U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, Shelley Moore Capito and the West Virginia Broadband Office hosted an informational session for West Virginia community leaders on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new broadband coverage maps, how to check coverage and if it’s incorrect, challenge the maps. The FCC has encouraged all interested parties, including states, communities, and West Virginians, to submit challenges by January 13th, 2023.

West Virginia stands to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to connect remaining unserved locations, but only if those locations are correct.

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VIEW THE FCC MAPS & VERIFY YOUR COVERAGE

PACT ACT WEEK OF ACTION

The PACT Act is one the largest expansions of VA benefits in history. It will benefit millions of Veterans of the Vietnam War, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras who were exposed to toxic fumes, burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation and other environmental hazards.

Between 12/10 - 12/17, VA will host town halls for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors to discuss new eligibilities and benefits for Veterans.

View list of locations, dates and times

Learn more about the PACT Act

Mrs. Janette Reever of Hampshire County reached out for assistance in receiving her passport. Janette works for the Humane Society International and was set to travel to Coast Rica and Mexico to train others. With the help of my staff, Mrs. Reever quickly had her passport in hand and was able to continue her travels.

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If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, please contact my office at 304-342-5855.

HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT - New guidelines will lower the cost of of healthcare for most West Virginians, including those who received unemployment, qualified for a stimulus check or rely on COBRA. Get more information about Affordable Care Act health insurance options at https://www.healthcare.gov. December 15th is the deadline for coverage starting January 1st. The last day to sign up for all 2023 coverage January 15th. 
Download this checklist to make sure you have everything you’ll need to apply.

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE SERVICES - A new online service is available for West Virginians. Residents can use their my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits or manage the benefits they already receive. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to learn more and create a free and secure my Social Security account.

AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS - While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government, if you have health insurance, including Medicare, you’re covered for 8 free at-home COVID-19 tests each month. Purchase over-the-counter from an in-network pharmacy or store or submit a claim after purchase. Get additional COVID resources, see a list of participating pharmacies in your area or find resources for uninsured individuals. 

REPORT YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULTS - COVID-19 test results provide valuable data that public health departments can use to assess the needs and modify the responses in the local community, the state or the nation. Self-report your at-home test results at MakeMyTestCount.org.

FEMA RESPONSE IN WV - Federal Emergency Management Agency financial assistance has reached $100 million for West Virginia in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. Learn more about FEMA’s response including funeral assistance, vaccine support and how to avoid the latest scams at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus. 

WEATHER EMERGENCIES - The Federal Trade Commission has gathered useful information about assistance with emergencies including tips related to preparation, insurance, finances, scams and rehabilitation. Learn more at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies.

FREE ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS - Veterans, service members and Gold Star Families now have access to free lifetime passes for more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the nation, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. Military-Lifetime Passes can be obtained for free in person at these locations or online through the USGS Store with a processing fee.

FOSSI SCHOLARSHIP - For graduating high school seniors. Direct questions to FOSSI@americanchemistry.com. See application requirements for more details. Application deadline is January 31.

Looking for a job? Find job opportunities in your area:
WorkForce WV local job announcement flyers
WorkForce WV job search portal
National Labor Exchange job postings
West Virginia Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR open positions throughout the state​
Path to Pro Network: skilled labor jobs at companies across the U.S.

MANCHIN, BARRASSO, CARDIN, CAPITO, BOOKER, CRAMER, COONS, RISCH AND MURKOWSKI URGE U.S. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION TO ELIMINATE PROHIBITION ON SUPPORTING CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY PROJECTS
 urging DFC to begin financing nuclear energy projects and support the continued development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology.

MANCHIN RELEASES PERMITTING TEXT AND URGES COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT MVP AND PERMITTING AMENDMENT TO NDAA
Failing to pass the bipartisan, comprehensive energy permitting reform that our country desperately needs is not an acceptable option. 

MANCHIN, RISCH APPLAUD COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY ACT
to promote engagement with ally and partner nations to develop a civil nuclear export strategy and offset China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development.

MANCHIN: AMERICAN ENERGY SECURITY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE THREATENED
"Our energy infrastructure is under attack and America’s energy security has never been more threatened."

ALL ENERGY NEWS

Students from 22 counties have been nominated to the U.S. Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with
a state or federal agency, please contact one of my offices: