Press Releases
Manchin Questions FERC Commissioners About Securing Coal Plants to Ensure a Resilient and Reliable Electric Grid
Washington, D.C. - During today's Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) commissioners about the disproportionate impact of rising energy costs on West Virginians, as well as the essential role that coal continues to play in producing electricity - especially during extreme weather events. "Everyone has been talking about cost. I represent a state that has an 18% poverty level. We rank … Continue Reading
June 12, 2018
Manchin Secures Passage of Skylar's Law, Full Funding for the Green Bank Observatory and End to BOP Overreliance on Augmentation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) secured funding for top West Virginia priorities including opioids, rural communities and economic development. The FY19 Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies appropriations bill, which will be voted on in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies today, also includes provisions to preserve current and future operations at the Green Bank Observatory, end the Bureau of Prisons' overreliance … Continue Reading
June 12, 2018
Manchin and Capito Join Bipartisan Effort in Demanding Release of Water Safety Report
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined a bipartisan group of 12 Senators in demanding the administration release the results of a study regarding what levels of certain chemicals are safe in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to recent news reports, has been blocking the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study on the toxic Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS is a … Continue Reading
June 12, 2018
Manchin and Capito Announce Rural Development Funding
Washington D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $738,638 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development. Funding will support improvements to the City of Petersburg's wastewater treatment plant, allowing the city to better serve its more than 1,200 sewer customers, and energy efficiency projects for two West Virginian small businesses. "Our rural … Continue Reading
June 11, 2018
Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $3 Million for WV National Cancer Prevention and Control Programs
Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $2,948,747 in funding for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "One in eight West Virginias will suffer from cancer during their lifetime. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources does important work in … Continue Reading
June 11, 2018
Manchin Asks West Virginians to Share Concerns About Elimination of Protections for Those With Pre-Existing Conditions
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is asking West Virginians to share their stories about how the repeal of the current provision prohibiting insurance companies from denying healthcare coverage to people with pre-existing conditions would impact them and their families. An ongoing lawsuit, led by 20 U.S. Attorneys General which as of last Friday will no longer be defended by the U.S. Department of Justice, would allow insurance companies to once again deny coverage to West … Continue Reading
June 11, 2018
As net Neutrality Protections Expire, Manchin Calls for Bipartisan Legislative Fix
Washington, D.C. - Today as net neutrality protections expire, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is calling for a bipartisan legislative fix to protect net neutrality and prevent blocked or slow internet traffic and higher prices for popular sites. "I am disappointed that net neutrality protections for all Americans will end today. Like West Virginians, the internet has always been and should always be free. It's why they've told me that they want an internet that is free of content-based … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin Announces DOD Will Reimburse Martinsburg for Filtration System in Big Springs Water Plant
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that a provision was included in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that will allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to pay for clean-up costs related to contamination of Martinsburg water supply. "In 2016, the EPA issued a new advisory for PFOA in drinking water. Martinsburg and other West Virginia municipalities were faced with the daunting news that their citizens needed alternative drinking … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin Encourages West Virginia Insurance Commissioner to Prevent Healthcare Costs From Skyrocketing the Fall
Washington, D.C. - Before rates are certified for the upcoming year, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraging West Virginia Insurance Commissioner Allan McVey to take action to prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing this fall. From 2017 to 2018, insurance premiums have gone up by $71 a month and by this fall, premiums are projected to increase by $1,400. Senator Manchin said in part: "Our state saw double digit cost increases last year and early estimates indicate that we may see … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin and Capito Announce $17.7 Million for West Virginia Community Health Centers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $17,767,672 for West Virginia through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration. Funding will support the continued operation of several community health centers across the state. "Community health centers work tirelessly every day to give West Virginians access to preventive and primary … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $10 Million for Head Start Programs in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced $9,657,911 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to support Head Start services in Charleston and Kanawha County. "Education is every community's ticket to a more productive and prosperous future," Senator Manchin said. "Head Start Programs are key to better … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin Encourages West Virginia Insurance Commissioner to Prevent Healthcare Costs from Skyrocketing this Fall
Washington, D.C. - Before rates are certified for the upcoming year, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraging West Virginia Insurance Commissioner Allan McVey to take action to prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing this fall. From 2017 to 2018, insurance premiums have gone up by $71 a month and by this fall, premiums are projected to increase by $1,400. Senator Manchin said in part: "Our state saw double digit cost increases last year and early estimates indicate that we may see … Continue Reading
June 07, 2018
Manchin Secures Language to Ensure Amtrak Ticket Agent in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) secured language in the FY19 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that will ensure Amtrak has to employ one ticketing agent in every state, including West Virginia. This comes after weeks of Senator Manchin fighting to keep the one and only ticketing agent in West Virginia after Amtrak announced they were terminating the position, which took effect yesterday. "After weeks of speaking with … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin Statement on Death of a Coal Miner in Randolph County
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of Ronald R. Taylor, a coal miner from Barbour County who was working in Randolph County. "Gayle and I are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Ronald R. Taylor in Randolph County. West Virginians are all too familiar with the sacrifices coal miners and their families make to keep the lights on across America. It is times like this that those sacrifices become even more … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin Outlines West Virginia Priorities for Recently Announced August Session
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) highlighting West Virginia priorities that the Senate should focus on while they are in session in August. Senator Manchin said in part: "I am optimistic about the additional opportunities we have to tackle the major problems facing the American people with the recently announced August work period, but we must work together to make it a productive use of taxpayer dollars. The American … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin Applauds President for Signing VA Mission Act into Law
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded President Trump for signing the VA MISSION Act, legislation that will improve non-VA care and expand the Caregivers program to Veterans of all eras. Senator Manchin has personally championed expanding caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras including family caregivers of veterans injured during World War II, the Korean, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. "I applaud President Trump for signing this commonsense, bipartisan … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin Fighting to Keep Amtrak Ticket Agent in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) spoke with Amtrak Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Gardner today and urged him to reverse its decision to remove its ticket agent from the station in Charleston until they can agree on the fundamental facts about how ticket sale and daily ridership are calculated. Currently, there is only one Amtrak ticket agent in West Virginia, which will officially be eliminated today. Senator Manchin is drafting … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $13 Million for West Virginia Airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced a total of $13,974,736 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support improvement projects at airports in Raleigh, Kanawha, Mercer, and Greenbrier counties. "As a pilot myself, I understand how crucial it is for us to maintain airport infrastructure. Our rural airports serve an important role in our communities and local … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
ICYMI: Manchin Hosts Mobility Fund Q&A with FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel & Hampshire County Broadband Chair Cox
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Manchin (D-WV) hosted a question and answer session with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and Aaron Cox, Chairman of the Hampshire County Broadband Initiative Council via Facebook Live about broadband access in West Virginia, the Mobility Fund II and how West Virginians can challenge the mapping process. To watch the full video, click here. "I am grateful Commissioner Rosenworcel and Chairman Cox joined me to … Continue Reading
June 06, 2018
Manchin Applauds Childhood Cancer Bill Signed into Law
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the signing of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act into law. This legislation, which Senator Manchin cosponsored, establishes a childhood cancer registry that improves the tracking of childhood cancers and expands funding opportunities to states seeking to improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. "In order to end childhood cancer once and for all we must invest and … Continue Reading
