Coons, Carper join bipartisan group of senators in reintroducing legislation to expand telehealth access, make permanent telehealth flexibilities available during pandemic

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper (both D-Del.) joined a bipartisan group of senators to reintroduce the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2021. The CONNECT for Health Act will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make permanent COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to safely connect with their doctors.

Three provisions from the CONNECT for Health Act were included in COVID-19 relief legislation to expand access to telehealth during the pandemic. As a result, telehealth has seen a sharp rise in use since the start of pandemic as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other health care settings and instead receive care at home. Data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by about 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic.

“Providing patients with easier access to their providers, from the comfort of their own home, has allowed so many more patients to get the quality care they need,” Senators Coons and Carper said. “This past year has proven that telehealth works, and is especially crucial in rural parts of Delaware and the country. We are proud to support the continuation of this crucial tool to address the health care needs of Medicare beneficiaries, and in turn, keep health care costs down.”

The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill were enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis. 

The updated version of the CONNECT for Health Act builds on that progress and includes new and revised provisions that will help more people access telehealth services. Specifically, the legislation will:

• Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to include the home and other sites;
• Allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services, a provision currently in place due to the pandemic but on a temporary basis; 
• Provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the permanent authority to waive telehealth restrictions, a provision currently in place due to the pandemic but on a temporary basis; 
• Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
• Require a study to learn more about how telehealth has been used during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including AARP, America’s Essential Hospitals, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Hospital Association, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Nurses Association, American Telemedicine Association, Children’s National Hospital, eHealth Initiative, Federation of American Hospitals, Health Innovation Alliance, HIMSS, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Rural Health Association, Personal Connected Health Alliance, and Teladoc Health. 

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Collins, Coons introduce bipartisan bill to end preventable maternal and childhood deaths

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) and introduced the Reach Every Mother and Child Act, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the United States’ efforts to end preventable deaths of mothers, newborns, and young children in the developing world by 2030.

“Through international coordination, great progress has been made in reducing mortality rates for mothers and their children in countries around the world – yet we must continue to build on this progress to end preventable illnesses like malaria and pneumonia,” said Senator Coons. “The Reach Act would prioritize interventions to reduce these conditions as a key component of our international health efforts. By directing USAID to develop and implement a sweeping strategy that supports maternal and child health, the bill would save lives and promote stability. I look forward to working with Senator Collins to advance it into law.”

“Although progress has been made in improving the health of mothers and children, it is a tragedy that millions of preventable deaths still occur annually,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan legislation would help save the lives of mothers and their kids around the world with simple, proven, cost-effective interventions, including clean birthing practices, vaccines, and nutritional supplements.”

“As communities globally respond to the far-reaching consequences of COVID-19, the U.S. can and must do more to stand behind them. The Reach Act is a powerful example of the kind of support needed, and the role the U.S. can and must play in ending preventable maternal and child deaths,” said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. “We’re especially grateful to the bipartisan leadership of Sen. Collins and Sen. Coons in pushing for Congress to do its part in making sure every mother and child is reached with the quality health services that are their right.”

“Save the Children applauds Senators Collins and Coons for reintroducing the bipartisan Reach Every Mother and Child Act,” said Christy Gleason, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns at Save the Children. “While U.S. investments have played a crucial role in reducing child mortality rates by more than half in the last 25 years, progress has been the slowest for newborns. Globally, 2.7 million newborns die each year, and 2.6 million babies are stillborn. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these persistent challenges, and U.S. leadership is needed now more than ever to reach our goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths.”

“COVID-19 has had devastating effects on the health of marginalized mothers and children around the world. If passed, The Reach Every Mother and Child Act would assist USAID in leading its commitment to helping end preventable maternal and child health globally,” said Carla Costa Sandine, Chief of External Affairs, PATH. “Investing in high-impact, low-cost solutions such as vaccines and medicines in key countries is a proven and effective strategy for saving lives. We urge Senators to support the Reach Act, as well as to bolster the US foreign assistance funding necessary to realizing the Act’s goals.”

