Coons, Risch Statement on Executive Order Implementing Key Provisions of the Countering Wrongful Detention Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today released the following statement on the recent Executive Order on the detention of American abroad that includes key provisions of their Countering Wrongful Prevention Act. 

“We are glad to see our Countering Wrongful Detention legislation included in President Trump’s executive order to punish countries that use Americans as political pawns to extract concessions from the United States. We have worked tirelessly, on a bipartisan basis, to end this terrible practice and ensure this bill becomes law, and we will continue working to codify this order and send a sharp message to all those who seek to harm Americans. Over 70 Americans have been brought home this year, but we won’t rest until every American is returned home. We stand with those who were and are hostages or wrongfully detained. We will work to ensure that they are freed and that no other American has to endure this injustice again.”

Read more about the Countering Wrongful Detention Act here.

ICYMI: Senator Coons, bipartisan and bicameral colleagues highlight how U.S.-Australia strategic cooperation could deter China in TIME op-ed following return from CODEL

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in TIME magazine today discussing how the United States needs to strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s attempts to expand its global influence through economic ties and military pressure. The article was co-written with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) and Mike Turner (R-Ohio). The group recently returned from a congressional delegation to Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Fiji, and INDOPACOM headquarters in Hawaii to reaffirm Congress’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

Their visit highlighted how, to keep China at bay, America must remain closely linked to Australia and other regional partners, including through programs like the AUKUS defense initiative to deter China’s aggression and secure regional stability.

“Our delegation visited the Osborne shipyard in Adelaide and saw the progress we’re making. No current weapon or platform in the U.S. arsenal is as important to deterring Chinese aggression as nuclear-powered submarines on patrol in the Pacific. Australia has stepped up to the tune of $3 billion for this project alone, and it’s no wonder AUKUS enjoys enormous bipartisan support across the U.S. Congress and the American people,” the members wrote.

The members highlighted their tour of a cutting-edge undersea autonomous vehicle facility near Sydney, in which they saw firsthand how Australia is pioneering a new model of defense innovation, uniting military, civil, and private sector partners. The members emphasized that the U.S. must deepen engagement with Australia to develop and advance emerging technologies such as quantum computing, hypersonics, and critical minerals to compete with China.

“Australia has even more to offer the U.S. as a strategic partner, from a wide range of critical minerals and rare earths to advanced research in key technologies from quantum computing to hypersonic missiles. Whether it is sharing valuable intelligence as a trusted partner, hosting U.S. troops for substantial training exercises or manufacturing advanced munitions with American companies, Australia has proven its strategic value to our nation over and over and will continue to do so in the future,” the members wrote.

Finally, the members pushed for more U.S. engagement through disaster relief, such as ensuring the continuation of PEPFAR, America’s flagship global HIV and AIDS relief program, and infrastructure investment and sustainable fisheries that help build resilience and prosperity for our Pacific allies.

“What we heard in every meeting is that Australia is more committed than ever to investing in our joint security based on our shared values. It was clear that our allies in the region are ready to stand with us at this pivotal moment in modern history, if only we embrace their partnership. The tensions in our partnership caused by tariffs and the Pentagon’s AUKUS review need to be put to rest,” the members concluded.

You can read the full op-ed here.

Senator Coons statement on Trump firing of Lisa Cook

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after President Trump announced that he would attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook:

“By attempting to fire Dr. Lisa Cook based on unproven and politically driven allegations, President Trump is continuing his efforts to dismantle the financial system that has made the American economy strong. This is a reckless attempt to hijack our nation’s long-independent monetary policy and purge the policymakers who are preventing him from creating runaway inflation. His decision undermines other nations’ and investors’ confidence in the United States’ economy.

“If the president doesn’t like you, he will encourage federal agencies to find anything with which he can do you harm. Tonight’s attempted firing is an effort to install another loyalist at the Federal Reserve – all in order to set a monetary policy responsive to President Trump’s whims instead of the nation’s economic stability.

“I’ve known Lisa for over three decades. She is a brilliant economist dedicated to making the economy stronger for the American people. When President Trump doesn’t like our economic numbers, his answer is not to accept responsibility, or to enact policies that will make them better. It’s just to fire people.”

