Senator Coons files AUMF amendment insisting Congress pay for war against ISIS

WASHINGTON – If the United States is going to enter into another war, Congress should find a way to pay for it without incurring more debt.

That’s the message of an amendment introduced Wednesday by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to the draft authorization of the use of military force (AUMF) that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will mark up on Thursday morning. The amendment says that, “any funds made available for activities authorized by this joint resolution should be fully offset through reduced spending, increased revenue, or both.”

Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing about the AUMF on Monday, Senator Coons warned: “We cannot write another blank check for war, as was unfortunately the case under previous presidents and previous congresses for previous conflicts. Paying for war is not only fiscally, but also morally, responsible. It’s not right to expect that the only people to sacrifice to be our troops and their families. Expressly having a conversation about how to offset the cost of this war — through a reduction in spending or an increase in revenue, or both — will help Americans have a more direct connection to the conflict, and an awareness of its impact, not just in terms of our spending, but our steadily growing national debt. 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.”

The amendment is available as a PDF here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/pay-for-amendment-to-aumf

Senators Coons, Isakson urge South African president to drop ban on U.S. poultry or risk losing favored trade status

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) cautioned South African President Jacob Zuma that continued refusal to eliminate unfair duties on U.S. poultry could jeopardize South Africa’s continued eligibility for trade benefits available under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in a letter sent Tuesday night. Congress will consider reauthorization of AGOA in 2015.

“The antidumping duties South Africa has levied on U.S. poultry have been in place for fourteen years, effectively blocking our companies from accessing your market,” the senators wrote. “We understand that our trade officials recently discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding poultry, as well as other market access issues for other U.S. exports to South Africa. We strongly encourage you to pursue solutions expeditiously that guarantee market access for U.S. poultry.”

The United States has worked directly with the government of South Africa for years in attempt to remove the duties levied on U.S. poultry. In 2013, the World Trade Organization ruled against an almost identical system of duties imposed on American chicken by China, deeming it a violation of global trade rules.

“As you know, Congress is in the process of considering reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),” the senators wrote. “We urge you to ensure that conversations continue to make progress towards eliminating the antidumping duties on U.S. poultry and that this issue is resolved before Congress takes up AGOA reauthorization, which could be early next year. We will need to reconsider the extension of duty preferences under AGOA for South Africa if this situation is not resolved.”

The African Growth and Opportunity Act has served as the cornerstone of the U.S. commercial relationship with Africa since its enactment in 2000, successfully expanding U.S. trade with African countries that show a commitment to good governance and democratic principles. It has improved the trade environment both for U.S. and African businesses, and has spurred significant economic growth.

Senator Coons chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. Senator Isakson is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which will have jurisdiction over the AGOA reauthorization bill. The two co-founded the bipartisan Senate Chicken Caucus in 2013.

The letter is available as a PDF here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/letter-to-president-zuma

The full text is below:

December 9, 2014

President Jacob Zuma
Pretoria, South Africa 0001

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you for your participation in the African Leaders Summit in August in Washington, D.C.  It was an honor to have you and your delegation here to share your experiences and discuss issues and opportunities for both of our nations.

One issue that is of great importance to both of us and our states is that of poultry trade.  We have been closely following developments in regards to poultry trade with South Africa, and were pleased to hear of the meeting between the U.S. and South African poultry industries on September 17^th.  Furthermore, we were pleased to see news articles in the press here and in South Africa reporting that the South African poultry industry is prepared to make concessions to open their market.

The antidumping duties South Africa has levied on U.S. poultry have been in place for fourteen years, effectively blocking our companies from accessing your market.  As the Chair of the African Affairs Subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Ranking Member of the International Trade Subcommittee on the Senate Finance Committee, we are committed to broadening and sustaining the U.S.–South Africa relationship, and to resolving this poultry trade situation by the elimination of the antidumping duties.  We believe there is great opportunity for the U.S. to further investment in the South African poultry industry, as well as build partnerships between our poultry industries and universities in ways that can be beneficial for all involved. 

We understand that our trade officials recently discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding poultry, as well as other market access issues for other U.S. exports to South Africa.  We strongly encourage you to pursue solutions expeditiously that guarantee market access for U.S. poultry.  As you know, Congress is in the process of considering reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  We urge you to ensure that conversations continue to make progress towards eliminating the antidumping duties on U.S. poultry and that this issue is resolved before Congress takes up AGOA reauthorization, which could be early next year.  We will need to reconsider the extension of duty preferences under AGOA for South Africa if this situation is not resolved. 

