[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “It is my hope that we will demonstrate that we have learned some things in the last few decades since the confirmation of Justice Thomas.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, filmed the following video on the allegations brought forward by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. Full audio and video are available here. 

“Hi, I’m U.S. Senator Chris Coons from Delaware, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I just wanted to speak with you for a moment about where we stand on the Judiciary Committee as we consider President Trump’s nominee for a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. As I’m sure you’ve heard in the press, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford of California has come forward with some shocking and troubling allegations that Judge Kavanaugh committed sexual assault against Dr. Ford when they were both high school students here in the Washington, D.C. area. 

“I think it is critical that the Judiciary Committee conduct a further inquiry into this allegation and into Judge Kavanaugh’s character, integrity, and appropriateness for the Supreme Court. And I think the right way for us to do this is for the F.B.I., which conducts a background check and a background investigation on every nominee to a lifetime appointment on a federal court, that they do a quick, thorough, but appropriate examination of the allegations and any other evidence that can be gathered. Already in just a few days, many people have come forward who were high school classmates, who were members of the community who knew either Judge Kavanaugh or Dr. Ford or both.

“And if we look back at a previous example, somewhat similar to this, where then-D.C. Circuit Court Judge Clarence Thomas had been nominated, the confirmation hearing process had gone forward, and there were late breaking allegations of sexual assault: At the direction of the White House, the F.B.I. then expanded the background investigation and by the time that the Senate Judiciary Committee held the second stage of the confirmation hearings for Justice Thomas, it wasn’t just the word of Professor Anita Hill against then-Judge Thomas. There were nearly 20 other witnesses who came forward to provide additional testimony.

“I don’t see why it is so urgent that we have this final confirmation hearing with Judge Kavanaugh just a few days from now. And it is my hope that we will demonstrate that we have learned some things in the last few decades since the confirmation of Justice Thomas, that we recognize and respect that for Dr. Ford to come forward with this truly disturbing allegation must be very difficult for her. It has put her and her family at risk. It has brought forward decades old disturbing memories and I respect and understand the challenge she has had making the brave decision to offer this information to the Senate Judiciary Committee. I think if we’re to try and demonstrate the best traditions of the American Congress and of our system, we will try and craft a hearing that is both fair and appropriate to Judge Kavanaugh and gives him an opportunity to be heard, but that also demonstrates that we believe Dr. Ford, that we welcome her testimony, and that we will provide her an opportunity to be heard after an appropriate investigation by federal law enforcement.

“If you’ve got questions or concerns about this, I look forward to hearing from you. I’ve got a special website, Coons.Senate.gov/Kavanaugh, where I’ve been welcoming input from thousands of Delawareans. At the end of the day, it is my hope that we’ll conduct ourselves in a dignified, appropriate, and respectful manner, and that we will get to the truth. Thank you.”

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Senate passes Sens. Coons, Kennedy bill to strengthen intellectual property laws for music legends

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Senate passed the CLASSICS Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-Louis.), that will ensure that recording artists from the pre-1972 music eras are fairly compensated when their music is played digitally. Changes made since introduction will also ensure that libraries and archives can more easily archive and protect these older works consistent with intellectual property laws. The legislation was incorporated as Title II, the Classics Protection and Access Act, of the Orrin G. Hatch Music Modernization Act. 

For historical reasons, sound recordings made before February 15, 1972 are governed by state, not federal, law. And, in recent years, this oddity has led to disputes as to the scope of state law rights when sound recordings are performed by digital music services. The CLASSICS Act will correct that oddity by bringing those pre-1972 sound recordings into the federal system, thus allowing the artists and owners of such recordings to be fairly compensated when their music is digitally transmitted.   

In addition to Coons and Kennedy, the CLASSICS Act is co-sponsored by Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

“The music performed and recorded by artists before February 15, 1972 is an important part of our shared cultural heritage.  It’s the music many of us listened to growing up on records and cassettes, and it simply is not fair that when we listen to that music today on digital platforms, those legacy artists are not compensated even though their modern counterparts are,” said Senator Coons.  “I’m extremely pleased that the Senate passed this legislation to fix this long-standing disparity, and I thank the many different segments of the music industry that have worked hard to achieve this consensus solution.”

