Sens. Coons, Brown introduce bill to encourage savings, improve financial security for low-income Americans

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced the Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests, or ASSET, Act to eliminate asset limitations that restrict eligibility for three vital public assistance programs and raise the asset limitation for a fourth program. U.S. Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-Wash.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) help low-income families, particularly those with children, meet basic needs like food and heating. However, currently, federal law gives states flexibility in determining eligibility for benefits on the basis of not only income, but also the assets of a family, such as a savings account and vehicle ownership. Asset limits for savings are outdated and often set as low as $1,000 or $2,000, limiting a family’s preparedness for a medical emergency or unanticipated expense. Some states have recognized this flawed public policy and have chosen to eliminate asset limitations on these programs. The ASSET Act would establish a consistent policy across the country, which would encourage household savings, increase financial security of families, and reduce administrative costs for states.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program reduces extreme poverty among the elderly and people with disabilities. While asset limits are part of the SSI program design, limits have not been raised or even adjusted for inflation since 1989. The ASSET Act raises SSI asset limits from $2,000 to $10,000 for an individual and $3,000 to $20,000 for a couple, and indexes those thresholds to inflation.

“As Americans across the country are trying to recover from the economic and health crises created by COVID-19, public assistance programs serve as a critical lifeline for families, but the counterproductive limits placed on savings prevent recipients from withstanding financial emergencies and moving off public assistance programs,” said Senator Coons. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation that would remove misguided incentives and unnecessary red tape in these programs, so low-income Americans can access the help they need.”

“This bill puts Ohioans first. By eliminating arbitrary, out-of-date restrictions that prevent Ohioans from saving for emergencies, we can help to both streamline assistance for families and mitigate administrative backlogs,” said Senator Brown.“As we continue to recover from the economic and health crises, I’ll continue to support legislation that helps ensure Ohioans aren’t punished for saving a little extra money, in order to be prepared for medical emergencies and unexpected expenses.”

“If working families are to have any chance to thrive in this country, we need to bolster our social safety net and remove unnecessary and harmful eligibility rules,”said Representative Gomez. “In a country where most people cannot afford a surprise $500 medical or auto repair bill, the ASSET Act represents a new, transformative vision for public assistance. While we recover from the economic crisis brought on by COVID-19, we should not be penalizing Americans who are struggling to get by. Instead, we need to boost those hurt most by job loss, low wages, and poverty by ensuring they have a robust social safety net that works for them.”

“Asset limits for public assistance programs are outdated. You shouldn’t have to lose your car to get help affording food,” said Representative Schrier, M.D. “The ASSET Act strikes the right balance between giving families the opportunity to build their savings while also still receiving critical benefits to keep everyone fed with healthy food and the heat on.”

In addition to Senators Coons and Brown, the ASSET Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

The bill is endorsed by Prosperity Now, Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Children’s HealthWatch, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force, Coalition on Human Needs, Feeding America, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Justice in Aging, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Women’s Law Center, The Arc, UnidosUS, Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC), Delaware Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI), Food Bank of Delaware, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, REACH Riverside, and United Way of Delaware.

The bill text is available here.

The one-pager is available here.

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Senator Coons introduces new members of Senate ALS Caucus

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) reintroduced the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus with six new members, bringing total membership to 21 senators. 

New members include Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). 

Current members include Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

“Each May, we lift up the many courageous people battling ALS and their families, and bring special awareness to the work needed to end this disease,” said Sen. Coons, co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus. “This ALS Awareness Month, I’m glad to announce that six new members have joined the Senate ALS Caucus – a bipartisan group working to expand resources to support research, new treatment options, and one day, a cure. I look forward to more progress in the months and years ahead.”

“I am happy to join Senator Coons in announcing six new members to the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus,” said Sen. Braun, co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus. “I look forward to working with members new and old to find real solutions in aiding individuals suffering with ALS.”

“Since the launch of the Congressional ALS Caucus two short years ago, we have seen 165 members of the House and Senate come together to drive forward ALS research funding, introduce innovative legislation to improve patient access to therapies and deliver financial dignity for those impacted by ALS” said Danielle Carnival, Ph.D., CEO of I AM ALS. “Under the leadership of Senator Coons and Senator Braun, the Senate ALS caucus has already delivered real impact for people living with ALS and their families and we look forward to continuing to work with them to realize the hope felt by so many by turning the hope of scientific progress into the reality of effective treatments and cures.” 

