Senators Coons, Rubio reintroduce bill to help expand access to college for at-risk students

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced legislation to help low-income and at-risk students access and complete a college education. The American Dream Accounts Act would authorize the Department of Education to award three-year competitive grants to support innovative and comprehensive partnerships that support low-income students in preparation for a college education.

“If America wants to remain a leader in the global market, we must provide opportunities for our students to access and complete higher education,” Senator Coons said. “College not only keeps our nation competitive, but can also provide a ladder to the middle class by preparing our students for good-quality, high-paying jobs. American Dream Accounts are a way to strengthen the ability of teachers, parents, mentors, and students to work together to make sure that young people — throughout their entire educational experience — prepare for, save for, train for, and then fulfill a vision for their own future.”

“Children and their families today face many hurdles when considering higher education options, and help can be hard to come by for some,” Senator Rubio said.  “By facilitating the establishment of American Dream Accounts, this bill would fill a necessary void in services provided to students and their families through personalized online dashboards for college readiness and the help of college savings accounts. These tools would provide the assistance individuals are looking for when considering their options for postsecondary education.”

Endorsed by the Delaware PTA, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, $tand by Me, and the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, the American Dream Accounts Act encourages partnerships among schools, colleges, non-profits and businesses to develop secure, Web-based student accounts that contain information about academic preparedness, financial literacy and high-impact mentoring and would be tied to a college savings account. Instead of approaching these threads independently, this bill connects students, parents and teachers across silos, and takes a small but significant step toward helping more at-risk students of all income levels access, afford and complete a college education.  

Andrea Levere, President of the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), said “I applaud Senator Coons and Senator Rubio for coming together to introduce the bipartisan American Dream Accounts Act, a bill that will increase children’s savings in Delaware, Florida, and every other state in the nation. We know that low- and moderate-income children with even less than $500 in a savings account are three times more likely enter college and four times more likely to graduate. The bill introduced by Senators Coons and Rubio will spur innovation in a children’s savings field that is raising aspirations and boosting economic opportunity throughout America.” Opportunity Nation, a bipartisan national campaign comprised of more than 300 businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits and civic organizations working together to expand economic mobility, applauded the introduction, saying ” The American Dream Accounts Act is a significant bipartisan step forward toward providing low-income students with the resources and support they need for education and training that positions them for success in today’s economy. At a time of intense partisanship in Washington, it is more critical than ever to highlight moments of cooperation and success that bring us closer to our goal of expanding opportunity for more Americans.” 

The American Dream Accounts Act authorizes the Department of Education to award three-year competitive grants to local partnerships that:

• Create personal online accounts for low-income students that monitor higher education readiness and include a college savings account.  These “American Dream Accounts” would stay with students from school to school and through college. Parents would grant vested stakeholders (including counselors, teachers, coaches, mentors, and others) access to the account to update student information, monitor progress, and provide college preparatory support.
• Open college savings accounts for students. Every ADA would include a college savings account for each student. Grantees that can provide these accounts with seed money would be prioritized.
• Support college readiness by securely monitoring students’ progress online. Academic and behavioral information, including grades and course selections, progress reports, and attendance and disciplinary records would be available for review in an ADA, which would also provide opportunities to gain financial literacy, prepare for college enrollment, and identify skills and career interests.
• Collect data about effective ways to assist high-risk students in planning for college through a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system.
• Cost nothing. Funding would come from existing Department of Education funds.

American Dream Accounts can help close the high school graduation gap by giving students motivation and support early on, including the knowledge that scholarships, Pell and SEED grants will be there to support them after high school. 

Senators Coons and Rubio first introduced the American Dream Accounts Act in March 2012. In addition to the Delaware PTA, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, $tand by Me, and the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, the bill has also been endorsed by the National Parent Teacher Association, the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Opportunity Nation, the Corporation for Enterprise Development, Jobs for the Future, and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.

