in the VA database and the patient\u2019s medical record for tracking.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnsure that any veteran with an immediate medical need or who is unable to obtain the prescription at a VA pharmacy due travel distances or undue hardship may access it at another pharmacy, and directs their community care provider to notify and provide information on the prescription to VA.\r\n \r\n \r\nHold the VA accountable by requiring compliance reports to Congress and ensure that the VA can take action to protect veterans if a non-VA community care provider is not delivering safe or appropriate care.\u00a0\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-captio-applaud-passage-of-senate-resolution-commemorating-usns-hershel-woody-williams-ship-christening", "Manchin, Captio APPLAUD PASSAGE OF SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING USNS HERSHEL WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Captio APPLAUD PASSAGE OF SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING USNS HERSHEL WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today applauded the passage of a Senate Resolution commemorating the ship christening of USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams (T-ESB4). The ship is named after Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\r\n\u201cPerhaps in no other time in our recent history has it been more vital to remember and emulate the heroism, perseverance, and patriotism of those who belong to the greatest generation.\u00a0 Woody is the embodiment of the best of his generation,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cThrough the christening of a ship that bears his name, we are both honoring his great service and lifting up a role model to inspire all West Virginians and Americans alike. I would like to salute Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams.\u00a0 I also want to thank him for his great service to this great nation and the great state of West Virginia \u2013 for showing us the power of patriotism, freedom and family.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThe USNS Hershel \u2018Woody\u2019 Williams could not have a better namesake,\u201d\u00a0Senator Capito said. \u201cWoody\u2019s life is the embodiment of what it means to serve this country, both during World War II and his dedication to veterans and Gold Star families. I am proud to call Woody a friend, and this ship is a true testament to his bravery and unwavering commitment to serving others.\u201d\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-votes-against-msha-nominee-zatezalo-", "MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST MSHA NOMINEE ZATEZALO", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN VOTES AGAINST MSHA NOMINEE ZATEZALO  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on voting against confirming the nomination of David Zatezalo to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).\r\n\u201cToo many families in our state have lost loved ones serving our nation in the mines and we are too familiar with the painful human toll of mining accidents. Since the beginning of 2017, 14 miners have lost their lives \u2013 7 of those miners were West Virginians. That is why for West Virginians, strong leadership at MSHA is non-negotiable. These devastating losses demonstrate the ongoing need for strong and experienced leadership at MSHA, as well as comprehensive funding for MSHA\u2019s programs.\r\n\u201cAfter reviewing Mr. Zatezalo\u2019s qualifications and record of safety during his time in the coal industry, I am not convinced that Mr. Zatezalo is suited to oversee the federal agency that implements and enforces mine safety laws and standards and that is why I voted against Mr. Zatezalo\u2019s confirmation to lead MSHA. Although I did not support his nomination I will strive to work with him to make sure that MSHA protects our miners so they come home safely every night.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-more-than-48-million-for-2016-flood-repairs-", "Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $4.8 Million for 2016 Flood Repairs", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $4.8 Million for 2016 Flood Repairs  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $4,822,817 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to repair federal roads in Pocahontas, Randolph and Greenbrier counties damaged during the 2016 floods.\r\n\u201cThe 2016 floods brought devastation to West Virginia, but we as a state came together and have been resilient to return our communities to a place of growth and hope,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe repairs to these highways will bring back necessary community connections and allow commerce to flow freely across West Virginia so that our state may continue to improve its economy, rebuild our communities, and look to an even brighter future. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for additional resources focused on the economic resilience of our state.\u201d\r\n\"Many parts of West Virginia continue to feel the impact of the devastating floods that occurred in June 2016,\" Senator Capito said. \"I have worked diligently at the federal level to ensure our communities have the resources they need to recover and restore a sense of normalcy. This funding will help repair damage to roads that West Virginians rely on to get to work and provide for their families.\"\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-introduce-bill-to-prioritize-funding-for-states-hard-hit-by-opioid-epidemic-", "Manchin and Capito Introduce Bill to Prioritize Funding for States Hard Hit by Opioid Epidemic", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin and Capito Introduce Bill to Prioritize Funding for States Hard Hit by Opioid Epidemic  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan legislation would change funding formula to  target states with greatest need\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today introduced the Targeted Opioid Formula Act to prioritize federal funding for states that have been hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, including West Virginia. The bill would require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to take into account mortality rates and lack of access to treatment and services when allocating State Targeted Response Opioid Crisis Grants, rather than making grant determinations for states based on population size.\u200e\r\n\u201cThe opioid crisis has affected lives and communities across the country, but some states\u2014including West Virginia\u2014have been hit harder than others,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will help ensure that states dealing with the worst of the drug epidemic are receiving an appropriate share of the resources being provided to fight it. By targeting resources to where they\u2019re needed most, we can make our efforts to fight this epidemic more strategic and more effective.\u201d\r\n\u201cWest Virginia is ground zero in the opioid epidemic and this legislation will ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to help our communities beat this public health crisis,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cRequiring HHS and SAMHSA to weigh mortality rate and lack of access to services when allocating CURES funding will help ensure that this funding will go to the places that need it most and that our West Virginia communities on the front lines have the support they need to end this epidemic once and for all.\u201d\r\nThe bipartisan bill would change how federal agencies determine State Targeted Response Opioid Crisis Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2018 to prioritize states like West Virginia, which have the highest mortality rates from opioid overdoses in the nation. This federal grant program was created by the 21st Century Cures Act that was signed into law last year.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/13/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending November 10, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 15 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 3.9% higher than last week\u2019s estimate and 6.7% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nTo read Senator Manchin\u2019s full report,\u00a0click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-heller-introduce-legislation-following-shocking-report-that-va-buried-medical-mistakes", "MANCHIN, HELLER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOLLOWING SHOCKING REPORT THAT VA BURIED MEDICAL MISTAKES", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN, HELLER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOLLOWING SHOCKING REPORT THAT VA BURIED MEDICAL MISTAKES \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Manchin-Heller Bill Demands Transparency, Accountability from the VA\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation that stops the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from hiding medical mistakes made by providers in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).\u00a0The VA Provider Accountability Act arrives after a\u00a0USA Today investigation recently revealed the VA has for years repeatedly buried and concealed poor care and mistakes made by its medical workers.\r\nThe Manchin-Heller bill would require the VA to report major adverse actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards. It will also prohibit the VA from signing settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees that allow the VA to conceal serious medical errors or purge negative records from personnel files. \u201cThe vast majority of VA healthcare providers are well-trained, caring, patriots who work hard to take care of our nation\u2019s veterans. But, just like in any healthcare system, there are bad apples,\u201d Senator Manchin said, a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cThis commonsense piece of legislation ensures that incidences of malpractice do not go unreported to state licensing boards and the National Practitioner Data Bank. It also stops those who commit malpractice from receiving a settlement so they will quietly resign and become a provider outside of the VA.\u00a0 By imposing these oversight measures on the Department of Veterans Affairs, we are ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Americans.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe investigation\u2019s findings are downright shameful,\u00a0and we need action immediately to ensure that the VA does not hide medical mistakes or inadequate care,\u201d Senator\u00a0Heller said. \u201cThat\u2019s why Senator Manchin and I introduced legislation that demands transparency and accountability from the VA and puts a stop to concealing serious medical errors through settlements with fired or dismissed VA employees. It is our responsibility to stand up for those who put their lives on the line for this country and provide them with the world class medical care they expect and deserve. The VA lists integrity as its first core value,\u00a0and VA employees make the promise to act with high moral principle and adhere to the highest professional standards. Our legislation will make sure of it by holding the VA\u2019s feet to the fire so that the veterans the agency exists to serve have trust in their caretakers.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-requests-meeting-with-nsf-director-to-discuss-green-bank-observatory-", "MANCHIN REQUESTS MEETING WITH NSF DIRECTOR TO DISCUSS GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN REQUESTS MEETING WITH NSF DIRECTOR TO DISCUSS GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Senator Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Dr. France A. C\u00f3rdova, the Director of the National Science Foundation, requesting a meeting in the coming days to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and the proposed changes to the NSF\u2019s long-standing relationship with the Green Bank Observatory.\r\n\u201cFor 60 years the Foundation, Pocahontas County, and the state of West Virginia have supported the ability of innumerable national and international scientists to make discoveries about our Universe using the capabilities located at the Observatory within the National Quiet Zone. Over this time, the local communities have made sacrifices to keep the surrounding area radio-silent to ensure that the activities at the Observatory can continue without interference.\u00a0 As we look to the future, I believe that the Observatory\u2019s contributions to national and international science and the West Virginia commitment to this work justifies the Foundation\u2019s strong, continued full-time support and presence at the Observatory.\u00a0 I strongly oppose the proposed arbitrary 21 week implementation period for demolition, mothballing, and/or self-abandonment, and I believe that the Foundation has a responsibility to identify and secure additional partners before effecting any changes to the infrastructure or funding support at the Observatory,\u201d Senator Manchin said in part.\r\nRead the letter below or click here:\r\nDear Director C\u00f3rdova:\r\nI write to request a meeting with you in the coming days to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) about proposed changes to the National Science Foundation\u2019s (Foundation) long-standing relationship with the Green Bank Observatory (Observatory). While I understand the challenges the Foundation faces in the current budget climate, I remain very concerned that the agency preferred alternative would not only create a major void in the field of national and international scientific research, it could devastate local West Virginia communities and the state at large.\r\nFor 60 years the Foundation, Pocahontas County, and the state of West Virginia have supported the ability of innumerable national and international scientists to make discoveries about our Universe using the capabilities located at the Observatory within the National Quiet Zone. Over this time, the local communities have made sacrifices to keep the surrounding area radio-silent to ensure that the activities at the Observatory can continue without interference.\u00a0 As we look to the future, I believe that the Observatory\u2019s contributions to national and international science and the West Virginia commitment to this work justifies the Foundation\u2019s strong, continued full-time support and presence at the Observatory.\u00a0 I strongly oppose the proposed arbitrary 21 week implementation period for demolition, mothballing, and/or self-abandonment, and I believe that the Foundation has a responsibility to identify and secure additional partners before effecting any changes to the infrastructure or funding support at the Observatory.\r\nThe November 8, 2017 DEIS indicates that the Foundation\u2019s preferred Alternative is \u201cAction Alternative A: Collaboration with Interested Parties for Continued Science- and Education-focused Operations with Reduced NSF funding.\u201d\u00a0 Unfortunately, the DEIS does not provide sufficient detail about the business case to demonstrate that this alternative has long-term viability. I am disappointed that the Foundation did not include a discussion of the unique and groundbreaking work that the national and global science community can accomplish by using the Observatory\u2019s facilities that would be affected if the preferred alternative is adopted. In 2017 alone, there have been over 30 scientific publications that are a result of work conducted at the Observatory.\u00a0 The two White Papers listed below provide additional information about the critical work being performed at this facility today, and they highlight the tremendous loss it would be to the scientific community if operations at the Observatory were curtailed.\r\n \r\nBally, J. et al.,. The Case For A Publicly Available, Well-Instrumented GBT Operating At 20-115 GHz[1].\r\nLockman, F.J., et al., The National Science Foundation's AST Portfolio Review of 2012 is Not Relevant to the Green Bank Telescope of 2017: A White Paper\r\n \r\nIn addition to the November 30th community meeting, I would like to request a separate public meeting that could provide the global science community with the opportunity to provide input via video-teleconference or other capabilities about the impact that the proposed changes will have on their research. If you cannot host such a meeting at your facilities, I would be honored to host such a meeting in collaboration with you from West Virginia.\r\nI appreciate your attention to this important matter and I look forward to our discussions.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-presents-purple-heart-to-vietnam-veteran-roger-champ-", "Manchin Presents Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran Roger Champ", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 10, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Presents Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran Roger Champ  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMoorefield, W.Va. \u2013 In a Veterans Day ceremony this morning, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) presented a long-overdue Purple Heart to Moorefield resident, two-time Vietnam Veteran and Silver Star recipient Roger Champ. Senator Manchin has been working with the U.S. Army for two years to secure the Purple Heart Roger earned in Vietnam in 1970.