Report touts economic value of National Wildlife Refuge System

(Above) Senator Coons joins National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Jim Kurth at a Congressional briefing on the findings of a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study.

Every year, millions of bird watchers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts visit the National Wildlife Refuge System, our nation’s extensive network of preserved lands and waters dedicated to conserving wildlife.  President Theodore Roosevelt created the first wildlife refuge in Florida in 1903 and since then, the system has grown to a network of over 560 refuges encompassing more than 150 million acres.  In Delaware alone, every year more than 200,000 people visit Prime Hook and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuges, which represent some of the best examples of pristine tidal saltmarsh and wetlands on the East Coast.

This week, Senator Coons joined National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Jim Kurth at a Congressional briefing to share the findings of a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study of the economic benefits of the refuge system.  The report entitled, “Banking on Nature” quantifies the revenue generated for local and regional economies by refuges across the country, including Delaware’s very own Bombay Hook and Prime Hook.  From 2006-2011, over 46 million people visited the National Wildlife Refuge System generating a total of $2.4 billion in economic output. Considering that every $1 of investment in the refuge system yields around $5 for the economy, national wildlife refuges are among our most productive national investments.

Wildlife refuges fuel the economic growth of surrounding communities by attracting visitors that support local economies when they pay for travel arrangements and buy food, supplies, accommodations, and other products and services. Refuges also give visitors and nearby residents access to the sights of waterfowl migration and gorgeous views of the landscape, which are free for all to enjoy. Additional ecosystem services provided by our coastal refuges include water filtration, flood mitigation, and healthy fish populations, solidifying their place as valuable natural assets.

In October, Chris led a resolution with Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) recognizing the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  The bi-partisan resolution, S. Res. 296, to designate the week of October 13^th, 2013 as National Wildlife Refuge Week was adopted November 14 by unanimous consent.  Chris led similar resolutions designating National Wildlife Refuge Week in 2011 and 2012.

In budget conference, Senator Coons advocates for investments that sustain growth

At the second meeting of the budget conference committee Wednesday, Senator Coons questioned Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf about the impact of Congress’ current spending decisions on the nation’s economic competitiveness and the long-term unemployed.

 “You’ve testified before that not all cuts are the same, and that there are some ways in which we are cutting that are hurting our long-term competitiveness,” Senator Coons said. “That short-term cuts in things like education, or infrastructure, or research and development produce longer-term reductions in our capacity, and that we should be prioritizing things that will accelerate growth – that we should not be simply trying to get through this difficult fiscal time in a way that focuses on austerity; that we should also be investing in a way that sustains growth.”

When asked about policies that could accelerate growth and help the long-term unemployed, Director Elmendorf said, “Of all non-defense discretionary spending, half represents investment of some sort. About 20 percent of non-defense discretionary spending is investment in physical capital, such as highways, another 15 percent goes for education and training, and about 10 percent goes for R&D, such as health research. Over all, we think those investments help to build a stronger economy in the future and cutbacks in those investments would reduce output and income in the future.” 

The problem of long-term unemployment, Elmendorf noted, also “has important economic effects over time… It poses a very large risk of there being some set of people who will not find their way back to work at all or will not find their way to the productive sort of work that they were in before they lost their jobs.”

Elmendorf said the CBO has “reviewed the evidence on a large number of different ways of trying to help people get back into the labor force,” a number of which “have been successful on a small scale and have not been tried on a large scale.” Elmendorf pledged to work with Senator Coons on developing policies that help the long-term unemployed get back to work.

Watch the entire exchange: 

Senator Coons writes IOC about Russia’s anti-LGBT laws

Above: Senator Coons wears a Russian-language “Love Conquers Hate” t-shirt in support of the Human Rights Campaign’s fight against Russia’s anti-LGBT laws.

Senator Coons and ten of his colleagues have written to the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressing their concern about the IOC’s recent declaration that it is “fully satisfied” that a Russian law banning “homosexual propaganda” does not violate the Olympic Charter.

The senators noted that the Olympic Charter requires the IOC to take action against any form of discrimination. According to the Olympic Charter, “any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.”

“In that regard, we write to express our deep concern about the IOC’s recent declaration that ‘as long as the Olympic Charter is upheld, we are fully satisfied,’ ” the senators wrote. “We disagree with this position, and strongly urge you to reconsider given that the Russian law banning ‘homosexual propaganda’ is clearly inconsistent with the Olympic Charter.”

Read the full letter below:

Senator Coons recognizes ‘best of Delaware’ at dedication of Medal of Honor trail

Senator Coons delivered remarks Monday at the opening of the new walking trail at the Wilmington VA Medical Center Pavilion, dedicated in memory of Delaware’s 15 Medal of Honor recipients. The trail, which measures nearly a mile long, is dotted by 15 benches, red bud trees, and plaques, each engraved with the names, rank, and mission of each recipient.

