ICYMI: Senator Coons touts strong economy under President Biden on CNN’s State of the Union

WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Dana Bash on CNN’s State of the Union yesterday, where he touted the strong economic fundamentals under President Biden, including new record highs for the stock market and the highest two-month increase in consumer confidence in decades. Senator Coons also discussed the importance of passing the supplemental package, including funding for border security, that is currently being negotiated in the Senate.

Watch the full interview here.

Senator Coons: [T]he stock market hit an all-time high on Friday. We had unemployment below 4% for the longest stretch in 50 years. President Biden has presided over the creation of 14 million new private-sector jobs, and only two American presidents in the last century –Donald Trump and Herbert Hoover – left office with fewer Americans working than when they started. Joe Biden has presided over a strong and a robust economy that’s great for middle-class Americans. Donald Trump did not. 

Dana Bash: Can I push back on that a little bit, because you brought it up? What you said about the data may not be wrong, but you know better than I do, the way people feel is how they vote. And despite all of those accomplishments, President Biden is having trouble breaking through with voters, particularly working-class voters, young voters, those who he needs, historically has had as part of his coalition; they’re not feeling it. How does the campaign need to change strategy so that they feel it and they don’t just hear it and see it on data points? 

Senator Coons: Well, Dana, funny you should mention that. Just last week, consumer confidence took the single greatest jump, positive jump, in 30 years. As inflation has come down, prices have come down, and as we’re beginning to see the impacts in people’s pocketbooks of President Biden’s leadership. For example, insulin out-of-pocket costs are now capped at $35 a month. It used to be hundreds of dollars a month. Those of us with family members with diabetes understand how that is a significant step forward for the American public. We’re beginning to see the positive impacts of President Biden’s real leadership on our economy. 

Senators Coons and Whitehouse, Representatives Tonko and Peters introduce carbon dioxide removal legislation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act of 2024 yesterday, legislation that would invest in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to help address the threat of climate change.

“Meeting our climate goals will require developing a robust market for technologies that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,”said Senator Coons. “The United States has the resources, expertise, and vision to be a global leader in this space and provide robust climate solutions for the planet. This legislation will promote American competitiveness, create good-paying jobs, and help secure a low-carbon future.”

“We will almost certainly fail to meet our emissions reductions goals, so carbon removal is going to be necessary to get the planet back into the climate safety zone. Our bill would invest in promising carbon removal strategies that draw down planet-warming emissions and have the potential to scale up and create jobs,” said Senator Whitehouse.

“Amidst record-shattering global warming and increasingly devastating climate-related disasters, the need for comprehensive action to address the climate crisis could not be more urgent,” said Representative Tonko. “Along with the key objective to rapidly reduce our carbon dioxide emissions, carbon removal will also play an important role in combatting climate change. Our legislation leverages the purchasing power of the federal government to foster innovation and remove harmful legacy emissions from our atmosphere, all while creating good-paying jobs and propelling forward our nation’s clean energy economy.”

“We are on the clock to address the climate crisis, and advancing carbon removal is a necessary step toward a clean energy economy,”said Representative Peters. “Our bill creates a sustainable, long-term market for direct air capture and other carbon removal processes — bolstering this nascent and critical industry for our climate future. The CDR Leadership Act is good for jobs, good for American global leadership, and good for the planet.”

The legislation is supported by more than one dozen organizations, whose statements of support can be viewed here.

The Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act of 2024:

• Requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to remove an increasing amount of carbon dioxide emissions using direct air capture or other technology-based removal solutions; 
• Ensures high standards for monitoring, reporting, and verifying carbon removals and for robust public engagement; 
• Sets a declining per-ton price ceiling to incentivize cost reductions over time and give flexibility for the DOE to invest in nascent technologies with high potential; 
• Creates a set-aside for newer CDR technologies to promote a broad portfolio of technologies; and
• Prioritizes domestic job creation, environmental justice, innovative technologies, and community benefits. 

A fact sheet of the legislation can be viewed here. A summary of the legislation can be viewed here.

