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Senator Coons releases 12 new Correspondence from the Commute videos

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the third installment of his “Correspondence from the Commute” video series, in which he responds with personalized video messages to a sampling of constituents’ letters to his office. Senator Coons recorded 12 videos last Wednesday on the 6:25 am Northeast Regional from Wilmington to Washington.

“Though I read and respond to constituents’ letters every week, these videos are a great way for me to better connect with Delawareans and show that we give their letters careful consideration,” Senator Coons said. “Delawareans have a lot on their minds — the economy, gas prices, and our kids’ education among them this month. I’m grateful to hear from folks and look forward to recording more responses next month.”

Videos released today include responses to:

For his “Correspondence from the Commute” series, Senator Coons is recording video responses to constituent questions or comments selected from among those received each month. The videos are posted publicly to Senator Coons’ website and to his official YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/senatorchriscoons. 

Watch as the Senator introduced the project in February: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z0_UFtHcss

Delawareans are encouraged to express their opinions and submit questions for Senator Coons online at http://www.coons.senate.gov/contact/ or via mail to 127A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510.

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Senators Coons, Carper support President Obama in extending Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) signed onto a letter, along with 39 of their Senate colleagues, supporting President Barack Obama’s decision to insist that Congress agree to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including a long term extension of the 2009 bipartisan reforms, before submitting the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

“Trade Adjustment Assistance has been a core pillar of U.S. trade policy. The program ensures that workers who lose their jobs and financial security as a result of globalization have an opportunity to transition to new jobs and emerging sectors of the economy. Important reforms were made to TAA in 2009, which have helped streamline the program and make it more efficient for beneficiaries. In 2009, Congress also expanded eligibility to all workers whose jobs have been moved offshore, regardless of whether the United States has a trade agreement with the particular country. It also recognized the important role of the service industry in the U.S. economy by bringing service workers into TAA,” wrote the Senators.

In February 2011, the 2009 bipartisan reforms expired. The letter supports the President’s goal to create a broader trade and competitiveness strategy that creates jobs and builds the middle class, and supports his decision to seek a long-term TAA extension.

A copy of the letter follows:

May 23, 2011

President Barack Obama

The White House

Dear President Obama:

We share the goal of your National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports and are looking forward to working with you on implementing a strong trade and competitiveness strategy. We are writing to support your decision to insist that Congress agree to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including a long term extension of the 2009 bipartisan reforms, before you submit the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. We recognize, as you do, that such a deal will be challenging to secure because it requires significant bipartisan commitments in both chambers of Congress to vote in favor of a TAA extension. The challenge is worth it. We agree with you that strengthening the safety net for the middle class by extending TAA should be a prerequisite for the consideration of new trade agreements

TAA has been a core pillar of U.S. trade policy. The program ensures that workers who lose their jobs and financial security as a result of globalization have an opportunity to transition to new jobs and emerging sectors of the economy. Important reforms were made to TAA in 2009, which have helped streamline the program and make it more efficient for beneficiaries. In 2009, Congress also expanded eligibility to all workers whose jobs have been moved offshore, regardless of whether the United States has a trade agreement with the particular country. It also recognized the important role of the service industry in the U.S. economy by bringing service workers into TAA. 

The program also improved and expanded access to TAA’s Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) – an initiative that promotes private health insurance access for recipients, and makes health insurance coverage more affordable to workers who lose their jobs due to trade and offshoring.  In the absence of this program, more Americans would need public assistance and more individuals nearing retirement would be forced to use the emergency room as their sole source of health care. 

These bipartisan reforms to the TAA program help hundreds of thousands of workers, in every state, by moving workers more quickly from government support to private sector jobs. Since new TAA began in May 2009, the program has assisted 185,000 Americans who may have otherwise been ineligible for services, with usage in some states increasing by more than 40 percent. The 2009 reforms also help ensure accountability and results by requiring data on performance and worker outcomes, enabling Congress to identify where improvements are needed.  Unfortunately, these critical TAA reforms expired on February 12, 2011. Just this month, the Department of Labor denied the first three petitions filed by groups of workers seeking TAA assistance under pre-2009 eligibility. The continued denial of critical training will impede private sector employment in emerging sectors of the economy. 

While we the undersigned may have differing views on elements of the trade agenda – with some of us looking forward to supporting the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama, and others skeptical of the impact of the agreements –we are unified in our belief that the first order of business, before we should consider any FTA, is securing a long-term TAA extension. 

