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ICYMI: Sen. Coons’ op-ed on election reform

The Hill published an op-ed on Tuesday penned by Senator Chris Coons on his effort to address the problems that occurred at voting stations around the country during the 2012 election. The week following the general election, Chris introduced the FAST Voting Act to help states improve their elections by creating a competitive grant program to encourage states to speed election reforms. The op-ed was published in anticipation of the president’s State of the Union address on Tuesday where he is poised to talk about election reform.

November’s elections were a wake-up call. Tens of thousands of Americans, including Republicans and Democrats in both “red states” and “blue states,” saw their fundamental right to vote for the candidate of their choice eroded by exceptionally long lines, confusing rules and voting-machine problems in well over a dozen states.

In the 2012 elections, we saw voting machine irregularities in Pennsylvania and Colorado. We saw errors on voter rolls in Ohio and delays in ballot counting in Arizona. We saw voters waiting in line five hours in Virginia and eight hours in Florida.

……

As Americans, the right to vote is in our DNA. We have to do better than this, and we can do better if we take action now by challenging states to implement common-sense changes well before the next election.

The Fair, Accurate, Secure and Timely (FAST) Voting Act, which I introduced just days after the November election, would incentivize states to turn around their poorest-performing polling places and improve the administration of their elections to make voting faster and more accessible to all voters. 

Click here to read the entire op-ed on The Hill’s website.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ FAST Voting Act.

Opportunity: Africa, as told through Twitter


The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Feb. 11 – Feb. 17

The Week Ahead

Monday, February 11 at 8:00 a.m. — The Senator will host a conference on sustainable development and trade with Africa. The Opportunity: Africa conference will give Delawareans a seat at the table with some of the nation’s leading voices on sustainable development and trade with Africa, looking closely at how Delaware’s businesses, faith communities, and individuals can engage with Africa. Senator Coons, Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. Elkanah Odembo, and author/columnist Michael Gerson will keynote. Delaware State University, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:45 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing entitled, “Opportunities and Challenges for Natural Gas.” The hearing will explore opportunities and challenges associated with America’s natural gas resources.  366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Budget Committee hearing. The hearing will focus on the Congressional Budget Office’s budget and economic outlook for fiscal years 2013-2023. Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, will testify during the hearing. 608 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. — The Senator and his wife, Annie, will attend the secretary of state’s annual dinner. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the president’s annual State of the Union address. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, February 13 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with business leaders from around the nation. The meeting will focus on innovation, job creation, and strengthening the economy. S. 207, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.  

Wednesday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. — The Senator will chair the second panel of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on comprehensive immigration reform. The hearing will take place a week after Senator Coons and Chairman Patrick Leahy called on their colleagues to ensure that the immigration reforms remain “grounded in civil and human rights, and ensure due process, equal treatment, and fairness. Witnesses include the Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security; Jose Antonio Vargas, Founder of Define American; Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies; Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC; Chris Crane, President of National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council 118 of the American Federation of Government Employees; and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 3:30 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. Senator Coons is poised to be reappointed to the chair of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. S-116 Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact: Foreign Relations Committee’s Jodi Seth at 202-224-4159.

Thursday, February 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Ducks Unlimited reaches 13 million acres of habitat conservation

Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced on Thursday it has reached a conservation milestone with more than 13 million acres of habitat conserved in North America. According to the organization, the groundbreaking number is a cumulative accomplishment of the millions of DU members, as well as volunteers and partners, who have been a part of the organization over the past 76 years.

“Coming on the heels of DU’s 75th anniversary year, this milestone is a fitting tribute to the hard work of each and every member, volunteer and staff member who has contributed in any way over the past three-quarters of a century,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “If not for their dedication and commitment to conservation, this accomplishment would not have been possible.”

The milestone is a perfect example of how much can be achieved when hunters and others with a passion for waterfowl and wetlands conservation work together for a common goal. DU’s mission has always been to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitat for North America’s waterfowl, and this milestone is a direct reflection of that statement.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has been an advocate for environmental conservation. Over the past two years, Chris was the lead sponsor of a bipartisan resolution celebrating the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Wildlife Refuge Week, which officially runs from October 14th to the 20th. The 2012 resolution passed unanimously in September, with 25 bipartisan cosponsors.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on environmental conservation.

