Press Releases
Manchin Applauds Secretary Hagel’s Decision to Review Drone Medal
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement applauding Secretary Hagel's decision to review the proposed precedence of the new Distinguished Warfare Medal over combat medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. "Secretary Hagel's decision to reevaluate the Distinguished Warfare Medal's precedence above the Purple Heart and Bronze Star is a welcomed one, especially to our veterans who raised their objections to the Defense Department's medal … Continue Reading
March 11, 2013
Manchin: Karzai’s Despicable Comments Confirm It’s Time to Bring Our Troops Home
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today in response to President Hamid Karzai's assertions that the United States military conspired with the Taliban. "It is beyond disgusting that President Karzai would make such an outrageous and dishonest claim while our military is serving and dying in his country to give the people of Afghanistan a better future. He should spend more time addressing the widespread corruption in his regime rather than … Continue Reading
March 08, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller Bipartisan Group Protect Rank of Purple Heart, Bronze Star
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) and a bipartisan group of twenty other Senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today urging him to preserve the precedence of combat decorations over a new medal honoring drone pilots and cyber warriors. The letter asked Secretary Hagel to reconsider the Defense Department's recent decision to give the newly created Distinguished Warfare Medal precedence above such combat awards as the Bronze Star … Continue Reading
March 07, 2013
ICYMI: Senator Manchin on CNN Discussing Biparitsan Criminal & Mental Bachground Check Bill he is Working on with Senator Coburn
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) talked to CNN's Wolf Blitzer about his bipartisan bill that protects Americans' Second Amendment rights while making sure firearms do not end up in the hands of convicted criminals and people who are deemed mentally unstable by a court ruling. Watch CNN's video clip here: … Continue Reading
March 07, 2013
Manchin, Tester, Heller, Boozman introduce bill to protect value of Purple Heart, Bronze Star
(U.S. SENATE) - After hearing from the nation's leading veterans organizations, Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) are introducing a bill to ensure that combat medals like the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart rank ahead of a new medal honoring service away from the front lines. The U.S. Defense Department recently announced that the Distinguished Warfare Medal will recognize extraordinary achievement by unmanned aerial … Continue Reading
March 06, 2013
Manchin, Kirk Continue Bipartisan Negotiations on Criminal Background Checks
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill) issued a joint statement regarding Senator Chuck Schumer's current background check proposal: "We are committed to continuing to work in a bipartisan effort with Senators Schumer, Coburn and others in order to find a commonsense solution for enhanced background checks, however, Senator Schumer's current proposal is one we cannot support as it stands today. Our goal is to pass a bill that will close loopholes in the … Continue Reading
March 06, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Warren, Brown Introduce Bill to Preserve Retired Coal Miners’ Benefits
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced legislation that would protect the promised lifetime pension and health care benefits for thousands of retired miners and their families whose livelihoods are in jeopardy. The Coalfield Accountability and Retired Employee Act seeks to provide certainty and peace of mind to retirees and their families while holding employers accountable for the commitments … Continue Reading
March 05, 2013
Senator Manchin Urges West Virginians to Prepare for March Storm
LATEST UPDATES on March 2013 Storm Please contact your county office of emergency services for immediate assistance. County Emergency Services should be your first point of contact: http://www.dhsem.wv.gov/countycontacts/Pages/default.aspx The large winter storm continues to track toward West Virginia, with some models now showing over 20 inches of snow with 50+mph wind gusts in some areas. Travel will remain an issue with low visibility and snow covered roads, and power outages are … Continue Reading
March 05, 2013
Manchin Encourages West Virginians to Participate in Library of Congress Surplus Book Program
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today encouraged eligible West Virginia schools, libraries and local organizations to receive free books through the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program. "Just last week I had the opportunity to read to West Virginian students on Read Across America Day and talk to them about the importance of books. The power of reading is so special and so valuable; it is something that never leaves us. I strongly encourage all schools, libraries … Continue Reading
March 05, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding for Two Organizations in WV to Provide Affordable Housing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller today announced $173,125 in federal funding for two nonprofit organizations in West Virginia to support their efforts to provide affordable housing and home ownership advice for West Virginians. "Home ownership is a true achievement for families," said Rockefeller. "These organizations help make sure West Virginians can get the help they need to purchase a home if it makes financial sense for them, and also help families learn about … Continue Reading
March 01, 2013