We look forward to working with you to extend and implement TAA as part of broader trade and competitiveness strategy that creates jobs and builds the middle class. 

Sincerely,

Senator Coons applauds short-term SBIR reauthorization, pledges to continue working to expand job-creating program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) praised the Senate’s passage by unanimous consent of a one-year extension of the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program on Thursday night. Both programs expire May 31. If passed by the House, the measure would extend the programs by one year.

“SBIR and STTR are proven, successful programs that create jobs and promote innovation,” Senator Coons said. “They should be expanded and reauthorized permanently, as we tried to do earlier this month. Continuing them at current levels is better than letting them expire. I hope my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will join me in working to make SBIR and STTR permanent before the extension expires next year.”

The Small Business Innovation Research program sets aside a small part of the research and development budget from federal agencies to be used as grants for small businesses. The Small Business Technology Transfer program helps scientists and innovators at research institutions take their discoveries and commercialize them through small business startups.  Since their creation in 1982 and 1992, respectively, SBIR and STTR have invested more than $28 billion in helping American small businesses, with 345 investments in Delaware businesses, totaling $101 million.

The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs have been reauthorized eight times since being established in 1982. Previously set to expire next week, Senator Coons supports the long-term reauthorization of those programs to help small businesses succeed by providing continuity in encouraging these high-technology firms to grow and expand.

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Senator Coons laments Senate’s failure to advance nomination of Goodwin Liu

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the failure of the Senate to invoke cloture on the nomination of Goodwin Liu to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit:

“I am extremely disappointed in my colleagues’ failure to invoke cloture on the confirmation of Goodwin Liu, an eminently qualified nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals. This vote represents an escalation in the level of obstructionism faced by a president’s judicial nominees and is disrespectful of the very Constitution they claim to be defending. By failing to invoke cloture, the Senate today denied Professor Liu the up-or-down vote the President’s nominees deserve.”

Earlier in the afternoon Senator Coons spoke on the floor to defendProfessor Liu’s nomination. A transcript of those remarks can be found on our website here:
http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/remarks-in-defense-of-goodwin-lius-nomination

Video of Senator Coons’ remarks on the floor on Wednesday can be found here:
http://www.coons.senate.gov/blog/post/video-senator-coons-urges-confirmation-of-goodwin-liu 

A transcript of those remarks can be found here:
http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/remarks-supporting-confirmation-of-goodwin-liu-to-us-circuit-court-of-appeals

Senator Coons honors Delaware’s law enforcement officers in speech on Senate floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the floor today about the dedicated men and women of law enforcement in honor of National Police Week.

Remarks as delivered on the floor at 10:15 am

From May 15 through May 21, Americans will be recognizing those who serve and have served in police departments in communities from coast to coast.  Law enforcement personnel and their families will also be coming together to hold memorials for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty. 

National Police Week holds special significance to me, because when I served as New Castle County Executive for six years I was responsible for a police force that worked day and night to keep our county’s communities safe.  Each year in May I would attend the memorial held by the Fraternal Order of Police that so ably represented them along with the family of the one member of our police force who had been killed in the line of duty.  I would often have differences with the Fraternal Order of Police in my six years of leadership, but I will tell you they were great and tireless partners in standing up for the working men and women who kept us safe each and every day.  They kept us focused on officers’ safety and kept us focused on providing for them the equipment and the training and support they so richly deserve. 

I’ll tell you that every week I would have a tough week, when we had difficult times dealing with local budgets or coming to compromise in making progress in the County, if I ever for a moment felt sorry for myself, all I needed to do was turn on the police radio in my county car and listen to dispatch.  There was always something going on.  As the squad cars responded to crises, I was reminded day-in and day-out of the incredible selfless service of men and women – these dedicated men and women – who sacrifice time away from their families to put themselves daily in harm’s way, and all too often it finds them. 

Since the beginning of 2009, 122 police officers lost their lives in service to their communities, and today I want to focus on one:  Patrolman Chad Spicer of Georgetown, Delaware.

A Georgetown native, Chad attended the Sussex Central High School and graduated from Delaware Tech in 1999.  Following four years with the Delaware Department of Corrections, he began service with the police department in Bridgeville and later in the town of Laurel.  In 2008, Chad joined the force in his hometown, fulfilling his greatest childhood dream. 

