Readout of Sen. Coons’ meeting with Lloyd Austin, nominee for Defense Secretary

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after meeting virtually with Lloyd Austin, President-elect Biden’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense:

“Earlier today, I spoke at length with Lloyd Austin, President-elect Biden’s nominee to serve as the next Secretary of Defense, a cabinet-level position leading the largest federal agency that has been vacant since November. Austin served our country with distinction for 41 years, with combat experience in the Middle East, commanding our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He enjoys the trust and confidence of the President-elect, and he understands the national security challenges facing the United States and the need to restore our relationships with our allies to deter our adversaries.

“During our discussion, Austin assured me that he has a deep respect for civilian control of the military, and that he intends to take steps, if confirmed, to demonstrate that. I intend to support a waiver for Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense.

“At a time when our country continues to struggle to fulfill its promise of equality and racial justice, it is also important to emphasize the historic nature of Austin’s nomination. African Americans have served our country honorably and bravely throughout U.S. history, and Austin will be the first African American to lead the Pentagon, a milestone that is long overdue. His nomination inspires all of us to continue our efforts to promote an equal, just, and secure society for all Americans.    

“The United States also continues to face national security threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and international terrorism, and it is critically important that the Senate move to confirm Lloyd Austin and fill this position as quickly as possible so he can work with the President-elect and the national security team to develop comprehensive strategies to respond to these challenges. I look forward to supporting Austin’s nomination and working with him and other senior national security officials to advance our values and interests, deter our adversaries, and restore American leadership on the global stage.”

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘Find a path towards accountability for President Trump’ while confirming vital Biden Cabinet positions

WILMINGTON, Del. — On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC to discuss accountability for President Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot in the U.S. Capitol Building and the need to swiftly confirm President-elect Biden’s foreign policy and national security team. 

On the impact of impeachment proceedings on key Cabinet confirmations, Senator Coons said, “I’m going to be working with my colleagues to make sure that we find a path towards accountability for President Trump and those who supported this unprecedented challenge to the certification of a free and fair election while also trying to advocate for the prompt confirmation, particularly of the vital national security and foreign policy nominees that will make up the core of President-elect Biden’s Cabinet.”

On recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy by the outgoing Trump administration, Senator Coons said, “This is just another example of ways in which core Trump loyalists are not being helpful as we should be in the midst of a transition to a new secretary of state, a new secretary of defense, a new executive branch. The designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization in Yemen as well, which just happened, is going to significantly complicate humanitarian relief in Yemen, a nation that is suffering through one of the worst humanitarian disasters on the planet right now. I had urged Secretary of State Pompeo, the outgoing secretary of state, not to take that action, and this is just one of several ways in which the actions of this last week may well cause challenges or problems for the incoming administration that are not helpful.”

Full audio and video available here. A transcript is provided below.

Q: Joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, who is arguing in The New York Times column today that the world is watching and the president needs to resign – like, now. Senator Coons, thank you very much. First of all, what do you think about what Senator Manchin is saying that impeachment is only going to make things worse? 

Sen. Coons: Look, I’m mindful of the vigorous debate that’s going on between, how do we make sure that we advance President-elect Biden’s nominees and agenda as quickly as we responsibly can while also ensuring there is accountability for this remarkable, tragic, unprecedented assault on the American capital by a mob incited by President Trump. There will be action, I believe, this week in the House that will send impeachment over to us. The minority leader, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, is exploring a pathway towards having us promptly reconvene and take this up – something that Majority Leader McConnell has said is not possible but may well be possible under something that was agreed to after 9/11 that allows the majority and minority leader to reconvene the Senate. I’m going to be working with my colleagues to make sure that we find a path towards accountability for President Trump and those who supported this unprecedented challenge to the certification of a free and fair election while also trying to advocate for the prompt confirmation, particularly of the vital national security and foreign policy nominees that will make up the core of President-elect Biden’s Cabinet. 

Q: In fact, the vote also might be the first defense secretary not confirmed before January 20th in recent years because there has been a policy of doing that. But wouldn’t impeachment, as Senator Manchin says, get in the way of that?

