Senator Coons’ statement on political developments in Kenya

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) travelled to Kenya to meet with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to discuss the current political crisis and share his concerns that growing political tensions and violence threaten peace and progress in Kenya. U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman joined him in all conversations and emphasized the strong partnership between the United States and Kenya. Kenya has become an important hub for investment, as seen in last week’s successful economic conference, and continuing to uphold the rule of law and avoiding ongoing political violence will be critical to Kenya’s economic growth and opportunities.  

In the meetings, Senator Coons observed that democracy in America has also experienced many challenges, including recent ongoing disputes about election results and post-election violence. Understanding the importance of electoral integrity, he encouraged all sides in Kenya to find a path forward on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and recognize the role of a strong, effective opposition in a multiparty system. Senator Coons also expressed concern to government officials about the reports of excessive force by police and attacks on journalists. He urged them to seek accountability for such attacks and the destruction of property, including that belonging to Kenyatta and Odinga, and urged Odinga and leaders of the Azimio political alliance to address their concerns through legal pathways and ensure their supporters protest peacefully.

Both Kenyan President William Ruto and Odinga made important public statements yesterday committing to negotiations to seek a peaceful resolution to ongoing political tensions. Ruto committed to addressing concerns about the IEBC and negotiating a path forward for Azimio to serve as an effective opposition. Odinga welcomed Ruto’s outreach and agreed to suspend planned demonstrations for the coming week. Senator Coons expressed his gratitude to all parties and his belief that to preserve and strengthen democracy, political leaders must put the public’s interest above their own, demonstrate respect for fundamental rights, and protect space for criticism and dissent. He stated, “I encourage all parties to seek reconciliation and find ways to constructively and meaningfully engage each other on the challenges facing Kenya.”

Senator Coons statement on indictment of Donald Trump

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the indictment of former President Donald Trump by a Manhattan grand jury: 

“Today’s developments are a reminder that no one—even a former president—is above the law. Before commenting further, I will read District Attorney Bragg’s indictment upon its release and review the case, and I encourage everyone to do the same.

“I hope that my friends and colleagues across the political spectrum remember that every American is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and that they also respect whatever result our justice system ultimately produces.”

Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

###

Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bill to eliminate blanket presumption of pretrial detention for most federal drug charges

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) yesterday introduced the bipartisan Smarter Pretrial Detention for Drug Charges Act, which would provide judges additional flexibility when determining if pretrial detention is appropriate for those accused of nonviolent drug offenses. An individualized assessment can be conducted for each defendant on a case-by-case basis, eliminating the blanket presumption of pretrial detention for most federal drug charges. The senators introduced the bill as pretrial detention rates in the federal system are increasing across all demographic groups and as racial disparities in pretrial release rates continue to present themselves in drug cases; white defendants are more likely to receive pretrial release than black defendants.

“Judges should make detention decisions based on the facts of the individual case, not on blanket presumptions. This bipartisan, commonsense bill will protect public safety by addressing rising pretrial detention rates that are wasting resources and perpetuating injustices, and bring us closer to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equal justice under law,” said Senator Coons.

Under the Bail Reform Act of 1984, the release of defendants is generally presumed unless a judge finds a risk of flight or potential danger to the community. This is the appropriate standard for defendants due to the presumption of innocence. However, this release presumption is reversed for certain criminal charges, creating a presumption of detention without regard to the circumstances and background of the accused.

One of these “presumption” charges is for any drug offense that is punishable by 10 years or more, which includes the vast majority of federal drug offenses. This presumption treats nonviolent drug offenses similarly to charges for terrorism, hijacking, and other serious violent crimes. According to the Probation and Pretrial Services Office of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, this presumption has “become an almost de facto detention order for almost half of all federal cases.” 

The following organizations support the Smarter Pretrial Detention for Drug Charges Act: American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans for Prosperity, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Americans for Tax Reform, Dream Corps JUSTICE (formerly #cut50), Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, Fair and Just Prosecutions, Fair Trials, FAMM, Federal Public and Community Defenders, Innocence Project, Justice Action Network, Justice Roundtable, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Law Enforcement Leaders, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Pretrial Justice Institute, Prison Fellowship, R Street Institute, Right on Crime, Sentencing Project, and Tzedek Association.

The text of the bill is available here. The one-pager is available here.

###

Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan effort to help more American households save energy and money

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) this week reintroduced the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, bipartisan legislation to improve public health and lower household energy costs by bolstering the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Senator Coons led the effort in the Energy Act of 2020 to reauthorize WAP, which provides support to low-income families for home weatherization, window replacement, air leak seals, ventilation improvements, and other key energy-saving measures. 

The Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act will build on WAP’s success by authorizing a Weatherization Readiness Fund to help repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization assistance, increasing the number of homes the program is able to serve. The bill will also raise the maximum allowable funding amount per home to keep up with current labor and material costs.

“Thousands of Delawareans have benefited from the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides support for low-income families to make their homes more energy efficient and lowers their energy costs,” said Senator Coons. “This legislation will help ensure that this assistance gets to the people who need it most while creating clean energy jobs. It’s good for our wallets, good for our environment, and good for our energy security.”

Since 1976, WAP has helped more than 7.4 million low-income families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Low-income households spend an average of nearly 14% of their annual income on energy costs, compared to 3% for higher income households. This burden often compels families with limited financial resources to cut back on essentials like medicine, groceries, and child care. The U.S Department of Energy estimates that weatherization upgrades help each household save $372 in energy bills annually. In addition to saving families money, energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. WAP also supports over 8,500 jobs for energy experts and contractors, while increasing our national economic output by $1.2 billion.

“We applaud Senators Reed, Collins, Coons, and Shaheen for introducing this important bipartisan piece of legislation, which will help low-income and elderly Americans,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials. “The sponsoring senators are continuing their long-time support of energy efficiency programs that reduce costs for the public.”

“The Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act will allow the program to use today’s tools and technology to tackle 21st century challenges,” said David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, which represents local weatherizers. “When it becomes law, homes will be more resilient and efficient in the face of extreme weather; families and communities will be healthier and safer; and energy will be more affordable. The unwavering leadership of Senators Jack Reed, Susan Collins, Chris Coons, and Jeanne Shaheen has kept the Weatherization Assistance Program robust and relevant through changing times.” 

“NASCSP is thrilled to support the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, introduced by Senators Reed, Collins, Coons, and Shaheen, long time champions of weatherization,” said Cheryl Williams, Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs. “This legislation paves the way toward decreasing energy burdens and improving the health and safety of low-income households, while ensuring a stronger workforce.”

Click here to read the full bill text.

###

Senator Coons statement on Senate repeal of 1991 and 2002 AUMFs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed S. 316, a bill to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq by a vote of 66-30:

“It’s well past time to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. Congress must reaffirm its constitutional authority over war powers and this vote goes a long way toward asserting the way in which our leaders choose to wage war and use force.

“Iraq is now a key partner for the United States in the Middle East. I hope the vote today will not only affirm our cooperative and strategic relationship with the country, but begin a new chapter in U.S.-Iraq bilateral relations. While I am unable to vote in person in its favor, I support the passage of this bill without amendment.”

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

###

Senator Coons joins 10,000 Small Businesses Voices roundtable hosted at growing minority-owned transportation company in Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Tuesday visited with small business owners from across Delaware to listen to their stories as part of a stop on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices policymaker series, “Small Business. America’s Future.” The group provided the Senator with an on-the-ground perspective of challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs in today’s economy.

The leaders took part in a conversation at local small business Delaware Limo, aboard one of the largest vehicles in their fleet. Co-founder and CEO Elorm Ahiamadjie is an alum of the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices program, and he was joined by additional program alumni Coleman Bye of Mercantile Press, Greg Finkle of Trinity Subsurface, Markevis Gideon of NERDiT Now, Devon Mitchell of DSN Corporation, Mareya Steinbacher of Shoreline Medical, Suzanne Swift of Spec Simple, Sandy Taccone of Blue Blaze Associates, and Marian Young of BrightFields.

Major topics of discussion included access to affordable capital, workforce competitiveness, and leveling the playing field for small businesses, along with modernizing and reauthorizing the Small Business Administration for the first time since 2000. This included the Senator’s efforts to reauthorize the SBA’s SCORE program.

“Small businesses are the backbone of communities across Delaware, demonstrating the resilience and innovation that makes our state and country strong,” said Senator Coons. “It was wonderful to hear from a handful of the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices to learn how I can continue to help them unleash their potential, including by fighting for the reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, and SCORE in particular. I look forward to continuing to work every day to support and empower small businesses and entrepreneurs across Delaware.”

