Senator Coons pushes to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medal to Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Coons (D-Del.) and 37 Senate colleagues cosponsored legislation introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) to posthumously award Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“Emmett Till was a 14-year-old boy brutally killed in one of many examples of violent prosecution of Black Americans. Sixty-five years after this heinous crime, we remember Emmett Till and his grieving mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, as we continue to push for a more fair and just country,” said Senator Coons. “Awarding this Congressional Gold Medal will honor Emmett Till’s legacy and remind us all of his mother’s pursuit of justice and equality. I thank Senators Booker and Burr for leading this overdue effort as we redouble our commitment to racial justice.”

“Emmett Till’s gruesome murder by white supremacists was never vindicated by our justice system,” said Senator Booker. “While his lynching and the impunity that followed was unique in its horror, it revealed of the persistent legacy of racialized terror and violence waged against Black Americans and reflected the stain of racism and bigotry that this nation continues to struggle with today. The heroic patriotism his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, displayed in allowing the world to witness the unspeakable violence her son endured forced our nation to confront its collective failure to address the evil of racism. The Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is long-overdue recognition for Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley’s legacy, and I am proud to introduce this legislation alongside Senator Burr.” 

“Emmett Till’s brutal murder, and his grieving mother Mamie’s incredible courage and resolve in its aftermath, galvanized the Civil Rights movement and changed our nation,” said Senator Burr. “That legacy is still felt today and honoring it is more important than ever. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Awarding it posthumously to Emmett Till, and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, would be a long overdue recognition of what the Till family endured and what they accomplished in their fight against injustice. I am proud to work with Senator Booker on this effort.”

Other senators joining Coons, Booker and Burr as cosponsors of the bipartisan legislation are Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.),  Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cindy Hyde Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Background:

In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped, beaten, and brutally murdered in Money, Mississippi while visiting his uncle, Moses Wright. Till’s murderers were acquitted despite Wright providing an eyewitness testimony that the men on trial kidnapped Till. In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped, beaten, and brutally murdered in Money, Mississippi while visiting his uncle, Moses Wright. Till’s murderers were acquitted despite Wright providing an eyewitness testimony that the men on trial kidnapped Till.

Following Till’s death, his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, brought his body back to Chicago and demanded an open casket funeral with more than 50,000 attendees. Till-Mobley allowed a photograph to be taken of Till in his casket, which galvanized activists who were working for civil rights.

Till-Mobley continued her work for justice in honor of her son. She created the Emmett Till Players, where teenagers traveled throughout the country presenting Martin Luther King, Jr. speeches. Additionally, Till-Mobley was the co-founder of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign, which significantly impacted our justice system through pushing for the re-investigation of Till’s murder by the State of Mississippi, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice in 2004, and by working to pass the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007, to ensure the Justice Department and FBI investigate civil rights era cold cases.

###

Sen. Coons statement on meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Raab, UK Ambassador Pierce

[AUDIO] Sen. Coons: Delaware families, small businesses, nonprofits need another round of COVID-19 support

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Peter MacArthur this morning on WDEL to discuss efforts to secure additional COVID-19 relief for Delaware.

“We’ve got bipartisan agreement on a few key pieces, but so far, the Republicans who control the Senate haven’t agreed to any more aid for state or local governments, to any more support for nutrition or food programs at a time when our food bank and food banks across the country are feeding a record number of Delawareans,” Senator Coons said. “I’m hoping we can secure aid for the state of Delaware, for our nutrition programs, and for the safe reopening of schools.”

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

Q: In terms of the CARES Act, which you mentioned, this has gotten a little bit behind in the headlines with all the other stuff that’s going on, but it does hang in the balance. And what are you hoping to get done specifically as you head back to DC?

