Senator Coons calls delay in rescuing kidnapped girls “shameful”

Senator Coons, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, was interviewed on the BBC World Service’s NewsHour program Tuesday about the status of nearly 300 girls kidnapped by terrorists in northern Nigeria. He described the Nigerian government’s slow and inadequate response to the abductions as “shameful” and expressed his relief that Nigeria’s president had finally accepted American offers of assistance. Listen below:

Senator Coons’ office celebrates National Pet Week

Whether they’re leading us on daily walks, vegging out with us on the couch, or greeting us with love and licks when we come through the door, our pets make our lives happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. In honor of National Pet Week, Senator Coons’ office is celebrating our favorite four-legged family members and the unconditional love they give us everyday.

From Delaware to D.C., here’s a sampling of the furry companions we’re lucky to have in our lives:

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1. Chris Coons, Senator

Pet: Riley, age 6, Lab-Corgi mix

Furry Fact: We adopted Riley six years ago from Faithful Friends, a no-kill shelter. He looks like a giant lab but has very little legs! We adore Riley. He is the sweetest, most loving dog and a big part of our family. Riley absolutely loves people and loves to walk in parades. He truly lives the life of Riley! 

 

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2. Ian Koski, Communications Director

Pet: Parker, age 8, Lab mix

Bark Bio: Parker is a frequent and beloved visitor to the office, always eager to make friends with Capitol Police officers and staffers from other offices in Russell. She even watched the State of the Union this year from Ian’s office! Parker’s mom adopted her on the same day Tim Kaine was elected governor of Virginia in 2005.

 

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3. Desiree Burritt, Constituent Advocate 

Pet: Titus Irons Burritt, age 4, Black German Shepherd

Furry Fact: Titus was a mere 65 pounds when he was saved from a hoarding situation in Hampton Roads, VA by the Southeastern German Shepherd Rescue. We adopted him in October 2013. Titus was named after one of our ancestors who served in the Civil War. Titus enjoys “playing” with the 5 felines we are employed by and his sister, Darby O’Gill Burritt, another shepherd mix rescue.

 

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4. Kate Rohrer, Kent & Sussex Counties Director

Pet: Kate’s Pack (left to right): Lacey, Kiki and Bowie, age 10, Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Bark Bio: Greatest companions ever – Lacey and Kiki are littermates, first generation from the States. Their parents were from South Africa so it seems especially appropriate they’re a part of Team Coons. I was lucky enough to have been given Bowie when he was retired from lure coursing almost three years ago. Even though I don’t have lions in Marydel to hunt, they have been known to have munched on a deer or two, and bicyclists tend to pedal really fast when they see the three of them coming!

 

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5. Erin Cybulski, Constituent Advocate 

Pet: Shmuli the Puli, age 5, Puli

Furry Fact: Shmuli gets very offended when people think he needs a haircut, his dreads will touch the ground when he is fully grown and he is very proud of them 😉 His fun fact is he sings. When you ask Shmuli, “who is the best pup?” he howls and carries on because he knows the answer is him. He’s salty and grumbly and I just love him to death!

  

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6. James Daley, Systems Administrator

Pet: Bisan Laureno, age 14, Dalmatian; Angus, age 11, Tuxedo Cat

Bark Bio: Angus follows us round the block for walks. We fostered Bisan and his brothers and sisters and eventually decided to keep him. When we got his adoption papers we found out he was born on the day my wife Wendy and I got married – April 1, 2000!

 

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7. Lisa Hummon-Jones, Legislative Assistant 

Pet: Sandy, age 8, Mutt (Shepherd, Blue Heeler, Pit Bull mix)

Furry Fact: Sandy is quite the traveler. Lisa adopted her in New Mexico, and she has traveled coast to coast, swam in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, hiked in the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, has lived in five states, and most recently enjoyed BBQ in Birmingham, AL for Lisa and husband Josh’s wedding. Good thing she loves car rides!