Sen. Coons: It depends how we proceed with impeachment and whether or not it is done quickly or slowly, whether or not it is the only matter that the Senate deals with, or we can possibly split our days. But, look, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Andrea. What I said in my editorial, which has been repeated by many Republicans and Democrats, is that President Trump should resign. Failing that, the responsibility for this falls on the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet. They have the power to remove him immediately and prevent us from having to go through this exercise. If they refuse to do so, if they won’t take responsibility for these actions last Wednesday, then Congress has to consider its alternatives. And I do think it’s important that our caucus leader, Senator Schumer, is calling for us to reconvene promptly and to move ahead with this before we get to the inauguration.
Q: The U.S. Capitol Police who have, by the way, not done a briefing yet, which is remarkable, have revealed that several of their officers have been suspended after Wednesday’s riot. How concerned are you that law enforcement might – some of them, some were obviously heroic and some tragically died – but law enforcement may have been involved?
Sen. Coons: Well, that’s exactly why we need a prompt and thorough investigation of and accountability for the incidents at the Capitol last Wednesday. We should first stop and reflect on the fact that two Capitol Police officers – Officer Brian Sicknick, who was bludgeoned to death by rioters, and Officer Howard Liebengood, known to me and my staff well as one of the warmest and most engaging and positive law enforcement officers, people of any background, that I’ve met in my decade in Washington – both of them gave their lives in line of duty deaths associated with this event on Wednesday. And I saw dozens of Capitol Police officers bravely risking their own safety and security to keep us safe, those of us who serve in Congress or work in the Capitol complex. There are also troubling allegations that there may have been some who were not doing their duty. And there are, of course, real challenges in terms of the planning and the preparation that are more urgent than ever, given that the President-elect and Vice President-elect will be sworn in next week on the 20^th, and as you were just reporting, that there’s now plans for or beginnings of plans for violent demonstrations at state capitals across the country. It is urgent that we get to the bottom of what has happened here while also making certain we respect the members of law enforcement who risked, or in those two cases gave, their lives to keep us safe.
Q: Secretary of State Pompeo is now today accusing Iran, of ties to Al Qaeda. Yesterday, he designated Cuba a terrorism sponsor. The day before they changed policy dating back to 1979 on Taiwan, which could seriously jeopardize Joe Biden’s policies towards China. So they’re taking steps that will tie his hands on foreign policy as they’re going out the door?
Sen. Coons: Andrea, this is just another example of ways in which core Trump loyalists are not being helpful as we should be in the midst of a transition to a new secretary of state, a new secretary of defense, a new executive branch. The designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization in Yemen as well, which just happened, is going to significantly complicate humanitarian relief in Yemen, a nation that is suffering through one of the worst humanitarian disasters on the planet right now. I had urged Secretary of State Pompeo, the outgoing secretary of state, not to take that action, and this is just one of several ways in which the actions of this last week may well cause challenges or problems for the incoming administration that are not helpful.
Q: To say the least. Thank you very much, Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware.

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Senator Coons’ statement on the nomination of Samantha Power to be USAID Administrator

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the following statement on the nomination of Samantha Power to be Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“I am excited to see that the President-elect has chosen Samantha Power to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development, the federal agency responsible for foreign assistance. This is a critical position, and I am confident that Ambassador Power’s values, experience, and vision will serve her well in this role. Ambassador Power knows what it means to respect human rights, defend democracy, foster economic development, and work tirelessly to prevent atrocities abroad. From her early days as a journalist to her work as U.S. Ambassador to the UN, she has shown a deep understanding of the national security and humanitarian challenges facing the U.S., our allies, and our partners.

“As COVID-19 continues to ravage communities around the globe, we must swiftly confirm a leader for USAID to harness the international community to confront this pandemic. I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Power, President-elect Biden, and his impressive national security team to deliver strong results.” 

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Sen. Coons condemns violence and intimidation in lead up to Ugandan election, calls for review of security assistance

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement condemning the Ugandan government’s use of violence and intimidation in the run-up to the January 14 general election and pressing President Yoweri Museveni and Ugandan authorities to take steps to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of the Ugandan people. Senator Coons encourages a review of U.S. security assistance to Uganda in light of the brutal crackdown and democratic backsliding.

