url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202135/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2109,"State Journal: WV population down from 2012, new census estimates show",2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"West Virginia was one of two states to lose population in the past year, according to estimates released by the Census Bureau on Dec. 30. Based on births, deaths and migration, the Census Bureau estimated the state's population as of July 1, 2013, as 1,854,304, a decrease of 2,376 from the 2012 estimate of 1,856,680, but still higher than the 1,852,994 people counted in the 2010 census. Maine was the other state to show a decrease, losing 199 people to drop to 1,328,302. Maine and Rhode Island are the only states whose most recent population estimates are lower than the 2010 census count. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202200/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2105,"Exponent-Telegram: About 7,000 state resident set to lose federal jobless benefits Saturday",2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Federal unemployment benefits are set to expire on Saturday for nearly 7,000 West Virginians, officials said. In North Central West Virginia, 341 people are expected to be affected in the Clarksburg area, while 231 people in the Fairmont area would lose benefits, according to WorkForce West Virginia. Those individuals are among approximately 1.3 million Americans unemployed for 26 weeks or more whose benefits come from an account that is almost empty. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202209/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2104,Charleston Gazette Mail: Photos show 'the other West Virginia',2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Betty Rivard's upcoming lecture based on her book of photos of the state during the 1930s and '40s will focus on ""the other West Virginia"" -- not the one that garners mostly negative national attention. ""When I say the other West Virginia, I'm talking about the positive part of West Virginia,"" Rivard said. ""The book does include some images of people in very destitute situations, but that's not the major part of the book, and that was deliberate."" Rivard's book, ""New Deal Photographs of West Virginia: 1934-43,"" was produced by 10 professional photographers who visited the state as part of the Farm Security Administration Project. To read entire story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=41ca79c9-be97-49db-9947-e020e5cca9de,Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent,2013-12-29,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2013 Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin built his reputation at home in West Virginia as a politician who didn’t subscribe to the ideals of either major national party. With more than three years in the U.S. Senate now under his belt, Manchin, D-W.Va., is a fixture in national news for his efforts to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans. In both roles, the constant theme has been putting constituents first, according to those who’ve worked with him. “He has done a fantastic job in putting a face on West Virginia as a state where we care about people,” said West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Tim Miley, D-Harrison. “We care about balancing our budget. We care about doing the right thing, regardless of differences on the issues. ... He is a great ambassador for the state of West Virginia.” Miley, who was elected to the House of Delegates the same year Manchin was elected governor, said he’s learned a lot over the years from Manchin. When Miley was elected speaker, Manchin called him up. “The most poignant thing that he shared with me is that good policy always makes for good politics and good policy and good politics transcend party lines,” Miley said. West Virginia Senate Clerk Joe Minard described some other achievements from Manchin’s days in state politics, including work on medical malpractice reform and tort reform. “He’s always been fairly independent,” Minard said. “He never was a straight party man. I guess you might say he was always an independent thinker.” Now that the backdrop is one of the most fiercely divisive political landscapes of recent memory, Manchin’s attempts can sometimes seem like wishful thinking. But sometimes they work. Most recently Manchin, The Exponent Telegram Statesman of the Year, worked with a group of bipartisan senators on a proposal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling. Manchin teamed up with Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine to find common ground, and the resulting template was used to draft the final bill that ended the shutdown. Manchin used that accomplishment as an example of when compromise can work. But that doesn’t mean he won’t get discouraged, especially as other initiatives, including a bill to expand the gun sale background check system, have stalled. The reaction to that bill showed how disillusioned citizens are with Washington, according to Manchin. “I get very frustrated,” he said. “I really do. I keep thinking, ‘how come it’s not so plain to everyone else to see what we’re doing to our great country?’ How can we not see that and not take more positive steps? ... I guess the thirst of power and all the money that’s involved. We’ve got to work past it.” State and Washington, D.C., politics are different beasts, in Manchin’s eyes. “It’s the city itself of Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It’s the power and the money that goes with this city — the prestige, the world stage we’re on. It makes it a little more challenging to get people to look to put our country before them or their party or their purpose that they’re here. It should be all about country.” But the junior senator from West Virginia also has a lot of bipartisan successes to be proud of, including an agreement on stronger federal regulation of toxic chemicals. Before an update to the Toxic Substances Control Act, which had not been improved in more than 30 years, thousands of chemicals were allowed to remain on the market without being tested for safety. Manchin was credited for helping broker a deal between New Jersey Democrat Frank Lautenberg, who advocated for a tougher bill, and Louisiana Republican David Vitter, who supported a more lenient, industry-backed proposal. Manchin also worked with a bipartisan group of senators on a bill to reduce student loan interest rates after they doubled to 6.8 percent on July 1— to 3.86 percent for subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate students, 5.41 percent on unsubsidized loans for graduate students and 6.41 percent on PLUS loans for parents and graduate students. To prevent dramatic increases in the future, the bill also required that for each academic year, all newly-issued student loans be set to the U.S. Treasury 10-year borrowing rate, and that interest rates never exceed 8.25 percent for undergraduate students, 9.5 percent for graduate students and 10.5 percent for PLUS borrowers. Manchin was proud of the FDA’s recent announcement that it will recommend rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. He had fought for stricter control of the drug for years, including sponsoring the “Safe Prescribing Act” with Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Representatives Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., and Ed Markey, D-Mass. “That’s not going to win the war on drugs,” Manchin said. “But it’s going to help us have a better tool in the arsenal to fight it, and I think it will save a lot of lives.” Manchin said he will continue working on more bipartisan efforts because that’s why he was sent to Congress in the first place. “When I take that oath of office, I take the oath to represent and to serve everybody, not just the Democrats or the people that voted for me. ... I take it very seriously,” he said. By:  Erin Beck",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202435/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2101,Charleston Gazette: DOE: Gas to outpace coal by 2040,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Natural gas will overtake coal to provide the largest share of U.S. electrical power generation by 2040, according to the latest projections from the federal Department of Energy. Natural gas will produce about 35 percent of total U.S. generation, compared to 32 percent for coal, in 2040, according to the department's Energy Information Administration estimates. ""Projected low prices for natural gas make it a very attractive fuel for new generating capacity,"" the agency said in a preview of its 2014 Annual Energy Outlook. ""In some areas, natural gas-fired generation replaces generation formerly supplied by coal and nuclear."" Just last year, the EIA had projected coal to maintain its dominance over natural gas, with 35 percent of generation in 2040, compared to 30 percent for natural gas. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0986c8c9-01e5-412a-b293-69ef5d837547,Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press,2013-12-24,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 24, 2013 Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press FRIENDLY, W.Va. (AP) — Many locals around here see Sen. Joe Manchin as one of them, so much so they greet the 30-year veteran of West Virginia politics by his first name more often than by his title. But in the Senate, the 66-year-old upstart stands out as a rare breed: A back-slapping, gun-owning Democrat who attracts widespread support from working class whites in an increasingly Republican state. Last November, two years after winning a special election to succeed the late Robert Byrd, Manchin won his first full term with more than 60 percent of the vote. He ran 25 percentage points ahead of President Barack Obama, posting the Senate's top crossover spread in two election cycles. That success could offer Democrats a road map in other GOP strongholds, particularly Southern states that share West Virginia's conservative makeup. The grandson and great-grandson of immigrants, Manchin — taken from the Italian ""Mancini"" — calls his delicate walk between his party and his own identity a journey of ""balance"" and ""common sense."" And he attributes his success to his small-town upbringing and experience as a state legislator, secretary of state and governor dating back to 1982. In a whirlwind of stops across the state, Manchin praises federal programs, implemented under Democratic presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson, which helped West Virginia over the years; but he's also quick to tout the work ethic of beneficiaries of such programs, telling one crowd, ""If you think government should do everything for you, I'm the wrong person for you."" He turns questions about party and philosophy into indictments of Washington acrimony: ""I'm a proud West Virginia Democrat, but I'm willing to work with anybody."" On the revolving fiscal fight in Congress, Manchin bemoans Republicans who reject all tax hikes and Democrats who blast most spending cuts. ""They're both right and they're both wrong,"" he says, offering his own solution that seems to combine a little of both. He's also open to reviewing the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-wage workers, while calling for increasing the minimum wage to at least $10 per hour. He insists that environmentalists and the energy industry can reconcile, if government sets ""reasonable and attainable"" pollution limits and fossil fuel plants embrace them. As governor he sued Obama's Environmental Protection Agency and still hammers the administration for ""pie-in-the-sky"" environmental standards. Those are necessary tactics for any statewide elected official in this leading coal state, but they're also true to the Manchin form: ""We can balance the economy and the environment."" ""Balance"" is also his defense when he's chastised — and it happens often — for a gun compromise he pushed after last year's Connecticut elementary school massacre. The measure didn't include new weapons or ammunition bans. Instead, it would have extended existing background checks to more gun sales, but not to private transactions between parties who know each other. Perhaps Manchin's deftest tightrope walk concerns the president himself. Obama got walloped twice in West Virginia, and a recent poll suggested that almost half the state's voters want him impeached. Manchin says Obama's poor standing isn't about him being the first black president, even though about 19 out of 20 West Virginia residents are white. Manchin contends that Democrats have a more general cultural problem on everything from guns to abortion, and that Obama's environmental positions escalate the distrust. ""People have to like you and trust you,"" he said. Manchin insists that ""the White House and I don't exactly get along,"" but he nonetheless defends the president on some matters. Almost pre-emptively, he says at several stops, ""Whether he's a Republican or Democrat, we should always respect the president and want him to succeed, because we want the nation to succeed."" When one woman in Moundsville blasted Obama as an insufficient defender of Israel, Manchin interrupted her: ""I don't think that's true."" Manchin supported the immigration overhaul that Obama backed and that has been stymied in the GOP-run House. ""You can't just deport 11 million people,"" he told people angry about his vote. The Affordable Care Act passed before he took office, but Manchin tells voters ""the intentions were right"" and insists that a full repeal isn't practical or beneficial. Even as he criticized implementation of the health care law, Manchin said Congress' job is to make it work. But he also reminds his more partisan critics that he opposes the confirmation of Janet Yellen, Obama's nominee for Federal Reserve chairman. He voted, too, against a Senate rules change that allows Democrats to confirm certain nominees with a simple majority of 51 votes, rather than the 60 previously required when the minority party objected. ""Most people know he doesn't just follow the party line,"" said Republican Bob Miller, a Marshall County commissioner. Although he supported Manchin's Republican opponent in the last two Senate elections, Miller said he's ""never looked at Joe as Satan."" Manchin said he operates as he did at the statehouse in Charleston, where he remains an influential figure. State Sen. Larry Edgell, a Democrat, said then-Gov. Manchin met regularly with both party caucuses and also hosted small, bipartisan groups of lawmakers. Manchin now uses the same strategy inviting groups of senators out on a boat he keeps docked near Washington. The social outings have produced pairings like Republican Ted Cruz of Texas and Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York, according to Manchin's staff. ""You've got to find leverage"" on issues, Manchin said, ""and have the relationships to use it."" Manchin said he's not trying to amass influence to ""be a lifer"" in the Senate. He also didn't reject the possibility of looking beyond West Virginia, should an opportunity arise. ""I'm not sure I'd put my family through that,"" he said of his own national campaign. But he added, ""I'm happy to help wherever I can."" By:  Bill Barrow",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202248/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2097,Dominion Post: Fed law may threaten VFDs,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FAIRMONT — Area volunteer firefighters gathered around a table with Rep. David McKinley Thursday to ponder a federal health care measure that — they said — could close volunteer fire departments across the state and nation. McKinley, R-W.Va., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., are helping lead the charge to change the law — with the support of the rest of the state’s Congressional delegation. Tom Miller, with the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) holds positions in the National Volunteer Fire Council and the West Virginia State Fireman’s Association and explained the problem. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has an “employer mandate” requiring companies that employ 50 or more Full Time Equivalent workers (more than 30 hours per week) to offer health care coverage. Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told members of Congress and others that the mandate wouldn’t apply to VFDs, he said, the Internal Revenue Service general counsel has said it will — even though the firefighters aren’t paid. “They don’t understand we have to hold boot drives and hot dog sales and car washes to keep the lights on,” Miller said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=93d98348-5a49-4ac4-bac1-df00a016ff56,Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2013 Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement wishing all West Virginians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “Gayle and I, along with the entire Manchin family, wish all West Virginians, Americans and our brave service men and women a very merry Christmas and peaceful and prosperous New Year. “As a country, we are blessed to have such a devoted and patriotic military. Our brave service men and women are far from the beautiful holiday sights and sounds we get to enjoy. They are holding vigil where there is no peace. But their vigil is what makes our peace possible. So let us make sure to keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year. “We are all so blessed, and that is never more apparent than during the holidays as we share our blessings with our family, friends and neighbors. Many times it’s easy to take things in our lives for granted. But especially during the Christmas season, let’s remind ourselves of the countless blessings we have. “May God bless you all with peace and good will this holiday season. And may the hope and joy of the season fill the stockings and hearts of every West Virginian.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b389a58a-a4b2-47ec-962f-5b4a7ff76f38,Manchin Statement on Additional Health Care Penalty Delay,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2013 Manchin Statement on Additional Health Care Penalty Delay Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s announcement to allow penalty delays for some individuals whose insurance has been canceled because their health care plans did not comply with minimum requirements under the new law. “I’ve always said that 2014 should be a transition year for the health care law, and we must give the American people a chance to shop around for the best and most affordable insurance plans. Yesterday’s announcement to delay the mandate penalty for those whose plans were cancelled under the individual market is a step in the right direction, but why not delay all mandate penalties like the bipartisan legislation Senator Kirk and I introduced? This piecemeal approach, including delaying fines for larger employers and small businesses but not all parts of the mandate, doesn’t make any sense. We should provide certainty and confidence and allow all Americans – who are some of the best shoppers in the world – to have the time they need to browse and explore the options best suited for their families, waiving all penalties and fees across the board. Let’s work to fix the serious problems with the rollout of Healthcare.gov and the law’s implementation so that all West Virginians and Americans can access affordable health care.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=418fc2fb-c8d6-4a96-ae03-84d69dad748b,Manchin Sees Firsthand The Impact of Sequestration on Military Aviators,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2013 Manchin Sees Firsthand The Impact of Sequestration on Military Aviators Manchin participates in training exercises with Marine Corps fighter squadron Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chair of the Airland Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently had the honor of spending the day with a Marine Corps fighter squadron at Andrews Air Force Base. He wanted to see firsthand the impact sequestration and budgetary cuts has had on military aviators as well as learn more about the Marine Corps’ plans to modernize their fighter jets. On Monday, December 16, Senator Manchin, a commercial pilot himself, participated in a Marine Corps flight briefing, donned a survival vest and flight helmet, and joined fighter pilots in routine training exercises. “After spending the day with an elite group of individuals, I left Andrews Air Force Base with a deeper appreciation for these Marines and for military aviators,” Senator Manchin said. “Our nation’s air superiority is unchallenged, but that advantage is tenuous if sequester cuts continue to force aviation units across America to be grounded. Our military units need continued investment and funding, and I left even more convinced that the sequester’s across-the-board cuts are damaging the effectiveness of our military. I am encouraged that the Murray-Ryan budget deal will help bring back a sense of normalcy to our fighting units and aviators.” To view photos of Senator Manchin’s visit to Andrews Air Force Base, please visit his website or Facebook page. ###   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8d9ad647-1095-4bd0-9fec-732c56965769,"Manchin, Kirk, Wicker Urge Federal Banking Officials to Protect Community Banks",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2013 Manchin, Kirk, Wicker Urge Federal Banking Officials to Protect Community Banks Senators send letter to correct a bureaucratic oversight by the regulators of the Dodd-Frank Act’s Volcker Rule Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today sent a letter to federal officials who oversee banking rules, including Treasury Secretary Lew and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, in order to ensure community banks are protected from the broad brush of federal regulation. Due to a technical oversight in the Volcker Rule, which was intended to protect the U.S. economy from risky bets by large banks, community banks fear that they would have to write off hundreds of millions of dollars in capital in just a couple of weeks. In addition, if the rule is not addressed immediately, the banks would be required to sell securities at depressed values. This oversight would not only severely punish community banks, but it would also undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability. The letter, in part, states: “The purpose of the Volcker Rule was to ensure that the trading activities of the big banks do not undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability, not to punish community banks.  In finalizing the Volcker Rule, regulators have wisely sought to ensure that these community banks, which had nothing to do with the actions that necessitated the Volcker Rule in the first place, were not negatively impacted.  Unfortunately, that cannot be said about the treatment of pools of trust-preferred securities (“TruPs”) owned by community banks. “We urge each of your agencies to take action swiftly to grant relief to those financial institutions that had nothing to do with the 2008 economic crisis, but will have everything to do with our economic recovery.” Please read the full text of the letter below: Dear Secretary Lew, Chairman Bernanke, Commissioner Curry, Chairman Gensler, Chairman Gruenberg, Chairwoman White: We write regarding the recently finalized Volcker Rule requirements of Section 13 of the Bank Holding Company Act (“BHC Act”) as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”).  We know the agencies embarked on a long, arduous process, and there is no doubt the financial industry needed this rule before we could truly move on from the 2008 financial crisis.  However, we have said from the outset that community banks were not responsible for that crisis, and they should not have to pay the price for Wall Street’s misconduct.  We have consistently urged the agencies to ensure that community banks are protected from the broad brush of federal regulation. The purpose of the Volcker Rule was to ensure that the trading activities of the big banks do not undermine the U.S. economy and financial stability, not to punish community banks.  In finalizing the Volcker Rule, regulators have wisely sought to ensure that these community banks, which had nothing to do with the actions that necessitated the Volcker Rule in the first place, were not negatively impacted.  Unfortunately, that cannot be said about the treatment of pools of trust-preferred securities (“TruPs”) owned by community banks.  The Volcker Rule is not the appropriate vehicle for the regulators to revisit how community banks manage their portfolios of TruPs.  Indeed, unless your agencies take action immediately, a sizable number of community banks will have to liquidate their performing pools of TruPs and take an accounting loss – hurting earnings and capital.  The intent of these previously approved investments was to strengthen capital in community banks.  If held to maturity, these securities would most likely not have mandated losses.  If the regulators stand by the misdirected application of the Volcker Rule to community bank TruPs, the impacts could be devastating to shareholders and the capital of a large number of community banks across the country.  These banks would be required to recognize a write-off in the current quarter for any unrealized losses from holding the security and would be required to liquidate the security by July 2015.  If the bank was able to hold these securities until maturity, the anticipated loss would be zero.  The unrealized losses embedded in the securities today are related to the illiquid market for these securities, rather than true credit losses.  In addition, the rule would not only require banks to mark the TruPs to current market prices, which are still somewhat depressed, but would also result in a fire sale from a required July 2015 divestment, which would further push prices down and could result in severe and unnecessary losses.  One of the purposes of the Volcker Rule is to reduce the exposure of banks to the ups and downs of securities trading markets; yet the application of it to TruPs of community banks actually makes the situation worse.  These actions are completely unwarranted since the agencies could easily rely on their authorities to grant a carve-out or a grandfather status to banks under a certain asset size for their ownership of these types of securities acquired prior to the final rule.  The agencies have admitted in their guidance for community banks that “[o]nly a small number of community banks own . . . collateralized debt obligations  . . . backed by trust preferred securities.”  Accordingly, there is very little to no systemic risk for community banks to continue to own these securities.  On the other hand, the effect on the banks to divest these securities in relatively short order would be devastating.  It is obvious to conclude that the community banks deserve relief, such as an exception or a grandfather status from this rule. As you probably know, several community banks have voiced serious concern and are truly fearful of their reporting requirements at the end of this year.  We urge each of your agencies to take action swiftly to grant relief to those financial institutions that had nothing to do with the 2008 economic crisis, but will have everything to do with our economic recovery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222201403/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2089,Parkersburg News and Sentinel: Three students nominated for academies,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Three area students have been nominated to United States service academies. U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., both announced the three as part of 13 students statewide to be nominated. The process is highly competitive and the nominations are the first part in the process for appointment to military academies. ""These 13 students exemplify the best our state has to offer,"" said McKinley. ""Because of their hard work and commitment, they have earned this distinction. They have shown what type of leaders they will become. West Virginia continues to produce the next generation of leaders."" To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3890e3b0-aeb8-41a3-82e7-390d59b5bae8,"Manchin, Boozman Work to Bring Transparency, Fairness to EPA Science Review Process",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2013 Manchin, Boozman Work to Bring Transparency, Fairness to EPA Science Review Process WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Boozman (R-AR)  today introduced legislation to improve confidence in the fairness and transparency of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and rulemaking by reforming the science advisory process. The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act makes changes to the Science Advisory Board (SAB) by increasing transparency, enabling SAB reviews of EPA “risk or hazard assessments” that are used to justify regulations, ensuring that the dissenting views of scientists on review panels are not silenced, standardizing the SAB member selection process to make it consistent with practices at the National Academies and other federal agencies, limiting non-scientific policy advice, increasing SAB disclosures, and eliminating SAB conflicts of interest. “For too long, the EPA’s regulations have been the result of a process that is too closed and too vulnerable to conflicts of interest and insider politics,” Manchin said. “The EPA must improve its credibility with the American people and the entire energy sector, and this bipartisan legislation makes sure that the EPA is held accountable for creating fair, unbiased, and science-based rules and regulations. I thank Senator Boozman for his leadership in crafting commonsense ideas on how we can strengthen EPA transparency.” “Americans are worried about EPA rules and regulations that are not based on transparent science or developed through a fair and open process. These actions drive up the cost of food, electricity, gas, and items on the store shelf; and low-income families are hit the hardest. We must promote conservation, and protect our air and water. But Arkansans and all Americans want the rule-making process to be fair and science-based, without conflicts of interest,” Boozman, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said. The SAB was established by the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 (ERDDA) to provide scientific advice upon the request of the EPA Administrator and Congressional Committees, but improvements need to be made. This legislation: • Strengthens public participation and comment opportunities • Modernizes the selection of Science Advisory Board (SAB) and sub-panel members; • Eliminates conflicts of interest and increasing disclosures; • Expands the ability of SAB members to express dissenting views; • Enables SAB reviews of EPA “risk or hazard assessments”; and • Limits non-scientific policy advice. Similar legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Chris Stewart, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b34dd986-dd8d-462c-aba9-392a6acb874d,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support National Guard",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support National Guard **Lawmakers call on Secretary of Defense to preserve dual mission capabilities**  WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Department of Defense completes its year-end budget review, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), are leading a bipartisan coalition of House and Senate Members urging Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to protect and strengthen the National Guard in next year’s Army budget. “The National Guard is America’s longest serving military fighting force and has always answered the call when the American people need help in the most trying of times – from lending a hand in floods, snow storms, tornadoes, and life-threatening emergencies to fighting side by side with our armed forces overseas,” Manchin said. “Now, as our nation faces budget deficits, the Guard can undertake the toughest missions anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost. We must remain the strongest country in the world, but we need to act in a cost-efficient way. And the National Guard gives us that option.” “The Guard has a critical dual-use role, not only to serve overseas but also to ensure the security of our homeland and to protect our State’s and its residents during times of natural disasters.  By better using our National Guard and Reserve Component, we can find cost-savings in the budget and avoid draconian cuts that would hurt our Nation’s and State’s defense capability, as well as our  men and women who serve and sacrifice in behalf of us all,” said Rahall.  