 

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8. Jamie Serlin, Deputy Press Secretary

Pet: Vince, age 5 (approx.), Mutt (Lhasa Apso, Terrier mix)

Bark Bio: Vince was adopted from Main Line Animal Rescue on July 4, 2009. He was a shaggy stray and became a new man with his first haircut. Since we don’t know his birthday (or exact age) we celebrate his “independence day” instead every year on July 4th. He is sweet and rambunctious and will eat just about anything!

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9. LaTisha Bracy, Projects Director   

Pet: Bella Bracy, age 6, French Bulldog

Furry Fact: Bella hates to lay anywhere without her blanket and she has a plush bone that she carries around and sucks like a pacifier. If her blanket isn’t near she will whine until someone gets it. Bella also snores like a grown man.

 

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10. Brian Cunningham, State Press Secretary          

Pet: Bailey, age 10

Bark Bio: We got him as a gift for our one-year wedding anniversary present. He loves kids, peanut butter and barking for no apparent reason.

 

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11.  Lynne Phifer, Staff Assistant      

Pet: Elle “MacPhifer,” age 4, Yellow Labrador

Furry Fact: Elle is named after Elle Macpherson, super model, because she is so beautiful, just like a super model. Just look at those eyes!

 

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12. Andrew Dinsmore, Projects Manager

Pet: Lacey, age 12

Bark Bio: Lacey only likes stuffed hedgehogs to play with and she can open the refrigerator with her nose, which is why we have to get child locks for the fridge for every place we live.

 

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13. Molly Cain, Intern

Pet: Annie (Ragged Sail), age 23, Thoroughbred 

Furry Fact: Her show name is Ragged Sail, but her nickname is Annie. She’s 23 (so getting up there in years,) and we competed in the horse sport called Eventing, which has one phase of Dressage and two phases of jumping. At Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky, we placed 4th overall. Unfortunately Annie got a serious neurologic disease right afterward and nearly died. Thankfully, she pulled through and now enjoys a life out in the pasture.

 

National Pet Week, established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, is held annually during the first full week in May. National Pet Week aims to promote responsible pet ownership and honor the unique bond between America’s pets and their adoptive families. To find out more about National Pet Week click here.

The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons: May 6 to May 11

Tuesday May 6 at 8:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend Ducks Unlimited’s Capitol Hill Dinner and Auction celebrating the organization’s conservation policy work. Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.– Open to press. Contact Heather Stegner at 202-347-1530.

Wednesday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak on the Senate Floor calling on colleagues to reauthorize the lifesaving Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. Note: Exact time subject to change.

Wednesday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak about intellectual property and innovation at the 25th Annual BakerHostetler Legislative Seminar. The Seminar is a one-day program for business leaders focused on tax, budget, health care, and technology policy. Hyatt Hotel, 400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee on cybersecurity. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the private sector will testify. 192 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Appropriations Committee’s Vince Morris at 202-224-1010.

Wednesday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Thursday, May 8 at 11:15 a.m.  – The Senator will attend a Budget Committee hearing on the U.S. economic and fiscal outlook. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen will testify. 608 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Senate Budget Committee’s Eli Zupnick at 202-224-5398. 

Friday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. – The Senator will receive the Leadership in Service award at the 3rd Annual Kind to Kids Spring Celebration Breakfast. Kind to Kids serves foster children and children in poverty in Delaware. Hotel DuPont, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Caroline Jones at 302- 654-5440.

Saturday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will deliver brief remarks at the Wesley College Commencement Ceremony. Wesley College, Dashiell Amphitheater, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Chris Agar at 302-736-2354.

Sunday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend Delaware State University’s 124th Commencement Ceremony. Delaware State University, Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Carlos Holmes at 302-857-6060.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Senator Coons urges acceptance of Sikh Americans in the military

Senator Coons, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 13 of their colleagues have written a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urging the Department of Defense to revise regulations on appearance that effectively prohibit religiously observant individuals from serving in the U.S. military. While applying to all faiths, the letter specifically references followers of Sikhism, who wear turbans and maintain unshorn hair and beards as a matter of religious obligation. Current military policy requires religiously observant service members to remove their head coverings, cut their hair, or shave their beards while accommodation requests are pending, even if they are capable of meeting safety requirements. 

