Statement from Senator Coons on failure to adopt amendment to authorize review of debit fees proposal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today after the Senate’s failure to adopt S. Amdt. 392, to improve the regulatory structure for electronic debit card transactions.

“I am disappointed the Senate will not review the Federal Reserve’s proposed rule on interchange and I am concerned it will have a negative impact on consumers, credit unions, and the financial sector in Delaware. 

“The Fed’s rule does not guarantee consumers will benefit from reduced rates, and inadvertently creates a mechanism that could destabilize some of our small, community banking institutions. 

“I will continue to monitor the Fed’s final rulemaking and will continue to advocate for common-sense solutions that do no harm.”

Earlier today, Senator Coons issued a statement for the record in favor of the Amendment, which was introduced with bipartisan support.  It requires the Federal Reserve to spend six months revising their earlier rule proposal so as not to threaten the viability of our nation’s banking institutions, with an additional six-month review and implementation period to follow.  In addition to cosponsoring S. Amdt.  392, Senator Coons was also an original cosponsor of Senator Tester’s earlier bill, the Debit Interchange Study Act (S. 575), off of which this amendment is based. 

The full text of Senator Coons’ statement for the record can be read at: http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/senator-coons-floor-statement-on-tester-corker-interchange-amendment-

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Congressional Delegation to host free grant workshop on June 13th in Dover

WILMINGTON – In order to help Delawareans better understand the process for finding and securing grant opportunities, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney (all D-DE) are hosting a Grant Workshop and Fair on Monday, June 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MLK Student Center on the campus of Delaware State University. 

“I encourage businesses and non-profit organizations to take advantage of the resources and expertise they will find at the Grant Workshop & Fair,” said Sen. Tom Carper. “Particularly in these challenging economic times, we need to make sure talented organizations and business are aware of every possible avenue of available funding – including federal grants — to help their organization grow and thrive.”

“This grant workshop and fair is all about creating opportunities for small businesses to grow, and non-profits, schools and other organizations to serve our communities,” said Sen. Coons.  “Researching and applying for grants is a competitive and often times daunting process.  The Congressional Delegation is committed to making that process more accessible and easier to navigate.   I would encourage those looking to take advantage of the myriad funding opportunities available to come to the fair to learn not just how to apply for grants, but to win them.”

“The grant process at the state and federal levels can be very competitive and complicated,” said Congressman Carney.  “We’re trying to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and non-profit directors better understand the process and position themselves to be successful.  We have tremendous organizations and programs operating throughout the state, and we should take every opportunity to help them grow and better serve our community.”

More than a dozen funders from state and federal governments, private foundations, and non-profit agencies will be present.  Free workshops will also be offered throughout the day focusing on grant writing, the role of the federal delegation in the grant process, and best practices for securing funding.

Confirmed participants include: Association of Fundraising Professionals-Brandywine Chapter, Boeing, Chase Bank, Christiana Care, Delaware Dept. of Education, Delaware Dept. of Transportation, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, The Environmental Protection Agency, ING, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Dept. of Commerce-Economic Development Administration, U.S. Dept. of Education, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

For more information or to pre-register, please call Congressman Carney’s office at (302) 428-1902 or email DEGrants@mail.house.gov.

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Delaware’s Delegation honored students accepted to U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON – Delaware’s Congressional Delegation past and present honored Delaware students accepted into U.S. Service Academies in 2011 through the congressional nomination office tonight in Washington D.C. Each year, students interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or U.S. Military Academy apply for a nomination through members of the United States Congress. Members nominate top candidates from their home state, ensuring that the best and the brightest are considered for admission to the nation’s leading service academies. 

Sens. Carper and Coons and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.), former Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) and a representative for former Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) were on hand to congratulate the students.

“I am proud to nominate Delaware’s finest to our prestigious U.S. Service Academies,” said Sen. Carper. “These young men and women are about to embark on a journey that will give them an excellent education and help them develop valuable leadership skills that will guide them as they help provide the vision and leadership this nation needs to continue to lead the world.”

“It is a great honor to offer my congratulations to these talented young men and women on their appointments to the Service Academies,” said Sen. Coons. “Each has completed an exhaustive selection process, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving our country.  The education they receive at the academies will be the foundation for the important contributions they will make to society.  I join my colleagues in Congress in saying, congratulations and best wishes.”

