The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: January 13 to January 19

Monday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will hold a press conference with volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders at Elsmere Fire Company addressing the White House’s correction of an Affordable Care Act flaw that would have forced Delaware volunteer fire companies to provide healthcare coverage to members. Last month, Senator Coons sponsored the bipartisan Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act. Elsmere Fire Company, 1107 Kirkwood Hwy, Elsmere, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Tuesday, January 14 at 3:45 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee hearing on the report of the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies. Members of the Review Group will testify on the report’s recommendations for NSA reform. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Wednesday, January 15 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting. The discussion will focus on efforts to raise the minimum wage. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 2:30 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. 

Wednesday, January 15 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will host a Twitter Town Hall on national service with Voices for National Service. Senator Coons will answer questions live on Twitter about his experience volunteering with AmeriCorps and the importance of investing in our national service programs. Use hashtag #LetsTalkService to participate. 

Thursday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. The committee will consider several nominations and legislation related to sentencing reform. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Friday, January 17 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak to the MIT Club and the American Chemical Society Delaware Section. He will discuss his efforts in the Senate to support research funding and STEM education and answer questions from audience members. Brantwyn Estate at DuPont Country Club, 600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Friday, January 17 at 1:15 p.m. – The Senator will give remarks at the Raising Kings Conference. The conference is focused on fostering healthy images and expectations of men and boys of color by elevating the level of positive male engagement in the lives of boys. PS duPont Middle School, 701 West 34th St. Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Friday, January 17 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will tour the new Community Education Building, which will be a home for high-performing charter schools aiming to close the urban achievement gap in Wilmington. 1200 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Video: Senator Coons talks poverty on MSNBC

Declaring his belief that America needs “a surge in the war on poverty,” Senator Coons appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Friday to talk about the fight over unemployment insurance and the future of the American economy.

Good news for Delaware’s volunteer fire companies

Good news! Chris just received this letter from the Treasury Department saying that Delaware’s volunteer fire companies will not have to count their volunteer firefighters as “employees” under the Affordable Care Act.

The key section: 

“The forthcoming final regulations generally will not require volunteer hours of bona fide volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel at governmental entitities or tax exempt organizations to be counted when determining an employer’s full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees.”

More on this issue here.

White House launches government-wide Quadrennial Energy Review

The White House on Thursday launched the first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), a national assessment of the nation’s energy infrastructure that builds upon legislation co-sponsored by Senator Coons last year.

The QER, which is part of a broader national climate action plan announced by the President last summer, will help to coordinate energy policy around national priorities such as greater energy and climate security. The initiative builds upon goals laid out in the Quadrennial Energy Review Act, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Coons to authorize a comprehensive review of current domestic capabilities and future energy needs. The proposal is modeled after the highly-regarded Quadrennial Defense Review, a legislatively-mandated review of defense strategy and priorities. 

“A strategic blueprint of America’s energy priorities is a critical resource for innovators working to support our clean energy economy,” Chris said. “The Quadrennial Energy Review is a great planning tool to identify a baseline assessment of our technological, economic, and national security capabilities. It will then put our federal resources to work to help us better coordinate with the private sector and promote energy innovation.  This is a critical component of an all-of-the-above energy policy, and I am pleased that the President is putting it into action today.”

The first review is expected by January 2015, and will focus on the development of a national strategy for securing the infrastructure needed to transport, transmit, and distribute energy. More than a dozen federal agencies will participate in the review, along with members of the private sector, state and local governments, labor organizations, and the academic community.

Read more about the Quadrennial Energy Review here: http://1.usa.gov/1iWVs8C

Video: Senate advances federal assistance for jobseekers

Senator Coons appeared on MSNBC on Tuesday to discuss the Senate’s vote to advance legislation extending federal unemployment insurance benefits for three months. Chris is a cosponsor of both the three-month extension advanced on Tuesday and a version of the legislation that would extend funding for a full year. Thirty-six hundred Delawareans lost their federal unemployment benefits on December 28th and another 4,800 are expected to lose them over the next six months if Congress does not pass an extension of the program.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: January 7 to January 12

Tuesday, January 7 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will co-host a briefing for members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs with Ranking Member Senator Jeff Flake. U.S. Special Envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Russ Feingold will brief members on recent developments in the DRC. S-116, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, January 8 at 10:45 a.m. – The Senator will chair a portion of a Judiciary Committee hearing on nominations. The committee will consider several executive and judiciary nominations. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Wednesday, January 8 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, January 9 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, January 9 at 10:15 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the situation in South Sudan. The committee will hear testimony from witnesses including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Former Special Envoy for Sudan Princeton Lyman, and Enough Project Co-founder John Prendergast. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651.

