ICYMI: Senator Coons’ oped: Manufacturing can be transformed in Delaware

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an oped in this weekend’s News Journal marking National Manufacturing Day. National Manufacturing Day occurs on the first Friday of October every year and is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

Manufacturing can be transformed in Delaware

By Chris Coons

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/10/03/manufacturing-can-transformed-delaware/73241684/

Almost every day, I ride Amtrak between Wilmington and Washington, D.C., and each day out the window, I see the site of the old Chrysler plant in Newark. Each time I see it, I think about being there 15 years ago when I first ran for public office, introducing myself to thousands of hard-working employees. Some of those men and women had just graduated from high school and others had been there for decades, but they all shared one thing in common: they had good-paying, steady manufacturing jobs.

Chrysler, GM and other manufacturers used to be at the center of our state’s economy, each employing hundreds and even thousands of Delawareans. This weekend, though, as we mark National Manufacturing Day, we’re reminded that many of those local manufacturing jobs have left for good, that many of our families are still feeling the impact of those job losses, and that we have to work together to make possible a new era of manufacturing in Delaware.

Though some of or our largest, most prominent manufacturers have left Delaware and the United States, manufacturing is still an important part of our state’s economy, and we’re not starting over from scratch. Manufacturing still supports more than 25,000 jobs in Delaware, and in my five years as a senator, I’ve had the opportunity to visit dozens of manufacturers up and down the state that are creating new, high-paying jobs that look very different from the manufacturing jobs of decades past.

The changing face of manufacturing is a good thing, but it’s also a challenge, because too often, perceptions about manufacturing remain stuck in the past. Many parents and guidance counselors are reluctant to encourage strong students to pursue manufacturing careers they envision on dirty factory floors, but their worries don’t match up with reality. Today’s manufacturing jobs require higher-level skills than ever before, from hard math and engineering skills to the ability to think critically and work as part of a team. Many of them require two-year college degrees, and many require more.

But it’s not only public perception that hasn’t kept up with manufacturing’s transformation. Job training programs have also lagged behind in preparing people with the skills they need to succeed in the advanced manufacturing jobs of today. As a result, manufacturers who are trying to fill new jobs haven’t always been able to find people with the right skills to fill them. This skills gap has slowed down growing companies and the economy, but it’s also made it harder for young people to get good jobs that are available right here in Delaware.

The good news is there are already efforts at the state and local levels in Delaware to encourage and train young people for successful careers in manufacturing. One effort is “Pathways to Prosperity,” a program spearheaded by Gov. Jack Markell that connects Delaware Tech, local high schools, and manufacturing companies to help schools train students with the skills and knowledge companies are looking for in new employees. This program has already helped manufacturers close the local skills gap and give young people a clear pathway to exciting, promising careers that they might not otherwise have considered.

In the Senate, I started the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative, and I’ve been working on legislation to help states partner with the federal government to build on these efforts here in Delaware and across the country. We’re working to send the message to young people that manufacturing is a viable career and help give them the right skills to excel in those jobs.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Manufacturing Skills Act with Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte to help cities and states modernize their job training programs and equip job seekers with the skills they need for today’s manufacturing jobs.

I also worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to introduce the Manufacturing Universities Act, which would designate 25 “Manufacturing Universities” across the country and invest up to $5 million per year into each school’s engineering program over four years.

On Friday, I hosted U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to show off some of what we’re doing to support manufacturing in the First State. We visited two of Delaware’s fastest-growing manufacturers, Accudyne and M. Davis, and talked about how we can work together in Delaware at the local, state and federal levels to create and maintain strong, 21^st century manufacturing jobs. Secretary Pritzker saw the same things I continue to see in Delaware: a strong environment for growing businesses and a skilled workforce for companies across a wide range of industries.

Manufacturing in Delaware has certainly changed from what it once was, but it’s just as important to our 21^st century economy and the middle class as it was in the last century. Today’s manufacturing jobs pay, on average, more in wages and benefits than any other industry, they contribute more to local economies, and they are critical to our nation’s capacity to innovate and grow.

