2020 CENSUS

Visit our 2020 Census page on our website.

The deadline to respond is October 31, 2020.

If we don’t respond to the Census, we will miss out on important federal funds that make our communities stronger. Every person in West Virginia that does not respond to the Census equates to $20,000 lost in federal funds for West Virginia and our communities over the next ten years. We simply can’t afford that. So please, Be Counted and respond to the census today by visiting: 

2020census.gov 

or call 844-330-2020.

BROADBAND

Take a Speed Test Here.

The sad fact is that many places in West Virginia simply do not have access to reliable broadband and the lack of access affects West Virginians every day. Back in 2015, the FCC released a coverage map that stated 99.9% of Americans had wireless coverage. I knew then what I know now: That is just plain wrong.
 
That’s why I’m asking all West Virginians to submit your internet speed-tests, so we can prove to the FCC that our broadband coverage is well below the stated coverage. So far, your efforts have helped the FCC acknowledge that our providers are overstating their coverage, but we must continue to show where and how widespread the lack of broadband coverage is in West Virginia.

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU? 

To request assistance from my case team, click here.

As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is for me and my staff to provide the best possible customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me needing assistance. While I have no direct jurisdiction in legal or administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way possible and to assure that full consideration is given to your case. See one of our recent success stories below:

Mr. Kevin Mills from Kenova contacted Senator Manchin for assistance with obtaining his Social Security Disability benefits.  As a result of Caseworker Sylvia Asbury's inquiries, Mr. Mills was notified that he would receive full disability benefits. 

Energy Committee News

MANCHIN, ENERGY COMMITTEE HOLDS MINERAL SUPPLY CHAIN HEARING, SLAMS MINING LAW

To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s opening remarks, please click here.

To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s questioning, please click here.

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mineral supply chains and the role of those supply chains in economic and national security. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Committee, highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing America’s supply chains.

“Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve seen serious breakdowns in supply chains, as evidenced by empty shelves at department stores and long backorders for popular products. Critical minerals lie at the heart of many of these supply chains. Our Committee has held several hearings on critical minerals this Congress and China’s tight grip on many of the minerals we need for both everyday items and security needs has been a reoccurring theme in these discussions,’ Ranking Member Manchin said.  “We should be focusing on investing in innovative mining and mineral processing practices, developing viable substitutes for critical materials that can be found in our backyard, and implementing smart policies for recycling critical materials. All of these things can reduce our reliance on foreign imports while creating jobs right here in the United States. I believe that the mineral security title that the Chairman and I agreed to as part of the American Energy Innovation Act is a fair and reasonable step in the right direction.”

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN VOTES TO START DEBATE ON POLICE REFORM BILL

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote to start debate on the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of our country. I voted YES to start debate in the Senate on police reform legislation because I believe we can no longer turn a blind eye to racial injustice, while citizens across the country are demonstrating in the streets to demand solutions that move us forward. It is a shame that Republicans and Democrats in the Senate cannot rise to meet this moment by working together to face these difficult issues head on. Despite the toxic partisanship of the Senate, I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a legislative path that increases police accountability and provides support and training to law enforcement officers so they are better able to serve their communities. We must unite to discuss real reforms instead of fueling the partisan divisions that plague our legislative body. I will continue to work on advancing police reforms in the Senate and have also announced a series of listening sessions throughout 2020 to continue conversations around race and what can be done to heal these wounds and move forward.”   

MANCHIN APPLAUDS FCC APPROVAL OF MON HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER TELEHEALTH PROGRAM APPLICATION

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of Mon Health Medical Center’s application for $283,396 to implement a telehealth platform that will help provide the full spectrum of telehealth visits for patients, including COVID-19 screening and diagnosis, medication management, chronic disease management, and behavioral health visits. As a member of the Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the FCC’s budget, Senator Manchin helped support $200 million in funding for the telehealth pilot program through the CARES Act.  

“Healthcare providers across West Virginia have drastically expanded telehealth services including telephone-based appointments for patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes necessary to stay as safe as possible during this crisis. On April 20th, I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the Mon Health Medical Center application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application. The FCC’s approval of this funding will be beneficial for Morgantown area residents and will help West Virginians receive the care they need during this health crisis. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I will continue to support funding to help our healthcare providers across West Virginia care for their fellow West Virginians.”

MANCHIN SUBMITS OVER 1,000 SPEED TESTS TO FCC, SETS NEW GOAL OF 2,000 BY END OF YEAR

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he has submitted over 1,000 speed tests from West Virginians across the state to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These speed tests prove the FCC’s broadband coverage maps are incorrect and need to be fixed before billions of dollars of one-time federal funds are all spent.

