ICYMI: Politico profile highlights Senator Coons’ crucial role as “highly sought out” lawmaker abroad

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Politico yesterday profiled U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) at the Munich Security Conference, focusing on his role as a foreign policy leader in his own right and as a crucial link between world leaders, Congress, and President Biden. Senator Coons is “the closest thing to a direct presidential representative [on] Capitol Hill” thanks to his links to President Biden given their Delaware background and shared ethos of “The Delaware Way.” As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Senator Coons has become a foreign policy leader in the Senate as well, controlling the purse strings of diplomacy and influencing U.S. engagement with NATO, assistance for Ukraine, and efforts to outcompete and counter foreign adversaries like China.

Politico: What Chris Coons tells world leaders about Biden

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At both global conclaves, the powerful who gathered behind closed doors had no illusions about the important association that makes this Democratic lawmaker highly sought out and listened to. He’s one of President Joe Biden’s most influential global emissaries, someone who’s mentioned in the same breath as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan or Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Though he may not hold executive power, he’s the closest thing to a direct presidential representative one can find from the ranks of Capitol Hill.

Coons has been Biden’s “other guy” abroad throughout this presidency. To watch the jovial Delawarean operate outside the U.S. is to see him embrace the role of proxy. At the Munich Security Conference this weekend, world leaders flocked to the 59-year-old lawmaker not only to get a sense of U.S. foreign policy — they could also speak to Vice President Kamala Harris or Blinken for that. They sought him out to get a sense of Biden, the man.

“What I bring to the table in talking to folks here, or who are world leaders, is I get one piece of who he is, which is the part that’s connected to Delaware,” Coons said in our interview. That ethos — “The Delaware Way,” Coons called it — is the same one that drives Biden’s style of negotiation: “You’ve got to get something if I’m going to get something.”

In the U.S. and around the world, Coons is talked about as a shadow secretary of State. It’s not just that Biden dispatches him to hotspots or expects to be briefed after the senator’s meetings at global fora. It’s also that Coons is always gladhanding with foreign dignitaries, whether in cramped hotel hallways or glitzy Alpine resorts. He has a gift for showmanship and a warm personal touch, lightly tapping someone when he wants to emphasize a point or he sees their attention slipping.

As a member of a congressional delegation here, Coons gave everyone from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to U.S. combatant commanders his reading of the president’s mindset entering the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The message was simple: Help Ukraine without risking America’s military readiness for future fights — namely should China invade Taiwan — and don’t plunge the U.S. into another foreign war.

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On Capitol Hill, Coons has another source of foreign policymaking power. He chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee’s panel on State and foreign aid funding and takes his control over [the] purse string role seriously.

“People think all the foreign officials come to him as the Biden whisperer, but really it’s because he writes the checks,” a Senate Democratic aide said.

The full article is available here.  

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Senators Coons, Young resolution establishing National FFA Week passes Senate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) celebrated the passage of a bipartisan resolution to establish February 18-25, 2023, as National FFA Week. The resolution has 58 bipartisan cosponsors and passed the Senate on February 15.

The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students, and also celebrates the iconic FFA jacket.

“Delaware’s long agricultural history continues to foster bright, young minds to meet today’s global challenges,” said Senator Coons. “As a member of the FFA Caucus, I’m proud to support the Delaware FFA, the National FFA Organization, and their critical roles in developing the minds and values of young Delawareans. I’m glad to have worked with more than 50 of my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution recognizing National FFA Week and the organization’s incalculable contributions to Delaware and to our nation.”

“Throughout Hoosier communities and our country, FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to introduce this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 11,600 FFA members in Indiana.”

“The Future Farmers of America play an important part outside of the classroom to engage our next generation of growers, scientists, researchers, and other important roles in the agricultural industry,” said Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.). “Here in the First State, agriculture is such a vital part of our economy. I am proud that we were able to once again recognize the good work FFA does across the nation, and I will continue to work across the aisle to create a nurturing environment for agriculture to prosper in our global economy.”

