Mountain State Times

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) urged lawmakers to work together after the Senate run-offs in Georgia cost Republicans control of the Senate.

Manchin said politicians need to work together.

“Now, more than ever, we must enter a new era of bipartisanship in Washington,” Manchin said in a statement. “With tight margins in the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans are faced with a decision to either work together to put the priorities of our nation before partisan politics or double down on the dysfunctional tribalism.”

Manchin said lawmakers need to commit to fixing the issues at hand.

“For the sake of the country we all love, we must commit to solving the serious problems facing our nation,” Manchin said. “With respect to the Senate, we must return to regular order.”

Manchin said he will continue to work hard for his constituents. 

“I am hopeful that we will set an agenda that invites vigorous and respectful debate on the issues that matter,” Manchin said in the statement. “Above all, we must avoid the extreme and polarizing rhetoric that only further divides the American people — I will work tirelessly to make sure we do. It is time for Americans to move closer together.”

Manchin said he hoped Democrats and Republicans could work together now.

“To ensure we achieve this new era of bipartisanship let us all commit to restoring decency and civility to our politics, and becoming the example of governing the American people deserve and the world expects,” Manchin said in the statement.

Manchin issued the statement, saying it was on the future of the 117th Congress after Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock’s wins against Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler were confirmed. The Senate will now have equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris presiding as the president of the Senate and the tiebreaker.