Sens. Coons, Graham, Boozman introduce legislation to create new foundation to tackle global food security crisis

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) yesterday introduced legislation to combat the ever-growing global food security crisis. The Foundation for International Food Security Act would be a new model to tackle this growing global challenge by leveraging private sector dollars to improve food systems. The Foundation will bring to the forefront innovative solutions from the private sector and help break down institutional barriers.

“Hundreds of millions of people are facing famine due to rising food prices, climate change, conflict, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Senator Coons. “As Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m proud to steer the United States’ continuing leadership role in combatting global food insecurity. Giving a helping hand to those who need it the most has been a longstanding value of our nation, and this legislation will help promote sustainable, agriculture-led economic growth and build resilient food systems to put an end to hunger across the world.”

“Today, according to the World Food Program, there are more than 345 million people facing acute hunger. That is an increase of almost 200 million since early 2020,” said Senator Graham.  “Our legislation will focus on helping people in the developing world produce their own food so they aren’t forced to migrate. The American farming community is the gold standard and this will help us bring the best science and technology to the developing world. Our goal is to help teach people how to feed themselves using American ingenuity and technology.” 

“Escalating conflicts, food inaccessibility and increased prices are fueling a global hunger crisis. This is a humanitarian emergency that needs an innovative approach to deliver help to children and families most in need. I’m pleased to support the Foundation for International Food Security Act to leverage private funding so we help modernize food supply systems around the world which will ultimately foster stability and prevent the weaponization of food,” said Senator Boozman.

Currently more than 345 million people face acute hunger in 2023 – more than double the number in 2020. Up to 50 million people are on the brink of famine and over 13 million children suffer from severe malnutrition. Unfortunately, the number of acutely hungry people continues to increase at a pace that?funding is unlikely to match, while the?cost of delivering food assistance is at an all-time high.?

The Foundation for International Food Security Act would:

• Establish a nonprofit, independent foundation to fund a focused group of countries by leveraging the private sector to bring additional capital and resources to projects that address food security systems.
• Fund projects based on a list of predetermined criteria, including the ability to hit performance metrics, increase agricultural production, mitigate against food shocks, and remain sustainable.
• Complement existing programs, but is charged with not duplicating existing US government funded programs.  

“One Acre Fund is thrilled with the introduction of the Foundation for International Food Security bill, which will drive more resources into impactful programs that equip smallholder farmers with the tools they need to feed their families and communities,” said Matthew Forti, Managing Director, One Acre Fund. “In an era of increasing global hunger, we are excited about this new Foundation’s focus on measurable and sustainable results, and its unique governance structure that will build more support to help our sector get back on track to achieving SDG2, a zero-hunger world.”

“Given the many global challenges we collectively face, Farm Journal Foundation is supportive of the Foundation for International Security Act, which if enacted will complement the ongoing, impactful work of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future Initiative and help ensure that the public and private sectors work together to advance global food and nutrition security,” said Katie Lee, Vice President, Government Affairs at Farm Journal Foundation.

“Climate change is accelerating the global challenge of nutrition security and putting vulnerable people at greater risk each and every day. Solutions must be tailored to local food production systems while ensuring we protect the world’s forests, rivers and grasslands,” said Michael Doane, Global Managing Director, Food & Freshwater Systems, The Nature Conservancy. “Through this bipartisan proposal, the U.S. government would advance durable public-private partnerships to make meaningful progress on the twin challenge of food security and climate change while also conserving critical ecosystems. Thank you to Sens. Graham and Coons for their work to balance the needs of people and nature.”

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Senators Coons, Scott, Kaine, Wicker introduce bill to strengthen HBCUs’ role in U.S.-Africa partnerships

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced the HBCU Africa Partnerships Act today to encourage the growth of research partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and federal agencies to advance development in sub-Saharan Africa.

