History of Joe Manchin in Timeline
Joseph Manchin III is a prominent American politician who has served as the senior U.S. senator from West Virginia since 2010. With a political career spanning several decades, he previously held the positions of the 34th governor of West Virginia and the 27th secretary of state of West Virginia. Notably, he was the state's sole congressional Democrat until 2024 when he registered as an independent. Before his foray into politics, Manchin established and led Enersystems, a coal brokerage company owned and operated by his family.
August 24, 1947: Birth of Joe Manchin III
Joe Manchin III was born on August 24, 1947.
1964: Last Time a West Virginia Governor Succeeded Another From the Same Party
Joe Manchin III's win in 2004 marked the first time since 1964 that a West Virginia governor was succeeded by another governor from the same party.
1965: Joe Manchin III Enters West Virginia University
Joe Manchin III graduated from Farmington High School and entered West Virginia University on a football scholarship in 1965, but an injury ended his football career.
August 5, 1967: Marriage to Gayle Heather Conelly
On August 5, 1967, Joe Manchin married Gayle Heather Conelly. The couple has three children: Heather Manchin Bresch, Joseph IV, and Brooke.
1970: Joe Manchin III Graduates from West Virginia University
Joe Manchin III graduated from West Virginia University in 1970 with a degree in business administration and went to work for his family's business.
1974: Establishment of the 1974 Pension Plan
The year 1974 marked the establishment of a pension plan for coal miners, reflecting the importance of providing retirement security for workers in this demanding and often hazardous industry.
1977: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 established regulations for surface coal mining and reclamation efforts in the United States. The act aimed to minimize the environmental impact of coal mining operations.
1982: Joe Manchin III Elected to West Virginia House of Delegates
Joe Manchin III was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1982 at age 35.
1986: Joe Manchin III Elected to West Virginia Senate
In 1986, Joe Manchin III was elected to the West Virginia Senate, where he served until 1996.
1988: Joe Manchin III Founds Enersystems
Joe Manchin III founded Enersystems, a waste coal brokerage company, in 1988.
1996: Joe Manchin III Runs for Governor
Joe Manchin III ran for governor in 1996 and lost the Democratic primary election to Charlotte Pritt.
2000: Joe Manchin III Elected as Secretary of State of West Virginia
Joe Manchin III was elected Secretary of State of West Virginia in 2000.
2000: Joe Manchin III Turns Over Control of Enersystems
Joe Manchin III was president of Enersystems until 2000, when he entered politics and gave control of the company's daily operations to his son.
2001: Beginning of Term as Secretary of State of West Virginia
In 2001, Joe Manchin III began his term as the 27th secretary of state of West Virginia.
2003: Joe Manchin III Announces Gubernatorial Candidacy
In 2003, Joe Manchin III announced his intention to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Bob Wise in the 2004 Democratic primary.
2004: Joe Manchin III Wins Gubernatorial Election
Joe Manchin III won the 2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election.
2004: Joe Manchin III Wins Democratic Primary and General Election
Joe Manchin III won the Democratic primary and general election by large margins in 2004.
July 2005: Massey Energy CEO Sues Joe Manchin III
In July 2005, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship sued Joe Manchin III, alleging that Manchin had violated Blankenship's First Amendment rights by threatening increased government scrutiny of his coal operations in retaliation for Blankenship's political activities.
2005: End of Term as Governor of West Virginia
Joe Manchin III's term as the 34th governor of West Virginia ended in 2005.
January 2006: Joe Manchin III's Miscommunication During Sago Mine Disaster
During the Sago Mine disaster in early January 2006, Joe Manchin III confirmed incorrect reports that 12 miners had survived; in actuality only one survived.
February 1, 2006: Joe Manchin III Orders Stop to Coal Production
On February 1, 2006, Joe Manchin III ordered a stop to all coal production in West Virginia pending safety checks after two more miners were killed in separate accidents.
2008: Joe Manchin III Re-elected as Governor
In 2008, Joe Manchin III was reelected as governor by a larger margin than his first win.
2008: Joe Manchin III Wins Reelection
Joe Manchin III easily won reelection to a second term as governor in 2008 against Republican Russ Weeks, capturing 69.81% of the vote and winning every county.
2008: Global Financial Crisis
The global financial crisis of 2008 had far-reaching consequences, including a negative impact on the coal industry and its workers, as demand for coal declined.
2009: Financial Disclosures Reveal Ties to Coal Industry
In 2009, Joe Manchin's financial disclosures revealed earnings of $1,363,916 from the coal company Enersystems, where he served as president before entering politics.
June 28, 2010: Death of Senator Robert Byrd
Senator Robert Byrd died on June 28, 2010.
July 20, 2010: Manchin Announces Senate Candidacy
On July 20, 2010, Joe Manchin announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in a special election. The seat was vacant due to the death of incumbent Senator Robert Byrd.
November 15, 2010: Manchin Sworn in as U.S. Senator
Joe Manchin was officially sworn in as a U.S. Senator on November 15, 2010. The ceremony was officiated by then-Vice President Joe Biden.
December 9, 2010: Manchin Votes Against Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal
On December 9, 2010, Joe Manchin was the only Democrat to vote against cloture for the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He cited advice from retired military chaplains and a desire to hear from West Virginia citizens as reasons for his decision.
December 13, 2010: Manchin Joins No Labels Launch
On December 13, 2010, Joe Manchin participated in the launch of No Labels, a nonpartisan organization aiming to bridge political divides and advance national progress.