\r\n\u201cGrowing up in West Virginia, we are surrounded by the strength of awe-inspiring mountains. That might be why our state has one of the highest rates of military service. We are made of tough stuff; it\u2019s just who we are,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cRoger Champ is made of that tough stuff. He\u2019s a West Virginian through and through, a two-time Vietnam Veteran, a Silver Star recipient, and an American hero. It was a profound honor to help secure Roger\u2019s Purple Heart, and it was a profound honor to present it to him today \u2013 surrounded by his wife Sheila, his family, and his many friends.\u201d\r\nIn addition to the Purple Heart, Roger was awarded with the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a Silver Service Star, the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar and the Korea Defense Service Medal.\r\nOn March 12, 1964 at age 18, Roger \u2013 who was born in Grant County \u2013 enlisted in the Army. He completed basic training at Ft. Knox in Kentucky and was then reassigned to Ft. Riley in Kansas, 1st Infantry Division, with his oldest brother. He spent a year in Korea and was assigned to the 2nd & 17th Mechanized Infantry. Roger was honorably discharged on February 25, 1966, and began working at the General Motors Plant in Baltimore, Maryland.\r\nIn 1968, Roger reenlisted in the Army. There was a need for Construction Engineers so he volunteered for his first tour in Germany, which lasted from 1969 to 1970. He reported to the 54th Trans Battalion 523rd Trans Company and began as a machine gunner running security for convoys. The company built five-ton gun trucks, which carried 50-caliber machine guns and numerous other weapons. One of these trucks was named \u201cThe Eve of Destruction.\u201d Roger was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry and heroism after his gun truck was ambushed, and he protected his men and assaulted the enemy.\u00a0 The \u201cEve of Destruction\u201d gun truck is currently in a museum in Ft. Eustis, Virginia.\r\nRoger was later named 1st Platoon Sergeant by Company Commander Joseph McCarthy where he led with great confidence and authority.\r\nFor an entire year, Roger\u2019s job with the gun trucks was to secure convoys, which were ambushed almost daily. He was dedicated to making sure his men and the equipment got where they needed to be, safely \u2013 all while engaging the enemy. Though he was injured several times, he remained vigilant.\r\nIn Roger\u2019s words, \u201cWhen we heard the word \u2018contact,\u2019 we knew we were in an ambush and we ran wide open to the kill zone with guns blazing to protect our men and trucks.\u00a0 We would stay in the kill zone until everything was secure.\u00a0 This was my 24-7 job for one year of my life, and I was injured three or four times.\u00a0 I was more interested in my men and my equipment getting to safety than a Purple Heart.\u201d\r\nRoger returned home to the Mountain State in August of 1971 and settled in Moorefield with his wife, Sheila.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-i-encourage-us-all-to-thank-a-veteran", "MANCHIN: I ENCOURAGE US ALL TO THANK A VETERAN", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 09, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN: I ENCOURAGE US ALL TO THANK A VETERAN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement on Veterans Day.\r\n\u201cAs Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy, battled at Iwo Jima, fought up the Korean Peninsula, served in the jungles of Vietnam and defended our national interests across the Middle East, West Virginian service members never flinched, and bravely led the way to serve and defend the United States of America. We\u2019re one of the most patriotic states in the country, and this Veterans Day let us all reflect on the men and women of not only our state, but our entire country, who chose to sacrifice so much so that we may all sleep soundly.\u201d\r\n\u201cThese Veterans are our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers; they\u2019re our neighbors and our coworkers. And though it is important for us to take the time and honor them this Veterans Day, I encourage all my fellow Americans to stand with them and appreciate their service each and every day. We have known that our service members have valiantly risked their lives abroad for generations, but are just now recognizing the invisible wounds that Veterans endure when they return home. While the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 is second-to-none when dealing with combat related injuries like Traumatic Brain Injury, polytrauma, and mental health, there is still so much more to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our nation\u2019s Veterans. As a member of the Senate on the Committee on Veteran\u2019s Affairs as well as the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to eradicate the issues of homelessness, joblessness and lack of adequate healthcare access that affect far too many Veterans.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cSo on this Veteran\u2019s Day, I encourage us all to thank a Veteran. Show your sincere gratitude for those who risked their lives to keep our country the strongest in the world.\u00a0 Freedom is not free, and it is their commitment to liberty and patriotism that makes me proud to call myself an American. May God continue to bless our Veterans and may He bless these United States and the state of West Virginia.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/08/2017/manchin-announces-service-academy-nominations", "MANCHIN ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Recommends 40 students from 22 counties\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today that he will nominate 40 West Virginia students from 22 counties to the U.S. Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.\r\n\u201cIt is such an honor to recommend 40 of West Virginia\u2019s brightest young men and women to the U.S. service academies,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cAll of our students worked hard to earn these nominations and are determined to serve our country. Many are also striving to carry on their families\u2019 proud military heritage. Today, I join all West Virginians in congratulating these hardworking and 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\nThe students are from the following counties:\u00a0 Boone, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Logan, Marion, Mercer, Monongalia, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Taylor, Wirt and Wood. \r\nSenator Manchin is recommending the following students to the service academies. Students have the opportunity to accept Senator Manchin\u2019s recommendation and final admission is determined by the respective academy.\r\nAir Force Academy\r\nStephanie Adkison-Sacra\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Robert C. Byrd High School, Harrison County\r\nLogan Cook\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Shady Springs High School,\r\nJocelynn Cooper\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sherman High School, Boone County\r\nRebecca Koscis\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 North Marion High School, Marion County\r\nDominic Lough\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Grafton High School, Taylor County\r\nRocky Pallotta\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0University High School, Monongalia County\r\nAndrew J. Panzarella\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0USAFA Prep, Home of record: Jefferson C0unty\r\nBryce Turney\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Jefferson High School, Jefferson County\r\nZachary Tysor\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Elkins High School, Randolph County\r\nCameron Zobrist\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Greenbrier East High School, Greenbrier County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nMilitary Academy at West Point\r\nVictoria Carson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Homeschooled, Home of Record: Nicholas County\r\nDerek Dearth\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wheeling Central High School, Ohio County\r\nHolly Edwards\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Teays Valley Christian School, Putnam County\r\nEthan Gottlieb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Jefferson High School, Jefferson County\r\nMichael Hall\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wheeling Central High School, Ohio County\r\nMatthew Martin\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Riverside High School, Kanawha County\r\nJordon Nibert\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fayetteville High School, Fayette County\r\nCameron Patterson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hurricane High School, Putnam County\r\nKeith Skaggs\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grafton High School, Taylor County\r\nVaughn Thacker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Princeton High School, Mercer County\r\n\u00a0\r\nNaval Academy\u00a0\r\nLiam Bailey\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hurricane High School, Putnam County\r\nJackson Crouse\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jefferson High School, Jefferson County\r\nTanner Harris\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Independence High School, Fayette County\r\nAlex Inman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Springs Mills High School, Berkeley County\r\nJosephine Laing\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County\r\nSean Martineau\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Homeschooled, Home of Record: Jefferson County\r\nKatie Payne\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clay County High School, Clay County\r\nJack Stryker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wheeling Central High School, Ohio County\r\nTrey Toland\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North Marion High School, Marion County\r\nGeorge Triplett\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Elkins High School, Randolph County\r\n\u00a0\r\nMerchant Marine Academy\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\u00a0Marshall University, Wirt County\r\nTrenton Begley\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Liberty High School, Raleigh County\r\nAddison Deviese \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 George Washington High School, Jackson County\r\nJames Ellis\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chapmanville Regional High School, Logan County\r\nAaron C. Flowers\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 WVU University, Monongalia County\r\nCameron Kellar\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trinity Christian School, Monongalia County\r\nQuentein Lavalle \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USNA Prep, Home of Record: Jefferson County\r\nCaleb Stutzman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Spring Mils High School, Berkeley County\r\nIsaac Waters\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Parkersburg High School, Wood County\r\nSada Wright\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gilmer County High School, Gilmer County\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-more-than-34m-for-rural-development-projects-", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.4M FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.4M FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $3,439,000 in loan and grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants. This funding will assist in improvements to the water treatment facility in Philippi and the Sanity Sewer System in Spencer.\r\n\u201cImproving the infrastructure of rural West Virginia is vital to ensuring the economic success of both the local businesses and public facilities of the region,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cThese investments are an indication to the residents of Spencer and Philippi that their hard-work to improve West Virginia is noticed, and I\u2019m excited to witness the benefits that come as a result of the projects.\u201d\r\n\u201cAccess to basic services is important for the well-being of West Virginians,\u201d said Senator Capito. \u201cFederal funding for infrastructure projects allows local leaders to improve these services, and contributes to economic growth in our communities. I will continue to fight for funding that maintains a high quality-of-life for West Virginians.\u201d\r\nThe Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Eligible areas are rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less.\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\u00a0\r\n$704,000 \u2013 Loan to the City of Spencer to make improvements to the Spencer Sanity Sewer System including the correction of inflow and infiltration sources pertaining to the western portion of the collective system and improvements to the wastewater treatment works including equipment replacement.\r\n$1,735,000 \u2013 Loan to the City of Philippi to replace four of the City's water storage tanks and construct one new water storage tank, as well as installing security fencing around all of the water storage tanks.\r\n$1,000,000 \u2013 Grant to the City of Philippi to replace four of the City's water storage tanks and construct one new water storage tank, as well as installing security fencing around all of the water storage tanks.\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-epa-nominee-wehrum", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON EPA NOMINEE WEHRUM", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON EPA NOMINEE WEHRUM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on the nomination of William Wehrum to be the Assistant Administrator of the EPA Office of Air and Radiation.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWest Virginia is home to thousands of coal miners who suffer from chronic breathing diseases, like Black Lung and silicosis, as a result of their exposure to silica and other harmful agents during their career in the mines. While I appreciate Mr. Wehrum\u2019s willingness to serve, I cannot support his confirmation to be the Assistant Administrator of the EPA Office of Air and Radiation.\u00a0\u00a0 I have long been an advocate for safe workplaces for our miners and all of our nation\u2019s workers.\u00a0 After reviewing his record, I am concerned that he does not fully appreciate the deadly impacts of silica and other harmful agents, which is troubling in light of the important role he will play in the protection of our communities on many issues.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/11/06/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending October 28, 2017, estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.5 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly 3.1% lower than last week\u2019s estimate and 7.1% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report\u00a0click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-tax-reform-proposal-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM PROPOSAL", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 02, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM PROPOSAL  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the tax reform proposal released today.\r\n\u201cMy test for a good tax reform proposal is simple: does it enable working West Virginians to keep more of their hard-earned money, does it help West Virginia businesses create jobs, and does it do these things without exploding our debt. The tax reform proposal unveiled today does not pass this test and does not reflect the goals President Trump and I have discussed over the last several months. It puts investors ahead of workers, raises rates on the small businesses who create most of our jobs, and dramatically increases our national debt. None-the-less, I believe tax reform is something we must do, so in the coming days, I will do what West Virginians do best \u2013 bring people together and find common ground so that we can get something done. I am hopeful that my Republican colleagues will listen to my feedback and work with me to improve this package.\u201d\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-urge-fcc-to-ensure-access-to-affordable-broadband-in-rural-communities", "Manchin, Capito Urge FCC to Ensure Access to Affordable Broadband in Rural Communities", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 01, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Urge FCC to Ensure Access to Affordable Broadband in Rural Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan group of senators press FCC to address USF budget shortfall\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)\u00a0joined a bipartisan group of senators in a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure its commitment to affordable and reliable broadband for consumers in the hardest to reach communities across rural America.\r\n\u201cA lack of resources to meet our [shared national broadband] goals is undermining investment and consumer access to affordable broadband across much of rural America. For this reason, we write to encourage the FCC to take the much-needed step of addressing the High-Cost Universal Service Fund (USF) budget shortfall,\u201d the senators wrote.