“It’s an honor to meet so many exemplary young men and women who have chosen to serve our country through military service,” said Rep.  John Carney.“Delawareans have always held the work and sacrifices of our military members in the highest regard, and I am confident that these outstanding young people will earn the honor and respect that they deserve through their performance at the academies and in the military.  I wish them all the best of luck and know that they will make us very proud.”

“In my two years serving as U.S. Senator from Delaware I was honored to have participated in numerous fulfilling efforts, but one of my greatest joys was to play a key role in the nomination of future military leaders from Delaware to our service academies at West Point (Army), Annapolis (Navy), Colorado Springs (Air Force), and King’s Point (Merchant Marine Academy),” said former Sen. Ted Kaufman. “Delaware has offered outstanding future leaders to all of these academies as exhibited by this current class. Delaware, their parents and I feel a great sense of pride.” I know they will serve us with honor and distinction and in the spirit of all of those who have gone before them.”

Delawareans attending the U.S. Naval Academy:

Hunter Abrams, Tatnall School

David Allshouse, St. Mark’s High School

Sarah Behm, The American School in Japan, The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation

Eric Boudart, Delaware Military Academy

Sean Kealey, Salesianum School, U.S. Naval Academy

Joshua Meister, St. Thomas More Academy

Kyle Taylor, Mt. Pleasant High

Delawareans attending the U.S. Air Force Academy:

George Antoniou, Polytech High School

Timothy Voss, Cape Henlopen High School, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School

Delawareans attending the U.S. Military Academy:

John Beck, St. Elizabeth’s High School

Foster Day, Archmere Academy

Natalia Drew, William Penn High School

Andrew Michalowski, Wilmington Charter

Caleb Primos, Milford High School

Rita Wiley, Middletown High School

Shalanda Williams, Tatnall School

Delawarean attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:

Kyle Petrick, Wilmington Charter

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Statement from Senator Coons on National LGBT Pride Month

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today honoring National LGBT Pride Month:

“Each June, our country recognizes the struggle of Americans whose pursuit of the equality promised every citizen of this great country has been confounded by their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is an important time in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, and I am proud to be a part of the effort to dismantle the government’s system of discrimination against them. 

“Never before has equality under the law been so close for the LGBT community — a testament to the advocates who have refused to give up the fight and to the silent activism of those who simply want to live their lives without persecution, while enjoying the same freedoms afforded every other American. But there is a lot more work ahead of us. While the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is being implemented, our focus turns to repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and ensuring that sexual orientation can no longer be cause to discriminate against an employee or a student.

“As the nation celebrates LGBT Pride Month, I hope all Delawareans keep equality on their minds and in their hearts.”

Delegation-hosted job fair connects more than 1,100 job seekers to 80 employers

DOVER, Del. – A job fair hosted by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) drew more than 1,100 job seekers to meet with 80 employers at Delaware Technical and Community College in Dover on Tuesday.

“One of my top priorities is to help put Delawareans back to work and today’s job fair is an important part of that effort,” said Senator Carper.  “Helping prospective employers connect with potential employees is just one way that we can help folks get back on their feet, help Delaware businesses expand their workforce, and continue to strengthen our state’s economic recovery.  I want to thank Sen. Coons, Rep. Carney, Delaware Technical and Community College, and all of the employers who worked so hard to make this day a success.  I’m glad we had so many job seekers taking advantage of today’s job fair and I hope this will lead our participants to gainful employment.”

“Like our first job fair, today’s was a cause for optimism,” Senator Coons said. “I look forward to hearing from folks whose meetings today turn into interviews and, ultimately, job offers. With 35,000 Delawareans still looking for work, we still have a lot more to do. Jobs remain my top priority.”

“One of my top priorities in Congress is creating jobs,” Congressman Carney said. “We must also help connect those looking for quality jobs with potential employers. I want to thank all the businesses, public sector employers, colleges, universities, and everyone else who came today. I hope that the many Delawareans who attended were able to make meaningful connections or find employment opportunities that will help them and their families.”

The delegation was joined at the job fair by Governor Jack Markell and Dover Mayor Carleton Carey, Sr.

“Delaware works best when we work together. This brought so many people together with the single, shared focus of getting people back to work,” Governor Markell said. “Our Congressional delegation is also one of the best economic development teams any state could hope to have and really delivered for the people there today.”

Senator Coons hosted a similar job fair in Wilmington in April. Working together, the Congressional delegation will hold another fair in Georgetown later this year.