2010: Continued Earnings from Enersystems Spark Debate
Manchin reported earning $417,255 from Enersystems in 2010, fueling debate about potential conflicts of interest due to his stance on coal industry regulations.
2010: Joe Manchin III Lists AA Properties as Asset
Since his election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, Joe Manchin III has listed AA Properties as a non-public asset on his annual financial disclosures.
2010: Rumors of Party Switch
Prior to Joe Manchin's Senate swearing-in in 2010, there were rumors suggesting the Republican Party was trying to persuade him to switch parties.
2010: Joe Manchin III Becomes Senator
In 2010, Joe Manchin III became the senior United States senator from West Virginia.
2010: Manchin Opposes the DREAM Act
In 2010, Senator Manchin expressed his opposition to the DREAM Act, a piece of legislation that would have provided a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. His absence from the vote on the bill further underscored his stance on immigration reform.
2010: Manchin Calls for Repairs to the Affordable Care Act
In 2010, Senator Manchin called for adjustments and improvements to the Affordable Care Act, suggesting that while the law had its merits, certain aspects needed revision. This demonstrated his pragmatic approach to healthcare reform, seeking to address both its strengths and weaknesses.
2010: Manchin Wins Special Senate Election
In 2010, Manchin participated in a special general election for the U.S. Senate seat. He emerged victorious, defeating Republican businessman John Raese.
June 2011: Manchin Calls for Crackdown on Bitcoin Transactions
In June 2011, Joe Manchin joined Senator Chuck Schumer in advocating for stricter regulations on Bitcoin transactions. They argued that the cryptocurrency facilitated illegal drug trade by obscuring traditional money trails, making it difficult to track transactions.
June 21, 2011: Manchin Calls for Reduced Military Presence in Afghanistan
In a Senate floor speech on June 21, 2011, Manchin advocated for a significant reduction of US military presence in Afghanistan, sparking debate and criticism.
July 2011: Manchin Introduces Silver Alert and National Yellow Dot Acts
In July 2011, Joe Manchin introduced the Silver Alert Act, proposing a nationwide system similar to the AMBER Alert for locating missing seniors. He also sponsored the National Yellow Dot Act, encouraging a voluntary program to provide emergency responders with access to crucial medical information about drivers involved in accidents.
2011: Manchin Supports Energy Tax Prevention Act
As the sole Democrat in the Senate, Manchin backed the Energy Tax Prevention Act in 2011, aiming to limit the EPA's control over greenhouse gas regulations.
2011: Joe Manchin III's Earnings from Enersystems
Between 2011 and 2020, Joe Manchin III was paid $5,211,154 in dividend income from Enersystems.
May 2012: Manchin's Amendment Reclassifies Hydrocodone
In May 2012, Joe Manchin successfully proposed an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration reauthorization bill. This amendment reclassified hydrocodone as a Schedule II controlled substance, aiming to curb prescription drug abuse.
December 2012: Manchin Criticizes MTV's Buckwild
In December 2012, Joe Manchin voiced his displeasure with MTV's reality show Buckwild, which was set in Charleston, West Virginia. He asked MTV's president to cancel the show, arguing that it depicted West Virginia in a negative and unrealistic manner. The show ended after its first season.
2012: Endorsement by the National Rifle Association
The National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed Manchin's candidacy in 2012, reflecting his stance on gun rights.
2012: Joe Manchin III Elected for Full Senate Term
Joe Manchin III was elected to a full term in the Senate in 2012 with 61% of the vote.
2012: Manchin Seeks Re-election, Distances Himself from Obama
In 2012, Manchin decided to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate. Notably, he chose not to endorse President Barack Obama for re-election, citing policy disagreements.
2012: Manchin Sides with GOP on EPA Regulations
Continuing his pattern of supporting the coal industry, Manchin aligned with Republicans in 2012 in a failed attempt to overturn EPA regulations targeting pollution from coal-fired power plants.
April 17, 2013: Defeat of the Manchin-Toomey Bill
Despite receiving a majority of votes, the Manchin-Toomey bill, aimed at strengthening background checks on gun sales, failed to pass in the Senate on April 17, 2013, falling short of the required 60 votes.
August 2013: Manchin Expresses Caution Following Ghouta Chemical Attack
In the aftermath of the August 2013 Ghouta chemical attack in Syria, Manchin urged caution and opposed immediate military strikes against the Assad regime.
2013: Manchin Pushes for Reduced Reliance on Military Contractors
In 2013, Manchin took steps to limit the use of overseas military contractors and successfully implemented a cap on their taxpayer-funded salaries through the National Defense Authorization Act.
2013: Criticism for Restricting Interview Questions
Manchin faced criticism in 2013 when he agreed to an interview with The Journal in West Virginia but insisted on excluding questions related to gun control or the Second Amendment.
2013: National Journal's Assessment of Manchin's Political Stance
The National Journal provided an overall score of Manchin's political leanings in 2013, rating him as 55% conservative and 46% liberal.
January 7, 2014: Manchin Reiterates Stance on Afghanistan Withdrawal
Manchin reiterated his position on withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan in a press conference on January 7, 2014, arguing that military solutions were not effective in the region.
July 2014: Lawsuit by John Manchin II
In July 2014, Joe Manchin was sued by his brother John Manchin II over a $1.7 million loan. The lawsuit alleged that Joe and another brother, Roch Manchin, borrowed the money to keep their family-owned carpet business open but had not repaid any part of the loan and took measures to evade compensation. The lawsuit was withdrawn on June 30, 2015.
