Senator Coons, colleagues reintroduce bill to fully repeal Defense of Marriage Act

WASHINGTON – Just hours after the Supreme Court’s historic decision striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and 39 of their colleagues in reintroducing the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the entirety of the Defense of Marriage Act and remove the remaining statutory obstacles to full implementation of the decision. Senator Coons was an original cosponsor of the bill when it was introduced in 2011. 

“The Supreme Court took a historic step toward equality today for loving, committed couples across our country by striking down part of the Defense Marriage Act,” Senator Coons said. “The decision means that more than one thousand federal benefits, rights and protections now need to be updated. Even with the Court’s decision today, statutory and regulatory artifacts and ambiguity will prevent immediate equality for same-sex couples that are legally married. The Respect for Marriage Act will finish the job begun by the Court and end federal discrimination against same-sex couples once and for all.”

The Respect for Marriage Act would create a uniform standard that guarantees legally married same-sex couples access to federal benefits, regardless of where they reside. This clarification is critical for veterans, and the proper administration of state-federal benefits such as Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and food stamps.  The Respect for Marriage Act does not legalize same-sex marriage beyond the states in which it is already legal. It respects the right of states to set their own marriage laws but ends federal discrimination against same-sex couples legally married in states in which it is permitted.

The Respect for Marriage Act is also cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), William “Mo” Cowan (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

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Statement from Senator Coons on Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a cosponsor of the bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act.

“It just got better.”                                                                        

“This is an historic moment in the civil rights movement, and I am truly happy for what it means for friends and Delawareans like Lisa and Drew, Charles and Stephen, and Michael and Mac.” 

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Army Corps work plan includes $42 million for Delaware River dredging

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (Both D-Del.), outspoken advocates for the Port of Wilmington and the jobs it creates for Delawareans, announced on Tuesday that the Army Corps of Engineers’ work plan will include approximately $20 million in additional funding for the remainder of FY 2013 to deepen the Delaware River shipping channel, which will help attract more ships and business to the port. Army Corps funding for the project now totals $42 million for FY 2013 — a roughly $10 million increase over the amount proposed in the President’s FY 2013 budget. The senators have long championed this important investment and urged the Army Corps to fund the project at the highest possible level during FY 2013.

“One of the main things government can do to create a nurturing environment for businesses to grow and create jobs is to invest in infrastructure,” said Senator Carper. “This decision by the Army Corps will put nearly 20 million more dollars into deepening the Delaware River – invigorating commerce in Delaware and improving our shipping channels and the Port of Wilmington. These measures will boost our economic recovery and help us better manage our natural resources. Additionally, this funding will benefit Delaware’s coastal communities by sending dredge resources to Broadkill Beach for beach replenishment and storm risk reduction. Moving forward with this project will boost Delaware’s economy, environment and tourist communities. It’s truly a win-win-win.”

“The Delaware River deepening project is a smart investment that will mean new jobs and new business for the Port of Wilmington and the Delaware Valley,” Senator Coons said. “The project is more than halfway to completion, and it’s more critical than ever that its steady progress be allowed to continue. I am grateful for the commitment the Army Corps has shown to the deepening project and to investing in the long-term growth of Delaware’s vital maritime trade industry.”

Deepening the Delaware River channel from 40 to 45 feet in order to accommodate larger vessels will reduce shipping costs and make maritime transportation more efficient, bring more trade to our region, attract private investment, and ensure that our region will remain competitive in the global marketplace.  Deepening the river is expected to create an estimated 75,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the Delaware Valley. This includes permanent, high-paying jobs as well as short-term construction jobs that will aid an industry hit hard by the economic downturn.

Senators Carper, Coons, and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) sent letters to Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy and former Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Jeffrey Zients in April requesting additional funding in the Army Corps’ FY 2013 work plan for the dredging project. 

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Senator Coons applauds President Obama’s climate change strategy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement of a national strategy on climate change.

“The science of climate change is real and deserves to be taken seriously. It is happening right now, and it will have significant and substantial implications for our country and our planet. Continued ignorance of the impacts of climate change only dooms future generations to environmental and economic consequences unlike any that humanity has faced before. The impacts of climate change are already being felt in communities around the country, including many in Delaware still recovering from the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.

“President Obama today laid out a strategy that wisely confronts both sides of the climate change equation: mitigation and adaptation.

“If we are to slow the impacts of climate change on our communities, we have to reduce the level of damaging carbon emissions that we are pumping into the atmosphere. The President’s plan sets ambitious goals for carbon reductions and offers a diverse strategy for meeting them. As a Congressional Vice Chair of the Alliance to Save Energy, I applaud the President’s inclusion of new energy-efficiency standards in that strategy. As a first step, Congress can support this effort by also passing the voluntary, consensus-based policies in the Energy Savings and Industrial Competiveness Act — better known as ‘Shaheen-Portman’ — of which I am a cosponsor, and the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act, which I introduced with Senators Collins and Reed last week.

“The President’s plan also calls for a government-wide review of the nation’s energy needs and capabilities, like the one proposed in the Quadrennial Energy Review Act that I introduced with Senator Pryor earlier this year. I also applaud the President’s renewed commitment to improving fuel economy standards. The President’s plan commits to partnering with industry and stakeholders to develop fuel economy standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles and further reduce reliance on foreign oil and fuel consumption. I agree that biofuels — particularly advanced second-generation biofuels — can and should play a significant role in increasing our nation’s energy security.

“The plan President Obama laid out today also soberly acknowledges that even if we were to stop all carbon emissions on the planet, we would still need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This realism is appropriate and appreciated.

“Regional differences make a one-size-fits-all approach to adaptation impossible. By ordering the federal government to remove barriers and ‘counterproductive’ policies that make it harder for communities to adapt, President Obama is helping communities prepare in their own ways. The President’s strategy also leverages lessons learned during Superstorm Sandy and recent droughts in the Midwest to strengthen communities’ resilience to extreme weather.

“We may not be able to fully stop climate change, but we can take steps to slow it down and lessen its impact. We must make sure our economy is ready to compete in the growing clean energy market. In addition to the plan President Obama laid out today, Congress should reauthorize the America COMPETES Act to ensure that the pace of our basic and applied research accelerates. Congress should also do more to level the playing field for renewables by passing the bipartisan Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act, which would spur the growth of the domestic market and create domestic demand for our manufacturers. These legislative initiatives will help reduce greenhouse gases and will additionally spur American innovation and technology, economic development, and job creation.   

“I applaud President Obama for taking the initiative with the strategy he laid out today. Confronting climate change is not just about protecting our planet — it’s also about protecting the health of our children and the strength of our communities. We have a responsibility to our planet, to each other, and to future generations to do our very best to slow this process and to help our planet survive.” 

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Statement from Senator Coons on Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement Tuesday after the Supreme Court issued a ruling on Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act in the case of Shelby County v. Holder.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision on Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is deeply disappointing. The Court has taken the legs out from underneath the Voting Rights Act, making it impossible for the Department of Justice to enforce the critical civil rights protections afforded under Section 5. Free and fair access to the ballot box is fundamental to our democracy, so this provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been a key foundation of progress in many states across our country.

“Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is what made it possible for the Department of Justice to intervene and stop 10 discriminatory election practices from going into effect just last year, and to prevent countless other discriminatory changes from even being proposed. Every day that our nation goes without a replacement formula under Section 4, voters in areas still subject to discriminatory practices will lack crucial protections. Congress must quickly adopt a new formula sufficient for restoring them.

“The good news — if there is good news — is that the framework of the Voting Rights Act remains intact. The problem before us now can be solved with bipartisan legislative action, but it will take this Congress coming together to do it. After decades of strong bipartisan support for the Voting Rights Act in Congress, it is my sincere hope that it is possible. I plan to work with Chairman Leahy and an array of experts to study the Court’s ruling and do everything possible to advance bipartisan legislation that puts in place a formula that will protect all voters and withstand constitutional scrutiny.

