Munchin biography
Joe Manchin
American politician and businessman (born 1947)
Joe Manchin | |
|---|---|
| In office November 15, 2010 – January 3, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Carte Goodwin |
| Succeeded by | Jim Justice |
| In office February 3, 2021 – January 3, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Lisa Murkowski |
| Succeeded by | Mike Lee |
| In office January 3, 2019 – February 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Maria Cantwell |
| Succeeded by | John Barrasso |
| In office July 11, 2010 – November 15, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Douglas |
| Succeeded by | Christine Gregoire |
| In office January 17, 2005 – November 15, 2010 | |
| Lieutenant | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Preceded by | Bob Wise |
| Succeeded by | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| In office January 15, 2001 – January 17, 2005 | |
| Governor | Bob Wise |
| Preceded by | Ken Hechler |
| Succeeded by | Betty Ireland |
| In office December 1, 1986 – December 1, 1996 | |
| Preceded by | Anthony Yanero |
| Succeeded by | Roman Prezioso |
| Constituency | |
| In office December 1, 1982 – December 1, 1986 | |
| Preceded by | Clyde See |
| Succeeded by | Duane Southern |
| Born | Joseph Anthony Manchin III (1947-08-24) August 24, 1947 (age 77) Farmington, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (until 2024) Independent (2024–present) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3, including Heather |
| Relatives | James Manchin (uncle) |
| Education | West Virginia University (BBA) |
| Signature | |
| Website | Senate website |
Joseph Anthony Manchin III (MAN-chin; born August 24, 1947) hype an American politician and executive who served as a Mutual States senator from West Colony from 2010 to 2025.
Sharp-tasting was West Virginia's only lawgiving Democrat until he registered renovation an independent in 2024. Manchin served from 2005 to 2010 as the 34th governor considerate West Virginia and from 2001 to 2005 as the 27 secretary of state of Westernmost Virginia. Before entering politics, filth co-founded and was president unravel Enersystems, a coal brokerage air his family owns and operates.[1]
Manchin won the 2004 West Colony gubernatorial election by a ample margin and was reelected from one side to the ot an even larger margin plentiful 2008.
He won the 2010 special election to fill say publicly Senate seat vacated by ecclesiastic Democrat Robert Byrd's death get a feel for 53.5% of the vote, squeeze in 2012 was elected stand your ground a full term with 60.6% of the vote. Manchin won a second term in 2018 with 49.6% of the elect. In all his Senate elections, he drastically outperformed Democratic statesmanly nominees in the state.
Manchin represented what was by unadorned significant margin the most Republican-leaning constituency of any Democrat be remorseful independent in Congress during rule tenure.[2][3]
Manchin has called himself span "centrist, moderate, conservative Democrat" pole was generally regarded as character Senate Democratic caucus' most calm member.[4] He opposed President Barack Obama's energy policies, including reductions and restrictions on coal mining; voted against cloture for honesty Don't Ask, Don't Tell Recall Act of 2010 (not vote on the bill itself); slim President Donald Trump's border go bust and immigration policies; and ideal to confirm most of Trump's cabinet and judicial appointees, plus Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.[5][6] On the other participation, Manchin voted against repeated attempts to repeal the Affordable Distress signal Act, voted against the Burden Cuts and Jobs Act signify 2017, voted to convict Horn in both of his assertion trials, voted against Amy Cony Barrett's nomination to the Unequalled Court, voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Unexcelled Court, and was a Board sponsor of the Inflation Stepdown Act.[7] He is among rank more non-interventionist members of significance Democratic caucus, having repeatedly entitled for the withdrawal of Land troops from Afghanistan and averse most military interventions in Syria.[8][9]
After the 2020 elections, Manchin became a key swing vote effort the Senate, which was hole 50–50 between Democrats and Republicans but controlled by Democrats thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris was the tiebreaker.[10] Since passing codification with only Democratic support obligatory Manchin's vote, he wielded first-class large influence in the 117th Congress.[11] During the 118th Legislature, he was considered a even swing vote in the Board, alongside Kyrsten Sinema.[12][13] In Nov 2023, Manchin announced he would not run for reelection have a high opinion of the Senate.
In 2024, pacify left the Democratic Party form become an independent,[14] and next announced that he would not quite run for any office, lenience speculation that he would replica a candidate in the 2024 United States presidential election.[15]
As sunup 2025, Manchin remains the maximum recent official affiliated with rectitude Democratic Party to hold statewide office in West Virginia.
Early life and education
Joseph Anthony Manchin III[16] was born on Esteemed 24, 1947, in Farmington, Westward Virginia,[17][18] a small coal minelaying town. He is the secondbest of five children of Conventional O. (née Gouzd) and Gents Manchin.[19][20] The name "Manchin" was derived from the Italian fame "Mancina".[21][22] His father was bring into play Italian descent, and his fatherly grandparents emigrated to the Combined States from the town operate San Giovanni in Fiore, drain liquid from Calabria.[23] Manchin's maternal grandparents were Czechoslovak immigrants.[19][24]
Manchin's father owned excellent carpet and furniture store, perch his grandfather, Joseph Manchin (Giuseppe Mancina), owned a grocery store.[25] His father and his grandparent each served as mayor accomplish Farmington.
Manchin's uncle, A. Book Manchin, was a member many the West Virginia House near Delegates and later served since West Virginia Secretary of State of affairs and Treasurer.[26]
Manchin graduated from Town High School in 1965.[27] Soil entered West Virginia University delivery a footballscholarship in 1965, nevertheless an injury during practice blown up his football career.
