April 26, 2011

Manchin Announces Support for Two Commonsense Measures to Rein In Federal Spending

Manchin Backs Spending Cap, Balanced Budget Amendment - Calls on Members of Congress to Work Together to Develop a Responsible Debt Fix That Keeps Our Promises to Seniors

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today kicked off “Commonsense Solutions” Week by announcing his support for two commonsense measures to control federal spending: the Corker-McCaskill CAP Act to “cap and cut” federal spending and the Udall-Shelby Balanced Budget Amendment.

In remarks delivered to residents in South Charleston, Senator Manchin spoke to West Virginians and outlined why exploding debt represents a threat to their families and the nation, and how these two commonsense solutions offer a good starting point and framework for reining in the nation's exploding spending, deficits and debts. 

“Left unchecked, our exploding national debt will paralyze this nation. It will cost us countless jobs. It will strangle our ability to invest in vital priorities like energy, our children and our communities. It will weaken our national defense and it will derail critical programs like Social Security and Medicare," Senator Manchin said.

During the event Manchin also called on all Republicans and Democrats to put aside partisan attacks and proposals and face the fact that they must work together to develop a responsible debt fix that cuts our spending and keeps our promises to seniors by protecting Social Security and Medicare.

“I believe that both the CAP Act and Balanced Budget Amendment offer a good framework for a bipartisan debt fix, but let me be clear that one of my top priorities will be to make sure that any debt fix keeps our promises to seniors and protects Social Security and Medicare,” Senator Manchin said.  

Today's announcement follows Senator Manchin’s previous opposition to raising the debt ceiling unless it is tied to a debt fix plan to put America’s fiscal house in order 

During the remainder of the week, Senator Manchin will travel to nine counties around the state to announce additional commonsense solutions to the major problems facing West Virginians and all Americans.  

A public schedule follows.  

Background information on the CAP Act and the Balanced Budget Amendment is attached. 


TUESDAY, April 26 

Visit Summers County Courthouse

When: 1:15 p.m. 

Where: Summers County Courthouse, Circuit Courtroom, Second Floor, 120 Ballengee Street, Hinton 

What: Senator Manchin will visit with residents and local officials at the Summers County Courthouse. 

Visit Monroe County Courthouse 

When: 3:30 p.m. 

Where: Monroe County Courthouse, Circuit Courtroom, Second Floor, 216 Main Street, Union 

What: Senator Manchin will visit with residents and local officials at the Monroe County Courthouse.

Town hall meeting

When: 6 p.m. 

Where: Bluefield State College, Herbert Gallery in the Harris-Jefferson Student Center, 219 Rock Street, Bluefield 

What: Senator Manchin will host a town hall meeting.  

 

WEDNESDAY, April 27

Introduction of national drug abuse prevention legislation

When: 10:30 a.m. 

Where: Cabell Huntington Hospital, 1340 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington 

What: Senator Manchin will introduce legislation to prevent substance abuse and keep West Virginia youth safe.  

Visit to Marshall University 

When: 4 p.m. 

Where: Marshall University, Smith Hall (1 John Marshall Drive), Room 333, Huntington 

What: Senator Manchin speaks with students at Marshall University 


THURSDAY, April 28

2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference 

When: 9:30 a.m.  

Where: Waterfront Place Hotel, 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown 

What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference and unveil new jobs legislation. 

2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting 

When: 11 a.m.  

Where: Lakeview Golf Resort, One Lakeview Drive, Morgantown

What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting and discuss his jobs legislation. 

Visit IBM and Speak with Staff 

When: 2 p.m.   

Where: IBM Hilltop Office Complex, Building 200 (Allegany Ballistics Laboratory), Cafeteria, 310 State Route 956, north of Keyser

What: Senator Manchin will visit IBM, speak with staff and hold a media event to discuss jobs in the area. 

 

FRIDAY, April 29

Coffee and Common Sense 

When: 9 a.m.   

Where: Becky’s Café, Route 26 Tunnelton Street, Kingwood 

What: Senator Manchin will host “Coffee and Common Sense” with local residents. 

 

SATURDAY, April 30

Coffee and Common Sense 

When: 9:30 a.m.   

Where: Jerry’s Restaurant, 242 Barrett Street, Grafton  

What: Senator Manchin will host “Coffee and Common Sense” with local residents. 

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