Manchin Outlines a Bipartisan Path Forward to Solve Country’s Problems
In letter to President and leaders of Congress, Manchin suggests ways for Democrats and Republicans, executive and legislative branches to work together for the good of the American people
Washington, D.C. — On the second day of his “Standing Up for Common Sense” tour, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said the problems facing the country are so challenging that it’s time for all Americans to stand up with him, and the Senator sent a letter to the President and Congressional leaders outlining three steps that will help our elected officials do the right thing and ultimately refocus Democrats and Republicans alike on what the American people elected them to do.
“For the sake of our future, we must take immediate, commonsense steps to rebuild a bipartisan spirit of cooperation that will be critical if we are going to tackle our tough challenges,” Senator Manchin wrote. “This will take a lot of hard work, back-and-forth conversations, patience and a willingness to look beyond party and politics – but now is the right time to do this hard work. So, I am writing to urge each of you to embrace three initiatives that offer all of us a chance to refocus Washington on doing what the American people sent us here to accomplish.”
As a first step, Senator Manchin asked the President and Senate and House leaders to support Democrats and Republicans sitting together at the State of the Union on January 24, and then extend the bipartisan seating to committee meetings. Secondly, Senator Manchin also asked that the President and leaders of Congress build on that momentum to hold a 2012 bipartisan forum to discuss our major challenges and ways to find common ground.
Finally, Senator Manchin suggested that in order to help Congress and the President communicate more often and more effectively, Congress should hold monthly bipartisan caucus meetings and invite the President to participate.
“Looking ahead, I hope we don’t let the politics of an election distract us from our commitment to this nation,” Senator Manchin wrote. “For the sake of our children’s future, we must focus on the next generation, not the next election. And, while these steps will by no means bridge our political divide, they will help begin to restore the trust and confidence in our system that so many Americans have lost.”
Yesterday, Senator Manchin launched a 2-week tour of West Virginia focused on “Standing Up for Common Sense.” Senator Manchin has already held one coffee hour conversation in St. Albans and a town hall in Milton. Throughout the tour, Senator Manchin will take the conversation directly to the people of West Virginia, discussing the immense policy challenges ahead in 2012 and the need to stand up for commonsense ideas that will create jobs, boost the economy, achieve energy independence, protect seniors and rebuild America.
A copy of the letter is attached.
Additional events for this week are included below:
TUESDAY, January 10, 2012
Visit the Webster County Courthouse
When: 1:45 p.m.
Where: Webster County Courthouse, 2 Court Square, Webster Springs
What: Senator Manchin will meet with constituents at the Webster County Courthouse.
WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012
Visit Upper Ohio Valley Family Services
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Upper Ohio Valley Family Service, 51 11th Street, Wheeling
What: Senator Manchin will visit Upper Ohio Valley Family Services.
Host town hall meeting
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Millsop Community Center, Weirton Room, 3420 Main Street, Weirton
What: Senator Manchin will participate in/host a town hall with area residents.
THURSDAY, January 12, 2012
Visit the Harrison County Senior Center
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: 500 West Main Street, Clarksburg
What: Senator Manchin will visit the Harrison County Senior Center.
Speak with students at Wirt County High School
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Mulberry Street, Elizabeth
What: Senator Manchin will speak with students at Wirt County High School.
Visit the Wirt County Courthouse
When: 3:15 p.m.
Where: 1 Court Square, Elizabeth
What: Senator Manchin will visit Wirt County Courthouse and speak with residents.
FRIDAY, January 13, 2012
Visit Roane County High School
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Roane County High School, One Raider Way, Spencer
What: Senator Manchin will visit Roane County High School.
Visit the Roane County Courthouse and Spencer’s Main Street
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Roane County Courthouse, 200 Main Street, Spencer
What: Senator Manchin will visit the Roane County Courthouse and Spencer’s Main Street.
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