Senator Coons asked attendees at the ceremony to imagine themselves in the harrowing situations faced by some of Delaware’s Medal of Honor recipients. “Imagine yourself, a 25 year old, 4,000 miles away from Wilmington, trying to storm a mine-laden beach in France,” Senator Coons said. “What would anyone of us have done if our commanding officer was killed? And then our sergeant was killed? If we were hit with shrapnel, not once but twice, and then shot in the leg, unable to move any further. Would any of us have had the courage not just to continue, but to lead? This was Sgt. James P. Connor’s story.”

“Despite injury, despite unthinkable odds, Sgt. Connor, and so many other brave Medal of Honor recipients found the strength to carry on, to lead their units, and complete their missions,” said Senator Coons.

Senator Coons closed his remarks by thanking veterans who were in attendance as well as the many descendants of Medal of Honor recipients who were on hand for the dedication.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: November 11 to November 17

Monday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at Veterans Day Ceremonies hosted by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and American Legion, Department of Delaware. Memorial Plaza, Delaware Memorial Bridge, New Castle, DE  – Open to press. Contact John Knotts at 302-272-8920.

Monday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Wilmington VA Medical Center’s Walking Trail Dedication Ceremony. The walking trail will be dedicated to the 15 Delaware Medal of Honor Recipients as a living memorial to these courageous Delaware heroes. Wilmington VA Medical Center, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Patricia Caldwell at 412-849-2666.

Wednesday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a meeting of the House-Senate Budget Conference Committee. The committee is negotiating between the widely divergent House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2014 budget. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Coons has been appointed to the conference committee and will be an active part of the negotiations. 1100 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. ­– Open to press. Contact Senate Budget Committee’s Eli Zupnick at 202-224-5398.

Wednesday, November 13 at 2:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Business Meeting. The committee will consider S. 1271, The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013 and hear nominations for U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, U.S. Representative to the European Union, and Ambassador to the Republic of Palau. S-116 U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651.

Wednesday, November 13 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, November 14 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Judicial Branch Committee of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Senator Coons, who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts, will discuss challenges facing the courts in Congress. Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, 1 Columbus Circle NE, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Thursday, November 14 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.

Sunday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will lead Sunday services at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew. 719 North Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Senator Coons honors WWII veterans at memorial unveiling

Above: U.S. Rep. John Carney, Sen. Tom Carper, former State Rep. Jerry Unruh, and Sen. Chris Coons appear together after the dedication ceremony for the World War II memorial at Legislative Hall in Dover, Del., Nov. 9, 2013. Unruh is a former paratrooper and combat engineer who served with the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII.

Surrounded by dozens of World War II veterans, Senator Coons honored the legacy of Delaware’s Greatest Generation in remarks at the unveiling ceremony for the state’s WWII memorial outside of Legislative Hall in Dover.

Chris spoke about the 33,000 Delawareans who served during the war and the millions who supported them from American shores.

“The Greatest Generation was led by, inspired by the brave soldiers who took up arms and fought for us around the world,” Chris said. “But they were supported, loved, and cheered on by a generation here at home – from children to seniors – who pitched in to do their part for Uncle Sam.”

Over the course of the war, more than 417,000 Americans lost their lives – including 812 Delawareans.

Chris closed his remarks with a reminder of the sacrifices made, not just by those fighting overseas, but also on the home front. He shared a story from Dover resident Bonnie Rorabaugh, who recalled her family’s meatless Tuesdays, ration books, rubber shortages, and the thousands of volunteers all over the country who stood up and did their part. Bonnie herself was a volunteer airplane spotter in Delaware City for two summers.

The memorial, which sits on Legislative Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North and South in Dover, is now open for public viewing.

Senator Coons celebrates dedication of Air Mobility Command Museum’s C-5A Galaxy

Standing in the shadows of a two-ton aircraft, Senator Coons celebrated the Air Mobility Command Museum’s newest installment, the C-5A Galaxy, with remarks at the plane’s dedication ceremony Saturday morning. The famous military plane, nicknamed “Zero–One–Four” after its recognizeable tail number, is the first and only C-5A to be on display at any museum in the country and is especially historic because it is the only aircraft to have ever launched a Minuteman missile in flight, taking place in 1974 off the California coast.

The brief dedication ceremony symbolically transferred the aircraft from the 164th Airlift Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard to the AMC Museum.

“This C-5 was part of the fleet that supported missions all over the world,” Chris said. “It flew missions during wartime and missions of humanitarian relief, missions on nearly every continent, and in every possible flying condition.”