 “No American who wishes to serve our nation should be barred from doing so because of their faith,” Senator Coons said. “In recent years, the military has taken steps to improve its accommodation of religiously observant individuals, but its restrictions regarding unshorn hair, beards, and turbans continue to prevent many Sikh Americans, in particular, from having the opportunity to serve. The Department of Defense can and should refine its regulations to accommodate religious obligations that do not interfere with the safe performance of duties. Our military has only to gain from the service of these dedicated and principled people of faith.”

Since the Reagan Administration, service members have been allowed to wear neat and conservative religious apparel as long as it does not interfere with the performance of military duties. In recent years the U.S. Army has granted waivers to three Sikhs to wear turbans and maintain unshorn hair and beards, as required by their faith. However, the most recent revisions would require religiously observant service members to remove their head coverings, cut their hair, or shave their beards while an accommodation request is pending and submit a new accommodation request each time they are assigned to a new base or duty station.

Full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Hagel,

We respectfully request that the Department of Defense refine its January 22, 2014, revisions to Instruction 1300.17 (Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services) so that religiously observant individuals are not presumptively prohibited from serving in our military.

As you know, 10 USC § 774 was enacted during the Reagan Administration and permits service members to wear neat and conservative religious apparel, such as a yarmulke, as long as it does not interfere with the performance of their military duties.  In recent years, the U.S. Army has granted individualized waivers to three Sikhs to wear turbans and maintain unshorn hair and beards. Each of them successfully completed basic training and complied with safety requirements relating to helmets and protective masks.  Two of these soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and earned a Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal for their service; another was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal.  In recent years, the U.S. Army has also granted waivers to a Jewish Rabbi and two Muslim doctors to maintain beards.

Despite their achievements, Section 4(g) of the revised Instruction would require religiously observant service members to remove their head coverings, cut their hair, or shave their beards—in violation of their religious obligations—while an accommodation request is pending, even if they are capable of meeting safety requirements.  Section 4(j) of the revised Instruction would require each of these soldiers to submit to a new accommodation request each time they are assigned to a new base or duty station.  These seem inconsistent with the intent of section 774, which creates the presumptive entitlement to wear religious apparel that is neat and conservative and which does not interfere with military duties.

We believe that a service member’s religion should not be a barrier to serving in our nation’s armed services.  Accordingly, we hope that Instruction 1300.17 can be further amended so that talented Americans of faith are given a fair opportunity to serve in our nation’s military.

We appreciate your attention and look forward to working closely with you on this matter. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Manufacturing Update for April 2014

1. LATEST POLICY

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Finance Committee passes vital tax provisions
The Senate Finance Committee cleared a “tax extenders” package out of Committee on a bipartisan voice vote, advancing it towards the Senate floor.  The package includes many tax provisions important to manufacturers, including the R&D tax credit and bonus depreciation.
More: Chairman’s Statement | Modified Chairman’s mark

Finance Committee adopts Coons/Enzi tax credit for startup manufacturers
The Senate Finance Committee included the Startup Innovation Credit Act (S. 193) in tax extenders by a bipartisan voice vote.  The bill allows startup manufacturers to claim the R&D tax.  Startups businesses generally have the highest potential for growth and generate the most jobs.  S. 193 was introduced by Sens. Coons (D-DE) and Enzi (R-WY), and co-sponsored by Sens. Schumer (D-NY), Rubio (R-FL), Blunt (R-MO), Moran (R-KS), Stabenow (D-MI), and Kaine (D-VA). The provision was introduced as an amendment to tax extenders by Sens. Roberts (R-KS) and Schumer (D-NY).
More: Coons press release | Schumer press release | Schumer / Roberts modified amendment

