Senator Coons introduces amendment to prevent furloughs of food inspectors

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) today introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Continuing Resolution (CR) that would protect private sector jobs by solving a funding gap for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  The Pryor/Blunt/Coons amendment would transfer $55 million in existing agriculture funds to FSIS in order to ensure food inspectors are not furloughed. These facilities are required by law to have federal inspectors on the production line in order to operate.

In proposing this amendment, the Senators aim is to protect Americans’ jobs at meat, poultry, and egg production facilities nationwide. It’s estimated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projected food inspector furloughs would lead to the closure of nearly 6,300 food inspection facilities across America. As a result, over 500,000 industry workers would lose nearly $400 million in wages.? 

The Pryor/Blunt/Coons amendment adds no additional cost to the bill. Instead, it moves one-time funding for school equipment grants and deferred maintenance on buildings and facilities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“The federal workers who inspect meat and poultry are critical not only to our nation’s food security, but to the economic stability of many of our rural communities,” Senator Coons said. “Backlogs in food inspections could result in the shutdown of processing facilities and send devastating ripple effects through rural communities and straight to the shelves of every market and grocery in the country.”

Delaware’s poultry industry supports more than 13,000 jobs and contributes more than $3.2 billion to the state’s economy.

“With the combination of across-the-board spending cuts and sequestration, our meat processing facilities may be forced to furlough food inspectors – hurting our local economies and raising prices for consumers everywhere,” Senator Pryor said. “That’s why I was proud to team up with Senator Blunt on this amendment that would restore funding for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and ensure we have a safe, reliable, and economically sound food industry.”

“This amendment solves a very pressing issue that impacts each and every American,” Senator Blunt said. “Without this funding, every meat, poultry, and egg processing facility in the country would be forced to shut down for up to two weeks. That means high food prices and less work for the hardworking Americans who work in these facilities nationwide.”

PTA recognizes Senator Coons with Congressional Voice of Children Award

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a longtime advocate of family engagement in education, was presented Thursday with the Parent Teacher Association’s 2013 Congressional Voice of Children Award for outstanding leadership and advocacy on the education of our children.

“Parents and teachers must work together to ensure that children are receiving the education and guidance they need to succeed,” Senator Coons said. “We owe it to our kids to give them the best possible chance of success in life, and that starts with an open line of communication about children’s development in the classroom and at home. I’ve seen the impact the PTA has had on improving education in our schools and applaud them for their continued work to foster strong ties between schools and families. I’m humbled to be honored by the Parent Teacher Association today, and will continue to work to find ways to improve the lives of children in Delaware and around the nation.”

“The National PTA is pleased to present this award to an incredibly committed advocate for children and youth today,” National PTA President Betsy Landers said. “Senator Coons has been key in supporting and advancing legislation that will keep our children healthy and safe and our families engaged. We applaud him for using his voice to be an instrument of change that will positively impact our children, families and schools.”

Senator Coons championed a number of education bills since his election in 2010. The senator has been an advocate for increased investments in quality early childhood education and STEM education, as well as comprehensive reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. One of the first bills the senator cosponsored was the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, which extended investments for STEM education. Last year, the senator introduced the American Dream Accounts Act of 2012 to encourage partnerships that support low-income students in saving and preparing for a college education. The senator was also a leader in building momentum around the Family Engagement Act of 2011.

The Senator was recognized Thursday during the National PTA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of parent leaders from across the country gather for an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda, hone their advocacy skills and visit with Congressional leaders to advocate on behalf our nation’s children.

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Senator Coons votes to reduce gun violence

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted Thursday to advance legislation to reduce gun violence to the Senate floor for a vote by the full body. The Judiciary Committee approved legislation to strengthen the existing background check system so it applies to every sale, not just those by gun dealers. It also approved tougher penalties and laws against “straw purchasers,” those who buy guns on behalf of criminals who cannot legally purchase weapons themselves. In addition, legislation was approved to keep many military-style weapons off the streets and to keep our schools and campuses safe.

“Every year, gun violence claims more than 40,000 lives in this country,” Senator Coons said. “We have a solemn obligation to seriously consider proposals that could save lives while also preserving the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.  We can protect individual liberty and work to reduce gun violence at the same time if we come together as Americans and leave behind the politics of polarization.”

