Statement of Senator Coons on proposed Net Neutrality rules

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Wednesday about new rules being considered by the Federal Communications Commission to limit the ability of Internet service providers to throttle the Internet bandwidth provided based on the source of the content. “Net neutrality” is a principle aimed at forcing Internet service providers to treat all content equally.

“It is hard to capture in a succinct way how profoundly the Internet – still in its relative infancy – has changed our lives and the world in which we live. Its ability to fuel innovation, empower new voices, and connect us to one another has had extraordinary consequences for political, economic, and social institutions around the globe. As we move forward, it is absolutely critical that we craft rules and policies that maintain the web as a democratizing force, open to innovation on a level-playing field that favors neither the wealthy nor the politically well-connected and that retains equal access to online content.

“Today the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the FCC’s path forward as it seeks to write and enforce new net neutrality rules. I strongly support rules to keep the web open and free. New rules should include an anti-blocking rule and prevent discrimination so service providers cannot censor or slow down information on the web. We should work to ensure networks can be managed without unnecessary burdens and that new, innovative delivery methods can flourish without harming access. Lastly, the FCC’s new rules should be clear and simple. As we move forward to ensure an open and free Internet, I hope the FCC will review every option at its disposal to find the best solution.”

Senator Coons hosts roundtable on reauthorizing Export-Import Bank

WASHINGTON – Manufacturing business leaders made a forceful case for long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank – the United States’ official export credit agency – at a roundtable discussion in the Capitol on Wednesday. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), leader of the Senate’s Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative, hosted the conversation to discuss the vital role the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) plays in our economy and the importance of passing a long-term reauthorization of the Bank’s expiring charter.

“Today we heard from CEOs of businesses large and small – manufacturers who export American products and help create American jobs – that they need a long-term reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank to maintain their export business,” Senator Coons said. “On the international market, our companies face stiff competition from China, Germany, India, and other countries that provide robust and dependable export financing. Ex-Im allows American companies to compete on a level playing field so they can win contracts abroad that create manufacturing jobs at home.”

“I’ve visited dozens of small and medium-sized manufacturers in Delaware that depend on Ex-Im for their business and will struggle to maintain their export jobs if it disappears,” Senator Coons said.

Paul Sullivan, Director of International Business Development at Acrow Bridge, explained the critical role Ex-Im plays in facilitating business deals for small and medium-sized manufacturers. With the help of Ex-Im, Acrow is working to secure contracts for bridges in Sub-Saharan Africa that will improve that regions’ infrastructure and bring new steel manufacturing jobs to Delaware.

“Acrow Bridge’s international success involves working closely with Ex-Im Bank to secure financing for our clients – leveling the playing field so that Acrow can compete with its Chinese and European competitors,” Sullivan said. “Any failure to reauthorize Ex-Im Bank’s mandate would severely compromise our ability to compete on even terms with our foreign competition and remove a key tool that helps small to medium-sized enterprises like Acrow access important infrastructure projects around the world. Thousands of American manufacturing jobs depend on Ex-Im Bank, and we urge Congress to reauthorize it without further delay.”

Senior executives from Dow, Boeing, and GE, as well as smaller manufacturing firms like Acrow Bridge and Air Tractor, emphasized the importance of a long-term reauthorization to ensure reliable and predictable financing for multi-year projects.

Some Congressional Republican leaders have proposed extending the Ex-Im Bank for just nine months, while Senator Coons and Democratic leaders continue to fight for a five-year bill that will give businesses and their partners the assurance they need to execute long-term deals.

“It’s disappointing that Republican leaders who claim to care about manufacturing and creating American export jobs are once again offering just a short-term, chip shot reauthorization that will barely get us into next year,” Senator Coons said. “We need to come together to pass a long-term reauthorization that provides the stability and support for American jobs that our exporters deserve.”

Senators Coons, Hatch applaud House Judiciary Committee passage of trade secrets legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), member of the Judiciary Committee, and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), current member and former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the Trade Secrets Protection Act (H.R. 5233). Coons and Hatch introduced similar legislation in the Senate, the Defend Trade Secrets Act, in April.