Rahall, a Member of the House National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives to urge the Secretary to oppose proposals under consideration that would reduce the Army National Guard to 315,000 soldiers – 35,000 fewer soldiers than pre-9/11 levels. Senator Manchin, joined by Senator Jay Rockefeller, is leading a similar effort in the Senate, working in a bipartisan manner with his Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues, to urge Secretary Hagel to fully consider the role of the National Guard as the most cost-effective defenders of our nation. “Our National Guard is a critical and unique component of our Army, thanks to the supreme dedication and incredible work of all those who serve,” said Rockefeller. “Making cuts to the Guard could jeopardize the safety and preparedness capabilities they provide that are critical during emergency responses. Instead, during these challenging fiscal times, we should maximize the capabilities of our National Guard. This would provide support for our nation’s security efforts and allow for greater efficiencies in our military budget.” “The National Guard is America’s longest serving military fighting force and has always answered the call when the American people need help in the most trying of times – from lending a hand in floods, snow storms, tornadoes, and life-threatening emergencies to fighting side by side with our armed forces overseas,” Manchin said. “Now, as our nation faces budget deficits, the Guard can undertake the toughest missions anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost. We must remain the strongest country in the world, but we need to act in a cost-efficient way. And the National Guard gives us that option.” In urging the Defense Department to rebalance its use of Active and Reserve Component Army units to find long-term budgetary savings, Rahall cited the Reserve Forces Policy Board at the Department of Defense that recently noted an increased role for the National Guard could sustain the Army’s combat capability while reducing costs. “Our Nation is at a critical juncture, we must reduce our debt and reinvest in our infrastructure while also maintaining a strong national and homeland defense.  The National Guard, just as the Founding Fathers envisioned, is key to solving this problem.  The Guard is a cost effective and timely capability at home and abroad and I am glad our elected leaders believe we are part of the solution!” said Major General James Hoyer, Adjutant General, West Virginia National Guard. “As I noted in my letter to the Secretary of Defense, I am convinced that cutting the Reserve Component is not a practical or long-term solution to ensuring our Nation’s security in an era of fiscal restraints.  Congress last year rightly rejected similar proposals to cut the Air National Guard, and so I am pressing the Secretary to do likewise for the Army and to forgo large reductions that would inhibit our Army’s ability to respond to world events and domestic emergencies,” said Rahall. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222201413/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2086,Steubenville Herald Star: Locals nominated to service academies,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Three local students are among those being nominated by U.S. Rep. David McKinley for acceptance into U.S. service academies. McKinley, R-Wheeling, nominated 13 West Virginia students to United States service academies, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S Military Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. ""These 13 students exemplify the best our state has to offer,"" said McKinley. ""Because of their hard work and commitment, they have earned this distinction. They have shown what type of leaders they will become. West Virginia continues to produce the next generation of leaders."" To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83938ff5-9cee-4931-b875-724d13c1a780,Senator Manchin and Congressman Cicilline Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Focus on Job Growth,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2013 Senator Manchin and Congressman Cicilline Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Focus on Job Growth Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) today introduced commonsense legislation that would help Washington stay focused on what matters most to hardworking Americans: creating and protecting American jobs. Under current law, the government must “score” pieces of legislation to estimate the cost. Manchin and Cicilline’s legislation would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to also determine the number of jobs that would be created, protected, or lost should a specific piece of legislation become law. This bill will make debates about jobs more transparent and concrete, giving lawmakers a solid basis of information for decision-making. “Although America’s unemployment numbers have slowly declined from the beginning of the worst recession since the Great Depression, there are still too many hardworking Americans out of work. There should not be a higher priority in Congress than creating jobs right here at home, and it’s time that lawmakers start thinking about one simple question before they cast their votes: how will this bill impact jobs and job growth in America?” Senator Manchin said. “The Jobs Score Act is a piece of commonsense legislation that will ensure our elected representatives know exactly how many jobs would be created, protected or lost with each bill.” “My top priority in Congress is to strengthen our economy through job creation, and it is critical that we know the likely impact our decisions in Congress will have on employment across our nation,” said Cicilline. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Manchin in leading bipartisan efforts in both chambers, and look forward to continuing working for passage of this law and doing everything I can to get our economy back on track and get Rhode Islanders back to work."" ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a83a4c75-993e-4142-ac86-b322fb7bc0ee,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Raleigh County Head Start Program",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Raleigh County Head Start Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall, (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Head Start funding for Raleigh County Community Action Association. “In West Virginia, we prioritize based on our values, and we value taking care of our children,” said Manchin. “All West Virginia kids deserve a chance at success, and these essential programs provide our youth with the best opportunities and resources for a healthy start and to compete academically and to create a brighter future for themselves.”  “With these investments in neighborhood programs and the caring educators and parents who run them in Raleigh County, we can help to ensure that every child, regardless of economic circumstances, can have the opportunity to succeed in school and life.  I strongly believe that Federal investments in early education and childhood development programs, as well as health and nutrition services for young children, pay huge dividends further down the road and help to set kids on the right track early.  I am fighting hard for our State’s young children and their families who depend on these programs and the Federal investments that keep them going,” said Rahall. “Investments in the Head Start program give children the early support and care they need so that they can enter the classroom healthy and prepared to succeed,” said Rockefeller. “I’ve long supported this program and the services it provides to children and families, and I’m committed to making sure Head Start is available to those who need it most.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1,121,678 to Raleigh County Community Action Association in Beckley to continue its Head Start program, which serves pre-school aged children at eight sites throughout Raleigh County.   Head Start is a national development program for low-income children that prepare them for school from a young age. The HHS program provides comprehensive education activities in classrooms, as well as other services such as social, nutritional, health and mental health, and transportation for children and their families. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e537ef0d-e7a7-4500-8851-c236f5b1aaeb,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Coons, Schumer, McCaskill, Klobuchar Introduce Silver Alert Bill to Help Locate Missing Seniors",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Coons, Schumer, McCaskill, Klobuchar Introduce Silver Alert Bill to Help Locate Missing Seniors System Based on AMBER Alert is Designed to Locate Missing Adults with Dementia Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today introduced legislation to create a nationwide network for locating missing adults and senior citizens. The National Silver Alert Act would create a federal program modeled after the AMBER Alert and provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies, similar to a system currently in place in West Virginia.  “The Silver Alert was put in place in West Virginia when I was Governor and has proven to be a positive and effective program since it started in 2009,” Senator Manchin said. “In West Virginia, we’ve been fortunate enough to need the system activated only a handful of times, and we have been very successful in returning those missing individuals home safely. As a proud member on the Special Committee on Aging, I encourage my colleagues to remember that America’s priorities should be based on our values, and keeping our promises to our seniors should be one of our highest priorities. Our seniors helped build and defend this nation, and we have an obligation to them that we must never break.” “We know that a strong communications network is critical to first responders when they’re dealing with an emergency situation, such as when an elderly person goes missing,” said Senator Rockefeller. “The Silver Alert, which is modeled after a successful West Virginia program, has the potential to greatly improve the way we locate missing adults and seniors by allowing for coordination and support across jurisdictions.” “Every day, the families of those suffering with dementia live with the fear that their loved one will go out and forget the way home,” Senator Coons said. “Seniors and adults with medical conditions are especially susceptible to illness, injury, or death if they are not found within 24 hours. Since 2008, Delaware’s Gold Alert program has coordinated state and local efforts to quickly locate missing seniors and persons with disabilities. This bill will ensure law enforcement officials across the nation have the resources they need to bring lost loved ones home safely.” “When a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia wanders from his or her home, it is frightening for that individual and their family and friends,” said Senator Schumer. “Statistics show that with timely notification, the chances of finding a missing person are greatly increased. This bill will provide federal coordination and assistance in setting up Silver Alert systems to make sure that we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement to ensure the protection and care of our senior citizens.” “A rapid response system like Silver Alert will save lives,” said Senator McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection. “Alerting the public and coordinating search efforts for missing adults and seniors, especially those with disabilities, can only help ensure our families’ safety. This program has proven itself to be extremely effective all across the country; implementing it at a federal level is just common sense.” “As Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to affect too many Minnesotans, many seniors are at a high risk of ending up lost and in a dangerous situation,” Senator Klobuchar said. “This legislation, which is similar to a program already in place in Minnesota, will help law enforcement across the country spread the word anytime a senior has gone missing and help improve the chances that tragedy is averted.” This legislation is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs’ Association. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210304/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2083,Weirton Daily Times: Local nominated to service academies,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Three local students are among 13 being nominated by U.S. Rep. David McKinley for acceptance into U.S. service academies. McKinley, R-Wheeling, has nominated 13 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S Military Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. ""These thirteen students exemplify the best our state has to offer,"" said McKinley. ""Because of their hard work and commitment, they have earned this distinction. They have shown what type of leaders they will become. West Virginia continues to produce the next generation of leaders."" To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f62dc9f3-8235-4e10-97c3-f5b455cded3c,Manchin Statement One Year After Newtown Tragedy,2013-12-14,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 14, 2013 Manchin Statement One Year After Newtown Tragedy Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement one year after the Newtown tragedy: “Today, Gayle and I join all West Virginians and Americans across the country in grieving for the families who lost their loved ones in Newtown. Though we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, my heart will always weigh heavier on this day as we remember the precious lives lost in this unspeakable and horrific tragedy. A year ago, as a father and a grandfather, I couldn’t wrap my head around how this country could even begin to offer these families comfort. Today, one year later, I am still in awe of their courage and kindness. There is nothing anyone can say to ease their pain and anguish. All we can do is pray that these incredibly brave families get through this indescribably difficult time.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=790,Rep. McKinley Votes to Fund Research into Pediatric Diseases and Disorders,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Would Eliminate Taxpayer Support of Conventions to Fund NIH Research share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) voted for the Kids First Research Act (HR 2019). The legislation which Rep. McKinley co-sponsored will provide research into pediatric diseases and disorders by eliminating taxpayer funding for the Presidential Election campaigns and conventions. The House passed the bill yesterday. As a parent and grandparent it pains me to hear the stories of kids struggling with diseases, said Rep. McKinley. As a country, we should care more about finding a cure than funding political conventions. This bill is in memory of 10-year-old Gabriella Miller who died of brain cancer in October, said Rep. McKinley. We're simply continuing the mission this courageous little girl began to advocate for more research into diseases and disorders that affect other young children just like her. This legislation will eliminate taxpayer funding for the Republican and Democratic conventions and direct funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to pay for needed pediatric cancer, autism, and Fragile X research. Finding a cure that could save the lives of children should be a national priority, added McKinley. This is a good step in that direction. To watch the story of Gabriella Miller's dream, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=821,Rep. McKinley: Don't Reverse Progress on Cutting Spending,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding his vote against the budget deal: share: f t Rep. McKinley: Don't Reverse Progress on Cutting Spending Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding his vote against the budget deal: In 2011, I came to Congress with a pledge to reduce spending and stop saddling our children and grandchildren with an unsustainable debt. Since then we have made some progress. For the first time since the Korean War spending has decreased for two consecutive years. Unfortunately, this deal reverses some of the progress we've made. It increases spending for the next two years but promises to save money in the future. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office most of the savings would come seven years from now. The deal also hits close to home in West Virginia by abolishing an important program run at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown. This particular energy research program supports approximately 80 jobs. Eliminating it diminishes one of the vital roles NETL plays to our local and national economy. While I applaud the fact that bipartisan discussions on the budget took place for the first time in five years, unfortunately the final product falls short. America's debt continues to grow, reaching $17.2 trillion. Just like American families, Washington must be serious about living within its means.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12c35e69-8247-4068-a70a-6c74394adfde,Manchin Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Corn Ethanol Mandate,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2013 Manchin Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Corn Ethanol Mandate (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced with eight cosponsors The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013.  The bill, cosponsored by Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Corker, (R-TN), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Patrick Toomey (R-PA), eliminates the corn ethanol mandate within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which requires a yearly increase in the amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into the total volume of gasoline refined and consumed in the United States.  The RFS, which was first enacted in 2005 and then expanded in 2007, requires refiners and blenders to use 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2013.  “The time to end the corn ethanol mandate has arrived,” Dr. Coburn said. “This misguided policy has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, increased fuel prices and made our food more expensive.  Eliminating this mandate will let market forces, rather than political and parochial forces, determine how to diversify fuel supplies in an ever-changing marketplace.  I’m grateful my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are prepared to take this long-overdue step to protect consumers and taxpayers from artificially high fuel and food prices.” “I am pleased to join Senator Coburn and others on a bill to eliminate the federal corn ethanol mandate from the Renewable Fuel Standard, while maintaining provisions designed to grow the low-carbon biofuel industry,” Senator Feinstein said.  Under the corn ethanol mandate in the RFS, roughly 44 percent of U.S. corn is diverted from food to fuel, pushing up the cost of food and animal feed and damaging the environment. Oil companies are also unable to blend more corn ethanol into gasoline without causing problems for automobiles, boats and other vehicles. I strongly support requiring a shift to low-carbon advanced biofuel, including biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other revolutionary fuels. But a corn ethanol mandate is simply bad policy.” “I have long opposed efforts to increase the use of corn ethanol as a fuel additive and am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation,” Senator Collins said.  “Corn ethanol blended gasoline poses economic and safety risks by damaging or destroying engines of older cars, boats, and snowmobiles, has caused food and feed prices to rise, and presents significant environmental concerns.   Expanding alternative, domestic fuel sources remains critically important for energy independence, however, and I continue to support the development of promising advanced biofuels to meet our energy and environmental challenges.”  “It’s become obvious that the Renewable Fuel Standard is having some unintended consequences, like higher food prices and fuel market disruptions that could raise gas prices,” Senator Corker said.  “This bill is a common-sense step to mitigate those consequences and move our energy policy in a direction that better reflects the realities of our domestic fuel demand and production.” “Diverting corn to produce ethanol hurts hardworking families by raising the cost of food,” Senator Manchin said. “While I believe that we need to develop alternative energy sources as part of a domestic, all-of-the-above energy approach, we must be smart about where we make our investments. It is long past time to eliminate these harmful corn ethanol requirements that do little to make us energy independent, while raising the cost of food in these already tough economic times.” “Since 2005, fuel suppliers like those in Trainer and Philadelphia have been forced to blend millions of gallons of biofuels - notably corn ethanol - into the nation's gasoline supplies,” Sen. Toomey said.  “This flawed central planning harms the viability of good paying jobs, drives up gas prices, increases food costs, and harms the environment. This is the government using corporate welfare to shower money on a favored industry and send the bill to the general public. Labor leaders, business, and environmental groups have pushed back against this harmful regulatory regime.  It’s time to repeal the requirement that directs more corn in our gas tank at the expense of the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania.” Additional background information here.      ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=85eff665-b4f6-47fc-88a6-0bee389be862,"Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2013 Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate Proposal designed to allow localities to retain volunteer first responders Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Begich (D-AK) to introduce bipartisan legislation that ensures volunteer firefighters and other first responders can continue protecting communities that rely on them. The “Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act” amends the “Affordable Care Act” to make it clear that volunteer emergency service workers are not required to be counted as full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) for purposes of healthcare coverage. Some volunteer firefighters are nominally paid, and most volunteer first responders have other full-time employment. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers, nor do most volunteer first responders expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service. “We all know that the main goal of the Affordable Care Act is to provide all Americans with accessible and affordable health care coverage,” Senator Manchin said. “However, we also know that there have been many missteps and unintentional consequences during the implementation of this law. Due to a technical error that unintentionally penalizes volunteer fire departments, the law jeopardizes funding for training and emergency response hours by imposing unreasonable burdens on many of our volunteer emergency response agencies. Our bipartisan fix makes sure there is a clear distinction between full-time, paid emergency responders and volunteers so that our emergency response teams can keep our communities safe without the threat of reducing necessary funding for training or emergency response hours. I thank my good friend Senator Mark Warner for his leadership on fixing this problem with the Affordable Care Act.” This bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and Congressional Fire Services Institute. “The IAFC strongly supports Sen. Warner and Sen. Manchin’s bill to clarify the status of volunteer firefighters under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This is a bipartisan issue which could have serious impacts on staffing at fire departments across the United States,” said Chief William Metcalf, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “The IAFC looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to help ensure fire departments of all types are able to continue saving lives and serving their communities.” The text of the Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act is available here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=805,Rep. McKinley Works to Protect Volunteer Firefighters from Unfair Obamacare Mandate,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Health Care Requirements Could Cripple Volunteer Fire Departments share: f t Yesterday, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) co-sponsored the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) which would exempt volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers from the employer mandate under Obamacare. The Internal Revenue Service currently defines volunteer firefighters as employees despite the fact they typically work full time jobs in addition to their volunteer work. As a result, volunteer fire departments and municipalities could be subjected to the Obamacare employer mandate and forced to provide health insurance or face financial penalties. Small towns and rural areas across America rely on volunteer first responders to provide vital lifesaving services, said McKinley. In West Virginia, 95 percent of all fire departments are staffed by volunteers. It is unfair to penalize these men and women who put their lives on the line with each and every call. In 2010 Nancy Pelosi said we need to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it,' said McKinley. Now, every day, we're learning about more problems with this health care law. As soon as we learned about this problem we took action by co-sponsoring this legislation and authoring a letter to President Obama. Subjecting volunteer fire departments, many of which need to raise money to simply outfit their members with equipment and training, to this expensive mandate violates common sense, said McKinley. For the sake of public safety and the future of volunteer fire departments across America, we need to take action and ensure volunteer emergency providers are exempt from this requirement. The legislation is supported by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=09e4a3e4-8796-4b28-bf5e-f44e4be8242b,Manchin Statement on Budget Conference Deal,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2013 Manchin Statement on Budget Conference Deal Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: “This budget agreement is the first bipartisan deal that has been proposed since I became a member of the Senate more than three years ago. I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans were able to sit down in a room together, negotiate, and arrive at a deal. I commend Senator Murray and Representative Ryan for their leadership in debating, deliberating and finally compromising on an agreement. While this deal is not perfect, and not the one I would have written myself, it is a first step toward getting Congress back on track. I am hopeful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will build upon this deal and work together toward a long-term budgetary fix. “In the meantime, I will be reviewing the details of this budget agreement to make sure we strike the proper balance between funding our government, creating certainty for businesses to hire hardworking Americans and reducing our deficit with responsible spending cuts. Let’s return our focus to rebuilding America.” Attached is a fact sheet on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which provides information on some provisions included in the budget package. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2bc91633-6847-420d-a905-654344e6a576,"Manchin, Fischer Introduce ‘Gone Act’ to Eliminate Government Spending on Nothing",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2013 Manchin, Fischer Introduce ‘Gone Act’ to Eliminate Government Spending on Nothing Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to close out thousands of expired grant accounts, which cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act would require agencies to close out expired, empty grant accounts. It would also require federal agencies to identify exactly why those accounts were never closed in the first place.   Specifically, the GONE Act would require the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to submit a report to Congress and agency heads detailing all expired, empty grant accounts, which must be closed within six months after the report is submitted. Afterwards, agencies would be required to update the council within three months on whether the grant accounts actually were closed. To ensure accountability, the council must also submit a follow up report to Congress and the committees of jurisdiction on the status of grant accounts identified for closure. “Fixing America’s finances and getting our financial house in order has always been a top priority for me, especially when we can cut waste, fraud and abuse,” Senator Manchin said. “It is truly remarkable how much our great nation can save if our federal government cuts the fat and not the muscle from many of our programs, especially ones that are no longer serving the American people. Our taxpayer dollars should be spent on programs and grant opportunities that actually support the people who we as Americans value most – including our children, veterans and seniors – not on administering empty grant accounts that help nobody. I thank Senator Fischer for leading this commonsense effort to address head-on our government’s wasteful spending.” “To literally spend money on nothing is a new height of government waste,” Senator Fischer said. “The GONE Act will stop the federal government from throwing away the money of hardworking taxpayers, while increasing government accountability – a top priority of mine. This legislation addresses just a snapshot of wasteful spending, but it proves decades of Washington’s fiscal malpractice have produced plenty of fat to trim.” On April 24, 2013, The Washington Post reported, “This year, the government will spend at least $890,000 on service fees for bank accounts that are empty. At last count, Uncle Sam has 13,712 such accounts with a balance of zero. They are supposed to be closed. But nobody has done the paperwork yet.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83ffe84e-8999-4d1b-8cd2-46a817e5a017,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Logan County Head Start Program",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Logan County Head Start Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Head Start funding for PRIDE Community Services. “West Virginia is blessed with community organizations, like PRIDE, that are providing critical education and nutritional assistance to children in Logan County.  As the Congress considers the Federal budget for the coming year, I continue to press to raise awareness about the importance of Head Start programs in our State and to ensure that our children, regardless of economic circumstances, have an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Rahall.  “As parents and grandparents, we know time and loving care invested in our children early on pays huge dividends throughout their lives. By encouraging learning, improving graduation rates, and ensuring that our children have the 21st century skills, we better equip our Nation to compete in the ever-growing global economy.” “I’ve long supported the Head Start program and stood behind its critically important mission of providing our youngest West Virginians with the support and structure they need to succeed once they enter the classroom,” said Rockefeller. “This funding for PRIDE Community Services will give children in the Logan County community the opportunity to access health, education and social services, all of which are necessary to building in these girls and boys strong foundations for the future.” “We have a responsibility to make sure that all of our kids get the care, education, and services they need to become successful,” said Manchin. “It is important to invest in educational opportunities like Head Start that can help lead our next generation to a brighter future, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure these essential programs remain funded for West Virginia children. This grant will ensure that our kids in Logan County receive access to necessary resources that will help our educated students compete in the global marketplace, which strengthens our economy and keeps jobs here at home.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $781,931 to PRIDE Community Services, Inc., of Logan, to continue its Head Start program, which serves 235 children in 25 collaborative classrooms throughout Logan County.  Head Start is a national development program for low-income children that prepares them for school from a young age. The HHS program provides comprehensive education activities in classrooms, as well as other services such as social, nutritional, health and mental health, and transportation for children and their families. PRIDE’s Head Start Program began in May 1965, making it one of the oldest such programs in the nation. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=23307b03-9446-467a-9428-dd2459c04848,Media attention keeps focus on Manchin | Charleston Daily Mail,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2013 Media attention keeps focus on Manchin | Charleston Daily Mail None of the members of the national television crew with Sen. Joe Manchin had ever fired a gun. So instead of just shooting extra footage of the Democrat expending a few rounds, the Fox News team joined Manchin Thursday morning in firing away. “They did good. The girls about showed us all up,” Manchin said later that afternoon, after an interview with the station. If people outside of West Virginia know about Manchin, there’s a good chance it’s because of guns. They might recall a campaign advertisement from 2010, when a rifle-toting Manchin blasted a hole through a piece of legislation. But West Virginia’s junior senator gained national attention more recently for his proposal in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The measure called for background checks on people purchasing guns online or at trade shows. It failed by a handful of votes in the Senate, but a $200,000 advertising battle between the National Rifle Association and Manchin helped keep the idea front and center on the country’s political landscape. That attention took the measure and debate to “a whole other dimension,” Manchin said. “It’s funny, when you evaluate it on that level, there are so few people I guess that are going based on the facts and their convictions, of trying to do and improve things,” Manchin said. “(They) worry more about how it will affect them personally or their political stature or their political standing in the party. “And I’ve never put that ahead of what I was there to do. I think that’s what’s kind of elevated it. It’s an anomaly right now. I don’t think it used to always be that way.” Manchin, 66, is still relatively new in Washington, D.C. Heading to Capitol Hill in late 2010 for the remainder of the late Sen. Robert Byrd’s unexpired term, Manchin won his first election to a full Senate term last fall. Thursday he downplayed the idea that the political cover of no imminent campaign made it easier for him to introduce the background check bill this year. The only thing that matters is whether he can explain his decisions “back home.” He brought those explanations to a crowd of local politicians, law enforcement officers, lobbyists and others during Thursday’s lunch meeting at the Fifth Quarter restaurant in Charleston. The group included Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, Kanawha Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey, Sheriff Johnny Rutherford, Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Ron Duerring, state AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue and others. The senator bounced from topic to topic. The nation’s finances are his key focus, but he’s very committed to fixing the national health care law and to helping veterans find jobs, he told the room. Oft-used phrases found their way into the conversation: Manchin described an idea as a “commonsense” measure. The concept of “guilt by association” has transformed into “guilt by conversation,” Manchin proclaimed, his frequent explanation for difficulty in working across the aisle. A man who said he’s a member of the AARP told the senator he’s fed up with the bickering in Washington. Manchin agreed, noting the general public’s dislike extends to people of either party in political office. Referring to an ambiguous “them,” a Manchin metaphor drew laughter from the crowd. “I told them this, I said, ‘Back in West Virginia, you jump in the pig pen, by God, you get a little smell on ya!’” The senator’s spent a fair amount of time in the slop this year, and the nation’s noticed. The New York Times recently described Manchin as a “centrist Democrat” who “has shown an impulsive, almost reflexive willingness to reject the position of his leaders and try to entice fellow senators to a middle ground.” The article outlined some of Manchin’s skirmishes with Democrats: he wants a one-year delay of the penalty associated with not having health insurance under President Barack Obama’s signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act. He opposed Obama’s call for military action in Syria, and supported a GOP-backed student loan bill. It pointed to his two-year “pestering” as part of the reason the Federal Drug Administration recently moved toward reclassifying hydrocodone — the active ingredient in power painkillers like Lortab and Vicodin — as a Schedule II drug. Manchin championed the move Thursday, a change that increases regulations on the medication, including cutting the amount of medication a patient can receive at one time. (After the meeting, he said he hasn’t spoken about the issue with his daughter Heather Bresch, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Mylan Inc. “We don’t talk about business at all. I can’t, with the public company she has. We don’t put ourselves in that position,” Manchin said after the lunch.) Like many other West Virginia politicians, Manchin is quick to criticize any regulation from the president or the Environmental Protection Agency he deems detrimental to coal. This coal policy clash appears frequently in the national media: recently, the Wall Street Journal, Politico and others chronicled his eventually successful campaign to keep Ron Binz from becoming the leader of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In October, Roll Call quoted Manchin saying, “I want to kick myself” for leaving his job as governor to run for Senate. Three years in to the federal position, he said he’s still trying to bring people together. The Fox News crew and an Associated Press reporter followed Manchin Thursday. Abby Huntsman, host of a daily show broadcast nationally on MSNBC, reportedly sampled the fare at a local Tudor’s Biscuit World when she and a crew joined Manchin Friday in West Virginia. The national media watches Manchin. They want to know what he’s going to do next, legislatively or politically. “They keep thinking I’m going to do this or that. I don’t know, I’ve never plotted out what I’m going to do,” Manchin said. “I always want to put myself in a position to do the best I could to help people.” Laughing, he added, “I don’t have the ambition to hit the campaign trail.” Asked directly if he’d thought about running for governor again or seeking higher office, Manchin pointed to the around the- clock nature of the media. He talked about getting through the 2014 election cycle. He didn’t answer the question. “Whatever happens will happen,” he said.   By:  Dave Boucher Source: Guns, other issues keep senator in national spotlight",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4041f650-0acc-4eb3-ac40-02c290cf1d54,Senator Manchin and Entire Staff Sign Up on Health Care Exchanges,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2013 Senator Manchin and Entire Staff Sign Up on Health Care Exchanges 42 staff members, including Manchin, enrolled today Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he and his entire staff have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. “Today, my staff and I joined the thousands of Americans who signed up for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. I’ve always said that this should be a transition year to give the American people a chance to shop around for the best and most affordable insurance plans for themselves and their families. We are all aware that there have been colossal failures and missteps during the implementation of this law, and there are many policies within the Affordable Care Act that must be fixed. However, there are also many good aspects to the law that offer more health services to millions of hardworking Americans. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fix this law’s many problems while keeping its positive aspects.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=260a434d-b567-425e-83c8-b9d7470bccad,Manchin holds roundtable at WVSU | Charleston Gazette,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 06, 2013 Manchin holds roundtable at WVSU | Charleston Gazette Sen. Joe Manchin said he supports raising the minimum wage, but hesitated to endorse any specific legislation until he has a chance to evaluate it. “If you took the minimum wage in 1968, I think it was in the $1.60, $1.70 range in 1968,” Manchin said Thursday, “and it was automatically adjusted for inflation, today’s minimum wage would be over $10.” Majority Leader Harry Reid has said that the Senate will vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage before 2014, although minimum wage legislation is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled House. Manchin spoke on a variety of topics — the financial crisis, immigration, health care, education — to students and professors at a town hall-style-event at West Virginia State University on Thursday. Manchin said that his concern with the Affordable Care Act is that people will not use the preventive care that has been made available to them and will instead wait until medical issues worsen and become more expensive. “If a person doesn’t use that health-care card and go to their screenings, their annual checkups,” Manchin said, “if they’re not going to utilize that, the system will fall on its own weight.” He said he’d like to see some sort of market-incentive system to get people to be healthier. “You’d better make sure there’s personal responsibility and accountability to make people well or keep them well,” he said. “If they fall into a sick category, the system will collapse and we ain’t got nothing, that’s what scares me.” Manchin told a crowd of students anxious about a dismal job market upon graduation that they needed to look at themselves as a product and offer good value and good service. “You’re the product — how good are you?” Manchin asked. “You’ve got a person who’s got a good product, and they’re reasonable about their value and what they want, but they’re not a self-starter. You got to kick them in the butt every day and tell them what to do. That ain’t going to make it.” Manchin spoke about the need to continue to reduce the deficit, which has fallen by more than 50 percent since 2009. He said that his most sobering moment as a senator came during a hearing of the Committee on Armed Services. Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was asked about the greatest threat the country faces. “Without even blinking an eye, he said ‘the financial situation this country faces,’ ” Manchin recalled. “Unmanaged debt will make a coward out of you.” A crew from Fox News had been following Manchin during his schedule Thursday. Jonathan Kott, a Manchin spokesman, said a crew from MSNBC was planning on following Manchin today. “They’ve got it in their heads he’s running for president. I keep telling them he’s not,” Kott said. When asked if he was planning on running for president, Manchin answered with an unequivocal, “No.”   By:  David Gutman Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9863a831-7081-41cb-9217-577d6f2a91fb,Manchin Statement on EPA Administrator's Trip to China,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 06, 2013 Manchin Statement on EPA Administrator's Trip to China Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy’s trip to China: “It is unfortunate that Gina McCarthy continues to hold energy hearings across the country and across the world and still refuses to travel to the front lines here in West Virginia. If she wants to discuss how we can clean up the environment and reduce emissions, she should come to our state, where some of our top-producing mines are less than five hours outside of Washington. We have expressed over and over our willingness to have an honest conversation about balancing our energy and environmental needs. If we are going to find the technology, let’s do it here in America and in West Virginia.   I understand her decision to travel to China, but while the EPA is focusing their efforts on foreign countries, they are ignoring the pain they are causing hard-working families in mining states like ours, who are being impacted by regulations that are shutting down mines and killing good-paying jobs.  I believe that the lessons that she can learn in Marshall, Boone and Logan counties and every mining county in this state are every bit as important as the ones she will learn in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. I would hope Ms. McCarthy would ask China’s environment relations what exactly they are doing themselves to secure a balanced economic and environmental future.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f36c64d6-f16a-4a60-9ba0-84e6256a421f,Manchin Statement on National Miner's Day,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 06, 2013 Manchin Statement on National Miner's Day Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement encouraging West Virginians to show appreciation for our miners and mining families on National Miner’s Day: “Today on National Miner’s Day, we honor and celebrate the bravest and most patriotic men and women I have ever met in my life. You can’t talk about coal without talking about coal miners. My own family first came to America to work in the mines. Growing up in the small coal-mining town of Farmington, I saw just how proud and courageous all the miners were. The fact is they deserve the same respect as our military veterans – because they go down into the mines for the same reasons that our veterans took up arms. It’s not just a job – it’s a calling, a way of life, even an act of patriotism in the defense of this great country. I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal, and I hope that our miners know that as long as there's coal to mine, I will proudly stand by their side. I urge all West Virginians today to show appreciation for our hardworking miners and the mining families of this great state and our nation.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222203442/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2054,Metro News: W.Va. AG joining with other states in federal gun purchasing case,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"West Virginia and 25 other states and a territory are joining together to fight an attempt by the federal government to prosecute the sale of guns between legal gun owners. State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday the group has filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the matter. “Our Office is proud to lead a bipartisan group of 27 states and territories in this brief to oppose the U.S. Department of Justice’s attempt to unilaterally create a federal restriction on firearm sales between law-abiding citizens,” said Morrisey in a release. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=177d75dd-16d1-4a97-924f-9801268e2003,Manchin Hears Concerns From Marshall County | Wheeling Intelligencer/News Register,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 05, 2013 Manchin Hears Concerns From Marshall County | Wheeling Intelligencer/News Register MOUNDSVILLE - Energy and gun control were just two of the issues Sen. Joe Manchin addressed during a public meeting Wednesday at the Marshall County Courthouse. Manchin, D-W.Va., focused the conversation on keeping the coal industry in West Virginia alive and growing the natural gas industry in the county. Manchin said the Department of Energy reported coal will be the leading generator of energy for the next 30 years. However, he said the Environmental Protection Agency produces regulations that make it difficult for coal companies to survive. ""If they're saying it why aren't they working with us?"" Manchin said. ""I'm for all wind and solar, but I'm enough of a realist to understand that it is not going to fuel or power this country right now. It might be 40 or 50 years, but it's a pipe dream right now."" Gun control was a more controversial topic, as several citizens expressed a need for the government to decrease gun regulations and opposed legislation to require background checks when purchasing a firearm. Manchin said he has pushed for background checks saying ""it made sense"" to require one in a commercial transaction either in person or online. Manchin said mental health issues, gun culture such as violent video games and building schools with bulletproof glass also need to be addressed when discussing gun control. ""We hardly do anything with mental illness,"" Manchin said. ""Also, as governor we built a lot of schools and not one architect ever came and said to pass legislation to have every first floor window be bullet proof. We're working right now in every school to get them on the first floors."" Todd Ruthers, a member of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, said he would rather see the Senator focus on coal instead of being involved in introducing gun regulations. ""Just because you put restrictions on guns doesn't mean a person isn't going to find a gun,"" Ruthers said. The meeting also touched on other issues including immigration, health care reform and the debt crisis. After the meeting, Manchin said he wanted to come to Marshall County to discuss the booming gas industry and to express his concerns about safety regulations in the Shoemaker and McElroy, which are in the process of being purchased by Murray Energy. ""I'm in touch with the people back home and I know where they're coming from and I think the dialogue really helps in making the decisions,"" Manchin said. ""Coming here to Marshall County, it's the epicenter of energy right now with 90 percent of the gas produced in the state produced right here. The opportunities we have downstream, once we are producing, that means more jobs."" Manchin met with about 25 county residents and officials, including county Commissioner Bob Miller, Prosecutor Jeff Cramer and Delegates David Evans and Mike Ferro. By:  Sarah Harmon Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=765,Rep. McKinley to Conduct Second Energy Forum,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Summit Features Lawmakers, Industry Leaders and Experts in Discussing America's Energy Needs share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) and West Virginia University will host an energy forum on Monday, December 9, 2013 beginning at 10:00 a.m. This event is open to the public. What: Second Annual Energy Forum. When: Monday, December 9, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Mountainlair Ballroom, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va. Why: To discuss how current and proposed energy policies impact the economic climate in the United States. Who: Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) and other industry, labor, environmental leaders and experts from around the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202449/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2042,Wheeling Intelligencer: Industry leaders speak on cracker,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Although natural gas processors continue pumping ethane out of the Marcellus and Utica shale regions, the head of an organization representing chemical companies is ""very confident"" Odebrecht's planned Parkersburg cracker plant will come to fruition. ""A cracker in West Virginia just makes sense. The chemical industry historically follows abundant raw materials, and the vast amount of ethane in the Marcellus Shale provides a great foundation for new chemical manufacturing investments,"" said Kevin DiGregorio, executive director of the West Virginia-based Chemical Alliance Zone, a non-profit organization formed in 1999 that states it is ""dedicated to supporting and expanding the chemical industry and technology economy"" in the Mountain State. ""Although situations can change and none of us have a crystal ball, I'm very confident that the cracker in Parkersburg will become a reality,"" DiGregorio said. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=18ba3602-e44e-422c-9cb3-b98177ea3a46,Shutdown prevention: Back-room talks start | Politico,2013-11-29,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 29, 2013 Shutdown prevention: Back-room talks start | Politico Led by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and launched during the government shutdown as a springboard for bipartisan negotiations, the “common sense caucus” may offer solutions on budget issues that have long plagued each party. For now, the group is working in the shadows of the more high-profile budget conference committee chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). The deadline for that panel to craft an agreement is Dec. 13, and there are some signs it might reach a narrow deal to replace the sequester with more targeted spending before the eruption of another fiscal impasse. But if that effort fails, the 16-member Collins-Manchin group may be the best hope of avoiding another shutdown on Jan. 15. Members of the group — who say theirs isn’t one of the Senate’s famous gangs — believe their personal relationships and built-in communication infrastructure might offer Congress a way out. “Let’s say the Budget Committee is unable to reach any kind of agreement,” Collins said. “I would think that our group would reconvene and talk about whether we could put together a plan.” “They’re making some headway. Not as much as I’d like to see,” Manchin said of the budget leaders. “If they fall and get nothing and you come on the eve of a shutdown? You don’t want that to happen. We’re not going to let that happen.” The group has been there before: Bipartisan deal makers like Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) believe their October talks and draft legislation paved the way for an eventual deal between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to reopen the government and avoid a debt crisis. The group includes lawmakers who aren’t afraid to buck their leadership, whether it’s Republicans Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting with Democrats to advance President Barack Obama’s nominees or Democrats Manchin and Mark Pryor of Arkansas opposing Reid’s historic push to revamp the filibuster rules. Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) described the caucus as “kind of the volunteer fire department,” explaining that it may again be called on to unlock negotiations during what looks to be a heated debate between two parties long divided over tax and spending policy. The entire group met formally in early November and agreed not to disband, though members decided not to endorse specific policies until the budget committee negotiations play out. But the aisle-crossing crew has continued to meet in small groups and speak privately since the shutdown ended, mindful that it took precious days to build the bipartisan fiscal negotiating team during the 16-day government shutdown this fall. For more than a week in October, Washington was paralyzed by the first government shutdown in 17 years. So Collins went solo to the Senate floor to pitch a plan that she believed both parties could support, a key breakthrough in terms of simply getting members of both parties talking to each other again. “When nothing was happening, we tried to be a catalyst to get the government open,” Ayotte said. “I really believe that we helped paved the way to an earlier end to the shutdown than otherwise would have occurred,” Collins added. Spearheaded by the moderate Mainer, the group began discussing a proposal that would lift the debt ceiling, reopen the government, create a budget conference committee, offer sequestration flexibility, delay Obamacare’s medical device tax and enforce stricter income verification requirements on those seeking subsidies for health insurance. Ultimately, Reid and McConnell made their own deal to end the deadlock, but members of the Collins-Manchin group believe their work spurred the Senate leaders toward an eventual compromise. They see a final proposal that included nearly everything they sought, save for the device tax delay and sequester flexibility, which liberal Democrats opposed because it would prolong the automatic budget cuts. And with relations between Reid and McConnell at a nadir following Reid’s decision to eliminate the filibustering of most presidential nominees, it could again fall to rank-and-file members to figure something out at the last minute. “As much as I hoped after the shutdown that everything would be bright and shiny because people would realize the repercussions of what they did — not only to the economy but to the reputation of the people working in [the Capitol] — I don’t really think that happened,” Klobuchar said. “We did some good things and we could do more in the future.” The group includes a wide swath of centrist-minded senators: Manchin and fellow Democrats Klobuchar, Pryor, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Mark Warner of Virginia and independent Angus King of Maine. Republicans besides Collins include Johanns, Ayotte, Murkowski, John McCain of Arizona, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Dean Heller of Nevada. Heller and Warner recently approached Collins to ask to join the group, she said. Save for Heller, the Republicans in the group supported the eventual Reid-McConnell fiscal agreement to reopen the government and lift the debt ceiling, defying conservative outside groups and their tea party-flavored colleagues. Led by Collins and Manchin, perhaps the least reliable party-line votes in either caucus, the group believes it has developed a positive chemistry among members who are unafraid to take risks. “What you have is a group of folks that are committed to trying to bring about constructive solutions to some of our difficult problems,” Murkowski said. “We kinda like hanging out with one another.” Senate leadership isn’t entirely following the machinations of the group, aides in both parties said. But Collins, Manchin and company have given a friendly heads-up to Murray that if she and Ryan can’t make it work, they’ve got her back. The fact that the group has stayed intact since the government reopened appears to only further motivate Murray to reach a budget deal with Ryan by the deadline and keep the Commonsense Caucus on the sidelines. “They said they’re there for me when we need it,” Murray said. “They want us to get to a deal and they’re there to make sure that we find some way of coming to an agreement.”   By:  Burgess Everett Source: A bipartisan group of senators may serve as a last-minute lifeline if the government faces another shutdown at the start of next year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222203456/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2037,WTAP TV: Congressman McKinley holds town hall meeting in Williamstown,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Big questions from the community Monday as state representative David McKinley made a stop in Williamstown. Dozens showed up to meet with the congressman, giving many the opportunity to ask questions and learn a little more about what is going on. Both local and national issues were discussed, but the big issue of the night was about the Affordable Care Act and the differences in Congress. To read/watch story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222203518/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2031,Parkersburg News and Sentinel: McKinley responds to town hall questions,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley, R-W.Va., listened to the concerns of area residents in the Williamstown City Council chambers Monday evening. McKinley began by comparing our modern era to that of the Civil War and the 1960s, both historical times of civil unrest in America. ""There was trouble in America during those times, and, as a nation, we came together,"" McKinley said. ""We aren't in those eras; we aren't there at all, but we need to pull together and figure out what we are going to do as a country. That is what these meetings are for."" To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8a087332-9fa3-49ec-8290-3f1dbcac2034,Manchin Encourages All West Virginians to Count Their Blessings During Thanksgiving Holiday,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 26, 2013 Manchin Encourages All West Virginians to Count Their Blessings During Thanksgiving Holiday Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on giving thanks this Thanksgiving holiday: “From an early age, my parents taught my siblings, cousins and me that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. It is a lesson that has stuck with me at every turn of the road, and is a message that I have passed along to my own children and grandchildren. Starting at Thanksgiving and throughout this holiday season, I encourage all West Virginians to take a moment and reflect on our blessings. “It is easy to forget how truly blessed we are to live in a country with the greatest liberties and freedoms in the world. But Thanksgiving is the one day each year that the entire American “family” gathers together to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy in this great country. We come together no matter what is happening in the life of our country – whether in war or peace, in boom or bust, in triumph or tragedy. “Although we should thank our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Guard Members every day for their dedication to this country, Thanksgiving is a time to offer special thanks for their service and sacrifice. And I will pray a special prayer that every one of them will return safely to their homes – and to a grateful nation. “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.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=700,Rep. McKinley Introduces Bill Preventing Treasury Dept. from Blocking Electricity for Poor Countries,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Treasury Department's Guidelines Aimed at Ending Public Financing of Overseas Coal-fired Power Plants share: f t This week, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation in response to the U.S. Treasury Department's new guidelines aimed at ending public financing of overseas coal-fired power plants. This pick-and-choose policy will deprive billions of people access to affordable electricity, added McKinley. The U.S. should not be denying this option to developing countries by ruling out coal. The bill will prohibit the Obama Administration's guidelines from being used as policy of multilateral development banks to influence the financing of coal-fired power plants in developing countries. Coal is the most economical way to produce electricity, but the Obama Administration is now taking steps to take that possibility away from developing countries around the world, said McKinley. With nearly 20 percent of the world's population living with no access to electricity and billions more with inadequate access, this policy will limit the ability of billions of people in developing countries to emerge from poverty. Instead of limiting energy choices and dictating to poor countries based on an anti-coal ideology, this Administration should be helping these countries emerge from poverty by promoting the use of clean coal technology, added McKinley.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210347/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2026,Politico: Benjamin Netanyahu: Deal 'historic mistake',2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Israel’s prime minister harshly condemned the international community’s nuclear deal with Iran on Sunday, calling it a “historic mistake” and saying he was not bound by the agreement. Speaking to his Cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the world had become a “more dangerous place” as a result of the deal and reiterated a long-standing threat to use military action against Iran if needed, declaring that Israel “has the right and the duty to defend itself by itself.” Israel believes Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, and in the weeks leading up to Sunday’s agreement, Netanyahu had warned the emerging deal was insufficient. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=fb760067-7952-4d9f-b8e8-6649ee738caf,"Manchin breaks with party on Fed, filibuster votes | Charleston Gazette",2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 22, 2013 Manchin breaks with party on Fed, filibuster votes | Charleston Gazette U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin broke ranks with Democrats on two high-profile bills Thursday, voting to preserve the minority party’s ability to filibuster presidential nominees in the Senate and voting against Janet Yellen, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve. Both votes were in vain, as Yellen advanced through the Senate Banking Committee, 148, and the Senate voted 52-48 to end the use of filibusters on all presidential appointments, oth­ er than nominees to the Supreme Court. Manchin was the only Democrat on the Banking Committee to vote against Yellen. Three Republicans voted for her nomination. Yellen is likely to be confirmed by the full Senate. In a statement, Manchin said that he could not vote for Yellen because of her support of quantitative easing — the Fed’s program of buying large amounts of Treasury securities to lower real interest rates and, hopefully, increase lending. “Since 2010, the Fed has pumped tens of billions of dollars into the economy every single month,” Manchin said in a written statement. “Unfortunately, during my conversation with Dr. Yellen and during her testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Dr. Yellen never mentioned a limit nor a desire to back off these policies.” The Federal Reserve’s normal mechanism for boosting the economy is to cut interest rates, but the interest rates it directly controls have been at zero since December 2008. Since unemployment is still high and inflation is below the Fed’s stated target rate of 2 percent, the Fed has used quantitative easing as one of its strategies to stimulate the economy. Manchin also said that current Fed policy will allow Congress to increase debt and deficits. In her confirmation hearing on Nov. 14, Yellen said that recent near-term reductions in federal spending— the federal deficit for fiscal 2013 was less than half of what it was in 2009 — had “detracted from the momentum of the economy and demand.” She said that deficit reduction should “focus on achieving gains in the medium-term horizon while not subtracting from the impetus that we need to keep a fragile recovery moving forward.” Also Thursday, Manchin was one of three Democratic senators who voted with every Republican to preserve Senate filibusters on federal judges and other executive appointments, including cabinet secretaries. Because they failed, nominees will now be approved with a simple majority vote. In the past few weeks, Republicans have repeatedly used the filibuster to block Obama’s three nominees to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Despite that court’s three openings, Republicans have said that they would not allow Obama to make any appointments to it, saying the court did not have a heavy enough caseload to warrant its full slate of 11 judges. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is often called the second most important court in the country. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas all previously served on that court. In past years both parties have threatened to do away with filibusters on presidential nominees, but have backed down when compromises were struck at the last minute. In 2005, when majority Republican senators threatened to end the filibuster, a compromise was struck which led to five of President George W. Bush’s judicial appointments being confirmed. Manchin said that he proposed creating two standards for nominees, but was rejected by Democratic leadership. He would have done away with the filibuster for cabinet secretaries and other nominees whose terms expire with the president, but kept the filibuster for judicial nominees who have lifetime appointments, including those for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Manchin said that doing away with the filibuster on presidential nominees, the so-called “nuclear option,” went too far. “I was willing to support modest changes to make the system more efficient, but my proposal was rejected,” he said in a written statement. “I voted against the rules changes today because they simply went too far. I firmly believe that the filibuster is a vital protection of the minority views.” Sen. Jay Rockefeller voted with all but three Democrats to end the filibusters, because he said Republicans were blocking nominees purely for political reasons. “While I have no issue with a senator opposing a nominee on substantive grounds, it is when a senator votes again and again against a qualified nominee — or nominees — purely for political reasons that we must change,” Rockefeller said in a written statement. “The Senate has been stuck in this escalating pattern of obstruction for too long, holding back presidential appointments for months and in some cases years.” Immediately after the filibuster vote, the Senate voted 55-43 to end debate on the judicial nomination of Patricia Millett, a Washington lawyer who has worked for both Democrats and Republicans. Manchin and Rockefeller both voted to move forward Millett’s nomination, which had previously been blocked by a Republican filibuster. By:  David Gutman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=967dba96-90ff-43fe-a4a5-6258e0e149f8,Manchin Pays Tribute to John F. Jennedy on 50th Anniversary of Assasination,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 22, 2013 Manchin Pays Tribute to John F. Kennedy on 50th Anniversary of Assasination Senator Manchin submits a Congressional record statement in memory of President John F. Kennedy Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today submitted a Congressional record statement to pay tribute to President John F. Kennedy on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination. In part, Senator Manchin wrote: “John Kennedy was in the White House for only one thousand days, not even three years.  But his achievements exceeded his years.  It’s easy to dismiss his Presidency as one of rhetoric more than results.  But to do so ignores the New Frontier he pioneered – a new era of economic growth, space exploration, civil rights advancements, conservation of natural resources, nuclear disarmament and generations of Americans who have made public service a way of life. “John Kennedy’s immortal words, especially those of his Inaugural Address, still call us to action – to think beyond our own self-interests, and to do what is best for our country and the people of the world.” Below is the full text of the Congressional record statement: Mr. President, fifty years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, America still mourns his loss. For those of us who were inspired by his Presidency, it’s easy to understand why.  In a time of indifference, he reawakened this nation to the finest meaning of citizenship – placing public service ahead of private interest. That is why a half a century later, he remains a powerful symbol of a time of soaring idealism in America, when our people believed our country could do anything – even go to the moon. John Kennedy also inspires Americans who know him only from history books or from the stories their parents and grandparents tell of that all-too-brief shining moment that was his Presidency. John Kennedy was in the White House for only one thousand days, not even three years.  But his achievements exceeded his years.  It’s easy to dismiss his Presidency as one of rhetoric more than results.  But to do so ignores the New Frontier he pioneered – a new era of economic growth, space exploration, civil rights advancements, conservation of natural resources, nuclear disarmament and generations of Americans who have made public service a way of life. John Kennedy’s immortal words, especially those of his Inaugural Address, still call us to action – to think beyond our own self-interests, and to do what is best for our country and the people of the world. Like millions of Americans, I vividly recall the exact moment on that cold day of November 22, 1963, when I heard the shocking news from Dallas that the President had been shot.  I was a junior at Farmington High School. By the time we were told of the tragedy, it was just after lunch and my classmates and I walked into English class. Mr. Simon Matthews, our English teacher who also was one of our football coaches, broke the unspeakable news. Mr. Matthews announced austerely, “The President has been shot.” We thought he was joking and teased him to quit kidding us. He said again, “The President has just been assassinated,” and we were sent home from school early. When I arrived home, I was stunned to walk in to my living room and find it filled by my entire family. I had never seen my grandfather or father or my uncles leave work early. It was a somber time for every member of my family as we tried to come to grips with the terrible news. It was just so hard to believe our President could be taken from us. But he was. Three days later, it was decided that our family would go to Washington to pay our respects to the President. As an eager sixteen year old who had just gotten my license a few months before, I volunteered to drive us in Papa’s ’58 Cadillac. Six of us piled into the car and made the trip to our nation’s capital. I will never forget, as the caisson bearing the President’s casket was led down Pennsylvania Avenue on its way to Arlington Cemetery, my cousins and I climbed into the trees for a better view of the procession. We saw the President’s stricken family and friends, the somber Washington dignitaries and world leaders, and Black Jack, the riderless horse with boots turned backwards in the stirrups, a heartbreaking symbol of the loss of a great leader. As I watched the procession move slowly to the sad cadence of military drums, I thought of the time I had been fortunate enough to meet members of the Kennedy family. I was working on my go-cart downstairs in the garage when they visited my family in Farmington as then-Senator Kennedy was preparing for the West Virginia presidential primary.  My hands were dirty and greasy, but my mother insisted that I wipe them clean and come upstairs to meet a few people. As I climbed the steps, I smelled my grandmother, Mama Kay’s, spaghetti. Everyone had gathered at the table for dinner and an exciting discussion about the political race ramping up in West Virginia. That was the day I shook hands with the Kennedys. John Kennedy and his family spent so much time campaigning in West Virginia that he once quipped that “West Virginia” was the third word his daughter Caroline learned to pronounce. He once boasted that he was the only Presidential candidate in history, other than West Virginian John Davis in 1924, “who knows where Slab Fork is and has been there.” John Kennedy came to West Virginia to show that a Catholic could win in a predominantly Protestant state. Americans worried that a Catholic President would be controlled by the Pope and that Catholic Mass would be held in the White House every day. Let me just note here that John Kennedy carried the West Virginia primary in a landslide – with 60.8 percent. He won our votes and our heart. He went on to become, as he put it, “not the Catholic candidate for President,” but “the Democrat Party’s candidate for President, who happens also to be a Catholic.” But there was one Catholic Mass in the White House, on November 23, 1963 – a Requiem Mass for the slain President. As I reflect now on how much life intersected with John Kennedy’s life, I prefer to think about the beginning of the Kennedy Presidency rather than its tragic ending. I prefer to remember his Inaugural Address. It was just 1,355 words and 14 minutes long, but it set in motion a generation of Americans with a passion for public service. Some were inspired to defend liberty as soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. Some would march for civil rights in the South. Some would join the Peace Corps and become ambassadors of peace in villages throughout the world. And some would answer the call to service by seeking public office. John Kennedy was a powerful and positive force in my life and the life of our nation. To me, he embodied a time when politics could be harnessed to higher aspirations, to do good things for the country. Not only did his Inaugural Address famously challenge us to ask ourselves what we can do for our country, it also provided timeless advice on how to overcome the bitterness of partisan politics. An election, he said, is “not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom,” not an end but a beginning “signifying renewal.” That is still good advice. John Kennedy was a committed Democrat and few people loved politics more than he and his family.  But he understood – as he wrote in his book Profiles In Courage, that “there are few if any issues where all the truth and all the right and all the angels are on one side.” He accepted the fact that democracy relies on competing views and vigorous debate. But he did not believe the objective should be to win political power but to solve our country’s problems. As he once said, “Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past - let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” That is what I have always tried to do – to find the right answer and to do what is best for my country and the generations of Americans to follow. That is why, 50 years after John Kennedy’s death, I still try to follow his admonition to “go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help … knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” He acknowledged that this was not the work of a hundred days, or of a thousand days, or of one administration, or of a lifetime, but of generations. Even so, he said, “Let us begin.” And, Mr. President, to you and to all our colleagues in the Senate, I say: Let us continue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=715,Rep. McKinley Listens to Constituents Concerning Their Frustrations with Obamacare,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Conference Call Reveals Problems from Premiums to Coverage share: f t Last night, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. conducted a health care conference call with a dozen constituents from across the First District who have experienced various problems surrounding the implementation of Obamacare. Our office has heard from thousands of constituents who have been negatively impacted by Obamacare, said Rep. McKinley. As a result, we wanted to talk directly with those that were affected and listen to their stories in the hopes of finding ways to address the problems. You could hear the frustrations of people as each had a unique story about the impact Obamacare had in their own lives, added McKinley. Whether it was being forced off their health insurance plan to watching their premiums skyrocket, their concerns were real and represent thousands of West Virginians just like them. Since the inception of Obamacare in October, a number of problems began to surface: The healthcare.gov website was not operational; Some health premiums increased to as much as 400 percent; 4.2 million Americans lost their insurance; For every one American who selected a plan in the Obamacare exchanges in October, nearly 40 lost their insurance. Last week, the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Keep Your Health Plan Act to allow individuals to keep their own health plan, added McKinley. As we continue to hear about the problems our constituents face from this flawed health care law, the House will proactively find solutions instead of political fixes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=850,Reps. McKinley and DeGette Introduce Bipartisan Bill Creating Energy Commission,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Commission Would Focus on Comprehensive Energy Policy for U.S. share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced bipartisan legislation which would establish a commission to develop a comprehensive energy policy for the United States. You would never start construction without blue prints, said Rep. McKinley. In the same way, America should have a blueprint when it comes to our energy policy. This country has gone too long without a comprehensive energy plan. Access to reliable, affordable energy is important for our economy and creating jobs. This Commission will assemble a diverse group of leaders in fossil fuels and renewable energies, utilities, energy researchers, environmentalists, labor organizations, and economists to come up with the nation's first, comprehensive energy policy. In the 21st century, our nation faces a critical need to produce a comprehensive energy plan, said Rep. Diana DeGette. Energy development plays a fundamental role in our economic strength, driving job creation and innovation, and will help ensure our continued global leadership. This Commission represents a great opportunity for stakeholders and experts from across the political spectrum to come together and develop a plan that charts our nation's energy course for the next several decades. It's important we work across party lines to create energy policies that will benefit future generations, added McKinley. Despite our political differences, Rep. DeGette and I have found common ground in helping America achieve energy independence. That is even more critical because energy independence is also a national security issue. Even in the midst of so much gridlock in Washington, this bill demonstrates that we can come together across the aisle to find common ground to meet our nation's energy goals, continued DeGette. I'm so proud to have crafted this legislation with my good friend and colleague, Rep. McKinley, and I look forward to seeing our other colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, join together with us in this important endeavor. This Commission will examine all current laws, regulations and policies of the Federal government pertaining to all sources of energy. The Commission will also look into maximizing the efficiency of energy, fully utilizing American resources while cutting back on the dependence of foreign sources, and achieving energy independence in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1a34bb7a-ce58-4335-b4dd-441014681f9d,Manchin responds to first-grader’s plea | Charleston Daily Mail,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 21, 2013 Manchin responds to first-grader’s plea | Charleston Daily Mail A West Virginia first-grader got to take a break from school this week — thanks to a little political clout. Sophie Mullins, a student at Gauley River Elementary School in Craigsville, got a call from Sen. Joe Manchin on Wednesday, after writing the senator a letter in which she told him that all she does is “work, work, work.” “I need a break,” Sophie wrote to the senator. “Can you please help?” Manchin responded by calling Sophie at school on Wednesday. “I’m giving you a break right now, that’s why I called you,” Manchin told Sophie in a video of the call Manchin’s office posted online Wednesday. “I wanted you to take a little bit of time off because you work so hard.” He doesn’t let the student off that easy, though. He takes the opportunity to lecture her a little on the value of hard work. “If you work hard it’s going to pay off, you’re going to get smarter aren’t you?” Manchin says. “Yes,” Sophie answers confidently. “And that’s good isn’t it?” Manchin says. “So you just keep working hard on your studies so you get smarter so you can help us.” They wrap up the call with Sophie telling the senator that she’d like her dad to bring her to Washington, DC, for a trip, and Manchin telling her that if he does, she should be sure to come visit him at the Capitol.   By:  Shay Maunz Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=70436f46-64a7-4203-83b1-97943766cfeb,Manchin Statement on Voting Against Change of Senate Filibuster Rules,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 21, 2013 Manchin Statement on Voting Against Change of Senate Filibuster Rules Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on why he voted against changing Senate filibuster rules: “All West Virginians and Americans deserve a government that works for them, and I completely understand their frustration with the partisan gridlock in Washington. It has become increasingly clear to me that both parties have abused the filibuster by using it to gain political advantage, instead of truly debating an issue. With this in mind, I offered a commonsense compromise that would have allowed the President to put his team in place, but required greater consideration for nominees whose posts outlasted the President. I was willing to support modest changes to make the system more efficient, but my proposal was rejected. I voted against the rules changes today because they simply went too far. I firmly believe that the filibuster is a vital protection of the minority views and exactly why the Framers of our Constitution made the Senate the ‘cooling saucer.’ As the late, great Robert C. Byrd himself said in the months before his death, ‘While I welcome needed reform, we must always be mindful of our responsibility to preserve this institution’s special purpose.’ “It’s past time to fix Congress and make the legislative process work in a way that puts the American people ahead of petty politics. It’s past time Congress begins working together to move this country forward.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c355e622-d466-457f-8797-f2fe9ca566d6,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce More Than $1.5 Million for Community Health Centers in W.Va.",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 21, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce More Than $1.5 Million for Community Health Centers in W.Va. Funding will expand centers’ capacity to help care for an additional 5,000 patients WASHINGTON, D.C. – On National Rural Health Day, Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding for two community health centers in West Virginia. The facilities set to receive funding are Community Care of West Virginia in Rock Cave and Williamson Health and Wellness Center. The funding will help these community health centers strengthen and expand their health and wellness services, and begin to service more than 5,000 additional patients. “Especially in underserved and rural areas, improving access to quality health care is a major priority for the people of West Virginia,” said Manchin.  “It’s so important that our families can get the preventive and primary care that will keep them healthy, and this funding will help these facilities provide the best possible preventive care, treatment and health services.” “When I first came to West Virginia, I was struck by the number of adults and children who’d never been to a dentist, or visited a doctor for a basic check-up. Since then, I’ve been committed to helping the uninsured and those living in underserved communities in our state access good medical care,” Rockefeller said. “This funding is so important because it will boost the health care services provided by two important community health centers – and in turn, that’s going to boost the foundation we have in West Virginia to support and maintain a healthier population.” “Community health centers, like in Williamson, are critical to expanding access to high-quality, primary and preventive care services in southern West Virginia.  This funding will go a long way toward addressing the unmet health care needs of our region, while boosting local employment and economic growth,” said Rahall. The $1,516,667 in federal funding comes from the Affordable Care Act through the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS/HRSA) Health Access Point Grant Program. This initiative provides grant funding to community health centers to help increase their ability to provide comprehensive health care, including primary and preventive care, to underserved areas and areas with high numbers of uninsured.  The individual award amounts are: • $812,500 – Williamson Health and Wellness Center – Williamson, W. Va. • $704,167 – Community Care of West Virginia – Rock Cave, W. Va. Click here for a video of Senator Rockefeller discussing National Rural Health Day. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f691c094-590d-4336-a7b4-dc0567eb8ea4,Manchin Statement on Fed Chair Nominee Janet Yellen Committee Vote,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 21, 2013 Manchin Statement on Fed Chair Nominee Janet Yellen Committee Vote Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on why he did not vote for Federal Reserve Chair nominee Janet Yellen in the Senate Banking Committee. “After meeting with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to discuss her views on how to best grow our economy and balance our budget, hearing her testimony before the Senate Banking committee, and discussing monetary policy with experts, I cannot support her nomination to be Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve.  I believe that Dr. Yellen is a very intelligent and capable nominee, but her views and beliefs to continue quantitative easing, despite a failure to see any real gains, greatly troubles me. A long time ago, I learned from my family in Farmington, West Virginia, ‘You can’t spend your way to prosperity and borrow your way out of debt.’ Before this crisis, the Federal Reserve never held even $1 trillion dollars on its balance sheets.  While the Fed had to take extraordinary action in the wake of the financial crisis, it’s been five years since we started quantitative easing, and we continue this risky endeavor without seeing the gains we expected. Since 2010, the Fed has pumped tens of billions of dollars into the economy every single month. We kept buying in 2011 and bought even more in 2012.  Finally, almost one year ago, we increased our purchases to $85 billion a month.  That’s almost $1 trillion dumped into the economy in just one year.  Today, the Federal Reserve has almost $4 trillion of government debt and mortgage-backed securities on its books.  What’s been the result? Unemployment is still above 7.2%, our gross domestic product, the measure of our economy’s performance, is still sluggish with 2.5% economic growth in 2010 and only 2.8% now.  That’s not the kind of improvement we expected from the Fed’s program. Unfortunately, during my conversation with Dr. Yellen and during her testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Dr. Yellen never mentioned a limit nor a desire to back off these policies.  While I support her desire to limit risk in the banking sector and help community banks, her views on the Federal Reserve’s direction force me to oppose her nomination. “I have said since the day that I arrived in the Senate, as well as my time as Governor of the great state of West Virginia, that if we don’t balance our budget, we can’t support our priorities. I believe that the current lending policy of the Fed will continue to allow Congress to run up record debts and deficits while our economy continues to lag behind.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222205337/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2013,Parkersburg News and Sentinel: McKinley schedules town hall meeting,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A U.S. congressman will be holding a town hall meeting in Williamstown to allow residents to discuss their concerns. U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley, R-W.Va., will be conducting a town hall meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Williamstown Town Hall, 100 West Fifth St. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. McKinley will give a brief congressional update and then take questions from those attending, said Jim Forbes, director of communications for McKinley. ""This is another in a series of town hall meetings he has been conducting since taking office,"" Forbes said of the more than 30 such meetings McKinley has conducted in West Virginia's 1st Congressional District. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=48c0443f-f7a8-4a0a-9ffb-abfc62e217e8,Manchin is getting notice in Washington | Daily Mail,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2013 Manchin is getting notice in Washington | Daily Mail Congress has the nation agreeing on one thing: 86 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing, according to the latest Gallup poll. While Americans expect political debates to be intense, what Americans are getting in Washington is dysfunction, where the politicians become so stubborn that both sides are willing to shut the government down rather than resolve their differences. There has to be a better way and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is determined to find it by reaching out to Republicans. ? In April, gun owner Manchin worked with Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., to propose expanding background checks for online gun sales. ? In June, Manchin worked with Sens. Burr, R-N.C., Coburn, R-Okla., Alexander, R-Tenn., and King, I-Maine, on student loan legislation. ? In September, Manchin and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., worked with Republicans to pass a resolution that may have headed off a war in Syria. ? In October, Manchin and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, led a bipartisan effort to reach a budget deal and avoid default. ? Also in October, Manchin worked with Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., on consumer credit legislation. ? In November, Manchin is working with Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., on a bipartisan effort to protect coal and the nation’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. Not all his efforts will become laws nor or all popular with his base, but Manchin’s willingness to work together for the good of the nation is refreshing and is making an impact. People are noticing. Salena Zito, a political writer for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, asked him if he would run for president. “I can’t say,” Manchin replied. “I mean, you never know. I will help my country any possible way that I can. I really would.” Right now, Manchin is serving the nation well as the fellow who is willing to listen to the other side and work out a compromise. That’s what real leaders do. By:  Editorial Source: Getting both parties to work together on issues is important Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=76096ed8-1c1e-4c55-9dba-9601e0070194,Sen. Manchin fights for coal’s future | Charleston Gazette,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 Sen. Manchin fights for coal’s future | Charleston Gazette West Virginians know Sen. Joe Manchin as a tireless advocate for coal throughout his time as both a U.S. senator and as the state’s governor. Sen. Manchin truly represents the voice of West Virginians and coal communities in Washington — voices too often drowned out by administration officials and lawmakers. The senator recently was awarded the Washington Coal Club’s Achievement Award. The award was timely, because Manchin and Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky drafted legislation to counter stringent EPA regulations for new coal-fueled power plants. Sen. Manchin recognizes the critical role coal plays in powering America’s energy needs affordably and reliably. Every day, he strives to work across party lines to ensure coal continues to fuel economic growth and provide energy security. Congratulations to Sen. Manchin on a worthy and well-deserved achievement. West Virginia is lucky to have an advocate in Washington who fights every day for coal’s future. By:  Mike Duncan, president American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity Washington Source: Letter to the Editor Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=153fab51-4089-46de-b820-b5f802b8d4e9,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding Awarded for Housing Programs in Southern West Virginia",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding Awarded for Housing Programs in Southern West Virginia WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded funding to rehabilitate housing owned and occupied by low-income families in southern West Virginia. “We should do all we can to care for our neighbors who are in need and make sure those struggling have the necessary resources to get back on their feet,” Manchin said. “These important programs offer hope and assistance to West Virginians with the ultimate goal of helping individuals rise above their challenging circumstances and make a fresh start.” “With the holidays just around the corner, this funding couldn’t come at a better time for coal mining families in southern West Virginia,” Rockefeller said. “Beyond the immediate benefits, this investment will have a ripple effect throughout communities in southern West Virginia by increasing security in neighborhoods, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy.” “Good housing is important to maintaining stable communities and creating jobs,” said Rahall. “Investments in home improvement go far beyond fixing four walls of a housing structure.  These are investments in the security of our neighborhoods, and enhancing the sense of pride for working West Virginia families.” Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) in Kincaid was awarded $20,400 towards a $134,420 project to rehabilitate housing owned and occupied by low- and very-low income families in coal camps located in southern West Virginia.  The Housing Authority of Mingo County will receive a $34,000 grant to allow qualifying homeowners in Mingo and Logan Counties to make necessary repairs to their homes. The funding announced today has been awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant program, which provides competitive grants to state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations to make housing repairs and improve housing conditions for limited income rural residents.  Grants may be used to make general repairs or provide or enhance access to people with disabilities.  Funds may also be used to make homes more energy efficient. -30-   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202505/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2010,Wheeling Intelligencer Editorial: Stop EPA while there's still time,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Americans already have seen what can happen when they are told they must go along with an ultra-liberal plan that was not thought out in advance - and about which they were not told the truth. That describes the Affordable Care Act - Obamacare - to a ""T."" But because the lies and unpreparedness are becoming apparent now, there is something we can do about the health care law. That will not be the case regarding Obama's scheme to shut down more coal-fired power plants and, in the process, drive up electric bills for tens of millions of families. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., seem to be among the few people in Congress who understand the peril of allowing Obama's Environmental Protection Agency to proceed with its war on coal. To read entire editorial, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0e68930e-7913-4d16-bc9c-7fb586178a48,Party lines invisible to Sen. Manchin of West Virginia | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,2013-11-17,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 17, 2013 Party lines invisible to Sen. Manchin of West Virginia | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review WASHINGTON — Joe Manchin didn't set out to become a Senate power broker when he arrived in Washington in 2010. Yet he is suddenly that. People outside his home state of West Virginia are talking about the Democrat who doesn't follow party lines, and his ability to get colleagues to sign on to legislation, including a bill that likely pressured the White House to change its response to the Affordable Care Act. “I don't have all of the ideas, but I have a few,” Manchin, 66, told the Tribune-Review. “I am not always right, but I am not always wrong, either. I think with that approach, I can fix things.” Bowing to criticism from millions of Americans who received cancellation notices for individual insurance policies since the law went online in October, President Obama on Thursday said consumers can keep plans that don't meet requirements for one more year. His proposed fix — to delay requiring that insurers end policies that don't meet minimum coverage standards — is not enough, Manchin said. He will keep pushing legislation he co-sponsored with Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., to reinstate any canceled policies. “Our fix is permanent; the president's is temporary,” Manchin said. ‘A VERY LIKABLE GUY' It's not the first time the plain-speaking former governor emerged in an unlikely Senate leadership role. In April, his national standing soared when he forged a compromise bill with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Lehigh County to expand background checks for gun purchases to online sales. The bill did not pass, but Manchin — who famously shot a hole through Obama's cap-and-trade bill in a TV campaign ad — gained notice. In July, the Senate passed his bipartisan student loan bill, which cut rates for the year and based them on Treasury bonds instead of a fixed number, despite pushback from progressive Democrats such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Two months later, experts credited his proposed resolution to give President Bashar al-Assad 45 days to sign an international chemical weapons ban with cooling the White House at the height of the Obama administration's push for military action in Syria. And Manchin was the guy who cut a deal with Fisher House Foundation, a veteran’s charitable organization, to help pay death benefits to families of fallen troops when the government shutdown in October halted payments. Toomey said Manchin is “in the center of a lot of important issues” because he wants to get things done and “is willing to break with his party orthodoxy to do that.” Manchin has won the trust and confidence of Senate colleagues, Toomey said: “He is a very likable guy. He is not faking it when he tries to bridge issues. … Personalities matter in the Senate, and his is definitely conducive to making progress.” Manchin has no patience for critics who attack him or others for crossing party lines. “I could give two hoots about that,” he said. “The bottom line is the extremes on the right and left are trying to control the dialogue and the policy, and if we let that happen, God help us now.” WILD, WONDERFUL W.VA. Manchin grew up in Farmington , W.Va., a town of fewer than 400 people best known for its 1968 coal mine disaster that killed 78 miners. The grandson of Italian and Czechoslovakian immigrants who own grocery stores, he and his wife, Gayle, live in Fairmont. His uncle, the late A. James Manchin, was a colorful politician in the state House of Delegates and its secretary of State and treasurer. “I love my home state,” Manchin said. “There is no other place like it in the world, and it is where I am at home.” When governor, he advocated returning to the state motto “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” when people hated his “Open for Business” slogan. When he is home, he likes to fish for trout and learned to fly-fish a year ago. He keeps moonshine — the legal kind — in his office to offer during after-hours toasts. His Capitol Hill suite is reminiscent of the office of a popular school principal, not a button-down shirt-wearing elected official. A football scholarship got Manchin into West Virginia University, but an injury during practice ended his playing days. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in information management. In 1982, at 35, he was elected to the Legislature. He took the seat of Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving U.S. senator, in a special election after Byrd's death, and he won a full term two years later. On a recent Wednesday, staffers put out a spread of doughnuts, muffins, pastries and coffee to welcome any West Virginian who wanted to drop by. More than 50 constituents came to chat, including actress Jennifer Garner, who lived in the state capital, Charleston, in her youth. He talked via Skype to an honors American history class in Shinnston, W.Va., and promised to visit Lincoln High School sometime. Not every West Virginian is a fan. Melody Potter, 58, of South Charleston, the state's Republican national committeewoman, doesn't trust that Manchin is as conservative as he projects. “He won the Senate seat because he tells people what they want to hear, but his actions are contradictory,” Potter said, citing cap-and-trade legislation he signed in 2009 as governor. “I believe that most of what he does is for his own political gain.” HOPING FOR HILLARY On the underground train ride from Hart Office Building to the U.S. Capitol, Manchin takes credit for another policy change. “See this?” He points to “No Running” signs on the electric people movers. “This is my fault,” he said, explaining that he often ran alongside the train to its next stop if he missed his ride. The Washington press corps mobs him at the Capitol, thrusting recorders as reporters ask his opinion of Obama and his delaying his signature health care law. No one knew him for the first year or so, Manchin said. That changed when his frustration with divisive politicians inspired him to cross the aisle. “They put you on the spot; you say one wrong word, and they crucify you,” he said of the reporters, once the scrum was out of earshot. “Sometimes you can't even go to the bathroom.” When he steps off an elevator moments later, more questions and flashbulbs greet him. Though he breaks ranks with ease in the Senate, he will support his party's presidential nominee in 2016 and hopes it will be Hillary Clinton, a friend since he was a state senator. She might reverse West Virginia's recent trend of voting Republican for president, Manchin said. “I can't make people change their minds on social issues, but if she runs on governing and performance and her ability to reach out and get things accomplished, she will win West Virginia,” he said. He is less sure about his own ambitions for a presidential run. “I can't say. I mean, you never know,” he said. “I will help my country any possible way that I can. I really would,” he said, adding that his “burning desire is to be the best I can be to represent West Virginia. That is what drives me.” By:  Salena Zito",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=795,Rep. McKinley Votes to Keep Promises Made to American People about Their Health Care Plans,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Keep Your Health Plan Act Allows Individuals to Keep Current Plan share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) voted for a bill to allow individuals to keep their health plan. Rep. McKinley is an original co-sponsor of the legislation. The bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed the House 261 to 157, with 39 House Democrats supporting it. Once the problem of millions of Americans losing their health insurance was identified, we crafted a piece of legislation that would allow people to keep their current policies, said Rep. McKinley. The bill gives the Administration one year to work with Congress to try and correct problems with Obamacare. Now that the House has said you can keep your own insurance, the Senate needs to follow suit, said McKinley. To watch Rep. McKinley address his House colleagues on people affected in the First District, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202515/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2006,State Journal: Lawmakers reacts to possible cracker exploration in Wood Co.,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressional and state lawmakers quickly began providing their reactions to the Nov. 14 announcement of a possible cracker plant in Wood County. The plants convert ethane from gas shale deposits to ethylene, a compound used in manufacturing plastics. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said the possibility of the purchase of Wood County land by Odebrecht is a sign of the state's continued development of natural gas drilling. ""I am extremely pleased that Gov. Tomblin has announced that the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, is interested in exploring the development of a new petrochemical complex in Wood County,"" Manchin said. ""After years of our local and state leaders working together with energy companies worldwide, this is a textbook example of how a public-private partnership can strengthen not only West Virginia but also the entire Mid-Ohio Valley region."" To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=817,Rep. McKinley: Cracker Announcement Represents a New Day for West Virginia,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Project Will Bring Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Investment to West Virginia share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.V.) issued the following statement in response to the announcement that an ethane cracker facility will be built in Wood County: Today's announcement is great news for Wood County and the entire state of West Virginia. The thousands of jobs and billions in investment that will result from this project will transform our state's economy for decades to come. Since coming to Congress three years ago, our office has been working to take advantage of the energy abundance below our feet and attract a cracker facility to West Virginia. We've lived through the disappointment when Shell decided to locate elsewhere but vowed to not let that happen again. After confidential discussions with Odebrecht and Braskem over the past two years it is exciting to see this project finally coming to fruition and to be able to discuss it publicly. The Obama Administration and the EPA have been working to stop development of fossil fuel resources like coal and gas and put up roadblocks for projects such as this. That's why we've been so aggressive in pushing back against their misguided regulations and policies. This announcement is a reminder of the potential our energy represents, and why we must be vigilant in this fight. West Virginia is blessed with an abundance of natural gas and it is vital that we take full advantage of this resource. Rather than producing the gas here and shipping it elsewhere, we will now be able to benefit from industries that need it. This facility is only the first foothold. There will be thousands of more good jobs that will locate here around a cracker. For the hardworking people of Wood County and the surrounding area this is a great day and sign of good things to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=24eccdc4-7269-454f-a209-624bef313432,Senator Manchin Takes On Democratic Party Leaders in Pursuit of a Middle Ground | New York Times,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 14, 2013 Senator Manchin Takes On Democratic Party Leaders in Pursuit of a Middle Ground | New York Times WASHINGTON — In late August, Senate Democrats gathered on a conference call with President Obama’s national security adviser, Susan E. Rice, to hear why the administration had to respond militarily to a chemical weapons attack by the Syrian government. Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia hung up, took a phone call from another red-state Democrat, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and together they rejected their president’s reasoning. Within days, they were circulating new language calling for a diplomatic solution. Republicans joined the effort, Secretary of State John Kerry eventually endorsed a similar approach, and with the American public dubious about intervention, the drive toward a military strike fizzled. It has been that way all year for Mr. Manchin, a centrist Democrat from an increasingly Republican state who has shown an impulsive, almost reflexive, willingness to reject the position of his leaders and try to entice fellow senators to a middle ground. Now he is trying to delay parts of the new health care law, the latest effort by Mr. Manchin, a former governor and the grandson of an Italian immigrant, to engage on virtually every issue flaring up on Capitol Hill, just as he did in West Virginia. “There wasn’t anything going on in any part of the state that he wasn’t involved in,” said State Senator Jack Yost, a Democrat who had his share of clashes with a governor more inclined to bipartisanship than some in his party always liked. “It doesn’t surprise me that he has his hands in everything there, too.” As he nears the three-year mark in the Senate, Mr. Manchin has found himself sometimes on the president’s side, and sometimes a thorn in his side. In a state where Mr. Obama got just 36 percent of the vote in 2012, that is just fine, said Gil White, who served in the Legislature for 14 years as a Republican before working for the governor as his chief legislative liaison. “I don’t think that Joe has anything to worry about regarding his West Virginia base,” Mr. White said. Mr. Manchin’s latest gambit — to delay key parts of the president’s health care law and force significant changes — may prove his most significant so far. It has fed Republican hopes that a nearly united Democratic front backing the Affordable Care Act may be cracking. It has spooked White House and health insurance company officials who worry that his push for legislation to reinstate canceled insurance plans will undermine the law and hurt the insurance market, and that his push to delay penalties on those who fail to buy insurance and to extend the enrollment period will undermine efforts to ensure that young adults enter the market at the same time those with higher health risks do. And his call to redefine part-time workers under the law as those who work fewer than 40 hours a week, not 30, could significantly raise the Affordable Care Act’s cost to the federal government. Mr. Manchin said he had discussed his concerns with the White House chief of staff, Denis McDonough, who has counseled Democrats to be patient before calling for any such changes. But the West Virginian shows no sign of backing down. “I’m respectful. I want my president to do well,” he said of a commander in chief who is unpopular in his state. But, Mr. Manchin added firmly, “I have never been against something unless I had a better idea,” and he says he believes penalizing people for not buying insurance from a website they are struggling to gain access to is a bad idea. To some of his colleagues, his iconoclasm, industry and impulsiveness can be taxing. He springs his latest enterprise on the public with little or no consultation with leadership — or even staff. But Mr. Manchin’s jovial penchant for taking on serious tasks without seeming terribly serious brings senators along. “You rarely see any senator get involved in more issues so quickly and yet so effectively,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, the Senate’s No. 3 Democrat. Mr. Manchin, who once fired a rifle at the president’s “cap and trade” energy bill in an ad, proved an unlikely ally at the start of 2013 as Mr. Obama sought a bipartisan deal on background checks for gun purchases. Mr. Manchin broke down in tears in his office as the parents of children slain in Newtown, Conn., pleaded for action. His background check bill, written with Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, nearly kept a sweeping gun safety bill on track. But the effort fell short. He has swerved away from the administration and his Senate leaders. His push for a diplomatic resolution in Syria helped deflate Mr. Obama’s drive toward military action. Mr. Manchin undermined his own Senate leadership when he embraced a student loan bill that set interest rates based on Treasury bond rates, not a fixed, subsidized number. By gathering a bipartisan group of former governors in the Senate, he won that battle, helping secure a rare win for House Republicans who mirrored his approach. Two years of near-constant Manchin pestering helped persuade the Food and Drug Administration last month to tighten regulations on prescription painkillers that have ravaged his rural state. During October’s 16-day government shutdown, he cut a deal with the Fisher House Foundation, a charitable organization focused on veterans and military families, to help pay for death benefits for the families of slain service members, which had been suspended. He was the first Democrat to join three Republicans trying to find a negotiated solution to the budget crisis, though Mr. Obama was holding firmly to his line that he would not negotiate. On the explosive issue of the health care law rollout, he has teamed with a Republican, Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, to draft a bill delaying fines until 2015 on people who fail to buy insurance. He joined Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Republicans, and Senator Joe Donnelly, Democrat of Indiana, to raise the part-time worker threshold. He was among the first to join Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana, on a bill to force insurers to reinstate policies they canceled in recent months because they failed to meet the law’s coverage standard. “If you turn on the TV today, 10 times an hour, any news station has the president saying: ‘If you like your insurance you can keep it. If you like your doctor, you can keep him.’ Well, we’re finding out that might not be 100 percent accurate, might be 90 percent accurate, not 100 percent,” he said in a folksy drawl straight from Farmington, W.Va., the coal-country hamlet he grew up in. Hailing from a state that is drifting away from the national Democratic Party, he knows he has to represent those sensibilities. “People can shake your hand, look you in the eye and see your soul,” he said. “They know if you’ve BSed them.”   By:  Jonathan Weisman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5e50279a-fde5-4640-8459-1af64e10433a,Manchin Proud of Industrial Investment Announcement to Build First Cracker Plant in West Virginia,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 14, 2013 Manchin Proud of Industrial Investment Announcement to Build First Cracker Plant in West Virginia The project will create thousands of good-paying jobs, boost economic prosperity and keep West Virginia and America competitive worldwide Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today in regards to the announcement the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, has the option to purchase land in Wood County to explore industrial opportunities, including the potential to build West Virginia’s first cracker plant: “With our state’s continued development of natural gas drilling, I am extremely pleased that Governor Tomblin has announced that the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, is interested in exploring the development of a new petrochemical complex in Wood County. After years of our local and state leaders working together with energy companies worldwide, this is a textbook example of how a public-private partnership can strengthen not only West Virginia, but also the entire Mid-Ohio Valley region. Today’s announcement is further proof that our collaborative efforts – among every West Virginia economic stakeholder – are continuing to restore confidence in the hearts and minds of West Virginians and the business community that the Mountain State is indeed a great place to do business. “I thank Governor Tomblin, Odebrecht and all the parties involved in making this deal possible, especially since it will create thousands of good-paying jobs in the construction, energy and manufacturing sectors, while keeping us strong and competitive. As plans develop and work on this venture continues, I stand ready to assist in any way that I can while also making sure this Administration and the EPA work as our partner and not as our adversary.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e09c4797-3ca1-42fc-9411-76906be83f0c,Manchin Testifies at House Hearing in Support of Legislation to Rein In EPA's Proposed Standards,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 14, 2013 Manchin Testifies at House Hearing in Support of Legislation to Rein In EPA's Proposed Standards The potential impact of EPA’s regulations on jobs and the economy was the focus at hearing on Manchin-Whitfield legislation Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power to testify in support of his draft legislation with Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY). The bill, which addresses the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed greenhouse gas emission standards for coal-fired power plants, would protect Americans’ access to reliable and affordable electricity by ensuring that regulatory standards are based on technology that is proven and commercially available for use. “We need a diverse energy portfolio – a true “all-of-the-above” mix of natural gas, nuclear, renewables, oil and coal,” said Senator Manchin. “Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has chosen a regulatory path devoid of common sense that will take us way off course from a future of abundant, affordable, clean energy. Our legislation tries to get the EPA back on track, but in a way that does nothing to prevent the EPA from acting in a reasonable, rational way.” To view a one-pager on the Manchin-Whitfield legislation, please click here. To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s testimony, please click here. Senator Manchin’s full remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of our draft legislation, which addresses EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from both new and existing power plants. Our legislation would protect Americans’ access to reliable and affordable electricity now and for decades to come. We need a diverse energy portfolio – a true “all-of-the-above” mix of natural gas, nuclear, renewables, oil and coal. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has chosen a regulatory path devoid of common sense that will take us way off course from a future of abundant, affordable, clean energy. Our legislation tries to get the EPA back on track, but in a way that does nothing to prevent the EPA from acting in a reasonable, rational way. Mr. Chairman, EPA’s proposed standards for new coal-fired power plants would effectively prevent any new plants from being constructed. Their standards require coal-fired power plants to deploy technologies that are not currently commercially viable. And though EPA has yet to formally propose new standards for existing power plants, there is every indication that these standards will be unachievable as well. The EPA is holding the coal industry to impossible standards. And for the first time ever, the federal government is trying to force an industry to do something that is technologically impossible to achieve – at least, right now. The industry is making steady progress but is still a ways off from developing the carbon capture and storage technologies that the EPA claims are commercially viable. Right now, coal provides 37 percent of all the electricity generated in the United States, and the Department of Energy projects coal will provide at least that much through 2040. Right now, we simply can’t make up the difference with renewables. That’s just wishful thinking. So, if we just stand by and do nothing and let the EPA eliminate coal from our energy mix, we’re going to see the stability of our electrical grid threatened and see the price of electricity rise dramatically, jeopardizing America’s economy and countless jobs with no real environmental benefit. But we aren’t just standing by. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a part of a national discussion about our energy future and the proper role of regulatory bodies like the EPA. Our legislation ensures that the EPA will no longer be able to impose unachievable standards on coal-fired power plants. It is just common sense that regulations are based on what is technologically possible at the time they are proposed.  With regulations, if they aren’t feasible, they aren’t reasonable. For new plants, our legislation will require that any EPA regulation must be categorized by fuel type – coal or gas. EPA can only impose a standard if that standard has been achieved for 12 consecutive months at six different US electricity generating plants operating on a full commercial basis.   For existing plants, any EPA proposed rule will not take effect until a federal law is enacted specifying the rule’s effective date. And EPA must report to Congress on the economic impact of the rule.   Mr. Chairman, it’s time we strike a balance between a healthy environment and a healthy economy. And that’s what our legislation does. Abundant, reliable, affordable energy made this country the economic leader of the world – and that’s the same formula that will keep us at the front. It’s time the EPA started working as our partner, not our adversary, to achieve that balance. And the EPA can start by recognizing it is just common sense that regulations should be based on what is technologically possible at the time they are proposed. Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to appear before your committee. And thank you for the opportunity to work with you on this very important piece of legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ecbaf59c-f611-4fa7-9bb8-14c56ea2d0fd,"Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Braxton County Head Start Program",2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 14, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Braxton County Head Start Program WASHINGTON D.C.— Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced more than $531,000 in federal funding for the Braxton County Board of Education to improve and support their Head Start Program “When we talk about what we value as West Virginians and as Americans, we need to choose our priorities based on our values,” said Senator Manchin.“That means keeping our promises to those who matter the most to us, and our children should be at the top of that list. I am pleased that this grant will help provide the children in Braxton County with the services necessary to succeed. No child’s education, meals or basic health care services provided by Head Start should be stripped away because Congress cannot solve our nation’s spending problems, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure essential programs like Head Start remain funded for West Virginia’s children.” “We must do everything possible to give children a positive, healthy start in life. For so many decades, the Head Start Program and its wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff in West Virginia have given so much of themselves to make sure our most disadvantaged girls and boys are prepared to handle the demands of classroom instruction,” said Rockefeller, a long-time advocate for the Head Start Program. “We’ve seen what a difference it makes in the futures of our youngest ones when they’re provided access to a good meal, social services, and a caring counselor and teacher. I’m thrilled Braxton County is receiving this funding boost that goes toward helping our youngest West Virginians succeed when they start school.” The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $531,336 to the Braxton County Board of Education for its Head Start Program. Head Start is a national development program for low-income children that helps prepare them for school from a young age. The program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers eligible children and their families access to critical health, nutrition, education, and social services. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=758,Rep. McKinley Stands Up for American Jobs,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Bans Tax Dollars for Companies that Ship U.S. Call Center Jobs Overseas share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) participated in a press conference in support of his bipartisan legislation to keep and protect U.S. jobs from being shipped overseas, by ensuring taxpayer dollars don't go to companies who outsource call center jobs. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, but a common sense issue that protects and creates jobs, said Rep. McKinley. Simply put, if you ship jobs overseas companies should not get taxpayer dollars or any type of funding from the government. Over the past five years nearly 500,000 American call center jobs have been lost across the country, said McKinley. This has touched close to home here in the First District with the recent layoffs of hundreds at the Teletech facility in Moundsville. We need to prevent these closures from happening while incentivizing companies to bring jobs back to America. Under this legislation, companies that send U.S. call center jobs overseas would be barred from receiving federal loans, grants or subsidies. The bill also requires that a list of companies that send call center jobs off shore be made available to the public and addresses data security issues that leave Americans' personal information at risk. There are numerous examples where foreign call center employees have stolen personal information including bank accounts and health records and sold it on the black market, added McKinley. This is bad for consumers and it is bad for the businesses, but this risk can be avoided by simply choosing to locate here in America. Rep. McKinley and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) co-sponsored the bipartisan U.S. Call Center and Worker Protection Act of 2013 in August. Today, they were joined by Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) to formally present the bipartisan legislation to members of the media. The press event was organized by the Communication Workers of America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222210403/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1990,Parkersburg News and Sentinel: Parkersburg honors veterans with parade,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Hundreds gathered Monday at Parkersburg City Park to pay tribute to area veterans. The annual Veterans Day Parade featured veterans from around the county and marching bands from Parkersburg, Parkersburg South and Williamstown high schools. Mayors Bob Newell and Randy Rapp, of Parkersburg and Vienna, respectively, spoke briefly about the importance of honoring veterans. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=10e8cd5a-0a7c-4dc2-9cfc-18951c72396d,U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin teams up with lawmakers to establish hiring veterans act | State Journal,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 11, 2013 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin teams up with lawmakers to establish hiring veterans act | State Journal With Veterans Day on the minds of many, lawmakers are trying to ensure veterans and service members get the help they need finding a job. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., along with Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus co-chairs Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., representatives Jeff Denham, R-Calif., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., introduced the ""United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act,"" a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would streamline and consolidate duplicative government job portals to better connect current and former members of the armed services with future employment. ""Our veterans are some of the most disciplined, reliable, hardworking and dedicated individuals in the world,"" Manchin said. ""They are trained to strive for excellence and exceed expectations every day. ""It makes zero sense that our veterans find it difficult to search for jobs when they return home."" Kirk said he believes Americans owe everything to those who make the ultimate sacrifice wearing a uniform in defense of their country. ""In honor of their sacrifices, we should provide every available resource to help our returning heroes' transition to civilian life and enter the workforce,"" Kirk said. ""This legislation will make it easier for veterans to take advantage of government employment services with the ultimate goal of getting a high-quality job."" Statistics cited by Manchin's office show veterans returning home from the Middle East face an unemployment rate that is 3 percent higher than the national average. The Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs operate duplicative portals aimed at veterans and service members searching for public and private sector employment. No requirement currently exists for government agencies to consolidate these services. That's where the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act comes into play. The act would require the consolidation of each department's online employment services into a single portal across the federal government within on year. The basic function of portal would remain the same: connect veterans and armed service members with public and private sector employers seeking to hire people with military experience. The Caucus engages executive branch agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to help identify ways to reduce the unemployment rate of the nation's approximately 21 million veterans. Among many of the businesses dedicated to hiring veterans, Starbucks announced last week its plan to develop a ""comprehensive hiring platform for veterans and active duty spouses in response to record growth and in anticipation of a 500,000 person future global workforce. ""We are humbly indebted to their commitment, every day, and have never lost sight that the freedoms we enjoy are due in no small part to the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made over the years,"" the coffee conglomerate said in a statement. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=280a342d-652b-4f5a-9a27-d26e72cd3066,Senator Manchin Encourages Us All to Honor Our Veterans Today and Everyday,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 11, 2013 Senator Manchin Encourages Us All to Honor Our Veterans Today and Everyday Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on Veterans Day: “The sacrifices and patriotism of the men and women who have served this country know no bounds. They have served with unparalleled honor and distinction. It doesn’t seem right that our nation pays our brave veterans tribute only once a year. We should thank our veterans every day for their unwavering devotion and passion to the greatest country in the world. Fortunately, America has long been committed to honoring our veterans, and we must continue to make sure they have access to the best care, medical services, benefits, educational opportunities and good-paying jobs our country has to offer.  “As we approach the 50th anniversary of our dear President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, I recall his words to express our sincere gratitude to our veterans: ‘We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ “So today, as West Virginians and Americans across our great nation celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a veteran and honor our veterans not just today, but every day.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=f6f14e85-3ceb-4cd0-a074-67e242e924e9,Mobile clinic: Promise kept for area veterans | Bluefield Daily Telegraph,2013-11-10,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 10, 2013 Mobile clinic: Promise kept for area veterans | Bluefield Daily Telegraph A new mobile health clinic that will be stationed in Mercer County in early 2014 to serve area veterans has arrived at the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The Beckley VA is now beginning the process of finding necessary personnel to be hired, and is working out the details of the delivery of the mobile unit to Mercer County. This is excellent news for veterans across southern West Virginia, and particularly those in Mercer and McDowell counties, who will benefit from the new mobile unit. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., who was joined last week by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., in announcing the arrival of the mobile unit at the Beckley VA Center, says it is his hope that the details can be finalized quickly so that veterans in Mercer and surrounding counties can begin taking advantage of the health services provided by the mobile unit without delay. We agree. It is important for the mobile unit to arrive — and remain stationed in Mercer County — on time and as originally planned. Rahall says the opening of the new tele-health facility planned for the existing Vet Center in Princeton has fallen behind schedule, which he admits is a concern. But, he is encouraged by reports from VA officials that efforts are being made to get the project back on schedule and all of the necessary contracts signed. The tele-health center is now slated to open early next year. It is important for both the mobile unit and the tele-health center to be up and running as quickly as possible. “I appreciate VA officials for being responsive to the concerns of local veterans and their families.,” Rahall said. “The mobile clinic is a major first step toward increasing access to veterans’ care in Mercer County and the surrounding area and I hope that our veterans will make full use of these new services, which is the best way to demonstrate the need for future VA investments.” “Our veterans deserve access to the best treatment and care that is available,” Manchin added last week. “This is truly a great day for the veterans of this region, and much of it is because of a very special veteran, Al Hancock. After 17 years of working to make this idea a reality, the retired Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam can finally see this idea turn into a reality for the veterans of Mercer County. I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA center and all those who have worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.” “When veterans need primary and mental health care services, they shouldn’t face barriers like having to travel more than an hour to receive the care they earned and deserve,” Rockefeller, who is the longest serving member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, added. “I want to express my appreciation to the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and our local heroes, for their tireless work to bring this mobile clinic to Mercer County. Starting next year, and for years to come, the clinic will give our veterans access to critical health care services.” The mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA Medical Center. The fully self-contained mobile center includes two exam rooms, a waiting area and a restroom. Electronic records will be maintained through the use of satellite technology. All three lawmakers say the facility will remain in Mercer County as long as it is utilized by area veterans. We are glad to hear that the mobile unit has now arrived at the Beckley VA, and we look forward to seeing the clinic stationed in Mercer County early next year. It is good to see that the promise made to area veterans is being kept — even if the tele-health center has fallen behind schedule. We applaud Rahall, Manchin and Rockefeller — and Al Hancock in particular — for helping make these long requested facilities a reality for veterans across our region. By:  Editorial Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0da90d96-9dfd-4dfa-b68b-8692cc00d9f5,Manchin Calls For Federal Harmony | The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register,2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 09, 2013 Manchin Calls For Federal Harmony | The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register WHEELING - Sen. Joe Manchin says the United States is poised for ""economic renaissance"" if only the federal government could overcome its differences, and work to regain the confidence of the American people and the world. Manchin, D-W.Va., addressed members of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Friday during a luncheon at the River City restaurant in Wheeling. He said the country has moved to the point where it is now producing coal and natural gas for export to other countries, and the time is ripe for investment. ""Economically, we have never in this country been in this position to have so much vitality and growth in our economy because we never had interest rates this low for this long - or have had this much cheap energy,"" he said. ""That is the most perfect storm for an economic explosion I've ever seen. But because of the uncertainty in Washington, we're not seeing it happen. That's all from inconsistency, and a lack of confidence"" in government. Manchin admitted when it comes to the President Barack Obama's stance on energy, ""I'm at odds with this administration."" New standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency are ""impossible"" for coal-fired plants to achieve, he continued. He suggested the EPA instead monitor the emissions of the six coal-fired electric plants in the nation thought to be the most efficient - among them, the Longview Power Plant in Morgantown. Their emission levels should be considered the new standard based on what is achievable, according to Manchin. ""If it's unattainable, it's unrealistic,"" he said. Manchin also spoke of the mounting federal debt - now at more than $17 trillion. He said Democrats and Republicans worked together to achieve a balanced budget as recently as 2001. But since then the country has paid for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the government has given two rounds of tax cuts to the American people. If these federal expenditures hadn't occurred, ""we would have been totally debt-free by 2012 - totally debt-free by now,"" he said. ""For the first time since President Andrew Johnson, we would have been totally debt free as a nation. And with the rest of the world the way they are - we would have been a super-duper power. Now we're in a position where we can't take care of ourselves, and that shouldn't have happened."" While he acknowledged ""we live in a dangerous world,"" Manchin doesn't believe the money spent on efforts in the Middle East has helped to improve conditions there. ""I fought with everything I could to keep us from dropping any bombs in Syria because if we go to war anymore in North Africa, we are not going to change anything,"" he said. ""If money or military might would have changed anything in that part of the world, by God we would have done it by now. We've spent almost $2 trillion, and we've lost 7,000 Americans ... it's been horrible what's been happening. And you know what? Iraq is as bad of shape or in worse shape as it was before we took on the war."" Manchin predicts the day American troops leave Afghanistan, the country will have no better feelings toward Americans than they did a decade ago. ""They will just have more money, and more wherewithal to fight us,"" he said. Manchin started the day by hosting a ""coffee and common sense"" town hall event at Vito's 2 Restaurant in Follansbee. While there, Manchin said he had mixed feelings about the Affordable Care Act - also known as Obamacare - but he believes it can be fixed if given time. ""I never liked the mandate, but I understand what they are trying to do,"" Manchin said. Manchin next joined community leaders in Beech Bottom in celebrating the rebirth of the former Wheeling Corrugating Plant, now home to Jupiter Aluminum. Manchin said the facility is a ""prime example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen an entire community."" By:  Joselyn King Source: Says cooperation needed to achieve success for nation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=2e2d39dc-67c1-46a2-a10a-231aeff1bf2b,Officials celebrate rebirth of Beech Bottom plant | Weirton Daily Times,2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 09, 2013 Officials celebrate rebirth of Beech Bottom plant | Weirton Daily Times BEECH BOTTOM - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin joined county and community leaders Friday in celebrating the rebirth of the old corrugating plant, now home to Jupiter Aluminum. Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, said it's a ""prime example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen an entire community"" and said it builds on West Virginia's strengths. ""We have a very educated work force, we're known for that,"" Manchin said during a walking tour of Jupiter's 111,000 square feet plant space. ""We've always done the heavy lifting, the tough jobs, manufacturing jobs, fabrication jobs, and we're still doing all that ... we've just got to make sure peple around the country understand what we can do here, what we have done here already and what we're still capable of doing."" Hackman Capital specializes in buying industrial properties as well as buying and selling industrial equipment. It picked up the 650-acre corrugating property out of bankruptcy for $4.4 million, then promptly resold it to the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle for $200,000. Hackman retained the rights to the building and equipment, but the BDC holds title to the land and with it, any environmental issues that might exist. Pat Ford, executive director of the BDC, said the partnership, born a year ago, has already resulted in more than $12 million in site improvements. ""The turnkey nature of the facility, with the recent investment in the site and infrastructure, gives the Northern Panhandle both building and site inventory with considerable room to accomodate future economic development opportunities,"" Ford said. He said Jupiter originally intended to relocate the line, but realized early on it made more economic sense to take advantage of the existing work force and keep it in Beech Bottom. The company, headquartered in Illinois, also purchased and installed a slitter line as well as a packaging line, giving them the capability of cutting coils to different widths. ""We really appreciate the attention,"" said Ron Nuckles, Jupiter general manager. ""We believe in the area, we've got a great work force in, so far, ex-employees who worked here before. We've invested in new equipment and refurbishing old equipment. We expect to be here a long time. We really appreciate the community backing us and hope to (be here) for a long time."" Nuckles said they're in limited operation now, with about nine people on their payroll. He hopes to see that number grow to about 45 in the spring. ""We've got to build a customer base, obviously. We'll be sending out samples to customers we already have for additional product lines we can supply to them with this line,"" he said. ""We won't hit our peak for a couple of years, but I think we can be at 24 hours a day, five days a week in the spring."" ""Ultimately, we'd like to have about 55 or 60 employees,"" he said. ""That would be good news for everybody - it would be good for Jupiter, good for the economy here and for the ex-employees here - it will get them back to work in a job they know and do well."" Nuckles said the company had been looking for an opportunity to grow its business for some time, ""and this fit our needs. We could get into a new product line with experienced workers. This line is taking a little more attention than we anticipated to get it running again, but we've got a commitment from the owner and financial backing, and we're excited about the operation."" Hackman Vice President Dave Smith said his company ""couldn't be happier"" about what's transpired at the property since it was purchased a year ago. ""It's exactly what we want to see happen,"" he said. ""We want to see tenants (like Jupiter) come in and make a commitment to the area."" Smith said his company's partnership with the BDC and the Beech Bottom community ""is a win-win-win scenario."" ""Going into a venture like this, worst-case scenario ... is that you look at possibly taking a building down,""he said. ""But if you find an organization like Jupiter that sees value in a place like we saw value in it, it just gets better and better and better. It's better for the community and for everybody involved."" He said they're focused now on geting the rest of the property cleaned up ""so it shows well"" to prospects, ""and people can see vision there."" ""We always seem to have good prospects that we're dealing with,"" he added. ""While we don't have anything to talk about, we're working hard."" BDC Chairman Bill D'Alesio said Jupiter's decision to repurpose the old Wheeling Corrugating paint line ""effectively leverages an ideal combination of former mill workers, traditional workers in the aluminum and steel coating industry, and the proven Jupiter Aluminum production system."" Others participating in the tour included Beech Bottom Mayor George Lewis, Brooke County Commissioner Jim Andreozzi, Hancock County Commissioners Jeff Davis and Dan Greathouse, former state Sen. Ed Bowman, who represents Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in the Northern Panhandle, and BDC Assistant Director Marvin Six and members Bill Kiefer and Mike Wehr. By:  Linda Harris",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202540/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1984,"Charleston Gazette: W.Va. makes strides, but still ranked low on energy efficiency",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"West Virginia was listed as one of the most improved states, but still ranks near the bottom in an annual scorecard that rates efforts to use energy more efficiently. On Wednesday, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, or ACEEE, released its yearly State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which examines state programs aimed at reducing energy usage. ""Energy efficiency improvements help businesses, governments, and consumers meet their needs by using less energy, saving them money, driving investments across all sectors of the economy, creating much needed jobs, and reducing the myriad of environmental impacts of the energy production system,"" the group said in its report. To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=13860bcf-2184-4203-9cc7-e1754507382a,"Sens. Collins, Manchin revive centrist talks| The Hill",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2013 Sens. Collins, Manchin revive centrist talks| The Hill Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) are bringing their ""common-sense coalition"" back together in hopes of laying the groundwork for fiscal reforms and other bipartisan legislation.   Collins, Manchin and their allies hope to form a bipartisan coalition that could help break ideological gridlock on issues such as the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration.   The group has added Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) — expanding to 16 members. Members of the group met Wednesday morning. “Several of the members suggested that we get together and review what our future role should be,” said Collins. “There’s great interest in staying together and continuing to tackle issues particularly when the regular order breaks down around here.   “We’re going to continue to meet and that’s very positive,” she said.   Lawmakers are letting a bicameral budget conference headed by Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) take the lead in negotiating a budget agreement for 2014.   If that effort falls short because of an impasse over tax increases, centrist senators are prepared to step into the debate.   “We’re going to continue to try to help find common-sense solutions to some of these issues,” said Sen. Angus King (Maine), the independent member of the group.   “We’re discussing what the purpose is but certainly we just want to contribute to solving some of these problems,” he said. “We feel like we did contribute before on the shutdown.   “We feel like our work was constructive and we want to see if we can continue to play that role,” he added.   Collins and Manchin convened a bipartisan group of 14 senators during last month’s government shutdown to help negotiate a deal to reopen federal agencies and raise the debt limit.   Their work set the stage for later talks between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Republican leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) that resulted in an agreement staving off a national default.   Fourteen senators formed the coalition during the government shutdown when Reid, McConnell and Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) were hardly talking to each other.   The Democratic members include Sens. Mark Pryor (Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), in addition to Manchin and Warner.   The Republican members also include Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), John McCain (Ariz.), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Mike Johanns (Neb.) and Mark Kirk (Ill.).   Not all members attended the Wednesday morning meeting.   “I was unfortunately unable to meet but I’m certainly interested in meeting with them,” said Ayotte.   The group could invite other lawmakers, including Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), to sit in on their sessions.   “I go to all meetings. The more you expose yourself, the more you learn,” he said. By:  Alexandra Bolton Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12419325-8a27-4fe4-8b0e-10da155ecc84,"Manchin Says Heritage Area Bill Will Strengthen Tourism, Economic Opportunities in WV",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2013 Manchin Says Heritage Area Bill Will Strengthen Tourism, Economic Opportunities in WV Senators Rockefeller, Mikulski and Cardin join bill to reauthorize funding for two National Heritage Areas in West Virginia while adding new designation for a third that includes Maryland WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Joe Manchin today said legislation he introduced will strengthen tourism in West Virginia and Maryland by securing federal funding for existing National Heritage Areas in Wheeling and in southern West Virginia, while creating a new one in the state’s eastern mountains, as well as the Mountain Counties of Maryland.   The West Virginia National Heritage Area Act of 2013, co-sponsored by Senators Jay Rockefeller, Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, supports continued National Park Service funding and technical assistance for the Wheeling National Heritage Area and the National Coal Heritage Area, while designating the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area as a National Heritage Area. The new region would encompass 16 counties in West Virginia and two in Maryland.   “West Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in our nation and we must preserve our many natural wonders for the next generation of West Virginians and for the visitors from all over the world who visit our great state each year,” Manchin said. “This commonsense measure is an investment in a healthy future for both our children and our growing tourism industry.” Federal funding for the National Coal Heritage Area expired in 2012, and will expire for the Wheeling National Heritage Area in 2015. Manchin’s bill would continue funding for all three National Heritage Areas until 2017.   “Tourism is such an important part of West Virginia's economy, creating jobs and enriching people’s lives,” Rockefeller said. “Our state has so much to offer, whether it’s a tour of Independence Hall in Wheeling, a trip back in time through the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, or a day spent fishing on mountain streams in the Monongahela National Forest. These historic, cultural and natural treasures need to be preserved for—and enjoyed by—future generations of West Virginians.”   “Strengthening the tourism economy of Western Maryland is a smart investment that will continue to draw in new visitors, new jobs and economic development to the region,” said Senator Mikulski. “Maryland is a state rich in history and culture with many unique treasures. By supporting National Heritage Areas, we will honor Maryland’s key role in American history for future generations while encouraging heritage tourists to enjoy the state’s terrific combination of natural beauty.”   “The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area supports the growing outdoor recreation and tourism economies of Garrett and Allegany counties. Importantly, it simultaneously helps to preserve the rich culture of Mountain Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “I want to applaud Maryland’s local leaders who encouraged this new designation, understanding how celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of Mountain Maryland is good for business in Mountain Maryland and the entire region.”   National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. NHAs are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects.     # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1652d972-14d2-44fa-a601-0511c973b6c0,Manchin Announces Bill to Improve Job Opportunities for Veterans,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2013 Manchin Announces Bill to Improve Job Opportunities for Veterans Bill helps veterans and servicemembers by streamlining duplicative government job portals Washington, D.C. – As Veterans Day approaches, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with his Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus co-chairs, Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Representative Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) and Representative Tim Walz (D-Minn.), introduced the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would streamline and consolidate duplicative government job portals to better connect current and former members of the Armed Services with employment opportunities. “Our veterans are some of the most disciplined, reliable, hardworking, and dedicated individuals in the world. They are trained to strive for excellence and exceed expectations every day. Their leadership and high-tech skills are unmatched worldwide,” Senator Manchin said. “So it makes zero sense that our veterans find it difficult to search for jobs when they return home. That’s simply unacceptable. The very least we can do to show our appreciation to our veterans is to help them find jobs. Like I’ve always said, if you want to help a vet, hire a vet, and this bill is one step toward making it easier for our service men and women to find opportunities for good-paying jobs.” ""We owe everything to those who wore the uniform in defense of our country,"" Senator Kirk said.  ""In honor of their sacrifices, we should provide every available resource to help our returning heroes transition to civilian life and enter the workforce.  This legislation will make it easier for veterans to take advantage of government employment services with the ultimate goal of getting a high-quality job."" Veterans returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq face an unemployment rate that is 3 percent higher than the national average. Today, the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs operate duplicative portals aimed at veterans and servicemembers searching for public and private sector jobs. Combined with a wealth of resources provided by the private and nonprofit sectors, the lack of a single government portal to connect employers with veterans makes navigating the hiring process difficult for both the job seeker and organizations looking to hire them. No requirement currently exists for government agencies to consolidate these services. The United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act would require the consolidation of each department’s online employment services into a single portal across the federal government within one year of enactment. The basic function of portal would remain the same: connect veterans and members of the Armed Services with public and private sector employers seeking to hire people with military experience. The portal would also provide other resources to veterans like resume assistance. Senators Kirk and Manchin and Representatives Denham and Walz, established the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus to shed light on the employment challenges Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Members face as they transition to civilian life. The Caucus engages executive branch agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to help identify ways to reduce the unemployment rate of the nation’s approximately 21 million veterans. To view a fact sheet on the United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act, please see the attached document. To learn more about the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, please click here.  ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=386abd05-d989-47e8-91f9-ad685ae85f51,Senators Manchin and Kirk Introduce Legislation to Delay Individual Mandate Penalty,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2013 Senators Manchin and Kirk Introduce Legislation to Delay Individual Mandate Penalty Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today introduced legislation to delay the implementation of the individual mandate under the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015. The bill would eliminate the $95 penalty that will go into effect in 2014 under current law.  “Since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, there have been many identifiable problems exposed in the law that need to be addressed,” Senator Manchin said. “We’ve worked through a few of these issues, but our job in Congress is far from over. We need to start working together to fix this law and make it work so that all Americans have access to affordable and reliable health care coverage. We can start with a one-year delay of the individual mandate to eliminate penalty fees if individuals choose to not enroll for a health care plan in 2014. This commonsense proposal simply allows Americans to take more time to browse and explore their options, making 2014 a true transition year.” “Healthcare should not be a burden on consumers, which is why we must delay the penalty for individuals,” Senator Kirk said. “Last July, American businesses were given more time to provide employees health coverage. If a delay is good enough for businesses, it should be good enough for all Americans.” Key Findings in Manchin-Kirk Bill: 1. Congress must ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible; 2. Political disagreements must be set aside so that Congress and the President can work together to improve healthcare quality, access and affordability; 3. Affordable access to preventative care can provide enormous benefits and reduce overall costs to all Americans, young and old; 4. Individuals and families are ultimately responsible and accountable for their own well-being and long-term health, and our laws should reflect this reality; 5. Subscribing to a healthy lifestyle should be a goal for all Americans, and Congress should act in an appropriate and responsible manner to make this goal achievable; 6. There are many positive reforms included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that are improving coverage, ending discrimination, and reducing costs. Requiring insurers to cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and emergency services and allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26 are examples of positive reforms in the Act that must continue to be implemented. 7. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize when a new program is not meeting the high standards that the American people expect. So far, the federal healthcare exchanges have failed, and we must deliver a better product; 8. While every program must go through a transition period, no individual or family should be penalized while the problems in new healthcare exchanges are being addressed; 9. Congress should work toward fixing these flaws and ensuring the new programs are strong, while giving the American people a transition period; and 10. Delaying the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is not an appropriate or responsible action, but Congress should not hesitate to enact commonsense reforms, such as an individual mandate transition year, to improve this important legislation. Legislative actions Senator Manchin supports to repair the Affordable Care Act: 1099 Provision: Removes requirement that would force businesses, charities and churches to file excess forms and filings with IRS. • Senator Manchin was the lead cosponsor of the legislation, which successfully repealed this provision in 2011. One-Year Delay of Individual Mandate: Delays individual mandate provision for one year to eliminate penalty fees for not signing up for healthcare coverage, which would give consumers a true transition year. • Senator Manchin sponsored the legislation. Full Time Workweek Definition Extends to 40-Hours: Changes the definition of a full-time workweek under the law from 30 to 40 hours, which would help small businesses and prevent employees from having their hours reduced. • Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation. Grandfather Current Health Care Plans: Allows individuals to stay on their current health care plans and prevents insurers from cancelling coverage currently offered if policyholders would like to continue with their existing plans. • Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=26d2d208-1429-4a4b-be62-a65b6cc4e6ed,Manchin Supports Legislation to Lower Taxes on Hard Cider Products and Increase Farmers' Sales,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 06, 2013 Manchin Supports Legislation to Lower Taxes on Hard Cider Products and Increase Farmers' Sales Senator Manchin cosponsors the CIDER Act to tax hard cider like beer, not wine Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he cosponsored the CIDER Act (Cider Investment and Development through Excise Tax Reduction Act) to modernize the definition of cider in the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowed alcohol by volume in cider beverages from 7 percent to 8.5 percent and to allow the use of pears as well as apples. The alcohol content of hard cider fluctuates greatly due to sugar content, and current law often forces these products to be taxed at a higher rate, preventing it from being labeled as hard cider. The change in the tax code would allow more hard cider products to be labeled and taxed like beer rather than wine. The CIDER Act would also level the playing field in the global marketplace by changing the tax code for carbonation levels in hard cider to be in accordance with European Union levels, which would help producers better compete with European products and expand business opportunities in West Virginia and abroad. “Any time that we can help the nearly 500 apple producers in West Virginia increase sales and support business ventures so our farmers can compete on a larger scale is simply a commonsense investment worth making,” Senator Manchin said. “I am thankful to work with my good friend Senator Chuck Schumer on this bill that will lower taxes on hard cider products, while also increasing competition at the local, state and national levels. Let’s continue to promote business growth for our hardworking farmers and reform an outdated tax that would increase the sales of delicious hard cider beverages and goods.” West Virginia apple production was ranked 9th in the country in 2011, according to the U.S. Apple Association. The CIDER Act would positively impact the rising trend of apple production statewide. Please review additional West Virginia apple production statistics below: • West Virginia apple production jumped 36 percent in 2012, while production fell nationally 4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. • West Virginia growers harvested 91 million pounds of apples in 2012, up 24 million pounds from 2011. (67 million pounds in 2011 and 64 million pounds in 2010.) • According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average per-pound price for West Virginia apples was 25.8 cents in 2012, up 8.3 cents from 2011. • The U.S. Apple Association announced West Virginia’s estimated apple production for 2013 will be 1.5 million bushels, which is 63 million pounds. • West Virginia commercially grows several apple varieties, including Red Delicious, Grimes Golden, Golden Delicious, York Imperial, Rome Beauty, Stayman, and Gala. • West Virginia’s apple production is centered in the state’s Eastern Panhandle in Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire and Morgan counties. List of apple producing orchards in West Virginia: Morgan Orchard Monroe County Shanholtz Orchard Hampshire County Mount Levels Orchard Hampshire County Nob Hill Orchards Berkeley County Mountaineer Orchard Berkeley County Orr's Farm Market & Orchard Berkeley County Walnut Hill Orchard Jefferson County Summit Point Raceway Orchards Jefferson County Warm Spring Orchard Jefferson County Ridgefield Farm And Orchard Jefferson County Jefferson Orchards Jefferson County McConnell Berry Farm Monongalia County ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=37e6bbeb-0045-4fcb-8317-dab897698a46,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Mobile Health Clinic for Veterans in Mercer County to Open in 2014",2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 06, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Mobile Health Clinic for Veterans in Mercer County to Open in 2014 Washington, D.C. — Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today thanked the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which officially announced that Mercer County’s new mobile health clinic will begin to serve patients in early 2014. The mobile outpatient clinic will help the growing number of veterans in the area access needed primary medical services. “Our veterans deserve access to the best treatment and care that is available,” Senator Manchin said. “This is truly a great day for the veterans of this region, and much of it is because of a very special veteran, Al Hancock. After 17 years of working to make this idea a reality, the retired Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam can finally see this idea turn into a reality for the veterans of Mercer County. I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA center and all those who have worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.” “When veterans need primary and mental health care services, they shouldn’t face barriers like having to travel more than an hour to receive the care they earned and deserve. I want to express my appreciation to the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and our local heroes, for their tireless work to bring this mobile clinic to Mercer County,” said Rockefeller, who is the longest serving member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “Starting next year, and for years to come, the clinic will give our veterans access to critical health care services. I’m also pleased to report that we are continuing to make progress on bringing the tele-health facility to Mercer County. I encourage all veterans to make use of these important health care services once they are up and running.”   