Senator Coons reintroduces bill to protect Americans’ electronic data stored abroad

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) today to reintroduce the bipartisan Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad (“LEADS”) Act, which will reform the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) to promote international comity and law enforcement cooperation.

“Law enforcement agencies wishing to access Americans’ data in the cloud ought to get a warrant,” Senator Coons said, “and just like warrants for physical evidence, warrants for content under ECPA shouldn’t authorize seizure of communications that are located in a foreign country.  The government’s position that ECPA warrants do apply abroad puts U.S. cloud providers in the position of having to break the privacy laws of foreign countries in which they do business in order to comply with U.S. law.  This not only hurts our businesses’ competitiveness and costs American jobs, but it also invites reciprocal treatment by our international trading partners.”

Senator Hatch said, “This is a pro-business, pro-innovation bill that will protect American privacy in the digital age and promote trust in U.S. technologies worldwide. While I agree in principle with the ECPA reform bills recently introduced in the House and Senate, neither establishes a framework for how the U.S. government can access data stored abroad. As Congress works to reform our domestic privacy laws, we must modernize the legal framework for government access to digital data stored around the world. This bill recognizes that these two issues are inextricably linked.”

“The world is becoming more dependent on broadband internet by the minute,” Senator Heller said. “As this technological necessity continues to expand its role in our society, it is imperative the guaranteed rights of law-abiding citizens are balanced against the ability for law enforcement to do its job. This bill moves us in the right direction, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve the bill so the LEADS Act becomes law.”

The LEADS Act promotes U.S. business by allowing U.S. companies to compete on a level playing field. The LEADS Act would clarify ECPA by stating that the U.S. government cannot compel the disclosure of data from U.S. providers stored abroad if accessing that data would violate the laws of the country where it is stored or if the data is not associated with a U.S. person—that is, a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, or a company incorporated in the United States. Without this legislative change, a German tech company could claim that German citizens should not use U.S. Internet services because those services are more vulnerable to U.S. law enforcement collection efforts. The bill aims to strengthen privacy in the digital age and promote trust in U.S. technologies worldwide by safeguarding data stored abroad, while still enabling law enforcement to fulfill its important public safety mission.

President Obama announces change in U.S. Ebola strategy mirroring Senator Coons’ call

WASHINGTON – After a four-day trip to Liberia in late December, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) — then chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs — urged the Pentagon to change its strategy in the fight against Ebola. In an event at the White House on Wednesday, President Obama announced the change in strategy and recognized Senator Coons for his work.

“The United States’ intervention in Liberia has turned an emergency crisis into a manageable situation, and now our strategy there needs to change,” Senator Coons said. “The President is right: our mission will not be complete until there are no active Ebola cases. The strategy the President announced today is the right one for ensuring another public health crisis in West Africa doesn’t require another U.S. intervention of this scale. The fight against Ebola is not over yet, but I’ve been glad to work with the President these last few months to ensure that we win it.” 

In a memo to President Obama, a letter to the Secretary of Defense, and in news interviews in early January, Senator Coons called for the Pentagon to:

• Turn our expensive mobile military labs into permanent sustainable Liberian labs;
• Convert our over-engineered temporary Ebola treatment units into lasting local clinics; and
• Recall the majority of U.S. military personnel and leave behind a smaller force of engineers and trainers.

President Obama announced Wednesday that 2,900 of the 3,000 military personnel deployed to West Africa would return home by the end of April. The remaining personnel will stay in West Africa to transition our lab equipment, convert some of the Ebola treatment units into clinics, maintain other treatment units for future flare-ups, and train Liberian personnel to operate them.

Senator Coons praises Administration plan to combat wildlife trafficking

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, praised the Administration’s just-released plan to implement its National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking. The National Strategy was released a year ago today and for the first time prioritized wildlife trafficking as an issue of national importance. The implementation plan makes the strategy a reality and was released jointly on Wednesday by the Departments of State, Justice, and the Interior.