“We cannot simply wish away racial discrimination, and although we have come a long way from the era of Jim Crow, the very real threat of discriminatory voting practices unfortunately remains a fact of life in too many parts of this country. Our country needs common sense, bipartisan legislation to close the floodgates to discriminatory practices re-opened by the Supreme Court today.” 

Carper, Coons, Carney host job fair for more than 700 job seekers

DOVER, Del. – A job fair hosted by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney, on Monday in conjunction with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services drew more than 700 job seekers who came to meet with 62 employers at the Sheraton in Dover. Combined, the employers were hiring for more than 1,400 open positions. 

“Kent County is a wonderful place to live and work, and we have a highly skilled workforce here. Today’s job fair connected those job seekers to more than 50 employers,” Senator Carper said. “One of my top priorities is to help create a nurturing environment for job creation in Delaware and across the country. I hope that these job fairs that John, Chris and I put together in each county will help ultimately help Delawareans and our state continue toward economic recovery.”

“With gridlock in Washington making it harder and harder to pass legislation that would meaningfully help the tens of thousands of Delawareans still looking for work, these job fairs are a way to make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Senator Coons said. “Our goal for this, and for each of our job fairs, has been to help Delawareans access these new opportunities and resources for getting a job, and I’m optimistic that today’s job fair did that. I can’t wait to hear from our neighbors who found a job today, and remain fiercely committed to helping the Delawareans who weren’t so fortunate.” 

“As our economy recovers, Delawareans across the state are still looking for work,” Congressman Carney said. “At the same time, Delaware employers are looking for qualified, hard-working employees. I’m pleased once again to partner with my colleagues to connect Delawareans with employers looking to hire. Putting our citizens back to work is critical to enabling them to care for their families, pay their mortgages, and maintain a high quality of life.”

Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Congressman Carney also hosted job fairs this year in New Castle County in March and Sussex County in April. In addition to individual efforts, they hosted four job fairs together in 2012 and three job fairs together in 2011.

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Senators Coons, Collins, Reed introduce bill to enhance and extend landmark energy efficiency programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) have introduced legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the heart of the federal government’s energy efficiency strategy — the Weatherization Assistance Program — and to reauthorize the vital work of the State Energy Program. The Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act would extend both programs for five more years. The bill will be among those examined at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy hearing on Tuesday.

“Saving energy is the first step to reducing our energy costs and increasing our nation’s energy security,” Senator Coons said. “The Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program have made it possible for millions of Americans to reap the benefits of a wide range of energy-efficient technologies and practices. Our bill will not only ensure that both landmark programs can continue to help make American homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient, it also further enhances the Weatherization Assistance Program with a complementary, competitive grant program, and requires that the DOE establish strong, achievable standards for qualifying entities. This will ensure that even more families can benefit. This is common-sense, bipartisan legislation that I hope will once again earn strong support in the Senate.”

“I am pleased to support this bipartisan bill to reauthorize and enhance two successful and long-standing federal energy programs,” Senator Collins said. “Weatherization provides grants to permanently lower home energy costs for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, as well as create jobs, and the State Energy Program is supporting key state energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.” Senator Collins said. “Programs such as these have a significant return on investment and help meet our national goals of saving energy, lowering costs, and energy independence.” 

“Energy efficiency is critical to our efforts to lower energy costs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen our economy,” Senator Reed said. “This bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program will help more families and businesses save on their energy bills and put more people to work making energy efficient improvements.”

For 36 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has assisted low-income families that lack the resources to make their homes more energy efficient. It is responsible for energy efficiency upgrades — including the installation of attic insulation and dense pack sidewall insulation, as well as air sealing, heating system repairs and, when necessary, replacements, duct sealing and insulation, and base load measures — in more than 7.4 million homes across the country, including more than 1 million homes in just the last four years. For every dollar invested by the Weatherization Assistance Program, participating American homeowners have saved more than $2.50 on their energy costs.

