VIDEO FROM THE BORDER: Young boy tells Sen. Coons he hasn’t been able to brush his teeth

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is currently in McAllen, Texas, evaluating conditions at border facilities and assessing the humanitarian crisis. 

Through an interpreter, Senator Coons asked a young boy being held at American government facility if he has been able to brush his teeth. The boy shakes his head and replies “No.”

You can see the video here: https://youtu.be/o6jEPXk29tE

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons presses Trump nominee on tariff effects on Delaware farmers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and a co-founder of the Senate Chicken Caucus, raised concerns during today’s Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing about the export of U.S. poultry to South Africa. The line of questioning was directed at Lana Marks, nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, during a hearing to fill five State Department positions in Africa.

Video and audio available here. 

Excerpts from the hearing are below:

Sen. Coons: “During the reauthorization of AGOA, I worked closely with my friend and colleague Senator Isakson to eliminate longstanding barriers to the export of U.S. poultry in the South African market. Today, poultry producers in my home state of Delaware as well many other states are now benefiting from a quota of U.S. poultry into South Africa that are excluded from an anti-dumping tariff, and South Africa is now one of the top ten export markets for U.S. poultry. But there are some recent tensions — understandable discomfort or unhappiness — on the part of South Africans with the steel and aluminum tariffs that were applied by the Administration, as well as pressure from domestic producers in South Africa. How will you work to sustain this critical market opportunity? I heard your passion for keeping markets open. Will you focus on this one in particular?”

Ms. Marks: “Senator Coons, thank you for this very important question. I followed your trip recently when you went to the South African Constitution[al Court], by the way. I have been following the poultry exports and your interest and Senator Isakson’s. If confirmed, I will ensure South Africa continues to fulfill this very important quota and if there are any problems or any rumblings, I will immediately address those if confirmed, and I would very much appreciate if I could engage with you going forward and Senator Isakson on this matter and, if possible, come and visit in Delaware to have an even greater understanding of this, if confirmed.”

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Trump’s racist tweets “an intentional strategy” to distract from Trump failures on health care, drug prices, and more

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined CNN New Day this morning to discuss the President’s efforts to distract from his Administration’s attacks on the Affordable Care Act and Republicans’ ongoing effort to block bipartisan bills in the Senate.

“How much time are you spending today, this morning, talking about bipartisan bills that have come over from the House to reduce prescription drug prices, to secure protections for pre-existing health conditions, or to protect Americans from folks who shouldn’t have access to guns by strengthening our background check system?” said Senator Coons. “Those are bills that have come over from the House and have seen no action in the Senate. The Senate has become Mitch McConnell’s legislative graveyard.”

Audio and video available here.

Excerpts from the interview are below:

Were you surprised that there were only four Republicans who joined with the Democrats [to condemn President Trump’s racist comments]?

Senator Coons: Sadly, no. There should be more Republicans who work with us across the aisle to condemn racist comments like these on Twitter by the President. But the reason he’s unphased by it is this is an intentional strategy on the part of the President. Let me remind you what we were talking about last Thursday, when we were last in session in the Senate, was a lawsuit, Texas v. US, where the President, the Department of Justice, and more than a dozen Republican attorneys general were trying to kill what’s left of the Affordable Care Act. They were trying in a federal court to eliminate pre-existing condition protection for 130 million Americans. What have we talked about non-stop for the last 48 hours? The President’s racist tweets going after four House freshmen. Although they are despicable and inappropriate…

Was it a mistake to talk about those things?

Senator Coons: It is an intentional strategy by the President to change the subject. We should be talking briefly, in a focused way about how inappropriate and unacceptable these tweets are, about how they do not reflect well on the United States overseas or at home, and how they send destructive messages here within our country. Those of us who are people of faith, who care about our relations with each other, and care about how we speak about each other should be able to find a better way forward and we should, on a bipartisan basis, be condemning these comments. 

Did the House vote took up too much oxygen? That they shouldn’t have dedicated all of that time to this? 