“The intellectual property that drives the U.S. economy has never been more valuable, or more vulnerable,” Senator Coons said. “American companies are losing jobs because of the theft of trade secrets every day. This bipartisan bill will empower American companies to protect their jobs by legally confronting those who steal their trade secrets. It will finally give trade secrets the same legal protections that other forms of critical intellectual property already enjoy. I applaud the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the companion to our bipartisan legislation today, and I’m optimistic about the bill’s chances in the Senate. Congress needs to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs and revenue being lost to the theft of trade secrets by passing this legislation.”

“I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for taking this important action today and recognizing that trade secrets theft is a real risk to American jobs and our economy,” Senator Hatch said.  “Today’s House action and the Hatch-Coons trade secrets bill in the Senate show that there is both bipartisan and bicameral support to confront intellectual property thieves.  Other forms of intellectual property enjoy legal protections and it’s long overdue that trade secrets are granted these same legal defenses.  I hope the Senate will follow the House’s lead and act quickly to combat this growing threat to high-paying American jobs and the drain on innovation in our country.”

The Coons-Hatch Defend Trade Secrets Act would:

• Harmonize U.S. law by building on the Economic Espionage Act to create a uniform standard for trade secret misappropriation. Companies will be able to craft one set of nondisclosure policies secure in the knowledge that federal law will protect their trade secrets.
• Provide for injunctions and damages to preserve evidence, prevent disclosure, and account for the economic harm to American companies whose trade secrets are stolen.
• Be consistent with the approach taken to protecting other forms of intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks and copyrights — all of which are already covered by federal civil law.

The Defend Trade Secrets Act has been endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and companies including 3M, Abbott, AdvaMed, Boston Scientific, Caterpillar, Corning, DuPont, GE, Eli Lilly, Medtronic, Micron, Microsoft, Monsanto, Philips, P&G, and United Technologies.

Statement of Senator Coons on expanded U.S. efforts to fight Ebola crisis

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, praised steps announced by the White House Tuesday morning to confront the humanitarian crisis caused by the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa. The announcements come five days after Senator Coons laid out a series of ways that the United States could strengthen its response.

“With a little luck, history will look at today as the day that the tide began to turn in the fight against Ebola,” Senator Coons said. “The scope of the new resources announced by the Obama Administration today is truly impressive, and I hope it will be deeply consequential. The kind of broad support and assistance being prescribed now is the only way to slow the virus’ exponential spread through West Africa and prevent the type of extreme spike in new cases that some are expecting in the next few months. This humanitarian intervention should serve as a firewall against a global security crisis that has the potential to reach American soil.

“Under this strategy, the United States government will utilize the unique resources and capabilities that only it possesses,” Senator Coons continued. “The Department of Defense’s logistical capabilities are unmatched in the world and will help regional and international medical personnel prevent infections and save lives, and the deployment and training of medical personnel will have an immediate impact on slowing the spread of the virus. The standing up of a Joint Force Command in Monrovia, and deployment of U.S. forces to support humanitarian efforts and construct field hospitals have my complete support.

“I applaud the new steps being laid out today, and I look forward to hearing more when the President speaks from Atlanta this afternoon.”

In a speech on the Senate floor last week, Senator Coons called a stronger response from the United States to the Ebola outbreak and humanitarian crisis in West Africa. “This is also not everything we can and should be doing,” he said. Among other steps, he called for the White House to appoint a coordinator to manage the United States’ whole-of-government response to this Ebola outbreak, and for the Department of Defense to increase its commitment by building field hospitals for those infected with the virus and offering airlift services for privately donated supplies and equipment.

Senator Coons votes to fight wage discrimination

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, voted again on Monday to advance the bill to end wage discrimination in the workplace. The Paycheck Fairness Act would close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and bar retaliation against workers who disclose their wages to colleagues. The measure was blocked by a Republican filibuster.

“In 2014, in a nation where women surpass men in earning college degrees, it’s simply unacceptable that we are still fighting over the right to equal pay. Women make up nearly half of our nation’s workforce, and an increasing proportion are their family’s primary breadwinners. Sadly, women working full time in Delaware still make just 80 cents on the dollar compared to men — a loss of nearly $10,000 a year, and nearly half a million dollars over a lifetime.

