Senators Coons, Schumer, Durbin, colleagues urge DOD Inspector General inquiry into domestic deployment of military in American cities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, U.S. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 24 senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins to call for an inquiry into the Trump administration’s efforts to deploy active-duty and National Guard troops to Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, and Memphis.

In the letter, the senators underscore the illegality of the domestic troop deployments, which undermine military readiness and politicize the nation’s military.

“We write to express our concern about the deployment of U.S. troops to American cities, including in Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis. The military’s expanded use to support immigration operations and domestic law enforcement activities at home is fundamentally un-Constitutional, dangerous for American civil rights, and risks straining military readiness and resources, weakening troop morale, undermining recruitment and retention, and eroding public trust in the military,” the senators wrote. “Neither the active-duty military nor the National Guard are intended or trained at scale for the purposes that the Administration has claimed they are used for, including ‘crime-fighting.’ We are concerned that these domestic deployments erode the military’s and National Guard’s ability to prepare for their critical missions.”

“We urgently request that you initiate an inquiry into the cumulative effects of these domestic deployments of U.S. active-duty troops and the National Guard—over the objections of state and local officials—on military readiness, resources, personnel, and our military as an institution,” the senators continued.

The senators made clear that pulling National Guard troops away from their assigned duties to assist in law enforcement operations erodes public trust, diverts critical resources from communities in need, including those impacted by natural disasters, and costs American taxpayers millions of dollars. As the senators note, the Pentagon has estimated the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles cost approximately $170 million for a 60-day deployment.

“When military and Guard units are pulled away from scheduled training or mission preparation, the consequences extend beyond individual units and erode operational strength across the force, leaving the military less prepared for overseas operations and crisis response. The Guard’s unique role as both a state and federal force makes it particularly vulnerable to strain, which could impact the ability of the Guard to protect and save local communities during natural disasters at home,” the senators wrote. “Service members commit to service with the understanding that their sacrifices will aid communities in times of disaster and defend our nation overseas. They are not trained nor prepared to act as a domestic police force.”

“The domestic deployment of military personnel also is a significant waste of resources… The Washington, DC, National Guard deployment is estimated to cost $2.5 million per day. Many of the Guard units deployed to Washington, DC, to ‘help restore law and order’ are now tasked with ‘beautification projects’ such as picking up trash and spreading mulch…Diverting military personnel and defense funds to such missions is inconsistent with the Constitution, congressional intent and responsible stewardship of resources entrusted to the Department of Defense,” the senators continued.

The senators then laid out the illegality of using the nation’s military as civilian law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act.

“These domestic deployments also risk normalizing military involvement in contentious civilian law enforcement, which apart from being deeply contrary to the Constitution, raises serious concerns about the apolitical character of our armed forces and compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act. The Posse Comitatus Act reflects the founding principle—reflected in the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments—that separating civilian law enforcement from the military protects both individual liberties and states’ rights,” the senators wrote.

“Several federal courts have found no credible evidence that the Administration’s use of the military in this way is justified, finding that conditions on the ground have not reached the high threshold of crisis that merits such a militarized response, especially over the objection of local officials. Further, the Trump Administration’s unprecedented deployment of out-of-state Guard personnel into a non-consenting jurisdiction is a significant overreach of executive power,” the senators wrote.

The senators concluded their letter by reiterating their call for an inquiry into the domestic deployments of troops to American cities.

“These deployments place a burden on the military and create national security risks when defense funding and personnel are diverted from their core purpose. We urge your office to examine the matter of these military deployments to Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis as well as the potential for further deployments to additional American cities, and report your findings to Congress no later than November 21, 2025,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Coons, Schumer, and Durbin, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

To read the full text of the letter, click here.

Senators Coons, bipartisan colleagues renew U.S. commitment to combating food insecurity on World Food Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kans.) introduced their bipartisan resolution today designating October 16, 2025, and 2026, as World Food Day, reaffirming the fight against hunger in the face of rising food insecurity around the world. Senator Coons also introduced similar resolutions for 2023 and 2024. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine.), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), and Jim McGovern (D-Calif.) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

2.3 billion people are estimated to have been moderately or severely food insecure in 2024, an increase of 3.36 million since 2019. The World Food Day resolution recognizes the important role that the United States plays in combating hunger worldwide and promotes further action to help people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.

