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:

James Uphold of Reedsville contacted the Senator for assistance with his claim for benefits with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As a result of Caseworker Amber McCartney’s inquiry, James was awarded benefits and the rating resulted in a retroactive payment.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Emergency Family Stabilization Act. This legislation would create a new emergency funding stream overseen by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide flexible funding for community-based organizations working to meet the unique and challenging needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Specifically, the bill aims to provide emergency funding to underserved populations and areas, including in rural and tribal communities, who continue to see long-term repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Every child deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep but unfortunately, this is not the case today. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made this problem worse due to high unemployment, unstable living conditions, and job insecurity. Recent research has also found the lack of resources in rural areas of America – like West Virginia – create additional burdens for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Emergency Family Stabilization Act would help address this issue by dedicating emergency funding to help our children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to include this bipartisan, commonsense legislation in the next COVID-19 relief package," said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM VA SECRETARY DENIS MCDONOUGH
Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, voted to confirm Denis McDonough as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Today I voted to confirm Denis McDonough as Secretary of Veterans Affairs because the VA needs accountability to ensure they are providing our brave Veterans with the care they deserve. Our West Virginia Veterans have endured unacceptable treatment at two of our VA Medical Centers (VAMC), corroding our Veterans’ trust in the VA system and the care provided to them. I will work with Secretary McDonough as I continue to push for better transparency and accountability at the VA and I expect him to immediately address the longstanding and very serious issues at the VA."

MANCHIN SUPPORT FOR OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY HAS NOT CHANGED
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his votes during the Senate’s February 4th vote-a-rama.

"My position on the oil and gas industry has not changed. I have always been and will always be an outspoken advocate for an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes fracking and responsible energy infrastructure development, like the Keystone XL pipeline. Last week, I voted in favor of multiple nonbinding amendments that expressed opposition to a ban on fracking and support for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. While I was disappointed that these provisions were removed from the final package, I voted to proceed forward on this urgent COVID-19 relief package because West Virginia families are hurting. They need more vaccines. They need more direct aid in the form of targeted checks. They need to know their unemployment benefits won’t run out in a few weeks. I will not let partisan games and political posturing hold this essential assistance hostage.

Energy Committee News

MANCHIN URGES PRESIDENT BIDEN TO RECONSIDER KEYSTONE XL DECISION, SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Manchin: Pipelines are our safest mode of transport for oil and natural gas

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urged President Biden to reconsider his executive order revoking the cross-border permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline and expressed continued support of the responsible expansion of energy infrastructure, including pipelines.

"I am writing today to express my support of responsible energy infrastructure development, including of oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipelines continue to be the safest mode to transport our oil and natural gas resources and they support thousands of high-paying, American union jobs. To that end, I encourage you to reconsider your decision to revoke the cross-border permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and take into account the potential impacts of any further action to safety, jobs, and energy security,” Chairman Manchin wrote in part.

Yesterday, Chairman Manchin reiterated his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes fracking and responsible energy infrastructure development, like the Keystone XL and Mountain Valley pipelines. Senator Manchin introduced the original Keystone XL pipeline bill in 2012. In 2014 and 2015, Senator Manchin voted in support of the Keystone XL pipeline because he believed it would be a tremendous job creator and secure American energy independence. In 2017, Senator Manchin praised President Trump’s executive order to resume construction on the pipeline.

Read the full letter here.