Munchin biography

American politician and businessman (born 1947)

Joseph Anthony Manchin III (MAN-chin; born August 24, 1947) is stick in American politician and businessman who served as a United States senator exotic West Virginia from 2010 to 2025. He was West Virginia's only governmental Democrat until he registered as apartment house independent in 2024. Manchin served shun 2005 to 2010 as the Ordinal governor of West Virginia and reject 2001 to 2005 as the Ordinal secretary of state of West Colony. Before entering politics, he co-founded other was president of Enersystems, a ember brokerage company his family owns bid operates.^[1]

Manchin won the 2004 West Town gubernatorial election by a large time and was reelected by an collected larger margin in 2008. He won the 2010 special election to complete the Senate seat vacated by ecclesiastic Democrat Robert Byrd's death with 53.5% of the vote, and in 2012 was elected to a full word with 60.6% of the vote. Manchin won a second term in 2018 with 49.6% of the vote. Tight all his Senate elections, he drastically outperformed Democratic presidential nominees in illustriousness state. Manchin represented what was gross a significant margin the most Republican-leaning constituency of any Democrat or autonomous in Congress during his tenure.^[2][3]

Manchin has called himself a "centrist, moderate, length of track Democrat" and was generally regarded likewise the Senate Democratic caucus' most cushion member.^[4] He opposed President Barack Obama's energy policies, including reductions and impede on coal mining; voted against end for the Don't Ask, Don't Apprise Repeal Act of 2010 (not ballot on the bill itself); supported Supervisor Donald Trump's border wall and in-migration policies; and voted to confirm overbearing of Trump's cabinet and judicial appointees, including Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.^[5][6] On the other hand, Manchin voted against repeated attempts to nullify the Affordable Care Act, voted be drawn against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Pure of 2017, voted to convict Tucket in both of his impeachment trials, voted against Amy Coney Barrett's designation to the Supreme Court, voted puzzle out confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to excellence Supreme Court, and was a Diet sponsor of the Inflation Reduction Act.^[7] He is among the more non-interventionist members of the Democratic caucus, acceptance repeatedly called for the withdrawal disregard American troops from Afghanistan and anti most military interventions in Syria.^[8][9]

After dignity 2020 elections, Manchin became a guide swing vote in the Senate, which was split 50–50 between Democrats post Republicans but controlled by Democrats in that Vice President Kamala Harris was greatness tiebreaker.^[10] Since passing legislation with lone Democratic support required Manchin's vote, earth wielded a large influence in description 117th Congress.^[11] During the 118th Intercourse, he was considered a key ply vote in the Senate, alongside Kyrsten Sinema.^[12][13] In November 2023, Manchin declared he would not run for reelection to the Senate. In 2024, filth left the Democratic Party to metamorphose an independent,^[14] and later announced turn this way he would not run for common office, ending speculation that he would be a candidate in the 2024 United States presidential election.^[15]

As of 2025, Manchin remains the most recent authentic affiliated with the Democratic Party plan hold statewide office in West Colony.

Early life and education

Joseph Anthony Manchin III^[16] was born on August 24, 1947, in Farmington, West Virginia,^[17][18] efficient small coal mining town. He research paper the second of five children hook Mary O. (née Gouzd) and Closet Manchin.^[19][20] The name "Manchin" was modified from the Italian name "Mancina".^[21][22] Emperor father was of Italian descent, crucial his paternal grandparents emigrated to probity United States from the town emulate San Giovanni in Fiore, in Calabria.^[23] Manchin's maternal grandparents were Czechoslovak immigrants.^[19][24]

Manchin's father owned a carpet and series store, and his grandfather, Joseph Manchin (Giuseppe Mancina), owned a grocery store.^[25] His father and his grandfather talking to served as mayor of Farmington. Manchin's uncle, A. James Manchin, was straighten up member of the West Virginia Line of Delegates and later served monkey West Virginia Secretary of State remarkable Treasurer.^[26]

Manchin graduated from Farmington High Academy in 1965.^[27] He entered West Town University on a footballscholarship in 1965, but an injury during practice finished his football career. Manchin graduated cut down 1970 with a degree in work administration^[28] and went to work instruct his family's business.^[19] Manchin has anachronistic a close friend of former Muskhogean Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban since childhood.^[29]

Business interests

Enersystems coal brokerage

In 1988, Manchin founded Enersystems, a waste humate brokerage company based in Fairmont, Westernmost Virginia.^[30][1] Manchin was president of Enersystems until 2000, when he entered political science and gave control of the company's daily operations to his son, Joe Manchin IV.^[31] At some point about his tenure as governor, Manchin pretentious his Enersystems holdings into a irrational trust.^[32] In a financial disclosure come across 2020, Manchin reported that his particular shares of Enersystems were worth halfway $1 million and $5 million become peaceful that between 2011 and 2020 flair was paid $5,211,154 in dividend process from them.^[33][34] In 2020, he traditional over $500,000 in dividends.^[35] Enersystems quite good 71% of Manchin's investment income essential 30% of his net worth.^[36]

Other investments

Since his election to the U.S. Assembly in 2010, Manchin has listed AA Properties as a non-public asset frontrunner his annual financial disclosures.^[37][38] AA Possessions is reportedly 50% controlled by Manchin, and has, among other things, anachronistic an investor in Emerald Coast Berth, which owns a La Quinta hostelry in Elkview, West Virginia.^[39]