We look forward to continuing to work with you to address this important issue.

Sincerely,
Christopher A. Coons
Johnny Isakson                    
United States Senators

Senator Coons urges Congress to stay in session to vote on war, find way to pay for it

WASHINGTON – Questioning Secretary of State John Kerry during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons ‎(D-Del.) called on Congress to remain in session past Thursday’s scheduled adjournment in order to debate and vote on an authorization of the use of force (AUMF) against the Islamic State. 

“I’m relieved that we are having this debate and that we’re having it in the open,” Senator Coons said. “I believe the American people deserve — and our values demand — exactly this sort of a robust and open debate. I think that Congress should not adjourn until we vote on an AUMF.”

“We have raised important and difficult issues… and it’s in large part because of the difficult history — the lessons learned — from the cost and the reach and the scope and the complexity of our conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the 2001 and 2002 authorizations that were the foundation, in some ways, of those actions — that there are real concerns here.”

Senator Coons, who is also a member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget committees, also urged his colleagues to find a mechanism for paying for the war without incurring additional debt.

“We cannot write another blank check for war, as was unfortunately the case under previous presidents and previous congresses for previous conflicts,” Senator Coons said. “Paying for war is not only fiscally, but also morally, responsible. It’s not right to expect that the only people to sacrifice to be our troops and their families. Expressly having a conversation about how to offset the cost of this war — through a reduction in spending or an increase in revenue, or both — will help Americans have a more direct connection to the conflict, and an awareness of its impact, not just in terms of our spending, but our steadily growing national debt. 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.”

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will mark-up draft text of the AUMF in a business meeting on Thursday.

Senator Coons applauds new White House initiatives to broaden college access

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Thursday applauded the White House’s College Opportunity Day of Action, which brought together schools, businesses, and government leaders from around the country to begin new efforts to ensure more Americans have the opportunities, skills, and support they need to go to college. Participating organizations announced more than 600 new actions focused on four areas:

• building networks of colleges focused on promoting completion,
• creating K-16 partnerships around college readiness,
• investing in high school counselors, and
• increasing the number of college graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Murphy was in Washington for the day as well to tout the First State’s efforts to expand access to college. This was the second annual College Opportunity Day of Action at the White House.

“There is no greater equalizer than education, and there is no greater way to ensure a young person’s future success than a college degree,” Senator Coons said. “Too many of our children have the talent and work ethic to thrive in college, but lack the resources and support to realize their dreams. From the high cost of college to the complexity of the application process, too many hurdles still lie in the way of those who can least afford it. The White House’s second College Opportunity Day of Action is a great initiative that brings together Americans to help realize a central tenet of the American Dream – the opportunity for our children to achieve a brighter future. We can and must do a better job of providing opportunities for every young American to reach higher, and I look forward to working hard with my colleagues, the Administration, and Delawareans to put a college degree within the grasp of every student who’s willing to reach for it.”

Senator Coons has been a leader in the fight to expand access to college in the Senate. He is the author of two bills – the American Dream Accounts Act and the Fast Track to College Act – that would ensure more young people have the resources and support to go to college as well as the opportunities to start college level work during high school.

The bipartisan American Dream Accounts Act is cosponsored by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and has been introduced in the last two congresses. The bill would help increase the number of low-income and at-risk students able to access and complete a college education by authorizing 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. The bill was recently included in Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-Iowa) reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

You can learn more about the American Dream Accounts Act here: http://1.usa.gov/1pthqOC

Senator Coons joined with Senator Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) in September to introduce the Fast Track to College Act, to help more low-income students access and complete a college education. The bill supports state and local efforts to implement early college high schools and other dual or concurrent enrollment programs that enable students to start earning college credits while in high school – free of cost.

Senator Coons’ bill to protect habitats for hunters passes the Senate, will become law

WASHINGTON – In a win for hunters in Delaware and across the nation, the Senate on Tuesday passed the Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014, a bill identical to one cosponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to protect critical wetlands and bird migratory areas for future generations. The bill updates the price of the Federal Duck Stamp for the first time since 1991, with proceeds used to finance wetlands conservation efforts. Inflation over the last two decades has diminished the program’s purchasing power, but the legislation will ensure the duck stamp can continue supporting habitat conservation and outdoor recreation across the country. The legislation has already passed the House and will soon head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

“As part of the Atlantic flyway, Delaware’s wetlands support the migration of thousands of waterfowl every year,” Senator Coons said. “Proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp have played a vital role in conserving our wildlife habitat, but the cost of the stamp has not kept pace with rising land prices. This bipartisan bill will restore the duck stamp’s value by updating its price for the first time in more than two decades. Senate passage of this bill is good news for Delaware’s passionate community of sportsmen and all who enjoy our state’s vibrant natural resources, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law.”

