Senator Coons, Young resolution to establish National FFA Week passes Senate

WASHINGTON – A bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to establish February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week passed the Senate yesterday.

The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing into law a bill that provided a federal charter for FFA, acknowledging the significance of agricultural education in America.

“Young Delawareans learn to meet today’s agricultural challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities through programs offered by the Delaware FFA and the National FFA Organization,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled this bipartisan resolution honoring this vital organization and its talented educators and members who will become the next generation of leaders passed the Senate.”

“FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 14,000 Hoosier FFA members.”

“National FFA Week serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that agricultural education and leadership development play in shaping our future,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “It’s a time of celebration and reflection as FFA members, advisors, and supporters come together to honor the impact of this extraordinary organization. The week highlights the value of fostering inclusivity and leadership while addressing the critical demand for skilled talent in agriculture and related industries. Through outreach events, community engagement, and heartfelt gratitude to supporters, National FFA Week strengthens the bond between members and their communities, ensuring the legacy of agriculture and education thrives for generations to come.”

In Delaware, there are 42 FFA chapters, with nearly 4,430 members. 

In addition to Senators Young and Coons, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also cosponsored the resolution.

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

You can view the full text of the resolution here.

Senator Coons, Foreign Relations Committee Democrats condemn Trump and Vance’s disgraceful Oval Office outburst during meeting with Zelenskyy and reiterate support for Ukraine

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) issued the following statement condemning President Trump and Vice President Vance’s rhetoric during their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 

“Today’s behavior by President Trump and Vice President Vance would be more shocking if it wasn’t the new normal that this administration is forcing on our allies, partners and even our own citizens. Russia has not been able to break Ukraine’s spirit nor its will to fight. We are certain President Trump’s childish tantrum will not reach that objective either. Ukrainians have strong bipartisan support for their fight in Congress and Ukrainian flags continue to hang across our communities in the United States. We stand with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and will continue to condemn Putin’s aggression toward the brave and honorable citizenry of Ukraine.”

As tariffs loom, Republicans block Senator Coons’ bill on Senate floor that would prevent President Trump from unilaterally imposing tariffs on allies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) went to the Senate floor today to ask for unanimous consent to pass his Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act. The legislation, co-led with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), would prevent any president from imposing tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade partners without congressional approval.

The STABLE Trade Policy Act would institute a requirement of congressional approval before a president could impose new tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade agreement partners. Currently, the president can impose tariffs on any nation using authorities that Congress created to combat national security risks and address international emergencies. President Trump has used these authorities to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which were set to go into place on February 1 and then delayed by a month. They are now expected to be implemented this coming week.

In addition to the tariffs on Mexico and Canada, President Trump has also claimed he will impose “reciprocal” tariffs on the European Union and additional tariffs on all imports of steel, aluminum, microchips, pharmaceuticals and automobiles. Further rounds of tariffs against Mexico and Canada are also possible. Immediate passage of the STABLE Trade Policy Act would prevent President Trump from implementing these subsequent tariffs without congressional approval.

“These tariffs will be disastrous for our economy and our national security,” Senator Coons said on the Senate floor. “These tariffs will cost the average American household about $1,200 a year. They’ll raise costs for avocados and appliances, diesel fuel and dog toys, car parts and Christmas tree lights, tomatoes and tequila––I could go on.”

Senator Coons said that even if Trump delays the tariffs at the last minute, the uncertainty still raises costs for businesses and consumers. He emphasized that imposing tariffs on our closest allies and free trade partners will only weaken U.S. global standing and make our allies less likely to stand with us in the future.

“These tariffs, if imposed, will make inflation worse and hit the lowest income Americans the hardest. They will impact American businesses, American families, and American communities,” said Senator Coons. “So, I hope that working together with my friends and colleagues here in the Senate, we can find ways to lower costs on pharmaceuticals and automobiles and microchips––but sparking tariff wars in our region and around the world is not the way to do that.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) objected. 

A video and transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

WATCH HERE.

Senator Coons: Mr. President, I rise today to seek unanimous consent for my STABLE Trade Policy Act with Senator Kaine––an act that would prevent any president from imposing tariffs on a U.S. ally or free trade agreement partner without congressional consent. I’ll make that motion in just a moment, but let me first just explain what this is and why I’m doing it. Next week, President Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada––our number one and number two trading partners. These tariffs will be disastrous for our economy and our national security. These tariffs will cost the average American household about $1,200 a year. They’ll raise costs for avocados and appliances, diesel fuel and dog toys, car parts and Christmas tree lights, tomatoes and tequila––I could go on. 

Our economies are so closely integrated––the United States, Canada and Mexico–– that it will increase the cost of a GM pickup truck about $10,000, and even if these tariffs at the last minute are delayed, businesses are hurt by the uncertainty, which continues to increase costs. President Trump plans to follow those tariffs with reciprocal tariffs on the EU, which includes many of our critical NATO allies and closest partners. Imposing tariffs on our allies and partners diminishes our standing in the world and makes our neighbors less likely to help us in the future.

It’s no surprise that Americans think this is a terrible idea. Barely a quarter of Americans think imposing tariffs on Canada are a good idea. More than double that disapprove. President Trump has already declared an economic emergency to justify imposing these tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but my bill with Senator Kaine would prevent him from abusing long established national security authorities to follow through on further tariff threats against our allies and FTA partners.

The U.S. Constitution and the Commerce Clause – Article I, Section Eight – gives Congress jurisdiction over trade policy, and it’s time that we took ownership back, controlling the ability to impose tariffs willy-nilly on our trusted partners and allies by passing this bill and reining in President Trump’s costly and damaging ideas. And so, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill 348, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, that the bill be considered [to be] read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table.

…

Senator Coons: Mr. President, I understand that Senator Crapo, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, a supporter of President Trump, has blocked this bill today, and I hope to find ways to work with him on improving market access and on elevating the quality and the capabilities of U.S. trade engagement with our partners. But I really don’t understand why President Trump seems so intent on harming one of his signature accomplishments––the USMCA. I’m disappointed because Congress gave the president authority to impose tariffs in the event of a national security crisis, Congress did not grant this power to pursue petty grudges against trusted neighbors. Honestly, how can anyone be angry at Canadians? They are the nicest people in the world, and yet here they are, working with us, pleading with us to not impose ruinous tariffs that would harm their economy and ours. 

I’ll briefly then just make again a few simple points. I’m disappointed that President Trump isn’t doing more to reduce costs. He was elected in no small part because of high inflation and promised it would come down on day one. These tariffs, if imposed, will make inflation worse and hit the lowest income Americans the hardest. It will impact American business, American families, and American communities. 

So, I hope that working together with my friends and colleagues here in the Senate, we can find ways to lower costs on pharmaceuticals and automobiles and microchips, but imposing reciprocal tariffs on trusted friends and allies,sparking tariffs wars in our region and around the world, is not the way to do that. Two-thirds of Americans already think that President Trump isn’t doing enough to lower costs. Blocking this bill will only accelerate that, if President Trump continues to act unwisely and bully and threaten our closest and most trusted partners. We must find a better way forward together.

Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to restore injunctive relief for patent infringement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) today introduced the Realizing Engineering, Science, and Technology Opportunities by Restoring Exclusive (RESTORE) Patent Rights Act of 2025. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would restore the presumption that courts will issue an injunction to stop patent infringers, strengthening protections for U.S. inventors, entrepreneurs, universities, and startups. This legislation was initially introduced in the 118th Congress. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) also introduced the House companion bill. 

“Thanks to a wrongheaded decision from the Supreme Court, there are now companies who steal patented technologies rather than license them from inventors and then justify their actions as simply the cost of doing business. Innovators at universities and startups who lack resources are often unable to stop patent infringement in court and are forced into licensing deals they do not want,” said Senator Coons. “The RESTORE Patent Rights Act will protect innovators across the country, stop the infringe-now, pay-later model in its tracks, and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness for generations to come.”

“American ingenuity should be rewarded and protected,” said Senator Cotton. “Current patent law fails to protect inventors and leaves them vulnerable to intellectual property theft from adversaries like China. This bipartisan legislation will help solidify America’s edge in technological innovation.”

For more than two centuries, courts granted injunctive relief in most patent cases upon a finding of infringement, preventing patent infringers from continuing to produce goods that ran afoul of patent laws. However, this practice was upended in 2006 when the Supreme Court’s decision in eBay v. MercExchange created a four-factor test to determine whether a permanent injunction is warranted in infringement cases, altering the longstanding remedy for patent infringement.

Since that decision, obtaining injunctive relief in patent cases has become significantly more difficult and rare. A recent study found that requests for permanent injunctions in patent cases fell by 65% for companies that use their patented technology to manufacture a product; grants of permanent injunctions to those companies fell even more significantly. Requests and grants for licensing patent owners like universities and research clinics dropped even further: Requests fell by 85%, and grants fell by 90%. 

