Sens. Carper, Coons vote to renew Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) along with the annual government appropriations package. VAWA was originally drafted by then-Senator Joe Biden and first signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in 1994, but its protections expired in December 2018. The legislation now goes to President Biden’s desk, and when signed into law, will modernize and extend VAWA’s programs through 2027.

The modernized VAWA legislation which passed the Senate today now includes the NICS Denial Notification Act, bipartisan gun safety legislation led by Senator Coons and cosponsored by Senator Carper. The NICS Denial Notification Act requires federal authorities to alert state and local law enforcement within 24 hours when an ineligible individual tries to purchase a firearm and fails a background check, which can be a warning sign of future criminal behavior.

“Nearly 28 years ago, the Violence Against Women Act was first drafted by then-Senator Joe Biden to help protect women and families across America. I’ve long supported this common sense bipartisan legislation throughout my time in Congress—and I’m glad we could come together once again to reauthorize this critical bill,” said Senator Carper. “Now President Biden will sign this modernized VAWA into law, which will continue to help combat domestic violence and sexual assault and bolster protections for survivors.”

“Every single Delawarean deserves to live free from fear, abuse, and violence,” said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The reauthorization of VAWA is critical to ensure that we continue to prevent domestic violence and protect survivors of gender-based violence in homes across America. This isn’t just a reauthorized VAWA, it’s a modernized bill with critical new bipartisan protections to address modern challenges. That includes my commonsense bipartisan gun safety legislation with Senator Cornyn that will help prevent tragic acts of violence perpetrated by individuals who are prohibited from obtaining a gun under existing law.”

The reauthorization of VAWA:

• Provides services, protection, and justice for young victims of violence, including extending the Rape Prevention and Education grant program and improving grants focused on prevention education for students in institutions of higher education.
• Enhances judicial and law enforcement tools through reauthorization of the Justice Department’s STOP Violence Against Women Formula Program, known as the STOP Program, and expands the STOP Program to better support survivors who are 50 years of age or older and survivors with disabilities.
• Reauthorizes and updates the SMART Prevention Program to reduce dating violence, help children who have been exposed to domestic violence, and engage men in preventing violence.
• Provides economic security assistance for survivors by reauthorizing the National Resource Center on Workplace Response and expands the program to support sexual harassment victims and ensure that the program’s resources are available to private-sector businesses with fewer than 20 employees in addition to public-sector entities.
• Improves the medical response to instances of domestic violence and sexual assault, including expanding access to medical forensic examinations after a sexual assault for survivors who live in rural communities.
• Improves tribal access to federal crime information databases and clarifies the existence of tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indigenous perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking and stalking that takes place on tribal lands.
• Authorizes a grant program to provide community-specific services for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Directs the Office on Violence Against Women to provide technical assistance and training to victim service providers and organizations that are seeking to work with survivors.

The NICS Denial Notification Act:

• Requires federal authorities to alert state and local law enforcement of background checks denials, so that these authorities can decide whether to investigate or prosecute these denied individuals for signs of future criminal activity.
• Requires the Department of Justice to publish an annual report with statistics about its prosecution of background check denial cases, so Congress and voters can hold officials accountable.

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Bipartisan group unveils hydrogen energy bill to tackle emissions from heavy-duty transportation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Hydrogen for Trucks Act, a bipartisan bill to support the adoption of heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations. The legislation will soon be introduced by U.S. Representatives Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act is also cosponsored by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Representatives Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and Greg Pence (R-Ind.).

The Hydrogen for Trucks Act is the latest addition to the Coons-Cornyn Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative, a package of bills to support the deployment of hydrogen technologies and cut emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. These carbon-intensive sectors—such as global shipping or the production of steel, cement, glass, and chemicals—face technological barriers that limit the adoption of other forms of clean energy.

“Deploying hydrogen technologies can make our economy more competitive while aligning with the urgent need to cut emissions,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “It’s more important now than ever for the United States to continue to diversify our energy sources. Hydrogen is a promising, low-carbon fuel source that has the potential to provide reliable energy for key sectors—including heavy-duty trucking—but early federal support will be critical to widespread adoption. By advancing this bill and others in the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative, we can bolster our country’s effort to be a world leader in clean energy solutions.”