“World Vision is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Senators Collins and Coons in introducing the Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2021. The legacy of U.S. leadership for child and maternal health is critical in the wake of a global pandemic that has impacted so many mothers and children,” said Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President of International Programs, World Vision. “The bill builds on the incredible progress that has been made through collaboration between governments, NGOs, faith communities and the private sector and will help to ensure we meet our shared goal – ending preventable child and maternal deaths. I encourage every Member of the Senate to support this legislation and the U.S. foreign assistance funding necessary to realize our goals.”

Nearly 300,000 women die annually from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, a significant proportion of those under five years old occur in the first 28 days of birth, with newborns accounting for nearly 50 percent of all under-five deaths. In 2019, 5.2 million children under-five died from mainly preventable and treatable diseases.

The United States has been a global leader in reaching mothers and children in developing countries with life-saving interventions, including skilled birth attendants, basic resuscitation options for newborns, vaccinations, and other cost-effective, evidence-based interventions.

The Reach Act would aim to assist additional mothers and children by:

• Implementing a strategy focused on bringing to scale the highest impact, evidence-based interventions, with a focus on country and community ownership; 

• Establishing a Maternal and Child Survival Coordinator at USAID who would focus on implementing the strategy and verifying that the most effective interventions are scaled up in target countries;

• Improving government efficiency across several agencies that would collaborate with the Coordinator to identify and promote the most effective interventions to end preventable maternal and child deaths globally;

• Promoting transparency and greater accountability; and

• Requiring detailed public reporting on progress toward implementing the strategy.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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Statement from Senator Coons on death of Delmar Police Cpl. Keith Heacook

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, issued the following statement on the death of Delmar Police Cpl. Keith Heacook.

“Police Cpl. Keith Heacook was deeply dedicated to helping people in his community, and my heart breaks for his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers following the tragic news of his death. The Delmar Police Department was fortunate to have a hero and 22-year veteran among its ranks, and Annie and I have Keith’s family in our thoughts and prayers.” 

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Senator Coons’ statement on President Biden’s first 100 days

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on President Biden’s first 100 days in office.

“When Joe Biden took office, he was clear-eyed about the historic moment of crisis, challenge, and possibility we faced. To move us forward, he set ambitious goals rooted in his unwavering belief in the American people, our democracy, and the values that have long set the United States apart. After 100 days, President Biden and his administration have delivered real, tangible results.

“At home, the Biden administration has distributed relief checks to more than 150 million Americans, administered more than 200 million shots in arms, and proposed critically needed investments in American infrastructure and innovation to get Americans back to work, fix our roads and rails, and address the impacts of climate change. Abroad, President Biden has taken vital steps to reestablish a U.S. foreign policy centered on American competitiveness, diplomacy, and strong alliances. While we still have a lot of work ahead, my confidence in President Biden is stronger than ever, and I look forward to continue working with his administration to secure a brighter future for all Americans.”

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Senator Coons’ statement on President Biden’s first address to Congress

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after President Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress.

“President Biden laid out a positive, hopeful vision for how we can move our country forward and build back better – with a clear legislative agenda centered on opportunity, equity, and quality of life.

“The American Rescue Plan helped 160 million Americans pay overdue bills and put 200 million vaccine shots in arms, and now President Biden is building on this progress by launching an economic recovery that works for all. His American Jobs Plan to modernize infrastructure – to fix our roads and rail, improve internet access, and act on climate – will create millions of good paying jobs, and now, with the American Families Plan, he is putting forward a robust vision for domestic renewal through investment in education, health care, child care, tuition-free community college, and paid family leave.

“Now, we in Congress need to roll up our sleeves and work together to restore American competitiveness, breathe new life into a recovering economy, and invest in our families. Let’s get to work.”

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Senator Coons to host Delawareans as virtual guests for Biden’s address to Congress

WASHINGTON – Tonight, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) will host three Delawareans working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic as his virtual guests for President Joe Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress.

