Sen. Coons opposes sale of new, advanced military equipment to UAE

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after his votes to support two Senate resolutions disapproving of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Today, after much deliberation, I voted to support resolutions disapproving of the sales of F-35 fighter jets and armed drones to the United Arab Emirates.  Congress must preserve its role in reviewing arms sales.  In this case, there has not been a thorough review process and the Trump Administration has not provided adequate consultations and answers to Senators’ questions.  In a recent classified briefing, the Administration failed to address a number of my concerns.  In particular, I am concerned about the UAE’s ability to safeguard sensitive American technology and their role in the conflicts in Libya and Yemen. 

“I am grateful for the UAE’s bold leadership in normalizing relations with Israel, avoiding annexation of the West Bank, and paving the way for a broader and more stable peace in the region.  I also appreciate the Emirati military’s role in standing up to Iran’s malign activities and their deployments alongside U.S. service members in Afghanistan and against terrorist groups around the region.  Even so, in the absence of a thorough review process and without assurances that the use of these weapons will be consistent with U.S. interests and values, I cannot support the sales at this time.” 

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[AUDIO] Sen. Coons breaks down stimulus negotiations on WDEL

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Peter MacArthur on WDEL to discuss bipartisan COVID relief negotiations and what they could mean for Delawareans.

Senator Coons said, “I’m in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It’s $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccine. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment on getting us through the next couple of months.”

“What matters to me is the calls I get from Delawareans every single day – folks who were calling in, crying on the phone, saying ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I’ve lost my car,’ ‘I may lose my apartment or my house,’ ‘how do I care for my kids?’ I don’t see how we go home for the holidays particularly as the virus is getting – we are at the worst point of this pandemic, more than 40,000 Delawareans infected, more than 800 who passed away,” Senator Coons said.

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

Q: Let’s check in with U.S. Senator Chris Coons to talk about where things stand now, Senator, and where you see them going from here.

Sen. Coons: Good morning, Peter. It’s great to be with you. I’m in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It’s $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccines. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment on getting us through the next couple of months. But these negotiations are hard. There are some points on which my Republican colleagues are not so far agreeing to bend.

Q: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is not so much in favor of the money you’re talking about for local and state governments. What seems to be the hold up there?

Sen. Coons: Well, I was texting back and forth with Governor Carney last night. Many in the Republican majority are concerned that state governments have already received money, and they don’t see the additional need. I hear from both our governor and from other state leaders, and from senators who are former governors themselves, that there are many states that have had COVID expenses that have exceeded what they’ve received federally, and where they may have made it through this year, but the revenue losses they’re seeing as a state really makes them worried about next year – about their ability to continue to employ teachers and paramedics and public health officials. So it’s a disagreement over whether or not states need another round of relief.

Q: Clarify for me the $300 that you mentioned – is that a tack on for people who’ve run out? Is it in addition to people who were currently receiving unemployment? How does it work exactly?

Sen. Coons: Yes – two things. The CARES Act, which we passed now nine months ago, provided a federal $600 a week on top of state unemployment assistance, and it provided unemployment assistance for groups of folks who don’t otherwise get state unemployment – so-called gig workers – people who might have several different part time jobs. It extends both, and it extends them into early next year.

Q: I expect that you’re doing a ton of work behind the scenes above and beyond what a lot of people might realize. Obviously, you were very much in the mix for Secretary of State, and the understanding is the President-elect told you, ‘I need you in the Senate,’ and Politico this week, Senator, I’m sure you’ve seen the article, labeled you as possibly the most critical individual Democrat on Capitol Hill in terms of, I believe, reaching across the aisle to work with Republicans. Does that perception add to the pressures of the obligations you feel as you work through this economic recovery package? 

