Joe Manchin

I congratulate you on moving the discussion forward, putting the marker out there and allowing us to begin the very critical, the very important discussion that must advance.

We're all very honest with that. We will continue the effort next year and build upon the progress that the Chairman has begun.

We urge CMS to finish the rules and ensure that the definitions and guidelines are clear and workable for industry and patients alike.

The Sunshine Act ensures the openness and transparency of the financial ties between doctors and the drug and medical device industries.

Unfortunately, the Sunshine Act's implementation is a year late, which is both troublesome as well as not acceptable.

I have repeatedly requested that CMS provide a timeline for implementation.

I would also like to say with Commissioner Cline being here, with West Virginia's laws, we get very few foreclosures from very few bank lenders, so there's something we're doing right.

If the community banks are not a problem, the community banks can jumpstart our small businesses, why can't we give them some relief?

We have a lot of people in the Senate right now who are concerned about making any moves or taking any steps that might basically cause a problem again.

Thank you, first of all, Congresswoman Capito, for having this hearing here in West Virginia.

I rise today to announce a rare opportunity for the people of my State, who care so much about the future of our country. When I travel all around my beautiful State of West Virginia, one of the biggest concerns I hear from the people is…

I rise today to express my indescribable frustration and genuine disbelief that we are looking at two proposals that do not do enough to fix this Nation's financial problems--and both have been predicted by both respective sides to fail. I…

I rise today to address the disturbing role that money is playing in our politics, especially when it comes to anonymous groups with deep pockets that are trying to tear people down. There is no question this is a corrosive situation and…

I rise this morning to address a situation that is very hard for me to believe, and I am sure for many of my colleagues, and maybe the Presiding Officer as well. It makes no sense to the people of our great State of West Virginia. For…

I'm just trying to get you in a position to clean up for the sake of the country and the sake of Alaska a horrible environmental problem that's not your fault.

The only thing I'm saying is it doesn't look like the government is going to come forward in any type of an expedient manner to fix the environmental problem that they caused.

I think you all can understand our frustration, especially in West Virginia, and what we go through every day with our own government.

I don't think that's correct. I don't think that's--the reason I say it's not correct--I don't think that anywhere else in the country that happens.

The only thing I would say and the frustration I would have--and I know that Senator Murkowski and other people who have a lot of natural resources in our State--is why is the government allowed to be treated differently than the private…

I think that's what the senator from Alaska--all of us--just work with us. We'll be the best partner you've ever had.

As West Virginians, we have a lot of sympathy for Alaska trying to do all they can to provide energy for this great country and then being treated like a second class citizen.

If I may say I appreciate the leadership of my good friend from Oklahoma and his unwavering support in bringing this to all of our attention. I have been a pilot for not quite 55 years, but 45 years, and I understand completely. Senator…

I hope my other colleagues on the committee will join in encouraging that this important and extraordinary prayer...

I'm sure you are pleased you have both of your Senators, the Democrat and the Republican supporting this.

We'll enter everything that you all, both, have given us.