The legislation can be downloaded here as a PDF:
http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/dream-accounts-legislation

A white paper on the American Dream Accounts Act can be downloaded as a PDF here:
http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/dream-accounts-white-paper

Carper, Coons, Carney will host three job fairs this spring

WILMINGTON, Del. – Working to connect individuals searching for jobs and assisting companies looking to fill full and part time positions, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney today announced the dates of three job fairs this spring:

• Monday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wilmington University’s Dover campus;
• Friday, April 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton campus; and
• Monday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

The Congressional delegation is now looking for companies that have jobs to fill and are looking to hire. Interested employers should contact Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345 or via email at workshop@coons.senate.gov. Businesses will be on hand at the fair to meet potential new employees, and only employers with positions to fill will be permitted to attend.

For the third straight year, the delegation has partnered with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services to host the Kent County job fair and will be on hand to provide job seeking skills workshops like resume-writing and interview techniques.

“I am proud to partner with Senator Coons and Congressman Carney again to help hard-working Delawareans find high-quality job opportunities in all three counties,” said Senator Carper. “Helping to create a nurturing environment for job creation in Delaware and across the country is one of my top priorities. We have a world-class workforce here in the First State and the upcoming job fair will link people who are looking for work with employers that are eager to hire.”

“Our economy is growing, but we need to make sure it’s growing for everybody,” Senator Coons said. “We’ve been hosting these job fairs for four years to connect those looking for jobs with employers ready to put them to work. These fairs are a great opportunity for job seekers to meet with representatives from government agencies, private sector, staffing agencies, military recruiters and more. We hope that organizations that are hiring will reach out and come to one of our job fairs to meet the talented Delawareans who are looking for work.”

“The national economy is picking up steam. But we still have too many Delawareans who are unemployed or underemployed and looking for work,” said Congressman John Carney. “Over the last several years, we’ve done job fairs in every part of the state to connect qualified job seekers with employers looking to hire.  We’re looking forward to building on that in 2015, starting this month in Dover.”

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 for job seekers is not required.

Senator Coons re-introduces bipartisan bill to strengthen parent-school partnerships

WASHINGTON – With the support of the Delaware PTA, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) has re-introduced the bipartisan Family Engagement in Education Act, aimed at helping schools and families work together to support learning and raise student achievement.  The legislation, which was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), seeks to promote and strengthen meaningful family engagement policies and programs at the national, state, and local levels to ensure that all students are on track to be career and college-ready. 

Research demonstrates that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces dropout rates.  A study by Anne Seitsinger and Steven Brand at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for School Improvement and Educational Policy found that students whose parents support their education through learning activities at home and discuss the importance of education perform better in school.  And the importance of family engagement begins even before a child enters school.  For example, Scholastic’s recent Kids and Family Reading Report found that among children ages 6-11, 60 percent of frequent readers—those who read 5-7 days per week for fun—were read to aloud by a parent 5-7 times per week before they entered kindergarten.

“It’s no secret that students strive harder and perform better when families are actively engaged in their education,” Senator Coons said.  “We can create a brighter future for our youth by ensuring that educators, community organizations, and family members have the resources they need to work together effectively.  This legislation will help more families become and remain a driving force in their children’s academic success.”

“Delaware PTA encourages Congress to pass this important piece of legislation,” Delaware PTA Vice President for Advocacy Yvonne Johnson said. “With parents and teachers working together to ensure that children are able to explore their full potential, the possibilities are endless. We owe it to our children to give them the best possible chance of success in life, and that starts with an open line of communication about a child’s development in the classroom and at home. Delaware PTA, as well as National PTA, has seen firsthand how powerful that partnership can be, which is why we have been and continue to be tremendous supporters of this piece of legislation.”

Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-5) has introduced the House companion to this bipartisan bill 

The Family Engagement in Education Act would empower parents by doubling school district resources dedicated to family engagement activities from one to two percent of the district’s Title I allocation from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  It will also improve the quality of family engagement practices at the school level by requiring school districts to develop and implement standards-based policies and practices for family-school partnerships.  In addition, the bill will build state and local capacity for effective family engagement in education by setting aside at least 0.3 percent of the state Title I allocation for statewide family engagement in education activities, such as establishing statewide family engagement centers to continue and enhance the work that has been supported through local Parent Information Resource Centers. 