Sen. Coons: Well, four months ago, as you know, Peter, we passed unanimously a 2.3 trillion dollar package that included a lot of important things: aid for state and local governments, support for schools and hospitals, the loans that have become grants for many nonprofits and small businesses, the PPP program, and I helped write some of those small business provisions. We’ve got bipartisan agreement on a few key pieces, but so far, the Republicans who control the Senate haven’t agreed to any more aid for state or local governments, to any more support for nutrition or food programs at a time when our food bank and food banks across the country are feeding a record number of Delawareans. And they’re imposing some requirements or restrictions on aid that I frankly will have difficulty agreeing to. I think if we are serious about it, we can get a bipartisan deal, but it requires President Trump being clear that he wants a deal empowering his Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, to actually get a deal done. Speaker Pelosi has already agreed to come down by almost two trillion dollars from the bill the House passed two months ago. The art of compromise is finding the middle. So far, President Trump has tried to do by executive order – executive orders that haven’t really worked – what we should be doing through legislation. It’ll be a busy couple of days – we have just a few weeks left until the end of this session because most will be heading back to their states for the general election. And I’m hoping we can secure aid for the state of Delaware, for our nutrition programs, and for the safe reopening of schools.

Q: The problem being the longer it drags on, Senator, the harder it is to put a timeframe on when a resolution will be reached, isn’t it?

Sen. Coons: That’s right, and Peter, I keep hearing from business owners, from nonprofit leaders up and down the state that first round of PPP loans to grants was helpful, was supportive, but it’s run out and they need another round of support.

###

Sen. Coons applauds Business Roundtable’s historic commitment to climate action

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, released the following statement applauding Business Roundtable’s endorsement of concrete proposals to combat climate change with the goal of reducing U.S. carbon emissions by at least 80% from 2005 levels by 2050.

“Businesses across the country are becoming a force for climate action. I applaud the more than 200 businesses who came together to endorse policies that will make a real difference in our rapidly warming world. Today’s announcement makes clear that there is strong support in the business community for setting a national price on carbon that will reduce emissions, unleash market-driven innovation, and create good jobs. Now it’s our responsibility, as members of Congress, to respond to the American people and the businesses who drive our economy and take decisive action.”

Last year, Senator Coons introduced the Climate Action Rebate Act, legislation that places an increasing price on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, designed to drive down pollution and encourage market-driven innovation in clean energy technologies. Read more here.

###

Carper, Coons call on Postmaster General to immediately reverse operational changes to the US Postal Service causing delays of critical medications to Americans

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined 33 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy calling on him to immediately reverse all operational and organizational changes that have resulted in delays of critical medications to Americans.

“The Postal Service is an essential public institution that must uphold its duty to serve every community. Your recently implemented changes pose an unacceptable threat and continue to have a devastating effect on communities that rely on consistent access to medication through the mail. We have received numerous reports from seniors about delays in receiving their prescriptions through the mail, leaving some without life-sustaining medication for days. Others have been forced to obtain emergency prescriptions from their doctors and pay out-of-pocket for medication because their original prescriptions covered by insurance never arrived,” wrote the senators.

“We call on you to immediately reverse all operational and organizational changes that have resulted in life-threatening delays of critical medications to Americans. As you noted, “it is imperative for the Postal Service to operate efficiently and effectively, while continuing to provide service that meets the needs of [its] customers.”  Right now, the Postal Service is failing to meet the needs of many Americans and adhere to its mission of “prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas.”  As we continue to fight this pandemic, the Postal Service is integral to keeping millions of Americans safe, especially seniors, people with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities,” continued the senators.

The letter was also signed by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Mr. DeJoy:

In your three months as U.S. Postmaster General, you have made detrimental operational and structural changes to the U.S. Postal Service. After facing criticism from members of Congress, states, and the public as well as lawsuits from multiple state attorneys general you announced the reversal of some—but not all—of these policies.  Damage from your decisions has already been done as Americans continue to experience potentially life-threatening delays in the delivery of prescription medications. These delays will continue to disproportionately harm the same individuals who are most at risk during the COVID-19 crisis, including seniors, people with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities. 

While we hope that your recent policy reversals will curtail some of the harmful effects and delays we have seen, we continue to have grave concerns regarding widespread delays in the delivery of critical medications that millions of Americans rely upon every day. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever for Americans to have safe and timely access to their medications from their homes. For years, Americans have entrusted the Postal Service to deliver essential goods—yet during this public health crisis, a number of Americans continue to await needed medications that are lost or delayed in the mail.

