Senate passes Coons-Flake bill to combat wildlife trafficking crisis

Wildlife trafficking is a lucrative criminal activity with an estimated value of $8 to $10 billion annually

WASHINGTON – The Senate passed the END Wildlife Trafficking Act last night, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to combat the rapidly growing crisis of wildlife trafficking.

“Passage of this legislation is a critical step forward in tackling the rapidly growing crisis of wildlife trafficking as demand for wildlife products has spiked in recent years,” said Senator Coons. “Recent news about the African elephant population shrinking by 30% since 2007 largely due to poaching showed just how urgent this crisis has become. Not only are iconic wildlife species in grave danger of disappearing, but wildlife trafficking also fuels well-organized criminal networks, threatening global security. I urge the House to follow the Senate’s example to pass this legislation quickly so we can act now to address this problem from all sides.”

“Helping to stop the destructive practice of wildlife poaching and trafficking is something on which we can all agree, and I am pleased to see that the Senate did just that when it unanimously approved the END Wildlife Trafficking Act,” said Senator Flake. “I hope the House will soon consider the bill and get it to the President’s desk for his signature.”  

The END Wildlife Trafficking Act supports the ongoing work of the Presidential Task Force on Combating Wildlife Trafficking and directs the Task Force to coordinate relevant agencies and U.S. missions in working with countries experiencing wildlife crime to develop strategic plans with recommendations for how each country can combat threats to wildlife.

The END Wildlife Trafficking Act would:

• Require an interagency approach in working with the governments of countries affected by wildlife poaching and trafficking on an analysis of the threats each country faces, and recommendations on how to address these threats, including coordination with non-governmental organizations;
• Authorize the Secretary of State, the USAID Administrator, and other relevant agency heads to engage in efforts to address poaching and wildlife trafficking problems, including encouraging community conservation programs;
• Include strategic reviews to monitor progress made on stemming the tide of wildlife trafficking in countries with significant poaching, trafficking, or demand for illegal wildlife products;
• Give prosecutors more tools to go after individuals involved in high-value wildlife crime; and,   
• Require annual reporting on how all taxpayer dollars appropriated to fight wildlife trafficking are being spent, to include the costs of the administration of the Task Force. 

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Senator Coons’ statement on the signing of a new U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after the signing of a new U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military assistance on September 14:

“I congratulate the Obama Administration for finalizing a new, enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on military assistance with our vital ally, Israel,” said Senator Coons. “The agreement, the largest U.S. aid package ever, will include $38 billion in assistance to Israel over a decade.  It includes $5 billion in missile defense funding – the first multi-year missile defense commitment in U.S. history – which will allow Israel to both modernize its military and conduct long-term planning to counter rising threats to its security.  The MOU signed today represents the continuation of America’s seven-decade, unshakeable, bipartisan commitment to Israel’s security.

“In the months and years to come, Congress must remain clear-eyed about regional threats as we work with Israel to vigorously enforce the nuclear deal with Iran and push back against Iranian subversion in the Middle East. The Iranian government continues to propagate anti-Semitism and call for the destruction of Israel. It continues to build its military arsenal, conduct illegal ballistic missile tests, and support terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah that directly threaten Israel’s security.  It continues to prop up the murderous Assad regime, prolonging the Syrian civil war, and creating power vacuums that have led to the rise of extremist groups like the so-called Islamic State.

“The MOU will help secure Israel in the midst of regional instability. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to supporting and implementing the new MOU and to working with Israel to confront the threats it faces and ensure its security for the next decade and beyond.”

Senator Coons’ statement on nomination as representative to U.N. General Assembly

WASHINGTON – Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on his nomination by President Obama to serve as Representative of the United States to the 71st Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations:

“I’m deeply honored to be nominated by President Obama to serve at the U.N. General Assembly next week. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Delaware by representing the U.S. Senate and my Democratic colleagues in New York.”