September 2014: Manchin as Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels
As of September 2014, Joe Manchin held the position of honorary co-chair for No Labels.
September 16, 2014: Manchin Opposes Arming Syrian Opposition Fighters
On September 16, 2014, Manchin announced his opposition to a Senate resolution that would have provided arms to Syrian opposition groups, citing concerns about the potential consequences.
November 2014: Manchin Steps Down from No Labels
Joe Manchin decided to step down from his honorary role at No Labels in November 2014, following the organization's campaign support for a Republican challenging an incumbent Democratic senator.
December 2014: Manchin Urges EPA to Relax Power Plant Regulations
In December 2014, Manchin joined a group of Democratic senators in urging the EPA to provide states more time to comply with power plant regulations and to eliminate the 2020 targets.
2014: Manchin Characterizes Relationship with Obama as "Fairly Nonexistent"
In a 2014 interview with The New York Times, Manchin offered a candid assessment of his relationship with President Barack Obama, describing it as "fairly nonexistent."
2014: Republicans Attempt to Recruit Manchin
Republicans made efforts to convince Joe Manchin to switch parties in 2014 after they gained control of the Senate.
2014: Manchin Proposes Social Security Changes
In 2014, Joe Manchin proposed significant changes to Social Security. He suggested indexing payroll taxes to inflation to stabilize cash flow and adjusting Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) based on poverty guidelines, potentially reducing benefits for wealthier recipients.
June 30, 2015: Withdrawal of Lawsuit by John Manchin II
On June 30, 2015, John Manchin II withdrew his lawsuit against Joe Manchin and Roch Manchin. The lawsuit pertained to a $1.7 million loan allegedly borrowed by Joe and Roch to keep their family-owned carpet business open, which had not been repaid.
August 3, 2015: Manchin Votes to Defund Planned Parenthood
Breaking with Democratic leadership, Joe Manchin voted in favor of a Republican-backed bill on August 3, 2015. This bill aimed to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood, both domestically and internationally.
2015: Joe Manchin III Becomes Senior Senator
When Jay Rockefeller left office in 2015, Joe Manchin III became West Virginia's senior U.S. senator.
June 2016: West Virginia Awaits Disaster Relief Funding
West Virginia had been awaiting funding for rebuilding efforts for three years since severe floods devastated the region in June 2016.
2016: Bernie Sanders's Influence Emerges in West Virginia Politics
Although not directly related to Manchin, the 2016 presidential election saw Bernie Sanders gain support in West Virginia. This support would later manifest in challenges to Manchin's political positions.
2016: Speculation of Manchin Becoming Republican
As the 2016 elections approached, there was speculation that Manchin might switch to the Republican Party if the Senate ended up in a 50-50 tie.
2016: Political Ratings for Manchin
In 2016, the American Conservative Union gave Manchin a 25% lifetime conservative rating, while the progressive PAC Americans for Democratic Action assigned him a 35% liberal quotient.
2016: Manchin's "Due Process" Comment Sparks Criticism
In the wake of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Manchin sparked controversy when he attributed the difficulty of preventing potential terrorists from obtaining firearms to "due process." This statement drew criticism from both gun rights advocates like the NRA and libertarian organizations like the Cato Institute, who accused him of undermining a fundamental constitutional right.
2016: Manchin Highlights the Impact of the Opioid Crisis on West Virginia Families
Throughout 2016, Senator Manchin used his platform to shed light on the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, particularly in his home state of West Virginia. He shared heartbreaking stories from constituents who had lost loved ones, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
January 14, 2017: Manchin Expresses Concerns About Repealing Obamacare Without a Replacement Plan
On January 14, 2017, Senator Manchin voiced his apprehensions about the partisan effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a comprehensive replacement plan in place. While he acknowledged his willingness to collaborate with President Trump and the GOP on a viable alternative, he maintained his commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare.
February 2017: Manchin Votes to Confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator
Manchin was one of only two Democratic senators to support Scott Pruitt's confirmation as EPA Administrator in February 2017, a move consistent with his history of siding with pro-industry stances.
February 2017: Introduction of HIRE Veterans Act
In February 2017, Joe Manchin, along with Roy Blunt, introduced the HIRE Veterans Act. This legislation aimed to create a tiered recognition program within the Department of Labor to award employers based on their contributions to veteran employment. The act was later passed in April 2017.
March 30, 2017: Manchin Opposes Bill on Title X Grant Funding
On March 30, 2017, Joe Manchin voted against H.J.Res. 43. This resolution was designed to enable states to withhold Title X grant money from organizations based on factors beyond their capability to deliver necessary services.
April 2017: Letter to President Trump on Chinese Steel
In April 2017, Manchin joined eight other Democratic senators in signing a letter to President Trump concerning the negative impact of government-subsidized Chinese steel on the American market. The letter highlighted the harm inflicted upon the domestic steel industry and called for Trump to address the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
April 2017: Response to North Korea's Nuclear Threat
In April 2017, in response to escalating tensions with North Korea, Manchin affirmed the United States' commitment to retaliation if provoked. This statement followed a North Korean official's assertion that the U.S. was pushing the Korean peninsula towards thermonuclear war.
April 2017: Manchin Supports Continued Funding for Planned Parenthood
Joe Manchin voiced his support for the continued allocation of funding to Planned Parenthood in April 2017.
