Statement of Senator Coons on confirmation of first Ebola case in the United States

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement Tuesday after the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that a patient being treated at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, has tested positive for the Ebola virus – the first case in the United States.

“Ebola is a grave and growing threat to populations in West Africa, where weak health infrastructures have been overwhelmed by this devastating virus. We take it for granted here in the United States that we have strong health care systems, access to clean water, and reliable electricity, but in countries where Ebola has spread exponentially – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea — these basic resources and structures are lacking. 

“Americans need to remain calm and listen to the precautionary measures being suggested by the CDC. Ebola cannot be contracted through the air or the water supply, and requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone already infected and exhibiting symptoms. It was only a matter of time before an Ebola case would emerge here in the United States, but as we’re seeing in Dallas today, our public health system has the resources, capabilities, and knowledge to address and contain this virus quickly and safely.

“The U.S. is doing the right thing by stepping up to the growing challenge of combatting the spread of Ebola in West Africa, and developing a vaccine and treatment. Without America’s aggressive and proactive engagement, there is a real threat that this virus might become a global pandemic.”

Earlier this month, after calling for expanded U.S. resources for combatting the spread of Ebola in West Africa, Senator Coons praised President Obama’s announcement of more than $750 million in resources and the planned deployment of 3,000 U.S. military personnel to help medical professionals contain the outbreak. Congress also authorized $58 million in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services to expedite development, testing, and production of a vaccine and treatment.

Additional medical information about Ebola is available from the CDC here:http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/qa.html

Senator Coons, Mayor Williams announce Wilmington’s selection by Department of Justice for Violence Reduction Network

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams announced on Monday Wilmington’s selection into the Department of Justice’s new Violence Reduction Network (VRN) program. Wilmington was among just five cities selected to participate in the elite new federal network bringing all of the expertise and experience of the federal government — led by former local police leaders who have reduced crime in their communities — to help cities make their streets safer. Other participating cities include Camden, New Jersey, Chicago, Oakland and Detroit.

In addition to preliminary work VRN representatives have already conducted in partner cities, city representatives will take part in a three-day kickoff summit and will continue the partnership through site visits and virtual conferencing. This is a two year partnership.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to try to make our communities safer,” Senator Coons said. “The city of Wilmington is facing a large task of reducing violence and violent crimes, and the Violence Reduction Network, the brand new program that brings together a number of federal law enforcement agencies with the Wilmington Police Department, will work together in an all hands on deck approach curb violence in Wilmington for the safety and peace of mind for their residents.”  

“I want to thank Senator Coons for his gracious help on getting the Violence Reduction Network to Wilmington as it is something that is greatly needed,” said Mayor Williams. “I sat down with Senator Coons a year ago, and our persistence has paid off. Through the collaborative efforts of the Senator’s Office, the City and other agency stakeholders VRN will hopefully reduce crime in the City of Wilmington.”

The Violence Reduction Network begins today with a summit that will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Justice to convene agencies including ATF, DEA, Executive Office of the United States Attorneys, FBI, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women and the United States Marshals Service with local law enforcement agencies.

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Senate adopts resolution honoring National Chemistry Week

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate has approved a bipartisan resolution to mark National Chemistry Week and highlight the importance of the science of chemistry in our lives and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced the resolution, which passed unanimously. National Chemistry Week begins October 19th.

“Chemistry is the science of matter, and it impacts everything in our lives,” Senator Coons said. “Innovations from the brilliant chemists in Delaware have led to improvements in food, medicine, materials, and energy, to name a few. National Chemistry Week is a great opportunity to reflect on these breakthroughs and to stimulate the interest of young people across the country in science.”

“Chemistry plays a major role in both the Pennsylvania and national economies,” Senator Toomey said. “Its broad applications are vital to improving the quality of life and National Chemistry Week will encourage research and innovation amongst students nationwide.”

“National Chemistry Week promotes the value of chemistry in everyday life and raises awareness at the local level,” American Chemistry Society President Thomas J. Barton, Ph.D. said. We are thrilled to have the support of Senator Toomey and Senator Coons to highlight the contributions of chemistry to students and adults across the country.” 

The resolution notes that “chemistry has broad applications, including food science, water quality, energy, sustainability, medicine, and electronics,” and “is vital to improving the quality of human life and plays an important role in addressing critical global challenges.”