Thursday, January 9 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Manufacturing Update for December 2013

1. LATEST POLICY

==================================

Introduced: New Skills for New Jobs Act
On Dec. 10, Sen. Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation to provide federal matching funds for state programs that help community colleges partner with local businesses provide job training.
More: Stabenow issue page

Introduced: Innovate America Act
On Nov. 21, Sens. Klobuchar (D-MN) and Hoeven (R-ND) introduced the Innovate America Act—bipartisan legislation to spur innovation and competitiveness.  Among other provisions, the legislation funds 100 new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-focused high schools, puts more computer science teachers in elementary and secondary schools, expands STEM-related undergraduate research opportunities, and helps maintain America’s competitive edge.
More: Klobuchar press release | Gillibrand press release

Introduced: American Export Promotion Act of 2013
On Nov. 20, Sen. Schatz (D-HI) introduced a bill that would invest $8 million in the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP).  The purpose of MDCP awards is to establish partnerships between the International Trade Administration and non-profit industry groups (such as trade associations and local Chambers of Commerce) to work together with small manufacturers to increase exports.  It is estimated that $1 of MDCP awards translates in to $258 in exports. 

Introduced: National Fab Lab Network Act of 2013
On Nov. 14, Sens. Durbin (D-IL) and Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation to invest in the next generation of American entrepreneurs and innovators by establishing a national network of fabrication laboratories, known as “fab labs.” Fab labs are small, community-based workshops that give members of the public — from students to small businesses — access to educational resources and high-tech equipment that can design, develop, and create new products.
More: Durbin press release | Gillibrand press release

Introduced: American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act
On Nov. 14, Sens. Kirk (R-IL) and Coons (D-DE) introduced the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act to bolster the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in the United States. The bill would require the development of a national manufacturing strategy, boosting the traditional and high-tech manufacturers that employ nearly 12 million Americans.
More: Kirk press release | Coons press release

This update is provided by the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons on behalf of the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative. For more information, visit coons.senate.gov/manufacturing or email jj_singh@coons.senate.gov.  

Click here to download this month’s full newsletter as a PDF, or read it below.

Senator Coons urges support for low-income energy assistance

Senator Coons and 38 of his colleagues have sent a letter to President Obama urging the inclusion of robust funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the administration’s next budget proposal, due early next year.

Chris has been a long-time advocate for LIHEAP, which provides critical assistance for low-income families and seniors struggling to pay their energy bills. In 2012, LIHEAP helped more than 25,000 Delaware families during the winter and summer months.  

LIHEAP is an essential service for many of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association found that more than 90 percent of LIHEAP homes have at least one child, senior, or person with disability. 

“For these households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times,” the senators wrote.  “Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury – it is a matter of health and safety.”

LIHEAP also delivers significant economic benefits to recipients and their local communities. By lowering energy bills, the program ensures families do not need to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Energy assistance frees up resources that recipients can use to buy groceries, medicines, and other essential goods, which in turn helps local economies grow. One study by economists Mark Zandi and Alan Blinder found that every dollar invested in LIHEAP generates $1.13 in economic activity. 

Senator Coons’ Washington office accepting spring 2014 internship applications

Interested in working for Senator Coons in Washington, D.C.? The Office of Senator Coons is seeking interns for the spring of 2014. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail, handling requests for flags and tours, and assisting front office as well as legislative staff.

This position requires outstanding organizational abilities, strong communication skills, attention to detail, poise, flexibility, and an ability to prioritize in an extremely fast-paced office. Motivated, hard-working, and professional applicants looking to get a taste of Capitol Hill are encouraged to apply. Please note that all positions are unpaid.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample to Eric Wall at Eric_Wall@coons.senate.gov with the subject line reading “Intern.” Applications received by January 15 will be given priority. Delaware ties a plus, but not required. Absolutely no walk-ins or phone calls.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: December 16 to December 22

Tuesday, December 17 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at a press conference unveiling the Joint Economic Committee’s new report on the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing. JEC Vice Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will join Senator Coons, leader of the Senate’s Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative, to share new data on the growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector. S-325 Radio/TV Gallery, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Ian Jannetta at 202-224-8757. 

Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will chair a panel during the Judiciary Committee’s hearing on patent reform. The hearing will examine efforts to protect small businesses and promote innovation by limiting patent troll abuse. Senator Coons will chair the second panel featuring Dr. Steve Bossone of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Harry A. Wolin of Advanced Micro Devices, and Todd Dickinson, Executive Director of the American Intellectual Property Law Association. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Tuesday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m.– The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs hearing on the crisis in the Central African Republic. The committee will examine the humanitarian situation in the CAR, where sectarian violence in the capital, Bangui, killed more than 500 people in the last week. Ten percent of the country has already been displaced by ongoing violence and political unrest. The hearing will be broadcast live on C-SPAN. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042.

Tuesday, December 17 at 3:45 p.m.– The Senator will chair a Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing for four ambassadorial nominees. The committee will consider the nominations of ambassadors to Gabon (and Sao Tome and Principe), Angola, Mauritania, and Zambia. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042. 

Wednesday, December 18 at 2:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. The committee will consider seven pieces of legislation and three nominations. S-116, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651.

Wednesday, December 18 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, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. The committee will consider nominations for U.S. Circuit and District Court judgeships, as well as Assistant Attorney General and U.S. Marshall nominations. The committee will also consider four bills related to sentencing and senior protection. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Thursday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. 

Friday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Royal Farms grand opening ceremony in Bear and tour the company’s new LEED certified building. Greenlight Biofuels representatives will also be on hand to demonstrate how they turn Royal Farms’ used chicken grease into reusable biofuel. 1551 Pulaski Highway, Bear, DE. – Open to press. Contact Laura Church at Royal Farms 856-776-0532.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.