Senators Carper, Coons call on FDA to immediately ban menthol cigarette sales

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) sounded their concerns about the administration’s delay in finalizing proposed rules to end the sale of menthol flavor in cigarettes and all flavors in cigars in a letter sent with colleagues to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the proposed rules in April 2022 but has been working on this issue for more than a decade without finalizing a rule.

“We are extremely concerned that the rule is now expected to be released in March 2024, which is two years after the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) April 2022 announcement of the proposed rule. Likewise, we are also awaiting a final rule to ban all flavors in cigars, a proposed rule that was also announced in April 2022,” the Senators wrote.

Menthol cigarettes pose a greater public risk than non-menthol cigarettes. The dangerous public health effects of these products have been well-understood and well-documented for several years now, and the letter calls for the administration to act with urgency to solidify and enforce both bans on these harmful products as soon as possible.

“Youth who smoke are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes than older smokers, with almost half of the cigarette smokers ages 12-18 choosing to smoke menthol cigarettes. Big Tobacco has also aggressively targeted minority communities, particularly the African American community, through efforts at the point of sale, branding, and sponsorship to push these products. As a result, among individuals who smoke, nearly 85 percent of African Americans use menthol cigarettes, compared to 47.7 percent of Hispanics, 41.1 percent of Asians, and 30.3 percent of whites,” the Senators continued.

Previous attempts to regulate menthol cigarettes have been met with stalled action from the FDA. In both 2013 and 2018, the FDA published a notice of proposed rulemaking to obtain information related to the potential regulation of menthol in cigarettes. In March 2019, the FDA announced that it was considering removing flavored cigars that were on the market as of August 8, 2016. Finally, in April 2022, the FDA announced its intention to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and all flavored cigars. Despite over a decade of consideration, the FDA has still not taken action against the threat of menthol cigarettes.

“The data uncovered over the last decade is more than clear. Menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars have contributed to a public health crisis, and the administration must center those impacted and finalize these rules immediately,” the Senators conclude.

In addition to Senators Carper and Coons, the bill is also signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

This letter is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and NAACP.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear OMB Director Shalanda Young:

We write to you regarding the Biden administration’s recent indication in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions that it would delay finalizing a long-overdue federal rule to prohibit the manufacture and retail sale of menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes.^[1] We are extremely concerned that the rule is now expected to be released in March 2024, which is two years after the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) April 2022 announcement of the proposed rule.^[2] Likewise, we are also awaiting a final rule to ban all flavors in cigars, a proposed rule that was also announced in April 2022. We write today to urge the FDA and OMB to act with urgency to solidify and enforce the bans on these harmful products as soon as possible. Simply put, delays in finalizing these rules will only bring more addiction and death.

The harmful effects of these products on public health have been well-understood for several years and cannot be overstated. In 2013, the FDA released a report that found that menthol cigarette use is associated with increased smoking initiation among youth and young adults, greater signs of nicotine dependence, and less success in smoking cessation. This report collectively indicated that menthol cigarettes pose a greater public health risk than non-menthol cigarettes.^[3] Flavored cigars also present a pressing public health risk – particularly for youth – with nearly 74 percent of youth cigar users aged 12-17 choosing to smoke cigars because of their flavors.

These findings are also reinforced by more recent data. In 2019, nearly 18.6 million Americans smoked menthol cigarettes. Youth who smoke are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes than older smokers, with almost half of the cigarette smokers ages 12-18 choosing to smoke menthol cigarettes.^[4] Big Tobacco has also aggressively targeted minority communities, particularly the African American community, through efforts at the point of sale, branding, and sponsorship to push these products. As a result, among individuals who smoke, nearly 85 percent of African Americans use menthol cigarettes, compared to 47.7 percent of Hispanics, 41.1 percent of Asians, and 30.3 percent of whites.

We are also aware of additional delay in the comment period for these rules, with the original comment deadline falling from July 5, 2022, to August 2, 2022. In addition, the unified federal agenda indicated that the rules were supposed to be finalized in August 2023, and then administration officials indicated that they would finish by December 2023. While we appreciate the need for thorough, well-informed rulemaking, it is clear that these products pose significant and persistent threats to public health, and the longer these products are allowed on the market, the more harm consumers and the American public will face. 