Senators Coons, Collins, Reed, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Extend the Weatherization Assistance Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the federal government’s cornerstone energy efficiency initiative – the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act of 2025 would extend the program through 2030 and increase funding limits to help more families make energy-saving home upgrades.

A companion bill is being led in the House by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Josh Riley (D-N.Y.), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.), and delegate James Moylan (R-Guam).

“High energy bills in Delaware have long been a problem, and they’re only getting worse thanks to President Trump’s erratic climate and energy policies. The Weatherization Assistance Program offers an easy way for families to cut energy costs while making their homes safer and more comfortable for several decades,” said Senator Coons. “Extending this program is so important because Delawareans deserve more commonsense ways to reduce energy waste and save money on their utility bills at a time when costs are already too high.”

“Being smarter about how we use energy helps strengthen our economy, improves U.S. energy security, and protects the environment while saving households money,” said Senator Reed. “Reauthorizing the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program will help more Rhode Island families and businesses save on their energy bills. As the Trump Administration cuts investments in cleaner, more efficient energy systems, this is a cost-effective strategy to increase America’s global competitiveness and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

“The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven, cost-effective way to permanently decrease energy usage while reducing low-income Americans’ energy bills,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help build on the significant investments we have secured for the Weatherization Assistance Program so that more Americans are able to make improvements that will allow them to affordably heat their homes.”

“As President Trump’s actions increase costs for working families, weatherizing homes to lower monthly utility bills is more important than ever,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Weatherization Assistance Program is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that helps address the high cost of electricity, make progress toward our climate goals and create good jobs in our state. It’s time to extend and expand this effective effort and ensure more Granite Staters can benefit from these savings.”

Weatherization enhances a home’s energy efficiency by upgrading it to reduce energy consumption while improving its ability to withstand harsh elements such as heat, cold, wind, and moisture. For nearly 50 years, WAP has helped American families improve their homes’ energy efficiency through measures such as adding insulation, sealing windows, and wrapping water pipes.

The program is often available at no cost and saves residents an average of $372 annually on utility bills.

Specifically, the Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:

• Extend the Weatherization Assistance Program through 2030, amending the existing expiration date of 2025
• Increase funding limits:
  • The state average cost per dwelling unit is raised from $6,500 to $15,000
  • The renewal cap for partially weatherized units increases from $3,000 to $6,000

• Allow the Secretary of Energy to raise funding limits further, if necessary, due to market conditions, such as inflation or rising material costs

“The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven success; it lowers utility bills, keeps housing affordable, and develops workers’ skills — all while keeping Americans warm in winter, cool in summer, and healthy all year round. This Administration has supported the program’s continuation, and it is now essential that S. 2570 be enacted to reauthorize the program and make modest and necessary operational updates. The National Community Action Fund represents the nation’s local Community Action Agencies, which make up most of the Weatherization services delivery network; we are grateful for the leadership of Senator Coons and Senators Jack Reed, Susan Collins and Jean Shaheen in championing this vital legislative initiative,” said David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, which represents the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies that serve as local WAP providers.

“The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) strongly endorses this legislation to update and enhance the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program provides home energy upgrades for low-income citizens in every state in the nation to ensure the elderly and vulnerable have more affordable heating and cooling. This bipartisan bill is a step forward to improving affordability of energy for low-income Americans,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).

“For nearly 50 years, WAP has provided home energy upgrades for over 7.2 million low-income families across the country, reducing energy burdens while improving household health and safety. This bipartisan legislation will empower state programs to build on these successes by reauthorizing the program and updating program requirements to better address local needs. NASCSP firmly supports this bill, and we thank Senators Coons, Reed, Shaheen, and Collins for continuing to champion this program,” said Cheryl Williams, Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) doesn’t just cut energy costs for low-income families – it supports jobs. BPA member contractors perform home upgrades for WAP projects across the country, lowering energy bills and improving home health, safety, and comfort. The bipartisan Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act reauthorizes WAP to ensure the program can continue to operate seamlessly – for both contractors performing upgrades and for households receiving services. The bill also makes badly needed updates to WAP’s Average Cost Per Unit allowance, helping the program keep up with rising wage and equipment costs while also supporting more improvements per project. BPA strongly supports this legislation, and we thank Senators Coons, Reed, Shaheen, and Collins for their leadership,” said Steve Skodak, Chief Executive Officer of the Building Performance Association.

