Analysis Shows How Manchin Helped Move Federal Money Toward Groups Linked To Wife: Report

Sen. Joe Manchin A new report claims that (D-WV), was involved in the directing of millions in funds to groups associated to his wife.

An analysis published on Friday does not contain any allegations of wrongdoing, but its findings underscore how lawmakers’ personal interests may benefit as they seek federal money for projects in their home states.

There are many examples. by Fox Business As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there is a $1Billion commitment to the Appalachian Regional Commission over five years. championed by Manchin President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in November 2021.

Months earlier, the White House appointed the senator’s wife, Gayle Manchin, to be co-chairwoman of the federal-state partnership. In May 2021 she said that the money would be returned to her. would help ARC “more adequately meet the overwhelming needs of communities impacted by job losses resulting from the decline in the coal industry. These grants will be instrumental to the long-term diversification and economic growth in Appalachia.”

Sen. Manchin also supported the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending billIn December, Biden signed a bill that included $200 million for the commission’s funding in 2023. a $5 million increase from spending in the previous year.

The analysis also includes grants and loans for other projects that Gayle Manchin was involved in, including $39.6million secured by Bethany College in 2018. This West Virginia institution is where Gayle served as trustee between 2012 and 2021. The report stated that the money came out of the Rural Development program within the Agriculture Department. This federal program was granted access to billions of dollars in funding The Inflation Reduction Act of 202022, which Sen. Manchin played a key role in negotiating, can be viewed.

“The college worked tirelessly with USDA staff for several years to complete the rigorous application process and provide the department with all the information it required to evaluate the college’s eligibility,” Bethany College stressed this in a statement.

Manchin, one of the 30 Senate Appropriations Committee members, helps to draft legislation allocating federal funds. Manchin’s office told Fox Business that the senator uses his position on the panel to “fight for” West Virginia causes

“The loans and grants specially outlined in this article were all announced with bipartisan support from both state and federal legislators representing West Virginia,” The spokesperson said more.

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