“Earlier this year I set a goal of submitting 1,000 speed tests to the FCC from West Virginians by the end of 2020. Today, I am proud to announce that we have submitted over 1,000 speed tests to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai that prove their broadband coverage maps are wrong. This is a testament to the incredible efforts West Virginians are making to get better broadband access for themselves, their family, friends and neighbors in the Mountain State. We’ve also found that less than 25% of the submitted speed tests are even eligible for funding through the $20 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) which is meant to expand broadband in rural areas of America. This is unacceptable. The fight is far from over, which is why I’ve updated my goal to submit an additional 1,000 speed tests to the FCC by the end of 2020. I’ll continue sending West Virginians’ speed tests to the FCC, urging them to create a user-friendly public feedback system just like they are required to do under law, and to fix their coverage maps before billions more federal dollars are sent out the door. Help me help West Virginia get better broadband by submitting your own test at manchin.senate.gov/speedtest.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION TO VACCINATE CHILDREN IN WEST VIRGINIA

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,992,636 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide access to vaccines for children in West Virginia.

“Vaccines are vital to keeping our children healthy and safe from deadly diseases that are preventable. This funding will increase parent’s access to vaccines for their children to protect them against preventable diseases and will raise awareness about the need for vaccinations. Our citizens and especially our children deserve access to quality healthcare, including vaccinations, and I will continue to fight hard to secure and expand healthcare access for all West Virginians,” Senator Manchin said.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF WEST VIRGINIA BUREAU FOR PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSIONER DR. SLEMP

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the resignation of State Health Officer and Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, Dr. Cathy Slemp.

 

“I want to thank Dr. Slemp for her longtime commitment to our state. In my work with Dr. Slemp I have always found her to be knowledgeable, helpful and professional. When I served as Governor she was a trusted advisor as we navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and prepared relocation sites at Camp Dawson. She also played an important role in revamping the Center for Threat Preparedness so West Virginia was ready when a crisis like this pandemic hit. I wish Dr. Slemp well and all the best in her next chapter.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION FOR WEST VIRGINIA ANTI-METHAMPHETAMINE, ILLEGAL OPIOIDS PROGRAM

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) for West Virginia anti-methamphetamine and illegal opioid production program. 

“West Virginia has been ravaged by the opioid epidemic that has taken thousands of West Virginians from us and harmed countless others. As the state with the highest overdoses per capita, combatting this epidemic is one of my highest priorities,” said Senator Manchin. “This funding will help West Virginia combat the production of methamphetamines and illicit opioids to keep these harmful drugs out of our communities. We must continue to fight this crisis and take care of those affected by substance use disorder, and I will continue to advocate for states affected by the opioid crisis until we beat this epidemic hurting so many of our friends, family, and loved ones.”

MANCHIN APPALLED BY REPUBLICAN ATTORNEYS GENERAL, DOJ ACTIONS TO ELIMINATE HEALTHCARE FOR AMERICANS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the appalling decision by the Republican Attorneys General and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file amicus briefs in California v Texas, the case which aims to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as unconstitutional.

“Our country is in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst health crisis anyone alive today has ever seen. This is one of the most critical times for Americans to have health insurance, but Republican Attorneys General, including our own West Virginia Attorney General, and the DOJ are still determined to take away health insurance from 800,000 West Virginians and millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions,” Senator Manchin said. “I’ve said again and again that the ACA is not perfect but we simply cannot throw the baby out with the bath water, especially during a global health crisis that has already killed 92 West Virginians and over 120,000 Americans. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to pass commonsense, bipartisan legislation to fix our current healthcare system without kicking millions of Americans off of their insurance. And I will keep fighting to expand healthcare coverage for Americans who have lost their employer insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic in future relief packages. These repeated attacks on the health and well-being of hard working West Virginians are unacceptable and I will not stop fighting until every West Virginian has protected access to quality, affordable health insurance.”

MANCHIN CALLS ON AMTRAK TO COMMIT TO RESUMING DAILY LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE

Charleston, WV – This week, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) called on Amtrak to commit to resuming daily service for its long-distance routes across the country and provide a detailed timeline on the plan to resume those services. Amtrak recently released a plan to cut 20% of its workforce and reduce service on most long-distance trains down to three-days-per-week, but failed to provide adequate data supporting these cuts or give an indication on when it plans to resume full service. Senator Manchin was joined by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The Senators said in part, “We are reaching out today regarding Amtrak’s recent Congressional budget request for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). Despite record investment in Amtrak, this proposal guts long-distance service and leaves 3,700 Americans looking for work. We are very troubled by this proposal, and ask that you provide additional information as well as a commitment to return to full service when the pandemic draws to a close… If Congress is going to continue funding Amtrak at historic levels, you need to work to ensure this path forward works for places such as Montana, Nevada, and West Virginia alike. For Congress to continue its support for all operations, we need a commitment from Amtrak on what the conditions and timelines of a full resumption of 7-day-a-week service on all long-distance routes would look like, and the costs associated with the reduction and resumption of service.”