“It was an honor to host Senator Chris Coons at Delaware Limo. Small businesses like ours have faced all kinds of obstacles over the last few years, but we’ve persevered. I was grateful to join with other Delaware small business owners to talk about our difficulties as well as opportunities for growth. Senator Coons was an excellent listener when we discussed our experiences, and he heard and appreciated what we have all fought through over the last few years. I’m thankful he took time out of his schedule to come to Delaware Limo and hear from the constituents that are the lifeblood of our great state,” said Ahiamadjie. “I’m also thankful for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses for providing me with the knowledge I need to develop my business, along with organizing this event today that united Delaware business leaders for this important discussion,”

The series, “Small Business. America’s Future.”, seeks to spotlight reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, which a survey conducted by Goldman Sachs shows 94% of small business owners support and believe is important for Congress to accomplish.  

 For additional photos of today’s event, click here.

###

Senator Coons joins 10,000 Small Businesses Voices roundtable hosted at growing minority-owned transportation company in Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Tuesday visited with small business owners from across Delaware to listen to their stories as part of a stop on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices policymaker series, “Small Business. America’s Future.” The group provided the Senator with an on-the-ground perspective of challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs in today’s economy.

The leaders took part in a conversation at local small business Delaware Limo, aboard one of the largest vehicles in their fleet. Co-founder and CEO Elorm Ahiamadjie is an alum of the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices program, and he was joined by additional program alumni Coleman Bye of Mercantile Press, Greg Finkle of Trinity Subsurface, Markevis Gideon of NERDiT Now, Devon Mitchell of DSN Corporation, Mareya Steinbacher of Shoreline Medical, Suzanne Swift of Spec Simple, Sandy Taccone of Blue Blaze Associates, and Marian Young of BrightFields.

Major topics of discussion included access to affordable capital, workforce competitiveness, and leveling the playing field for small businesses, along with modernizing and reauthorizing the Small Business Administration for the first time since 2000. This included the Senator’s efforts to reauthorize the SBA’s SCORE program.

“Small businesses are the backbone of communities across Delaware, demonstrating the resilience and innovation that makes our state and country strong,” said Senator Coons. “It was wonderful to hear from a handful of the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices to learn how I can continue to help them unleash their potential, including by fighting for the reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, and SCORE in particular. I look forward to continuing to work every day to support and empower small businesses and entrepreneurs across Delaware.”

“It was an honor to host Senator Chris Coons at Delaware Limo. Small businesses like ours have faced all kinds of obstacles over the last few years, but we’ve persevered. I was grateful to join with other Delaware small business owners to talk about our difficulties as well as opportunities for growth. Senator Coons was an excellent listener when we discussed our experiences, and he heard and appreciated what we have all fought through over the last few years. I’m thankful he took time out of his schedule to come to Delaware Limo and hear from the constituents that are the lifeblood of our great state,” said Ahiamadjie. “I’m also thankful for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses for providing me with the knowledge I need to develop my business, along with organizing this event today that united Delaware business leaders for this important discussion,”

The series, “Small Business. America’s Future.”, seeks to spotlight reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, which a survey conducted by Goldman Sachs shows 94% of small business owners support and believe is important for Congress to accomplish.  

 For additional photos of today’s event, click here.

###

Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester announce $9 million to combat homelessness in Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.), today announced that almost $9 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be coming to Delaware to support organizations working to end homelessness across the state.

“I’m proud we can support the organizations in Delaware that work with our brothers and sisters in need to provide safe housing,” said Senator Carper. “It’s important to note that these organizations also provide support and resources that can address the underlying causes of homelessness and help these folks find permanent housing and employment.”

“It is our moral imperative to help our neighbors secure dignified housing. Homelessness does not have a single cause, and the solution won’t come from a single entity,” said Senator Coons, member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations’ Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. “These organizations are doing some of the hardest work to combat those problems in communities across the First State, and these funds will help them achieve their goal of ensuring every Delawarean has a roof over their head.”

“One of my top priorities since coming to Congress has been creating affordable and reliable housing throughout the First State,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “The sad reality is that too many in our state are experiencing homelessness and don’t have the support or resources that they need. That’s why this investment, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will be a much-needed addition to our broader strategy to combat homelessness and ensure that everyone in our state has a safe, reliable, and affordable place to live.”

“These funds are critical for us, as a community, to be able quickly re-house people and families who are experiencing homelessness,” said Rachel Stucker, Executive Director of Housing Alliance Delaware. “We are excited that we received Continuum of Care (CoC) funds this year to increase Delaware’s supportive housing capacity, and continue the good work being done by nonprofits in our state. These local housing programs exemplify the kind of housing help that is urgently needed, and that President Biden’s proposed HUD budget would allow us to do much more of.” 