Manchin, Heller Announce Veterans Small Business Protection Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statements following introduction of the Veterans Small Business Protection Act: "Veterans put their lives on the line for our country, and should be confident that their families will be taken care of in a time of need. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill with Senator Heller of Nevada that helps the spouses and dependents of veteran-owned small businesses after the service members pass … Continue Reading
March 01, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Funding For Hurricane Sandy Relief in WV
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, today announced more than $2,433,800 in federal funding, including more than $1,355,000 for Tucker County, to help West Virginia continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy by clearing remaining debris from roads. "Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc up and down the east coast and in West Virginia," said Rockefeller. "Heavy rains and snow closed schools and small businesses. And strong winds knocked down … Continue Reading
March 01, 2013
Manchin Launches New Social Media Platforms to Connect With West Virginians
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today launched several new social media platforms to show West Virginians that he is focused on the issues that matter most to West Virginia. New social media outlets include a personalized Tumblr blog, a year-long photo challenge called "Project 365," and a Yelp account. "With technology rapidly changing and new platforms emerging, I want to make sure I can connect with everyone back home as much as possible," Senator Manchin said. "I … Continue Reading
February 28, 2013
Manchin Named Chairman of Armed Services Subcommittee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today that he will chair the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Airland in the 113th Congress. He will also continue to serve on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities and the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. The Subcommittee on Airland, which was previously chaired by Senator Joe Lieberman, oversees the air and ground equipment of all four military service branches, … Continue Reading
February 28, 2013
Manchin and Rockefeller Applaud West Virginia High School Senior’s Accomplishments
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller congratulated Vincent O'Leary of Wheeling for his outstanding achievement and leadership in scientific research. Vincent is among 40 high school seniors in the country selected to compete in the Intel Science Talent Search 2013, one of the most prestigious science competitions nationwide. "I know I speak for all West Virginians in congratulating our native Wheeling student, Vincent O'Leary, on becoming a finalist in one of the … Continue Reading
February 27, 2013
Manchin, Kirk, Bipartisan Group of Senators Host 'Vets Jobs Day on the Hill’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), co-founders of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, along with 36 additional Senators hosted today a set of bicameral, bipartisan activities during 'Vets Jobs Day on the Hill.' The events focused on encouraging Members of Congress to join the caucus, drawing public awareness to the barriers veterans face when trying to find jobs, and sharing information on veterans' employment initiatives. The Congressional … Continue Reading
February 27, 2013
Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus Launch Bipartisan, Bicameral Efforts to Combat Veteran Unemployment
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Representatives Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Tim Walz (D-MN), co-chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, today kicked off activities for the 113th Congress during a "Day on the Hill" highlighting the Caucus' commitment to increasing veterans' employment and the "I Hire Vets" initiative. "Few issues unify Congress more than providing veterans the benefits and respect they have earned and deserve," … Continue Reading
February 26, 2013
Manchin Warns Sequestration Will Take an Ax to West Virginia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released a report today that demonstrates how destructive the sequester's across-the-board budget cuts will be to West Virginia safety programs, businesses, veterans, seniors, children and families. The cuts are set to go into effect on Friday. "It is discouraging and shameful that Congress cannot work in a bipartisan manner to come together and reach a long-term compromise to get our fiscal house in order and stop these reckless spending … Continue Reading
February 25, 2013
Senator Manchin Announces New Chief of Staff
Washington, D.C. - Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced today the appointment of Hayden Rogers as his new chief of staff. "Hayden will be a tremendous asset to our team and I am thrilled to have him on board," Senator Manchin said. "From his time as a small business owner to his work in public service, Hayden brings to our office a unique range of talents and a commonsense, solutions-driven approach that I truly admire. He embodies the values important to West Virginians and has the … Continue Reading
February 24, 2013
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Funding For Three WV Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, and Congressman Nick Rahall today announced more than $173,000 in federal funding for three West Virginia fire departments to purchase safety equipment, and strengthen professional training and wellness programs. "West Virginia's volunteer firefighters are completely dedicated to our state, our communities, and our families. That unwavering commitment deserves our support," said Rockefeller. "Providing professional training and … Continue Reading