Finance Committee passes Roberts/Coons tax credit to help small manufacturers
The Senate Finance Committee passed key provisions of the Innovators Job Creation Act (S.192) by a bipartisan voice vote.  The provision allows small business owners to claim the R&D tax credit against their Alternative Minimum Tax liability.  The bill was introduced by Sens. Roberts (R-KS) and Coons (D-DE), and is cosponsored by Sens. Enzi (R-WY) and Schumer (D-NY).  It was included in the amendment offered by Sens. Roberts and Schumer.
More: Coons press release | Schumer / Roberts modified amendment

Commerce Committee advances vital manufacturing hubs bill to the floor
The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013, sponsored by Sens. Brown (D-OH) and Blunt (R-MO), was advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee.  This bill will create a network of regional hubs bringing together businesses, universities, and government to promote manufacturing innovation and workforce development. 
More: Commerce press release | Blunt press release | Brown press release

Commerce Committee includes National Manufacturing Strategy in hubs bill
Sens. Pryor (D-AR), Kirk (R-IL), and Coons (D-DE) applauded the Senate Commerce Committee’s passage of their American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, which requires the President to submit a National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing to Congress every four years, and is part of the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative. While there are numerous programs spread throughout several federal departments and agencies aimed at supporting manufacturing, there is no cohesive national strategy to ensure these programs are working together toward the unified goal of revitalizing American manufacturing.

This legislation was passed as an amendment, offered by Sen. Pryor, to the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013.  The amendment was based off of S. 1709, The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, introduced by Sens. Kirk and Coons, co-sponsored by Sens. Blunt (R-MO), Brown (D-OH), Stabenow (D-MI), Graham (R-SC) and Harkin (D-IA).
More: Kirk press release | Coons press release

Klobuchar and Hoeven Innovate America Act passed by Commerce Committee
Provisions of Sens. Klobuchar (D-MN) and Hoeven’s (R-ND) Innovate America Act (S.1777) were included in the hubs bill during the Senate Commerce Committee’s markup.  The amendment:

• Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the top 20 exporting industries in the U.S., domestic regulatory and policy barriers to increasing exports, foreign barriers to doing business abroad, and recommendations on how to address these barriers;
• Clarifies that manufacturing hubs should consider workforce recruitment as part of their functions; and
• Encourages applications from new centers to emphasize how they will impact global and domestic competitiveness.

Defense Department announces plans to purchase U.S. made athletic footwear
The Defense Department announced it will require that service members purchase American-made shoes when using Department funds.  Previously, recruits had received a Department stipend with which to purchase shoes, but no Berry Amendment-compliant athletic footwear was available.  Based on feedback from Members of Congress and shoe manufacturers, the Department determined American manufacturers could manufacture compliant footwear, and will begin requiring that recruits use their stipends to purchase American-made shoes.
More: Brown press release | Levin press release

Senator Coons applauds Supreme Court ruling on cross-state air pollution

Senator Coons applauded the Supreme Court’s 6-2 ruling on Tuesday upholding the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which establishes controls to reduce the flow of air pollution across state lines. The CSAPR requires Eastern and Midwestern states to curb power plant emissions that contribute to air pollution in downwind states like Delaware, Maryland, and Connecticut. Delaware is already in compliance with the rule, which falls under the Clean Air Act’s “Good Neighbor” provision.

“Air pollution doesn’t stop at state borders. As a downwind state, Delaware suffers the consequences when our neighbors pollute the air. Our state has done its part to curb harmful emissions, but pollution from neighboring states continues to threaten the health of our communities. The EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule will ensure our neighbors do their part to reduce harmful emissions and meet healthy clean air standards. I commend the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold this critical protection for Delaware and our East Coast neighbors.” 

Carried by wind and weather, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide released by power plants travel long distances and result in harmful levels of smog and soot in downwind communities. In Delaware, this pollution has resulted in serious and costly public health consequences, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and premature death. The CSAPR will slash millions of tons of smokestack pollution, improving air quality in Delaware and reducing the health, environmental, and economic costs associated with air pollution.