“Whether children are starving in Gaza or Sudan, or in my hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, the world cannot abandon them,” said Senator Coons. “This year’s World Food Day comes as the Trump administration has cut food assistance to Americans and people across the globe. It is more important than ever for us to reaffirm our bipartisan commitment to fighting food insecurity.”

“With hunger and economic security posing an increasing challenge in the United States and around the world, it is more important than ever to support American farmers as they feed the world,” said Senator Klobuchar.

“Hunger is a daily reality for far too many families in Maine, across America, and around the world. As food insecurity continues to rise, World Food Day reminds us that we cannot afford complacency. We must act,” said Congresswoman Pingree, co-chair of the House Food Recovery Caucus. “With this bipartisan, bicameral resolution, we renew our commitment to expanding access to nutritious food, cutting food waste, and confronting the true scale of the hunger crisis. The United States has both the capacity and the responsibility to lead the global fight against hunger. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join us in recognizing the urgent need to back programs and policies that strengthen food security at home and abroad—because the time to act is now.”

“No one should go hungry in today’s world,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of people suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition. The ability to feed one’s family is essential to human dignity, and hunger increases the chance of conflict if it is not addressed. I am proud to co-lead the World Food Day resolution to continue advancing the fight against global hunger.”

Each year, the United States joins more than 130 countries and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for all who suffer from malnutrition. This year’s World Food Day theme is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” marking the 80th anniversary of the FAO. World Food Day also honors the founding of the FAO, established in Hot Springs, Virginia, on October 16, 1945.

To learn more about what actions you can take to promote better food systems and healthy diets for all, please visit http://www.fao.org/world-food-day.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

REMARKS: Senator Coons highlights “lack of trust” in the approach to funding the government, in speech on Senate floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) delivered a floor speech today ahead of voting against the Senate taking up the House-passed full-year defense appropriations bill as proposed by Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.); that motion failed by a vote of 50-44. Senator Coons is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Senator Coons wrote the Senate bill with SAC-D Chair Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), which passed out of committee by a vote of 26-3 in July.

During his floor speech shortly before the vote, Senator Coons emphasized that Americans “care deeply about security,” specifically, “the security that comes from knowing that you and your family won’t suddenly be bankrupted by unexpected health care costs – the loss of health insurance.” He added Americans also care about “the security that comes from knowing that millions of highly skilled, trained, and dedicated American men and women are on the line around the world, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, defending America’s security and that of the world.”

Senator Coons also pointed to the breach of trust between Congress, the Trump administration, and the American people as a key reason the appropriations process has stalled. Urging his colleagues to take up other urgent priorities in the Senate, he called for “bipartisan agreement that rejects severe cuts.”

“Bluntly, the process here in this Senate, the process with our president, the process of spending or not spending appropriated funds has destroyed a lot of the trust that is essential for the Senate as a body to work, for the Congress to legislate, for our federal government to reopen,” said Senator Coons.

However, Senator Coons praised the Senate defense bill and Chairman McConnell and his staff, saying “Senator McConnell and I historically haven’t agreed on much, but we certainly agreed on this in hearings and speeches. If we’re trying to invest in the future of our armed forces – whether it’s new planes, new ships, new systems or new technology – doing it with one-year money is unwise and unsound.”

A video of Senator Coons’ full remarks is available here.

A transcript of Senator Coons’ remarks are included below:

SENATOR COONS: Mr. President, I rise today to address the moment that we are in here in the United States Senate. We are about to proceed to a vote, a vote on a motion that the majority leader has laid on the floor. And I am the senior Democrat on the subcommittee of appropriations that writes the bill that funds our national defense.

I’ve worked well and closely with Senator McConnell in this undertaking this year, and I am about to vote “No” on proceeding to take up the House defense bill, which may surprise some of my colleagues from both parties or my constituents or folks wondering what the heck is going on here. So, I wanted to take a few minutes and speak to this moment, my vote, and hopefully, our path forward.

Americans care deeply about security: about the security that comes from knowing that you and your family won’t suddenly be bankrupted by unexpected health care costs – the loss of health insurance – and the security that comes from knowing that millions of highly skilled, trained, and dedicated American men and women are on the line around the world, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, defending America’s security and that of the world. We need a path towards addressing both.

The federal government is currently shutdown; shutdown because we can’t come to an agreement here in the Senate with the president and with the House to deal with the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits that make it affordable. Letters are about to go out in my home state of Delaware that’ll tell folks who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act their rates are going to go up dramatically – in many cases more than 100% – because of expiring tax credits.