On September 1, 2009, Chad and his partner, Corporal Shawn Brittingham, were in pursuit of a vehicle containing suspects in a robbery.  The car abruptly stopped, and before the two officers had a chance to get out of their cruiser, a suspect fired a single gunshot at close range, killing Chat and, on a ricochet, seriously wounding his partner.  The suspects were eventually apprehended and have been brought to trial. 

Patrolman Chad Ernest Spicer was only twenty-nine years old when he was murdered doing his job.  He is survived by his fiancée, his beautiful young daughter Aubrey, his parents Ruth Ann and Norman, a brother, two sisters, and his family of fellow officers in Georgetown and across Delaware.  His funeral service was one of the most moving I have experienced in my adult life, as thousands of law enforcement professionals – men and women from literally across the country – gathered to pay tribute to this brave, likable, dedicated young man who gave his life in the protection of our community. 

Earlier this month, the people of Georgetown erected a memorial to Chad and to his courage and the sacrifice he made for all of us.   Georgetown Chief of Police William Topping noted that everyone in town knew him and liked him, even those from the roughest part of town, even those who were on the receiving end of his service to our community.  Chad died protecting the community where he was born and raised.  Losing him to violence like that had a devastating impact on the people of Georgetown and our whole state. 

Chad was the first Delaware police officer to die from wounds received in the line of duty since 1993.  His loss is a constant reminder that law enforcement officers all over America live with the daily reality that their lives may be put on the line as they serve their communities and our country. 

This is why, Madam President, I think it’s so important that the federal government continue to strengthen local police departments’ capacity through programs like the Bulletproof Vest Partnership, which helps local law enforcement purchase bulletproof vests and other police supplies.  It is so important to me that, when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together, we can always succeed in keeping Americans safe.  There is always more we can do, though.  This is why the Judiciary Committee will be holding a field hearing in June in Wilmington, Delaware, to explore ways we can improve the collaboration and cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 

While we honor our men and women of law enforcement every day, during National Police Week we celebrate their service and sacrifice and thank them for being ever on the watch. 

Mr. President, in memory of Patrolman Chad Spicer and all other law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, today I stand in memory of their service. 

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Forty employers lined up for Congressional delegation’s free job fair 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.

“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.” 

“It’s not enough for us to simply talk about the importance of getting more of our neighbors back to work,” Senator Coons said.  “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.  Nearly 40 companies, organizations and government agencies have already signed up to talk to folks about their job openings.  I hope Delawareans looking to get back to work will come to this job fair with resumes in-hand.”

“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 State Police, Wells Fargo Bank, Dover Police Department, Delaware Department of Labor: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, Synergic 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.

There are still a few tables left at the job fair for employers in the region looking to hire capable, energetic Delawareans.  Businesses that have openings and would like to participate should call 302-573-6345.

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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Senators Coons, Mikulski urge continued support for AmeriCorps and other service programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) sent a letter yesterday to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education thanking their colleagues for their previous support of national service activities and urging their continued support for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). An additional 20 Senate Democrats also signed onto the letter.

With House Republicans calling for extreme cuts to CNCS programs like AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and VISTA, the Senators urged those on the Appropriations Subcommittee to continue their support. More than 500,000 people have participated in AmeriCorps since its creation in 1993 to provide vital services in communities across the United States. 

“AmeriCorps has a multiplier effect, yielding much more in benefits than we put into it in dollars,” the Senators wrote. “It has expanded the work of charitable organizations and spurred innovative partnerships between private and non-profit sectors.”

“We strongly believe that whatever cuts are made to the budget will need to be paired with strategic, long-term investments in economic growth and middle class job creation. AmeriCorps’s contribution to public safety, education, and housing do much to advance this agenda.”

A longtime advocate of community service, Senator Coons helped found one of the first AmeriCorps programs in Delaware, which recruited mentors for students participating in the “I Have a Dream Foundation” college-attainment program.  As New Castle County Executive, he was instrumental in the creation of the AmeriCorps-supported New Castle County Emergency Services Corps, which recruits volunteer firefighters and trains residents in CPR and First Aid, yielding significant savings to County taxpayers each year. 

The Dear Colleague letter, introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), was also signed by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mark Begich (D-A.K.), John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Al Franken (D-Minn.).