The RESTORE Patent Rights Act would undo the damage of the eBay decision by returning to patent owners a rebuttable presumption that an injunction is warranted after a court makes a final ruling that their rights are being infringed. This would deter predatory infringers and restore meaning to the right to exclude.

“American innovation is only as strong as the confidence in knowing ideas cannot be stolen by competitors. In the last two decades, innovators have found it harder to obtain a permanent injunction from U.S. courts, which stops bad actors from stealing their intellectual property (IP). Our legislation will restore the rights of American innovators by ensuring permanent injunctions are accessible from U.S. courts. This bill will provide greater certainty in the protection of IP and prevent cases from being taken overseas to countries like China. When U.S. courts enforce the exclusivity of patent rights, America becomes a world leader in innovation,” said Congressman Moran.  

“Enforceable patents are vital to our ability to invent, improve and advance – yet today, it is increasingly difficult for patent holders to enforce their rights through permanent injunctions, even after proving infringement in court,” said Congresswoman Dean. “The bipartisan, bicameral RESTORE Act addresses this issue and safeguards American innovation. I’m grateful to be joined by Congressman Moran, Senator Coons, and Senator Cotton in our push to protect patentholders, including universities, research laboratories, and startups.”

The Innovation Alliance, Council for Innovation Promotion, Association of University Technology Managers, Conservatives for Property Rights, Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-USA, Inventors Defense Alliance, and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association have endorsed the RESTORE Patent Rights Act.

“The Innovation Alliance applauds Senators Coons and Cotton and Representatives Moran and Dean for reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral RESTORE Patent Rights Act. With a simple, single-sentence clarification of the law, RESTORE will bring balance back to patent law and allow small inventors to stand toe to toe with Big Tech after a court has ruled that Big Tech is stealing their inventions. We urge Congress to pass this vital bill,” said Brian Pomper, Executive Director of the Innovation Alliance.

“Our nation’s economic success and national security depend on inventors having confidence that their intellectual property will not be unfairly exploited,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2018 to 2021. “The RESTORE Patent Rights Act will provide inventors with the reassurance they need to propel American leadership in critical technology fields.”

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that our leaders stand up for the startups and entrepreneurs who drive our nation’s economy and create life-changing breakthroughs,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2009 to 2013. “By passing the RESTORE Patent Rights Act, Congress can reinvigorate the U.S. patent system and reaffirm America’s commitment to protecting its innovators.”

“AUTM thanks Senator Coons and the other co-sponsors for introducing this legislation. Strengthening the ability of patent holders to protect their patents via injunction is crucial to incentivizing innovation. We look forward to working with the committee on this important legislation,” said Steve Susalka, CEO of AUTM. 

“The RESTORE Patent Rights Act restores meaning to the promised exclusive rights to one’s invention. Without fully enforceable exclusive rights, the inventor’s end of the ‘patent bargain’ is broken. Since 2006, the Supreme Court’s eBay v. MercExchange ruling has made permanent injunction extremely difficult to obtain in patent infringement cases. Courts have thereby turned the right to exclude into a compulsory licensing clause. This is unjust. The RESTORE Patent Rights Act ends the judicially created categorical rule of routinely denying injunctions. It restores the historical remedy of injunctive relief in patent cases, as it is with other forms of property, including other intellectual property,” said James Edwards, Executive Director, Conservatives for Property Rights. 

“The RESTORE Patent Rights Act is, perhaps, the most impactful thing that can be done to empower American inventors, entrepreneurs and disruptive startups. The ability to pursue injunctive relief when a competitor infringes on a patented invention was the standard in the United States for over 200 years. The Supreme Court moved the goalposts in 2006 and set up a convoluted test that makes it nearly impossible for a growth tech startup to stop the predatory infringement of their intellectual property by larger competitors. This practice has been perfected by Big Tech companies that now routinely ingest the innovations of disruptive competitors knowing that they cannot be stopped. Patent law and legislation is often complicated. The RESTORE Act is not. It is a clear and unambiguous bill that simply restores balance between large corporations that ingest others’ IP and the startups and entrepreneurs that invent it,” said Chris Israel, Executive Director of The Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs (USIJ).

“A functioning IP system must be fair, and as importantly, be perceived to be fair. Nondiscriminatory access to the legal system for enforcing and defending IP property rights is essential for securing the property rights necessary for investment. When innovators are unable to secure the property right embodied in a patent, investment is deterred and commercial activity, innovation and job creation impeded,” said Timothy Lee, IEEE-USA president.