“National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we continue to share the message of agriculture and agricultural education while celebrating our more than 850,000 members and our supporters,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “Today, FFA and agricultural education continue to play a key role in developing the next generation of leaders and those who will be filling the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline across our food systems. We are grateful to our elected officials for supporting National FFA Week and their continued support of our organization.”

In addition to Senators Coons and Young, Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also cosponsored the resolution.

You can view the full text of the resolution here. 

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Senators Coons, Risch reintroduce SAFE Act to prevent looming food crisis

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) reintroduced the Securing Allies Food in Emergencies Act (SAFE Act), legislation that responds to the ongoing global food crisis created by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine by improving the timeliness, and expanding the reach of, U.S. international food assistance.

“Climate change, public health threats, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have escalated food security concerns, already threatening hundreds of millions of people across the world, into a full-blown crisis,” said Senator Coons. “As Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m proud to have helped secure billions for international development agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and I’ll continue to prioritize bipartisan legislation like the SAFE Act to ensure the U.S. is doing its part to address humanitarian crises and food insecurity across the world. I urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill to deploy our tools to effectively address the unprecedented global food crisis and prevent further suffering.”

“Food security is one of the most pressing threats we face around the globe today. Russia’s unprovoked war on Ukraine is significantly exacerbating an already dire situation by destabilizing the production and shipment of food for our key partners and allies,” said Senator Risch. “As the United States continues to provide humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, Congress must also help address food insecurity. The SAFE Act will expedite and expand the reach of international food assistance while also eliminating cargo preferences on food aid, helping us stretch our food aid dollars farther and ultimately saving millions of lives.”

The SAFE Act:

1. Requires the USAID administrator to develop a comprehensive strategy to avert a catastrophic global food security crisis;
2. Provides the USAID administrator with enhanced authority to procure emergency food assistance in the United States, locally, or regionally, so it can reach people experiencing acute food insecurity when and where they need it most;
3. Prioritizes procurements of U.S. agricultural commodities for areas where food is unavailable locally or regionally;
4. For areas where the use of U.S. agricultural commodities would not be timely or appropriate, prioritizes local and regional procurements from areas supported by U.S. agricultural development programs, including Ukraine;
5. Waives outdated U.S. shipping requirements for emergency food aid – which cost the American taxpayers an additional $80 million last year alone – thereby enabling USAID to stretch our food aid dollars farther; and
6. Bars procurements of food aid from Russia, China, and countries on the Department of State’s State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

The full text of the SAFE Act can be found here. 

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Senators Coons, Graham, Luján applaud launch of DOE foundation to support new clean energy tech

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) launch of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI) that will partner with the private sector to create, develop, and commercialize clean energy technologies. Senators Coons, Graham, and Luján led the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act to create FESI, which President Biden signed into law as part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in August 2022.

“The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation will boost American competitiveness and channel private-sector investments into critical partnerships between the Department of Energy, its world-class National Labs, the private sector, and the philanthropic community. I’m grateful that Secretary Jennifer Granholm is making this a priority,” said Senator Coons. “Through its flexible design, FESI will accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies that are needed to meet our climate goals. I was proud to lead the legislation to create this foundation with Senators Graham and Luján, and I look forward to working with the DOE to support its success.”

“Investing in research and development – particularly as it pertains to energy – is a no-brainer. FESI is an opportunity for the Department of Energy to partner with the private sector, creating a unique opportunity for innovation,” said Senator Graham. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Secretary to launch the foundation and foster new ideas and partnerships to keep America on the cutting edge of economic and technological developments.”

“The U.S. must remain competitive with transformative scientific research and development by harnessing the work done at New Mexico’s Los Alamos and Sandia National Labs,” said Senator Luján. “I’m pleased to have championed the DOE’s first foundation that prioritizes just that. FESI will promote partnerships between the public and private sectors, train the workforce, and drive innovation both in New Mexico and across the country.”

You can learn more here.

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Senator Coons, SBA Delaware Director Harris host listening roundtable to hear challenges facing Black-owned small businesses

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today joined Small Business Administration Delaware District Director Michelle Harris for a roundtable discussion in honor of Black History Month about how the First State is doing in supporting its Black-owned small businesses, and where and how Delaware can improve.