Because of these scientific findings, concerning statistics, and slipping deadlines, the need to act swiftly in finalizing and enforcing these regulations is critical. However, past rulemaking processes have shown a concerning trend of inaction from the FDA. More than a decade ago, in 2013, the FDA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to obtain information related to the potential regulation of menthol in cigarettes, and again in 2018 related to the regulation of broad flavors in tobacco products.^[5] In March 2019, the FDA announced that it was considering removing flavored cigars that were on the market as of August 8, 2016.^[6] And almost two years ago, in April 2022, the FDA announced its intention to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes, and all flavored cigars. Despite these repeated overtures, the FDA has yet to issue a final rule on these topics, much less begin enforcement – which the FDA has been clear would only fall upon manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, and retailers for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and would not take place against individuals either by the FDA or by state and local law enforcement.

The data uncovered over the last decade is more than clear. Menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars have contributed to a public health crisis, and the administration must center those impacted and finalize these rules immediately.

Thank you for your attention to this critical public health concern. We look forward to your responses and working with your agency to advance public health in our country.

Senators Coons, Cramer celebrate committee vote on their bill to study emissions intensity

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) celebrated the markup and passage of the bipartisan Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act today out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works by a bipartisan vote of 14-5. The PROVE IT Act would direct the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study comparing the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to the emissions of those same goods produced in the other countries. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) are also co-sponsors.

“I’m delighted to see the Environment and Public Works committee embrace the PROVE IT Act and the reliable data it will provide that’s needed to quantify the climate benefits of the United States’ investments in cleaner, more efficient manufacturing practices and hold nations like China accountable for their emissions-heavy production,” said Senator Coons. “Demonstrating our comparative advantage in emissions intensity andworking with our allies and partners on data sharing is a win for the climate, a win for American workers and manufacturers, and a win for global cooperation.”

“Today’s markup is a productive step toward gathering the data we need to prove what we already know: We produce energy and manufacture goods cleaner than anyone else in the world,” said Senator Cramer. “If the goal is to reduce global emissions, the answer is to produce more in America. Our bipartisan PROVE IT Act acknowledges American excellence while protecting workers and businesses from unfair tariffs and foreign competitors seeking to undercut them.”

American manufacturers abide by some of the cleanest production standards in the world, and U.S. production is widely regarded as cleaner and more responsible than our competitors. The PROVE IT Act would obtain high-quality data to back this claim up by determining the emissions intensity of domestically produced goods like steel, cement, glass, and aluminum compared to those around the globe.

Specifically, the PROVE IT Act would direct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study, alongside the Department of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State, to:

• Determine the average emissions intensity of covered products produced in the United States and identify any gaps in that data;
• Determine the average emissions intensity of covered products produced by G-7 countries, free trade agreement partners, foreign countries of concern, and countries that hold a substantial global market share for a covered product;
• Identify any issues with verifying the average product emissions intensity data from other countries;
• Determine the emissions intensity of products produced in the United States compared to products produced in covered countries; and
• Facilitate collaboration among entities with expertise in data collection and analysis, support international coordination on emissions intensity data, and establish a process for receiving data from private industry on a voluntary basis.

Comprehensive data on product emissions intensity is an important step in addressing climate through trade policy and leveling the playing field for domestic producers and manufacturers who are forced to compete against rivals with little to no standards. Senator Coons introduced the FAIR Transition and Competition Act, Congress’ first comprehensive border carbon adjustment bill, in 2021, and prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Senator Cramer penned an op-ed with former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster advocating for a “climate and trade initiative that would cut global greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy security, and reduce Russia’s power to coerce Europe.” Merging climate and trade policy would reduce global emissions and support American workers by leveling the playing field for domestic manufacturers who have already made expensive investments to reduce emissions in their manufacturing processes.

The PROVE IT Act is endorsed by the Bipartisan Policy Center Action, American Iron and Steel Institute, Climate Leadership Council, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Third Way, Progressive Policy Institute, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, American Petroleum Institute, and the Steel Manufacturers Association.

