U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. For Senator Manchin, serving as West Virginia's Senator is truly an honor and a privilege.
Born and raised in the small coal mining town of Farmington, W.Va., Sen. Manchin grew up learning the values that all West Virginians share — family, common sense, fairness and hard work. As a small businessman, he learned firsthand from his grandfather, Papa Joe, who was an Italian immigrant and the town grocer, the importance of serving the public. As a young man, his beloved grandmother, Mama Kay, inspired Senator Manchin's belief in public service through her unflagging compassion and desire to help those less fortunate.
Senator Manchin believes that every American deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. He has always said that our nation’s current system is in need of repair but we cannot simply repeal without a replacement. Senator Manchin believes that effective healthcare reform should expand access to coverage, while not inhibiting economic growth, and that the most effective healthcare legislation involves support from both political parties.
Senator Manchin is committed to working with colleagues from both parties to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for West Virginia families and decrease the cost of premiums without cutting the quality of benefits. Any changes to our current system should strive to make healthcare more affordable for West Virginia families ensuring more families have access to health insurance.