“The ALS Caucus provides an important voice for people with ALS and their loved ones, ensuring the ALS community is at the table when policies that impact their lives are debated,” said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of The ALS Association. “Together, we have achieved important policy changes: passing legislation providing people with ALS immediate access to SSDI and Medicare, increasing funding for ALS research, and making progress to accelerate drug development, approval and access. We look forward to working with the ALS Caucus during the 117th Congress to help expedite effective treatments and cures as soon as possible.”

The bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus brings together Senators from both sides of the aisle who share a commitment to working collaboratively to advocate on behalf of ALS patients and their families. The mission of the Senate ALS Caucus is to:

• Raise awareness about the difficulties faced by ALS patients and their families;
• Advance policies that improve the quality of life for ALS patients;
• Expand the network of support for those suffering from ALS; and,
• Advocate for investments in research that will enhance our understanding of the causes of ALS, identify effective treatments, and eventually discover a cure.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that destroys the body’s ability to control muscle movement. There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, and currently no cure. 

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Coons, Carper now accepting requests for congressionally directed spending for FY22

WILMINGTON, Del.  — U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper (both D-Del.) are now accepting requests for congressionally directed spending for specific projects in Delaware for the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations process.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced his intent to restore Congress’ constitutional power to approve congressionally directed spending items with enhanced transparency and accountability measures. The Senate Appropriations Committee will, on a bipartisan basis, accept requests for congressionally directed spending items for appropriations bills for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 2021.

“The power of the purse is one of Congress’ core constitutional duties,” said Senator Coons. “Members of Congress are best positioned to work with our constituents to determine where federal funding is needed most in our communities. I am pleased to see congressionally directed spending return to the Senate with enhanced transparency and accountability measures, and I look forward to working with Senator Carper, Representative Blunt Rochester, and stakeholders across Delaware to deliver important federal investments to our state.”

“I am pleased that the Senate Appropriations Committee will once again accept our input regarding worthwhile projects in Delaware that will have a positive impact on our residents,” said Senator Carper. “I am grateful that Senator Leahy has outlined a bipartisan process that will be transparent and fair, and I look forward to working with Senator Coons and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester to help make targeted investments in the First State.” 

In reviewing member requests for congressionally directed spending items, the Senate Appropriations Committee will implement Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Rule XLIV requires rigorous procedures for accountability and transparency such as:

• No Member Financial Interest: The rules forbid any member from pursuing a congressionally directed spending item to further his or her financial interest, or that of his or her immediate family. Each member requesting a congressionally directed spending item must certify in writing that there is no such interest and make that certification available to the public. 

• Request in Writing: Any member requesting a congressionally directed spending item must do so in writing, including the Member’s name, the name and location of the intended recipient, and the purpose of the spending item.

• Committee Consideration: When reporting legislation containing congressionally directed spending items, the Committee is required to make each item publicly available online in a searchable format as soon as practicable after the mark up (including the name of each Member requesting the item). 

• Disclosure Before Floor Consideration: The rules prohibit a vote on a motion to proceed to a bill or a vote on adoption of a conference report, unless the chair of the committee certifies that a complete list of congressionally directed spending items has been publicly available for at least 48 hours.

• Point of Order Against New Projects in Conference Reports: A point of order may be raised against a provision of the conference report if it includes a congressionally directed spending item that was not included in either the House or Senate bills.

In addition to these important requirements, Chairman Leahy will enhance the existing Senate procedures for congressionally directed spending items with the following reforms:

• Institute a one percent cap on discretionary spending for congressionally directed spending items;

• Ban congressionally directed spending items to for-profit entities;

• Require Senators to post online their congressionally directed spending item requests, as well as their financial certification disclosures attesting that they do not have any financial interest in any of the items requested; and

• The Committee will require the Government Accountability Office to audit a sample of enacted congressionally directed spending items and report its findings to Congress.    

Non-profit and government entities can learn more about the process and access the Delaware congressionally directed spending request forms on Senator Carper and Senator Coons’ websites. 

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[VIDEO] Senator Coons delivers message to Class of 2021

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released a video message to the Class of 2021. In the address, Coons urges graduates to appreciate the challenges they’ve overcome in the past year and embrace their successes as they begin future endeavors.

To stream the video message, click here. To download the video, use this link. A full transcript is below.