For the thousands of Delawareans who grew up with friends and family members who went to work every day at GM and Chrysler, it’s easy to be skeptical about manufacturing in our state, but there is real reason for hope.

By investing in quality job training programs, working directly with Delaware businesses, and educating our students with the skills they need in a modern economy, we can change the perception of manufacturing in our state and replace the lost jobs of the 20^th century with good-paying, 21^st century jobs right here at home.

Chris Coons is Delaware’s junior U.S. Senator.

Carper, Coons, Carney announce pair of job fairs for the fall

WILMINGTON, Del. – Committed to continuing to help out-of-work Delawareans find employment, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney announced today that they will host a pair of job fairs this fall — one geared specifically toward the holiday staffing needs of retailers at the Christiana Mall, and the other for those seeking for long-term career opportunities.

Prior to the series of job fairs, the delegation will also host a free and open to the public job readiness workshop on Monday, October 12 at Central Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop will feature resume reviews, interview skills development, wardrobe selection and personal presentation skills. The skills workshop is co-hosted with Goodwill of Delaware, One Village Alliance, Career Team, Delaware Department of Labor and Delaware Division of Transportation.

The holiday job fair will take place on Wednesday, October 14 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the court in front of JCPenney in the Christiana Mall in Newark. Other stores seeking to hire will also have tables in front of their specific locations. Interested companies seeking to fill positions can contact Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345 or via email at workshop@coons.senate.gov.

The other job fair this fall will be at Delaware Technical Community College (400 Stanton-Christina Road, Newark) on Monday, November 16 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our holiday job fairs have been enormously popular with folks looking for seasonal work to supplement their income,” said Senator Carper. “While the Congressional Delegation works year round to find long-term employment for Delawareans, the seasonal job fair is a great opportunity for many as stores are looking to hire to add to their holiday workforce.”

“With gridlock in Washington making it harder and harder to pass legislation that would meaningfully help the tens of thousands of Delawareans still looking for work, these job fairs are a way to make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Senator Coons said. “Like the job fairs we hosted earlier in the year, our goal for these fairs is to help Delawareans connect with real job opportunities. Retailers in the Christiana Mall will be hiring for more than 1,000 seasonal positions at the holiday job fair, and we’re already recruiting employers for the November job fair.”

“During the holiday season, many retailers look for talented, dedicated workers to help them through their busiest time of the year,” Congressman Carney said. “This job fair is a chance to help Delawareans find work over the holidays, while also responding to the needs of local employers. I urge anyone looking for work to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Since 2011, the Congressional delegation has hosted 26 job fairs in Delaware, including seven specifically for veterans.

For more information on how to participate as an employer or job seeker, please call Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov. Pre-registration is not required.

Senator Coons honors James H. Gilliam Sr. on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday delivered a speech on the Senate floor honoring James H. Gilliam, Sr., who passed away Wednesday, September 10th at the age of 95. Mr. Gilliam was a decorated soldier and a civil rights leader in the Wilmington community.

Senator Coons’ full remarks:

“Mr. President,

“It is with a heavy heart that today I rise today to honor a friend and a true force for good in my home state of Delaware who recently passed away, but whose impact will be felt for many years to come.

“He was first and foremost a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to his wife, Louise, for 68 years, and had always been the ‘rock of his family.’ He was incredibly proud of the many accomplishments of his son, Jim Jr., and his daughter, Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, after instilling in them his own passion of service to others.

“This man stood as a great leader in the First State — he was a veteran, a trailblazer, a mentor, and to so many of us, a trusted advisor and friend.

“Mr. President, it was Mr. James H. Gilliam, Sr., or “Mr. G.” as he was known to so many of us, who left our world early Wednesday morning, September 10th. But before he left us, he made a profound impact on thousands of Delawareans from every walk of life, as a teacher, as a mentor, and a leader. His 95 years on this Earth marked a life well lived.

“Whether he was helping communities to heal and to grow together or helping to establish local and national organizations committed to social justice and equity, advising governors, members of Congress, or even the Vice President, he never wasted an opportunity to make the case for our community.

