U.S. Senator Joe Manchin delivered his final remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday evening, using much of his time to express his distaste for the bickering between political parties in Washington, DC
The speech was in many ways a continuation of how the longtime West Virginia politician has spoken publicly this year about his dissatisfaction with party politics. He left the Democratic Party in May, when he registered as an independent in a critical election year for the left wing.
At other times, his remarks were thoughtful and emotional, as Manchin soon will be vacate the Senate seat it has lasted for 14 years.
“It has been the honor of my life to represent West Virginia and this great country of ours,” said Manchin, who went on to the Senate floor the death of Senator Robert C. Byrd. “I truly believe that throughout my life as a public servant, I have seen the power of good people coming together to solve difficult problems.”
Manchin said that more recently, deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats have prevented necessary legislation on immigration, gun law reform and budget balancing.
“Ask yourself every day what you have done for your district — not for your party, not for your donors, but for your country,” he told his fellow senators. “That’s why we’re here. We need to stop demonizing each other.”
According to Manchin his houseboatwhich he famously docked in Washington, D.C., was a bipartisan meeting place for political opposites such as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and former Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and led the pair to work together on legislation.
“This is just the power of sitting down, listening and getting to know each other,” Manchin said.
As a Democrat, Manchin’s vote was crucial in the former 50-50 Senate, and at times he was a wild card for the party, derailing its agenda by siding with Republicans. In 2021 he has voted against President Joe Biden “Build Back Better” legislation that would have extended and expanded the child tax credit. And him fought furiously The Democrats-led filibuster reform since entering the Senate.
“At times I felt like the entire Senate was unhappy with me,” he said. “Maybe I could get you guys together.”
Manchin’s registration as an independent sparked rumors that he might enter the 2024 West Virginia gubernatorial race as Democratic candidate Steve Williams struggled to gain traction in the heavily red state. Others wondered whether he would enter the presidential race as a third candidate. While his next steps are unclear, Manchin said He has no plans to run for any other political officebut would keep the door open.
He previously served in the West Virginia Legislature and served as the state’s governor from 2005 to 2010.
Manchin’s wife Gayle, his children and grandchildren were in attendance to hear his speech on the Senate floor.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said after Manchin that she would miss working alongside her longtime friend. She will assume his role as the state’s senior senator.
“I have big shoes to fill,” she said. “Joe always led with conviction.”
“If we disagree, we do so respectfully and based on our performance. The next day we get up and fight for the things we both believe in…We can really push, I think, and that means West Virginia will outperform us here in the U.S. Senate.”
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice will take Manchin’s Senate seat. His victory contributed to this Republican control of the US Senate from next year.
Manchin reflected on his accomplishments in the Senate, including his push to complete Corridor H and the ongoing construction of Nucor Steel Mill in Mason Countywhich is set being one of the largest steel mills in the Western Hemisphere.
“The success in West Virginia is part of a larger American story of energy innovation and independence,” he said.
Manchin has served as He served as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and remained in that position after leaving the Democratic Party this year meet with the party.
He campaigned for West Virginia New River Gorge National Park, located in Fayetteville. Manchin and Capito introduced legislation in 2020 to designate and protect the land and boost the state’s tourism economy.
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