Chris has strongly supported implementation of the CSAPR and has repeatedly opposed efforts in the Senate to block the rule, as well as other EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act aimed at reducing air pollution and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons: April 28 to May 4

Tuesday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a hearing of the Appropriations Committee on federally funded research. Witnesses include Dr. John Holdren, Director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, NIH Director Frances Collins, NSF Director France Córdova, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Director Arati Prabhakar. G50 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Appropriations Committee’s Vince Morris at 202-224-1010.

Tuesday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at a World Malaria Day reception hosted by Malaria No More. World Malaria Day was instituted by the World Health Assembly in May 2007 as a day for recognizing the global effort to provide effective control of malaria. Senator Coons is co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases. 334 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, April 29 at 7:45 p.m. – The Senator will attend the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Awards Dinner. Sussex County restaurateur Matt Haley, owner of the Delaware restaurant group SoDel Concepts, will be honored with the 2014 Restaurant Neighbor/Cornerstone Humanitarian Award. Ronald Reagan Building and Int’l Trade Center, Atrium, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, April 30 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 2:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Wednesday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend a hearing of the Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee on the President’s FY 2015 funding request and budget justification for the Department of the Treasury and the IRS. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and IRS Commissioner John Koskinen will testify. 138 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Appropriations Committee’s Vince Morris at 202-224-1010.

Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Thursday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak on the Senate Floor about the Supreme Court’s ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC and the growing influence of money in politics. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. Note: Exact time subject to change.

Thursday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at a briefing entitled Maximizing the Return on Financial Aid Through Early College and Dual and Concurrent Enrollment. The briefing is organized by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, Jobs for the Future, Middle College National Consortium, Bard College, and EdWorks. Senator Coons will discuss bipartisan legislation he is working on to expand early college offerings for Pell Grant eligible students. 592 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 26th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute. The event brings together first responders from across the country to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding leadership and advocacy work. Washington Hilton, International Ballroom, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 

Friday, May 2 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks at the Middle Atlantic Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials conference. MARC NAHRO is a leading housing and community development advocate for the provision of adequate and affordable housing and strong viable communities. Dover Downs, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Carrie Casey at 302-442-2474.

Friday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will meet with Smyrna School District Superintendent Deborah Wicks to tour Smyrna High School and discuss the importance of STEM education. Smyrna High School, 500 Duck Creek Pkwy, Smyrna, DE – Open to press. Contact Patrice Scuse at Patrice.Scuse@smyrna.k12.de.us.

Friday, May 2 at 12:15 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the annual Delaware State Bar Association’s Law Day program. Senator Coons’ remarks will focus on the day’s theme: Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters and will touch on his recent work in Congress to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act. Hotel DuPont, Gold Ballroom, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact DSBA’s Rebecca Baird at 302-658-5279.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

Senator Coons celebrates two $1M grants for wetlands conservation

NEAR BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Senator Coons joined federal and state officials and local conservation partners on Wednesday to celebrate the addition of nearly 750 acres of key coastal Bayshore lands to the Ted Harvey Conservation Area. The purchase and protection of the property, known as the Vance Morris Tract, permanently fills the gap in an otherwise contiguous network of more than 4,000 acres of protected wetlands and uplands in the critical St. Jones River watershed. 

Along with Congressman Carney, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Director Steve Guertin, Senator Coons also announced new funding for the preservation of more than 2,000 acres of land across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Both projects were made possible by two $1 million grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program and more than $4 million in public and private matching funds.

Senator Coons touted the substantial leveraging power of NAWCA grants and the diverse range of Delaware partners – from Ducks Unlimited to DuPont – providing matching funds. He also recognized the Morris family for their contribution to Bayshore conservation efforts. 

“They are giving up significant potential future value on this land to preserve what is best about this land, which is its enormous value to our community, to the sporting tradition of this state, to the opportunity of future generations to really enjoy and love this land, and for that they are giving us an absolutely inestimable gift,” Chris said.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act provides matching grants to organizations and individuals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects that benefit migratory birds and other wildlife. Over the last two decades, NAWCA has been highly successful in generating matching funding to protect millions of acres of habitat across North America.

Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act, which would reauthorize the NAWCA program through FY 2017, and has led a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging robust funding for NAWCA for the past three years.

