Senator Coons urges support for low-income energy assistance

Senator Coons and 38 of his colleagues have sent a letter to President Obama urging the inclusion of robust funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the administration’s next budget proposal, due early next year.

Chris has been a long-time advocate for LIHEAP, which provides critical assistance for low-income families and seniors struggling to pay their energy bills. In 2012, LIHEAP helped more than 25,000 Delaware families during the winter and summer months.  

LIHEAP is an essential service for many of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association found that more than 90 percent of LIHEAP homes have at least one child, senior, or person with disability. 

“For these households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times,” the senators wrote.  “Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury – it is a matter of health and safety.”

LIHEAP also delivers significant economic benefits to recipients and their local communities. By lowering energy bills, the program ensures families do not need to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Energy assistance frees up resources that recipients can use to buy groceries, medicines, and other essential goods, which in turn helps local economies grow. One study by economists Mark Zandi and Alan Blinder found that every dollar invested in LIHEAP generates $1.13 in economic activity. 

Senator Coons’ Washington office accepting spring 2014 internship applications

Interested in working for Senator Coons in Washington, D.C.? The Office of Senator Coons is seeking interns for the spring of 2014. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail, handling requests for flags and tours, and assisting front office as well as legislative staff.

This position requires outstanding organizational abilities, strong communication skills, attention to detail, poise, flexibility, and an ability to prioritize in an extremely fast-paced office. Motivated, hard-working, and professional applicants looking to get a taste of Capitol Hill are encouraged to apply. Please note that all positions are unpaid.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample to Eric Wall at Eric_Wall@coons.senate.gov with the subject line reading “Intern.” Applications received by January 15 will be given priority. Delaware ties a plus, but not required. Absolutely no walk-ins or phone calls.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: December 16 to December 22

Tuesday, December 17 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at a press conference unveiling the Joint Economic Committee’s new report on the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing. JEC Vice Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will join Senator Coons, leader of the Senate’s Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative, to share new data on the growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector. S-325 Radio/TV Gallery, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Ian Jannetta at 202-224-8757. 

Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will chair a panel during the Judiciary Committee’s hearing on patent reform. The hearing will examine efforts to protect small businesses and promote innovation by limiting patent troll abuse. Senator Coons will chair the second panel featuring Dr. Steve Bossone of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Harry A. Wolin of Advanced Micro Devices, and Todd Dickinson, Executive Director of the American Intellectual Property Law Association. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Tuesday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m.– The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs hearing on the crisis in the Central African Republic. The committee will examine the humanitarian situation in the CAR, where sectarian violence in the capital, Bangui, killed more than 500 people in the last week. Ten percent of the country has already been displaced by ongoing violence and political unrest. The hearing will be broadcast live on C-SPAN. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042.

Tuesday, December 17 at 3:45 p.m.– The Senator will chair a Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing for four ambassadorial nominees. The committee will consider the nominations of ambassadors to Gabon (and Sao Tome and Principe), Angola, Mauritania, and Zambia. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042. 

Wednesday, December 18 at 2:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. The committee will consider seven pieces of legislation and three nominations. S-116, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651.

Wednesday, December 18 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. 

Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. The committee will consider nominations for U.S. Circuit and District Court judgeships, as well as Assistant Attorney General and U.S. Marshall nominations. The committee will also consider four bills related to sentencing and senior protection. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Thursday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. 

Friday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Royal Farms grand opening ceremony in Bear and tour the company’s new LEED certified building. Greenlight Biofuels representatives will also be on hand to demonstrate how they turn Royal Farms’ used chicken grease into reusable biofuel. 1551 Pulaski Highway, Bear, DE. – Open to press. Contact Laura Church at Royal Farms 856-776-0532.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

3rd Annual ‘Taste of Delaware’ showcases First State’s culinary chops

More than 500 guests packed the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building Monday for a chance to sample food and drinks from some of Delaware’s best eateries at the 3rd Annual Taste of Delaware celebration. Hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Senator Coons, the tradition brings together the some of the first names in dining from around the First State. Taste of Delaware is traditionally held on December 7 in honor of Delaware Day, which fell on a Saturday this year. 

Addressing the crowd, Chris thanked participants and vendors for taking part in the event and encouraged those who enjoyed themselves to come to Delaware and explore more of the state’s culinary offerings. “We may be a small state, but we have a big appetite, and our restaurants and breweries rank with the best of them,” Chris said. “We hope your taste today will inspire you to come visit or to come home.”