What’s that got to do with national defense?

Bluntly, the process here in this Senate, the process with our president, the process of spending or not spending appropriated funds has destroyed a lot of the trust that is essential for the Senate as a body to work, for the Congress to legislate, for our federal government to reopen.

In the last Congress, I was the chair of the subcommittee that wrote the appropriations bill — roughly $32 billion went to USAID, an agency that no longer exists. Some of you may remember DOGE, an Elon Musk-led effort to get into and tear up, and in the case of USAID, tear apart our long-standing decades-old U.S. foreign assistance program. It did a lot more damage than just that.

But in many ways the actions that began in January and picked up speed in the spring caused alarm and concern by many of us in the Senate that we have an OMB Director and an administration willing to violate bipartisan agreements from the last Congress, commitments to spend money, contracts and agreements with partners and allies around the world and across many different areas.

In fact, just yesterday, a federal district court judge in California ruled that the reductions in force — the layoffs, the RIFs, announced by the administration during this current shutdown — were illegal because they were targeted and partisan. So many things have happened this year, it’s tough to keep track. But the combination of them has led to a reduction in trust between our two caucuses, trust that is essential to our having an understanding – an agreement – to move forward.

Let me be clear about this year’s appropriations process. It’s positive, from when we started in March, April to when we concluded on the committee in July and voted out eight strong bipartisan bills. The Senate appropriations process for at least eight of the bills — the biggest bills — was constructive, bipartisan; in fact, the bill that I worked on closely with Senator McConnell was voted out of committee by 26-3. So, too, were other key bills that deal with housing, that deal with education, that deal with health care. They came out of the committee 26-3 and are ready for action on the floor of the Senate, yet we’re not proceeding to them today. There are four bills remaining in committee unaddressed, and the committee should focus on them, take them up and work them through. There are three bills that have already passed the Senate and are all but done being conferenced with the House.

What I have heard from my Republican colleagues is that Leader Thune is trying to move ahead with a process that would put the defense bill, the health and education bill, the housing and transportation bill – which we call Labor-HHS and T-HUD, very compelling names, I know – but he wants to put together a package of many of these bills. Well, if that’s the intention, we needed communication between our leaders and our caucuses.

We have had a positive and productive process in Senate appropriations this year. But the leader’s motion to go to the House defense bill was not expected, was not discussed, was not clear to my caucus as to what happens next.

So it is with some real regret that I will vote “No” today but continue to talk with my colleagues about how do we move forward. I want to take a moment and just speak to the defense bill that we worked so hard on and that came out of the committee with such strong bipartisan support.

It would provide a better quality of life to the men and women of the American military and their families. It would invest in total $852 billion in our national defense: expanding shipyards, expanding munition production, increasing stockpiles of critical weapons that we know we need for the future, investing in cutting-edge technologies and rejecting some of the Trump budget cuts to aid to Ukraine, to Taiwan, to our Baltic allies, making positive progress in key areas.

Our work together on this bill has generally been a positive experience between senators and our staff. Our challenge was the Department; was the Secretary; and his budgeteers who often appeared at hearings and meetings without their homework done, without the details ready, without a budget ready to go. Some of you may have forgotten this, but a principal focus of the administration and the majority here during this same time was the so-called Big Beautiful Bill and trying to put $160 billion onto the Defense Department, not through regular order, not through the usual budget processes, but through this one-time infusion of cash.

Senator McConnell and I historically haven’t agreed on much, but we certainly agreed on this in hearings and speeches. If we’re trying to invest in the future of our armed forces – whether it’s new planes, new ships, new systems or new technology – doing it with one-year money is unwise and unsound.

We need to get back to regular order. We need to get back to a reliable and predictable appropriation process, and in order to do that, we need bipartisan agreement that rejects severe cuts, that restores funding for programs like the NIH and CDC, which is done in the bipartisan Labor-H Bill, the cuts to WIC and rural housing, which is done in the Ag Bill, and we need to move these bills forward.

The way we move these bills forward is by linking arms and making it clear: we reject rescissions, we want to appropriate beyond just defense, we want a broader package and to have clarity from our president, the House, and the Senate about how we address the imminent health security crisis that confronts millions of Americans, and for today and tomorrow, keeps our government shutdown.

Americans, Mr. President, care about security. We care about security for our families from health care costs, and we care about security for our nation from the threats that are greater than at any time in my adult life.