Sen. Coons: Congratulations, Class of 2021. You’ve worked tremendously hard, and now it’s time to celebrate your successes. I know this has been a year of tough transitions, but I urge you to look back not just at the challenges but at how you’ve developed and how you’ve navigated through this time of change. Think of how prepared you are for the future, and as you move forward in life or choose to continue studies, look back on the past year and remember how strong you are. You’ve stood in unity, even when physically separate, to face the incredible challenges of this past year. I’ve said before that change happens on all levels in our society, so your actions as individuals have had a more significant impact than you may think. So, to everyone who’s graduating this year across our state of Delaware, congratulations, and good luck on the next steps in your journey. 

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Statement from Senator Coons on passing of former Delaware Gov. Pete du Pont

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Delaware Gov. Pierre S. du Pont IV.

“Pete du Pont cared deeply about his state and country, and his sense of duty and level of dedication were self-evident during a long career in public service, whether he was serving as a naval officer, congressman, or governor. Pete labored tirelessly to strengthen our state finances, and he knew the importance of bringing businesses to Delaware. He will be missed by many and remembered for his kind, authentic, and good-humored nature.” 

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Sens. Coons & Scott, Reps. Adams & Hill announce landmark legislation on HBCUs

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.) and French Hill (R-Ark.) announced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education at HBCUs Act (IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act). The legislation would make historic investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to rectify over a century of systemic neglect.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been institutions advancing equity and academic excellence as they train the future generation of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. HBCUs, like Delaware State University, consistently produce our next leaders, and we must ensure they have the resources to effectively attract students and continue to promote success. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will modernize campuses across the country – ensuring that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources to continue their transformational work.” 

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities open doors to opportunity for thousands of students each year, many of whom come from underserved communities,” said Senator Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “For decades, HBCUs have educated and produced top-notch graduates in every field—all while operating on minimal budgets. I can only imagine what more they will accomplish with proper funding, and I am proud that my colleagues and I have come together to support this transformational, bipartisan bill.”

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is the most transformative legislation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities in history,” said Representative Adams, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “For over 150 years, HBCUs have been agents of equity, access, and excellence in education, despite being ignored and marginalized by federal and state governments. This historic, bipartisan bill changes that. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act invests in our HBCU facilities to give students state-of-the-art learning environments and enables HBCUs to continue to be a critical source of diversity in the workforce for another century and beyond.”

“Arkansas is home to four HBCUs and I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan and bicameral bill with my colleagues to further bolster HBCUs,” said Representative Hill, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “The bipartisan IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act reflects a good faith effort to work across the aisle in order to ensure that HBCUs have a bright future ahead of them so they and their students will continue to succeed. This measure encourages private philanthropy accompanying public state and federal investments on HBCU campuses to boost their long-term competitiveness.”

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is potentially a game-changer for HBCUs,” said Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) President and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress would be making an affirmative statement that HBCUs and their students deserve the same state-of-the-art facilities, whether they are classrooms, laboratories or library facilities, that they have been long deprived of due to decades of underfunding.  In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and equitably support each post-secondary student population today to help ensure that our nation has the workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. This legislation is a smart investment to maintain our nation’s global competitiveness and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.”

“The infrastructure needs of HBCUs is a decades old issue, and the time has come to address those needs,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF (United Negro College Fund). “We appreciate this bipartisan group of legislators who have identified a way to make a major impact on our campuses. This investment, which is absolutely needed, speaks to larger issues such as underfunding of HBCUs, systemic ways of accessing capital that disadvantages both Black people and Black organizations like HBCUs, and the needs of students who bring both diversity and aptitude to our Nation’s future workforce. We offer our support, and we call on the Congress to pass this bill during this session.”

“The infrastructure grants to improve the facilities, increase Broadband access and speed, abate environmental hazards, and enhance or establish centers for innovative research, and difficult discussions will create state-of-the art environments on HBCU campuses and in their service communities for igniting more sowers, servant leaders, scientists, and those who will leave comfortable shores,” said National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) President Lezli Baskerville. “An example of what might be funded is the BEST Lives Center on tap at Benedict College in South Carolina. NAFEO is grateful to the initial cosponsors and those who are cure to join in sponsoring this environmental enhancing legislation.”