The text of the letter follows:

May 16, 2011

Dear Senators Harkin and Shelby,

Thank you for your strong support of national service in the long-term continuing resolution for FY11.  House Republicans proposed the virtual elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service, so we are incredibly grateful that you maintained strong funding for national service activities.  We are writing in support of FY2012 funding for CNCS and its vital programs, such as AmeriCorps, which has enabled nearly 500,000 people across the United States to provide vital community services since its creation in 1993.  While we certainly recognize the threat posed by our deficit and the importance of a serious deficit reduction plan this year, we believe that the effective elimination of AmeriCorps, as called for in proposals such as H.R. 1, will do much more harm than good. 

AmeriCorps remains one of the most successful programs Congress has created in the past twenty years.  It was born of bipartisan cooperation and has been championed by leaders in both parties for enabling hundreds of thousands of young Americans to take a more active role in giving back to their communities.  AmeriCorps has a multiplier effect, yielding much more in benefits than we put into it in dollars.  It has expanded the work of charitable organizations and spurred innovative partnerships between the private and non-profit sectors.  AmeriCorps has contributed participants to programs like Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity, Public Allies, City Year, and the American Red Cross.  It also helps participants afford a college education through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

We strongly believe that whatever cuts are made to the budget will need to be paired with strategic, long-term investments in economic growth and middle class job creation.  AmeriCorps’s contributions to public safety, education, and housing do much to advance this agenda.  We urge you to support continued funding for AmeriCorps and join us in acknowledging its importance to our future.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Mikulski                                                                                                                      United States Senator                                                                                  

Christopher A. Coons

United States Senator

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Protecting American intellectual property online is a critical part of fostering economic recovery through innovation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is a cosponsor of two bipartisan bills introduced Thursday to fight online piracy and counterfeiting. The first — the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act (PROTECT IP) — was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) to target so-called “rogue” websites dedicated to the sale or distribution of infringing or counterfeit goods. The second was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to make it a felony to stream pirated copyrighted content.

Copyright infringement and the sale of counterfeit goods cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs, as well as billions of dollars in lost tax revenue for federal, state and local governments.

“Preventing the theft of American intellectual property is an important part of our strategy for making our nation more competitive in the global economy,” Senator Coons said. “As a nation we are hemorrhaging money and jobs because of rogue websites whose sole purpose is to distribute and sell pirated content and counterfeit goods. It’s a serious issue that these two bills will help address.”

The PROTECT IP Act — S.968 — follows bipartisan legislation introduced in 2010 but narrows the definition of a rogue website, while ensuring that law enforcement can get at the “worst-of-the-worst” websites dedicated to selling infringing goods. It will provide law enforcement with important tools to stop websites dedicated to online piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods, which range from new movie and music releases, to pharmaceuticals and consumer products. It also expands U.S. law enforcement’s ability to target websites hosted abroad. Key updates to the PROTECT IP Act include:

•        A narrower definition of an Internet site “dedicated to infringing activities”

•        Authorization for the Attorney General to serve an issued court order on a search engine, in addition to payment processors, advertising networks and Internet service providers

•        Authorization for both the Attorney General and rights holders to bring actions against online infringers operating an internet site or domain where the site is “dedicated to infringing activities,” but with remedies limited to eliminating the financial viability of the site, not blocking access

•        Requirement of plaintiffs to attempt to bring an action against the owner or registrant of the domain name used to access an Internet site “dedicated to infringing activities” before bringing an action against the domain name itself

•        Protection for domain name registries, registrars, search engines, payment processors, and advertising networks from damages resulting from their voluntary action against an Internet site “dedicated to infringing activities,” where that site also “endangers the public health,” by offering controlled or non-controlled prescription medication. 

In addition to Senator Coons, the PROTECT IP Act is cosponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

Senator Klobuchar’s online streaming bill — S.978 — clarifies the criminal code to treat the streaming of copyrighted material the same as the distribution of copyrighted material for download. The bill would make streaming of copyrighted work whose value is greater than $2,500 a felony. It does not apply to individuals who view streamed content — only to individuals and sites providing the streamed content. In addition to Senator Coons, S.978 is cosponsored by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider both bills.