A PDF of the resolution is available here. The text is below:

A Resolution

Title: Designating the week beginning on October 19, 2014, as “National Chemistry Week”.

Whereas chemistry is the science of basic units of matter and, consequently, plays a role in every aspect of human life;

Whereas chemistry has broad applications, including food science, water quality, energy, sustainability, medicine, and electronics;

Whereas the science of chemistry is vital to improving the quality of human life and plays an important role in addressing critical global challenges;

Whereas innovations in chemistry continue to spur economic growth and job creation and have applications for a range of industries;

Whereas National Chemistry Week is part of a broader vision to improve human life through chemistry and to advance the chemistry enterprise and the practitioners of such enterprise for the benefit of communities and the environment;

Whereas the purpose of National Chemistry Week is to reach the public with educational messages about chemistry in order to foster greater understanding and appreciation for the applications and benefits of chemistry;

Whereas National Chemistry Week strives to stimulate the interest of young people, including women and underrepresented groups, in enthusiastically studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and in pursuing science-related careers that lead to innovations and major scientific breakthroughs; and

Whereas students who participate in National Chemistry Week deserve recognition and support for their efforts: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates the week beginning on October 19, 2014, as “National Chemistry Week”;

(2) supports the goals of and welcomes the participants in the 27th annual National Chemistry Week;

(3) recognizes the need to promote the fields of science (including chemistry), technology, engineering, and mathematics and encourage youth to pursue careers in such fields; and

(4) commends the American Chemical Society and the partners of such society for organizing and convening events and activities surrounding National Chemistry Week each year.

Senators Coons, Collins, Rockefeller and Isakson introduce bipartisan bill to spur innovation, create jobs in sustainable chemistry

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to spur innovation in the field of sustainable chemistry. The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would encourage the development and commercialization of high-performing chemicals, products, and processes that reduce or eliminate risk to human health and benefit the environment. Sustainable chemistry is an exciting field that can create jobs, keep America competitive, and spur economic growth.

“Spurring innovation to create good jobs and protect our health and environment should bring us all together,” said Senator Coons. “We can do much more to develop new ways to ensure the things all around us – from our laundry detergent to our shoes – are produced in a way that maintains their high quality and benefits our health and our planet. By creating a cohesive vision for our nation’s sustainable chemistry research and building new partnerships with the private sector, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act is an exciting opportunity to create jobs, maintain our scientific leadership, and make America healthier and cleaner. Both parties can unite behind American health and competitiveness, and I look forward to working hard, together, to see our efforts through.”

“This bill promotes research, development and education programs to develop chemical processes that minimize the impact to our environment, and that can often end up saving companies money at the same time,” said Senator Collins. “By helping encourage innovation in ‘sustainable chemistry’ through improved coordination on research, development, and commercialization, this bill will benefit public health and the environment while educating the next generation of chemistry professionals.”

“I am excited to join Senators Coons, Collins, and Isakson in this effort to promote sustainable chemistry,” said Senator Rockefeller. “I know how important it is to develop effective chemicals that minimize hazards to human health and to the environment. By coordinating Federal research efforts in this area, the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2014 will support the American ingenuity needed to help make our industries safer and more efficient, and to stay globally competitive.”

The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would support sustainable chemistry research, development, technology transfer, commercialization, education, and training through federal grants and loans, targeted studies, partnerships with industry, and interagency coordination. Importantly, the bill does not include any regulatory components, nor does it authorize new spending. Its goal, rather, is to increase and coordinate federal activities in sustainable chemistry and encourage the private sector, academia, nonprofits, and the general public to innovate, develop, and bring to market innovative sustainable chemistry products and processes. 

“The Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) is committed to fostering sustainable innovation among key stakeholders in the public, private and academic sectors,” said Lori Palmer, President and Board Chair, DESCA. We believe efforts that will incentivize research and development in new technology will enhance economic development. DESCA fully supports the Sustainable Chemistry Act of 2014 as legislation necessary for growing sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship and creating high wage jobs.”

“I commend you for introducing this forward-looking bill, which will improve federal coordination and dissemination of green chemistry R&D and facilitate increased federal investment in this area,” said American Chemical Society President Tom Barton, “Your legislation will strengthen the government’s role as a true partner in promoting greener technologies. Such an interagency approach will broaden the focus of green chemistry R&D and make it more attractive to industry sectors.” 