The Postal Service is an essential public institution that must uphold its duty to serve every community. Your recently implemented changes pose an unacceptable threat and continue to have a devastating effect on communities that rely on consistent access to medication through the mail. We have received numerous reports from seniors about delays in receiving their prescriptions through the mail, leaving some without life-sustaining medication for days. Others have been forced to obtain emergency prescriptions from their doctors and pay out-of-pocket for medication because their original prescriptions covered by insurance never arrived.

The National Association of Letter Carriers reported that the Postal Service delivers 1.2 billion prescription drug shipments each year – amounting to four million shipments every day, six days a week.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mail Order Pharmacy provides prescriptions to approximately 80 percent of all veterans via mail, processing 470,000 prescriptions daily.  Despite these figures, “prescription medication can only be as effective as a patient’s ability to access it.” 

The Postal Service’s role in delivering medications to Americans has only grown during the COVID-19 crisis. When COVID-19 stay-at-home orders began in March, mail-order prescriptions reportedly increased by 21 percent from the year prior.  What was previously a routine visit to the pharmacy now places millions of Americans at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises Americans to “limit in-person visits to the pharmacy” and, if possible, to use drive-thru windows, mail-order, or other delivery services to pick up medications.   As Postal Service delays cause Americans to worry when, if at all, they will receive their next supply of medication in the mail, patients across the country may be forced to seek their prescriptions in person at a pharmacy—increasing their risk of exposure to COVID-19 at a time when staying home is vital to their health and well-being.

We call on you to immediately reverse all operational and organizational changes that have resulted in life-threatening delays of critical medications to Americans. As you noted, “it is imperative for the Postal Service to operate efficiently and effectively, while continuing to provide service that meets the needs of [its] customers.”  Right now, the Postal Service is failing to meet the needs of many Americans and adhere to its mission of “prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas.”  As we continue to fight this pandemic, the Postal Service is integral to keeping millions of Americans safe, especially seniors, people with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities. 

To that end, please provide the following information by September XX, 2020:

1. What considerations did you give to mail-order medications before implementing the recent operational and structural changes throughout the Postal Service? 
2. What, if any, actions did you take to prevent potential delays in the delivery of mail-order medications? If you made no specific adjustments or considerations, please explain why.
3. What steps, if any, does the Postal Service intend to take to address existing delays in the delivery of mail-ordered prescriptions that have occurred as a result of the operational and structural changes you implemented?
4. Please identify the operational and structural changes implemented during your tenure that you plan to reverse.
5. Please explain how you decided which changes to reverse, as well as your rationale for each reversal.
6. Do you plan to re-implement any of these changes after the November 2020 election? If so, what safeguards will you put in place to avoid significant mail delays and keep Americans safe?
7. Please identify the operational and structural changes implemented during your tenure that you chose not to reverse.
   1. Please explain your justification for each decision.
   2. Please explain the consequences these changes could have for the ability of Americans to receive their medications in a timely and consistent manner through the mail, and whether the Postal Service has adopted safeguards to address these issues.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

###

Sen. Coons’ statement on reports of Iranian plot to attack US ambassador to South Africa

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the following statement on reports that the Iranian government is considering an assassination attempt against U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks. The report comes as the Iranian government continues to seek ways to retaliate for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani earlier this year.

“I’m deeply concerned by press reports of an Iranian plot to attack the United States’ ambassador to South Africa. While I have not been officially briefed on this alleged Iranian plot, I consider this threat credible based on previous attempts by Iran to target diplomats in other countries. Make no mistake, General Qassem Soleimani was a terrorist responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American servicemembers, and the United States will not tolerate Iranian attacks on American citizens anywhere. 

“I will be in direct contact with both South African and U.S. officials about this threat, and I urge the South African government to work with American officials to prevent any attack or assassination attempt and to keep all U.S. personnel safe.”