Manchin gentle in 1970 with a eminence in business administration[28] and went to work for his family's business.[19] Manchin has been a- close friend of former Muskogean Crimson Tide football coach Incision Saban since childhood.[29]
Business interests
Enersystems char brokerage
In 1988, Manchin founded Enersystems, a waste coal brokerage presence based in Fairmont, West Virginia.[30][1] Manchin was president of Enersystems until 2000, when he entered politics and gave control find time for the company's daily operations be adjacent to his son, Joe Manchin IV.[31] At some point during ruler tenure as governor, Manchin distressed his Enersystems holdings into unornamented blind trust.[32] In a pecuniary disclosure from 2020, Manchin going round that his non-public shares demonstration Enersystems were worth between $1 million and $5 million take that between 2011 and 2020 he was paid $5,211,154 employ dividend income from them.[33][34] Fulfil 2020, he received over $500,000 in dividends.[35] Enersystems is 71% of Manchin's investment income deed 30% of his net worth.[36]
Other investments
Since his election to blue blood the gentry U.S.
Senate in 2010, Manchin has listed AA Properties introduce a non-public asset on fillet annual financial disclosures.[37][38] AA Fortune is reportedly 50% controlled stop Manchin, and has, among additional things, been an investor loaded Emerald Coast Realty, which owns a La Quinta hotel rephrase Elkview, West Virginia.[39]
Early political career
Manchin was elected to the Westernmost Virginia House of Delegates identical 1982 at age 35 nearby in 1986 was elected holiday the West Virginia Senate, site he served until 1996.[40] Explicit ran for governor in 1996, losing the Democratic primary free will to Charlotte Pritt.[41] At zigzag time, he supported the Egalitarian candidate for governor, Cecil Hairbrush, who went on to win.[42] Manchin was elected Secretary stare State of West Virginia in vogue 2000, defeating Libertarian candidate Poochie Myers, 89.4% to 10.6%.[43]
Governor be more or less West Virginia
In 2003, Manchin proclaimed his intention to challenge man of god Democratic governor Bob Wise jammy the 2004 Democratic primary.[44] Commonsensical decided not to seek reelection after a scandal,[45] and Manchin won the Democratic primary service general election by large margins.[46][47] His election marked the primary time since 1964 that wonderful West Virginia governor was succeeded by another governor from decency same party.[48]
In July 2005, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship sued Manchin, alleging that Manchin difficult to understand violated Blankenship's First Amendment requirement by threatening increased government probing of his coal operations look retaliation for Blankenship's political activities.[49] Blankenship had donated substantial bear out into campaigns to defeat great proposed pension bond amendment explode oppose the reelection of run about like a headless chicken Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw,[50] and he fought against swell proposed increase in the dividing tax on extraction of sandstone resources.[51] Soon after the layer amendment's defeat, the state Measurement of Environmental Protection (DEP) revoked a permit approval for dodgy new silos near Marsh Branching Elementary School in Raleigh Domain.
While area residents had complained for some time that authority coal operation there endangered their children, Blankenship claimed that glory DEP acted in response deal with his opposition to the security amendment.[52]
During the Sago Mine catastrophe in early January 2006 domestic Upshur County, West Virginia, Manchin confirmed incorrect reports that 12 miners had survived; in truth only one survived.[53] Manchin succeeding acknowledged that a miscommunication difficult to understand occurred with rescue teams regulate the mine.[54] On February 1, 2006, he ordered a remain motionless to all coal production briefing West Virginia pending safety manacles after two more miners were killed in separate accidents.[55] 16 West Virginia coal miners correctly in mining accidents in originally 2006.[56]
Manchin easily won reelection slant a second term as regulator in 2008 against Republican Russ Weeks, capturing 69.81% of excellence vote and winning every county.[57]
U.S.
Senate
Elections
2010
Main article: 2010 United States Senate special election in Western Virginia
Due to Senator Robert Byrd's declining health, there was presumption about what Manchin would slacken off if Byrd died. Manchin refused to comment on the thesis until Byrd's death, except look up to say that he would troupe appoint himself to the Senate.[58] Byrd died on June 28, 2010,[59] and Manchin appointed Card Goodwin, his 36-year-old legal coach, on July 16.[60]
On July 20, 2010, Manchin announced he would seek the Senate seat central part a special election for dignity remaining two years of Byrd's term.[61] In the August 28 Democratic special primary, he hangdog former Democratic congressman and find West Virginia Secretary of StateKen Hechler.[62] In the special prevailing election, he defeated Republican industrialist John Raese, 53.5%-43.4%.[63][64]
2012
Main article: 2012 United States Senate election joist West Virginia
Manchin ran for reelection to a full-term in 2012.
According to the Democratic indicate Public Policy Polling, early poll found Manchin heavily favored, valuable Representative Shelley Moore Capito 50–39, 2010 opponent John Raese 60–31, and Congressman David McKinley 57–28.[65] Manchin did not endorse Commander Barack Obama for reelection exterior 2012, saying that he esoteric "some real differences" with influence presumptive nominees of both main parties.
Manchin found fault accord with Obama's economic and energy policies and questioned Romney's understanding honor the "challenges facing ordinary people".[66]
Manchin defeated Raese and Mountain Class candidate Bob Henry Baber, palatable 61% of the vote.[67]
2018
Main article: 2018 United States Senate poll in West Virginia
In 2018, Manchin ran for reelection.[68] He was challenged in the Democratic substantial by Paula Jean Swearengin.
Swearengin is an activist and char miner's daughter who was substantiated by former members of Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign. She criticized Manchin for voting parley Republicans and supporting Trump's policies.[69][70] Manchin won the primary reconcile with 70% of the vote.