“As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, I condemn the violent and oppressive tactics employed by Ugandan authorities in the lead up to the January 14 general elections.  These acts of intimidation have, for months, eroded and undermined the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process, and I urge the government to reverse course. This presidential campaign has been marked by the worst political violence in Uganda in decades. Ugandan authorities have demonstrated blatant disregard for human rights and constitutional freedoms through frequent attacks on political leaders, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. 

“For months, using COVID-19 restrictions as a pretext, security forces have repeatedly detained activists on spurious charges and used deadly force against protesters, with at least 60 Ugandans killed in election-related violence, hundreds injured, and more than 800 arrested so far in the run-up to the vote.  Leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine was recently detained for the third time in two months, along with many other prominent activists including Patrick Amuriat and Nicholas Opiyo.

“I call on President Museveni and the Government of Uganda to respect the rights and freedoms of the Ugandan people afforded by the country’s constitution and to take affirmative steps to protect them.  I urge the government to release all political prisoners and cease the harassment of opposition leaders, their supporters, and the media, and refrain from further violence in the days before and after election day.  

“International donors, including the United States, should reassess security assistance and other financial support to Uganda. Any review should take into account events on or around the election that have undermined democracy and violated human rights and the rule of law.

“Some assert the United States has forfeited the moral authority to defend democracy and human rights abroad following the violent incursion of the U.S. Capitol Building.  The horrifying events of January 6 show that even the most well-established democracies are at risk from would-be authoritarians seeking to extend their rule.  Even as our democracy is tested at home, America must continue to strive to live up to our highest values and ideals.  In the face of obstacles, our work to defend democracy at home and abroad becomes that much more important.”

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We have two pandemics: [this] public health crisis but also a pandemic of division and distrust’

WILMINGTON, Del. — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff to discuss Congress’ response to the January 6^th assault on the U.S. Capitol, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the remaining days of President Trump’s presidency.

On removing President Trump: “[T]here has to be accountability for this unprecedented act by a sitting U.S. President … I think what President Trump should do is resign … Failing that, Vice President Mike Pence and the majority of the Cabinet should do what only they can do, which is to exercise the 25th Amendment to remove the president. Absent that, if they won’t take responsibility in those ways, then Congress has to do what it can.”

On the possibility of impeachment proceedings through the beginning of the Biden administration: “[I]n this moment when the pandemic is raging out of control, we need the sort of leadership that Joe Biden can provide to our country. We have two pandemics: one, this COVID-19 public health crisis but also a pandemic of division and distrust. The Constitution doesn’t provide exactly how we will carry out a trial. We could separate our days and begin in the morning doing the work of confirming some of the very capable and seasoned leaders that Joe Biden has nominated to form his Cabinet, and the afternoon conducting an impeachment trial.”

On the safety of Inauguration Day: “I hope and pray that it will be. I have confidence that with a unified command, with the National Guard deployed in significant numbers, and with a perimeter pushed out further than it was last Wednesday, that it is possible we will have a safe and secure inauguration. But I think there is important work to be done: tamping down some of this division, tamping down some of the fires that have been lit by President Trump. It is important that Republicans who have long supported him take action this week to ensure that the American people recognize the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s election as the next President of the United States.”

Full audio and video available here. A transcript is provided below. 

Q: Senator Chris Coons of Delaware is one of President-elect Joe Biden’s closest allies on the Hill, and he joins us now. Senator Coons, thank you so much for being with us again. At this point, what do you think the chances are President Trump could be removed from office before January 20th? 