“Artists who made music prior to 1972 are getting a raw financial deal because of an antiquated loophole in our legal system.  Our bill, the CLASSICS Act, will give the recognition and compensation these artists deserve,” said Senator Kennedy. “Louisiana is the birthplace of jazz.  Artists who contributed to that uniquely New Orleans sound are pioneers who deserve the same copyright protections as everyone else. I will add that, in my opinion, music made after 1972, with the exception of Meatloaf’s work, isn’t as good as the classics anyway.”

The CLASSICS Act is supported by the American Association of Independent Music, the Recording Industry Association of America, Pandora, musicFIRST, the Internet Association, the Recording Academy, SoundExchange, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, American Federation of Musicians, the Content Creators Coalition, the Future of Music Coalition, the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and the Living Legends Foundation.  

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on hearing with Judge Kavanaugh, Dr. Ford: “It is important that this hearing be informed first by experts”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined CNN New Day to discuss Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings.

“It is important that this hearing on Monday be informed first by experts who can help make sure that the panel understands the dynamics that cause many victims of sexual assault to refuse to come forward for years, why they fear retribution or mistreatment,” said Senator Coons. “And second, I think it’s important that we hear from witnesses in addition to just Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, not least of which is Mark Judge, a classmate of Judge Kavanaugh who is alleged to have also been a part of this disturbing incident. So, I think we should have a broader hearing than just two witnesses next Monday. And it is my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will demonstrate that we are today capable of treating an alleged victim of sexual assault with the respect and thoroughness that her allegations deserve.” 

“I think my concern first was that we wouldn’t hear from Dr. Ford at all, that her allegations wouldn’t be treated with respect and taken credibly,” said Senator Coons. “I am encouraged that that’s what’s going to happen next Monday. But if we’re really going to hear her, we should make sure that there is an opportunity here for what other evidence there is to also be brought forward.” 

Audio and video available here.

Excerpts from the interview:

Sen. Coons on the upcoming testimonies from Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford: I think it is important that this hearing on Monday be informed first by experts who can help make sure that the panel understands the dynamics that cause many victims of sexual assault to refuse to come forward for years, why they fear retribution or mistreatment. And second, I think it’s important that we hear from witnesses in addition to just Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, not least of which is Mark Judge, a classmate of Judge Kavanaugh who is alleged to have also been a part of this disturbing incident. So, I think we should have a broader hearing than just two witnesses next Monday. And it is my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will demonstrate that we are today capable of treating an alleged victim of sexual assault with the respect and thoroughness that her allegations deserve. 

Sen. Coons on an FBI investigation: I agree with Senator Feinstein that in any investigation of this type, the first thing you ought to do is try and make sure that what evidence there is corroborated and that there is a reasonable, responsible, independent effort to try and see if there is other evidence that could be discovered, uncovered.

More on the FBI investigation: I think we ought to take President Trump at his word. He said he’d like a full process and that everyone should be heard from. Everyone certainly includes Mark Judge but also others who are classmates, who are neighbors or faculty who could give some insight into the environment of these two, small elite private schools here in the Washington D.C. suburbs. These memories are now more than 30 years old, and so it’s important if the Senate Judiciary Committee is to weigh the testimony of Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh to have what other evidence can be reasonably uncovered by the law enforcement professionals at the FBI.  

More on the FBI investigation: Right. Well, I disagree with your characterization. It is not that we said first all we want is for Dr. Ford to be heard and nothing else and then once Republicans agreed to a hearing we “Oh wait! We also want the FBI.” From the beginning, when this allegation came forward, Democrats on the committee kept saying we should do a full investigation. This should be part of the background investigation as are any other allegations relating to someone being nominated for a lifetime appointment on a federal court and in this case certainly the Supreme Court. This is not an effort to slow it down by months, but it is an effort to make sure that we take days or weeks to ensure that there is a thorough background investigation. 