April 2017: Passage of HIRE Veterans Act
In April 2017, the HIRE Veterans Act, co-introduced by Joe Manchin and Roy Blunt, was passed. The legislation established a tiered recognition program to honor employers for their efforts in veteran employment.
June 2017: Cosponsoring the Israel Anti-Boycott Act
In June 2017, Manchin joined other senators in cosponsoring the controversial Israel Anti-Boycott Act (S.270). This legislation aimed to criminalize American participation in boycotts against Israel, including Israeli settlements, in response to Israeli government actions.
June 2017: Manchin and Casey Warn About the Potential Negative Impact of Obamacare Repeal on the Opioid Crisis
In June 2017, Senator Manchin, alongside Senator Bob Casey Jr., issued a warning about the potential consequences of repealing the Affordable Care Act on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. They argued that repealing the ACA would exacerbate the crisis by limiting access to treatment.
June 2017: Vote Against Blocking Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
Manchin was one of five Democrats who voted against a Senate resolution in June 2017 that aimed to disapprove of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This vote proved crucial, as it ensured the resolution's failure. Manchin's decision faced criticism from those concerned about the potential for such weapons to end up in the wrong hands.
June 2017: Manchin Backs Trump's Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord
In June 2017, Manchin expressed support for President Trump's decision to exit the Paris Agreement, citing concerns over the agreement's potential economic impact.
July 2017: Opposition to Chinese Purchase of Chicago Stock Exchange
Manchin urged President Trump to prevent the sale of the Chicago Stock Exchange to Chinese investors in July 2017. He expressed concerns about China's adherence to free-market principles and potential negative consequences for American financial markets.
July 2017: Manchin Reveals Bipartisan Efforts to Develop a New Healthcare Program
By July 2017, Senator Manchin revealed that a group of about ten senators from both sides of the aisle were engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions to craft a new healthcare program. He acknowledged the lack of widespread bipartisan support for the initiative while emphasizing the importance of finding common ground.
July 26, 2017: Manchin Opposes Transgender Military Ban
On July 26, 2017, Joe Manchin voiced his opposition to President Trump's proposed ban on transgender people serving in the United States military.
August 2017: Manchin's Outspoken Response to Resignation Call
In August 2017, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, publicly called for Manchin to resign from his Senate Democratic leadership position. Manchin responded with a defiant statement, expressing indifference to the demand and potential electoral consequences.
September 2017: Manchin Expresses Skepticism About Single-Payer Healthcare but Supports Consideration of All Options
In September 2017, Senator Manchin publicly shared his reservations about the viability of a single-payer healthcare system in the United States. He questioned its effectiveness as a solution while advocating for a thorough examination of all potential healthcare reforms through regular legislative processes.
October 2017: Manchin Calls for Common Sense Gun Legislation Following Las Vegas Shooting
In October 2017, following the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Senator Joe Manchin called for bipartisan efforts to enact common sense gun legislation. He emphasized the need for President Trump's support, given his perspective as "a law-abiding gun owner." Manchin even suggested he would consider reviving the Manchin-Toomey bill if it garnered sufficient Republican backing.
November 2017: Support for China Energy Investment in West Virginia
Manchin expressed strong support for a significant investment deal between West Virginia and China Energy in November 2017. The agreement, involving billions of dollars in shale gas development and chemical manufacturing, was hailed by Manchin as a recognition of the state's workforce and potential.
November 2017: Cosponsoring Bill to Strengthen CFIUS
In response to a wave of Chinese acquisitions of U.S. tech companies in November 2017, Manchin joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The bill proposed granting CFIUS greater authority to scrutinize and potentially block foreign investments, particularly those deemed to pose national security risks.
2017: Manchin Supports 2017 Shayrat Missile Strike in Syria
Breaking from his earlier cautious stance, Manchin voiced support for the 2017 Shayrat missile strike in Syria, which was a response to a chemical weapons attack attributed to the Syrian government.
2017: Manchin Returns as Honorary Co-Chair of No Labels
Joe Manchin resumed his involvement with No Labels and became an honorary co-chair once again in 2017.
2017: Manchin Proposes the LifeBOAT Act to Address the Opioid Crisis Through Treatment
Continuing his efforts to address the opioid epidemic in 2017, Senator Manchin presented President Trump with a unique proposal. He called for a shift from punitive measures to a treatment-focused approach, emphasizing the need to treat addiction as a public health crisis rather than a criminal justice issue.
2017: Joe Manchin III Votes Against Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Joe Manchin III voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2017: Manchin Opposes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Joe Manchin opposed President Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He criticized the bill for its lack of transparency and limited impact on the average worker's paycheck in his state, ultimately voting against it.
January 2018: Manchin Breaks with Democrats to Confirm Alex Azar as Health Secretary
January 2018 saw Senator Manchin break ranks with his Democratic colleagues to support the confirmation of Alex Azar, President Trump's nominee for Health Secretary. This decision underscored Manchin's willingness to prioritize bipartisanship, even on contentious issues.
January 2018: Manchin Votes for 20-Week Abortion Ban
Joining two fellow Democrats and the majority of Republicans, Joe Manchin cast his vote in favor of a bill that sought to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks in January 2018.
January 2018: Manchin Opposes Government Shutdown
Joe Manchin was opposed to the government shutdown in January 2018. It was suggested by The New York Times that he played a role in ending the shutdown by threatening to withdraw from his re-election campaign if Democrats did not agree to end it.
