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://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=680,Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014 f t # e Washington, DC, December 30, 2014 Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: Cast 563 roll call votes in the House and missed no votes.Introduced 14 bills, bringing his total number of bills introduced to 53 in the 113th Congress.Successfully offered 13 amendmentson the House floor or in committee.Participated in 38 hearings and legislative markups with the Energy and Commerce Committee.Held just under250 meetings in the district in all 20 counties.Organized 78 roundtable meetingsin the First District with veterans, seniors, small businesses, manufacturers, labor, teachers, farmers, elected officials, and others.Conducted 4 telephone town halls reaching over 40,000 constituents.Opened 853 constituent casework cases and closed 862 cases.Sent over 34,000 emails and letters to constituents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9b3a240c-2135-4c1d-98dd-bb5fdf9b63e8,Manchin Family Wishes All West Virginians a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2014 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. “On behalf of my wife Gayle and the entire Manchin family, I would like to wish all West Virginians and Americans a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. “There is no time like the holidays to celebrate our countless blessings – especially the love of our families and friends. I have always said that ‘If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings.’ During this blessed time, I hope all of us will share our blessings by sharing generously with those less fortunate. “As you gather together with your loved ones, remember that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our blessings without the brave men and women who are overseas this holiday season, keeping this great country safe by giving up their own family gatherings for the rest of us. Let us keep them and their families in our hearts and prayers, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year. “And for the New Year, let us all resolve to build a future of peace, freedom and prosperity for ourselves, our families, our communities and our country. My wish is that the joyful spirit that surrounds you this holiday season stays with you throughout the New Year. “Again, Gayle and I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and we pray that each of you enjoy the holidays filled with perpetual joy, hope and peace. May God bless us all and may God continue to bless America, and the great state of West Virginia.” To view a brief video of Senator Manchin’s Christmas greeting for broadcast purposes, please click on the FTP links below: HD Version – https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Manchin/121114_MANCHIN_1_WEB_HD.mp4 SD Version – https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Manchin/121114_MANCHIN_1_WEB_SD.mp4 To view a YouTube video of Senator Manchin’s Christmas greeting, please click on the link below: YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frf-GhctS20&feature=em-upload_owner ### 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=481,"McKinley: Coal Ash Announcement Is a First Step, But Legislation Still Needed",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"For the past four years we have sought to find a workable solution for the regulation of coal ash that will maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs, keep electricity prices low, encourage recycling, protect the environment, and provide certainty. Today's announcement by the EPA shows that our work has made a difference and the EPA has listened, but there is still more to be done. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency released its final rule regarding coal ash, theunavoidable byproduct of burning coal: For the past four years we have sought to find a workable solution for the regulation of coal ash that will maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs, keep electricity prices low, encourage recycling, protect the environment, and provide certainty. Today's announcement by the EPA shows that our work has made a difference and the EPA has listened, but there is still more to be done. The decision not to regulate coal ash as a hazardous material means it can continue to be recycled and used in everyday products, such as concrete, bricks, and wall board. A hazardous designation would have severely limited the ability to recycle coal combustion byproducts, costing 316,000 jobs and causing electric rates to skyrocket. We're proud to have played a role in helping avoid this outcome. However the EPA falls short of offering a functional regulatory system, fails to address key issues, and still leaves uncertainty for both industry and environmental groups. A legislative answer is still necessary to close many of the open-ended questions and provide greater certainty a future EPA won't overrule this decision. The plan we laid out in H.R. 2218 calls for federal standards for coal ash disposal and requires the states to develop disposal programs that meet those standards. This approach was developed in consultation with states, utilities, recyclers, and the EPA, and remains the best way to ensure coal ash can continue to be disposed and recycled in a safe and economical manner. This solution has received strong bipartisan support and passed the House on multiple occasions since 2011, but has consistently been blocked in the Senate. Early next year we plan to introduce a similar bill to address this problem once and for all. With new leadership in the Senate, we expect our common sense plan can finally pass the Senate and be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=720,Rep. McKinley Nominates Impressive Group of West Virginia Students to Service Academies,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 15 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. Nominated students must also meet the stringent admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 15 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. Nominated students must also meet the stringent admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. These students are the future leaders of America, said Rep. McKinley. To earn this nomination they have excelled both inside and outside the classroom and shown strong leadership potential. Their hard work and exemplary character make me proud to be a West Virginian. These young men and women have a strong desire to serve their country, said McKinley. I wish them the best for the future and look forward to seeing what they accomplish. The following students were nominated by Rep. McKinley based on their academic performance, extracurricular activity in their school and community, and personal recommendations: Alexander Baumgartner (Parkersburg) attendedParkersburg High School and graduated 7th in his class. Alexander was a member of the Key Club, ran cross country, and played soccer. He is planning to enroll at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy. Nicholas Cheuvront (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. While maintaining a challenging course load of Advanced Placement classes, Nicholas has been active in Scouting and community service. He is an all-state member of the track team, runs cross country, and is on the PHS swim team. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. Issac Ike Childers (Fairmont) attends Fairmont Senior High School. He is active in student government and is a member of the National Honor Society. Issac was named 1st Team All-State in soccer and plays basketball. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy. Ethan Goldcamp (Morgantown) attends Morgantown High School. Ethan is ranked in the top ten percent of his class and has excelled as a leader in student government and Boys State. He plays football and was selected as captain of the lacrosse team. U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy Hanna Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. She has earned a high GPA while taking a heavy load of AP classes. Hanna has taken on leadership roles in a variety of organizations at her school and in Parkersburg, while also playing basketball and volleyball. Her sister currently attends West Point. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Hunter Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. Hunter has been active in his church and community service organizations, and has served as captain of his soccer team for the last two seasons. In the classroom Hunter has maintained good grades and was named to the Principal's List for the past three years. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Shandy Kuzava (Salem) attends Liberty High School in Harrison County. He has participated in Boys State and is a Flight Commander with the Civil Air Patrol. Shandy also runs track and cross country. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy. Jacob Morgan (Grafton) attends Grafton High School. He has been a leader in a number of activities including student body government, drama, music, and athletics. Jacob attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and is ranked in the top ten percent of his class. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas Musgrave (Parkersburg) graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2013 and currently attends Hastings College in Nebraska. He is an Eagle Scout, is an editor on his college newspaper and has worked on political campaigns. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Seth Porter (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized for his excellence in math and science. Seth has participated in Boys State and is active in the theater and music programs at Wheeling Park. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. Dominic Raymond (Morgantown) attends Trinity Christian High School in Morgantown where he is ranked first in his class. Dominic has been a leader in his student government and participated in Boys State and the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program. He was also selected as captain of the basketball team. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy. Sallie Samolitis (Walker) attends Parkersburg High School. Sallie comes from a family with deep military roots. She is pursuing her black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a member of the PHS band. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. John Terosky IV (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. He is in the top 10% of his high school class while carrying a course load with 10 AP classes. John is active in Scouting and is in the process of completing his Eagle Scout project. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. Brady Watson (Ridgeley) attends Frankfort High School in Mineral County. Brady has excelled on the playing field as a four-year letterman on the Frankfort football team, which was runner up in the Class AA finals this year. He also lettered in basketball and track. He is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks in the top 10% of his class. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. Mitchell Winkie (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Mitchell is ranked first in his class and is active in Boys State, student government, and Civil Air Patrol. He is co-captain of the two-time state AA Championship Bridgeport football squad. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=df5878d3-0fc5-4a65-a7e0-aa014bc9aa19,Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2014 Manchin Announces Service Academy Nominations Recommends 36 students from 17 counties Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he will nominate 36 West Virginia students from 17 counties to the U.S. service academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. “It is a great privilege to recommend 36 of West Virginia’s brightest young men and women to the U.S. service academies,” Senator Manchin said. “All of our students worked hard to earn these nominations and are determined to serve our country. Many are also striving to carry on their families’ proud military heritage. Today, I join all West Virginians in congratulating these hardworking and dedicated students, because a nomination to one of our elite service academies will develop these young men and women to become our next generation of military leaders.” The students are from the following counties: Berkeley, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Taylor and Wood. Senator Manchin is recommending the following students to the service academies. Final admission is determined by the respective academy. Air Force Academy Mara Brown, Seoul Korea, from Raleigh County Dominic Raymond, Trinity Christian High School Isaac Childers, Fairmont High School Grace Skidmore, Braxton County High School Emma Lindberg, Wentworth Military Prep School, from Jefferson County Simon Sneeringer, Northwestern Prep School, from Putnam County Chase Loving, Woodrow Wilson High School Nic Cheuvront, Parkersburg High School Alex Baumgartner, West Virginia University Parkersburg, from Wood County Jacob Hanni, Teays Valley Christian High School Military Academy at West Point Hunter Hill, Parkersburg High School Gabby Lovell, Jefferson High School Sam Brown, Basic Training, from Clay County Cody Bailey, Ripley High School Jacob Morgan, Grafton High School Teran Barnitz, Virginia Tech, from Cabell County Nicole Hess, Germany, from Berkeley County Ryan Hayes, George Washington High School Grant Lares, George Washington High School Jake Matthews, Basic Training, from Putnam County Naval Academy Mitchell Winkie, Bridgeport High School Ellie McClung, Sissonville High School Trevor Tucker, Ripley High School Chad Hollandsworth, George Washington High School Connor Jelich, Ravenswood High School Brady Watson, Frankfort High School, Arianna Crawford, Nicholas County High School Sean Timberlake, Shepherd University, from Jefferson County Garret Wilkins, South Harrison High School Jack Terosky, Parkersburg High School Merchant Marine Academy Hannah Hill, Parkersburg High School Justin McKown, Ripley High School Cary Robertson, Pocahontas County High School Shandy Kuzava, Liberty High School Sallie Samolitis, Parkersburg High School Bryce Humphreys, Winfield High School ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a9cfda4e-d808-4569-89f0-e98e06ca2ddf,Senator Manchin Concludes Fifty-Five County Outreach Tour,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2014 Senator Manchin Concludes Fifty-Five County Outreach Tour Senator Manchin will wrap up his 2014 statewide tour in Webster County Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will wrap up his 2014 statewide outreach tour, which has included stops in all of West Virginia’s fifty-five counties. Senator Manchin has traveled from region to region this year when Congress has been out of session to connect with West Virginians. During his visits, he has met with thousands of residents including veterans, seniors, students, educators, community leaders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, coal miners and local and state officials to hear their commonsense concerns and ideas for improving our state and our nation. “The people of West Virginia deserve the very best in service from those elected to represent this great state, and there is nothing more important to me than staying connected and hearing from West Virginians,” Senator Manchin said. “It was a privilege to visit all fifty-five counties this year and engage with so many wonderful residents who want to address our challenges and discuss ways to make our state and our nation a better place. It is the commonsense discussions, ideas and connections that I have in the small communities across our state that have kept me going in Washington day after day. I will continue to work hard to make sure that we address our challenges and find commonsense solutions. “I always remind my staff to put the constituent first, something that I call retail government. We truly understand that each and every West Virginian is the reason why we are here and why I can serve in the U.S. Senate. My staff is ready to assist, and I encourage my fellow West Virginians not to hesitate to call my office and ask questions or ask for help. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the opportunity to serve the great state of West Virginia. We look forward to visiting with our fellow West Virginians again in the coming year.” Highlights from Senator Manchin’s statewide outreach tour include: • Senator Manchin hosted a business exporter forum with Chairman Fred Hochberg of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. • Senator Manchin delivered a Congressional Update to members of the West Virginia Legislature. • Senator Manchin joined FHL Bank Pittsburgh to present nearly $1.8 million in affordable housing grants to eight state projects. • Senator Manchin participated in a major expansion announcement at Eagle Manufacturing in Brooke County. • Senator Manchin helped launch Variety the Children’s Charity “My Bike” West Virginia Program for children with disabilities. • Senator Manchin joined representatives from the RCBI, ATK, the U.S. Navy, and Marshall University for a public-private partnership announcement in advanced manufacturing. • Senator Manchin was presented the Boy Scouts of America Silver Buffalo Award. • Senator Manchin hosted an energy tour in the state to highlight the need for balanced solutions to address our nation’s energy needs and environmental concerns. • Senator Manchin hosted 40 town hall meetings with constituents. • Senator Manchin participated in 12 roundtable discussions on various issues including clean water, drug abuse, economic development, school safety, energy issues, and helping our seniors and veterans. • Senator Manchin delivered remarks at various events including: Annual Mining Symposium in Charleston, Annual Governor’s Energy Summit at the Stonewall Jackson Resort, American Legion Convention in Huntington, National Marine Corps League Convention in Charleston, UMWA installation of officers ceremony in Morgantown, West Virginia Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Summit in Greenbrier County, as well as many county chamber events. To view an interactive map with photos and details from each of Senator Manchin’s stops on his statewide tour, please click here. In addition to Senator Manchin’s events, his regional outreach representatives also hosted and participated in various events around the state on his behalf this year. They have been active in every county, attending events, visiting businesses, meeting with community leaders and hosting mobile office hours. In addition, they have participated in every town hall that the VA hospitals and regional offices have hosted. Highlights of Senator Manchin’s staff this year include: one hundred mobile office events for the fourth annual Commonsense Connections Week; four regional outreach meetings for seniors; multiple veterans visits as part of National Salute to Veterans Week; six veterans’ outreach mobile office events; various West Virginia facility tours for National Health Center Week; and statewide flag presentations in honor of Flag 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=a90b8f8a-06dc-4245-833d-c8982e63d5be,Manchin Statement on the Passing of Marshall President Stephen Kopp,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2014 Manchin Statement on the Passing of Marshall President Stephen Kopp Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement on the passing of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp.  “The sudden and tragic death of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp is incredibly shocking and heartbreaking. The Marshall community has truly lost one of its best. There is no doubt that Stephen will leave behind a legacy as an outstanding leader, a beloved adopted West Virginian, and a dedicated husband and father. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in keeping Jane, the entire Kopp family and the Marshall and Huntington communities in our thoughts and prayers as they grieve and try to get through this painful time, especially as we approach the holidays.” ### 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=b85ce11a-c3ba-4da3-b78b-a05df7c76c6e,Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for Achievement Awards,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2014 Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Nominate Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs for Achievement Awards Deadline for nominations is January 5th Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to nominate Mountain State small businesses and entrepreneurs for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2015 Small Business Week awards and for the West Virginia’s District Office awards. Winners of the West Virginia District Office awards will compete for national titles and attend National Small Business Week activities in Washington, D.C. in May 2015. All nominations are due by Monday, January 5th at 3 p.m. “In West Virginia, small businesses make up 97 percent of our state’s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and providing the goods and services we depend on every day,” Senator Manchin said. “In the coming weeks, I strongly encourage all West Virginians to honor the great achievements of our small businesses and entrepreneurs by nominating them for one of these outstanding awards. This is a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our Mountain State businesses for all they do to make our state a great place to live and do business.” SBA is seeking national nominations for the following awards: Small Business Person of the Year Award, Small Business Exporter of the Year, Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery, Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery,  Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award, Federal Procurement Award - Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award, Federal Procurement Award - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award, Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award and Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award. To nationally nominate a small business or entrepreneur, please use the Small Business Week Nomination Portal, or send to the SBA’s West Virginia District Office at 320 West Pike Street, Suite 330, Clarksburg, WV 26301. In addition to national awards, the West Virginia District Office is seeking nominations for the following district awards: Entrepreneurial Success of the Year, Family-Owned Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Financial Champion of the Year, Home-Based Champion of the Year, Minority Small Business Champion of the Year, Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year and Women in Business Champion of the Year. District nominations must be submitted directly to the West Virginia District Office. Guidelines and nomination forms can be found on the SBA’s West Virginia District Office web page at www.sba.gov/wv or by contacting Nikki Bowmar at (304) 623-7445 or nikki.bowmar@sba.gov(link sends e-mail). ### 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=c3de7b71-2db6-4296-ac58-2c5a1e3a943c,Manchin Votes Against Tax Extenders Bill,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2014 Manchin Votes Against Tax Extenders Bill Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after voting against extending tax deductions: “Since I have joined the Senate more than four years ago, I have questioned again and again why Congress refuses to confront our financial challenges when our country faces more than $18 trillion in debt? Instead of working together on comprehensive tax reform, we continue to kick the can down the road by passing temporary tax deductions year after year. Passing tax extenders simply places a Band-Aid on our financial problems and is irresponsible, reckless and unethical. “It is past time members of Congress come together to find a commonsense, comprehensive pathway toward fixing our long-term spending and debt problems. We need a big fix, focusing on a three-pronged approach that increases revenue, reduces out-of-control spending, and reforms our tax code. “To start, we can work together to pass long-term, comprehensive tax reform that will restore fairness and confidence in our economy. I can only hope that the 114th Congress will recognize our dire financial challenges and will be eager to work toward getting our financial house in order.” ### 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=ab2c95f1-b239-47d1-90b9-0514f94290cc,Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 114th Congress,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2014 Manchin Appointed to New Senate Committees for 114th Congress Senator Manchin will join the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced that he has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the 114th Congress. He will continue to be a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “It is a privilege to be assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee as we enter into a new Congress,” Senator Manchin said. “The breadth of issues that these two committees oversee will help me better represent the people of the Mountain State and our West Virginia values. “As a member of these new committees, I will have a greater influence in making sure that we continue to promote economic development in a global marketplace, create good-paying jobs across America, support trade and small businesses, invest in advanced technology and communications infrastructure, provide much-needed highway and transportation funding, encourage tourism initiatives, and most importantly, honor our veterans and reduce veterans’ unemployment. “I look forward to continuing to work for the people of West Virginia in all four Senate committees and making sure Mountain State values are represented every day in Congress. As always, I will work hard to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle our nation’s many challenges. By bringing a bit of West Virginia common sense to the table, I have the utmost confidence we can rekindle a spirit of bipartisanship and work more efficiently.” To review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, please click here. To review more information on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 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=e99688b4-2605-4372-ba17-7134eccd4c30,Manchin Statement on Opposition to Dr. Murthy's Surgeon General Confirmation,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2014 Manchin Statement on Opposition to Dr. Murthy's Surgeon General Confirmation Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin issued the following statement on his opposition to confirming Dr. Vivek Murthy’s as America’s next Surgeon General. “Our Surgeon General serves as America’s leader on public health services and chooses what health policies we should prioritize. For that reason, I don’t believe it’s appropriate for America’s number one doctor to participate in political activism. It is essential that the Surgeon General gains the public’s trust, so this position must be separated from the political arena. After meeting with Dr. Murthy, I don’t question his medical qualifications; I just question whether the public will believe that he can separate his political beliefs from his public health views. I am wary that his past comments and political involvement will have an impact on his leadership capabilities and effectiveness. For these reasons, I am unable to vote for his confirmation as the United States’ next Surgeon General.” ### 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=f5c2fc81-01b6-4ced-b95c-ee5cde29f4f2,Manchin Submits Floor Speech in Opposition to Omnibus Legislation,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2014 Manchin Submits Floor Speech in Opposition to Omnibus Legislation Senator Manchin urges members of the Senate to work together on bipartisan omnibus legislation that better represents American values Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) tonight submitted remarks on the Senate floor explaining his opposition to the $1.1 trillion government spending bill due to many troubling provisions that cannot be amended. Senator Manchin urges his colleagues to stay in session an additional week to draft a bipartisan omnibus package that fairly represents American values. Please read Senator Manchin’s floor remarks as prepared for delivery below:   I rise today to voice my opposition to the spending bill we are being forced to vote on.   I am not voting to shut down the government. I’m voting to negotiate on a bill where we are at least able to participate.   I am voting to stay here, work with all my colleagues on a better bill, and put an end to the dysfunctional process we are forced to endure every year.   I have read through the bill, and I’m sure everyone can find something in here that they like.   I certainly have some items in the bill that will help my little state of West Virginia.   But there is just too much waste, too much taxpayer risk, and too little transparency for me to stomach.   In the four years I have been in the Senate and on the Armed Services Committee, I have heard from officials on the damage done by the sequester and how it has cannibalized the Armed Forces.   And yet, while DoD officials were forced to absorb across-the-board cuts in 2013, I’ve made it a point to ask if they are being forced into projects they don’t want or need.  This bill, however, completely ignores what the Department of Defense has said.   We are wasting $5 billion dollars on Department of Defense spending that the Pentagon did not ask for and does not need. They didn’t ask for some of these ships, tanks and airplanes, but we are forcing them to purchase those projects anyway.   And not only are we wasting this money, but we are denying it from other important programs that desperately need those funds.   In this bill, we gut hard-working Americans’ pensions, and instead of using the $5 billion to fund the Care Act, which ensures that the UMWA’s Pension Plan remains solvent to benefit miners who have helped power this nation, we give the Pentagon tanks and ships and planes they don’t need or even want.   We have seen our political process become more corrosive than ever in recent years.    We have already seen the negative effects that the Citizens United ruling has had on our elections.   It has allowed unlimited and dark money to distort the records of our colleagues, flood our airwaves with negative advertisements and shrink our campaigns to sound bites instead of ideas.   And what does this bill do to address this?   It increases the limits for individual contributions to political parties by TEN times the current limit. TEN times.   The current limit of $32,400 was already too high for most West Virginians and Americans to be able to take full advantage.  The new limit of $324,000 is inconceivable for the vast majority of Americans.   That means that our political process will only be available to a small number of wealthy individuals who will have more influence on our government than the hard-working Americans we are sent here to represent.   Main Street America is still hurting from the fallout of Wall Street’s greedy behavior.   Americans lost 8.8 million jobs and our GDP fell by at least $7.2 trillion.  We lost a generation of jobs and economic progress.   And while our economy is still trying to recover and millions of Americans are still out of work, Wall Street has seen record profits.   Instead of working to help our small businesses, community banks, and credit agencies, this bill allows Wall Street banks to go back to the same risky behavior that drove us into the Great Recession in the first place.   If we pass this bill, we will allow Wall Street banks to trade risky derivatives and once again force American taxpayers to bail them out if they lose their bets.   Haven’t we learned our lesson yet?   If big banks want to trade in risky derivatives and act with greed, then THEY should bear the cost of their mistakes, not the American taxpayer.   M. President, I understand Omnibus bills are made out of negotiation and compromise, but negotiations start with participation.    Here, most members of the Senate weren’t even consulted on this bill, nor was there an opportunity to offer amendments.   Senator Robert C. Byrd, a man who defined what it meant to be a representative of the people and one of the most dedicated and passionate United States Senators to date, told me what is was like to work in the Senate before the process was broken.   Upon arriving in the Senate, I assumed those same rules of conduct applied until Members here in this Body explained to me just how much has changed.   We used to consider individual appropriations bills that were carefully deliberated by Committee members, and then we brought those smaller bills to the floor and were given an opportunity to offer amendments and debate the bill in a timely, proper manner.      Somehow, the Senate process has gotten away from the days of regular order.   Instead, here we are today, where we were given two days to read a 1,600 page bill loaded with provisions that we cannot even amend.   Since we are forced to consider this bill as a whole, I have determined that it is simply too flawed for me to support.   