Sen. Coons: Peter, it does – you know, that was a very kind article, but it misses the point that there are many other Democrats who are good friends to the President-elect and who are also working hard alongside me. Obviously, Senator Carper is also someone who has a lot of experience, a lot of relationships, and works well across the aisle. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is very close to the President-elect, is also helping out. There’s a lot of folks here who are pitching in to try and solve this. We’ve had an impasse on whether or not there will be another round of state and local aid for more than nine months, so trying to solve it in one week is a steep challenge. But we have been trading back and forth draft ideas. I’m currently negotiating with Senator Graham of South Carolina, and he’s someone who’s an experienced lawyer. He understands the Republican position; I understand the Democratic position. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is doing a lot of the hard work, and we’re also doing a lot of talking with Mike Crapo of Idaho. Anyway, it’s a group of senators. We’re trying to hammer out a compromise. What matters to me is the calls I get from Delawareans every single day – folks who were calling in, crying on the phone, saying ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I’ve lost my car,’ ‘I may now lose my apartment or my house,’ ‘how do I care for my kids?’ I don’t see how we go home for the holidays particularly as the virus is getting – we are at the worst point of this pandemic, more than 40,000 Delawareans infected, more than 800 who have passed away. I think Governor Carney has done a strong job of managing this in our state, but nationally this is a public health crisis. There is hope on the horizon because of three very promising vaccines, but we’ve got a tough couple of months from here to when those are widely publicly available. 

Q: Finally, Senator, does the transition period play into the difficulties in reaching a settlement here, or do you think that might be overstated? 

Sen. Coons: I think that may be overstated. Look, it’s been very hard to work positively in a Senate where every Democrat recognizes Joe Biden as the President-elect and Kamala Harris as the Vice President-elect, and very few Republicans recognize that. A number of them privately called me to say, you know, ‘please compliment the President-elect on his win, I look forward to working with him,’ but they haven’t publicly acknowledged he’s going to be the President-elect. Once we get past the electoral college, all of them recognize that it’ll be time to move forward. The Supreme Court very brusquely dismissed the last significant legal effort by President Trump’s lawyers. I think there’s no question that Joe Biden is the next President of the United States, and there’s a lot of interest and engagement around who’s being nominated for what position. I’m enjoying working with the transition team and look forward to supporting the nominees that the President-elect is putting forward.

Q: Well, Senator, as new developments come up with the relief package, you have an open door here to come on and let us know what those are and let Delawareans know where things stand.

Sen. Coons: Thank you, Peter. Great to be on with you.

Q: Alright, take good care. 

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Sens. Braun, Coons introduce bipartisan climate legislation to support global Trillion Trees initiative & combat deforestation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, introduced legislation to support U.S. leadership in reducing carbon in the atmosphere by restoring and conserving forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-Maine) cosponsored the bill.

“As a lifelong conservationist, I believe that Trillion Trees is a common sense proposal to help improve our land, water, soil, and air, without imposing onerous Washington regulations,” said Senator Braun. “I am proud to come together with my colleagues on this bipartisan solution to help advance a key objective that President Trump called for in his State of the Union Address.”

“The wildfires and severe storms we’ve experienced this year are a devastating reminder of how climate change is impacting our lands – and a clear signal that we need to act now to protect them for future generations,” said Senator Coons. “Removing carbon from the atmosphere is one of the many critical steps we should take to mitigate climate risks. I’m glad to work with this bipartisan group of senators to invest in a solution that will benefit the health of people and ecosystems around the world.”

“I have long held the position that we can protect our environment without harming our economy, and this legislation is one example of the type of action we can take to reduce emissions and protect our natural resources while creating new economic opportunities,” said Senator Young.

“We just lived through the hottest November on record; every year that carbon levels increase, temperatures increase and it gets harder to stabilize our planet’s climate future,” said Senator King. “Without action, climate change’s effects on our planet will grow more and more dangerous, fueling extreme weather events and endangering lives across the globe. Today’s bipartisan proposal recognizes the immense value of our working forests in this climate fight, and is a commonsense step in the right direction, calling for our nation to lead in efforts to preserve ecosystems that remove carbon from the atmosphere. We can’t delay any longer; we need to start working now, on a bipartisan basis, to address this crisis and protect our environment for future generations.”

In advance of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021 to 2030, the World Economic Forum launched the global One Trillion Trees initiative, 1t.org. The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act would allow the United States to take a leadership role in supporting this effort to store carbon, promote biodiversity, and end deforestation at home and abroad.

