Joe Manchin

Why don't they just shut this thing off? Why is it still burning?

Is your thought process changing on that now?

I want to thank Senator Rockefeller for his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to make sure that our pipelines are constructed, maintained, and operated safely.

Not that it always causes the world to change vastly for the better but that it's there, that it's asking questions.

Let me just say on my behalf in closing, I want to thank Senator Rockefeller for inviting me to be part of this hearing today.

We agree with the Administrator that the Federal Government should have authority to regulate these lines.

We agree with NTSB that such valves should require the automatic or remote shutoff valves.

Certainly PHMSA can and must do more to regulate better regardless of budget.

My final question, very quickly, is if that line had deteriorated to one-third of the actual size it should have been to carry safely the pressures it was carrying, it led me to believe that maybe there was other parts of that line that…

I'm pleased with the progress that we made in last year's law, I pushed for stronger requirements to move pipeline safety even further ahead.

I just want to thank him again. It's a pleasure to serve with him and an honor.

We can't count on being that lucky the next time. The best thing that we can do is to make sure there is no next time ultimately.

The thing that comes to mind is the BP oil spill, and I think to all of our amazement how that thing could have blown for so long and spewed out for so long and we didn't have the right equipment, if you would.

I remember, it had to be about 20 years ago in Farmington, we had a horrific explosion, the same type.

I rise today to honor the life, legacy and service of a dear friend--John Edward Bresch. Jack lead a life filled with compassion. He worked tirelessly for everyone to have access to affordable, quality health care, especially needy…

I rise today frustrated, embarrassed, and angry. It is absolutely inexcusable that all of us find ourselves in this place at this time standing on the floor of the Senate in front of the American people, hours before we plunge off the…

First, I thank both of my colleagues for their diligent work. They committed themselves to this work, and I appreciate it. They keep us all informed. (The remarks of Mr. Manchin pertaining to the introduction of (S. 3714) are located in…

FEMA has been a trusted and valuable partner every step of the way.

West Virginians need support, as do so many others, which is why the administration and Congress must make sure that a disaster relief package fully takes into account every impacted State's unique recovery needs.

Supplemental recovery funding is critical, and I hope that it will transcend the politics that have too often left this institution gridlocked.

On behalf of all West Virginians, and especially those affected by Superstorm Sandy, thank you for your leadership on the important topic of our Federal Government's response to natural disasters.

The State of West Virginia has had its fair share of disasters in 2012.

I rise in support of the amendment of my colleague, Senator Merkley from Oregon, his amendment on Afghanistan. I know we all have good ideas. We all have input here. We all have our own personal opinions. But it is time to bring our troops…

I think we recognize that we're going to be dealing with a shorter term CR, perhaps in the next couple days, perhaps next week.

I think we need to act on this. I think we need to act soon.