The Judiciary Committee also passed an amendment authored by Senator Coons to require the National Institutes of Justice to conduct a comprehensive study on the wide range of causes contributing to mass shooting incidents, like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The range of causes to be examined should include mental illness, the availability of firearms, history of exposure to actual violence or violence depicted in the media, familial and social relationships and more.

“Horrific crimes of violence have a complex web of causes, and we must have good scientific data on these causes in order to meaningfully work towards solutions,” Senator Coons said. “My amendment aims to ensure we have all the information we need as part of a thorough and searching examination of the crisis of gun violence in our country, in order to reduce that violence without infringing on the individual liberties of law-abiding citizens.”

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Senator Coons participates in roundtable discussion on strengthening our workforce

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday of ideas for creating public-private partnership that help prepare our workforce for well-paying jobs of the 21st century. The meeting was hosted by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee and featured 15 leaders who are involved with workforce development, including Dr. AJ Lathbury, Jr., the Sussex Technical School District Superintendent.

Among the ideas discussed during the meeting was the need to ensure funding for workforce development programs that help develop skills and connect individuals seeking employment at small and large businesses. The senators and leaders also discussed ideas for encouraging manufacturing as a viable career option for students and others seeking work.

“Having a highly skilled workforce is the key to ensuring America remains competitive in our global economy,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware is known for groundbreaking research that launches new businesses and creates good-quality jobs. These jobs are only profitable, however, if we have a workforce that has the skills to match these openings.  This is why we must continue to invest in our students and encourage them to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math. School districts like Sussex Technical are one of many districts in Delaware and around the country that emphasize STEM, career and technical education and encourage students to pursue their passions in these high-paying fields.”

Dr. Lathbury talked about his experience working in the Sussex Technical School District and how the program has expanded since its launch in the early 1990s, stressing the importance of the district’s goal of having every student graduate with both a diploma and an international, national, or regional certificate. He also talked about the importance of the Perkins Career and Technical Education funding, which helps support the development of academic, career, and technical skills among secondary and postsecondary education students who enroll in vocational education programs.

“We must instill in our students a strong educational foundation that prepares them for tomorrow’s needs,” Dr. Lathbury said. “At Sussex Technical School District we are committed to ‘Excellence in Technical, Career and Academic Education’ for our school community. We have been blessed to provide our students with the ability to not only graduate with a high school diploma, but also earn a variety of certifications within their technical area. It is essential that our education system, the business community, and decision makers work in partnership to ensure the United States is able to meet the demands of training a workforce that is competitive and successful.”

Coming off the heels of last Friday’s positive jobs report, today’s meeting was part of ongoing effort by the Steering and Outreach Committee to seek local and innovative perspectives on job creation, solutions to equip workers with job skills, and strengthen the economy as the recovery continues to gain momentum. During the hour long discussion, members of the Senate Democratic caucus in attendance made clear their commitment to enacting legislation that supports these efforts, and helps put people back to work.

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts several meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate.

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Senator Coons introduces Quadrennial Energy Act for coordinated, robust energy review

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Energy Committee, joined five of his colleagues on Wednesday in re-introducing legislation to advance a more coordinated and robust approach to meeting our nation’s energy needs.

The Quadrennial Energy Review Act of 2013 would authorize a high-level government-wide coordination council to submit a periodic, comprehensive review of current domestic capabilities and future energy needs, as well as the resources, technologies, and policy recommendations to meet them.  The first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) would be submitted to Congress by August 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter.  The reviews would offer a strategic roadmap to drive innovation in domestic energy sources in order to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and improve economic competitiveness and security in the United States.

“America’s energy innovators need and deserve a better strategic blueprint to jumpstart our clean energy economy,” Senator Coons said. “A Quadrennial Energy Review would identify a baseline assessment of our technological, economic and national security capabilities. It would then put our federal resources to work to help us better coordinate with the private sector and promote energy innovation.  This is critical component of an all-of-the-above energy policy.” 

Several groups including the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Energy Innovation Council support the development of the QER.  The proposal is modeled after the highly-regarded Quadrennial Defense Review, a legislatively-mandated review of defense strategy and priorities. 

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) is the lead sponsor of the bill. In addition to Senator Coons, Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mark Begich (D-AK), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) are original cosponsors. The Quadrennial Energy Review Act was first introduced by Senator Pryor in the 112^th Congress and Senator Coons was a cosponsor of the bill.