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Senator Coons: Uganda should end effort to criminalize homosexuality

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement today calling on Uganda’s parliament to drop the Anti Homosexuality Bill currently under consideration: 

“Leaders in Uganda should end their efforts to criminalize homosexuality. The Anti Homosexuality Bill currently under consideration in the Ugandan Parliament is draconian, in contravention of international law, and simply wrong. It goes far beyond discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and makes homosexual conduct punishable by prison time or death.  It promotes a climate of oppression and fear, and violates human rights standards universally recognized by the international community.  It has also been decried by Uganda’s own Human Rights Commission, which issued a report in October 2010 concluding it was unconstitutional and inconsistent with international legal obligations.”

“I strongly support the efforts of President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and other international leaders urging Ugandan lawmakers to reject this bill and safeguard human rights for the people of Uganda.  Equality and human rights are intrinsic values that matter in America, in Uganda, and around the world. Criminalizing homosexuality moves Uganda further away from these values and further from the international community.  If the bill becomes law, it will impact Uganda’s relationship with the United States.”

Coons, Carper, Casey, Pitts, Carney introduce bill to widen protected area of White Clay Creek watershed

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) introduced bills in the Senate and House today to add approximately nine miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries to the existing Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the waterway. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), as well as Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) are cosponsors of the White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Expansion Act, which would come at no cost to taxpayers.

“Growing up, I spent considerable time in the White Clay Creek watershed and know that it is an important resource for Delaware and the region,” Senator Coons said. “Years ago, my grandmother donated some of her land along the banks of White Clay Creek to help protect it. It’s up to all of us to fight to protect our natural resources and I’m glad to contribute to the effort to protect the waterway by introducing this legislation today.” 

“Years ago, my son and I used to fish the waters of the White Clay Creek,” Rep. Pitts said. “In 2000, I led the effort to gain the initial Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the watershed. Protecting this important resource is a priority for both Pennsylvania and Delaware. I’m glad that we can work together across state and party lines to protect new portions of the White Clay.” 

The bill will expand the original designation to include two small stream sections that were omitted from the original Wild and Scenic Rivers designation, including a 1.6-mile stretch of Lamborn Run in Delaware that was originally omitted due to its consideration as an option for a dam to supply drinking water for northern Delaware. It has since been removed from consideration. 

“This important piece of legislation will help safeguard one of Delaware’s great outdoor treasures,” Senator Carper said. “Through preserving nine miles of additional segments and tributaries, this bill helps ensure that Delawareans will continue to enjoy White Clay Creek’s natural, cultural and recreational benefits for generations to come. I will work with all of my Congressional colleagues to see to the bill’s timely consideration and passage.” 

The bill also includes a 7.4-mile stretch of stream in Pennsylvania’s New Garden Township that was originally omitted due to its consideration for a dam. That consideration has since been withdrawn and the Township is now supportive of the designation.

“Protecting the White Clay Creek watershed will not only help protect a vital source of drinking water for thousands of Pennsylvanians, but will also preserve historical and wildlife resources,” Senator Casey said.  “This bill will further ensure hikers, fishermen and families recreating in the watershed have a pristine environment to enjoy for years to come.”

“The White Clay Creek Watershed is more than just a source of drinking water: it contributes to ecosystem and community vitality, improving our quality of life,” Representative Carney said. “Long ago, New Castle County affirmed the value of this natural resource and resolved to cooperatively manage it with our friends in Pennsylvania. Extending the federal Wild and Scenic River designation will strengthen these collaborative efforts to help preserve the watershed for generations to come.”    

In 2000, Congress designated a large majority of White Clay Creek and its tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Then-Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) was the lead sponsor for the Senate bill and Representative Mike Castle (R-Del.) was the lead sponsor for the House version. This marked the first time a whole watershed, rather than individual river segments, had been designated into the system. The proposal to expand the designation was led by former Senator Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) in the Senate and Representative Pitts in the House.

The 69,000-acre White Clay Creek watershed is home to 33 species of mammals, 21 species of fish, 27 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 90 species of birds. White Clay Creek is also stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and is an important resource for fishermen. Protected land in the watershed also provides recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, birders, hunters, and others. White Clay Creek and the Cockeysville aquifer that lies beneath portions of the watershed are important sources of drinking water for over 128,000 citizens in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The bill is supported by the White Clay Creek Watershed Management Committee, which is comprised of 40 local, state, and federal agency representatives, as well as organizations and businesses. Among its members is the National Park Service, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, New Castle County Department of Land Use, London Britain Township, United Water Delaware, White Clay Outfitters, the Brandywine Conservancy, the Delaware Ornithological Society, Stroud Water Research Center, Chester County Planning Division, and SE Regional Office Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.