Let’s find a path towards working together to address them.

Thank you. And with that, I yield the floor.

ICYMI: Senator Coons calls potential Israel-Hamas deal a “relief” in remarks on MSNBC

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports today and expressed cautious optimism about reports that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal, calling it “a huge relief.”

“It’s a huge relief, and I am hopeful that we may yet see the release of the hostages who’ve been held by Hamas in the tunnels beneath Gaza, some relief for the families who’ve waited for so long for the remains of those hostages who’ve been killed by Hamas, the flooding of humanitarian relief into Gaza for the Palestinians who have suffered through this war, and a path towards the reconstruction of a post-Hamas Gaza and lasting security for Israel. All of that is an enormously attractive prospect, which I hope we will see.

“I’ll remind you, Ana, that in January, most of this was in place. There was a ceasefire, hostages were being released, humanitarian relief was flooding into Gaza, and then, because of choices made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, we’ve seen eight more months of brutal war, loss of life, and suffering. Hopefully, this time, the two parties, Hamas and Israel, will approve this deal, and we will see the deradicalization of Gaza and the reconstruction and humanitarian relief for Gaza.”

You can watch the full interview here.

Senator Coons pushes Attorney General Pam Bondi on weaponizing the DOJ and unconstitutional boat strikes in fiery hearing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today about carrying out President Trump’s politically motivated prosecutions and the legality of recent U.S. military strikes which killed suspected cartel members off the coast of Venezuela.

At President Trump’s command, the U.S. military has reportedly conducted at least four strikes on boats containing Venezuelan nationals suspected of carrying drugs, resulting in the deaths of 21 people. While all four strikes have occurred in international waters, President Trump has alluded to potential strikes on land, presumably on Venezuelan territory. Yesterday, CNN reported that the Trump administration has produced a “classified legal opinion that justifies lethal strikes against a secret and expansive list of cartels and suspected drug traffickers.” It is unclear who is on the list, and whether it contains American citizens or green card holders.

“I’m concerned with what the limiting principle is – whether the government could summarily kill people it just declares are cartel members as well as unlawful combatants inside the United States, or if they were American citizens. This isn’t about defending cartels. These aren’t hypothetical questions,” said Senator Coons.

Senator Coons raised concerns about a lack of information and transparency around the attacks and noted that the Trump administration appeared to have conducted lethal strikes without congressional approval or due process. He questioned Attorney General Bondi about the legal justification for the attacks and emphasized the danger of setting a precedent for summary killings.

“I’m deeply concerned about the authority our president seems to be asserting to summarily kill people suspected of criminal activity outside the law. As the chief lawyer for our federal government, you have a unique responsibility to ensure maintenance of our constitutional standards. How did you conclude that these strikes on ships or boats in the open ocean are legal?” asked Senator Coons.

Senator Coons also raised concerns about political weaponization at the DOJ after the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey last month, which came a week after President Trump demanded Attorney General Bondi indict Director Comey in Truth Social post. Senator Coons expressed his concern about how the DOJ will maintain its independence and remain free from President Trump’s demands for the prosecution of specific individuals.

“I am gravely concerned about what is no longer a hypothetical question – which you refused to answer in your confirmation hearing – but is a real question, about when or if the president demands you prosecute individuals because he views them as opponents or enemies, what you will do and what your limiting standard is, because the recent episode around the indictment of James Comey left me very concerned about the direction of the department,” said Senator Coons.

A video of Senator Coons’ full comments is available below.

WATCH HERE.

Senator Coons statement on second anniversary of October 7 attacks

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the second anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023:

“Two years ago, 1,200 souls were ripped away by Hamas’ brutal attack on Israeli civilians. Annie’s and my hearts remain broken for the families left behind, the futures destroyed, and the more than 20 living hostages still held by Hamas whose horrific ordeal continues. I will always support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself from attack. Now, with nearly every Israeli military objective in the region complete and their enemies weak or destroyed, it is time for the war in Gaza, the captivity of the hostages, and the suffering of Palestinian civilians to end. That is not just my position – it is the position of the vast majority of the Israeli people.