For states with Title I-A allocations above $60 million, grants will be provided to at least one local family engagement in education center to provide innovative programming and services, such as leadership training and family literacy.  At the national level, the legislation will require the Secretary of Education to convene practitioners, researchers, and other experts in the field of family engagement in education to develop recommended metrics for measuring the quality and outcomes of family engagement in a child’s education.

This bill was developed with input from the National Family, School, and Community Engagement Working Group, which includes organizations such as the National PTA, United Way Worldwide, the Harvard Family Research Project, and the National Council of La Raza, and is endorsed by hundreds of local, state, and national organizations.

Statement of Senator Coons on address by Prime Minister Netanyahu

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement Tuesday following the address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a joint meeting of Congress: 

“Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a strong speech to Congress and the American people this morning, clearly articulating the threat that a nuclear Iran poses to Israel, the United States, and the world. The Prime Minister was correct to praise President Obama’s steady and strong support for Israel. Our nations’ friendship has always remained strong with each new Administration, and President Obama’s is no exception. 

“America’s support for Israel’s security has always transcended partisan politics and must continue to do so. While I would have preferred for the speech to have been delayed until after the Israeli elections, I have enormous respect for our nations’ enduring friendship and the office of the prime minister.

“I share some of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s concerns about the ongoing P5+1 negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, but those negotiations are ongoing and I intend to withhold judgment until they are complete. I will, however, not hesitate to support additional sanctions if the negotiations fail to yield an agreement or result in a deal that does not effectively prevent the threat of a nuclear Iran.”

Coons, Durbin, Hirono introduce patent reform bill to protect innovation, confront abuse

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, will introduce legislation on Tuesday to strengthen America’s patent system and target abusers. The STRONG Patents Act takes a series of focused, thoughtful steps to make the patent system work for individual inventors and research-intensive companies from every sector of the economy. It would make it harder for firms to be targeted with frivolous patent lawsuits, level the playing field between small inventors and large companies, and ensure the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has the resources it needs to ensure patent quality. 

“Invention has long been the foundation of our nation’s prosperity and global leadership,” Senator Coons said. “As our economy continues to grow and diversify, we need to ensure our patent system works for everyone, including inventors from all sectors of the economy. We must stay true to that part of the American Dream that says anyone with a great idea can change the world. The STRONG Patents Act includes targeted thoughtful reforms to combat abuse where it’s prevalent while ensuring our rich innovation ecosystem remains vibrant. From advanced biofuels to the lifesaving cures that give people a reason for hope, patents have fueled the innovations that help us meet some of our biggest challenges. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen America’s engine of innovation.” 

“It’s time to move past the false premise that the only way to deter ‘patent troll’ abuses is to enact sweeping reforms that weaken patent protections for everyone,” Senator Durbin said. “For generations, our carefully crafted system of patent laws has helped America lead the world in innovation. Rather than fundamentally rewrite those laws – for the second time in 5 years – at the request of a few industries, we should instead seek to narrowly target and deter abusive troll behavior while preserving the ability of legitimate patent holders to protect their innovations.” 

“America’s strong patent system drives innovation and fuels long-term economic growth,” Senator Hirono said. “I am proud to join Senator Coons and Senator Durbin in introducing the STRONG Patents Act – a bill that supports our innovators by restoring balance and improving quality in the patent process.  Small businesses and entrepreneurs form the backbone of Hawaii’s economy, and the STRONG Patents Act takes important steps to protect businesses harmed by abuses in patent litigation without unnecessarily burdening innovative start-ups and inventors.”

