VOTING RESOURCE PAGE

Early voting begins Wednesday, October 21.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our daily lives, including how Americans and West Virginians will be able to vote this year. The 2020 election is quickly approaching and West Virginians need access to accurate, reliable information on how to vote during these unprecedented times. This week I launched a voting resource page that compiles accurate facts on how to register to vote, polling locations, requesting an absentee ballot and more. Every eligible West Virginian should exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard this fall.

To view the voting resource webpage please click here.

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.

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 success stories below:

Danny Ruckman of Augusta, WV, contacted Senator Manchin requesting assistance with his VA claim filed for accrued medical expenses on behalf of his mother’s estate.  Danny and his Veteran Service Officer had filed his claim with the VA Pension management office in 2019, but was unable to get his claim approved for payment. As a result of Caseworker Gerrie Greene’s inquiry to the congressional pension management office, Danny was approved for the medical expenses on behalf of his mother.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN: MCCONNELL’S PARTISAN PPP BILL DOESN’T ADDRESS NEEDS OF WEST VIRGINIANS
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted against Mitch McConnell’s partisan Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) bill because it does not address the needs of West Virginia small businesses that desperately need help right now. 

"West Virginians know I am always trying to work with my Republican colleagues to find compromises that solve the issues facing us. Since we have not been able to come to an agreement on a larger COVID relief package, I am not opposed to a piecemeal approach like voting on a standalone PPP bill. This is the first COVID relief bill we have voted on in over a month and it should have been bipartisan and all-inclusive to help everyone that’s struggling. But once again, Mitch McConnell has refused to engage in bipartisan discussions and his partisan PPP proposal is a fraction of what is necessary to stop the bleeding for West Virginia small businesses. It doesn’t provide our rural hospitals, nonprofits, local newspapers and broadcasters, live music venues and restaurants with the help they desperately need to stay afloat. But in order to do that we must reach across the aisle and put partisanship aside. In the meantime, Mitch McConnell’s political games are costing West Virginia small business owners and employees their livelihoods so he can score cheap political points," said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN CALLS ON ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE FUNDS TO HEAT WEST VIRGINIA HOMES
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 40 bipartisan Senators in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible under the current continuing resolution. The Senators said the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that assists low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills and stay safe during the winter. HHS typically releases 90 percent of funds when a continuing resolution is enacted.

The Senators said in part, "As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months.  October marks the start of the heating season for many states and low-income families and seniors will be facing additional strains on their household budgets.  In addition, millions of low-income families, including seniors, are facing new and severe financial hardship due to the coronavirus, making the assistance provided through LIHEAP more important than ever."

MANCHIN PRAISES USDA BROADBAND INVESTMENT IN BARBOUR, DODDRIDGE, RANDOLPH COUNTIES
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $7,623,751 investment to build out broadband access in Barbour, Doddridge, and Randolph counties.

"Expanding broadband access is essential in order for West Virginia to compete in the 21st century. Our economy, workforce, healthcare and education systems all rely on increasing Internet access across the state for everyone, no matter where they live. I am pleased the USDA is investing in the Mountain State to help West Virginians in Barbour, Doddridge, and Randolph counties have access to broadband and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this investment in the years to come as the project is completed," said Senator Manchin. "West Virginians need reliable broadband access to complete their homework, attend telehealth appointments, apply for jobs, support their small businesses, and so much more. It’s vital we expand broadband access across the state and I won’t stop fighting to ensure West Virginia has a fair shot at federal funding to help bring broadband to all West Virginians."

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $1.9 MILLION TO IMPROVE FORENSIC SCIENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT DNA TESTING
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,955,182 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to the state of West Virginia. This funding will provide support for improved forensic science services, deliver jurisdictions with resources to improve efficiency of sexual assault kits and DNA testing, and help process the backlog of forensic and database DNA samples.

"West Virginia’s forensic programs and research projects are some of the best in the nation. That’s why I’m pleased the federal government is continuing to invest in our state through these awards, helping West Virginia remain at the forefront of innovation in forensic science for years to come. Forensic programs like these will help keep our fellow West Virginians safe and provide peace of mind to victims of sexual assault. I look forward to seeing the advancement of these programs and will continue to fight for funding that supports our higher education programs and our local governments," said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY BOARD
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced the names of his service academy board. The ten member panel will interview prospective candidates who are vying for a nomination to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Virtual Resource Fairs and Interviews will be held from October 19, 2020 to October 23, 2020.

"It is an honor to nominate our hardworking and dedicated West Virginia Students to the U.S. Service Academies each year," Senator Manchin said. "Every member of the panel brings something to the table and I look forward to reviewing the results of the interviews when I make my nominations.”