Senators Coons, Graham lead bipartisan letter to urge Administration to quickly renew, strengthen security MOU with Israel

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are urging the Administration to quickly conclude a strengthened Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide Israel with the resources it needs to defend itself. The current MOU expires 2018.

“During a time of increased instability in the Middle East, it is important the United States and Israeli governments reaffirm their historic and unshakeable security partnership,” said Senator Coons. “I urge the Administration to swiftly conclude a new Memorandum of Understanding to allow both nations to meet growing security threats in the region.” 

“In light of Israel’s dramatically rising defense challenges, we stand ready to support a substantially enhanced new long-term agreement to help provide Israel the resources it requires to defend itself and preserve its qualitative military edge,” said Senator Graham. 

81 Senators joined Coons and Graham on the letter. They are U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R- Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Daniel Coats (R-Ind.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.C.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Harry Reid (D-Nev.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Michael Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tim Scott (S. S.C.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), David Vitter (R-La.), Mark Warner (D-Va.),  Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Full text of the letter below:

April 25, 2016 

Dear Mr. President:

We commend you for your continued work on negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for security assistance to Israel. In light of Israel’s dramatically rising defense challenges, we stand ready to support a substantially enhanced new long-term agreement to help provide Israel the resources it requires to defend itself and preserve its qualitative military edge.  As you know, a strong and secure Israel remains a central pillar of our national strategy to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.  Israel remains America’s strongest ally in this troubled region.

Unfortunately, Israel faces a variety of threats which require increasing the resources devoted to its defense.  Hezbollah has positioned up to 150,000 rockets and missiles to Israel’s north, and promises to attack at a time of its choosing.  Disorder in Syria has spawned multiple terrorist groups dedicated to Israel’s destruction, including affiliates of al Qaeda and ISIS.  Iran’s intervention in Syria has brought the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps and Shi’ite militias near Israel’s border.  In the south, Hamas has grown its rocket and missile inventory and is actively rebuilding tunnels to attack Israel.  The Sinai has become a lawless haven for militant Islamist groups.  Iran is actively helping most of these groups, in addition to illicitly testing sophisticated ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.  In March, two such weapons were launched bearing the ominous words in Hebrew: “Israel should be wiped out.” 

In addition to these immediate threats, Israel must take into account the possibility that regional instability could lead to the toppling of one or more of America’s friends.  Given the extraordinary levels of weapons pouring into the Middle East, Israel could quickly find itself on the wrong end of the regional military balance.  This problem is compounded by the mounting cost of the new aircraft and other weapons systems that Israel must acquire to keep pace with its neighbors.  Moreover, Israel must prepare for the likelihood that Iran will resume its quest for nuclear weapons.

Members of Congress from both parties have been proud to work with you and previous administrations to provide Israel the essential resources it needs to survive in a very tough neighborhood.  The nature and breadth of the current threats, however, mean that the United States must enhance its investment in the long-term security requirements of our closest Middle East ally.  Already this year, we intend to consider increasing U.S. funding in FY17 for cooperative missile defense programs, much as we have done over the past several years.  Most importantly, we urge you to conclude an agreement with Israel for a robust new MOU that increases aid while retaining the current terms of our existing aid program.  That MOU should pledge aid at a level that will enable Israel to combine our assistance with its own increased defense budget to meet its essential defense needs over the coming decade.  We look forward to working with you on this critical issue. 

Sincerely,

Senator Coons helps secure funding for Amtrak, Delaware law enforcement, and more in annual appropriations bills

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware Senator in more than four decades to serve on the critical Appropriations Committee, joined his colleagues on the Committee to approve the annual Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) appropriations bills. These bills passed out of the Appropriations Committee and are now ready for consideration by the full Senate. 

“Making sure Delaware’s needs and priorities are addressed in our federal spending bills is why I made it a priority to gain a seat on the important Appropriations Committee,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled this bill includes funding for critical Delaware priorities, from supporting high-priority regional transportation needs, to investing in protections for law enforcement and making sure low-income families can secure fair, affordable housing. I’m pleased the committee has worked in a bipartisan way to support these and many related programs.” 