Senator Coons: How much time are you spending today, this morning, talking about bipartisan bills that have come over from the House to reduce prescription drug prices, to secure protections for pre-existing health conditions, or to protect Americans from folks who shouldn’t have access to guns by strengthening our background check system? Those are bills that have come over from the House and have seen no action in the Senate. The Senate has become Mitch McConnell’s legislative graveyard. There are great proposals from Democrats for how to improve our health care. There are bipartisan bills that have come over from the House that would affect average, middle class, working Americans. And instead we’re going to spend days fighting over the President’s racist tweets. This tells you his strategy for 2020 right up front. 

Do you think the so-called “squad” in the House and their tension with Nancy Pelosi is counterproductive to what Democrats want to do? 

Senator Coons: Here’s what I think is productive. Pointing out to undecided voters that Democrats who control the House under Speaker Pelosi’s leadership have been able to take up and pass bipartisan bills that would address things that concern them, whether it’s securing our border and providing better conditions and health care for those who are fleeing violence in Central America and coming to this country, or whether it’s protecting pre-existing health care conditions and securing the advances of the Affordable Care Act, or whether it’s strengthening existing gun laws in terms of background checks to make our country safer. That’s what the average American who really isn’t following closely the back and forth within the Democratic caucus or between them and the President, they want to know: “In the next year, if the Democrats control the White House, how would things be different for me?” We know how things are going to be if President Trump is reelected. We are going to spend more and more of our time over attacks like this that are designed to fire up and fuel his own base of folks who frankly, as you mentioned, at times are motivated by resentment over what they feel is their loss of place or of centrality of leadership in our society. And I think it’s important that we, as Democrats, show what we are trying to get done in the Congress that would actually make a difference in people’s lives.

You’re saying that the next time the President tweets something inflammatory or outrageous, which may happen today, Nancy…

Senator Coons: It will happen today. It will happen tomorrow. It will happen the next day. We know this. 

I mean, if history is any indication, yes. And you’re saying that, when that happens, the Squad and Nancy Pelosi and your fellow Democrats should ignore it? 

Senator Coons: No, I’m saying we need to briefly, and in a focused way, denounce things that are completely inappropriate, so that it’s clear to our children, our families, our country where our values are. But we need to spend as much if not more time saying, if you give us the opportunity to lead in the Senate, these are the kinds of bills we would move forward. Let me remind you, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in the Trump administration cites as an example on their website of the kind of language, if used in the workplace against an American, a person of color, something that would be not just offensive or inappropriate, but potentially illegal, saying something like, “Go back where you came from.” The President’s tweets have to be called out. It has to be clear. He is not a role model for our behavior towards each other. But we have to spend as much if not more time making the argument: Here’s what we are passing in the House, here’s what we would pass in the Senate if Mitch McConnell were not blocking every bipartisan bill, and here’s what we would do if we had the opportunity.

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Bipartisan bill from Sens. Coons, Collins, Reed, Shaheen to enhance and extend landmark energy efficiency program passes Committee

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed legislation from U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to strengthen and reauthorize the heart of the federal government’s energy efficiency strategy—the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 would reauthorize the program through 2024.

In addition to Senators Coons, Collins, Reed, and Shaheen, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy. A companion bill is being led in the House by U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).

“The Weatherization Assistance Program has a long history of helping millions of Americans make their homes more energy efficient, and our bill will ensure that this important program can continue,” said Senator Coons. “The cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we never use, which is why I am proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to help Americans save energy. It’s good for our wallets, good for our environment, and good for our energy security.”

“Access to affordable home energy during the cold winter months is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors in Maine and across the country, which is why I support reauthorizing the Weatherization Assistance Program,” said Senator Collins. “Weatherization is a cost-effective way to reduce energy usage and cut low-income homeowners’ energy bills for the long-term.  I am pleased that the committee unanimously passed this bipartisan bill, which would reauthorize this important program, establish a new, innovative pilot program to help make homes ‘weatherization-ready,’ and support cost saving practices.”

