Senators Collins, Coons Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Leadership in Global Progress Against Maternal and Child Malnutrition

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of U.S. leadership to improve nutrition and health of children and mothers around the world.  The resolution also supports USAID’s commitment to global nutrition through its multi-sectoral nutrition strategy.

“Food security and access to good nutrition in early childhood are vital to children’s physical and cognitive development.  Although progress has been made in improving nutrition for mothers and children, nearly half of all child deaths worldwide are related to malnutrition.  It is a tragedy that so many preventable deaths still occur,” said Senator Collins.  “Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the important role the United States plays in the global effort to end child and maternal hunger and applauds USAID’s continued efforts to promote global food security.”

“I’m proud to join Senator Collins in highlighting how important it is for the United States to continue its strong commitment to reducing maternal and child malnutrition worldwide,” said Senator Coons. “While we’ve made tremendous strides, malnutrition is still linked to 45 percent of all deaths of children under five years old, or 2.6 million deaths each year. This resolution recognizes the progress we’ve made, and reinforces the need to keep investing in federally funded programs to end global hunger and malnutrition.”

The resolution highlights the severity of malnutrition across the globe and the negative effects that this has on child development, maternal health, and economic development.  It commends USAID’s efforts and recognizes that the USAID Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy, the U.S. Government Global Nutrition Coordination Plan, the Global Food Security Strategy, and the Scaling Up Nutrition movement are all platforms that can help reach global nutrition targets by 2025.

Several advocacy groups have expressed support for the resolution including Bread for the World, RESULTS, Save the Children, CARE, and UNICEF.

In addition to Senators Collins and Coons, the resolution was also introduced by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Todd Young (R-IN) Patty Murray (D-WA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bob Casey (D-PA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Angus King (I-ME), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA).

USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance.

Last month, Senators Collins and Coons introduced the Reach Every Mother and Child Act to strengthen the United States’ efforts to end preventable deaths of mothers, newborns, and young children in developing nations around the world.

For several years, Senators Collins and Coons have co-led a letter to the Senate’s Appropriations Committee outlining why we need to maintain robust funding for maternal and child health and global nutrition.

Click HERE to read the resolution.

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons urges Democrats to talk about their faith

WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe and discussed his recently published piece in The Atlantic entitled “Democrats Need to Talk About Their Faith.” Audio and video here.

“Look, we have a separation of church and state in this country. It’s important that those of us who are elected behave and speak and act in ways that welcome those of different faiths or of no faith. But we shouldn’t be hiding the fact that most progressive Democrats I know got into public life and public service moved by the civil rights movement or moved by the labor rights movement, concerned about creation. You know, some of us who are active in fighting climate change, it’s because we believe this is a created world and many of us, I think it would be surprising to you on the panel how many senators — Democratic senators — who are running for president who are progressives are progressive people of faith and their values are rooted in the message of the gospel,” said Senator Coons.

“I think part of it is a response to the ways in which the far-right weaponized faith in the ’80s and ‘90s and we don’t want to be seen as so-called Bible thumpers. We have withdrawn from talking openly about our faith in part out of recoiling from those who seem so absolutely certain that they know that scripture demands this particular pathway in politics or policy. And part of the point of my piece was to say that I encourage folks like Joe Biden who you just referenced who I know has gotten through some incredibly hard times because of a deep personal faith. Look, Elizabeth Warren was a Sunday school teacher. There are folks like Senator Booker and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who have spoken about their faith as they have campaigned. Not in a way to say my faith prescribes a specific policy outcome, but in a way to help the American people see their heart and understand why they can and should trust us to help lead again,” said Senator Coons.

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I’m concerned that without a clear strategy, [the Trump Admin. is] steadily sliding towards a military confrontation with Iran”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss Iran.

“I think there’s a chance that Iran would welcome going back to the table rather than taking us on in a military confrontation. But the time for doing that and doing that successfully is running out,” said Senator Coons. 

“I’m very concerned about the damage that’s being done to alliances that have kept us prosperous and secure for seven decades. In visits I have made overseas on different delegations, when I have had the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders, with foreign ministers, they always raise concerns about how our unconventional president is straining our alliances,” said Senator Coons. 