Democratic Senators introduce resolution to commemorate the 15th anniversary of NATO’s invocation of Article V

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week introduced a resolution to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of NATO’s invocation of Article V in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.  Article V enshrines the principle of collective defense, meaning that an attack against one NATO ally is considered as an attack against all NATO allies. The resolution recommits the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty, affirms that the United States remains fully prepared, capable, and willing to honor its commitments under Article V, and encourages all NATO allies to continue their valuable contributions to the Alliance, including by investing at least two percent of gross domestic product in national defense spending. 

“This resolution underscores Democratic support for NATO’s Article V, a bipartisan foreign policy consensus for nearly seven decades,” said Senator Coons.  “The principle of collective defense is a critical reason that NATO is the most successful military alliance in history.  Our NATO allies stood with the United States in the dark days after 9/11, and the United States must reassure our European partners that we will come to their defense.  Our commitment is even more important after Russia’s aggression in Eastern Europe and Donald Trump’s recent compliments of Vladimir Putin and his questioning of America’s commitments to our NATO allies.”

“In the aftermath of one of the United States’ darkest days, NATO was there for the American people in defense of our freedom and our shared values,” said Senator Cardin. “I’m pleased to join this resolution with my colleagues to reaffirm our unwavering support for NATO and to encourage all Members to recommit to the founding principles of the treaty which have served us well these past seventy years and which will do so in the years ahead. NATO remains the most successful mutual security agreement and deterrent the world has ever known.” 

“For all of us September 11th, 2001 became one of those days when we will remember where we were and whom we were with for the rest of our lives,” said Senator Menendez. “That day, families came together and the world united behind us. ‘We Are All Americans,’ was the headline in Le Monde in France, and for the first time our NATO allies invoked Article V of the Treaty reaffirming the cornerstone of this critical international alliance: when one NATO nation is attacked, it is an attack on every nation — and every nation responded. Now, fifteen years later, much has been accomplished, but many challenges remain in an uncertain region of the world that still requires us to stand with our allies against terrorism. This is a global effort that requires collaboration and strong alliances. It is an honor to join my colleagues in introducing this important resolution.”

“The first and only time NATO has invoked Article V, its guarantee of collective defense against acts of violence and aggression, was less than 24 hours after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,” said Senator Shaheen. “With that act, NATO put its full weight behind American security and counterterrorism efforts, stating clearly to the world that an attack on one member is an attack on all members. Today, the NATO alliance remains indispensable to our global security in times of peace and in times of war. The United States is committed to NATO and to the freedom, security and democratic values of its members.” 

“For over half a century, NATO has protected the rights and interests of the United States and our allies,” said Senator Murphy. “At a time when some political leaders have threatened our commitment to our NATO allies, we honor them for being there in our country’s greatest hour of need and commit to redoubling our support for this important transatlantic partnership.”

New Report Calls for Increased Emphasis on Innovation and Clean Electric Power Generation

Washington, DC – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded the release of a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on innovation for clean energy.

Among its findings, the report recommends that “the U.S. federal government and state governments should significantly increase their emphasis on supporting innovation in increasingly clean electric power generation technologies;” in part, by expanding research, development and commercialization of increasingly clean energy resources and technologies.

The report—The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Electric Power Technologies—was originally requested by former Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in 2011. The following year, Senator Coons led a letter signed by 27 Senators to urge DOE to provide funding for the report. 

“We can no longer ignore the reality that a cleaner energy future is a critical asset for the long-term viability of our economy and the very survival of our planet,” said Senator Coons.  “The U.S. must adopt policies to ensure we can capture these markets in the future.  That’s why the National Academies of Sciences’ study on market adoption of advanced clean energy technologies released today is so important. This study conducted by an independent, non-partisan expert committee provides a thorough policy roadmap for Congress, federal agencies, states, and the private sector. These recommendations provide direction to scale up the deployment of a broad range of energy efficiency and clean energy options. I am particularly encouraged that the report validates the importance of energy efficiency, regional innovation approaches, and expanded Master Limited Partnership financing, among other recommendations. I want to applaud the commitment made by Chairman Chad Holliday and other members of the NAS committee in producing this critical study.”

