Sen. Coons’ Statement on the Passage of Tax Relief for Middle Class Americans

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate’s passage of H.R. 4853:

“My vote today was a vote for middle class Delawareans. Although this bill wasn’t ideal, it was one that prevents tax increases on Delaware’s middle class and extends unemployment insurance to those who are out of work.

“There are aspects of the legislation that I strongly supported and fought to be included, like an extension of the research and development tax credit and a series of measures that promote investments in green technology. However, I’m disappointed that two measures I believe would have been influential in aiding Delaware’s economic recovery – an extension of the Build America Bonds program and an expansion of the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit – were not included in the final passage of the bill.”

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Sen. Coons’ Statement on the Senate Confirmation of Charles Oberly, III for U.S. Attorney for the State of Delaware

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Coons issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s confirmation of Charles Oberly for U.S. Attorney of the State of Delaware:  

“I’m pleased that the Senate voted to confirm Charles Oberly,” Senator Coons said. “Mr. Oberly has a distinguished legal career that will provide him with the skills needed to be an outstanding United States Attorney. I’m confident that he will continue to serve our state with distinction.”

Charles Oberly, III served three full terms as the elected Attorney General of the State of Delaware. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University. Currently, Charles is a partner at the law firm of Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, where he specializes in criminal defense and corporate, commercial and civil litigation.

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Sen. Coons’ Statement on Tax Relief for Middle Class Americans

WASHINGTON — Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after Monday’s cloture vote on H.R. 4853:

“I voted to invoke cloture on H.R. 4853 because of the two options before us, I believed this was in the better interest of Delawareans,” Senator Coons said.

“I simply could not cast a vote to increase the taxes of Delaware’s middle class. I could not vote to leave those out of work without unemployment insurance. I could not ignore the urgent need for investment in policies and programs that will help create the jobs that will pull our nation out of this recession.

“There are some elements of the package that I support and fought to have included, like an extension of the research and development tax credit and a series of measures that promote investments in green technology. But it does not include two measures that I believe are important to our nation’s economic recovery: an extension of the Build America Bonds program and an expansion of the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit. Today I cosponsored amendments that would restore both measures to the bill that will ultimately be considered.

“This bill is not ideal. Extending tax cuts for millionaires at a time when our deficit is spiraling is irresponsible, but as the President and economists have argued, raising taxes on the middle class during a recession is dangerous.

“There are too many other important issues that need the Senate’s urgent attention and we need to start moving forward again.”

Sen. Coons Disappointed Senate Fails to Consider Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s failure to invoke cloture to proceed to consideration of the Department of the Defense Authorization Bill:

“I am outraged that my colleagues have once again put partisan politics ahead of the critical needs of our troops and our country by blocking consideration of the defense authorization bill,” Senator Coons said.  “This bill provides the essential funding for our brave men and women in uniform, including vital equipment needed for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.  It also includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, extends Tricare coverage for military dependents, and repeals ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.'”

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is discrimination, plain and simple, and the majority of the military agrees that its repeal will not impact readiness or unit cohesion. Should the Senate fail to pass a Defense Authorization bill, it will mark the first time in 50 years that the Senate abdicated this responsibility to our troops.  I implore my colleagues to stop playing politics and give our troops the funding and support they need and deserve.”

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Sen. Coons Expresses Disappointment on the Senate’s Failure to Consider the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s failure to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009, which provides federal funding for the medical monitoring and treatment for World Trade Center responders and survivors who were exposed to toxins at Ground Zero.

“I am deeply disappointed with the outcome of today’s vote,” Sen. Coons said. “This bill would have provided much needed medical attention to the thousands of heroic Americans who risked their lives to be first on the scene after the World Trade Center attack. Many of these heroes are now experiencing severe health problems, especially respiratory conditions from breathing in the microscopic particles of cement, steel and other materials that filled the air for weeks afterwards. Sadly, this vote demonstrates that Republicans would rather put politics before helping our citizens receive the care they deserve.”

Delaware has 61 people in the World Trade Center Registry that could potentially benefit from this legislation (depending on whether or not they become ill).

The bill, which was first introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), passed the House of Representatives on September 29, 2010. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is the leading Senator on the bill.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was the first bill that Sen. Coons’ cosponsored after he was sworn-in on Monday, November 15, 2010.

