Video: Senator Coons discusses deployment of troops to Africa; death of Qadaffi

At a press conference Thursday in his capacity as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Coons discussed his support for the U.S. mission to capture or kill Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony. He also reacted to news of the death of former Libyan leader Moammar Qadaffi. Consistent between the two engagements, Chris said, is the United States’ support role in conjunction with other nations’ forces.

The color purple

Senator Coons stood with countless individuals, schools, organizations, and corporations in honoring Spirit Day Thursday by wearing the color purple as a sign of solidarity with those who stand against bullying. Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and supported by GLAAD, Spirit Day was started in last October by a teenager in response to a rash of widely publicized bullying-related suicides by gay students. The name, “Spirit Day,” comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow Flag defined as representing “spirit.”  

Chris is a longtime advocate for civil rights. Earlier this year, Chris enlisted twelve of his colleagues to encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people not to give up hope. As a part of the, “It Gets Better Project,” the team of Senators reassured LGBT youth that they are working hard in the Senate to fulfill the promise of equality for all. Since being elected to the Senate, Chris has cosponsored and fought to pass the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has emerged as a leader in the repeal of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. Additionally, Chris has cosponsored gay equality legislation, including: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act.

“Equality is what America is about,” says Senator Coons, “Liberty and justice for all means for all.”

Click here to learn more about Senator Coons’ work advocating for civil rights.

Click here to watch the Senators’ “It Gets Better” video. 

Working to keep bath salts off our streets

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today joined Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) as an original cosponsor of a bipartisan amendment that would require stronger coordination of federal law enforcement and resources in working with state and local agencies to respond to the rapid growth in use and distribution of synthetic drugs, including the illicit narcotics MDPV and mephedrone, known more commonly as “bath salts.”

“The increased use of bath salts has ruined many lives and is growing as a destructive cancer in some of Delaware’s close-knit communities,” Chris said.  “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this amendment, which will call for a coordinated effort between federal and state governments to keep dangerous new hallucinogenic drugs off our streets. This legislation will make Delaware safer by providing our law enforcement officials with the resources they need to fight the growing abuse of bath salts.”

The amendment would require the Department of Justice to craft a comprehensive strategy for partnering with local law enforcement to target the spread of synthetic drugs, including:

(1) Conducting public awareness campaigns, partnering with local law enforcement officials, hospitals, and schools to educate parents and young people about the dangers of abusing synthetic drugs;

(2) Addressing the rampant abuse and ease of access of synthetic drugs in rural communities, where such problems can multiply quickly while attention is placed on larger population centers;

(3) Use the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program to provide additional assistance to law enforcement agencies operating in areas experiencing high levels of synthetic drug trafficking;

(4) Improving coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize shipments of synthetic drugs;

(5) Developing and distributing test kits so that local law enforcement can better identify dangerous individuals under the influence of synthetic drugs in the field; and

(6) Using the authority under section 203 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 813), to pursue law enforcement actions against the distribution of synthetic drugs. 

Chris is also a co-sponsor of the Combating Dangerous Synthetic Stimulants Act of 2011, which would add bath salts to the list of controlled substances, making their possession and sale illegal in the United States.

The sale and possession of bath salts was banned in Delaware in September.

Advancing clean energy through solar power

While Capitol Hill continues to be the center of continuing debate regarding the way forward for our economy, scores of Americans in Delaware and across the country are taking decisive measures to advance clean energy solutions through solar power.

In order to reengage and revitalize our workforce, and facilitate a long-term sustainable energy industry, the United States must invest in clean alternative energy sources. Over the last year, solar power has emerged as one the fastest growing industries in America.  According to the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of global energy needs through greater use of solar energy technologies, more than 100,000 jobs have been created within the solar industry. Between August 2010 and August 2011, an estimated 6,735 new solar jobs were created, accounting for an industry growth of 6.8 percent. 

Delaware has taken an active role in bolstering the growing solar industry sector. SolarDock, a Delaware-based solar company, has expanded 400 percent since 2007 and boasts clients that include Fortune 500 businesses, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, schools and universities, retail centers and medical facilities.