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Senator Coons calls for balance in deficit reduction, urges smart investments in future

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today released the following statement on his budgetary priorities. The Budget Committee will mark up a budget resolution on Wednesday and Thursday.

“At its heart, a budget is a statement of values, one that shows the world what we care about, what we prioritize and how we intend to build our future. One thing we know for sure is that our current deficit and debt are unsustainable. Without a change of course, interest payments on our debts will crowd out other critical, pro-growth investments in our competitiveness as well as the essential social safety net that puts a circle of protection around the most vulnerable in our country.

“The only solution to our budgetary challenges is balance. We must cut spending, raise revenue and make smart, forward-looking reforms to our entitlement programs to ensure they will be there for the next generation.  Since 2010, we have already achieved $2.4 trillion in savings through annual spending cuts, the Budget Control Act and the fiscal cliff deal, but economists tell us we still need to do more to reduce our debt and deficit – and that we have to do it in a balanced way.

“The Senate Democratic budget that we will consider in committee on Thursday takes important steps toward deficit reduction without hurting America’s middle class or seniors. It focuses on job creation and growing the middle class, and makes essential investments in our country’s future in areas like manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy and education. It is a good starting point for a bipartisan discussion that I hope will move us towards a balanced deficit reduction plan.

“On the other hand, the House Republican budget released by Chairman Paul Ryan is wildly out of balance. By relying exclusively on cuts to discretionary spending and entitlement programs, this budget guts investments that are vital to our competitiveness in the global economy, breaks our covenant with our seniors and leaves the most vulnerable in our society at risk. It is not the responsible, balanced deficit reduction plan we need to grow our economy and create jobs.

“The Senate Democratic budget makes many of the smart investments in our future that I have advocated for in my time in the Senate. It will grow our economy and create jobs by helping innovative new companies take advantage of existing tax credits for research and development, a bipartisan idea drawn from legislation I have introduced with a number of my colleagues. It will help level the playing field so clean energy companies can compete fairly with traditional energy companies by allowing them to form Master Limited Partnerships to unleash new private capital. It invests in our nation’s infrastructure by protecting the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and it will help more students of all income levels access and afford a college education with support for portable, individual Web-based student accounts known as American Dream Accounts. It also restores funding for Child Advocacy Centers, which have helped Delaware children to move on after abuse and domestic violence.

“Our values require that we make these kind of investments in our future, even while cutting where we can, in order to leave our children the kind of vibrant, 21st century economy they deserve. We are also morally bound to draw a circle of protection around the most vulnerable in our society, including the disabled, low-income seniors, and children. With a balanced, bipartisan, strategic budget, we can invest in these vital priorities while still reducing our dangerous debt and deficit.”

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Statement from Senator Coons on elections in Kenya

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement on this week’s elections in Kenya:

“Kenya is a vital partner and ally of the United States, and today we celebrate its steady progress toward a durable multiparty democracy. With the largely peaceful conduct of nationwide elections this week, the Kenyan people have made another important step forward. The people of Kenya have demonstrated great patience in waiting for the votes to be tallied and, with that process complete, I urge all Kenyans to peacefully address any remaining electoral concerns in the courts, not in the streets. 

“In the past three years, Kenyans have embraced significant constitutional reforms essential to countering potential instability and to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for Kenya. I strongly encourage Kenyans to continue to advance these reforms and to insist on both respect for the rule of law and accountability for anyone found to be complicit in promoting violence.

“I congratulate the many candidates elected to office and hope that the newly elected members of both national and county governments will herald a new generation of responsible Kenyan leadership. The American people will continue to stand with the people of Kenya in support of democracy and peace, and look forward to a future of partnership.”

Senator Coons encourages Delawareans to serve their communities during AmeriCorps Week

WILMINGTON, Del. – In honor of AmeriCorps Week, which begins Saturday, Senator Chris Coons is encouraging Delawareans to join those serving their communities at one of several AmeriCorps service projects around the state next week. It is also a moment to appreciate the important work done by AmeriCorps members in Delaware and across the country since the national service program was founded 19 years ago.

“Those who devote themselves to serving our communities are brightening the lives of everyone they help and improving the quality of living in our state,” Senator Coons said. “The work AmeriCorps members are doing in Delaware, such as improving parks, tutoring children, and working with the homeless, has made a tremendous impact on an array of needs in our community. I thank the AmeriCorps members who have served in Delaware and encourage all who are considering serving to check out an event to learn more about how they can give back.” 