Sen. Coons: Well, Judy, there has to be accountability for this unprecedented act by a sitting U.S. President – to spin up a crowd, to incite them to riot and then send them off to the Capitol where they stormed the Capitol, where they were chanting things like “Hang Mike Pence” in the hallways, where they did a lot of physical damage, and globally on the world stage, an enormous amount of damage to our reputation. Obviously as you were just saying in the last segment, there has been a tragic loss of life, two Capitol police officers have suffered line of duty deaths. I think all of us as a nation need to stop and reflect on this. I think what President Trump should do is resign. That will remove him as quickly as is possible. Failing that, Vice President Mike Pence and the majority of the Cabinet should do what only they can do which is to exercise the 25th Amendment to remove the president. Absent that, if they won’t take responsibility in those ways, then Congress has to do what it can. And as you mentioned earlier, I understand Minority Leader Schumer is exploring whether there is a pathway for us to reconvene promptly after the House passes an article of impeachment. 

Q: But you are very familiar with your Republican colleagues. Do you think there is any chance that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would agree to that sort of special circumstances, to speed up a trial in the Senate in just the next few days? 

Sen. Coons: You know Judy, it seems unlikely. But one of the things that was most striking to me Wednesday night was after law enforcement regained control of the Capitol – and we all have to be grateful for the men and women of law enforcement, the special officers and agents who regained control of the Capitol under very tough circumstances. When we went back into the chamber, some of the strongest language about the importance of certifying this election came from Vice President Pence, Majority Leader McConnell, other senators I rarely agree with. Folks like Senators Cotton and Lee, Toomey and others spoke very forcefully. They recognize how important it is for there to be truth telling to the American people – how important it is for President Trump’s misled and misguided base to hear from Republican leaders that Joe Biden is the duly elected next President of the United States. 

Q: But at this point it appears it’s more likely once the House impeaches, which it appears it will do, a trial would take place in the Senate after President Trump leaves office. It would be when Joe Biden would then be the president. How do you see that complicating then-President Biden’s agenda? We just heard the reporting from Yamiche on splitting the time every day. But is that the way Joe Biden wants to begin his administration?

Sen. Coons: Well, you know, President-elect Biden was in no small part elected because he ran on bringing our country together, on moving us forward past the divisive presidency of Donald Trump. And in this moment when the pandemic is raging out of control, we need the sort of leadership that Joe Biden can provide to our country. We have two pandemics: one, this COVID-19 public health crisis but also a pandemic of division and distrust. The Senate gets to set the rules that it will follow for impeachment, the Constitution doesn’t provide exactly how we will carry out a trial. We could separate our days and begin in the morning doing the work of confirming some of the very capable and seasoned leaders that Joe Biden has nominated to form his Cabinet, and the afternoons conducting an impeachment trial. A number of my Republican colleagues have reached out to me saying that impeachment is the wrong path, that it won’t bring reconciliation. And as I have said in other contexts, repentance is required before reconciliation. We need to hear and see some actions by President Trump or those folks in the other party who have long encouraged and supported him despite his unconventional and destructive behavior. We need to see them do an about face and recognize the harm that was done on Wednesday, and the actions that need to be taken to bring our country back together.

Q: Well, do you see any indication that is going to happen? You had eight members of the Senate who objected to Joe Biden’s electoral vote win, 138 members, Republicans in the House – a number, I believe that’s correct. Do you expect any of them to express regret, to apologize, to try to change direction on where they stand right now?

Sen. Coons: Judy, there were 13 senators originally prepared to challenge the certification. Roughly half of them changed their mind and changed their vote after they saw the tragedy of the storming of the Capitol. What I struggle with most is folks like leaders in the House, McCarthy and Scalise – folks in the Senate, Senators Hawley and Cruz who are seasoned lawyers, who both clerked for the Supreme Court – folks who I believe know better than to do this kind of thing. And I think all of them should be publicly speaking about how they have repented of this action and they regret and want to move past the violence and divisiveness that resulted. At the end of the day, most importantly, President Trump is responsible for this incident. He’s the one more than anyone else who inspired this mob to come to the Capitol, who urged them to go to the Capitol and to be rough, to be forceful, to be wild. And it has not calmed down. There are folks all over social media who are right now planning for future violent events. That is why President Trump was kicked off of Twitter and Facebook. 

Q: And that’s what I want to ask you about right now. The way things stand right now, do you believe that it’s assured that the situation, circumstances will be safe on the day your friend Joe Biden is inaugurated president? 