The rise of the solar industry has translated into lower unit costs and greater accessibility for consumers.  According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s “Tracking the Sun IV” report the average cost of installing residential and commercial solar photovoltaic systems in the U.S. dropped a record 17 percent in 2010, and it continued to drop an additional 11 percent through the first-half of 2011.

Delaware is also on the leading edge of solar technology research.  The University of Delaware’s Solar Energy Program continues to build upon groundbreaking research in the efficiency of solar cells.  In September, UD’s solar program was successful in winning $7.8 million in research funding through a recent Department of Energy’s solar Sunshot Awards announcement.

Just as Delaware has remained on the forefront regarding clean energy, Chris has remained a staunch advocate of investing in innovative, efficient, and ecologically friendly pathways forward in energy development.  In his role as a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, he is committed to finding practical ways to incentivize investments in clean energy projects and boost commercialization of alternative energy industries. 

To learn more about Chris’ energy priorities and his work on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, click here.

Ducks Unlimited highlights Chris’ visit to Bombay Hook

To kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week earlier this month, Senator Coons joined Ducks Unlimited at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna to celebrate the important role federal refuges play in conserving wildlife and expanding hunting access.

Ducks Unlimited has posted a story about it – click here to check it out.

Ducks Unlimited is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. 

Chris praises Dover Downs’ progress in going green

DOVER — Senator Coons visited Dover Downs Hotel & Casino today to tout the progress of its “Green Initiatives” program. Dover Downs President and CEO Ed Sutor energized the crowd of about 40 when he revealed the company’s total utility savings through conservation:

• 5,404,019 kWh – electric over four years
• 256,045 CCF – natural gas over four years
• Over 13.4 Million gallons of water over four years

It all adds up to a reduction of 5,507 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

To do it, Dover Downs installed more than 26,000 energy-saving light bulbs, weather sensors for its irrigation system, and three new compactors that separate organic kitchen waste, recyclable waste, and landfill.  It also has begun using ‘green’ chemicals and initiated a voluntary linen-reuse program.

“The steps Dover Downs has taken toward becoming a ‘Green Hotel’ has significantly reduced its environmental impact, and has saved the company a tremendous amount of money,” Senator Coons said.  “Dover Downs has been successful in its green efforts because it has created a partnership with public and private entities, and has made it a part of the culture here — even designating a ‘Green Team’ within the staff.  As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, I commend Dover Downs for its dedication to conservation.”

Dover Downs began its “Green Initiatives” program in 2006, and has continued to be aggressive in looking for additional conservation savings and sustainability practices.

The Senator’s week ahead schedule: October 17 to October 23

Monday, October 17 at 7:30 a.m.  – The Senator will speak at the 2011 Dover Air Force Base Construction Briefing to the Community MilCon Breakfast. Colonel Mark D. Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing Commander will present the briefing, in addition to remarks by Senator Coons, Senator Carper, and Representative Carney. The Landings, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Monday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m.  – The Senator will speak at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino Green Team Training Event. After recently completing the first phase of the Green Concierge Certification Program, Dover Downs will unveil its new recycling center. Both Senator Coons and Senator Carper will be present to show their support for the multi-facet sustainability program.  Dover Downs, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Monday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m.  – The Senator will preside over the Senate. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m.  – The Senator will attend DSU in Motion. Delaware State University personnel will be in Washington to showcase some of the research underway at the university. Bistro Bis, Hotel George, 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC – Open to press. 

Wednesday, October 19 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will meet with members of the Delaware National Guard. The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen the bonds between Congressional delegation and the Delaware National Guard. U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.

Wednesday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing.  226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Thursday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Digital Dialogue Forum. The Digital Dialogue Forum is a coalition of world-leading technology companies formed more than ten years ago to encourage substantive dialogue with federal policymakers on current technology issues. Washington, DC — Closed to press.

Friday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate, if in session. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the groundbreaking for the new Delaware National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. New Castle County Air Base, Delaware National Guard
First Regiment Road, Wilmington, DE

Saturday, October 22 at 8:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Wilmington Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE– Open to press.

Saturday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute’s From Purses to Portfolios event. From Purses to Portfolios is a comprehensive program established by The Money School and supported by Citi, designed to meet women’s unique financial needs and to equip them with the tools to better understand and take control of their finances. 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the inaugural dinner for the Medical Society of Delaware. During the dinner, Dr. Randeep Kahlon will be inaugurated as the next president of Medical Society of Delaware. Wilmington Country Club, 4825 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE.

Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Since 1993, nearly 7 million walkers across the country have raised more than $400 million through Making Strides events. This walk will honor breast cancer survivors and raise funds and awareness to help end breast cancer. Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Sunday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes. JDRF gives more resources to diabetes research than any nonprofit, nongovernmental organization in the world. Over 80 percent of every dollar raised by JDRF is channeled directly into research efforts. Rockford Park, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will participate in the “One Shot” meal-packing event at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church.  Part of the battle against world hunger, this year’s Stop Hunger Now “One Shot” event will be hosted at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, where volunteers will work together to pack as many as 20,000 meals.  500 McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Video: Watch Senator Coons talk about the importance of law enforcement

Speaking at an event in the Capitol Wednesday to announce the formation of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, Senator Coons laid out why he thinks it’s important for the Senate to support those who protect our communities. Click on the video above to see what he had to say

Senator Coons votes for trade agreements with Korea, Panama

Senator Coons voted for two of the three free trade agreements submitted by the White House for Senate approval, supporting the deals with South Korea and Panama, but rejecting the deal with Colombia.

“Free and fair trade with the Republic of Korea means jobs in Delaware as more businesses join the hundreds of Delaware companies already exporting their products to the growing Korean marketplace,” Senator Coons said. “Harim’s recent investment in Delaware’s poultry industry demonstrates the benefits to be gained by improving our trade relations with Korea, and today’s move to lower some of the barriers to trade there will take it a step further. Similarly, the agreement with Panama is a good opportunity for American businesses in another growing market. Panama has taken significant steps in the last few years to strengthen the rights of workers and its transparency on tax matters. Both of these agreements will help Delaware and that’s why I voted for them tonight.

Chris drew a line, though, on the agreement with Colombia, saying he had, “serious reservations about entering into a trade agreement with Colombia, the most dangerous country in the world in which to work as a trade unionist. Free trade with Colombia in the current environment does not mean fair trade for American workers, and I urge the Colombian government to address its pressing human rights issues by pursuing and prosecuting criminals who choose violence as a means of negotiating with trade unions.”

The Senator considered each of the three agreements on its own merits, looking at the size of market opportunity for Delaware companies, protections for labor rights, respect for the environment, and defense of U.S. intellectual property rights. He warned, though, that the fulfillment of the agreements must be monitored. 

“None of these agreements will be worth the paper they’re written on if we don’t follow up with adequate enforcement,” Senator Coons said. “Free trade can never be fair trade without robust enforcement that includes strong protections for American intellectual property and a continued commitment to labor rights for all.”

Senator Coons launches bipartisan Senate Law Enforcement Caucus

Senator Coons hosted an event kicking off the first ever Senate Law Enforcement Caucus on Wednesday. The goal of the caucus is to educate and inform senators and staff about the programs and initiatives that are keeping our communities safe, while advocating for the policies and resources law enforcement agencies need to carry out their missions.

 “There has always been deep bipartisan support for law enforcement in Congress. Our aim in forming the caucus is to focus it on a meaningful conversation that reinforces the federal commitment to assisting state and local law enforcement,” Senator Coons said during his introductory remarks.

The Caucus has received an outpouring of support from senators of both parties. Prior to its announcement on Wednesday, the caucus had 16 additional senators join.

The event was held in the Capitol and attended by members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. In addition to remarks by the caucus co-chairs, Senators Coons and Blunt, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary, and National Fraternal Order of Police President Chuck Canterbury also gave remarks on their perspective on how federal, state, and local law enforcement can work more closely to protect the public.

The Senate Law Enforcement Caucus will primarily serve as a forum for officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to meet with legislators, staff, and one another to share experiences and develop strategies for fostering effective law enforcement. It will highlight ways in which the federal government can better assist agencies at the state and local levels, and will help circulate proven best practices in administering law enforcement programs during a time of severely limited budgets.

The caucus plans to hold regular briefings on pressing law enforcement issues for U.S. senators and staff, as well as to meet regularly with law enforcement officials to learn about best practices and the tools they need to keep our communities safe.