“HBCUs like Delaware State University can play a critical role in helping the United States connect with members of the African diaspora and further build our partnerships with allies and partners across the African continent,” said Senator Coons. “I’m excited to introduce this bipartisan bill to promote and expand collaborations between HBCUs and federal agencies across many fields of research. This legislation builds on the historic contributions of HBCUs to U.S. international relations and ensures that they will continue to have a strong impact on our nation’s foreign policy and security.”

“Malign actors like China continue to expand their influence across sub-Saharan Africa, jeopardizing America’s national security interests and exploiting African communities,” said Senator Scott. “Our HBCUs are producing top-tier researchers and academics who are working to find solutions to global challenges. Encouraging greater collaboration between HBCUs and African partners will strengthen our relationships and combat authoritarian influence, while helping to fortify the foundations that enable free-market economies to flourish.”

“HBCUs are a vital asset to our higher education system and our country overall,” said Senator Kaine. “These institutions and the talent they attract can play an important role in America’s efforts to partner with other countries around the world. This legislation would help us build the relationships between our HBCUs and federal agencies, like the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, that we need to help make happen, and to strengthen America’s partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.”

“Delaware State University is excited about Senator Coons’ introduction of the HBCU Africa Partnerships Act. This legislation will create abundant possibilities for America’s HBCU researchers, faculty, and students to connect with their counterparts in the sub-Saharan countries of Africa,” said Delaware State University President Tony Allen, PhD. “Delaware State University’s outreach and community service capabilities already extend across the local, regional, national, and global spectrum, but it would be tremendously meaningful for our community to share research and technical expertise on the African continent – the cultural and ethnic root of most of our campus community.”

The HBCU Africa Partnerships Act will:

• Expand partnerships and student exchange programs at HBCUs to build up the capacity and expertise of students, scholars, and experts from sub-Saharan Africa in key development areas, including food systems, agriculture, nutrition and farming, democracy, and public health.
• Authorize the State Department to establish a short-term exchange program for African students, scholars, and experts to spend a semester or academic year at an HBCU.
• Direct the State Department to develop and increase educational grant opportunities, agency partnerships, and outreach and communications at HBCUs.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

Senator Coons, colleagues call for fuel deliveries to hospitals and water treatment centers in Gaza

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Coon (D-Del.) and 24 of his Senate colleagues issued the following statement today:

“We condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, for which Israel must hold Hamas accountable. In the course of that endeavor, every effort must be made to protect innocent civilians. Right now, hospitals in Gaza are hours away from running out of fuel that powers ventilators, incubators for babies, and other lifesaving equipment, and diseases are rapidly spreading without power to treat and pump clean drinking water. To prevent a potential health crisis and help save countless lives, we believe it is possible to transport fuel directly to these hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations with full transparency to prevent diversion to Hamas. There are extensive oversight mechanisms in place that will track the fuel deliveries directly to the intended sites where they can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including babies and children. We encourage the Biden administration to work with our Israeli, Egyptian, and UN partners to enable these lifesaving deliveries.”

Senator Coons is joined by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).

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

Senators Coons, Scott, colleagues call on Senate to prioritize reauthorizing legislation to expand economic opportunities with Africa

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led 11 of their Senate colleagues in an open letter, urging Senate leadership to prioritize reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in the coming months. AGOA’s authorization expires in September 2025. 

The Senators write, “The African Growth and Opportunity Act is the foundation of the United States’ economic relationship with sub-Saharan Africa. By lowering the cost of trade and encouraging investment in the region, AGOA creates valuable opportunities for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers. At the same time, by facilitating over $9 billion in exports from 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, AGOA promotes sustainable economic growth and development throughout the region, which, in turn, promotes stability and strengthens our national security. However, for this value to be fully realized, Congress must act soon to extend the program. 

They continue, “African leaders and American businesses are calling for AGOA’s extension and urging Congress to work expeditiously to extend the program into the next decade. We agree. While there are aspects of AGOA that Congress should seek to improve, we believe the priority should be renewing the program as soon as possible and for a lengthy period. Renewing AGOA will reinforce the economic gains facilitated by the program to date and unlock new opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.”

