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:

Sheila Wallace of Martinsburg had a VA claim she believed was stalled in the system and contacted Senator Manchin for assistance. As a result of Caseworker Angie Walsh’s inquiry, Sheila’s claim was approved.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN VOTES TO CONFIRM AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), voted to confirm Tom Vilsack as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

"Today I voted to confirm Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Tom and I served together as Governors, and I know from personal experience that he will work tirelessly to get the job done. Tom is undoubtedly qualified to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture and proved during his previous tenure as Secretary of Agriculture that he prioritizes rural America and providing assistance to those who need it most. Secretary Vilsack brings experience and a steady hand to the Biden Administration and I look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack as he works to bolster the agriculture industry, expand rural access to broadband, and create good-paying jobs for West Virginians and Americans."

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR WEST VIRGINIA THROUGH CENTRAL APPALACHIA HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $398,937 to support two projects that will improve the quality and connectivity of forest and freshwater habitats in West Virginia. The funding is made available as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program’s 2020 Grant Slate.

MANCHIN APPLAUDS PROGRESS ON NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL AND AEROTECH BUSINESS PARK AT NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL AIRPORT
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) distribution of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment of the new Passenger Terminal and Aerotech Business Park project at North Central West Virginia Regional Airport (CKB). This Environmental Assessment is a vital step towards the completion of the Passenger Terminal and Aerotech Business Park project at the North Central Regional Airport, which will create jobs and boost economic development in the region.

MANCHIN, PORTMAN REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN FIGHT FENTANYL ACT TO PERMANENTLY SCHEDULE FENTANYL-RELATED SUBSTANCES
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Rob Portman (R-OH) reintroduced the bipartisan Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act to permanently schedule illicitly manufactured and deadly fentanyl. In February 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order to schedule fentanyl-related substances that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute, or handle fentanyl-related substances. This scheduling order is set to expire on May 6, 2022. The FIGHT Fentanyl Act codifies DEA precedent to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances.  

MANCHIN: EPA PROGRESS ON PFAS CHEMICALS GOOD NEWS FOR WEST VIRGINIANS
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to move forward on the Final Regulatory Determination regarding two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. The regulation, initially issued on January 15th, has been on hold since January 20th due to an across the board review of ongoing federal regulations as is typical under a new Presidential Administration. Following today’s decision, the EPA can resume the process of establishing a national primary drinking water regulation, including setting a Maximum Contaminant Level which Senator Manchin has been fighting for since 2016.

Energy Committee News

HAALAND COMMITS TO WORKING WITH CHAIRMAN MANCHIN ON WEST VIRGINIA PRIORITIES

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 consider the nomination of U.S. Representative Debra Haaland (D-NM) to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. During the hearing, Representative Haaland committed to Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee, that she will work with him to extend Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AML) fees– a key priority due to its 2021 expiration.

Chairman Manchin questioned Representative Haaland on the importance of maintaining our energy independence and reiterated his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy policy that focuses on innovation, rather than elimination.