Senator Coons believes these recommendations can inform negotiations as members of the conference committee begin work reconciling differences between the Senate and House energy bills.

Senator Coons to host fifth annual Opportunity: Africa conference in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, will host the fifth annual Opportunity: Africa conference on Friday, September 16 at the Double Tree Hotel in Wilmington. Registration is free and is now open. To register, guests can visit the website coons-staging.creativengine.com/opportunityafricaconference. 

“A world of economic and social possibilities continues to unfold in the continent of Africa,” Sen. Coons said. “As home to many of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Africa is a continent of enormous opportunity and is quickly becoming central to our economy and national security. This year’s Opportunity: Africa conference will offer Delawareans a chance to hear insights from experts and panelists from across the globe on how Africa is impacting us in the 21st century.”

The annual conference links Delaware businesses, faith communities, and Delawareans interested in Africa with top experts. Through panels, forums, and keynote lectures, Opportunity: Africa provides insights into a diverse array of topics, from trade opportunities to broader issues such as human rights, sustainable development, food security and global health.

Sen. Coons welcomes an outstanding group of panelists who will share their perspectives and their areas of expertise throughout the day. This year’s keynote speaker will be noted philanthropist, entrepreneur and economist, Tony Elumelu.

In 2012, Tony Elumelu was named by Forbes Magazine as one of “Africa’s 20 Most Powerful People” and one of New African Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Africa” in 2011. Elumelu also holds Nigerian National Honors as a Member of the Order of The Federal Republic and as the Commander of the order of Nigeria. He has degrees from Ambrose Alli University, University of Lagos and Harvard Business School. Past keynote speakers include President Bill Clinton; Dr. Raj Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; Daniel Yohannes, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation; Michael Gerson, Columnist, Author, and Senior Advisor to the ONE Campaign; Eric Goolsby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; Ambassador Reuben Brigety Dean, Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University  and Strive Masiyiwa Founder, CEO Econet.

Opportunity: Africa 2016 begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday, September 16 at Double Tree Hotel in Wilmington located at 700 North King Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m. It is free and open to the public. Breakfast will be provided. To register online, CLICK HERE. If you a non-profit or non-governmental agency who would like to have a display at the conference, please email us at OpportunityAfrica@coons.senate.gov

Sen. Coons, Rep. Dent op-ed in Philadelphia Inquirer: Upholding commitments to our allies is a bipartisan American tradition

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, and U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today published an op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting the importance of countering Russian aggression and maintaining America’s commitments to our partners and allies. The op-ed follows their bipartisan congressional trip to Ukraine, Estonia, Iceland, the Czech Republic, and Morocco to examine and assess U.S. national security and economic priorities in Europe and North Africa.

Senator Coons also published a Medium post that offers a detailed, day-by-day account of the trip.

The full text of Sen. Coons and Rep. Dent’s op-ed is below and online here:

U.S. must stand strong for allies and principles
By Chris Coons and Charlie Dent

In August 1990, President George H. W. Bush addressed the American people following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Explaining why he was sending U.S. troops to the Middle East, Bush made a clear case for American leadership in the world. 

“If history teaches us anything,” he said, “it is that we must resist aggression or it will destroy our freedoms.”

We recently returned from a bipartisan congressional trip to Morocco, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Estonia, and Iceland. These countries’ leaders are concerned about recent campaign statements suggesting eroding public support for the very principles articulated by Bush in that 1990 speech – fundamental ideas like resisting aggression, seeking diplomatic solutions to international disagreements, and defending a world order based on the rule of law.

As a Republican representative from Pennsylvania and a Democratic senator from Delaware, we disagree on our fair share of issues. But we made it clear to the citizens of the countries we visited that party labels are irrelevant when it comes to standing up for our friends and our principles.