February 14, 2018: Manchin Cosponsors Bill for Same-Sex Couple Tax Equality
On February 14, 2018, Joe Manchin cosponsored S.515, a bill aimed at amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that all provisions apply equally to legally married same-sex couples and other married couples.
February 2018: Congressional Quarterly Study on Manchin's Voting Record
In February 2018, a Congressional Quarterly study revealed that Joe Manchin voted in line with President Trump's position 71% of the time during Trump's first year in office.
March 2018: Manchin Advocates for Manchin-Toomey Bill as Basis for New Gun Control Law
In March 2018, in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Senator Manchin reiterated his stance on gun control. He advocated for using the Manchin-Toomey bill as a foundation for new legislation. Manchin also suggested that President Trump's endorsement of background checks would provide political cover for Republicans to support such measures.
March 2018: Manchin Attributes Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to China
In March 2018, Manchin placed the blame for President Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports squarely on China. He cited China's dominance in steel production as a key factor and expressed concern over the potential for price increases for American consumers.
May 2018: Manchin Accuses Kim Jong-un of Exacerbating Nuclear Threat
Manchin, in May 2018, publicly accused Kim Jong-un of exploiting the threat of North Korea's nuclear capabilities to secure concessions. He further criticized Kim Jong-un's leadership, asserting that the North Korean leader was facing severe internal issues.
June 2018: Manchin Urges Trump on Supreme Court Appointment
Following the announcement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement in June 2018, Joe Manchin called upon President Trump to refrain from appointing a judge who might aim to overturn Roe v. Wade. He advocated for the selection of a more moderate candidate instead.
June 18, 2018: Manchin Speaks Out Against Trump Administration's Family Separation Policy
On June 18, 2018, Senator Manchin took a stand against the Trump administration's controversial family separation policy, which resulted in the separation of migrant children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.
October 2018: Manchin Rejects Entitlement Reform Discussions
In October 2018, Manchin strongly criticized suggestions by Mitch McConnell regarding entitlement reform, including programs like Social Security and Medicare.
November 2018: Manchin Renews Calls for Afghanistan Withdrawal Following Soldier Deaths
Following the deaths of American soldiers in Afghanistan in November 2018, Manchin renewed his calls for a troop withdrawal, expressing frustration with the lack of action from previous administrations.
December 2018: Manchin Protests FCC Funding Pause
In December 2018, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to temporarily halt the funding program for wireless broadband to conduct an investigation, Joe Manchin expressed his disagreement. He announced his intention to put a hold on Brendan Carr's renomination as a form of protest against this move.
2018: Manchin Campaigns on His Support for Obamacare
During his 2018 re-election campaign, Senator Manchin made his support for the Affordable Care Act a central theme. He ran advertisements criticizing a lawsuit that aimed to overturn the law, emphasizing his commitment to protecting access to healthcare.
2018: United Mine Workers of America Endorses Manchin for Senate
The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) endorsed Joe Manchin in the 2018 United States Senate election in West Virginia.
2018: Joe Manchin III Wins Second Senate Term
Joe Manchin III won a second term in the Senate in 2018 with just under 50% of the vote.
2018: Coal Company Bankruptcies
In 2018, several coal companies faced bankruptcy, further highlighting the challenges faced by the industry and the need to protect miners' livelihoods.
2018: Manchin Faces Primary Challenge from the Left
In 2018, Manchin faced a Democratic primary challenge from Paula Jean Swearengin, an activist and coal miner's daughter. Swearengin, who had the support of former Bernie Sanders campaigners, criticized Manchin for his perceived alignment with Republican policies.
2018: Manchin Sides with Republicans on Dodd-Frank Rules
In 2018, Joe Manchin was among 17 Democrats who broke ranks with their party to support a Republican-led effort to ease regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
2018: Manchin Secures Opioid Funding for West Virginia
In 2018, Joe Manchin played a key role in modifying the Opioid Crisis Response Act. He ensured that opioid funding for West Virginia would be allocated based on the overdose death rate rather than solely on the overall number of deaths. He argued that this change would provide more equitable support to states disproportionately affected by the crisis.
2018: Role in Addressing 2018-2019 Government Shutdown
In 2018 Manchin played a role in ending the government shutdown.
2018: Manchin's Net Worth in 2018
As of 2018, Joe Manchin's net worth was reported to be more than $7.6 million, according to OpenSecrets.org.
January 8, 2019: Vote on Sanctions Against Syrian Government
On January 8, 2019, as part of efforts to resolve the U.S. federal government shutdown, Manchin was among a small group of Democrats who voted to advance a bill that combined sanctions against the Syrian government with continued support for Israel and Jordan.
January 2019: Manchin Supports Bills to End Government Shutdown
During a government shutdown in January 2019, Manchin showed a willingness to compromise by supporting both Republican and Democratic proposals to reopen the government.
January 2019: Cosponsorship of VA Provider Accountability Act
In January 2019, Joe Manchin cosponsored the VA Provider Accountability Act with four other senators. This bipartisan bill aimed to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, authorizing the under secretary of health to report major adverse personnel actions related to certain healthcare employees to the National Practitioner Data Bank and applicable state licensing boards.
January 2019: Manchin Introduces the American Miners Act of 2019 to Protect Miners' Pensions and Healthcare
In January 2019, Senator Manchin co-sponsored the American Miners Act of 2019, a bipartisan bill designed to safeguard the pensions and healthcare benefits of coal miners. This legislation aimed to address the financial challenges faced by the miners' pension fund due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis.
