Press Releases
MANCHIN BRINGS FREE BLACK LUNG SCREENINGS TO MATEWAN AND OCEANA
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today announced that NIOSH's Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Units will be set up in Matewan and Oceana, providing free black lung exams, from Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 20. Senator Manchin visited with coal miners in Matewan and Oceana earlier this year, and he promised then to work with NIOSH to bring the mobile clinics to them. "I'd like to thank NIOSH for accepting my invitation to provide these free screenings, and I … Continue Reading
October 05, 2017
MANCHIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT PUTS WORKERS AND THEIR HARD-EARNED RETIREMENT FIRST
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced the Prioritizing Our Workers Act (POWA), legislation that would revise the priorities section of the bankruptcy code to place unpaid vested benefits in defined benefit pension plans at the front of the line. "Every pay period, hard-working Americans choose to defer their hard-earned wages in order to earn pension benefits for their retirement. That pension gives them a piece of mind that their future, and their family's … Continue Reading
October 05, 2017
MANCHIN SENDS LETTER TO FERC IN SUPPORT OF LONG TERM COAL FIRED POWER PLANT UTILIZATION AND GRID RESILIENCE
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), encouraging them to ensure that coal-fired baseload units are appropriately recognized for the reliability and resilience they provide to our electric grid. Manchin said in part: "As you undertake this rulemaking within your statutory obligations under section 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act to ensure just and reasonable rates, I encourage you to ensure … Continue Reading
October 04, 2017
MANCHIN ENCOURAGES HHS TO FOLLOW GAO RECOMMENDATION AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ADDRESS NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement the recommendations outlined in a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on neonatal abstinence syndrome. "Neonatal abstinence syndrome is one of the most tragic consequences of the opioid epidemic. These babies are born addicted to opioids through no fault of their own and we must do everything we can to help them and … Continue Reading
October 04, 2017
Manchin Releases Report Detailing Digital Divide in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report providing an update on the progress of broadband access in West Virginia and highlighting the work that still needs to be done. "In the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt understood that every American needed reliable electricity to succeed in the new economy, but utilities were only delivering electricity to large cities and leaving rural America behind. We are facing the same crisis today where rural broadband … Continue Reading
October 04, 2017
Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Bolster Harrison County’s Response to Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $479,545 for the Harrison County Sheriff's Department from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance. Funding will help support the county's goal of using analytical technology and broad-based collaborative partnerships to create a program that brings together law enforcement and community-based partners to fight the opioid epidemic. "Local law enforcement see … Continue Reading
October 03, 2017
ICYMI: MANCHIN CO-CHAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON IMPORTANCE OF APPALACHIAN STORAGE HUB
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today co-chaired an Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing on a number of legislative proposals and highlighted the importance of federal support and partnership for the development of a natural gas liquids storage hub in the Appalachian region. Senator Manchin said in part: "West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region have an extraordinary opportunity at hand. The quad-states of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and … Continue Reading
October 03, 2017
Manchin, Capito Announce Nearly $1 Million to Assist Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $922,947 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Funding will be used to improve forensic capabilities and assist law enforcement with investigating crimes. "Keeping our state safe takes a lot of work and effort from our law enforcement officers. It is my top priority to assist them in their work in any way possible," Senator Manchin said. "I look forward to watching … Continue Reading
October 03, 2017
MANCHIN, CAPITO, MCKINLEY AND WELCH INTRODUCE AMERICAN MINERS PENSION ACT
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the American Miners Pension Act (AMP Act). Senator Manchin led a press conference today with Senator Capito, Reps McKinley and Welch, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President Cecil Roberts and retired miners explaining the importance of this legislation and urging quick adoption. To watch a full video of the press conference, … Continue Reading
October 02, 2017
Manchin Votes to Confirm Ajit Pai as Federal Communications Commission Chairman
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released the following statement on voting to confirm Ajit Pai as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman. "After working with Ajit Pai for several years as an FCC Commissioner and after the last several months working with him as Chair, tonight I was glad to vote to confirm him as the FCC Chairman. Ajit and I have been working together on a number of ways to bridge the digital divide in our country, especially in West Virginia, … Continue Reading
October 02, 2017
