Mobile Nav Open
Open Search
Close Search

Related Issues

See All Issues

Related Issues

See All Issues

Senator Coons launches “Correspondence from the Commute” video series

WASHINGTON – As part of his commitment to engaging with Delawareans, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today debuted his first set of 10 video responses to constituent questions on a variety of issues. The monthly series — known as “Correspondence from the Commute” — will be recorded into a laptop during the Senator’s near-daily train rides to and from Washington when the Senate is in session.

“I use the time spent commuting not just to prepare for votes, hearings and meetings, but to read correspondence from Delawareans who write to me to express their opinions on the issues facing our state and our nation,” Senator Coons said. “Responding to questions individually on-camera is something we tried during the campaign with great success. We found it allowed us to better engage with Delawareans and we decided to continue the practice here in the Senate.”

Senator Coons will record video responses to between five and 10 constituent questions or comments selected from among those submitted each month. The videos will be posted publicly to Senator Coons’ website and to his official YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/senatorchriscoons.

The first 10 videos, released today, were recorded earlier this month in the café car of an Amtrak Northeast Regional train to Washington. Topics include job creation, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, deficit reduction, gun control, offshore oil drilling, autism research, food safety, and the debt ceiling.

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

“It’s important to me that every Delawarean who writes to me or my office knows that his or her letter is being read and their concerns heard,” Senator Coons said. “I have great respect for the opinions of my fellow Delawareans and genuinely want to hear what they have to say. I wish we were able to respond to every letter with a personal video, but I hope this will inspire more folks to write in and engage with me on the issues most important to them.”

Video responses released today:

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 383 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510.

###

Senator Coons calls for repeal of Defense of Marriage Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today praised the Obama Administration’s decision to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act in court.

“The Defense of Marriage Act enshrined the discriminatory treatment of American citizens based on sexual orientation, which simply should not be a factor in a person’s access to equality in this country. Rather than defend an unconstitutional statute, the President today demonstrated his commitment to defending the Constitution and its prohibition on arbitrary discrimination.

“Whether or not the New York court ultimately agrees with the Administration’s position, the time for such discrimination is at an end. It is time to repeal DOMA and make clear that it is not the policy of the government of the United States of America to discriminate against its citizens on the basis of their sexual orientation.

“I look forward to working with Senator Feinstein and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee to repeal DOMA.”

###

Senators Carper, Coons warn of impact on port security in Delaware from Republicans’ reckless continuing resolution

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) today warned of the negative consequences of the continuing resolution passed by House Republicans early Saturday morning, which included an across-the-board 66 percent cut to the Port Security Grant Program.

Since 2008, Delaware firefighters, police departments, state agencies and private entities have been awarded nearly $7 million for security efforts along the Delaware Bay and Delaware River from the Port Security Grant Program – most of it geared toward security and emergency response at and around the Port of Wilmington.

“As our nation faces a mushrooming deficit and budget crisis, my colleagues and I agree that some cuts to federal spending are needed to bring our nation’s fiscal house in order,” said Sen. Carper. “However, Congress cannot be pennywise and pound foolish as we look for ways to reduce federal spending.  Unfortunately many of the cuts approved by House Republicans – including these devastating reductions to port security efforts — jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of Delawareans and Americans across the country.”

“We should certainly be looking for ways to reduce government spending,” Senator Coons said. “But it is reckless and irresponsible to make such drastic cuts to our national security efforts. The impact on security at the Port of Wilmington would be significant, making our region and our nation less secure.”

More than four million tons of cargo pass through the Port of Wilmington each year, making it the busiest port on the Delaware River.

The Port Security Grant Program is used to strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The vast bulk of U.S. critical infrastructure is owned and/or operated by state, local and private sector partners. Port Security Grant Program funds support increased port-wide risk management, training, and other efforts to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons.

The Delaware Bay area received $15,981,284 from the Port Security Grant Program in FY2010, but would receive only $5,299,349 for FY2011 under the House of Representatives’ continuing resolution.

“The challenge before us is to strike the right balance between reducing spending to close our massive deficit while still providing the resources needed to ensure that the American economy can continue to recover in the short-term and prosper in the long-term,” said Sen. Carper. “That balance can only be found through a thoughtful approach that tackles spending with a strategically deployed scalpel rather than blunt cuts across the board as suggested by House Republicans. By striking the right balance we can protect jobs in Delaware and across the country and still provide the necessary funding to protect security at our nation’s ports.”

“America’s ports produce over $3 trillion in economic activity and employ more than 13 million Americans,” Senator Coons said. “We should be doing more to protect them from the threats facing our nation, but the cuts made by House Republicans in their continuing resolution would instead make our ports more vulnerable.”