“EDF applauds Senator Coons for his leadership in promoting sustainable chemistry research and development,” said Richard Denison, Lead Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund. “As we work to ensure that the chemicals in our homes, consumer products, and workplaces are safe for people and for the environment, we need to build our society’s capacity to develop and commercialize safer chemical innovations.”

The legislation is supported by the American Chemistry Council (ACC); the American Chemical Society (ACS); the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) Action Fund; the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA); the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF); the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3); the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR); The Renewable Chemicals and Materials Alliance (re:chem); Ashland; Dow Chemical; DuPont; Musea Ventures; Simply Sustain LLC; White Dog Labs; and Dr. Paul Anastas, Yale Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering.

Senators Coons, Graham, and Cardin introduce bipartisan bill to increase private investment in global maternal and child-health programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation on Thursday to create innovative financing mechanisms, such as new development impact bonds, aimed at increasing private-sector investment in maternal and child health programs in developing countries. The Accelerating Action in Maternal and Child Health Act is an innovative concept centered on the notion that even a small early investment in the care of a mother or child will reduce healthcare costs over the long term.

According to the World Health Organization, 6.6 million children under the age of 5 die each year from preventable or treatable causes, and more than 800 women die every day from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The overwhelming majority of these deaths occur in the developing world, and countries in Africa have the highest burden. 

“Even after impressive progress in the quality of health care being offered to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children in some of the poorest parts of the world, it’s clear that more help is needed,” Senator Coons said. “We need to be investing more in USAID’s remarkable public health work. America’s foreign assistance needs to evolve and innovate to meet today’s challenges and respect our nation’s fiscal limitations. Innovative financing mechanisms like development bonds are a creative way to get the private sector more involved in global health and reduce the cost to taxpayers. This bill will help us help more young families survive and stay healthy.” Senator Coons chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.

“Over the past two decades, child mortality has been reduced by nearly 50 percent and maternal mortality has been reduced by 40 percent, thanks in large part to United States Government action and intervention,” Senator Graham said. “In the last three years, 24 priority countries — 10 of which are in Africa — have achieved an 8 percent reduction in under-5 mortality, saving 500,000 lives. This legislation is an innovative way to accelerate this trend.”

“Substantial U.S. investment in maternal and child health — both in the U.S. and around the globe — has saved millions of lives and delivered extraordinary results,” Senator Cardin said. “In the 24 countries where USAID focuses on maternal and child health, we have reduced the number of preventable child and maternal deaths by half. But we cannot stop now. This bill ensures that our cost-effective and life-saving interventions can continue into the future.” Senator Cardin chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The Accelerating Action in Maternal and Child Health Act calls on USAID to establish a strategy to prevent maternal and child deaths in 24 priority countries in the developing world, and authorizes the design and establishment of innovative financing mechanisms. For example, USAID and private donors around the world would purchase the bonds with funds provided either to the host country or to the NGO administering the health program. Host governments or donors would pay the interest back on the bonds. As private-sector investment grows, the need for U.S. government investment would decline.

“There is tremendous momentum on improving maternal, newborn, and child health worldwide, and we want to keep moving forward,” said Mark Shriver, president of Save the Children Action Network. “Too many children die on the day of their birth and too many women’s lives continue to be cut short every day from causes that are entirely preventable. It is clear we need to do more.”           

According to the World Health Organization, the leading causes of maternal mortality in low-income countries are post-partum bleeding, infection, and hypertension. Amongst newborns, the leading causes are infections, premature birth, and asphyxia, and amongst children under age 5, the leading causes are respiratory infections (commonly from pneumonia), diarrhea, and malaria. Malnutrition is the underlying contributing factor in about 45 percent of all child deaths, making children more vulnerable to severe diseases.

United States Senate pledges support for fight to contain Ebola outbreak and save lives

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate this week recognized the severe threat posed by the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and offered its support for robust efforts to combat the virus and provide humanitarian relief for those affected. In a resolution adopted unanimously Thursday night, the Senate recognized the support provided by the United States government, African partners, the United Nations, World Health Organization, and the international community to confront Ebola, as well as the additional U.S. commitment recently announced by President Obama. 