Click here to learn more about Ducks Unlimited.

What We’re Reading: Waiting Times at Ballot Boxes Draw Scrutiny

Flag for What We're Reading

The New York Times published an article Monday on the extraordinarily long lines at polling places last November and how members of Congress and the president are working to prevent similar wait times in future elections. 

Shortly after the election, Senator Coons introduced the FAST Voting Act to make voting faster and more accessible to all voters.

Several recent polls and studies suggest that long waiting times in some places depressed turnout in 2012 and that lines were longest in cities, where Democrats outnumber Republicans. In a New York Times/CBS News poll taken shortly after Election Day, 18 percent of Democrats said they waited at least a half-hour to vote, compared with 11 percent of independents and 9 percent of Republicans.

……

White House officials have told Congressional leaders that the president plans to press for action on Capitol Hill, and Democrats say they expect him to highlight the issue in his State of the Union address next week. Democrats in the House and Senate have already introduced bills that would require states to provide online voter registration and allow at least 15 days of early voting, among other things.

 ……

Fourteen states are also considering whether to expand early voting, including the battlegrounds of Florida, Ohio and Virginia, according to FairVote, a nonprofit group that advocates electoral change. Florida, New York, Texas and Washington are looking at whether to ease registration and establish preregistration for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Studies have shown that, due to the long lines at the polls in 2012, hundreds of thousands of voters left without casting their ballot. The longer waits were predominately in cities with higher concentrations of voters, with some voters in Miami having to wait more than eight hours to cast their ballot.

Click here to learn more about the FAST Voting Act.

Click here to read the full article on the New York Time’s website. 

Senator Coons commemorates Black History Month

To celebrate the remarkable contributions of African Americans to our state and our country, U.S. Senator Coons joins his Senate colleagues Monday to introduce a resolution commemorating Black History Month. The resolution encourages Americans to pause and reflect on the role of African Americans in building our country and shaping its future.

“African Americans have made remarkable contributions to our state and our country, leading the way in fields like science, business and the arts,” Senator Coons said. “From the Milford Eleven, who were the first brave students to integrate Milford High School, to Underground Railroad conductors like Samuel D. Burris, Delaware’s history is full of African American heroes. The Senate’s resolution commemorating Black History Month honors their legacy, and I hope it will also inspire the next generation of leaders as they step forward to shape our future.”

The resolution, which was introduced today, is expected to pass the Senate unanimously later this week.

The full text is below.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Feb. 4 – Feb. 10

The Week Ahead

Monday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center-Eastside clinic. Senator Coons will join Senator Carper, Congressman Carney and Mayor Williams for the dedication of Henrietta Johnson Medical Center’s new Eastside location.  The Henrietta Johnson Medical Center – Eastside is the result of a partnership between the Christina School District, Children & Families First, and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center. 600 North Lombard Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 6 – The Senator will attend the Senate Democratic Caucus Retreat. Annapolis, MD. Closed to press.

Tuesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. — The Senator will speak at the leadership dinner of the American Council on Renewable Energy Policy Forum. Senator Coons will deliver remarks during the 10th annual National Policy Forum entitled, “Moving from Politics to Policy: Advancing the Business of Renewable Energy,” which will aim to chart the path forward for pro-growth, constructive and bipartisan renewable energy policy. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend a World Learning ceremony honoring former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with the Distinguished Global Citizen Achievement Award. World Learning is a nonprofit organization advancing leadership through education, exchange, and development programs in more than 60 countries. Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the National Prayer Breakfast. Washington Hilton. Open to credentialed press.

Thursday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, February 7 at 10:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at an Alliance to Save Energy press conference announcing the launch of its Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy. The Alliance will unveil a set of policies to double U.S. energy productivity by 2030, creating a framework for an innovative future by driving energy efficiency in all sectors of the U.S. economy. Senator Coons is an honorary vice chair of the Alliance to Save Energy. SVC 209-208, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Washington D.C. Open to press who RSVP here: http://bit.ly/Ujk5Sy

Thursday, February 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, February 8 at 5:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak to the Bank of America’s Black Professional Group. 1100 N King St, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Friday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at the 2012 Annual Dover Air Force Base Wing Awards Ceremony.  This year’s award ceremony recognizing the Base’s top performers will focus on the Air Force’s “tradition of dedication and excellence.” Dover Downs, Dover, DE – Open to press.  