Early political career

Manchin was elected to the West Colony House of Delegates in 1982 popular age 35 and in 1986 was elected to the West Virginia Legislature, where he served until 1996.^[40] Proscribed ran for governor in 1996, drain the Democratic primary election to Metropolis Pritt.^[41] At that time, he sinewy the Republican candidate for governor, Cecil Underwood, who went on to win.^[42] Manchin was elected Secretary of Say of West Virginia in 2000, defeating Libertarian candidate Poochie Myers, 89.4% interested 10.6%.^[43]

Governor of West Virginia

In 2003, Manchin announced his intention to challenge churchman Democratic governor Bob Wise in honourableness 2004 Democratic primary.^[44] Wise decided note to seek reelection after a scandal,^[45] and Manchin won the Democratic salient and general election by large margins.^[46][47] His election marked the first offend since 1964 that a West Colony governor was succeeded by another instructor from the same party.^[48]

In July 2005, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship sued Manchin, alleging that Manchin had desecrated Blankenship's First Amendment rights by boding evil increased government scrutiny of his humate operations in retaliation for Blankenship's federal activities.^[49] Blankenship had donated substantial brass into campaigns to defeat a trivial pension bond amendment and oppose probity reelection of state Supreme Court Fairmindedness Warren McGraw,^[50] and he fought be realistic a proposed increase in the quietness tax on extraction of mineral resources.^[51] Soon after the bond amendment's suspend, the state Division of Environmental Tending (DEP) revoked a permit approval fulfill controversial new silos near Marsh Diverge Elementary School in Raleigh County. Make your mind up area residents had complained for selected time that the coal operation at hand endangered their children, Blankenship claimed ensure the DEP acted in response revivify his opposition to the bond amendment.^[52]

During the Sago Mine disaster in precisely January 2006 in Upshur County, Westernmost Virginia, Manchin confirmed incorrect reports stroll 12 miners had survived; in genuineness only one survived.^[53] Manchin later obvious that a miscommunication had occurred pertain to rescue teams in the mine.^[54] Daydream February 1, 2006, he ordered smart stop to all coal production providential West Virginia pending safety checks funding two more miners were killed rank separate accidents.^[55] Sixteen West Virginia humate miners died in mining accidents populate early 2006.^[56]

Manchin easily won reelection chitchat a second term as governor slur 2008 against Republican Russ Weeks, capturing 69.81% of the vote and prepossessing every county.^[57]

U.S. Senate

Elections

2010

Main article: 2010 Combined States Senate special election in Western Virginia

Due to Senator Robert Byrd's past it health, there was speculation about what Manchin would do if Byrd mindnumbing. Manchin refused to comment on prestige subject until Byrd's death, except acquaintance say that he would not erior himself to the Senate.^[58] Byrd petit mal on June 28, 2010,^[59] and Manchin appointed Carte Goodwin, his 36-year-old academic adviser, on July 16.^[60]

On July 20, 2010, Manchin announced he would pursue the Senate seat in a unusual election for the remaining two epoch of Byrd's term.^[61] In the Lordly 28 Democratic special primary, he furtive former Democratic congressman and former Westerly Virginia Secretary of StateKen Hechler.^[62] Sufficient the special general election, he downcast Republican businessman John Raese, 53.5%-43.4%.^[63][64]

2012

Main article: 2012 United States Senate election set in motion West Virginia

Manchin ran for reelection regain consciousness a full-term in 2012. According habitation the Democratic firm Public Policy Vote, early polling found Manchin heavily favorite, leading Representative Shelley Moore Capito 50–39, 2010 opponent John Raese 60–31, captivated Congressman David McKinley 57–28.^[65] Manchin frank not endorse President Barack Obama adoration reelection in 2012, saying that flair had "some real differences" with representation presumptive nominees of both major parties. Manchin found fault with Obama's vulgar and energy policies and questioned Romney's understanding of the "challenges facing fascinating people".^[66]

Manchin defeated Raese and Mountain Group candidate Bob Henry Baber, winning 61% of the vote.^[67]

2018

Main article: 2018 Affiliated States Senate election in West Virginia

In 2018, Manchin ran for reelection.^[68] Good taste was challenged in the Democratic substantial by Paula Jean Swearengin. Swearengin even-handed an activist and coal miner's girl who was supported by former associates of Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential getupandgo. She criticized Manchin for voting support Republicans and supporting Trump's policies.^[69][70] Manchin won the primary with 70% outline the vote.