Vendors from more than 20 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and wineries from all corners of the state braved the snowy commute to share their goods with D.C. guests, many of whom were Delaware transplants hungry for a taste of home.

Around the room, celebrated Delaware staples like Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Brandywine Brewing Company, and Dogfish Head Brewery lined the walls between popular restaurants like House of William and Merry, (a)Muse, and Piccolina Toscana, all sampling their fare in the name of promotion and fun.

Chef Dan Butler, owner of Deep Blue, Piccolina Toscana, and Brandywine Prime missed last year’s event because of restaurant renovations and was happy to return. “This event is a blast,” said Butler. “You look around the room here and realize that there are a lot of great restaurants here in Delaware, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”  

Contributing to the success of the event were more than 30 students and teachers from Delcastle Technical High School’s culinary arts program, led by Chef James Berman. Students fanned out across the room to assist vendors with their preparations, gaining valuable experience and developing connections with local restaurant owners and operators.

The event also drew its fair share of legislators, including the full complement of the Delaware delegation, as well as Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and John McCain of Arizona, who both enjoyed Johnnies Dog House hot dogs. Governor Markell was also on hand to thank participants.

Taste of Delaware has come a long way from humble beginnings. The first “unofficial” Taste of Delaware took place three years ago in a conference room just a week after Senator Coons took office. The gathering consisted of about 20 people enjoying a small sampling of Grotto Pizza, Capriotti’s sandwiches and Dogfish Head beer. Three years later, the event has gained a reputation among congressional staff and legislators as one of the can’t-miss events of the year.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: December 9 to December 15

Monday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will host the 3rd Annual Taste of Delaware in celebration of Delaware Day. Delaware Day is celebrated each year to commemorate Delaware’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. Taste of Delaware, hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Senator Coons, will bring vendors from some of Delaware’s best eateries to Capitol Hill to showcase culinary traditions from the First State. 325 Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting. The committee will discuss how Congress can help philanthropic foundations and social entrepreneurs thrive in the current economy. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, December 11 at 2:10 p.m. – The Senator will deliver holiday cookies and a message of thanks to U.S Capitol Police at a special event honoring police for their service and dedication throughout the year. Senator Coons is co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. Capitol Police Headquarters, 119 D. Street NE, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee hearing on continued oversight of U.S. Government surveillance authorities. The committee will hear testimony from Keith Alexander, Director of the National Security Administration; James Cole, Deputy Attorney General of the Department of Justice; and Robert Litt, General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Thursday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. The committee will consider three nominations for U.S. Circuit Judge, eleven nominations for U.S. District Judge, two nominations for U.S. Marshal, one nomination for Assistant Attorney General, and four bills. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Thursday, December 12 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 1:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, December 12 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will chair a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting on manufacturing. The committee will examine the four components of the Senate’s Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative ­– exports, skills training, access to capital, and creating the conditions necessary for growth ­– with representatives from key states for American manufacturing. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Thursday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, December 12 at 6:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s 2013 Tribute Reception and Dinner honoring Vice President Joseph Biden. The event honors individuals for their long-standing commitment to international affairs. In addition to the vice president, Representative Kay Granger (R-TX) and Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) are honorees. Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. Closed to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.  

Video: Reflecting on President Mandela’s life and legacy

Senator Coons appeared on MSNBC’s Daily Rundown on Friday to reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, and to talk about his own experience fighting apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s. After graduating college, Chris went to work for the Investor Responsibility Research Center and actually wrote a book encouraging colleges and universities to divest from South Africa.

Senator Coons talks policy, public service with UD students

No topic was off limits in Dr. Chris Counihan’s Introduction to Politics class at the University of Delaware Monday afternoon, as Senator Coons fielded students’ questions on policy issues ranging from the recent government shutdown, to GMOs, veterans’ health, and employment issues.

Chris spoke with the class of more than 100 students about his early background of non-profit work with AmeriCorps, his work in the private sector with Gore, and what led him to run for office for the first time.