The 38-year-old State Energy Program leverages federal investment with state and local funds to encourage strategic and programmatic energy-related activities to increase energy efficiency, develop alternative energy sources, promote energy development, and reduce energy dependency.  For every dollar invested by the State Energy Program, more than $7 in energy-cost savings have been realized.

The Congressional authorization for both programs expired in September 2012.

The Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act would:

• Reauthorize and extend the WAP and SEP through 2018;
• Develop a competitive, leveraged grant program for non-profits that have a track record of success to access the WAP; and
• Require minimum professional standards for WAP contractors and workers, and require an independent quality assurance program.

The legislation has been endorsed by more than 20 organizations, including the National Association of State Energy Officials, Habitat for Humanity International, Natural Resources Defense Council, Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Energy Future Coalition, National Association for State Community Services Programs, and Rebuilding Together. A complete list is available at http://www.coons.senate.gov/weatherization.

“For nearly 40 years, the structure of the Weatherization Assistance Program has remained stagnant, despite significant advances in the energy efficiency technology and the construction industry,” Delaware Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Collin O’Mara said. “In the past few years, Delaware has built a national model program operating under the old archaic rules, but the State could more effectively help low-income families, if given the flexibility to innovative and work with strategic partners. Senator Coons knows that innovation and new partnerships are critical to scaling up residential efficiency investments that produce real savings and create jobs, and we applaud his leadership for advancing legislation that will bring this important and well-intentioned program into the 21st century.”

“NASEO strongly supports the bipartisan Coons-Collins SEP and WAP reauthorization bill,” David Terry, Executive Director, of the National Association of State Energy Officials said. “The states’ implementation of SEP has a history of continuous innovation that leverages private sector investments to tap indigenous energy resources and technological advances unique to each state.  In addition, we support the proposed, new innovative element of WAP, as well as the base Weatherization program with new quality standards.  We look forward to working with Congress to pass this important bipartisan legislation as rapidly as possible.”

“Habitat for Humanity International is pleased to offer its enthusiastic endorsement of the Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act, developed by Senators Coons, Collins and Reed,” said Jonathan T.M. Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “Habitat is fully committed to improving residential energy efficiency through technologically advanced new construction, home rehabilitation and retrofitting, and owner-occupied weatherization projects. Developing energy efficient homes contributes to the long-term affordability of Habitat homes and helps keep in check the energy and environmental demands made by growing communities. Habitat congratulates Senators Coons, Collins, and Reed on their extraordinary work on this bill and looks forward to supporting its adoption and implementation.”

A PDF summary of the legislation can be downloaded here:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/weatherization-summary

A PDF section-by-section breakdown of the legislation can be downloaded here:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/weatherization-section-by-section

A PDF of the legislation can be downloaded here:

http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/weatherization-legislation

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Senator Coons condemns Ugandan government’s violent suppression of political dissent

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement Monday after last week’s confrontation between police and political opponents in a public market in Uganda’s capital city. Ugandan security forces violently dispersed a crowd gathered to hear Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd and reportedly killing a Kenyan national. Mayor Lukwago and a former presidential aspirant, Kizza Besigye, were detained.

“Respect for freedom of expression and political dissent is a cornerstone of a democratic society. The violent suppression of speech at Thursday’s rally in Kampala is just the most recent example in a long line of troubling behavior, silencing voices of dissent and opposition. While I recognize and value Uganda’s leadership in combatting terrorism and promoting stability in the region, I am increasingly concerned about the trajectory of Uganda’s democracy. The government of Uganda should immediately cease its assault on free expression and hold its security forces accountable to international human rights norms. The Obama Administration should also take a strong stance against this trend ahead of the President’s trip to sub-Saharan Africa later this week.”

In May, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ordered the closure of four independent media houses for running stories critical of his government. While they were allowed to reopen 10 days later, they were forced to apologize and agree to refrain from publishing stories the government might find offensive in the future.

Senator Coons appointed to Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) has been appointed to the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, bolstering his ability to focus federal spending on investments that will protect families, support job growth, and strengthen communities.

