News

Manchin Expresses Support for Public Housing Drug Testing

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Sen. Joe Manchin has expressed support for drug testing people who live in public housing.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that the West Virginia Democrat’s statement came during a discussion with the West Virginia Council of Churches on Monday.

Manchin said that a group of middle school students whose parents suffer from drug addiction suggested the idea. He called it “something that we have to consider.”

He said the students told him they would rather be in foster care or live with grandparents than stay in a home with a parent who is “drug-infested.”

Manchin said the idea would not be possible until adequate treatment centers are available.

Courts have previously struck down some programs to drug test welfare recipients, ruling them illegal searches without warrants.