Dr. Joan Coker, Dr. Sandra Gibney, and Dr. Neil Hockstein have been working on the frontlines to care for, test, and vaccinate Delawareans amid COVID-19. These medical professionals will join Sen. Coons virtually for tonight’s address, which marks the president’s first 100 days in office.

“Medical professionals across Delaware have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year, putting their health and safety on the line to care for others,” said Sen. Coons. “I’m honored to host Dr. Coker, Dr. Gibney, and Dr. Hockstein as my virtual guests in recognition of the work that they and so many others have done across our state to ensure equitable access to medical care, testing, and vaccines during this pandemic.”

Dr. Joan Coker, a board-certified otolaryngologist, has been working as an advisor with Testing for America to ensure vaccination equity in minority and traditionally underserved communities in Delaware. With nearly 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Coker has been steadfast in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic in Delaware, hosting testing and vaccine sites, and ensuring all Delawareans have the resources and the opportunity to get tested and vaccinated.

Dr. Sandra Gibney is an emergency room physician who has long committed herself to combatting addiction and opioid abuse in Delaware. With the assistance of Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Dr. Gibney has pivoted to focusing on getting vaccines in the arms of those often overlooked while still working to combat the opioid crisis.

Dr. Neil Hockstein is a board-certified otolaryngologist who serves as the chairman of the New Castle County COVID-19 Task Force, where he helped establish Curative testing sites. Dr. Hockstein is an advisor with Testing for America, where he focuses on safely returning students to school, like Delaware State University, to test students several times a week using in-house resources. He has spearheaded making COVID-19 vaccinations at his practice, ENT & Allergy of Delaware, available to members of marginalized communities.

Individuals seeking to watch tonight’s presidential address, slated to start at 9 p.m., can find more information here. 

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Sens. Coons, Ernst seek bipartisan investment in pediatric research

WASHINGTON – Following reductions to the number of pediatric medical researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) re-introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in pediatric scientists and research. The Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act would address challenges in researcher recruitment and retention and create a pipeline of early-career pediatric researchers with a focus on those historically underrepresented in research such as women and people of color. 

“Investing in early-career pediatric scientists and research will go a long way toward supporting the health of our nation’s children,” said Senator Coons. “By bolstering the pediatric-scientist workforce, with a focus on those historically underrepresented in pediatric research, we are investing in our next generation of science leaders and creating opportunities for advancements that will improve the health of kids in Delaware and across the country.”

“It’s important we help children get access to the innovative cures and treatments they need, and a big part of that is supporting research and researchers,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan bill will bolster pediatric-focused research and in turn help to improve the lives and health of Iowa kids and families.” 

“I applaud Senator Coons and Senator Ernst for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing a bill that includes critical provisions needed to support the development of the next generation of researchers focused on children’s health,”said Larry Moss, MD, president and CEO of Nemours Children’s Health System, which is a member of the Coalition for Pediatric Medical Research. “Supporting early career investigators must be a key priority for the research community, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill is an important step toward improving the health of our country’s children.”

In addition to Coons and Ernst, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).

The bill text can be found here. 

Background:

Over the past several years, the number of pediatric medical researchers supported by the NIH has been reduced. This includes reductions of Child Health Research Center Awards, which supports fewer than half of the young investigators that it did in 2010. The Pediatric Scientist Development Program has also seen cuts in recent years. These reductions contrast with the consistent increases Congress has provided to the overall NIH budget.

The PACT Act would establish an NIH-wide grant to support early-career pediatric researchers, with a focus on those who have been historically underrepresented in pediatric research, including women and people of color, and researchers from institutions disproportionately serving them. Awards will support a variety of activities that ultimately seek to enable recipients to achieve research independence. The bill also directs the NIH Pediatric Research Consortium to set priorities, improve coordination and collaboration, and identify gaps and opportunities to support the development of new treatments and cures for diseases and conditions that affect children across the country.

In addition to the endorsement of Nemours Children’s Health System and the Coalition for Pediatric Medical Research, the bipartisan legislation is supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the International Eosinophil Society, Kids v. Cancer, and the CURED Foundation. An additional letter of support can be found here.