The bill text is available here.

Senator Coons statement on the passing of Mike Castle

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman and Governor Mike Castle:

“When I was a student in high school, a teacher once asked me if I had any interest in politics. She introduced me to the man whose election campaign would be the first for which I would ever volunteer. That man was Mike Castle. Getting to know Mike then, he was kind, genuine, civically minded, responsible – an old-fashioned Republican.

“Over the arc of the more than 40 years that I knew him – I met him when I was 16 – he repeatedly provided his knowledge and expertise to help me along my own way. When he was a congressman and I was county executive, we worked together often, including some important investments into the C&D Canal greenway. When we eventually ran against each other, I did my absolute best to run a respectful, positive, policy-based campaign. As we campaigned against each other, I only liked him more. There was an editorial written about how civilized we were. I am prouder of that column than almost anything.

“I was able to enjoy visiting with him and getting advice from him several times in my first few years in the Senate. Actually continuing the work he’d started on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a disease that claimed the lives of Mike’s brother and sister – was another goal I’ll cherish from my time in public office. He was an incredible man, and Annie and I are praying for Jane and for the many Delawareans touched by his life and friendship.”

Senators Coons, Graham introduce the Global Fragility Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced the Global Fragility Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S. strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability in key strategic regions around the world. The legislation reauthorizes and expands the original Global Fragility Act of 2019 and ensures coordination across the U.S. government to prevent terrorism, conflict, extremism, and violence that directly threaten U.S. interests overseas.

“The most effective way to keep Americans safe is to prevent major strategic threats before they start,” said Senator Coons. “Since 2019, when Senator Graham and I passed the Global Fragility Act, this law has played a central role in ensuring the U.S. government has a coordinated, cost-effective strategy to support countries at risk of violent instability that threatens America’s security and prosperity. I’m proud to put forward this bill that will allow that work to continue, keeping America secure and the world stable.”

“It is abundantly clear to me that terrorism feeds off chaos and economic distress. People without food and water are desperate, and they become a recruiting opportunity for terrorism directed at us. A stable world over there makes us safer over here. With this legislation, I am confident Secretary of State Rubio and President Trump will get this important mission right,” said Senator Graham.

The Global Fragility Reauthorization Act would continue the 10-year stabilization plans for Coastal West Africa, Mozambique, and Papua New Guinea identified under the original legislation. The bill also reauthorizes the Prevention and Stabilization Fund and the Complex Crises Fund through FY2030.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Conduct annual interagency reviews to align policy priorities
• Utilize private sector investment through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation
• Expand monitoring, evaluation, and learning tools to improve program outcomes

By aligning diplomatic, development, and defense tools under one strategy, the bill would create a more effective approach to U.S. foreign assistance and national security.

You can read the bill text here.

Coons, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Schatz Statement on Israeli Military Operations in Gaza

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chirs Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs released the following statement:

“We are deeply concerned by the Israeli government’s decision to expand military operations and seize control of Gaza City, apparently as a prelude to fully occupying Gaza. This is a dangerous move opposed by numerous senior Israeli security officials. Gaza continues to experience an extreme humanitarian crisis, and this decision only makes matters worse. We are nearly two years into this conflict, and it is clear military escalation will not deliver an end to the violence, will delay the return and may even lead to deaths of Israeli and American hostages held by Hamas, and will severely damage any prospect of a future political settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.

We reaffirm support for U.S-led diplomacy to reach a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in lasting peace, security, dignity and mutual recognition. Israel’s military has decimated Hamas’s military capabilities and ensured Hamas can never again carry out attacks like those committed on October 7th. Now, the parties must immediately return to the negotiating table and secure a ceasefire that brings the hostages home and charts a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester celebrate over $75 Million in federal funding for Delaware in appropriations bills passed by Senate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) celebrated the U.S. Senate advancing the first fiscal year 2026 spending bills late Friday night, which will deliver more than $75 million in federal investments for Delaware. The three bills, which passed with significant bipartisan support, provide funding for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, military construction projects, and the operations of the legislative branch. These bills reject the significant cuts that were proposed by President Trump in his budget. Government funding expires on September 30.