I urge my colleagues to stay here another week and truly draft a bipartisan omnibus package that fairly represents American values. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=792a94da-8980-417f-ad9c-6c24adebe82b,Manchin Calls for Debate on Using Military Force in Syria Before Sending More American Troops,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Manchin Calls for Debate on Using Military Force in Syria Before Sending More American Troops Senator Manchin reiterates his opposition to escalating a ground war in Syria Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) sent a letter to President Obama calling on him to submit to Congress his proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Senator Manchin believes Congress should debate America’s military strategy before sending more American troops to the region or beginning a military program to train and advise Syrian rebels. Senator Manchin argues that the American people deserve a public debate before we find ourselves once again in an open-ended war in the Middle East.   Senator Manchin writes to President Obama, in part: “I was encouraged by your statements showing support in principle for a congressionally approved AUMF related to our conflict with ISIL. I write today to ask that you submit such a request to Congress immediately, so that we may debate its merits and your strategy, before more American men and women are sent into harm’s way.” Please read the full text of the letter to President Obama below: December 11, 2014 The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: I was encouraged by your statements showing support in principle for a congressionally approved Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) related to our conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). I write today to ask that you submit such a request to Congress immediately, so that we may debate its merits and your strategy, before more American men and women are sent into harm’s way.   My position with regard to the conflict with ISIL is by now well known. I support, as all my colleagues do, the military, intelligence, and law enforcement actions that prevent attacks on American property or persons. You have said as much yourself, and there is unanimity in such purpose. But before we commit more of our nation’s blood and treasure to political reform and religious settlement in the Middle East, we must acknowledge that a decade of war, trillions of dollars of financing to be paid by future generations, and some 4,500 American lives were not sufficient to establish the pro-western representative democracy that was once envisioned.   For these reasons I am adamantly opposed to sending American troops into Syria to further escalate a ground war that I do not believe is in the best interest of America or the region. History has taught us that militarily training and arming Syrian rebels of uncertain provenance will put the United States on a path that leads inevitably to regime change and nation-building in Syria. Such a course defies the lessons of the American-led military operations of the last twelve years. I cannot in good conscience justify to the people of West Virginia support for this course of action.   And while I caution against repeating the mistake of Middle Eastern nation-building, I reiterate my strongest support for our military, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals who are today defending Americans at home and abroad from the vile atrocities perpetrated by terrorists. They demonstrate every day that we have the capability to identify terrorists and prevent them from doing harm to America. If I thought that sending military trainers and weapons to Syria would further that end or would make Americans safer, I would support doing so. I do not.   Mr. President, submit to Congress your proposed AUMF. Allow us to give the American people the public debate they deserve, before we find ourselves again in an open-ended war in the Middle East.   ### 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=380,McKinley Statement on Spending Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"When the Republican House majority came to Washington four years ago we sought to increase transparency, implement a more open process, and end the closed door practices that marked the Nancy Pelosi era. Yet this week we were presented with a 1,600 page spending bill with 48 hours to review it before funding runs out. We were given no opportunities to change the bill.While I appreciate the work of the House Appropriations committee and recognize there are many good provisions included in this bill, it did not include protections for West Virginia's coal miners, so I voted against the bill and the broken process that produced it. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement regarding the government funding bill that passed the House today: When the Republican House majority came to Washington four years ago we sought to increase transparency, implement a more open process, and end the closed door practices that marked the Nancy Pelosi era. Yet this week we were presented with a 1,600 page spending bill with 48 hours to review it before funding runs out. We were given no opportunities to change the bill. While I appreciate the work of the House Appropriations committee and recognize there are many good provisions included in this bill, it did not include protections for West Virginia's coal miners, so I voted against the bill and the broken process that produced it. Next year, with new leadership in the Senate hopefully we can break the cycle of last minute deals formulated behind closed doors. Congress needs to return to an open process that allows members to provide input and make changes. With willing partners in the Senate we will be able to reduce spending and change damaging policies on everything from the EPA to health care to immigration. With this latest hurdle behind us I hope we can focus on working together in an open manner to address the challenges our country faces.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=464,"McKinley, Loebsack Propose Bill to Help Emergency First Responders",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to help volunteer firefighters and other first responders who keep our communities safe. The bill creates a tax deduction for volunteer first responders and will help Volunteer Fire Departments and other public safety organizations recruit and retain volunteers. share: f t Yesterday Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to help volunteer firefighters and other first responders who keep our communities safe. The bill creates a tax deduction for volunteer first responders and will help Volunteer Fire Departments and other public safety organizations recruit and retain volunteers. I'd like to thank Representatives McKinley and Loebsack for introducing this important legislation, said Chief Philip C. Stittleburg, Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council. The services donated by volunteer emergency response personnel are valued at more than $140 billion annually and the average responder donates services worth more than $18,000 each year, Stittleburg added. At the same time, local agencies are increasingly struggling to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and EMTs. This common sense bill would help bolster staffing in volunteer public safety agencies by allowing responders to claim a portion of the value of the services they donate each year as a charitable donation. Small towns across West Virginia and the country rely on volunteers to respond to fires, accidents, and other emergencies, said McKinley. Yet these same men and women are often forced to raise money to simply have adequate equipment and training. We can do more to help them. We've had a number of meetings with Volunteer Fire Departments across West Virginia, and the number one issue they have is recruiting volunteers and keeping them, said McKinley. This solution will help fix that problem and demonstrates the respect earned by volunteer emergency personnel. Our volunteer firefighters stand ready to serve us the moment disaster strikes. They donate their time and energy to keep us safe, and we can do more to support their critical role in our communities, said Loebsack. Over 90% of Iowa's firefighters are volunteers, and this tax credit would provide an important recruitment tool for Fire Departments to maintain the level of staffing that they need to do their jobs. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Rep. McKinley to advance this important legislation. The bill provides a tax deduction for hours of service each year volunteered for fire-fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, civil air patrol, and emergency rescue services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1eb6916d-0ece-4550-9888-ebdb327abcc0,Manchin Opposes Antonio Weiss Nomination to be the Next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at Treasury Department,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Manchin Opposes Antonio Weiss Nomination to be the Next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at Treasury Department Senator Manchin delivers remarks on the Senate floor Washington, D.C. – As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today delivered remarks on the Senate floor explaining his opposition of Wall Street investment banker Antonio Weiss to be the next Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Department of Treasury. Please read Senator Manchin’s remarks as prepared for delivery below: M. President – I represent and serve the great state of West Virginia, a rural state where we believe in common sense solutions and values. In the Mountain State, we understand the importance of leveling the playing field for community institutions and helping small businesses create and keep jobs.  As the Senator from West Virginia, I was sent here to represent the people of Main Street. For those reasons, I rise today to explain why I must oppose the nomination of Wall Street investment banker, Antonio Weiss, for Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Department of Treasury. I cannot and will not support his nomination because I do not believe he possesses the characteristics and the background we need in an Under Secretary to push for strong Wall Street oversight and to protect our small businesses and financial institutions on Main Streets across America.  The position to which Mr. Weiss has been nominated is one that would put him at the head of the Treasury’s decision-making on issues of domestic finance, fiscal policy, government liabilities, and other related domestic matters.  He would oversee critical issues such as Wall Street reform, financing the national debt, housing finance reform, and small business credit. I have serious doubts that Mr. Weiss has the right experience to take on such a role. It is clear that as Global Head of Investment Banking at Lazard, Mr. Weiss is very talented and experienced in working in financial markets and economic institutions. But as an investment banker on Wall Street he does not have the experience for this particular oversight position. He has dealt almost entirely with European investment banking matters, not domestic finance, community banking, or regulatory issues of any kind, all of which falls under the jurisdiction of this important position. And besides not having the right background for the job, the fact that Mr. Weiss is a top corporate dealmaker with a specialization in international finances is in and of itself troubling. He has spent a good deal of his professional career working on mergers and acquisitions for the world’s largest corporations and he has spent time in Paris running the firm’s European division. This fits the Administration’s pattern of choosing Wall Street insiders to senior policy positions instead of those with strong consumer protection or community bank and credit union experience. Plainly spoken,  people that have worked on Main Street. To make matters worse, the substantial compensation Lazard plans to offer Mr. Weiss upon his confirmation is another reason to be skeptical. The financial giant is planning to pay him $20 million if he were to win confirmation. This kind of an arrangement and human nature suggests he will be especially sympathetic to Lazard’s lobbying efforts. Public service is a noble cause, and a $20 million golden parachute makes it very hard to gain the public trust. With that being said, I do not believe Mr. Weiss can fulfill the duties of Undersecretary at the Treasury Department. Since joining the Senate Banking Committee, I have tried to make our banking and financial system work better for small businesses, banks and middle class West Virginians and Americans, and I will continue to so do. That’s why I cannot support this nomination. Mr. Weiss does not have the experience for this particular job, and it is important to send the message that we will no longer allow Wall Street to exclusively make our fiscal policy decisions, especially when they affect so many on Main Street. Economic and banking policies have too often been made without the input of our nation’s mid-sized banks, community banks and credit unions. We must strive to have a balanced view by engaging voices on all sides of these important issues. By confirming Weiss as the Under Secretary, we are putting Wall Street before Main Street, and we’ve already seen from the 2008 crisis how that harms the nation as a whole.  I would urge the President to nominate instead someone with experience in strong oversight and who understand the struggles of mid-sized banks, community banks and credit unions. The Treasury Under Secretary for Domestic Finance plays a leading role in developing policies that will impact the full spectrum of the U.S. financial system. To be effective in that role, the Under Secretary should have a broad background in financial services, with the critical inclusion of community banking, which is so important to thousands of rural communities, small towns, and suburbs. A person with direct Main Street experience can fully appreciate the special concerns of that industry. Unfortunately, Mr. Weiss does not fit the bill, and for that reason, I must oppose his nomination. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=20c0b4e2-5a52-4914-b44c-38f9404841b1,Manchin Welcomes I-79 Corridor Businesses To Washington at 7th Annual WV Identification Intelligence Seminar And Expo,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2014 Manchin Welcomes I-79 Corridor Businesses To Washington at 7th Annual WV Identification Intelligence Seminar And Expo Senator Manchin delivers remarks at the seventh West Virginia Identification Intelligence Seminar and EXPO VII Expo provides opportunities for WV businesses from I-79 Corridor to network with executives in the identity management sector and representatives from federal agencies, including DHS, DOJ, NIST, NSF, DoD, DIA and the FBI Washington, D.C. – Today, as Honorary Chair of the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) welcomed West Virginia businesses from the I-79 Corridor to the seventh annual Identification Intelligence Seminar and Expo in Washington, D.C. The annual identification intelligence industry event provided opportunities for executives in cyber security, forensics, biometrics and big data to explore business partnerships, research synergies and investment opportunities in West Virginia. The Expo was hosted by Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, West Virginia Development Office, I-79 Development Council, Identification Intelligence Ridge, along with significant supporting roles from both Marshall University and West Virginia University. The event was sponsored by CrossResolve, Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, Marshall University and West Virginia University. West Virginia companies that participated in the exhibition included: Azimuth, Allegheny Science & Technology, CrossResolve, Ideal Innovations, Lakota Software Solutions, Parabon, Tygart Technology, as well as Marshall University and West Virginia University’s research institutions.  Please read Senator Manchin’s remarks as prepared for delivery below: Thank you all for being here this evening to learn more about the technologies and capabilities West Virginia businesses and schools can offer to federal agencies that operate in the intelligence sector.  As honorary Chairman of the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, I am proud to welcome our business executives from the I-79 Corridor, leaders from Marshall University and West Virginia University, representatives from the Italian, German, French, British and Taiwanese Embassies, as well as the government officials who are interested in investing and doing business with West Virginia businesses.   First and foremost, I would like to recognize Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, the West Virginia Development Office, the I-79 Development Council, Identification Intelligence Ridge, along with Marshall University and West Virginia University — Thank you for your collective efforts to making this networking event possible year after year. In addition, I would like to acknowledge this year’s Expo sponsors: CrossResolve, the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, Marshall University and West Virginia University. Without your support, this event would not be what it is today. I would also like to thank my dear friend Senator Rockefeller, who launched Discover the Real West Virginia more than 20 years ago. Although he is unable to attend tonight’s Expo, it is because of his commitment to this organization that so many critical business opportunities and jobs have come to West Virginia.  Investments from Japanese companies alone total more than $2 billion and the number of jobs created from our relationship has increased to more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. And these numbers only represent one successful partnership.  So I truly look forward to continuing the great work Senator Rockefeller started more than two decades ago.  Because of West Virginia’s abundance of natural resources, fiscally-responsible policies, advanced technology, and a well-trained, dedicated workforce, the Mountain State remains one of the most competitive, business-friendly states in the country. And because of the 25 year development of West Virginia’s biometrics and intelligence sectors, we can now boast that we have such a robust identity management industry, particularly along the I-79 Corridor. Thanks to years of strategic investments and synergizing industry, research, education and government, the North-Central region is home to state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced telecommunications facilities, high-tech cyber security support, innovative forensics laboratories, and extensive databases. Due in large part to companies’ sharing of ideas, resources, data and intelligence, there are already several federal agencies that have physical locations along the I-79 Corridor, and take advantage of the technology hub’s next generation of identification intelligence.  For instance, the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division works closely with companies in the region. Their Assistant Director, Steve Morris, who is here with us today, compares the region to Silicon Valley’s boom in the ‘70s and ‘80s.  To quote Steve, he touted: “Twenty years from now, if not sooner, when people think of biometrics and identity management, they're going to see this I-79 Corridor as the birthplace of all that.” And this industry’s growth is far from waning. With the FBI’s Next Generation Information System fully operational, along with the multitude of existing collaborative efforts, the identity management market will continue to expand and develop, leading to innovative technologies, start-up businesses, and an influx of good-paying jobs. This is a great opportunity for federal agencies to invest in our businesses, which will continue to provide innovative tools and methods to advance identity intelligence. With West Virginia’s minimal 2-3 percent turnover rate among the region’s 2,500 employees, compared to the 25 percent turnover rate in Washington, D.C., this simply adds to the multitude of reasons why federal intel departments should regionalize operations to North-Central West Virginia. And not only does the I-79 Corridor support a collaborative platform for identity management, biometrics, forensics, cyber security and big data organizations, but West Virginia’s high-tech nucleus continuously teams up with our local universities.  The collaboration ultimately gives our students direct access to these technology systems and prepares them for successful, high-paying careers in the industry.  It also advances research opportunities and enhances state and national intelligence capabilities.   For example, WVU was the first institution in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in biometrics and founded the Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR)) to advance the training and use of identification capabilities.  Since the new FBI Biometrics Technology Center is located just miles away from WVU, those students will gain the knowledge and experience necessary to help jumpstart the center’s facial recognition and palm print identification programs.  Similarly, Marshall University was the first institution to partner with a state crime laboratory. Marshall’s Forensic Science Center works closely with the West Virginia State Police to help develop and maintain a DNA database system.  The bottom line is that leveraging public-private partnerships like these will drive innovation, expand business development, and boost economic prosperity across West Virginia and this country.  So tonight, I would like to thank you all once again for gathering together and exploring joint ventures and collaborate efforts. Your efforts will undoubtedly diversify our state and our nation’s economic landscape. I look forward to learning more about the potential partnerships and business prospects that come out of tonight’s expo and seminar.  I have no doubt that your efforts will not only protect our national security interests and enhance identity management, but will also help build the brightest futures possible for those working across the Mountain State, inside our nation’s capital, and around the country.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=ad1cd2f2-09fb-43b8-8328-cedcca6ca9c2,December 7 a Reminder of Who We Are as Americans | Wheeling Intelligencer,2014-12-07,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 07, 2014 December 7 a Reminder of Who We Are as Americans | Wheeling Intelligencer Seventy-three years later, America still remembers the ""date which will live in infamy."" It was the first phrase pronounced to the world by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the wake of one of America's greatest tragedies, which has since engraved itself in history forever. December 7, 1941 will always mark the date that 2,403 American lives were lost when Japan led a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. It is a day that evoked fear and uncertainty across our nation and catapulted the United States into a Second World War. Yet while December 7, 1941 will forever be shrouded in pain and darkness, we must remind ourselves that from the horror and sorrow of that day also comes resolve and strength as a nation. Pearl Harbor is also known as a day in which Americans proved that when faced with adversity, we are not only resilient, but we will come together and become even stronger as a united front. On that fateful December morning, there was no greater symbolism of American resilience than U.S.S. West Virginia, one of the four battleships that sank in Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. West Virginia took seven torpedoes hits and was targeted by Japanese planes more than any other ship. By the time enemy fire ceased, the ship had sunk 40 feet into the depths of the harbor. Plans to rebuild the ship began a week after the attack, but the battleship was considered a low priority because of the severe damage it suffered. Many believed the U.S.S. West Virginia would never again be salvaged. Even so, after six months, the battleship was pumped out and raised. Three years later, the naval ship had been completely restored, modernized, and sailed again to see combat. In fact, the U.S.S. West Virginia proved to play an instrumental role in the very last naval battle of World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Unleashing its fury on Japanese ships, working with veteran Pearl Harbor battleships, supporting underwater demolition teams, and protecting ally troops ashore, the U.S.S. West Virginia found reprisal in helping to end the vicious war. This great ship that proudly represents the Mountain State is a symbol of the American people. The ship's story reveals that even in those moments when we are shaken to the core, we should never lose hope. Like the American people, the U.S.S. West Virginia signifies that while we may face difficult times, they also become the moments we remember the most, defining who we are and what we are made of. Today, we pay homage to those brave Americans who sacrificed their lives on that infamous December morning. We will never forget their service and sacrifice, always remembering those lost not only in our hearts, but also in the way we live our lives. Let us never forget those who came before us, and lived and died for this nation. And let us always mark dates like December 7, 1941 as the times we remember who we are as a nation and the strength of American resilience. By:  By Joe Manchin 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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=bd640af5-12c8-4190-a5db-2ec3e1606b63,Say thank you to a miner today | Bluefield Daily Telegraph,2014-12-06,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 06, 2014 Say ‘thank you’ to a miner today | Bluefield Daily Telegraph Today we celebrate National Miner’s Day, an incredibly meaningful day of recognition not only for the state of West Virginia, but for our entire country. This nation was built on the backs of our coal miners, and today, miners continue to go to work every day to provide millions of Americans with the electricity that powers our lives. That is why it is so important that we take the time to thank them for all that they have done and continue to do for the sake of our livelihood. Over the course of our history, coal mining has been the core of West Virginian and American vitality, and it has been life-giving to the progression of every local community across the country. It opened the door for American industrialization, providing the energy and the steel that built our infrastructure and established a quality of life and prosperity that has developed the United States of America into the greatest country in the world. Today, coal generates nearly 37 percent of our electricity, and it will continue to be our most significant source of electricity for decades to come. But you can’t tell the story of coal without talking about our coal miners, the bravest and some of the most patriotic men and women I know. We owe them our gratitude for their constant strength and fearless dedication, and they deserve our utmost and whole-hearted respect for putting their lives on the line every day to advance this country. For our miners, it’s not just a job — it’s a way of life and a true act of patriotism. It has always made me so proud to have the honor of representing our state’s miners, whose work ethic is truly second to none. As we take a moment to honor and reflect on the tremendous contributions of our miners, let us especially commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to mine the coal that has made this great country the place it is today. Growing up in the small coal-mining town of Farmington, I witnessed at a young age the pride and resilience of our miners. In 1968, after the Farmington No. 9 mine disaster that claimed 78 victims, including my uncle and several of my classmates, I experienced the hardship and tragedy that sometimes mark mining communities. Yet, I also felt the healing strength of coal mining families. As governor, in the wake of the Upper Big Branch, Sago and Aracoma disasters, I understood how important it was to treat the victims’ families the same way that I would have wanted state leaders to treat my family and those families who lost loved ones all those years ago in Farmington. I knew how important it was to stay with the families during those disasters and give them up-to-date information as we received it, and I continue to remain close with those brave West Virginians. The miners of West Virginia and their families will always be a true an inspiration for me. While nothing can replace the beloved miners who we lost in horrific disasters, all miners and their families should be assured that the loss of their loved ones will not be remembered in vain. I will always make it my top priority to stand up for the safety of our coal miners. Likewise, I will continue to fight vigorously in Congress to develop advanced technology that allows us to continue to use American coal to help achieve energy independence for our country — which will ensure our national security and protect coal mining jobs. So today, it is my privilege to say “thank you.” I encourage every single West Virginian and American to thank a coal miner today. It is because of their sacrifices that we have sustained the way of life we enjoy today. Generation after generation of coal miners have done the job that many people would not to keep our great nation free and strong. The selflessness and bravery of our miners has never faltered, and for this we thank them on this National Miner’s Day. Joe Manchin is a Democratic member of the United States Senate representing the state of West Virginia. By:  By Joe Manchin 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=ba1b925c-475d-4f41-b25d-e587e9ed2ee3,Manchin Statement on Ashton Carters Nomination to Secretary of Defense,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 05, 2014 Manchin Statement on Ashton Carter’s Nomination to Secretary of Defense Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued a statement to announce his support for Ashton Carter’s nomination to Secretary of Defense.  “I intend to support Ashton Carter’s nomination to Secretary of Defense. Our country faces serious national security challenges and I believe Ashton will provide capable leadership of the Department of Defense in meeting these challenges. His record of public service has been excellent, and he enjoys credibility with Members of Congress. I expect he will face hard questions during the confirmation process about the military and security policies our government should pursue. I am confident that he will distinguish himself in this most important cabinet position, and I look forward to working with him.” ### 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=ec50fb32-297e-4091-b1bd-5b63f488f2d4,Manchin Celebrates National Miners Day,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 05, 2014 Manchin Celebrates National Miner’s Day Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of National Miner’s Day to recognize past, present and future brave miners across America. “National Miner’s Day remains an incredibly meaningful day of recognition not only for the state of West Virginia, but for our entire country. This nation was built on the backs of our coal miners, and today, miners continue to go to work every day to provide millions of Americans with the electricity that powers our lives. It is because of their sacrifices that we have sustained the way of life we enjoy today. As we take a moment to honor and reflect on the tremendous contributions of our miners, let us especially commemorate those who have tragically been lost while mining the coal that has made this country great. The selflessness and bravery of our miners has never faltered, and for this we thank them on this National Miner’s Day. So I encourage us all to thank our miners and always recognize the hard work and dedication of past, present and future miners.” ###   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=281,McKinley Introduces Bill to Help Student Veterans,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation that will help veterans get the education they need to thrive in the modern workforce. The bill will give students utilizing GI Bill benefits more flexibility to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, math and other STEM fields. share: f t Today Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation that will help veterans get the education they need to thrive in the modern workforce. The bill will give students utilizing GI Bill benefits more flexibility to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, math and other STEM fields. The transition from war zone to campus is not always an easy one, said McKinley. We owe it to men and women who served to do all we can to help them return to civilian life and pursue their dreams. As a country, we have a responsibility to help our servicemen and women when they leave the military and return home to civilian life, said Titus, a Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This legislation honors that commitment by providing resources to help veterans pursue higher education and gain the skills and training they need to succeed in STEM careers. The impetus for the bill came from meetings McKinley had with student veterans in West Virginia who discussed the difficulty in completing certain degrees in the 36 months allotted by the GI Bill. This proposal gives students who utilize the Post-9/11 GI Bill an extra nine months of benefits if they pursue a degree in one of the STEM fields. Given the appropriate resources, veterans possess the talent and experience to make a huge, positive impact in America's communities and economy, said D. Wayne Robinson, President of Student Veterans of America. We must do everything we can to help veterans capitalize on their experience and pursue careers in advanced fields like STEM. This common sense plan will give those who have sacrificed for our freedom the tools to be successful in the 21st Century economy, added McKinley. This will not only benefit veterans, but will make America's economy more competitive as well.