\r\n\u201cMany of the providers that serve rural consumers and businesses in our states have already begun to feel the pain of an arbitrary budget cap on High-Cost USF support. We urge the FCC to take action as quickly as possible to ensure the High-Cost USF program provides sufficient and predictable support to help deliver affordable, high-quality broadband to rural consumers.\u201d\r\nThe effort has the support of local West Virginia businesses.\r\n\u201cWe certainly appreciate the support of Senators Capito and Manchin in supporting our efforts to address the High-Cost Universal Service Fund budget shortfall,\u201d said Derek Barr, director of customer service and sales, marketing and human resources for Hardy Telecommunications, Inc., in Hardy County. \u201cAs a non-profit cooperative serving an area with rugged terrain, we absolutely rely on the USF to expand and update our broadband service to rural West Virginians. Without a doubt, the USF shortfall is keeping us from expanding our fiber-to-the-home network at the pace that we\u2019d like. Sen. Capito has been a staunch advocate for rural broadband expansion and Hardy Telecommunications, having visited Hardy County with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai this summer, and her support with this letter further reinforces her commitment to bring modern, reliable internet service to West Virginians.\u201d\r\nThe full letter is below or available here.\r\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai, Michael O\u2019Rielly, Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel, Brendan Carr\r\nFederal Communications Commission\r\n445 12th Street SW\r\nWashington, DC 20554\r\nDear Commissioners:\r\nWe applaud the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to streamline and strengthen the federal High-Cost Universal Service Fund (USF). This program is critical to achieving our shared national broadband goals and closing the digital divide.\r\nYet, as we and many others have noted consistently in recent years, a lack of resources to meet these national goals is undermining investment and consumer access to affordable broadband across much of rural America. For this reason, we write to encourage the FCC to take the much-needed step of addressing this USF budget shortfall.\r\nEarlier this year, approximately 160 members of Congress raised similar concerns in letters to the FCC. Since these letters were sent, many providers have continued to experience a significant reduction in support. In the ensuing months, many of us have continued to press the FCC to resolve these concerns. We believe that the FCC is best positioned to identify a solution to the budget shortfall that is limiting access to reliable and affordable broadband in rural communities.\r\nWhile we recognize that a thoughtful long-term solution to the budget shortfall will take time and effort to identify and assess, many of the small providers that serve rural consumers and businesses in our states have already begun to feel the pain of an arbitrary budget cap on High-Cost USF support. We urge the FCC to take action as quickly as possible to ensure the High-Cost USF program provides sufficient and predictable support to help deliver affordable, high-quality broadband to rural consumers. At a minimum, we ask that you ensure that there is no reduction in funds allocated to or collected for the High-Cost program until you have reached a comprehensive solution to High-Cost funding.\r\nThank you for your commitment to this important program and the millions of rural consumers who benefit from it. We look forward to both quick action and a comprehensive plan that effectively responds to this crisis.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/10/30/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending October 21, 2017 estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.9 million short tons. This production estimate is roughly the same last week\u2019s estimate and 1.3% lower than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report below or click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-launches-job-resource-page-for-west-virginians-", "MANCHIN LAUNCHES JOB RESOURCE PAGE FOR WEST VIRGINIANS", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN LAUNCHES JOB RESOURCE PAGE FOR WEST VIRGINIANS  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced a job resource page on this website to connect West Virginians with resources for job seekers, available jobs and job fairs. Since October 2015, Senator Manchin has co-hosted 25 job fairs throughout West Virginia.\r\n\u201cI have always said nobody works harder than a West Virginian. By co-hosting job fairs throughout the state, we have connected job seekers with employers and provided resources for job seekers to develop their resumes, and have also provided a forum for businesses to network. This job resource page is an extension of our job fairs and another tool for West Virginians to connect with jobs they can be proud of,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\nVisit Senator Manchin\u2019s new jobs page here.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-applauds-new-dea-enforcement-team-in-charleston-to-combat-the-flow-of-opioids-", "MANCHIN APPLAUDS NEW DEA ENFORCEMENT TEAM IN CHARLESTON TO COMBAT THE FLOW OF OPIOIDS", "2017-10-28", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 28, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN APPLAUDS NEW DEA ENFORCEMENT TEAM IN CHARLESTON TO COMBAT THE FLOW OF OPIOIDS  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today applauded the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announcement that Charleston will receive one of six new enforcement teams in the nation to help combat the flow of opioids, including fentanyl, in West Virginia. These teams will consist of DEA Special Agents and State and Local Task Force Officers and will enhance DEA\u2019s ability to combat trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues and the violence associated with drug trafficking.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the DEA will give Charleston an enforcement team to help stop the flow of opioids, especially highly addictive fentanyl, from entering our communities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cOur state is ground zero in this opioid epidemic and our law enforcement officers are on the front lines fighting this scourge doing everything they can to help save lives and find dealers who will prey on the vulnerable. They need the resources and the expertise that the DEA specializes in and the DEA will only add to their success.\r\n\u201cIn order to end this crisis long-term, we must attack at every angle, and use every resource at our disposal. This DEA announcement will make a huge difference in our communities in addition to the public health crisis declaration President Trump made on Thursday. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will be working with President Trump and my colleagues to make sure we put real funding behind these programs that will start making a lasting impact.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-continue-pushing-for-plan-to_reopen-martinsburg-water-plant", "Manchin and Capito Continue Pushing for Plan to  Reopen Martinsburg Water Plant", "2017-10-27", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 27, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin and Capito Continue Pushing for Plan to  Reopen Martinsburg Water Plant \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today continued working to produce an agreement between the city of Martinsburg and the U.S. Air Force that will make it possible for the city to reopen the Big Springs Water Plant.\r\n\u201cI am extremely disappointed. It\u2019s been over ten months since an Air Force representative told the City that they would resolve the issue and it is unacceptable that there is still no solution. The City of Martinsburg simply can\u2019t afford to wait while Washington bureaucrats hide behind red tape. I know how vital this project is to Martinsburg and the surrounding communities. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure the people of Martinsburg aren\u2019t left holding the bag,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that an agreement is reached on how to reopen the Martinsburg water supply, and it needs to happen soon. Not only is it essential to ensure those living in the Martinsburg area will continue to have access to the clean drinking water they need, but it is also necessary for local businesses and manufacturers to continue operations and contribute to the local economy,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cUnderstanding how important this water supply is to Martinsburg families and businesses and how urgent the situation is, I have spoken directly with Secretary Wilson and others to push for an agreement that will ensure its timely reopening, and I will continue working to make sure this issue is resolved. It\u2019s time for a plan to be in place.\u201d\r\nBACKGROUND: After concerns were raised that the Big Springs Water Plant in Martinsburg was contaminated by a chemical used by the U.S. Air Force and the West Virginia Air National Guard to fight fires, the city chose to shut down that water supply to prevent the consumption of contaminated drinking water. The city has since been working to fix the issue while still providing access to clean water for residents and businesses. However, the operating needs of the area\u2019s new Procter & Gamble plant require the project be completed sooner than originally thought feasible and questions remain regarding financial responsibility for the project.\r\nIn recent months, Senators Capito and Manchin have worked with the city of Martinsburg and the U.S. Air Force to coordinate an agreement that will enable the city to reopen the Big Springs Water Plant in time for the Procter & Gamble facility\u2019s anticipated opening next year. During a call today with Air Force Acting Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment and Energy Richard Hartley, the senators learned that an agreement has not yet been reached.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-praises-president-trumps-opioid-public-health-crisis-declaration", "MANCHIN PRAISES PRESIDENT TRUMP\u2019S OPIOID PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS DECLARATION", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN PRAISES PRESIDENT TRUMP\u2019S OPIOID PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS DECLARATION \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senator Manchin was at the White House when President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a public health crisis\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauds President Trump for taking important steps to fight the opioid epidemic, including declaring a public health crisis to make federal resources more available and flexible for states. As part of the public health emergency, President Trump announced he is expanding telemedicine, improving childhood education about substance use, helping people recovering from substance use disorder find jobs, and increasing access to treatment beds.\r\n\u00a0\u201cI applaud President Trump for finally taking these steps that will help in our fight against the opioid epidemic. This public health crisis declaration will give states like West Virginia the flexibility to enlist help from federal agencies and resources to combat this epidemic. At the declaration announcement, I was pleased to hear that Zohydro, a drug that I have been trying to get off the shelves since 2013, is being pulled from the market. Because of this painkiller\u2019s high potential for misuse and abuse, Zohydro poses a severely dangerous threat to our communities in West Virginia and across our country and I\u2019m glad this horrible decision by the FDA will finally be made right. I have long pushed for many of the actions that the President is taking, including expanding access to treatment options and educating our children on the risks associated with drugs, especially opioids, in order to make long-term improvements,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia faces unique challenges in the crisis, especially the rural areas in our state. The expansion of telemedicine to these areas is a game changer and will allow people struggling with substance use disorder the ability to receive opioid treatment prescriptions without seeing a doctor, which is a huge hurdle for many West Virginians. A large part of recovery and becoming a contributing member of society is finding meaningful employment and President Trump\u2019s expansion of the Dislocated Workers Grants will help people who are struggling to find work because of their disorder, which works with the goals of my Clean Start Act. This public health declaration is a great step and I look forward to working with the President to put real funding behind these changes.\u201d\r\nBelow is a list of efforts led by Senator Manchin that were highlighted at the White House.\r\nSenator Manchin has championed the removal of Zohydro since 2013. In 2014 Senator Manchin introduced legislation to withdraw the U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) approval of Zohydro ER, a controversial painkiller.\u00a0 The FDA approved the powerful and highly addictive opioid drug over the objection of its own Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee, which voted 11-2 against allowing the painkiller to advance in the approval process.\r\nEducating Students Facing Substance Abuse \u2013 Senator Manchin successfully pushed for a provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act to allow schools and local communities to use federal education funds to help students who are facing substance abuse in the home. He also successfully included language in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which has strengthened consumer education about the dangers of opioid abuse.\r\nThe Clean Start Act (S. 511): This bill will allow people with a federal felony or misdemeanor conviction for a past nonviolent crime committed as a result of drug addiction an opportunity to have their criminal record sealed after undergoing comprehensive addiction treatment and demonstrating a commitment to their recovery. Since many employers are unlikely to consider a job applicant with a criminal record, the impact of a past conviction weighs upon these former addicts long after they have served their time. This bill will give people who wish to reform their lives a clean start.\r\nThe Medicaid CARE Act: Senator Manchin joined fellow Senators in introducing the Medicaid CARE Act, which would increase access to addiction treatment services by updating the Medicaid Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion, an outdated policy that limits Medicaid coverage for substance abuse treatment to facilities with fewer than 16 beds. The Medicaid CARE Act would lift this barrier by expanding Medicaid coverage to pay for up to 40 treatment beds at larger substance abuse treatment facilities.\r\nSenator Manchin sent a letter to CVS Health, thanking them for their proactive changes to prescribing guidelines in an effort to address the opioid epidemic and highlighting the work that still needs to be done by all stakeholders.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-epa-nominee-dourson-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON EPA NOMINEE DOURSON", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 25, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON EPA NOMINEE DOURSON  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on the nomination of Dr. Michael Dourson to lead the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP).\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia, we are unfortunately familiar with the dangers that can arise when we neglect to properly comply with and enforce our chemical regulations. We all remember the horrors of the January 2014 chemical spill on the Elk River when thousands of West Virginians were without clean water as the result of a chemical spill. I fought tirelessly to update the Toxic Substance Control Act to prevent accidents like the Elk River spill from happening again. I also continue to work to address West Virginia\u2019s contamination challenges caused by a chemical called PFOA, a chemical which Dr. Dourson has evaluated to be safe at levels much higher than is considered acceptable by EPA scientists.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention is responsible for implementing and enforcing our updated TSCA laws. Strong leadership at this agency is vital to protecting public health. After reviewing his qualifications, I am not convinced that Dr. Dourson is the proper fit to oversee the federal agency responsible for overseeing chemical safety. While I appreciate Dr. Dourson\u2019s willingness to serve, I cannot support his confirmation to lead the EPA\u2019s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-speaks-with-epa-adminstrator-pruitt-mayor-joyce-commissioner-colombo-about-wood-county-fire-", "MANCHIN SPEAKS WITH EPA ADMINSTRATOR PRUITT, MAYOR JOYCE, COMMISSIONER COLOMBO ABOUT WOOD COUNTY FIRE", "2017-10-24", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN SPEAKS WITH EPA ADMINSTRATOR PRUITT, MAYOR JOYCE, COMMISSIONER COLOMBO ABOUT WOOD COUNTY FIRE  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today spoke with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce and Wood County Commissioner Jimmy Colombo about the industrial fire on the outskirts of Parkersburg at the former Ames Tool Plant.