Press Releases
Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Submit Comments on Black Lung Benefits Rules
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today encouraged West Virginians to formally submit their comments to the Federal Register regarding the proposed rule to the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) regulations. The rule, published by the Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), would improve the black lung benefits program by addressing obstacles that prevent miners with black lung from seeking benefits. This proposed rule includes reforms offered in the … Continue Reading
April 28, 2015
Manchin and Fischer Introduce the GONE Act
Washington, D.C. - This afternoon, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to close out thousands of expired grant accounts, which cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The bill, known as S. 1115 - The Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act was first introduced by Senators Fischer and Manchin in 2013. This legislation would require agencies to close out expired, empty grant accounts. It would also require … Continue Reading
April 28, 2015
Manchin Applauds Committee Passage of Bill to Protect Families and Communities from Toxic Chemicals
Washington, D.C. - As a lead cosponsor and a staunch advocate of chemical safety reforms, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee for the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. The committee voted 15-5 to move forward the bipartisan legislation, which would ensure the safety of the chemicals Americans use every day by updating the United States' outdated chemical regulatory program. The Frank R. … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Manchin Statement on Confirmation of Loretta Lynch as Next U.S. Attorney General
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the Senate's bipartisan confirmation of Loretta Lynch as the next U.S. Attorney General. "After more than five months since Loretta Lynch's nomination, I am thankful that the Senate finally confirmed her with bipartisan support as the first African American woman to be the next U.S. Attorney General. Today marks a historic day in our nation, and there is no doubt that her experience and impressive … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Manchin and Casey Introduce Comprehensive Mine Safety Bill
Legislation Would Hold Operators Accountable for Repeated Safety Violations Safety Officials Can Fine Mines for Violations But Some Don't Pay- Currently $73 Million in Unpaid Fines Flooded System Has Caused Safety Claims Backlog Making Miners Wait for Justice Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2015, which would help fix a broken system in which safety violators can avoid … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Manchin Statement on Beckley VA Reports of Misconduct
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the misconduct reported at the Beckley VA. "I was deeply troubled to read about the reports of mistreatment and misconduct at the Beckley VA," Senator Manchin said. "Our veterans have given so much to this country, and we owe them the best available care when they return home. As my staff investigates the matter further, I have personally spoken to Beckley VA Director Karin L McGraw, and I plan to … Continue Reading
April 22, 2015
Manchin Votes in Support of Bipartisan Human-Trafficking Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Manchin voted in favor of the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which passed the Senate by a 99-0 vote. "The number of trafficking victims in West Virginia and across the United States who are being exploited and forced into modern-day slavery continues to grow day after day," Senator Manchin said. "It is past time to take action to stop this travesty that is plaguing our society, and that's why I am incredibly pleased that my … Continue Reading
April 22, 2015
Manchin and Heller Ride Together to Prevent Overburdening Regulations
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing unnecessary and burdensome regulations on recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) put forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). There are concerns that the proposed mandatory standards could have unintended safety consequences and limit the vehicles' ability to access difficult terrain. The legislation, the ROV in-Depth Examination Act, is … Continue Reading
April 21, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce $5 Million to Restore West Virginia's Highways and Roads
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $5 million in federal funding to repair West Virginia's highways and roads that were damaged by Winter Storm Thor, which moved through the state between March 3 and March 6, 2015 and caused severe weather conditions and damages. The financial aid will be used to make crucial emergency repairs, as well as permanent repairs, necessary to restore the highways and roads to their pre-disaster … Continue Reading
April 21, 2015
Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Reintroduce Alternative Fuels Bill
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and others reintroduced the bipartisan North American Alternative Fuels Act. The bill would repeal section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 which prohibits the federal government, including the U.S. military, from purchasing fuel produced from coal, oil shale and oil sands. "Achieving domestic energy independence and reducing our vulnerability to foreign oil … Continue Reading
April 19, 2015
Manchin to Continue Serving West Virginians in the Senate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on his decision to remain in the United States Senate. "When Robert C. Byrd died in 2010, I had to make one of the toughest political decisions of my life. I have always said that being Governor of West Virginia was my life's most fulfilling work, and it was a true honor and privilege to be able to serve the great people of West Virginia. By removing politics and putting people first, we greatly improved … Continue Reading
April 17, 2015
Manchin Requests a Mobile Vet Clinic to Serve Greenbrier County Veterans
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald to request a mobile clinic or temporary space until the air quality issues at the Greenbrier County Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Maxwelton are fully remediated. The clinic has been closed three times in less than a year due to air quality issues, affecting nearly 2,400 veterans who receive treatment at this facility. Senator Manchin writes, in part, "I ask for … Continue Reading
April 16, 2015
Manchin Invites Students, Parents and Educators to "Academy Days"
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and his staff will host "Academy Day" events in Morgantown, Hedgesville and Huntington to promote the U.S. Service Academies. In addition to Senator Manchin's staff members, there will be representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on hand to answer questions and assist with the application process. Representatives from the West Virginia … Continue Reading
April 15, 2015
Manchin Votes for Permanent Fix to Medicare Physician Payment System
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan legislation to reform the Sustainable Growth Rate and extend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). "The 12-year trend of Congress kicking the can down the road and voting on short-term extensions, which have cost hardworking taxpayers nearly $170 billion, has finally come to an end. I am pleased that Congress passed legislation to fix a flawed system by … Continue Reading
April 15, 2015
Manchin Introduces Bill to Hold FDA Accountable for Approving Dangerous, Addictive Drugs
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and David Vitter (R-LA) today introduced the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would hold the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accountable for opioid drugs approved by the agency. The legislation would ensure that experts' voices are heard when the FDA is considering new, dangerous opioid medications. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is also an original cosponsor. "With 46 people dying every day from an overdose of … Continue Reading
April 14, 2015
Manchin Joins Group of Senators to Offer Recommendations to Strengthen Education Bill
Washington, D.C. - Today, as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee prepares to mark up a bill reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) to offer recommendations to strengthen the proposed bill, the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015. In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the HELP … Continue Reading
April 10, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $615,000 for Safety Improvements at Grant County Airport
Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $614,582 in federal funding for improvements at Grant County Airport in Petersburg. The funding will be used to upgrade the runway lighting system to ensure the safety of operations during low visibility conditions. "As a pilot myself and as Co-Chairman of the General Aviation Caucus in the Senate, I understand the importance of investing in our airport infrastructure," Senator Manchin said. … Continue Reading
April 10, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce $525,000 for Critical Construction at Mercer County Airport
Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $525,000 in federal funding for a construction project at Mercer County Airport in Bluefield. The funding will be used for a necessary taxiway that will enhance the safety of airfield operations and ensure that the airport meets specific design standards. "As a pilot myself and as Co-Chairman of the General Aviation Caucus in the Senate, I understand the importance of investing in our airport … Continue Reading
April 08, 2015
Manchin and Capito Announce Nearly $11 Million for Head Start Programs in Southern West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced a total of $10,868,104 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start Programs across Southern West Virginia. The Coalfield Community Action Partnership, which serves children and families in McDowell and Mingo Counties, will receive a total of $4,217,518. Southwestern Community Action Council, which serves children and families in Cabell, Lincoln, … Continue Reading
April 08, 2015
Manchin Delivers Remarks at National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit in Atlanta
Charleston, W.V. - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) delivered remarks at the National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss the importance of combatting the prescription drug abuse epidemic and to announce two new pieces of legislation to help curb substance abuse, which will be introduced in the coming weeks. The summit, which hosted nearly 1,400 professionals, is the largest national collaboration of federal, state and local professionals seeking to address … Continue Reading