Sen. Coons: Judy, I hope and pray that it will be. I have confidence that with a unified command, with the National Guard deployed in significant numbers, with a perimeter pushed out further than it was last Wednesday, that it is possible we will have a safe and secure inauguration. But I think there is important work to be done: tamping down some of this division, tamping down some of the fires that have been lit by President Trump. It’s important that Republicans who have long supported him take action this week to ensure that the American people recognize the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s election as the next President of the United States

Q: I hear you’re calling on them to do that. Let’s see what happens. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, thank you very much.

Sen. Coons: Thank you, Judy. 

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Coons, Carper join letter demanding Trump administration immediately address vaccine distribution failures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Tom Carper (both D-Del.) joined Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and other Senate Democrats in a joint letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar demanding the Trump administration take immediate action to fix the significant failures of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution as coronavirus cases continue to climb. In the letter, the senators call out the administration’s failure to develop and implement a comprehensive national vaccine plan, despite having months to do so.

For months, Senate Democrats have been imploring the Trump administration to work and communicate with state and local governments, vaccine and PPE manufacturers, public health experts, and health care providers to develop a plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration. These groups have been pleading for clear guidance and financial resources.

Senate Democrats underscore that a plan must include guidance and best practices on taking the vaccine from distribution to administration, provide all necessary resources to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and other jurisdictions, account for the significant challenge jurisdictions face in scaling up their workforces, and act to ensure vaccine distribution efforts also combat health inequities.

The administration must also launch a massive public facing campaign to promote vaccine confidence and help people understand where, when and how to get vaccinated. In the coming weeks, the senators emphasize that the Trump administration must engage with states to proactively identify and address challenges to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are quickly and equitably distributed and administered across the country.

Alongside Coons and Carper, the letter was signed by senators in the region, including Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).

Full text of the letter below and PDF HERE.

ICYMI Sen. Coons’ op-ed in NYT: ‘The World Is Watching. We Need to Hold Trump Accountable.’

WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times following Wednesday’s riot in the U.S. Capitol building. In the op-ed, Senator Coons emphasizes the urgency of repairing and strengthening our democratic system – calling on President Trump to leave office and urging the president’s supporters in Congress to declare that Joe Biden is the duly elected president following a free and fair election.

New York Times: The World Is Watching. We Need to Hold Trump Accountable.

By Chris Coons

Jan. 6 was a dark day for American democracy. For only the second time in our republic’s history, our United States Capitol was ransacked, except this time it wasn’t by British troops. It was by a riotous mob of thugs, incited by our president, trying to stop the certification of the results of the presidential election.

As I sheltered with my Senate colleagues, my initial thoughts were of the safety of my staff, how to reach my family and how my colleagues were faring. Once we were able to get a television set up and see the dreadful images of the sacking of the Capitol, I was struck by what the rest of the world was seeing as well.

The full op-ed is available here. 

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We need folks who are willing to stand up and tell the truth in Congress’ about election, pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined CBS Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan in the wake of Wednesday’s riot in the U.S. Capitol Building.

“Many of my Republican colleagues are now calling for healing and for us to come together. I’ll tell you there can only be reconciliation with repentance,” said Senator Coons. “I think the single most important thing that Republicans in Congress who helped facilitate this widespread conspiracy theory that somehow the election was stolen, and the most important thing that President Trump can do in these remaining 10 days is to stop those lies and to persuade their followers and supporters that President-elect Biden is the duly elected President of the United States. That’s what Mike Pence certified on Wednesday night once we returned to the Capitol. That’s what Senators Blunt and Klobuchar certified. That’s an important next step if we are in fact going to have any healing.”

Senator Coons concluded, “we have two pandemics raging through this country right now. One of them is the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other is the pandemic of division and distrust. The way to deal with them is by telling people the truth, that vaccines work, that we need good role models in terms of masking and social distancing, and that this was a free and fair election where Joe Biden was elected. We need folks who are willing to stand up and tell the truth in Congress.”

Full audio and video available here. A transcript is provided below.

Q: We want go now to Delaware Democratic Senator Chris Coons who joins us from Wilmington. Good morning to you, Senator.

