Press Releases
Manchin Pleased with Court Decision to Maintain Health Benefits for Retirees and Their Families
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement regarding the United States Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Eighth Circuit for overturning the St. Louis judge's opinion that Peabody could stop paying retirees their health care benefits. "Today's decision confirms what I, and most West Virginians, believe is just common sense: that miners are entitled to the benefits they have earned and companies are required to keep the promises they have made. … Continue Reading
August 16, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Logan and Mingo Counties
Logan, W.Va. - Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall,(all D-W.Va.), Friday announced Federal funding for Logan and Mingo Counties to upgrade first responder equipment and facilities. "Our law enforcement and first responders put themselves in the line of danger each and every day for the safety of West Virginians," said Manchin. "It is important to provide them with the resources and tools necessary to respond efficiently. This funding will greatly benefit the … Continue Reading
August 16, 2013
Manchin Statement on Patriot Coal and UMWA Agreement
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement in response to the Patriot Coal and United Mine Workers of America agreement reached today: "In today's toxic environment, it is easy to be against compromise and walk away from negotiations. It is encouraging to see our labor and corporate leaders stand up, come together and find a solution necessary to preserve thousands of jobs, restore and protect the health and pension benefits that hardworking miners … Continue Reading
August 12, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Assistance For Derecho Response and Relief in WV
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced $1,272,908 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management to help the state recover from the June 2012 Derecho. The funding will help offset the cost of activating the State's Emergency Operations Center during the Derecho in June 2012. "West Virginians have always helped one another in times of … Continue Reading
August 09, 2013
Manchin and Rockefeller Announce Smart Economic Investments to Create Jobs in Mid-Ohio Valley
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced that the Economic Development Administration will provide $60,000 to the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council to invest in job creation and economic development in the region. The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council consists of the counties of Calhoun, Jackson, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood. "Establishing strategies to bring good-paying jobs to our state that will deliver paychecks for West … Continue Reading
August 06, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce USDA Funding for Community Facilities in Southern West Virginia
BECKLEY, W.Va. - U.S. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Federal funding has been awarded for community organizations in Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming Counties to renovate and upgrade community facilities. "Investments in our rural communities are important to attracting businesses and residents and strengthening our economy," said Senator Manchin. "This critical funding will support economic development projects in rural West … Continue Reading
August 05, 2013
Manchin, Kirk, Davis Bill Would Require Farmer Input on EPA Regulations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to review any proposed rule or regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that may affect agriculture and to seek farmers' advice and recommendations. The Review EPA's Language on Agriculture and Thoroughly Engage (RELATE) with the Farm Act of 2013 allows … Continue Reading
August 01, 2013
Manchin Statement from the Energy and Natural Resources Hearing on the Political Status of Puerto Rico
Thank you Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Murkowski for holding this hearing today on the political status of Puerto Rico. As a former governor, I am uniquely aware of the great responsibility of that office. The voters, through their constitutionally granted right to free and fair elections, choose a governor to carry out the duties of the office and to handle the needs of the state. The governor is accountable and responsible to the people of the state. And if those people, the voters, … Continue Reading
July 31, 2013
Senators Manchin and McCain Seek Information on Abuse and Neglect of Military Children
Washington, D.C. ¬- U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John McCain (R-AZ) today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel seeking information on the rising incidents of child abuse and neglect within the military and pledging to work with the Department of Defense to successfully address this issue. The text of the letter is attached and below. July 31, 2013 The Honorable Chuck HagelSecretary of Defense1000 Defense PentagonWashington, D.C. 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Hagel, We … Continue Reading
July 31, 2013
Manchin, Hoeven, Murkowski Reintroduce the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today reintroduced the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act (DEJA), a bipartisan, comprehensive package of energy legislation that will not only reduce the high energy costs faced by hard-working families and small businesses, but also spur badly-needed economic growth and job creation across the U.S. economy. "Developing a strong, all-of-the-above domestic energy plan is the clear pathway forward to help … Continue Reading
July 31, 2013
Manchin Testifies at Environment Committee on Need to Pass Bipartisan Chemical Safety Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to urge his colleagues to expedite the passage of the Chemical Safety Improvement Act (CSIA) and honor the late Senator Frank Lautenberg's legacy to better protect the health and safety of all Americans. The bipartisan bill, crafted by Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator David Vitter, would reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, which has not been improved in … Continue Reading
July 31, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Funding for Residential Substance Abuse Recovery Services in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, Wednesday announced Federal funding has been awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to The Healing Place in Huntington to expand substance abuse residential recovery services and establish a region-wide training program for peer mentoring. "The drug abuse epidemic in West Virginia and across America must end. Every day, lives are lost, families are … Continue Reading
July 31, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce $550,000 For Mine Safety Training
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced that $550,000 worth of federal funding will be available for safety and health training grants to help identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants grew out of the MINER Act which Rockefeller and Rahall co-authored in the Senate and House respectively and which Congress passed in 2006. "Coal miners are the backbone of … Continue Reading
July 30, 2013
Manchin Statement on EPA Administrator's First Speech
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement after Gina McCarthy's first speech as the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. "I completely agree with Ms. McCarthy that clean energy technology will spur economic growth. Clean coal technology already is being used and it's having a direct impact on our environment and our economy. In the last ten years, U.S. coal emissions have been reduced by 50 percent and coal-fired electric plants … Continue Reading
July 29, 2013
Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Funding to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Program in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), Monday announced Federal funding has been awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to Prestera Center to expand and increase patient access to mental health treatment and substance abuse recovery support services. "The hard work of addressing the problems of prescription drugs in our region is underway, and funding like this can go a long way … Continue Reading
July 26, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall: Federal Disaster Declaration for State Triggers Release of Federal Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Friday applauded the major disaster declaration that has been issued for the State of West Virginia, which will provide Federal disaster assistance to help communities recover from severe storms and flooding that occurred on June 13, 2013. "I am pleased that the communities affected by June's severe weather will be receiving this assistance," said Manchin. "West Virginians always help … Continue Reading
July 25, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Significant Highway Safety Investment in WV
WASHINGTON D.C. --- Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced nearly $660,000 in federal grant funding for the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Office, to carry out important highway safety and distracted driving prevention initiatives in the state. "Driver education and training, and basic safety precautions like using seatbelts, give West Virginians vital tools to protect their own lives and their loved ones. So often those simple acts we take for granted are all it … Continue Reading
July 24, 2013
Manchin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Permanently Lower Interest Rates for All Students
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced the passage of the "Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act" by a vote of 81-18, which is legislation that he sponsored along with a group of Democrat, Republican and Independent Senators. The bill provides a long-term fix that lowers student interest rates for all students. "In just a few short weeks, students will be returning to school knowing with certainty what their interest rates will be on their loans for the upcoming … Continue Reading
July 24, 2013
Bipartisan Group of Senators Permanently Lower Rates For All Students
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Richard Burr (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Tom Carper (D-DE) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced the passage of the "Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act" by a vote of 81-18, which provides a long-term fix that lowers student interest rates for all students. "In just a few short weeks, students will be returning to school knowing with certainty what their interest rates will be on their loans for the upcoming … Continue Reading
July 23, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Grant for Marshall University Academic Research Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Federal funding has been awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to Marshall University for arthritis, musculoskeletal and skin diseases research."In southern West Virginia, we are so fortunate to have world-class leading-edge research programs, such as this one at Marshall, working to identify potential treatments of injuries and debilitating diseases that … Continue Reading