“The RESTORE Patent Rights Act is a crucial step in safeguarding America’s small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs from predatory patent infringement. By providing a clear path for justice and injunctive relief, this bill empowers innovators and fosters a more equitable patent system that benefits American inventors and consumers,” said Kristen Osenga, the chief policy counselor at the Inventors Defense Alliance.

“There unfortunately continues to be ongoing efforts across the world to steal American innovations and intellectual property, and it is critical that Congress establishes new protections so that the United States can remain the global leader in medical technology innovation,” said Mark Leahy, President and CEO, Medical Device Manufacturers Association. “The ‘RESTORE Patent Rights Act’ would help restore a level playing field if enacted, and would codify the presumption that a permanent injunction will be granted after infringement is proven.  MDMA applauds Senators Coons and Cotton and Representatives Moran and Dean for their leadership in helping America’s innovators protect their intellectual property, and we will continue to work closely with them so the medical technology ecosystem can deliver the cures, therapies and diagnostics that patients and providers need.”

The text of the bill is available here.

A one-pager is available here.

ICYMI: “President Trump is making America expensive again,” Senator Coons warns Fox News readers in new op-ed

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) wrote an op-ed for Fox News today telling readers how President Trump’s harmful economic policies are increasing inflation and raising the price of everyday goods.

Despite claiming repeatedly last year that he’d address inflation “on day one,” inflation is rising on Trump’s watch, back over 3% for the first time in over half a year and expected to continue going up. Nearly two-thirds of voters say Trump isn’t doing enough to reduce costs.

President Trump’s coming policies certainly won’t help matters. As Senator Coons writes, Trump’s tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canada will make groceries and housing more expensive. His mass deportation efforts will also wipe out huge chunks of the workforce in sensitive industries. President Trump is already one of the least popular presidents after one month in office in modern history, Senator Coons tells Fox News readers, and his economic ideas seem unlikely to help matters.

Fox News: Sen. Chris Coons: Trump’s inflationary policies making America expensive again

One month into his term, President Trump is making America expensive again, and everyone is feeling the pain.

Last year, President Donald Trump ran against inflation, saying when he accepted the Republican presidential nomination last July and throughout his campaign that “starting on day one, we will drive down prices and make America affordable again.” 

…

After one month, we’re beginning to see the direction Trump is taking our economy, and it’s not pretty. Groceries are more expensive than ever. The price of eggs is setting new records every day. Inflation is back over 3% for the first time in eight months. The nonpartisan experts at the Federal Reserve expect inflation to keep rising. 

It’s no wonder that there’s only been one president in modern history who has been less popular with the American people after one month in office than Donald Trump is right now: Trump again, back in 2017. 

…

Over the coming months, Trump’s policies will continue to push prices higher, none more than his aggressive tariff proposals. He has already imposed an additional 10% tariff on everything we import from China – one of our three largest trading partners. In less than two weeks, he has promised to implement additional 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada – our other two largest trading partners – followed soon after by 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and microchips. 

Tariffs are simply a tax that gets passed down to consumers. If a retailer pays an additional 10% or 25% to import a refrigerator or a car, the company is simply going to increase the sticker price at the store. As more of Trump’s tariffs go into effect, costs will rise on everything from the Canadian lumber we use to build our houses to Mexican tomatoes and lemons we buy at the supermarket. 

READ MORE HERE

ICYMI: “Through sustained action and engagement, things change in our country. They can change much faster than we expect,” Senator Coons writes ahead of Selma anniversary

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), published an op-ed today in an issue of the Ripon Forum dedicated to the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday attack on civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama on March 7.

Commemorating the anniversary of the Selma march, Senator Coons reflected on his friendship with John Lewis, the civil rights activist-turned-Congressman who retained hope in the promise of America despite growing up poor in the segregated South and nearly being beaten to death on Bloody Sunday. It was only a matter of months after the Selma march that the Voting Rights Act was enacted, protecting the values of American democracy.

Today, American democracy once again needs protection. He describes how President Donald Trump’s “efforts to ‘flood the zone’ with shock and awe actions are an attempt to convince the country not just that this is how things are, but how they will always be going forward.” In the face of that assault, however, Senator Coons reminds Americans that through sustained action and engagement, change can come quickly to our country, and he urges Americans to reflect on Lewis’ courage and commitment to justice.

Ripon Forum: Why Selma Matters Today

“For many Americans, the promise of the Constitution seems hard to hang onto right now. Over the last several weeks, the new administration has tried to shred the rule of law and the traditions and institutions our government has relied on. President Trump’s efforts to “flood the zone” with shock and awe actions are an attempt to convince the country not just that this is how things are, but how they will always be going forward. 