February 2019: Manchin on Education Reform Proposal Collapse
In February 2019, Joe Manchin attributed the failure of an omnibus education reform proposal to the lack of groundwork and broad support from state lawmakers.
February 2019: Manchin Voices Opposition to Green New Deal
In February 2019, Manchin publicly opposed the Green New Deal, a move that put him at odds with many in the Democratic Party.
February 2019: Co-Authorship of Middle East Policy Bill
Manchin collaborated with Republican Senator Marco Rubio in early 2019 to draft a comprehensive Middle East policy bill. The bill included provisions related to troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan, sanctions against the Syrian government, and increased support for Israel and Jordan. Passed by the Senate in February 2019, the bill reflected a bipartisan effort to shape U.S. involvement in the region.
March 2019: Manchin Cosponsors Bill to Correct Tax Law Error
In March 2019, Joe Manchin joined a bipartisan effort to correct a drafting error in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This error forced businesses to depreciate renovation costs over 39 years, and the bill aimed to allow immediate deduction of these costs.
March 18, 2019: Manchin Declines to Cosponsor Equality Act
As of March 18, 2019, Joe Manchin remained the sole member of the Senate Democratic Caucus who was not a cosponsor of the Equality Act. While expressing support for protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from job and housing discrimination, he cited concerns about the bill's guidance for local implementation.
April 2019: Endorsement of Susan Collins
Breaking with party lines, Manchin endorsed Republican Senator Susan Collins for re-election in April 2019.
April 2019: Manchin Cosponsors Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act
Joe Manchin cosponsored the Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act in April 2019. This legislation aimed to facilitate the sharing of medical records among healthcare providers for patients undergoing substance use disorder treatment, with the patient's consent. The intention was to prevent unintentional opioid prescriptions to recovering individuals.
April 2019: Manchin Votes to Confirm David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary
Manchin's decision to support David Bernhardt, an oil executive, for the position of Interior Secretary in April 2019, drew criticism from environmental groups.
May 2019: Manchin Announces Funding for West Virginia Opioid Response
In May 2019, Joe Manchin and Senator Capito announced $600,000 in funding for West Virginia through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. This initiative aimed to address the opioid epidemic that had severely impacted communities throughout the state.
May 2019: Cosponsoring the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act
In May 2019, Manchin joined a bipartisan group of senators in cosponsoring the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act. This bill, reintroduced by Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin, sought to challenge China's assertive territorial claims in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
May 2019: Manchin and Collins Defend the Affordable Care Act
In May 2019, Senator Manchin joined forces with Republican Senator Susan Collins to defend the Affordable Care Act. They sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr emphasizing that the ACA is the law of the land and urging the administration to uphold it.
May 2019: Manchin Introduces Disaster Recovery Funding Act
Joe Manchin and John Cornyn jointly introduced the Disaster Recovery Funding Act in May 2019. This bill aimed to ensure the timely release of $16 billion in disaster relief funds to nine states and two U.S. Territories within 60 days.
July 2019: Manchin Calls for Opioid Settlement Funds
Joe Manchin issued a statement in July 2019 calling for a $1.4 billion settlement from Reckitt Benckiser Group to be directed towards programs and resources aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.
July 2019: Introduction of Providing Veterans Access to In-State Tuition Act
In July 2019, Joe Manchin and Republican Marsha Blackburn introduced the Providing Veterans Access to In-State Tuition Act. This bill aimed to eliminate the three-year post-discharge requirement, allowing student veterans to receive in-state tuition rates from public schools when using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
August 1, 2019: Manchin Opposes Bipartisan Budget Deal
On August 1, 2019, Manchin joined a bipartisan group of senators in opposing a budget deal, citing concerns about its long-term impact on the national debt.
August 2019: Manchin Urges Trump to Address Gun Violence After El Paso and Dayton Shootings
August 2019 saw another wave of mass shootings, this time in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. In response, Senator Manchin implored President Trump to prioritize making America safer by implementing universal background checks. Manchin's call for action highlighted his disagreement with those who believed existing gun control measures were sufficient. He emphasized that even as a responsible gun owner, he wouldn't sell a firearm to someone without knowing their background.
August 2019: Announcement of Grants for Homeless Veterans
In August 2019, Joe Manchin and Capito announced over $7 million in grants to support homeless veterans. These funds were part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, aimed at aiding homeless veterans.
August 2019: Manchin Announces Disaster Relief Funding for West Virginia
Joe Manchin made a significant announcement in August 2019, revealing that $106 million in disaster relief funding would be allocated to West Virginia.
August 2019: Manchin Highlights Inaccurate Broadband Coverage Maps
Joe Manchin sent eight letters to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in August 2019, containing data from speed tests conducted throughout West Virginia. This action was part of his effort to bring attention to what he believed were incorrect broadband coverage maps in the state.
September 2019: Manchin Votes for Homeland Security Funding Including Border Wall Funding
In September 2019, Senator Manchin became the sole Democrat on the Senate Appropriations panel to vote in favor of a $71 billion homeland security bill that included $5 billion in funding for President Trump's proposed border wall. This decision highlighted his willingness to compromise on certain aspects of border security.
October 2019: Letter Urging Turkish Offensive Ceasefire
October 2019 saw Manchin joining five other senators in signing a bipartisan letter directed at President Trump. The letter urged the president to pressure Turkey into halting its military offensive in Syria and seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while also emphasizing the need to protect Kurdish allies in the region.