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, introduced the resolution with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

“The Ebola virus is spreading now at an exponential rate, and the humanitarian crisis gripping West Africa clearly needs a global response,” Senator Coons said. “The United States Senate this week expressed its support with those who have been affected by Ebola and solidarity with those who are doing everything they can to fight it. This is a grave and growing crisis with the potential to spread well beyond West Africa. It cannot be resolved without the strong support and resources of the United States, and I strongly welcome the deepening of our commitment to Ebola response in the critical weeks and months ahead.” 

“We need to send a message to the people of West Africa that we will help them combat this deadly epidemic, and to the rest of the world that the U.S. is ready to lead this effort,” Senator Flake said. “I hope passage of this resolution, coming on the heels of the president’s announcement earlier this week, will do just that.”

“The world is facing the worst Ebola outbreak in history,” Senator Menendez said. “The disease is ravaging West Africa—claiming thousands of lives, undermining trade and food security, and threatening regional stability.  As the epidemic spirals, we are witnessing a devastating human toll.  By passing this resolution, Senators acted to bring awareness to the terrible impact of this deadly virus and the importance of stopping its spread now, before more lives are lost.  We also approved the nomination of Dr. Tom Frieden, current Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as the U.S. representative on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, which is leading the international response.  The passage of the Continuing Resolution included an additional $88 million to help U.S. agencies continue to fight.  I welcome American leadership this week to dramatically scale up our own response, as outlined by President Obama, as well as intensified efforts announced today by the United Nations to turn the tide through a dedicated emergency health mission. Controlling and preventing Ebola overseas is the most effective way to save lives in Africa and protect Americans at home.”

“The U.S. has a vital role to play in leading the global response to defeat this deadly outbreak that is growing increasingly difficult to contain,” Senator Corker said. “The international intervention needs to be scaled up to meet the scope of this challenge as research for new therapies and vaccines continues.” 

“The United States and the international community must stand together to help those stricken by Ebola in West Africa and to protect against the spread of this deadly virus to our own shores,” Senator Durbin said. “President Obama has wisely mobilized the best of our American expertise and generosity to help, and Congress stands ready to provide additional funding to help stem the tide of this terrible scourge.” 

The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

The text of the resolution follows:

S.Res.541

Recognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic.

Whereas Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an extremely infectious virus that causes severe illness with a fatality rate that can well exceed 50 percent;

Whereas Ebola is spread through contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of infected humans and animals and can have an incubation period of up to 21 days;

Whereas the Ebola virus first appeared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976 and has afflicted communities in Africa at least 20 times since then;

Whereas the current Ebola outbreak first occurred in February 2014 in forested areas of southeastern Guinea and subsequently spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently discovered the outbreak of a separate strain of the virus;

Whereas this is the first outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the biggest and most complex to date, due to its emergence in populated, transient border areas, making containment a significant challenge;

Whereas, to date, according to the Center for Disease Control, Ebola had infected more than 4,400 people in West Africa and caused nearly 2,300 confirmed deaths;

Whereas the current Ebola outbreak has occurred in countries with some of the weakest health systems in the world facing severe shortages of healthcare workers, laboratories essential for testing and diagnosis, clinics and hospitals required for treatment, and medical supplies and protective gear, such as latex gloves and face masks required to prevent contamination of health facilities;

Whereas these weak and inadequate healthcare facilities, a lack of health staff trained in Ebola response, and misconceptions about the virus have resulted in numerous infections of health workers and patients unable to receive appropriate response and care;

Whereas effective countermeasures for stemming the spread of Ebola, such as isolation, meticulous infection control practices, case investigation, and contact tracing require more trained personnel and resources than are currently available in West Africa;

Whereas, although Ebola can be contained with good public health and burial practices, it continues to spread due to a lack of accurate public information, insufficient treatment facilities, limited local language capacities required for health education, and an unwillingness to allow those infected to be isolated from family members;

Whereas governments are collaborating closely with international donors and taking strong measures to contain the virus, including announcing states of emergency and establishing emergency response centers;

Whereas the limitations on transportation and travel and closing of businesses have had a devastating economic impact throughout the region and may cause social instability and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis if not properly managed and offset;

Whereas the international community has committed to support solutions to the current limitations on air traffic and establish a common operational platform to address acute problems associated with food security, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, primary and secondary health care, and education, as well as the longer-term recovery effort that will be needed in the face of the complex social consequences of this emergency;

Whereas the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda have sent experts familiar with such outbreaks to Liberia to assist with the outbreak response, and the Governments of Senegal and Ghana have agreed to serve as logistics and coordination centers for the international assistance effort, providing vital corridors for supplies and personnel;