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=819,Rep. McKinley: Disabled Americans Deserve the American Dream,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the House passed a bill to help people with disabilities achieve independence and plan for the future. Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) is an original co-sponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647), which allows Americans with disabilities to create tax free accounts to save for education, job training, health care and other expenses. share: f t Today the House passed a bill to help people with disabilities achieve independence and plan for the future. Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) is an original co-sponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647), which allows Americans with disabilities to create tax free accounts to save for education, job training, health care and other expenses. People with disabilities have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else, said McKinley. They want to be independent and achieve their full potential, whether it's pursuing an education or finding a good job. We already have 401k accounts that help us save for our retirement, health savings accounts, and 529 accounts to save for our children's college education, added McKinley. Why shouldn't we give millions of Americans with disabilities similar opportunities? The ABLE Act will empower people with disabilities who make up 19% of the population to plan for the future and save for expenses like education, job training, retirement, living expenses, and health care. The bill is supported by more than a dozen national organizations that advocate for the disabled, from Autism Speaks to the National Federation for the Blind. As the grandfather of a child with special needs, I am personally aware of the challenges millions of Americans with disabilities and their families face, said McKinley. The ABLE Act could improve his life and empower millions of others like him to lead fulfilling lives. We should show compassion towards individuals struggling with disabilities and the families who care for them, said McKinley. I am proud to be a voice for others who often aren't able to speak for themselves.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e03d4b25-05be-4d1b-b6e1-d222ce07c584,"Manchin Announces More Than $60,000 to Revitalize Rural Communities in Fayette County",2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 03, 2014 Manchin Announces More Than $60,000 to Revitalize Rural Communities in Fayette County Funds will be used by the Southern Appalachian Labor School to rebuild homes of families in need Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced today that Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) in Kincaid, West Virginia will receive $60,337.51 through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The funds will be used to redevelop and revitalize rural areas of Fayette County by rehabilitating the homes of families in need to safe and energy efficient standards. “These investments in our rural communities will provide much needed assistance to families who truly need them,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding will help improve the quality of life for residents of Fayette County and it will help attract residents and businesses to the region. I truly appreciate the dedication of the people at Southern Appalachian Labor School, who work tirelessly for the betterment of their community. I know they will put these funds to good use.” The HPG program provides assistance to low-income homeowners in rural communities to repair and rehabilitate their homes. Assistance also may be provided to rental property owners as long as they agree to make their rehabilitated units available to low-income families. ### 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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5fe9d9dd-ca60-49c2-93f6-4e70e4bed6e3,Buck season a treasured tradition | Elkins Inter-Mountain,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 02, 2014 Buck season a treasured tradition | Elkins Inter-Mountain This time of year marks a long-standing and treasured tradition for the people of the Mountain State - buck firearms season. As the season continues, thousands of hunters of all ages - from every corner of our state and from beyond our borders - will gear up and trek into the West Virginia backwoods - all with the same anticipation of getting themselves the big buck. There is no doubt that West Virginia is one of the best places in America for deer hunting. With exceptional natural surroundings and deer populations in all of our 55 counties, hunting for deer is part of our state's cultural heritage, and it has a significant place in our history. Hunting skills and traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation as West Virginia parents and grandparents share the fervor of deer hunting with their young ones every year. As an avid sportsman myself, I have so many fond memories of deer hunting throughout the years. From learning to hunt as a young boy in Farmington and growing up hunting near the Blackwater Canyons of Tucker County, to witnessing my grandson Joey get his first deer in Taylor County, the traditional buck season has brought so much joy to my entire family. To this day, we always try to get together during buck season and wake up early, bear the frigid temperatures, cross the rumbling rivers, enjoy each other's company and take part in the hunt. Not only is deer hunting a great way to gather with family and friends, but it also has a tremendous impact on our tourism industry and our economy. This season, it is expected that 330,000 deer hunters will flock to West Virginia's forests. And while they are here, they will spend an estimated $230 million, much of it in our rural communities that greatly depend on the hunting season for revenue. And buck season also is a great time to give back. I strongly encourage all West Virginia hunters remember Hunters Helping the Hungry this year. For 23 years, this critical organization has been distributing thousands of pounds of highly nutritious meat to families in need. When I was governor, I was proud to establish the annual Governors One Shot Deer Hunt at Stonewall Resort State Park, which has raised and donated $390,000 to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program since 2007. Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program should call 304-558-2771 or visit the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor. And above all, I ask that our West Virginia hunters remember that the safety of the hunt is most important. Please make sure that all those in your party understand the West Virginia deer hunting rules and regulations have completed the necessary education courses, purchased a license and are supplied with the proper safety gear and equipment. The tradition of buck season here in the Mountain State is one to be preserved for ages to come. I hope this year that all of our proud hunters will teach someone new this great recreational adventure that is so important to our state and our people. As this buck season continues, I wish all hunters success. Enjoy the outdoor experience! By:  By Joe Manchin 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=9854ac44-0b02-459e-bbd0-2994e9a62b14,"Manchin Announces $100,000 to Improve School Cafeterias Access to Local, Fresh Foods",2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 02, 2014 Manchin Announces $100,000 to Improve School Cafeterias’ Access to Local, Fresh Foods Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced that the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will receive $100,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to School Program. The funding will be used to help effectively move food from local farms to school cafeterias. The WVDE Office of Child Nutrition and the West Virginia Farm to School Community Development Group will collaborate to develop food hubs. These hubs will establish a distribution infrastructure where farmers can respond to the growing demand for local food and continue to maintain a profit margin, while also providing schools an outlet to purchase local products at an affordable cost. “Investing in public-private partnerships like these farm to school projects truly benefit many aspects of our local communities,” Senator Manchin said. “Not only will our farmers sell fresh products to local residents, but our students will receive healthier food options at school, ensuring that our children remain well-nourished so they can learn better. I am pleased that this funding will offer wonderful opportunities to promote agricultural practices, encourage the next generation of farmers in our local areas and ensure our kids understand the importance of eating healthy.”    To learn more about West Virginia’s Farm to School program, 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=339,McKinley Responds to Obama's Newest Politically Driven Regulation,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David McKinley responded to the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, which would have devastating consequences to America's economy. share: f t Today, Congressman David McKinley responded to the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, which would have devastating consequences to America's economy. While many of us are travelling or with our families enjoying Thanksgiving celebrating another year together and giving thanks, this President broke another promise to America. The American people said that the key problem is our economy. Businesses operate by staying focused on the matter at hand to solve key problems. However, the President's recent climate deal with China, his immigration plan and now his ozone proposal, he seems to be ignoring, once again, our economy. In fact, before his re-election in 2011, President Obama admitted that a new Ozone Regulation would be a detriment to the American economy and cost millions of jobs and directed the EPA to withdraw the proposed regulation. What has changed so drastically in 3 years when studies have been published to suggest that many of our cities have already reduced ground-level ozone by as much as 60 percent? This newest proposal is merely a continuation of his destruction on our domestic energy and manufacturing production. In fact, studies show that the lowering of this standard is going to cost Americans as much as $3.4 trillion, 20 percent of our total economy, making this one of the most expensive and job destroying regulations ever issued. West Virginians have already taken a devastating hit from this President and his War on Coal. Essentially, this regulation will take another $1,500 every year out of each West Virginian's pocketbook. Even the local dry cleaner and gas station will be affected. The key item people need to realize is that the EPA is not required to reduce the standard, but merely required to review it. Given the fact that most of our nation is still in the early stages of implementing the 2008 standard and ground-level ozone is dropping, it's time the President remembers his words from 2011 and retain the current standard. This election was a referendum on the President and his poor policies. This proposed rule is a perfect example of that. With our national debt over $17 trillion and this country in a severe deficit, one would think that now is not the time to issue another regulation that would further harm the American economy. On November 13, 2014, Congressman McKinley and his Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues wrotea letter to the EPA urging the agency to provide for full accounting costs of this regulation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=59fedd31-143c-4fc4-ab0b-0c9ab6ec047e,Union Mission provides Thanksgiving dinner for those in need | WV MetroNews,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 26, 2014 Union Mission provides Thanksgiving dinner for those in need | WV MetroNews CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Volunteers gathered in Downtown Charleston to provide those in need an extra Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday. The Union Mission Crossroad Homeless Shelter was the site for the organization annual, starting about 24 years ago, event where hundreds were expect to come through. “We anticipate up to 500 people that will be served through out time together,” Rex Whiteman, President and CEO of Union Mission said. “It’s a tradition for us to help do it a day before Thanksgiving because simply because we want to spread out the events because churches and Frankie Veltri’s foundation does it [Thursday]. It kinda makes it a little more special for more than one day.” Among those offering their time to help serve the meals was U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. He and others said it was a way to share your blessings this Holiday season. “No matter what your lot in life may be, no matter how difficult your challenges you might have in life, you’re always able to give something back,” Manchin said. “To be able to contribute just a kind word or a little bit of your time or volunteer this or that, everybody can do that.” Manchin also lauded the efforts of the mission, not just during the Holiday season, but throughout the entire year. “To have the Union Mission that basically does it 365 days, it’s a labor of love,” he said. “It’s not just one day where they come out and show good will, they do it every day, every single day. For us to come down, and me to come down and say thank you. This is my way of saying thank you for what you do every single day.” Whiteman said he was pleased with the number of volunteers that came out Wednesday because it both makes the event stay organized and raises awareness of other opportunities available to volunteer through the year. All anyone has to do, he said, is call the mission at 304-925-0366. “We have volunteer coordinators ready to take their call and ready to help them plug in to an activity of involvement,” Whiteman said. “The mission has many programs, many places that we serve. We’re working in a lot of areas.” Another event coming for the mission on Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Annual Drumstick Dash 5K run/walk. Participants for the 9 a.m. race will “shuffle their feet so others can eat” as all proceeds will go toward feeding the homeless and canned food donations are encouraged. More information on the event can be found at drumstickdashwv.com By:  Aaron Payne 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=b50f7e54-a35a-4fb1-92ef-24be81c734dd,"Manchin visits Mineral County, presents computers to KMS | Mineral News-Tribune",2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 25, 2014 Manchin visits Mineral County, presents computers to KMS | Mineral News-Tribune KEYSER - Sen. Joe Manchin hosted one of his ""Coffee and Common Sense"" town hall meetings at Castiglia's in Keyser Monday afternoon, speaking to the crowd about national security, the minimum wage, and the state of education, among other topics. The Senator opened his visit to Mineral County with a meeting at Rocket Center with employees of ATK and IBM, in addition to assorted public officials, including two county commissioners and three local mayors. He then traveled to Castiglia's, followed by a stop at Potomac State College, and the offices of the Mineral Daily News Tribune. At all the stops, he touched on several different topics, and answered questions from the audience. One of the issues he spoke about was national security, and the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East which he believes will never come to an end. ""Not in your lifetime, and not in your child's lifetime will you see us not involved over there,"" he said, expressing the opinion that nothing the United States can do is going to ""stop these countries from killing each other,"" but the U.S. needs to continue to put them on notice that ""we're not going to tolerate"" threats against our country. ""If we catch you planning to harm America, we're going to get you,"" he said. ""We've got to protect this country."" On the home front, Manchin spoke about the minimum wage and the need to revamp the system. ""If a person gets up every morning and works for 40 hours, should they still be making poverty wages?"" he asked. ""I believe they should be above the poverty guidelines."" On the other hand, he said, a young person just starting out, working part-time with no skills, shouldn't necessarily receive the same wage as someone starting out in a full-time job. He suggested ""stepping into"" a minimum wage increase which would include different levels of wages. He expressed his disappointment in the Senate's recent failure to approve the pipeline from Canada to the Gulf, and noted that he would ""rather do business with our friends than our enemies."" He also believes the United States must become as energy independent as possible. ""Unless you're energy independent, you cannot be secure as a nation,"" he said. ""Every war that has ever been fought has been over energy, in one way or another,"" he said. He also advocates tax reform to help bring business and jobs back into the country. Noting that many industries have taken their business - and jobs - off shore to get away from taxes, he said, ""We're going to continue to trade globally, but there's no reason in the world a corporation should have to go off shore to operate. ""We need a revamp of the tax code, both for corporations and individuals."" The Senator also spoke about the education system today, noting that, in his day, students were ""flunked"" and not allowed to proceed to the next grade if they didn't master the skills necessary to  move on. ""Have you heard of a kid being flunked lately?"" he said. ""No, today we pass them and put them out into society for you all to deal with them."" He noted there needs to be more emphasis on learning, particularly in the ""STEM"" subjects of science, technology, engineering and math. ""We're not No. 1 in anything any more,"" he said. ""We used to be No. 1 in everything."" During his meeting at Castiglia's, he presented Keyser Middle School with five computers through the U.S. Senate Computers for Schools program. KMS principal Mary Racey, who accepted the gift along with teachers Amy Rice and Kara Breedlove, said the additional computers would allow them to start a computer lab for the fifth grade. Every grade at the school will now have its own computer lab for testing and class activities.   By:  Liz Beavers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8aaad022-b13e-436d-aa19-7e86c60d6f3c,Manchin Congratulates Marshall University For Its Successful Football Season,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 25, 2014 Manchin Congratulates Marshall University For Its Successful Football Season Urges West Virginians to show their support this Friday Charleston, W.Va. - Senator Manchin issued a statement congratulating Marshall University on its football season so far and encouraging West Virginians to rally behind the Herd this Friday.   “I’m incredibly proud of the Marshall University football team, Coach Doc Holliday, the staff and the athletic department, and the entire state of West Virginia should be, too.   “Throughout this season, the Thundering Herd has brought positive national exposure to our state and proudly showcased the true Marshall spirit.   “The biggest reason for Marshall’s success, both on the athletic field and off, has been the tremendous level of support that the community has shown to the students of Marshall. In fact from its founding in 1837 to the 1970 tragic plane crash to today, the one constant has been the loyal fans.   “The Marshall story is perhaps one of the greatest tales of perseverance, courage and the incredible spirit of a community and a university determined to succeed and overcome. Today’s football program is further proof of this amazing spirit. Marshall has taken the national stage by storm this season, and that is great for our state. Now the Herd has an opportunity to host the Conference USA Championship game, which will give our entire state positive national attention.   “That is why I am encouraging all Marshall fans to come out and pack the stadium for Friday’s game. All West Virginians should join the Huntington community to cheer for the Thundering Herd to soundly defeat the Hilltoppers and continue this historic football season.   “Put simply, Marshall’s success is the Mountain State’s success. Gayle and I wish Coach Holliday and the team the best of luck!” ###   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=c98de53b-56d0-4fca-aa8e-22e0b4951540,Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small This Saturday,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 25, 2014 Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Shop Small This Saturday Small Business Saturday is November 29 Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to shop at Mountain State small businesses this Saturday, November 29  in celebration of the fifth annual Small Business Saturday. “Whether it is the local grocer, the corner coffee shop or the family-owned diner, our small businesses are what fuel our economy, and their success is critical to our communities. Today, West Virginia’s more than 120,000 small businesses make up an estimated 96 percent of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs as well as the goods and services we depend on every day. As a small businessman myself, I can relate to the challenges our small businesses face, and I understand the vital contributions they make to our nation’s livelihood. “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for all West Virginians and Americans to show support for our small businesses. At a time when many folks are preparing their holiday shopping lists, it is important to remember that when you support your small businesses, you are investing in our communities. By working together to support local businesses, we are helping them stay competitive, which in turn helps them create more jobs and move our economy forward. I encourage all West Virginians to remember to shop at our small businesses not just this Saturday, but for the entire holiday season and throughout the year.” Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to promote shopping at small businesses throughout the country. To find small businesses in your community to support this Saturday, 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=3ddf6ae8-4d92-4111-90c5-47ad7ff66822,"Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $291,000 to Improve Highway Safety Programs in WV",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 24, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $291,000 to Improve Highway Safety Programs in WV WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $290,895.22 in federal funding to the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Office to support programs that will improve driver behavior and performance while helping reduce motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “As the holiday season officially kicks off this week, it is one of our highest priorities to make sure drivers and passengers on our roads and highways arrive at their destinations safely,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased that this funding will support programs to help curb dangerous driver behaviors, prevent traffic accidents and keep our residents and travelers safe.”  “These grants are essential to making sure our roads stay safe for drivers and passengers,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Improving the safety of West Virginia’s roads has always been one of my top priorities. This funding will help the Highway Safety Office implement critical public safety initiatives, including efforts to guard against distracted and impaired driving.” Individual award amounts are listed below: $215,208.94 - Impaired Driving Countermeasures Program: Funding will be used to reduce driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. $68,905.01 – Occupant Protection Program: Funding will be used to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from the nonuse and misuse of seatbelts. $6,781.27 – Motorcyclist Safety Program: Funding will be used to reduce the number of single-and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists.  ### 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=761,Rep. McKinley Statement on President Obama's Executive Amnesty Proposal,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) issued the following statement on President Obama's expected announcement that he will use executive action to provide amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants: share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) issued the following statement on President Obama's expected announcement that he will use executive action to provide amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants: Earlier this month the American people roundly rejected President Obama's policies by electing a Republican Senate and larger majority in the House. They sent a message that the President must work with Congress. Tonight's announcement that he will act alone on immigration shows that he wasn't listening. President Obama's plan to give executive amnesty to millions is nothing more than a divisive, political calculation that will poison the well for his ability to work with the new Congress that will be sworn in just six weeks from now. Policies should be changed through the legislative process not with an edict from the President. President Obama's action shows a blatant disregard for the will of the people, and disrespect for the Constitutional limits of his office. This plan shows the President is more concerned with dividing the American people for political gain than he is about listening and working in good faith to get something done. His executive amnesty plan is wrong for America and we will continue to push back against it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=7cf211f8-5e8c-4dbb-89ee-6f508617c729,W.Va. National Guard stands ready | Charleston Daily Mail,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2014 W.Va. National Guard stands ready | Charleston Daily Mail Monday, the news broke that a second patient died from Ebola on U.S. soil. Dr. Martin Salia’s tragic death is a sign that the Ebola epidemic is still a danger to the American public, and we should be ever vigilant to contain, control and combat this virus overseas. And while many physicians, medical personnel and aid workers now fear confronting the Ebola crisis, West Virginians need not look any farther than our own West Virginia National Guard since our Guardsmen advance to the front lines of training and assisting our Armed Forces in preventing the spread of the deadly disease. The West Virginia National Guard frequently provides support for major national-level military operations, often without fanfare. For instance, specially trained West Virginia Guardsmen played a critical role in training active duty soldiers who were deploying to Liberia to assist in preventing Ebola from spreading beyond its borders. Just a few weeks ago, the same day that President Obama called the fight against Ebola a “top national security priority,” and the federal government began increasing airport screenings in the United States and in West Africa, the U.S. Army called the West Virginia Army National Guard for immediate support. The 101st Airborne was in the process of training roughly 1,000 soldiers when a senior Army Physician Assistant reached out to the West Virginia Army National Guard to fill training gaps at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Within four hours of receiving the request for assistance, the Guard pulled together its resources and sent 17 West Virginia Guard expert trainers to Kentucky to participate in the 101st Airborne’s training program. Active and Guard soldiers worked together, as they have for years, to improve the effectiveness of the training sessions that helped prepare the soldiers to properly remove their personal protective equipment and adhere to the strict procedures on how to use the special protective gear. Thanks to the swift execution of our Guardsmen upon their arrival, the 101st Airborne added four more instruction stations and helped the soldiers cycle through the equipment exercises until they felt confident and satisfied in their training. After the sessions were complete, the 101st Airborne’s Commanding General personally reported back to West Virginia National Guard’s leadership that the participating Guardsmen had contributed to a “total army solution” for his soldiers deploying to Liberia, which is truly quite a compliment from a top Army commander. If nothing else, this story underscores our great need to maintain a ready and capable National Guard. The West Virginia National Guard’s proficient support to the Active Duty Army demonstrates its unique capabilities and the invaluable technical expertise that National Guard units can maintain through proper funding and readiness. The National Guard offers the best commanders, best training, and best resources to protect America’s securities, freedoms and liberties every day, and this example is one of thousands that verify the importance of maintaining the Guard’s relevancy and proficiency. It was one of my most privileged roles to be Commander-in-Chief of the West Virginia National Guard, and I can assure you that watching the performance of the Guard firsthand is unparalleled to anything I’ve witnessed. I often times recall my travels to Afghanistan and Iraq while serving as Governor. Every one of the commanders on every one of the bases I visited made a point to tell me that West Virginia Guardsmens’ expertise, professionalism and commitment were invaluable to their command posts. And those sentiments resonate across the U.S. and beyond our borders to this day. Just last Friday, I traveled to Guantanamo Bay on a fact-finding mission to review the detainment facilities, and I had the honor of meeting members of the West Virginia Army National Guard. Their profound dedication to duty and professionalism know no bounds, and that is something to be proud of. The United States military strength is unchallenged worldwide, and that’s in large part due to our National Guard. Their ability to serve multiple, demanding roles at a moment’s notice serves as an irreplaceable asset to our military, and I believe that our Guard units’ successful missions should be shared with the people they protect. So today, I join all West Virginians in commending West Virginia Army National Guard on their monumental efforts to support our brave service members who are joining the fight to battle Ebola. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is former governor.   By:  By Joe Manchin",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63333d1d-eed4-4e10-ba31-1f3a9ac4d12a,Manchin Statement on President's Immigration Executive Actions,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2014 Manchin Statement on President's Immigration Executive Actions Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on President Obama’s decision to issue executive actions on immigration reform.  “I disagree with the President’s decision to use executive action to make changes to our immigration system, and I disagree with the House’s decision to not even take a vote on the bipartisan Senate legislation that overwhelmingly passed in June 2013. “The American people made it clear on election night that they want government to work better for them and to solve real problems that impact their lives. We have the chance to show them that we heard their message and are willing to act. We will only achieve sustainable, comprehensive immigration reform if all sides work together. For that to happen, Congress must work with the President to debate the issues and vote to secure our borders, create a tough legalization process, and ensure employers don’t hire illegal immigrants. We successfully passed a bipartisan bill on the Senate side, and all we’re asking is that the House takes a vote as well.” ### 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=7a0a70e5-c75c-4110-858e-c98aa3b4c460,Manchin Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Reform Black Lung Benefits Program,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2014 Manchin Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Reform Black Lung Benefits Program Legislation aims to prevent coal companies from unfairly denying benefits to deserving miners and families Washington, D.C. — In an effort to ensure coal miners receive the benefits they’ve earned and deserve, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today introduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 along with Senators John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mark Warner (D-VA), as well as Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Joe Courtney (D-CT), George Miller (D-CA), and Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA). The proposed legislation would make sweeping reforms to the federal black lung benefits program. Federal law requires that coal companies compensate disabled miners who contract black lung, which is caused by inhaling coal dust over an extended period of time, but coal companies routinely deploy an array of unfair tactics to avoid paying miners the benefits they deserve. “Over the years, black lung disease and our miners who suffer its devastating effects have not received the attention they deserve,” Senator Manchin said. “What many Americans may not realize is that the federal government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of miners goes back to the 1930s, when President Franklin Roosevelt began investigating medical care in the coalfields. He recognized that our miners mined the coal that produced the steel that built our nation and helped us win World War II. Every day, then and now, thousands of miners walk into darkness to help defend our nation, power our businesses, and meet our energy needs. We have upheld that commitment ever since and must continue to do so, which is why I am proud to sponsor this legislation with my colleagues. The very least we can do is make sure that all miners have access to adequate medical care and legal counseling while ensuring that unfair practices do not delay or deny a miner their benefits. I will continue this fight until our brave miners receive the necessary assistance and care they have earned.” The Black Lung Benefits Act of 2014 will strengthen the black lung benefits program by: Improving miners’ access to medical evidence • Requiring full disclosure of medical information related to a claim, whether or not such information is entered as evidence • Helping miners review and rebut potentially biased or inaccurate medical evidence developed by coal companies • Allowing miners or their survivors to reopen their cases if they had been denied because of medical interpretations that have subsequently been discredited • Establishing a pilot program in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to provide unbiased evidence for the most severe black lung cases Helping miners access better, more timely benefits • Adjusting black lung benefits to increases in the cost of living • Helping claimants secure legal representation by providing interim attorney fees if miners prevail at various stages of their claim • Developing a strategy to reduce the backlog of black lung benefits claims still awaiting consideration Additional information on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 is available here. BACKGROUND: Recent analyses by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC News found that doctors who are paid by coal companies have systematically misdiagnosed miners with black lung as having other diseases, thus preventing the miners from accessing benefits. Furthermore, Senator Manchin testified at recent Senate hearings that revealed coal company lawyers have caused some miners’ claims to be denied by withholding medical evidence that proves that the miner has black lung. To read Senator Manchin’s full testimony, please click here.  Senator Manchin also continues to fight to protect funding for West Virginia Black Lung Clinics. Since February 2014, Senator Manchin has worked closely with Senator Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall to urge HRSA and the Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) to ensure West Virginia receives sufficient funding so that miners suffering from black lung disease can get the treatment and medical services they need. To read more information, please visit Senator Manchin’s website here. In March 2014, Senator Manchin sent a letter, along with Senator Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall, to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez on a proposed Department of Labor rule that could limit the ability of miners suffering from Black Lung disease to access medical records needed to prove their eligibility for federal benefits. To read Senator Manchin’s letter, please click here. In addition, Senator Manchin, along with Senator Rockefeller, introduced S. 805, the Robert C. Byrd Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act, which required the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to finalize regulations to lower the permissible breathable dust exposure levels and update testing procedures to find the maximum protection from breathable dust that can be achieved through environmental controls. The rule was finalized by MSHA on April 23, 2014.  ### 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=e4a0a5a2-42fb-4687-8a1f-5170e3d6b08d,Manchin Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Rural Communities on National Rural Health Day,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2014 Manchin Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Rural Communities on National Rural Health Day Funding will deliver medical services and educational opportunities to rural communities in West Virginia Washington, D.C. – Today, on National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced $1,225,611 in federal funding to CAMC Health Education and Research Institute, Monongalia County General Hospital Company and West Virginia Network. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded the funding through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The funds will be used in a variety of ways to help remotely connect residents in West Virginia’s rural communities to medical services and educational opportunities. “These smart investments will make it easier for West Virginians living in remote areas of our beautiful state to access the best available medical resources and educational opportunities while not having to drive long distances to our urban communities,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding will provide long-distance medical services and establish innovative learning tools, which will truly help improve the quality of life for thousands of West Virginians.” The DLT Grant Program establishes interactive video conferencing to connect patients and students in rural communities to their medical professionals, teachers or experts in additional areas of expertise.  Listed below are the individual award amounts:  $229,368 - CAMC Health Education and Research Institute: Funding will be used to increase access to mental health services for approximately 5,000 children and adolescents living in the rural areas of Boone, Calhoun, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Pocahontas, and Webster Counties.  $496,252 – Monongalia County General Hospital Company: Funding will be used to connect medical professionals in Morgantown with health care providers and patients in the rural areas of Barbour, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker and Webster Counties. $499,991- West Virginia Network: Funding will be used to provide classroom video conferencing capabilities at twelve West Virginia campuses and create a mobile application that will enable instruction for adults seeking to complete a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. ###   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=ee3c7550-4ff5-45f8-8109-71c06374d9fd,Manchin Recognizes 97th Birthday of Senator Robert C. Byrd,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2014 Manchin Recognizes 97th Birthday of Senator Robert C. Byrd Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on the 97th birthday of the late Senator Robert C. Byrd: “On November 20, 1917, one of the greatest Americans to grace the hills of West Virginia and the halls of United States Senate, Robert C. Byrd, was born. From his humble beginnings as a child of the Appalachian coalfields to his rise as one of the most influential voices in Congress, Senator Byrd led a distinguished life that has inspired so many, including myself. He was a proud defender of the Constitution, a determined fighter for the Mountain State and a dedicated husband and father, and his contributions to our state and nation are unparalleled. I know that his life and his legacy will continue to inspire West Virginians and Americans for generations to come, and every day that I walk down the halls of the United States Senate, I do my best to follow in his footsteps. So today, on his 97th birthday, I join all West Virginians in remembering our great statesman for his lifelong dedication of outstanding public service. May God bless his memory today and every day.” ### 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=768,Rep. McKinley to Expand Role on Energy and Commerce,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) will continue to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee for the next two years. McKinley will maintain his position on the Energy and Power Subcommittee and the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee, and has been named Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) will continue to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee for the next two years. McKinley will maintain his position on the Energy and Power Subcommittee and the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee, and has been named Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. McKinley has served on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee since 2011 and is active on a host of issues on the committee, from pushing back against the Obama Administration's War on Coal to reforming and modernizing our health care system. The issues we work on in the Energy and Commerce Committee are crucial for the future of West Virginia, said McKinley. Whether it's standing up for coal and natural gas jobs or providing relief from Obamacare, the Committee has provided an opportunity to work on behalf of the people of the First District. It's been an honor to serve for the last four years, and I'm excited to expand my role on the Committee and hold the Obama Administration accountable with aggressive oversight, said McKinley. When the Obama Administration does something that hurts West Virginia and our country, we will stand up to them. David has been a key member of our team and I look forward to continuing to work together, said Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He has been a leader on energy issues and is a strong voice for West Virginia. The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee has broad responsibility for oversight of agencies and departments, including the EPA, Department of Energy, Health and Human Services, and the Federal Communications Commission. The Energy and Commerce Committee is responsible for a wide range of issues including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, internet and telecommunications. It is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1a790430-c201-4175-bb52-4b68894e5888,"Manchin Backs State, Not Party | Wheeling Intelligencer",2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2014 Manchin Backs State, Not Party | Wheeling Intelligencer Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is a staunch Democrat who believes in most of his party's principles. But he is a West Virginian first, committed to doing what is best for his fellow Mountain State residents. Manchin demonstrated that again a few days ago, when Senate Democrats met to elect a new minority leader. That necessity arose when voters throughout the nation sent enough Republicans to the Senate to make that party the majority. For most Senate Democrats, the decision was easy. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has been their majority leader. Voting to make him minority leader was virtually automatic for many in his party. Not for Manchin. He voted against Reid. He made it clear his action was because that was what his fellow West Virginians expected. He was right about that. Reid has blocked many pieces of legislation that would have been good for our state's residents, while pursuing initiatives that have hurt us. He has served as President Barack Obama's bodyguard in the Senate - allowing virtually nothing the White House opposes to happen. His power - and the allegiance of most Senate Democrats to him and other party leaders - was demonstrated by the vote to make him minority leader, starting next year. Even many Democrats from states where voters earlier this month demonstrated their displeasure with the Reid-Obama partnership stuck with Reid. Manchin's action will be misinterpreted by some observers. It was not a vote against Democrat policies such as those many West Virginians have supported for years, even decades. It was a vote against the current crop of party leaders who have shifted policies far to the left, away from many Democrats in many states, not just ours. No doubt Manchin is being criticized widely and harshly among some in his party. Those engaging in that miss the point of true public service - to represent one's constituents, not to support one's political party. 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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=d86f61d8-3192-4bab-bb5f-19d60318f305,We owe our Veterans our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year | Beckley Register Herald,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2014 We owe our Veterans our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year | Beckley Register Herald Last week, I had the honor of joining many of our proud veterans, service members, military families and residents at the 95th annual Welch Veterans Day Parade in McDowell County, one of America’s oldest Veterans Day traditions. It filled me with so much pride and inspiration to witness how Veterans Day uniquely brings our communities together. We celebrate Veterans Day every year as a reminder to us all that our veterans are our heroes; however, saying “thank you” to our veterans and their families one day a year is just not enough. We owe them our deepest gratitude 365 days of the year. It is without a doubt that the courage and commitment of our veterans and service members keep the American spirit alive in this country. The men and women who have served risked their lives and protected us so that we can enjoy our freedoms every day. Due to these selfless acts, when our troops return home, we must show them our gratitude each and every day through our actions, contributions and involvement. There are many ways we can honor our veterans in our daily lives. First, we should all commit to making sure our veterans and service members receive the best education, housing, medical and other services and opportunities they rightly deserve. Many veterans deeply struggle with the adjustment — physically, mentally and emotionally — back to civilian life, and they need our support. Organizations around our state and country help serve our veterans, service members and our military families in a wide variety of ways. The West Virginia National Guard Foundation, American Legion, Marine Corps League, VFW West Virginia, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation are just a few of the hundreds of groups around America showing their gratitude. I strongly encourage West Virginians to learn more about how these organizations lend the necessary assistance to our veterans, as well as research additional local, state and national organizations on ways to get involved in some capacity. Hiring veterans is another common sense way to honor our veterans upon their return home. Our veterans already have the qualifications and assets employers look for when hiring new employees. Like every generation of warriors, today’s young veterans make great hires. Their experiences entail discipline, maturity, crisis management skills, leadership capabilities and loyalty, and their resumes should be at the top of every employer’s stack. Many large companies and small businesses alike have already taken the pledge to hire veterans, and those businesses should serve as an example for employers nationwide. I have said time and time again, West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country. And we can all agree that we are proud of the number of veterans that have served our military honorably and proudly. It’s important that we continue to do all we can do to defend them in return. On behalf of the grateful state of West Virginia, I want to again thank our veterans for their patriotism and sacrifice, not just today but every day. Let us all continue to stand up for them and honor them all year round.   By:  By Joe Manchin 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/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=dbff62a8-7f08-46e0-8413-62dd62f7296a,The Fed Needs Governors Who Arent Wall Street Insiders | Wall Street Journal,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2014 The Fed Needs Governors Who Aren’t Wall Street Insiders | Wall Street Journal With two vacancies to fill, Obama should pick nominees who will look out for Main Street, not the big banks. We joined the Senate Banking Committee to try to make the banking system work better for American families. That’s why we’re concerned that the Federal Reserve—our first line of defense against another financial crisis—seems more worried about protecting Wall Street than protecting Main Street. Fortunately, this is one problem the Obama administration can start fixing today by nominating the right people to fill the two vacancies on the Fed’s Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is responsible for supervising the country’s biggest banks. It’s also responsible for overseeing the regional Federal Reserve banks, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For decades, the Board of Governors and the New York Fed have been responsible for supervising Wall Street banks, but after the 2008 crisis and the regulatory lapses it revealed, Congress gave the Fed even more oversight authority. According to the new chair of the Board of Governors, Janet Yellen , the Fed’s obligation to supervise the big banks is now “just as important” as its better-known obligation to set interest rates and conduct the country’s monetary policy. Two recent reports highlight that the Fed isn’t very good at supervising certain banks. In September, Carmen Segarra, a former bank examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, released secret recordings she had made of meetings at the New York Fed in 2012. The recordings revealed that New York Fed employees had identified concerns with a proposed Goldman Sachs deal with Banco Santander , calling it “legal but shady.” The New York Fed didn’t attempt to make Goldman address these concerns. The recordings also showed Ms. Segarra’s superiors pressuring her to soften her finding that Goldman did not comply with federal regulations on conflicts of interest. While the recordings offered important new insights, they ultimately confirmed the old suspicion that the Fed is too cozy with big banks to provide the kind of tough oversight that’s needed. An October report from the Fed’s Office of Inspector General provided additional confirmation that the Fed is failing to oversee the big banks. The report found that the New York Fed had failed to examine J.P. Morgan Chase ’s Chief Investment Office—the office that incurred over $6 billion in losses in the infamous 2012 “London Whale” incident—despite a recommendation to do so in 2009 from another Federal Reserve System team. The report concluded that the New York Fed needed to improve its supervision of the biggest, most complex banks. Lax supervision isn’t an abstract or academic problem. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Just this summer, the Fed and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. determined that 11 of the country’s biggest banks had no credible plan for being resolved in bankruptcy. That means that if any one of these banks makes more wild bets and loses, the taxpayers would have to bail it out to prevent the economy from crashing again. We’re all counting on the Fed to monitor the big banks and stop them from taking on too much risk, but evidence is mounting that this faith in the Fed is misplaced. While there will be a congressional hearing this week to examine what’s wrong at the Fed and to consider changes in the law, the administration shouldn’t wait for Congress to act. The president is responsible for nominating people to serve on the Fed’s seven-member Board of Governors. Currently, two of the seven seats on the board are vacant. The president has the opportunity to move the board in a new direction—and to make that change for the long haul, since governors can end up serving terms of 14 years or more. The president should use that opportunity to address the Fed’s supervisory problem. The five sitting governors have a variety of academic and industry experience, but not one came to the Fed with a meaningful background in overseeing or investigating big banks or any experience distinguishing between the greater risks posed by the biggest banks relative to community banks. By nominating people who have a strong track record in these areas and who have a demonstrated commitment to not backing down when they find problems, the administration can show that it is taking the Fed’s supervision problem seriously. Nominating Wall Street insiders for the Board of Governors would send the opposite message. If regulators had been more willing to protect Main Street over Wall Street before 2008, they might have averted the financial crisis and the Great Recession that hurt millions of American families. So long as the Fed and other regulators are unwilling or unable to dig deeply into dangerous bank practices and hold the banks accountable, our economy—and our country—remains at risk. The administration has a chance to protect the families that are still struggling to recover from the last financial crisis. It should not pass it up. Ms. Warren and Mr. Manchin are Democratic U.S. senators from, respectively, Massachusetts and West Virginia. By:  By Elizabeth Warren and Joe Manchin 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=68f8f27a-2f71-4e18-856e-16c2b0ec717e,"Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Aim to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans and Service Members",2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2014 Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Aim to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans and Service Members The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill would offer critical measures to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), John McCain (R-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Richard Burr (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill of 2014 to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for veterans and service members. The bill would require a third-party evaluation of the existing suicide prevention programs at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to measure effectiveness and make consolidation, elimination or improvement recommendations. The legislation would also provide for a new website that would offer veterans information on available mental healthcare services; create a pilot loan repayment program for VA psychiatrists; and improve the exchange of training, best practices and other resources among the VA, Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) and non-profit mental health organizations to enhance collaboration of suicide prevention efforts. “An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day, a shocking and unacceptable reality,” said Senators Manchin, McCain, Blumenthal, Burr, Blunt and Murkowski. “We are proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve and modernize the suicide prevention programs and resources available to our fighting men and women. When enacted, this bill will provide additional resources for veterans who suffer from mental health disorders that place them at higher risk of suicide. It will ensure that existing suicide prevention programs are reviewed to determine which ones work and get rid of those that don’t, improve collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Organizations, and provide incentives to attract more psychiatrists to treat veterans through the VA. Our nation has a long way to go to decrease the rate of suicide among our veterans and we must do much better in fulfilling our responsibilities to care for those who have risked everything on behalf of their fellow Americans.” Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) also praised the introduction of The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill of 2014. “IAVA thanks the Senate leaders for taking initiative on this vital issue for the veteran community,” said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of IAVA. “Combating veteran suicide has been a top priority for IAVA this year. When passed, this bill will ensure our veterans receive the top quality mental healthcare they deserve, most specifically by implementing evaluation programs to assess the success of mental health and suicide prevention programs at DoD and the VA. Reversing the suicide trend among veterans requires more than one helping hand. This bill empowers the VA to collaborate with VSOs and nonprofit mental health organizations to combat veteran suicide. We urge Congress to move quickly on this legislation and put their partisanship aside. Lives are on the line. IAVA expects to see the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act receive expedited consideration and unanimous support in the full Senate very soon.” To read the text of the legislation, 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=a4f96696-f8d9-49af-ba5c-9c3b80c59fcd,Manchin Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Vote,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2014 Manchin Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Vote Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Senate failing to approve the Keystone XL pipeline by a vote of 59-41. “I am deeply disappointed that the Senate failed to pass the Keystone XL pipeline,” Senator Manchin said. “We have everything to gain by building this pipeline, especially since it would help create thousands of jobs right here at home. Keystone XL is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs during construction and 118,000 indirect and spinoff jobs. With well over 1,000 American businesses already supplying goods and services to pipeline companies, the ripple effects of these projects would continue to boost economic prosperity and create more employment opportunities in other industries. Every state - including West Virginia - would benefit economically from this activity. “Contrary to assertions, Keystone is not an export pipeline. The State Department’s Environmental Impact Statement has even stated that it would not be cost-effective to export the pipeline’s oil, stating that 'export is unlikely to be economically justified for any significant' time. “Building the Keystone XL pipeline would not only create jobs, but it would limit our dependence on foreign oil. Energy security is often discussed, but the benefits of Keystone are much more than simple generalizations. The global supply of energy relies on oil producers in deeply unstable regions, and the Keystone pipeline would help stabilize global supply while also benefiting Americans and our allies.” 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=d816a440-69c4-45a6-863e-218776d8ece2,Manchin Statement on Synagogue Attack in Jerusalem,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2014 Manchin Statement on Synagogue Attack in Jerusalem Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the heinous attacks at a synagogue in East Jerusalem. “I was saddened and appalled to learn that three Americans and a Briton, at least some of whom were reported as rabbis, were murdered while worshiping at a synagogue in Jerusalem today,” Senator Manchin said. “Palestinian leadership must take immediate action to end violence directed at Israeli Jews and condemn terrorists and their supporters. I join the American people in praying for the victims of this heinous attack as well as their families and community members. We continue to stand with Israel as it confronts the menace of this terror.”  ###   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=c2265fa9-4f2f-406b-bc70-01fc583f6512,Manchin votes right on Senate leadership | Charleston Daily Mail,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 17, 2014 Manchin votes right on Senate leadership | Charleston Daily Mail Obstructionist Harry Reid didn’t deserve any senator’s vote West Virginia’s own Sen. Joe Manchin smartly and courageously made the right move in a procedural vote in a secret U.S. Senate caucus last week. The Democrat and former chairman of the Senate’s ‘no-labels’ group challenged his party’s majority and voted against Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to be the Senate minority leader. “Today I cast my vote against the current Democrat leadership because the people of West Virginia spoke loud and clear in last week’s elections for change,” Manchin announced. “They voted for members of both parties to put aside partisan politics and start working together to vote on issues that are important to West Virginians and the American people.” Hear Hear. While Reid has been on the offensive in blaming Republicans for the gridlock in Congress since he became Senate majority leader in 2007 — a charge that seemed to work for several years — informed government watchers finally began to realize that it was Reid who limited amendments, debate and votes as the Obstructionist in Chief. After the Nov. 4 elections when voters across the U.S. repudiated the partisanship in Congress, Democrats are no longer the majority in the U.S. Senate, thanks in large part to Reid’s actions. Seth Mandel, assistant editor in Commentary magazine, wrote in 2012: “I’ve written before about the various Senate traditions and procedures that Reid has destroyed in his ongoing quest for a debate-free, vote-free, budget-free Senate. The amendment process is a major one, however, and those mourning the end of the Senate we once knew can either continue their partisan venting by attacking Republicans or they can be honest and go right to the source. They can talk to Harry Reid.” It’s not just Republican measures that Reid blocked in his time as majority leader. “Reid has refused to bring up measures that would almost certainly pass with bipartisan support, such as legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, or the ... medical-device tax repeal,” Mandel said. Thanks to Sen. Manchin for listening to the voters instead of following the partisans in the Senate. It may cost him some power as a Democrat in the Senate, but it better represents the views of his constituents back home.   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=a27ab92b-15da-48df-94f1-2308167e3d54,Manchin Statement on Guantanamo Bay Fact-Finding Mission,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 17, 2014 Manchin Statement on Guantanamo Bay Fact-Finding Mission Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after he led a fact-finding mission to Guantanamo Bay on Friday, November 14. Senator Manchin was joined by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) to review detainee facilities and detention operations, the legal status of individual detainees, and the military commissions process that is used to try detainees. “Yesterday, I led a bipartisan group of Senators to tour the detention operations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where I witnessed the profound dedication to duty and professionalism of our troops serving there, including members of the West Virginia Army National Guard. “The troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay guarding and protecting the prisoners who have tried to do harm to Americans are serving with excellence and distinction, and should be a model for prisons around the world. “The fact remains, however, that the detention center at Guantanamo Bay does not make us safer, and it is wildly expensive. I believe that Congress must debate what we do with the prisoners currently being housed there. The status quo is not an acceptable solution, and I am confident we can find a solution that protects Americans and responsibly manages our tax dollars. I look forward to this debate.” ### 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=ac6c7e8b-59b3-4352-a0c2-bff8b1637c4f,Manchin Statement on the Passing of Freda Mae Tomblin,2014-11-16,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 16, 2014 Manchin Statement on the Passing of Freda Mae Tomblin Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the passing of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s mother, Freda Mae Tomblin:   “Gayle and I are deeply saddened to hear that Freda Mae Tomblin has passed away,” Senator Manchin said. “We extend our deepest condolences to all Freda Mae’s family and friends, especially her loving husband, Earl, and her sons, Earl Ray and Carl Edward, as they grieve the passing of a truly wonderful West Virginian. We join all West Virginians in keeping in our thoughts and prayers the Tomblin family as they go through this difficult time.”   