“Wildlife trafficking threatens not just iconic wildlife, but also national security, community stability, and economic development,” Senator Coons said. “It’s a mistake to think about wildlife trafficking as just a conservation challenge when it increasingly involves heavily armed, well-organized, criminal networks that threaten the safety and development of communities. As demand continues to grow, we need to bring together government agencies, the private sector, and foreign governments to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The President’s National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking was a strong first step toward recognizing the size of the problem and today’s implementation plan takes it from strategy to reality. As we move forward, I am eager to work with the Administration and our domestic and international partners to realize this plan and will continue to fight on the Appropriations Committee to ensure it’s adequately funded.”

The implementation plan follows five guiding principles: marshal federal resources for combating wildlife trafficking; use resources strategically; improve the quality of available information; consider all links of the illegal trade chain; and strengthen relationships and partnerships.

The original strategy outlined three strategic priorities for U.S. actions to combat poaching: strengthening domestic and global enforcement; reducing demand for illegally traded wildlife at home and abroad; and strengthening partnerships with international partners, local communities, NGOs, private industry, and others to combat illegal wildlife poaching and trade. Download the full strategy here: http://1.usa.gov/1m4fsZx

As the chair of the Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Coons co-chaired a joint hearing in May on wildlife trafficking with Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The hearing examined the far-reaching ecological, economic, and national security threats tied to intensified illegal global trafficking of elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife products.

Senator Coons was also among a group of bipartisan leaders from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee who sent a letter to the chairs of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking in December 2013 urging the development of a strong national strategy and the full use of available government resources to comprehensively combat poaching.

Their letter can be downloaded as a PDF here: http://1.usa.gov/1bdssQZ

Statement of Senator Coons on the Administration’s authorization for the use of military force against ISIL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on Wednesday on the Administration’s proposed authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). 

“Democrats and Republicans must work together to bring the heinous acts of violence perpetrated by the Islamic State to an end,” Senator Coons said. “I support the President’s goal of a bipartisan, limited Congressional authorization for U.S. military action to stop ISIL, and his draft is a strong place to resume the important debate Congress started in December. The President’s draft acknowledges some of the key provisions of the draft AUMF adopted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in December — a three-year sunset on the authorization, the repeal of the 2002 AUMF for Iraq, and a limitation on enduring ground troops. Congress still has work to do, though, in finding a way to authorize this necessary fight without bogging down our nation and our troops in an endless conflict. We have no more sacred duty than deciding when to send brave young Americans into combat. I appreciate the effort that the Obama Administration has made to work with Congress on a viable authorization and look forward to Congress debating, strengthening, and voting on this AUMF.”

When the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered a different draft AUMF in December, it included an amendment introduced by Senator Coons that insisted that, “any funds made available for activities authorized by this joint resolution should be fully offset through reduced spending, increased revenue, or both.” Senator Coons plans to introduce a similar amendment to the President’s draft AUMF.

“We cannot write another blank check for war,” Senator Coons said. “Paying for war is not only fiscally, but also morally, responsible. It’s not right to expect our troops and their families to be the only people to sacrifice. It is the duty of the Congress, as we debate the scope and strategy for this conflict, to also look squarely at its cost and how to pay for it.”

Senators Coons, Merkley introduce bill to expand ACA small business tax credit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation on Thursday to help small business owners who want to provide health insurance to their workers. The Small Business Tax Credit Accessibility Act would expand and simplify the Affordable Care Act’s small business tax credit, making it available to more employers and for a longer period of time. U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01) and Ron Kind (D-WI-03) also introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives on Thursday. 

“The Affordable Care Act is already doing a lot of good for a lot of Americans, but where we can make it work better, we should,” Senator Coons said. “I’ve spoken with small business owners in Delaware who want to offer their employees health insurance, but are struggling to afford it.  The Affordable Care Act created a small business tax credit to help these businesses, but unfortunately too many are either ineligible or discouraged by its complex requirements. Congress should listen to these concerns, acknowledge that these small business owners are voluntarily trying to do right by their workers, and act to strengthen the Affordable Care Act. This bill would make a big difference for our small businesses and the millions of people employed by them.”