A list of Senator Coons’ priorities that were included in spending bills are below:

Support for Amtrak:

Senator Coons fought for $1.4 billion to support Amtrak, including $345 million specifically set aside to address infrastructure needs on the Northeast Corridor. Many of the Northeast Corridor’s bridges and tunnels are now over a century old, and the average age of Amtrak’s equipment fleet is the oldest in the company’s history. As a frequent passenger on Amtrak between Wilmington and Washington, Senator Coons has been a leading voice in the Senate for ensuring Amtrak and passenger rail service have the federal resources and policies they need to operate safely and efficiently. Over one thousand men and women who work for Amtrak live in Delaware.

Support for national infrastructure investments:

Senator Coons fought for $525 million for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. The TIGER grants program helps state and local governments pay for new highways and bridges, public transit projects, railways, and port infrastructure; and finances innovative shovel-ready projects to improve the U.S. transportation system.

Support for law enforcement:

Senator Coons fought to increase funding for the federal bulletproof vest program, which provides critical funding to local and state governments for the purchase of vests that protect and save the lives of our heroic law enforcement officers.  Unfortunately, this year’s bill funds the program at the same $22.5 million as last year, which fails to go far enough in supporting this crucial program. As a member of both the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, and the Judiciary Committee, Senator Coons will continue to fight to ensure that members of our law enforcement have the funds they need to purchase resources that protect and save lives.

Support for victims of child abuse:
Senator Coons fought for and received full funding to implement the Victims of Child Abuse Act authorizing Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), which serve child abuse victims and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Senator Coons led the bipartisan effort to reauthorize this crucial program on numerous occasions over the past five years and is pleased the Committee has funded this program at $21 million.  This increase recognizes the excellent work of Children’s Advocacy Centers in coordinating state and local agencies’ intervention in cases of child abuse, and the valuable collaboration that has arisen between CACs and military installations through memoranda of understanding.  The additional $1 million will be used to encourages CACs to continue to explore ways in which their unique model and expertise can be leveraged to help military installations address cases of child abuse and to support a pilot project to identify, develop, and operationalize best practices.

Support for Delaware manufacturers:

Senator Coons fought for $130 million for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the only public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers. According to data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, every dollar invested in MEP facilitates $17 in new sales growth and $24 in new client investment. This translates into $2.3 billion in new sales annually.  Delaware’s MEP operates through Delaware Technical Community College in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Delaware Office of Economic Development, and the Delaware State and local Chambers of Commerce.  

Senator Coons leads the Manufacturing Jobs for America (MJA) campaign in the Senate to rally bipartisan support for legislation that would help manufacturers grow and create jobs. The MJA campaign began last Congress, when Senator Coons led a coalition of 22 Senators to introduce 36 manufacturing bills, nearly half of which were strongly bipartisan.  Provisions from eight of those 36 bills were enacted into law.

Support for housing:

Senator Coons advocated for $950 million for the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, which serves as the only federal block grant program for state and local governments designed exclusively to produce affordable housing for low-income families.  Since 1992, the HOME program has created more than one million affordable homes.  In Delaware alone, over 2,000 homes have been built or preserved and over $70 million in HOME funds have been invested in Delaware affordable housing projects.  Senator Coons was a leading advocate for HOME during the appropriations process. 

Senator Coons bill would help first responders prepare for active shooters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del) introduced the Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act of 2016, which will allow law enforcement and medical personnel across the country to use federal grant funds to train and better prepare for active shooter situations, including training civilians how to respond if confronted by an active shooter. 

“Police officers risk their lives to keep us safe, and we need to ensure that they have the support and training to do their job safely,” said Senator Coons, co-founder of the Senate’s Law Enforcement Caucus. “Our bipartisan bill would support grants to provide training to help local law enforcement react to and protect the public from active shooters. As Wilmington and cities across the country continue to struggle with gun violence, I urge Congress to come together to pass this bill that will help make our communities safer.” 