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Just three days left for Delawareans to nominate exemplary neighbors for the President’s Citizens Medal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today called on Delawareans to submit their nominations for the President’s annual Citizens Medal, among the highest honors available to a civilian in the United States.  The Presidential Citizens Medal, created in 1969, recognizes Americans who have performed “exemplary deeds of service” for the nation or their fellow citizens.    

“I am incredibly proud of the way Delawareans look out for their neighbors and offer assistance, especially in times of need,” Senator Coons said.  “Our state is full of citizens who have given so much time and energy to community service, and I encourage those who know these outstanding individuals to nominate them for this high honor and recognition of their good works.” 

The deadline for nominations is 11:59 pm on Monday, May 30.

President Obama awarded Cynthia M. Church of Wilmington a Presidential Citizens Medal last year from for her work as the founder of Sisters on a Mission, Inc.  After twice surviving breast cancer in the 1990s, Cynthia realized that vital information concerning breast cancer risk factors and early detection screenings was not readily available in her community.  She founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc., to expand access to information about breast cancer and create a community of support for African American women and their families in Delaware affected by the disease.   

To learn more about the qualifications and to nominate someone from your community, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/citizensmedal.

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Senator Coons votes against four-year extension of Patriot Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today voted against a four-year extension of the Patriot Act, calling instead for a one-month extension that would allow more substantive debate and the consideration of amendments based on the bipartisan reauthorization bill passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In a speech on the Senate floor just before voting began, Senator Coons said the Senate was abdicating its responsibility to review and update the law by voting on a four-year extension with no changes. He requested unanimous consent to extend the PATRIOT Act for one month to allow more time for debate and the consideration of amendments.

“The powers of the PATRIOT Act are too important for us to risk their expiration, as this body considers whether or not to amend them or revise them,” Senator Coons said. “I offered a one-month extension in order that this body might take the time that I think is so needed and so deserved to seriously debate and conduct real oversight over the PATRIOT Act.”

In full remarks entered into the record, Senator Coons continued:

“Because of the broad scope of the new authorities contained in PATRIOT, the bipartisan drafters of the bill insisted upon placing sunsets on key provisions to ensure that Congress periodically reviewed how they were being used and assessed whether they were still essential to our security. Even in the unnerving weeks after 9/11 — an extraordinary time in the history of this Congress and this nation — the authors of the Patriot Act knew that the powers they were granting needed to be monitored.

“Sunsets only work, however, if we in Congress have the innate courage to ask the difficult questions when they arise.  If, instead, Congress shies away from the tough debate and simply extends the sunsets for another four years, we surrender our responsibility to consider whether specific provisions should be amended, reauthorized, or allowed to expire. If the proposed four-year extension passes without amendment, it will have been nine years before Congress votes on reforms to PATRIOT. Nine years. What’s the point of having sunsets in this bill if we are going to ignore our oversight responsibilities?” 

Over 70 employers lined up for Congressional delegation’s free job fair in Dover on May 31st

WILMINGTON, Del. – To help Delawareans looking for work during this difficult economic time, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) will host a free job fair on Tuesday, May 31st from 9 am to 2 pm at Delaware Technical and Community College in Dover.  Governor Jack Markell and Dover Mayor Carleton Carey, Sr. will also be on hand to welcome employers and to talk with job seekers.

“The key to Delaware’s economic recovery is getting its citizens back to work,” Senator Carper said. “Connecting employers with potential employees is a win-win for the First State and I hope job seekers take advantage of this opportunity.” 

“More than 70 companies, organizations and government agencies have already signed up to meet Delawareans looking for jobs,” Senator Coons said. “I hope Delawareans looking to get back to work will come to this job fair with resumes in-hand.  Just as we did for our job fair in Wilmington in March, we need to come together as a community and connect those looking for jobs in and around Kent County with employers who are ready to hire. ”

“Putting Delawareans back to work is my top priority,” said Congressman Carney.  “Right now, too many qualified Delaware workers are having difficulty finding jobs.  By bringing them together with businesses, public agencies, and our colleges and universities, we’re helping Delawareans get the opportunities they need to support themselves and their families, while strengthening the economy.”

The job fair will also feature free seminars, including: “New Strategies for Changing Times:  Transform Your Mind and Embrace Change,” hosted by career coach Joyce Dungee Proctor, and a workshop on getting a job with the state led by the Delaware Office of Management and Budget.