“The Affordable Care Act has expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans, but we can do even more by improving small business tax credits,” Senator Merkley said. “Tax credits that are less complex and that are available to more small businesses will be a win-win for the business community and American workers. Small businesses are standing by, ready to help their employees get affordable, quality health insurance — we just need to put the tools in their hands.”

Senators Al Franken (D-Minn.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), are original cosponsors of the measure.

The Small Business Tax Credit Accessibility Act would:

• Raise the maximum size of businesses that are eligible to receive the credit from 25 employees to 50 employees
• Extend the credit to businesses with higher average wages. Currently, only businesses with an average wage below $50,000 can qualify for the credit. This bill would raise the maximum average wage to 330% of the federal poverty line for a family of four ($80,025 in 2015).
• Increase the threshold for a firm to receive the maximum credit from 10 to 20 full-time employees
• Modify the phase-out of the credit to ensure that any business that meets the full-time employee and average wage thresholds will qualify for a tax credit of some magnitude
• Increase the number of years for which a small business may receive the credit to three consecutive years
• Eliminate the requirement that employers claiming the credit contribute the same percentage of the cost for each employee’s health insurance
• Simplify calculations by eliminating the cap that limits eligible employer contributions to average premiums in the state

“Brokers and agents have tried to make the existing tax credit under the Affordable Care Act work for small business to provide healthcare to their employees,” wrote National Health Underwriters Association Executive Vice President and CEO Janet Trautwein, “but according to a Government Accountability Office study, fewer small employers claimed the credit for tax year 2010 than were thought to be eligible based on rough estimates of eligible employers made by government agencies and small business groups. The GAO study went on to suggest there was low use of the tax credit because many small businesses didn’t actually qualify due to credit size and sheer administrative complexity.”

“These changes to the tax credit will go a long way towards helping more small business owners afford to purchase small group plans through the new health insurance marketplaces,” wrote Small Business Majority Founder and CEO John Arensmeyer. “We know from our research that many small business owners want to offer health insurance to their employees, but can’t afford to do so. The tax credit included in the healthcare law has helped many small businesses better afford health insurance, but it can do more. Expanding the credit and simplifying the process to claim it will help countless small businesses better afford health insurance for their employees.”

The bill has been endorsed by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Association of Women’s Business Centers, Families USA, Main Street Alliance, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, National Grocers Association, National Retail Federation, Small Business Majority, Third Way, U.S. Black Chambers Inc., and Women Impacting Public Policy.

The full text of the bill is available here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/sbtca-legislation

Selbyville Chief of Police joins Senator Coons for briefing on important support program for mothers

Washington – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, hosted a briefing Wednesday on the importance of supporting young mothers in the first few years of their children’s lives and the impact it makes on public safety and families’ futures. The briefing focused on the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, which provides grants to states to support home visiting programs to assist at-risk families with young children. At the invitation of Sen. Coons, Chief Scott Collins of the Selbyville Police Department offered his perspective on how the program makes communities safer in the long run and helps his officers to partner with families.

“Giving young families support and guidance can mean the difference between futures of crime and advancement,” Senator Coons said. “Today our prisons are filled with mothers and those who experienced abuse and neglect as children. We can do more to act early in a child’s life and ensure young mothers have the kind of support they need. For the last five years, the MIECHV program has helped families in areas like health and development, economic self-sufficiency, and stress reduction and ensured brighter futures for families and their communities alike. It’s absolutely critical that we continue to fund these programs, and I’m incredibly thankful for the partnership of law enforcement leaders in fighting for such important work.”