Whereas, after visiting affected communities in West Africa, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden said on September 2, 2014, “There is a window of opportunity to tamp this down, but that window is closing…we need action now to scale up the response.”;

Whereas the United States Government has provided more than $175,000,000 in support through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, the World Health Organization, and the United States Armed Forces since February 2014 and intends to mobilize additional resources and support as announced by President Obama on September 16, 2014;

Whereas the United States Government helped to fund the development of the Zmapp biopharmaceutical experimental drug that was given to United States health workers afflicted with the virus and was recently donated to Liberian doctors with encouraging effect and has prompted calls for further research and development of such vaccines;

Whereas, on August 5, 2014, the United States Government deployed a multi-agency Disaster Assistance Response Team composed of staff from Federal agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Forest Service to coordinate the United States Government’s response efforts;

Whereas the World Health Organization published on August 28, 2014, a roadmap for scaled-up response that aims to stop the virus in 6 to 9 months and calls for 750 international and 12,000 local health workers to contribute to the halt of the Ebola outbreak; and

Whereas, earlier this year, the United States Government joined with partner governments, the World Health Organization, other multilateral organizations, and nongovernmental actors to launch the Global Health Security Agenda, a 5-year commitment to prevent, detect, and effectively respond to infectious disease threats such as Ebola: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the severe immediate threat that Ebola poses to populations, governments, and economies in Africa;

(2) recognizes that the limited capacity of the initial outbreak countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to combat the epidemic has been exhausted and the potential threat to regions beyond Africa if this, the largest of all Ebola outbreaks, is not contained;

(3) expresses support for those affected by this epidemic and affirms its sympathy for victims of Ebola and their families;

(4) supports the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola virus in their countries and regionally;

(5) urges citizens of affected countries to respect preventative guidelines provided by their governments and medical professionals from Africa and around the world in order to stem the outbreak;

(6) supports the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of State, the Forest Service, and other United States Government agencies providing technical, logistical, and material support to address the Ebola crisis in West Africa;

(7) encourages deepened United States and international commitments to the global Ebola response;

(8) welcomes the delivery of assistance and increased engagement from donors such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, the World Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Canada;

(9) expresses support for the promotion of investments in global health in order to ensure that governments can better prevent and detect, contain, and eventually eliminate outbreaks of disease while also providing other essential health services;

(10) supports the World Health Organization’s Ebola Response Roadmap and a common operational platform in response to the crisis;

(11) encourages the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone to work together and with other nations and regional and subregional organizations to establish institutional emergency response systems to more effectively respond to this and future outbreaks of Ebola and other highly infectious diseases;

(12) welcomes proactive measures taken by governments in West Africa to formulate national plans of action in response to the crisis; and

(13) recognizes the work of thousands of African, United States, and international officials and volunteers on the ground in West Africa, particularly healthcare workers, who are working diligently and at great risk to help address this multidimensional crisis, and encourages other healthcare workers and logisticians to volunteer.

Senator Coons votes to fund government and address global crises

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Foreign Relations Committee, voted on Thursday to responsibly avert a government shutdown, supporting a measure that would continue existing funding levels for the federal government through December 11, 2014. The House of Representatives passed similar legislation on Wednesday and the bill will now go to the President for signature.

“While I am grateful we will not face another shutdown crisis this year, I am disappointed that the Senate has once again opted to kick the can down the road,” Senator Coons said. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have participated in the thoughtful and engaged process of crafting appropriations bills throughout the year. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Mikulski, the Committee passed eight appropriations bills, the result of hours of debate and hard-fought, bipartisan compromise between our members. Sadly, these bills never received a vote on the Senate floor, falling victim to the same partisan gridlock that has doomed so many good bills this year. American taxpayers deserve better than a government that operates on autopilot. I hope my colleagues will work to overcome their differences in the months ahead so we can return to regular order and fulfill our responsibility to our constituents.”  

In addition to extending government funding until December, the bill includes authorization to provide assistance – including training, equipment, and supplies – to appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“The campaign of terror perpetrated by ISIL has effectively erased the border between Syria and Iraq,” Senator Coons said. “In order to degrade and defeat this growing threat, we must bring to bear additional military and diplomatic tools. This includes ensuring that moderate and vetted elements of the Syrian opposition make meaningful advances on the ground against ISIL, retake territory, protect American interests and those of our allies, and weaken the Assad regime. A cohesive, trained and well-equipped moderate opposition will reinforce a U.S. air campaign, and eventually undertake the daunting challenge of constructing a stable, inclusive, and peaceful government after decades of dictatorship and years of war.”