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On Earth Day, Sens. Coons, Graham, Luján reintroduce bipartisan bill to drive investment in energy security and innovation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that would channel private-sector investments to support DOE’s mission and to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy, like next-generation batteries, low-carbon fuels, and advanced materials. Last Congress, the senators proposed the foundation in the bipartisan and bicameral IMPACT for Energy Act, which passed the House of Representatives as part of the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. 

“The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act would bolster private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies that promote U.S. competitiveness and help us meet the global challenge of climate change,” said Senator Coons. “I am excited to introduce this bipartisan bill on Earth Day to drive innovation in the energy sector and advance the next generation of energy technologies that will be critical in meeting President Biden’s ambitious target of reducing U.S. emissions by 50 percent by 2030.” 

“Investing in research and development – particularly as it pertains to energy – is a no-brainer. The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act would allow the Department of Energy to partner with the private sector, creating a unique opportunity for innovation. I was proud to work with Senator Coons and Senator Luján, on this important legislation,” said Senator Graham. “Our bill will help foster new ideas and partnerships to keep America on the cutting edge of economic and technological developments.”

“The Department of Energy has an important role to play in America’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act helps the DOE fulfill this role by adopting a proven model to support the research, development, and commercial application of technologies that address our nation’s energy challenges,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to join Senator Coons to reintroduce legislation I championed in the House that promotes innovation, supports American companies, and creates good-paying jobs.”

Research and development drives innovation and GDP growth in the United States. However, declining global shares of research expenditures severely jeopardize U.S. economic competitiveness. Unlike other sectors, the energy sector faces several unique challenges to innovation including high capital needs, long development time, and a shifting regulatory environment. The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act addresses these challenges by fostering partnerships between government, industry, startups, and outside funding organizations through a Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation

Creation of a DOE foundation was the lead recommendation of two independent reports:

·                 National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). Completed in response to the Fiscal Year 2020 funding appropriations bill, a report released by NAPA in January 2021 concludes that a DOE foundation would provide a complementary and supplementary role to the DOE, National Labs, and the lab-associated foundations.

·                 Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF). A report released by ITIF in May 2020 concludes that a DOE foundation would foster public-private collaboration, connecting innovators with partners, funding, and tools to bring clean energy technologies to market.

The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act is endorsed by the American Sustainable Business Council, Association of University Research Parks, BPC Action, CalCharge, Confluence Philanthropy, FedTech, National Association of State Energy Officials, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, JLW Advising, and Social Venture Circle.

“The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and Social Venture Circle (SVC) are pleased to support the creation of the Foundation for Energy Security Innovation (FESI), as proposed by Senators Coons, Graham and Lujan,” said Carolyn Pincus, Director of Strategy, American Sustainable Business Council. “The United States continues to need the federal government to work in supporting and attracting private investment into the clean energy sector, and applaud any and all efforts for non-partisan partnerships to help pave the way for achieving net-zero goals. With the ever-mounting challenges that continue to emerge in regards to climate change, social equity and economic innovation, the creation of FESI would be a welcome initiative. ASBC and SVC look forward to working with members of Congress and the White House to achieve our climate, social and economic goals.”

“Confluence Philanthropy has been closing following the development of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation and whole-heartedly endorses it to advance collaboration with energy researchers, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to accelerate the commercialization of energy technologies,” said Dana Lanza, CEO, Confluence Philanthropy. “Increasing private and philanthropic sector investments that support efforts to create, characterize, develop, test, validate, and deploy or commercialize innovative technologies that address crosscutting national energy challenges is timely and essential.”

“The clean energy foundation proposed by Sens. Coons and Graham is an innovative and cost-effective way to drive important investments in energy research and development,” said Michele Stockwell, Executive Director, BPC Action. “BPC’s American Energy Innovation Council recommended a similar approach to foster public and private collaboration to accelerate energy innovation. I am pleased to see members of Congress working together to advance this important and creative idea.”