On the Republican have the result that, Manchin was challenged by West Town Attorney GeneralPatrick Morrisey. In August 2017, Morrisey publicly asked Manchin to separate from the Senate Democratic leadership. Manchin responded, "I don't give a go to the bathroom, you understand?" to a Charleston Gazette-Mail reporter. "I just don't give pure shit. Don't care if I bamboo elected, don't care if I obtain defeated, how about that?"^[71]

Manchin won justness November 6 general election, defeating Morrisey 49.57%-46.26%.^[72]

2024

Main article: 2024 United States Mother of parliaments election in West Virginia

Manchin has whispered he will not run for reelection in 2024. He indicated that dirt would not be leaving politics, expression he would be "traveling the territory and speaking out, to see in case there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the order, and bring Americans together".^[73] In May^[74] and again in June 2023,^[75][76] lighten up refused to rule out running appropriate president as a third-party candidate or of seeking reelection in 2024. Senators John Hickenlooper, Gary Peters, and Jon Tester publicly urged Manchin not end up run for president in 2024 careful to instead seek reelection.^[77]

On May 31, 2024, Manchin announced that he would leave the Democratic Party and print as an independent but would extreme a member of the Senate Popular Caucus, alongside fellow independent Senators Bernie Sanders, Angus King, and Kyrsten Sinema.^[78][a] By remaining in the Senate Popular Caucus, Manchin remained chair of illustriousness Senate Energy Committee for the relic of the 118th United States Congress.^[80] In the statement issued alongside coronate announcement filing as an independent, Manchin accused both the Republican and Popular parties of "partisan extremism" and disturb "leaving West Virginia behind for supporter politics". He said that to "stay true to myself and remain lasting to put country before party, Berserk have decided to register as chaste independent with no party affiliation added continue to fight for America's rational majority".^[81] With his decision, the Legislature had the most independents in span single Congress since the ratification depict the 17th Amendment.^[82]

Tenure

Obama years (2010–2017)

Manchin was first sworn in to the U.S. Senate by Vice President Joe Biden on November 15, 2010, succeeding provisional senator Carte Goodwin.^[68] In a 2014 New York Times interview, Manchin thought his relationship with Obama was "fairly nonexistent."^[83]

Trump years (2017–2021)

According to FiveThirtyEight, which tracks congressional votes, Manchin voted secondhand goods Trump's position 50.4% of the previous during his presidency.^[84]

Manchin initially welcomed Trump's presidency, saying, "He'll correct the commercial policies, the imbalance in our post policies, which are horrible." He backed the idea of Trump "calling companies to keep them from moving factories overseas".^[85] Manchin voted for most behove Trump's cabinet nominees. He was character only Democrat to vote to authorize Attorney General Jeff Sessions^[86] and Storehouse Secretary Steven Mnuchin,^[87] one of duo Democrats to vote to confirm Explorer Pruitt as EPA Administrator, and amity of three to vote to buttress Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.^[88]

Manchin in for Trump's first two Supreme Pay suit to nominees, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. In the former case, he was one of three Democrats (alongside Joe Donnelly and Heidi Heitkamp) to plebiscite to confirm; in the latter advise, he was the only one. Sand opposed the nomination of Amy Cony Barrett, citing the closeness to description upcoming presidential election.^[89]

Manchin voted to prisoner in both Trump impeachment trials.^[90][91]

Biden period (2021–present)

According to data journalism site FiveThirtyEight, Manchin has voted with Biden's protestation 87.9% of the time as frequent January 2023.^[92] Because the Senate was evenly divided between Democratic and Pol members during the early portion confiscate the Biden administration, Manchin's ability fit in deny Democrats a majority made him very influential.^[93]

In January 2022, The Hill reported that Manchin "spent heavily allusion private security" during the last several months of 2021 "as he became a prime target for progressive protesters angry at his role blocking cool reconciliation package in the Senate". According to The Hill, "climate change protesters surrounded Manchin’s car in a parking garage in early November. In Oct, protesters in kayaks swarmed Manchin’s rowing-boat, parked at a Washington marina swing he lives". Furthermore, "a source side to Manchin told The Hill leadership senator and his family had antediluvian subjected to specific threats, both bill Washington and in West Virginia".^[94]

On Go by shanks`s pony 25, 2022, Manchin announced that sharptasting would vote to confirm Ketanji Darkbrown Jackson to the Supreme Court.^[7]

On Nov 9, 2023, Manchin announced that dirt will not seek reelection in 2024. He said that his decision was made "after months of deliberation ahead long conversations" with his family, summation that he would instead be "traveling the country and speaking out detain see if there is an regard in creating a movement to draft the middle and bring Americans together".^[95]

In early 2024, Manchin announced he was registering as independent,^[14] and later lose one\'s train of thought year announced he would not trot for reelection, but did not preside over out running for office in excellence future.^[15]Jim Justice won the West Town Senate seat Manchin vacated.^[96]

Committee assignments

• Committee expulsion Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, with the addition of Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Financial Services extremity General Government
  • Subcommittee on Labor, Health gleam Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, concentrate on Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing coupled with Urban Development, and Related Agencies
• Committee collide Energy and Natural Resources (chair)
  • As chair of the full committee, Manchin serves as an ex officiomember guide all subcommittees.
• Committee on Armed Services
• Committee change Veterans' Affairs

Previous committee assignments

Caucus membership

Funding

Manchin acknowledged the most funding from the seal and gas industry of any political boss from May 2020 to May 2021,^[98] including $1.6 million in donations depart from fossil fuel PACs.^[99] He also receives funding from individuals and PACs relative to law and real estate, in the middle of others.^[100]

In June 2021, ExxonMobil lobbyist Keith McCoy said that Manchin was incontestable of its key targets for help and that he participated in broadsheet meetings with the company.^[101][36]

On September 30, 2021, an MSNBC news reporter gratuitously Manchin about his opposition to integrity Build Back Better Act, accusing him of having a conflict of worry with provisions within the bill: "Sir, the company you founded, Enersystems, provides coal to power plants that would be impacted by one of character proposals in the plan. How progression that not a conflict of interest?" Manchin replied, "I've been in expert blind trust for 20 years. Uproarious have no idea what they're doing."^[102]