###

[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the failed GOP ‘skinny’ relief bill, the filibuster, and climate action

WILMINGTON, Del. — On Sunday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Greta Van Susteren on her show, Full Court Press, to discuss the GOP’s proposed COVID stimulus bill, the future of the filibuster, and climate action following the deadly wildfires across the Western United States. 

On the GOP “skinny” COVID relief bill which failed to pass in the Senate last week, Senator Coons said: “It leaves out critical aid to state and local governments that will prevent additional layoffs of folks like paramedics, nurses, firefighters, police officers.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) included a liability waiver in the bill that Senator Coons also labeled as “overly broad.” 

“It doesn’t just incentivize and reward responsible employers… It would provide liability relief to those employers that make no serious efforts to comply,” Senator Coons told Ms. Van Susteren. 

When asked whether it would be possible to pass two distinct relief bills: the current relief bill and a separate bill for state and local government relief, Senator Coons commented that the relief bill should be comprehensive. “This is a moment that is a genuine crisis for our country and we should be doing our jobs, resolving it,” Senator Coons added.

On whether Senator Coons would support getting rid of the filibuster given potential Democratic Senate control, Senator Coons stated: “I’m going to try my hardest, first, to work across the aisle… Then if tragically, Republicans don’t change the tune or their behavior at all, I would.” 

Discussing the role of the filibuster in climate action, Senator Coons continued, “There are bolder solutions to climate that have been proposed in the House, but they’re not currently enactable in the Senate, unless we get rid of the filibuster. Doing that’s a very strong move and one that I would hesitate to take, unless we have no other alternative.”

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

Q: Senator, you voted against the Republican bill, the stimulus bill. They call it a starter bill and some people call it a skinny bill. Why did you vote “no” this week?

Sen. Coons: Well there were several reasons, Greta. First, it leaves out critical aid to state and local governments that will prevent additional layoffs of folks like paramedics, nurses, firefighters, police officers. In some ways, it’s actually literally harmful. Majority Leader McConnell included a liability waiver that is potentially dangerous to workers and to pandemic relief, because it’s overly broad. It doesn’t just incentivize and reward responsible employers. It would provide liability relief to those employers that make no serious efforts to comply. We also, frankly, have been pushing in my caucus for OSHA to do its job and to put out a national standard that would make it easier for employers to know exactly what they’re supposed to be doing in this pandemic to keep their customers and workforce safe.

Q: Well now it’s apparently dead in the water. And isn’t something better than nothing? It was $105 billion for schools, $20 billion for farmers, $10 billion for postal workers, $10 billion childcare, $300 weekly in unemployment. So there was something in there. Isn’t something better than nothing in light of the fact that it is now dead in the water. 

Sen. Coons: Well Greta, I would agree that there are some appealing provisions in there. There’s also a series of policy provisions that are so-called poison pills for Democrats. It would be very difficult for us to accept like the wildly broad liability relief I just mentioned but I’ll remind you: four months ago, before we unanimously passed the CARES Act, every Democrat came to the floor and voted against it because there was no aid for state and local governments. We had to come to the floor and vote against it again because there was no aid for hospitals or healthcare systems. Ultimately, once Majority Leader McConnell got involved in negotiating, we got to a bill that passed unanimously. Republican Leader McConnell has not been involved in the negotiations with Speaker Pelosi, with Senator Schumer, and the White House. I think he should get engaged, and I think we could move towards a bipartisan broader package that is somewhere between what the House passed months ago and this very skinny bill. 

Q: Would it not have been possible to pass what you did in the Senate, and then have Speaker Pelosi originate a separate bill for state and local governments in the House

Sen. Coons: We could do a distinct bill just for state and local government, but frankly many of us recognize with the very small amount of time we have left until the elections, we should pass one last comprehensive COVID relief bill, resolve these outstanding issues, and give relief to the tens of millions of Americans and thousands of Delawareans who are reaching out to their members of Congress every day to say that they need more relief.