“Americans want energy that’s affordable and doesn’t cause climate change. Weatherization funding is just that.  It’s a smart way to lower costs, cut polluting fossil fuels, and strengthen our economy,” said Senator Reed.

“Weatherization projects are among the most effective ways to conserve energy, create jobs and lower costs for New Hampshire families,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Weatherization Assistance Program has helped low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the state make lasting and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to their homes. This is a proven program and I’m glad to see the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources act on our bipartisan proposal to reauthorize this program. I’ll keep working across the aisle to move this bill through Congress.”

“The Weatherization Assistance Program has helped countless low-income families around the nation reduce their energy costs, and that remains as crucial a mission in Alaska as ever,” Senator Murkowski said. “Many communities in Alaska pay five-to-six times more than the national average rates for electricity and heat, if not more, so the efficiency improvements made possible by this program can be genuinely life-changing. Ensuring its continuation will be good for Alaska, for the country, and for the environment.”

“Finding innovative ways to reduce our energy needs through weatherization and efficiency projects will help homeowners save money on their utilities bills and help us reduce the carbon pollution that is creating the climate crisis,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will build on programs with a successful track record.”

For over 40 years, the WAP has assisted low-income families that lack the resources to make their homes more energy efficient. It supports 8,500 jobs and is responsible for energy efficiency upgrades in millions of homes across the country. For every dollar invested by the WAP, $4.50 is generated in combined energy savings and non-energy benefits such as local economic growth. 

The Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 would:

• Reauthorize and extend the WAP through 2024;
• Facilitate the use of renewable energy technologies in weatherization projects;
• Allow DOE to take health and safety benefits into account when carrying out the program;
• Ensure best practices and training among WAP contractors;
• Create a competitive innovation grant program for non-profits that have a track record of success to access the WAP;
• Allow homes to be reweatherized once 15 years have elapsed since the last weatherization and clarify that related services, such as education, installation evaluations, or non-Federally funded services, may be provided at any time; and
• Encourage DOE to provide maximum flexibility when WAP funding is being used to leverage additional private sector funding. 

Sens. Coons, Rubio introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to spur commercialization of American technologies

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to enhance commercialization services for federally funded research and development. The Research Advancing to Market Production (RAMP) for Innovators Act would support American innovators by expediting SBIR/STTR application processes, improving technical and business assistance, and making small businesses eligible for fast-tracked U.S. Patent Office services. A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.).

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology (STTR) programs, often called America’s Seed Fund, are two of the premier federal programs for fostering innovation in the U.S. Coordinated by the Small Business Administration, the SBIR and STTR programs include 11 federal agencies that competitively fund small U.S. businesses to meet federal research and development needs. For many of these U.S. businesses, translating investments into marketable products and services remains a challenge. This bill builds on the success of the SBIR and STTR programs to further increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federally funded R&D. 

The Research Advancing to Market Production (RAMP) for Innovators Act would:

·            Improve the SBIR/STTR application peer review process to include commercialization potential in addition to scientific and technical merit

·            Increase the speed at which Federal Agencies make SBIR and STTR awards

·            Designate a new Technology Commercialization Official in each Agency to help SBIR awardees commercialize

·            Improve the flexibility of technical and business assistance for SBIR/STTR awardees

·            Establish an annual commercialization impact assessment at each agency to monitor the program’s successes

·            Develop an interagency agreement between SBA and the U.S. Patent Office to help SBIR/STTR companies with intellectual property protection

“Startups are vital to job creation in the United States, but those companies need support to overcome market challenges and scale up manufacturing in America,” said Senator Coons. “This bill will help American scientists and engineers protect the intellectual property of their pioneering technologies and form new companies that grow the economy. I’m proud to work with Sen. Rubio to continue helping U.S. manufacturers across the ‘valley of death’ and into successful market production.”