“AURP supports the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act,” said Brian Darmody, CEO, Association of University Research Parks. “As a leading nonprofit helping universities, federal laboratories, hospitals, and communities across the U.S. build communities of innovation, AURP has advocated for flexible and meaningful engagement of the federal labs in tech-based economic development. Providing DOE labs flexible partnership authority like that enjoyed by university research foundations is a move forward for U.S. competitiveness.”

“The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation is an idea whose time has come,” said David Hart, Senior Fellow, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “It will help DOE achieve its mission with greater agility and effectiveness, offer the private sector and philanthropy valuable new ways to engage with the Department’s unparalleled resources for science and innovation, and accelerate the translation of DOE-funded ideas into commercial use.”

“The United States has benefited greatly from federally funded R&D, but we are in a new era where science alone cannot meet the great challenges of our time,” said Jetta Wong, President of JLW Advising and former Director of Technology Transitions, DOE. “The creation of a DOE Foundation will strengthen our R&D system by leveraging additional funding sources as well as new public private partnership models to accelerate the commercialization of new technology into the market.”

“FedTech, a venture accelerator specializing in the commercialization of technology, looks forward to the establishment of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI),” said Ben Solomon, Founder and Managing Partner, FedTech. “This organization will prove to be a vital part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem as the United States develops the next generation of breakthrough technology-based ventures, driving economic growth and American competitiveness.” 

“NASEO—the National Association of State Energy Officials—supports the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act and creation of a Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI),” said David Terry, Executive Director, National Association of State Energy Officials. “FESI will accelerate the commercialization of energy technologies needed to strengthen the nation’s economy and resilience while meeting our critical climate and environmental challenges. We look forward to robust State Energy Office engagement with FESI.”

The Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act would:

• Support private-sector investment. Provides a mechanism to channel private-sector investment into commercializing energy technologies and facilitates coordination among DOE’s National Labs and their associated foundations. 
• Accelerate commercialization. Facilitates public-private partnerships and encourages new ideas such as increased regional economic development and prize competitions.
• Convene industry leaders. Supports events, briefings, and symposia to create a forum for stakeholders to share ideas and collaborate on complex energy problems.   

The bill text can be found here. A summary of the bill can be found here.    

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Carper, Coons applaud passage of the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

WASHINGTON  – Today, Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) voted for the bipartisan passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, legislation led by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) to address the rise of hate crimes and violence targeted at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Specifically, the COVID-19 Hate Crime Acts directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assign a point person at the department to expedite the review of COVID-19 related hate crime, provide support for state and local law enforcement agencies to respond to these hate crimes, and coordinate with local and federal partners to mitigate racially discriminatory language used to describe the pandemic.

The passage of this legislation follows a recent report highlighting that AAPIs were targeted in nearly 3,800 hate incidents across the country since last March. 

“The Asian-American community has been the target of an increased number of racist and hateful acts of violence. As a nation, we must not only stand firm in condemning these heinous acts, but also work together to address this unacceptable rise in violence. I’m proud the Senate could come together in a bipartisan way to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act,” said Senator Carper. “This common-sense legislation dedicates an office at DOJ to ensure hate crimes related to COVID-19 are reviewed in a timely manner and directs DOJ to help provide state and local communities better guidance to protect the AAPI community. I want to thank Senator Hirono for her leadership on this important issue. With this bill, we make it clear that there is simply no room in our country for bigotry and hate toward the AAPI community.”  

“The rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country is unacceptable and requires urgent action,” said Senator Coons. “I’m encouraged that the Senate came together in a bipartisan manner to stand firmly against this bigotry and to provide actionable steps to expedite the review of reported hate crimes and work to combat discrimination related to the pandemic. By passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we are sending an important message that hate has no home here.”

Both Senators Carper and Coons cosponsored a resolution in March of this year, also led by Senator Hirono, that would condemn all forms of anti-Asian sentiment, racism, and discrimination, and call on federal officials, in collaboration with state and local agencies and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community organizations, to address the rise in COVID-19-related hate crimes.