Q: We are hearing that the House and Senate are leaving town, Washington, on October 1st in preparation for the November 3rd election in light of the situation where we are. Would you be in favor of everybody staying in town, House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, because Americans are in dire straits and because frankly last election you all said you could get it done for us and the country is in a very tough situation right now?

Sen. Coons: Yes, I was stunned when Majority Leader McConnell sent us all home for the month of August and even more upset when I got back last week and was told by committee staff and by leadership staff that there have been no serious negotiations over the month of August. I’ve spoken to Minority Leader Schumer directly about this. He’s told me that he made a number of offers and was eager and ready to negotiate but we didn’t make serious progress either on the appropriations bills that are supposed to be done by the end of this month or on this next COVID relief package. I hear from Delawareans every day, Greta, how frustrated they are and how they want us to act.  I frankly don’t think we should leave until we get a big package that meets this moment and that helps the tens of millions of Americans who are unemployed, or who have been sickened, or who are concerned about their kids going back to school. This is a moment that is a genuine crisis for our country and we should be doing our jobs resolving it. 

Q: You’re on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. There is news coming up this week that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be at the White House because the UAE and Israel are normalizing relations. Now we’re hearing Bahrain is as well. Is this a huge step forward for the Middle East?

Sen. Coons: Greta, I do think it’s a significant step forward for there to be a resolution of the decades-old break in relations between Israel and the Gulf States. The Emiratis, the UAE, took the first big step. I was encouraged to hear that Bahrain is joining them, and I hope other countries will as well. We should also be advancing a two-state solution to make sure that there is, not just the normalization of relations with the Gulf States and with other states in the region, but progress towards a two-state solution that might finally bring to a successful conclusion the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and the severance of relations that happened decades ago. This is a positive step, and I think it can help build momentum for the region.

Q: Do you give credit to President Trump for this step forward, as well as for the brokering of a peace deal between Serbia and Kosovo? Usually, we tend to be very divided domestically in politics, but when it comes to foreign relations, they’re seizing more unity. Do you give President Trump credit for these developments?

Sen. Coons: Greta, any time something happens in our foreign relations sphere that is positive for our country, I’m happy to give credit where credit’s due. Our diplomats work tirelessly. Many of the moments of progress we’ve had in recent months built on things that happened under the previous administration. But I’m happy to give credit to the President, the Secretary of State for the resolution of the Bosnia-Kosovo challenge, as well as to the resolution of a normalization of relations with the UAE and Bahrain. Some like to put out the idea that people of my party don’t want to see America succeed on the world stage. Nothing could be further from the truth, and when there’s progress, I’m happy to recognize it and celebrate it.

Q: We have an election coming up as we all know and we had the disturbing news this week. We learned about it a little bit earlier in the last month. There is an effort to interfere with our election and the U.S. Treasury Department just put sanctions on three Russians and a member of the Ukrainian Parliament. Apparently, they’re trying to break into Vice President Biden’s campaign. Are we going far enough to protect ourselves?

Sen. Coons: We are not. And Greta, this is something that was predicted months and months ago by the FBI Director, by the then-Director of National Intelligence – this is Chris Wray and Dan Coats – Senior members of the Trump administration predicted publicly that we would face an onslaught from Russia trying to influence the 2020 election as well as other state actors. One striking aspect of the development in Ukraine that you just referenced is that the Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on someone who has now been publicly identified as a Russian intelligence asset, but who also worked closely with Rudy Giuliani in an ill-fated attempt at smearing former Vice President Biden. I think it’s important that we recognize, that we confront, Russia’s repeated efforts to interfere in our election.

Q:  A member of the Ukrainian Parliament is trying to interfere or caused the hacking into our election. Is there anything the U.S. could do to put pressure on the Ukrainian Parliament to handle their own member, to discipline their own member? Could we withhold military aid or any other aid so that the Ukrainian Parliament stands up and takes charge of this?