We’ve pursued that same bipartisan commitment in Congress, too. As members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees, we’ve fought to prioritize funding for programs that will help bring peace and strengthen deterrence in these unstable times. Our bipartisan support for the European Reassurance Initiative, the NATO Security Investment Program, international security assistance, and humanitarian assistance programs are just a few examples of how our work in Congress is reinforcing our national security interests and honoring our commitments to our allies.

These programs have made a real, positive difference in countries around the world, and are critical for our allies who have stood by us for decades.

Estonia, for example, has gone above and beyond its fiscal commitments to NATO and also deployed troops to serve alongside American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan for years. 

Similarly, Iceland and the Czech Republic have proven to be engaged partners in peacekeeping missions, and the people of Ukraine have sought to build an independent, responsible nation despite continued Russian interference. 

The countries we visited, like so many around the world, are vital allies and partners. Many were also the battlegrounds of the great struggles against fascism and communism during the 20th century and have been the targets of overt aggression or covert subversion. Because of this history, they are deeply aware of the consequences of isolationism and failing to maintain our international obligations. 

Look no further than Ukraine. In 1994, Russia joined the United States and United Kingdom in pledging to “respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine” and “refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine.”

Two decades later, following the fall of a Ukrainian government sympathetic to Vladimir Putin, Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian soldiers are still fighting and dying for their independence today.

Countries around the world – and Americans of all political parties – condemned Russia’s actions for a simple reason: The principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity are vital to a world order based on the rule of law.

Today, Russia poses a direct threat to the sovereignty of Ukraine and the Baltic states, and seeks to undermine the worldview of a unified, free, and peaceful Europe. If the United States does not clearly and consistently stand up to Russian aggression, Putin will continue to test the resolve of both America and our alliances across the Atlantic. 

That’s why Congress must make clear today what President Bush told the world 26 years ago: “No one, friend or foe, should doubt our desire for peace, and no one should underestimate our determination to confront aggression.”

Our partners and allies around the world deserve to know that the United States will pursue peace, confront aggression, and remain committed to the international institutions that have served the world so well since the end of World War II. We cannot forget that a free and stable world makes America safer and more economically secure, too.

As President Bush articulated, standing up for our principles is a cherished bipartisan American tradition. It’s a tradition that we will continue to pursue through our work in Congress in the years to come. 

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.) is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees. U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R., Pa.) is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Sens. Coons, Peters visit Europe & Morocco to reassure allies and discuss combatting Russian aggression

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that they traveled to North Africa and Europe last week, where they met with allies in the region to discuss a number of national security issues, including the threat from Russian aggression, terrorism in the Middle East and the importance of U.S. partnerships with European and North African allies. 

Coons led the bipartisan, bicameral delegation that met with ambassadors, members of parliament, military, civic and business leaders and other top officials in Morocco, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Estonia and Iceland. In addition to trade and commerce, topics of discussion included America’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and contributions of Arab allies in countering terrorism.

“At a time when many of our allies are threatened by aggressive behavior from Russia and concerned about divisive rhetoric here in the United States, our congressional delegation made it clear that America will continue stand by our partners and our commitments,” said Senator Coons. “For decades, the United States and our allies have stood for freedom, stability, and the rule of law. That’s why the world looks to us for leadership fighting terrorism, rallying the international community, and standing up for democratic principles. In America, these values have long transcended partisan politics. That’s why it was so important to have a bipartisan delegation traveling to hear directly from the civil, military, and government leaders in the five countries we visited. I thank Senator Peters and our colleagues for joining me on this important trip.”

“As a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I am always focused on protecting the security and safety of Americans at home and abroad. Many regions of the world are gripped with chaos and violence, and it is highly concerning that Russia is sowing more instability and uncertainty. As Vladimir Putin seeks to expand Russia’s territory and influence and divide our allies, it is critical that the U.S. maintain our commitment to NATO to protect American interests and security,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “Recent political rhetoric in the presidential election has caused some of our allies to question America’s commitment to our shared goals of peace and prosperity. I was pleased to join Senator Coons and our colleagues in affirming the United States’ willingness to work with both our Arab Muslim partners working to counter terrorism and our European allies facing an increasingly assertive Russia.”