\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday I spoke with Administrator Pruitt to make him aware of the latest on the situation in Wood County and ask that he ensure the EPA is providing any equipment and technical assistance necessary to resolve the air and water issues that may arise as a result of the fire. I also spoke with Mayor Joyce and Commissioner Colombo asking them to keep me abreast of their specific needs so that I can ensure they are being met at the federal level. I will continue to do everything possible to ensure our state and local officials are fully supported by federal agencies, and I thank the many local emergency responders who have been working tirelessly to stop the fire and protect the public,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-miner-death-in-raleigh-county-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON MINER DEATH IN RALEIGH COUNTY", "2017-10-23", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 23, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON MINER DEATH IN RALEIGH COUNTY  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of a coal miner in Raleigh County.\r\n\u201cI am heartbroken to learn of the loss of James Adkins in Raleigh County today. We are again reminded of the incredible sacrifices made by our coal miners and their families each and every day. Gayle and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Mr. Adkins.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-attends-woody-williams-ship-christening-", "Manchin Attends Woody Williams Ship Christening", "2017-10-21", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 21, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Attends Woody Williams Ship Christening  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) attended the ship christening of USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams (T-ESB4) in San Diego, California with Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams. This christening came just 2 years after the announcement the Navy would name a ship after Woody.\r\n\u00a0\u201cWatching the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams christening by Woody\u2019s side was one of my proudest moments,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis ship christening is a long time coming, and a physical representation of the life and legacy of a renowned West Virginian and Medal of Honor recipient. This day would not have been possible without Ron Wroblewski and Woody\u2019s fellow Marines and friends who advocated for years and I was proud to play a part in getting this done. I was honored to help a fellow Marion County boy receive the recognition he deserves. This day is a result of Woody\u2019s lifelong dedication to public service, his brave actions in the field, and his commitment to West Virginia.\u201d\r\nAfter the Christening, Senator Manchin toured the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams T-ESB4 and met with officials from both the Navy and the Coast Guard to discuss border security, the Pacific fleet\u2019s current warfighting capabilities, and other national and homeland security issues.\r\nThe decision to name the USNS Hershel Woody Williams after Woody came after Senator Manchin sent a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recommending that a Navy ship be named after Woody Williams for his outstanding sacrifice and dedication to the nation. To read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Mabus, click here.\r\nAt the ship christening, Senator Manchin presented Woody Williams and his family with a Congressional Record Statement commemorating the christening of the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams. Click here to read the Congressional Record Statement.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-requests-update-on-drug-enforcement-law_", "MANCHIN REQUESTS UPDATE ON DRUG ENFORCEMENT LAW", "2017-10-20", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 20, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN REQUESTS UPDATE ON DRUG ENFORCEMENT LAW   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Manchin sent letter to HHS, DEA Following Washington Post, \u201c60 Minutes\u201d Investigation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requesting information on the impact of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act highlighted in a recent report from the Washington Post and \u201c60 Minutes.\u201d The letter was also signed by 32 other Senators.\r\n\u201cIn light of these reports and as Congress evaluates this law taking into account the nation\u2019s addiction epidemic, it is critical that we have all the information necessary to ensure the federal government is doing everything it can to help support our states and local communities in our collective fight against this epidemic,\u201d wrote the Senators in the letter. \u201cWe want to ensure the Drug Enforcement Administration and other related agencies have all of the tools necessary to fight this epidemic.\u201d\r\nCurrent law requires the DEA Administrator to submit a report to Congress identifying any residual issues with diversion efforts, including information on whether coordination between the industry and law enforcement has helped with diversion. This report is past-due and the Senators want HHS and the DEA to provide the information so they can determine how the best action to take to ensure the DEA has the tools it needs to fight the opioid epidemic.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tom Carper (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Al Franken (D-MN), Chris A. Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Kamala D. Harris (D-CA).\r\nRead the letter below or click here:\r\nDear Acting Secretary Hargan and Acting Administrator Patterson:\r\nThis weekend\u2019s Washington Post article entitled \u201cThe Drug Industry\u2019s Triumph Over the DEA\u201d and CBS\u2019s related 60 Minutes expose on the opioid epidemic have raised significant questions regarding the impact of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act (P.L. 114-145), which was signed into law in April of 2016. As members of Congress from states severely affected by the nation\u2019s addiction epidemic, we are concerned by these recent news reports and the issues they raise, and we write to request that you immediately provide Congress with an update on the law\u2019s impact on the war against addiction.\r\nIn light of these reports and as Congress evaluates this law taking into account the nation\u2019s addiction epidemic, it is critical that we have all the information necessary to ensure the federal government is doing everything it can to help support our states and local communities in our collective fight against this epidemic. We want to ensure the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other related agencies have all of the tools necessary to fight this epidemic, which is why we also request that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with DEA, immediately provide Congress with a status update on the Report to Congress required under Section 3 of the law.\r\nAs you are aware, Section 3 of P.L. 114-145 requires the Secretary of HHS, in coordination with the DEA Administrator and in consultation with other relevant executive offices, to submit a report to Congress identifying any residual issues with diversion of controlled substances. The law also requires the Administration\u2019s Report to Congress to include a section detailing \u201chow collaboration between Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and the pharmaceutical industry can benefit patients and prevent diversion and abuse of controlled substances,\u201d as well as a section with suggested \u201csteps to improve reporting requirements so that the public and Congress have more information regarding prescription opioids.\u201d\r\nThis report was due to Congress on April 16, 2017. As of October 16, 2017 \u2013 exactly 6 months past the deadline for this information \u2013 no such report has been submitted to the relevant congressional committees. As Congress revisits the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act and considers whether the DEA has all of the tools it needs to play an effective role in combatting this public health emergency, it is critical that we have the information necessary to evaluate this law.\r\nWe urge HHS to act swiftly to provide the relevant committees with an update on the impact of P.L. 114-145 and a report on any challenges in diversion control that may have been exacerbated by the law\u2019s passage by no later than October 30, 2017, as well as a complete Report to Congress as laid out in Section 3 of the law, as soon as possible.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-to-attend-woody-williams-ship-christening-", "MANCHIN TO ATTEND WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING", "2017-10-20", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 20, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN TO ATTEND WOODY WILLIAMS SHIP CHRISTENING  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today he will attend the ship christening of USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams (T-ESB4) in San Diego, California with Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams. This christening comes just 2 years after the announcement the Navy would name a ship after Woody.\r\n\u201cI am so honored that my friend Woody invited me to the christening of his ship \u2013 the USNS Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cMany years ago Woody\u2019s fellow Marines and friends started this effort and I was honored to be called on to help in any way I could. Ron Wroblewski and Woody\u2019s friends and family asked me to send a letter to Secretary Mabus recommending a Navy ship be named after Woody.\u00a0After sending the letter and working with Secretary Mabus, I was thrilled when the Navy announced they would name a ship after Woody a few months later. This ship christening is a lifelong tribute to Woody\u2019s brave actions and his dedication to public service and I was honored to play a part in helping a fellow Marion County boy receive the recognition he deserves.\u201d\r\nThe decision to name the USNS Hershel Woody Williams after Woody came after years of advocacy from West Virginia Veterans.\u00a0Senator Manchin sent a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recommending that a Navy ship be named after Woody Williams for his outstanding sacrifice and dedication to the nation. To read Senator Manchin\u2019s letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Mabus, click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-nearly-25m-for-west-virginia-communities-", "Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $25M for West Virginia Communities", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 19, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $25M for West Virginia Communities  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tResources will support community development efforts, help vulnerable individuals and those in need\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators\u00a0Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $24,922,939 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Funding will go towards state and local efforts to improve quality of life and support economic development in communities across the state. The resources will also help ensure the supply of affordable housing and support services for low-income and homeless families, and those impacted by HIV/AIDS.\r\n\u201cIn West Virginia we take care of our neighbors and in order for the state to prosper, it is crucial we help improve the wellbeing of all West Virginians,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cThis funding for quality of life improvement, economic development, affordable housing, homeless families and those impacted by HIV/AIDS, will help communities in all parts of our state grow. As your Senator and a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the resources our state needs to keep thriving.\u201d\r\n\u201cTaking care of our communities and neighbors starts at the local level,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis funding will enable our local leaders to implement strategies that enhance economic opportunity and improve the lives of West Virginians. As a United States Senator, I will continue to fight for resources like these that help strengthen West Virginia communities.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\nState of West Virginia: \r\n\r\n$12,288,766 through the Community Development Block (CDBG) Grants program.\r\n$3,533,696 through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).\r\n$3,000,000 through the Housing Trust Fund (HTF).\r\n$1,694,366 through the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program.\r\n$400,540 through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Huntington\r\n\r\n$1,596,066 through the Community Development Block Grants program.\r\n$511,948 through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.\r\n$140,173 through the Emergency Solutions Grants program.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Parkersburg \r\n\r\n$757,064 through the Community Development Block Grants program.\r\n$242,510 through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Weirton \r\n\r\n$375,660 through the Community Development Block Grants program.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Beckley\r\n\r\n$289,351 through the Community Development Block Grants program.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Vienna\r\n\r\n$92,799 through the Community Development Block Grants program.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-current-budget-and-tax-reform-proposal-do-not-reflect-my-conversations-with-president-trump", "MANCHIN: CURRENT BUDGET AND TAX REFORM PROPOSAL DO NOT REFLECT MY CONVERSATIONS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 19, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN: CURRENT BUDGET AND TAX REFORM PROPOSAL DO NOT REFLECT MY CONVERSATIONS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement after voting against the budget resolution that passed the Senate.\u00a0The budget passed 51-49.\r\n\u201cToday I voted against a budget proposal that would cut $472 billion cut from Medicare and would increase the deficit by $1.5 trillion. I\u2019m embarrassed that this body voted to saddle our children with more debt while slashing funding for a program that is crucially important to West Virginia\u2019s seniors. This budget also paves the way for Senate Republicans to pass tax reform without any bipartisan input with a simple 51-vote majority. In my conversations with President Trump we have discussed our shared goal of ensuring any tax reform package passes with both Republican and Democratic votes and focuses on providing tax relief for working Americans. The current tax reform proposal is the work of Senator McConnell and does not reflect my conversations with the President. I fear that passage of this budget today will make it difficult to pass bipartisan tax reform in the coming weeks. I urge my Republicans colleagues to listen to the President and work with me to pass long-term bipartisan tax reform. In spite of this flawed budget, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to simplify the tax code and give tax cuts to all working people and families in West Virginia.\u201d\r\nBelow is a list of effects on West Virginia:\r\n \r\nThe budget contains $5 trillion of unspecified cuts that could devastate programs essential to West Virginians. Under the proposed 2018 Republican budget, West Virginians could see a reduction in services:\r\n\r\n$472.9 billion cut to Medicare over the next 10 years that would jeopardize the more than 425,000 West Virginia seniors who rely on Medicare.\u00a0\r\nWest Virginia received $28,872,302 in funding for heating assistance programs in 2016 compared to $43,362,931 in 2010. \u00a0From FY 2010 to FY2015, West Virginia experienced 33% reduction in LIHEAP receipts, and it is estimated that 64% of eligible households in the state are not served due to funding decreases.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nIn 2015, West Virginia received $41,327,335 in WIC benefits. Those funds served 4,334 pregnant women, 10,765 infants and 20,945 children with a coverage rate of 72.6% of those eligible.\u00a0\r\nWest Virginia received $65,259,418 in 2016 for Head Start and Early Head Start. This impact 8,078 children and their families.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nOutside of the cuts to services, important agencies and programs that serve West Virginians would see cuts or be totally eliminated:\r\n\r\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission could be completely eliminated. ARC works on development projects like building rail links, expanding airports, and funding local health departments.