Sen. Coons: Good morning, Margaret.

Q: Is the Capitol safe? 

Sen. Coons: I pray and hope that it is. It is more urgent than ever that we flood the zone around the Capitol with federal resources to ensure the safe transfer of power to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris in 10 days when virtually the entire Congress will be assembled again and when these two next elected leaders of our nation will be inaugurated.

Q: You’re close to the President-elect who tweeted yesterday, “Our president is not above the law. Justice serves the people – it doesn’t protect the powerful.” What is that supposed to mean? Does he support potentially prosecuting President Trump? 

Sen. Coons: Well Margaret, President-elect Biden is focused on the enormous challenges that will face him when he becomes president 10 days from now. It is up to Congress, in the next 10 days, to work to ensure the safety and security of our country, to press successfully, hopefully, for President Trump to resign or for Vice President Pence to enact what he can do under the 25th Amendment. President Trump, by his actions over the last two months since the election, has lost the right to be president. By the actions this past Wednesday and his failure to take any responsibility or show any remorse for it, of significance, I think he doesn’t deserve to be president anymore.

Q: Well he won’t be in 10 days, regardless of what happens. Should he be prosecuted after he leaves office? You sit on Senate Judiciary. Do you think that would be appropriate?

Sen. Coons: I think there needs to be accountability for his actions. Whether that comes through the New York Attorney General or the U.S. Department of the Justice, we’ll have to leave for now. But many of my Republican colleagues are now calling for healing and for us to come together. I’ll tell you there can only be reconciliation with repentance. I think the single most important thing that Republicans in Congress who helped facilitate this widespread conspiracy theory that somehow the election was stolen, and the most important thing that President Trump can do in these remaining 10 days is to stop those lies and to persuade their followers and supporters that President-elect Biden is the duly elected President of the United States. That’s what Mike Pence certified on Wednesday night once we returned to the Capitol. That’s what Senators Blunt and Klobuchar certified. That’s an important next step if we are in fact going to have any healing. 

Q: You just heard Senator Blunt, who is in Republican leadership, decline to say if there be any sanction for the senators who stood on the floor – even after the siege – and continued to protest the certification of the election. Should there be consequences for them? 

Sen. Coons: I have called for them to resign. Margaret, what I will be looking for in the coming days and weeks is whether they take any accountability, whether they take any actions that will actually persuade some of their many voters and supporters and constituents that they know what they did was wrong. In the case of Missouri, Senator Blunt’s home state and Senator Hawley’s home state, the two major newspapers, former Senator Danforth – one of the major supporters of Senator Hawley – have all denounced him. The papers have called for him to resign, and I think that’s the sort of public indication that he has done something profoundly wrong here that should be followed by action from those in Congress who helped instigate this tragic event on Wednesday.

Q: Would you vote to convict the president if the House does impeach him?

Sen. Coons: Yes.

Q: And what would that, sir – because as you know the argument against it from Republicans is that it would be further divisive to the country and that it would derail President-elect Biden’s legislative agenda? 

Sen. Coons: Look, I understand the concerns that just as President Biden takes over responsibility for leading our nation through this tragic pandemic, that we might be distracted by weeks in the Senate by a Senate trial. That’s why I’ve called for President Trump to do the right thing finally and resign. Or for Vice President Pence to secure the next 10 days through the 25th Amendment. Margaret, we have two pandemics raging through this country right now. One of them is the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other is the pandemic of division and distrust. The way to deal with them is by telling people the truth, that vaccines work, that we need good role models in terms of masking and social distancing, and that this was a free and fair election where Joe Biden was elected. We need folks who are willing to stand up and tell the truth in Congress.

Q: Domestic terrorism is not technically a federal crime. The President-elect has called these attackers domestic terrorists. Should this be a federal crime?

Sen. Coons: Yes, and I’m encouraged that already 100 individuals have been arrested and charged with both state and federal offenses. Look, we narrowly avoided what could have been an even more tragic night. When I saw the images of folks rioting through the Senate chamber with zip ties and with weapons – a crowd chanting “Hang Mike Pence,” that is truly chilling. This wasn’t just a disruptive riot. This was an attempted coup – the most significant in the history of our republic because the purpose of these rioters was to interrupt the certification of the vote that Joe Biden is the next president. This was an alarming and tragic event.