2019: Manchin Supports Bill on Care for Infants After Failed Abortions
In 2019, Joe Manchin was among three Democrats who sided with all Republicans in voting for a bill. This bill mandated that doctors provide care for infants born alive following an unsuccessful abortion procedure.
May 2020: Manchin Receives Significant Funding from Oil and Gas Industry
Data revealed that Manchin had received substantial funding from the oil and gas industry between May 2020 and May 2021.
November 10, 2020: Manchin Expresses Concerns about D.C. and Puerto Rico Statehood
During an interview on November 10, 2020, Joe Manchin shared his perspective on D.C. statehood, stating that he didn't perceive a need for it. He also conveyed his opposition to Puerto Rico statehood at the time.
2020: Joe Manchin III's Financial Disclosure
In 2020, a financial disclosure from Joe Manchin III revealed that his shares of Enersystems were worth between $1 million and $5 million and that between 2011 and 2020 he was paid $5,211,154 in dividend income from them.
2020: Manchin's Position on 2020 Environmental Targets
Manchin's stance on the 2020 environmental targets for power plants, as expressed in his December 2014 letter to the EPA, continues to be a point of contention.
2020: Endorsement of Susan Collins
Manchin endorsed Susan Collins in her 2020 re-election campaign.
2020: Joe Manchin III Becomes "Most Important Swing Vote"
After the 2020 elections, Joe Manchin III became the "most important swing vote" in the Senate.
January 10, 2021: Manchin Seeks More Information on Statehood
In a subsequent interview on January 10, 2021, Joe Manchin chose not to reaffirm his prior opposition to statehood for either D.C. or Puerto Rico. He expressed a desire to gather more information and consider the arguments on both sides.
February 2, 2021: Manchin Opposes $15 Minimum Wage Increase
On February 2, 2021, Joe Manchin announced his opposition to increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour. He suggested a smaller increase to $11 and higher for areas with a greater cost of living. He argued for index-linking the minimum wage to prevent future political disputes. This stance was part of a broader opposition to Bernie Sanders' $15 minimum wage proposal in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
March 2021: Manchin Votes Against Transgender Student Athlete Funding
In March 2021, Joe Manchin was the only Democrat to vote in favor of an amendment that would have rescinded funding from public schools permitting transgender students to participate in sports according to their gender identity. The amendment failed.
April 30, 2021: Manchin Opposes D.C. Statehood Bill
Joe Manchin publicly announced his opposition to the D.C. Statehood bill, which had been passed by the House of Representatives. He suggested exploring the possibility of granting D.C. statehood through a constitutional amendment instead.
May 2021: Manchin's Campaign Finances Scrutinized
Manchin's acceptance of large sums of money from the fossil fuel industry, especially during a period of heightened concern about climate change, drew criticism and scrutiny.
June 6, 2021: Manchin Opposes For the People Act
On June 6, 2021, Joe Manchin published an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail expressing his opposition to the For the People Act due to its lack of bipartisan support. He did, however, support a reinforced version of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and urged its passage in the Senate. This led to accusations from several Democratic lawmakers that Manchin was supporting Jim Crow laws by opposing the act.
June 2021: ExxonMobil Lobbyist Reveals Targeting of Manchin
In June 2021, an ExxonMobil lobbyist, Keith McCoy, revealed that the company had identified Manchin as a key target for their lobbying efforts. McCoy claimed that Manchin participated in regular meetings with the company.
September 30, 2021: Manchin Denies Conflict of Interest in Build Back Better Act Opposition
Manchin faced accusations of a conflict of interest regarding his opposition to the Build Back Better Act. He denied these allegations, stating that his assets were held in a blind trust.
October 2021: The Guardian Labels Manchin a "Climate Villain"
The Guardian's decision to name Manchin one of the United States' top "climate villains" in October 2021 reflects the growing frustration with his perceived obstruction of climate action.
December 2021: Manchin Criticizes Democrats' Tactics in Pushing for Build Back Better Act
In December 2021, following his announcement regarding the Build Back Better Act, Senator Manchin expressed his disapproval of the tactics employed by fellow Democrats to pressure him into supporting the legislation. He criticized what he perceived as aggressive and disrespectful behavior.
December 2021: Manchin Announces Opposition to Build Back Better Act
In a significant turn of events, Senator Manchin declared his opposition to President Biden's Build Back Better Act in December 2021. He cited concerns about inflation, the national debt, and the Omicron variant as reasons for his decision.
2021: Joe Manchin III Only Democrat in Statewide Office
From 2021 to 2024, Joe Manchin III was the only Democrat holding any statewide office in West Virginia besides State Supreme Court justice William R. Wooton.
2021: Joe Manchin III Only Democrat Holding Statewide or Congressional Office in West Virginia
Since 2021, Joe Manchin III was the only Democrat holding statewide or congressional office in West Virginia.
2021: Manchin's Opposition Derails Clean Electricity Performance Program
Manchin's opposition to the Clean Electricity Performance Program in 2021 effectively led to its removal from a crucial budget reconciliation bill, highlighting his pivotal role in climate policy.
2021: Republicans Urge Manchin to Switch Parties
During 2021, while Manchin opposed the Biden-supported Build Back Better bill, several Republicans encouraged him to join the Republican Party.
2021: Manchin Faces Protests and Security Concerns
During 2021, Manchin found himself the target of protests, particularly from climate activists who were critical of his stance on the Build Back Better Act.