“The Federal Duck Stamp is a proven and vital tool for wetlands conservation,” Delaware Ducks Unlimited Chairman Louis Caputo, Jr. said. “Dollar for dollar, this program is one of the most successful conservation programs ever created, and is a very effective way to conserve our natural resources in the U.S. The people that buy Federal Duck Stamps are heroes of conservation and the outdoor way of life. Because of their caring and commitment to conservation, numerous benefits continue to exist in the outdoors for all of us to enjoy. The increase is long overdue and will help to ensure the vitality and future of the outdoors for all. The purchase of Federal Duck Stamps has proven to be one of the best investments an individual can make to ensure continued funding and the healthy future of wetlands conservation.” 

Established in 1934, the duck stamp program has raised more than $800 million and preserved more than six million acres of wetlands for waterfowl conservation. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Delaware’s two national wildlife refuges — Bombay Hook in Kent County and Prime Hook in Sussex County — draw a combined 200,000 visitors annually that contribute to their local economies. The legislation passed this week requires any additional revenue from the price increase to be used for conservation easements, which ensures that habitat will be better protected for hunting without a substantial increase in federal land ownership.

The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Senators David Vitter (R-La.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).  

Defense authorization includes language to protect Delaware Air National Guard

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today applauded the introduction of a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2015 that opens the door to a lower-cost approach to modernizing the Air National Guard’s existing fleet of C-130H aircraft. The Delaware Air National Guard (DANG) currently operates eight C-130H planes for tactical airlifts. 

Starting in 2020, American and European regulators will begin requiring planes to have new, advanced communications and avionics equipment on board, which will require upgrades to the existing C-130H. The existing upgrade plan — the Avionics Modernization Plan — ran over budget and wouldn’t have met the complete needs of the Air National Guard, requiring a lower-cost replacement approach. The NDAA released on Wednesday allows the Air Force to explore alternative modernization approaches available at a fraction of the cost.

“C-130Hs play a critical role in both military and humanitarian relief operations, moving troops and equipment into and out of global hotspots,” Senator Coons said. “These are older airframes, though, and need to be modernized to keep flying safely. The Air Force has been working hard to meet new standards for advanced technology on its aircraft, but upgrades to our C-130Hs have lagged behind and put Delaware Air National Guard’s fleet at risk of being grounded. Without avionics upgrades to these airframes, the scope of DANG’s mission would be significantly reduced. The Air Force needs a new approach and new flexibility for modernizing its C-130Hs, and this bipartisan defense authorization will allow them to find one. It will help ensure our service members have the equipment they need to carry out their missions, and it will do so in a way that protects Delaware jobs and saves taxpayer dollars. I look forward to seeing the Air Force’s new strategy and to ensuring it receives the funding it needs in next year’s Appropriations process.”

The House and Senate are both expected to vote on the NDAA before Congress adjourns for the year.

Senator Coons cosponsored similar legislation earlier this year to allow the Air Force to pursue an alternative lower-cost modernization strategy. It was endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States, the Adjutants General Association of the United States, and the U.S. Air Force.

Statement from Senator Coons on Burkina Faso’s political transition

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement after the recent return to a civilian-led interim government in Burkina Faso. The new government took over from the transitional military authority that had governed since the popularly inspired resignation on October 31 of then-President Blaise Compaoré.

“Adherence to democratic principles is critical for countries experiencing a power vacuum,” Senator Coons said. “Following President Compaoré’s resignation, a diverse coalition of Burkinabé from civil society, traditional and religious institutions, political parties, and the military worked hard to find common ground on a way forward for their country. Through negotiation and consensus, they drafted a charter that empowered an interim government – led by a civilian president – which will govern until the next scheduled elections in November 2015. The collaborative spirit embodied in this commitment to a democratic path for Burkina Faso deserves respect and praise, as does the courage and wisdom of all Burkinabé during this tumultuous period.