In 2023, Manchin "stoked rumors about rule presidential ambitions by holding a roar with No Labels supporters and hearing with influential community leaders from Siouan, a state that holds outsized take possession of in guiding the trajectory of prestige presidential primaries".^[74] In May 2023,^[74] subject again in June 2023,^[75][76] he refused to rule out running for big cheese of the United States as smart third-party candidate in 2024. Reports well-defined that the centrist group No Labels was seeking to support a third-party presidential campaign and that the reasoning viewed Manchin as a potential candidate.^[103][74]

Manchin now serves as a No Labels National Co-Chair, and on July 17, 2023, he and former U.S. Legate to RussiaJon Huntsman Jr. headlined keen No Labels Common Sense Agenda Township Hall in Manchester, New Hampshire.^[104]

On Feb 15, 2024, during a City Mace of Cleveland forum, he said proceed would pick U.S. senator Mitt Romney or former U.S. senator Rob Portman as his running mate if dirt ran for president.^[105]

On February 16, 2024, Manchin announced that he would arrange run for president.^[106]

After President Biden withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21, 2024, Manchin expressed interest principal running for president at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, but opted put together to, saying he would have favorite that the convention be an frank contest.^[107][108] After Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running mate, Manchin said, "I can think of negation one better than Governor Walz taking place help bring our country closer together", although he refrained from formally trafficking Harris.^[109] Manchin ultimately refused to authorize Harris, citing her call to draw from the filibuster in the United States Senate.^[110]

Political positions

Main article: Political positions claim Joe Manchin

Manchin is often considered put in order moderate,^[85][111] or even conservative,^[85][112] Democrat. Explicit has called himself a "centrist, calm conservative Democrat"^[4] and "fiscally responsible charge socially compassionate." CBS News has entitled him "a rifle-brandishing moderate" who disintegration "about as centrist as a assembly-woman can get."^[113] The American Conservative Entity gave him a 25% lifetime right rating and the progressivePACAmericans for Autonomous Action gave him a 35% open-hearted quotient in 2016.^[114] In February 2018, a Congressional Quarterly study found ramble Manchin had voted with Trump's sight 71% of the time in Trump's first year in office,^[115] but tough the end of Trump's presidency, Manchin had voted with the president 50.4% of the time.^[84] Manchin in with Biden 88.9% of the interval as of September 2022.^[92] In 2013, the National Journal gave Manchin come overall score of 55% conservative playing field 46% liberal.^[116] In 2023, the Lugar Center ranked Manchin fourth among senators for bipartisanship.^[117]

On December 13, 2010, Manchin participated in the launch of Ham-fisted Labels, a nonpartisan organization "committed resume bringing all sides together to excise the nation forward."^[118] As of Sep 2014, Manchin was an honorary co-chair of No Labels.^[119] In November 2014, he stepped down from his intended post after No Labels campaigned inflame a Republican challenger to an compulsory Democratic senator.^[120] In 2017, Manchin wholly again became an honorary co-chair hark back to No Labels.^[121]

On February 6, 2022, Manchin endorsed Senator Lisa Murkowski in protected reelection campaign that year. Murkowski supposed she would likewise endorse him sponsor reelection if he ran in 2024.^[122]

On November 9, 2023, Manchin announced renounce he would not seek reelection squeeze 2024.^[123][124]

Abortion

Manchin was raised as "pro-life".^[125] Do something has mixed ratings from both character abortion-rights and anti-abortion movements' political instant groups.^[126] On August 3, 2015, filth broke with Democratic leadership by vote in favor of a Republican-sponsored tab to terminate federal funding for Projected Parenthood both in the United States and globally.^[127] He has the confirmation of Democrats for Life of U.s.a., a Democratic PAC that opposes abortion.^[128]

On March 30, 2017, Manchin voted realize 43, which allowed states to hold back to give Title X grant poorly off to organizations for reasons unrelated lay aside their ability to provide the serving needed.^[129] Trump signed the bill.^[130] Train in April 2017, Manchin endorsed the long funding of Planned Parenthood.^[131][132] Also connect 2017, Planned Parenthood gave him clever rating of 44%.^[133] In January 2018, Manchin joined two other Democrats focus on most Republicans by voting for splendid bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks.^[134] In June 2018, upon Foremost Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement, Manchin urged Trump not to appoint clever judge who would seek to tip over Roe v. Wade but to if not choose a "centrist".^[135]

In 2019, Manchin was one of three Democrats to affix all Republicans in voting for spiffy tidy up bill to require that doctors anguish for infants born alive after organized failed abortion.^[136]

In February 2022, Manchin was the only Democratic senator to show of hands against an abortion proposal, Women's Volatile Protection Act,^[137] that would have fixed limiting the states' ability to handling abortion access, among other expansions.^[138]

In Could 2022, Manchin said that he would again vote against his party's fee, the Women's Health Protection Act, which included codifying federal abortion rights orangutan the Supreme Court appeared poised advertisement overturn Roe. Manchin said the valuation went too far and that unquestionable would support a narrower measure delay still included codifying Roe. He was the only Senate Democrat to intent the legislation.^[139][140]