Rockefeller is deeply committed to improving the care of all veterans. He continues to work with the director of the Beckley VA Medical Center to find ways to provide the important mental health and medical services that veterans in the area need. The Senator has worked for years to establish and expand the network of Community-Based Outreach Clinics in the state – including one for Mercer County. “With the arrival of the mobile clinic in Beckley, I hope the necessary personnel can be hired and the details of its delivery to Mercer County can be finalized quickly so that veterans can begin taking advantage of the health services without further delay. Although the opening of the tele-health facility planned for the Vet Center in Princeton has fallen behind schedule, which is a concern, I am encouraged by reports from VA officials that they are making progress on the necessary contracts and that the facility will be opening next year,” said Rahall.  “I appreciate VA officials for being responsive to the concerns of local veterans and their families.  The mobile clinic is a major first step toward increasing access to veterans’ care in Mercer County and the surrounding area and I hope that our veterans will make full use of these new services, which is the best way to demonstrate the need for future VA investments,” said Rahall. Beckley VAMC Director Karin McGraw stated, “We are excited about the early delivery of the mobile health clinic and we are committed to increasing the ability of Veterans living in southern West Virginia to take advantage of VA health care.” The mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA Medical Center. The fully self-contained mobile center has already been delivered and includes two exam rooms, a waiting area and a restroom. Electronic records will be maintained through the use of satellite technology. Manchin, Rockefeller and Rahall worked with the VA, the Beckley VA Medical Center, and local veterans to get the VA to approve the mobile health clinic in Mercer County. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8fc762cc-35ea-481b-9f07-9b26eee957ad,Manchin Statement After Meeting With Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 06, 2013 Manchin Statement After Meeting With Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen Washington, D.C. – Following his meeting with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement. “I had a very productive and honest meeting today with Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen on how best to grow our economy as well as the lessons we learned from when we last balanced our budget. I conveyed to her my concerns that community banks be treated fairly as we finalize Dodd-Frank regulations, but also the need to implement these rules so that we address the problems that led to Too-Big-To-Fail.  Finally, we discussed the need to tighten our quantitative easing policy as our economy improves. I was encouraged by her honest and straight forward approach and look forward to speaking further with her at our Banking Committee hearing to learn more about her plans to better our economy.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9218688-b7b6-45a1-8a8a-1bf3d872638d,Manchin Seeks to Redefine Full-Time Employee to Expand Access to Health Coverage,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 06, 2013 Manchin Seeks to Redefine Full-Time Employee to Expand Access to Health Coverage Sends letter to Budget Committee leaders to address “Forty Hours is Full Time Act” in budget conference Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a bipartisan letter to Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions asking them to address legislation he cosponsored, the Forty Hours is Full Time Act (S.1188), in their budget conference. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also signed the letter. The senators cited the need for a sensible definition of “full-time employee” under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), writing, “Effective health care reform should expand access to coverage, while not inhibiting economic growth. For this reason, we are concerned that the PPACA definition of full time as an employee working just 30 hours a week is too low and out-of-step with standard employment practices in the U.S. today.” To address this concern, the senators have introduced the Forty Hours is Full Time Act, which would set the PPACA’s definition of “full-time” employee at 40 hours a week and would make a matching adjustment in the monthly hours used to calculate “full time equivalent” employee.  A complete list of legislative proposals Senator Manchin supports to help repair the Affordable Care Act is available below. Please read the full text of the letter below.  November 6, 2013 The Honorable Patty Murray                                                    The Honorable Jeff Sessions Chairman                                                                                            Ranking Member Committee on the Budget                                                           Committee on the Budget 624 Dirksen Senate Office Building                                        624 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC  20510                                                                Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions:                 During consideration of S. Con Res 8 in March, the Senate adopted SA 144, calling for a sensible definition of “full-time employee” for purposes of calculating the Employer Mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). We have since introduced the “Forty Hours is Full-Time Act” (S. 1188), bipartisan legislation to set the PPACA’s definition of “full-time employee” at 40 hours per week. We urge you to seek adoption of a budget resolution that would accommodate the budgetary effects of this legislation in the upcoming Budget conference with the House.                 Effective health care reform should expand access to coverage, while not inhibiting economic growth. For this reason, we are concerned that the PPACA definition of full time as an employee working just 30 hours a week is too low and out-of-step with standard employment practices in the U.S. today.  Data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average American works 8.8 hours per day, which equates to 44 hours per week.  The PPACA definition is nearly one-third lower than actual practice.                 By using a threshold of 30 hours a week to define “full time” employee, PPACA artificially drives up the number of workers that appear to be employed “full-time” by a business, exposing those businesses to the risk of substantial penalties. These penalties begin at $40,000 for businesses with 50 employees, plus $2,000 for each additional “full-time equivalent” employee. As a consequence, some businesses have reduced their employees’ work to 29 hours per week, to ensure workers are considered “part time” for purposes of PPACA.  If more businesses follow suit, millions of American workers could find their hours and their earnings reduced.                 S. 1188 would set the PPACA’s definition of “full-time” employee at 40 hours a week, and would make a matching adjustment in the monthly hours used to calculate “full time equivalent” employee. This sensible definition will help protect millions of employees from having their hours curtailed as a result of the PPACA’s arbitrary and unreasonable definition of “full time” employee.                                 We thank you for your consideration of our request.                                                                                                                 Sincerely,                                                            Susan M. Collins United States Senator                                                                                                 Joe Donnelly United States Senator Lisa Murkowski United States Senator                                                                                                 Joe Manchin United States Senator Legislative actions Senator Manchin supports to repair the Affordable Care Act: 1099 Provision: Removes requirement that would force businesses, charities and churches to file excess forms and filings with IRS. • Senator Manchin was the lead cosponsor of the legislation, which was successfully repealed in 2011. One-Year Delay of Individual Mandate: Delays individual mandate provision for one year to eliminate penalty fees for not signing up for healthcare coverage, which would give consumers a true transition year. • Senator Manchin sponsored the legislation. Full Time Workweek Definition Extends to 40-Hours: Changes the definition of a full-time workweek under the law from 30 to 40 hours, which would help small businesses and prevent employees from getting their hours reduced. • Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation. Grandfather Current Health Care Plans: Allows individuals to stay on their current health care plans and prevents insurers from cancelling coverage currently offered if policyholders would like to continue to receive their existing plans. • Senator Manchin cosponsored the legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=328cea38-e6ae-4045-bf61-3a999b6eae07,Senator Manchin Announces State Director Departure,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 04, 2013 Senator Manchin Announces State Director Departure Manchin thanks State Director Kelley Goes for her unwavering dedication to the people of West Virginia as she leaves to pursue private sector opportunities Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that his long-time State Director Kelley Goes will be leaving her position to become a member of the prestigious law firm, Jackson Kelly. “It is difficult to imagine my Senate office without Kelley Goes, who is truly a one-of-a-kind public servant. Since my first days in the Senate, Kelley has served as my State Director, a job that made her my eyes and ears back home and my go-to person on every issue affecting the families and businesses of West Virginia. When I chose her to oversee all my Senate offices in West Virginia, Kelley had already proven her mettle, having served with great distinction in two important positions during my Governorship – as West Virginia’s Commerce Secretary and Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office. No matter what the issue, I could always count on Kelley to see the ripple effect and to understand the impact on the lives of West Virginians. “I am sorry that Kelley is leaving public service and my office. I will miss the energy, creativity and dedication she brought to my office. But I know she will bring the same enthusiasm, wit and commitment as she moves to the private sector. I wish Kelley the best of luck in her future endeavors, but I know that she is only a phone call away and will always be a part of the Manchin family.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=732,Rep. McKinley Questions Sebelius During Hearing on Obamacare Implementation Failures,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Apologizes for ""Debacle"" share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) questioned Secretary Sebelius concerning weeks of glitches and problems after the rollout of the heathcare.gov website. Today's hearing was focused on fixing the Obamacare website and preventing other glitches and problems from taking place so that other Americans aren't left with uncertainty, said Rep. McKinley. As insurance companies continue to cancel policies and raise the premiums of hard-working Americans all over the country, we need to focus on fixing the problems with this law. Secretary Sebelius testified that the overall cost to create healthcare.gov was $400 million of taxpayer's money and said the problems with the website would be fixed by November 30, 2013. We appreciate that Secretary Sebelius apologized to the public and took responsibility for this debacle, but unfortunately she left many unanswered questions, added McKinley. This is another example of how this Administration lacks accountability and needs to become more transparent to the American people. I don't like Obamacare but it is the law of the land, said McKinley. The American people are expecting us to get this website fixed and operational so they don't lose their health insurance. Rep. McKinley is an original co-sponsor of the American Health Care Reform Act (H.R. 3121) which replaces the President's health care law. The legislation promotes patient-centered reforms rooted in free markets are the best way to lower costs and solve problems in our health care system, not government involvement. As more problems emerge with this health care law, it's only fair individuals receive the same treatment as big business in getting a one year delay on the Obamacare mandate, said McKinley. All Americans deserve the same relief from the impacts of this unworkable law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393,"McKinley to Thousands of Coal Miners at D.C. Rally: War on Coal is an ""Epic Struggle"" for Future of Economy",2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Miners and Supporters Rally in D.C. to Oppose Obama's Anti-Energy Initiatives share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) addressed thousands of coal miners and their allies attending the Rally for American Energy Jobs on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. For the past five years the Obama Administration has been pursuing an ideologically-driven mission to stop burning fossil fuels in America, said Rep. McKinley. Entire communities are on edge and the EPA's policies are threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs. While the rest of the world is investing in coal, building new coal-fired power plants and increasing their consumption of coal, the Obama Administration is gambling with our economy and risking America's future, added McKinley. This war on coal has become a manifestation of Chicago-style politics where they bully their opponents into submission, said McKinley. But this type of tactic won't work in rural America where we still believe in fairness, hard work and the American dream. Thousands of miners, energy workers and supporters attended the event, which took place on the west side of the U.S. Capitol and featured speeches of more than 40 industry leaders, Members of Congress and state officials. To watch Rep. McKinley speak at today's rally, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=d0831bf2-8215-4423-911e-660e593e110a,Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Parkersburg News and Sentinel,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 29, 2013 Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Parkersburg News and Sentinel WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is being honored by the Washington Coal Club for his contributions to the coal industry. The group announced Wednesday it would present Manchin with its Annual Achievement Award, which honors an individual or individuals who have recently made a meaningful contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community. Manchin, a former governor of West Virginia, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and has been a national voice for the coal industry. ""As West Virginia's former governor and now as U.S. senator, I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal -- our coal heritage, our coal industry and our hardworking coal miners. I am honored to accept this national recognition from the Washington Coal Club,"" Manchin said in a press release Wednesday. During the past year, Manchin has worked to create partnerships among all interested constituencies to support policies that maintain coal's significant role in the domestic fuel mix, protect the pensions of retired miners, and ensure new regulatory mandates on coal-fueled power are fair, achievable and based on demonstrated technologies. ""As a Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have urged my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with the coal industry on shared goals, expanded developments and smart investments,"" Manchin said. ""Coal provides the greatest share of electricity we use, generating around 40 percent of our power, and will continue to be a major source of electricity for at least the next 30 years."" Formalized in 1981, the Washington Coal Club is a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit organization of more than 300 individuals with diverse interests in coal, ranging from its production to its utilization. For more on the Washington Coal Club, including a list of past award recipients, visit www.washingtoncoalclub.org.   By:  Michael Erb Source: Senator poised to receive Annual Achievement Award Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0e10e89d-25ab-471b-8251-d2af4ff73321,Manchin Statement on Consol Energy Announcement to Sell Five Coal Mines to Murray Energy,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 29, 2013 Manchin Statement on Consol Energy Announcement to Sell Five Coal Mines to Murray Energy Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on CONSOL Energy’s announcement to sell five West Virginia coal mines to Murray Energy Corporation. The five mines affected are Blacksville No. 2., Loveridge, McElroy, Robinson Run and Shoemaker. “Throughout the many years that I’ve worked with CONSOL Energy, they have always been an industry leader in mine safety as well as a community-minded company that has continued to reach out to our hardworking miners and their families. I have looked to CONSOL to set the gold corporate standard in mining conditions, and I can only hope that Murray Energy will follow in CONSOL’s footsteps to put our miners first. I look forward to meeting this week with Murray Energy’s leaders to further discuss this transition.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=23ed0461-6350-4086-8485-3d7796f486b2,Manchin Proud to Stand in Support of Miners at Capitol Coal Rally,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 29, 2013 Manchin Proud to Stand in Support of Miners at Capitol Coal Rally Senator Manchin stands up for coal and condemns EPA’s unreasonable regulations at American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) rallied with West Virginia coal miners and workers from the mining, manufacturing, labor and construction industries at the American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington to fight for America’s energy sector and our nation’s hardworking coal miners. “Coal miners are some the bravest and most patriotic men and women I have ever met in my life and it is always an honor to stand side by side with our hardworking miners, especially during today's coal rally at the steps of the United States Capitol. As Governor and now as Senator, I have always fought for and pledge to continue to fight for coal. But we are not just fighting for the good-paying jobs coal provides. We are fighting for our coal heritage and a way of life that sinks deep into the roots of West Virginia's rich culture. For decades, our coal miners have worked hard every day to produce the energy that lights our cities and heats our homes, and I hope that our miners know that as long as there's coal to mine, I will proudly stand by their side.” To view photos of Senator Manchin talking to West Virginia coal miners at today’s rally, please click here. To view a video of Senator Manchin delivering remarks at today’s rally, please click here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5bb66f3a-4572-41f4-9831-4e7602b300d4,"Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse",2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 28, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced $733,068 in federal funding for community organizations across the state to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth in West Virginia.  The funding comes from the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant program with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “In West Virginia and across this country, substance abuse has become one of the most critical problems facing our communities, our families and our children,” said Manchin. “We have a responsibility – especially to our future generations – to combat this national drug abuse epidemic head on. I am pleased that the FDA has recently announced their plans to reschedule hydrocodone combination drugs, which are in highly addictive painkillers like Vicodin and Lortab. Every step we take to make sure these drugs don’t get into the wrong hands is a step toward curbing substance abuse. This program will add to the FDA’s recent efforts and will focus on bringing our communities together to address this serious challenge to facilitate drug prevention efforts.” “It’s clear that our communities are in need of meaningful investments in prevention efforts targeted at reducing substance abuse among our youth,” said Rockefeller. “SAMHSA and ONDCP helped establish drug take-back day and prescriber training in our state, which are strong steps toward keeping prescription drugs and illegal substances from falling into the hands of our young ones. I’m so glad this grant funding was awarded in our state – it will help build on these initiatives that are critical to the health and well-being of our youngest West Virginians.”   Two coalitions received new funding awards including: $108,222 – West Side Ward 4 Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition – Institute, W. Va.: The funding will be used by the coalition to increase efforts that aim to reduce prescription drug abuse and marijuana use among youth. $124,846 – Kanawha Communities That Care – Charleston, W. Va.: The funding will be used by the coalition to establish and strengthen collaboration with local entities aimed at preventing and reducing substance abuse among youth. Four West Virginia coalitions received $125,000 awards for their ongoing efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse: Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition – Wheeling, W. Va. Advocates for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) – Weirton, W. Va. Morgan County Partnership, Inc. – Berkeley Springs, W. Va. Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition – Ripley, W. Va.   ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f77e45d0-1537-4ac3-ab6a-6acbab2935dd,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Pipeline Safety in West Virginia",2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 28, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Pipeline Safety in West Virginia WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Joe Manchin, along with Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced more than $697,000 in federal funding for pipeline safety efforts in West Virginia.     “In West Virginia, investing in natural gas is important for job creation and economic growth, but the bottom line is that we need to make sure drilling is done safely,” Manchin said.  “We are fortunate that no one was seriously injured last year when a gas pipeline ruptured in Sissonville. This incident proved that we constantly need to be prepared and safety should always be our top priority. This funding will help ensure the pipelines are being operated safely, maintained properly and inspected regularly so that incidents like the rupture last December don’t happen again.”   “West Virginia’s booming natural gas industry relies heavily on pipelines, which means they must be safe, reliable and durable. As Commerce Committee Chairman, I’ve worked hard to make sure there is oversight of our pipeline operations to prevent accidents that could harm both our communities and our economy,” said Rockefeller. “The importance of establishing the strongest possible safeguards against future pipeline explosions was never more apparent than after the devastating explosion in Sissonville last December. This funding is an important investment in our work to make pipelines as safe and secure as possible.”   “It would be pennywise but pound foolish not to invest in pipeline safety,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with jurisdiction over PHMSA.  “Our State just witnessed the consequences of pipeline failure and a strong federal partnership is a good insurance policy against future failures.  Constant maintenance and consistent inspections are key ingredients in keeping our families, businesses and industries, our infrastructure and communities safe.”     The funding comes from the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and was awarded to two agencies in West Virginia in the following amounts:   $496,943 – West Virginia Public Service Commission – The Commission received this funding through PHMSA’s fiscal year 2013 Pipeline Safety Base Grant program as a reimbursement to help alleviate the cost of the State’s pipeline safety programs. $200,717 – West Virginia Emergency Response Commission – The Commission received this funding through PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Program, which gives States assistance in performing hazardous materials response duties. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Rockefeller is in charge of Congressional oversight of pipeline safety. Rockefeller authored legislation that was signed into law in 2011 to strengthen pipeline safety. He also held a field hearing on pipeline safety in Charleston earlier this year in response to the pipeline explosion in Sissonville, West Virginia on December 11, 2012.  The Commerce Committee has held four hearings on pipeline safety in the past three years.      ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1a4ad244-a7d8-4ce3-923a-c1fabdd56d30,Mountaineer Food Bank filled with venison | The Dominion Post,2013-10-26,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2013 Mountaineer Food Bank filled with venison | The Dominion Post     ROANOKE — Hunters are taking aim at hunger this weekend during the Governor’s One Shot Whitetail Hunt, based at Stonewall Jackson Resort.     On Friday evening, they tested their hunting weapons at the annual “sighting of the rifles” at the public shooting range.     This morning, after a pre-sunrise breakfast, each two-person team set out with their volunteer guides to hunt antlerless deer on private lands.     Money and venison from the hunt goes to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program administered by the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway, said Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro during the Friday sighting.     Teams pay a $2,000 entry fee, he said, and individual and corporate sponsors may donate as much as $10,000. The cash goes directly to the food bank. The venison is processed locally, free of charge and divided into 2-pound packs and given to the food bank.     Hunters are in the field until 4 p.m., he said, then return to the resort for a reception, awards banquet, raffles and live auction. Seventeen two-person teams registered this year.     Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., arrived at the Stonewall lobby after the sighting and described how he and Jezioro originated the program in 2007 while he was governor.    In 2005, Manchin said, he and Jezioro went to Wyoming for a one-shot antelope hunt; it’s the nation’s oldest organized hunt, originated by the governors of Wyoming and Colorado.     “We went out there and had a great time,” Manchin said. And he told Jezioro, “Frank, we could do that back home.”     So Jezioro set to work with his staff. They teamed up with Mountaineer Food Bank Executive Director Carla Nardella to direct the meat and money to the food bank, and brought in Gen. Chuck Yeager to help get it off the ground.     In its first year, Jezioro said, the hunt raised $17,000; in 2012, it raised $75,000. All told, it’s raised more than $300,000. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin agreed to keep offering it when he took office.     Manchin said he missed it last year, but wanted to be here this year to team up with Jezioro and bag a pair of does. “It’s a wonderful event, it really is,” he said.     It’s also a friendly contest, they said. Teams earn points based on the times they bag their deer and the weight of the deer. A hunter is supposed to down the deer with one shot, they said, hence the name.     In Wyoming, Manchin said, they both bagged theirs early and could have won, but Jezioro’s required a second shot, costing them penalty points.     