West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) called the senator. Joe Manchin
Joseph (Joe) ManchinSunday preview: Manchin makes the rounds after key role in debate over coronavirus relief Biden turns victory after Senate passes Coronavirus relief package Schumer insists that Democrats unite after chaotic debate over coronavirus MORE (DW.Va.) a “professional politician” in response to Manchin’s claims that the governor had used funding from the CARES Act for alien purposes.
On Sunday, on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Margaret Brennan noted criticism from Manchin, himself a former West Virginia governor, about the use of funds for state roadwork.
“Joe Manchin is a professional politician. … I will not get into a food fight with Joe Manchin, “Justice said.” We have managed the CARES dollars here perfectly, and this state is being handled very well. If Joe wants to continue with all his political rhetoric and everything, I can’t do anything about it. “
Justice upheld the use of CARES Act funds, saying the work in question was directly relevant to access to hospitals.
Governor of West Virginia @JimJusticeWV responds to Senator Joe Manchin’s criticism that Justice used CARES Act money for projects that were not intended:
“Joe Manchin is a professional politician … I won’t get into a food fight with Joe Manchin.” pic.twitter.com/v8nTXyIaMD
– Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) March 7, 2021
“We spent $ 50 million of our $ 1.25 trillion CARES on medical access roads to be able to help people in West Virginia get to a medical center,” he said. “Our roads had taken such a terrible shape … and we spent absolutely $ 50 million worth $ 1.25 billion on road repairs.”
Justice, which has expressed its vocation on maintaining coronavirus mask restrictions and warrants, has also called on its fellow Republicans to be “a little more cautious” in lifting them.
“For us, getting to solid terrain like rock, that’s the approach West Virginia will take,” he said.