\r\nCuts to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, would result in cuts to flights at the Beckley, Clarksburg Greenbrier, Morgantown and Parkersburg airports.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nFor West Virginia partisan Tax Reform means tax cuts for the top 1%, while failing to assist middle- to low-income families.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-resolution-to-recognize-wereth-11-and-west-virginia-soldier-from-piedmont", "SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE WERETH 11 & WEST VIRGINIA SOLDIER FROM PIEDMONT", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 19, 2017\n\t\t\t SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE WERETH 11 & WEST VIRGINIA SOLDIER FROM PIEDMONT \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 This week, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution authored by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) recognizing the 11 African-American soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion who were massacred in Wereth, Belgium during the Battle of tahe Bulge in December 1944. Piedmont native, James \u2018Aubrey\u2019 Stewart, was a member of the \u201cWereth 11.\u201d\r\n\u201cThese soldiers were tortured by Nazi troops, yet they stood brave in the face of evil.\u00a0 They made the ultimate sacrifice and this recognition is long overdue,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI am proud that James \u2018Aubrey\u2019 Stewart is a West Virginian and honored that we can now ensure his legacy and the legacy of the entire unit are never forgotten.\u00a0 There\u2019s a road in Piedmont that is named in honor of Technical Sergeant Aubrey Stewart, and now his service and sacrifice are finally receiving the national attention he deserves.\u00a0Aubrey\u2019s story is like so many West Virginia Veterans; he led a life of selfless service and patriotism.\u00a0Growing up in the small town of Piedmont, he was the first African American to be hired at the paper mill.\u00a0He worked at the mill for 18 years, but at the age of 36 was too old to be drafted into World War II.\u00a0So, he volunteered for the war and found himself on the front lines. His last letter home on December 7, 1944 showed more concern for his family to have a good Christmas than for his personal safety.\u00a0Aubrey\u2019s patriotism, service and bravery show a grateful nation not only what West Virginians are made of, but what it means to be a hero.\u201d\r\nIn 2013, Mr. Kip Price, who was raised in Piedmont and a friend of Aubrey Stewart\u2019s family, but is now a resident of Fairmont, took the initiative in support of a resolution to be passed by both chambers of the United States Congress in memorialization of the \u201cWereth 11.\u201d Mr. Price, a retiree from the Monongahela Power Company, has been a longtime advocate for Veteran recognition.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI talked to Senator Manchin yesterday and was so excited to learn the resolution has passed the Senate,\u201d Price said. \u201cIt\u2019s been many years for these men to get the recognition and honor they deserve. It\u2019s going to correct history. I can\u2019t thank Senator Manchin enough.\u00a0 I look forward to joining Senator Manchin and many friends in Mineral County in the coming weeks to commemorate Aubrey and this milestone.\u00a0 I would also urge anyone who wants to learn more about Aubrey and these fine men to watch the movie \u2018The Wereth 11.\u2019\u201d\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-announce-more-than-121000-for-rural-development-projects-", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $121,000 FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 18, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $121,000 FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $121,575 in grant funding from the US Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Community Facilities Grants. This funding will be used to assist in the development of renewable energy systems and to provide rural law enforcement equipment for use in their operations.\r\n\u201cRural West Virginia is home to an immense amount of natural beauty and an abundance of natural resources,\u201d said Senator Manchin. \u201cThese grants will ensure West Virginians in the region, both private and public sector, are adequately equipped to meet the economic and safety demands required to keep rural West Virginia prosperous.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs a United States Senator, I have fought for resources that promote economic development and strengthen West Virginia communities,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis funding will support small business, and allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to purchase vital equipment.\u201d\r\n\r\nREAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agriculture producers and rural small businesses. Eligible businesses must exist in a rural area and gain 50% of their gross income from agricultural operations. Rural Business Development Grants provide technical assistance and training to small and emerging private, rural businesses. Eligible businesses employ 50 or fewer employees and have less than $1 million in grow revenue.\r\nCommunity Facility Grants provide affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible areas are cities, villages, townships and towns with no more than 20,000 residents.\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n$50,000 \u2013 To the Princeton Rescue Squad to purchase a SimMan 3G Mannequin and accessories.\r\n$49,975 \u2013 To the Big Timber Brewing Company, LLC to assist in developing a renewable energy system on their operation. This includes the installation of solar panels. The total amount of renewable energy to be generated could provide electricity for up to 9 homes annually.\r\n$21,600 \u2013 To the Town of Moorefield to purchase a 2017 Ford Explorer Police Vehicle, through State bid with essential emergency equipment, lighting, partitions, lettering also being installed by a local provider.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-and-capito-urge-opioid-commission-include-legacy-act-in-final-report", "MANCHIN AND CAPITO URGE OPIOID COMMISSION INCLUDE LEGACY ACT IN FINAL REPORT", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 18, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN AND CAPITO URGE OPIOID COMMISSION INCLUDE LEGACY ACT IN FINAL REPORT \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today sent a letter to Governor Chris Christie and The Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis urging them to include The Legacy Act in their final report. The Protecting Jessie Grubb\u2019s Legacy Act (Legacy Act) will give healthcare providers access to their patient\u2019s entire medical history, which will allow them to provide the appropriate care.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe Senators said in part:\u00a0\u201cWe were particularly pleased to see that the interim report included a recommendation to 'better align patient privacy laws specific to addiction with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure that information about SUDs be made available to medical professionals treating and prescribing medication to a patient.' Known in legal jargon as 42 CFR Part 2, this regulation has acted as a barrier to communication between healthcare providers serving individuals with substance use disorders and has created silos of medical care, which can compromise both the quality of care and patient safety. Most seriously, it can lead to increased risk of overdose death. That is why we strongly agree with your recommendation to update this regulation and have introduced the Protecting Jessica Grubb\u2019s Legacy Act (S. 1850) to do just that.\u201d\r\nRead full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Governor Christie and Members of the Commission,\r\nAs you know, we lost more than 33,000 Americans to opioid overdoses in 2015 alone and early estimates indicate that that number was even higher in 2016. Our state of West Virginia has been the hardest hit state in the country: in 2016, we lost more than 700 West Virginians to an opioid overdose. This epidemic has devastated our communities and torn families apart. That is why it is so important that we all work together to take steps to end this crisis.\r\nGiven the deadly impact of this epidemic, we were pleased to see many commonsense recommendations included in the Commission\u2019s Interim Report. We were particularly pleased to see that the interim report included a recommendation to \u201cbetter align patient privacy laws specific to addiction with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure that information about SUDs be made available to medical professionals treating and prescribing medication to a patient.\u201d Known in legal jargon as 42 CFR Part 2, this regulation has acted as a barrier to communication between healthcare providers serving individuals with substance use disorders and has created silos of medical care, which can compromise both the quality of care and patient safety. Most seriously, it can lead to increased risk of overdose death. That is why we strongly agree with your recommendation to update this regulation and have introduced the Protecting Jessica Grubb\u2019s Legacy Act (S. 1850) to do just that.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe Legacy Act is written in honor of a young woman with great potential that we lost in 2016 named Jessica Grubb. Jessie was a great student, a loving daughter and sister, and an avid runner. She was also recovering from an opioid addiction. Unfortunately, following a surgery, she was sent home from the hospital with a prescription for 50 oxycodone pills despite having informed her medical team that she was in recovery because the discharging physician did not have that information. That night, Jessie passed away in her sleep from an opioid overdose. The temptation was too great for her, as it would be for so many recovering addicts. Her death was tragic, but preventable. In fact, it may have been prevented if her treatment records had been integrated into her medical records.\r\nWe urge you \u2013 in honor of Jessica Grubb and everyone who has worked so hard to achieve recovery \u2013 to include this recommendation in your final report and to work with us to make this critical change a reality.\r\nAgain, thank you for the work that you are doing to raise awareness and to promote commonsense solutions to address this deadly epidemic. Too many people in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to opioids and we must do everything in our power to help them. We look forward to continuing to work with you.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/10/17/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending October 13, 2017 estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 15.1 million short tons. This production estimate is 1.3% higher than last week\u2019s estimate and 3.6% higher than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report below or click here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-bipartisan-healthcare-deal-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN HEALTHCARE DEAL", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN HEALTHCARE DEAL  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the bipartisan Affordable Care Act (ACA) deal struck by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA).\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that Senator Alexander and Senator Murray reached a bipartisan deal to begin fixing the ACA. After months squandered on a partisan approach to repealing Obamacare, both sides of the aisle have finally come together on viable fixes to stabilize our current healthcare system to make sure the cost-sharing reduction subsidies are paid and increase flexibility for states. These important steps will help reduce healthcare costs for West Virginia families, and this agreement shows what is possible when we put people before politics. I am hopeful we can get this bipartisan fix over the finish line, and I am also hopeful we will follow this approach on other important issues like tax reform. I look forward to reviewing the bill in greater detail and working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to fix the problems with ACA and improve the healthcare system in our country.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-votes-no-on-budget-", "MANCHIN VOTES NO ON BUDGET", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN VOTES NO ON BUDGET  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on his vote against the motion to proceed to the budget resolution.\r\n\u201cThe budget I voted against today will cut Medicare by $472 billion while increasing the deficit by $1.5 trillion. It is unconscionable that we would saddle our children with even more debt, while cutting funds vital to West Virginia\u2019s seniors. Passing this budget on a strict party line vote will prevent us from passing tax reform that will benefit the middle class. West Virginians elected me to represent their interests in the Senate, and passing the budget and tax reform this way effectively silences West Virginia\u2019s voice. A balanced, responsible budget is essential to our state\u2019s success and it should be negotiated in a bipartisan, inclusive way.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDuring my time in the Senate, I have insisted that we pass sensible budgets that take a balanced approach to reducing our national debt and protecting the programs many West Virginians depend on every day. I have also insisted that we operate within the rules the Founders intended \u2013 working together in a bipartisan way to do what\u2019s right for our country. This budget fails both tests.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-announces-legislative-repeal-for-2016-law-preventing-aggressive-dea-enforcement-of-opioid-distributors-and-manufacturers", "MANCHIN ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE REPEAL FOR 2016 LAW PREVENTING AGGRESSIVE DEA ENFORCEMENT OF OPIOID DISTRIBUTORS AND MANUFACTURERS", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE REPEAL FOR 2016 LAW PREVENTING AGGRESSIVE DEA ENFORCEMENT OF OPIOID DISTRIBUTORS AND MANUFACTURERS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced legislation repealing the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016 after the Washington Post report indicated that the legislation has dramatically restricted the ability of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to crack down on opioid distributors and manufacturers suspected of wrongdoing.\r\n\u201cI am horrified by how harmful this bill has been for our efforts to effectively fight the opioid epidemic and now it\u2019s time to make it right,\u201d Senator Manchin. \u201cI introduced legislation to repeal this horrible bill and reinstate the DEA\u2019s ability to stop opioid distributors and manufacturers who are endangering the American people. The DEA is one of our first lines of defense against this all-consuming disease. West Virginia\u2019s families and communities deserve a DEA that will protect them, not pharmaceutical companies.\u201d\r\nThe 2016 bill purported to \u201cimprove enforcement efforts related to prescription drug diversion and abuse\u201d by altering DEA procedures for revoking or suspending registrations for opioid distributors under the Controlled Substances Act. However, the effect of these changes, according to reports, has been to significantly curtail the ability of DEA to bring enforcement actions against drug distributors and manufacturers.\r\nManchin also sent a letter to the White House demanding that Rep. Tom Marino\u2019s nomination be pulled from consideration to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. He urged swift action in response to the Washington Post article outlining Rep. Marino\u2019s involvement in passing a bill weakening the Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s (DEA)\u00a0authority to stop companies from distributing opioids.\r\nTo read the letter Senator Manchin sent to the White House click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-calls-for-white-house-to-withdraw-rep-marino-nomination-to-lead-national-drug-control-policy-office-", "MANCHIN CALLS FOR WHITE HOUSE TO WITHDRAW REP. MARINO NOMINATION TO LEAD NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY OFFICE", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN CALLS FOR WHITE HOUSE TO WITHDRAW REP. MARINO NOMINATION TO LEAD NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY OFFICE  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter to the White House demanding that Rep. Tom Marino\u2019s nomination be pulled from consideration to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Senator Manchin urged swift action in response to the Washington Post article outlining Rep. Marino\u2019s involvement in passing a bill weakening the Drug Enforcement Agency\u2019s (DEA) authority to stop companies from distributing opioids.