“Meeting the challenge of climate change demands a range of solutions. This bill signals the U.S. is ready to lead in marshaling a key part of the solution set — the substantial power of natural and working lands, especially forests, to increase carbon sequestration. We’re pleased to see this important first step.” – Lynn Scarlett, Chief External Affairs Officer, The Nature Conservancy

“Any serious proposal to act on climate must include natural solutions — healthy forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems — that sequester carbon and bolster resilience through ecologically appropriate reforestation and restoration. We’re proud to work with our good friends Senators Chris Coons, Mike Braun, Todd Young, and Angus King on this forward-thinking, bipartisan effort to help address climate change by tapping natural ecosystems and their ability to store carbon and make communities safer.” – Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation

“Sens. Braun (R-IN) and Coons’ (D-DE) Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act would provide important innovative policies that advance conservation and ecological restoration while bolstering rural economies. The bill establishes science-based objectives for increasing the net carbon stock across U.S. forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.  This legislation is a great bipartisan step in conserving and restoring our nation’s forest and will help expand our natural carbon markets.” – Michele Stockwell, Executive Director, BPC Action

“Natural solutions are a crucial part of effective climate policy. The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act will expand the carbon sequestration capacity of America’s forests and grow the use of embodied carbon building materials. The American Conservation Coalition thanks Senators Braun, Coons, Young, and King for their strong leadership on this important bill.” – Quill Robinson, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Conservation Coalition

“The American Forest Foundation applauds Senator Braun and Senator Coons for legislative efforts to unlock the carbon potential on private forestland.  Family forest holdings make up 36% of all U.S forests. Providing resources to enable family forest landowners to enter carbon markets will allow them to both improve their forests and sequester carbon at scale.” – Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation

“While our forests provide a habitat for the birds we love, they do so much more for the survival of our planet. Trees, as well as other existing natural resources, provide some of the first lines of defense against pollution that contributes to climate change. By investing in our forests, we’re also investing in our future.” – Michael Obeiter, senior director of federal climate strategy at the National Audubon Society

“It’s critical for the U.S. to take a global leadership role in promoting sound land-use management and to encourage other donor nations to follow. Trillion Trees provides the basis for a foundational structure for extraordinary progress in the developing world in terms of trees for water, people, agriculture, industry, biodiversity, and demonstrable carbon offsets – all of which will improve lives and livelihoods around the world.” – David H. Barron, Chairman, The ICCF Group

“We thank Senator Braun for his leadership, together with Senators Coons, Young, and King in recognizing the role of forests and forest products as a natural climate solution. As a private forest owner himself, Senator Braun’s first-hand experience and leadership is vital to ensuring that policy supports healthy markets, working forests and forests products – as three vital and interconnected parts to climate mitigation, forest health and resilience.  We look forward to working with the Senators to advance this important objective.” – Dave Tenny, President & CEO of the National Alliance of Forest Owners

“On the heels of a record-breaking fire season at home and abroad—and due to unrelenting deforestation around the world—the plight of our forests has never been more dire. Conserving and restoring natural habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands are critical to addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and nature loss and to ensuring forest-dependent communities and Indigenous peoples thrive. The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act provides a path for us to come together in a bipartisan manner to tackle these challenges. As the enormity of the climate crisis grows each day, it is imperative that we take a holistic view in our response and that the United States displays leadership on cutting carbon emissions at every level. Safeguarding our valuable lands and forests is an important part of the solution. As a new administration and Congress gear up to tackle a variety of environmental issues, acting on climate and protecting forests and nature are obvious priorities and opportunities.” – Kerry Cesareo, Senior Vice President, Forests, World Wildlife Fund

“Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) applauds the bipartisan efforts of Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN) and Angus King (I-ME) for introducing the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Solutions Act, legislation that supports sound forest management practices to reduce carbon in our atmosphere for generations to come. Reforestation and conservation are central to a clean environment and economic growth. So, too, are incentives that help landowners practice sustainable forestry and reduce and sequester carbon emissions. By encouraging international cooperation to conserve our global resources, the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Solutions Act asserts U.S. leadership in the fight to improve air quality and protect our forests and coastal habitats worldwide. CRES commends Sens. Braun, Coons and Young for championing this legislation in the Senate and for their work to bring forth commonsense solutions that will encourage a cleaner future for our nation and the world.” – CRES Executive Director Heather Reams