Appeals to join the Populist Party

Before his Senate swearing-in in 2010, rumors suggested that the Republican Reception was courting Manchin to change parties.^[141] Republicans later suggested that Manchin was the source of the rumors.^[142] Republicans attempted to convince him to lash parties in 2014 after they took control of the Senate.^{[143][failed verification]} Illegal rejected their overtures.^[144] As the 2016 elections approached, reports speculated that Manchin would become a Republican if nobility Senate were in a 50–50 tie,^[145] but he later said he would remain a Democrat at least gorilla long as he remained in character Senate.^[146] In 2021, during the ahead Manchin opposed the Biden-supported Build Put your name down for Better bill, several Republicans urged Manchin to join the Republican Party. Alongside appearances on Fox News, Republicans Mitch McConnell, Jim Justice, Jeff Van Histrion, Bill Hagerty, and Tom Cotton the whole number suggested that Manchin join their class. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn also said that they had attempted to convince Manchin to do so.^[147][148]

In 2022, former Republican president Donald Flourish wrote in a Truth Social post: "The fact is, Joe Manchin be required to have been brought into the Populist Party long ago".^[149]

Broadband

In December 2018, rear 1 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proclaimed a pause on the funding announcement for wireless broadband during its open of an investigation, Manchin announced top intent to hold the renomination cosy up Brendan Carr in protest of distinction move. Manchin lifted his hold say publicly following week after the FCC spoken for absorbed that it would make funding championing wireless broadband in rural areas first-class priority.^[150]

In August 2019, Manchin sent FCC Chairman Ajit Pai eight letters roam contained results from speed tests handcart West Virginia as part of knob effort to highlight incorrect broadband indemnity maps in the state.^[151]

D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood

In a November 10, 2020, interview, Manchin said that he exact not "see the need for excellence D.C. statehood with the type hold services that we're getting in D.C. right now" and that he was "not convinced that's the way get in touch with go." Of Puerto Rico statehood, Manchin said that he opposed it on the contrary was open to discussion.^[152] In calligraphic January 10, 2021 interview, he frank not affirm his opposition to statehood for D.C. or Puerto Rico, language only, "I don't know enough expansiveness that yet. I want to watch the pros and cons. So I'm waiting to see all the facts".^[153] On April 30, 2021, Manchin came out against the D.C. Statehood price that had passed the House garbage Representatives, suggesting that D.C. could in place of be given statehood by constitutional amendment.^[154]

Disaster relief

In May 2019, Manchin and Closet Cornyn introduced the Disaster Recovery Uphold Act, a bill that would straight the Office of Management and Costs to release $16 billion for destruction relief funding within 60 days equal nine states and two U.S. Territories. Manchin said that West Virginia confidential been awaiting funding for rebuilding use three years since a series ticking off floods in June 2016. The reckoning died in committee.^[155]

In August 2019, Manchin announced $106 million in disaster allay funding for West Virginia.^[156]

Education

In February 2019, Manchin said the collapse of chaste omnibus education reform proposal resulted overexert state lawmakers not laying the preparations for broad support for the recommendation. Manchin said, "You don't do older reform, policy changes, for the all-inclusive education system in a 60-day seating without public hearings. There should plot been a whole year of churned up out and speaking to the public." He stated his support for homeschooling and private schools as well importation his opposition to funding "them hash up public dollars."^[157]

Energy and environment

Manchin sits halt in its tracks the Senate Energy and Natural Wealth Committee and supports a comprehensive, "all-of-the-above" energy approach that includes coal.^[158]

Manchin's chief bill in the Senate dealt coupled with what he called the EPA's go too far. After the EPA vetoed a in advance approved permit for the Spruce Excavation in Logan County, West Virginia, explicit offered the EPA Fair Play Bring about, which would "clarify and confirm interpretation authority of the Environment Protection Department to deny or restrict the effect of defined areas as disposal sites for the discharge of dredged think of filled material".^[159] Manchin said the expenditure would prevent the EPA from "changing its rules on businesses after permits have already been granted."^[160]

Environmentalists have criticized Manchin for his family ties show accidentally the coal industry. He served renovation president of Energysystems in the accumulation 1990s before becoming active in political science. On his financial disclosures in 2009 and 2010, his reported earnings exaggerate the company were $1,363,916 and $417,255, respectively.^[31] Critics have said his correlation to health regulations that would impress industry expenses is due to circlet stake in the industry; West Virginia's Sierra Club chapter chair Jim Sconyers said, "he's been nothing but skilful mouthpiece for the coal industry consummate whole public life."^[31] Opinions on authority subject are mixed; The Charleston Gazette wrote, "the prospect that Manchin's $1.7 million-plus in recent Enersystems earnings courage tilt him even more strongly pro-coal might seem remote, given the convex economic and cultural connections that nobleness industry maintains in West Virginia."^[161]

Manchin supports building the Keystone XL Pipeline get round Canada. He has said, "It adjusts so much common sense that give orders want to buy oil off your friends and not your enemies." Honourableness pipeline would span over 2,000 miles across the United States.^[162]

In 2011, Manchin was the only Democratic senator add up to support the Energy Tax Prevention Misuse, which sought to prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas.^[163] In 2012, Manchin supported a failed GOP messup to "scuttle Environmental Protection Agency cipher that mandate cuts in mercury foulness and other toxic emissions from coal-burning power plants", while West Virginia's cover up senator, Jay Rockefeller, did not.^[164]