\r\n\u201cI was horrified when I read the Washington Post piece and cannot believe the last administration did not sound the alarm on how harmful that bill would be for our efforts to effectively fight the opioid epidemic,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cWe are sent here by the people to represent them, to protect their interests and to improve their lives and create opportunities for everyone. That is why I am demanding the White House to pull Rep. Marino\u2019s nomination from consideration. During the biggest public health crisis since HIV/AIDS, we need someone leading the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy who believes we must protect our people, not the pharmaceutical industry.\u201d\u00a0\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full letter below:\r\nDear Mr. President,\r\nAs you know, our nation is being devastated by the opioid epidemic. In 2015, we lost more than 33,000 Americans to opioid overdoses and early estimates indicate that that number was significantly higher in 2016. No state in the nation has been harder hit than mine. I have seen this epidemic destroy families and communities throughout West Virginia. In 2016 alone, we lost more than 700 West Virginians to an opioid overdose. That is why it is so important that we work together and do everything in our power to end this crisis.\r\nThat is also why I urge you to withdraw the nomination of Congressman Tom Marino to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). ONDCP is at the forefront of our national effort to stop opioid abuse, administering crucial programs like the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) and the Drug Free Communities Program. The head of this office, often called America\u2019s Drug Czar, is a key voice in helping to push and implement strategies to prevent drug abuse, stop drug trafficking, and promote access to substance use disorder treatment. The October 15, 2017 report in the Washington Post, \u201cThe Drug Industry\u2019s Triumph over the DEA,\u201d however, calls into question Congressman Marino\u2019s ability to fill this critical role in a manner that will serve the American people and end the epidemic. Congressman Marino no longer has my trust or that of the public that he will aggressively pursue the fight against opioid abuse.\r\nCongressman Marino led the effort in Congress to move through a bill that has made it significantly harder for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to enforce our nation\u2019s anti-drug diversion laws. For years, wholesale drug distributors were sending millions of pills into small communities \u2013 far more than was reasonably medically necessary. As the report notes, one such company shipped 20 million doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone to pharmacies in West Virginia between 2007 and 2012. This included 11 million doses in one small county with only 25,000 people in the southern part of the state: Mingo County. As the number of pills in my state increased, so did the death toll in our communities, including Mingo County.\r\nDespite these devastating numbers and the human lives lost as a result, the legislation that Congressman Marino pushed has tied the hands of the DEA in their efforts to enforce our nation\u2019s laws and ensure that these wholesalers and other industry actors alert authorities to these suspicious orders instead of simply profiting from them. His advocacy for this legislation demonstrates that Congressman Marino either does not fully understand the scope and devastation of this epidemic or ties to industry overrode those concerns. Either option leaves him unfit to serve as the head of the ONDCP.\r\nI am grateful for the work that you have been doing to raise awareness and to promote solutions to address this deadly epidemic. Too many in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to opioids and we need to be doing everything humanly possible to help them. That includes having an ONCDP head who is willing to take any steps necessary to stop this crisis, and that is why, again, I urge you to withdraw Congressman Marino\u2019s nomination to serve as the head of ONDCP.\r\nI look forward to continuing to work with you to end the opioid epidemic.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-announce-funding-to-improve-safety-health-of-west-virginians", "Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Improve Safety, Health of West Virginians", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 16, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Improve Safety, Health of West Virginians \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Resources will help law enforcement, senior citizens\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $125,700 for West Virginia communities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Funding will be used to purchase vehicles and equipment for law enforcement and exercise equipment for senior citizens.\r\n\u201cThese investments in West Virginia\u2019s law enforcement officials are an important part of keeping our communities protected,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see these communities receive the resources they need to do their job safely and effectively.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese federal investments in West Virginia will help improve efforts to keep our communities safe and enable our seniors to stay active and healthy,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cI will continue to fight for programs that support a high quality of life for all West Virginians.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\n$50,000 \u2013 City of Bluefield: Funding will go towards the purchase of six new police vehicles for the city\u2019s police department.\r\n \r\n \r\n$31,500 \u2013 Hardy County Commission: Funding will go towards the purchase of two Ford Police Interceptor SUVs with all necessary equipment.\r\n \r\n \r\n$24,500 \u2013 Summers County Commission: Funding will go towards replacing sheriff\u2019s office vehicles.\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n$13,700 \u2013 Hardy County Commission on Aging: Funding will go towards the purchase of exercise equipment to improve preventative care.\r\n \r\n \r\n$6,000 \u2013 Town of Iaeger: Funding will go towards the purchase of equipment for the town\u2019s police department, including printers, laptops, cameras, bullet proof vests, armor and upgraded vehicle equipment.\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-call-for-senate-action-to-renew-career-and-technical-education", "Manchin, Capito Call for Senate Action to Renew Career and Technical Education", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Call for Senate Action to Renew Career and Technical Education \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators call for reauthorization of Perkins program to help prepare  West Virginia students and workers for good-paying jobs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) yesterday joined a bipartisan group of 57 other senators in calling on Senate leaders to renew the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which provides funding for critical career and technical education.\r\n\u201cIt is crucial that the Senate work in a bipartisan effort to help our nation\u2019s students acquire the skills needed to be successful in today\u2019s work environment,\u201d the senators wrote in a letter to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) of the. \u201cEmployers are reporting a shortage of skilled workers to fill in-demand positions. Modernized and relevant career and technical education (CTE) programs, designed with the input of employers and responsive to the needs identified by labor market data, are central to overcoming this skills gap.\u201d\r\nIn reauthorizing the Perkins Act, which expired on September 30, the bipartisan group of senators\u2014led by Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.)\u2014are calling for the HELP Committee to focus on: aligning programs to regional labor market needs; supporting collaborations between schools and employers; increasing work-based learning opportunities; and promoting the use of industry recognized credentials. The U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the program earlier this year in a bipartisan vote.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below, and a PDF is available here.\r\nDear Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray:\r\nWe urge that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions take action on reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act as soon as possible during the 115th Congress. It is crucial that the Senate work in a bipartisan effort to help our nation\u2019s students acquire the skills needed to be successful in today\u2019s work environment.\r\nEmployers are reporting a shortage of skilled workers to fill in-demand positions. Modernized and relevant career and technical education (CTE) programs, designed with the input of employers and responsive to the needs identified by labor market data, are central to overcoming this skills gap.\r\nNew legislation should focus on areas where improvements can be made to current law, such as:\r\n \r\nAlign CTE programs to the needs of the regional, state, and local labor market;\r\nSupport effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions and employers;\r\nIncrease student participation in work-based learning opportunities; and\r\nPromote the use of industry recognized credentials and other recognized postsecondary credentials.\r\n \r\nThese improvements will more effectively spend federal dollars to help our nation\u2019s students acquire the skills that they need and employers are demanding. We urge you to move forward with reauthorization of Perkins Career and Technical Education and hope to continue a bipartisan commitment to invest in our nation\u2019s students, workers and economy through the Perkins CTE program.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-joins-capital-high-school-for-opening-of-jrotc-challenge-course", "MANCHIN JOINS CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR OPENING OF JROTC CHALLENGE COURSE", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN JOINS CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR OPENING OF JROTC CHALLENGE COURSE \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today joined Brigadier General Harrison B. Gilliam of the West Virginia National Guard and representatives of Capital High School for the grand opening of the school\u2019s new JROTC challenge course. Senator Manchin met with leaders of Capital High\u2019s Cougar Battalion last year who were working on making the course a reality. He connected them with the West Virginia National Guard, which offered to take the lead on constructing the new obstacle course.\r\n\u201cThe mission of the U.S. Army JROTC is, \u2018to motivate young people to become better citizens.\u2019 I know that mission is carried out proudly here at Capital High School, and this new challenge course is where our young people will hone their skills, challenge themselves and one another, and become stronger as individuals and as team members,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cHere in West Virginia, we are patriotic in the truest sense. We have more Veterans per capita than most states. Our tradition of service clearly carries on in the hearts of these young cadets. I\u2019m so proud to join them for the opening of this course \u2013 the beginning of a new source of confidence for the proud Cougar Battalion.\u201d\r\nCapital High School\u2019s JROTC program is led by Senior Army Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Owens and Army Instructor First Sergeant Robert Riley, who said the project started as an idea four years ago among cadets in the program. The challenge course, which has received support from several sponsors in the Charleston community and JROTC parents, features 18 obstacles that include a tire run, vaults, a belly crawl, and an inclined wall.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a dream come true,\u201d First Sergeant Riley said. \u201cI hope it will help our cadets overcome obstacles throughout their lives.\u201d\r\nFirst Sergeant Riley said Capital High School and the challenge course will host next year\u2019s Raider Competition, where JROTC teams from across West Virginia will compete for a state-level championship.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-announces-more-than-8-million-in-economic-development-grants-for-west-virginia", "MANCHIN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 11, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR WEST VIRGINIA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced $8,335,145 in funding from Economic Development Administration (EDA) to assist in economic development projects in Mingo, Braxton, Randolph, Kanawha, Monongalia, Marion, Hancock and Mercer Counties. The grants are estimated to impact 1,289 jobs and leverage $75,750,000 in private investments.\r\n\u201cThe West Virginian economy is dependent on the availability and access to jobs at all skill-levels, and it\u2019s important to make sure all West Virginians have access to quality job opportunities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis federal investment will support job creation, technology and educational opportunities in our state and I look forward to seeing the positive impact in our economy, businesses and workforce.\u201d\r\nIndividual Awards Listed Below:\r\n$2,500,000 \u2013 Randolph County Development Authority: to fund the expansion of an existing manufacturing plant in Randolph County, West Virginia.\u00a0 The plant is one of the county\u2019s largest employers and requires additional space to accommodate its growing manufacturing needs.\u00a0 Completion of the project will support the development and growth of the innovation cluster, create and retain jobs and promote initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the region.\r\n$1,478,100 \u2013 Flatwoods Canoe Run Public Service District: to support the replacement and extension of a water line and related infrastructure in Braxton County, West Virginia devastated by the downturn in the coal industry.\u00a0 The completion of this project will provide adequate water supply to local businesses in the area especially during an emergency, help retain jobs, attract new businesses to the area and promote initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the region.\r\n$1,392,480 \u2013 Mingo County Redevelopment Authority and Mingo County Public Service District: to fund construction of a waterline to provide water services to the new Twisted Gun Gap development and the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in Mingo County, West Virginia.\u00a0 Once completed, the project will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the region\u2019s tourism cluster and for attracting new commercial and industrial development and job creation to the area.\u00a0 This investment will provide economic stability, diversification and strengthen the local economy.\u00a0\r\n$767,442 \u2013 Pierpont Community and Technical College: to fund the purchase of training equipment and provide staffing to support the expansion of the Aviation Program, at the Robert C. Byrd Aerospace Center, operated by the Pierpont Community and Technical College in Marion County, West Virginia.\u00a0 Completion of the project will increase staff and upgrade the equipment to current industry standards to double the graduating classes from the college and provide highly-skilled workers to the recently announced Bombardier expansion project.\u00a0 This investment will provide economic diversification, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.\r\n$750,000 \u2013 Center for Applied Research and Technology: to fund technical assistance to the new Bluefield Commercialization Station in Mercer County, West Virginia.\u00a0 This investment will provide high-tech industrial technical services and an incubator that will foster new business creation in the region.\u00a0 In addition, the funds will help to expand the production line of existing businesses, diversify the local economy, and create and retain jobs.\r\n$747,123 \u2013 West Virginia University: to fund the development of the West Virginia University LaunchLab Network to facilitate small business development and foster economic growth in Morgantown, West Virginia.\u00a0 The LaunchLab will provide students, local residents and small business owners with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and products that are not available in the traditional curriculum.\r\n$400,000 \u2013 WV Coalition for Technology Based Economic Development: to support new programs to assist with the development of high-tech positions in the West Virginia region.\u00a0 The Tech Assist program will provide next-stage development guidance to a network of entrepreneurs and new businesses in the area.\u00a0 This investment will provide needed economic stability, development of high-tech positions and companies through a coordinated approach of services by the existing incubator/accelerator system, and the development of a larger regional private investment consortium that will ensure business and job sustainability into the future.\r\n$300,000 \u2013 Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle: to fund the creation of a Weirton Area Reuse Plan for repurposing, redeveloping, upgrading infrastructure, and attracting new investment to a former steel facility and underutilized industrial land in Hancock County, West Virginia.