The STRONG Patents Act would strengthen our patent system and combat abuse by:

• Cracking down on abusive demand letters by empowering the Federal Trade Commission to target firms that abuse startups rather than invent anything;
• Ensuring that pleading standards for patent-infringement cases match the standards used for all other forms of civil actions, creating a significant barrier to frivolous lawsuits before any funds are spent on discovery;
• Eliminating fee diversion from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) so we can ensure that those who examine patents have adequate training and dependable funding;
• Ensuring balance in post-grant proceedings at the PTO, so that this expedited form of patent litigation is both fast and fair; and
• Analyzing the impact that our patent system has on small businesses, both from the perspective of startups reliant on patents and those small businesses facing allegations of infringement.

Today, intellectual property-intensive industries comprise one-third — $5.5 trillion — of America’s GDP. They generate 27 million jobs and pay employees over 30 percent more than other industries.

In a statement of support, the Association of American Universities said, “We thank Senator Coons for introducing the STRONG Patents Act of 2015. AAU supports this legislation because it targets the abusive practices of patent trolls through judicious, carefully calibrated measures that would not make it more difficult and costly for all patent holders to enforce their patents and thus diminish the overall strength of the U.S. patent system. Universities’ ability to move their discoveries to the private sector for the benefit of the public through technology transfer depends on a strong patent system. It is our hope that Congress will take up this legislation in the coming weeks.” 

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities said, “The STRONG Patents Act of 2015 is a straightforward bill that would effectively crack down on the abusive practices of so-called patent trolls without weakening the U.S. patent system. Universities rely on a strong patent system to ensure that research discoveries can be transitioned to private sector entities, which can scale-up and develop marketable products that improve quality of life and fuel the economy. This measure would help ensure the strength of this technology transfer process, which significantly contributes to our nation’s leadership in science and technology.”

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood said, “BIO supports balanced reforms to reduce abusive patent practices, while maintaining the strong incentives necessary to sustain our nation’s global leadership in biotechnology innovation and the creation of high-wage, high-value jobs throughout our country.  The STRONG Patents Act of 2015 achieves this critical balance. I commend Senator Coons for his leadership in drafting legislation that cracks down on false or deceptive patent demand letters, re-balances post-grant proceedings to ensure fairness for patent owners and prevent growing abuses, eliminates diversion of PTO user fees and protects the rights of American entrepreneurial businesses. BIO supports the STRONG Patents Act of 2015 and will continue to advocate for passage of legislation to curbing abusive patent practices, while not undermining the ability of patent owners to defend their inventions and businesses against infringement.”

A copy of the full bill can be downloaded here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/strong-patents-legislation

Additional information can be found online at: coons-staging.creativengine.com/patents

Senator Coons urges Supreme Court to empower Americans to end partisan gerrymandering

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sharply criticized the rampant gerrymandering that is rigging our democracy, as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in the case of Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.

“Partisan gerrymandering is a corrosive practice that uses voters as pawns and data points, rather than the sovereign source of the government’s authority,” Senator Coons said. “While the practice may not be new, the ability of modern-day software to manipulate detailed demographic data has given those in charge of redistricting power that would have been unthinkable when the term ‘Gerry-mander’ was coined over two hundred years ago.”

In the case pending before it, the Supreme Court is being asked to rule whether the Constitution permits citizens in states that provide for a direct democracy mechanism to use the referendum or ballot initiative process to establish non-partisan redistricting commissions. Such commissions — variations of which are in place for congressional redistricting in at least seven states — represent attempts by states to blunt the harms of partisan gerrymandering and, in so doing, make democracy work better.  

“Time and time again, the Supreme Court has criticized the practice of gerrymandering, while at the same time refusing to stop it,” Senator Coons continued, in reference to Supreme Court decisions stating that courts lacked judicially manageable tools to combat redistricting. “So when the people of a state — in this case Arizona — rise up and empower themselves and their institutions to take on gerrymandering, I would hope that the Supreme Court would applaud these laboratories of democracy, rather than stand in their way.”

Senator Coons praises new trade agreement with east African nations

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Friday praised the Obama Administration’s new trade cooperation agreement with the five nations of the East African Community (EAC) – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The agreement expands the Administration’s Trade Africa initiative, which, in 2013, was launched with the goal of deepening economic ties with Africa. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman joined the trade ministers from the five EAC countries to sign the new accord in Washington on Thursday.

