Joe Manchin

Joe Manchin, then Governor of West Virginia, was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 2, 2010. He won a special election to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Robert Byrd. Manchin, a Democrat known for his moderate policies and inclination towards bipartisanship, managed to secure victory in a heavily Republican-leaning state. His win marked the continuation of his political career at the national level, transitioning from state to federal government roles.

On April 17, 2013, in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey co-sponsored a bill to expand background checks for gun purchases. The bill was a bipartisan effort aimed at closing loopholes in the existing system by requiring background checks for all commercial gun sales. Despite garnering significant public support, the bill failed to pass the Senate due to a filibuster, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the legislative blockade.

On July 30, 2014, Senator Joe Manchin voiced strong criticism against the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan, which sought to cut carbon emissions from power plants. Manchin argued that the plan posed significant threats to the coal industry and would likely result in job losses in coal-dependent regions such as West Virginia. His opposition reflected his broader stance of supporting coal and energy producers in his state while often challenging federal environmental regulations.

On September 20, 2017, Senator Joe Manchin put his support behind a bipartisan effort led by Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray to stabilize the health insurance markets. Their bill aimed to offer a compromise to shore up the Affordable Care Act without dismantling it. Manchin's backing of this bill illustrated his continuous endeavor to find middle ground and foster bipartisanship in health care reform, amidst ongoing debates and efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare.

On October 5, 2018, Senator Joe Manchin became the only Democrat to vote in favor of confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States. Kavanaugh's nomination had been highly controversial, marked by allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Manchin's vote was critical as it contributed to the narrow 50-48 majority confirming Kavanaugh, reflecting Manchin's willingness to break party lines on key decisions, especially representing a state which heavily supported the Republican agenda.

On January 25, 2019, Joe Manchin voted with Republicans to pass a measure to temporarily reopen the federal government following the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown had resulted from a standoff over funding for President Trump's proposed border wall. Manchin’s decision to side with the Republicans was pivotal in ending the 35-day shutdown, showcasing his pragmatic approach and readiness to prioritize resolving government gridlock over strict partisan alignment.

On December 21, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package to provide much-needed assistance to Americans and businesses affected by the pandemic. Senator Joe Manchin voted in favor of the bill, which included direct payments to individuals, enhanced unemployment benefits, and funding for small businesses. Manchin supported the relief efforts to stimulate economic recovery and address the extensive impacts of the pandemic on the citizenry and the economy.

On June 6, 2021, Senator Joe Manchin publicly declared his opposition to the For the People Act, a sweeping Democratic bill intended to expand voting rights and reform campaign finance, among other provisions. Manchin expressed concern that the bill was too partisan and urged for bipartisan support in crafting voting rights legislation that could be accepted on both sides of the aisle. His opposition was a pivotal setback for the bill in a divided Senate where Democrats held a narrow majority.

On November 1, 2021, as negotiations over President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan intensified, Senator Joe Manchin signaled his refusal to support the $1.75 trillion proposal without further adjustments to its provisions. Manchin, advocating for fiscal responsibility, voiced concerns over the impact of the plan's spending, its effects on inflation, and national debt. His position highlighted his influence as a centrist Democrat in a split Senate, vital for the passage of Democratic legislative priorities.

On September 19, 2022, Joe Manchin, alongside a bipartisan group, introduced the Electoral Count Reform Act. This legislation aimed to reform and clarify the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which outlines the process of formally counting the electoral votes for President and Vice President. The reform sought to avoid future conflicts or misinterpretations like those witnessed in the 2020 presidential election. Manchin's role underscored his position as a key figure in bipartisan legislative efforts in the Senate.