Press Releases
Manchin, Rockefeller & Rahall Meet With Families Who Lost Loved Ones At Upper Big Branch Mine
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, today issued the following statements on meetings with the families who lost loved ones at the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The group of families met with Rockefeller and Rahall today and will meet with Manchin tomorrow. "Congress needs to recognize the urgency of passing mine safety legislation, and I've been very frustrated that it has yet to happen. I greatly appreciated meeting … Continue Reading
June 06, 2012
Manchin Welcomes West Virginia Veterans to Washington
**Video, Audio Available** Manchin accompanies veterans to memorials honoring their service Washington, D.C. - On the 68th anniversary of D-Day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) proudly welcomed 31 veterans from West Virginia to the nation's capital for the state's inaugural "Always Free Honor Flight." The veterans visited the capital free of cost to see the memorials built in their honor. Twelve of them served in World War II, three served in the Korean War and 16 served in Vietnam. … Continue Reading
June 05, 2012
Manchin: Nothing Fair About Paycheck Gap
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement announcing that he strongly supports the Paycheck Fairness Act. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this afternoon. "People should earn the same pay for the same work. Period," Senator Manchin said. "It shouldn't matter whether you're a woman or a man - you should be treated fairly no matter what. The fact that working women in West Virginia are earning 70 cents to every dollar a man makes just … Continue Reading
June 01, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Grants for Three West Virginia Regional Airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced that three regional airports serving Barbour, Marshall, and Upshur counties will receive a total of $795,727 in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to help them construct new hangar buildings. "West Virginia's airports are critical lifelines for our businesses, tourism, and our state's economy. And making sure they receive the upgrades they need will enable our communities to continue to see the … Continue Reading
June 01, 2012
Manchin Fights to Protect Jobs in Rural West Va. Counties
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is fighting for legislation that will help protect the jobs of teachers, road crews, police officers and other county employees in rural areas of West Virginia and the nation. He has joined a bipartisan group of 25 Senators who are urging negotiators working on the Surface Transportation bill to keep one-year extensions of two commonsense programs, Secure Rural Schools and Payments in Lieu of Taxes. "Without this funding, counties' … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce More Than $22,000 to Support National Park Recreational Opportunities
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, (all D-W.Va.), announced today that more than $22,000 will be awarded to the New River Gorge National River and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to improve trails and bring more youth to the parks. The funding comes from the National Park Foundation's Active Trails Program. The New River Gorge National River will receive $18,000 to support Trips for Kids, a non-profit organization … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
Manchin Demonstrates a Strong Commitment to W.Va. Small Businesses
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will continue his week-long statewide tour today with a visit to Wendling's Food Service in Buckhannon, where he will receive an award for his commitment to increasing opportunity and reducing government regulation. Senator Manchin is the first Senate Democrat to receive the 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award, presented by the International Foodservice Distributors Association. Senator Manchin also demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurs … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Grant for West Virginia Crime Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced that the West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund will receive $1,191,000 in federal funding to help them to continue providing financial assistance to victims of Federal and State crimes. "Helping our neighbors when they are in need is at the core of every West Virginian," said Rockefeller. "Victims suffer not only physically and emotionally, but also financially as a result of violent crimes, and this … Continue Reading
May 29, 2012
Manchin Urges Support for Older Americans Act at Beckley Senior Center
Manchin is offering two commonsense amendments to the bill: the Seniors' Financial Bill of Rights and the Streamlining Services for Older Veterans Act Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) visited the Raleigh County Senior Center today to urge West Virginians to support the Older Americans Act, a law that funds programs like Meals on Wheels, adult day services, caregiver help, legal assistance, transportation and abuse prevention for the elderly. Senator Manchin is a … Continue Reading
May 25, 2012
Manchin Amends Defense Bill to Cut Expensive Contracting, Protect Veterans’ Benefits and National Guard
Senator Manchin's measures would also address veterans' unemployment Washington, D.C. - In a major legislative victory, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) successfully added provisions to the annual defense authorization bill, including measures that give our service members and families the benefits that they deserve and reduce the salaries of expensive contractors. The annual defense bill cleared the committee unanimously, with no dissenting votes from Democrats or Republicans. Since … Continue Reading