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Senator Coons named chair of Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy & the Courts

Senator Chris Coons has been named chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts for the 113th Congress, giving him oversight of the nation’s bankruptcy court system, as well as court administration and management, judicial rules and procedures, the creation of new courts and judgeships, and legal reform and liability issues.

“I am honored by Chairman Leahy’s decision to entrust the Bankruptcy and the Courts Subcommittee to my leadership and thank the full Committee for endorsing that action,” Chris said. “Americans find themselves in contact with the courts when they are at their most vulnerable — usually when they’ve been hurt by someone, find themselves unable to pay their debts, or have been accused of failing to meet their legal obligations to others. We must be mindful that Americans rely on courts to help them when disputes do arise and it is imperative that the courts are able to resolve them fairly, efficiently, and at a minimum of cost and inconvenience to all concerned. I take this obligation seriously.

“Over the course of this Congress, I hope to examine a broad range of issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy and the Courts Subcommittee. We have a judicial vacancy crisis in many parts of this country, and I’d like to look at what can be done to address it. Our federal courts have traditionally been the last bastion for many Americans to assert their civil rights, but recent federal court decisions have made it harder to not only enforce federal civil rights, but also rights that people may have as a consumer or as an employee under state law. That has to change.

“The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the Bankruptcy Code.  Delaware has a well-established and respected bankruptcy bench and bar, and I look forward to working with Delaware experts to make sure that our bankruptcy system resolves cases predictably and with the proper balance between the interests of creditors and debtors.

“Finally, I look forward to working with Senator Sessions as my ranking member,” Senator Coons said. “Senator Sessions is a respected member of the Judiciary Committee and this will be the seventh consecutive Congress during which he has served as either ranking member of chairman of this subcommittee. I look forward to his guidance and expertise as we work together to shape the subcommittee’s agenda.”

Senator Coons has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee since being sworn-into office in November 2010.

Judiciary Committee hearing addresses gun violence

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened a hearing on Wednesday to address gun violence and how to prevent future gun related deaths in America. Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and founder of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, attended the hearing and questioned the panel of witnesses who represent the fields of law enforcement, gun control advocacy, and gun rights advocacy.

Chris stated during the hearing that “too many incidents [of gun violence] pile on year upon year.” He is all too familiar with how gun violence is harming our communities, especially in his hometown of Wilmington. Since the start of the 113th Congress, Chris has already cosponsored several bills to prevent gun violence, including: the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act, the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act, and the Gun Show Background Check Act.

Chris is a strong believer in universal effective background checks. During the hearing, Chris questioned Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), Americans for Responsible Solutions, about his views on how expanded background checks would help prevent guns from getting in the hands of dangerous people. Captain Kelly, husband of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was shot in a parking lot in 2011 while talking with constituents in Tuscon, Arizona, stated that: “Eighty percent of criminals got their guns from a private sale or transfer that required no background checks.  In the case of Congresswoman Giffords’ shooting, Captain Kelly stated, “If there was an effective background check in Tucson showing a history of mental health data and drug use and if there wasn’t a gun show loophole [the shooter] would have had a hard time getting a gun.”

Senator Coons said he was grateful for the work the National Rifle Association has done to provide training in safe gun ownership for Americans.  Still, he challenged the CEO of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, on his earlier comment that expanded background checks are not needed because criminals will always find a way to get a gun.  Senator Coons noted that, even if imperfect, a quick background check could help save lives.  LaPierre responded that he believes background checks will create too much unnecessary bureaucracy.

James Johnson, Chief of Police for the Baltimore County Police Department and Chair of the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence said that he disagrees with Mr. LaPierre’s statement on background checks.  He stated “public safety and police are unified that a universal background check would make our society a safer place and make my police officers safer.”

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work with our law enforcement to improve public safety.  

Four-year anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, as seen on Twitter