The one-page summary of the bill is available here. The text of the bill is available here. A full list of endorsement quotes is available here.

Senator Coons statement on Senator Sanders resolution regarding aid to Israel

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in regards to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) privileged resolution about U.S. aid to Israel:

“I am opposed to the Sanders resolution that would require the U.S. State Department — in 30 days — to produce a comprehensive review of Israel’s actions since 2018 and directly put at risk ongoing U.S. support for Israel while they are at war with Hamas. I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continue to fight for humanitarian assistance for Gazans in desperate need of lifesaving aid. I am also concerned about how Israel is conducting the campaign in Gaza. Hamas began this conflict with a horrifying terrorist attack on October 7 and continues to hold hostages, but that does not mean we can ignore the tragic suffering of Palestinian civilians. The Israeli military should be shifting to a more targeted campaign against Hamas in Gaza and doing more to protect civilians, as the Israeli government has pledged to do.

“I will continue raising these issues directly with Israeli officials and the Biden administration. I do not, however, believe that risking the suspension of all U.S. assistance or publicly rebuking Israel in a way that could embolden its enemies will address these concerns, nor will it improve the humanitarian situation.”

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

Senator Coons statement on passing of Ted Blunt

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement following the passing of Ted Blunt:

“Ted Blunt helped me believe it was possible to be in politics and still not lose sight of what matters to you the most: your family. Ted confronted each moment, big or small, with his infectious smile and determination to accomplish what was just and necessary for the greater good. He’ll be remembered for his dedication and steadfast commitment to the communities that he served, as well as his excellence on the basketball court. His leadership on the court later transitioned to leading underserved neighborhoods throughout Wilmington. It is no coincidence that his passion for, and legacy of, helping others can be seen through his children. 

“Annie and I will keep his wife, Alice; daughters Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Thea Blunt Fowler, and Marla Blunt Carter; and the rest of his family in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Senators Coons, Rounds engage in bipartisan delegation to Poland, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, World Economic Forum

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation this week to Poland, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, and the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Joining Senator Coons’ delegation is Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

In Poland, the delegation is expected to meet with President Andrzej Duda; Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski; Minister Mieszko Pawlak, Head of the International Policy Bureau; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz; and visit Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw. In Slovakia, the delegation will meet with President Zuzana Caputova, Prime Minister Robert Fico, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar.

In both countries, the delegation will discuss with the new governments in Warsaw and Bratislava how to maintain and bolster the strong relationship between the United States and its two fellow NATO allies, particularly in response to Russia’s two-year unprovoked war against Ukraine.

After meeting with Alois, Hereditary Prince and Regent of Liechtenstein, the delegation will join other international leaders in government and business at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, for a broader conversation on priorities in the new year. The forum provides a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between values-aligned nations in an increasingly uncertain world. At Davos, Senator Coons will participate in the panel “Securing an Insecure World” with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

“Our meetings with government leaders in Poland and Slovakia are critical steps toward reassuring close allies that the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s freedom in the face of Russia’s continued and brutal aggression,” said Senator Coons. “At the World Economic Forum – where this year’s theme is ‘Rebuilding Trust’ – it’s important that a bipartisan delegation goes to Davos to raise our flag and say that the United States will stand by its allies and keep its commitments around the world.”

Senator Coons is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Rounds is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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ICYMI: Senator Coons publishes op-ed about importance of sustainable chemistry leadership

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, wrote an op-ed for Issues in Science and Technology’s winter issue on how the United States can be a leader in sustainable chemistry, the development and production of chemicals that do not harm the environment or human health. The chemical industry is a half-trillion dollar industry in the United States, and U.S. leadership in this space will create jobs, ensure responsible environmental stewardship, and allow American industry to compete in a growing global market. 

Read the op-ed here.