“Jim Gilliam though actually didn’t grow up in Delaware, originally he was raised in Baltimore, and originally earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Morgan State and a master’s degree in social work from Howard University. From 1944 to 1948, he served his country with honor, as a member of the Army’s 92^nd Infantry Division – the famed Buffalo Soldiers – where he became a decorated soldier during the Second World War and beyond. He was actually recalled to duty as a captain during the Korean War, and for all his service, he received many awards, including two Bronze Star medals and the Combat Infantryman Badge. I’ll never forget the opportunity I had last year when I was able to help him retrieve a number of his missing, or in several cases, never awarded medals and to reissue them to him in a public ceremony. Hundreds of Delawareans from across our community came together at that event, hundreds whose lives he touched — I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.

“Jim Gilliam didn’t come to Wilmington for good until 1965 when he was hired as director of neighborhood and housing services for the Greater Wilmington Development Council, and shortly after, in 1968, he was one of the few trusted to walk the Wilmington streets promoting reconciliation during the riots in our city and the National Guard occupation that lasted too long after the assassination of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

“Mr. G. went on to hold positions of leadership with private sector and public sector entities, including vice-president of development company Leon Weiner & Associates working to build affordable, low-income housing, or as the director of New Castle County’s Department of Community Development and Housing where he served for many years. Or in 1970, when Governor Peterson asked him to overhaul a then failing Delaware Family Court, he touched many, many lives through many institutions.

“And his constant involvement in the community led to a many honors and accolades, but through it all, he never rested on his laurels or slowed down in his efforts to serve others. In 1999, at an age when most others would have been beginning retirement, he spent nine months raising a million dollars and securing hundreds of political, business, and community supporters to found the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. The Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League quickly rose in prominence and four years later received the National Urban League’s highest honor. Since that time, as MWUL Chairman, Jim led countless efforts in educational opportunity, economic development, supplier diversity, fighting racial profiling and promoting equity in the arts.

“I was honored to be able to call him a mentor and advisor. Whether working with him fifteen years ago when I was a newly elected countywide official or in recent years as a U. S. senator, I called on Mr. G. time and time again when making tough decisions. His counsel wasn’t always easy to receive — he pulled no punches — but he always gave advice keeping the best interests of our community in mind. I consider myself hugely blessed for the many opportunities when he shared his knowledge and his perspective of what we needed to do. But I am far from the only person who long relied upon his advice. Mr. G. counseled countless young men and women from throughout the state and throughout his life, and truly fostered an entire generation of civic and community leaders.

“One of them is Paul Calistro, for decades the executive director of West End Neighborhood House, whose organization has supported thousands of youth and families in our city. A sentiment he recently related to me was that Mr. G. was a man who could command the entire room, but could also speak to you as if you were the only one in the room.

“Another whose career he helped launch was Jae Street, now a county councilman and for decades the executive director of Hilltop Lutheran, another important youth-serving organization in a tough neighborhood in our city. But who was hired at the age of 22, some 40 years ago, by Mr. G. to help in preparation for school desegregation. Jae told recently commented, quote, “he did not tell me it was a job for life, but he helped me to do it, to stay on the battlefield for justice these many years.”

“Any elected official or civic or community leader who ever sat down with Mr. G also knew that he meant business. He wasn’t shy about telling you what you needed to do, what you needed to do better, what you needed to do to make an impact. Whether it was fighting crime or investing in education or growing opportunity. He was better than anyone I have ever known at delivering hard and pointed messages with a smile but with an intensity that made you listen and made you want to be a better man.

“The News Journal, our home paper in Wilmington, recently said, quote, “Mr. Gilliam’s fight for racial justice, his efforts to correct the many wrongs of our society and his willingness to mentor countless others, sent forth thousands of ripples of hope that have benefited us in the past and will serve us well in the future.” And I think that’s exactly right.

“No problem was too small or insignificant for him to embrace and to attend to and to set right. He was Wilmington’s Pied Piper, leading all kinds of people into a better place. He was a natural leader. And everyone who knew him is better off for it.