Audio and video available here.

Excerpts from the interview:

Where do we stand with Iran? Have we overplayed our hand?

Senator Coons: President Trump tore up the deal soon after becoming president and he promised a better, stronger deal. I’ll remind you that only by working closely with our allies over many years was the Obama/Biden administration able to get a deal that put Iran’s nuclear program in a box and got in place comprehensive inspections. I think our best path forward is to get back into negotiations with Iran and to put in place a broader, tougher, stronger deal. But so far, I don’t see any movement by the Trump administration to do that. And I’m concerned that without a clear strategy they’re steadily sliding towards a military confrontation with Iran.

Re Iran: What’s your sense of the diplomatic options at this point?

Senator Coons:  One of the challenges is that this administration has put more and more distance between us and our vital European allies, but I think frankly it’s in all of our interests to get back to the table and to get Iran’s nuclear program in to a tougher, stronger, longer lasting box as well as their ballistic missile program. Because of tough sanctions that are having a bite on Iran’s very dangerous regime, I think there’s a chance that Iran would welcome going back to the table rather than taking us on in a military confrontation. But the time for doing that and doing that successfully is running out.

It seems to some that the Iranians are basically ratcheting up the deal every day. We’ll do this today, we’ll do this tomorrow. You know, just to put the Europeans in a position where they say, oh, okay, we’ll help you out. But there are others — many people who think that’s never going to happen. What happens then?

Senator Coons: I think at that point we face a difficult choice. And a choice that we ought to be confronting in concert with our allies. Because they’re also going to need to come back.

Are the Europeans still our allies?

Senator Coons: They are, but I think one of the most striking moments for me over the past years was hearing Chancellor Angela Merkel say that the United States is no longer a reliable ally. That was a striking moment and frankly the abrupt and justified departure from the administration of Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, his resignation letter should have been a wake-up call to everybody who is paying attention to the importance of our allies, because he left the administration frankly because of the way in which President Trump abruptly announced a dramatic change in policy on Syria without consulting the allies who were prosecuting that war alongside us.

What do you think about where the allies stand on us, the U.S.?

Senator Coons: Well, I’m very concerned about the damage that’s being done to alliances that have kept us prosperous and secure for seven decades. In visits I have made overseas on different delegations, when I have had the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders, with foreign ministers, they always raise concerns about how our unconventional president is straining our alliances. It’s not inappropriate for him to be — for President Trump — to have raised issues like contributions to NATO or the cost of our troop deployments overseas. But it is profoundly alarming when he does things like his abrupt announcement of an intention to withdraw our troops from Syria when we’re in the middle of combat operations against ISIS, alongside our allies, with our long term and trusted allies like the United Kingdom and France. He has done and said a number of things that are not only unconventional for a president but profoundly destabilizing.

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Sens. Tillis, Coons statement on key Federal Circuit decision, continued uncertainty about patent eligibility

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit last week refused to reconsider what has effectively become a per se bar against the patenting of medical diagnostics, and several judges urged Congress to course correct U.S. patent laws.

“Last week’s ruling by the Federal Circuit is a clear example of why reforming our patent laws – and Section 101 in particular – is both urgent and critical. Life-saving technologies like medical diagnostics are now being excluded from the patent system despite the judges themselves agreeing that these innovations should be eligible for patents,” the Senators said. “The courts are sending a message to Congress that’s been clear to entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators for years now: America’s patent laws are stifling innovation and effectively incentivizing researchers, inventors, and investors to head elsewhere. We’re committed to reforming our patent laws to ensure that the U.S. remains the world leader in innovation, and we’re eager to continue working with all the relevant stakeholders to do that as effectively as possible.”

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Sens. Coons, Cornyn introduce legislation to promote civics education

WASHINGTON – In time to commemorate the country’s independence, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) have introduced legislation to reauthorize and modernize an American history and civics grant program under the Higher Education Act. 