“The Appropriations Committee offers a unique opportunity to make a difference for Delawareans on an extraordinary range of issues, and to ensure that the federal government is making the wisest, most efficient investments in our future,” Senator Coons said. “My priorities on Appropriations will be consistent with my work in the Senate so far — helping businesses grow and create jobs; supporting innovative research; giving law enforcement the tools to keep our communities safe; and building a circle of protection around the most vulnerable in our society. I am excited to join Chairwoman Mikulski and Vice Chairman Shelby on the committee, and grateful to Leader Reid for his confidence in my ability to make a difference here.”

“During his time in the Senate, Chris has impressed us all with his ability to build consensus between parties to find bipartisan solutions,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said. “I know he will continue to represent Delaware well as he brings his unique perspective and expertise to his new position on the Appropriations Committee.”

“I am pleased to welcome Senator Coons to the Appropriations Committee,” Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) said. “We have worked together on a number of issues in the past that are important to the adjoining states of Maryland and Delaware, and he has been an excellent partner. I know he will be an asset to the Committee.” 

Senator Coons is only the fourth Delawarean to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

No Delawarean has ever served on the House Appropriations Committee.

Senator Coons will continue to serve on the Judiciary, Foreign Relations and Budget committees, and will retain his chairmanships of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts and the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. Because of Senate rules, he was required to give up his seat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Supporting the next generation of energy innovation has been a passion and a policy priority for me, and I intend to continue working hard on the bipartisan energy bills I’ve introduced and for which I’ve advocated,” Senator Coons said. “The Appropriations Committee will allow me to continue to work to advance clean-energy technologies and support the all-of-the-above energy strategy we need to lower Delawareans’ energy costs and help our country stay competitive.”

Senator Coons voices support for appointment of former Senator Russ Feingold as Special Envoy to Great Lakes region

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, offered his support Tuesday for Secretary of State John Kerry’s designation of former Senator Russ Feingold — who chaired the subcommittee from 2001 to 2003 and 2007 to 2011 — as Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa.

“America can and should be playing a stronger role in the international community’s efforts to achieve peace in the Great Lakes region, stop the human rights violations being committed against Congolese civilians, and promote the establishment of a democratic, accountable government in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Senator Coons said. “Senator Feingold is a superb choice for the first U.S. Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region. Over the last decade, there was no more passionate advocate in the Senate for responsible and constructive U.S. engagement in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The challenges to peace in the Great Lakes region are as complex as they are urgent,” Senator Coons continued. “Having a dedicated, high-level envoy to work with regional governments and the international community is essential to ending the violence and destruction plaguing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and continuing to confront the threat posed by the LRA. I have enormous confidence that Senator Feingold will make a real difference in this new role. I applaud the President’s selection and look forward to working with Senator Feingold to help advance the prospect for peace in the region.”

In May, Senator Coons introduced a resolution calling on the Obama Administration to appoint a Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region to:

• Support and strengthen international effort to end conflict in the region; support accountability and justice for human rights violations;
• Expand efforts to develop conflict-free and responsible mining practices;
• Coordinate with international and regional partners to ensure unhindered access to life-saving humanitarian assistance;
• Strengthen the commitment by the DRC and regional actors to end the threat posed by armed groups in the region; and
• Mobilize and lend support to electoral reforms in the DRC with the goal of encouraging free, fair and credible elections in the near-term.

To download the resolution, which has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration, click here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/drc-resolution

Since April 2012, more than 650,000 people have been displaced by violence perpetuated by the M23 rebel group in North Kivu province, which has allegedly benefitted from the support of neighboring states.  The crisis triggered by the M23 exacerbated human suffering in this war-torn region of Africa, where sexual and gender-based violence, as well as conflict minerals, have fueled decades of conflict driven by a vacuum of proper governance.  Estimates show that more than 5.4 million people died from war-related causes in the DRC between 1998-2007 alone, making it the world’s deadliest documented conflict since World War II.  At the national level, political instability in DRC persists in the aftermath of problematic and disputed elections in 2011.