“Africa remains the continent with the greatest opportunity for growth and partnership in the 21st century, and this agreement is a great step forward to strengthening east African economies and creating new economic opportunities for American businesses,” Senator Chris Coons said. “When approached with a spirit of partnership, increased trade can have benefits for everybody involved, creating good jobs, raising wages, and raising standards. President Obama has done a great job working building deeper partnerships with countries across Africa that will pay dividends for years to come. We have much to gain from moving our relationships from aid to trade, and I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to continue on this path.”

As the former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs and a current member, Senator Coons has long been a strong proponent of building stronger economic and political partnerships with Africa, and continues to work on behalf of Delaware businesses to ensure that trade agreements are fair to American workers. Senator Coons spent time as a young man studying in Kenya.

The United States exported $2 billion in goods to the EAC in 2014, a year that saw total trade grow by 52 percent. Total trade between the U.S. and EAC has grown 103 percent over the past five years.

The U.S.-EAC Cooperation Agreement commits both the EAC and the United States to three objectives:

Implement the WTO’s trade facilitation agreement

The Agreement commits the parties to cooperate on customs issues, including the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, reducing red tape and unnecessary formalities at borders decreasing border release times, and implementing other positive reforms laid out in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to help streamline and facilitate trade. This will build on the EAC’s own work on customs reforms, which have resulted in substantial reductions in the time and costs of moving goods across borders within the EAC. For instance, container transit times from Mombasa, Kenya, to Kigali, Rwanda have declined from 21 days several years ago to six days, while associated transport costs are down by over $1,700 per container.

Enhance food safety, plant and animal health

The Agreement provides for U.S.-EAC cooperation and capacity building related to food safety and animal and plant health standards. While a majority of the region’s people are involved in agricultural production or processing, the export potential of these products is currently limited. The Cooperation Agreement will help the EAC meet international standards by bringing U.S. technological expertise to bear and fully implement the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which will help the EAC Partner States increase food security and create additional export opportunities for products produced in the region.

Build capacity to meet global standards

The Agreement provides for U.S.-EAC cooperation and capacity related to technical regulations, standards, testing, and certification – for example, by helping to train East African standards officials and developing electronic systems for engaging the public and interested stakeholders on new proposed technical regulations. This will help increase the EAC partner States’ ability to meet international quality and safety standards by improving full implement of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. Both U.S. and African international competitiveness is enhanced when countries meet international standards and avoid unnecessary differences among technical regulations and standards developed independently and separately by each nation, national standards organization, or company. 

United States Senate condemns vicious attacks by Boko Haram, urges credible and transparent elections in Nigeria

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate this week voted unanimously to condemn the vicious attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram against innocent civilians, especially women and children, and called on Nigeria’s government to ensure its upcoming national elections on March 28 and April 11 are safe, credible, and transparent.

The resolution was introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and included language authored by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Subcommittee on African Affairs, regarding the importance of the upcoming elections. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) joined as original cosponsors.

“Halting Boko Haram’s vicious attacks requires a comprehensive strategy that includes combatting it on the battlefield and ensuring Nigerians’ voices are heard on Election Day,” Senator Coons said. “It is absolutely critical that as the Nigerian military works in coordination with its regional partners to push back Boko Haram, Nigeria’s government and political candidates commit to transparent and credible elections. All Nigerian political actors must reject inflammatory or divisive rhetoric or actions and use the election as an opportunity to bring Nigeria together. Only a united Nigeria whose government is dedicated to the safety of all Nigerians can truly rid the nation of terrorist groups like Boko Haram. I urge the government of Nigeria to take seriously its obligations to provide security for every citizen, as well as an environment that allows Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without hindrance or fear.”