Q: Senator, we’re glad you’re safe. We thank you for joining us today.

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Senate Law Enforcement Caucus issues statement on the passing of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, issued a joint statement following the passing of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick:

“We extend our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Officer Brian Sicknick of the United States Capitol Police who succumbed to injuries he suffered while protecting the Capitol of the United States and all of us who work there on Wednesday. Our prayers are with Officer Sicknick’s family and all the officers who bravely put their own lives and safety at risk to protect and defend the rule of law. They deserve our strong support.

“This is a tragic moment in our nation’s history. That our Capitol was overwhelmed by rioters and that Officer Sicknick ultimately died because of injuries he suffered in the line of duty, is unacceptable. We must seek accountability for those who participated in and incited this attack, investigate how this happened, and take steps to ensure it never happens again. This must be a priority.”

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Georgia: Voters sent a ‘clear message’ – they want Congress to focus on meeting their real needs

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined CNN’s New Day with Alisyn Camerota to discuss the impact of Georgia’s election results on the Senate and future COVID-19 relief.

“I think this is great news for the people of Georgia, for the United States, and for the incoming Biden and Harris administration. Obviously, these are not final, because the votes haven’t been tallied to the very last vote, but I think that Georgia has made history both in electing Reverend Warnock and – I think when these votes are finally tallied – in electing Jon Ossoff,” said Senator Coons. “I think that sends a clear message to the American people from the voters in Georgia that they want us to focus on meeting their real needs and not on chasing President Trump’s conspiracy theories, not on further divisiveness, but in finding ways to come together to protect their health care, to respond to the pandemic, and to build our economy back better, to be more inclusive and more vibrant.”

On Senate-confirmed positions in the Biden administration, Senator Coons said, “Well, it means that everyone that Joe Biden has picked to join his Cabinet is likely to have an easier time getting confirmed in the Senate. It means that the confirmation process can’t be slow walked or obstructed, and that he’ll be able to have the talented and capable and seasoned group that he’s already chosen serving early in his administration.”

On COVID-19 relief, Senator Coons added, “Mitch McConnell, if he is no longer the Majority Leader, won’t be able to block bills coming to the floor that would move forward things like the $2,000 stimulus check. I’ll remind you, in the last year, we had a bold stimulus relief package passed by the House nine months ago and it didn’t get to the floor in the Senate until a bipartisan group of senators finally crafted a solution that broke Mitch McConnell’s obstruction and moved us forward. We’re going to have similar challenges, because of the rules of the Senate, but I think the chances that we’ll be able to move forward on Joe Biden’s agenda, which is delivering real relief to the American people, just went way up.”

Full audio and video available here. A transcript is provided below.

Q: Joining us now is Democratic Senator, Chris Coons, a longtime Joe Biden friend and supporter. Senator, good morning. What do you – if you’re just waking up to these results – what are your thoughts? 

Sen. Coons: Good morning, Alisyn. I think it’s a good morning. I think this is great news for the people of Georgia, for the United States, and for the incoming Biden and Harris administration. Obviously, these are not final, because the votes haven’t been tallied to the very last vote, but I think that Georgia has made history both in electing Reverend Warnock and – I think when these votes are finally tallied – in electing Jon Ossoff. And I think that sends a clear message to the American people from the voters in Georgia that they want us to focus on meeting their real needs and not on chasing President Trump’s conspiracy theories, not on further divisiveness, but in finding ways to come together to protect their health care, to respond to the pandemic, and to build our economy back better, to be more inclusive and more vibrant.

Q: Let’s talk about exactly what this means for President-elect Joe Biden. Does this – if Jon Ossoff holds on to his lead – does this make President-elect Biden’s pick for attorney general easier?

