Joe Manchin

What are the potential consequences to any of you there if it falls into the wrong hands, as far as our production?

I just want to thank you all so much, and the concern that you have and bringing it to our attention.

So the elimination from Canada will not cause a problem in the United States?

I truly believe that the security of the Nation depends on the independence that we have in our production of energy, from every State doing everything they can.

I have said before that this terrible tragedy brought back the worst memories of the Valdez spill in Alaska 20 years earlier.

That is, first, that no victim of a spill should ever go uncompensated.

I think we recognize that this past year was challenging on many fronts.

That taxpayers should never be on the hook for a company's damages.

We have to begin confronting those choices today.

I think upwards more of in the high 20s, low 30s, that could be in serious problems. We are concerned. We are very much concerned.

I was very proud of the Debt Commission. I will tell the Chairman that, and everybody that worked so hard and the courageous stance you all took.

Is there any bailout or any other proposal that you all have or have been looking at?

But 2014, that is when the States--it basically goes into effect, the expansion of Medicaid?

Most States have a budget balance amendment, and I want to know what your thoughts would be for this Federal Government.

I just cycled out of being Chair of the NGA and we were very much concerned about this, watching the fiscal viability of every one of the States.

What I would like to know is from your opinion as based on the future pension liabilities of both corporate and State governments...

Most of our assets are being purchased by foreign countries.

Can we help you help yourself? Can we give you some flexibility? Are there some restrictions and regulations that we can ease up on?

We are taking these severe cuts. We are making these tough votes. But we do not see anything coming from Washington.

I will do that. I will bring specifics, if I may, and maybe you can give us some help.

We bailed out Wall Street but not Main Street.

the balanced budget amendment is very, very important to me and to every Governor, to every State, to every household, especially in West Virginia.

I didn't support either measure, but my votes weren't counted because I wasn't in the Senate chamber to cast them.

The gathering was not a Christmas party.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia gets the honor tonight for skipping the historic vote on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'