Senator Coons appointed to Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) has been appointed to the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, bolstering his ability to focus federal spending on investments that will protect families, support job growth, and strengthen communities.

"The Appropriations Committee offers a unique opportunity to make a difference for Delawareans on an extraordinary range of issues, and to ensure that the federal government is making the wisest, most efficient investments in our future," Senator Coons said. "My priorities on Appropriations will be consistent with my work in the Senate so far — helping businesses grow and create jobs; supporting innovative research; giving law enforcement the tools to keep our communities safe; and building a circle of protection around the most vulnerable in our society. I am excited to join Chairwoman Mikulski and Vice Chairman Shelby on the committee, and grateful to Leader Reid for his confidence in my ability to make a difference here."

“During his time in the Senate, Chris has impressed us all with his ability to build consensus between parties to find bipartisan solutions,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said. “I know he will continue to represent Delaware well as he brings his unique perspective and expertise to his new position on the Appropriations Committee.”

“I am pleased to welcome Senator Coons to the Appropriations Committee,” Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) said. “We have worked together on a number of issues in the past that are important to the adjoining states of Maryland and Delaware, and he has been an excellent partner. I know he will be an asset to the Committee.” 

Senator Coons is only the fourth Delawarean to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

No Delawarean has ever served on the House Appropriations Committee.

Senator Coons will continue to serve on the Judiciary, Foreign Relations and Budget committees, and will retain his chairmanships of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts and the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. Because of Senate rules, he was required to give up his seat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Supporting the next generation of energy innovation has been a passion and a policy priority for me, and I intend to continue working hard on the bipartisan energy bills I’ve introduced and for which I’ve advocated,” Senator Coons said. “The Appropriations Committee will allow me to continue to work to advance clean-energy technologies and support the all-of-the-above energy strategy we need to lower Delawareans’ energy costs and help our country stay competitive.”