The POLICE Act would revise the rules of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) to allow first responders to use grants received through the program for active shooter response training. Representative John Carter (R-TX) introduced a version of the POLICE Act in the House of Representatives in February. The bill is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Department of Justice’s VALOR program.

Coons, Corker Praise Progress in Reform of U.S. Global Food Aid

WASHINGTON – Following unanimous Senate passage of the Global Food Security Act, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today highlighted progress in their bipartisan effort to fix inefficiencies in the delivery of U.S. global food assistance. The Global Food Security Act, which passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in March, contains a first-time authorization for the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP). USAID has relied increasingly upon EFSP to avoid constraints that would prevent delivery of emergency food aid through the Food for Peace program.

“I’m thrilled the Senate came together in a bipartisan way to take an important step towards achieving sustainable food security for those who need it most around the world,” said Senator Coons. “This bill helps sends an important signal about the need to increase flexibility in how we deliver food aid. Passage of the Global Food Security Act today would not have been possible without the leadership of Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, Senator Isakson, and Senator Casey. Through GFSA, the United States is leading the way to improve food security and promote long-term nutrition for communities in developing countries.  I look forward to working across the aisle in the future to continue to reform the way in which the United States delivers food aid. More flexibility allows us to reach more people at the same cost.”

 “Today the Senate made important progress toward eliminating inefficiencies in food aid that waste scarce resources and prevent us from feeding millions more people in need around the world more quickly,” said Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Without the flexibilities that exist for emergency food aid, responding in places like Syria, where U.S. commodities simply cannot reach, would be impossible. The Emergency Food Security Program is the model for overall food aid reform, and I am hopeful that with today’s action we will continue building momentum behind that effort.”

In 2015, nearly half of the $2.1 billion in annual U.S. food aid came from the EFSP. Other non-emergency food assistance is encumbered by various restrictions, including U.S. commodity and cargo preferences, that make emergency food aid too slow, too expensive, or locally inappropriate. The Food for Peace Reform Act of 2015, coauthored by Coons and Corker, would eliminate these restraints to free up as much as $440 million annually and allow the U.S. to reach an estimated eight to twelve million more people with food in a shorter time period.

Senator Coons now accepting applications for nominations to service academies

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is accepting applications from young Delawareans who are seeking a nomination to the United States Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, or the Military Academy at West Point.

“One of my greatest honors as a Senator is nominating bright young Delawareans who wish to not only serve in our armed forces, but to lead in them,” Senator Coons said. “Our service academies attract some of the best and brightest students in the country. I look forward to nominating some of Delaware’s most promising young men and women to the academies’ 2021 classes.”

The application deadline for those requesting a nomination to the Class of 2021 is October 15, 2016. In order to be considered for an appointment to one of the academies, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements required by law and receive a nomination.  Applicants must be United States citizens and be at least 17 years old, but not have passed their 23rd birthday as of July 1, 2017 (25 years old for USMMA). They must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. 

Students pursuing a nomination should contact Senator Coons’ Dover Office at (302) 736-5601 or visit his website at coons-staging.creativengine.com/services/academy-nominations to begin an application and for additional information about the academy nomination process.

Senators Coons, Hatch applaud House Committee passage of Defend Trade Secrets Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the Defend Trade Secrets Act. The bill is now ready for a vote by the full House. The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Coons and Hatch, just passed the Senate unanimously.   

“I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for coming together to pass the Defend Trade Secrets Act and further demonstrate the importance of trade secrets legal protection,” said Senator Coons. “After today, trade secrets are one step closer to enjoying critical federal legal protections, which other forms of intellectual property already enjoy. I look forward to seeing this legislation move to the House floor with strong, continued bipartisan support, and it is my hope that in the coming weeks, President Obama will be able to sign the Defend Trade Secrets Act into law.”