###

Senator Coons statement on the passing of Governor Russ Peterson

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the following statement on the passing of former Governor Russ Peterson on Monday evening:

“Delaware lost an icon last night. Annie and I were saddened to learn about Russ’ passing and join our fellow Delawareans in celebrating his remarkable life. He was a true leader for Delaware – in and out of office – whose insight and input will be greatly missed. Russ Peterson refused to take a path simply because it was politically expedient or convenient, and expected no less from any of those who followed in his footsteps. He was a kind man, a good friend, and a conscience for all of those who serve. Our hearts go out to June and the entire Peterson family.”

###

Senator Coons honors African American history with pair of resolutions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this week proudly cosponsored two measures in the Senate to honor the efforts of African Americans in building a stronger, more equal, and more perfect union.

“It’s a great tradition that this month each year we honor the extraordinary contributions African Americans have made to Delaware and our nation,” Senator Coons said. “But as we pause to honor the efforts that have come before, let us also remember the work still before us. It is up to each and every one of us, regardless of the color of our skin, to carry the mantle and fight for the equality of all Americans. I was honored to join my colleagues this week in celebrating Black History Month.”

On Monday, the Senate approved S. Res. 49, which “recognizes the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on our Nation’s complex history, while remaining hopeful and confident for the path that lies ahead.”

Senator Coons was an original cosponsor of the bill, which was introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

On Wednesday, the Senate approved S. Con. Res. 6 by unanimous consent, which “commends the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people.”

Senator Coons was an original cosponsor of the bill, which was introduced by Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).

“The NAACP has helped advanced the cause of equality for African Americans for 102 years, harnessing the power of peaceful social and political change to lead during times of hardship and hostility,” Senator Coons said. “The organization has given voice to so many whose voices had long been ignored.  It truly deserves a whole nation’s gratitude.” 

###

Senator Coons calls for Members of Congress’ pay to be withheld during a government shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today said that Members of Congress and the President should not be paid if the federal government is shutdown this spring because of an inability to meet its financial obligations.

“For House Republicans to recklessly threaten to shutdown the federal government if their demands are not met, they must be prepared to share in the consequences,” Senator Coons said. “Members of Congress and the President should bear the same burden as the hundreds of thousands of federal employees who would lose their source of income during a shutdown. The least we can do is to share in the pain.”

Senator Coons is a cosponsor of S.388 – a bill introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.) on Thursday to prevent Members of Congress and the President from receiving basic pay for any period in which there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any federal department or agency as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution. The bill would also apply if the federal government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the debt limit has been reached.

“Though I’m hopeful that House Republicans will reach an agreement and back away from their threat of a government shutdown this spring, we should be realistic in preparing for that possibility,” Senator Coons said. “These aren’t just numbers being debated – they are people’s lives.”

A shutdown of the federal government would prevent 117,000 Delawareans from receiving their Social Security payments. It would prevent 147,000 Delawareans receiving Medicare and 79,000 Delaware veterans from receiving their benefits.

Senator Coons praises Administration’s commitment to clean energy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) on Wednesday applauded the increased investments in alternative energy research, development, and deployment contained in President Obama’s FY2012 budget, describing them not only as important to the nation’s long-term competitiveness, but important to Delaware’s economic future.

“The rapidly growing clean-energy sector represents an opportunity to revitalize and sustain Delaware’s permanent base of manufacturing jobs,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware has long been on the cutting edge of alternative energy research, so I’m encouraged by the President’s commitment to that area. This will lead to more jobs in Delaware and further economic growth for our nation.”

Questioning U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Wednesday, Senator Coons highlighted the budget’s $650 million budget in funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy as imperative for continuing to drive innovation and keeping America globally competitive.

“Secretary Chu was right when he described ARPA-E’s work as ‘game-changing,’” Senator Coons said after the hearing. “By leading and investing in critical research, the government is doing its part to stimulate technological innovation and encourage private-sector job creation.”

During the hearing, Senator Coons highlighted Delaware’s leadership in the area of wind energy research and inquired about how the budget’s investments in offshore wind could help expedite deployment of the technology off Delaware’s shores. In response, Secretary Chu explained that the Department of Energy’s priorities were investments to make the technology more reliable while lowering the startup costs of such projects.

Senator Coons also praised funding for the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, which he had highlighted during his maiden speech on the Senate floor as an important measure for promoting clean-energy manufacturing in Delaware and throughout the country. The program expired at the end of 2010, but the President’s FY2012 budget proposal calls for reviving the program with a $5 billion investment.