C-5s have been assigned to Dover AFB for over 42 years and the museum’s new C-5 was originally assigned at Dover Air Force Base from 1973-1977. The aircraft made its final flight from Tennessee in August and has spent the last few months being prepared for its addition to the museum’s collection.

Chris closed his remarks recognizing the impact of the 167 volunteers who keep the museum operational. “To the men and women who make the AMC Museum run, not just as a site for tourism, but as a site for engagement, for education, and for inspiration, we thank you,” he said. “It is a big piece of America’s history, and that makes it an important piece of America’s future.”

For more information about the C-5A display and the Air Mobility Command Museum, visit www.amcmuseum.org.  

Senator Coons touts job growth potential of startups on Morning Joe

Senator Coons appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Friday to talk about his bipartisan work in the Senate to help innovative startups grow and create jobs. Between 1980 and 2005, all net new jobs created in the U.S. were created by firms five years old or less. Watch below.

What We’re Reading: NGOs speak out on suffering in the Central African Republic

Since a March coup ousted the nation’s president, inter-communal and sectarian violence in  the Central African Republic (CAR) has resulted in widespread  chaos and lawlessness. Despite a rapidly deteriorating situation, the mass violence and suffering of civilians has been met with far too little international outrage or assistance. The recent decisions by the African Union (AU) to expand its stabilization force and the United Nations to strengthen the Peacebuilding Office are welcome moves that could lay the groundwork for expanded protection for civilians and accelerated progress toward greater stability. The U.S. administration should step up with assistance to help ensure that AU forces can carry out their mission effectively and support UN and AU efforts to promote reconciliation and democracy in this troubled country.

An October 31 press release by a number of respected international NGOs starkly describes the situation in the CAR and issues a strong call for greater international focus on the country. 

As advocates and organizations dedicated to the prevention of violent conflict and mass atrocities, we are deeply disturbed by the violence that is plaguing CAR. The most recent wave is tipping the situation beyond control and is taking a trajectory towards large-scale interreligious and intercommunal violence.

We urge the international community to act swiftly to prevent atrocities and ensure civilian protection. The international community must rapidly expand its presence in the country, extend protection beyond a few selected sites, and allocate the resources necessary to address the complex and protracted nature of humanitarian needs.

As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Senator Coons is deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the CAR, and is committed to working within the committee and with the administration and non-governmental partners to support peacekeeping, humanitarian, and democracy efforts in the country.   

Click here to read the joint press release

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: November 4 to November 10

Monday, November 4 at 10:15 a.m. – The Senator will greet job-seekers and employers at the Delaware delegation’s New Castle County Job Fair. The final delegation job fair of the year will feature more than 50 employers hiring for full and part-time positions. Embassy Suites, 654 S. College Ave., Newark, DE  – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6345.

Monday, November 4 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will address students at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware. Senator Coons will discuss his work in the Senate on job creation, economic growth, and budget issues, and take questions from the group. Osher Life Long Learning Center, 2700 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE – Open to press. 

Tuesday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will chair a Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts hearing on proposed changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure related to the scope of discovery and presumptive limits on the use of discovery devices. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042. 

Tuesday, November 5 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The committee will hear testimony from witnesses including Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) on the United Nations Treaty, which seeks to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.  – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651.

Tuesday, November 5 at 6:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the NAS clean energy finance forum about his Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act, which would help to address financing barriers to clean energy technology development and deployment. National Academy of Sciences, West Court, 2101 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, November 6 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting. The meeting will focus on issues affecting seniors, including retirement security, expiration of the Older Americans Act, reliable access to Medicare, the solvency of Social Security, and the availability of supportive services like transportation and nutrition assistance. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, November 6 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, November 7 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, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 3^rd annual MSQuerade Ball hosted by the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Proceeds from the event benefit the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which serves the more than 1,550 Delawareans living with MS. World Café Live at The Queen, 500 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Linda Risk, Development Director at 302-655-5610.

 Saturday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the dedication ceremony for the C-5A Galaxy 69-0014 at Dover Air Force Base. The C-5A Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory. The C-5 will be on permanent static display at the Air Mobility Command Museum after being retired from service. Air Mobility Command Museum, Delaware Air Force Base, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, November 9 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the dedication of Delaware’s new World War II Memorial honoring Delaware’s “Greatest Generation.” The event is hosted by the Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Department of State, and the Delaware Veterans Commission. Legislative Hall, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact John R. Knotts at 302-739-2293.

Saturday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend DFRC Holidazzle, a night of cocktails and fashion benefitting the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities. Hercules Plaza, 14^th and Market Street, Wilmington, DE. – Open to press. Contact Renée J. Blessington at 302-454-2730.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.