May 25, 2012
Manchin Statement on Memorial Day
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day: "Memorial Day is a special day to reflect on the courageous service of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and to whom we are eternally grateful," Senator Manchin said. "Showing our appreciation is something we should do each and every day, but on Memorial Day, we as a nation can come together to just say thank you. The freedoms we enjoy - … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Manchin: We Must Come Together To Keep Student Loans Affordable
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about votes today on keeping student loan rates affordable. "The fact is that keeping student loan rates low should be one of the highest priorities for this country, because we must invest in the next generation," Senator Manchin said. "As Democrats and Republicans, we must come together and agree on a way to keep student loans affordable. "For the people of West Virginia, it's only fair to fund these … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Saturday: Manchin to Kick-Off Weeklong Tour of W.Va. with Celebration of Memorial Day
Washington, D.C. - Beginning Saturday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will launch a week-long statewide tour focused on honoring our veterans, helping small businesses and improving the quality of life for our seniors. "I'm looking forward to spending several days in our state meeting our veterans, visiting senior centers and talking to small business owners about how to kick-start our economy," Senator Manchin said. "I truly look forward to these state work periods where I can tour our … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Manchin Thanks Senate Colleagues for Unanimous Support of Bill to Help Fight Prescription Drug Abuse
**Video, Audio Available** Manchin's bill to reclassify all hydrocodone substances with Schedule II status passed the Senate last night Washington, D.C.- With prescription drug abuse on the rise across the country, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today thanked his colleagues in the Senate for coming together across party lines to fight addiction and abuse by unanimously supporting his measure to make it harder to get addictive painkillers. The Senator's bipartisan amendment to the … Continue Reading
May 23, 2012
Manchin Amendment Would Help Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse
Bipartisan proposal would reclassify all hydrocodone substances with Schedule II status Washington, D.C. - With more Americans dying from prescription painkillers than heroin and cocaine combined, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced a bipartisan measure today to make it far more difficult to abuse addictive pain medicine. The Senators' bipartisan amendment to … Continue Reading
May 21, 2012
Manchin: West Virginia Lost One of its Best Citizens Today
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the passing of Bill Stewart. "West Virginia truly lost one of its best citizens today, but my friend Bill Stewart leaves behind a lifetime of memories and love for our state," Senator Joe Manchin said. "It has been my privilege to be able to call Bill my friend ever since his days playing ball at Fairmont State. From the moment I met him, I knew that you never had to worry about Bill's enthusiasm; he … Continue Reading
May 17, 2012
Manchin Calls for Fair Treatment for West Virginia from Postal Service
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today about the U.S. Postal Service announcement regarding mail processing facilities. "I am determined to fight for every job at our area mail processing facilities because these jobs are important to so many of our communities. In West Virginia, we have the most dedicated and productive workforce and we bring our work ethic to any job we're given. I will make sure the Postal Service takes this into … Continue Reading
May 17, 2012
Manchin Welcomes Dozens of West Virginians to First-Ever ‘Wednesday Wake-Up With Joe’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) welcomed dozens of West Virginians to his office this week in his first-ever "Wednesday Wake-Up with Joe" coffee hour for constituents visiting the nation's capital. "Our first-ever coffee hour was a big success, and I truly enjoyed hearing from all the West Virginians who stopped by my office for a little coffee and common sense," Senator Manchin said. "I hope that all West Virginians will stop in at 'Wednesday Wake-Up With Joe' when … Continue Reading
May 16, 2012
Congressional Delegation Fights for WV Hospitals
WASHINGTON--Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., joined with the West Virginia delegation to send a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing serious concerns about a new interpretation of its regulations regarding reimbursable costs and its impact on West Virginia's critical access hospitals (CAHs). Under the CMS's new interpretation, each of West Virginia's CAHs may lose hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and since the rule is being applied … Continue Reading
May 16, 2012
Manchin Determined to Bring People Together for Bipartisan Budget Solution
**Video and Audio Available** Washington, D.C. - With the Senate expected to vote on five partisan budget proposals today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement announcing he is determined to work to bring his colleagues together on a bipartisan solution to the country's fiscal problems. "Since the day I arrived in Washington, I've worked hard to bring people together to put this country in better shape for the next generation. The solution is clear: We need to … Continue Reading