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=fc007492-cebc-4daf-a172-499683d4c9d7,Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Improve Health Services Across West Virginia,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 14, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Improve Health Services Across West Virginia Funding will improve health care services in Braxton, Clay, Harrison, Pocahontas, Randolph and Upshur Counties WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $1,179,010 in federal funding for Community Care of West Virginia to improve operations and health care services at medical centers in rural and underserved communities. Community Care of West Virginia operates many health care centers in the state, including: Big Otter Health Clinic in Ivydale, Braxton Health Associates in Gassaway, Care Express and Pediatrics in Buckhannon, Community Care of Green Bank in Green Bank, Community Care of Marlinton in Marlinton, Little Meadow Health Center in Helvetia, Primary Care Systems in Clay, Tri-County Health Clinic in Rock Cave and West Milford Health Center in West Milford. “All West Virginia families deserve access to quality and reliable preventative and primary health care,” Senator Manchin said. “Community Care of West Virginia will be able to use this funding to make necessary upgrades and improvements in order to advance to health and wellbeing of all West Virginians.” “During my time in the Senate, providing affordable health care for all West Virginians has been a top priority,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care. “Access to preventive and primary health care is critical to the well-being of so many West Virginians, and our community health centers are a critical access point for that care. This much-needed funding will support Community Care of West Virginia and the important health services it provides.” The Health Center Cluster grant provides financial assistance to health centers that offer primary and preventive health care services to underserved or rural areas. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ### 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=1b335f73-10d5-40cf-bf68-4bac66065ce7,Manchin Statement on his Vote for Change in Democrat Leadership,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 13, 2014 Manchin Statement on his Vote for Change in Democrat Leadership Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on his vote against Minority Leader Harry Reid. “Today, I casted my vote against the current Democrat Leadership because the people of West Virginia spoke loud and clear in last week’s elections for change. They voted for members of both parties to put aside partisan politics and start working together to vote on issues that are important to West Virginians and the American people. I have the utmost respect for Harry Reid, but I had hoped he would give all members of the caucus the opportunity to evaluate what led to the destructive gridlock in Washington and propose ways to modify our results to better connect with the American people. Unfortunately, we were not granted that opportunity, and I refused to vote for the status quo. As Congress moves forward to the 114th Congress, I promise to continue working with Democrats and Republicans to debate and vote on legislation that will help get this country back on track.” ### 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=433a3c5b-bb8b-4933-93bb-be6c1aab2d7b,Manchin Statement on the Indictment of Don Blankenship,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 13, 2014 Manchin Statement on the Indictment of Don Blankenship Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after a federal grand jury indicted former Massey Energy chief executive, Don Blankenship with criminal charges related to the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster: “I’ve always had complete faith that justice would be served and Don Blankenship’s indictment today is a first step in providing some peace to the families of the Upper Big Branch miners who lost their lives.” ###   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=eb3f321f-a5cc-4371-8441-4f78579c9bcf,Manchin and Toomey Call for Congress to Protect Students From Child Predators,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 13, 2014 Manchin and Toomey Call for Congress to Protect Students From Child Predators Senators Manchin and Toomey urge colleagues to vote on legislation to protect our children from predators in the classroom Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday evening, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to urge Congress to pass The Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predator Act, legislation that would protect children from sexual and violent predators in schools. The Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predator Act would require any state education agency receiving federal funds to perform background checks on all employees who have access to children; prevent schools from hiring individuals who have previously been convicted of certain crimes, including crimes against children and; prohibit schools from quietly helping dismissed child predators finding jobs in other schools. “Every child deserves to have at least one place where they feel safe and comfortable. For many of our kids these days, that place is at school,” Senator Manchin said. “This commonsense bill will truly help protect our kids from sexual assault predators or any individuals who inappropriately behave in our schools.” The bill was introduced by Senators Manchin and Toomey after the death of Jeremy Bell, a 12-year student from Fayette County, West Virginia. Bell was raped and murdered by a principal who came to West Virginia from Pennsylvania after being quietly dismissed for sexual misconduct.  For video of Senator Manchin’s remarks, please click here. For audio of Senator Manchin’s remarks, please click here. Senator Manchin’s full remarks are below: M. President, I thank my good friend Senator Pat Toomey for working with me on critical legislation to make sure our kids remain safe in every single school across the country. I am a father of three and a grandfather of eight, and there is nothing more important to me than protecting my children and grandchildren. Our bill is just common sense and has already passed by voice vote with no opposition in the House. This legislation simply makes sure that all employees who work with our students pass a background check to make sure they have no criminal records or an abusive history. That includes everyone from principals, teachers and secretaries, to cafeteria workers and janitors. Since January 1st, 410 teachers across America have been arrested for sexual misconduct. That is more than one teacher per day who has sexually assaulted a student. And that only includes those who have been caught and detained. Do we dare wonder just how many predators we could have prevented from harming our students if this bill had been passed years ago, including preventing the outcome of the rape and death of a young West Virginia student, Jeremy Bell? Jeremy was a fifth grade student from Fayette County, West Virginia who had been on an overnight fishing trip with his elementary school principal when he mysteriously died from a head injury in 1997. Nearly eight years later, investigators discovered that Jeremy was raped and murdered by none other than Edgar Friedrichs Jr., Jeremy’s principal and supervisor on the trip. Thankfully, Mr. Friedrichs is now serving a life sentence in connection with the Jeremy’s death. And although Jeremy’s death is in-and-of-itself disturbing, Mr. Friedrichs’ past proves to be even more troublesome. Prior to working as Fayette County’s principal, Mr. Friedrichs had previously been dismissed by a school in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on suspicion of sexual misconduct. That school then helped him land a new teaching position in West Virginia. He taught for 26 years in West Virginia – 26 years – before he was finally dismissed in 2001 when he was indicted for sexually abusing four boys. M. President, this story is heartbreaking and simply unacceptable. As a parent, as a grandparent and as a representative of the great state of West Virginia – inaction is not an option. There are more than four million teachers and school staff employed by our public school districts across the United States.  And there are millions of additional workers who have direct access to students, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers and janitors. And yet, there is no national background check policy in place for the people who work directly with our kids every day. Even worse, not all states require checks of child abuse and neglect registries or sex-offender registry checks. And a recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that five states don’t require background checks at all for applicants seeking employment our schools. In addition, not all states use both state and federal sources of criminal data like a state law enforcement database or the FBI’s Interstate Identification Index. Our bill would simply require mandatory background checks of state criminal registry, state child-abuse and neglect registries, an FBI fingerprint check, and a check of the National Sex Offender Registry for existing and prospective employees. M. President, every child deserves to have at least one place where they feel safe and comfortable. For many of our kids these days, that place is at school. This is truly just a commonsense bill that aims to help protect our kids from sexual assault predators or any individuals who inappropriately behave in our schools. If we can even make the smallest difference in changing the outcomes of students’ lives like Jeremy Bell, then we did our jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=592e8d82-aa92-450d-bc65-0a8d16c2703a,Manchin Statement on US-China Climate Agreement,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 12, 2014 Manchin Statement on US-China Climate Agreement Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the climate agreement reached between President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I look forward to reviewing the details of the climate agreement between President Obama and Chinese leaders and assessing what the true implications will be on the front lines here at home. As I've said many times before, there is no question that 7 billion people have an impact on our climate. I am encouraged that the Chinese are willing to come to the table and that the Administration has recognized the importance of investing in research for clean fossil fuel technology. That being said, we cannot enter into an agreement that asks little of the Chinese, while simultaneously promising more than we can achieve domestically with our current technology.” ###   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=803f3975-599c-4a5c-abdc-a5b437b411b6,"Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $350,000 to Improve the Safety of WV Roads and Highways",2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 12, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $350,000 to Improve the Safety of WV Roads and Highways WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $343,656.96 in federal funding for the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Office to improve highway safety programs in the state. The funding will be used to help improve driver behavior and performance, and to reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related crashes.   “Investing in our state’s infrastructure is critical to protecting the safety of our drivers, while also laying the foundation for economic growth,” Senator Manchin said. “I am pleased that these funds will help prevent traffic accidents and keep West Virginians and visitors safe.”   “This grant is great news for West Virginia,” said Senator Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Improving the safety of our highways is essential for our drivers and passengers.  If we can prevent even one loss of life through this investment, we are moving in the right direction. These funds will go a long way toward making sure road safety remains a top priority.”   The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted the funding through the State and Community Highway Safety Grant 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/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c1fcdac6-18d2-45df-b2e4-16d7dd025b00,Manchin Honors America's Veterans,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 10, 2014 Manchin Honors America's Veterans Senator Manchin encourages West Virginians to thank our veterans every day of the year Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: “Veterans Day gathers us together as a nation to express our deepest gratitude to the men and women who have fought to safeguard our beloved nation and secure the freedoms we enjoy every day. No matter the war, no matter the rank, no matter the duty, every one of our heroic veterans have answered America’s call of duty. In times of need, they stepped forward and vowed to protect this country. It is because of our veterans that America remains a beacon for all who love liberty and cherish freedom. The world is truly a better place because of their courage.   “Showing our appreciation to the men and women who have served this nation is something we should do each and every day. They have served this nation with unparalleled duty, honor, courage, discipline, integrity, and love of family and country. We owe those who have served and their families a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. So as West Virginians and Americans across our great nation celebrate Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a veteran and honor our veterans not just today, but every day. May God bless the United States of America, the state of West Virginia and all the men and women who keep us safe.” ### 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=9ce13747-04d0-4cb6-9074-aafbc90def4e,Eagle expansion shared with Manchin | Herald-Star,2014-11-08,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 08, 2014 Eagle expansion shared with Manchin | Herald-Star WELLSBURG - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was on hand Friday to congratulate the management and staff of Eagle Manufacturing on an upcoming major expansion and hear concerns from public officials and residents about various issues. Joe Eddy, president of Eagle Manufacturing, said new production innovation, expanded production capacity and overall expanded space will help the 120-year-old company to grow. He shared with Manchin and many area public officials and other guests news that the 120-year-old company will be opening a new metal fabrication department at the former Pillsbury building on Maple Avenue and expanding its warehouse on Commerce Street (state Route 2) to 90,000 square feet. EXPANDING — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., listened as Joe Eddy, president of Eagle Manufacturing, announced news for expansion during a visit Friday to the company’s plastics warehouse. - Warren Scott Used for many years to produce paper bags for flour sold by the Pillsbury Co., the 48,000 square foot building will be used to manufacture a new line of metal bollards (posts used to prevent vehicles from striking buildings and other property), machine guards and spill containment pallets. The 120-year-old company produces more than 1,000 types of industrial safety and hazardous material handling products. Eddy also unveiled plans for a 50,000 square foot expansion of the 40,000 square foot plastics warehouse it built at the intersection of Commerec and 22nd streets last year. The warehouse was built at the former site of Banner Fiberboard, which underwent an environmental cleanup through grants secured by the Brooke-Hancock Regional Development Council. ""We are in the process of finalizing construction bids, securing financing and otaining approvals for the project. We expect to complete the approval process in December and start construction in early March,"" he said. Eddy said the addition will allow the facility to be used as Eagle's main distribution center and bring the amount of land occupied by Eagle operations in the city to more than 750,000 square feet, or more than 17 acres. He said Eagle has ordered two new plastic processing systems, including a 500-ton structural foam injection molding system, that will allow the company to expand its plastics production by 25 percent. Eddy said the new facilities and equipment will amount to an investment of at least $10 million and will create many new jobs. Manchin said the news is very welcome at a time when many young West Virginians feel they must leave the state to find work. He said as a member of Congress he can work to turn the tide of manufacturing jobs leaving the country by repealing a corporate tax structure that benefits American companies that take their operations overseas. Manchin added he will continue to oppose trade agreements that give foreign companies that employ workers at low wages and under poor working conditions an advantage over domestic ones. ""That's not how we built this company. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican, that doesn't make sense,"" he said. ""My hat's off to Eagle for making this investment,"" Manchin said. Manchin also met earlier with Wellsburg city officials to discuss issues of concern to them, including the Biggerts Water Act. The federal legislation was aimed at helping the Federal Emergency Management Agency to overcome millions of dollars in claims filed following Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. But it also has resulted in dramatic increases in flood insurance rates for residents in Wellsburg's flood plain. Manchin said rates for those covered by the federal flood insurance program should be based on the frequency of floods and level of damage typical for a given area. ""The flood plain here isn't a devastating one,"" he said, adding he would like to see a ratings system employed for those with flood insurance. Manchin said the higher rates prevent people from selling their homes and deter new residents from buying homes in a designated flood zone. ""It basically stymies everything,"" he said. Mayor Sue Simonetti asked Manchin to consider holding one of his town hall meetings, where he discusses various issues, in the city, and he agreed. By:  Warren Scott",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=d4cc0a8d-7ebc-4048-8270-142b27670534,Manchin stresses importance of education | Weirton Daily Times,2014-11-08,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 08, 2014 Manchin stresses importance of education | Weirton Daily Times WEIRTON - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., spoke to Weir High School students about the importance of education and several other national issues during an informal talk and discussion with student government leaders and the senior civics class. Ed Bowman, former Weirton mayor and state senator, introduced Manchin. Manchin spoke about a wide range of issues, from whether he would make a presidential run and his disagreements with President Barack Obama's Environmental Protection Agency to illegal immigration, Common Core, raising the minimum wage and legalizing marijuana. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., spoke to the Weir High School student government and senior civics class during a series of stops in the Hancock and Brooke counties Friday. -- Summer Wallace-Minger Participating in the democratic process is a partnership and responsibility, he said. ""When I was your age, I never thought about it, either,"" Manchin said. ""I thought it was someone else's responsibility. His change of heart was inspired by the example set by the ""young, vibrant"" President John F. Kennedy. ""In 1962, he told us we were going to put a man on the moon - and bring him back,"" he said. ""In 1962, we couldn't even get a rocket off the ground. Russia was cleaning our clocks. (Kennedy) threw the gauntlet down. Why? Because we're Americans, and there's nothing we can't do."" Manchin didn't enter politics until he was in his mid-30s, making the decision after seeing a politician suggest his father repay past favors by helping him get elected. ""My dad never asked for a favor,"" Manchin said. ""He would say something if someone needed help. That's not doing a favor, that's doing your job. My father had asked him to do his job, and he came back like he had done him a favor."" Manchin entered the House of Delegates race, then decided to make the jump to the state Senate. ""As a delegate, I was one in 100,"" he said. ""In the state Senate, I would be one in 34, and that gave my voice three times as much weight."" He later ran for governor in 1996 and lost, describing it as a learning experience. ""Defeat doesn't have a home, but victory has a thousand homes,"" he said. ""It's easy to win. When you lose, it's time to show who you are."" Manchin later became secretary of state in 2000, governor in 2008 and was appointed U.S. senator after the death of Robert C. Byrd in 2010. Manchin compared the United States' educational system to that of China, where, after nine years, those who don't meet certain standards are shunted out of the educational system into the work force. Students frequently attend school six days a week, returning in the evenings to help tutor their parents. He called for year-round education, suggesting nine-week terms followed by three-week breaks. ""They want the life that you and I take for granted,"" Manchin said. ""They saw we were who we were because of our education."" The United States no longer is first in education, he said. ""Korea is eating our lunch every day, in every test,"" Manchin said. Improvements must be made in the educational system, and students must do their best to get as much out of their education as possible and apply themselves. ""Are you wringing every drop out of your education?"" Manchin asked. He also encouraged them to give back to their communities. ""You want to feel good about yourself?"" he asked. ""Go help someone else. No matter how bad you have it, someone has it worse."" One of the most important skills the students must master is being able to manage their finances. Manchin warned them against going into too much debt during their college years, encouraging them to speak with their principal, counselor or call his office to seek financial aid and counseling for college. Manchin described himself as a moderate to conservative Democrat, ""fiscally conservative and socially compassionate,"" and spoke about the importance of being able to compromise and treat other legislators with professionalism. Manchin said campaigning for president is ""probably not in the cards for me,"" but he is looking to support a candidate, regardless of party, whom he believes shares his priorities in education, veterans' affairs and senior citizens.   By:  Summer Wallace-Minger",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8ea13688-1c61-4cba-866a-fdd91e5c9910,Manchin Policy About to Pay Off | Wheeling Intelligencer,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2014 Manchin Policy About to Pay Off | Wheeling Intelligencer Few Democrats had any reason to smile this week. By the hundreds throughout the country, they were thrown out of office. Here in West Virginia, their party lost control of both houses of the Legislature. In Washington, Republicans improved their majority in the House of Representatives and seized command of the Senate. So not many Democrats had any reason for optimism or cheerfulness this week. Except for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. No doubt Manchin was as perturbed as any Democrat at the many losses his party suffered on Tuesday. He makes no secret of being a staunch supporter of his party. But he has cultivated a reputation of bipartisanship - of being willing to listen to Republicans and, when he thinks doing so is good for West Virginia, to work with them. Manchin is the kind of pragmatic, centrist Democrat who went out of style among many party leaders, including President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Their preference is for Democrats who toe the party line without pause or question. While governor of West Virginia, Manchin prided himself on being able to work with both Republicans and Democrats. He carried that through to the U.S. Senate. Now it will serve him well. Republicans who will control the Senate have no scores to settle with him. They have no reason to taunt him that now, the shoe is on the other foot. Of course, every senator ought to have Manchin's attitude - that he or she is in Washington to serve the nation and their state, not just their political party. For several years that attitude has been out of vogue, in favor of fierce, unyielding partisanship. Then, Manchin did not fit in. Now, suddenly, he does, in a way. His attitude of public service above politics will serve him, our state and the nation well during the next few years.   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=3c6cf4bb-6f5b-44bb-a8c5-021083d4fa06,Manchin Steps Down As Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2014 Manchin Steps Down As Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about stepping down as honorary co-chair of No Labels: “No Labels began as an organization that attempted to foster bipartisan conversation amongst Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. I believe in this mission, and believe that No Labels has done a lot to open a dialogue, not only between Democrats and Republicans, but also between Members of the House and Senate – something that was lacking in Washington. Given my position as a sitting United States Senator, who cannot be involved in the day-to-day decision making of the organization, I believe it is appropriate for me at this time to step down as honorary Co-Chair. I still support the original goals of No Labels and will continue to work with them to foster bipartisan communication and bring some common sense back to Washington.” ### 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=e5465219-d8d1-42d5-a449-96f2c0fc66c5,Joe Manchin visits Tank Works | Tyler Star News,2014-11-05,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 05, 2014 Joe Manchin visits Tank Works | Tyler Star News Continually operating for the past 120 years and family owned for the last 30, Sistersville Tank Works welcomed U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on Friday. Manchin, who earlier in the day met in St. Marys for a roundtable discussion with local officials and members of the Pleasants County Camber of Commerce, stopped in Sistersville around 3:30 p.m. for a scheduled visit. Plant Manager Jason Morgan and his mother Darlene Morgan, vice president of the company, were both on hand to greet Senator Manchin and to explain a little about the history of their operation and how they are looking to improve and grow as a local business. Jason Morgan said around 30 years ago the plant was owned by a company out of Illinois that was struggling and ready to call it quits. He said his grandmother and mother, who were employees at the time, took advantage of the opportunity and purchased the plant. Jason Morgan said as plant manager he is in charge of the day-to-day operation, while his mother and grandmother manage the office, and his brother runs the shop. Jason Morgan said plans are in the works to build a new state of the art facility in Pleasants County. He said the new plant will have 40,000 square feet along with new office space and restrooms. According to Jason Morgan, the new plant will have one large bay which will allow the company to take on bigger and bigger projects, like bullet tanks and large heat exchangers. He said the Sistersville plant will continue to operate with no downturn in business, but will be doing much smaller projects. He noted at the present location it becomes very difficult to move large tanks from the shop to the river and it is also very expensive. Some moves can cost as high as $35,000 and can be very time consuming and difficult to make. With the move to the new facility the company will have direct access to the railway and the river, which will eliminate the high cost moves and save the company a significant amount of time and money. Senator Manchin, expressed his desire to do whatever he can to help small business people. He said there are several different ways he can do that. ""In order to bring more good paying jobs to our state and improve the quality of life for our hard working families, we need to continue having open discussions about how we can coordinate our efforts and resources, make smart investments, and boost economic development in our local communities,"" Senator Manchin said. ""One way we try and help companies is by connecting them with the import-export bank,"" he noted. Manchin said it is a great way for companies to exchange funds when dealing with foreign markets. He said they also want to make sure businesses like Sistersville Tank Works are taking advantage of the oil and gas boom in West Virginia. Manchin expressed concern with the rate hikes he said are coming for electric. He spoke about the cost of doing business in West Virginia and how we should be doing all we can to help promote the use of fossil fuels, including coal. ""We hear a lot about global climate and since it is global, we should have a global fix,"" said Manchin. Standards for power plants should be set where the playing field is equal, he asserted; so we will not have to shoulder the whole load. Manchin said he was very impressed with the Sistersville plant. He said he comes from a family of small business owners and he knows how difficult it can be. Manchin said, ""I look forward to meeting with residents to hear their concerns and ideas for making the Mountain State an even better place to live and do business."" Jason Morgan said Sistersville Tank Works has a very good working relationship with the local banks. He said they have been great to work with, noting cash flow is very important especially when you are trying to expand and take advantage of the world market. He said, if someone would have told his grandmother 20 years ago they would be selling to Austria or China, she would have thought they were crazy. He said he was very interested in the import-export bank and would welcome any help the senator would offer. When asked by Senator Manchin why Jason Morgan chose Pleasants County for the new facility, he said it was all about location. ""We need to have access to the river."" He also said it should give the company a better draw for skilled labor. Tyler County Development Authority President Eric Peters said he tried to find a suitable location in Tyler County for the plant, but it just wasn't available. Jason Morgan said his shop is unionized and highly skilled. ""I would put our welders up against any in the United States."" He said most of his welders have been trained in house and work out of the Boilermakers. He said the Sistersville plant employs 50 people with full benefits and he hopes to employ another 50 at the new location when it is up and running. ""Competition for skilled labor is tough and we have had to raise our rates some to attract the people we have"", said Jason Morgan. He said one thing he very proud of is that his mother was the 1988 West Virginia State Business Person of the Year and was featured in Time Magazine. Senator Manchin said it is wonderful to see small businesses likes this flourish. He promised to do whatever he can to help. Also present for the round table meeting were State Senator Larry Edgell, House Representative Roger Romine, and Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice. All three offered their service and commitment to helping local business and to continue working to provide opportunities for the local workforce. Dan Beringer, plant manager of Momentive, in Friendly, was also at the meeting and he thanked Senator Manchin for his work and efforts to keep electric rates low. He said it is detrimental to the local plant for the rates to remain where they are. Manchin said it looks like electric will go higher as we move toward alternative fuel. Before moving on for another meeting in Pittsburgh, Manchin took the time to tour the Sistersville Tank Works plant and to greet and talk to several of the Sistersville employees. Manchin seemed fascinated with some of the welding projects and the size of the tanks. By:  Ed Parsons",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=e1247e7d-3751-4d53-b2ee-b6ec4e69b4da,Manchin talks about issues | Parkersburg News and Sentinel,2014-11-01,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 01, 2014 Manchin talks about issues | Parkersburg News and Sentinel Speaks at Pleasants County Public Library during tour ST. MARYS - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., made a stop at the Pleasants County Public Library during his tour of the state Friday to talk about issues facing the nation and state. Manchin said there are many issues facing the nation and the only way to fix them is to put politics aside. ""First I want to apologize to you for what you see on television, the toxic atmosphere in Washington; it's a shame,"" he said. ""Whether you are Democrat or Republican, Independent or whatever you want to be you got to be Americans first and we have to put our country first."" When he was governor, Manchin said he and the Legislature would put side their differences and do what was best for West Virginia. ""Things have gotten serious here in 2014; there is so much money coming in on both sides,"" he said. ""If the Democrats want to blame the Republicans they are wrong and they are right and if the Republicans want to blame the Democrats they are wrong and they are right. It's everybody's fault."" Manchin said he fears all the money and recruiting candidates instead of electing local people will destroy democracy. Manchin said he is also shocked to see how negative the campaigns have been to date. ""We are all guilty of it to a certain extent, I guess,"" he said. ""There should be some civility to where people basically can say 'I may disagree with you, but I don't hate you.'"" Manchin said the answer on how to fix the situation is hard to find. ""You try to work together and find some commonality,"" he said. ""In Washington it is guilt by conversation; they don't expect me and a Republican or somebody else even conversing because they think you have gone over to the dark side. ""How in the world are you going to fix any of the problems."" Manchin said he identified that as the biggest problem in Washington. He spent his first year meeting each member of the Senate, getting to know them and all he could learn about each member. ""I wanted to have a personal conversation, because it is easy to have a personal conversation,"" he said. ""If I think we have a lot in common I'll be looking for other ways to work with them."" Manchin said he has taken a pledge of not to go to other states to campaign against or raise funds for a campaign against a sitting senator. Manchin said the biggest problem is there are few moderates left in the Senate and several of them are vulnerable this year. Manchin said he wants to see Republican moderates like Susan Collins of Maine, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina reelected to the Senate along with Democrats Mark Udall of Colorado, Mark Begich of Alaska and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. He said the moderates are a core group who can get together and talk over problems and they need to be reelected. ""If we could pass a rule where you could not campaign against a fellow sitting senator it would change the atmosphere in Washington,"" he said. ""I think something is going to have to happen; we need to get our financial house in order."" Manchin also discussed the role of coal in the mix of energy sources. He said it is best to have a balanced ""power portfolio."" Manchin said the answer is not to keep coal from being used in the United States, stating the U.S. burns a small amount of the total burned in the world daily. ""Everyday eight billion tons of coal are burned, not just in the U.S.,"" he said. ""If the U.S. were to stop burning coal it would amount to less than one billion tons. If we are serious about climate change we need to change our trade rules. ""If other countries want to trade with us and sell us their products, they need to make changes in how they burn coal and reduce their emissions."" Manchin said there is money at the U.S. Department of Energy for coal research and it has not been touched. Manchin said emissions have been reduced and more could be done. Instead of setting standards that are impossible to match, the standard should be based on the emissions from the six best plants in the country. ""We want to do what is doable,"" he said. ""We are facing a reliability problem. Last year during the polar vortex we were 700 megawatts from the power grid collapsing. Recently 100,000 megawatts have been removed."" Manchin said if something is not done there could be rolling blackouts and brownouts. ""In situations like that the most vulnerable are the elderly and the poor,"" he said. ""This does not make sense."" Manchin said it is important to repeal and push back many of the EPA regulations put on energy production. Manchin said he was going to look into concerns raised about the collection and use of student personal data collected in testing. He said he has always been a supporter of state's rights and agreed it is important to get the federal government out of education. He said programs such as Race to the Top and Common Core have gone horribly wrong.   