While only representing roughly 3 percent of all four-year colleges and universities, HBCUs produce upwards of 17 percent of all bachelor’s degrees awarded to African Americans. Additionally, HBCUs enroll a disproportionately high percentage of first generation and low-income students, nearly 60 percent, and outperform their peers in supporting and graduating these students.

The incredible success of HBCUs has been achieved despite over a century of systemic underfunding at both the state and federal levels. Too often, HBCUs are forced to navigate the effects of chronic underfunding while also lacking access to alternate sources of capital available to other institutions. 

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act invests in infrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The bill recognizes the contributions of these institutions in the most important way possible: by affording them the support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work. Specifically, it would authorize funds to: 

• Renovate, repair, modernize, or construct new campus facilities, including instructional, research, and residential spaces; 
• Provide access to campus-wide, reliable high-speed broadband to support digital learning and long-term technological capacity; 
• Develop campus facilities to support community-based partnerships that provide students and community members with academic, health, and social services; 
• Procure equipment and technology needed to facilitate high-quality research and instruction; 
• Preserve buildings with historic significance; and
• Ensure the resilience, safety, and sustainability of campus facilities. 

A description of the bill is available here.

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ICYMI: Senators spotlight community impacts of national service with #ServiceShoutout

WILMINGTON, Del. — In case you missed it, public officials, local service groups, and national service supporters took to social media to spotlight the work of AmeriCorps members and other national service groups to support a community-driven COVID-19 recovery. On the tag, #ServiceShoutout, national service members and supporters shared their stories from the past year of pandemic response and recovery. 

National service members have stepped up throughout the pandemic – supporting students with distance learning, helping schools to reopen safely, providing counseling and mental support to families impacted by the pandemic, delivering food and medicine to vulnerable populations, helping struggling Americans access government nutrition and rental assistance, staffing 311 and COVID-19 vaccine hotlines, and so much more. Here’s a selection of posts from U.S. senators:

1. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) shouted out reading activities from the Delaware Summer Literacy Corps, Ministry of Caring’s support for Delaware seniors, and Delaware Foster Grandparents Program’s holiday meal event.
2. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) shouted out the “littlest libraries” initiative by Foster Grandparents of the Pine Belt and the broad efforts of Volunteer Mississippi.
3. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) shouted out student support from City Year Kansas City, higher education initiatives by College Bound St. Louis, COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts by AmeriCorps St. Louis, and tornado recovery campaigns in Southwest Missouri.
4. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) shouted out Shreveport Green and ShreveCorps members’ work to address local food deserts.
5. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) shouted out New Star AmeriCorps members that are supporting Illinoisans with intellectual disabilities.
6. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) shouted out City Year Chicago’s virtual learning support throughout the pandemic.
7. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) shouted out AmeriCorps members supporting California’s COVID-19 recovery.
8. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) shouted out fresh produce delivery by Green City Force.
9. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) shouted out AmeriCorps members’ presence in response to natural disasters, one AmeriCorps member’s support for nurses and first responders, a renovation project in Clarkco State Park, and Jumpstart’s work to improve literacy.
10. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) shouted out Literacy Minnesota’s Summer Reads program.
11. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) shouted out AmeriCorps members work directly in Florida communities.
12. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) shouted out food distribution efforts in Minnesota.

Want to see more #ServiceShoutout posts from community members? Check out the tag onTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also see some spotlighted stories on the official AmeriCorps page!

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La Red Health Center gets $3.8M in federal funding from American Rescue Plan

WILMINGTON, Del.  — Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced La Red Health Center as the recipient of a $3.8 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding was made possible by the American Rescue Plan, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March.

The American Rescue Plan provides $7.6 billion for community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers. These funds can cover retroactive costs incurred since the beginning of the pandemic and can be used for activities necessary to respond to COVID-19, including testing, vaccine administration, delivery of health care services, infrastructure modifications, and community outreach and education.

“This year, La Red is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and it may be its toughest year yet,” said Sen. Carper. “Working with local churches and organizations to reach out to the most rural parts of Sussex County, La Red reaches tens of thousands of Delawareans who face barriers to receiving care, especially during this pandemic when so many patients were home-bound. I’m so proud that we are able to fund our federally qualified health centers like La Red so that all Delawareans can access quality, affordable health care.”

“Community health centers are critical to providing high-quality health care to some of our state’s most vulnerable communities,” said Sen. Coons. “I am proud that through the American Rescue Plan, La Red Health Center was able to secure federal funding to expand access to the care they have been delivering to Delawareans during this pandemic.” 