“It is critical that we harness small business ingenuity in advanced industrial industries by boosting firms’ ability to commercialize their technology,” Senator Rubio said. “We are in a geopolitical competition with foreign nations like China and in order to compete we must ensure that small businesses have optimal opportunities to innovate and contribute to the global economy. It is in our national interest to make policy decisions that will strengthen American innovation and increase commercialization through the SBIR and STTR programs. I appreciate working with Senator Coons on this important legislation to help high-growth firms receive the support they need as we continue our work to comprehensively reauthorize the Small Business Act.”

“As a former engineer and entrepreneur, I know how urgent this legislation is,” said Rep. Houlahan. “We have to support our talented entrepreneurs in translating their innovative ideas into marketable products and cutting edge technology – too many endeavors fail because they lack access to capital or they face IP protection challenges. Pennsylvania is home to a number of successful startups, which began with an idea and have turned into products Americans use every day. I’m proud to work with Senators Coons and Rubio on this bipartisan legislation that supports our entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

“ITIF supports RAMP for Innovators, the Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act, which will further bolster the commercialization potential of SBIR/STTR programs through improvements such as making commercialization potential a stronger consideration in project selection, clarifying that all awardees may use a share of Phase I and II funds for commercially oriented activities, and supporting the ability of innovators to secure intellectual property rights underpinning their inventions through stronger linkages with the PTO,” said Dr. Rob Atkinson, President, ITIF.

“We are pleased to endorse Senator Coons’ RAMP bill. We are especially pleased with the section creating a Technology Commercialization Official and the patent assistance provisions,” said Robert Schmidt, Co-Chair of the Small Business Technology Counsel of the National Small Business Association.

“Delaware SBDC is pleased to endorse the new SBIR Commercialization Bill, the Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act. There are significant improvements to help entrepreneurs move innovation to commercialization,” said Mike Bowman, Director, Delaware Small Business Development Center.

“Several aspects of this bill, including allowing patent expenses and providing business assistance, are commendable as they would pave the way for start-ups to mature and commercialize their innovative technologies,” said Sridhar Kota, Founder & CEO, FlexSys Inc.  

The bill has been endorsed by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Small Business Technology Counsel of the National Small Business Association, the University City Science Center, and the Delaware Small Business Development Center.

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Young, Warner, Rubio, Coons Introduce Innovative Higher Ed Financing Proposal

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the ISA Student Protection Act to improve an innovative financing tool for students pursuing postsecondary education.

Income Share Agreements (ISAs) provide opportunities for students to design financial aid best suited to their needs based on their future income and job success. Under an ISA, a student agrees to pay a percentage of their income over a given time period in exchange for tuition payments from nongovernmental sources. When the agreed timeframe ends, the student stops payments regardless of whether the initial amount was paid back to the ISA funder.  

This bipartisan bill would help safeguard ISAs with consumer protections to improve their effectiveness – protecting students and ensuring their success in the workforce.

“Far too often I hear of students and their families being forced to endure financial hardship in exchange for a quality education. Government-provided student loan debt continues to skyrocket while the average household income decreases,” said Senator Young. “That’s why I have introduced a bill to offer students from all backgrounds with a private – or philanthropically – funded, debt-free financing option catered to their own income needs through the use of Income Share Agreements (ISAs). If we strengthen the framework of ISAs, we can help colleges and career and technical schools prepare Americans for rewarding careers, all without any additional cost to taxpayers.”

“Income-Share Agreements are a promising way to finance postsecondary education and an attractive alternative to private student loans and PLUS loans. ISAs are also proving to be uniquely responsive to the needs of students who are ineligible for existing federal student aid programs—including DACA recipients, some justice-involved individuals, and those attending short-term training programs,” said Senator Warner. “There are students across the country who are already benefitting from ISAs and deserve the safeguards and certainty the ISA Student Protection Act would provide, including protections during periods of low earnings, dischargeability in bankruptcy, and oversight authority by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I’m pleased to be introducing this legislation with a bipartisan group of my colleagues and look forward to working to ensure ISAs continue expanding in a student-focused way.”

“It’s getting harder and harder for American families to afford the rising costs of college, and graduates are often forced to run up tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt,” said Senator Rubio. “I am proud to re-introduce this innovative legislation to empower students to leverage their future income today and access the financial resources of businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations in order to achieve their higher education goals.”