By:  Jeffrey Saulton",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=b272ee75-e112-4231-ba81-54c2c8eaa174,Manchin helps celebrate nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing grants | Clarksburg Exponent,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 31, 2014 Manchin helps celebrate nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing grants | Clarksburg Exponent FAIRMONT — Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was the special guest speaker for a ceremony Thursday to present nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to eight projects in West Virginia. The projects will benefit low-income, elderly and other special needs persons by providing quality affordable housing. The grants represent a total of 79 housing units and a total development investment of more than $4.4 million. The grant funds were provided by Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and its member financial institutions, in this case Huntington Federal Savings Bank, Pendleton Community Bank, United Bank and WesBanco Bank, through the AHP. “These grants have helped scores of West Virginia citizens achieve the dream of affordable housing for themselves and their families,” said Senator Manchin. “FHLBank Pittsburgh, together with its members and housing partners, are providing a valuable service to our neighbors who need a little help to improve their lives and revitalize communities. It is rewarding to see this grassroots effort that uses no tax dollars and has such a powerful impact in our communities.” Manchin was introduced by FHLBank Pittsburgh Board Chair Patrick A. Bond. Bond, who is Founding General Partner of Mountaineer Capital LP, thanked Senator Manchin for his outstanding support of this and other FHLBank programs and initiatives. The event was hosted by one of the grant recipients, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority, which received $146,917 for 10 units built in Fairmont. Other organizations recognized  included: Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, White Sulphur Springs (five units, $250,000); Coalfield Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $500,000); Fairmont Community Development Partnership, Fairmont (4 units, $55,553); Housing Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $253,100); Mon County Habitat for Humanity, Morgantown (3 units, $36,000); Southern Appalachian Labor School, Kincaid (10 units, $81,200); and YWCA Wheeling (7 units, $467,283). “This AHP grant funding provided by the FHLBank Pittsburgh has an immeasurable positive impact on our communities,” remarked John Martys, Executive Director, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority. “We are so pleased to stand with our partner sponsors across the Mountaineer State to channel these funds to where they are making a real difference in people’s lives. These grants directly affect the revitalization of our neighborhoods, people’s health and safety, and the overall quality of life.” Annually, FHLBank Pittsburgh allots approximately 10 percent of its net income to fund the AHP. The AHP supports projects that provide affordable housing to individuals and families whose incomes are defined as low- (51 to 80 percent of area median) or very-low (50 percent and below of area median). Kristina K. Williams, Chief Operating Officer, FHLBank Pittsburgh, discussed the impact of AHP in her home state, noting, “In West Virginia alone, AHP grants have totaled $13 million for 98 projects creating over 1,500 housing units.” She also described how the Bank works with area lenders and community groups for job creation and community vitalization. “We are proud to partner with our member institutions and sponsoring organizations to fund these vital programs. It is rewarding to see that, together, we can make a difference in quality of life, jobs and a strong local economy.” The event also included a testimonial by the Cuchea family who lives in the Jerome Park Place project in Morgantown. The family thanked the donors and the Mon County Habitat for Humanity, and shared the enormous positive effect the grant has made in their lives. 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=116529bb-3461-43e4-9e4e-605d93de4ccf,Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Protect and Improve the Health of West Virginia Families,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 30, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Nearly $1.2 Million to Protect and Improve the Health of West Virginia Families Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller announced $1,191,254 in federal funding to protect and improve the health of women, children and families in West Virginia. The funding will be received by the West Virginia State Department of Health and Human Resource’s Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health (OMCFH). The goal of the OMCFH is to establish partnerships with qualified health centers, physicians, local health departments and clinics to ensure all West Virginians have access to quality medical services.  In addition to ensuring accessible, quality care, the OMCFH will use the funding for early intervention programs to identify newborns at risk of death or those who are suffering from developmental delays or complications. Mothers and children who are screened will receive the necessary medical care. The funding will also be used to support the Right from the Start Program, which provides comprehensive services to low-income women, children and infants from birth to age one, as well as the Parent Network Specialists System and Adolescent Health program, which both provide necessary support for families and children into adolescent years. “Making sure all West Virginia families have access to quality medical services is so important, especially our mothers and children who face health complications and require special health needs,” Senator Manchin said. “This grant will allow the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to provide our health centers and facilities across the state with the essential resources to care for at-risk mothers and their infants and children in need.” “Throughout my career, I have always supported programs aimed at giving kids a healthy start in life through access to quality prenatal care and children’s health services,” said Rockefeller. “This funding gives West Virginia the ability to keep up its maternal and child health services, which are critical to the overall health and well-being of our state’s children.” The two-year funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program. This program serves 44 million American women and children and it is the only federal program that is solely dedicated to the health of women, children and families. For more information on the West Virginia programs supported by the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, 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=7171adbe-047e-4948-a770-36e5d46604a3,"Manchin Welcomes New Partners to the ""I Hire Veterans"" Initiative",2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 27, 2014 Manchin Welcomes New Partners to the ""I Hire Veterans"" Initiative Textron, Verizon and Teach for America pledge their commitment to hiring veterans by joining the ""I Hire Veterans"" initiative Washington, D.C. – As co-founder of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced the addition of three new partners to the Caucus’ “I Hire Veterans” initiative. Textron and Verizon Communications Inc. have joined as corporate partners and Teach for America has joined as an organizational partner. By joining as partners, Textron, Verizon and Teach for America signify that they are proud to make the commitment to hiring veterans or veterans’ family members as employees. “As I’ve always said, if you want to help a vet, hire a vet – and do business with the folks who hire vets,” Senator Manchin said. “I am proud that the leaders at Textron, Verizon and Teach for America have made the decision to join our initiative, and I look forward to working with them, my colleagues in Congress and the organizations and companies across America who have committed to helping reduce our veterans’ high unemployment rate.” To learn more about the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, please click here. More information about the new partners is below: Textron's businesses span industries and continents, and their companies share discoveries and talent, combining all of their capabilities to achieve bigger, bolder, smarter and more advanced results. They believe that the skills and expertise of military veterans are invaluable and that the technical capability, teamwork and commitment of America’s veterans will help them achieve the most advanced results. To learn more about Textron’s rewarding career opportunities for veterans, please click here. Verizon Communications Inc. caters to military service members and veterans with personal and professional development programs, flexibility, a wide range of benefits and more. They also offer veterans the opportunity to work across a wide range of career areas so they can find a challenging yet rewarding career that best suits their interests and expertise. To learn more about the rewarding military career opportunities at Verizon, please click here. Teach for America launched the You Served For America, Now Teach For America initiative in 2012 to bring more veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in to the fight against educational inequity. This initiative aims to put the power of military veterans, military professionals transitioning out of active service, armed forces reservists and national guard personnel, and spouses of military professionals to work in our nation’s highest-need schools. They believe that the students who attend these schools will benefit greatly from veterans’ depth of experience, strength in leadership, and desire to continue to serve their country. To learn more about how to get involved with Teach for America, please click here. ### 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=69e6cca4-dbaf-473b-aab3-386b5f2a37ef,Reason | The Cumberland Times-News,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 24, 2014 Reason | The Cumberland Times-News Climate change foes unite to seek solutions Two U.S. Senators who are about as far apart philosophically as one can get on a particular subject began this week to find common ground on which to work together. Both of them base their beliefs on personal experience. That they are willing to look for compromise is a breath of fresh air in a political arena that reeks with the smell of uncompromising ideologies. That both of them are Democrats really doesn’t matter. Sen.?Joe Manchin represents West Virginia, a state where the coal industry is key to the economy. He has been pushing back against the Environmental Protection Agency’s targeting of coal-fired power plants on grounds it will cripple the state’s fossil fuel industry. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has seen the effect of climate change on his home state and has no intention of withdrawing his support for the EPA’s targeting of coal-fired utilities. Rather than simply continue to argue about it, they took a joint tour of West Virginia’s coal and energy resources this week. Included were visits to coal-fired plants, a center where the U.S. Department of Energy is funding research into cleaner fossil fuel use and meetings with utility executives who discussed the effect of new federal regulations. They began two weeks ago when Manchin went to Rhode Island to visit coastal locations to see the effects of beach erosion and talk to fishermen and scientists about the effect climate change has had. Each acknowledges that the other man makes valid points. They agree that climate change is a problem and America isn’t the only country that must address it. Both say technology must advance to enable cleaner burning of fossil fuels and that America will continue to rely on fossil fuels for years to come. Manchin and Whitehouse continue to disagree on some things, but are trying to understand why the other feels the way he does and to work together on finding solutions. Isn’t that refreshing? 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=07e67268-d43e-4c8a-be0b-342a790fa96b,Changing Minds Concerning Coal | Wheeling Intelligencer,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 22, 2014 Changing Minds Concerning Coal | Wheeling Intelligencer Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has a well-deserved reputation as a conciliator, eager and often able to make political opponents understand his positions and sometimes agree with them. He may have taken on his toughest battle to date - persuading other senators the war on coal and affordable electricity is bad policy not just for West Virginia, but for the nation as a whole. To that end, Manchin is showing a fellow senator, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., around our state this week. They will be visting facilities related to the coal industry. That comes on the heels of a trip Manchin made to Rhode Island, where Whitehouse explained why many residents of his state are concerned about climate change. Climate change has become virtually a religion among too many Democrat leaders. It has become an effective political tool for them because it allows them to portray themselves as fighters against a looming global catastrophe. Except that such is not the case, as Manchin understands. Proponents of drastic U.S. action to limit climate change are alarmists who hope voters will not see through the deception. Manchin understands climate change should be viewed as a challenge. But he also realizes actions planned by President Barack Obama's administration - which aims for nothing less than the destruction of the domestic coal industry and shutting down virtually every coal-fired power plant in the United States - would be far more detrimental to Americans than coping with an increase in sea levels of a few millimeters. One wonders how Rhode Island residents would react if told they could reduce their electric bills by 40 percent while affecting sea levels virtually not at all. They could, by abandoning the natural gas-fired power plants the state relies on now and moving to coal-fired generation. The effect on global warming, even according to projections used by many climate change alarmists, would be almost unnoticeable. Manchin's task, with Whitehouse and other senators, is to point out that coal can be used as a source of electricity in the United States without having the drastic effect on climate that the alarmists claim. That is ""settled science."" And Manchin needs to convince other senators that instead of throwing away billions of dollars on unrealistic ""alternative energy"" such as wind and solar power, the nation should be putting more emphasis on clean coal technology. Whitehouse's reaction to his visit to West Virginia will be interesting. No doubt there will be no sea change - no pun intended - in his attitude toward coal. Still, efforts such as Manchin's cannot help but be productive. If they prompt Whitehouse and other senators to ask just a few more questions about whether climate change alarmism is good for Americans, they will be more than worth the effort. 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=bc2280a2-b6bb-4354-8508-0d1c3fefa79d,Senator Manchin Hosts Tour of WV Energy Facilities for Senator Whitehouse,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 22, 2014 Senator Manchin Hosts Tour of WV Energy Facilities for Senator Whitehouse Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) hosted Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in West Virginia to continue their ongoing discussions about finding meaningful solutions to balancing our nation’s energy needs with our environmental concerns. Senator Manchin emphasized the importance of developing new fossil fuel technology to continue producing affordable and reliable electricity, while steadily reducing carbon emissions and addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Senator Manchin toured several coastal areas of Rhode Island on October 10. Due to inclement weather, travel restraints required the day’s agenda to be slightly readjusted. Senator Manchin and Senator Whitehouse toured the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to gather information about the facility’s development of groundbreaking energy projects, including details on how to operationalize carbon capture and storage. Then, they traveled to Longview Power to learn about the advanced technologies at their coal-fired power plant. They also attended a briefing led by officials from Dominion Energy, American Electric Power and FirstEnergy to discuss the utility companies’ actions to produce cleaner power from their coal facilities and the impact stricter environmental regulations have on their ability to ensure reliable and affordable electricity throughout the region and this country. Finally, they met with officials from PJM Interconnection to hear about the importance of reliability to our nation’s electrical grid. “It has been a pleasure showing Senator Whitehouse a few of our innovative energy facilities in West Virginia and continuing our discussions about the importance of investing in innovative technologies that can produce clean power while also making sure Americans are guaranteed affordable, reliable electricity,” Senator Manchin said. “We agree that we must face the reality of climate change without delay, but we also agree that fossil fuels will be a vital part of our energy portfolio for decades to come. Working together, I hope that we can find that balance and show not only America, but the world, that we can look past our differences to better this planet now and for our future.” “I thank Senator Manchin for hosting me in the Mountain State today and for showing me the innovative work being done here to minimize carbon pollution from fossil fuels,” said Senator Whitehouse. “From improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy use to investing in technologies to capture and recycle carbon pollution, there is much we can do that will benefit both coastal states like Rhode Island and fossil-fuel-producing states like West Virginia. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Manchin on these issues.” Once Congress returns from its recess after the election season, Senators Manchin and Whitehouse will continue to work with the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure its available $8 billion in loan guarantees and $1.7 billion in available advanced fossil grants are used to invest in innovative technologies, including those that capture, utilize, and sequester carbon dioxide.   To view photos of Senators Manchin and Whitehouse’s trip in West Virginia, please visit Senator Manchin’s website 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=702,Rep. McKinley Introduces Bill to Help Hospitals Communicate,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Over the past three and a half years we have met with hospitals, health care workers, patients and families and a common theme is the fact that medical records are not easily transferable between different hospital systems, said McKinley. ""With all the technology available to us in 2014, this should be a problem that can be solved."" share: f t After listening to concerns from health care providers and hospital executives, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) recently introduced a bill (H.R. 5537) to help hospitals communicate with each other, which would increase efficiency and improve quality of care. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the communication between computer systems used by hospitals to store and access electronic health records. Over the past three and a half years we have met with hospitals, health care workers, patients and families and a common theme is the fact that medical records are not easily transferable between different hospital systems, said McKinley. With all the technology available to us in 2014, this should be a problem that can be solved. Designing medical records systems that can talk to each other will increase access to care, lower health care costs, and allow for more effective coordination, said McKinley. We live in an interconnected world where banking systems and other services are able to connect around the globe, said McKinley. Ensuring our health care system does the same is just common sense. McKinley's bill calls for GAO to report to Congress and make recommendations on how to increase interoperability of hospital computer systems to store and access electronic health records.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=672,Rep. McKinley Calls for Ebola Travel Ban,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Combating the spread of Ebola requires an aggressive and coordinated plan, said McKinley. ""Unfortunately the response thus far has been full of missteps and confusion and the American public is losing confidence."" share: f t In response to the recent spread of the Ebola virus from West Africa to the United States, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) is urging the Obama Administration and public health officials to take a more aggressive response, including restricting travel from West African countries where there have been significant outbreaks. Combating the spread of Ebola requires an aggressive and coordinated plan, said McKinley. Unfortunately the response thus far has been full of missteps and confusion and the American public is losing confidence. Stopping the outbreak in West Africa is the only way to contain the virus and the U.S. needs to continue to provide leadership on that front but there are several common sense steps we need to take to protect the American people, added McKinley. Temporarily banning travel from the West African countries hit hardest by Ebola until this gets under control should be one step. Two-thirds of Americans support limiting travel, but yesterday President Obama said he opposes a travel ban. A travel ban won't solve the Ebola crisis, but it should be part of a broader strategy, including resources to fight the outbreak in Africa, enhanced screenings at airports, and more intensive training for health care workers, said McKinley. President Obama should rethink his opposition and use his authority to institute a travel ban. The United States has the best health care system in the world, despite the inadequate response thus far, I am confident we can lead the fight to defeat Ebola with a more aggressive plan, said McKinley. Yesterday the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce held a hearing with leadership from the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. The hearing was just the latest action taken by the House to address the threat to public health. Timeline September 12: The House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell seeking more information regarding the Ebola outbreak and preparedness efforts. September 17: The full House passes a continuing resolution that included money to fight the Ebola outbreak. September 17: The Foreign Affairs Committee held a subcommittee hearing with testimony from Obama Administration officials to examine global efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak. September 25: The House Armed Services and Appropriations committees announced the release of $50 million to support Operation United Assistance, the Department of Defense-led mission to combat the Ebola outbreak. October 9: The House Armed Services and Appropriations committees announced the release of an additional $700 million to support Operation United Assistance. October 16: The Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees sent a letter to the State Department calling for the immediate suspension of the issuance of visas for non-U.S. nationals in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. October 16: The Energy and Commerce Committee held a subcommittee hearing examining the U.S. public health response to the Ebola outbreak, with testimony from the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other administration officials.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0778fbc9-539e-4224-aee8-48bd939dd03e,"Sen. Manchin Speaks on Government, Middle East, War on Coal in Berkeley Springs | In the Panhandle",2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 17, 2014 Sen. Manchin Speaks on Government, Middle East, War on Coal in Berkeley Springs | In the Panhandle BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV - Sen. Joseph Manchin, D-W.Va. made the rounds in the Eastern Panhandle on Wednesday and Thursday. Some of his stops were a town hall in Hardy County, Romney Senior Center in Romney, Martinsburg VA Medical Center, his new office in Martinsburg, and the Hedgesville Public Library.  He made a stop in Berkeley Springs Thursday at the Country Inn for a congressional update luncheon hosted by the Berkeley Springs Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Manchin talked a lot about what is wrong in Washington, and the disconnect of the elected officials with the people. He stressed a need for everyone of all political parties to work together. He looked around the room at the crowd that included local and state elected officials, state and federal candidates, volunteers in many community organizations, and business owners. The audience was a mixture of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. He recognized some by name and spoke about how he had worked with them at the state and federal levels for the greater good of the country, Morgan County, and West Virginia. “We never did put politics ahead of West Virginia. We might have differences and have fun with politics, but at the end of the day, it was all about Morgan County, the Town of Bath, West Virginia, and America. We rose above the politics. We’re not seeing that cooperation in Washington.” He told them he asks young people if they vote or feel they have a stake in the running of the country. “I tell them the Constitution says government of the people, by the people, for the people. Are they expecting the country to do for them without giving back? You have to give something back. When you get good people involved, good things happen. So, I’m having town meetings, going around trying to get good people involved in the political process.” He said it’s “awful” that money coming in to support congress is driving people apart. “The money supports bad behavior.” To some people’s surprise, he announced he wants to introduce legislation to ban campaigning against any sitting congressperson regardless of political party. He said, “I’m asked every day to campaign against a sitting official, or raise money to use against them just because they have an ‘R’ after their name. I will not do it. I will go to an open state with an open seat. They campaign against each other, and then they’re expected to work together the next week. But I won’t campaign against a sitting official.” Manchin proceeded to talk about a few key issues, like Ebola, the situation in Syria, taxes, and amnesty or immigration. He polled the audience to get their feelings on major issues. He said he believes every port of entry should be checked to stop the spread of Ebola. He acknowledged it as a concern for those in the Eastern Panhandle due to the close proximity to Dulles International Airport and Washington, D.C. He knew healthcare workers are worried and said, “All the hospitals have public dollars, so we have a lot to say in how we control it and protect the workers. The CDC should be much involved, and you’ll see a rapid change. On the topic of immigration or amnesty, he said a bipartisan bill was passed in the Senate. “It said if you came here illegally, you committed a crime. You must go to the government and get a number and be fined. You will go through a legalization process that takes about ten years. You’ll learn English and get a job. If you commit a crime, you are out of here. We have to shut our borders down and control them. It was balanced legislation, but everybody got scared and it became a political football. So many presidents tried to do something about immigration, and no one took it seriously.” He said the same legislation would revoke an employer’s license for life if they employed an illegal immigrant. Manchin added, “You won’t see anything move on this legislation until after the election. My Republican friends are afraid of being accused of amnesty if they vote for it. They’re scared. We have to put the politics aside for the country.” Moving onto Syria and the Middle East, he said at one time he was for having troops in Syria, but not now. Even though Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Bashar al-Assad of Syria were barbaric dictators, he believes that part of the world doesn’t understand any other type of leader, and the different factions won’t work long with us before they turn against us or so-called allies. He wants to see more Saudi Arabian and Jordanian troops on the ground. He said, “We’ve been there 13 years, spent $2 trillion, and lost almost 7,000 Americans. We injured or maimed 55,000 more. We’ve given our blood to liberty.” He said his friend Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, and he now have different views. “I told him West Virginians aren’t afraid of a good fight. WE like to fight to keep in practice if there isn’t a big one. But, we’re not insane.” The audience seemed split on whether to send ground troops to Syria. Briefly, he talked about the veteran’s administration controversy and said he was glad it wasn’t a problem in W.Va. He cited eight-day turnaround in Alaska of veteran concerns. “They don’t have one V.A. hospital,” he said. “They use public health centers. We want veterans to be able to use the most available healthcare center as quickly as possible. Those are democrats and republicans working together on those issues.” The number one problem in America he said was our finances. He said Republicans and Democrats are all at fault. The audience agreed the tax code must be simplified to make it fairer across the board with fewer loopholes, and tax breaks should be given to small businesses. Manchin said, “The Bowles-Simpson plan was a bipartisan plan to fix it. I fought the President for not grabbing onto that.” Manchin cited the “real war on coal.” He disagrees with the President on his energy policy and said they’ve had several conversations. When Pres. Obama was a state, then a U.S. senator and he was governor, he said they worked together on energy issues. But after Obama became president, Manchin said the dialogue shut down. “I disagree with the President. The EPA is overreaching. Government should work with you, not against you. And about coal. . .coal will be used for 30 or 40 years whether you like it or not. We hear about the global climate, not the American climate. The U.S. burns less than one billion tons, but in this country they’ve got you believing coal causes all the problems.  