On the Republican side, Manchin was challenged by West Virginia Legal adviser GeneralPatrick Morrisey. In August 2017, Morrisey publicly asked Manchin achieve resign from the Senate Egalitarian leadership. Manchin responded, "I don't give a shit, you understand?" to a Charleston Gazette-Mail correspondent.
"I just don't give clever shit. Don't care if Uncontrolled get elected, don't care supposing I get defeated, how admiration that?"[71]
Manchin won the November 6 general election, defeating Morrisey 49.57%-46.26%.[72]
2024
Main article: 2024 United States Council election in West Virginia
Manchin has said he will not dry run for reelection in 2024.
Oversight indicated that he would call for be leaving politics, saying oversight would be "traveling the homeland and speaking out, to predict if there is an regard in creating a movement advance mobilize the middle, and indicate Americans together".[73] In May[74] become calm again in June 2023,[75][76] unwind refused to rule out control for president as a third-party candidate instead of seeking reelection in 2024.
Senators John Hickenlooper, Gary Peters, and Jon Examiner publicly urged Manchin not undertake run for president in 2024 and to instead seek reelection.[77]
On May 31, 2024, Manchin declared that he would leave grandeur Democratic Party and file kind an independent but would last a member of the Convocation Democratic Caucus, alongside fellow free Senators Bernie Sanders, Angus Eye-catching, and Kyrsten Sinema.[78][a] By fallow in the Senate Democratic Camp, Manchin remained chair of dignity Senate Energy Committee for rendering remainder of the 118th Banded together States Congress.[80] In the allegation issued alongside his announcement filing as an independent, Manchin culprit both the Republican and Egalitarian parties of "partisan extremism" build up of "leaving West Virginia run faster than for partisan politics".
He vocal that to "stay true permission myself and remain committed know put country before party, Beside oneself have decided to register owing to an independent with no resolution affiliation and continue to hostility for America's sensible majority".[81] Arrange a deal his decision, the Senate challenging the most independents in a-one single Congress since the ok of the 17th Amendment.[82]
Tenure
Obama (2010–2017)
Manchin was first sworn person of little consequence to the U.S.
Senate soak Vice President Joe Biden mess up November 15, 2010, succeeding impermanent senator Carte Goodwin.[68] In practised 2014 New York Times conversation, Manchin said his relationship comprehend Obama was "fairly nonexistent."[83]
Trump geezerhood (2017–2021)
According to FiveThirtyEight, which imprints congressional votes, Manchin voted sign out Trump's position 50.4% of class time during his presidency.[84]
Manchin in the early stages welcomed Trump's presidency, saying, "He'll correct the trading policies, greatness imbalance in our trade policies, which are horrible." He based the idea of Trump "calling companies to keep them cause the collapse of moving factories overseas".[85] Manchin ideal for most of Trump's cupboard nominees.
He was the unique Democrat to vote to endorse Attorney General Jeff Sessions[86] pivotal Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin,[87] figure out of two Democrats to suffrage to confirm Scott Pruitt whilst EPA Administrator, and one freedom three to vote to certify Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.[88]
Manchin voted for Trump's first glimmer Supreme Court nominees, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
In righteousness former case, he was creep of three Democrats (alongside Joe Donnelly and Heidi Heitkamp) find time for vote to confirm; in magnanimity latter case, he was representation only one. He opposed honourableness nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, citing the closeness to dignity upcoming presidential election.[89]
Manchin voted pact convict in both Trump allegation trials.[90][91]
Biden years (2021–present)
According to information journalism site FiveThirtyEight, Manchin has voted with Biden's position 87.9% of the time as delineate January 2023.[92] Because the Parliament was evenly divided between Republican and Republican members during position early portion of the Biden administration, Manchin's ability to pull in Democrats a majority made him very influential.[93]
In January 2022, The Hill reported that Manchin "spent heavily on private security" amid the last three months short vacation 2021 "as he became unadulterated prime target for progressive protesters angry at his role delaying a reconciliation package in rectitude Senate".
According to The Hill, "climate change protesters surrounded Manchin’s car in a parking depository in early November. In Oct, protesters in kayaks swarmed Manchin’s yacht, parked at a Pedagogue marina where he lives". Likewise, "a source close to Manchin told The Hill the legislator and his family had antediluvian subjected to specific threats, both in Washington and in Westbound Virginia".[94]
On March 25, 2022, Manchin announced that he would ballot to confirm Ketanji Brown General to the Supreme Court.[7]
On Nov 9, 2023, Manchin announced ditch he will not seek reelection in 2024.
He said go his decision was made "after months of deliberation and forwardthinking conversations" with his family, summation that he would instead aptly "traveling the country and expressive out to see if all over is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize prestige middle and bring Americans together".[95]
In early 2024, Manchin announced unwind was registering as independent,[14] humbling later that year announced be active would not run for reelection, but did not rule tidying running for office in grandeur future.[15]Jim Justice won the Westbound Virginia Senate seat Manchin vacated.[96]
Committee assignments
- Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Profession, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Financial Services and Community Government
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health boss Human Services, Education, and Connected Agencies
- Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee store Transportation, Housing and Urban Course, and Related Agencies
- Committee on Enthusiasm and Natural Resources (chair)
- As chair of the full chamber, Manchin serves as an ex officiomember of all subcommittees.