“It’s long past time to correct this shameful injustice, and tonight was yet another missed opportunity. The Paycheck Fairness Act is a common-sense bill that would give women the tools to fight back against discrimination when it occurs. I am disappointed in the Senate tonight, but I won’t give up on this important fight. Wage discrimination has no place in our society, and I’ll keep working until equal pay for equal work is a guarantee for all.”

Senator Coons celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement Monday marking the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“From science to the arts, and business to our armed forces, Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history, culture, and identity. Hispanic Americans have made groundbreaking discoveries, led social and political movements, and risen to the highest levels of government, business, and non-profit leadership.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with so many inspiring Hispanic leaders at La Esperanza, the Latin American Community Center, and Nuestras Raíces Delaware who exemplify the American Dream and are working hard to help others achieve it. I’m proud to join with them – and with all Delawareans – to celebrate our nation’s rich Hispanic heritage and honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans in our communities.”

The nation began observing Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. The celebraton was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover the 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, also falls within this 30-day period.

Click here to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Senator Coons marks 20th anniversary of Violence Against Women Act

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

“Domestic violence and sexual assault are evils that transcend race, class, gender and sexual orientation, and are present in every community in America. When we shine a light on these evils by educating the public, empowering the victims, and punishing the offenders, we can help break the cycle of abuse. In the two decades since its passage, the Violence Against Women Act has made our communities safer, providing critical aid and support to victims and their families, as well as resources and training for law enforcement and community advocates.

“I’m proud to serve in the seat once held by the original champion of this legislation – then-Senator Joe Biden – and I’m committed to continuing his legacy of support for vital VAWA programs. As recent media reports so tragically remind us, the fight to end domestic violence is far from over. It’s up to all of us to educate, advocate, and work together to build a future where no woman, man, or child has to live in fear.”

VAWA was first signed into law by President Clinton in 1994, and has since been reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013. Senator Coons was a cosponsor of the 2013 legislation in the Senate, worked to strengthen the bill in the Judiciary Committee, and campaigned aggressively on its behalf.

Senator Coons congratulates AmeriCorps on 20 years of service

DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on Friday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. 

“For the past 20 years, AmeriCorps has given Americans of all backgrounds the opportunity to serve and strengthen our country at the grassroots level. Whether they’re helping students achieve in schools or rebuilding communities after a natural disaster, AmeriCorps volunteers use their talents to make a real and lasting difference. In Delaware, AmeriCorps volunteers have built homes for low-income families, served meals to the hungry, and run mentorship programs for at-risk youth. With a national alumni base of more than 900,000 members and more than 1 billion hours served, AmeriCorps has transformed community service from a national pastime into a national movement. I’m proud of the work AmeriCorps members do each day, and I can’t wait to see what the next generation of volunteers can get done for our communities.”

Senator Coons signs amicus brief in support of pregnant workers’ rights

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, teamed up with 122 members of Congress on Thursday to file an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of Peggy Young, a UPS worker who was denied accommodations that would have allowed her to continue working during her pregnancy.

In her case, Young v. UPS, Ms. Young argues that UPS violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) when it refused to provide modifications to her job that would have allowed her to keep working, even though similar modifications were routinely offered to other employees with comparable limitations. As a result, Ms. Young was forced off her job for 6.5 months and lost her benefits. The case was brought to the Supreme Court after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a district court ruling in favor of UPS.

In the brief, the members’ wrote, “The legislative history of the PDA clearly reflects Congress’s intention to protect pregnant workers by defining the sole factor employers may use to distinguish between pregnant workers and others in deciding whether to extend benefits in employment as one that is based on the ability or inability to work.”

Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which would strengthen the rights of pregnant workers to request reasonable accommodations during their pregnancies without fear of retribution. Delaware unanimously passed its own version of the PWFA this summer, and it was signed into law by Governor Markell this week.