“Throughout the entire COVID pandemic, La Red and all of Delaware’s community health centers have provided heroic care to our communities,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “I’m so pleased that the Delaware Delegation, working with the Biden Administration was able to secure this key funding so that La Red can continue their critical work and help keep Delawareans healthy and well.” 

La Red and Delaware’s other Federally Qualified Health Centers provide Delawareans with affordable, quality health services and offer a critical safety net that uninsured Delawareans can rely on in a time of need. This grant award will use the American Rescue Plan funds to expand their efforts to provide quality health care delivery to those Delawareans who otherwise would not have it. 

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Coons, Carper urge Biden administration to expedite additional H-2B visas

WASHINGTON – After hearing from dozens of Delaware businesses about the need for additional H-2B visas, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Tom Carper (both D-Del.) joined a bipartisan group of senators in a letter urging the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to expedite the availability of 22,000 additional H-2B visas, an effort to address the pressing demand for seasonal workers in Delaware and across the United States.

“[A]dditional visas are…essential to states that lack the available workers needed to meet the high demand for seasonal jobs,” wrote the senators. “Given the significant disruption to many businesses last summer caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that these businesses have the labor they need to meet demand and to protect the jobs of American workers who fill year-round positions at these businesses.”

Alongside Coons and Carper, the letter was signed by Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

Full text of the letter below and here.

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
3801 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20528

The Honorable Martin J. Walsh
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Walsh,

Thank you for your recent actions to make an additional 22,000 H-2B visas available to address the pressing demand for seasonal workers across the country. While fewer than we would have hoped, additional visas are nonetheless essential to states that lack the available workers needed to meet the high demand for seasonal jobs.

We respectfully urge you to expedite the rulemaking process to make these additional H-2B visas available. Based on the estimated timeline, additional H-2B temporary workers will not be available to businesses until mid-July, which is late into the summer season. This will result in many hotels, restaurants, and other seasonal businesses, as well as employers in critical infrastructure sectors, having to cut back operations due to the shortage of available labor. Given the significant disruption to many businesses last summer caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that these businesses have the labor they need to meet demand and to protect the jobs of American workers who fill year-round positions at these businesses.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

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Bipartisan lawmakers highlight One Trillion Trees Initiative on Arbor Day

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statements in celebration of Arbor Day. The three lawmakers have led efforts to support the international One Trillion Trees initiative, which seeks to promote forest management and the use of trees as a carbon sequestration tool. Senators Coons and Braun, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, introduced the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act last December and will soon reintroduce the bill. Representative Westerman reintroduced his Trillion Trees Act on April 19.

“Arbor Day reminds us of the importance of trees – for the air we breathe, for the wildlife sustained by our forests, and for a beautiful, healthy planet,” said Senator Coons. “This year, I’m working to seed a greener future by supporting the One Trillion Trees Initiative that Delaware’s Forest Service participates in. I’m looking forward to working with Senator Braun and Representative Westerman to advance legislation that will help us conserve and restore critical habitats and plant trees to protect our climate and promote a greener future.”

“On the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, I’m especially proud as a tree farmer myself to celebrate the central role that forests play in biodiversity, recreation, American manufacturing, and preserving our environment for future generations through natural carbon sequestration,” said Senator Braun. “Silviculture is a powerful tool to improve our land, soil, water, and air, and Arbor Day is a reminder of how important planting trees and encouraging sustainable forestry is to our country and planet.”

“As the only licensed forester in Congress, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits that trees provide. Clean air, pure water, healthy wildlife ecosystems – we owe all this and more to healthy forests,” said Representative Westerman, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. “Even though we’ve seen historic technological advancements in the past few decades, trees remain the most advanced carbon sequestration tools we have. We should be advancing trees as the natural environmental solutions that they are, which is why I’m looking forward to working with my Senate colleagues on establishing the U.S. as a leader of the One Trillion Trees Initiative. I believe we have an incredible opportunity to steward these resources well, leaving them healthier and stronger for generations to come. Today and every day, we celebrate our forests!” 

In advance of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021 to 2030, the World Economic Forum launched the global One Trillion Trees initiative, 1t.org. The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act and the Trillion Trees Act would allow the United States to take a leadership role in supporting this effort to store carbon and promote biodiversity.

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