Since 2009, the militant group Boko Haram has increasingly terrorized communities throughout northern Nigeria. Considered a Foreign Terrorist Organization and on the United Nations Security Council’s Al Qaeda sanctions list, Boko Haram has razed villages, kidnapped and enslaved women and girls, and murdered thousands. With the backdrop of the violence, Nigeria is scheduled to hold national elections on March 28 and April 11, following a six-week delay that was announced on February 7. While the country has experienced episodes of election-related violence over the years, the presidential candidates this cycle have pledged to conduct issue-based campaigns that refrain from dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

Full text of the resolution is below:

RESOLUTION

Supporting efforts to bring an end to violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, and urging the Government of Nigeria to conduct transparent, peaceful, and credible elections.

Whereas Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, with the largest economy;

Whereas the Governments of the United States and Nigeria have had a strong bilateral relationship, and Nigeria has been a valued partner of the United States since its transition to civilian rule;

Whereas the Government of Nigeria is currently confronted with threats to internal security by terrorists, insurgents, and communal violence that have caused considerable population displacement, and at the same time must administer transparent and peaceful elections with a credible outcome;

Whereas the government and those who aspire to hold office in Nigeria must demonstrate the political will to address both of these challenges in a responsible way, including by ensuring full enfranchisement, with particular emphasis on developing a means for enfranchisement for the hundreds of thousands displaced by violence;

Whereas the members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram, have terrorized the people of Nigeria with increasing violence since 2009, targeting military, government, and civilian sites in Nigeria, including schools, mosques, churches, markets, villages, and agricultural centers, and killing thousands and abducting hundreds of civilians in Nigeria and the surrounding countries;

Whereas the Department of State named several individuals linked to Boko Haram, including its leader, Abubakar Shekau, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in 2012, and designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in November 2013;

Whereas, in May 2014, the United Nations Security Council added Boko Haram to its al Qaeda sanctions list, and on January 19, 2015, the United Nations Security Council issued a presidential statement condemning the recent escalation of attacks in northeastern Nigeria and surrounding countries and expressing concern that the situation was undermining peace and security in West and Central Africa;

Whereas Boko Haram calls for the universal implementation of what it considers “pure” Shari’ah law, has called on all Christians to leave northern Nigeria, and perpetrates targeted violent attacks against Christians, churches, schools, mosques, and Muslim critics;

Whereas the over 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014, from the Government Girls Secondary School in the northeastern state of Borno, whose kidnapping sparked domestic and international outrage spawning the Twitter campaign #BringBackOurGirls, are still missing;

Whereas the militant group is an increasing menace to the countries along Nigeria’s northeastern border, prompting the African Union, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the European Union, and the United Nations Security Council to recognize that there must be a regional response;

Whereas the United States Government has stepped forward to offer assistance through intelligence sharing, bilateral and international sanctioning of Boko Haram leaders, counterterrorism assistance through the Global Security Contingency Fund program for countries in the region to counter the militant group, and humanitarian services to populations affected by and vulnerable to Boko Haram violence;

Whereas Boko Haram emerged partially as a response to underdevelopment in northeastern Nigeria, and inequality, elite impunity, and alleged human rights abuses by security forces may be fueling anti-government sentiment;

Whereas it is clear that a military approach alone will not eliminate the threat of Boko Haram, and gross human rights abuses and atrocities by security forces causes insecurity and mistrust among the civilian population;

Whereas it is imperative that the Government of Nigeria implement a comprehensive, civilian security focused plan that prioritizes protecting civilians and also addresses legitimate political and economic grievances of citizens in northern Nigeria;

Whereas Nigeria is scheduled to hold national elections in the coming weeks, and the elections appear to be the most closely contested in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule;

Whereas election-related violence has occurred in Nigeria in successive elections, including in 2011, when nearly 800 people died in clashes following the presidential election;

Whereas President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, General Muhammadu Buhari, and other presidential candidates pledged to reverse this trend by signing the “Abuja Accord”’ on January 14, 2015, in which they committed themselves and their campaigns to refraining from public statements that incite violence, to running issue-based campaigns that do not seek to divide citizens along religious or ethnic lines, and to supporting the impartial conduct of the electoral commission and the security services;