“Delaware farmers and growers, those seeking health care in southern Delaware, and our veterans have plenty to celebrate in the bills my Senate colleagues and I passed last week,” said Senator Coons. “As Delaware’s sole appropriator, I’ll keep working in the Senate to ensure communities up and down our state see the benefits of federal funding. I am pleased to see the passage of the first three funding bills with bipartisan support, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to ensure our government remains open and meets the needs of Delawareans.”

“I am proud to have stood alongside Senator Coons and an overwhelming, bipartisan coalition of our colleagues to pass these bills. This delivers a win for Delaware’s veterans, farmers and growers, and those seeking health care in our state,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “The focus now turns toward passing the remaining appropriations bills and ensuring the needs of Delawareans are met.”

Under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill, Delaware is in line to receive more than $6 million for local community projects, including:

• $2.208 million to the Delaware Division of Communications to upgrade emergency radio towers in Kent and Sussex Counties
• $2 million for capital improvements at La Red’s Georgetown health center
• $1.126 million for energy efficiency upgrades at the Food Bank of Delaware’s Newark facility
• $720,000 for improvements to La Red’s Seaford health center

Under the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill, Delaware is in line to receive $70.6 million for several military construction projects, including:

• $42 million for a new operations facility for the 512th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base
• $8.1 million to design a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Dover Air Force Base
• $8 million to construct a new main gate at the Air National Guard facility in New Castle
• $7.5 million for upgrades to the Dagsboro Army National Guard Readiness Center
• $2.8 million to design a commercial gate relocation project at Dover
• $2.2 million for planning improvements to the Wilmington Readiness Center

Senators Coons, Booker, Shaheen, Warner, Reed, and Bennet Introduce West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025

WASHINGTON – In response to increased rates of destabilizing violence in the West Bank, particularly against civilians, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Cory Booker (D-N.J.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; introduced legislation to deter and prevent such violent actions against civilians in the West Bank.

The West Bank Violence Prevention Act would authorize the imposition of sanctions on those who commit acts of violence that undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, Israel, and the region. The legislation seeks to reduce violence by requiring the President to block the visas and assets of foreign persons, regardless of nationality, engaging in violent extremist acts of terror, intimidation, and coercion against civilians in the West Bank.

According to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, as tensions have risen in the region, incidents of violence by extremist right-wing Israeli settlers have increased by an estimated 30 percent over the first few months of 2025. Violent incidents in the West Bank have led to the killing of civilians, including American citizens, the displacement of communities, and the destruction of private property, including agricultural lands that provide livelihoods. Such violence continues today and not only threatens the safety of civilians, but also greatly undermines the stability and security of the West Bank, Israel, and the region.

“Instability and violence in the West Bank are an impediment to peace and security in Israel and the Middle East,” said Senator Coons. “Extremist Israeli settlers and Palestinian terrorists should not be allowed to continue their campaigns of devastation and fear. If President Trump wants to secure a peace deal that guarantees Israel’s security, he must start by preventing violence by all perpetrators in an already unpredictable and dangerous situation.”

“After the Trump Administration revoked U.S. sanctions against violent extremists in the West Bank, we have seen the highest rates of violent attacks perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and civilian property in years—including unacceptable incidents where American citizens have been killed,” said Senator Booker. “These violent acts not only displace communities and degrade safety and stability in the West Bank, but they risk Israel’s security, increase tensions in the region, and undermine hope for achieving a two-state solution and a just and lasting peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his ultra right-wing coalition government have failed to hold perpetrators accountable–with some members even inciting such violence–and have failed to take action to prevent these kinds of attacks from occurring. The United States must take action to protect civilians in the West Bank and American citizens overseas, and put an end to the senseless violence that continues to threaten the region. This legislation seeks to ensure any person or entity committing or facilitating such violence is held accountable.”