“As we look for ways to reduce our deficit and cut the federal government’s spending, it’s important that we remain committed to building a stronger, more competitive future for our country,” Senator Coons said. “Investing in education and innovation is essential to our long-term growth.”

Senator Coons statement on President Obama’s FY2012 budget proposal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, praised President Obama’s commitment to cutting the deficit while investing in America’s future in his FY2012 budget proposal.

“I hear from Delawareans every day who are concerned about our spiraling deficit,” Senator Coons said. “The President’s budget proposal is a first step toward deficit reduction. I am encouraged by the President’s commitment to education, applied research, and alternative energies – all of which are important to Delaware and all of which will lay the foundation for sustained economic growth.”

“For medium- and long-term economic growth and stability, we need bipartisan recognition that serious deficit reduction must not only look at domestic discretionary spending cuts, but also entitlement programs, Pentagon spending, and comprehensive tax reform.

The President’s budget includes several key measures that that will help grow Delaware’s economy:

–          An investment in the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit

–          An investment in expanding promising and effective models for training STEM teachers

–          An investment for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy to continue to lead in the exploration of clean energy

–          The establishment of an Early Learning Challenge Fund to incentivize states to improve the quality of early childhood programs

–          An investment for wind energy, including offshore wind, in which Delaware is a leader

“I applaud the President for remaining committed to innovation while taking strong steps on deficit reduction,” Senator Coons continued. “I look forward to studying the President’s budget proposal more closely over the next few days to look for additional opportunities to cut or consolidate outdated programs and to identify additional investments in key areas. I know my Democratic colleagues in the Senate are eager to work with the President to find long-term solutions for deficit reduction.”

Senator Coons discusses energy research with UD president, DOE Under Secretary for Science

WILMINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today joined University of Delaware President Patrick Harker and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science Steven Koonin for a meeting on campus Friday to discuss the University’s innovative research into alternative energy.

“Delaware has always been on the cutting edge of research into renewable energy innovations,” Senator Coons said. “President Harker, Dr. Koonin and I had a really thoughtful, productive conversation about some of that research and about the role the University of Delaware can continue to play in making the nation more globally competitive.”

The three met on the Newark campus of the University of Delaware on Friday afternoon. Dr. Koonin was in Delaware to learn more about some of the state’s high-tech scientific facilities.

“We had a stimulating conversation about the future of energy in the United States, and the few simple steps we agreed will be essential to address our energy security, economic, and environmental challenges. The research agenda at the University of Delaware, including what we support from the DOE, will help us continue to lead in innovation,” said Under Secretary Koonin.

“The University of Delaware has many signature energy programs that bring together intellectual resources and technologies,” said President Patrick Harker. “We are very pleased with the support expressed by Senator Coons and Under Secretary Koonin for our vision of establishing UD as a world-class research and education institution. Our ability to build on the expertise of our faculty and research staff will support a vibrant, sustainable economy for the state, region and nation fueled by discovery, invention and innovation.”

In 2010, the University of Delaware received nearly $4 million from the Department of Energy Office of Science for a variety of energy-related research. The Advanced Research Projects Agency at DOE has also granted $4.5 million to another University of Delaware project involving hybrid vehicles and nearly $9 million to DuPont to research bio-fuels.

“Scientific leadership in the federal government – especially in the Department of Energy – is so important to making sure our nation continues to innovate,” Senator Coons said. “It was great to talk with Under Secretary Koonin about some of the promising advancements in green chemistry, solar power, fuel cells, catalysis, and wind energy to which our state has been home.”

The House Republican Study Committee has targeted the Department of Energy’s applied research efforts with a proposed cut of $1.25 billion a year – gutting the Advanced Research Projects Agency at a time when the nation needs innovative energy solutions more than effort.

“The President has called on Americans to ‘win the future,’” Senator Coons said. “We need ARPA-E to help us do that.”

###

Senator Coons statement on resignation of Egyptian president

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) issued the following statement Friday in response to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the nation’s transition to a new government:

“The people of Egypt declared loudly and clearly their desire for democracy, economic opportunity, and greater freedom, demanding a free, fair, and transparent democratic government. It is my hope that those dreams will soon be realized. With his resignation today, President Mubarak has recognized and respected this truly historic moment in Egypt’s history.

“Though important to preserve order and ensure the safety of the Egyptian people during this transition, I urge the military to exercise restraint and work with transitional leaders to lay the foundation for credible elections that will lead to a truly representative government. Egypt’s transitional leaders and military should move to lift the emergency law, ensure civil and human rights, and continue to adhere to international obligations for peace in the region and security on the border with Gaza.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.