Whereas Secretary of State John Kerry visited Nigeria on January 25, 2015, to emphasize the importance of ensuring the upcoming elections are peaceful, nonviolent, and credible;

Whereas despite the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) views that preparations were “sufficient to conduct free, fair and credible elections as scheduled,” at the repeated urging of security officials, INEC announced on February 7, 2015, the postponement of the elections by six weeks, and elections will now take place on March 28 and April 11, 2015;

Whereas tensions in the country remain high, and either electoral fraud or violence could undermine the credibility of the upcoming election;

Whereas the people of Nigeria aspire for a fair, competently executed, and secure electoral process, as well as an outcome that can be accepted peacefully by all citizens; and

Whereas it is in the best interest of the United States to maintain close ties with a politically stable, democratic and economically sound Nigeria: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate–

(1) condemns Boko Haram for its violent attacks, particularly the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, especially women and girls, and the use of children as fighters and suicide bombers;

(2) stands with–

(A) the people of Nigeria in their right to live free from fear or intimidation by state or nonstate actors, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or regional affiliation;

(B) the people of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger who are increasingly at risk of becoming victims of Boko Haram’s violence; and 

(C) the international community in its efforts to defeat Boko Haram;

(3) supports the Abuja Accord, and calls on candidates, party officials, and adherents of all political movements to comply with the code of conduct spelled out therein, by refraining from any rhetoric or action that seeks to demonize or delegitimize opponents, sow division among Nigerians, or otherwise inflame tensions;

(4) condemns any and all abuses of civilians by security forces of the Government of Nigeria;

(5) urges the Government of Nigeria to–

(A) adhere to the new timeline for elections announced by INEC on February 7, 2015;

(B) refrain from using security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process and using the security apparatus for political purposes in connection with the elections;

(C) ensure elections are credible, transparent, and peaceful;

(D) prioritize the safety and security of Nigerians vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks;

(E) implement a comprehensive, civilian security-focused response to defeat Boko Haram that addresses political and economic grievances of citizens in the north; 

(F) improve the capacity and conduct of Nigeria’s security forces, including respect for human rights, and take steps to hold accountable through a transparent process those members of the security forces responsible for abuses;

(G) recognize that security forces are intended to protect the safety and security of all citizens equally; and

(H) cooperate with regional and international partners to defeat Boko Haram;

(6) urges all Nigerians to engage in the electoral process, to insist on full enfranchisement, and to reject inflammatory or divisive rhetoric or actions; and

(7) reaffirms that the people of the United States will continue to stand with the people of Nigeria in support of peace and democracy.

United States Senate honors Lunar New Year

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year, which begins Thursday, to the Asian American community. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the resolution with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

In the resolution, the Senate expressed “its deepest respect for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion,” and wished “Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.”

“We at the Chinese American Community Center of Delaware appreciate Senator Coons’ effort to introduce this Lunar New Year Resolution in the Senate,” Floyd F-L Ho, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chinese American Community Center of Delaware said. “We sincerely support his resolution as well as efforts to improve the understanding and cooperation between citizens of China and the United States of America.”  

The resolution was endorsed by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation; Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL); Asian American Psychological Association; APIASF; Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations; Boat People SOS; Japanese American Citizens League; NAPAFASA; National Association of Asian American Professionals; National Korean American Service and Education Consortium; OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates; South Asian Americans Leading Together; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center; The Center for APA Women.

“The Lunar New Year is a cornerstone cultural celebration for many different Asian American ethnic groups that occurs between late January and mid-April,” the groups wrote in support of the resolution. “It is a time to unify family, celebrate one’s cultural heritage and past, and welcome new opportunities. By adopting a resolution to officially recognize this important holiday, the United States Senate would further weave Asian Americans into the fabric of our country.”

The full text of the resolution follows:

Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year.