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source, but there are cost and infrastructure barriers to its everyday use in heavy industry sectors,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would help make new hydrogen technologies more affordable and accessible so businesses and consumers can overcome startup costs and utilize this reliable energy resource.”

“The transition to clean energy is a huge opportunity for our economy, and we ought to be incentivizing it,” said Representative Porter. “Hydrogen provides clean fuel and reliable storage opportunities, both of which are essential to reducing carbon emissions in sectors that are hard to electrify. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help us reach our climate goals and make our economy more globally competitive.”

“As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach,” said Representative Gus Bilirakis. “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource.”

Background: Heavy-duty vehicles account for only a small fraction of vehicles on the road but contribute nearly a quarter of all transportation greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions—they only emit water vapor and warm air—providing an opportunity for cleaner forms of transportation without sacrificing reliability or range. Heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles are an emerging technology just beginning to enter the market, and first adopters face cost barriers and risks that require federal support to overcome. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act provides financial support to fleet owners and operators looking to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles. Like other legislation in the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative, priority is given to projects that will maximize emissions reductions to realize the greatest environmental benefits.

The Hydrogen for Trucks Act would:

• Incentivize the adoption of heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by covering the cost difference between these vehicles and traditional diesel vehicles.
• Encourage parallel deployment of vehicles and fueling stations, addressing the chicken-and-egg challenge that exists with vehicles and fueling infrastructure.
• Provide data and benchmarks for different types of fleet operations, thereby incentivizing private investment and accelerating deployment.

The bill is endorsed by Air Liquide, Air Products, Bakken Energy, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Carbon Direct, Chemours, Clean Air Task Force, Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition, Cummins, Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Nikola, PGT Trucking, RMI, and Third Way.

“Hydrogen has an important role to play in helping us meet our climate goals, especially when it comes to reducing emissions from heavy-duty transportation,” said Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy at Third Way. “However, hydrogen-powered trucks are an up-and-coming technology that remains cost-prohibitive for many businesses. Third Way applauds Senators Coons and Cornyn for introducing the Hydrogen for Trucks Act, which will help fleet owners purchase the very cleanest vehicles and ensure they have the refueling infrastructure ready to support them. This bill represents a down payment on our efforts to accelerate our transition to zero-emission trucks, which is critical to reducing trucking’s climate impacts and cutting air pollution in the communities these trucks operate in.”

“Hydrogen is an essential technology that provides clean fuel and reliable storage opportunities for the energy transition,” said Michele Stockwell, Executive Director of BPC Action.“BPC Action endorses Sens. Coons and Cornyn’s bipartisan Hydrogen for Trucks Act which will support the deployment of this clean technology and the infrastructure for hydrogen – a critical step to enabling our net zero goals. Hydrogen-powered trucks can help extend the range of clean heavy-duty transportation while simultaneously removing carbon emission from tailpipes. I am pleased to see members of Congress working together to form innovative bipartisan solutions like this one.” 

“Decarbonizing the heavy-duty trucking sector will create meaningful benefits both on climate change mitigation as well as in reducing local air pollution,” said Emily Kent, Policy Manager for Zero-Carbon Fuels at Clean Air Task Force. “Heavy-duty trucks are challenging to electrify, so the sector may require zero-carbon fuels like hydrogen to fully decarbonize. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act would accelerate progress towards development of heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and best practices for safe handling of hydrogen. Clean Air Task Force looks forward to working with Congress to advance this effort and further support the transition to zero-carbon fuels.” 

A one-pager on the bill can be found here. Additional quotes of support can be found here. Bill text is available here.