“I was approached to run for County Council, and I initially rebuffed the suggestion,” Chris said. “But then my wife, who had worked in county government for many years, said ‘that’s exactly what you should do.’ She said, ‘It was the County Police who kept you safe when you were a kid, the county park where your youth group from church met, and the Kirkwood Highway New Castle County library is where your mom dropped you off to keep you out of trouble. You grew up here, you benefitted from this place, but you haven’t given anything back to it.’” 

“Long story short, when your wife says do it, you do it,” Chris said with a smile.

Chris also touched on the recent dysfunction in Congress. “It is better than it seems from the outside,” said Chris. “I’ve actually been able to build real friendships with Republican senators. There are good and capable members of the Senate and the House, both parties, but the bad news is sometimes we don’t act like it. I’ve spent a lot of time visiting with Republican senators, traveling with them, going to prayer breakfasts with them, so we can get to know each other and try to build something.”

Chris closed by adding, “Public service has been the best experience I’ve had in my life. I never expected it would be as rewarding and positive as it has been.”

Senator Coons welcomes TD Bank’s ‘strength of culture, strong future’ to downtown Wilmington

Senator Coons joined dozens of TD Bank employees, business leaders, and members of the Delaware delegation Monday to help officially open TD Bank’s Wilmington office, which will handle credit card services for the Cherry Hill, NJ-based bank.

The new center, located at the Hercules Building, currently houses 30 employees, with the goal to grow up to 100.

“The leaders at TD Bank know we have a world class workforce in financial services here in Delaware,” Chris said. “Coupled with our state’s longtime support for the needs of the financial services industry, the First State is the perfect place for TD Bank’s business to grow.” 

TD Bank Executive Vice President of Credit Cards Michael Rhodes remarked that the company’s Wilmington facility “will allow us to be even more integrated from a capabilities, distribution, and platform perspective.”

“We are excited about the huge potential that TD brings to Wilmington,” Chris said. “If you think about the strength of TD as a bank, about the strength of its balance sheet, about the strength of its culture, I think we are all confident in its strong future here. All of us see some green in the future today for T.D. Bank in Delaware.”

Chris also remarked on “the great reputation TD Bank has built for giving back to the community.” In addition to opening the new office, TD Charitable Foundation made a $50,000 contribution to the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute.

Senator Coons lends helping hand at 31st Annual Turkey Drive

Senator Coons today joined an army of volunteers led by Norman Oliver, president of NOR Enterprises Inc., for Oliver’s 31^st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive in downtown Wilmington. Chris joined Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, and over a hundred student volunteers to distribute turkeys to families in need as part of the annual Wilmington Thanksgiving tradition.

The event kicked off at Herlihy Apartments, where Oliver thanked the scores of volunteers as well as key sponsor the Kenny Family Foundation, which owns and operates ShopRites of Delaware. The drive continued to Compton Apartments and concluded at Windsor Apartments.

“Thanksgiving is a time to show our gratitude for the many blessings in our lives,” Chris said. “Reaching out to help those in need in our community is one of the best ways we can give back. Today’s turkey drive will make the holiday brighter for so many Wilmingtonians, and I am grateful to everyone who came out today to participate.” 

Chris also paused to recognize those serving our country who will not get to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families this year. “We are so thankful for the men and women in uniform stationed around the world who will spend the holiday at military posts far from home. They are protecting us, and they will stay in our thoughts and prayers.”

Senator Coons supports calls for international engagement in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR), long a fragile state, has spiraled downward since March, when the president was ousted by a diffuse group of rebels called Seleka.  The humanitarian situation is dire and getting worse.  More than 460,000 Central Africans have been displaced and, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, half of the population of 4.6 million needs humanitarian assistance and about a quarter are seriously food insecure. Without strong, high level international engagement, the CAR risks descending into chronic violence and lawlessness guaranteed to cause even more human suffering. 

Secretary Kerry’s statement on November 20 condemning the ongoing abuses and announcing that the U.S. Government will provide $40 million to support the African Union Peacekeeping Mission (MISCA) in CAR is a step in the right direction.  Now, the United States must urgently deliver the promised support to MISCA, work with the international community to accelerate humanitarian relief, and engage with community-based and national efforts to advance reconciliation and political transition.  Several respected international rights groups issued a statement to that effect on November 19, outlining recommendations for a comprehensive U.S. Government strategy that merit serious consideration. 

As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Senator Coons is closely following the ongoing situation in the CAR and is committed to working to support peacekeeping, humanitarian, and democracy efforts in the country.