Sen. Coons: We could send stronger signals than we have so far. I do want to make sure that we don’t overreach in a way that harms Ukraine in their resistance to Russia’s ongoing interference in their East in the Donbass.  But we have not taken all the steps we could or should to engage with Ukraine to urge them to take appropriate steps. Frankly, Russia has been interfering in Ukraine’s internal politics ever since Ukraine became an independent nation and the ways in which they have been a part of some of the Russian intelligence operations against the United States should gravely concern us. At the end of the day, it was President Trump’s invitation, almost pressure, on the head of state of Ukraine that was the critical incident that propelled his impeachment late last year. That’s why I think, on a bipartisan basis now that we’re past that moment, we ought to look at this clearly and say there is an ongoing Russian disinformation campaign. There are ongoing cyber efforts to intrude into political actors in the United States. We should stand up for America and stand up for our elections.

Q: In the event that the Democrats take control of the Senate beginning after this coming election, would you be in favor of, or not in favor of, doing away with the filibuster?

Sen. Coons: Greta, I’m going to do everything I can to work across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions to the crises facing us. But if we’ve got a Democratic majority in the Congress, we will have been elected to those positions with a mandate to address the pandemic, address the recession, and address racial inequality. And before this current crisis, we had challenges of gun violence, immigration, drug prices, opioid addiction, and climate. We have to have a path forward to solving them. I will start by extending my hand to my friends on the other side of the aisle and saying, “Please work with us. Don’t put us in a position where the only way to move forward our country is by changing the rules of the Senate.” But Greta, as I’ve said before, I won’t stand by for years and allow the majority, if it’s a Democratic majority, to be blocked from making any serious progress. I’ve lived through that before, and I don’t think this moment will call for us to do literally nothing for an entire presidential term. 

Q: So, you would do away the filibuster in that circumstance?

Sen. Coons: I’m going to try my hardest, first, to work across the aisle. And then, if tragically Republicans don’t change their tune or their behavior at all, I would.

Q: You say that in the event of a mandate…what if the country is evenly divided? Do you see that as a mandate? Because we’ve got a unique situation, the last time around, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton got more votes nationwide, but she didn’t win the Electoral College. How do you define mandate? I can understand “mandate” if it’s 95% vote one way and 5% vote the other, but when the country is so divided, will you take a close election as a mandate?

Sen. Coons: Well, Greta, that’s exactly why my last answer to you was that I will work very hard to reach across the aisle because I think sustainable solutions to the challenges in front of us, whether it’s getting out of the pandemic, recovering our economy, addressing racial inequality, or tackling climate change are bipartisan solutions. That’s why I launched the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with conservative Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana. There are bolder solutions to climate that have been proposed in the House, but they’re not currently enactable in the Senate, unless we get rid of the filibuster. Doing that’s a very strong move and one that I would hesitate to take, unless we have no other alternative.

Q: But again, but the whole issue going back to the mandate, something that, sir, that you have great passion for, but if the country’s divided on it, do you still see that as a mandate?

Sen. Coons: Well, I agree that if we have a 50-50 Senate, it’ll be very difficult for us to move forward without bipartisanship, and that’s exactly why seeking bipartisanship is important if there isn’t a stronger majority in the Senate.

Q: And I know that you bring up climate change. Delaware is very much sort of the victim of climate change. I think you’re the lowest elevation in the nation? 

Sen. Coons: We are blessed with a lot of beautiful water as you can see behind me, but it’s also the lowest mean elevation state, and we are already seeing the impact of sea-level rise, of storms, of the impact on our wetlands, and you know frankly like a number of other states  like Florida, like Louisiana, Delaware’s a state where at the grassroots level, we have more and more citizens concerned about the ways in which climate is inevitably impacting our state.

Q: I interviewed Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican, on the show, and I asked him about Oregon and California and the fires there. Do you have any thoughts on how we can help in those areas?

Sen. Coons: First, there is a critical role for federal relief in addressing those wildfires and in changing our system so that the funding for the robust response that’s needed in this remarkable record fire season is available when it’s needed, not afterwards. But frankly, as Governor Newsom just said in a national address, climate change is what’s driving these wildfires. This is yet another wake-up call. As you well know, Greta, Australia, a number of months ago, had not just record wildfires but catastrophic wildfires all over their continent and I think this is another wake-up call to average Americans that the climate is undeniably changing, people have caused it, and we have to take decisive action.