“Despite $1.6 trillion in U.S. student loan debt, millions of well-paying jobs continue to go unfilled. In an economy in need of more investment in postsecondary education and training opportunities, Income Share Agreements are a promising tool. Most importantly, ISAs protect students from the risk of onerous debt and elevate programs that guide students to well-paying jobs. The ISA Student Protection Act will allow the innovation of ISAs to proceed safely and with more government oversight, to the benefit of American students and families,” said Senator Coons.

This legislation has been endorsed by The Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative, Colorado Mountain College (CMC), JFF, Marymount University, the Progressive Policy Institute, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Purdue University, and the University of Utah.

President Mitch Daniels, Purdue University said, “Purdue will offer ISAs for a fourth academic year at Purdue this fall. Since its inception, our ‘Back a Boiler’ program has drawn a flood of inquiries from universities hoping to implement similar ISA programs. This bipartisan legislation should receive prompt consideration to provide the framework necessary to expand this student-friendly option to more students nationwide who wish to be protected against the risks of excessive student loans.”  

Chok Ooi, CEO and Co-founder of Kenzie Academy, an Indianapolis-based career college focused on providing technology training to anyone looking to accelerate their career said, “ISAs are a tool that can make post-secondary skills training more accessible and affordable for the millions of adult learners aspiring to acquire today’s most in-demand jobs. Given ISAs are a powerful – and necessary – access tool, we want to make sure there are standards and best practices in place so they are used appropriately to protect the consumer and hold bad actors accountable.” 

Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia said, “As a small university with finite resources in a major metropolitan area, we are constantly looking for solutions in support of our students who face unique challenges in completing their postsecondary education. Marymount has identified income-share agreements as a promising solution to some of these challenges. Income-share agreements will help us fill financial gaps in serving all of our students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. I applaud the sponsors of the ISA Student Protection Act for their efforts to support programs like ours and ensure income-share agreements continue expanding in a student-focused way.”

Former Governor Jack Markell said, “Income Share Agreements have given students who have not otherwise had access to financial aid – such as Dreamers and adult learners – the ability to finance their postsecondary education. I commend the bi-partisan sponsors of The ISA Student Protection Act for legislation that authorizes critical consumer protections which will provide greater certainty to students and this growing market.”

To see a full list of endorsement quotes, please click here.  

The ISA Student Protection Act would codify the following safeguards and consumer protections for ISA recipients:

?         Individuals making less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($24,980 in 2019) are exempt from making payments towards their ISA.

?         ISA providers cannot make agreements with students that require payments higher than 20 percent of income for shorter-term contracts, with the cap decreasing to 7.5 percent for the longest contracts allowed (30 years).

?         ISAs are dischargeable in bankruptcy.

?         Funders must disclose to students how their monthly payments would compare under the ISA to payments on a private or federal loan for the same amount of money and number of payments.

?         Applies federal consumer protection laws (i.e. Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Military Lending Act, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act) to ISAs.

?         Gives the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau oversight authority over ISAs.

?         Clarifies the tax treatment of ISA contributions for both funders and recipients.  

Last Congress, Senators Young and Rubio introduced a version of this bill entitled the Investing in Student Success Act, and other versions were previously introduced in the House and Senate. This is the first Senate version of the bill to have bipartisan support.

For the full bill text, click here.

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Sens. Coons, Scott, Gardner, Rosen introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support investment in US manufacturing

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to increase investment in American small manufacturers. The Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America (SIGMA) Act would support American manufacturers through increasing affordable loans, incentivizing operation growth, and expanding financial resources and education assistance to small manufacturers. A companion bill in the House was introduced by U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.).

The SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs assist small businesses by providing federally guaranteed loans for businesses. These loan programs, along with the SBA’s Small Business Investment Company, provide investment in America’s start-up manufacturers and growing businesses that have limited access to cash reserves. The SIGMA Act spurs additional investment for small manufacturing businesses in low- or moderate-income areas, rural areas, areas of high unemployment, and those that are veteran-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned, or are important to national security.