“The recent deal announced by President Trump is a sign of potential progress, but as both Hamas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have spoken about it, they’ve each skewed key elements to suit their goals. I urge President Trump to hold Hamas’ leadership and Prime Minister Netanyahu and his cabinet accountable to the deal as written, rather than how they wish to interpret it. Back in January, there was already a ceasefire in place, ongoing efforts to free the hostages, flood in humanitarian aid, and find a path away from Hamas’ violent leadership. President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu squandered that moment and months of needless suffering and violence have resulted. They cannot do so again. For the hostages, their families, for Palestinian children, and for the prospects for peace, there is simply too much at stake.

“May the memory of those lost always be a blessing, and may they continue to live on in our hearts.”

Senators Coons, Kaine, colleagues introduce bill to support federal employees experiencing financial hardship during shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act, legislation that would support federal employees who are experiencing financial hardship during government shutdowns.

During past shutdowns, many federal employees have turned to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement accounts to make hardship withdrawals to cover bills. However, there are penalties for withdrawing these funds and barriers to recontributing funds once the government reopens. This bill would allow federal employees to withdraw funds from their TSP without being penalized in a prolonged government shutdown and ensure those funds could be recontributed later on.

“Delaware’s 3,000 federal workers shouldn’t have to suffer this month because Congressional Republicans shut down the government,” said Senator Coons. “Washington created this problem, and Washington can help alleviate it by allowing federal employees to temporarily rely on their TSP as an emergency fund. Congress should pass this bill and spare ordinary Americans from the financial damage of Washington in-fighting.”

“Government shutdowns inflict senseless pain on federal workers. While I successfully passed my bill to guarantee back pay for federal employees during a shutdown, paychecks can still be delayed,” said Senator Kaine. “If workers need to withdraw funds from their retirement accounts during a shutdown, this bill would ensure they don’t face penalties, that they can access TSP loans, and will address other problems a shutdown can create for TSP account holders.”

Specifically, the Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act would:

• Establish government shutdowns are financial hardships. Current law allows TSP participants to withdraw funds due to financial hardship and requires them to certify under penalties of perjury that they are facing a financial hardship and the amount of the request is not greater than the dollar amount of the financial hardship. By establishing government shutdowns that last two weeks or longer as financial hardships, it would eliminate the need for federal employees to make additional demonstrations of this hardship.
• Waive the 10% Early Distribution Penalty for federal employees who withdraw funds under financial hardship. Under current law, federal employees who are 59 years old or younger are subject to an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty when they withdraw funds from their TSP. The bill would eliminate that penalty but still require them to pay taxes on the funds they withdraw.
• Allow for recontribution of funds. The bill would allow federal employees who withdraw funds from their TSP to recontribute some or all of the funds they have withdrawn from their TSP in order to preserve retirement savings.
• Ensure federal employees can access TSP loans. Under current law, TSP loans are not available if a shutdown is expected to last more than 30 days. This bill would ensure TSP loans will be available to affected federal employees who need to access those funds during a shutdown.
• Suspend TSP loan payments during shutdowns and deduct outstanding loan payments from back pay provided after shutdowns. TSP loan repayments are made through payroll deductions. This bill would automatically suspend loan repayments until the government reopens. Once the government reopens, the outstanding loan payments will be deducted from federal employees’ back pay.
• Prohibit missed loan payments from becoming taxable distributions during shutdowns. The bill would prohibit any missed loan payments from becoming a taxable distribution that could be subject to the 10% withdrawal penalty.

In addition to Senators Coons and Kaine, the legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Full text of the bill is available here. A summary of the bill is available here.

Senator Coons statement on the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall

WILMINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the news of the passing of pioneering scientist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall:

“Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research and discoveries decades ago reshaped our understanding of chimpanzees – our closest animal relatives – and thus of what it means to be human. From there, she launched a global effort to protect wildlife habitat, preserve biodiversity, and promote conservation.

“I was blessed to become friends with Jane through my service in the Senate and my work on conservation in Africa. She had a special ability to draw you in with her impish wit and endless curiosity, energizing others and making her such a powerful global leader. Jane’s gentle spirit and sharp intellect combined with her fierce determination inspired a generation of women scientists and young conservationists. She spoke out and taught tirelessly about the importance of protecting our planet and inspired hope that we still can. I was honored to be with her this January when President Biden presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and I had the memorable experience of listening in as she challenged and encouraged young women leaders, both on Capitol Hill and in connection with Roots and Shoots, her global youth conservation movement. Her legacy lives on in every scientist she inspired, every girl who learned that anything is possible, and in every one of us who steps forward to protect creation.                                