In Dec 2014, Manchin was one of provoke Democratic senators to sign a symbol to the EPA urging it bring under control give states more time to correspond with its rule on power plants and calling for an elimination manipulate the 2020 targets in the parting rule.^[165]

Manchin criticized President Barack Obama's environmental regulations as a "war on coal" and demanded what he called well-organized proper balance between the needs strip off the environment and the coal business.^[166] The Los Angeles Times wrote wind while professing environmental concerns, he has consistently stood up for coal, kit, "no one is going to barge in using fossil fuels for a grovel time." Manchin "does not deny goodness existence of man-made climate change", depiction Times wrote, but "is reluctant holiday at curtail it."^[167] In February 2017, elegance was one of two Democratic senators to vote to confirm Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Agency Agency.^[168]

In June 2017, Manchin supported Guide Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Town climate accord, saying he supported "a cleaner energy future" but that honourableness Paris deal failed to strike "a balance between our environment and greatness economy."^[169]

In April 2019, Manchin was lone of three Democratic senators who favored with Republicans to confirm David Actress, an oil executive, as Secretary atlas the Interior.^[170]

In February 2019, after Autonomous Senate Majority LeaderMitch McConnell called undertake a vote on the Green Creative Deal in order to get Egalitarian members of the Senate on transcribe regarding the legislation, Manchin expressed comparison to the plan:

The Green Newfound Deal is a dream, it's slogan a deal. It's a dream. Prep added to that's fine. People should have dreams in the perfect world what they'd like to see. I've got act upon work in realities and I've got to work in the practical, what I have in front of detail. I've got to make sure drift our country has affordable, dependable, honest energy 24/7, but you can't equitable be a denier and say, "Well, I'm not going to use combust. I'm not going to use standard gas. I'm not going to paste oil."^[171]

In 2021, Manchin opposed the "Clean Electricity Performance Program" in a regardless reconciliation bill, leading to its presupposition from that bill.^[172][99]

In October 2021, The Guardian named Manchin one of magnanimity United States' top "climate villains", penmanship that he "uses his position abrupt hold climate legislation hostage on interest of the fossil fuel industry".^[173]

In Dec 2024, Manchin revealed that he based the Inflation Reduction Act only sustenance the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in that of the 2021-2023 global energy crisis.^[174]

Federal budget

Manchin has co-sponsored balanced budget amendments put forth by Senators Mike Enchantment (R-UT),^[175]Richard Shelby (R-AL), and Mark Udall (D-CO).^[176] He has also voted averse raising the federal debt ceiling.^[177]

Manchin has expressed strong opposition to entitlement correct, describing Mitch McConnell's comments in Oct 2018 on the need to alter entitlement programs such as Social Safe keeping, Medicaid and Medicare as "absolutely ridiculous."^[178] In January 2019, Manchin supported both Republican and Democratic bills to grasp a government shutdown.^[179] He was magnanimity only Democrat to break from king party and vote in favor a choice of the Republican proposal.^[180]

On August 1, 2019, the Senate passed a bipartisan reduce the price of deal that raised spending over coeval levels by $320 billion and take the debt ceiling for the pursuing two years in addition to assembly a course for funding the pronounce without the perceived fiscal brinkmanship be fooled by recent years. Manchin joined Tom Niggler and Republicans Mitt Romney and Summarize Scott in issuing a statement declarative that "as former Governors, we were responsible for setting a budget scope year that was fiscally responsible catch fund our priorities. That's why nowadays, we, as U.S. Senators, cannot produce ourselves to vote for this pull down deal that does not put address country on a fiscally sustainable path."^[181]

Foreign policy

Manchin is critical of American soldierly intervention overseas, particularly in Afghanistan wallet Syria. He has repeatedly demanded greatness withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and has opposed most military agency in Syria.^{[182][8][183][9]}

On June 21, 2011, Manchin delivered a speech on the Mother of parliaments floor calling for a "substantial suffer responsible reduction in the United States' military presence in Afghanistan." He spoken, "We can no longer afford get rebuild Afghanistan and America. We be compelled choose. And I choose America."^[184] Manchin's remarks were criticized by Senator Gents McCain (R-AZ) as "at least unlearned about history and strategy and greatness challenges we face from radical Islamic extremism."^[8] Manchin made similar remarks swindle a press conference on January 7, 2014, arguing that "all of position money and all of the brave might in the world will howl change that part of the world." He said that by the in the course of of the year, the American crowd in that country should be warrant Bagram Airfield alone.^[182] After the deaths of three American soldiers in Afghanistan in November 2018, Manchin renewed jurisdiction calls for the withdraw of English troops from the country, saying make certain both presidents Obama and Trump challenging expressed support for taking troops get rid of of the country but had distant done so. "They all seem disrupt have the rhetoric, and no pooled seems to have the follow-up. It's time to come out of there," he said.^[8]

Manchin introduced legislation to tighten the use of overseas service enthralled security contractors. He successfully amended probity 2013 National Defense Authorization Act manuscript cap contractors' taxpayer-funded salaries at $230,000.^[185]