Sen. Coons on potentially delaying the Kavanaugh hearings: I’d want to hear from the FBI how much time they think they need to do an appropriate and professional background investigation so that they could come forward and say whether they have found any additional evidence that either lends credence to Dr. Ford’s allegations or lends support to Judge Kavanaugh. I’ll remind you, Judge Kavanaugh has already made public a list of dozens of women, of classmates, of former girlfriends, neighbors, who’ve– 

Sen. Coons on character witnesses: So, my concern is that Dr. Ford has not yet had the opportunity to come forward with additional evidence. So, I think my concern first was that we wouldn’t hear from Dr. Ford at all, that her allegations wouldn’t be treated with respect and taken credibly. I am encouraged that that’s what’s going to happen next Monday. But if we’re really going to hear her, we should make sure that there is an opportunity here for what other evidence there is to also be brought forward.  

Sen. Coons on Dr. Ford’s upcoming testimony: I think this is going to be a moment of real challenge for the Republican majority on the Judiciary Committee. On our side, the Democratic side, we have a number of experienced, seasoned former prosecutors, two of them happen to be Senator Klobuchar of Minnesota and Senator Harris of California, who have handled sexual assault cases. And I think you will see on the Democratic side the sort of balance and respectful questioning that is appropriate given the context. I do think this will be a real challenge for the Republican majority to conduct a questioning that is the sort of respectful questioning that was really not given to Anita Hill back in 1991.

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Senators condemn democratic backsliding in Uganda

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released the following statement on the current situation in Uganda.

“As members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we are gravely concerned about the continued deterioration of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Uganda.  The actions of the Government of Uganda towards its critics—protesters, opposition supporters, and parliamentarians like Members of Parliament Frances Zaake and Robert Kyangulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine—are unacceptable. Likewise, we are extremely troubled by the beating and arrest of journalists during these events, and by reports that foreign correspondents are being denied accreditation to work in Uganda. 

“We call upon the Ugandan authorities to conduct a credible investigation into the murder of Yasin Kawuma, and into the reports of beatings, torture, and the use of lethal force on civilians by security forces during the Arua Municipality by-election campaign and subsequent protests, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.  It is critical to Uganda’s democracy that Parliament is respected as an independent institution of the government, and that Members of Parliament can execute their mandate without threat or interference.  We strongly urge President Museveni and the Ugandan Government to adhere to the rule of law, and respect freedom of expression, press, and assembly granted by the country’s constitution. As Bobi Wine and Francis Zaake return to Uganda after medical treatment, we will closely monitor their situation, and that of those who face charges alongside them.” 

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Sen. Coons announces opposition to Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement opposing the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. 

“The consequences of a single Supreme Court nomination have never been greater in my lifetime. The next Supreme Court Justice will help shape the future of this country for decades, from playing a pivotal role in defining the scope of the President’s power and determining whether the President is above the law, to impacting essential rights enshrined in our Constitution.  At stake are the right to privacy, including rights to marriage and contraception, religious liberty and the freedom to worship as we choose, the ability to participate in our democracy as full and equal citizens, and the promise of equal protection under the law. 

“After reviewing the portion of Judge Kavanaugh’s long record of public service that is available to us, meeting with him privately, participating in a robust four-day hearing, submitting detailed written questions, and hearing from thousands of Delawareans, I have concluded that Judge Kavanaugh holds views on several critical issues that are well outside the mainstream of American constitutional jurisprudence. I have profound concerns about Judge Kavanaugh’s extreme positions, and I have decided to vote against his nomination.

“Supreme Court decisions impact real people and have real consequences. I am concerned that Judge Kavanaugh’s interpretation of the Constitution would roll back the clock to a time when we recognized the autonomy and worth of too few of our fellow citizens. This is not only inconsistent with precedent of the Supreme Court on reproductive choice, affirmative action, and LGBT rights, it is at odds with the aspirations for individual liberty that our Constitution was created to advance.  