“The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) applauds the efforts of Senators Mike Braun, Chris Coons, Todd Young, and Angus King on the introduction of the Trillion Trees And Natural Carbon Storage Act. This bill recognizes forests and forest carbon markets for what they are: sustainable solutions to climate change. Trees built America. They clean our water and air. They provide us with spaces to recreate and homes for millions of wildlife species to thrive. They also have the capacity to sequester tremendous volumes of carbon. Most (nearly two-thirds) of America’s forests are privately owned. These private landowners need economic incentives to retain ownership of their forestland, as well as professional expertise to effectively manage their forests. This bill would create a federal loan guarantee program, providing the requisite access to established environmental marketplaces where forestland owners can sell the carbon credits they produce. As public land managers and the primary deliverers of assistance to private forestland owners, state forestry agencies need every tool available to actively manage public forests and address boundary-less forest threats like wildfire, pests, and disease. Forest carbon markets are one of these essential tools and should be included in any and all climate change solutions proposed by Congress. NASF looks forward to continuing its work with Senator Braun and other congressional leaders to develop bipartisan climate change solutions that enhance public benefits from all forests.” – NASF President and Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox

“Fighting climate change requires a powerful tool: nature itself. This scientifically robust bill puts the U.S. on a path to unlock the potential of nature-based climate solutions. The window of opportunity for bipartisan climate action opens wider every day. The time to act is now, and EDF congratulates Sens. Braun and Coons on their efforts to work collaboratively and effectively.” — Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund

“Natural climate solutions are at least 30 percent of global action needed to avoid the worst climate scenarios that science reveals now stand before us. We applaud Senators Coons, Braun, Young and King on the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act. Their collaboration demonstrates why natural climate solutions and carbon markets have bipartisan appeal: they provide local economic benefits and climate benefits at the same time.” — James Roth, SVP Global Policy and Government Affairs, Conservation International 

The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act: 

• Creates the International Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to encourage and accept donations in support of international reforestation, restoration, and deforestation prevention efforts. 
• Authorizes $10 million for USDA Forest Nursery Revival programs to ensure that the supply of seeds and saplings allows for increased domestic planting.
• Engages America’s allies in conservation by authorizing the Secretary of State and USAID to increase their forest management cooperation efforts with other nations in order to better promote reforestation and sustainable land use management abroad.
• Amends existing international conservation programs to explicitly include carbon sequestration and forest management among the list of approved technical assistance categories.
• Makes it easier for private landowners to participate in carbon credit markets by authorizing USDA to provide loan guarantees for related projects.
• Requires that USDA establish objectives for increasing the net carbon stock of American forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal blue carbon habitats.

This legislation is supported by The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife Fund, National Audubon Society, Bipartisan Policy Center, American Forest Foundation, American Conservation Coalition, National Association of State Foresters, Conservation International, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.

The bill text is available here, and a summary of the bill is here.

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We have a chance to work together in a bipartisan way… [and] deliver the relief Americans need’

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss the bipartisan framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief package and the immediate need for Congress to work together to pass relief for the American people.

On another round of relief checks, Sen. Coons said, “What I’m hearing from Delawareans up and down this state is that many cannot pay their rent or mortgage, many have lost their jobs or are afraid that they’re not going to be able to make it through the rest of this winter, and I think another round of relief checks would help make sure that our economy doesn’t dip even deeper into a recession in the months that come between now and when we have the vaccine.”

On whether the Senate can pass a relief bill before the holidays, Sen. Coons said, “Bluntly, I don’t understand how any of us can go home for the holidays and look our constituents in the face or the mask because so many are suffering. This is part of why we have a federal government, is to deal with disasters.”

On the federal response to COVID-19, Sen. Coons said, “And in this particular case, a disjointed federal response, different standards, different direction and frankly the way in which our current president, Donald Trump, has failed to give us a positive and consistent message about the public health crisis we’re in has made this worse.”

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

Q: Joining us now, one of the senators working on a bipartisan deal, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Coons, Chris, what’s standing in the way of relief checks? 

Sen. Coons: Well, Mika, we’ve had a more than six-month impasse from when the House passed a broad solid relief package for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and recession to now. And you just mentioned the key critical issues: whether or not there should be another round of stimulus checks to families and individuals, whether there should be more support for state and local governments, and whether there should be some liability relief for employers and business owners. A group of us met last night for several hours to try and hammer out the liability relief so that we can help reopen the economy, help businesses operate safely, and yet, also ensure that those who’ve been harmed through reckless behavior get some help and some relief themselves. 