Each year, AmeriCorps enables more than 100 individuals to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet education, environmental, health, economic and other pressing needs in communities across Delaware. Since 1994, more than 2,000 Delaware residents have served more than 2.6 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $5,900,000.

AmeriCorps Week is an annual event designed to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps’ community partners, and recognize AmeriCorps’ impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve.  Hundreds of events are taking place across the United States.

The following events are taking place in Delaware during the week of March 11:

Monday, March 11: Habitat for Humanity, A Brush With Kindness, Seaford    

Habitat for Humanity has a build project on King Road, Seaford, DE.  AmeriCorps members will serve from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday, March 11: Habitat for Humanity, A Brush With Kindness, Laurel

Project will assist a homeowner with disabilities at 9946 Cedar Street, Laurel, DE.  Work begins at 9:00 a.m. and cleanup will take place around 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12: The Caring Corps, Wilmington

The Caring Corps will host a service event assisting the homeless at Samaritan Outreach and Distribution Center, 1410 North Claymont Street, Wilmington, DE from 10:00a.m.- 3:00 p.m.             

Wednesday, March 13: Emergency Services Corps, Wilmington

The Emergency Services Corps will clean up the Cranston Heights Fire Company at 3306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 14: Connecting Generations, Dover

The Youth Ambassadors program is sponsoring a number of projects including painting murals, building picnic tables and general clean-up of Central Middle School, 211 Delaware Avenue, Dover, DE from 9:00am to2:00pm

Friday, March 15: Emergency Services Corps, Wilmington

The Emergency Services Corps will clean up the Christiana Fire Company’s fire trucks and gear at 2 East Main Street, Christiana, DE from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, March 15: Totally Awesome Players, Wilmington

The Totally Awesome Players event will bring volunteers together to spread the word around the Wilmington community about the local theatre program for young people with intellectual disabilities. The location of the event is the Delaware Theater Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“AmeriCorps programs have a multiplier effect, delivering much more in benefits than the small investment we make to keep them running,” Senator Coons said. “I believe in service programs because I believe volunteering – giving back – is an essential American value. It’s who we are as a nation, and is part of what makes us special. I’ve been a fan of AmeriCorps at every stage of my career, whether it was starting one of the first AmeriCorps programs in Delaware through the ‘I Have A Dream’ Foundation or, as county executive, expanding our volunteer firefighting force through an AmeriCorps-supported Emergency Services Corps. These programs make a difference in our communities.”

For more information about opportunities to serve with AmeriCorps or funding opportunities, visit http://www.americorps.gov.

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Senator Coons makes progress in effort to save Child Advocacy Centers, protect youngest victims of physical and sexual abuse

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is fighting to protect children who are the victims of physical and sexual abuse by preserving funding for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). Senator Coons has been a strong advocate for the centers, which provide a safe and effective place for trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been abused. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court, preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their story multiple times.

Alarmed that funding for this vital program had been eliminated in the Administration’s last budget, Senator Coons called Attorney General Holder directly, raised the issue in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday and followed up with a letter on Thursday.

“Child Advocacy Centers serve a critical law enforcement function by bringing criminals who abuse our children to justice without re-traumatizing these young victims,” Senator Coons said on Thursday. “In times of tight budgets, we certainly have to look for places to cut spending, but our values demand that we do not find savings by failing to protect the most vulnerable children in our society. Child Advocacy Centers have earned broad bipartisan support because they work, and I am counting on the Administration and Congress to continue their strong support for these vital programs.”

At a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, Senator Coons told Attorney General Holder he was surprised to learn that funding for CACs, which make such a positive impact on public safety with a modest investment of federal resources, had been eliminated in the Administration’s last budget. Attorney General Holder called the lack of funding for this program a “mistake” and vowed to correct it.

Click here to watch a video of Senator Coons and Attorney General Holder’s exchange at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday: http://youtu.be/6mCtQ5_mwKk

A transcript follows: 

Senator Coons: Last question if I could, in the same vein. The Victims of Child Abuse Act and the Child Advocacy Centers that it funds, that you are familiar with, I think are an enormous resource for law enforcement and prevent the re-victimization of children who have been traumatized by allowing them to be interviewed once, in a way that is admissible as evidence, in a way that is appropriate and has all the relevant folks present. The one I visited at A.I. Children’s Hospital in New Castle County, while the circumstances that lead to these interviews are tragic, the resources for our community and our law enforcement community are terrific. I was surprised that it was zeroed out last year and am hoping that I could rely on your support for restoring funding to this small but cumulatively powerful program in the [FY14] budget. Any thoughts on the future of Child Advocacy Centers?