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Senator Coons on meeting with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after his meeting with Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson:

“I just had the opportunity to meet in person with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who has been nominated for the U.S. Supreme Court. In our meeting and in the confirmation process so far, I found her to be an exceptionally well-qualified and engaging person of great warmth and character, whose professional and personal experience brings breadth and depth to the work of the Supreme Court in a very positive way. I am very comfortable supporting her, and I frankly would struggle to see how someone would not vote to confirm this historic nominee to serve on the Supreme Court.”

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Sen. Coons secures nearly $90M for key Delaware projects through government appropriations bill

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the Appropriations Committee, today celebrated the announcement of funding for key Delaware projects which he specifically requested that were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 government spending package. The Appropriations Committee unveiled the legislation early today, and it is expected to receive a vote in the Senate later this week.

“Over the past year, I’ve spoken with dozens of groups in Delaware to determine what projects the federal government can fund that will make the biggest impact in our communities. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to say today that I’ve helped advance a transformative series of projects that will make a huge, targeted impact on our state,” said Senator Coons.“With nearly $90 million directed toward key Delaware projects, we will soon be building critical infrastructure that Delawareans themselves have told our congressional delegation is needed, creating jobs and opportunity along the way. When we pass this bill and send it to President Biden’s desk, we can know that Delaware’s future has better services, cleaner parks, and stronger infrastructure.”

Background: The series of Delaware-specific projects announced today were identified through congressionally directed spending (CDS) requests, a program run through the Senate Appropriations Committee. In May 2021, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced a restoration of Congress’ constitutional power to approve these requests with enhanced transparency and accountability measures, leading to the new process. Senator Coons, Senator Tom Carper, and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) all submitted requests. Details on the Delaware projects that Senator Coons submitted for CDS requests are provided here. In addition to the CDS requests announced today, the government spending package will also include additional funding for Delaware priorities.

Some of the Delaware projects receiving funding in the Senate’s legislation include:

• $17.5 Million for Hangar Replacement for the Delaware Air National Guard – This funding will replace the outdated Delaware Air National Guard Fuel Cell/Corrosion Control hangar at New Castle County Airport. The Fuel Cell/Corrosion Control hangar is one of two hangars required for the maintenance of the Delaware Air National Guard’s eight C-130 aircraft.
• $10 Million for the Kingswood Community Center at REACH Riverside – This funding will be used to build a new Kingswood Community Center (KCC) in the Riverside neighborhood of Wilmington. Specifically, this funding will invest in a new, state-of-the-art facility that can support program growth, offer important amenities to residents, and strengthen community resiliency. A new KCC is part of REACH Riverside’s effort to transform the Riverside neighborhood into a vibrant and healthy community by implementing the nationally recognized Purpose Built Communities model.
• $8 Million to National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) – This funding will initiate a design-build construction effort for a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility at NIIMBL to be located on the UD STAR Campus that will focus on ways to develop and make innovative biopharmaceuticals at the clinical research scale.
• $3.5 Million for the Mental Health Therapist Fellowship Initiative at Jewish Family Services of Delaware – The purpose of this project is to establish a workforce development program to address Delaware’s growing mental health crisis, rising demand for counseling, and a lack of licensed mental health practitioners by creating paid fellowship positions for master’s degree-prepared and license-eligible counselors.
• $3 Million for Consolidation of the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company Station – The requested money would be used to consolidate two stations into a more energy efficient and environmentally safe facility. This plan reduces Aetna’s operating expenses and is compliant with current health and safety regulations.  The money would also be spent to provide living facilities for Aetna’s student live-in responder participants. Additionally, Aetna will relocate its administrative and training functions to a separate renovated station, which will increase its internal efficiency as well as bring this facility up to current energy and safety standards.
• $2 Million toward Reducing Inequity in Access to Solar Power – This project at Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will support the installation of residential solar energy systems in low-and moderate-income households throughout Delaware.
• $2 Million for Westside Wilmington Health Center Facility Renovations – This purpose of this funding is to complete phase 3 of a multi-year capital improvement campaign, which will include renovations and a re-design of the center.
• $1.2 Million for Comprehensive City Parks Improvements in Wilmington – The requested funding would be used to renovate five parks in Wilmington, several of which serve predominately low-income neighborhoods. The Wilmington Parks Department would use the $1.2 million to cover capital projects at Kirkwood Park (East Side, $300,000), Holloway Park (East Side, $300,000), Kosciuszko Park (Hedgeville, $150,000), Woodlawn Park (Hilltop, $300,000), and Tilton Park (Tilton Park/Cool Springs, $150,000).
• $750,000 for Capital Improvements to the Nanticoke Indian Association (NIA) Cultural Community Center and Food Bank – The Nanticoke Indian Association currently owns a community center providing programs and services to its 1,200 tribal members who reside on Tribal lands or in the adjacent communities. They would use this funding to modernize the building and then add on an addition to better serve the Tribe and community members, including a childcare center and food bank.
• $749,000 for Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Unit Expansion at New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) – This funding would allow NCCPD to expand their Behavioral Health Unit. Specifically, the funding would allow NCCPD to (1) add a peer advocate to the Hero Help outreach team who would conduct outreach and education about treatment, and (2) create a new co-responder team in the Mental Health Unit to focus on conducting follow-ups, referrals, and repeat calls for service, allowing the other teams in the unit to focus on crisis response activity.
• $750,000 for Transforming the Former Hockessin School #107 into a Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Equity – The Hockessin Colored School #107 (HCS) plans to transform the school into a “Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Equity.” The center would focus on educational enrichment, diversity training, and the development of social infrastructure strategies to address issues such as health care, housing, and education. This funding would be used for renovation, restoration, and reactivation of the school itself to prepare to welcome community members.