The USA Civics Act would authorize grants to colleges or university-nonprofit partnerships that promote knowledge of American political thought and history, free institutions, democracy, or means of participation in political and civic life. Funds must be used to support centers or programs pursuing that work, teacher preparation initiatives aligned to those topics, and other outreach activities. Grants from the USA Civics Act could also be used to partner with nonprofit organizations or government humanities programs, develop open educational resources, or pursue other activities consistent with the purposes of the bill. The modernized text also ensures that researchers and educators funded through the grant have the academic freedom necessary to the robust study of American history and political life. 

“Civic engagement lies at the heart of our democratic process,” said Senator Coons. “We are living in one of the most polarized chapters of our country’s history, which makes it more important than ever to offer our future leaders robust opportunities to deepen both their knowledge of our institutions and their skills in participating in democratic discourse and advocacy. I am proud to partner with Senator Cornyn on this bipartisan effort to support scholarship on civics, the preparation of civics educators, and the training of a new generation of active citizens.” 

“Learning about America’s rich history and what makes our political process unique is essential to preserving democracy,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would promote civics education in schools and universities and support teachers as they inspire young Texans to be engaged citizens.” 

The USA Civics Act has been endorsed by the American Council on Education and the Center for Civic Education.  

Perspectives on the USA Civics Act:

“On the behalf of the Center for Civic Education I would like to express support for the USA Civics Act and commend Senator Chris Coons and Senator John Cornyn for its introduction. This legislation will provide much needed support for the enhancement of civic education in higher education as well as meet the pressing need to prepare teachers at elementary and secondary levels to provide their students sound instruction in the history and contemporary relevance of American political thought and its impact of their everyday lives. We need to develop enlightened and responsible participation in our political system and the best way to do this is through effective civic education.”

Charles N. Quigley, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education 

“As the Director of the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware, I strongly encourage the Senate to support the USA Civics Act—American Civics Education (ACE) grant program.  Support for the ACE Program ensures that the next generation of elected officials, change makers, and future public leaders are empowered to continue protecting our history and democracy.”

Maria P. Aristigueta, Director, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware. Full letter available here.

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Amazon responds to Sen. Coons’ concerns about consumer privacy practices for Alexa devices

WASHINGTON – Amazon has responded to a letter sent by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who pressed the company in May for information about the privacy and data security practices for Alexa devices. Sen. Coons’ letter followed reporting indicating that Amazon stores and indefinitely preserves text transcripts of user voice recordings, a practice that potentially puts users’ privacy at risk.

To read Sen. Coons’ original letter, click here. 

Amazon’s response can be found here. 

“I appreciate that Amazon responded promptly to my concerns, and I’m encouraged that their answers demonstrate an understanding of the importance of and a commitment to protecting users’ personal information. However, Amazon’s response leaves open the possibility that transcripts of user voice interactions with Alexa are not deleted from all of Amazon’s servers, even after a user has deleted a recording of his or her voice,” said Senator Coons. “What’s more, the extent to which this data is shared with third parties, and how those third parties use and control that information, is still unclear.  The American people deserve to understand how their personal data is being used by tech companies, and I will continue to work with both consumers and companies to identify how to best protect Americans’ personal information.”

Sen. Coons in The Atlantic: “Democrats Need to Talk About Their Faith”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published a piece in The Atlantic entitled “Democrats Need to Talk About Their Faith.”  

Read the full piece here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/2020-democrats-are-talking-about-religious-faith/592966/

“Democrats can fight for our progressive values while also identifying with the religious backgrounds that are so important to tens of millions of Americans,” Senator Coons wrote.  “It’s not about citing one scripture verse or another to argue for a certain policy; it’s about letting those Americans for whom religion is central to their lives know that we understand them, respect them, and in many cases share their religious backgrounds.”

Read the full piece here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/2020-democrats-are-talking-about-religious-faith/592966/

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Senate passes Senator Coons’ bill supporting Delaware’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovators

WASHINGTON – The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today includes U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ (D-Del.) bipartisan bill to eliminate a federal funding limit on the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). Currently slated to exhaust a stream of federal dollars after 2021, NIIMBL, under this legislation, could continually earn valuable federal funding, which to date has leveraged $129 million from industry.