Attorney General Holder: Well, I was one of the people who started the Child Advocacy Center here in Washington, D.C. I know the positive impact it has on child victims of crime. The decision to eliminate this funding was a difficult one, deficit issues, restoring fiscal sustainability were all a consideration. The Office of Justice Programs, as I talked to them after I spoke to you, has come up with ways in which they think they can prioritize some grant-making and training to help in that regard. I think as we look at the budget for the next year that given what we get from the Advocacy Centers and the relatively small amount that is involved that this has to be a part of the next budget. I’m not satisfied with where we are now with regard to the present budget, I think that was a mistake.

Delaware’s three Child Advocacy Centers are among 800 serving communities across the country. Senator Coons visited the Wilmington Child Advocacy Center last October.

A PDF of the letter Senator Coons sent to Attorney General Holder Thursday is available here: http://bit.ly/VLsCNv

Full text follows:

March 7, 2013

Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr.

United States Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Holder,

Thank you for your time and testimony yesterday before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.  I appreciate the tremendous work you have done to help keep American families safe.  I write to follow up on your commitment at the hearing to working together, across state lines and in partnership with state and local officials, to provide the highest level of protection for children who have been subject to physical and sexual abuse.

The Victims of Child Abuse Act created programs that are strongly supported across the political spectrum.  We can all agree that it should be a priority for law enforcement resources to be directed to proven methods of fighting crime and protecting victims. The Child Advocacy Center model works. It works by protecting children from being re-traumatized by providing a safe space for a forensic interview. It works by keeping those interviews in line with best practices in both child psychology and the rules of evidence. Ultimately, it works to bring offenders to justice, often without the need for a child to re-live the experience through live testimony at trial.    

The important work of Delaware’s Child Advocacy Centers has been highlighted recently in the case of a doctor who abused more than 100 child patients. Child Advocacy Centers also played a central role in addressing the needs of the children of Newtown, Connecticut, after the mass shooting there. The Centers support both local and federal cases, including FBI child pornography and human trafficking cases.

Even though they serve a critical law enforcement function, Child Advocacy Centers across the country still must rely in part upon the generosity of private donors to fulfill their mission. Federal support thus represents one essential piece of a successful public-private partnership. As you helped discover while administering the first National Survey on Children Exposed to Violence, the need is great. More than 60 percent of children have been exposed to crime, abuse, and violence. One in ten have suffered from abuse or neglect, and one in sixteen have been victimized sexually.  

I appreciate your attention to restoring the Administration’s full support for the Victims of Child Abuse Act in the FY2014 budget. Your leadership on protecting children’s rights, including your Defending Childhood Initiative and your longstanding commitment to the Safe Shores Child Advocacy Center in Washington, DC, gives me faith that you will continue to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable citizens of our society.

                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                Christopher A. Coons

                                                                                United States Senator

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Statement from Senator Coons on enactment of the Violence Against Women Act into law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, issued the following statement on Thursday after President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law.

“Domestic violence tears at the fabric of our society and inflicts pain on too many innocent Americans. We can’t sit by while domestic violence wreaks havoc in our communities. President Obama’s signing of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act sends a clear message that our nation will continue the fight against domestic violence and is committed to working with law enforcement agencies and members of the legal and advocacy communities to prevent violence and assist those who have been hurt.

“The Violence Against Women Act has meant so much to the safety of women in our communities. By reauthorizing this landmark legislation that Delaware’s own then Senator Joe Biden first championed in 1994, we are helping to stop these senseless acts of violence and working towards a future where no woman, man, or child will have to live in fear.”

Senator Coons was a cosponsor of the legislation in the Senate, worked to strengthen the bill in the Judiciary Committee, and campaigned aggressively on its behalf.

VAWA was first signed into law by President Clinton in 1994, and has since been reauthorized in 2000 and 2005. The Senate voted to reauthorize VAWA on February 12, 2013 and the House of Representatives passed the Senate-version of VAWA reauthorization on February 28, 2013.

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