HUD’s FY 2022 CoC and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants are intended to renew, initiate, or plan programs that harness a whole-of-community approach to addressing homelessness. These grants provide funding to new and existing projects that will provide permanent supportive housing to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness in areas with especially high need.

Delaware will receive $8,901,293 in funding for the following programs. Asterisks denote new programs:

• $464,388 for CHILD Inc.
• $100,000 for Code Purple Kent County*
• $4,811,037 for Conexio Care Inc. across eight grants
• $774,743 for Family Promise of Northern New Castle County Inc. across three grants
• $620,008 for Housing Alliance Delaware Inc. across three grants
• $514,387 for Ministry of Caring Inc. across five grants
• $487,373 for West End Neighborhood House Inc. across two grants
• $360,947 for YMCA of Delaware*
• $768,410 for YWCA Delaware Inc. across three grants

###

Senators Coons, Marshall reintroduce bill connecting trade school graduates with small businesses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, reintroduced the Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act to strengthen the supply of skilled trade workers in communities across the United States. U.S. Representatives Roger Williams (R-Texas), the Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, while U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, is an original cosponsor in the Senate.

“Graduates of career and technical education (CTE) institutes have the skills that small businesses in Delaware and other states desperately need,” said Senator Coons. “Whether it’s in health care, construction, or beyond, the Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act will bridge the gap between those businesses and the hardworking students seeking to land the good-paying jobs for which they’ve trained. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to ensure Delawareans and workers from across the nation can make the most of their careers.”

“Exciting economic developments that will offer good-paying opportunities for Kansans are taking place throughout our state,” said Senator Marshall. “But what crosses my mind when I hear about these projects is who will build and maintain the facilities, and who will work there. Filling in the growing gap in the supply of skilled trade workers is crucial for providing the economic support new businesses need to thrive. This bill connects CTE graduates to communities where their unique skillset is desperately needed.”

“Our bipartisan legislation will help Small Business Development Centers and Women’s Business Centers assist students in vocational programs while bringing opportunity and prosperity to our communities,” said Senator Cardin. “We have great talent coming out of our vocational education programs, and we also have great need across the country to fill in-demand jobs in high-paying fields. Our aim is to bridge this gap and continue to provide job opportunities for students in technical programs.”

“Starting a small business is a leap of faith,” said Congressman Williams. “This bipartisan piece of legislation ensures federal resources are being used to support entrepreneurs and connect businesses with qualified employees. It is our responsibility to better aid these entrepreneurs so they can achieve the American Dream. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support our nation’s primary job creators.”

“Success is still too often defined as having a college degree, and that often results in the lack of investment in career and technical education programs. Not only do we need to expand these programs, but we also need to make sure that students can be connected to good-paying jobs after they graduate,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan bill is an important step forward in that effort, and I want to thank Chairman Williams for working with me to support CTE students and small businesses across the country.”

The American economy is lacking workers in key industries, such as construction and nursing, and cannot keep up with demand. Fewer Americans are pursuing careers in skilled trades at a time when the older Americans who provide these services are entering retirement. The Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act helps small business owners fill gaps in their workforce by connecting them with graduates of vocational programs through the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). It also offers resources from SBDCs and WBCs that can assist in starting up a small business as an incentive for Americans to pursue a trade school degree.

Click here to read the full bill text.

###

Senator Coons joins delegation to Mexico to meet with President López Obrador, strengthen U.S.-Mexico ties

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Chair of the Senate State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Appropriations Subcommittee, joined a congressional delegation (CODEL) led by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) to Mexico this past weekend. The bipartisan, bicameral delegation met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and members of his cabinet in Mexico. The delegation, which also included Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), and María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), received briefings from U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and U.S. law enforcement officials on how we can better manage migration at the southern border, respond to the recent killings of Americans in the country, and strengthen efforts to stop drug and arms trafficking.

“Mexico is one of our most important partners in the world. We share deep economic and trade ties through USMCA, and our close commercial, cultural, and educational ties are strong and vital. However, there is more we can do to expand these ties. From working together to address migration, to combatting illicit drug and arms trafficking, and to facilitating free trade, we must continue to develop and strengthen the U.S.-Mexico relationship and cooperation. We had a constructive meeting with President López Obrador and members of his cabinet to discuss how both countries can better address these regional challenges together,” said Senator Coons.

In Mexico City, the delegation met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, and other U.S. and Mexican government officials.

###