“My good friend Dr. Tony Allen counted Mr. G. as his best friend. And Tony put it this way: “[He] was the conscience of our community. He often said to me that the great challenges of life are in the moments when it is our turn. When there’s an opportunity for us speak up or to be quiet, to rise up or to lie down, to take arms or to take cover. Most of us take the path of least resistance and miss the moment to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.”

“He taught everyone to never, ever miss their moment. To act. To do the right thing. To make the world a better place.

“For 95 years, Mr. G. never missed the moments that required him to act and to lead. He acted, he led, and his legacy lives on not only in his family, but among so many other people and institutions throughout our state that he touched.

“As for me, I will always remember Jim Gilliam as a man who challenged me to be better. He viewed himself as a servant to our community, but he knew his service alone wasn’t enough. That’s why his lasting legacy will be in those whom he’s inspired, and who he challenged to continue his work, to follow his example, to take our turn, and our moment to fight for justice.

“Thank you Mr. President.”

Senators Coons, Baldwin recognize National Manufacturing Day on Senate Floor

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) yesterday spoke on the Senate floor to recognize National Manufacturing Day. Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) also joined Senators Coons and Baldwin on the floor in support. National Manufacturing Day occurs on the first Friday of October every year and is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

Senators Coons and Baldwin are leading the Manufacturing Jobs for America campaign 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 27 Senators to introduce 36 manufacturing bills, nearly half of which were strongly bipartisan. Eight of those 36 bills were enacted into law, a startling success rate given Congress’ gridlock and bitter partisanship.

“In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, I’m proud to join my colleagues to bring attention to the critical role manufacturing plays in my home state of Delaware and across the country,” said Senator Coons. “Manufacturing has been, and continues to be, a vital part of our economy, but coming from the state of Delaware, I know first hand the challenges that face manufacturing in the 21st century, and how much it has changed. That’s why we must work together to invest in quality job training programs, partner directly with businesses, and educate our students with the skills they need in a modern economy so that we can change the perception of manufacturing and replace the lost jobs of the 20th century with good-paying, 21st century jobs right here at home.”

“I am so proud to join this effort because by working together during and after National Manufacturing Day, we can shine a spotlight on the need for America to address workforce readiness issues, connect with future generations, and recognize the important role manufacturing plays in creating an economy that works for everyone,” said Senator Baldwin. “In Wisconsin, we have a long and proud tradition of making things: paper, engines, tools, ships – and yes, cheese, brats, and beer. We possess one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, supporting a large share of our workforce and exporting goods all over America and the world.”

“Manufacturing has long been the backbone of our Made in Wisconsin economy. So much so, that we actually celebrate October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. In my state, and across our country, manufacturing is increasingly an engine of economic growth, innovation, and a source of good jobs with high wages and solid benefits. That is why I strongly believe that the middle class families, small businesses and manufacturers that are working so hard to move our economic forward deserve to have both parties in Washington working together to grow our manufacturing economy and create jobs.”

Senator Coons, colleagues introduce Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), introduced the Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015, legislation that builds upon the bipartisan commitment to oversight outlined in the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 that passed the U.S. Senate 98 to 1.

Cosponsors of the legislation include Democratic senators who both supported and opposed the Iran agreement, but are united in working to strengthen U.S. policy toward Iran and to clarify aspects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that is set to take effect.

The legislation includes a regional security strategy for the Middle East and authorizes additional security assistance for Israel.

“Now that the Iran nuclear deal will move forward, it is critical that Congress works with the Administration to strengthen the agreement and minimize any potential negative consequences,” said Senator Coons. “The Iran Policy Oversight Act will address the issues not resolved by the Iran deal, including reminding Iran that we reserve all options, including the military option, if it tries to break out towards a bomb, strengthening support for our allies and partners in the region, and pushing back against Iran’s support for terrorist proxies. I urge my colleagues to put aside partisan bickering and pass this bill to ensure the U.S. leads our partners in strictly enforcing this deal from day one.”

The Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015 contains the following key provisions:

Sets future U.S. policy on Iran regarding nuclear issues: Iran does not have an inherent right to uranium enrichment; the United States will deter Iran from destabilizing regional activity and support for and acts of terrorism; and all of the options available to the United States, including the military option, remain available to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability.
Explicitly authorizes additional, specific security assistance to Israel and cooperation with Israel, including:

Applicable ordnance and delivery systems to counter non-peaceful nuclear activities by Iran to ensure the President can take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge and effectively deter conventional and nuclear threats;
Any additional foreign military financing as may be needed to address threats from Iran; and
Acceleration of co-development of missile defense systems and other cooperation to bolster the effectiveness of Israel’s conventional deterrent.

Requires the Administration to submit:

A regional strategyfor Countering Conventional and Asymmetric Iranian Activity and Threats in the Middle East and North Africa due January 2016, and every two years thereafter;
Reports detailing Iran’s use of funds received through sanctions relief and changes in funding for regional activities and support for terrorism;
Reports detailing Iran’s nuclear research & development activities as well as estimated nuclear weapon capability breakout time; and
A report addressing the IAEA’s report on the Potential Military Dimension (PMD) issue.

Continues in effect sanctions on Iranian entities and individuals engaged in ballistic or cruise missile proliferation and terrorism. Also continues in effect sanctions related to human rights abuses.
Puts in place expedited procedures for consideration of new terrorism sanctions against Iran if Iran (1) directs or conducts an act of terrorism against the United States; or (2) substantially increases its operational or financial support for a terrorist organization that threatens U.S. interests or allies.
Sets United States policy on effective re-imposition of sanctions, including US readiness to enforce any violation of the JCPOA as well as joining with our European allies to re-impose sanctions in a calibrated manner in the event Iran violates the JCPOA incrementally.
Provides a Sense of the Congress regarding Iran’s ballistic or cruise missile capability, that Iran should continue to be prohibited from undertaking any activity related to a ballistic or cruise missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic or cruise missile technology, and that UN member states should take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of technology or technical assistance in these areas.
Requires the President to appoint a Coordinator within the Department of State to lead an interagency effort to (1) ensure that the nuclear steps Iran committed to in the JCPOA are fully implemented and verified; and (2) address Iran’s support for acts of international terrorism, ballistic and cruise missile proliferation, and human rights abuses.
Authorizes funding for the International Atomic Energy Agencyfor fiscal years 2016 through 2026 necessary to meet the United States’ annual funding commitments to the IAEA as well as the United States’ portion of additional funds needed for the IAEA to fulfill its verification responsibilities under the JCPOA.
Requires a report outlining efforts with international partners to ensure the IAEA receives the full additional $10,600,000 per year necessary to fulfill its verification responsibilities under the JCPOA, and identifying an impediments to achieving such funding.
Clarifies key interpretive issues in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) including:

No sanctions relief will be provided to Iran until it meets its commitments related to resolution of Potential Military Dimension (PMD) issues.
Any action by Iran to treat the legitimate imposition of sanctions by the US based on support for terrorism, abuses of human rights, or Iran’s ballistic or cruise missile activities as grounds to cease performing its commitments under the JCPOA would not be valid and would be inconsistent with the terms of the JCPOA.
There is no “grandfather clause” that would shield ongoing sanctionable activities by foreign firms in the event of a snap-back of Iran sanctions.

Senators Coons, Daines introduce bill to promote open science and innovation in government

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced legislation to encourage and increase the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science within the federal government to advance and accelerate scientific research, literacy, and diplomacy. This is the first ever legislation to grant explicit authority to the government to use these methods.

“Open innovation tools like crowdsourcing and citizen science can present solutions to real challenges by drawing on the knowledge, creativity, and expertise of citizens, but it’s an approach that is too often underutilized in government,” said Senator Coons. “This common-sense bill would empower people from all over the country and world to work together to help tackle problems and questions our government faces today that are increasingly too big in scope and complexity to solve without the public’s input and assistance.”