“Judge Kavanaugh has repeatedly and enthusiastically embraced an interpretation of executive power that is outside the judicial mainstream. In the hearing, I asked Judge Kavanaugh why he has repeatedly criticized Morrison v. Olson, a 30-year-old precedent holding that Congress can create an independent counsel with authority to investigate the President. I asked him if he still believes what he said in 1998, that a President can fire at will a special counsel criminally investigating him. Judge Kavanaugh refused to answer my questions directly or meaningfully. Given ample opportunity to respond in writing, Judge Kavanaugh said he ‘ha[d] nothing to add’ and refused to state whether a President has to comply with a grand jury subpoena. I am concerned that Judge Kavanaugh holds a sweeping view of executive power that would allow the President to fire a special counsel who is investigating him simply for doing his job. I believe that Judge Kavanaugh’s view puts this President, or any President, above the law. That should concern every American. 

 “I am also concerned that Judge Kavanaugh has a demonstrated pattern of viewing regulations as limitations on the liberty of corporations, rather than reforms that can enhance our collective freedom. This view would undercut our ability to protect our environment, promote fairness in campaign finance, safeguard consumers, and promote access to healthcare, which would impact millions of Americans.

“I am further troubled by inconsistencies between Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony and his record. Such inconsistencies are all the more concerning given that there has been an unprecedented confirmation process for this nominee, in which Congress, and most importantly, the American people were blocked from viewing the vast majority of Judge Kavanaugh’s record.  Instead of a bipartisan process to fully vet the nominee and then allow Senators to vote their conscience, we have seen an effort to rush through a nominee while concealing the facts.

“Our Supreme Court must be a constitutional bulwark against violations of law, deprivations of freedom, and abuses of power. I do not believe Judge Kavanaugh will provide that critical check.”

Earlier today, Senator Coons called on the Judiciary Committee to delay Thursday’s scheduled vote on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination in light of the sexual assault allegations against him.

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Sen. Coons calls for Judiciary Committee to delay Kavanaugh vote

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement calling for the Judiciary Committee to delay Thursday’s scheduled vote on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination.

“I am deeply troubled by the assault allegations that have been made by Dr. Ford against Judge Kavanaugh. They should be taken seriously by everyone, irrespective of party and ideology. I would like to think that we are beyond the days when dismissing an accuser was an acceptable substitute for investigation and an evenhanded assessment of the facts. The Judiciary Committee should delay this week’s vote to ensure an opportunity for Dr. Ford’s allegations to be promptly investigated.” 

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Two Sen. Coons energy bills pass Congress as part of the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday applauded the passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation that includes key provisions from two of his bills: The Energy Title of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act and the America INNOVATES Act. The provisions passed the House yesterday as part of H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. 

The Energy Title of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act focuses on supporting innovation by increasing investments in federal research funded through the Department of Energy. Senator Coons first introduced this legislation with Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) in May 2015. A key provision from this bill, which will protect sensitive information about early-stage technologies funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), was included in the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act. 

The Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act also contains several key provisions from the America Implementing New National Opportunities to Vigorously Accelerate Technology, Energy, and Science (INNOVATES) Act. These provisions will give the United States’ world-renowned national lab system more tools to partner with the private sector to bring innovative technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. Senator Coons first introduced this legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in January 2014. 

“Investments in basic research are only the first step toward building a clean energy future,” said Senator Coons. “Technology transfer and commercialization of that basic research is also critical. I am pleased this bill contains important provisions that will safeguard confidential business information for recipients of ARPA-E grants and strengthen the pipeline that brings groundbreaking research from our national laboratories to businesses across the United States. Our nation is stronger when public and private sector leaders are working together to develop the energy technologies of the future.” 

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Sens. Carper, Coons applaud passage of funding bill for coastal protection, water infrastructure, energy research

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) today applauded the passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. This annual spending bill for the country’s energy and water programs contains critical provisions that will help protect Delaware’s coastline, support the development of the Wilmington Harbor, and support energy research and efficiency programs relied on by Delawareans. The bill passed both chambers of Congress this week and is headed to the President’s desk for signature.  

“When it comes to Delaware’s environment and its economy, this bill is a win-win,” said Senator Carper, the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Among other things, this funding will help bolster our state’s water infrastructure, protect our coastline that is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, and keep the Port of Wilmington competitive. While we still have more to do, the passage of this funding bill is good news for Delaware communities.” 