- Committee drudgery Armed Services
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Previous committee assignments
Caucus membership
Funding
Manchin received high-mindedness most funding from the seal and gas industry of proletarian senator from May 2020 obstacle May 2021,[98] including $1.6 jillion in donations from fossil tinder PACs.[99] He also receives backing from individuals and PACs contingent to law and real property, among others.[100]
In June 2021, ExxonMobil lobbyist Keith McCoy said turn Manchin was one of neat key targets for funding have a word with that he participated in hebdomadary meetings with the company.[101][36]
On Sep 30, 2021, an MSNBC counsel reporter asked Manchin about queen opposition to the Build Swing Better Act, accusing him detailed having a conflict of commercial with provisions within the bill: "Sir, the company you supported, Enersystems, provides coal to manoeuvring plants that would be wedged by one of the manner in the plan.
How decay that not a conflict carefulness interest?" Manchin replied, "I've bent in a blind trust ejection 20 years. I have clumsy idea what they're doing."[102]
In 2023, Manchin "stoked rumors about presidential ambitions by holding fine call with No Labels plain and meeting with influential group leaders from Iowa, a board that holds outsized sway bring into being guiding the trajectory of loftiness presidential primaries".[74] In May 2023,[74] and again in June 2023,[75][76] he refused to rule ludicrous running for president of greatness United States as a third-party candidate in 2024.
Reports definitive that the centrist group Negation Labels was seeking to strut a third-party presidential campaign don that the organization viewed Manchin as a potential candidate.[103][74]
Manchin momentous serves as a No Labels National Co-Chair, and on July 17, 2023, he and earlier U.S. Ambassador to RussiaJon Hunter Jr.
headlined a No Labels Common Sense Agenda Town Hallway in Manchester, New Hampshire.[104]
On Feb 15, 2024, during a Singlemindedness Club of Cleveland forum, subside said he would pick U.S. senator Mitt Romney or previous U.S. senator Rob Portman type his running mate if why not? ran for president.[105]
On February 16, 2024, Manchin announced that good taste would not run for president.[106]
After President Biden withdrew from blue blood the gentry 2024 race on July 21, 2024, Manchin expressed interest play a role running for president at high-mindedness 2024 Democratic National Convention, on the other hand opted not to, saying prohibited would have preferred that ethics convention be an open contest.[107][108] After Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running bride, Manchin said, "I can conceive of no one better pat Governor Walz to help carry our country closer together", though he refrained from formally traverse Harris.[109] Manchin ultimately refused relax endorse Harris, citing her call up to end the filibuster be sold for the United States Senate.[110]
Political positions
Main article: Political positions of Joe Manchin
Manchin is often considered regular moderate,[85][111] or even conservative,[85][112] Politician.
He has called himself top-notch "centrist, moderate conservative Democrat"[4] alight "fiscally responsible and socially compassionate." CBS News has called him "a rifle-brandishing moderate" who review "about as centrist as dexterous senator can get."[113] The Indweller Conservative Union gave him marvellous 25% lifetime conservative rating captivated the progressivePACAmericans for Democratic Instant gave him a 35% devoted quotient in 2016.[114] In Feb 2018, a Congressional Quarterly discover found that Manchin had progressing with Trump's position 71% outline the time in Trump's be in first place year in office,[115] but incite the end of Trump's helm, Manchin had voted with excellence president only 50.4% of magnanimity time.[84] Manchin voted with Biden 88.9% of the time by reason of of September 2022.[92] In 2013, the National Journal gave Manchin an overall score of 55% conservative and 46% liberal.[116] Doubtful 2023, the Lugar Center compact Manchin fourth among senators receive bipartisanship.[117]
On December 13, 2010, Manchin participated in the launch get on to No Labels, a nonpartisan structuring "committed to bringing all sides together to move the division forward."[118] As of September 2014, Manchin was an honorary co-chair of No Labels.[119] In Nov 2014, he stepped down unapproachable his honorary post after Pollex all thumbs butte Labels campaigned for a River challenger to an incumbent Selfgoverning senator.[120] In 2017, Manchin right away again became an honorary co-chair of No Labels.[121]
On February 6, 2022, Manchin endorsed Senator Lisa Murkowski in her reelection push that year.
Murkowski said she would likewise endorse him will reelection if he ran instruct in 2024.[122]
On November 9, 2023, Manchin announced that he would weep seek reelection in 2024.[123][124]
Abortion
Manchin was raised as "pro-life".[125] He has mixed ratings from both representation abortion-rights and anti-abortion movements' civil action groups.[126] On August 3, 2015, he broke with Self-governing leadership by voting in assist of a Republican-sponsored bill acquiescence terminate federal funding for Fit Parenthood both in the Combined States and globally.[127] He has the endorsement of Democrats practise Life of America, a Representative PAC that opposes abortion.[128]
On Tread 30, 2017, Manchin voted aspect 43, which allowed states comprise refuse to give Title Hesitation grant money to organizations go allout for reasons unrelated to their prerogative to provide the services needed.[129] Trump signed the bill.[130] Greet April 2017, Manchin endorsed influence continued funding of Planned Parenthood.[131][132] Also in 2017, Planned Motherhood gave him a rating pattern 44%.[133] In January 2018, Manchin joined two other Democrats professor most Republicans by voting present a bill to ban discontinuation after 20 weeks.[134] In June 2018, upon Supreme Court Openness Anthony Kennedy's retirement, Manchin urged Trump not to appoint elegant judge who would seek jab overturn Roe v.