Q: So what would be the argument against another round of relief checks? 

Sen. Coons: Well, I support it. I think many in the Congress have supported it, but frankly, most of the Republican caucus in the Senate has opposed it. The 908 coalition, which is the group of senators that’s put together this next proposal, really was trying to stay below a trillion dollars simply because there’s been pressure from the Republican majority here for months to not do another really large relief package. What I’m hearing from Delawareans up and down this state is that many cannot pay their rent or mortgage, many have lost their jobs or are afraid that they’re not going to be able to make it through the rest of this winter, and I think another round of relief checks would help make sure that our economy doesn’t dip even deeper into a recession in the months that come between now and when we have the vaccine. 

Q: So Senator Coons, you understand the politics of the Senate very well. Mitch McConnell has been more optimistic about this $908 billion proposal than he has about anything else in the last six months. Do you see something getting done by the end of the year and is it even conceivable to you for you all to go on recess without taking care of the people of Delaware, the people of America, who may lose their jobs and their livelihoods if you don’t?

Sen. Coons: That’s why I think we have to work even harder and get to the table with some fresh thinking and some new ideas. Because bluntly, I don’t understand how any of us can go home for the holidays and look our constituents in the face or the mask because so many are suffering. This is part of why we have a federal government, is to deal with disasters. And in this particular case, a disjointed federal response, different standards, different direction, and frankly the way in which our current president, Donald Trump, has failed to give us a positive and consistent message about the public health crisis we’re in has made this worse. We have a chance to work together in a bipartisan way as we did months ago in passing the CARES Act and deliver the relief the American people need.

Q: So is a perception from the outside true, is it real that Mitch McConnell and some Republicans are actually receptive to this, they may agree to some version of this bill that you all have put forward? 

Sen. Coons: They may agree to some version. But those two sticking points: he doesn’t want to provide any more relief to state and local governments and he is demanding broad, long-standing changes to the law in how people who get hurt are able to be compensated. We wanted a lot more support for the teachers and paramedics and nurses who work for state and local government, and he wants a very broad change to the law in terms of how people who get harmed through the recklessness of others can recover. That’s a conversation we’re trying to close. This is the art of legislating and we need folks to bring their best ideas to the table. But I remain optimistic. One of the things Joe Biden and I share – and it’s partly rooted in our state  – is an optimism about our ability to solve problems even in the most divided and partisan time.

Q: So it’s December 8^th. You don’t have a lot of time ahead of you to get this massive deal done. Is there a chance that you all go home and face your voters without passing something? 

Sen. Coons: Yes, there is a real chance of that. This impasse has lasted for months and months and months. Many in my caucus have found it incredible that we’ve had deals on the table over and over in recent months, and we haven’t been able to close the deal. The American people, anyone who is watching, needs to call their senator’s office and say deliver another round of relief. It’s what will help this country get through this winter. This pandemic has infected nearly 15 million people, taken nearly 280,000 American lives. If we’re going to slow the destruction of this pandemic, we need to provide more support for state and local governments, for hospitals, for schools, for the distribution of the vaccine, and for relief for individuals, families, and small businesses that need help reopening. 

Q: Alright. Before you go, I’m just curious in your Republican counterparts and these meetings and discussions – do they recognize Joe Biden as the President-elect? 

Sen. Coons: Well, look, I have had a number of private conversations with senators who want me to convey their congratulations to the President-elect, but are not yet willing to say so publicly. It’s my job to keep working with them, but I will tell you it is a striking moment we’re in that President Trump still has the Republican party by the neck and is insisting that they ignore reality, which is that there is no chance that Joe Biden will not be sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th. The certifications in states, the lawsuits that have failed, it is clear that Trump is out of time. As Garry Kasparov would say, “check and mate.” 

Q: Well, we can ask him. Alright. Senator Chris Coons, thank you very much. 

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Four years ago today, bipartisan senators pay tribute to then-VP Joe Biden, reflect on work together

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) shared speeches from Dec. 7, 2016, when senators from both sides of the aisle gathered to pay tribute to then-Vice President Joe Biden following a vote to approve the 21st Century Cures Act, which also included funding for Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. 

To view the video compilation on Sen. Coons’ Twitter account, please click here.