Details on all 45 Delaware projects included in the package are provided here. 

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Sen. Coons applauds passage of bill to improve mail service for Delawareans

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2021:

“I have heard from Delawareans across the state about the crisis in postal delays, with some people going weeks without mail service. This isn’t just a nuisance; it means delays in access to medications, missed mortgage and utility payments, and other serious problems,” said Senator Coons. “It’s long past time for Congress to take these critical steps to revitalize our postal system and implement needed reforms so that Delawareans can once again rely on dependable, regular mail services and the hard-working postal workers who keep it going.”

The Postal Service Reform Act (S.1720) would take significant steps towards reform, including: 

• Eliminating the requirement to prefund retiree health benefits. The USPS would only need to make a payment once a year for the actual cost of retiree health benefits.
• Establish a new Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) for employees and retirees under age 64. Employees over 64 will be required to enroll in Medicare.
• Codify a 6-day mail delivery week.
• Require the U.S.P.S. to meet service performance targets and to publicly post service data.
• Authorize U.S.P.S. to offer non-postal products and services, which will raise revenue to support improved mail services.

This bill has been endorsed by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

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Sens. Coons, Scott lead Senate in condemning recent bomb threats against HBCUs

WASHINGTON — Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning a recent series of bomb threats at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—including at Delaware State University—and reaffirming the government’s commitment to combatting violence against students, faculty, and staff. The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), both co-chairs of the Congressional HBCU Caucus.

“The disturbing pattern of bomb threats that has been disrupting our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities—including Delaware State University—is unacceptable,” said Senator Coons. “I’m glad the Senate took a bipartisan step to condemn this upsetting trend while the FBI continues to investigate these cases as racially motivated. HBCU students deserve a quality education within a safe and vibrant campus community. I look forward to additional collaboration with Senator Scott and the Congressional HBCU Caucus to help ensure that these important institutions have the resources they need to best support students on campus.”

“The recent bomb threats against our nation’s HBCUs are vile acts of cowardice and should be met with severe consequences,” said Senator Scott. “With this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting hatred and violence wherever they are found, especially on our college campuses. Students should be able to focus on their friends, their social activities, and—most importantly—their education, without having to fear for their safety.”

Joining Senator Coons and Senator Scott in co-signing the resolution were Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

The resolution text is available here.

