Press Releases
Manchin Questions Afghan, Iraq Commission About U.S. War Commitments
Washington, D.C. -- In a Senate hearing today about spending and waste in foreign wars, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) questioned why the United States is Afghanistan's largest employer and expressed his disbelief that anyone could call the U.S. efforts anything other than nation-building. "The American people should be truly appalled that the United States is the largest employer in Afghanistan, that we build more roads and bridges and schools there than anyone else and that some … Continue Reading
October 19, 2011
Manchin Statement on 3.6 Percent Cola Increase
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase announced today for Social Security recipients in 2012. "Keeping our promises to seniors is one of the most important priorities for our government, and I was pleased today to learn that our seniors who have sacrificed so much for this country will get a fair cost-of-living increase. Especially in this tough economy, when it's only gotten more expensive to buy … Continue Reading
October 18, 2011
Rockefeller, Manchin, Rahall Say Techconnect WV Funding Will Help Lay the Foundation for High-Paying Jobs in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, (all D-WV) today announced that TechConnectWV has received $250,000 in funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) that will help to diversify West Virginia's economy, and create high-wage jobs. TechConnectWV's proposal is aimed at heightening the need for technology-based economic development and providing direct assistance to startup firms and entrepreneurs - soft … Continue Reading
October 18, 2011
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Nearly $3.15M for Rural Development Projects
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced nearly $3.15 million in funding for rural development projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will extend electricity lines, help farmers increase their energy efficiency and assist local businesses expand across areas of West Virginia. "As families tighten their belt buckles, it is important to make sure our West Virginia small businesses, especially in our most rural areas, … Continue Reading
October 18, 2011
Manchin to Super Committee: Use the Commonsense Ideas of West Virginians to Reduce Deficit
Washington, D.C. - Highlighting the commonsense ideas he's heard from West Virginians, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) urged members of the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to "go big" and reduce the nation's deficit by $4 trillion to restore confidence and do what is right for the nation's finances. "As all of you know, our nation faces a death spiral of debt. The debt crisis facing our country has reached epic proportions, and as our nation's leaders, we must … Continue Reading
October 17, 2011
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce More Than $3.5M to Improve Parkersburg Transit Facility and Replace Monongalia Co. Buses
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced more than $3.5 million in federal grants to build a new transportation facility in Parkersburg and to replace rundown buses in Monongalia County. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. "Making infrastructure improvements to our transportation facilities is an investment that helps create jobs and boost the economy here in West Virginia and across America," Senator Manchin … Continue Reading
October 13, 2011
Rahall, Rockefeller, Manchin Announce DOT Funding for Tri-State Transit Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.), Thursday announced that the Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) has been awarded a $2.6 million grant for its facility and fleet in Huntington. "Transit is an essential part of any vibrant community's economy, and our state's transportation system is the lifeline for West Virginians, from our most rural communities to our urban city centers," said Rahall, top Democrat on the … Continue Reading
October 13, 2011
Manchin to Deliver Remarks at Funeral of Mike Puskar
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will speak today at the funeral of his dear friend Mike Puskar, who passed away Friday. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown. The full text of his remarks - as prepared for delivery -- are included below. "Only a few people in your lifetime stand out as people of the highest caliber, people who truly care about making the world a better place not only for the present generation, but also for … Continue Reading
October 12, 2011
Manchin Statement Opposing Free Trade Deals
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D.W.Va.) issued the following statement in advance of voting against the Colombia, Panama and Korea free trade agreements in the Senate tonight. "With a jobs crisis in this country, we need to do everything in our power to create jobs here in America - and that starts with keeping the jobs we have, not sending them to other countries," Senator Manchin said. "We have done enough exporting jobs, and it's time to rebuild America. If we want to save … Continue Reading
October 12, 2011
Manchin Discusses Vote to End Filibuster to Improve Jobs Bill and Put Americans Back to Work
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) spoke with West Virginia reporters on a press conference call today to discuss why he voted in favor of debating the jobs bill. Below is the full text of Senator Manchin's remarks, as prepared for delivery. "As you all know, I ran for the Senate to bring commonsense values back to Washington. "Unfortunately, the legislative process in Washington has gotten so dysfunctional that it doesn't make much sense at all. "Instead … Continue Reading