“Small manufacturers provide an outsized role in growing the U.S. economy and are vital links in the domestic industrial supply chain,” said Senator Coons. “This bill will help our small manufacturers secure adequate lines of credit so that they can expand their businesses, create new jobs, and continue to support U.S. economic growth.” 

“Having been a former small business owner and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges that many across our nation face when trying to start a business and build their American Dream,” said Senator Tim Scott. “By investing in, and providing our manufacturers and innovators with access to, necessary resources, we are advancing our communities and creating more jobs for Americans.” 

“For the sake of national and economic security, the United States must remain a global leader in manufacturing,” said Senator Gardner. “But small manufacturing can face some of the steepest startup costs. The SIGMA Act will help ensure small manufacturing entrepreneurs have access to capital to start and grow their businesses. This legislation will create jobs, spur investments in our local communities – particularly our rural economies – and strengthen American manufacturing.”

“Our nation has a rich and storied history of cutting edge manufacturing and development,” said Senator Rosen. “This legislation will provide small business manufacturers with the resources they need to not only maintain business, but to expand. I will continue working across party lines on legislation that will help create new jobs in Nevada and across our country.” 

A one-pager on the bill is available here. 

The SIGMA Act is endorsed by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Bipartisan Policy Center, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International, Manufacturing Alliance of Communities, National Association of Development Companies, Small Business Investor Alliance, Small Business Majority, State Science and Technology Institute, Third Way, and True Access Capital (formally First State Community Loan Fund).

“Small manufacturers account for nearly half of all manufacturing jobs in the United States, but they are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to capital,” said Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer. “Fortunately, the Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act would help solve this problem by increasing the maximum Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan guarantee rate to 90% and increasing the loan limit on 504 loans to $10 million for manufacturers. What’s more, this legislation would support small manufacturers by directing the SBA to utilize its existing resources to help small manufacturers access its financing assistance programs.”

“Access to capital to modernize plant equipment to take advantage of the revolution in digital manufacturing, to innovate new products, or to scale their business is a serious challenge for many small U.S. manufacturers,” said ITIF President Dr. Rob Atkinson. “The Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act makes important reforms to SBA Section 7(a) and 504 loan programs that will facilitate, ease, and expand their use by U.S. manufacturers and thus play a catalytic role in revitalizing American manufacturing.” 

“With the introduction of the Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act, Senator Coons continues to be a great champion of America’s small manufacturers,” said Third Way Executive Vice President for Policy Jim Kessler. “The bill builds on his legacy of support of startups, small business investment, and job training.”

“As manufacturing technologies advance, small manufacturers will play an increasingly important role in ensuring these innovations are implemented domestically so that the U.S. fully benefits from these innovations. With small manufacturers making up much of the domestic manufacturing base, this Act will create more opportunities for these small businesses to engage and grow by granting more creditworthy small manufacturers access to affordable loans,” said ASME Executive Director & CEO Thomas Costabile. “Further, this Act will encourage the manufacturing sector to evolve and keep pace with new technologies by increasing support for startups and by making it easier to invest in small manufacturers that are essential to U.S. national security. ASME applauds your work and supports expanding opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their capabilities, which will allow the U.S. to compete more effectively on a global scale. Thank you for your leadership on this issue.” 

“IMS International, a non-profit organization helping SME’s integrate advanced manufacturing technologies, and its Board of Directors unanimously endorse the bill ‘Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act’ proposed by Senator Coons,” said IMS-I Managing Director Dan Nagy. “We believe the additional support of affordable loans and incentives for small manufacturers will not only grow our small manufacturers but also promote advanced technology integration. This bill will help small manufacturers remain competitive as stand-alone companies and secure their positions in supply chains. Through recognition of ‘Advanced Manufacturing Sectors’ in the ‘Small Business Act,’ entrepreneurship and growth is supported for innovative small manufacturers. Overall, the bill contributes to the health and growth of our critical manufacturing sector.”