It is easy to give into despair and bitterness. Instead, I hope voters will think about John [Lewis] and the Selma marchers, only months away from realizing their dreams of the full right to vote. Through sustained action and engagement, things change in our country. They can change much faster than we expect.

We must work hard to restore the things we believe in, even if it seems hope is limited: a vision of human rights that is inclusive, a commitment to the rule of law that is sustained, a belief in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Change may not come in a matter of months, but above all else, we cannot stop believing that it will come. Despite it all, John never gave up on the promise of America and the work required to make it real. Neither may we.”

Senator Coons statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s total invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022:

“Three years ago, more than 100,000 Russian troops invaded Ukraine, launching the largest war of aggression in Europe since World War II. I was visiting NATO and U.S. troops in Lithuania the week that the war began, and as I flew back from Europe, I prayed for the success of the brave Ukrainian fighters. Analysts believed it was only a matter of days until Kyiv fell and Putin was victorious.

“Instead, for three years, the courageous Ukrainian people have defended their homeland, their freedom, and their democracy. Backed by a global coalition of more than 50 nations, they have fought and inflicted massive losses on the Russian aggressors, the largest army in Europe. They have endured unimaginable hardship, the crippling of their economy, and the atrocities of too many war crimes to count.

“President Zelenskyy has ably led his country, and his people have fought with incredible bravery. Tragically, President Trump appears poised to give Putin a victory at the negotiating table that he has been unable to secure on the battlefield. He has repeated Russian propaganda, picked fights with Zelenskyy, and seems set on imposing a peace “deal” that will effectively surrender Ukraine to Putin. This strategic mistake would embolden our adversaries, waving a flag for Russia to continue marching across eastern Europe, for China to adopt a similar playbook for Taiwan, and for Iran and North Korea to learn that by partnering with this axis of autocrats, they can defeat the West. If he does abandon Ukraine, Trump will go down as the biggest betrayer of our interests and our ideals of this century.

“On this anniversary, it is time for every American advocate of freedom, no matter their party, to tell President Trump that he must not force Ukraine into a weak peace that will not hold. He must instead make clear to Putin that we will stand behind Ukraine in this war, in partnership with our European allies, who are offering to take on more of the burden of defending Ukraine and to join us in securing the peace. That is “peace through strength,” that is how we bring this war to a just end, and how we live up to the values that have long defined us as Americans.”

Senator Coons is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Senators Coons, Cassidy reintroduce the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act to ensure American hostages and wrongful detainees don’t see reduced Social Security earnings as a result of being unlawfully held abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Cassidy, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). This legislation was previously introduced in the 118th Congress.

“The financial impact of wrongful detention doesn’t end when Americans come home – the damage can last into their years of retirement,” said Senator Coons. “Americans like Paul Whelan – unjustly held in a Russian prison for six years until the Biden Administration secured his release – see severely reduced Social Security benefits for the rest of their lives and have precious little time to make those earnings back. The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act provides a straightforward and practical solution so that years spent in foreign detention don’t translate into permanently reduced retirement benefits for these Americans who have already suffered so much.”

“Losing one’s freedom is enough to endure. Americans held hostage should not also lose their Social Security benefits,” said Senator Cassidy. “Ensuring their benefits are protected makes a difference in someone’s life.” 

“Hostage US strongly supports the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents reduced retirement security when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.

“The lives of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained are forever altered in damaging ways that can continue upon their release and return home,” said Diane Foley, President, the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. “This bill provides an important measure of relief to reduce the burdens faced by those who are lucky enough to be freed.” 

Last summer, several Americans were released from wrongful detention in Russia as part of a historic prisoner exchange, and additional Americans have been released from hostage situations since then. These individuals now face financial obstacles resulting from their captivity, including diminished Social Security benefits when they reach retirement. Because they may not have received a paycheck or paid payroll taxes while in captivity, their Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which determines their Social Security benefit upon retirement, may have diminished by a meaningful amount.

The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act would amend the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calculation of benefits for individuals identified as wrongful detainees by the federal government. The bill ensures that when calculating Social Security benefits, the SSA would assume “deemed wages” equal to the national average for each month a former hostage or detainee was held, preventing unjust reductions in their retirement benefits.

Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today–– the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act and the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) that would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. The latter is with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. Both of those bills unanimously cleared the Senate last year.

A one-pager is available here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here. 