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Delaware Delegation Highlights Deadline for 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Nomination Season

WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) and Congressman Mike Castle (R-Del.) called attention to the approaching deadline for Delaware Guard and Reserve members to nominate their supportive employers for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award before nomination season closes on January 17, 2011. Guard and Reserve family members can also nominate their service member’s employer during this nomination season. The award is the U.S. Government’s highest honor given to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Nearly one-half of the U.S. military is comprised of the Guard and Reserve, making the role of U.S. employers in support of employees in the military increasingly important. 

At the halfway mark, nearly 2,500 nominations have been received from Guard and Reserve members and their families from across the nation and around the world. Currently, the Army National Guard is leading among Guard and Reserve service branches, with 37 percent of the total nominations.

Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible and encouraged to nominate employers that have provided exceptional support to Guard and Reserve employees beyond the federal law requirements. Nominations may be submitted at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 17, 2011.  The names of all nominated employers will be announced in the spring and the 15 Freedom Award recipients will be announced in early summer. 

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense Agency, to recognize exceptional support of Guard and Reserve members from the employer community. In the past 15 years, 145 employers from across the nation have received this prestigious award. Established in 1972, ESGR’s mission is to develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. 

For questions regarding the Freedom Award nomination process, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil or contact Maj. Melissa Phillips, ESGR Public Affairs, at 703-696-1171, ext. 519 or by email at ESGR-PA@osd.mil.

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Sen. Coons Applauds Passage of Bill to Improve Oversight of Arlington Cemetery

WASHINGTON – The Senate on Saturday passed a bill co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to improve management and oversight of Arlington National Cemetery.
 
Officials at Arlington Cemetery have come under scrutiny this past year for allegations of mismanagement and misconduct. The Cemetery’s top two administrators were relieved of their duties this summer following the discovery of over 200 misidentified graves, improper record keeping, several cases of urns being unearthed and dumped in landfill piles, and improper contracting practices.
 
“Our heroic fallen soldiers gave their lives fighting for America’s freedom. The least we can do for those brave men and women and their families is to ensure they receive a proper burial,” Senator Coons said. “I am proud that my colleagues were able to put partisan differences aside to approve a measure that will ensure Americans who make the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
 
This legislation requires the Secretary of the Army to report to Congress on the cemetery’s ability to verify the identity, location and burial records for every gravesite at Arlington Cemetery, as well as plans to remedy any errors found. The Secretary of the Army must also report to Congress on the progress on changing the management and oversight structure at Arlington Cemetery, including contract management and practices for providing information and outreach to families of individuals buried at Arlington. The Government Accountability Office will oversee and report to Congress on the Cemetery’s contracts.
 
The bill, S. 3860, was introduced by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) earlier this year and passed the Senate this morning by unanimous consent. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
 

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Sen. Coons Voices Support for Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Today, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after attending the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with Defense Secretary Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mullen on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. 

“The message today from Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen was compelling and clear: ending the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy won’t hurt military readiness or cohesion,” Senator Coons said. “The majority of our brave men and women in uniform have said they are ready for the repeal of this discriminatory policy and I couldn’t agree with them more. The Senate is at a critical moment and must decide whether to continue to actively discriminate against a segment of Americans. I am proud to stand with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen in supporting a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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Sen. Coons Applauds Sec. Salazar’s Revised OCS Leasing Program

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement to remove the Mid and South Atlantic planning areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from oil and gas leasing through 2017:

“I applaud Secretary Salazar’s decision to take oil drilling along Delaware’s coast off the table,” said Sen. Coons. “As I have said throughout this year, an oil spill would wreak havoc on Delaware’s pristine beaches and cripple our fishing industry. We must invest in cleaner alternatives and I will continue to support Delaware’s clean energy industries. ”

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Sen. Coons’ Statement on the Importance of Repealing 1099 Mandate

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Monday signed on as a cosponsor to Senator Max Baucus’ amendment to fully repeal Section 9006 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which placed new requirements for businesses to report all payments to corporations for goods and certain services over $600 by filling additional 1099 forms with the IRS.

“Small business owners across Delaware have repeatedly expressed to me their serious concerns about the 1099 reporting requirements enacted last year. It will place an untold burden on their staff and weaken their bottom line,” Senator Coons said.  “Small businesses are the engine that can help restart and grow our economy, but they can’t do that if owners have the added work and expense brought on by this addition to the tax code.” 

The new reporting requirement is not scheduled to take effect until 2012. However, many small business owners have expressed concern that they will be required to operate under a heavy paperwork burden that will add to their cost of running their business.
The Baucus amendment was defeated last night with a 44 to 53 floor vote.
There is stand-alone legislation to repeal Section 9006 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which Sen. Coons also cosponsors — S. 3496, the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act — that may be taken up to before the 111th Congress adjourns.

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