“Interim President Michel Kafando and his choice as interim Prime Minister, Lt. Col. Isaac Zida, have agreed not to stand for election next year. This will help ensure that the power to choose a national leadership returns as soon as possible to the Burkinabé, where it rightly belongs,” Senator Coons continued. “The interim government should discharge its duties in the same consensus-oriented, balanced manner that characterized the pre-charter negotiations. At no time should the role of any part of the governing coalition – including that of the military – grow beyond that which all sides have previously agreed to. The abrupt end of the Compaoré era, and the weeks that followed, have demonstrated that a new generation of Burkinabé – like similar new generations in other African countries – has come to the fore, insisting that their voices be heard and fiercely committed to the notion that power rests with the people. It is a message that resonates across the continent.”

Statement from Senator Coons on the President’s executive actions on immigration

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement Thursday on President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

“Immigration is one of the most pressing issues we face. The work I did last year alongside Democrats and Republicans in the Senate produced a bipartisan bill that offered a clear path that would improve border security, grow our economy, keep families together, and address our humanitarian values. Although it passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, House Republicans have refused to allow a vote or offer a comparable alternative for nearly 18 months.

“America’s immigration system has been broken for too long.  President Obama’s executive actions will address some of our system’s problems and start to move us in the right direction by focusing law enforcement resources on deporting dangerous criminals rather than on breaking up loving families. They will protect American workers by moving us away from a status quo where undocumented men and women accept substandard pay and worker protections. Crucially, in a time of scarce resources, the President’s actions will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent where they can be most effective, including on enhancements to border security.

“We cannot continue to wait for House Republicans to act while some of our most pressing challenges go unmet. Although I wish it were not necessary, the President is acting within his legal authority. It is my hope that in the new Congress, House Republicans will come to the table to finish this crucial work.”

Statement from Senator Coons on nuclear negotiations with Iran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday on negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on Iran’s nuclear program:

“With the security of the United States, Israel, and our allies on the line in the P5+1 negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, I believe that no deal is better than a bad deal. In any agreement, Iran must fully submit to intrusive inspections of its illicit nuclear program, fully disclose its past military work, and dismantle any capacity to develop and build a nuclear weapon in the future. If Iran and the P5+1 reach a comprehensive agreement, it must definitively close all pathways toward an Iranian nuclear weapon. Congress must be closely consulted on a potential accord and should one be reached, any sanctions relief should only be granted as Iran demonstrates full compliance, with hesitation or backsliding met with swiftly reinstated sanctions. We cannot be afraid to walk away from the bargaining table if Iran does not agree to these basic terms. 

“Congress has enacted and the Administration has effectively implemented biting sanctions and sustained diplomatic efforts that ultimately brought Iran to the negotiating table. I am ready to support the Administration’s efforts to conclude a strong deal that guarantees our security and the region’s, but we must remain firm on what it will take to achieve that goal.”

Senate to vote on historic bill to ban bulk data collection

WASHINGTON – The Senate will take a procedural vote Tuesday on bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to restore Americans’ privacy rights by ending the government’s dragnet collection of phone records. The bill also requires greater oversight, transparency, and accountability with respect to domestic surveillance authorities.  

“Americans expect and deserve a government that can keep our nation safe without compromising our privacy,” Senator Coons said. “The government’s warrantless surveillance program represents an unacceptable and unjustifiable violation of Americans’ privacy rights that cannot be allowed to continue. The bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act would end the bulk collection of Americans’ phone records and other data and reintroduce transparency and accountability into government surveillance activities. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in passing these important reforms and restoring protections for Americans’ privacy.”

The Senate will vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2685, the USA FREEDOM Act, on Tuesday evening. If it earns 60 votes, the Senate could vote on final passage of the bill as early as Thursday. 

The USA FREEDOM Act bans bulk collection under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and other surveillance authorities, requires the government to narrow the scope of a search to a clearly defined “specific selection term,” adds needed transparency and reporting requirements, and provides key reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court. The New York Times wrote in July that, “the bill represents a breakthrough in the struggle against the growth of government surveillance power.”

The legislation provides significant reforms of surveillance authorities, while carefully maintaining the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies and their responsibility to protect national security.

An outline of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online. A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found online.

In August 2013, Senator Coons cosponsored the FISA Court Reform Act of 2013, which would create an Office of the Special Advocate tasked with advocating in the FISA courts’ closed proceedings for legal interpretations that minimize the scope of intrusion into Americans’ privacy. He also cosponsored the FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013 to require the government to be more transparent in how it publicly reports on its surveillance activities. Read more about them here: http://1.usa.gov/1j8UJ1L