Participants in Friday’s discussion included President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Ayanna Khan, as well as SBA-backed small business counseling organizations and several Black-owned business owners, including Donté M. Murphy, co-founder of 6NINETY9 Web Design; Elaine Roberson, owner and operator of The Mail Box Store of New Castle; Lanice Wilson, owner of The Café Joint and The Juice Joint; Nataki Oliver, owner of The Sold Firm; Randall Law, owner of Kool Kolored Kid Generation, LLC; and Ashlee Cooper, owner of Droneversity.

Each of those business owners has direct personal experience utilizing guidance from a counseling organization like SCORE, a Delaware-founded program which supplies a curriculum and mentorship to Black-owned businesses, the Women’s Business Center, or the Small Business Development Center.

Issues such as high rent, foot traffic challenges, access to financial assistance, and pandemic interruptions were addressed during the roundtable. Clinton Tymes, TrueAccess Capital Technical Coordinator from the Women’s Business Center at TrueAccess Capital, Sarah Mailloux, Associate State Director, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Audrey Scott-Hynson, Business Advisor, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Troy Farmer, Navigator Program Manager, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and Ayanna Khan, Founder, President and CEO, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, were all present to provide advice to the small business owners who attended.

“Delaware’s black-owned businesses are the backbone of so many communities throughout the First State, and events like this provide crucial information about how these businesses are doing three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and how my staff and I can continue to support these businesses in Congress,” said Senator Coons. “It’s a mission of mine as a member of the Senate Small Business Committee to ensure the Small Business Administration is in the best position to support these companies. There is no shortage of good ideas from Delaware entrepreneurs, Black-owned or not, and we just need to continue connecting them with opportunities—that’s where I can help.”

“Black History Month is not only a great opportunity to celebrate Black excellence—and Black excellence in business—but to learn from it and build upon it to create future opportunities for Black entrepreneurs,” said Director Harris. “This roundtable discussion provided practical insight from both Black-owned small businesses and small business counselors to help us to do just that.”

“I signed the lease in 2019 [for my business] before the law changed, but there was no flexibility in renegotiating my lease. Just for the record, my rent was $4,600 a month, so I was selling a whole lot of juice,” said Wilson. “The problem was that I couldn’t sell enough juice. Outside of personally funding the business, taking out loans, and all that other good stuff, I opened in July 2020, so I wasn’t eligible for [the Paycheck Protection Program.] It’s been a long, hard road.” 

For photos from the event, click here. 

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Senator Coons, colleagues support Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons, Tom Carper, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced their support of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub, a public-private partnership between Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey that would produce, distribute, and use clean hydrogen to power our vehicles, airplanes, industries, and more. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Coons, Carper, and Blunt Rochester helped author and pass into law, provided $9.5 billion for clean hydrogen research and development. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now seeking proposals to award up to $7 billion for at least six regional clean hydrogen hubs – networks of clean hydrogen producers, potential consumers, and connective infrastructure within close proximity – to be located in different geographic regions across the United States. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub is a proposal that would combine Delaware and our surrounding region’s highly trained, unionized workforce with a strong manufacturing, chemical, and bioscience presence and existing infrastructure that can transport and store hydrogen. The DOE reviewed the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal and has officially encouraged the group to submit a full application. Final selections are expected later in 2023.

“The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal is a win for the climate and the First State. Investments in clean hydrogen will reduce pollution in our communities, create and sustain good-paying jobs, and power our industrial and transportation sectors with safe, reliable, and clean energy,” said Senator Coons, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “From our unparalleled innovation ecosystem and skilled union workforce, to our strong manufacturing base and existing infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, there’s no better place for a hydrogen hub than Delaware and the broader mid-Atlantic region.”