Sen. Coons: Well, it means that everyone that Joe Biden has picked to join his Cabinet is likely to have an easier time getting confirmed in the Senate. It means that the confirmation process can’t be slow walked or obstructed, and that he’ll be able to have the talented and capable and seasoned group that he’s already chosen serving early in his administration. Given the ways in which the delays over the last two months since the election have hampered the transition, I think this is good news for the administration. I think it also gives him broader options for who to choose for attorney general. My hope is that he’ll choose my colleague from Alabama, but he’s got a number of very capable, seasoned folks who have experience in the Justice Department and in law enforcement and in the judiciary in front of him as potential choices.

Q: Here are the names that have been floated: Federal judge Merrick Garland. We know what happened with him with the Supreme Court. Your colleague, whom you just referred to, former Alabama senator, Doug Jones. And then, the – I guess wild card – former acting attorney general, Sally Yates. Do you think that he is inclined towards Sally Yates and this will make that pick easier?

Sen. Coons: Look, I think the President-elect has very carefully weighed and considered different options for his Cabinet broadly and for attorney general in particular, because of the urgency of restoring a sense of professionalism and independence to the Department of Justice. The attorney general will play a key role in that. We also have unresolved challenges around policing and racial justice in our country, and the attorney general will play a critical role in that, so I respect the process that the President-elect has been following. Remember, as a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Vice President, he has deep and broad experience in this, and I’m confident he’ll make the right choice. 

Q: How about some of his more controversial picks, such as Neera Tanden for OMB? Does this morning that become more of a reality?

Sen. Coons: That becomes much more of a reality. If there are 50 Democratic votes in the Senate and a tiebreaking vote from the Vice President-elect, that means we can confirm Joe Biden’s Cabinet. Because of the rules changes in recent years, it just takes a simple majority to confirm a member of the Cabinet. I do think that we will continue in the direction that Joe Biden has already laid out, which is bringing our country together, working across the aisle, but focusing on his agenda, which is delivering a competent response to this pandemic, restoring our economy, addressing things like climate change and racial inequality, and moving our country forward.

Q: On Monday, President-elect Joe Biden went to campaign in Georgia and he said to the crowd, the power is in your hands. It’s you, Georgia voters. You have all of the power, and you make the difference between those $2,000 stimulus checks getting to people and them being squashed. And so, if this looks – if this goes in the direction it looks like it is this morning, should we expect $2,000 relief checks in January going to Americans?

Sen. Coons: Alisyn, we should expect, first, that Mitch McConnell, if he is no longer the Majority Leader, won’t be able to block bills coming to the floor that would move forward things like the $2,000 stimulus check. I’ll remind you, in the last year, we had a bold stimulus relief package passed by the House nine months ago and it didn’t get to the floor in the Senate until a bipartisan group of senators finally crafted a solution that broke Mitch McConnell’s obstruction and moved us forward. We’re going to have similar challenges, because of the rules of the Senate, but I think the chances that we’ll be able to move forward on Joe Biden’s agenda, which is delivering real relief to the American people, just went way up. I also have to say, someone I’ve known for decades and long admired, Stacey Abrams, former House Minority Leader in Georgia, played an absolutely essential role in organizing statewide grassroots efforts that made last night’s victory possible. She and two very strong candidates running for the Senate as Democrats deserve a huge amount of the credit for making last night’s win possible.

Q: What was bigger? What Stacey Abrams did in turning out the vote or the Trump rigged rhetoric that kept people away from the polls?

Sen. Coons: Well, I do think there’s a lesson here for Republicans that simply lashing yourself to the mast of Trumpism and ignoring the concerns and the issues that working people from your state are trying to raise with you is not a winning strategy. Donald Trump continued to campaign both for the two Republican candidates and against the Republican leadership of the state of Georgia, attacking relentlessly the governor and secretary of state. And I think following that famous hour-long rambling and, frankly, completely and wildly inappropriate call that President Trump had with the Republican secretary of state of Georgia, where he was trying to persuade him or beg him or threaten him into finding 11,000 votes is a reminder that President Trump’s unconventional and divisive style of leadership did not produce the results Republicans might have hoped for in Georgia.

Q: Senator Chris Coons, thank you for your time. We really appreciate talking to you this morning. 

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