Whereas Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the first day of the new year according to the lunisolar calendar, and extends until the full moon 15 days later;

Whereas February 19, 2015, marks the first day of Lunar New Year for calendar year 2015;

Whereas the 15th day of the new year, according to the lunisolar calendar, is called the Lantern Festival;

Whereas Lunar New Year is often referred to as “Spring Festival” in various Asian countries;

Whereas many religious and ethnic communities use lunar-based calendars;

Whereas Lunar New Year began in China more than 4,000 years ago and is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia;

Whereas the Asian diaspora has expanded the Lunar New Year celebration into an annual worldwide event;

Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of Asian Americans, and by many non-Asian Americans, in the United States;

Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated with community activities and cultural performances;

Whereas participants celebrating Lunar New Year travel to spend the holiday reuniting with family and friends; and

Whereas Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to wish upon others good fortune, health, prosperity, and happiness: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year;

(2) in observance of Lunar New Year, expresses its deepest respect for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion; and

(3) wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.

Senator Coons reintroduces bipartisan bill to reform and modernize America’s food aid program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have reintroduced bipartisan legislation (S.525) to reform U.S. global food assistance programs that will free up as much as $440 million annually through greater efficiencies in delivering aid, allowing the U.S. to reach an estimated eight to twelve million more people in a shorter time period.

“More than anything else, the mission of America’s food aid program is to save lives,” said Senator Coons, former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. “Our current system for acquiring and distributing food aid is inefficient and often hurts the very communities it is trying to help. This bill will modernize America’s food aid program and help it to reach as many as nine million more people each year. It will also help get food aid to where it is needed months sooner. The reforms in this bill build on reforms in the FY14 omnibus appropriations bill and 2014 farm bill, and has broad and bipartisan support from policy experts and humanitarian organizations.”

“With limited aid available, it our responsibility to ensure American resources are used in the most effective manner possible,” said Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “These necessary reforms will allow us to better promote stability around the world by delivering lifesaving food to those in need more quickly and at a lower cost. Reorganizing this vital food aid program in a more sensible way also will help further U.S. interests.”

The Food for Peace Reform Act of 2015 is identical to legislation that Corker and Coons introduced in the last Congress. The legislation would transfer current food aid authorities from the Farm Bill into the Foreign Assistance Act and implement the following reforms that were proposed by the president and have bipartisan support in Congress:

• Cost-Effective Procurement: Current law requires 100 percent of food aid commodities be produced in the United States (recent changes in the Farm Bill could allow a small amount be used as cash to offset monetization and for locally procured food). The Corker-Coons bill would lift this requirement and allow both U.S. and locally or regionally procured (LRP) commodities, vouchers, and cash transfers to be used—whichever is the most cost effective option. As a result of a LRP pilot project, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) found that using LRP commodities allows the U.S. to feed more people, more quickly and at a lower cost. The impact of this reform on the U.S. agricultural sector would be small considering U.S. food aid contributed just 1.41 percent of net farm income from 2002-2011.

• Cargo Flexibility: Current law requires 50 percent of donated food aid to be shipped on American-flagged vessels. According to USAID, Government Accountability Office (GAO), and a study by Cornell University, removing the cargo preference requirement will save an estimated $50 million per year and speed delivery to a larger population. This legislation would provide USAID with the flexibility to ship on vessels that are readily available. The Cornell study found cargo preferences in 2006 contributed to a 46 percent increase in freight costs above competitive market rates. These unreimbursed costs to U.S. food aid agencies, according to the study, roughly equal USAID’s entire non-emergency food aid to Africa. In separate letters to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Transportation have determined the changes to cargo preferences will not undermine U.S. maritime readiness. The impact of this reform on the U.S. shipping sector would be small considering U.S. food aid contributed just 0.86 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports from 2002 -2011.

• Eliminate Monetization: Current law requires 15 percent of all U.S. donated food to be sold first by aid organizations, producing cash that then funds development projects. GAO has warned this process – known as “monetization” – is “inefficient and can cause adverse market impacts” in recipient countries. GAO also found monetization loses an average of 25 cents on every taxpayer dollar spent. According to USAID, eliminating monetization could feed an additional 800,000 people and free up an estimated $30 million per year.

Click here for a copy of the legislation.