Manchin Releases Weekly Energy Report
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a report detailing the price and production levels of coal as well as natural gas prices in Appalachia and nationally. For the week ending September 23, 2017 estimated U.S. coal production totaled approximately 14.7 million short tons. This production estimate is 5.3% lower than last week's estimate and 4.7% higher than the production estimate in the comparable week in 2016. Read Senator Manchin's full report below or click … Continue Reading
September 29, 2017
Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $12 Million in Funding to Help Crime Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $11,714,873 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Funding will go towards providing support services and compensation to victims of crime. "Victims of crime may possess deep wounds and trauma that they can carry long after the incident," Senator Manchin said. "The Justice Department works to make sure all crime victims are adequately tended to and … Continue Reading
September 29, 2017
MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $750K FOR COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $780,800 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families to support the development and improvement of the Coalfield Development Corporation's factory in Wayne, West Virginia. The grant will assist in expanding community job training programs and services for West Virginia displaced by layoffs in the coal mining industry. "Harmful … Continue Reading
September 29, 2017
MANCHIN AND CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $750K FOR COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $780,800 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families to support the development and improvement of the Coalfield Development Corporation's factory in Wayne, West Virginia. The grant will assist in expanding community job training programs and services for West Virginia displaced by layoffs in the coal mining industry. "Harmful … Continue Reading
September 29, 2017
MANCHIN SECURES VETERANS UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM FOR TWO WEST VIRGINIA COLLEGES
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that Concord University and Davis & Elkins College will receive $263,938 and $375,319 respectively under the Department of Education's Veterans Upward Bound Program. "Our veterans have fulfilled a commitment to protect our nation and we have a responsibility to make sure that those who are willing to work hard receive a good education and have the necessary resources and training to achieve their educational goals and careers as … Continue Reading
September 28, 2017
MANCHIN COMMENDS GROUNDBREAKING OF NEW SECTION OF CORRIDOR H
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today commended the groundbreaking of a new $821 million section of Corridor H between Kerens and Parsons. As Governor, Senator Manchin made completing Corridor H a priority - opening more than half of the project during his administration - and continues to fight for funding today as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Corridor H has been a top priority for me as a Governor and now as a Senator and I am glad that we are one … Continue Reading
September 28, 2017
WOOD COUNTY RECEIVES HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA DESIGNATION
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Representative David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) applauded the designation of Wood County, West Virginia as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). On May 9, 2017, Senator Manchin and Representative McKinley sent a letter to the Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy, Richard Baum, encouraging the designation of Wood County as HIDTA County. Wood County is one of 16 counties nationwide receiving this designation, … Continue Reading
September 27, 2017
MANCHIN STATEMENT ON MSHA NOMINEE ZATEZALO
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on the nomination of David Zatezalo to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration. "In West Virginia we are painfully familiar with the human toll that accompanies a mine accident. I have comforted too many families who have lost loved ones serving our nation in the mines. Strong leadership at the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) is non-negotiable. Since the beginning of 2017, 12 miners have lost … Continue Reading
September 27, 2017
MANCHIN CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR FUNDING FOR WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Washington, D.C. - As a member of the Senate Appropriation Committee, U.S. Senator Manchin (D-WV) is fighting to ensure that community health centers in West Virginia receive the funding they need to continue providing quality healthcare to West Virginians. The program funding is set to expire on September 30, 2017 unless reauthorized by Congress. West Virginia has 30 community health centers that serve 438,035 West Virginians. If the program is not reauthorized, these West Virginia health … Continue Reading
September 27, 2017
MANCHIN CALLS ON HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO ENSURE PATIENT ACCESS TO NON-OPIOID PAIN TREATMENTS
Washington, D.C. - In response to the New York Times report, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Anthem and UnitedHealth Group imploring them to make less addictive, alternative pain management drugs and physical therapy readily available and affordable immediately, while also increasing coverage of substance abuse treatment. Senator Manchin said in part: "That is why I was so disappointed to see the article "Amid Opioid Crisis, Insurers Restrict Pricey, Less Addictive … Continue Reading