“The Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA) thanks Senators Coons, Tim Scott, and Gardner for introducing the Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act. This legislation is thoughtful policy that promotes investment in small manufacturers – the source of some of our country’s greatest innovation,” said SBIA President Brett Palmer. 

“The Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America Act is a major step in supporting small manufacturers, who are critical to the nation’s manufacturing industry, and strengthening economic and national security,” says BPC Action Executive Director Michele Stockwell. “BPC Action applauds Senators Coons and Gardner for their continued bipartisan leadership on this fundamental issue.”

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VIDEO: Sen. Coons discusses faith with CBN: “I think it’s valuable to show people our hearts, those of us in public office”

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined the Christian Broadcasting Network to discuss his recent op-ed, “Democrats Need to Talk About Their Faith.”

Christian Broadcasting Network: Sen. Chris Coons: Democrat Colleagues ‘Need to Talk About Their Faith’

By Abigail Robertson

Democrat Sen. Chris Coons, co-chair of the weekly bipartisan prayer breakfast, is challenging colleagues within his party to be more open about sharing their faith. His latest invitation came in an op-ed in the Atlantic.

Sen. Coons tells CBN News he believes Democrats have been too cautious over the years about sharing their faith values and how it influences their political views. Now, he thinks it’s time for a change.

“This is an overwhelmingly religious country,” Coons says. “The vast majority of Americans self-identify either as people who regularly pray and regularly worship, or people who everyday pray and worship.”

Coons says that while many associate religion with the conservative right, polls show about three-fourths of Democrats identify as religious or somewhat religious.

“And since most Americans get through their day, get through their challenges in faith, for us to hide the fact that it’s an important part of our lives as Democrats would leave an unanswered question for millions of Americans who would find it hard to be comfortable with us, hard to trust us if they think we are not moved or grounded somewhat in faith,” Coons continued.

You can read the full column here. 

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Sen. Coons, members of Congressional Chemistry Caucus introduce bicameral, bipartisan resolution celebrating the 150th anniversary of the periodic table of elements

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced a resolution designating 2019 as the “International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements.” A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.).

This bipartisan, bicameral resolution highlights the importance of the discovery of the periodic table, and recognizes that our understanding of chemical elements can help to address challenges relating to water, food, health, security, and energy throughout the world.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in recognizing the 150^th anniversary of one of the most significant achievements in science,” said Senator Coons. “Dmitry Mendeleev’s discovery of the periodic system paved the way for countless scientific advancements that have improved the lives of every person on the planet. This is a great opportunity to reflect on these breakthroughs and to stimulate the interest of young people across the country in science.”

“West Virginia is the birthplace of the modern chemical industry, and next year will mark the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of the world’s first petrochemical plant in Clendenin,” Senator Capito said. “This achievement was only possible due to the creation of the periodic table of elements by Dmitry Mendeelev just 50 years earlier, which greatly accelerated our modern understanding of chemistry. This rapid development from Mendeelev’s chart to today’s standards of living—made possible by chemistry—speaks to the ability of science and innovation to change the lives of people the world over. I hope these twin anniversaries will inspire another generation of West Virginians and our fellow Americans to advance scientific achievement.”

“I’m glad to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table,” said Senator Daines. “As the only chemical engineer in Congress, I understand the important role chemistry plays in advancing American technology and creating good paying jobs. We need to continue to promote STEM education to prepare the next generation of scientists to further America’s global competitiveness.”

“As researchers, designers and engineers across Michigan and throughout the country work on the projects that will shape the 21^st century, it is important to recognize that none of their efforts would be possible without the forming of the periodic table of elements,” said Senator Peters. “Dmitry Mendeleev’s work will continue to serve as the pathway to new discoveries for generations to come, and I am pleased to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the periodic table as an historic achievement.”

“The periodic table has been the catalyst for 150 years of scientific innovation,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “It has helped generations of scientists better understand the elements of our world and inspired them to make discoveries that have changed the lives of every person for the better.”