###

Coons joins colleagues in introducing bipartisan resolution in support of Belarusian people

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today joined Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), in introducing a resolution condemning the crackdown on peaceful protestors in Belarus and calling for the imposition of sanctions on responsible officials.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues on this important resolution condemning the crackdown on peaceful protestors following the illegitimate election last month in Belarus,” said Coons. “This resolution sends a strong bipartisan signal that the United States stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus – the human rights defenders, journalists, and courageous citizens who are exercising their right to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and rule of law.”

“The continued violence and repression against Mr. Lukashenka’s political opposition and peaceful protestors in Belarus is unconscionable. Belarusian authorities must cease their violent crackdown and release all those who have been unjustly arrested or detained since the August elections,” said Risch. “The bipartisan resolution we are introducing today is a strong symbol of the United States’ support for the people of Belarus and their right to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, free elections, and rule of law. We will continue to work with our European partners to assist the Belarusian people as they strive for a better future.” 

“I am in awe of the courage shown by the people of Belarus and call upon the international community to stand in full support of their aspirations for a free and democratic future,” said Menendez. “Mr. Lukashenka does not have a shred of legitimacy left and must step down. The U.S. and our partners in Europe must move with urgency to hold him and his henchman accountable for crimes against the people of Belarus. Further delay only welcomes deeper entrenchment by the regime.”

“This resolution sends an important message that the United States supports the brave pro-democracy protestors in Belarus, warns the Kremlin against a Crimea-style military intervention, and calls on the Trump Administration to impose sanctions on officials responsible for the ongoing crackdown and human rights abuses. I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in supporting the Belarusian people’s demand for a new, free and fair presidential election and the right to determine their own future,” said Murphy.

“Following the sham election in Belarus last month, the Belarusian people have bravely taken to the streets to demand their rights, including the right to freely and fairly elect their leaders. Lukashenko is currently an illegitimate president and his regime, with close ties to Putin, undermines security in the region,” said Rubio. “The U.S. should stand with the Belarusian people and impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for human rights abuses against peaceful protestors.”

“I will never forget traveling to Minsk in January 2011 to meet with the families of opposition candidates jailed by Lukashenko for having had the temerity to run against him in the sham presidential election just the month before,” said Durbin. “And now history is repeating itself once again. That the Last Dictator of Europe continues to rob his people of the basic freedoms enjoyed by the rest of Europe is a tragedy that must be condemned. This bipartisan resolution shows that the United States Senate rejects the recent discredited election and will continue to stand with the brave people of Belarus in their hopes for a more democratic country.”

“Lukashenko must be held accountable for his repressive, authoritarian actions so that the Belarusian people can build the brighter future they deserve,” said Cardin. “This resolution sends a powerful message to Belarus, and to the entire world, that when the United States says that we expect fair, free, and transparent democratic processes, we mean it.”

“With the ongoing violence against peaceful protestors, human rights activists, and the independent media, Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues to suppress the fundamental rights of the Belarusian people,” said Romney. “With this resolution, we stand with the people of Belarus and their right to free and fair elections, and we will continue to support them in their fight for democracy.”

“The crackdowns on Belarusians peacefully protesting the fraudulent election are indefensible. This bipartisan resolution sends a strong signal that America stands with the Belarusian people who are demanding the right to determine their own future,” said Johnson.

“I am proud to join this bipartisan resolution which shows that the United States stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and condemns the violence that State Security Forces backed by Russia and President Lukashenko have used to suppress these peaceful protests,” said Portman. “As Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I am all too familiar with Russia’s malign behavior. As the freedom loving people of Belarus look to the West for leadership, the United States must work with our partners in Europe to counter Russian dominance and aggression in Belarus.”

“President Lukashenko must respect the rights of the Belarusian people to have their voices heard through free and fair elections, and end his assault on peaceful protesters and the rule of law in Belarus. This bipartisan resolution will demonstrate that the United States supports those who desire a better, more democratic Belarus,” said Kaine.