Chief Collins spoke about his first-hand experience about the impact the MIECHV program has in his community. “What we’re seeing in lower Delaware are the issues of young and at-risk mothers not having coping mechanisms when dealing with their young children. This program has provided mothers with plans and strategies of coping with the challenges of motherhood to prevent the mothers and children from going down a path where they are coming into contact with law enforcement. The research has shown funding of this program will save thousands of dollars and needless headaches down the road and will prevent future victims from becoming victims at all.”

The MIECHV program develops and implements voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs using models that are proven to improve child health and to be cost effective. These programs help to prevent child abuse and neglect, encourage positive parenting, and promote child development and school readiness.

Congress established the program in 2010 and in March 2014, extended funding through March 2015.  The briefing highlighted the success of the program and also underscored the need to renew it before it expires on March 31st.

Other panelists for the briefing included Dr. Michael Lu, Associate Administrator, Maternal and Child Health, HRSA; Scott Hippert, President and CEO, Parents as Teachers National Center; and Sabrina Jenkins, Parent Educator and former Parents as Teachers program participant.

Senator Coons highlights Delaware impacts of President Obama’s 2016 budget

WASHINGTON – President Obama’s budget proposal for the coming fiscal year reflects progress on a number of priorities of U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.).

“The federal budget is a reflection of our nation’s values and priorities, and what’s clear from the Administration’s FY16 budget request is that President Obama’s priority is our middle class… as it should be,” Senator Coons said on Tuesday. “Our economy is growing and our government should invest in it. As Congress prepares its own budget and — hopefully — proceeds with a responsible appropriation process, I hope it will keep these values in mind and invest in our nation’s continued economic growth.”

A member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Coons wrote to the White House Office of Management and Budget in November to recommend funding levels for a number of priorities. Updates on some of those are below:

Infrastructure

The Army Corps of Engineers’ 2015 work plan, which accompanies the President’s budget proposal but does not require Congressional approval, includes $97.5 million for the Delaware River Deepening Project — including the $35 million approved by Congress for work in FY 2015 and an additional $62.5 million to fully complete the next phase of work in FY 2016.  This funding will keep the project on track for completion in 2017.

“The Port of Wilmington and its workers need the chance to compete for larger ships and more jobs,” Senator Coons said. “Deepening will attract new investment opportunities to expand the Port, which will bring new trade, more cargo, and thousands of new jobs to the Port and the region. The pace of the project has been limited by the incremental federal funding, but under the funding plan announced today, the project is on track to be completed on time. I’m grateful to the Obama Administration for prioritizing this funding.”

The President’s budget proposal also includes an increase of more than $1 billion for maintaining current passenger rail service. Between Amtrak and commuter rail, the Northeast Corridor alone moves more than 750,000 people a day. It is estimated that even a one-day loss of service on the Northeast Corridor would cost the economy $100 million.

“Amtrak is critical to our region’s economy and strength,” Senator Coons said. “Amtrak has made major strides in the last decade, substantially increasing ridership and revenue. However, we are getting to a point where our chronic underfunding of infrastructure will begin to catch up with us. The investments proposed in the budget will provide crucial upgrades to rail stations, tracks, tunnels, bridges, and passenger cars and improve quality of service, reduce travel time, and increase reliability.”

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is the only public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP centers form a nationwide network of proven resources that enables manufacturers to compete globally, supports greater supply chain integration, and provides access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.  Senator Coons requested an increase in funding from $130 million to at least $141 million. The President’s proposal requests $141 million in funding.

“With our economy growing and manufacturing surging, now is the time to invest in American manufacturing,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware’s MEP has helped so many businesses grow and create jobs here, and it deserves our full support.”

Public Safety

The President’s budget proposes funding the federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant program at $22.5 million — just shy of the $23 million Senator Coons requested.

After winning passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act last year, Senator Coons requested fully funding Children’s Advocacy Centers at $20 million, but the President’s request includes only $11 million.