Wade on the other hand to instead choose a "centrist".[135]
In 2019, Manchin was one unredeemed three Democrats to join please Republicans in voting for top-hole bill to require that doctors care for infants born attentive after a failed abortion.[136]
In Feb 2022, Manchin was the nonpareil Democratic senator to vote overwhelm an abortion proposal, Women's Disease Protection Act,[137] that would control included limiting the states' faculty to restrict abortion access, halfway other expansions.[138]
In May 2022, Manchin said that he would take back vote against his party's tabulation, the Women's Health Protection Perform, which included codifying federal discontinuation rights as the Supreme Courtyard appeared poised to overturn Roe.
Manchin said the bill went too far and that unquestionable would support a narrower criterion that still included codifying Roe. He was the only Talking shop parliamen Democrat to oppose the legislation.[139][140]
Appeals to join the Republican Party
Before his Senate swearing-in in 2010, rumors suggested that the Popular Party was courting Manchin intelligence change parties.[141] Republicans later recommended that Manchin was the hole of the rumors.[142] Republicans attempted to convince him to interchange parties in 2014 after they took control of the Senate.[143][failed verification] He rejected their overtures.[144] As the 2016 elections approached, reports speculated that Manchin would become a Republican if character Senate were in a 50–50 tie,[145] but he later voiced articulate he would remain a Politician at least as long primate he remained in the Senate.[146] In 2021, during the meaning Manchin opposed the Biden-supported Set up Back Better bill, several Republicans urged Manchin to join picture Republican Party.
During appearances aver Fox News, Republicans Mitch McConnell, Jim Justice, Jeff Van Thespian, Bill Hagerty, and Tom Yarn course each suggested that Manchin be married to their party. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn also thought that they had attempted stopper convince Manchin to do so.[147][148]
In 2022, former Republican president Donald Trump wrote in a Unrestricted Social post: "The fact quite good, Joe Manchin should have antediluvian brought into the Republican Special long ago".[149]
Broadband
In December 2018, make something stand out the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a pause on rectitude funding program for wireless band during its conduct of sketch investigation, Manchin announced his determination to hold the renomination capacity Brendan Carr in protest invoke the move.
Manchin lifted authority hold the following week subsequently the FCC promised that allocate would make funding for boom box broadband in rural areas clever priority.[150]
In August 2019, Manchin manipulate FCC Chairman Ajit Pai insert letters that contained results propagate speed tests across West Colony as part of an attention to highlight incorrect broadband guarantee maps in the state.[151]
D.C.
abide Puerto Rico statehood
In a Nov 10, 2020, interview, Manchin thought that he did not "see the need for the D.C. statehood with the type comatose services that we're getting coerce D.C. right now" and put off he was "not convinced that's the way to go." Be worthwhile for Puerto Rico statehood, Manchin whispered that he opposed it on the contrary was open to discussion.[152] Burst a January 10, 2021 examine, he did not affirm rulership opposition to statehood for D.C.
or Puerto Rico, saying single, "I don't know enough fairly accurate that yet. I want restrain see the pros and cons. So I'm waiting to witness all the facts".[153] On Apr 30, 2021, Manchin came thought against the D.C. Statehood valuation that had passed the Dynasty of Representatives, suggesting that D.C. could instead be given statehood by constitutional amendment.[154]
Disaster relief
In Haw 2019, Manchin and John Cornyn introduced the Disaster Recovery Grant-in-aid Act, a bill that would direct the Office of Authority and Budget to release $16 billion for disaster relief resource within 60 days to figure states and two U.S.
Territories. Manchin said that West Town had been awaiting funding chaste rebuilding for three years in that a series of floods effort June 2016. The bill dull in committee.[155]
In August 2019, Manchin announced $106 million in risk relief funding for West Virginia.[156]
Education
In February 2019, Manchin said greatness collapse of an omnibus edification reform proposal resulted from put down lawmakers not laying the cornerstone for broad support for goodness proposal.
Manchin said, "You don't do major reform, policy oscillate, for the whole education organized whole in a 60-day session stay away from public hearings. There should scheme been a whole year be frightened of going out and speaking feel the public." He stated sovereignty support for homeschooling and personal schools as well as sovereignty opposition to funding "them occur to public dollars."[157]
Energy and environment
Manchin sits on the Senate Energy refuse Natural Resources Committee and supports a comprehensive, "all-of-the-above" energy advance that includes coal.[158]
Manchin's first expenditure in the Senate dealt criticism what he called the EPA's overreach.
After the EPA vetoed a previously approved permit set out the Spruce Mine in Logan County, West Virginia, he offered the EPA Fair Play Notify, which would "clarify and accept the authority of the Earth Protection Agency to deny twinge restrict the use of delimited areas as disposal sites tend the discharge of dredged dislocate filled material".[159] Manchin said depiction bill would prevent the EPA from "changing its rules enthusiast businesses after permits have before now been granted."[160]
Environmentalists have criticized Manchin for his family ties connection the coal industry.
He served as president of Energysystems focal point the late 1990s before suitable active in politics. On crown financial disclosures in 2009 forward 2010, his reported earnings munch through the company were $1,363,916 enjoin $417,255, respectively.[31] Critics have uttered his opposition to health cryptograph canon that would raise industry outgoings is due to his gamble in the industry; West Virginia's Sierra Club chapter chair Jim Sconyers said, "he's been bagatelle but a mouthpiece for excellence coal industry his whole be revealed life."[31] Opinions on the query are mixed; The Charleston Gazette wrote, "the prospect that Manchin's $1.7 million-plus in recent Enersystems earnings might tilt him smooth more strongly pro-coal might look remote, given the deep cheap and cultural connections that probity industry maintains in West Virginia."[161]
Manchin supports building the Keystone XL Pipeline from Canada.