“Four years ago, Republicans and Democrats came together to reflect on Joe Biden as a friend, a trusted colleague, and a legislative partner,” said Senator Coons. “These speeches are a testament to Joe’s warmth, his heart, and the respect he’s earned from Republicans and Democrats alike. I hope this same spirit will guide us as we work together to face the challenges ahead.”

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Coons, Carper announce Amtrak’s third track in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper and (both D-Del.) joined Amtrak and SEPTA representatives to announce a recently completed $71.2 million project to increase capacity between Wilmington and Newark along the Northeast Corridor.

This joint project with the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Transit Corporation, or DTC, includes installation of 1.5 miles of a new, electrified main line third track between Ragan and Yard interlockings, a bridge replacement, and eliminates a previous two-track bottleneck. The change brings improved safety, on-time performance, and a reduction in delays.

“This project is nearly 20 years in the making, and I am thrilled that we are finally going to reap the benefits of improved, more reliable rail service along the Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee and a frequent Amtrak rider. “We must continue to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure in a way that promotes multi-modal transportation and takes cars off the road, for the sake of safety, congestion, and our environment. This project is a great example of a good public investment that benefits passengers, drivers, the air we breathe and promotes improvements to rail service in the future.”

“This year started as one of the best for Amtrak, and while ridership is down, the completion of this project and removal of a significant bottleneck will mean more commuter and intercity trains can use the Northeast Corridor and increase the potential volume of rail service through Delaware,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Our transportation system and passenger rail network desperately need additional investment and a focus on building the infrastructure we deserve. This project is an example of how we can make much-needed infrastructure upgrades, and I am grateful for the investments Amtrak has made in Delaware along with the federal government and state to make this project possible.”

“As a regular Amtrak rider myself, I know the importance of a reliable and consistent Northeast corridor. Delawareans have come to rely on Amtrak and SEPTA as a primary transportation option, whether for work or for leisure, and this project to help reduce delays and improve on-time performance will help continue to bolster rail travel in the First State,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I want to commend all of the hard work done by DelDOT and the Delaware Transit Corporation to make this project possible.”

“The completion of this project marks an important rail capacity expansion milestone on the Northeast Corridor, resolving bottlenecks which previously constrained SEPTA and Amtrak from operating service at maximum capacity,” said Bill Flynn, CEO of Amtrak. “As we anticipate the return of pre-COVID-19 ridership growth, it is vital that we have the proper infrastructure in place to support a higher capacity railroad.”

The project was developed as a shared benefit investment as part of a 2011 agreement between DTC and Amtrak. It was funded using Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration grants issued to DTC along with Amtrak funds. 

In addition to the successful completion of this critical project, Amtrak continues to invest in its infrastructure and this year has installed over 69,000 new railroad ties, over 30 miles of new continuous welded rail and completed over 220 track miles of track surfacing on its owned and maintained lines in the Northeast Corridor and Michigan, aimed at ensuring a smoother and safe ride for customers.

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Bipartisan group aims to launch new generation of Main Street entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) introduced the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act to spur new business and job creation in underserved communities by starting a competitive fellowship for entrepreneurs. With a five-year investment of $368 million, the bill will identify talented entrepreneurs through a national competition and directly support the creation of more than 320 new businesses each year.

During this crisis, small businesses are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, with hundreds of thousands of businesses permanently closed. Even before the public health crisis, entrepreneurs faced substantial barriers to entry. The majority of would-be entrepreneurs have limited access to capital; and this problem is worse for minorities – who are twice as likely to be denied loans, more likely to receive lower loan amounts when they do receive loans, and pay higher interest rates than their white peers. These barriers to entry are also stark in low-income areas, where there are proportionally fewer self-employed workers and small businesses.

“Creating opportunities for business growth in a post-COVID-19 economy will be necessary to regain the 10 million jobs still missing due to the pandemic,” Senator Coons said. “New businesses account for nearly a third of total job creation each year. We must ensure that entrepreneurs can act on their innovative ideas in the places that need them the most. We need a range of bold new approaches to rebuild Main Street America in distressed communities, and the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps should be part of this effort.”

“As a former business owner and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges that come with starting a business,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and it’s important that we continue to spur economic development. I created my Opportunity Agenda to help create hope in underserved communities, and the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act is a great avenue to help encourage small business creation in those communities. I look forward to my Senate colleagues supporting this legislation.”