“I’m holding in my prayers tonight her son, Hugo, her sister, Judy, and her three grandchildren, as the world mourns beside them the passing of a beloved and visionary leader.”

Senator Coons is co-chair of the Senate Conservation Caucus.

ICYMI: Senator Coons calls out Trump for raising Delawareans’ energy costs in new op-ed

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) slammed President Trump for breaking his promise to lower Americans’ energy costs through his failing energy policy in a new op-ed in The News Journal.

President Trump promised to lower bills and unleash American “energy dominance” during his campaign. Nearly 10 months into his term, however, Delawareans’ energy costs are climbing to eye-watering levels, as Senator Coons pointed out. He wrote that he’s heard from families in Delaware who are receiving $450 and $800 monthly bills and are preparing for another pricey winter while still reeling from the last year.

Much of this is due to the Trump administration’s failed energy policy which has blocked multiple new energy projects – including some on the verge of completion – reducing the potential supply of new energy. As Senator Coons noted, Trump’s reckless tariffs on our allies like Canada and Mexico and on products like steel and aluminum have made it more expensive to start new energy projects. At the same time, Trump has cut programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps families offset high utility bills.

“Wind and solar energy have become among the cheapest new energy sources in America, but Trump is determined to block them. Republicans used to support an ‘all of the above’ energy policy, but apparently it’s now ‘only what’s below and none of the above’ energy,” Senator Coons wrote.

While Trump is raising Delawareans’ energy costs, Senator Coons detailed how he’s working in Congress to lower them. He supports increasing energy sources like hydrogen, affordable wind and solar, and noted he’s leading bipartisan bills to increase nuclear energy production to supply consistent power. Senator Coons also supports reauthorizing commonsense programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which has saved families hundreds of dollars a year for over 50 years.

DNJ: Energy costs in Delaware are high. Trump isn’t helping. Let’s lower costs.

Energy costs aren’t just climbing in Delaware — they’re going up around the country. Last winter’s shocking bills are still fresh in a lot of Delawareans’ minds, and rates have continued to climb over the summer. As fall begins and another winter looms, Trump’s policies are raising your costs, but I’m working in Washington to keep them down.

…

The good news is that there are more sources to produce safe, reliable and sustainable energy than ever before. In addition to legacy sources like oil and natural gas, hydrogen, wind, geothermal, solar and nuclear power are commercially viable and poised to become a larger part of our expanding energy supply.

Unfortunately, Trump and his allies in Congress are trying to prevent that. Their recent budget bill that passed in July — the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — will stop dozens of new energy projects from adding to American power. We need these projects to come on-line to keep our bills in check.

…

While the White House pursues an economic policy of oil, gas and coal only, I’m fighting to lower your prices in Washington by increasing America’s energy sources. Both wind and solar energy have become among the cheapest new energy sources in America, but Trump is determined to block them. Republicans used to support an “all of the above” energy policy, but apparently it’s now “only what’s below and none of the above” energy.

…

Here at home, we’re a state known for innovation, and Newark is one of the world’s leading centers of hydrogen energy technology. We have a real opportunity here to grow businesses, to produce sustainable energy, and to export it to the rest of the world. So, working with then-Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, I secured a $750 million grant for a Hydrogen Hub that would connect Delaware to our region and would jumpstart the industry in our state.

These projects will lower your bills, grow Delaware’s economy, create jobs, and make our nation actually “energy dominant.” I know they’ll be successful — once Trump and his allies get out of the way.

REMARKS: Ahead of government shutdown, Senator Coons calls out Republicans for shutting down government to keep Americans’ health care costs high

WASHINGTON – Tonight, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor after two government funding bills failed, criticizing President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress for choosing to shut down the government instead of working to stop spiking health care costs for Americans. Government funding will expire at midnight tonight.

While Senator Coons bemoaned the impact caused by government shutdowns, he made clear that the current funding fight is about protecting health care for all Americans. He attacked President Trump and Republicans for failing to act to prevent health care costs from rising for every American. He also noted that the proposed Republican funding bill fails to restore funding to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – agencies that lead research to cure pediatric cancer, fight ALS, and protect public health that President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have gutted.