October 12, 2011
E-mail Your Debt Reduction Ideas
cutourdebt@manchin.senate.gov: Senator Manchin is collecting your ideas on cutting the deficit. You can email cutourdebt@manchin.senate.gov. Senator Manchin will use your ideas in a formal letter to the Congressional deficit reduction committee as the committee prepares its … Continue Reading
October 11, 2011
Manchin Votes to Keep Manufacturing Jobs in West Virginia and America
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted tonight for final passage of his bipartisan, commonsense bill to penalize China for manipulating their currency, a practice that experts believe has cost America hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of good-paying jobs in manufacturing. "West Virginia is truly home to some of the hardest working people in the world, and we can compete against anyone - as long as the playing field is fair. The Senate took the right step … Continue Reading
October 11, 2011
Manchin Votes to End Filibuster to Improve Bill and Create American Jobs
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of ending the filibuster on the American Jobs Act. "While it would be easy to vote against this procedural motion, for the sake of our nation taking the right steps to create jobs and make the right investments to rebuild America, I will support the motion to proceed. But let there be no mistake, if this bill does not change, if it is not improved, if it is not more focused on … Continue Reading
October 11, 2011
Rockefeller, Manchin and Delegation Urge USPS to Consider Impact of Proposed Mail Processing Consolidations on WV Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jay Rockefeller today led West Virginia's Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe expressing their strong concerns about the potential mail processing consolidations in West Virginia. The delegation urged USPS to seriously consider the impact that the consolidations would have on jobs, and requested that the USPS consider moving and keeping mail processing operations in West … Continue Reading
October 11, 2011
Rockefeller, Manchin Announce Federal Grant for Shepherd University Nursing Education Program
WASHINGTON, D.C - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced $1,013,781 in federal funding for Shepherd University's Department of Nursing Education which will provide scholarships, academic support services personnel, and faculty and student professional development. "Nurses are the backbone of hospitals throughout West Virginia and the country," said Rockefeller. "This funding will make it possible to train more West Virginians, particularly those from rural areas, to get … Continue Reading
October 08, 2011
Manchin Statement on Passing of Mike Puskar
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the passing of Mike Puskar. "Mike Puskar dedicated his life to help others and to make a real, lasting impact in West Virginia. He had a tremendous heart and a strong sense of giving. Mike truly epitomized the word 'friend' at every level. We can see Mike's handprint everywhere, at West Virginia University, at Mylan Park and in charitable organizations throughout West Virginia that serve those in … Continue Reading
October 07, 2011
Manchin Statement on 10th Anniversary of War in Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement on the 10-year anniversary of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. "The decade since 9/11 has brought dramatic changes to our country and the world we live in, but one thing hasn't changed: the United States of America will bring our enemies to justice and pursue those who would seek to do us harm," Senator Manchin said. "The men and women of our armed forces and the intelligence community, along with their … Continue Reading
October 06, 2011
Rockefeller, Manchin Call on Senate to Quickly Confirm Judge Gina Marie Groh to Federal Bench
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee's passage today of Judge Gina Marie Groh's nomination to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia. They urged the full Senate to quickly confirm her for this position. Rockefeller sent a letter to the White House in March requesting that Judge Groh be nominated for this federal judgeship. This seat has been vacant since the passing of Judge W. Craig … Continue Reading
October 06, 2011
Manchin Statement on Ruling in EPA Lawsuit
**FTP, Pathfire, Audio, Video Available** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D.-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the U.S. District Court's partial summary judgment that the Environmental Protection Agency has overstepped its statutory authority under the Clean Water Act. As Governor, Senator Manchin filed the first lawsuit against the EPA because the agency overreached its authority. "I'm excited to hear that the federal court has ruled in favor of West Virginia - and … Continue Reading
October 06, 2011
Manchin Congratulates WV Angels in Adoption
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) congratulated West Virginia's recipients of the 2011 Angels in Adoption award in his office this week. Nick and Jorun Picciano of Williamstown were honored in the nation's capital for their incredible work with the Children's Home Society of West Virginia that allowed them to first foster and then adopt their son, Josh. "The Piccianos have a wonderful story to tell, and they demonstrate what it means to open your heart and share your … Continue Reading