“I am pleased to join my House and Senate colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to establish the International Year of the Periodic Table,” said Congressman Lipinski. “As a co-chair of the Chemistry Caucus, I enthusiastically support any effort to promote chemistry education and research.  This resolution recognizes the importance of the periodic table and how it provides useful information about the elements and how they relate to one another in one easy-to-use reference. Chemistry plays an important role in how we approach the challenges of today and tomorrow and I’m glad we’re giving the periodic table the recognition it deserves!”

“The International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT) celebrates this vital tool for the chemistry enterprise and the broader public, by promoting international collaboration between countries and their scientific communities. The American Chemical Society (ACS) is proud to represent the United States in efforts to inspire diverse future generations of scientists by highlighting the periodic table in everyday life. Science diplomacy, now, more than ever, will help to foster a dialogue to meet our global challenges,” said Bonnie Charpentier, President of the American Chemical Society.

The resolution text can be found here.

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Sens. Coons and Cotton, Reps. Stivers and Foster introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to protect US patent holders, inventors

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and U.S. Representatives Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) and Bill Foster (D-Ill.) today reintroduced the STRONGER Patents Act to protect and support inventors and innovators and ensure that our patent system protects this essential property right. The STRONGER (Support Technology & Research for Our Nation’s Growth and Economic Resilience) Patents Act of 2019 is an improvement on legislation that Coons and Stivers introduced during the last Congress.

The STRONGER Patents Act seeks to restore and strengthen the U.S. patent system by implementing measures to make it easier and less costly for patent holders to enforce their patents. The legislation would provide injunctive relief against those who infringe patents; make post-issuance proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) more fair and efficient for all parties, including solo inventors and small businesses; address the problem of repetitive, harassing petitions at the PTAB; and reduce duplication between these reviews and district court litigation. 

“We must act now to recalibrate the U.S. patent system, so that our inventors’ and entrepreneurs’ ideas and businesses can continue to fuel the American innovation economy,” said Senator Coons, author of the STRONGER Patents Act in the Senate. “While our global competitors strengthen their intellectual property laws, we are at risk of losing our reputation as the gold standard for patent protection because U.S. patents have become too difficult to enforce and too unreliable to justify critical investments in emerging technologies. It is time to restore balance to our patent system and ensure our continued leadership on the global stage.”

“Main Street can and should be just as much of an engine for innovation as Silicon Valley, but we must ensure that the innovators are able to protect their next big idea,” Congressman Stivers said. “I’m proud to work with this bipartisan coalition to reintroduce the STRONGER Patents Act and provide entrepreneurs the protection they need to develop intellectual property and bring new ideas to market for everyone to benefit.” 

“I am proud to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to make our patent system stronger and more effective for anyone with a new idea,” Congressman Foster said. “From the earliest days of our country’s history, our economy’s strength has relied on a patent system that has allowed innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive and businesses to flourish, creating jobs for millions of Americans. Our current patent system, however, has been weakened to the point that it discourages research and innovation rather than supporting it. I thank my colleagues for their leadership on this important issue as we work together to make our patent system better for everyone.”

The STRONGER Patents Act focuses on achieving the following:

• Restoring investor confidence in patents by ensuring that administrative reviews at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are balanced and efficient.
• Restoring incentives for parties to reach license agreements without going to court by reestablishing that patents are property rights, enforceable with injunctions.
• Helping universities and small businesses access the patent system, fostering the next generation of breakthrough technologies.
• Ensuring that the USPTO has unfettered access to the fees it collects from the users of its services so that it can modernize its technology and issue patents of the highest quality.

Read a one-pager on the bill here.

Read a section-by-section summary of the bill here.

In addition to Coons and Cotton, the STRONGER Patents Act of 2019 is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

Additional cosponsors in the House of Representatives include Representatives Brian Babin (R-Tex.), Michael Burgess (R-Tex.), Warren Davidson (R-Oh.), Scott Peters (D-Cali.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), French Hill (R-Ariz.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Bill Huizenga (R- Mich.), Dave Joyce (R-Oh.), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), and Tom McClintock (R-(Cali.).

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