“As our country works to rebuild from the pandemic, we need to make sure we are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. These men and women have the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and grit to make sure we are rebuilding and revitalizing our communities during this critical time,” said Representative Crow. “I’m proud to join with Senators Coons and Scott as well as my colleague Representative Balderson to support these entrepreneurs and make sure we continue to foster growth in our hardest hit communities.”

“It’s critical now more than ever our country identifies and uplifts the next generation of entrepreneurs—including those in my home state of Ohio,” said Representative Balderson. “The skills and talent these individuals bring to the table will help fuel America’s economic recovery. We just need to ensure they have the right resources at their disposal.”

The United States has national fellowships to attract the next generation of talent to public schools, international development work, and public service. Now, with nearly 75% of small businesses experiencing a negative impact from COVID-19, the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act seeks to invest in a new wave of talent to rebuild Main Street.

The Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act will:

• Create a competitive fellowship program. A selection committee of 12 industry experts will review applications and select 320 entrepreneur fellows annually, from diverse backgrounds, to start both traditional and high growth-potential businesses in distressed, low-income census tract areas. The program will also set forth a framework to expand the number of fellows selected annually for greater impact.
• Provide healthcare, living expenses, and student loan support. Fellows will receive a $120,000 two-year stipend for living and basic startup expenses, health care, and interest-free federal student loan deferral for two years.
• Provide mentorship and networking opportunities. Fellows will receiveimmersive training, be matched with a local business mentor, and access support from an advisory board of CEOs and venture capitalists.
• Partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Small Business Development program. This SBA program currently helps socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to government contracting. Through this program, fellows will be provided a fast track to apply for 8(a) certification, and fellows with 8(a) eligible businesses will be matched with mentors via the 8(a) Mentor Protégé program.
• Provide access to capital. Fellows will connect with investors and SBA-backed lenders and receive fast-track access to credit. A $30 million fund will encourage equity investment in corps members’ businesses.
• Be available to transitioning business owners, new entrepreneurs, and previous business owners who have lost their business due to the public health crisis, but currently lack the resources or capital to start another venture. 

A full summary of the bill is available here.

This legislation is supported by the Center for American Entrepreneurship, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber, the SCORE Foundation, Prosperity Now, Young Invincibles, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Small Business for America’s Future, the Small Business Majority, BUILD.org, NextGen Chamber of Commerce, Engine, and the Economic Innovation Group.

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Senate ALS Caucus applauds passage of legislation to eliminate SSDI 5-month wait period for ALS patients

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus, today applauded Senate passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019, introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)—both founding members of the Senate ALS Caucus.  This landmark legislation represents a long overdue win for the ALS community.

The bill removes barriers for ALS patients seeking access to the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned. Specifically, the bill eliminates a mandatory five-month waiting period for patients with medically-determined ALS.  While the statutory purpose of the waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and many ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits.  The bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis.

Passing the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act has been a priority for the Senate ALS Caucus since its founding in January 2020.  

“Today, we celebrate a bipartisan win for the ALS community. The Senate voted in favor of timely financial support for those facing a recent ALS diagnosis,” said Senator Coons. “Speedy access to support programs like SSDI after a diagnosis is essential – and one of the priorities we set when we launched our bipartisan caucus earlier this year. We must continue to build on this progress to make life easier for ALS patients and their loved ones.”

“Today’s win is about the patients and their families,” said Senator Mike Braun, “The financial burden of ALS is staggering and time is of the essence for those diagnosed with ALS.  The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is a step in the right direction toward providing timely access to SSDI benefits to ALS patients.”

“Allowing Americans who face this difficult diagnosis to immediately receive the benefits they have earned is a simple act of humanity that will make life easier for ALS patients and their families,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I hope the House will act quickly so we can finally eliminate this bureaucratic obstacle.”

“Americans suffering from ALS shouldn’t have to wait for assistance, especially given their tragically short life expectancy—and now they won’t have to. By waiving the statutory disability benefits waiting period, our bill makes support available to those suffering from this terrible disease much faster. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting this important legislation, and I strongly urge the House to do the same,” said Senator Cotton.