“In the private sector, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering Americans to innovate can yield cost savings, greater efficiencies and better results,” said Senator Daines. “The federal government should encourage the same by enlisting tools like crowdsourcing and citizen science in many of its projects. The best solutions to the challenges facing our nation are going to come from small businesses and the American people — not big government. This bill helps encourage the federal government to pursue innovative, citizen-driven solutions.”

The Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act of 2015 provides clarification and guidelines for government agencies to utilize the resourcefulness and innovation of the public to solve problems without requiring any new funding or authorizations.

Provisions included in the bill would:

Clarify that executive branch agencies, commissions, and all military branches have the explicit authority to make use of crowdsourcing and citizen science projects;

Provide guidelines for how to carry out these projects, and make sure that all volunteer participants know what they will do and how their contributions and data will be used;

Answer unresolved questions about data access and availability, technology and code access, data ownership, data publishing, and data use;

Encourage agencies to design projects across agencies and in partnership with the private sector, educational institutions or other local agencies.

The bill is endorsed by Genetic Alliance, Sage Bionetworks, SciStarter, the American Geophysical Union, the American Geosciences Institute, the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, the Foundation for Earth Science, and the Soil Science Society of America.

It is also supported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Citizen Science Association.

Senator Coons, Governor Markell, Congressman Carney host U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker for series of events surrounding National Manufacturing Day

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons and U.S. Congressman John Carney (both D-Del.) will host U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 2. National Manufacturing Day is a growing movement dedicated to overcoming the industry’s shared challenges, encouraging careers in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and inspiring the next generation of manufacturers. The group will tour two of Delaware’s most creative manufacturers in the morning and will host a roundtable discussion at DuPont’s Hagley Museum.

Sen. Coons is co-chair and founder of the Manufacturing Jobs for America Initiative, a package of legislation that would help manufacturers grow and create jobs, and refocus Washington’s attention on the 11 million Americans still looking for work. The bills come from more than twenty senators from around the country, and center on four general themes; strengthening America’s 21st century workforce, opening markets abroad, creating the conditions necessary for growth, and expanding access to capital.

The tour will start at Newark-based Accudyne. Established in 1996, Accudyne designs and develops one-of-a-kind equipment and processes for each customer’s specific requirements. The tour will take guests through the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing phases of one of their products. Accudyne currently has 35 employees. The location of the second phase of the tour will be at fifth-generation manufacturer and women-owned business, M. Davis. Founded in 1870 as a tinsmith shop, M. Davis today is a full-service industrial construction company, providing design and build, fabrication, engineering and maintenance for national and international clients in industries that include oil and gas, chemical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical. Last year, the company earned $53 million in revenue, and their CEO, Peggy Davis Del Fabbro, received the Women’s Business Enterprise Star Award, honoring exemplary women business leaders, from the WBE National Council.

“To lead in the global economy, we must engage the next generation of workers and excite our youth about the potential of a career in manufacturing,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “At the Department of Commerce, we created Manufacturing Day to help the public, and young people in particular, understand that manufacturers are innovative, inventive businesses, where workers develop and use the latest technology and build lasting, middle class careers. The commitment of our nation’s manufacturers to host events on Manufacturing Day provides Americans with a better understanding of modern manufacturing, and highlights the importance of a strong manufacturing sector to our nation’s long-term economic health.”

“I am looking forward to hosting Secretary Pritzker and her staff in Wilmington on National Manufacturing Day, and showing her how Delaware is leading the way on connecting manufacturers to new young workers,” said Sen. Coons. “Her work and advocacy on behalf of American manufacturing and her understanding of growing manufacturing jobs in Delaware and across the country is imperative in expanding our middle class.”

“We need to make things in America again to grow our economy and create jobs for the middle class,” said Congressman Carney. “That’s why I helped introduce the Make it in America agenda in the House. And why I’m glad Secretary Pritzker is visiting Delaware to mark National Manufacturing Day. It’s a chance to recognize manufacturers doing great things in our state, and to focus on creating more manufacturing jobs to benefit consumers, support workers, and strengthen the economy.