Specifically, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act directs DOJ to:

• Designate a DOJ employee to assist with expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes reported to federal, state, and/or local law enforcement;
• Provide guidance for state and local law enforcement agencies to:

• establish online reporting of hate crimes or incidents, and to have online reporting available in multiple languages;
• expand culturally competent and linguistically appropriate public education campaigns, and collection of data and public reporting of hate crimes; and

• Issue guidance detailing best practices to mitigate racially discriminatory language in describing the COVID–19 pandemic, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the COVID–19 Health Equity Task Force and community-based organizations.

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Sen. Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan legislation to provide relief to parents of children with disabilities

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced Domenic and Ed’s Law. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan discharge. U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Section 437(d) of the Higher Education Act authorizes the discharge of student loans taken out in a parent’s name if the child dies. However, it does not authorize parental loan forgiveness if the child is permanently and totally disabled. This bill would make a minor change to Section 437(d) to make clear that parents who have taken out student loans for their child can also get those loans forgiven if their child becomes totally and permanently disabled.

The bill is named after constituents of Portman and Langevin who inspired this legislative fix. Domenic Carducci, a graduate from The Ohio State University, became totally and permanently disabled not long after graduation. Domenic was able to have his student loans forgiven but his mother, Carolyn, was forced to continue to pay for the student loans that she took out in her name for Domenic’s education. She and her husband still owe tens of thousands of dollars and will be paying these loans well into their 90s. Ed Desorcy, a constituent in Langevin’s district, suffers from Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and lost his vision while attending college. While Desorcy’s loans were discharged following his disability, the loans taken out by his parents on his behalf were not.

“For several years now I have been leading a bipartisan group of members in Congress to address a range of issues impacting individuals with total and permanent disabilities carrying federal student loans,” said Senator Coons. “This week, I joined education and disability rights advocates in urging the Biden Administration to move toward automating the total and permanent disability student loan discharge process as soon as an eligible individual is identified. Domenic and Ed’s Law is another commonsense solution that would provide relief to parents holding student loans on behalf their child if their child becomes totally and permanently disabled. I’m proud to stand with Senator Portman in reintroducing this bill.”

“Families like the Carducci family of Steubenville, Ohio, whose son Domenic has become permanently and totally disabled are going through unimaginable grief,” said Senator Portman. “Because of this tragic disability, they cannot afford a massive student loan bill. The last thing that families in these situations need is that kind of financial burden. I remain committed to addressing this legislative issue fully, and urge my colleagues to support providing relief to families enduring such difficult circumstances.”

“When a parent takes out student loans for their children, they are making an investment in their child’s future by helping them attain higher education. But sometimes, tragedy strikes and alters those plans so dramatically that it is impossible for the student or the parents to ever repay these loans,” said Senator King. “Amidst this heartbreak, families should be able to focus on caring for their now-disabled child – not worrying about student loan payments for an investment that can never be recouped. This legislation will provide essential relief to help these families adjust to their new circumstances. It’s good policy – and it’s simply the right thing to do.” 

“Families of children who become totally and permanently disabled who have taken out student loans in their own names for those children should be eligible for loan forgiveness, and I’m proud to sign onto this common sense bill that will help ease their financial burden,” said Senator Braun.

“After a child becomes permanently disabled, it is unacceptable that parents are then forced to shoulder the burden of that child’s student loans,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would eliminate student loans for parents whose child has developed a severe disability, and I will keep working to build support for this critically-needed bill.”

“Young people who become permanently disabled have their student loans forgiven, but their families’ loans should be forgiven, too. It’s time for Congress to address this glaring loophole and make sure that parents aren’t struggling to pay off student debt as they help their kids with a significant life change,” said Congressman Langevin. “I’m blessed to know Ed Desorcy and his family well, and I’m proud to be leading the charge on this legislation with my Senate colleagues to grant his family, and so many others like them, much deserved financial relief.”

This legislation was originally part of the Stop Taxing Death and Disability Act, which would both amend the Higher Education Act to provide student loan forgiveness to parents who take out loans for their children and also change the Internal Revenue Code to exempt individuals from the tax liability created by the forgiveness of their student loans in cases of death and disability.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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