The brief notes that while the proposed PWFA would serve to strengthen and reinforce the guarantee of equal treatment in the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the PDA alone is sufficient to protect workers like Peggy Young from discrimination. The members noted that, “nothing in the PWFA or the fact it has been proposed implies that the Fourth Circuit decision is anything other than an inappropriate judicial rewriting of unambiguous statutory language.” 

Young v. UPS

According to Ms. Young’s case, accommodations were routinely given to workers with temporary injuries, but when Peggy Young asked for an accommodation to comply with her doctor’s recommendation that she not lift boxes over 20 pounds, her employer denied the request. 

Ms. Young sued UPS for discrimination but lost her case in the lower courts, with the Fourth Circuit finding that UPS’ policy of accommodating workers with disabilities, workers injured on the job, and workers who had lost their commercial driver’s licenses, was a pregnancy-blind rule that did not violate the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Young v. UPS is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on December 3, 2014.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

Though the PDA has been law since 1978, pregnancy discrimination in the workplace remains a serious problem. Today, pregnant working women around the country are still being denied simple adjustments – permission to use a stool while working a cash register, to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, or temporary reassignment to lighter duty tasks – that would keep them working and supporting their families while maintaining healthy pregnancies. The PWFA will close legal loopholes and ensure that pregnant women are treated fairly on the job.

Senator Coons urges White House to increase U.S. response to Ebola outbreak

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor Thursday morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, called for a stronger response from the United States to the Ebola outbreak and humanitarian crisis in West Africa.

“This is a manageable public health crisis that we know how to solve, but doing so requires our focus, our attention, our resolve, and our resources — tools that only the United States has,” Senator Coons said. “It’s critical the United States has one leadership point – that the White House designate a coordinator to oversee the United States’ whole-of-government emergency response. There are many ways the U.S. is currently helping across many agencies – from the Department of Defense, to the Centers for Disease Control, to the State Department and USAID – and those agencies are doing great work as part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team on the ground. But at a time when the U.S. government is also facing and addressing crises in Iraq, and Ukraine, and elsewhere, I think we need one organizer — one coordinator — one responsible figure addressing this crisis, who is appointed by the White House to coordinate all of our resources and all of the people necessary for the U.S. government for this growing effort.”

Senator Coons praised the Administration’s announcement that the Defense Department would build a 25-bed hospital facility for the treatment of Liberian medical workers, and that it would help provide logistical support for the distribution of equipment and supplies. After acknowledging concern about the time it will take for that deployment to be mobilized, he called for an expanded U.S. military mission to provide additional logistics.

“This is also not everything we can and should be doing,” Senator Coons said. “We need to build more field hospitals for civilians in Liberia and beyond, so there are facilities for health workers and for civilians fighting the disease. We also can and should provide airlift of supplies from private donors. I’ve heard from organizations that have worked to transport donated supplies and can fill cargo plane after cargo plane, but are having difficulty getting it all to West Africa.”

In his speech Thursday, Senator Coons called for:

• The White House to appoint a coordinator to manage the United States’ whole-of-government response to this Ebola outbreak, overseeing the management of U.S. personnel and resources dedicated to this effort.
• The Department of Defense to increase its commitment by building field hospitals for those infected with the virus, by offering airlift services for privately donated supplies and equipment, and by increasing its coordination with regional and other militaries capable of supporting the effort.
• The American people to donate to the NGOs currently working on the ground to stop the crisis by going to www.usaid.gov/ebola
• American medical professionals to volunteer to go to West Africa to supplement strained local health systems and treat those infected with the virus.
• Congressional fulfillment of President Obama’s request for $88 million in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health and Human Services for the development of a treatment and vaccine for the virus.
• Increased Congressional support for strengthening government and economic institutions in West Africa strained by the disease.
• Senate confirmation of the President’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, John Hoover. His nomination has been pending for eight months.

“Here’s the bottom line – we have what it takes to halt the spread of Ebola in West Africa and to save tens, if not hundreds of thousands of lives in the process,” Senator Coons said. “And unlike other foreign interventions, doing so will take neither bullets nor bombs, but rather our willingness, our compassion, our generosity, and determination to act.”