Senators Coons, Tillis reintroduce the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act today to protect the credit scores of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Tillis, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This legislation was originally introduced in the 118th Congress, and passed the Senate unanimously in December.

“When you’re held hostage or wrongfully detained in a foreign prison for months or years on end, you’re not thinking about whether there’s enough money coming into your bank account to pay your utility bill—but right now, financial institutions just see someone who’s not paying their bills. Americans who’ve already endured the trauma of wrongful detention abroad shouldn’t come home to find their credit score ruined,” said Senator Coons. “The Fair Credit for American Hostages Act addresses this injustice, providing crucial protection for these heroic Americans and their families who have already endured far too much, so that time spent in foreign detention doesn’t harm their financial futures long after they’re home.”

“No one should ever have to fear returning home to financial ruin and a damaged credit history due to their inability to make timely payments while being held hostage in a foreign country,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation ensures that Americans held captive abroad won’t have to grapple with the financial distress of a ruined credit score, so they can focus on rebuilding their lives.”

“Hostage US strongly supports the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents damaged credit when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.

“The Foley Foundation appreciates Senator Coons’ consistent, bipartisan leadership to address the often profound challenges faced by Americans who survive unjust captivity abroad. These bills offer common sense solutions to the financial issues former hostages face as they seek to restore their lives and livelihoods,” said Benjamin Gray, Executive Director of the Foley Foundation.

Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad often cannot pay their bills while in detention. Upon their release and return to the United States, many find that their credit scores have suffered due to missed payments. This bipartisan legislation would prevent credit rating agencies from considering payments missed during the detention of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.

Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today––the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act and Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) that would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. This bill unanimously cleared the Senate last year. The latter is a bill with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) that would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees are not penalized in calculating their Social Security benefits. 

A one-pager is available here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Senators Coons, Rounds reintroduce legislation to protect American hostages and wrongful detainees from tax penalties

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroduced the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act today to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from imposing fines or penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Rounds, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.). This bill was originally introduced in December 2022, and the Senate unanimously cleared the bill last year.

“When you return to the United States after being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas, the first thing that you should get from your government is a ‘welcome home.’ Instead, it’s usually a fine from the IRS for failing to pay your taxes while you sat in a foreign jail,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan legislation will fix a glaring flaw in our tax code to ensure that Americans who have already been through the unthinkable do not face thousands of dollars in fines and late fees from the IRS for non-payment of taxes. As we continue our work to bring home every wrongfully detained American, I encourage my colleagues to once again advance this bill and ensure we don’t make their re-entry to our country harder than it already is.”

“After returning home, American citizens who were held hostage or wrongfully detained should be spending time with their families and getting back to their lives, not worrying about late fees on their taxes,” said Senator Rounds. “For obvious reasons, any American held hostage should not have the heavy hand of the IRS charging penalties on missed federal tax payments. Our legislation will protect Americans from misguided statutory requirements and unnecessary red tape when they return home.”

“After returning home, American hostages and wrongful detainees should not have to face penalties for taxes missed while held abroad,” said Representative French Hill. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will correct a crucial gap in our laws that burdens these Americans with penalties and fines from the IRS after they return home.”

“It goes without saying that no one who has endured wrongful detention or been taken hostage abroad should face the additional trial of navigating onerous tax burdens they incurred by no fault of their own when they return,” said Representative Dina Titus. “This commonsense, bicameral, bipartisan legislation will eliminate that unthinkable possibility by simplifying the tax code to postpone tax deadlines and refund late fees to support wrongful detainees, hostages, and their families.”

“Hostage US strongly supports the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents unjust tax burdens when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.

“On behalf of all U.S. nationals returning from captivity abroad and the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, I sincerely commend Senator Coons’ and Senator Rounds’ leadership and their staff for this bill prohibiting tax penalties for hostages and wrongful detainees as an essential step forward,” said Diane Foley, Founder and President of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.

Americans who are held abroad as hostages or wrongful detainees are fined and charged interest by the IRS in the event of non-payment of taxes while in prison or captivity abroad, as though they had simply chosen not to pay taxes. Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter who was wrongfully detained by the Iranian government for more than a year, brought this issue to Senator Coons’ attention. When Rezaian came home in 2016, the IRS hit him with tens of thousands of dollars in fines and interest charges on taxes he wasn’t able to file while imprisoned. The IRS has made clear a legislative fix is needed to resolve this situation.

Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today: the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act and Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) that would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. The latter is a bill with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) that would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees are not penalized in calculating their Social Security benefits. 

A one-pager is available here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.