“Manufacturing Week provides an opportunity to both celebrate the important contributions of this industry, while reinforcing Delaware’s commitment to support its evolution, recognizing a strong manufacturing sector today looks different than in decades past,” said Governor Markell. “We are delighted to host Secretary Pritzker and showcase our ongoing efforts in this field.”

Senator Coons’ statement on Pope Francis’ historic address to Congress

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after Pope Francis delivered the first ever address by a Pope to a joint meeting of Congress.

“Pope Francis’ address to Congress today was at once inspiring and deeply challenging as he called on us to reflect on our values and founding principles as a country and our role in solving problems ranging from poverty and the plight of refugees to climate change and criminal justice,” said Senator Coons. “Pope Francis has brought the world’s attention back to many of the challenges we face as a country and as a planet that are often easier to ignore or set aside. Too often in Congress, these discussions are bogged down by partisan politics, but today the Pope addressed us not as Republicans or Democrats, but as human beings and public servants who live in the wealthiest and most powerful country on Earth and have a responsibility for making this world a better place.

“I hope that my colleagues in Congress and all Americans will take the Pope’s messages of reconciliation and commitment to the least among us to heart. His words and his historic visit to our country should serve as a reminder of the great responsibility that comes with the blessings we enjoy as Americans.”

Senator Coons highlights Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey businesses that rely on EXIM Bank

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday spoke on the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank that has helped Delaware and American businesses sell their goods around the world and compete in the global economy for over 80 years. The EXIM Bank expired on June 30 and requires Congressional action to re-open.

Excerpts from Senator Coons’ remarks:

“I could focus today on the important sales that Boeing and GE have made to Africa and its growing market, but I would like to focus on a very small company with an important story that I think helps illuminate why EXIM financing matters. This little company is called Acrow Bridge, and although it’s headquartered in New Jersey, it has a manufacturing plant right near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and that plant rolls out steel bridges. It’s in Milton, Pennsylvania, and it’s been making bridges on the same model that Patton’s troops used as they rolled across France and Germany in the second World War; modular bridges that are easy to install in remote places without a whole lot of infrastructure support.

“But why does that matter? Because they have recently successfully competed for big contracts to sell hundreds of bridges to areas in Africa — countries like Cameroon or Zambia – that badly need infrastructure.

“And who are their competitors? Why, comparable companies from China and from Europe that are also seeking to sell into these growing markets.

“Well why do I care? I’m from Delaware. I care about manufacturing all over this country, but this Acrow Bridge Company ships their bridges from Pennsylvania to Delaware, where in Newcastle, the Voigt & Schweitzer Hot Dip Galvanizing Company takes each bridge and dips it in zinc and galvanizes it before it is put on a ship, and sent off to places all around the world.

Senator Coons’ full remarks:

“Mr. President,

“I would like to address the issue of the Export-Import Bank reauthorization if I might for a few moments. My colleague, the senator from the State of Maine, has just spoken to it, and I expect my colleague from the State of North Dakota will also follow along the same line. I just wanted to join with my colleagues here today in standing up for American manufacturing, and in standing up for American businesses that rely on the Export-Import Bank for the critical financing they need to export their products to the markets of the world.

“Now, many of us have said the same thing on this floor over the weeks or months since its authorization expired. You know, it’s striking to me that because of the views of a few members of the House and Senate, this valuable tool, which has helped American companies sell their goods around the world for more than 80 years, has been allowed to expire.

“As you just heard from the senator from Maine, the Export-Import Bank actually operates at no cost to the taxpayer and it’s something that has helped American businesses sell almost 30 billion dollars in goods and supported more than 150,000 American jobs last year alone. So, I really think that the opposition to the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank is badly misguided, and it is my hope that we will find some bipartisan path towards the restoration of this critical tool.

“In my first four years here in the Senate, I was the chair of the Africa Subcommittee on the Foreign Relations Committee, and I took advantage of that opportunity to learn a great deal more about this vast continent with 54 countries, and the opportunities it provides for American companies to sell their exported products to their growing markets.

