Press Releases
Facts About the Payroll Tax Cut Proposals to Jeopardize Social Security
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following disturbing facts about the future of Social Security if Congress extends the payroll tax cut. Senator Manchin said: "I truly agree with the words of our great President Franklin Delano Roosevelt - who created Social Security - when he said: 'We put those payroll contributions there so as to give the contributors a legal, moral, and political right to collect their pensions and their unemployment benefits. With those … Continue Reading
December 07, 2011
Manchin Statement on 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor: "Today marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor - a devastating attack that stunned our nation and took the lives of thousands of Americans. This horrific attack united our country and inspired millions of Americans to join the fight by serving in our military, going to work in our factories or buying war bonds and making sacrifices to support … Continue Reading
December 06, 2011
Senator Manchin Statement on MSHA’s UBB Report
***Pathfire, FTP, Audio Available*** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today issued the following statement about the investigation of the Mine Safety and Health Administration into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. "Words can't describe how disturbing it is that this tragedy could have been prevented - and all of the official reports that have been issued in this investigation agree on that point. What is clear from these findings is that these mistakes are totally … Continue Reading
December 06, 2011
Manchin Statement on $209 Million Upper Big Branch Settlement
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement today about the historic $209 million Corporate Criminal Resolution between the U.S. Department of Justice and Alpha Natural Resources in connection with the Upper Big Branch mining tragedy. "This comprehensive and forward-looking settlement takes the right steps to truly protect our miners. By investing more than $120 million in mine safety - including improvements to existing mines, a new West … Continue Reading
December 06, 2011
Manchin Statement on Payroll Tax Cut Compromise, Protecting Social Security
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made the following statement about the compromise offer to extend the payroll tax cuts that fund Social Security. "I applaud any serious effort at compromise, but let me be clear: we should not and cannot jeopardize the way we fund Social Security and the promises we've made to our seniors. As I have said before, if we are serious about saving and protecting Social Security, we should not use Social Security contributions to pay for … Continue Reading
December 01, 2011
Manchin Votes to Support America’s Troops and West Virginia’s Priorities
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted tonight for the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that advances many of West Virginians' highest priorities, including elevating the National Guard to a position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accelerating the end of the war in Afghanistan and providing a pay raise to our troops. The bill passed the Senate 93-7. "In West Virginia, we set our priorities based on our values, and one of the values I hold most dear is taking … Continue Reading
December 01, 2011
Manchin: This is our Moment to Stand Up for Social Security
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said on the Senate floor today that he will not vote to take hundreds of billions of dollars out of Social Security's funding stream to pay for an extension of a payroll tax cut that has failed to create jobs. "Americans pay for one thing with our payroll tax. One. Social Security," Senator Manchin said. "Yet at a time when our nation faces a death spiral of debt - when we should be talking about how we can come together to fix a fiscal … Continue Reading
November 29, 2011
Manchin Applauds Senate Passage of Plan to Elevate National Guard to Joint Chiefs of Staff
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today praised the United States Senate for approving an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would elevate the National Guard to a position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Our National Guard and Reserve forces have taken on a major role in our combat missions abroad, while continuing to take the lead on the front lines during disasters here at home," Senator Manchin said. "This nation's increased reliance on the … Continue Reading
November 23, 2011
Manchin Wishes West Virginians a Happy Thanksgiving
***Audio, Video Available*** Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement wishing West Virginians a happy Thanksgiving: "This week, we will come together with our families, our friends and our communities to give thanks for all of our many blessings. I know that for many West Virginians, like Americans all over the country, this year has brought many new challenges and hardships - especially as so many families are struggling to make ends … Continue Reading
November 21, 2011
Manchin Reacts to Super Committe Failure, Recommends Vote on Bipartisan Plan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today after the so-called super committee announced that its 12 members failed to meet the deadline for finding $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. Earlier today, Senator Manchin sent a letter (attached) to the President and all Congressional leaders urging them to allow a vote on the deficit-cutting recommendations of the bipartisan Bowles-Simpson commission. "I am truly disappointed that the super … Continue Reading
November 21, 2011
Manchin: Let Us Vote On Bowles-Simpson Recommendations