“Today’s vote in the House Judiciary Committee moves the Defend Trade Secrets Act one step closer to becoming law, and providing critical protections U.S. businesses need to compete in today’s innovation economy. I thank Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Representative Doug Collins, and Representative Jerrold Nadler for their good work in advancing this legislation in the House of Representatives,” said Senator Hatch.

Senator Coons’ clean energy provisions pass with bipartisan energy bill

WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the first major piece of energy legislation since 2007, which contains several provisions written and supported by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that advance a bipartisan approach to energy, including programs for grid storage, cyber security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, research and innovation, and workforce development.  The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 will help unleash energy savings, integrate next generation technologies, and bolster energy resiliency and affordability. 

“I’m thrilled the Senate came together in a bipartisan way to update our country’s energy policies and pave the way for a clean energy economy,” said Senator Chris Coons. “I’m also pleased that several of my energy priorities are included in this legislation, including reauthorization of the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, which help millions of Americans save on energy costs, and a provision to help national labs partner with the private sector to increase technology transfer. This bill marks an important step towards a cleaner energy future that will grow our economy and increase our nation’s energy security.”

Senator Coons has been a strong supporter of the provisions in the Energy Policy Modernization Act that accelerate U.S. infrastructure and support advanced manufacturing, which are key to U.S. competitiveness. He also supports programs included in this bill that will provide states greater access to capital for financing clean energy. 

A list of Senator Coons’ priorities that were included in the energy bill are below:

Weatherization and energy efficiency provisions:

• Senator Coons fought for the reauthorization of the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, which benefit all U.S. states and territories.  For 40 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has assisted low-income families who lack the resources to make their homes more energy efficient. The 41-year-old State Energy Program leverages federal investment with state and local funds to encourage strategic and programmatic energy-related activities to increase energy efficiency, develop alternative energy sources, promote energy development, and reduce energy dependency. 

• Senator Coons fought for Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) and the Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESC). These contracts enable private financing to help federal agencies reduce their energy use at no added cost to the government, saving both energy and taxpayer dollars. Since their inception, ESPCs have achieved over $13 billion in energy savings across the federal government.  Senator Coons recently worked with Senate and House colleagues recently to urge the President to fulfill his commitment to achieving his goal of private sector ESPC and UESC financing through such contracting by the end of 2016.   

Research and development provisions:

• Senator Coons fought for reforms to the national lab system to give the labs new flexibility to support innovation in partnership with the private sector. America’s 17 national labs conduct research in a broad range of scientific and technological fields, but are not always equipped to translate their scientific discoveries into commercial breakthroughs. These reforms will help them transfer new technologies out of the laboratory and into the marketplace.

• Senator Coons fought for the reauthorization of the Energy Title of the America COMPETES Act to support Department of Energy (DOE) research programs. Authorizations for the DOE Office of Science and the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E) recognize congressional support for a reliable and predictable funding stream for basic energy science research.  

Long-term “national energy strategy” provision:

• Senator Coons fought for authorization of the Quadrennial Energy Review (QER). Just like with a periodic assessment of our national defense, diplomatic, and security strategies, an interagency QER will focus on energy infrastructure and identify the threats, risks, and opportunities for U.S. energy and climate security, enabling the federal government to translate policy goals into a set of integrated actions for a long-term national energy strategy.  

Senators Coons, Kaine, Lankford to discuss ‘America’s Changing Religious Landscape,’ a study from Pew Research Center

WASHINGTON – Wednesday, April 20 at 2:00 pm, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) will join Alan Cooperman (Director of Religion Research, Pew Research Center) for a discussion on faith in America, moderated by Rachel Zoll (National Religion Reporter, The Associated Press). The conversation will be centered on a Pew report, “America’s Changing Religious Landscape,” which looks at the changing size and demographic characteristics of U.S. religious groups, as well as trends in religious beliefs and practices.  The event will take place in Room 485 Russell Senate Office Building, adjacent to the Capitol.