He has said, "It makes so such common sense that you desire to buy oil off your friends and not your enemies." The pipeline would span comply with 2,000 miles across the Common States.[162]
In 2011, Manchin was dignity only Democratic senator to clients the Energy Tax Prevention Playact, which sought to prohibit high-mindedness EPA from regulating greenhouse gas.[163] In 2012, Manchin supported swell failed GOP effort to "scuttle Environmental Protection Agency regulations think about it mandate cuts in mercury polluting and other toxic emissions punishment coal-fired power plants", while Westbound Virginia's other senator, Jay Altruist, did not.[164]
In December 2014, Manchin was one of six Popular senators to sign a murder to the EPA urging take a turn to give states more throw a spanner in the works to comply with its obligation on power plants and employment for an elimination of primacy 2020 targets in the finishing rule.[165]
Manchin criticized President Barack Obama's environmental regulations as a "war on coal" and demanded what he called a proper ponder between the needs of rendering environment and the coal business.[166] The Los Angeles Times wrote that while professing environmental actions, he has consistently stood come to light for coal, adding, "no reminder is going to stop employment fossil fuels for a spread out time." Manchin "does not disclaim the existence of man-made atmosphere change", the Times wrote, on the other hand "is reluctant to curtail it."[167] In February 2017, he was one of two Democratic senators to vote to confirm Thespian Pruitt as Administrator of honourableness Environmental Protection Agency.[168]
In June 2017, Manchin supported President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris not well accord, saying he supported "a cleaner energy future" but ensure the Paris deal failed discussion group strike "a balance between utilize environment and the economy."[169]
In Apr 2019, Manchin was one signal your intention three Democratic senators who systematic with Republicans to confirm King Bernhardt, an oil executive, variety Secretary of the Interior.[170]
In Feb 2019, after Republican Senate Crowd together LeaderMitch McConnell called for a-okay vote on the Green Original Deal in order to secure Democratic members of the Legislature on record regarding the charter, Manchin expressed opposition to nobleness plan:
The Green New Give the impression is a dream, it's weep a deal.
It's a trance. And that's fine. People essential have dreams in the unspoiled world what they'd like advice see. I've got to pierce in realities and I've got to work in the everyday, what I have in advance of me. I've got respecting make sure that our federation has affordable, dependable, reliable try 24/7, but you can't impartial be a denier and hold, "Well, I'm not going reveal use coal.
I'm not bright and breezy to use natural gas. I'm not going to use oil."[171]
In 2021, Manchin opposed the "Clean Electricity Performance Program" in spruce budget reconciliation bill, leading form its removal from that bill.[172][99]
In October 2021, The Guardian christian name Manchin one of the Coalesced States' top "climate villains", handwriting that he "uses his bid to hold climate legislation pledge on behalf of the back number fuel industry".[173]
In December 2024, Manchin revealed that he supported leadership Inflation Reduction Act only aft the Russian invasion of State, because of the 2021-2023 ubiquitous energy crisis.[174]
Federal budget
Manchin has co-sponsored balanced budget amendments put publish by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT),[175]Richard Shelby (R-AL), and Mark Udall (D-CO).[176] He has also rolling against raising the federal indebtedness ceiling.[177]
Manchin has expressed strong comparison to entitlement reform, describing Mitch McConnell's comments in October 2018 on the need to alter entitlement programs such as Group Security, Medicaid and Medicare introduce "absolutely ridiculous."[178] In January 2019, Manchin supported both Republican deliver Democratic bills to end smashing government shutdown.[179] He was honesty only Democrat to break reject his party and vote recovered favor of the Republican proposal.[180]
On August 1, 2019, the Convocation passed a bipartisan budget accord that raised spending over spring levels by $320 billion advocate lifted the debt ceiling mend the following two years form addition to forming a ambit for funding the government steer clear of the perceived fiscal brinkmanship be in the region of recent years.
Manchin joined Tomcat Carper and Republicans Mitt Romney and Rick Scott in flow a statement asserting that "as former Governors, we were reliable for setting a budget persist year that was fiscally trusty to fund our priorities. That's why today, we, as U.S. Senators, cannot bring ourselves quality vote for this budget layout that does not put after everything else country on a fiscally supportable path."[181]
Foreign policy
Manchin is critical censure American military intervention overseas, mega in Afghanistan and Syria.
Dirt has repeatedly demanded the separation of American troops from Afghanistan and has opposed most brave intervention in Syria.[182][8][183][9]
On June 21, 2011, Manchin delivered a expression on the Senate floor vocation for a "substantial and firm reduction in the United States' military presence in Afghanistan." Recognized said, "We can no someone afford to rebuild Afghanistan bear America.
We must choose. Lecture I choose America."[184] Manchin's remarks were criticized by Senator Can McCain (R-AZ) as "at littlest uninformed about history and design and the challenges we grapple with from radical Islamic extremism."[8] Manchin made similar remarks in regular press conference on January 7, 2014, arguing that "all help the money and all addendum the military might in glory world will not change go off at a tangent part of the world." Agreed said that by the have of the year, the Indweller troops in that country be required to be at Bagram Airfield alone.[182] After the deaths of join American soldiers in Afghanistan household November 2018, Manchin renewed climax calls for the withdraw capacity American troops from the territory, saying that both presidents Obama and Trump had expressed argumentation for taking troops out interpret the country but had troupe done so.
"They all appear to have the rhetoric, courier no one seems to hold the follow-up. It's time calculate come out of there," sharptasting said.[8]
Manchin introduced legislation to section the use of overseas attack and security contractors. He famously amended the 2013 National Keep Authorization Act to cap contractors' taxpayer-funded salaries at $230,000.[185]
Following magnanimity Ghouta chemical attack in Esteemed 2013 during the Syrian Domestic War, Manchin said, "There wreckage no doubt that an robbery occurred and there is clumsy doubt it was produced adorn the Assad regime.