“ALS is a cruel disease that progresses fast, currently without a cure.  Help can’t come soon enough once someone is diagnosed and this bill recognizes that.  It takes courage to be a true champion for patients and we are grateful to Senators Braun, Coons, Whitehouse and Cotton for driving this legislation forward,” I AM ALS CEO Danielle Carnival said. “To the thousands of advocates who drove this bill forward, you are our hope.  You are changing history one step at a time.  This passage in the Senate is in celebration of your efforts.”

“The ALS Association and ALS community urges the House to immediately pass the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, which just passed the Senate,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “The legislation would make SSDI benefits accessible to people with ALS right away. Our community has worked tirelessly with congressional champions over the years laying the groundwork for this bill, educating lawmakers and the public about the rapid progression of ALS and the long delays in diagnosis. Over the course of a five-month waiting period, many people living with ALS will experience serious loss of ability and will have incurred significant expenses for care and treatment. They urgently need support.”

The Senate ALS Caucus is working to uphold its mission to advance policies that improve the quality of life patients with ALS, and S. 578 passing is an encouraging victory toward that mission. Passage of S. 578 follows Senate passage of S. Res. 588 earlier this year, which aimed to raise awareness of ALS by designating May 2020 as “ALS Awareness Month.”

ABOUT ALS:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe.  There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, and—currently—no cure.

ABOUT THE SENATE ALS CAUCUS:

The Senate ALS Caucus founded in January 2020 by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). The Caucus brings together senators from both sides of the aisle who share a commitment to working collaboratively to advocate on behalf of ALS patients and their families to: raise awareness about the difficulties faced by ALS patients and their families; advance policies that improve the quality of life for ALS patients; expand the network of support for those suffering from ALS; and advocate for investments in research that will enhance our understanding of the causes of ALS, identify effective treatments, and eventually discover a cure.

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Sens. Coons, Young, Reps. Norcross, McKinley bill to expand registered apprenticeships in high-growth job sectors passes House

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and David McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) celebrated the House passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. The bill, which includes their bipartisan and bicameral Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, will invest more than $3.5 billion to create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years.

“I am proud that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, a bill to expand organizations like Delaware Pathways that help employers design, develop, and deliver Registered Apprenticeship Programs,” said Senator Coons. “As the economic disruption of COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work, it is more important than ever for the government to invest in quality job training programs, like Registered Apprenticeships, and create more opportunities for America’s displaced workers and youth. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act immediately.”

“As a member of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have witnessed the benefits of apprenticeships and the opportunities they provide. Now that a global pandemic has left countless Americans without work, it is more important than ever that we invest in career-supporting apprenticeship programs. I’m pleased that our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act is one step closer to becoming law,” said Senator Young.  

“A Registered Apprenticeship shaped my life – laying the foundation for me to go from the construction site to Congress,” said Congressman Norcross. “I am pleased that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, which will provide students and workers across the country access to apprenticeship opportunities by expanding and strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Expanding access to Registered Apprenticeships – our country’s most successful workforce training program – will allow workers to earn while they learn and accelerate our economic recovery. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act and support American workers and their futures.”

“Investing in job training programs and apprenticeships is crucial, especially when COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work. By increasing access to apprenticeships, we will close the skilled workers gap, create good-paying jobs in our communities, and help aid in our economic recovery,” said Congressman McKinley.

The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is endorsed by American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), Jobs for the Future (JFF), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Skills Coalition (NSC), National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues (TWTF), North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), and Third Way.

The bill text of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is available here. 

A one-pager for the Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act is available here. 

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Senator Coons on groundbreaking at Seaford River Walk

WILMINGTON, Del. – Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the groundbreaking for the first phase of the revitalization of the old J.B. Robinson Oyster House site along the river walk in Seaford.

“Seaford is a truly unique gateway to the Nanticoke River and an ideal location for fishing and recreation,” said Sen. Coons. “I’m thrilled that Seaford residents will soon have better public access to the beautiful river, which honors a rich cultural history as an important part of our state. As someone who spent a lot of time in local government doing land-use planning, I know how challenging this process can be, and I’m grateful to Mayor Genshaw and all the community partners who’ve made this project a reality.”

For more information, visit Chesapeake Conservancy at chesapeakeconservancy.org/news/ or email Jody Couser at jcouser@chesapeakeconservancy.org.                        

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