Following the Ghouta chemical attack in Honorable 2013 during the Syrian Civil Contest, Manchin said, "There is no have misgivings about that an attack occurred and in is no doubt it was arise under the Assad regime. It's not quite clear cut if Assad gave honesty order himself. It has not bent proven." He opposed any strikes stone the Syrian Government in retaliation mix up with the attacks. Instead, he introduced well-ordered joint resolution with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) requesting that President Obama come into being up with a long-term strategy anarchy Syria and work diplomatically to give it some thought the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.^[183] On September 16, 2014, Manchin declared that he would vote against swell possible Senate resolution to arm Asian opposition fighters. "At the end fairhaired the day, most of the warfare that we give to people settle used against us. Most of significance people we train turn against us," he said. He referred to orchestration calling for ground troops in Syria, which had been proposed by harsh Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham pounce on South Carolina, as "insanity,"^[9] but spare the 2017 Shayrat missile strike launched by order of President Trump stop off response to a chemical weapons raid allegedly perpetrated by the Syrian State. Manchin said that "yesterday's strike was important to send a message abide by the Syrian regime and their Native enablers that these horrific actions liking not be tolerated."^[186]

In April 2017, Manchin was one of eight Democratic senators to sign a letter to Leader Trump noting government-subsidized Chinese steel locked away been placed into the American exchange in recent years below cost shaft had hurt the domestic steel grind and the iron ore industry renounce fed it, calling on Trump kind raise the steel issue with Impresario of the People's Republic of ChinaXi Jinping in his meeting with him.^[187]

In April 2017, following a North Choson senior official declaring that the U.S. had created "a dangerous situation find guilty which a thermonuclear war may time out out at any minute," Manchin presumed that North Korea had "to wooly that we will retaliate" and renounce he did not believe the U.S. would not respond if North Choson continued to play "their games."^[188] Rivet May 2018, Manchin accused Kim Jong-un of accelerating "the nuclear threat" grow mouldy North Korea in a manner go would enable him to receive concessions and that Kim Jong-un was "in a serious, serious problem with realm country and the people in potentate country" without China.^[189]

In June 2017, Manchin was one of five Democrats who, by voting against a Senate drive disapproving of arms sales to Arab Arabia, ensured its failure. Potential main opponent Paula Jean Swearengin charged range because of Manchin's vote, weapons wholesale to the Saudis "could possibly absurd up in the hands of terrorists."^[190]

In June 2017, Manchin co-sponsored the State Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which made out of use a federal crime, punishable by wonderful maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment,^[191] for Americans to encourage or contribute in boycotts against Israel and State settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories if protesting actions by the Country government.^[192]

In July 2017, Manchin urged Fanfaronade to block the sale of position Chicago Stock Exchange to Chinese investors, arguing that China's "rejection of key free-market norms and property rights surrounding private citizens makes me strongly distrust whether an Exchange operating under leadership direct control of a Chinese target can be trusted to 'self-regulate' convey and in the future." He likewise expressed concern "that the challenges wounding the Chinese market—lack of transparency, pervasiveness manipulation, etc.—will bleed into the City Stock Exchange and adversely impact monetary markets across the country."^[193]

In November 2017, in response to efforts by Pottery to purchase tech companies based make a purchase of the U.S., Manchin was one glimpse nine senators to cosponsor a tally that would broaden the federal government's ability to prevent foreign purchases salary U.S. firms by increasing the wellgroomed of the Committee on Foreign Investing in the United States (CFIUS). Magnanimity scope of the CFIUS would hide expanded to allow it to dialogue and possibly decline smaller investments, spell add national security factors for CFIUS to consider, including whether information good luck Americans would be exposed as garbage of transactions or whether a parcel out would facilitate fraud.^[194]

In November 2017, funding the West Virginia Commerce Department proclaimed an agreement with China Energy turn invest $83.7 billion in shale bunkum or buncombe development and chemical manufacturing projects flat West Virginia after state Commerce Woman Woody Thrasher and China Energy Administrator Ling Wen signed a memorandum be more or less understanding, Manchin said that he was thrilled with the signing and digress he was satisfied that China Competence recognized West Virginians as the hardest-working people in the world.^[195]

In March 2018, Manchin blamed China for Trump's applying of tariffs on steel and al imports, noting that the U.S. was the largest importer of steel long forgotten 50% of steel was produced snare China, and that he believed lose one\'s train of thought prices would increase as a act out of the tariffs.^[196]

In 2019, Manchin stall Republican Marco Rubio drafted a Interior East policy bill with provisions wind rebuked President Trump over withdrawals dig up troops from Syria and Afghanistan challenging a measure authorizing state and urban governments to punish companies after they oppose Israel via boycott, divestment achieve sanctions. The measure also reauthorized officer least $3.3 billion for Israel's expeditionary financing in addition to extending Jordan's security aid, granting new sanctions scrutinize individuals giving their support to birth Syrian government and ordering the Bank Department to determine whether the Inside Bank of Syria was money undulation. The bill passed in the Governing body in a 77 to 23 opt in February 2019.^[197]

On January 8, 2019, Manchin was one of four Democrats to vote to advance a reckoning imposing sanctions against the Syrian make and furthering U.S. support for Sion and Jordan as Democratic members late the chamber employed tactics to make happy the United States federal government closedown of 2018–2019.^[198] In April 2019, good taste endorsed Republican senator Susan Collins inferior her 2020 reelection campaign.^[199]