“For the unbelievable role Children’s Advocacy Centers play in our communities’ safety, the federal investment is an absolute bargain,” Senator Coons said. “Once again, I find myself disappointed and astonished that the Administration has proposed a significant reduction in funding for these centers. I will do everything in my power to ensure these centers get the full funding they need to operate and continue caring for kids who have been victims of or witness to crimes.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Housing

The President’s budget proposes funding of $1.06 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, helps state and local governments – often in partnership with local non-profit groups – to build or rehabilitate decent affordable housing for low-income Americans. Senator Coons had requested a minimum of $1.00 billion.

Senator Coons had also requested an elimination of the cap on the number of housing units that qualify for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration project. The program comes at no additional cost to taxpayers and helps improve public housing properties, helping clear the $26 billion nationwide backlog of deferred maintenance. Applications for participation in the program exceeded expectation, so Senator Coons urged the cap be eliminated. The President’s budget eliminates the cap.

Energy and Science

Among the diverse programs in the President’s budget for research in science and engineering, he proposes $325 million in funding for the pioneering Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy through the Department of Energy, which pursues high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. Senator Coons is one of Congress’ biggest advocates for the agency and urged the Administration to request at least $300 million.

The President’s proposal also requests significant increases for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program — two enormously successful energy efficiency programs helping homeowners save on their energy bills and make their homes safer. Senator Coons introduced bipartisan legislation in the previous Congress to reauthorize both programs and urged the President to request strong funding for them.

Service 

The President’s budget proposes $1.18 billion in funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which includes AmeriCorps and VISTA, exceeding Senator Coons’ request for a minimum of $1.05 billion. The President also heeded Senator Coons’ request to abandon its plans to terminate and consolidate the Senior Corps program.

Senator Coons votes for bipartisan bill to prevent veterans’ suicide

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Tuesday voted for the passage of a bipartisan bill that will improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for American service members. Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 99-0 on Tuesday after passing the House of Representatives on January 12. It now awaits President Obama’s signature to make it law. Each day, an estimated 22 American veterans commit suicide.

“The men and women of America’s armed forces deserve world class mental health care,” Senator Coons said. “Frankly, until now, our system has just left far too many service men and women without the care and support they need. The Senate’s passage today of the bipartisan Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act is a great step for the men and women who serve our country. It will ensure that the VA and Department of Defense both provide the best possible suicide prevention care. It’s also a strong example of Congress’ ability to come together when it counts. I’m glad this bill will finally become law and will continue working hard with my colleagues to do right by our veterans.” 

The bill, S. 167, unanimously passed the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in January. It was introduced in the Senate by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

When signed into law, the bill will:

• Require a third-party evaluation of existing suicide prevention programs at the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to gauge their effectiveness and make recommendations for consolidation, elimination or improvement;
• Provide for a new website that offers veterans information regarding available mental health care services;
• Create a pilot loan repayment program for VA psychiatrists;
• Improve the exchange of training, best practices, and other resources among the VA and non-profit mental health organizations to enhance collaboration in suicide prevention efforts;
• Create a community outreach pilot program to help veterans transition from active duty service; and
• Extend the ability for certain combat veterans to enroll in the Veterans Health Administration for one year.

Senator Coons announces Class of 2019 U.S. Service Academy nominations

DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons today announced his U.S. Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2019. Three students have earned the Senator’s principal nomination and will be offered academy appointments should they meet all medical, physical and academic requirements. Senator Coons has also submitted the names of 17 additional outstanding young Delawareans for consideration. Senator Coons also nominated 7 individuals to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“Nominating these gifted young men and women to the U.S. Service Academies is a sincere honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously,” Senator Coons said. “The next few years will be challenging – academically, mentally and physically – but I am confident in their ability to rise to the challenge and to come through this experience well-equipped to join the ranks of America’s finest military officers.”