January 2022: Manchin Increases Private Security Amidst Protests
In January 2022, reports emerged that Manchin had increased his spending on private security during the latter part of 2021. This decision was linked to protests and perceived threats directed at him and his family.
February 2022: Manchin Endorses Lisa Murkowski for Reelection
In February 2022, Joe Manchin publicly endorsed Senator Lisa Murkowski for her reelection campaign.
February 2022: Manchin Opposes Women's Health Protection Act
Joe Manchin stood out as the sole Democratic senator to vote against the Women's Health Protection Act in February 2022. This proposed legislation encompassed measures to limit states' ability to impose restrictions on abortion access, along with other provisions expanding abortion rights.
March 2022: Leading the Drafting of the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Manchin, alongside Senator Murkowski, played a key role in crafting the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act in March 2022. This bipartisan bill sought to prohibit the importation of Russian fossil fuels into the United States as a means of economically pressuring Russia.
March 25, 2022: Manchin Supports Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court Confirmation
Manchin announced his support for the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court on March 25, 2022.
May 2022: Manchin Remains Opposed to Women's Health Protection Act
Joe Manchin reiterated his stance in May 2022, indicating he would again vote against his party's bill, the Women's Health Protection Act, as the Supreme Court seemed likely to overturn Roe v. Wade.
July 27, 2022: Manchin Announces Support for Inflation Reduction Act
On July 27, 2022, after continued negotiations with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Joe Manchin announced his support for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This bill incorporated some proposals from the previous Build Back Better Act, but excluded its social safety net proposals.
August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act
The Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act on August 7, 2022, with a 51-50 vote. Joe Manchin voted in favor of the Act, and Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote.
August 16, 2022: Inflation Reduction Act Signed into Law
President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law on August 16, 2022.
September 2022: Manchin's Voting Record with Biden
By September 2022, it was reported that Manchin had voted in alignment with President Biden 88.9% of the time.
November 2022: Manchin Votes for Respect for Marriage Act
In November 2022, Joe Manchin reversed his previous stance and voted to advance and pass the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation designed to protect same-sex marriages under federal law.
2022: Trump Suggests Manchin Should Be Republican
Former President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social in 2022 that Joe Manchin should have become a member of the Republican Party long ago.
January 2023: Manchin's Voting Record and Influence in a Divided Senate
As of January 2023, data indicated that Manchin had voted in line with President Biden's position approximately 87.9% of the time. Due to the evenly split Senate, Manchin's crucial vote held significant influence.
February 2023: Manchin Expresses Frustration with Inflation Reduction Act Implementation
Politico reported in February 2023 that Joe Manchin was "livid" with the Biden administration's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. He was particularly concerned about the delay in releasing guidelines for electric vehicle tax credits.
May 2023: Manchin Fuels Presidential Speculation with Iowa Visit
Adding fuel to the rumors, Manchin visited Iowa, a state known for its influential role in presidential primaries.
June 2023: Manchin Keeps Presidential Bid Speculation Alive
In June 2023, Manchin refused to rule out a potential run for president as a third-party candidate, further fueling speculation about his political future.
June 2023: Manchin Maintains Ambiguity on 2024 Presidential Bid
Manchin again declined to rule out a potential third-party presidential run in 2024, maintaining the ambiguity surrounding his political future.
July 17, 2023: Manchin Joins No Labels, Headlines New Hampshire Town Hall
Manchin assumed the role of National Co-Chair for No Labels and participated in a town hall event in New Hampshire.
November 9, 2023: Manchin Reiterates Decision Not to Seek Re-election in 2024
Manchin, on November 9, 2023, reiterated his earlier decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in the upcoming 2024 election.
February 15, 2024: Manchin Floats Potential Running Mates for Presidential Bid
Manchin, in a forum, publicly discussed potential running mates should he decide to run for president, suggesting Mitt Romney or Rob Portman as possibilities.
February 16, 2024: Manchin Announces Decision Against Running for President
Manchin put an end to the speculation surrounding his political future by formally announcing that he would not be pursuing a presidential bid.
May 31, 2024: Manchin Leaves Democratic Party, Becomes Independent
On May 31, 2024, Manchin made a significant announcement: he was leaving the Democratic Party to become an Independent. However, he clarified that he would continue to caucus with the Democrats in the Senate.
2024: Manchin Plans National Tour to Promote Centrism
Following his decision not to run for re-election, Manchin revealed his plans to travel across the country, engaging with citizens and promoting his vision of a centrist political movement.
2024: Manchin Announces He Won't Seek Re-election, Hints at Presidential Ambitions
Manchin stated that he would not run for re-election to the Senate in 2024. He hinted at potential presidential aspirations, expressing his interest in mobilizing a centrist movement.
2024: Manchin Declines to Seek Reelection
On November 9, 2023, Joe Manchin made an announcement that he would not be running for reelection in 2024.
2024: No Labels Group Eyes Manchin for Third-Party Presidential Run
Reports emerged that No Labels, a centrist political organization, was considering supporting a third-party presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Manchin was identified as a potential candidate of interest.
2024: Potential Endorsement for Manchin's Reelection
Senator Lisa Murkowski stated her intention to endorse Joe Manchin for reelection if he chooses to run in 2024.
2024: Joe Manchin III Becomes an Independent
Until 2024, Joe Manchin III was West Virginia's only congressional Democrat. He then registered as an independent.