Also included in the bill is $30 million in supplies and equipment to support the CDC’s efforts to combat Ebola in Africa and $58 million to develop Ebola vaccines and treatments for clinical trials.

“This bill includes critical funding to fight Ebola in West Africa, which has already killed nearly 3,000 people and is spreading at an exponential rate,” Senator Coons said. “I have repeatedly called for a stronger response from the United States and international community to contain this crisis, and this robust funding will help to answer that call. The continuing resolution gives the Department of Health and Human Services the resources they need to confront this virus and expedite the development of a life-saving vaccine. I am hopeful that our efforts will help Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and other affected nations begin turning the tide against this deadly epidemic, and ensure it does not spread throughout the globe.”

Senator Coons introduces bipartisan bill to protect Americans’ electronic privacy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced legislation Thursday to amend the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) by addressing the conflict of laws for cloud services providers in order to safeguard Americans’ electronic data stored abroad. The Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad (LEADS) Act ensures that law enforcement has the tools to execute search warrants where necessary, so long as they comply with the laws of the foreign country where the electronic data is stored.

“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.”

“The way electronic data is used and stored globally has changed considerably since Congress enacted ECPA nearly 30 years ago,” Senator Hatch said. “This presents unique challenges for a number of industries, who are often faced with the question of whose laws they must follow – American law or the laws where the electronic data is stored. Senators Coons and Heller understand the uncertainty created by this conflict of laws and that we should address this serious and growing problem as Congress undertakes ECPA reforms.”

“I am proud to work with Senator Hatch and Senator Coons on the LEADS Act,” Senator Heller said. “Broadband Internet extends beyond borders and our laws need to balance the privacy rights law-abiding citizens are guaranteed under the 4th Amendment with the ability for law enforcement to do its job. This legislation is a step in the right direction providing the necessary clarity with our laws, and I am pleased to join in this effort.”                                                                                                              

Click here for a section-by-section summary of the LEADS Act.

Senators Coons and Hagan introduce bill to give students a head start at a college degree

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) introduced legislation Thursday to help more low-income students access and complete a college education. The Fast Track to College Act 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. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

“A college education is a critical piece of the American Dream,” Senator Coons said. “For too many students, high tuition costs put a college education – and the lifetime of opportunities it creates – out of reach. The Fast Track to College Act offers an innovative solution by supporting and expanding programs that allow students to earn college credit – and even an Associate’s degree – for free. If we want to see more of our students earning college degrees, we have to invest in programs that make college more affordable and accessible. The Fast Track to College Act will help make the dream of college a reality for more Americans, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make it law.” 

“As the cost of college continues to rise, we need creative, commonsense solutions to ensure that college stays within reach for every student who wants to pursue it,” Senator Hagan said. “The bill Senator Coons and I introduced today will help students get a jumpstart on a college degree, saving them time and money once they walk onto campus and better preparing them to succeed in college coursework. College shouldn’t be a pipe dream, and I will continue working to make college more affordable and accessible for students in North Carolina and around the country.”

The Fast Track to College Act would authorize a competitive grant program to establish and support early college high schools and other dual and concurrent enrollment programs serving low-income students. Early college high schools are schools designed so students can earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor’s degree – tuition free. 

“At Early College High Schools such as the new ECHS @ DSU students have the opportunity to complete 30-60 hours of college credits tuition free while enrolled in high school, thus cutting their college costs by as much as 50 percent,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President of Delaware State University. “The Fast Track to College Act has the potential to be a vital piece of a multi-pronged approach to reign in the costs of higher education long term. We are appreciative to Senator Coons for thinking of creative ways to reduce the costs of college education and working to ensure that our nation’s students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.” Senator Coons attended the launch of ECHS @ DSU earlier this month.

“Innovative Schools is proud to support the Fast Track to College Act,” said Matt Swanson, Executive Chairman of Innovative Schools, a non-profit resource center for Delaware public schools. “Our support of this bill directly aligns with our vision to push the boundaries on education, promote proven alternatives to traditional classroom environments and break down barriers for students in their goals towards higher education.”