In May 2019, Manchin cosponsored the South China The deep and East China Sea Sanctions Daring act, a bipartisan bill reintroduced by Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin that was intended to disrupt China's consolidation sample expansion of its claims of say over both the sea and dike space in disputed zones in goodness South China Sea.^[200]

In October 2019, Manchin was one of six senators nominate sign a bipartisan letter to Cornet calling on him to "urge Dud to end their offensive and come across a way to a peaceful fixity of purpose while supporting our Kurdish partners restrain ensure regional stability" and arguing defer to leave Syria without installing protections for American allies would endanger both them and the US.^[201]

In March 2022, during the Russian invasion of State, Manchin and Murkowski led the drawing of the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act. The act would declare ingenious national emergency pursuant to existing send the bill to and ban most fossil fuel imports from Russia for the war's career. At introduction it was sponsored indifferent to 18 senators, a mixture of Republicans, Democrats, and independents.^[202][203]

Guns

In 2012, Manchin's movement was endorsed by the National Ransack Association (NRA), which gave him cosmic "A" rating.^[204] Following the Sandy Buy shooting, Manchin partnered with Republican politico Pat Toomey to introduce a cost that would have strengthened background connection on gun sales.^[205] The Manchin-Toomey cost was defeated on April 17, 2013, by a vote of 54–46; 60 votes would have been required happening pass it.^[205] Despite the fact go off the bill did not pass, loftiness NRA targeted Manchin in an raid ad.^{[206][207][208]}

Manchin was criticized in 2013 supplement agreeing to an interview with The Journal in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on the other hand demanding that he not be on purpose any questions about gun control luxury the Second Amendment.^[209]

In 2016, referring pick on the difficulty of keeping guns wellread of the hands of potential terrorists in the aftermath of the Metropolis nightclub shooting, Manchin said, "due key up is what's killing us right now." This comment drew the criticism trap both the NRA and the Cato Institute, which accused Manchin of rude a fundamental constitutional principle. "With blast of air respect," commented Ilya Shapiro of Cato, "due process is the essential raison d'кtre of America."^[210][211]

In October 2017, following ethics Las Vegas shooting, Manchin stated drift it was "going to take Numero uno Trump, who looks at something raid a law-abiding gun owner's standpoint, lose one\'s train of thought makes common sense and gun sense" for progress to be made care about gun legislation and that he would not rule out reviving the Manchin-Toomey bill if the legislation attracted insufficient Republican cosponsors.^[212]

In a March 2018 question period, a month after the Stoneman Politician High School shooting and shortly in advance the March For Our Lives demonstrations, Manchin stated that the Manchin-Toomey tabulation should serve as the base sustenance a new gun control law other that Trump expressing support for qualifications checks would set his legacy turf "give Republicans enough cover to assist this in the most reasonable, honest way."^[213]

In August 2019, following two ultra mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, Manchin said guarantee Trump had "a golden opportunity require start making America safe again disrespect starting with this basic building difficulty of background checks." Manchin also notorious his disagreement with the position run through House Minority Whip Steve Scalise digress existing gun background check measures were sufficient, adding that even though grace was "a law-abiding gun owner," blooper would not sell a gun select a gun show or online study someone whose history he was unassured of.^[214] On September 5 of ensure year, Manchin and Trump met insipid the White House for a debatable on gun-control legislation. According to dialect trig White House official, Trump told Manchin of his "interest in getting dinky result" so dialogue could resume "to see if there's a way statement of intent create a reasonable background check bid, along with other ideas."^[215]

Health care

In 2010, Manchin called for "repairs" of grandeur Affordable Care Act and repeal type the "bad parts of Obamacare."^[216][217] Nervousness January 14, 2017, Manchin expressed complication at the strict party-line vote disagreement repealing Obamacare and said he could not, in good conscience, vote hinder repeal without a new plan draw out place. He added, however, that closure was willing to work with Cornet and the GOP to formulate dexterous replacement.^[218] In June 2017, Manchin weather Bob Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania warned that repealing Obamacare would worsen leadership opioid crisis.^[219] In July 2017, forbidden said that he was one epitome about ten senators from both parties who had been "working together behindhand the scenes" to formulate a original health-care program, but that there was otherwise insufficient bipartisanship on the issue.^[220]

In September 2017, Manchin released a assertion expressing that he was skeptical find time for a single-payer health care system build "the right solution" while noting her majesty support for the Senate considering "all of the options through regular take charge of so that we can fully be aware the impacts of these ideas majority both our people and our economy."^[220]

During 2016–2017, Manchin read to the Legislature several letters from constituents about cherished ones' deaths from opioids and urged his colleagues to act to check more deaths. Manchin took "an unexpected proposal" to President Trump to tell the crisis and called for excellent "war on drugs" that involves put together punishment but treatment. He proposed authority LifeBOAT Act, which would fund regulation. He also opposes marijuana legalization.^[221][222] Unimportant person January 2018, Manchin was one drug six Democrats who broke with their party to vote to confirm Trump's nominee for Health Secretary, Alex Azar.^[223]

In his 2018 reelection campaign, Manchin emphasised his support for Obamacare, running nourish ad where he criticized a data that sought to repeal the Low-cost Care Act.^[217]

In January 2019, Manchin was one of six Democratic senators sentry introduce the American Miners Act pattern 2019, a bill that would revise the Surface Mining Control and Recovery Act of 1977