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m focused on fighting for Delaware priorities like protecting our coastline, one of our most important natural resources,” said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This appropriations bill includes important federal funds to maintain and protect Delaware’s beaches, invest in our infrastructure, and help Delaware families save on energy costs.”

The legislation includes $5.491 million for the Wilmington Harbor, which will ensure ships can continue to access the Port of Wilmington and allow maritime commerce in Delaware to proceed smoothly. Additionally, $12.45 million in funding is included in the bill for maintenance of the C&D Canal.  The Senators also fought for strong shore protection funding to support Delaware’s coastal communities.

Within the Department of Energy, this legislation includes $366 million for the Advanced Research Programs Agency-Energy as well as $6.585 billion for the Office of Science, including $110 million for the Energy Frontier Research Centers and $20 million for EPSCoR. The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and other Delaware researchers have been awarded funding through these important programs for a number of years. Further, Delaware will continue to receive funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, which focus on energy efficiency improvements for low income households and energy activities respectively.

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Sen. Coons applauds passage of appropriations bill that funds construction on National Guard bases and veterans’ health care

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware Senator in more than four decades to serve on the critical Appropriations Committee, today applauded the passage of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress this week, and is now headed to the President’s desk for signature. 

“Serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee is an important opportunity to secure much-needed resources for Delaware, and I’m pleased that this appropriations bill provides critical support for Delaware service members and their families,” said Senator Coons. “We owe it to those who serve our country to ensure they have the resources they need and the health care they deserve.”

Senator Coons helped secure $190.122 million for Army National Guard military construction and $129.126 million for Air National Guard military construction nationwide. This funding will support various missions vital to both Delaware and broader U.S. national security.  It ensures Guardsmen are able to fulfill their dual missions of supporting civilian authorities at home and U.S. military efforts abroad. The bill also includes $97.1 billion to support veterans’ health care and benefits, medical and prosthetic research, information technology, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General.  This funding will help improve the performance of the VA and enable the transition from the Veterans Choice Program, which provides health care outside of the VA system, to a new program that will provide higher quality care for Delaware’s veterans. 

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Blunt, Coons Bill to Protect Victims of Child Abuse Clears Committee, One Step Closer to Becoming Law

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Chris Coons (Del.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, announced their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA) has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is ready to be considered on the floor. The VOCAA provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable.

“Children’s Advocacy Centers provide key support services and a safe environment for thousands of Missouri’s most vulnerable children every year,” said Blunt. “Reauthorizing this program will provide vital, continued support to law enforcement in their efforts to investigate and prosecute child abuse cases. I appreciate the strong, bipartisan support this bill received in committee. I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill and help ensure Children’s Advocacy Centers and law enforcement have the tools they need to keep children safe and hold perpetrators accountable.”

“Children’s Advocacy Centers protect children in Delaware and all across the country, and I’m very glad that Senator Blunt and I have been able to work across the aisle to move forward a reauthorization of the Victims of Child Abuse Act,” said Coons. “This legislation will ensure that law enforcement, along with health and other service providers, have the resources they need to care for children who have been abused and quickly prosecute the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.”

Blunt and Coons introduced the bill in May 2018. They previously introduced similar legislation, which was signed into law in 2014, to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Program through 2018.

Children’s Advocacy Centers employ a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court while also preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their accounts multiple times. Use of Children’s Advocacy Centers leads to faster criminal charging decisions in sexual abuse cases, increased felony prosecutions of child sexual abuse, and lower average per-case costs.

In addition to Blunt and Coons, original Senate cosponsors include U.S. Senators Todd Young (Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (W. Va.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Mike Rounds (S.D.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Bob Casey (Pa.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Dick Durbin (Ill.). U.S. Representatives Ted Poe (Texas) and Jim Costa (Calif.) introduced similar legislation in the House.

The bill has garnered widespread support from the nation’s top advocacy groups, including the National Children’s Alliance, National Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and National District Attorneys Association. The bill is also backed by the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the North East Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, the Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, the Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center.