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Senator Coons statement on call with President Zelensky

WASHINGTON — Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, issued the following statement today after a call this morning with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and congressional colleagues:  

“President Zelensky has inspired Ukraine and the world with his courage and determination since Russia’s unjustified invasion. I joined more than 280 members, both Democrats and Republicans, Senate and House, to hear from President Zelensky and ask questions about how we can best support him and the people of Ukraine. President Zelensky thanked us for the forceful sanctions President Biden has imposed – in coordination with our European allies – and underscored the urgent need for more military support and humanitarian aid from his Western partners. This call to action must lead to swift passage by Congress of the $10 billion in emergency supplemental aid that I have been calling for to give Ukraine and our NATO allies additional military, economic and humanitarian aid to respond to increasingly brutal Russian attacks on civilians and the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe.”

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Coons co-leads resolution to support Ukraine complaint urging investigation of Putin as war criminal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today co-lead a Senate resolution calling for Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian regime to be held accountable for the numerous acts of war, aggression, and human rights abuses that have been conducted under their watch.

“The international community cannot turn a blind eye to war crimes committed by Vladimir Putin and the Russian military,” said Senator Coons. “Putin’s actions, not only in Ukraine but also in Crimea, Georgia, and elsewhere have shown a flagrant disregard for the human rights standards and norms we should expect around the world. Upholding these standards is a core pillar of U.S. foreign policy, and I am glad to join my colleagues in calling for an investigation that will spur the world to action, help end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and ultimately bring Putin to justice.” 

The resolution:

• Strongly condemns the ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses continually being carried out by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin’s military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin.

• Supports any investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses levied by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders.

• Encourages the United States Government and partner nations to use its voice, vote, and influence in international institutions in which they are members to hold President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders accountable for their sponsorship of ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses.

See the full resolution here.

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Statement from Senator Coons on decision to grant Temporary Protected Status to Ukrainians in the United States

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the announcement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Ukrainians in the United States following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to work permits for certain foreign nationals unable to return to their country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary circumstances.

“I’m glad that Secretary Mayorkas has agreed with the recommendation of me and my colleagues that Ukrainians in the United States deserve Temporary Protected Status. President Putin’s brutal, unprovoked, and premeditated invasion of Ukraine has sparked one of the largest humanitarian disasters in modern European history. The United States should do all it can to help Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s brutality. The administration and Congress should continue to support the Ukrainian people during this invasion through economic, humanitarian, and military aid. This TPS announcement demonstrates our willingness to welcome those seeking comfort from the unimaginable horrors of modern warfare.”

On Monday, Senator Coons and 42 of his Senate colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Mayorkas calling on them to designate Ukraine for TPS.

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[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘I call upon my Republican colleagues to allow a vote to proceed’ on Federal Reserve nominees

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging the swift confirmation of five of President Biden’s nominees to serve on the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Governors. During his speech, Senator Coons called upon his Republican colleagues to stop blocking these qualified nominees to the Board, all of whom have been waiting to be confirmed for over a month and a half. The five nominees are Lisa Cook, Sarah Bloom Raskin, Philip Jefferson, Jerome Powell, and Lael Brainard.

On Lisa Cook, nominee to Federal Reserve Board, Senator Coons said, “Lisa, from her time growing up in a small, rural town in Georgia, going on to earn advanced degrees from our nation’s finest institutions, and now as a teacher at one of our great, public universities, she has built world-class expertise in economics, innovation, and banking. She understands not just abstract economic theory but how those theories impact Americans and their families in all walks of life.”

On Sarah Bloom Raskin, nominee to Federal Reserve Board, Senator Coons said, “Sarah Bloom Raskin, who I know from college, has been nominated to serve as vice chair for supervision and has demonstrated through a long career in public service, at both the state and federal level, to be a highly competent regulator who advanced a financial system that would work for all Americans.”  

On Philip Jefferson, nominee to Federal Reserve Board, Senator Coons said, “Philip Jefferson, nominated to serve as a board governor, has deep expertise in how monetary policy impacts employment and economic growth and an important understanding of inequality and poverty in America today.”