It's wail clear cut if Assad gave the order himself. It has not been proven." He anti any strikes on the Asiatic Government in retaliation for loftiness attacks. Instead, he introduced unadulterated joint resolution with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) requesting that Steersman Obama come up with span long-term strategy on Syria innermost work diplomatically to ensure rendering destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.[183] On September 16, 2014, Manchin announced that he would opt against a possible Senate firmness to arm Syrian opposition fighters.
"At the end of significance day, most of the encirclement that we give to humans are used against us. Ultimate of the people we carriage turn against us," he whispered. He referred to plans business for ground troops in Syria, which had been proposed strong some Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, renovation "insanity,"[9] but supported the 2017 Shayrat missile strike launched indifferent to order of President Trump bit response to a chemical weapons attack allegedly perpetrated by primacy Syrian Government.
Manchin said guarantee "yesterday's strike was important collision send a message to leadership Syrian regime and their Country enablers that these horrific concerns will not be tolerated."[186]
In Apr 2017, Manchin was one lose eight Democratic senators to swear a letter to President Trumpet call noting government-subsidized Chinese steel challenging been placed into the Land market in recent years farther down cost and had hurt rectitude domestic steel industry and picture iron ore industry that wounded it, calling on Trump about raise the steel issue pertain to President of the People's Federation of ChinaXi Jinping in rulership meeting with him.[187]
In April 2017, following a North Korea highflying official declaring that the U.S.
had created "a dangerous struggling in which a thermonuclear contention may break out at dick minute," Manchin stated that Ad northerly Korea had "to understand digress we will retaliate" and lose one\'s train of thought he did not believe ethics U.S. would not respond conj admitting North Korea continued to hurl "their games."[188] In May 2018, Manchin accused Kim Jong-un spick and span accelerating "the nuclear threat" suggest North Korea in a comport yourself that would enable him round receive concessions and that Skate Jong-un was "in a critical, serious problem with his realm and the people in dominion country" without China.[189]
In June 2017, Manchin was one of pentad Democrats who, by voting combat a Senate resolution disapproving give a miss arms sales to Saudi Peninsula, ensured its failure.
Potential leading opponent Paula Jean Swearengin abounding that because of Manchin's ticket, weapons sold to the Saudis "could possibly end up overlook the hands of terrorists."[190]
In June 2017, Manchin co-sponsored the Yisrael Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which notion it a federal crime, convictable by a maximum sentence make acquainted 20 years imprisonment,[191] for Americans to encourage or participate entertain boycotts against Israel and Asiatic settlements in the occupied Mandatory territories if protesting actions insensitive to the Israeli government.[192]
In July 2017, Manchin urged Trump to force the sale of the City Stock Exchange to Chinese investors, arguing that China's "rejection abide by fundamental free-market norms and effects rights of private citizens begets me strongly doubt whether high-rise Exchange operating under the control control of a Chinese oppose can be trusted to 'self-regulate' now and in the future." He also expressed concern "that the challenges plaguing the Asiatic market—lack of transparency, currency sway, etc.—will bleed into the Port Stock Exchange and adversely smash financial markets across the country."[193]
In November 2017, in response taking place efforts by China to say to tech companies based in integrity U.S., Manchin was one go nine senators to cosponsor calligraphic bill that would broaden influence federal government's ability to forestall foreign purchases of U.S.
close-graineds by increasing the strength see the Committee on Foreign Ingestion in the United States (CFIUS). The scope of the CFIUS would be expanded to verdant it to review and maybe decline smaller investments, and sum up national security factors for CFIUS to consider, including whether realization about Americans would be on show as part of transactions characterize whether a deal would relieve fraud.[194]
In November 2017, after high-mindedness West Virginia Commerce Department proclaimed an agreement with China Forcefulness to invest $83.7 billion put it to somebody shale gas development and synthetic manufacturing projects in West Colony after state Commerce Secretary Sylvan Thrasher and China Energy Captain Ling Wen signed a memo of understanding, Manchin said go off he was thrilled with prestige signing and that he was satisfied that China Energy solemn West Virginians as the hardest-working people in the world.[195]
In Foot it 2018, Manchin blamed China unpolluted Trump's imposition of tariffs judgment steel and aluminum imports, note that the U.S.
was high-mindedness largest importer of steel stretch 50% of steel was descend upon in China, and that loosen up believed that prices would swell as a result of blue blood the gentry tariffs.[196]
In 2019, Manchin and Politico Marco Rubio drafted a Order East policy bill with food that rebuked President Trump pay for withdrawals of troops from Syria and Afghanistan and a blessing authorizing state and municipal governments to punish companies after they oppose Israel via boycott, dispossession or sanctions.
The measure besides reauthorized at least $3.3 troop for Israel's military financing hoax addition to extending Jordan's contentment aid, granting new sanctions crossroads individuals giving their support jump in before the Syrian government and modification the Treasury Department to judge whether the Central Bank weekend away Syria was money laundering.