“It is urgent that Congress enact an early and long-term renewal of AGOA. Timely action is vital to create a predictable environment to support responsible U.S.—African trade and investment partnerships as the apparel and footwear industry continues to diversify sourcing out of China. Thanks to Senators Coons and Scott, and other signatories to this important letter, for their leadership and advocacy on AGOA,” said Stephen Lamar, President and CEO of American Apparel & Footwear Association.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act was established by Congress in 2000 and most recently reauthorized in 2015. The program provides tariff-free access to the U.S. market for exports of goods from as many as 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Eligibility depends on favorable annual reviews of a country’s trade and investment policy, governance, worker rights, human rights, and other conditions. Currently, 35 beneficiaries are eligible. Total U.S. imports from AGOA-eligible countries in 2022 totaled $31 billion, of which $9.4 billion was covered by AGOA. 

In addition to Senators Coons and Scott, the letter is signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

You can read the full letter here.

ICYMI: Following debate, Senators Coons, Rubio highlight need for bipartisanship in new op-ed

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) published a joint op-ed in The Hill today highlighting the need to work in a bipartisan fashion to create commonsense solutions for the American people, as the pair has repeatedly done on college affordability, Israel policy, and other issues. The op-ed comes one month after Senators Coons and Rubio participated in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s The Senate Projectdebate series at George Washington University in Washington, where the pair debated issues such as China, America’s role in the world, and climate change.

The Hill: Searching for productive disagreement in a time of division 

Differing parties and governing philosophies do not have to stop elected officials from working together — the two of us are proof of that. In fact, we introduced our very first piece of legislation together: the American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Act, or AGREE Act, a pragmatic approach to putting politics aside and creating jobs through commonsense, bipartisan solutions. 

…

We are proud of our record of working together in the U.S. Senate, where over the past 13 years, we have passed legislation to boost our economy, increase college affordability, support Israel, and draw attention to the dangers of the Wagner Group. However, we recognize that too often in this body, gridlock and speechifying carry the day, not regular order, cooperation, or debate.

These are symptoms of deeper, systemic problems. After all, our politics is a mirror that reflects our broader society. Congress is polarized because America is polarized. Our disagreements are not imaginary; they derive from real problems inflicting real pain on real people. Those problems are not easy to solve. 

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This is not a call for despair, however. To the contrary, our ability to engage in substantial, but civil debate before a live audience reminded us that hope remains for our system. It also reminded us that our system is worth fighting for.

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If we, as a nation, can turn that shared identity into unified action, we will show our adversaries that “e pluribus unum” is more than a slogan. We will show that disagreement can be productive, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people — messy as it is — is a real alternative to tyranny.

Read more of the op-ed here.

Senator Coons, colleagues write bipartisan letter to Pentagon to expand access to over-the-counter contraceptives for service members and their families

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and 33 of his Senate colleagues published an open letter today urging the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure over-the-counter birth control is available for service members and their families on military bases without a prescription. In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill as the first daily oral contraceptive available without a prescription.

The lawmakers wrote, “Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. We write to urge the Department of Defense to expand TRICARE coverage to include OTC contraceptives with no cost-sharing or prescription requirement. We also request the DoD stock OTC contraceptives in military treatment facilities, pharmacies, and exchanges.”

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, 40% of active-duty service women now face limited or no access to reproductive care where they are stationed. This impacts approximately 1.6 million women of reproductive age – including service members, retirees, and their families – who rely on the Military Health System to access essential health care. 

The senators call on DoD to make Opill available in medical facilities, retail stores, and pharmacies on military bases at no cost to servicemembers or dependents and without a prescription. They ask DoD to respond by the end of the month and to provide reasons in case the Pentagon is unable or unwilling to meet their call to expand access to reproductive care for people currently serving in uniform, military retirees, and their dependents.

In addition to Senator Coons, the letter is signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

You can read the full letter here.