See more below: 

Issues in Science and Technology Op-Ed: Seizing the Opportunity to Lead in Sustainable Chemistry

By Chris Coons 

This year, the United States has the opportunity to become a leader in an area of science too often overlooked as a key part of the green economy: sustainable chemistry, which is essentially the design and manufacture of chemicals so that both processes and products do not negatively impact human health or the environment. This spring, the White House will release a strategic plan for sustainable chemistry, which comes on the heels of a landscape analysis released in August 2023. Sustainable chemistry will have its time in the spotlight, but policymakers will have to make it count by using the strategic plan as a launchpad to greater awareness and action – or else risk squandering a golden opportunity that may not come again.

First, we need to understand how vital sustainable chemistry can be to our broader climate efforts, the plastics crisis, and the struggle for environmental justice. That’s why I worked hard to advance the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act and secured its eventual inclusion in the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Among other things – including coordinating government-wide support for sustainable chemistry – the legislation directed the White House to create the interagency committee charged with writing the landscape analysis and strategic plan so that the federal government can assess, and take advantage of, opportunities to lead the transition to healthier, greener chemistry.

Transitioning a sector as enormous as the chemical industry, which comprises nearly half a trillion dollars annually, is like steering a slow-moving freighter. But the potential benefits are enormous. Chemical manufacturing is the industrial sector’s largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, which means any effective climate change action must go through chemistry. Increasing awareness of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, might require a targeted response to these harmful “forever chemicals” by way of a comprehensive sustainable chemistry strategy. Polluting industries frequently operate near low-income communities and people of color, so building a sustainable future for chemistry would go a long way toward addressing environmental inequities.

Aside from the environmental and health benefits, there are also good economic reasons to pursue sustainable chemistry. The chemical industry directly employs more than a half-million Americans and supports a total of 4.1 million jobs across all industries. A retooling toward sustainable chemistry can bolster the economy and create even more high-wage jobs, continuing the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing that has begun under President Biden. In addition, there is increasing consumer demand for sustainable products as the public becomes more concerned about the processes that produce the items they buy.

Read more here.

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Senators Coons, Tillis and Reps. Neguse, Flood introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve efficiency in intellectual property development

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) today introduced new legislation to improve efficiency for intellectual property developed by federal grantees, and reduce the red tape for these grantees, particularly universities, so they can focus on research and development of new ideas and inventions. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) and Mike Flood (R-Neb.) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives last month.

The Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act of 2024 would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Comptroller General to conduct a study on the disclosure processes for intellectual property developed by federal grantees under the Bayh-Dole Act. The study would include information on existing barriers to efficient reporting, how these barriers have affected the development of new inventions, and opportunities to improve the current reporting system. GAO would be required to inquire how the barriers have affected grantees of various sizes, budgets, geographical locations, and specialties. This legislation will help ensure that different industries and areas of the country are represented in the study.

“As Chair of the Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, I know how important it is to support the development of new ideas and reduce the barriers for innovators—like the University of Delaware—to bring their ideas from the lab to the assembly line,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will support efforts to eliminate unnecessary red tape so that federal grantees can thrive, and their ideas can bolster national competitiveness and create new innovations and technologies.”

“This legislation directs the GAO to conduct a study on the disclosure processes of intellectual property developed by federal grantees under the Bayh-Dole Act – an act which has fostered competition, innovation, and economic growth,” said Senator Tillis. “The study would include important information on opportunities to improve the current grant reporting system and address challenges that affect the development of new inventions so that a greater number of grantees can have a seat at the innovation table.”

“Higher-education institutions are pivotal to building an innovation landscape and advanced workforce. The Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act will enable these institutions — including Colorado’s world-renowned colleges like the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University, to retain patents and licenses on inventions, while streamlining reporting processes to help support institutions engaging in groundbreaking research and developments,” said Representative Neguse.

“America’s research universities deliver numerous innovations every year with the help of federal funding. We need to make sure grantmaking is customer-friendly for innovators, small businesses, and research institutions to work with the federal government. The Improving Efficiency to Increase Innovation Act will provide key insights into how we can streamline reporting to help researchers focus on innovating. Thank you to Senator Coons, Senator Tillis, and Congressman Neguse for helping lead this bill, and I urge my colleagues to give it quick consideration,” said Representative Flood.