If you can attend, please RSVP to Adam Lowenstein at adam_lowenstein@coons.senate.gov

WHO:

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)

                        U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.)

                        U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.)

                        Alan Cooperman, Director of Religion Research, Pew Research Center

                        Moderated by Rachel Zoll, National Religion Reporter, The Associated Press

WHEN:           Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 2:00-2:45 pm

WHERE:        Join in person: 485 Russell Senate Office Building

Sen. Coons in the Washington Examiner: “Merrick Garland deserves the Senate’s consideration and respect”

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) authored an op-ed in today’s Washington Examiner on why Supreme Court nominee Chief Judge Merrick Garland deserves the Senate’s full consideration. After meeting with Chief Judge Garland earlier this month, Senator Coons argues the Senate should consider Chief Judge Garland through hearings, a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a vote on the Senate floor. 

Washington Examiner: Merrick Garland deserves the Senate’s consideration and respect

By: Senator Chris Coons 

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to meet with Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit regarding his nomination to serve on the United States Supreme Court. After our meeting, at least one thing is clear: This public servant is worthy of consideration for our nation’s highest court.

Whether individual senators eventually decide to support or oppose his confirmation, a decision I have not yet reached, I can say confidently that Chief Judge Garland is worthy of full consideration, including thorough hearings and an up-or-down vote.

Judge Garland’s legal experience is difficult to match. For the past 19 years, he has served admirably on the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, commonly regarded as our country’s “second highest court.” Prior to joining the bench, Judge Garland devoted much of his career to public service, and as a federal prosecutor, he worked to make sure perpetrators of terrorism and other violent crimes faced justice.

Meeting one-on-one with Judge Garland was critical to developing my views of the nominee. In addition to appreciating his impressive intellect and substantial experience, I found Judge Garland to be an individual of good judgment and strong character. He is someone who recognizes the importance of respecting precedent and our Constitution, while also finding common ground and seeking consensus in resolving the challenging issues that the courts face.

I am continuing to review Judge Garland’s record carefully, and I encourage other senators to do the same. I left our meeting more convinced than ever that Judge Garland’s nomination deserves the full Senate’s consideration. That means hearings and a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee and a vote on the Senate floor.

The American people deserve the same opportunity that I had to hear from Judge Garland himself. A hearing would allow the Senate to bring this discussion with Judge Garland into public view. My colleagues and I would have the opportunity to ask questions on issues that are important to our constituents. After that, we should take a vote, guided by our oaths to uphold the Constitution.

Some of my colleagues have suggested the opposite course. They claim that giving the American people a voice in the selection of the next Supreme Court justice means that the Senate should do nothing. They say we shouldn’t have hearings in the Judiciary Committee, and the people’s elected representatives in the Senate shouldn’t take a vote.

I strongly disagree. Rather than giving more people a voice in the process, refusing to hold hearings prevents the American public from hearing Judge Garland’s answers and developing their own views. Likewise, refusing to hold a vote on Judge Garland’s nomination does not hold us accountable to the people we were elected to serve.

Our democratic system of government already has in place a process that allows every senator to fully examine Judge Garland’s judicial record and philosophy. Just as the Constitution calls on the president to nominate a candidate to fill a Supreme Court vacancy, the same document requires the Senate to provide “advice and consent” on whomever the president nominates.

Senator Coons backs legislation to honor families of first responders killed in the line of duty

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-founder of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, backed legislation to create a program to fly flags over the Capitol to honor family members of firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of rescue squads or ambulance crews, and public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty.

“These flags would express our thanks and appreciation for the first responders killed in the line of duty and their family members,” said Senator Coons. “It is a privilege to cosponsor a bill that would honor the heroic acts of these men and women who worked to keep us and our families safe every day.”

The Fallen Heroes Act of 2016 authorizes that the flags be provided at no cost to families and come with a certificate signed by the member of Congress requesting the flag and the President Pro Tempore or Speaker of the House. Senator Coons is one of 24 cosponsors of the bipartisan bill.