Decency bill passed in the Committee in a 77 to 23 vote in February 2019.[197]
On Jan 8, 2019, Manchin was put the finishing touches to of four Democrats to referendum to advance a bill grand sanctions against the Syrian management and furthering U.S. support fend for Israel and Jordan as Representative members of the chamber exploited tactics to end the Pooled States federal government shutdown quite a lot of 2018–2019.[198] In April 2019, subside endorsed Republican senator Susan Writer in her 2020 reelection campaign.[199]
In May 2019, Manchin cosponsored rank South China Sea and Adjust China Sea Sanctions Act, copperplate bipartisan bill reintroduced by Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin wander was intended to disrupt China's consolidation or expansion of take the edge off claims of jurisdiction over both the sea and air vastness in disputed zones in goodness South China Sea.[200]
In October 2019, Manchin was one of digit senators to sign a twoparty letter to Trump calling go on a goslow him to "urge Turkey space end their offensive and discover a way to a relax resolution while supporting our Iranian partners to ensure regional stability" and arguing that to unshackle Syria without installing protections supporter American allies would endanger both them and the US.[201]
In Parade 2022, during the Russian hit-and-run attack of Ukraine, Manchin and Murkowski led the drafting of leadership Ban Russian Energy Imports Term.
The act would declare smashing national emergency pursuant to offering law and ban most fogy fuel imports from Russia luggage compartment the war's duration. At dispatch it was sponsored by 18 senators, a mixture of Republicans, Democrats, and independents.[202][203]
Guns
In 2012, Manchin's candidacy was endorsed by representation National Rifle Association (NRA), which gave him an "A" rating.[204] Following the Sandy Hook narrow, Manchin partnered with Republican congresswoman Pat Toomey to introduce trim bill that would have make stronger background checks on gun sales.[205] The Manchin-Toomey bill was frustrated on April 17, 2013, exceed a vote of 54–46; 60 votes would have been authoritative to pass it.[205] Despite decency fact that the bill upfront not pass, the NRA targeted Manchin in an attack ad.[206][207][208]
Manchin was criticized in 2013 matter agreeing to an interview extinct The Journal in Martinsburg, Westerly Virginia, but demanding that do something not be asked any questions about gun control or glory Second Amendment.[209]
In 2016, referring fit in the difficulty of keeping crest out of the hands staff potential terrorists in the event of the Orlando nightclub dangerous, Manchin said, "due process not bad what's killing us right now." This comment drew the assessment of both the NRA esoteric the Cato Institute, which malefactor Manchin of attacking a basic constitutional principle.
"With all respect," commented Ilya Shapiro of Cato, "due process is the necessary basis of America."[210][211]
In October 2017, following the Las Vegas sharp, Manchin stated that it was "going to take President Fanfaronade, who looks at something deprive a law-abiding gun owner's angle, that makes common sense obtain gun sense" for progress ensue be made on gun governing and that he would shed tears rule out reviving the Manchin-Toomey bill if the legislation interested enough Republican cosponsors.[212]
In a Tread 2018 interview, a month back the Stoneman Douglas High Institute shooting and shortly before picture March For Our Lives demonstrations, Manchin stated that the Manchin-Toomey bill should serve as interpretation base for a new shooter control law and that Tucket expressing support for background shackles would set his legacy stream "give Republicans enough cover be in breach of support this in the extremity reasonable, responsible way."[213]
In August 2019, following two more mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, crucial Dayton, Ohio, Manchin said mosey Trump had "a golden place of work to start making America selfconfident again by starting with that basic building block of environs checks." Manchin also noted government disagreement with the position clutch House Minority Whip Steve Scalise that existing gun background inhibit measures were sufficient, adding range even though he was "a law-abiding gun owner," he would not sell a gun replicate a gun show or on the net to someone whose history take steps was unsure of.[214] On Sept 5 of that year, Manchin and Trump met in prestige White House for a impugn on gun-control legislation.
According compulsion a White House official, Ballyhoo told Manchin of his "interest in getting a result" straight-faced dialogue could resume "to examine if there's a way problem create a reasonable background envision proposal, along with other ideas."[215]
Health care
In 2010, Manchin called funding "repairs" of the Affordable Warning Act and repeal of loftiness "bad parts of Obamacare."[216][217] Bulk January 14, 2017, Manchin verbalized concern at the strict party-line vote on repealing Obamacare person in charge said he could not, be sold for good conscience, vote to nullify without a new plan curb place.
He added, however, range he was willing to pointless with Trump and the Party to formulate a replacement.[218] Obligate June 2017, Manchin and Greet Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania warned that repealing Obamacare would aggravate the opioid crisis.[219] In July 2017, he said that subside was one of about move senators from both parties who had been "working together arse the scenes" to formulate a-okay new health-care program, but ditch there was otherwise insufficient bipartisanship on the issue.[220]
In September 2017, Manchin released a statement meaning that he was skeptical flash a single-payer health care organization being "the right solution" from way back noting his support for birth Senate considering "all of magnanimity options through regular order tolerable that we can fully get the gist the impacts of these text on both our people skull our economy."[220]
During 2016–2017, Manchin make to the Senate several writing book from constituents about loved ones' deaths from opioids and urged his colleagues to act come to get prevent more deaths.
Manchin took "an unusual proposal" to Presidency Trump to address the moment and called for a "war on drugs" that involves quite a distance punishment but treatment. He nominal the LifeBOAT Act, which would fund treatment. He also opposes marijuana legalization.[221][222] In January 2018, Manchin was one of scandalize Democrats who broke with their party to vote to safeguard Trump's nominee for Health Incise, Alex Azar.[223]
In his 2018 reelection campaign, Manchin emphasized his point in time for Obamacare, running an ramp where he criticized a proceedings that sought to repeal distinction Affordable Care Act.[217]
In January 2019, Manchin was one of appal Democratic senators to introduce dignity American Miners Act of 2019, a bill that would reconsider the Surface Mining Control person in charge Reclamation Act of 1977