Text of the resolution can be found here.

Sens. Coons, Cassidy & Reps. Price, Matsui announce resolution to recognize 9/11 as a national day of service

LEWES, Del. – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and U.S. Representatives David Price (D-N.C.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), all members of the National Service Congressional Caucus, announced a resolution recognizing September 11 as a national day of service and encouraging the American public to engage in a charitable service of their choosing on or around 9/11.

In 2009 following calls by families of those killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress established that date as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in tribute to the 9/11 victims, first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, and members of the U.S. military who rose in service in defense of our nation. This year, as co-chairs of the National Service Congressional Caucus, Sens. Coons and Cassidy and Reps. Price and Matsui call on their colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to reaffirm that commitment and honor the heroes who rose to service in response to attacks in New York City, outside Washington, D.C. in northern Virginia, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

“Nineteen years ago, our country experienced an unthinkable tragedy that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including a dozen Delawareans,” said Senator Coons. “From the first responders who answered the call to serve on September 11 to our troops stationed overseas to all Americans working to respond to challenges in their communities, service is a light that unites us. I am proud to join my colleagues in establishing a national day of service. As a nation, we are always strongest when we work together, support our neighbors, and stand as one.”

“September 11, 2001, forever changed our country. Amidst the death, destruction and anger, Americans also responded by giving of themselves however they could to help in the aftermath. National service is patriotic. This resolution recognizes those who give back and encourages others to become more involved,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“Today, millions of Americans are reflecting on the 19^th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. This year’s anniversary comes during another especially difficult period in American history—the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman David Price. “Then and now, these events are testing our nation and, just like after September 11^th, the only way through this hardship is together.  The resilience of the American people is often best embodied by our acts of service—volunteering in our communities and helping those in need.  As we take time to remember those who lost their lives in the 9-11 terrorist attacks, I’m proud to join my colleagues by introducing this resolution affirming September 11^th as a national day of service and remembrance.” 

“In the face of the tragic events and heartbreak of 9/11, first responders, service members, and communities united together to heal a wounded nation,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “While we honor those who lost their lives nineteen years ago, we also renew our commitment to serving our great nation – to build bridges between our communities and unite us all as Americans. As we stand in this new time of crisis, this resolution serves as a reminder of our nation’s resiliency when we stand together.”

“Americans in every corner of our country are committed to the promise to ‘Never Forget’ the attacks on our nation 19 years ago and, most important, the loss of life and injury to countless of our family members, friends and colleagues,” said Jay S. Winuk, whose younger brother Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney and volunteer firefighter/EMT, died in the line of duty when the South Tower collapsed.  Winuk is the co-founder of 9/11 Day, the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement.  “This resolution rightly and powerfully honors those directly affected by the events of 9/11 and calls on the nation to come together in tribute and service to strengthen our bonds as Americans, especially meaningful in these challenging times.”

In the Senate, the resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angus King (D-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Shelley Capito (R-W.V.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

In the House, the resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Michael San Nicolas (D-Guam), David Joyce (R-Ohio), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.), and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.).

The text of the resolution can be found here.

###

Sen. Coons on President Trump’s negligence in handling COVID-19: ‘Unconscionable’

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to reporting from Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward that President Trump knew in February how dangerously deadly and contagious the coronavirus would be, only to downplay the risks it poses for much of 2020.

“Despite knowing just how deadly and dangerous the coronavirus is, President Trump has spent much of the last year misleading and lying to the American people about the serious risks to their lives and the lives of their loved ones. That is unconscionable,” said Senator Coons.  “Millions of Americans believed President Trump as he told them that the virus would not harm them, that the pandemic was under control, and that public health experts were wrong about this deadly virus.  As a result, nearly two hundred thousand Americans are dead and millions more are out of work, and it didn’t have to be this bad. Above all, we need our president to be honest with the American people and look out for our health and safety, but in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic, President Trump has failed to live up to both of those basic responsibilities.”

###