“Bringing a hydrogen hub to Delaware and our region will support good-paying union jobs and help us fight climate change – a win-win,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Clean hydrogen is the key to reducing emissions in the sectors of our economy, including heavy industry and transportation, which are the hardest to decarbonize. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports the production and deployment of clean hydrogen and there isn’t anywhere better in the world for a hydrogen hub than Delaware. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal combines our region’s biggest strengths – from our labor workforce and existing infrastructure to our large hydrogen production capacity and diverse demand across an array of industries – to make this an ideal location for a hydrogen hub.”

“As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delawareans don’t need to be told about the impacts of climate change – they live it every single day. That’s why pursuing bold climate solutions that reduce carbon emissions while creating good-paying jobs is our path forward,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “Clean hydrogen projects represent that potential and possibility and the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal set forth with our regional partners is a truly exciting opportunity. Leveraging all the best aspects of our region – in particular our world-class workforce – there’s a cleaner, greener, and brighter path forward with lower emissions and better jobs.”

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ICYMI: Senator Coons highlights bipartisan unity on challenges U.S. faces in new op-ed: “Americans have been able to present a united front on the most critical global issues facing our country”

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in Foreign Policy yesterday that highlights the progress President Biden and congressional Democrats and Republicans have achieved on a wide range of issues, including strengthening international justice and addressing threats to democracy. The notable bipartisanship in U.S. foreign policy includes support for U.S. engagement with NATO, assistance for Ukraine, and efforts to outcompete and counter China. In the op-ed, Senator Coons recognizes the global threats the U.S. faces and calls on Congress and the administration to continue working together to protect the American people and national interests.

Foreign Policy: Why I Have Hope for Bipartisan Progress on U.S. Foreign Policy

Last month, Americans were shown two sharply contrasting images of their potential political future in 2023: Days of chaos in the House of Representatives brought on by a hard-right fringe attempting to undermine Kevin McCarthy’s bid to be speaker, juxtaposed with the image of U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell celebrating bipartisan infrastructure investments to rebuild a critical bridge connecting Kentucky and Ohio. …

[M]ost congressional Republicans and Democrats agree on the key national security challenges our country faces, and there’s a real chance to make bipartisan progress. …

To start, Biden has sustained and strengthened several foreign-policy successes initiated by the Trump administration: the Abraham Accords, tough trade controls on China, increased investments by our NATO allies in our mutual security, and the launch of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to better leverage the private sector in development finance. Overall, these efforts undertaken by both the Trump and Biden administrations help lay the foundation for cooperation in a few key areas.

No event has had more impact than Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago, which has reshaped U.S. engagement with NATO and other allies worldwide. With bipartisan support in Congress, Biden mobilized our allies to join in historic sanctions on Russia, increase their own defense spending, and deliver substantial amounts of aid to Ukraine. NATO is on the verge of admitting two new, strong partners. …

I’m not naive about the many deep disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. The next two years will be difficult, but we don’t need to agree on everything to make progress on the things we do agree on. Thanks to Biden and congressional Democrats, working in tandem with Republicans such as McConnell, Americans have been able to present a united front on the most critical global issues facing our country. There’s no reason that can’t continue in this new Congress. We can support Ukraine, counter China, and assist the developing world – together.

The full op-ed is available here. 

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

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Senators Coons, Moran place Super Bowl wager as closest-residing senators to conference champions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced today that they are placing a friendly wager on the outcome of Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend in Glendale, Arizona. While the bet is traditionally placed by the teams’ home-state senators, Senator Coons and Senator Moran are the two senators who live in the closest proximity to the Eagles and Chiefs, respectively.

Despite serving across state lines from the two teams, Senators Coons and Moran live closer than any other senator to the two Super Bowl opponents. Senator Coons’ home in Wilmington is a half-hour drive to Lincoln Financial Field, the South Philadelphia home of the Philadelphia Eagles. Senator Moran’s hometown of Manhattan is less than 125 miles from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, a closer distance than either of the team’s two home-state senators.

“As the closest senator to Philadelphia, I’m proud to put the best of our region on the line and bet some world-class Delaware beer and chicken wings that the Birds will barbecue the Chiefs at the Super Bowl this weekend,” said Senator Coons. “I can’t wait to celebrate up and down the Delaware River when the Eagles win.” 

“Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs for making their third Super Bowl in the last four seasons,” said Senator Moran. “Chiefs Kingdom draws fans from both sides of the river, and I look forward to watching them face off with the Eagles in Super Bowl 57. There’s no barbecue like Kansas City BBQ, and I am willing to bet the best BBQ in the country that the Chiefs defeat the Eagles this weekend.”

When the Eagles win, Senator Moran has promised some world-class Kansas City barbecue to Senator Coons’ office. In the off-chance Kansas City is successful, Senator Coons has vowed Dogfish Head beer from Milton, Delaware, and chicken wings from Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express in Wilmington. The losing senator will provide these products at a joint event in the near future for Eagles and Chiefs fans from the regional delegations.

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Senators Coons, Young reintroduce bill to counter economic coercion of allies and partners

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) reintroduced the Countering Economic Coercion Act of 2023 to provide meaningful support to partners and allies facing economic bullying and retaliation from foreign adversaries. The bill would equip the President with new tools to reduce the impact of economic coercion by strengthening trade and commerce ties with partners on an expedited basis. Both Senators are members of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee.

As some nations around the world continue to deploy punitive and discriminatory economic measures against American partners, particularly those with smaller economies, this legislation will help to ensure that the nation’s shared economic and security interests are safeguarded from foreign threats.

“Countries like China and Russia are increasingly abusing their economic power to bully smaller countries and punish sovereign political decisions,” said Senator Coons. “This economic coercion hurts these nations, threatens U.S. economic security, and undermines the democratic, rules-based international system that has underpinned decades of global growth. I’m proud to work with Senator Young to provide rapid, targeted support to U.S. allies and partners to help them stand up to economic coercion and safeguard American interests.”

“Some foreign adversaries think they can drive a wedge between our allies and partners by using economic intimidation or by harming economies through opaque, informal actions. These threats and grabs for power cannot go unchecked,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will provide the flexibility to help our foreign partners on an expedited basis when they are targeted for standing up to authoritarian regimes. By supporting our partners under threat, we protect America’s own national security interests.”

The Countering Economic Coercion Act of 2023 would provide President Biden with specific tools to offer rapid economic support to foreign partners targeted by economic coercion and to punish perpetrators of economic coercion. This includes the authority to:

1. Decrease duties on non-import-sensitive goods imported by the U.S. from the foreign partner to make up for lost exports to other nations due to coercive actions;
2. Increase duties on imports from foreign adversaries committing economic coercion;
3. Expedite export licensing decisions and regulatory processes to facilitate trade with affected foreign partners;
4. Seek congressional appropriations to support foreign aid, export financing, and sovereign loan guarantees; and
5. Waive certain policy requirements to facilitate export financing, allowing the U.S. private sector to meet opportunities in foreign economies suffering from coercion.

The bill directs the President and Secretary of State to coordinate the U.S. response with allies and partners in order to broaden economic relief and demonstrate comprehensive and unified opposition to economic coercion.  

In determining whether economic coercion is taking place and how to support the targeted country, the President would be required to consult with Congress. In order to facilitate rapid and nimble relief, the Secretary of State would be permitted to take certain actions on an expedited basis. Any determination of economic coercion – and any authority exercised under a determination – would sunset after two years, or upon a joint resolution of Congress.

Text of the bill is available here.       

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Senator Coons statement on President Biden’s State of the Union address

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after President Biden delivered his 2023 State of the Union address:

“Tonight, President Biden showed the American people how his steady leadership has put our nation back on the right track. Inflation has fallen every month for half a year, and we have the lowest unemployment rate in five decades. American global leadership has been restored on issues from fighting climate change to defending freedom and democracy in Ukraine. All the while, we’re investing billions in a bipartisan effort to fix our roads and bridges, restore America’s advantage in advanced manufacturing, and take care of our veterans.

“We must find bipartisan solutions to our broken immigration system, gun violence, and drug prices, including by capping insulin costs for all Americans. In the coming months, we must show responsibility, pay our bills, and stop playing politics with our country’s finances.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we’ve come far, and we still have further to go. I look forward to working with him in the coming year.”

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