They know if we stopped burning all the coal tomorrow, it wouldn’t change the world climate two-tenths of one percent. So if the President is serious about fixing the global climate, let’s look at a global fix. You don’t need a carbon tax. You need a carbon fix.” Topics of discussion during the Q and A were Manchin’s keynote points, minimum wage laws, education, and conservation, among others.  Some of those present raised their hands for a hike in the minimum wage. But, Manchin said it should be graduated, not raised to $10.10 overnight. And, there should be adjustments for age. He said he’s working with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to find a middle ground with Republicans. Del. Daryl Cowles said when Manchin was governor, he was there to lead the congress or committees, spurring them on to fix things in contention. Cowles said he’s not seeing that in Washington, referencing Pres. Obama. Manchin said, “I’m not seeing good leadership on either side of the aisle, but you are right that good leadership starts at the top.” One person asked him his thoughts on the Common Core curriculum. He said he had to fight the school system in his own county for not testing the kids. He was told if they had perfect attendance, so everything was alright. He said, “A bump on a log could have perfect attendance.” He said he believes in Jeb Bush’s push of common Core and in testing children to see what they’ve learned. Manchin said he took a hit for believing in year-round school. But, he said he’d been around the world, and seen how the kids in countries like China take frequent short breaks then “go right back at it” and retain more of what they learned. Ann Beckley of the Morgan Arts Council complained about spotty cell coverage and problems with Frontier communications and internet service. She disliked having only one major provider of internet service. “I was in rural Indonesia recently,” she said, “And I had perfect Wi-Fi and cell use. There’s no competition here. What is Washington doing to encourage building infrastructure to upgrade wiring and equipment?” Manchin asked if everyone felt the same way, and the crowd roared. Others said the county was trying to solve the cell dead zones. Just before he left, he vowed to look into the problems with Internet and cell coverage.   By:  Tricia Strader",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=235959e1-779e-4ecd-8c6c-fa31cb82e6ec,U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin tours Eastern Panhandle | Hagerstown Herald-Mail,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 17, 2014 U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin tours Eastern Panhandle | Hagerstown Herald-Mail BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. —  Congress in gridlock, U.S. policy in the Mideast, the nation's energy policy, immigration and excessive prescription drugs handed to veterans were among the topics for discussion Thursday during U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin's tour of the Eastern Panhandle. Manchin's first stop was a private morning meeting with veterans and staff in the Martinsburg VA Medical Center's Peer Support Group. The support is provided by veterans of all ages who have regained independence with the community and mastery over their own recovery process, which can take months or more than a year. Several veterans told Manchin that some of their drug addiction problem stemmed from being overmedicated with prescription drugs over long periods. Manchin said he has met veterans around the country who said they felt they had been overmedicated beginning while they were in the military. ""I was high for seven years,"" one veteran told Manchin. The five veterans who met with the senator have successfully completed the peer support program.  One said he would not be around without the program's intensive treatment. ""Long-term programs like this one is the only way to go,"" Manchin said. About 70 people were gathered for lunch at the Country Inn in Berkeley Springs when Manchin came in. The luncheon was sponsored by the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. ""It's wrong that the Congress has become so divided,"" Manchin told the audience during a question and answer period. ""We're operating from the fringes from the extreme right and left,"" he said. ""All that money going into campaigns supports bad behavior. ""We have to start coming together or it won't work."" He recalled President John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech: ""Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.""  ""Can you imagine hearing that speech today?"" Manchin asked. ""Insanity"" is how Manchin referred to any U.S. military attempts to eradicate ISIS in the Mideast. ""It cost nearly 7,000 American deaths and nearly $7 trillion"" trying to bring peace to the region, he said. ""We've given enough of our blood and treasure to change that part of the world. It's futile to go into Syria."" ""Some say we should go in and wipe it (ISIS) out. Is Iraq any better off after we got Hussein, or Gadafhy in Libya?"" he asked. ""Sunnis won't fight Sunnis. Only the Kurds are willing to fight and die."" Manchin said the United States will stand strong against threats. ""If you want to kill each other go ahead. We're not going to interfere,"" he said. ""But If you plan to attack us, we will come and get you."" He said one plan being discussed calls for the U.S. to spend $500 million to train 5,000 Syrians. ""That's $100,000 per person and we expect them to fight ISIS Sunnis,"" he said. ""If we give weapons to Syria sooner or later they will be used against us."" Manchin headed next to Hedgesville to participate in the official opening of that town's new library. His last stop of the day was in Martinsburg, where he opened his new office at 261 Aikens Center off of Queen Street.   By:  Richard Belisle 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=bb586a4a-afea-4a56-9615-b82a4c6e9150,Manchin: Take ownership of government | Martinsburg Journal,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 17, 2014 Manchin: Take ownership of government | Martinsburg Journal MARTINSBURG - The hardest thing Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., faces as a U.S. Senator is recruiting good West Virginians to serve, he told a packed room at an open house for his new offices in the Aikens Center off Edwin Miller Boulevard in Martinsburg. ""I'm worried about young people,"" he said, turning to a group of middle-schoolers, who were invited to the open house. ""This is your country - this is your government - you own it - people need to act like they own it,"" Manchin told the students. ""Government gets a bad wrap. It's your best partner if it works right. It's your worst nemesis if left unchecked."" His Eastern Panhandle regional offices moved in September from the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on West King Street in downtown Martinsburg to the third floor of 261 Aikens Center. That also is the home of Shepherd University Martinsburg Center. Manchin was joined by Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley. ""We wanted a warm and friendly and inviting place for our offices,"" Manchin said. ""Coming into the courthouse with the scanning was difficult for some people. And this is a natural fit - government and education."" He talked about growing up in the retail business and that is how he thinks of government. ""I believe in retail government,"" Manchin said. ""In retail, you live and die on the satisfaction of your customers. We're here for you. Public service is not self-service."" Manchin served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. He was elected secretary of state in 2000. He was elected governor in 2004 and re-elected governor in 2008. After U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., died in 2010, a special election was held in November to fill Byrd's unexpired term through 2012. Manchin won that election and was elected to a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate in 2012. Manchin is obviously frustrated with the political situation in Congress. ""You can't politicize everything,"" he told the crowd Thursday. ""You can't be a Democrat every day. You can't be a Republican every day. You have to be an American every day. You have to be a West Virginian every day. Politics cannot drive our lives."" - Staff writer John McVey can be reached at 304-263-3381, ext. 128.   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=fa85dd08-055a-4692-8ca2-6f7af78a7c6c,Apple Harvest Festival kicks off with annual Royal Gala | Martinsburg Journal,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 17, 2014 Apple Harvest Festival kicks off with annual Royal Gala | Martinsburg Journal CHARLES TOWN - The Mountain State Harvest Festival kicked off another year of celebrating the Eastern Panhandle's agricultural history during the 35th annual Royal Gala on Thursday evening. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races hosted the event and welcomed guests in surrounding communities together for a night of fellowship and commemoration. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., stopped by the gala to share some words about the significance of the MSAHF. ""Anytime we have these types of festivals in West Virginia, it brings out the best in West Virginia. It shows the culture of our area, of the Eastern Panhandle. A lot of people, even a lot of people in different parts of West Virginia, don't know that we have a tremendous apple harvest,"" Manchin said. With the backdrop of New York City scenery and the constant flash of camera lights, it was no surprise that ""The Big Apple"" was this year's gala theme. Yet, the gala remained true to the Mountain State, as guests toasted their glasses above apple-stuffed bouquets. In fact, tradition was alive and well with long-standing participants eager to share the importance of the Royal Gala and its role within the annual MSAHF. Lauren McKenzie Linton, last year's Queen Pomona XXXIV, said she was humbled to carry on the tradition with her court. ""I loved being able to promote the apple industry,"" Linton said. ""I've learned that it's not just one person's job, it's everyone's job,"" she said. Linton said one girl even referred to her as the ""Apple Lady"" during the promotion of the agricultural history throughout area schools. But it wasn't just about being crowned Queen Pomona for Linton. Linton said she learned much about herself within the past year. ""When you wear a crown, you have to remember that everyone is watching and counting on you. You become a role model,"" Linton said. Linton passed the crown on to this year's new Queen Pomona XXXV, Madison Paige Smallwood, during the annual celebration. No stranger to knowing the responsibilities that come along with being Queen Pomona, Smallwood said she has had her eye on the crown since the sixth grade when she was a maid on the court. ""Since then it has been my goal. ... This is such a great honor and I'm so humbled,"" Smallwood said. In the race for the crown, Smallwood studied the history of the local agriculture and its importance within the Eastern Panhandle. However, Smallwood was the not the only member of her family to participate in the annual MSAHF. Smallwood's mother, Christal, said the yearly festival has been a family tradition for years. ""My grandmother was involved in making the first quilt,"" Christal said. Since then, Christal said her family has worked hard to become participants in the annual festival. Events for the MSAHF will continue throughout the weekend. More information about the festival, including a schedule of events, is available at www.msahf.com.   By:  Chelsea DeMello 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=695,Rep. McKinley Highlights American Energy Abundance,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"The abundance of natural gas in our region can transform America's economy and pave the way for a renaissance in manufacturing, said McKinley. ""We just need to make sure we don't get in the way."" share: f t This afternoon Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) highlighted the potential for economic growth in the region as a result of the Marcellus and Utica Shale in remarks to a crowd of manufacturers and natural gas industry leaders. The abundance of natural gas in our region can transform America's economy and pave the way for a renaissance in manufacturing, said McKinley. We just need to make sure we don't get in the way. The prospect of thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and lower energy prices should be something we embrace, said McKinley. Unfortunately, there are some in Washington who want to impede this progress. McKinley discussed several challenges facing the natural gas industry, including scare tactics about hydraulic fracturing, delays in permitting for pipeline infrastructure, and efforts to stop the export of LNG. We are sitting on top of the second largest natural gas field in the world, which has the potential to provide a competitive advantage to American manufacturers and attract huge investments like ethane crackers, added McKinley. We need to be vigilant and stop actions that would derail it. The House has passed several bills to spur natural gas production, including: The Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728), which would prevent duplicative federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing on public lands in states that already have regulations in place. The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900) which streamlines the permitting process for pipelines. The Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act (H.R. 6), which would expedite the approval of LNG export facilities. The Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference was held in Canonsburg, PA and included speakers from industry, government and academia. McKinley spoke on a panel with fellow Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141016235722/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2720,"Marcellus gas production anticipated to increase, lead the nation in November",2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The U.S. Energy Information Administration's Drilling Productivity Report, released Oct. 14, revealed that the Marcellus Shale play is anticipated to produce more gas than other reported regions in November. The Marcellus region is expected to produce 16,045 million cubic feet of gas per day in November 2014, reflecting a 217 mcf/day increase from October, making it both the highest-producing region among the Utica, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Niobrara and Permian basins. New-well gas production per rig is anticipated to increase across all regions between October and November 2014, with the Marcellus and Utica seeing potential increases of 39 thousand cubic feet per day and 114 tcf/day, respectively. The Marcellus play has the highest expected production in November over all the other regions, at 7,946 tcf/day. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141016235758/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2719,The energy renaissance,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Forty years ago, the United States was thrown into a panic by the Arab Oil Embargo. OPEC’s decision to stop oil exports to the U.S. in response to our support of Israel during its war with Arab nations triggered lines and shortages at gasoline stations and revealed the U.S. economy’s dependence on foreign oil. Experts predicted we would run out of reachable reserves of natural gas within just a few years. America faced an energy crisis and on April 18, 1977, President Jimmy Carter confronted the nation with what was the hard truth of the day. “The oil and natural gas we rely on for 75 percent of our energy are running out,” the President somberly intoned in a speech to the nation. “Unless profound changes are made to lower oil consumption, we now believe that early in the 1980’s the world will be demanding more oil than it can produce.” To read more, 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=86fa442b-9716-4620-b09a-baef114e0a4e,Byrd inspires current members of Congress to curb presidential power | Charleston Gazette,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 14, 2014 Byrd inspires current members of Congress to curb presidential power | Charleston Gazette A lifelong defender of the “separation of powers” between the three branches of American government, the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd believed the Senate had to stop any president from usurping its role in determining policies — especially policies leading to military invasions and wars. “Every West Virginian who has paid attention to the political process over the last half century knows that, if you violated the Constitution, you would have the wrath of Robert Byrd,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who now holds the seat that was Byrd’s between 1959 and 2010. Between 1993 and 2000, Byrd vigorously opposed some of President Bill Clinton’s key political goals, among them the “line-item veto,” which would allow presidents to strike out any line from any legislation Congress passed. Byrd won that fight against his fellow Democrat. In 2002, Byrd opposed the Iraq war resolution backed by President George W. Bush. Byrd believed that resolution, which passed the Senate 77-23, unconstitutionally shifted more power away from Congress. Now, some members of Congress believe President Obama is misusing authority that was granted to Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorist attacks to go after militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (the group also known as ISIS or Islamic State). “I have more admiration for Senator Byrd today than I had when he was in the Senate, now that I am sitting here myself,” Manchin said last week. With one dissenter, Congress passed the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force three days after the al-Qaida attacks. It authorized Bush and subsequent presidents to use “necessary and appropriate” force against anyone involved in the attacks. “I believe we need to come back and repeal that,” Manchin said. White House officials have said the Obama administration’s legal reasoning for military action against ISIL stems from the 2001 authorization from Congress. “Under George Bush’s AUMF, the White House thinks they have all the approval they need from Congress. I believe that is wrong,” Manchin said. “Byrd would be standing with 10 feet of constitutional books arguing against this.” Other members of the Senate feel the same. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. and longtime supporter of Obama, had “a spirited discussion” with him earlier this year about the need to get congressional approval before going to war against ISIL, The New York Times reported last week. “Senator Tim Kaine is adamant that the president needs to come back to Congress to get reauthorization,” Manchin said. “I truly believe the president needs to make his case to get involved in Syria, before getting involved in a civil war that could last for years.” Asked if he believes the president needs congressional authority for his actions against ISIL, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., emphasized the dangers posed by the group. “ISIL is a cowardly but dangerous enemy, a practitioner of heinous acts of brutality. The group poses a very real threat, not only to U.S. personnel and facilities in the region, but also to the stability of the Middle East as a whole. If ISIL goes unchecked, they have the potential to launch attacks directly at the United States. Their campaign of terror must end,” Rockefeller said. “With that goal in mind, the president has begun to take steps to degrade ISIL through powerful airstrikes. However, those airstrikes alone will not be sufficient to truly destroy ISIL, and this will not be a quick or easy operation. These realities will force many hard decisions in the months ahead.” Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., has served in the House of Representatives for nearly 40 years, and often cites Byrd as his mentor and primary influence. “Senator Byrd taught us to look to the Constitution in times of war. He taught us that open and transparent debates would keep our nation true to its values and principles,” said Rahall, who voted for the 2001 AUMF after the al-Qaida attacks but against the 2002 Iraq war resolution giving Bush increased powers to wage war. Rockefeller voted for the 2001 AUMF and the 2002 Iraq war resolution. He called the 2002 vote “one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my [then] 18 years in the Senate.” David Corbin, a Byrd biographer and member of the senator’s staff for 26 years, said, “Byrd was a firm believer in Congress as part of the three branches of power. Congress was equal to the president. “Before you commit combat troops on the ground, it should be subjected to congressional oversight. Byrd was a firm believer that only Congress has the right to declare war,” Corbin said. In February 2003, Byrd delivered a moving speech criticizing the Senate for failing to block the shift of war powers to the president. “There is no debate, no discussion, no attempt to lay out for the nation the pros and cons of this particular war,” Byrd said. “We stand passively mute in the United States Senate, paralyzed by our own uncertainty, seemingly stunned by the sheer turmoil of events.” Corbin wrote, “To Byrd, Bush was attempting to disrupt, if not destroy, the system of checks and balances that America’s founding fathers established.” Byrd and Obama became friends after Obama joined the Senate in 2004, and Obama headlined the West Virginia Democratic Party’s annual fundraiser in 2006, during Byrd’s last re-election campaign. However, less than a month after Obama took office, Byrd criticized his decision to appoint administrative “czars” who did not have to win Senate approval to oversee federal agencies. Rahall said he believes Congress will have an opportunity to examine part of the president’s Middle East strategy — the training and arming of Syrian rebels — soon. The House resolution granting Obama the authority to train Syrian rebels expires in December, Rahall said, giving “Congress and the American people another opportunity to take a look at the situation.” Manchin said. “I can only imagine if Robert C. Byrd were still here and what we would hear from him. I was one of the few Democrats who said I do not think we should be arming and training people who we don’t know what side of the fence they will be on. The weapons we give them will be used against us, sooner or later. “Leaders have been warned for centuries that this is an area, because of deep sectarian and religious differences, that will not be changed in a reasonable manner or through force. “They want to drag us into another civil war in Syria. Bashar al-Assad is a barbarian dictator who has committed genocide on his own people. In that part of the world, Saddam Hussein did the same in Iraq, as did Moammar Kadafi in Libya.” Highly critical of Assad, Manchin expressed frustration that the United States has received no commitments for help from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey or the United Arab Emirates. “Robert C. Byrd would say. ‘When it comes time to be using our resources and our military might in a war, you need the approval of Congress,’” Manchin said. “That is where I stand and that is where Robert C. Byrd would be.”   By:  Paul Nyden",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2986adc8-c6a0-43bb-ac5c-f05b812ddb5c,Manchin Statement on the Passing of Oce Smith,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 14, 2014 Manchin Statement on the Passing of Oce Smith Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the passing of Oce Smith, former Sergeant-At-Arms for the West Virginia House of Delegates. “Oce Smith was a trusted, dear friend not only to me, but to all who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout his four and a half decades of public service. Oce became a life-long friend to all members of the House of Delegates and he will truly be missed throughout West Virginia. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.” ###   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=46a6cf89-609e-4a44-911e-316367af2cd3,Senator Manchin Visits Rhode Island to Tour Coastal Areas and Discuss Climate Policy,2014-10-10,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 10, 2014 Senator Manchin Visits Rhode Island to Tour Coastal Areas and Discuss Climate Policy Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) traveled to coastal areas of Rhode Island with his colleague, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), to learn more about the effects climate change has on the Rhode Island shoreline. The trip was planned as a part of the Senators’ ongoing discussions about the need for meaningful conversations that lead to real solutions on combatting the adverse effects of climate change while also developing the technology necessary to produce affordable and reliable electricity that meets our nation’s growing energy needs.  Senators Manchin and Whitehouse visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tide Gauge in Newport, where the rise in sea-level has been measured for decades; toured BioProcess Algae, a local business that coverts carbon pollution into products such as animal feed and biodiesel; participated in a fish trawl survey on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s research vessel; met with representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing community to learn about how changes in ocean conditions affect fish populations; and attended a climate change briefing by local experts from the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council. “I am pleased that Senator Whitehouse and I have continued these important discussions about how we can establish an all-of-the-above energy policy that acknowledges the reality of climate change, while also understanding that fossil fuels – including coal – will be a vital part of our energy mix for decades to come,” Senator Manchin said. “It has been a pleasure to travel around Rhode Island’s beautiful coastline and meet with the great people of Rhode Island today. Working together, I hope that we can find that balance and show not only America, but the world, that we can look past our differences to better this planet now and for future generations.” “America is still a beacon to the world, because we have the ability to work through disagreements to common ground, on a shared platform of fact,” Whitehouse said. “With the commitment of serious leaders like Sen. Manchin, I am confident that we can move forward on this issue in a way that preserves the economy and quality of life in West Virginia, in Rhode Island, and for all Americans. I thank him for joining me today in Rhode Island and I look forward to visiting West Virginia."" Senator Whitehouse will travel to West Virginia on October 22. Details of the upcoming trip will be available soon. Senators Manchin and Whitehouse have also agreed to work on legislation to ensure that the Department of Energy’s available $8 billion in loan guarantees and $1.7 billion in available advanced fossil grants are used to invest in innovative technologies, including clean coal and natural gas technologies, to guarantee our energy supply remains accessible, affordable and reliable for all Americans. To view photos of Senator Manchin’s trip to Rhode Island, please visit his website 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=307,McKinley Meets with Business Leaders in Northern Panhandle to Discuss Job Creation,2014-10-07,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Driving up and down the Ohio River you see just how hard our area has been hit by the decline of steel and manufacturing, said McKinley. ""The loss of jobs due to unfair foreign competition, excessive regulations, and other factors has hurt communities like Weirton, Follansbee, and Newell."" share: f t This morning in Weirton, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.V.) joined with local business leaders to discuss the future of manufacturing in the Ohio River Valley. Driving up and down the Ohio River you see just how hard our area has been hit by the decline of steel and manufacturing, said McKinley. The loss of jobs due to unfair foreign competition, excessive regulations, and other factors has hurt communities like Weirton, Follansbee, and Newell. We have a responsibility to protect the jobs we already have and find areas where manufacturers can grow and create jobs, added McKinley. The roundtable meeting included representatives from local businesses including Coil Slitting International, Ergon, ArcelorMittal, and Wheeling Nisshin, as well as leaders from the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brooke-Hancock Business Development Corporation. The discussion covered a wide range of topics including workforce development, infrastructure, burdensome regulations, health care, and taxes. It's important to listen to the challenges these businesses are facing and find ways to help them, said McKinley. We don't have all the answers in Washington. We are able to take ideas from meetings like this one and take action. With low cost energy, an ideal geographic location, and a skilled workforce, West Virginia can once again be a center of manufacturing and create good-paying jobs, said McKinley. I look forward to working together with business leaders to make this happen. McKinley has introduced and sponsored several bills and amendments to help revitalize manufacturing including: The Manufacturing Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 1522), which would provide a tax credit for companies that acquire, invest, and create jobs in empty manufacturing facilities. The American Manufacturing and Worker Protection Act (H.R. 4322), which provides money to companies and employees who lost jobs and wages due to unfair foreign competition. The Economic Recovery On-the-Job Training Act (H.R. 3524) which would direct money for job training in economically disadvantaged areas. An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill to help small companies fight unfair trade at the International Trade Commission; and The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (H.R. 2996) which was sponsored by McKinley and passed the House in September. This bill would create regional manufacturing hubs where manufacturers, colleges and universities can partner to ensure workers have necessary skills and create a center for research and development. McKinley is also a member of the House Manufacturing Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=db506936-7e9d-46ef-9b6d-73b39630d06d,Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program,2014-10-07,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 07, 2014 Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program Top youth volunteers will receive a cash prize, engraved medallions and a trip to Washington, D.C. for the national recognition events Application deadline is November 4 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today encouraged West Virginia students in grades 5-12 who have been involved in volunteer community service to apply for the 20th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. The program will present awards to recognize the students’ dedication and contributions to their community on the local, state and national level. Students chosen to be state honorees will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C. on May 2-5, 2015 for the national recognition events. The application deadline is November 4.  “I have always said that West Virginians of all ages understand the importance of serving the community and helping their neighbors,” Senator Manchin said. “There are so many young West Virginians across our state who are making a difference by helping others, and I encourage them to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Awards Program. This is a unique opportunity for our youth volunteers to be recognized and rewarded for their outstanding contributions to their communities.” To apply, students must submit an online application and have it certified by their school principals, the Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program recognizes middle and high school students annually for their volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 and has recognized over 100,000 students since, making it is the nations’ largest youth recognition program. It is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). For an informational flyer on the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, please click here. To apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, please click here. Paper application forms can be requested by calling 877-525-8491. ### 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=662,Rep. McKinley Announces $1 Million Grant to Fight Methamphetamine Trade in West Virginia,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Communities across West Virginia are feeling the impacts of methamphetamine abuse and the criminals who make and sell the drug, said McKinley. ""Methamphetamine is destroying lives and tearing families apart."" share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) announced today that West Virginia received $1 million in grant funding for the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the largest award given this year. The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) CAMP grant is a competitive grant program designed to directly fund state law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine Communities across West Virginia are feeling the impacts of methamphetamine abuse and the criminals who make and sell the drug, said McKinley. Methamphetamine is destroying lives and tearing families apart. This funding will provide law enforcement with much needed resources to counteract this blight on our communities, added McKinley. We need to use all the resources at our disposal to take criminals off our streets and disrupt the flow of drugs. CAMP funding grants last two years, and can be used for activities such as locating methamphetamine laboratories and investigating traffickers. Previously, McKinley helped Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, and Harrison Counties receive High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) designations to combat drug trafficking.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009234541/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2714,W.Va. receives grant for wetlands assessment,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing a $700,000 grant to West Virginia to develop a protocol for assessing impacts to wetlands. The EPA says the Division of Natural Resources also will use the funding to evaluate the success of mitigating impacts to wetlands and to evaluate wetland status statewide. The DNR is among six grant recipients in five states. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009234544/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2713,County schools eyeing program to reduce truancy issues,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Harrison County Schools superintendent wants to implement a truancy diversion program and provide more resources to improve attendance rates. The county has a 97.5 percent attendance rate and, as of Sept. 22, there were nearly 400 students truant out of about 10,950 students, according to Attendance Director James Kirby. The state Department of Education considers any student who has five or more unexcused absences truant. That means earlier intervention is necessary at home, school and the county level, Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin said. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009234549/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2712,Alpha Natural shuttering 3 mines in West Virginia,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Alpha Natural Resources, the world’s third largest supplier of metallurgical coal, said September 26th that it would be shuttering three mines in West Virginia due to sustained weak market conditions and government regulations challenging the Central Appalachian mining industry. The closures will put 261 people out of work. The news has a familiar refrain; more than 20,000 coal miners have lost their jobs since 2011. But coal mining jobs have been disappearing for more than 30 years. As of March 2014, there were around 79,000 jobs in coal mining in the United States, 8.3% fewer than a year earlier. To read more, 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=0f194cb7-7a6f-4321-a019-0fac262f3830,Giving them a warm welcome | Times West Virginian,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 06, 2014 Giving them a warm welcome | Times West Virginian FAIRMONT — Today, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin welcomed 46 senior business executives from Japan to the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport during part of the executives’ 10-day nationwide tour. But there’s a reason the executives decided to stop in West Virginia. The relationship between Japan and West Virginia was started many years ago thanks to Sen. Rockefeller, who said Japan was a passion of both his mother and father’s, who visited Japan each year for the last 30 years of their lives. When Rockefeller became governor of West Virginia, he developed a desire for the state to have a close relationship with Japan. He insisted working with Nagoya, Japan, because that’s where business was taking place. He knew the task wouldn’t be easy, but Rockefeller refused to back down from a challenge. In 1989, a trade office began between Japan and West Virginia, and ever since then the relationship has been beneficial to both West Virginia and Japan’s economies. There are 20 Japanese companies in West Virginia that support 2,500 employees. Perhaps the most well-known company that has come to West Virginia through this partnership is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, which came to West Virginia in 1996 when it built its main headquarters in Buffalo.   By:  Angelee Wiley 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=bbf84cc5-4364-4afc-9a94-5bd0430cd982,New Coast Guard facility opens in Jefferson | Shepherdstown Chronicle,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 03, 2014 New Coast Guard facility opens in Jefferson | Shepherdstown Chronicle Jefferson County became the official home to the Coast Guard Operation Center as officials gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kearneysville. Among the dignitaries present were Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who both praised the Coast Guard for their service and touted the advantages for both the USCG and West Virginia and Jefferson County's economic development. The new facility, located in the Burr Business Park is a 40,000 square foot building that has helped the USCG combine three facilities into two. At a cost of approximately $13 million to construct, the center currently houses 292 employees and will top 300 government and contact employees at capacity. Thomas Michelli, Deputy Assistant Commander for C4IT and Deputy Chief Information Office, USCG, addressed spectators at Monday's ceremony explaining that the new location is the preliminary data center for the Coast Guard. The functions of those employed there will enhance the effectiveness of the Coast Guard as a whole, he said. ""We look forward to delivering more for the nation at this facility,"" Michelli said. Manchin commended the Coast Guard for seeing the potential of locating in the Eastern Panhandle. ""The Coast Guard has seen the value of locating here, the quality of life, the economy, the proximity to D.C. And the cost effectiveness. It speaks volumes to have this expansion here,"" Manchin said. Manchin went on to say that it is the role of every citizen to support America's service personnel despite their opinions on policy. ' ""Our support of military personnel goes unquestioned,"" he said as he commended the Coast Guard for their work in the first line defense of the nation. Capito echoed those sentiments as she talked of the highly skilled technical jobs now housed in this new business location in Jefferson County. The Congresswoman commented on the potential partnership between Shepherd University and the potential for college graduates to gain employment in the skilled workforce. ""This bodes will for things in the future,"" Capito sai.d ""Jobs will grow here."" Jefferson County Development Authority Director John Reisenweber explained that the project was put on the fast track within the county's planning offices. August 2013 saw the closing on the land and the building was finished in April of this year, he said. He went on to say that the expansion of the OSC center will add to the needed technological support the OSC provides to USCG operations as a whole. ""We are so pleased to have them here in Jefferson County,"" Reisenweber said. In addition to Manchin and Capito, greetings were presented from the offices of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, neither of whom were able to attend Monday's event.   By:  Toni Milbourne 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=728,Rep. McKinley Pushes for American Innovation on Energy,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"The focus in Washington is too often on the issues that divide us, not those that pull us together as a nation, said McKinley. ""We need to move beyond the partisanship and work together to make energy efficiency a priority."" share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) discussed the future of energy efficiency in a speech today to the World Energy Engineering Congress. He cited efficiency as an area where bipartisan compromise is possible. The focus in Washington is too often on the issues that divide us, not those that pull us together as a nation, said McKinley. We need to move beyond the partisanship and work together to make energy efficiency a priority. McKinley was invited to address the conference based on his leadership on energy efficiency issues in Congress. He has introduced three bipartisan bills dealing with energy efficiency, including the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2014, which passed the House earlier this year. He also serves as co-chair of the High Performance Buildings Caucus. In his remarks, McKinley focused on several areas to increase efficiency, reduce energy use, and save money, including building construction and energy production. He noted that countries like China and Japan are devoting resources to study efficiency that far outpace the United States. America is losing its position as a global center of innovation, said McKinley. America used to be a place where companies came to do research and development. Now other countries are catching up. In this quest for efficiency, America can regain its preeminent role as a center of innovation. After his formal remarks McKinley took questions for the audience covering a wide range of topics from the future of coal, to providing electricity to Africa, to the best ways to encourage bipartisanship. For the last 238 years people across the world have turned to America for leadership, said McKinley. We're an exceptional country that has produced great innovations. Congress needs to prove to the American people that we haven't lost that edge. We need to find issues like energy efficiency where we can find common ground. The World Energy Engineering Congress is hosted by the Association of Energy Engineers and draws hundreds of leaders in the energy field. Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote speech at the conference earlier today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9aa006af-7cab-4c33-8aec-e371490e6c4d,"Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $600,000 for Critical Water Infrastructure Project",2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 02, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce $600,000 for Critical Water Infrastructure Project Funding will help provide a safe and reliable new water source for 23 new households in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties and for the students and staff at the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced that a total of $600,000 has been awarded to the Gilmer County Public Service District (PSD) for the Route 5 and Hattie Road Water System Extension Project. By installing 20,800 feet of new waterline to the existing system along West Virginia Route 5 and Hattie Road, the project aims to provide 23 new households in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties with a safe and reliable new water supply. The new waterline will also provide water service to the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center. “Having access to safe and reliable water is critical to the wellbeing of our residents and the prosperity of our businesses, schools and economy,” Senator Manchin said. “By extending the water line system in Calhoun and Gilmer Counties, this project will help enhance the quality of life in the community, guarantee improved water service to West Virginia families and promote success and development at the Calhoun-Gilmer Technical Career Center.” “This project is great news for Calhoun and Gilmer County – not only will this funding improve the well-being of residents, it will also stimulate the local economy,” said Rockefeller. “Clean water is a vital to the health and safety of our communities and installing new water line will go a long way in making sure West Virginians get the clean water they deserve.” The $600,000 in funding includes a $390,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC), $160,000 in funds from West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council and $50,000 in local funds. ###   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235235/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2707,First Ebola Case In U.S.,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A patient at a Dallas hospital has tested positive for Ebola, the first case of the disease to be diagnosed in the United States, federal health officials announced Tuesday. The patient was in isolation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, which had announced a day earlier that the person's symptoms and recent travel indicated a possible case of Ebola, the virus that has killed more than 3,000 people across West Africa and infected a handful of Americans who have traveled to that region. The person, an adult who was not publicly identified, developed symptoms days after returning to Texas from Liberia and showed no symptoms on the plane, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235239/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2706,New incinerator helps fight prescription drug abuse in WV,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Nearly 2.5 tons of prescription drugs were collected across West Virginia as part of National Drug Takeback Day. On Sept. 30, sheriff's deputies, West Virginia State Police Troopers and U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin gathered at the Putnam County Courthouse to unveil a new mobile incinerator that will destroy those pills. “What I see is lives saved,” said Goodwin. “You know we lead the nation in drug overdose deaths.” To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235331/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2705,Secret Service,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is absolutely correct in questioning the competence - and honesty - of the agency charged with protecting our nation's leaders. When holes began to appear in the Secret Service's story about a White House intruder, it was clear the men and women who are supposed to protect the life of the president of the United States continue not to take that job very seriously. After a fence-jumper made it across the White House lawn Sept. 19, the public was told he had been apprehended just inside the North Portico doors. That turned out to be a lie. Omar J. Gonzalez actually made it past a guard on the inside, past the staircase that leads to the first family's living quarters, into the East Room and nearly to the Green Room before he was caught. Had he been equipped with a suicide vest, there might not be a White House today. But no need to worry. The public was also told Gonzalez was unarmed. That was also a lie. He was carrying a knife, which could have been deadly, had he found a target. But more troubling, his car was found with 800 rounds of ammunition, underlining the point that Gonzalez could have armed himself with anything - and that his foray into the White House may have served as a test run for others bent on doing more harm. To read more, 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=88419685-39f0-433f-a47f-e92f84481f8a,Manchin Congratulates West Virginias 2014 National Blue Ribbon Honor Schools,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 30, 2014 Manchin Congratulates West Virginia’s 2014 National Blue Ribbon Honor Schools C. W. Shipley Elementary School in Harpers Ferry and Woodsdale Elementary School in Wheeling have been recognized nationally for high levels of achievement among students at all levels Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin congratulated C.W. Shipley Elementary School in Harpers Ferry and Woodsdale Elementary School in Wheeling for being recognized as West Virginia’s National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 based on overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among students. “The students, teachers and families at C.W. Shipley and Woodsdale Elementary Schools have demonstrated their commitment to making sure that all students are achieving academic excellence at the highest level, and therefore have earned this esteemed Blue Ribbon honor,” Senator Manchin said. “At every school across West Virginia, it is crucial that we create an educational environment where our kids are engaged, challenged and given the opportunity to be the best they can possibly be. These two schools have proven to exceed these expectations, and I am proud of their successful efforts to give our young students the necessary support so that they can truly excel and shine. I thank the communities at C.W. Shipley and Woodsdale Elementary for their leadership and dedication to excellence, and I congratulate then on receiving this award.” At the invitation of U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, two representatives from each of the 337 schools selected nationwide are invited to Washington, D.C. for the Recognition Ceremony on November 10th and 11th.  At the ceremony, each school will receive a National Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag. Background: The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards and/or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education selects and celebrates the chosen schools. More than 7,500 schools across the country have been presented with this award. ###   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=663,Rep. McKinley Announces Additional Resources to Combat Drug Trafficking in Harrison County,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Drug abuse and the criminals who facilitate it scar our communities and destroy lives, said McKinley. ""We need to use all the resources at our disposal to take these criminals off our streets and disrupt the drug trade."" share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) announced today that Harrison County has been designated a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), giving the area access to valuable resources to combat the scourge of illegal drugs. Drug abuse and the criminals who facilitate it scar our communities and destroy lives, said McKinley. We need to use all the resources at our disposal to take these criminals off our streets and disrupt the drug trade. The additional funding allocated through the HIDTA program will go a long ways to help us fight this epidemic, McKinley said. The drug task force in Harrison County is ready to use these funds to respond aggressively. Created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the HIDTA program provides assistance to Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to reduce drug trafficking. Previously, McKinley helped Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, and Marshall Counties receive the HIDTA designation. The HIDTA designations in the four counties in the Northern Panhandle have helped law enforcement disrupt and stop drug traffickers, added McKinley. This announcement is a significant step in fighting Harrison County and West Virginia's drug abuse and violent crime problem. For the past months McKinley has worked with the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force to get the HIDTA designation from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, including supporting their application with letters and phone calls. Last week, McKinley met with the Task Force in Bridgeport to discuss their efforts and ways to help support their mission.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b80e58ef-58e1-4230-b40b-9a73b0ea0574,Manchin Applauds Additional Law Enforcement Resources to Fight Drug Trafficking and Abuse in West Virginia,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 29, 2014 Manchin Applauds Additional Law Enforcement Resources to Fight Drug Trafficking and Abuse in West Virginia At Manchin’s urging, Berkeley County and Harrison County have been designated as critical drug-trafficking regions Washington, D.C. – At the strong urging of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announced today that both Berkeley County and Harrison County have been designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA).  These counties will receive additional federal resources to address the influx of drugs and reduce drug abuse. Berkeley and Harrison will join the 17 counties in West Virginia that are currently designated as HIDTAs: Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Hancock, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Ohio, Putnam, Raleigh, Wayne and Wyoming. “The health and safety of our families and communities in West Virginia depend on ending the drug abuse epidemic,” Senator Manchin said. “Not only must we continue to combat our destructive prescription drug problem, but we also must face the growing number of meth labs, heroin overdoses and drug trafficking cases. I will continue to do everything in my power to aggressively curb these trends in our state, and that includes making sure our law enforcement officers in high risk communities have the necessary federal resources to address drug trafficking and abuse. I have every assurance that our local law enforcement officials who are on the frontlines of this fight in Berkeley and Harrison will put these resources to good use.” In urging the ONDCP to designate Berkeley County and Harrison County as HIDTAs, Senator Manchin cited the state’s high drug overdose rate, improper prescribing practices and increased access to heroin. Berkeley County had the highest number of heroin overdose deaths in the state, resulting in 36 deaths between 2007 and 2012. Harrison County’s overdose death rate is 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people, which far exceeds the national average of 13 deaths per 100,000 people. Senator Manchin also emphasized the geographical location of these counties in his request for additional HIDTA resources. He noted that heroin dealers from Baltimore feel comfortable dealing in our Eastern Panhandle counties, and dealers from Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh view North Central, West Virginia as an opportunity to exploit the people of our great state. Senator Manchin believes that our drug task forces need HITDA funds in order to address the influx of drugs from these surrounding metropolitan areas. The HIDTA program currently funds 681 initiatives nationwide, in the areas of enforcement and prosecution, intelligence and information sharing, and drug use prevention and treatment. There are 28 regional HIDTAs coordinating these efforts. Berkeley County is part of the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA and Harrison County falls within the Appalachian HIDTA office. ### 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=f48d5bab-0b5a-4f6e-96ca-4202413f73a8,"Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $569,000 to Support Law Enforcement Jobs in WV",2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 29, 2014 Manchin and Rockefeller Announce More Than $569,000 to Support Law Enforcement Jobs in WV Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced a total of $569,569 for West Virginia law enforcement agencies through the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) to create and preserve law enforcement jobs. The funding will support the hiring or rehiring of law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacities and crime prevention efforts.   “It is critical that our law enforcement agencies in West Virginia have the necessary resources to keep our communities safe, and that begins with having a sufficient force,” Senator Manchin said. “We are so grateful for the sacrifices our law enforcement community makes every day to protect our families, and I am pleased that these funds will directly support the jobs of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve West Virginia.” “Creating and preserving jobs for police officers is good news for communities throughout West Virginia,” Senator Rockefeller said. “I am a longtime supporter of the COPS program because West Virginia families deserve to live in safe neighborhoods and these grants go far toward achieving that goal. I am pleased to see that the cities of Dunbar, Fairmont, Spencer, and Vienna are receiving this funding.” The individual awards are: The City of Fairmont—$250,000 The City of Vienna—$125,000 The Dunbar Police Department—$121,905 The City of Spencer—$72,664  The FY2014 CHP grants will provide75 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time positions or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date. Priority was given to agencies that requested support to hire school resource officers, build trust between the police force and its community, hire military veterans, focus on homicide or gun violence, designate an area as a Promise Zone to enhance economic development, or assist an area that experienced an unanticipated catastrophic event. ###   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=e36b3cd5-946d-4631-a42b-b07443a87005,Land Trust celebrates acquisition of Gauley River tract | Charleston Gazette,2014-09-28,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"September 28, 2014 Land Trust celebrates acquisition of Gauley River tract | Charleston Gazette KESSLER’S CROSS LANES — On a hike down the Pierson Hollow Trail on Friday, Ashton Berdine pointed out three species of ferns, a cluster of towering, 300-plus-year-old hemlocks and three trail-traversing copperheads. Berdine, the lands program manager for the West Virginia Land Trust, was leading a group of hikers into the Trust’s most recent acquisition — a 665-acre tract of Gauley River canyonland wedged between the state-managed Civil War battlefield and the federally owned Gauley River National Recreation Area. As trail began to descend steeply into Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, the roar of the Gauley River rapids filled the air, and the trail passed into the newly-acquired tract. Soon, the Gauley came into view just as a series of rafters and kayakers drifted silently past headed toward the notorious Pillow Rock Rapids, just around the bend. “The Gauley River Canyon is one of those iconic places we try hard to preserve,” Berdine said. In addition to thundering whitewater and tall timber, the newly purchased land — which will eventually be added to the Gauley River National Recreation Area — is home to endangered Indiana and Virginia big-eared bats and seldom-seen eastern hellbender salamanders, which can reach two feet in length and weigh up to five pounds. “There’s a unique river scour zone along the shores where certain plants, like the federally threatened Virginia spiraea, are known to grow,” Berdine said. The new Land Trust acquisition stretches in a narrow band to include nearly six miles of shoreline. It is mostly on the river right, or Carnifex Ferry side of the Gauley, but also encompasses both walls of the canyon downstream from Pillow Rock. Berdine said National Park Service officials consider purchases of such Gauley River National Recreation Area inholdings to be one of the agency’s top priorities east of the Mississippi. “This place gives people a sense of remoteness and wildness,” said Trish Kicklighter, superintendent of the New River Gorge National River. “It is also globally significant, because it will be part of one of the only unfragmented forests in this part of the world.” In addition to providing unbroken habitat for animals living in the park today, “As climate changes occur, animals will have a place to migrate through,” she said. Kicklighter was among speakers taking part in a program celebrating the purchase of the tract and its eventual transfer to the National Park Service. Nearly 100 people took part in the event, held at a viewpoint at Carnifex Ferry overlooking the canyon. Also speaking was Summersville businessman Bill Bright, who had once planned to build a development, “The Retreat at Carnifex Ferry” on the tract. “I’m now glad to keep the land undeveloped and unspoiled for future generations of West Virginians,” Bright told the crowd. “A visit to this place is priceless,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “It’s a place you’ll want to share with family and friends for generations to come.” Manchin said he was more accustomed to viewing the stretch of the Upper Gauley now protected by the Land Trust, from a whitewater raft, “and sometimes from the river itself” after being knocked out of the boat. As many as 60,000 paddlers pass through the stretch of river every year. Manchin then recalled the effort made by Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., to get bipartisan Congressional approval to create the New River Gorge National River and the Gauley River Recreation Area during the Reagan administration, a feat he said was unlikely to happen in today’s era of Congressional contention. “I had to work across party lines and ask Republicans to support my legislation, and make the calls that needed to be made, and they did what I asked for,” Rahall said. “It’s that type of across-the-aisle cooperation we need today.”   By:  Rick Steelhammer Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235334/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2703,EPA's McCarthy: critics of Clean Power Plan 'out of sync',2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Federal EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy says most of the conversation surrounding the proposed Clean Power Plan has been positive although the critics seem to be making a lot of noise. McCarthy spoke about the plan that will require states to reduce their carbon output including making changes to existing coal-fired power plants Thursday at the Resources for the Future Policy Leadership Forum in Washington, DC. McCarthy said critics of the plan are “out of sync” with the conversation. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235338/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2702,"Children Are The Future, Gee Says",2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee is never one to mince words, and Thursday night in Wheeling he asserted that the greatest generation ""is the one we are raising right now."" Before a crowd attending the annual Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce dinner held at Wheeling Park's White Palace, Gee entertained and captivated his audience with funny stories of mistaken identity and the promise to fulfill the expectations and dreams of West Virginians seeking a higher education. He pointed to WVU as an economic engine for the state, and said many of today's inventions were born out of universities and colleges. ""A couple of scientists at WVU and Ohio State figured out horizontal drilling to give us economic efficiency so we don't have to rely on the Middle East,"" Gee said. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141002235342/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2701,NASA's IV&V program major part in MAVEN orbit mission,2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft successfully entered orbit around the “Red Planet” late Sunday. This week, officials with NASA’s Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) program in Fairmont who helped work on the MAVEN mission reflected on the milestone. Charlie Broadwater was the IV&V project manager for the MAVEN mission. To read more, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z