\u00a0 This reuse plan will provide strategic recommendations for pursuing manufacturing, infrastructure improvements and community revitalization initiatives to support the transformation of Weirton and the Northern Panhandle region.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-opens-recovery-point-parkersburg-", "MANCHIN OPENS RECOVERY POINT PARKERSBURG", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 11, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN OPENS RECOVERY POINT PARKERSBURG  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tParkersburg, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today joined the Wood County community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Recovery Point Parkersburg, a $1.78 million residential recovery program that will help those battling substance abuse. The 85-bed facility is the newest location for Recovery Point West Virginia, a nonprofit that offers recovery services at no cost to people across the state.\r\n\u201cRecovery Point is helping West Virginians achieve health and independence across our home state, and now Parkersburg is the latest community to be added to its network of recovery facilities,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cI\u2019d like to thank Matt Boggs and everyone with Recovery Point for their strong dedication to healing and new beginnings in West Virginia. This new facility will give hope and help to families in this region, and it gives optimism and inspiration to our entire state.\u201d\r\nThe Parkersburg program will provide men suffering from addiction with a long-term residential recovery opportunity, as well as the tools they need to remain committed to their recovery and transition successfully back into the community. Approximately 68 percent of Recovery Point graduates maintain recovery for at least one year after they complete the program.\r\nFunding for the Recovery Point Parkersburg facility was provided by the West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (WVBHHF), FHLBank Pittsburgh through local partner United Bank, The Bernard McDonough Foundation, and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. Funding to support the new program is provided by the WVBHHF and The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/10/10/2017/manchin-releases-weekly-energy-report-", "MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN RELEASES WEEKLY ENERGY REPORT  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending October 6, 2017 estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 15.3 million short tons. This production estimate is 4.4% higher than last week\u2019s estimate and 2.7% higher than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016.\r\nRead Senator Manchin\u2019s full report below or click here. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-applauds-cms-for-expanding-medicaid-coverage-for-substance-abuse-treatment-in-west-virginia-", "MANCHIN APPLAUDS CMS FOR EXPANDING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN APPLAUDS CMS FOR EXPANDING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) decision to expand Medicaid coverage of substance abuse treatment, including inpatient treatment at large residential facilities in West Virginia.\r\n\u201cAn important part of ending the opioid epidemic is making sure that people struggling with opioid abuse have access to substance abuse treatment. That\u2019s why I am thrilled CMS has approved West Virginia\u2019s waiver to expand Medicaid coverage, including increasing access to inpatient treatment and peer support services,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThis change has bipartisan support and that is why I was pleased to join my colleagues in May in introducing the Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act, which would make this change legislatively. We need a long term treatment solution and this change will be a part of that.\u201d\r\nThe\u00a0Medicaid CARE Act\u00a0would increase access to addiction treatment services by updating the Medicaid Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion, an outdated policy that limits Medicaid coverage for substance abuse treatment to facilities with fewer than 16 beds. The\u00a0Medicaid CARE Act\u00a0would lift this barrier by expanding Medicaid coverage to pay for up to 40 treatment beds at larger substance abuse treatment facilities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-joins-us-secretary-of-labor-acosta-for-mine-safety-tour-", "MANCHIN JOINS U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA FOR MINE SAFETY TOUR", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN JOINS U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA FOR MINE SAFETY TOUR  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta for a mine safety tour of ICG Beckley, LLC\u2019s Pocahontas Beckley Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Officials from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which is an agency overseen by the Secretary of Labor, also participated in the mine safety tour.\r\nFollowing a ride in a mantrip that transported the group underground, Secretary Acosta and the Senators observed first-hand the operation\u2019s continuous mining machine, which employs a large rotating steel drum equipped with teeth to extract coal from the seam. Installed on the continuous mining machine is a proximity detection system, which can detect the presence of personnel or equipment and avert pinning or crushing accidents.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that Secretary Acosta accepted my invitation to visit West Virginia and we got the chance to tour the ICG Beckley, LLC Pocahontas Beckley Mine in Raleigh County today,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cSeeing first-hand the operation of a mine, the environment in which our miners work, and the skill it takes to operate sophisticated machinery underground,\u00a0changes your perspective on the health and safety of these miners and how dangerous this profession really is. I look forward to working with him to make sure that every miner gets to return home safely to their family at the end of the day.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cTouring a West Virginia coal mine with Senators Manchin and Capito gives me a first-hand appreciation for the dedication of the men and women who work in the more than 13,000 mines around the country,\u201d said Secretary Acosta. \u201cThrough their hard work, America\u2019s miners fuel our modern-day life. The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that all miners work in a safe and healthy work environment.\u201d\r\nPocahontas Beckley Mine employs about 170 people, and in 2016, produced 982,725 tons of coal. ICG Beckley, LLC is a subsidiary of Arch Coal, Inc.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-first-ladys-visit-to-west-virginia-", "MANCHIN STATEMENT ON FIRST LADYS VISIT TO WEST VIRGINIA", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN STATEMENT ON FIRST LADY\u2019S VISIT TO WEST VIRGINIA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement today regarding First Lady Melania Trump\u2019s visit to West Virginia to tour Huntington\u2019s Lily\u2019s Place, a facility that provides short-term medical care to babies born addicted to drugs.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased the First Lady has come to West Virginia to bring national attention to the front-line of the opioid epidemic and to learn first-hand about the impacts the opioid epidemic is having on children in Huntington and across our state,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cThe work Lily\u2019s Place does is crucial to helping our communities and families overcome opioid addiction and I will continue to support the work they do. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump, the First Lady and with the Opioid Commission to find an end to this horrible crisis.\u201d\r\nLily\u2019s Place provides treatment for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a syndrome that occurs after birth in infants suffering from opioid withdrawals. West Virginia has the highest rate of NAS in the country, and Lily\u2019s Place handles overflow from hospitals in the Huntington area.\u00a0 The non-profit is also the first clinic to provide counseling and treatment\u00a0to parents.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-applauds-epa-decision-to-roll-back-clean-power-plan-", "MANCHIN APPLAUDS EPA DECISION TO ROLL BACK CLEAN POWER PLAN", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 09, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN APPLAUDS EPA DECISION TO ROLL BACK CLEAN POWER PLAN  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt\u2019s announcement that he will sign a proposed rule to roll back the Clean Power Plan.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am pleased that the EPA, Administrator Pruitt and President Trump are pursuing an all-of-the-above energy policy that acknowledges and respects the role coal will play in our energy portfolio. For eight years, the misguided Obama-era policies attacked coal and our hard-working coal miners.\r\n\u201cWest Virginia and the United States should lead the global clean-energy economy and with an administration working as a partner, instead of an opponent, we are poised to do just that.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-brings-free-black-lung-screenings-to-matewan-and-oceana", "MANCHIN BRINGS FREE BLACK LUNG SCREENINGS TO MATEWAN AND OCEANA", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 06, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN BRINGS FREE BLACK LUNG SCREENINGS TO MATEWAN AND OCEANA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCharleston, W.Va. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced that NIOSH\u2019s Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Units will be set up in Matewan and Oceana, providing free black lung exams, from Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 20. Senator Manchin visited with coal miners in Matewan and Oceana earlier this year, and he promised then to work with NIOSH to bring the mobile clinics to them.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank NIOSH for accepting my invitation to provide these free screenings, and I encourage miners \u2013 working or retired \u2013 to come out for an appointment,\u201d Senator Manchin said.\r\nThe clinics will be set up from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. Miners are urged to call 1-888-480-4042 to make an appointment. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows. According to NIOSH, the exam typically takes 30 minutes and includes a short questionnaire, blood pressure screening, a chest x-ray, and a breathing test. Participation is free and the results are confidential.\r\nSenator Manchin\u2019s staff will also be holding mobile office hours at the following times, if miners or their families need any assistance with their cases:\r\nSENATOR MANCHIN\u2019S MOBILE OFFICE HOURS AT NIOSH BLACK LUNG UNITS\r\nWhen: Monday, October 16 & Tuesday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.\r\nWhere: Matewan UMWA Building, 329 Mate Street, Matewan\r\nWhat: Regional Coordinator, Mike Browning, will be on site to assist constituents.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhen: Monday, October 16 & Tuesday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.\r\nWhere: Oceana UMWA Building, 1726 Cook Parkway, Oceana\r\nWhat: Regional Coordinator, Brian Aluise, will be on site to assist constituents.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-statement-on-west-virginia-manufacturers-visiting-with-donald-trump-", "Manchin Statement on West Virginia Manufacturers Visiting with Donald Trump", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 06, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Statement on West Virginia Manufacturers Visiting with Donald Trump  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on West Virginia manufacturers visiting with President Trump at the White House to discuss tax reform.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the West Virginia manufacturers that joined President Trump at the White House today to talk about the need for comprehensive tax reform. I\u2019ve always said that West Virginia has the most dedicated workforce and that when given a fair shake, we can compete with anyone. Manufacturing is the backbone of our country and I\u2019d like to recognize every hardworking West Virginian working in the industry. I will continue working with President Trump on a tax code that benefits West Virginia\u2019s working families, small businesses and those looking to take advantage of the business opportunities available in our great state.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-urges-secretary-ross-to-provide-relief-to-american-steel-companies-", "MANCHIN URGES SECRETARY ROSS TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO AMERICAN STEEL COMPANIES", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 06, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN URGES SECRETARY ROSS TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO AMERICAN STEEL COMPANIES  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross asking for information about the ongoing investigation into the impact of steel and aluminum imports on our national security.\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: \u201cIn the months since the investigations began, steel imports have only increased as foreign suppliers have rushed to dump additional product onto the American market in anticipation of the investigation\u2019s conclusion.\u00a0 This state of affairs is hurting American workers and companies, who cannot be asked to continue bearing the cost of inaction here.\u00a0 I urge the administration to bring these investigations to a close and provide a meaningful remedy to protect our nation\u2019s steel and aluminum industries from such egregious dumping practices.\u201d\r\nThe United States needs to maintain reliable domestic sources of steel and aluminum to outfit our military and safeguard our national security. This need will continue as long as ships, tanks, and aircraft remain critical components of our military operations.\u00a0 Steel and aluminum are also major components of our airport infrastructure, water sewage systems, seaports, and energy infrastructure, all of which facilitate our ability to defend our homeland in the event of armed conflict.\u00a0 Allowing dumped steel and aluminum from foreign nations exacerbates our reliance on imports and places our nation at the mercy of suppliers from potentially hostile foreign states.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Secretary Ross:\r\nI commend you for your role in the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to self-initiate an investigation into the impact of steel and aluminum imports on our national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.\u00a0 I write now to inquire into the status of these investigations and urge their prompt conclusion.\r\n\u00a0Steel and aluminum are bedrock components of our military operations, and American steel and aluminum suppliers have played a critical role in providing our Armed Forces with the materials they need for their ships, tanks, and aircraft, and steel even forms a major component of our energy infrastructure.\r\nOur national security requires that our nation maintain a healthy industrial base that will allow us to meet all future challenges.\u00a0 Being forced to rely on imports of steel from nations like China, who do not always share our foreign policy goals, would place our nation in a weakened position, especially in times of war.\u00a0 Unfortunately, absent relief from Chinese companies\u2019 aggressive dumping practices, that is the situation we may face in the future.\r\nIn the months since the investigations began, steel imports have only increased as foreign suppliers have rushed to dump additional product onto the American market in anticipation of the investigation\u2019s conclusion.\u00a0 This state of affairs is hurting American workers and companies, who cannot be asked to continue bearing the cost of inaction here.\u00a0 I urge the administration to bring these investigations to a close and provide a meaningful remedy to protect our nation\u2019s steel and aluminum industries from such egregious dumping practices.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-introduces-legislation-that-puts-workers-and-their-hard-earned-retirement-first-", "MANCHIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT PUTS WORKERS AND THEIR HARD-EARNED RETIREMENT FIRST", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 05, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT PUTS WORKERS AND THEIR HARD-EARNED RETIREMENT FIRST  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced the Prioritizing Our Workers Act (POWA), legislation that would revise the priorities section of the bankruptcy code to place unpaid vested benefits in defined benefit pension plans at the front of the line.