A look at Sen. Coons Week Ahead Schedule

Tuesday, August 23 at 12 p.m. – The Senator will attend a meeting hosted by Pittsburgh, Chicago, Dallas and Des Moines FHLBank’s senior leadership. The lunch, titled, “How FHLBank Mortgage Programs Serve our Members” will be hosted by Matt Feldman, President and CEO of FHLBank of Chicago. FHLBank has been supportive of numerous affordable housing programs throughout Delaware. Village of Eastlake Wilmington, DE.

Wednesday, August 24 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will tour Romer Labs Delaware operations. Romer Labs is an expanding biotech company with headquarters in Union, MO, and a growing presence in Newark. The company is a leading global supplier of diagnostic solutions for food pathogens, mycotoxins, food allergens, gluten, veterinary drug residues, melamine and enzymatic food analysis and works with the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which is funded from money Sen. Coons worked to protect in last years’ budget. Romer Labs, 130 Sandy Drive, Newark, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at Brian_Cunningham@coons.senate.gov or 302-573-6054.

Wednesday, August 24 at 3:30 p.m. — The Senator will deliver remarks at 2016 TEDxWilmington. The subject of Sen. Coons’ talk will be “Why Would Any Rational Person Run for Congress?” TEDx was created in 2009 in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community. The TEDx Program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences. World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at Brian_Cunningham@coons.senate.gov or 302-573-6054.

Thursday, August 25 at 12:30 p.m. — The Senator will tour Delaware’s Canada Dry shipping facility. The facility, located in New Castle, is owned by one of the largest Pepsi distributors in the country. 650 Ships Landing Way, New Castle, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at Brian_Cunningham@coons.senate.gov or 302-573-6054.

Thursday, August 25 at 2 p.m. — The Senator will tour White Dog Labs. Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate competitive caucus and only Senator with a chemistry degree, Sen. Coons will discuss the positives about doing business in Delaware and the future of sustainable chemistry, and learn how this connected with venture capital sources around the world. The company employed about 18 people, and was recently featured in a News Journal article detailing their technology. White Dog Labs, 239 Lisa Drive, New Castle, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at Brian_Cunningham@coons.senate.gov or 302-573-6054.

Sunday, August 28 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend August Quarterly services. According to the Delaware Historical Society, “August Quarterly is an African American religious festival that has filled Wilmington’s French Street with throngs of people for over 150 years, has deep roots in African Union Methodism. Peter Spencer organized the first gathering in Wilmington in August 1813, shortly before the Union Church of Africans was incorporated. The 1814 festival was the first in connection with the Union Church of Africans as an incorporated body.” Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE.

Sunday, August 28 at 2 p.m. — The Senator will attend IndiaFest, hosted by the Indo-America Association of Delaware. IndiaFest is a grand interactive multimedia festival showcasing Indian food and culture. Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, DE. Open to the press.

Senators Coons, Whitehouse call on Senator Cruz to hold hearing on Trump’s support for Russian involvement in U.S. election

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called on Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, Agency Action, Federal Rights and Federal Courts, to hold a hearing to determine whether existing federal criminal statutes and federal court jurisdiction are sufficient to address conduct related to foreign entities attempting to undermine our elections.

In the letter, Senator Coons, the Ranking Member on the Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee, and Senator Whitehouse, former U.S. Attorney and Rhode Island Attorney General, point out that U.S. laws prohibit engagement with foreign governments that threatens the country’s interests and seek to prevent foreign influence on American federal elections. Given the dangerous implications of Mr. Trump’s recent statements, the Senators believe a hearing would provide an important opportunity to ensure that sufficient legal protections are available in criminal law and federal courts to protect the integrity of the nation’s elections.