Research has shown that early college high school students are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and earn a college degree than other students. Among early college students, 90 percent are awarded a high school diploma, and 30 percent earn an Associate’s degree or other credential simultaneously with that diploma. 

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Authorize six-year grants to partnerships of school districts and institutions of higher education to support new or existing early college high schools or other dual and concurrent enrollment programs which allow students to earn a high school diploma and one to two years of college credit, including an associate’s degree – tuition-free.
• Authorize five-year grants to states to provide planning, technical assistance, community outreach, data collection and evaluation, and other support services to early college high schools and other dual and concurrent enrollment programs.
• Ensure students are equipped with skills needed to succeed in a 21st century economy by encouraging cooperation between schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, industry, and labor.
• Evaluate student outcomes by requiring the Secretary of Education to conduct an independent evaluation of the program.

The legislation has been endorsed by Delaware State University, Innovative Schools, National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Bard College, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Jobs for the Future, Alliance for Excellent Education, IBM, and Middle College National Consortium.

Senators Coons and Ayotte introduce bipartisan bill to boost manufacturing skills training

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday to help cities and states build 21st century manufacturing training programs. The Manufacturing Skills Act would create an annual $100 million competitive grant to support initiatives that strengthen the manufacturing workforce and address regional skills challenges.

“Manufacturing plays a critical role in building communities and strengthening the middle class,” Senator Coons said. “Our country regained more than half a million manufacturing jobs in the last three years, but our training programs still haven’t evolved to meet growing demand for high-skilled workers. We need to do a better job of training our workers for the manufacturing jobs of the 21st century, and that’s exactly what this bipartisan bill will do. By helping cities and states craft effective, relevant workforce training programs, we can strengthen communities and ensure American manufacturing is primed for growth in the decades to come.”

“In New Hampshire’s high-tech manufacturing sector, there’s a growing demand for workers who are skilled in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – or STEM – fields,” said Senator Ayotte. “Our legislation would establish a competitive grant program to provide states and municipalities the resources and flexibility to develop training programs that reflect their unique needs and help ensure that America’s workers have the skills and training necessary to compete in the 21st century global economy.”

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, the number of unfilled manufacturing jobs in the U.S. will reach approximately 875,000 by 2020. While many of these jobs require highly trained workers, the most in-demand skills vary considerably by region and industry. The Manufacturing Skills Act will give state and local leaders the resources and flexibility to design workforce-training programs that fit their regions’ specific needs.

Applicants will establish a local task force, consisting of leaders from the public, nonprofit, and manufacturing sector, as well as labor and education representatives, to apply for and carry out the three-year grant. A federal inter-agency partnership will review applications and award grants to the five states and five metropolitan areas with the strongest proposals.

“DuPont believes a skilled manufacturing workforce helps us remain competitive in a global marketplace,” said Matt Koenings, Vice President of Global Manufacturing at DuPont. “Operating today’s manufacturing sites requires competence in advanced technologies such as robotics, operation control systems, and general STEM education to prepare workers for careers in innovation. The Manufacturing Skills Act of 2014 will strengthen the pipeline of talented workers DuPont relies on –from technicians who operate our plants to engineers who participate in the discovery process, provide technical expertise and execute our capital projects.”

“The University of Delaware supports the goals of the Manufacturing Skills Act proposed by Sen. Coons and Sen. Ayotte,” said Charles G. Riordan, Vice Provost for Research at the University of Delaware. “With a strong commitment to advanced manufacturing research and education, UD is well positioned to work collaboratively with partners, including those from the private sector, to revitalize U.S. manufacturing in the 21st century.”

“As demand for manufacturing grows, it is vitally important that U.S. manufacturers have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow their businesses and compete in the global economy,” said Angela Hanks, Federal Policy Analyst at the National Skills Coalition. “The Manufacturing Skills Act would help strengthen the U.S. manufacturing workforce by supporting efforts within states and metropolitan areas to close manufacturing skills gaps and build talent pipelines to meet the manufacturing sector’s current and future workforce needs. National Skills Coalition applauds Senator Coons’ and Senator Ayotte’s efforts to strengthen America’s economy by making critical investments in our nation’s manufacturing sector.”

The bill has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Association for Career & Technical Education, Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, Delaware Manufacturing Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, DuPont, National Skills Coalition, New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development, New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Third Way, United Autoworkers, University of Delaware, and the University of New Hampshire.