“Escalating extremist settler violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank is unacceptable and must end. The failure of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to hold the perpetrators accountable has only fueled instability and impunity. Just in the last month, two Americans were killed by extremist settlers in the West Bank. The United States and Israel must immediately put an end to this violence, ensure accountability for those responsible and restore stability in the West Bank. Together with our partners in the region, we must work toward a negotiated two-state outcome with a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security and mutual recognition,” said Ranking Member Shaheen.

“Sustained violence against civilians in the West Bank, particularly when it goes unpunished, poses a growing threat to regional stability and to the lives and well-being of all Palestinians in the West Bank. Confronted with surging rates of violence, displacement, and property destruction perpetrated by extremist settlers, we have a moral responsibility to stand up and make clear that the U.S. will not stand idly by. We must make clear that those who commit, incite, or enable these acts of violence, and who threaten further destabilization in the West Bank, will face consequences,” said Senator Warner.

“The Netanyahu government is failing to halt violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and must be held accountable. The targeting of Palestinian communities, destruction of property, and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable. It is in Israel’s best interest to enforce its laws. This legislation would help prioritize action to prevent settler violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and reaffirm America’s commitment to protecting Palestinian people,” said Senator Reed.

“Violent attacks by extremist settlers on innocent civilians and property in the West Bank are unacceptable, and threaten further destabilization in the region,” said Senator Bennet. “This legislation takes the necessary steps to ensure that the United States holds violent attackers in the West Bank accountable.”

Specifically, this the West Bank Violence Protection Act of 2025 would:

1. Block visas and assets of on foreign persons determined to be responsible for or complicit in actions that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the West Bank. Destabilizing actions include directing or participating in acts of violence targeting civilians; a threat of violence targeting civilians with the intent to coerce or intimidate; efforts to place civilians in reasonable fear of violence with the purpose or effect of necessitating a change of residence to avoid such violence; property destruction by private persons; seizure or dispossession of property by private persons; acts of terrorism, and attempts to commit or training to commit acts of terrorism targeting the West Bank. (The legislation includes a national security waiver.)
2. Direct the State Department to issue a report on the efforts the Trump Administration and regional partners are taking to deter, prevent, and reduce violence in the West Bank.

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

Senators Coons, Cassidy lead bipartisan group of senators calling on OMB to release delayed AmeriCorps funds

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate National Service Caucus, led members in calling on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to release the full fiscal year 2025 appropriations for AmeriCorps after illegal OMB holds on the funds have forced many AmeriCorps programs to cease operations. In addition to Senators Coons and Cassidy, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

AmeriCorps was allocated $1.26 billion to support national service efforts across the country under the spending bill signed into law by President Trump earlier this year. However, AmeriCorps grantees are still waiting on access to these funds, leaving communities, service organizations, and AmeriCorps members in limbo.

“For more than thirty years, AmeriCorps has been our nation’s leading provider of grants that support and promote national service and volunteerism. Through programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, more than 200,000 Americans participate in results-driven service projects at more than 35,000 locations across the country each year. Working hand in hand with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated Americans recruit and manage millions of additional volunteers as they work to promote employment opportunities, prepare a better-trained workforce, and provide essential services to veterans, children, and seniors,” the senators wrote.

The senators expressed concern over the agency’s sudden termination of National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) field operations and mass staff layoffs in mid-April. The agency canceled nearly $400 million in active grants, causing more delays in the release of FY25 funds. Grantees recently received notices stating that many applications have been approved for funding, but OMB has not yet released key portions of the appropriated funding. For example, over 130 Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs were eligible for more than $50 million in support, but had to cease operations on July 1. These programs served more than 6,000 senior volunteers across 35 states.

“National service has long enjoyed bipartisan support from governors, mayors, and members of Congress because it delivers measurable value to communities, helps strengthen local workforces, and offers young Americans a meaningful pathway into public service. We have seen firsthand the critical impact AmeriCorps programs have across the states we represent. We urge the administration to release all remaining funding for AmeriCorps as appropriated by Congress under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 so that this important work can continue,” the senators concluded. 

You can read the full letter here.