To date, Bowles-Simpson is the only bipartisan plan that achieves $4 trillion in deficit reduction and provides pro-growth tax reform, long-term entitlement reform Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) sent a letter today to President Obama and Congressional leaders urging them to schedule a vote on the recommendations of the Bowles-Simpson Fiscal Commission if the so-called super committee fails to meet its deadline for finding $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. "I don't … Continue Reading
November 20, 2011
On CBS’s Face The Nation Manchin Says Super Committee Failure ‘Is Not An Option’
Washington, D.C. - On his first Sunday morning national talk show appearance today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said on CBS's Face the Nation that failure cannot be an option for the deficit reduction super committee, which has a Wednesday deadline for finding $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. Senator Manchin said that if the super committee cannot agree to a plan, the bipartisan group of about 140 House Members and Senators who have urged the super committee to "Go Big" and find $4 … Continue Reading
November 18, 2011
Introducing ‘Manchin’s Mailbox’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today launched "Manchin's Mailbox," a new way to answer West Virginians' most pressing questions and concerns. "Manchin's Mailbox" will be a regular feature of the Senator's new website, manchin.senate.gov. "This new feature is a great way for you and I to keep in touch, no matter where you are and no matter where I am," Senator Manchin said. "I want to know what is on your mind, what you are worried about, and what you think about the … Continue Reading
November 16, 2011
Sens. Manchin, Kirk to Supercommittee: ‘Go Big’ on Deficit Reduction
Washington, D.C. - With the deadline for the deficit reduction supercommittee just days away, United States Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) have sent their own commonsense message to Congress: "Go Big." While the committee is legally tasked with finding $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years, Sens. Manchin and Kirk are asking their fellow Senators to support their bipartisan resolution to encourage the committee to reach $4 trillion in reductions through … Continue Reading
November 15, 2011
Manchin Marks First Anniversary in U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today shared his proudest accomplishments from his first year in office, highlighting a year of bringing common sense to Washington. Since being sworn in to the United States Senate on November 15, 2010, Senator Manchin has focused on working across the aisle and bringing his commonsense agenda to Washington: creating new jobs, getting our financial house in order, keeping our promises to veterans and seniors, and achieving energy … Continue Reading
November 14, 2011
Manchin Chairs Senate Energy Committee Field Hearing on Marcellus Shale’s Job Creation Potential
Charleston, W.Va.-- Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today chaired his first-ever field hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Marcellus Shale development and production. The hearing, which will focus on Marcellus' tremendous job creation potential and development challenges, was held in Charleston. His opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below. "I'd like to call this hearing to order. "I'd like to welcome the members of Congress who have … Continue Reading
November 14, 2011
10 AM Monday: Manchin to Bring Senate Energy Committee to WV for Marcellus Shale Hearing
***Webcast available*** Manchin will also speak at NETL's Business Opportunity Session Charleston, W.Va.- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is pleased to welcome officials from the federal and state governments, along with business and environmental representatives, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of developing the Marcellus Shale at his first-ever Congressional field hearing today. The hearing will take place beginning at 10 a.m. in the 7th Floor Courtroom of the Robert … Continue Reading
November 13, 2011
Manchin Introduces Governor Earl Ray Tomblin at Inaugural Ceremony
Charleston, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today introduced Governor Earl Ray Tomblin at his inaugural ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol. Manchin's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below: "Today is a very proud day for me, to stand with all of you and my dear friend, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. "We stand together on this day as leaders of a great and strong state. A state that truly stands out in our great nation in these challenging times. … Continue Reading
November 10, 2011
Manchin Votes for Bipartisan Jobs Bill to Help get our Veterans Back to Work and End Unfair Penalty on Contractors
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) voted today for bipartisan legislation to create jobs for veterans by giving employers tax incentives to hire them and ending an unfair, blanket penalty on all government contractors. "Our federal government has got to focus on creating jobs and treat people fairly, whether it's our brave veterans who are struggling to find work, or whether it's the small business contractors who work hard and create good jobs," Senator Manchin said. … Continue Reading
November 10, 2011
Manchin Offers Commonsense, Bipartisan Proposal to Improve EPA Rules
**FTP, Audio and Video Available** Washington, D.C. - After a measure to eliminate an onerous EPA rule for power plants failed in the U.S. Senate today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) offered his own commonsense, bipartisan bill to improve compliance with two of the EPA's most expensive rules ever on coal plants. The "Fair Compliance Act of 2011," which Senator Manchin wrote with Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) would create reasonable timelines and benchmarks for utilities to comply with … Continue Reading