“Most folks think of the Export-Import Bank as principally providing financing for a few really large companies, companies like General Electric or Boeing. And it does provide essential and needed financing for their export sales, but those big companies also have enormous supplier chains that employ folks all throughout our country.

“And who are their competitors? Why, comparable companies from China and from Europe that are also seeking to sell into these growing markets.

“Voigt & Schweitzer doesn’t employ thousands of people, but it employs dozens of people. Acrow Bridge in Milton, Pennsylvania doesn’t employ thousands of people, but it employs dozens of people. Manufacturing across our country critically depends on access to export markets.

“I recently had a chance to meet up with the Acrow Bridge Export Sales Specialist at a conference in Gabon in Africa. He was alarmed that in the absence of EXIM financing, his key competitors are much more likely to succeed in the next contract, in the next contract, and in the next contract. We folks are just unilaterally disarming here in the fight to access the growing markets of the world, and I can’t, for the life of me, fathom why we’ve done this.

“As my colleague from Maine said, if there are issues with the EXIM bank, put them on the floor, put them on the table, let’s address them. In my experience, when the EXIM bank makes a loan to an American business, it is not replacing private capital that would otherwise have been making that loan. Most often, it supplements private capital or makes a private bank more inclined to put up its own. And more often than not, EXIM serves as the lender of last resort, especially when you’re financing sales into risky, growing markets in countries like Cameroon, Zambia, or elsewhere in Africa.

“I don’t think the Export-Import Bank is doing something best left to the private sector. I think it picks up where the private sector leaves off, and it provides key financing to level the global playing field and make it possible for our manufacturers, for our small business to compete around the world.

“Frankly, most of our competitors have much more robust financing available for their export sales than the Export-Import Bank provides. I just can’t fathom why we would allow American businesses to be put at such a key competitive disadvantage, and it’s my real hope that before it is too late, we will take up and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. There were disappointing and concerning announcements just in recent weeks by General Electric and by Boeing that they are already moving employment overseas or they’re seriously considering it.

“GE just announced they are moving a turboprop engine development center to Europe because they can’t remain competitive in the absence of EXIM financing. That’s going to lose 500 jobs from a community here in America, and Boeing has made even more concerning announcements. I think it’s critical that we in Congress come together and show that we care about American jobs; we care about fighting for American manufacturers, because we recognize that 95 percent of the opportunity in the world is in the growing sectors that are represented by the export markets of the world.

“Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, it is my hope that we can find a way through this. That the unwillingness to reopen the bank, which is sending the wrong message to the world markets, is something that we can come together and address.

“At a time when our economy is gaining steam and Americans are going back to work, we need to continue to help American companies to compete around the world, not make it harder. So I think we should stop playing politics with American jobs, stop pursing an ideological agenda, and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank immediately. Thank you, and with that, I yield the floor.”

Senator Coons, colleagues call on Medicare & Medicaid to ban long-term care facilities from using unfair arbitration contracts

WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined a broad coalition of 34 Senators led by U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) in calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to outlaw the use of unfair pre-dispute arbitration clauses in contracts with long-term care facilities like nursing homes. These types of clauses make it nearly impossible for victims to seek fair redress after they’ve been wronged.

Right now, CMS is taking steps to reform its requirements of long-term care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. While the agency has proposed new protections for residents who live in those facilities and for their families as well, it has not adequately addressed the problem of binding, pre-dispute arbitration clauses—where consumers waive their legal rights before any harm has actually occurred.

“The decision to admit yourself or a loved one to a long-term care facility can be difficult,” wrote the lawmakers in a letter to CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt. “All too often, only after a resident has suffered an injury or death, do families truly understand the impact of the arbitration agreement they have already signed…we strongly urge CMS to fully protect residents and their families by banning pre-dispute arbitration clauses in long-term care facility contracts.”

You can read a copy of the Senators’ letter to CMS here. It was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), along with Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill,), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Tom Udall (D-N. Mex.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N. Mex.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

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