Senator Coons statement on congressional delegation to Israel

TEL AVIV, Israel – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement today after participating in a congressional delegation to Israel:

“In the wake of the unprecedented and horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 – the deadliest anti-Semitic attack since the Holocaust – I joined a bipartisan delegation to reinforce the United States’ steadfast support for Israel and its right to defend itself.

“On Sunday, we met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz, members of the Israeli emergency war Cabinet; Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer; and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, to show solidarity with Israel and discuss the importance of emergency funding for the defense of Israel. We also met with a dozen families of Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza to express our support and commitment to doing everything we can to bring them home. 

“Our delegation also expressed support for humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza, who are also suffering under Hamas’ brutal rule. It is long past time to bring an end to Hamas and find a just and secure solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I hope for justice for those murdered by Hamas and peace for all those in the region.”

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

Senators Coons, Cornyn, Braun introduce resolution to celebrate Public Radio Music Day

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize October 25 as Public Radio Music Day and highlight the positive impact of public radio music stations for artists, musicians, and communities across all states and territories. U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

“Public radio fills rooms, offices, and spaces throughout the United States with entertainment, education, and lifesaving information. Delaware is home to creative communities and emerging artists that rely on radio stations like WDDE in Dover to showcase their talents to radio listeners across the world,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize October 25 as Public Radio Music Day and celebrate the impact of public music stations on artists and fans.”

“Public radio stations provide an important platform for local artists in Texas and across the country,” said Senator Cornyn. “Public Radio Music Day celebrates the indispensable role these stations play in promoting talent from the Lone Star State and honoring Texas’ rich music history.”

“Before the internet, television, and all other modern and ubiquitous technologies, there was the radio. For generations, Americans have tuned into their favorite stations to hear the news of the day, listen to music, and much more. Public Radio Music Day pays homage to the invaluable benefits and enjoyment that radio listening has brought to Hoosiers and Americans in the past, present, and future,” said Senator Braun.

More than 25 million Americans listen to noncommercial music stations each week and connect with new music, genres, and artists in their local communities. Public Radio Music Day celebrates the contributions that public radio music stations make to the arts and culture of local communities, including artist discovery and music education. A fourth annual series of events celebrating Public Radio Music Day, held by the noncomMUSIC Alliance, will focus on the theme of “Building Community Through Music.” Participating stations will host local live events and performances, special programming, exclusive artist interviews, and curated playlists. More information about Public Radio Music Day is available here.

The text of the resolution is available here.

Senators Coons, Capito, Peters introduce resolution to recognize National Chemistry Week

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing October 15-21, 2023 as National Chemistry Week and marking the important role chemistry plays in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution also notes that National Chemistry Week strives to stimulate the interest of young people, including women and underrepresented groups, to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue science-related careers. Senator Coons previously introduced the National Chemistry Week resolution in the 117th Congress.

“As a proud holder of a degree in chemistry, I am happy to mark National Chemistry Week and recognize the important role chemistry plays throughout our society,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this year’s theme of ‘The Healing Power of Chemistry’ and recognize Delaware’s contributions to the field of chemistry that have improved the quality of life of Americans, created good-paying jobs for Delawareans, and led to cutting-edge research into biotechnologies, biopharmaceuticals, and food science.”

“With the chemical industry representing the largest manufacturing sector in our state, recognizing National Chemistry Week holds special significance for West Virginians. This resolution celebrates the remarkable achievements that chemical innovation has brought to our communities, and the potential that the field holds for our students,” said Senator Capito. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to again designate National Chemistry Week, and will continue my efforts to support the industry and increase opportunities for youth with dreams to pursue a career in STEM.”

“As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, I’m honored to join my colleagues to commemorate National Chemistry Week,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the immense impact that chemistry has on our everyday lives, whether it’s by advancing health care solutions or supporting good-paying jobs that keep Michigan and the United States competitive on the world stage.”

National Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society and unites students, professional communities, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. This year’s National Chemistry Week theme is “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” Learn more about National Chemistry Week here.

The text of the bill is available here.

VIDEO: Senator Coons urges colleagues to confirm Jennifer Hall as U.S. District Court Judge for Delaware shortly before confirmation vote

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor today, urging his colleagues to confirm Jennifer Hall as the newest judge for the U.S. District Court of Delaware, minutes before a vote to confirm her on the floor passed by a bipartisan majority of 67-29. Judge Hall garnered more votes in favor of her nomination than any other district court nominee this Congress.

“I rise today in support of the nomination of the Honorable Jennifer Hall to be our next District Court Judge in the District Court of Delaware, one of the very busiest dockets in the entire nation,” Senator Coons said on the floor. “The District of Delaware handles a remarkable amount of complex patent cases and cutting-edge commercial litigation. It takes a special judge to serve in this court and Judge Hall’s unique background and extensive legal experience make her an ideal candidate.”

Judge Hall’s successful vote on the floor today continues her impressive record of garnering bipartisan support in the Senate. Yesterday, a strong bipartisan majority of senators agreed to invoke cloture on Judge Hall’s nomination by a vote of 63 to 26. Last month, the Judiciary Committee voted to advance her nomination by a vote of 16-5; at the time, it was the most bipartisan vote of any district court judge awaiting a floor vote.

Judge Hall was nominated for the judicial vacancy that will be created when Judge Richard G. Andrews takes senior status at the end of this year. She is currently a Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District of Delaware, having served in that capacity since 2019. Previously, Judge Hall served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware from 2011 to 2019, including as Chief of the Civil Division from 2015 to 2019; prior to that, she was a patent lawyer in the Wilmington office of Fish & Richardson P.C. Judge Hall also clerked for the Court of Appeals for both the Federal and Third Circuits.

Judge Hall received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University, and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota.

Full audio and video are available here. A full transcript is provided below.

Senator Coons: Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of the Honorable Jennifer Hall to be our next District Court Judge in the District Court of Delaware, one of the very busiest dockets in the entire nation. The District of Delaware handles a remarkable amount of complex patent cases and cutting-edge commercial litigation. It takes a special judge to serve in this court, and Judge Hall’s unique background and extensive legal experience make her an ideal candidate. My colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee agreed, advancing her nomination to this floor by a strong, bipartisan vote of 16 to 5. Judge Hall received support from half of the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Ranking Member [Lindsey] Graham [R-S.C.], Senators [Chuck] Grassley [R-Iowa], [John] Cornyn [R-Texas], [Mike] Lee [R-Utah], and [Thom] Tillis [R-N.C.].

She already knows the District of Delaware very well, serving as a Magistrate Judge since 2019. She’s proven herself a legal powerhouse and, time and time again, has handled a high volume of the most complex cases. Her legal experience before assuming the bench is just as impressive: eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Delaware, where she was Chief of the Civil Division, leading hundreds of cases on behalf of our federal government. Prior to that, she practiced law at Fish and Richardson P.C., where she litigated intellectual property and complex commercial cases. A graduate of Penn Law, she clerked for Judge Kent Jordan on the Third Circuit and Judge Sharon Prost on the Federal Circuit. Before enrolling at Penn, she earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Molecular Biochemistry from Yale, an education and background that will aid her as she decides complex patent and IP law cases.

You can see why the American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Hall as “well qualified” to serve on the District of Delaware bench. Mr. President, I know Judge Hall to be a balanced and thoughtful jurist, a skilled lawyer, and a compassionate human being – not just a great judge, but a loving wife to her husband, David, and a devoted mother to their children. Judge Hall’s exceptional qualifications, strong character, and even temperament will make her an asset to the District of Delaware. Yesterday, we voted by a margin of 63 to 26 to invoke cloture. I’m hopeful for an even stronger vote just now. I support her nomination without reservation and urge my colleagues to do the same.