Principal Nominees:

• United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland:
• Principal Nominee: Jonathan Maurer of Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School 
• United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado:
• Principal Nominee: Matthew Oliver of Newark, Charter School of Wilmington
• United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, New York:
• Principal Nominee: Thomas Spell IV of Hockessin, Kennett High School

 Alternate Nominees:

• Luke Borda of Wilmington, Tower Hill School
• Sean Devine of Wilmington, Archmere Academy
• Abidas Girardi, Jr. of Millsboro, Virginia Military Institute
• Natalie Glascock of Dover, Dover High School
• Ryan Hersch of Wilmington, Conrad School of Science
• Amy Horney of Newark, Virginia Military Institute
• Jonathan Mendez of Newark, Salesianum School
• Thomas Ott of Lewes, Naval Academy Preparatory School
• Stefano Pineda of Hockessin, Charter School of Wilmington
• Matthew Santacecilia of Wilmington, Salesianum School
• Robert Shiflet of Camden, Caesar Rodney High School
• Nicole Simpson of Smyrna, Smyrna High School
• Seung Son of Frankford, Indian River High School
• Sama Tima of Middletown, Mount Pleasant High School
• Matthew Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy
• Jarod Wilson of Newark, Newark High School
• Jackson Zolper of Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen High School

 United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point:

• Charles Balback, III of Wilmington, Delaware Military Academy
• Joseph Czajkowski of Smyrna, Delaware Military Academy
• Natalie Glascock of Dover, Dover High School
• Matthew Kane of Lewes, University of South Carolina
• Cameron Palmer of Wilmington, Charter School of Wilmington
• Devin Vitella of Milton, Cape Henlopen High School
• Matthew Wiegner of Middletown, Delaware Military Academy

Senator Coons’ Service Academy Selection Board interviewed each applicant and made recommendations to the Senator. The Board, appointed by the Senator, is comprised of: Col. Karen Berry, Ted Fischer, Ron Frazier, Heath Gehrke, Scott Kessel and Wanda Lopez.

“I am deeply grateful to the members of my Service Academy Selection Board for volunteering their time to interview the talented Delawareans who wanted to serve their country,” Senator Coons said. “Their counsel was invaluable, and I appreciate their service.”

For additional information regarding service academy nominations, visit coons-staging.creativengine.com/learn/academies.  

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Senator Coons presses Attorney General nominee on local law enforcement priorities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Wednesday urged the President’s nominee for Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, to work closely with local law enforcement officials to improve public safety and ensure officers have the tools they need to carry out their duties safely. Lynch, currently the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on her nomination.

“The Department of Justice plays a central role in supporting state and local law enforcement,” Senator Coons said during his questioning. “Can you comment on the importance you will place on the partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement, including such programs as the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act, the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, the Violence Reduction Network, which is particularly important to me, and information sharing?”

In her response, Lynch emphasized the importance of working with local law enforcement, not just in ensuring they have the resources they need, but also in listening to and learning from their experiences.

“It would be one of my highest priorities to ensure that there is not only collaboration and cooperation, about the needs that we can fulfill, but also that we can learn from our state and local counterparts,” Lynch responded. “It has been my experience, having had the benefit of learning from some of the best law enforcement agents and police officers around that no one knows the crime problem like the cop on the beat. No one really understands what’s going on in a community like the officer that walks those streets every night and knows those residents and understands those issues.”

As the co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus and a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees, Senator Coons has championed Department of Justice (DOJ) programs that combine the resources and know-how of the federal government with the expertise of local and state law enforcement agencies.

He introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, which helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests for officers working in the field. He pushed the DOJ to select Wilmington as a designated city in the new Violence Reduction Network, a new federal network designed to bring all of the expertise and experience of the federal government to help cities make their streets safer, and for New Castle County to be named a high-intensity drug trafficking area so it can access federal resources. He has also brought together members of Congress and their staffs to ensure they know how to better use the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a data-sharing partnership that helps local agencies utilize the best data tools available.

During his questioning, Senator Coons also urged Lynch to take on criminal justice reform and voting rights discrimination, and to partner with Congress on the protection of intellectual property.