Background:

In 1980, Congress enacted the bipartisan Bayh-Dole Act. This intellectual property reform legislation helped drive and support the innovation ecosystem we see today. This law allows federal grant holders to retain their patents on inventions developed with federal grant funding and to license those inventions to help engage private-sector development and commercialization of the inventions. The Bayh-Dole Act has allowed the United States, particularly American universities, to stay competitive globally.

The Bayh-Dole Act requires government grantees and contractors to report any intellectual property developed with federal funding. However, each government agency involved in grantmaking has established different methods for reporting, has established various forms of communication with grantees, and has its own standards for retaining the intellectual property from the grantee. This means grantees have to navigate the reporting system differently for each federal agency, a process that requires a substantial expenditure of time and resources.

“Universities are proven engines for innovation, producing technologies that change people’s lives for the better,” said Julius Korley, University of Delaware Associate Vice President for the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships. “Improvements in cross-agency regulations and reporting requirements will help accelerate our work in technology transfer, moving inventions out of the university and into the community where they can make a difference by improving lives.”

“This legislation directs an important GAO study to find out how the technology transfer process is working and how the federal government can make it work even better,” said Stephen Susalka, Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) CEO. “We believe this study can help guide agencies toward improving their role in the effort by universities to spin off even more beneficial research for the American people.”

“This bill would provide incredibly valuable insight and evidence – which is currently lacking – into the compliance burden faced by research universities in pursuit of technology transfer,” said Kate Hudson, Association of American Universities Associate Vice President & Counsel for Government Relations and Public Policy. “The proposed GAO report will ensure policymakers have a clear-eyed understanding of the landscape of Bayh-Dole compliance, which will lead to better regulatory and legislative initiatives to promote and streamline innovation in the U.S. economy.”

The Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act is endorsed by the Bayh-Dole Coalition, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, University of Delaware, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska System, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and AUTM.

A one-pager on the bill is available here.

The full bill text is available here.

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Senators Coons, Rubio, Shaheen, and Graham, Representatives Stevens and Hill celebrate the signing of their bill to establish National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and flag

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as well as U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and French Hill (R-Ark.), celebrated President Biden signing into law their bipartisan legislation to establish March 9 as the annual National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. The bill was signed as part of the broader National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and establishes a national day commemorating hostages and wrongful detainees in order to call increased attention to Americans unjustly held abroad. The legislation will also establish an official Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, pictured below. 

“The creation of a National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and flag will help ensure Americans never forget the tragic stories of Robert Levinson, Evan Gershkovich, and other U.S. citizens held hostage or detained illegally in foreign countries,” said Senator Coons. “I promise to keep unjustly held Americans at the forefront of our foreign policy and make every effort to return each of these Americans safely home. I’m proud to see President Biden sign this into law and help us recognize the plight of wrongfully detained Americans, American hostages, and their families. We stand with you. You are not forgotten.”

“The plight of Americans unjustly detained abroad is excruciating for them and their loved ones,” said Senator Shaheen. “Establishing a day and having a specific flag to recognize these individuals is an important, symbolic way the United States can remind the public that these hostages and their families are not forgotten. I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral action to raise the profiles of these individuals and the families who are fighting for their freedom while we pursue all avenues to bring them home.”

“With the uptick in hostage-taking as a tactic by bad actors and lawless states, we must continue to bring awareness to the plight of Americans who are captive abroad,” said Representative Stevens. “This legislation provides a means to ensure that every American wrongfully detained and their families know that Congress stands with them, and every American will stand with them in observance of National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day each March 9. We won’t stop our support until every single hostage is home with their family.” 

“As American citizens are increasingly wrongfully detained worldwide, it is critical that we bring awareness to all Americans who are held against their will. Every year on March 9, National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day will serve as a day that all Americans stand in observance of those who are wrongfully detained abroad,” said Representative Hill. “Congress stands with wrongful detainees and their families, and we will continue to fight until every wrongfully detained American is reunited with their families and is home safely.”

March 9 is the day on which Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran in 2007. He was declared dead in absentia in 2020. 

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