Confirmed employers include:  Delaware Technical and Community College, Career Coach Joyce Dungee Proctor, Delaware State Police, Wells Fargo Bank, Dover Police Department, Delaware Department of Labor: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Delaware Department of Labor: Education and Training, The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, Synerfac Technical Staffing Agency, Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, Public Allies, Interim Healthcare, University of Delaware’s Alternative Routes to Certification, United States Department of Agriculture, Diamond State Financial Group, Diamond State Youth, Inc., AFLAC, Drug Enforcement Administration, Small Business Administration, United States Parcel Services (UPS), Delaware State University, Rockwell Associates, PPG Industries, Saints Home Healthcare, University of Delaware Professional & Continuing Studies, Sound & Secure Inc., Staffmark, Chick-fil-A, HSOA Delaware Shore, State of Delaware, Delaware Hospice, Kent-Sussex Industries, ILC Dover, Blood Bank of Delmarva, Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Delaware Air National Guard, Hilton Garden Inn- Dover, Job Corps, Wesley College, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware Army National Guard, New Castle County, Harrington Raceway and Casino, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Nurses ‘n Kids, People’s Place, ERA Harrington Realty, Goodwill Industries, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware Transit Corporation, Dover Behavioral Health System, GateHouse Media, Inc.-The Dover Post, United States Secret Service, Pinnacle Foods, Bayhealth Medical Center, Hertrich Car Dealerships, United States Census Bureau, Service Xpress, CMI Electric, Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington University, Milford Genesis Healthcare, P.J. Fitzpatrick, Halpern Eye Associates, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Occupational and Safety Health Administration, Beebe Hospital, NCALL Research Inc., Dover Behavioral Health, United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Services, Integrity Staffing/Amazon, Delaware Department of Services for Children Youth and Families.

For more information or to pre-register, job seekers should call Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov.

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Senator Coons praises Administration’s new early learning competitive grant program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today offered his support for a new $500 million Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge competitive grant program to help states improve and expand access to early education. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services announced the initiative today following legislative efforts by Senator Coons and others who advocated for a program for early learning similar to the successful Race to the Top.

“All too frequently, children enter elementary school already lagging behind those who have attended quality early learning programs that teach development skills,” Senator Coons said. “The Early Learning Challenge program is important because I strongly believe we need to give our kids the best start possible. The Early Learning Challenge program will improve the quality of our early-learning education and increase the number of children eligible to receive it.”

The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge will reward states that develop comprehensive plans for transforming their early learning systems with better coordination, clearer learning standards, and meaningful workforce development. States applying for challenge grants will be encouraged to increase access to quality early learning programs for low income and disadvantaged children, design integrated and transparent systems that align their early care and education programs, bolster training and support for the early learning workforce, create robust evaluation systems to document and share effective practices and successful programs, and help parents make informed decisions about care for their children.

Senator Coons cosponsored legislation in March — the Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act (S. 470) — that would create a similar grant program and earlier this month, Senators Coons joined Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) on a letter to Secretary Duncan and Secretary Sebelius urging them to implement the type of grant program described in the bill. 

“Investing in early learning is one of the best investments in education that our nation can make,” they wrote in the letter. “Noted economists have shown that an investment in high-quality early childhood education yields an estimated $3 to $17 for every dollar invested.  Research demonstrates that high-quality early education programs help reduce the need for special education and education remediation, lower juvenile justice rates, improve health outcomes, increase high school graduation and college matriculation rates, and increase self-sufficiency and productivity among families.”  

Statement from Senator Coons on the situation in the Abyei region of Sudan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the clashes in Sudan in the disputed region of Abyei.  Violence began last Thursday with an attack on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and has escalated into ongoing confrontations between troops from the North and South, which threatens to escalate into civil war in advance of Southern Sudan’s independence.

“The recent attack and subsequent violence in Abyei represents an alarming breach of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and poses serious consequences for the proposed normalization of relations between the United States and Sudan. The offensive has caused the massive displacement of civilians and raises deeply troubling concerns regarding the intentions of senior government officials in Khartoum in advance of the South’s independence in July.

“I condemn the attack by Southern forces on the combined United Nations-Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) convoy on May 19 and join the White House and Chairman Kerry in calling for the cessation of all offensive operations in Abyei and the withdrawal of SAF forces from the region. The Abyei administration must be immediately reestablished, and peaceful talks regarding its future status should resume without delay.

“This is a critical moment and test of leadership for Sudan, which has made great strides toward preparing for independence of the South.  I urge both sides to negotiate a peaceful resolution to this conflict that will avert a further escalation of violence and pave the way for a political settlement on the future status of Abyei.”

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