Since NAWCA’s passage in 1989, Delaware has received 13 NAWCA grants totaling $10 million for projects across the state, generating matching funds of more than $21 million. Projects supported by NAWCA will protect more than 10,000 acres of wetlands and other significant migratory bird habitats in Delaware. 

The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons: April 21 to April 23

Monday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks at the second annual Jefferson Awards Salute to Service in Delaware luncheon. Created in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service, the Jefferson Award for Public Service seeks to recognize, inspire and activate volunteerism and public service in communities, workplaces and schools across America. Hotel DuPont Gold Ballroom, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Jefferson Awards’ Nancy Leonard at 302-530-8722.

Tuesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. – In honor of Earth Day, the Senator will attend and plant trees at Mirror Lake as part of DNREC’s Mirror Lake remediation and restoration project. Mirror Lake, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs at 302-739-9902.

Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the unveiling of the Delaware Outdoor Trail, featuring a challenging and fun collection of walking, running, hiking, biking, nature watching and water activities across the state. Coastal Training Center (“The Barn”) at St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact DEDO’s Eric Ruth at 302- 943-9508.  

Tuesday, April 22 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the Rehoboth Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and Green Force presentation. Kings Creek Country Club, 1 Kings Creek Circle, Rehoboth Beach, DE  – Open to press. Contact Kate Bell at 302-227-2233 x11.

Tuesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will announce a new bill designating the nation’s first coast-to-coast trail. The National Discovery Trails Act of 2014 would make the American Discovery Trail, the nation’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail, part of the National Trails System. The 6,800 mile American Discovery Trail stretches from Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858. 

Wednesday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend an event hosted by DNREC announcing the purchase of the Vance Morris Property, a key coastal conservation area. The 748-acre Vance Morris Tract will provide outdoor enthusiasts with new hunting, birding, and recreational opportunities. The purchase, conservation and protection of this property was made possible by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act.. The Vance Morris Tract, Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, just north of Bowers Beach, DE – Open to press. Contact DNREC’s Jennifer Fitzsimmons at 302-739-9902.

Thursday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at Powerful Partnerships: 20 Years of the Violence Against Women Act and the Path Ahead, a conference hosted by Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Delaware. University of Delaware, Newark, DE – Open to press. Contact DCADV’s Carol Post at 302-658-2958.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Senator Coons honors Delaware Air Force Major, WWII veteran with medals for outstanding service

WILMINGTON, Del. – WWII Army Technician Fifth Grade Francis “Franny” Weaver thought he was coming as a spectator to a ceremony hosted by Senator Coons on Thursday honoring his nephew, Air Force Major David Strawbridge.

But Senator Coons and Maj. Strawbridge had a special surprise in store for the WWII veteran. After presenting Maj. Strawbridge with the Bronze Star – one of the military’s highest honors – for his distinguished service in Afghanistan, Senator Coons surprised Weaver with five long-overdue medals for his service during the Second World War.

Maj. Strawbridge, who earned the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, came to Senator Coons with the idea to surprise his uncle after first attempting, unsuccessfully, to recover Weaver’s medals from the U.S. Army. Although Weaver’s military records were destroyed in the National Archives fire of 1973, Senator Coons’ staff were able to research enough evidence to issue the medals.

Senator Coons presented Weaver with the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal for his exemplary service as a member of the Army 23rd Infantry Division between 1944 and 1946.

“One of the things that is the hallmark of the Greatest Generation is their humility,” Chris said. “That they returned home from service to our country around the world and simply got about the business of living.” 

“One of the most satisfying parts of this job is being able to help America’s veterans receive the honors that they have earned and that they so richly deserve,” he continued.

Senator Coons first met Maj. Strawbridge during his visit to Kabul, Afghanistan in late January 2013. The two struck up a conversation and have kept in touch ever since.

“I am deeply grateful for your service to our nation and I appreciate everything that you’ve done for our freedom, for our world, and for the United States in your service in Afghanistan,” Senator Coons told Maj. Strawbridge during the ceremony.