The PDF version of the letter is available here.

The full text of the letter is below.

Dear Chairman Cruz:

We write to express our concern regarding recent remarks made by presidential nominee Donald Trump and the threat of foreign influence in U.S. elections.  On July 27, reporters asked Mr. Trump several questions regarding the cyber breach of the Democratic National Committee and potential Russian involvement.[1]  When asked if he would call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stay out of the United States’ presidential election, Mr. Trump stated:  “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing. . . . I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.”[2]  Mr. Trump’s apparent encouragement of a foreign cyberattack on presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, a U.S. citizen and former Secretary of State, is dangerous and irresponsible.  We ask that you conduct an oversight hearing to determine whether existing federal criminal statutes and federal court jurisdiction sufficiently address conduct related to foreign entities that could undermine our elections.

As two dozen national security experts stated in a recent letter calling for a congressional investigation, this is “not a partisan issue” but rather “an assault on the integrity of the entire American political process.”[3]  The “hacking of a political party’s email system by Russian intelligence agencies would, if proven, constitute unprecedented foreign interference in an American presidential campaign.”[4]   

Mr. Trump’s encouragement of a Russian cyber incursion of a U.S. presidential candidate represents an unprecedented call for a foreign government to spy on a U.S. citizen and interfere with a U.S. election.  The threat Russia poses to cybersecurity has long been recognized as a national security issue, with a 2009 National Intelligence Estimate warning that Russia had the most “robust, longstanding program that combines a patient, multidisciplinary approach to computer network operations with proven access and tradecraft.”[5]  Recent Russian attempts to influence foreign elections – in Ukraine, Georgia, and France, for example – by engaging in cyberwarfare and orchestrated leaks are well documented.[6]  Mr. Trump’s comments implicate U.S. criminal laws prohibiting engagement with foreign governments that threaten the country’s interests, including the Logan Act and the Espionage Act.  They threaten the privacy of a U.S. citizen and former government official, inviting Russia to engage in conduct that would violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and, if performed by the U.S. government, would contravene the Fourth Amendment.  Finally, Mr. Trump has invited foreign interference with the presidential election, which we believe should be carefully guarded against under U.S. law.

To ensure the integrity of the presidential election and its insulation from Russian cyber threats, we ask that you conduct an oversight hearing to consider whether existing federal criminal statutes and federal court jurisdiction sufficiently address conduct related to foreign entities that could undermine our elections.  Specifically, we ask that you consider whether requests for foreign entities to conduct cyber attacks on political opponents violate existing federal criminal statutes, and whether there are obstacles to the federal courts asserting jurisdiction to protect the integrity of our nation’s elections.   

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Christopher A. Coons                                                                             Sheldon Whitehouse    

United States Senator                                                                           United States Senator

[1] Ashley Parker & David E. Sanger, Donald Trump Calls on Russia to Find Hillary Clinton’s Missing Emails, New York Times, July 27, 2016; see David E. Sanger & Eric Schmitt, Spy Agency Consensus Grows That Russia Hacked D.N.C., New York Times, July 26, 2016.

[2] Parker & Sanger, supra note 1.

[3] Open Letter: Congress Must Investigate Russian Interference in the Presidential Election, July 29, 2016, available at http://warontherocks.com/2016/07/open-letter-congress-must-investigate-russian-interference-in-the-presidential-election/ (last visited Aug. 1, 2016).

[4] Id.

[5] David E. Sanger, U.S. Wrestles With How to Fight Back Against Cyberattacks, New York Times, July 30, 2016.

[6] Margaret Coker & Paul Sonne, Ukraine: Cyberwar’s Hottest Front, Wall Street Journal, Nov. 9, 2015; Melik Kaylan, Russia’s Continuing Cyber Warfare, Forbes, July 26, 2016; Lucy Draper, Hackers Leak Messages ‘Between Kremlin and France’s Front National,’ Newsweek, Apr. 13, 2015.