Press Releases
Manchin Calls for Commerce Committee Hearing on Wireless Coverage Gaps in Rural America
Washington, D.C. - As significant broadband coverage gaps still exist in West Virginia and across rural America, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation & the Internet Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member Brian Schatz (D-HI) requesting a hearing to address the state of advanced wireless service in America today. "As Senators who represent rural and remote states, you know how important access to … Continue Reading
October 02, 2015
Manchin, Murphy, Udall, Lee Call for an End to the Failed Syria Train and Equip Program
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mike Lee (R-UT) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter, U.S. Department of State Secretary John Kerry and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan urging them to end the Syria Train and Equip Program - an unsuccessful effort to train and equip Syrian opposition fighters - which has endangered Americans and further escalated conflict in the region. The Senators … Continue Reading
October 01, 2015
Manchin Condemns EPA Ozone Rule That Will Hurt Economy
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today strongly criticized the ground-level ozone rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule, which lowers the ground level ozone standard from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion, would increase energy prices, curb job growth and hinder economic opportunities by setting the standard at an unrealistically low level. "I've always said we need to strike a balance between the environment and the economy. … Continue Reading
October 01, 2015
Manchin Votes Against Bill That Shorts Funding for Veterans
Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today voted against the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill that underfunds veterans' benefits and programs. The bill is $1.2 billion below the President's request and shortchanges veterans programs by $857 million. "We made a sacred commitment to our veterans when we sent them to war that we would do whatever it takes it take care of them when they returned," Senator Manchin said. "This bill does … Continue Reading
October 01, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce Funding to Combat Drug Abuse in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced a total of $620,005 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to support continued efforts to combat drug abuse in West Virginia. The City of Huntington will receive $220,005 in funding to support the enhancement of drug court services. Specifically, the grant award will help establish new capabilities in underserved communities, enhance training programs for drug court experts, and … Continue Reading
September 30, 2015
Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Pipeline Safety Research at West Virginia University
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $100,000 in funding for West Virginia University to research new ideas and technologies that will improve the safety of the nation's energy transportation pipelines. The funding is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP). "Our research and development teams at … Continue Reading
September 30, 2015
Manchin Congratulates West Virginia's 2015 National Blue Ribbon Honor Schools
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) congratulated Evans Elementary School in Evans and Gihon Elementary School in Parkersburg for being recognized as West Virginia's National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 based on overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among students. "The students, teachers and families at Evans Elementary and Gihon Elementary Schools have earned this esteemed Blue Ribbon honor by working together to ensure that all students … Continue Reading
September 30, 2015
Manchin, Warner, Kaine Introduce Sweeping Reforms to Black Lung Benefits Program
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) proposed sweeping reforms to the federal program that provides benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease. Federal law requires that coal companies compensate miners who contract black lung, which is caused by inhaling coal dust over an extended period of time, but coal companies routinely deploy an array of unfair tactics to avoid paying miners the benefits they deserve. To help … Continue Reading
September 29, 2015
Manchin Fights to Limit Domestic Meth Production in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today hosted a briefing on how West Virginia has worked to address methamphetamine abuse. The purpose of this briefing is to help spread awareness of efforts West Virginia and other jurisdictions have made to turn the tide against meth abuse and how communities can combat the rise of meth cooks. "Crystal Meth destroys families and communities, and the costs associated with addiction - premature deaths, drug treatment, lost productivity, … Continue Reading
September 29, 2015
Manchin Announces Funding to Spur Economic Growth and Job Creation in West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today announced the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award $500,000 to TechConnect's ScaleUp West Virginia initiative to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. This funding will spur innovation and entrepreneurship, long-term competitiveness and diversification and job creation across West Virginia. "In order to improve … Continue Reading
September 28, 2015
WVU Fire Training Academy, Volunteer Fire Departments Receive FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced new Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) awards totaling $663,582 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will benefit West Virginia University's (WVU) State Fire Training Academy, the Mt. Clare Volunteer Fire Department in Harrison County and the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department in Lincoln County. "Our dedicated firefighters and first responders are on the … Continue Reading
September 24, 2015
Manchin Statement on Pope Francis' Address to Congress
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on Pope Francis' address to the United States Congress. "I was blessed and honored to hear Pope Francis' address to the United States Congress and the American people. His call to raise those out of poverty, lend a hand to our neighbors, provide opportunity to all and of compassion and love through the Golden Rule are most needed at this troubling time in our world, our nation and our Capitol. I hope … Continue Reading
September 23, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $1 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure Projects
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a total of $1,146,400 to support water infrastructure projects in Clay and McDowell Counties. The Clay Public Service District's Pack Fork and Independence Road Waterline Extension project aims to provide safe, reliable water service to 134 households and two organizations in an isolated part of Clay County by constructing approximately … Continue Reading
September 23, 2015
Manchin and Capito Urge West Virginians to Participate in Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today urged West Virginians to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drug Take-Back Day is an opportunity for the public to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by disposing of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. "Prescription drug abuse continues to devastate communities in our state … Continue Reading
September 22, 2015
Manchin Statement on Pope Francis' Visit to the United States
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on Pope Francis' visit to the United States. "It is extremely exciting and truly an honor for the United States of America to have Pope Francis visit. As a practicing Catholic, I am honored to be able to visit with him and listen to his words. Not only is he the leader of the Catholic religion, he is also a well-respected and trusted advisor for all of humanity. His absolute empathy and kindness for … Continue Reading
September 22, 2015
Manchin Calls on FCC to Deliver on Promise of Universal Service
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler calling on the FCC to deliver on its promise of universal service by improving the Mobility Fund, which was established by the agency to significantly improve wireless coverage in unserved, rural areas by supporting private investment. Manchin called for immediate improvements to the program and invited Chairman Wheeler to West Virginia to see firsthand the … Continue Reading
September 21, 2015
Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginia students in grades 5-12 who have been involved in volunteer community service to apply for the 21st annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. The program recognizes students' dedication and contributions to their community on the local, state and national levels. Students chosen to be state honorees will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C. on April … Continue Reading
September 21, 2015
Manchin's Office Open to All West Virginians Coming to D.C. for Papal Visit
Washington, D.C. - Next Thursday, September 24th, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) will open his office to West Virginians who are visiting Washington D.C. for Pope Francis's visit. His office will open at 6 a.m. Coffee and other refreshments will be provided. "I truly hope that when West Virginia families come to our nation's capital, not just for Pope Francis's visit, but any time, they know that they have a place to come visit," Senator Manchin said. "All West Virginians traveling to … Continue Reading
September 18, 2015
Manchin Encourages West Virginia Students to Apply for 2015 Service Academy Nominations
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today strongly encouraged West Virginia students who are interested in military service to apply for a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. Applicants must be high school seniors and demonstrate a commitment to education and athletic … Continue Reading
September 18, 2015
Manchin, Brown, Blumenthal Request Update on Efforts to Correct Failures at Veterans Benefits Administration Fiduciary Program
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, joined Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and fellow committee member Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) to request an update from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on what is being done to address the significant inadequacies in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Fiduciary Program. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald, the senators noted that … Continue Reading