Press Releases
Manchin Recognized For His Avid Support of Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of National Small Business Week, the National Retail Federation (NRF) today recognized Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for his support of small businesses and the U.S. retail industry, the nation's largest private sector employer. Senator Manchin, who has spent his life working as a small businessman, received the "Heroes of Main Street" award for the second consecutive year. "From working in my grandfather's grocery store and my father's furniture shop to starting my … Continue Reading
May 13, 2014
Manchin Statement on Boone County Mine Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement on the fatal mining tragedy that occurred Monday night at Brody No. 1 Mine in Boone County: "My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the families and the loved ones of the tragedy that occurred last night in Boone County. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in sending our deepest condolences to the families of the courageous miners, Eric D. Legg of Twilight and Gary P. Hensley of Chapmanville, whose lives … Continue Reading
May 08, 2014
Manchin, Rockefeller Introduce Legislation to Establish Mother's Day Commemorative Coin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - To honor West Virginia's historic role in creating Mother's Day a century ago, Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today introduced legislation to mint commemorative coins in honor of the 100th Mother's Day. The coin would help fund scientific research into life-threatening diseases that often afflict children, as well as fund osteoporosis research. "Our mothers - and the many other women who have played maternal roles in our lives - raised us, supported us, challenged … Continue Reading
May 08, 2014
Manchin Cosponsors Legislation to Launch Army Force Structure Commission
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he joined a bipartisan group of 18 senators in introducing the National Commission on the Future of the Army Act, which establishes an independent panel responsible for analyzing the major changes to the U.S. Army proposed in the President's budget. As the military continues to downscale with the end of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has proposed a 10 percent reduction in National Guard … Continue Reading
May 08, 2014
ICYMI: Manchin Praises Sylvia Mathews Burwell at Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today delivered remarks during the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the nomination of Sylvia Matthews Burwell, a native of Hinton, West Virginia, to be the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Last month, President Obama nominated Burwell to lead HHS following the resignation of current HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. She currently serves as the Director of the … Continue Reading
May 07, 2014
Manchin, Kirk Urge Banking Committee to Reauthorize Export-Import Bank
Washington, D.C. - As the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today sent a letter to the Committee's Chairman Tim Johnson and Ranking Member Mike Crapo requesting the leaders schedule a vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, whose funding runs out on September 30, 2014. The Subcommittee on National Security and … Continue Reading
May 06, 2014
Manchin Congratulates West Virginia's Top Youth Volunteers
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today congratulated Katie Cowie, 17, of Milton and Olivia Smith, 14, of Belleville, for being selected as West Virginia's state honorees and the top two youth volunteers in the 19th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The nationwide program honors middle school and high school students for their exceptional service to others and their community at the local, state and national levels. "I am proud to congratulate Katie and Olivia … Continue Reading
May 05, 2014
Manchin Participates in NASDAQ Opening Bell Ceremony
May 05, 2014
ICYMI: Manchin Participates in NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bill Ceremony
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today visited the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square and participated in the Opening Bell Ceremony. To watch the video, please click here. To view photos of the ceremony, please click here. … Continue Reading
May 02, 2014
Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Significant Funding Awards for Rural Health Centers Across West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced more than $3 million in federal funding for three community health centers, located in rural or underserved areas in West Virginia, to help with operational costs and to ensure continuity in providing preventive care services. "It is incredibly important that all West Virginians, including those living in rural communities, have access to quality preventative and primary health care," Manchin said. "With this funding, … Continue Reading
May 02, 2014
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Southern West Virginia Head Start Program
BECKLEY, W.Va. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Friday announced Head Start funding for Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia (CASE WV) in Bluefield. "In West Virginia, taking care of our children - and ensuring that we do everything in our power to help them achieve a brighter future - is a top priority," Manchin said. "That's why it is critical to invest in educational opportunities like Head Start. With grants like these, … Continue Reading
May 01, 2014
Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Job-Creating Investments Across State
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced that the Economic Development Administration will provide a total of $210,000 to regional councils around the state to invest in economic development strategies that support job creation. The funding will bring together the public and private sectors to establish a plan to diversify and strengthen regional economies. "Bringing together our public and private sectors is important to helping boost … Continue Reading
April 30, 2014
Manchin Statement on Minimum Wage Vote
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after the Senate failed to pass legislation that would increase the national minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour. "I am disappointed that the Senate failed to pass an increase in the minimum wage," Senator Manchin said. "This bill would cut the number of Americans enrolled in SNAP by more than 3 million and save taxpayers almost $4.6 billion. We can all agree that Americans who work hard … Continue Reading
April 30, 2014
Senators Manchin and Burr Introduce 'No Bonuses for Tax Cheats Act'
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the No Bonuses for Tax Cheats Act. This legislation is in response to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) report, which brought to light the $2.8 million in bonuses that the IRS gave to employees who were delinquent on their taxes or who had committed serious misconduct, including fraud and drug use. The No Bonuses for Tax Cheats Act would bar the IRS from paying out bonuses … Continue Reading
April 29, 2014
Manchin Urges West Virginians to Apply for Program to Train Laid-Off Workers
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.) today encouraged West Virginians to apply for the Job-Driven (JD) National Emergency Grants (NEGs) program, a new initiative under the U.S. Department of Labor that will allocate $150 million in funding to states to train laid-off workers for available jobs. Funding will also be used to provide services, such as coaching, counseling and direct job placement that help connect laid-off workers, including the long-term unemployed, with jobs. The … Continue Reading
April 29, 2014
Manchin Submits Formal Recommendation to Reschedule Hydrocodone During DEA Comment Period
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) submitted a public comment to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) encouraging the agency to reschedule hydrocodone-combination drugs, which are found in highly addictive painkillers like Vicodin and Lortab, from a Schedule III to a Schedule II controlled substance. The DEA is the lead federal agency in enforcing narcotics and controlled substances laws and regulations, however, before any proposed rule such as rescheduling … Continue Reading
April 24, 2014
Manchin Statement on Patriot Coal Layoffs in Boone County
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement after Patriot Coal issued WARN Act notices to mining complexes in Boone County and announced potential layoffs: "Patriot Coal's announcement to lay off at least 100 miners is terribly disappointing for not only the hardworking miners in Boone County, but also for the entire southern region of our great state, where thousands of individuals will be directly and indirectly impacted. By mining the coal … Continue Reading
April 24, 2014
Manchin Applauds Launch of Online One-Stop-Shop Jobs Portal to Help Employ Veterans
Washington, D.C. - After working with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Labor for more than two years, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today applauded the launch of the Veterans Employment Center, an idea Senator Manchin initiated in 2012. This new online database system provides veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with the tools they need to connect to employers. This one-stop-shop Internet portal is the first interagency tool to provide public and … Continue Reading
April 23, 2014
Manchin to IRS Commissioner: No Taxes, No Bonuses
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner John Koskinen demanding immediate action to rescind bonuses given to IRS employees who have serious federal tax issues. According to a recent Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's report, between October 2010 and December 2012, more than 1,100 IRS tax-delinquent employees received an excess of $1 million in cash bonuses and 10,000 hours in time-off … Continue Reading
April 23, 2014
Manchin Urges West Virginians to Participate in 8th National Drug Take Back Day
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today encouraged West Virginians to participate in the eighth National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the event, local law enforcement officials will anonymously collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications at locations around the state with no questions asked. "By participating in opportunities like Drug Take Back Day, which have had tremendous … Continue Reading