\r\n\u201cEvery pay period, hard-working Americans choose to defer their hard-earned wages in order to earn pension benefits for their retirement. That pension gives them a piece of mind that their future, and their family\u2019s future, will be funded, taken care of, and without worry,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cHowever, companies that file for bankruptcy are frequently relieved of their obligation to give pensions back to their workers and are able to use the money that should have funded those workers\u2019 hard-earned retirement benefits for other bankruptcy costs. Retired employees are left high and dry with no other way to pay for their bills through no fault of their own. This is not just or right and it\u2019s not the American way. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will make sure companies that file for bankruptcy keep their promises to their workers first.\u201d\r\nWhen employer sponsors of pension plans fail to make required contributions to these pensions and go bankrupt, current law provides a priority claim for unpaid pension contributions. However, these priority claims are only necessary for contributions due within 180 days before a bankruptcy filing, and up to $10,000 per worker. These claims must also compete with other priority claims for payment in the event of an employer bankruptcy.\r\nA large portion of American workers feel the impact of cut pension benefits. According to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation\u2019s 2016 Annual Report and 2015 Multiemployer Guarantee Study, over 146,000 workers experienced cuts in their pension benefits as a result of employer bankruptcies in 2016 alone.\r\n\u201cBy introducing POWA, we are ensuring workers, the backbone of our nation\u2019s economy, that they will receive their hard earned pensions,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cCompanies enter bankruptcy for a number of reasons, but the decisions that lead to this unfortunate outcome are made by management, not workers.\u00a0 Yet, far too often, workers bear the brunt of the bankruptcy pain by sacrificing their hard-earned pension benefits. This bill remedies the problem, and gives assurance to our laborers that they won\u2019t be left to suffer in the event of a bankruptcy.\u201d\r\n\u201cAmerican bankruptcy laws are a travesty for working families, who are left with nothing when a company goes bankrupt while the big banks and corporate executives walk away with millions. It is long past time for Congress to take action to reform bankruptcy laws. Senator Manchin's bill takes a huge step toward leveling the playing field for workers, and we support it wholeheartedly,\u201d said Cecil Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America.\r\nThe POWA would change bankruptcy practices to benefit workers who paid toward a pension at a company filing for bankruptcy. This is accomplished by:\r\n \r\nRe-defining all claims for unpaid vested benefits in defined benefit pension plans as \u201cadministrative expenses\u201d of the firm. Under bankruptcy law, these expenses must be paid before all other claims, excluding claims for child and family support.\r\nPutting pensions benefits on the same level as bankruptcy attorney fees and other high-priority claims a company must pay out before paying any other claims.\r\n \r\nIts companion was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ).\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-sends-letter-to-ferc-in-support-of-long-term-coal-fired-power-plant-utilization-and-grid-resilience-", "MANCHIN SENDS LETTER TO FERC IN SUPPORT OF LONG TERM COAL FIRED POWER PLANT UTILIZATION AND GRID RESILIENCE", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 05, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN SENDS LETTER TO FERC IN SUPPORT OF LONG TERM COAL FIRED POWER PLANT UTILIZATION AND GRID RESILIENCE  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), encouraging them to ensure that coal-fired baseload units are appropriately recognized for the reliability and resilience they provide to our electric grid.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nManchin said in part: \u201cAs you undertake this rulemaking within your statutory obligations under section 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act to ensure just and reasonable rates, I encourage you to ensure that coal-fired and nuclear baseload units, which make our electric delivery system more resilient and provide essential reliability services, are appropriately valued and compensated for their beneficial attributes.\u201d\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear Chairman Chatterjee, Commissioner LaFleur, and Commissioner Powelson,\u00a0\r\nAs you may be aware, on April 14, 2017, I sent a letter to President Trump encouraging him to direct the Department of Energy to examine the reliability and resilience of our nation\u2019s electric grid in the face of ongoing coal-fired and nuclear baseload generation retirements.\u00a0 I was encouraged by the staff report which Secretary Perry released on August 23, 2017, as well as the subsequent notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) which the Secretary issued under Section 403 of the Department of Energy Act on September 29, 2017.\u00a0\r\nWest Virginia has a longstanding history of being a net energy exporter.\u00a0 It remains the second highest coal-producing state in the nation.\u00a0 I believe that West Virginia\u2019s contributions to the energy security of our nation are significant and must be preserved for the sake of reliability and resilience.\u00a0\u00a0 However, in recent years, a perfect storm of factors have led to coal-fired baseload power plants from being unable to compete in regional electric markets, particularly deregulated or competitive markets.\u00a0 Those factors include:\r\n \r\nSignificant regulatory burdens;\r\nMarket rules that disadvantage traditional baseload resources;\u00a0\r\nThe onset of the shale revolution and resulting low natural gas prices; and\r\nMultiple state and federal subsidies and mandates that lend themselves to negative bidding in these markets.\u00a0\r\n \r\nCoal-fired and nuclear retirements continue and the specter of the Polar Vortex of 2014 remains.\u00a0\u00a0 As DOE notes in its NOPR, in order to keep the lights on during that extreme cold weather event, one utility reported running 89% of its coal-fired units that were slated for retirement and a second utility reported running 75% of its plants scheduled for closure.\u00a0\r\nFurthermore, in December of 2016, the North American Electric Reliability council (NERC) issued a white paper on \u201cessential reliability services\u201d in response to the immense changes to the bulk power system (BPS) in recent years.\u00a0 NERC notes that \u201cthe rate of this transformation in certain areas is impacting planning and operation of the BPS\u2026 These changes in the generation resource mix and technologies are altering the operational characteristics of the grid and will challenge system planners to maintain reliability, thereby raising issues that need to be further examined.\u201d NERC goes on to state that \u201cMaintaining reliability is embodied in the predictability, controllability, and responsiveness of the resource mix.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Coal-fired and nuclear units offer that predictability.\u00a0 These units provide voltage support, frequency services, and months of on-site fuel resources.\u00a0 These units are, therefore, fuel secure and more resilient to extreme weather events and cyberattacks.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nAs you undertake this rulemaking within your statutory obligations under section 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act to ensure just and reasonable rates, I encourage you to ensure that coal-fired and nuclear baseload units, which make our electric delivery system more resilient and provide essential reliability services, are appropriately valued and compensated for their beneficial attributes.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCareful consideration of these challenges is critical to the economy and security of the country and of my home state of West Virginia.\u00a0 I am happy to discuss this matter further and appreciate your consideration.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-encourages-hhs-to-follow-gao-recommendation-and-take-immediate-action-to-address-neonatal-abstinence-syndrome", "MANCHIN ENCOURAGES HHS TO FOLLOW GAO RECOMMENDATION AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ADDRESS NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME", "2017-10-04", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 04, 2017\n\t\t\t MANCHIN ENCOURAGES HHS TO FOLLOW GAO RECOMMENDATION AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ADDRESS NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement the recommendations outlined in a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on neonatal abstinence syndrome.\r\n\u201cNeonatal abstinence syndrome is one of the most tragic consequences of the opioid epidemic. These babies are born addicted to opioids through no fault of their own and we must do everything we can to help them and the healthcare providers that care for them, including Lily\u2019s Place. Lily\u2019s Place and West Virginia\u2019s other neonatal healthcare providers have led the way in neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment and have provided critical care as these babies and their mothers struggle to recover. I urge HHS to follow GAO\u2019s recommendation and immediately implement the agency\u2019s strategies and recommendations to improve care for these babies.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-releases-report-detailing-digital-divide-in-west-virginia-", "Manchin Releases Report Detailing Digital Divide in West Virginia", "2017-10-04", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 04, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin Releases Report Detailing Digital Divide in West Virginia  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report providing an update on the progress of broadband access in West Virginia and highlighting the work that still needs to be done.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt understood that every American needed reliable electricity to succeed in the new economy, but utilities were only delivering electricity to large cities and leaving rural America behind. We are facing the same crisis today where rural broadband connectivity is concerned. Every West Virginian must have reliable and affordable broadband access to fully participate in the 21st century. This job is not yet done, with recent estimates suggesting 554,124 West Virginians still do not have access to reliable broadband. I\u2019ve focused my efforts on ensuring broadband policies target unserved and underserved areas in rural America\u00a0by\u00a0accurately identifying\u00a0and mapping the broadband service levels currently available\u00a0to consumers. I will continue to fight to ensure every West Virginian has access to broadband connectivity.\u201d\r\nTo read the Senator Manchin\u2019s full report, click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-manchin-co-chairs-subcommittee-hearing-on-importance-of-appalachian-storage-hub", "ICYMI: MANCHIN CO-CHAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON IMPORTANCE OF APPALACHIAN STORAGE HUB", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 03, 2017\n\t\t\t ICYMI: MANCHIN CO-CHAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON IMPORTANCE OF APPALACHIAN STORAGE HUB \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today co-chaired an Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing on a number of legislative proposals and highlighted the importance of federal support and partnership for the development of a natural gas liquids storage hub in the Appalachian region.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nSenator Manchin said in part: \u201cWest Virginia and the greater Appalachian region have an extraordinary opportunity at hand. The quad-states of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky possess certain attributes that make the region a prime location for an energy storage hub. The region\u2019s shale formations \u2013 the Marcellus and Utica \u2013 contain abundant wet natural gas and natural gas liquids like ethane, butane and propane. A reliable supply of these products is a critical piece of the consumer products supply chain, and therefore, our national economy. Coupled with expanding energy infrastructure and the region\u2019s geologic storage which is naturally occurring, a storage hub for NGLs will play a role in attracting much-needed manufacturing investment and associated economic activity.\u00a0 The development and construction of a \u201chub\u201d to store these high value products in underground geologic formations could ultimately lead to a petrochemical manufacturing hub and a revitalization of the area\u2019s manufacturing center.\u201d\r\nTo watch a video of the Senator\u2019s remarks, please click here.\r\nSenator Manchin introduced the the Capitalizing American Storage Potential (CASP) Act in June. The legislation would make a regional storage hub eligible for the Department of Energy\u2019s successful Title XVII loan guarantee program, allowing the Mountain State to realize the unique opportunities associated with Appalachia\u2019s abundant natural gas liquids (NGLs) resources, naturally-occurring geologic storage, and expanding energy infrastructure. In a recent economic study, the American Chemistry Council concluded that the creation of such a hub would allow the Appalachian region to seize on the opportunities associated with these valuable natural resources, potentially attracting up to $36 billion in new chemical and plastics industry investment and creating 100,000 new jobs in the area. The construction of a hub and the associated infrastructure and ethylene/polyethylene facilities, will attract sorely needed economic activity to this underserved part of the country, which continues to suffer from high unemployment as a result from the downturn in both energy production and manufacturing.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-capito-announce-nearly-1-million-to-assist-law-enforcement-", "Manchin, Capito Announce Nearly $1 Million to Assist Law Enforcement", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "WV", "Joe Manchin", "M001183", "www.manchin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 03, 2017\n\t\t\t Manchin, Capito Announce Nearly $1 Million to Assist Law Enforcement  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $922,947 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Funding will be used to improve forensic capabilities and assist law enforcement with investigating crimes.\r\n\u201cKeeping our state safe takes a lot of work and effort from our law enforcement officers. It is my top priority to assist them in their work in any way possible,\u201d\u00a0Senator Manchin said.\u00a0\u201cI look forward to watching our men and women in blue fully utilize this grant in their everyday work.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cWest Virginia law enforcement put their lives on the line every day. They deserve the most up-to-date tools and technology to assist them in performing their duties,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThis funding will support the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory and provide law enforcement with the latest in forensic science research.\u201d\r\nIndividual awards listed below:\r\n \r\n$436,114 \u2013 West Virginia State Police: This funding from the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program will assist the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory with analyzing DNA samples, assisting law enforcement with investigations.\r\n \r\n \r\n$378,501 \u2013 West Virginia University Research Corporation: This funding from the Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program will support ballistic research that will improve the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), helping law enforcement match firearms to crimes.\r\n \r\n \r\n$108,332 \u2013 West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services: This funding from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program will allow the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory to provide continued education and training to its forensic analysts, improving the lab\u2019s responsiveness and service to West Virginia law enforcement.\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 405, "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": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 405, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WV&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 405, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "WV", "label": "WV", "count": 405, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 405, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-10-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fmanchin-capito-announce-nearly-1-million-to-assist-law-enforcement-", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WV&year=2017&_next=2017-10-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emanchin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fmanchin-capito-announce-nearly-1-million-to-assist-law-enforcement-&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 166.7655440978706, "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"}