NIIMBL supports industry-leading research with 115 members from industry, academic institutes, nonprofit organizations, and states. The Newark-based manufacturing hub connects local manufacturers to national resources to spur local innovation and create new high-skill, high-paying jobs for Delawareans. 

“It brings me great pride that Delawareans are leading the world in the development, testing, and production of medicines of the future,” Senator Coons said. “With this bill, and the vital federal funding opportunity it creates, Delaware’s innovators will continue to not only save lives, but also create jobs for generations of high-skilled Delawareans who will manufacture these lifesaving drugs. Also, other states are empowered to follow Delaware’s lead by forming new institutes specializing in other vital areas of manufacturing.” 

Cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Susan Collins (R-Maine), the legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA. In addition to the support for NIIMBL, the Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing Act promotes the development of new Manufacturing USA institutes. 

The Manufacturing USA program is a national network of 14 public-private partnership institutes with 1,300-member companies and institutions working to keep the U.S. on the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing. The institutes have generated $2 billion in industry-matched funding to transition innovative technologies from lab to market and to expand the production of goods made in America. The bill also embeds a liaison of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in each Manufacturing USA institute to assist with cybersecurity training, workforce development and technology transfer for small- and medium-sized manufacturers. 

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Sen. Coons’ statement on the situation in Sudan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in support of the Sudanese people and their effort to secure a democratic transition in Sudan.   

“I stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people and their peaceful protest movement to demand a representative democracy in Sudan. After the ouster of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir on April 11, it is long-past time for the Transitional Military Council to cede power to a civilian-led government. I urge the TMC to adhere to the June 30 deadline set by the African Union to turn over power, and I call on regional players, including the Gulf States, to support the mediation efforts led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to move toward a democratic transition.

“Recent events in Sudan represent a long pattern of human rights abuses perpetrated against unarmed civilians. Since December 2018, the Rapid Support Forces and other security forces have killed over 100 peaceful protestors. This is unacceptable. I call on the TMC and security forces to immediately stop all attacks on protestors and civilians. Furthermore, I strongly urge the TMC to end the internet blackout in their attempt to hamper civil disobedience.

“This weekend, as the Sudanese people take to the streets to continue to demand democracy, I urge security forces to refrain from violence and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of peaceful protestors, unarmed civilians, and journalists.”

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Carper, Coons Introduce First Ever Bipartisan Senate Resolution to Honor the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to introduce the first ever bipartisan U.S. Senate resolution to honor the 50^th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Stonewall is an important moment in American history that sparked the modern day LGBTQ movement for equal rights in communities across the country.

On June 28, 1969, the New York Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in New York’s Greenwich Village frequented by the LGBTQ community. But several brave Americans, led in particular by transgender women of color, stood up to the police violence and fought back, causing an uprising at the Stonewall Inn and the surrounding area that lasted six days. On June 6, 2019, the NYPD Commissioner issued an official apology on behalf of the NYPD, stating, “The actions taken by the NYPD were wrong—plain and simple.”

“Fifty years ago, the LGBTQ community took an extraordinary step and changed the course of history in our country,” said Senator Carper. “Their courage at Stonewall spurred a movement across the country and, to this day, stands as a testament to the power of brave citizens to make a difference and inspire generations. I am proud join my colleagues, including Senator Coons, in honoring these brave members of the LGTBQ community who fought for justice in the face of violence and discrimination decades ago. Today, we must honor their legacy by continuing the hard work of ensuring true equality for all people.”

“The LGBTQ Americans who stood up for their rights at the Stonewall Inn 50 years ago today knew that every single American deserves the same respect and rights,” said Senator Coons. “Over the last 50 years, we’ve come so far in advancing the rights of and respect for LGBTQ Americans, but we still have more work to do. Today, as we celebrate this anniversary, I’m as committed as ever to keeping up the fight.”

Additional Senate cosponsors of the resolution include Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

 Full text of the resolution is available here.

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