On Jerome Powell and Lael Brainard, nominees to become Federal Reserve Chair and Vice Chair respectively, Senator Coons said, “The Fed is at its strongest with a full board of governors, and President Biden has nominated five of the finest economic and legal minds our country has to fill its vacancies: Jerome Powell to serve as chair, and Lael Brainard to serve as vice chair – both folks who have ably guided our economy in the years they have served at the Fed.”

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

Sen. Coons: Since President Biden took office, we’ve seen historic job growth and a dynamic economy. Wages are rising, and they’re rising fastest for working-class Americans. But despite this significant economic progress, today, too many American families are still facing pressing, economic challenges. A global pandemic now entering its third year, ongoing disruptions to international supply chains that result in rising prices, and now the economic shocks caused by Putin’s aggression, his invasion of Ukraine and the response by the West, a united effort to impose sanctions on Russia, which will also have consequences for the global economy.

The Federal Reserve exists, in part, to address issues just like these. The Fed doesn’t just set interest rates and control our money supply. It oversees banks, ensures efficient and reliable payments, and promotes consumer protection and community development. When our economy is facing such foundational challenges like the ones we’re up against right now, it is crucial our institutions are at full strength. The Fed is at its strongest with a full board of governors, and President Biden has nominated five of the finest economic and legal minds our country has to fill its vacancies: Jerome Powell to serve as chair, and Lael Brainard to serve as vice chair – both folks who have ably guided our economy in the years they have served at the Fed. 

Sarah Bloom Raskin, who I know from college, has been nominated to serve as vice chair for supervision and has demonstrated through a long career in public service, at both the state and federal level, to be a highly competent regulator who advanced a financial system that would work for all Americans. Philip Jefferson, nominated to serve as a board governor, has deep expertise in how monetary policy impacts employment and economic growth and an important understanding of inequality and poverty in America today. 

Last, my good friend Lisa Cook, whom I have known for decades. We knew each other as young Truman Scholars, folks who were volunteering a week of our time to help mentor and encourage younger Truman Scholars, a federally funded memorial to President Harry Truman. I’ve known her since the stage in her life where neither one of us might have guessed that someday I would be on this floor speaking as a senator, and I would be speaking in support of her nomination to the Federal Reserve. She would bring a valuable new perspective to the Fed Board. Lisa, from her time growing up in a small, rural town in Georgia, going on to earn advanced degrees from our nation’s finest institutions, and now as a teacher at one of our great, public universities, she has built world-class expertise in economics, innovation, and banking.

She understands not just abstract economic theory but how those theories impact Americans and their families in all walks of life. Lisa served under President Obama at the White House Council of Economic Advisors where she dealt with financial crises both here in the United States and abroad, and she has studied the macroeconomics of foreign markets in Europe and in Africa, including the way central banks have dealt with high inflation, one of the issues right before us. She has expertise in an emerging area of the economy that’s increasingly important for our central bank regulators to understand, digital currencies, and financial technology. She has supported sensible regulation of cryptocurrencies that enables innovation and allows more people to access secure and low-cost financial services.

Her data-driven approach will help the Fed navigate the continued economic recovery, and her focus on financial inclusion will be a critical perspective on the Fed Board that will help ensure all Americans can see the benefit of continued economic growth and job gains.

Madam President, overall, these are five nominees to the Fed Board with sterling credentials and strong character, all of them on their merits deserve the seats to which they have been nominated. I respect the desire on the part of my Republican colleagues to conduct a full evaluation of these nominees, and all five of them have responded repeatedly, fully, and with transparency to the hundreds of questions that have been pressed to them. They have answered all the questions put to them. The time has come to advance and confirm these nominees, and I call upon my Republican colleagues to allow a vote to proceed. To block a vote in the Banking Committee of this Senate by simply denying a quorum is no way for this allegedly ‘greatest deliberative body in the world’ to conduct itself. If we are, in fact, facing the crisis of inflation and rising prices, the Federal Reserve Board must have its full membership. So, my colleagues, please stop blocking these capable and qualified nominees and allow them to proceed.

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