“President Trump ran on making America healthy again, on reducing prices, on making life easier for the working people of our country and their families. And instead, what we’ve seen is decision after decision, action after action by President Trump and the Republicans in Congress that raises prices: raises prices on health care, on insurance, on drugs, on medications,” said Senator Coons. “Whether it’s the tariffs being imposed on prescription medications, or the decision to end subsidies that keep health insurance affordable, or it’s laying off thousands of researchers working to help cure pediatric cancer or address ALS or do research into HIV-AIDS – decision after decision that moves us in the wrong direction, that makes us sicker, poorer and more divided.”

Senator Coons warned that rising premiums and strained emergency rooms would hit families hard in Delaware and across the nation.

“In my home state of Delaware, emergency room wait times are too long, and as millions of Americans get thrown off of health insurance, they’re going to go to the emergency room, and those wait times will get longer and longer for all of us,” said Senator Coons.

He restated that Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House, and that they own this shutdown. Republicans have locked Democrats out of negotiations and tried to advance a bill that would let health care costs for all Americans rise.

“Make no mistake, we have Republicans in control of the House and Senate and the White House,” said Senator Coons. “If they want to find a way forward that reduces the harm to Americans and our health care… I’ll be one of the first to extend my hand to find that path. But if we don’t change direction, we shouldn’t reopen this government, because Americans have taken too many hits already, too much additional cost, too much cuts to health care research, too much increase to health insurance costs. This is a fight about America’s health care, and we’re fighting for you.”

A video and transcript of Senator Coons’ remarks are available below.

WATCH HERE.

Senator Coons: Madam President, I’m asking why we’re here. Why we’re here on the floor of the Senate, as the hours tick down to the end of the federal fiscal year and the shutdown of the federal government.

I’ve served here 15 years. I’ve seen my share of shutdowns, and I know how much they hurt—how much they hurt the men and women of our military, federal law enforcement, folks who serve and protect our country at home and abroad—and they should not have to wonder when or if they’ll get paid. A shutdown isn’t good for our reputation abroad and our cohesion at home.

I have always worked to find some path, some deal, some way to keep the government open, and I’ve talked to a dozen colleagues in recent days about this fight and about tonight.

This is about health care. This is about my party saying enough is enough. We know that if you have health care, everything else can work itself out, and if you don’t have your health, almost nothing else matters.

President Trump ran on making America healthy again, on reducing prices, on making life easier for the working people of our country and their families. And instead, what we’ve seen is decision after decision, action after action by President Trump and the Republicans in Congress that raises prices: raises prices on health care, on insurance, on drugs, on medications.

Whether it’s the tariffs being imposed on prescription medications, or the decision to end subsidies that keep health insurance affordable, or it’s laying off thousands of researchers working to help cure pediatric cancer or address ALS or do research into HIV-AIDS – decision after decision that moves us in the wrong direction, that makes us sicker, poorer, and more divided.

I’m usually one of the first to walk across the aisle and say, ‘Let’s find a solution, let’s find a way out of this.’ And I’ve been doing that in recent days talking with colleagues, but I can’t see a way forward if we can’t change direction and together say to the people we serve, ‘We want to help with your health care. We want to stop the cuts to NIH and CDC. We want to reduce the increases in health insurance costs. We want to help you and your family.’

In my home state of Delaware, emergency room wait times are too long, and as millions of Americans get thrown off of health insurance, they’re going to go to the emergency room, and those wait times will get longer and longer for all of us. Next month, we’re going to find out how much health insurance premiums go up. For some Americans, they’re going to double, but for all of us, they will go up. Health care is getting costlier, and Americans are getting sicker. So why am I standing on this floor tonight saying, ‘I’m not voting to keep this government open?’ Because enough is enough.

There are ways we can and should work together to change direction, to put on the floor the bipartisan health appropriations bill that will restore tens of billions of dollars to the NIH and CDC, that’ll stop Trump’s cuts to American health care and insurance and research. There’s a path towards reforming and extending the Affordable Care Act that both parties should agree on.

But folks, if you’re listening, your member of Congress needs to hear from you, needs to know that you want us to work together to reverse course and end Trump’s tragic cuts to health care. If my colleagues don’t get those calls, they won’t change direction. If they don’t change direction, we won’t reopen this government. Make no mistake, we have Republicans in control of the House and Senate and the White House. If they want to find a way forward that reduces the harm to Americans and our health care, we can, and I’ll be one of the first to extend my hand to find that path.

But if we don’t change direction, we shouldn’t reopen this government, because Americans have taken too many hits already, too much additional cost, too much cuts to health care research, too much increase to health insurance costs.

This is a fight about America’s health care, and we’re fighting for you.