They hold the hunt on private lands, Jezioro said, so they don’t interfere with other hunters. Bagging only antlerless deer, he said, helps control the deer populations on those private lands. By:  David Beard Source: Hunters shoot deer to benefit helping the hunger program Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3a247947-0db8-4c6b-8d47-52c3119adfd2,Group Awarded U.S. Citizenship at Ceremony | WHAG,2013-10-26,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2013 Group Awarded U.S. Citizenship at Ceremony | WHAG MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - A special ceremony was held Friday morning at the U.S. District Court in Martinsburg. Among those attending were U.S. Senator Joe Manchin D-WV, and some special guests. It was also a very busy morning in the courtroom, as many were being sworn in as citizens of the United States. Officials say 38 people from 21 different countries took their oath. Sot Eva Marie Bedana Moreno is originally from the Philippines. She now lives in Martinsburg, and she became a U.S. citizen. ""I'm very excited, happy, and now I can say I'm part of America,"" Moreno said. A part of America, as they received their certificates of citizenship from Senator Joe Manchin. Manchin said it's a refreshing change from the constant complaining and dysfunction of Washington. ""…And when you see people that have worked hard, that came here for the land of promise, to basically the land of opportunity, and still believe in America. It kind of reinforces, it reinvigorates me, but it reinforces that this is the best country on earth,"" said Senator Manchin after the ceremony. One new citizen said he's actually living the American Dream. ""I had about $500 in my pocket. I didn't have anything else,” said Titus Warui, who came from Kenya to Falling Waters. “I just came here and dreamed that one day I would make things work, or things would work out. I believed that it was all going to work out,"" he said. And it did work out. Titus has been here for over 11 years. He now has with a family of three kids, and they couldn’t be more excited for him. Senator Manchin also encouraged those who are coming to the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship legally. He says our arms, and doors are still open. By:  Caitlin Francis Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3e9ac45c-ea67-4437-b635-b3634cecefd9,Manchin apologizes for gov’t shutdown | Martinsburg Journal,2013-10-26,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2013 Manchin apologizes for gov’t shutdown | Martinsburg Journal SHEPHERDSTOWN-Senator Joe Manchin III (D-West Virginia) addressed topics including the recent government shutdown, Second Amendment rights, the economy and national debt, the coal industry and health care at Shepherd University's Wellness Center Friday morning during a ""Coffee and Common Sense"" discussion. Manchin spoke briefly at the informal session, then took questions and comments from the audience. He began by apologizing for the recent government shutdown, something he said ""never should have happened."" ""We still are a financial, global market. People are still looking to America for financial stability, and we weren't showing much leadership there,"" Manchin said. ""We've become a divided country, we've become a divided Congress, and that's not what we were sent there to do. You can be a Democrat, a Republican or an independent, but above all, you're an American first."" Manchin received questions about gun control measures, mainly the effectiveness of background checks that are required by law when someone purchases a gun. Art Thomm, vice president of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, along with other members of the League who attended the discussion, felt the background checks are largely ineffective and do not keep firearms out of the hands of criminals. ""Enforcing the laws that you currently have would be better than restricting (the rights of gun owners). All you talk about is ways to take away my rights under the Second Amendment. I haven't heard once how you're going to strip the Second Amendment rights from criminals, the people actually going out and committing these crimes,"" Thomm said. Manchin said part of the problem surrounding Second Amendment rights has to do with the lack of good mental health facilities and programs in the state and the nation. He said that need must be met, but it's up to communities within the state to come up with the funding for such treatment. ""And you're right, they haven't done a good job in the background checks, they haven't followed up, and they haven't enforced them. The problem was that there was never any penalty put on the states,"" Manchin said. ""In the future, under a new bill, states will lose their law enforcement support money, and I guarantee you, they will start reporting."" Manchin expressed the need for better infrastructure, even though the nation's economic state is not as favorable as it could be. He said he thought more of the money from the stimulus would go towards infrastructure, but instead went to ""prop up government"" at the federal, state and local levels. ""If you go back in history, what happened in the 1930s with the Depression? It was all public works projects that rebuilt America. It gave people pride and dignity, it gave them a job, and it also gave the country value,"" Manchin said. ""The formula is right for this economy to take off like a rocket, but the uncertainty and the political dysfunction has kept everybody sitting on the sidelines."" One of the industries that could boost West Virginia's economy is coal mining. Despite the coal industry's impacts on the environment, Manchin said it is one of three reliable sources of energy available at this point in time, apart from gas and nuclear energy. ""Mining is part of our culture, it's who we are, right, wrong or indifferent. We made this country what it is with the resources that come from coal. It's one of the most affordable, abundant, dependable, reliable resources we've ever had. You can mine it, stockpile it, and run it 24/7. We don't have anything to replace it with,"" Manchin said. Manchin also addressed questions about health care, including some concerns about the changes coming with the Affordable Care Act. Manchin believes there should not be penalties on citizens who do not enroll in the program, and that there should be a one-year grace period until January 1, 2015 to allow people some time to figure out a plan. ""I believe there should be a transition here. You shouldn't be fined $95 for not signing up for something that's not there. I'm going to introduce legislation saying that this year will be a transitional year, we're working through it,"" Manchin said. ""The Affordable Care Act should be this: no one should have to buy insurance that's more expensive than what they have, or less effective than what they have."" Manchin's stop at Shepherd University was part of a larger tour of the Eastern Panhandle on Thursday and Friday that focused on job creation and the state of the local economy. By:  Mary Stortstrom",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=b1522694-3a14-4596-9639-400194933869,Senator addresses DC gridlock | Martinsburg Journal,2013-10-26,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2013 Senator addresses DC gridlock | Martinsburg Journal MARTINSBURG - While touring a couple business sites in Martinsburg Thursday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., felt compelled to apologize for things happening - or not happening - in Congress. ""I want to apologize for all the dysfunction in Washington,"" he told the crowd during groundbreaking ceremonies at DC Corp's new high-tech data center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Park. ""There is political gridlock in Washington and that's not why I was sent there. The best politician is the politician who does the right thing."" Manchin said America's economy should be taking off like a rocket, because of low energy prices and low interest rates. ""But the economy is stagnant, because of uncertainty, because of uncertainty in Washington,"" he said. Later, after touring the Martinsburg Ecolab plant, Manchin again apologized to a gathering of employees. ""If you think it looks ugly, it's even uglier where I'm sitting,"" he said. ""Political ambitions are rising above the good of the nation. And we need to do something before we hit the wall financially. We need a budget we can count on, not continuing resolutions. We have to get our financial house in order."" Manchin said the federal government shutdown ""was uncalled for"" and the $24 billion it cost the nation cannot be retrieved. ""We can't continue with a multi-trillion dollar debt,"" he said. ""There could be a financial meltdown not because we don't raise the debt ceiling, but because we can't pay our bills. Politics is a criminal shame, but we can fix it."" Manchin said the world is a dangerous place, referring to Iran and its nuclear development program, and the civil war in Syria, adding that he was glad the United States did not take military action against Syria over the use of chemical weapons there. ""We are the superpower in the world,"" he said. ""But being a superpower is about more than military might. We can do whatever we want anywhere in the world. Being a superpower also means you have to have super patience, super discipline and super compassion. ""We can't be everything to everybody,"" Manchin continued. ""We have to pick our priorities and help those who help themselves."" He said the biggest threat to America comes from within. ""We have generations who do not, who are not taking ownership of their country, who are not being a part of society,"" Manchin said. ""They sit on the sideline and expect us to do for them. We have to change that mindset. Our children's generation must want to be part of a world power."" He said the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, would benefit a lot of people, but there are apparent problems with the program that need to be fixed. Manchin is calling for a transitional year when no one would be fined for not enrolling in a health insurance plan. He and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., are working on legislation to forego fines until Jan. 1, 2015. He also criticized those who are trying to politicize the problems with the Affordable Care Act and private firms that are forcing employees off company health insurance policies and into the health care exchanges. Manchin left the Ecolab employees with some advice: don't be intimidated by politicians. ""It a politician introduces himself with his title, you're going to have trouble,"" he said. ""That means they think more about the title than the job."" By:  John McVey Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=727,Rep. McKinley Pushes EPA to Stop Ignoring Coal Country,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"McKinley Leads Letter to EPA Head, Calling for Listening Sessions Where Regulations are Killing Jobs share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E., and a group of 38 of his House colleagues have sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy asking that upcoming public listening sessions' include coal country states. It's troubling that the EPA is holding eleven upcoming public listening sessions on regulating power plants in cities such as Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and New York City without stopping in places that rely on these plants for jobs and electricity, said Rep. McKinley. Main street communities in states like West Virginia, Montana and Wyoming will see the greatest impact because that's where these plants are located. Already, one-fifth of our nation's coal plants, 204 facilities across 25 states, closed between 2009 and 2012. These closed and existing plants are not located in the cities selected by EPA. The EPA must hear from all Americans and not just focus on major metropolitan areas, added McKinley. The EPA needs to hear from citizens from store clerks, senior citizens and blue collar Americans to the mayors and leaders of communities that will be hit hard by these new regulations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8b4a7737-281a-4261-a5ef-103dc8e0af69,"Ecolab all about cleaner, safer world | Martinsburg Journal",2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 25, 2013 Ecolab all about cleaner, safer world | Martinsburg Journal MARTINSBURG - While touring the Ecolab plant in Martinsburg Thursday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., wanted to know what is the local facility's biggest challenge. ""Finding enough employees that can work here,"" Jonathan Gavlinski, plant manager, answered unhesitantly. However, Gavlinski told Manchin that the plant works with Blue Ridge Community and Technological College to train employees. Ecolab helps with tuition and students can get two-year degrees and go on to four-year bachelor degrees. The plant has about 185 employees and about 15 contract employees, working three shifts five days a week, Gavlinski said. Ecolab mixes, packages and distributes cleaning fluids for commercial customers at the Martinsburg plant, which opened in 2001. The 90-year-old, worldwide company, with corporate headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., is a $13 billion business. The company also has units specializing in food service and hospitality; commercial kitchen repair and maintenance; food safety; pest elimination; laundries; and other commercial and industrial areas. Ecolab recently bought Nalco, which specializes in paper products, clean water, clean energy and air protection technologies. Gavlinski said the local Ecolab plant produced nearly 300 million pounds of product last year. The plant's production has doubled since 2006. ""Because Ecolab is wildly successful, the company has invested $3 million in the plant and the company consolidated operations at an Ohio plant to here,"" he said. Manchin also wanted to know how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency affects the local Ecolab plant. ""The EPA is good for us,"" Gavlinski said. ""The EPA is all about a clean environment, and that is what we're all about. And they've treated us more than fairly."" He added that the biggest impact the EPA has had on the local plant is the EPA's Chesapeake Bay restoration program. ""We've removed all the nitrogen and phosphorus from our waste stream,"" Gavlinski said. ""We've met the EPA's Chesapeake Bay requirements. Out industrial waste stream is pretreated at a plant on site before going to the (Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District's) Baker Heights plant."" The EPA mandated dramatic reductions in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus - known as nutrients - that can get into the Chesapeake Bay via its tributaries. Nutrients are blamed for causing algal blooms in the bay that rob the water of oxygen, killing aquatic life. Martinsburg and Berkeley County are in the Potomac River watershed. The Potomac is one of the bay's main tributaries. Ecolab and the local plant are well known for its charitable work in the community. Since opening, the Martinsburg plant has donated about $1 million to local charities, including $500,000 to local schools, Gavlinski said. After the tour, Manchin talked with about 30 Ecolab employees. He praised the employees and pointed out that West Virginia has a reputation for a good, strong work force. ""We need to find balance in life,"" Manchin said. ""Economy and ecology go hand in hand."" With which Gavlinski agreed. ""Our world is about a cleaner, safer world,"" he said. By:  John McVey Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=99b9af90-8498-4b29-9c68-5ca3fad188c5,Sen. Manchin thanks developers for confidence in W.Va. | Martinsburg Journal,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 25, 2013 Sen. Manchin thanks developers for confidence in W.Va. | Martinsburg Journal MARTINSBURG - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., thanked the developers of DC Corp during groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday for having confidence in West Virginia and the people of West Virginia. ""High tech is the future for West Virginia and the future for the country,"" Manchin said. ""Our work force is a dedicated, committed, intelligent work force and without good employees, you won't be a success."" Charles ""Chuck"" Asbury II is the founder of DC Corp, which he describes as the first large-scale data center in West Virginia and the first Custom Hybrid Data Facility - a trademarked name - anywhere. DC Corp is moving into the former Ralph Lauren Childrenswear Distribution Center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Center at the Eastern Regional Airport. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., gestures to the crowd Thursday at groundbreaking ceremonies for DC Corp’s new high-tech data center in the Rockefeller Science and Technology Center. ""No dream is too big, but you have to have a lot of faith,"" Manchin said before grabbing a shovel for the ceremonial turning of a spadeful of dirt. DC Corp will offer disaster recovery, continuity of operations planning, cloud services and active primary hosting to its public- and private-sector clients. ""DC Corp vows to have a tremendous impact on the community,"" Asbury told the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking. ""I want other high-tech IT companies to look to the Eastern Panhandle as the most sought-after area to do business. This is the beginning of much growth."" Asbury is from Gerrardstown. He graduated from Musselman High School and Shepherd University. He was president of Clear Solutions LLC, an information technology consulting firm, from 2005-10. DC Corp was formed in 2011. Asbury has a lease/purchase agreement with S. Schwab Co. of Cumberland, Md., for the 180,000-square-foot structure, including 11,000 square feet of office space. The first phase of development will entail a $50 million investment. It will include remodeling 10,000 square feet of the cavernous warehouse to house an initial 50 employees and the installation of fiber optics infrastructure. The construction phase will employ 250-300 workers. The company is starting with three clients. Asbury expects to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2014. As DC Corp's client list grows, more space will be remodeled and more staff will be hired. Asbury expects to employ several hundred when the facility is built out. The building is about 13 years old. The Ralph Lauren Childrenswear facility closed in 2010, when the company's warehouse and distribution operations were consolidated at a facility in Greensboro, N.C. Employment applications are being handled internally. Resumes are being accepted at jobs@dccorpwv.com. ""I am sincerely excited,"" said Rick Wachtel, chairman of the Eastern Regional Airport Authority, which operates the science and technology center. ""The potential to draw similar industries is phenomenal. We're on the road back."" By:  John McVey Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a3c965df-d1a5-41ed-94a2-27bfb600d89a,Manchin Urges West Virginians To Participate in National Drug Take Back Day,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 25, 2013 Manchin Urges West Virginians To Participate in National Drug Take Back Day Seventh National Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity for all West Virginians to help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and increase awareness of critical public health epidemic Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) encouraged West Virginians to participate in the seventh National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the event, local law enforcement officials will anonymously collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications at more than 130 locations around the state with no questions asked.  “Prescription drug abuse in our state and our nation has reached a crisis point, and ignoring the problem is simply unacceptable,” Senator Manchin said. “Local, state and federal leaders must continue to combine their efforts and devise commonsense solutions to put an end to this horrific epidemic. Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to bring neighbors and families together to work toward fighting against drug abuse. These events not only help combat drug abuse by providing an opportunity to safely dispose of these medications, but they spread awareness of this critical issue. Let’s continue to work together so that West Virginia and our beautiful country can have strong, drug-free communities.” To view a full list of drop-off site locations, click here. Background: Senator Manchin has fought for many legislative initiatives to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in West Virginia and across the nation, including: • Hydrocodone Rescheduling: Senator Manchin recently reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat prescription drug abuse by tightening restrictions on some of the most powerful, addictive narcotics on the market. The “Safe Prescribing Act of 2013” would reclassify hydrocodone painkillers, such as Vicodin and Lortab, from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. The reclassification would accurately reflect the drugs’ high potential for addiction and abuse. An expert advisory panel to the FDA has already voted 19-10 in favor of re-classifying hydrocodone painkillers as a Schedule II controlled substance. • Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act of 2013: Senator Manchin sponsored legislation that would provide for a prescription drug take back program for veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Drug take programs allow for the safe and effective collection and disposal of unwanted and unnecessary prescription drugs and would help to combat the challenge posed by prescription drug misuse and abuse in our military and veteran populations. • Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act: Senator Manchin cosponsored Senator Rockefeller’s legislation that requires health care professionals to attend new safe pain management training courses, promotes consumer and patient education about safe disposal and treatment of prescription drugs, and supports state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. • Expanding High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA): The Office of National Drug Control Policy’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program provides funds to local law enforcement agencies located in counties in drug-trafficking regions. There are 11 counties in West Virginia currently designated as HIDTAs, and Senator Manchin is working with regional authorities to get more areas accepted into the program. • Funding for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Senator Manchin has supported funding for COPS programs to provide local police departments with federal grant money. The program helps to advance community policing in many areas where funding is needed to help combat drug abuse. • Funding for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG): Senator Manchin supports funding for the Byrne JAG program, which provides state and local governments with critical resources necessary to support various law enforcement efforts and drug treatment initiatives. • Support for Drug Free Communities: Senator Manchin has supported funding for Drug Free Communities, which provides grants to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent substance abuse in youth. • Support for National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month: Senator Manchin is a cosponsor of S.Res.261, which designated October 2011 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. The resolution passed the Senate on September 23, 2011. To view a fact sheet on the American epidemic of prescription drug abuse, specifically drugs containing hydrocodone, please click here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=471,"McKinley: ""I haven't heard one of you apologize to the American public.""",2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"McKinley Questions Panelists on Transparency, Accountability and Fairness of Failed Obamacare Website share: f t Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E., and his colleagues in the Energy and Commerce Committee conducted a hearing on the many problems surrounding the rollout of the Obamacare website and enrollment of the Affordable Care Act. Lead contractors responsible for building the website appeared before the Committee. Top administration officials and contractors appeared before this committee on September 10th, looked us in the eye, and assured us repeatedly that everything was on track,' added McKinley. But after the website was launched and numerous problems surfaced, the finger pointing began and no one is taking responsibility. The American people deserve an apology for the disastrous rollout that has wasted taxpayer dollars. The Obama Administration spent $267 million to develop the website system and $500 million on the website, itself. Since it's rollout on October 1st, we have seen many problems, crashes, glitches, and systems failures on the Obamacare website, said Rep. McKinley. This Administration has failed the American people by having a lack of accountability and remorse after the disastrous rollout of healthcare.gov. Today was about getting answers by talking to the very people responsible for creating and implementing it. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will testify before the Energy and Commerce Committee next Wednesday, October 30, 2013. To watch Rep. McKinley question witnesses about the Obamacare website, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=788c72ee-7ce9-491e-a0c3-c1a4f35f7cc6,Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Times West Virginian,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 24, 2013 Washington Coal Club honors Manchin | Times West Virginian FAIRMONT — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was presented on Wednesday with the Washington Coal Club’s 2013 Annual Achievement Award. The award is given to “an individual or individuals who have recently made a meaningful contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community.” Manchin currently serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He is also chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining, and serves on the Subcommittee on Energy. In a statement, Manchin voiced his support for the work done by the WCC. “The Washington Coal Club is vital to the future of coal production,” Manchin said. “It is a pleasure to be able to work with the club so closely on fighting for our coal heritage, our coal industry and our hardworking coal miners.” Manchin has argued for achieving energy independence in the United States within one generation, and has often criticized the Obama administration for a “war on coal.” Manchin said that through his work on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he has worked with both Democrats and Republicans to create “an all-of-the-above energy portfolio that accepts coal is, and will be for the foreseeable future, a major part of our energy mix.” Other West Virginians who have previously been given the award include Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., and the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. The club also gave out two Senator Jennings Randolph Lifetime Achievement Awards. The award was named for late state Democrat Jennings Randolph, who served in the House of Representatives from 1933 to 1947 and the Senate from 1958 to 1985. The award aims to recognize “individuals who have demonstrated a life­long dedication to the utilization of coal as a reliable and secure national energy resource,” the WCC stated. The lifetime achievement awards were granted to Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., and West Virginia University’s Richard A. Bajura. Bajura is the director of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy at West Virginia University, and is also a member of the WCC’s board of directors. “Our research at WVU has been dedicated to developing technologies that make coal cleaner, from mining it to using it to create power and transporta­tion fuels,” Bajura said. “I am honored to receive this award as a reflection of the outstanding researchers with whom I have had the privilege to work.” WCC president Rick Axthelm said in a statement that the three award recipients “all share a common threat of having con­tributed mightily to the growth and sustainability of the coal industry, and the well-being of its workforce.” The Washington Coal Club is a Washington D.C.-based not­for- profit organization. It was formalized in 1981, and has more than 300 members who include academics, policy mak­ers, coal producers and trans­porters, and members of associa­tions interested in coal and the American economy. By:  Colleen S. Good Source: For ‘contribution to the health and sustainability of the larger coal community’ Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5a8e83f3-dde7-4c2f-94e3-1d09c82d5f85,Manchin Applauds FDA for Rescheduling Hydrocodone to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 24, 2013 Manchin Applauds FDA for Rescheduling Hydrocodone to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse Announcement comes 9 months after Manchin testified before the FDA’s Advisory Committee Washington, D.C. – After years of fighting in the United States Senate to help curb the nation’s prescription drug abuse epidemic, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) expressed his appreciation today after Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sebelius informed Senator Manchin that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will recommend rescheduling hydrocodone combination drugs from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive substance found in drugs like Vicodin and Lortab. Today, the FDA has officially recommended that HHS reschedule hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. HHS is expected to pass along this recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which will immediately begin the reclassification process.  “Today was a tremendous step forward in fighting the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has ravaged West Virginia and our country,” Senator Manchin said. “Rescheduling hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug will help prevent these highly addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands and devastating families and communities. I want to sincerely thank my good friend Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa for being so helpful in making this possible. I am also extremely grateful that the Food and Drug Administration has finally implemented its own advisory committee’s recommendations to reclassify these addictive drugs. The agency has just saved hundreds of thousands of lives.” “While we recognize that a legitimate need for pain management exists, we also realize that the diversion of prescription pain medication for illegal purposes is one of the biggest problems we face in West Virginia,” said West Virginia State Police Colonel C. R. “Jay” Smithers. “The reclassification of hydrocodone is a major step toward restoring accountability and oversight between medical providers and patients suffering from acute injuries, chronic pain and terminal illness. I would like to thank Senator Manchin, the United States Congress, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Drug Administration for proactively taking a major step toward addressing the issue of prescription drug diversion not only here in West Virginia, but nationwide. It is my sincere belief that this measure will decrease the amount of hydrocodone available to those who do not possess a legitimate prescription.” Background: • May 2012 – Senator Manchin included an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act to reschedule hydrocodone. The measure passed by unanimous consent in the Senate. • June 2012 – Senator Manchin urged negotiators of a House-Senate compromise of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act to support the amendment, however it was not included in the version of the bill passed in the House of Representatives. • October 2012 – When Senator Manchin’s measure was omitted in the final piece of legislation that was signed into law, he requested that the Food and Drug Administration hold a Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee hearing, which advises the FDA on the abuse potential of drugs and makes recommendations about how they should be controlled.  • January 25, 2013 – The FDA’s own advisory committee voted 19-10 to reclassify the highly addictive drug on the same day that Senator Manchin testified at its committee hearing. Senator Manchin shared several stories from West Virginians who have struggled with hydrocodone addictions or family members whose loved ones overdosed on these painkillers. • March 20, 2013 – Senator Manchin sponsored the “Safe Prescribing Act,” along with Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Ed Markey (D-MA), to reclassify hydrocodone painkillers. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation received widespread support from Democrats and Republicans in both legislative chambers, as well as from health care providers, addiction specialists, law enforcement, advocacy groups and victims across the nation. • After allotting time for the FDA to implement its own committee’s recommendations to reschedule the drug, Senator Manchin sent three letters to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg urging the agency to immediately take action. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6a7745de-ac0d-45ba-8147-1acea94c8d25,"Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Boost Economy and Create Good-Paying Jobs Across West Virginia",2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 24, 2013 Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding to Boost Economy and Create Good-Paying Jobs Across West Virginia Partnership planning funds will bring together public and private sectors to develop economic roadmap for state Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $420,000 to regional development councils to help spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs across West Virginia. These EDA projects aim to strengthen West Virginia’s economy by bringing together the public and private sectors to establish strategies that will boost local and regional economies by overcoming challenges and focusing on job creation.      “It is encouraging to see that our public and private sectors can work together to help boost our economy and improve the economic success in regions across West Virginia and this country,” Senator Manchin said. “These funds will help us coordinate our resources more efficiently and will put hardworking West Virginians back to work.”   “Our regional development and planning councils work tirelessly to create jobs for West Virginians and put in place initiatives to support our local economies,” said Rockefeller. “To execute their strategies for growth, it is essential they have the resources necessary to overcome the tough economic challenges our communities face. I’m glad to see this funding go toward an effort that invests directly in job opportunities and economic development that will benefit our state.”   “By leveraging Federal funding with local investments, we can create jobs in tough economic times while making the wisest use of scare resources,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over the EDA.  “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but rather connect some critical dots and sustain partnerships to ensure access to the assets, technical assistance, and training that can make all the difference for local leaders and entrepreneurs.”     The following Regional Councils will each receive $60,000 from EDA to support economic development projects:   Bel-O-Mar Regional Council (Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel)   BCKP Regional Intergovernmental Council (Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Putnam)   Region 1 Planning and Development Council (McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming)   Region 2 Planning and Development Council (Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, and Wayne)   Region 4 Planning and Development Council (Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and Webster)   Region 8 Planning and Development Council (Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton)   Region 6 Planning and Development Council (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor)     ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z