Senator Coons leads hearing on entrenched African leaders

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Coons today convened a hearing to examine U.S. policy in response to entrenched African leaders.

In his opening statement, Chris said that African leaders who stay in power for decades, some by manipulating their country’s constitution or governing institutions “challenge U.S. values and objectives, including the promotion of democracy, transparency, and rule of law.  It contributes to corruption, economic stagnation, a lack of accountability, and an inability of the government to effectively represent and respond to the needs of the people.  It threatens to hamper the vast potential of sub-Saharan Africa, and must therefore be addressed and ultimately, reversed.”      

The hearing featured testimony from Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa Earl Gast and the National Democratic Institute’s Regional Director for Central and West Africa Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh.

In addition, the committee heard testimony from Dr. Mo Ibrahim, an advocate for responsible governance in Africa whose foundation awards an annual cash prize of $5 million to democratically elected African leaders who demonstrate excellence in office and peacefully step down from power. Chris had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Ibrahim prior to the hearing.

Senator Coons Celebrates National Robotics Week with FAME

Senator Coons marked the third annual National Robotics Week and Delaware’s inaugural National Robotics Day at Barclays on the Wilmington Riverfront.  Chris joined members of the Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME) as they recognized robotics technology as a pillar of 21st century American innovation.  FAME, Inc. Executive Director Donald Baker talked with Chris about the growing importance of robotics and the role it plays in encouraging students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). In Delaware, FAME is a year-round program that works with students in grades 6 through 12. 

“I was impressed to learn that FAME is working to increase the number of women and minority students who decide to go into robotics and the sciences,” said Chris.  “Events like Robotics Day are fun to attend, and they also help ensure STEM education is getting the attention it deserves in today’s curriculum.”

The event provided a great opportunity for networking and interaction between students, industry leaders and other experts. As a former student of the sciences himself, Chris was thrilled to participate in National Robotics Day. He encouraged the students in the audience to continue pursuing science and pointed out to the female students that they don’t need to look far for inspiration – the heads of two of Delaware’s largest science-based companies, DuPont and W.L. Gore, are both women.

Senator Coons recognizes Equal Pay Day

Senator Chris Coons, a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, issued the following statement on Tuesday to recognize Equal Pay Day — the day that marks how far into the calendar year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Equal Pay Day was created in 1996 by the National Committee on Pay Equity as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages.

“It’s astonishing and saddening to think that in 2012, women still get paid less than men for doing the same work. As we pause today to reflect on the need for an ‘Equal Pay Day,’ we should also honor the progress women have made in our nation’s workforce. American women make up half our labor force and are the primary or co-breadwinners in six out of ten households, but still face wage discrimination.

“In Delaware, on average, women are paid 81 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap of $9,505 between full-time working men and women. Women of color experience even greater disparity, with African-American women working full-time in Delaware being paid just 71 cents for every dollar paid to men. Latinas in Delaware are paid just 53 cents on the dollar.

“Equal pay for equal work is more than just basic fairness, it will also reduce the financial strain many families are currently facing. I applaud the efforts of so many to close the wage gap, including my colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, who introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act, of which I’m a proud cosponsor. Today, I re-pledge myself to fighting to end pay discrimination for Delawareans and all Americans. ”

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on civil rights. 

The Senator’s week ahead schedule: April 16 to April 22

Monday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will talk via Skype with students at Phillis Wheatley Middle School in Bridgeville. The eighth-grade students wrote letters to the Senator about Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army. Phillis Wheatley Middle School, 48 Church Street, Bridgeville, DE – Open to press.

Monday, April 16 at 2:00 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. 

Monday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Bio Annual Awards Gala.  The event will recognize exemplary individuals for their work in bioscience. The 2012 Award Recipients include: Incyte Corporation, Charles W. Robertson, Noureddine Melikechi, and J. Michael Bowman. DuPont Country Club, 1001 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 11:00 a.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

 Wednesday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with the presidents of national labor unions.  Organizations expected to be represented include, but are not limited to: Air Line Pilots Association, American Federation of Teachers, International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the National Association of Letter Carriers. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, April 18 at 2:15 p.m. – The Senator will chair a hearing for the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. The hearing entitled, “Examining the U.S. Policy Response to Entrenched African Leadership,” will include testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; The Honorable Earl Gast, Assistant Administrator for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development; Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa, National Democratic Institute.  419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, April 19 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the Information Technology Innovation Foundation Conference. The conference will explore ways to make restoring America’s innovation and competitiveness a central political issue. 1330 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Friday, April 20 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at an American Bar Association conference on national security law and policy. Additional members of the panel include: Harold H. Koh, Legal Advisor, U.S. Department of State; Michael Chertoff, Former Secretary of Homeland Security; and Scott Shane, The New York Times. The panel will be moderated by Judith Miller, Former General Counsel, U.S. Department of Defense. 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Friday, April 20 at 8:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Delaware HIV ‘Wow Gala’. The Gala will present nine Red Ribbon Awards to individuals and organizations working to improve the quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS in Delaware. Senate Coons will be presented with the Red Ribbon Ally Award. Grand Ballroom, Clarion Belle Hotel, New Castle, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, April 21 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator, in partnership with Wilmington University, will host a free job fair for local veterans. Operation Success: Welcome Home will feature local employers who are eager to hire the talented men and women who have served our country. Workshops at the event will provide military service members, veterans, and their families with invaluable resources such as educational benefits, mental healthcare services, and spousal support. Wilmington University, New Castle, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, April 21 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Kids’ Green Fest at Newark Center for Creative Learning School. This event will empower children through educational activities that help them see the practical, sustainable impact they can have on the environment. Newark Center for Creative Learning School, 401 Phillips Avenue, Newark, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Dover Delaware Military Officers Association of America Dinner Meeting. The dinner will bring together MOAA members along with other active duty, prior service and retired members of the U.S. Uniformed Services. Roma Italian Ristorante, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Buffett Rule and economic fairness

The Senate this week will take up legislation that would put the so-called “The Buffett Rule” into law, restoring fairness to our tax system by making sure that millionaires and billionaires don’t pay a lower effective tax rate than middle-income families.

The “Paying a Fair Share Act” would ensure that multi-million-dollar earners pay at least a 30 percent effective tax rate on their income over $1 million, including capital gains and dividends. The Buffett Rule would limit the degree to which the wealthiest of Americans can take advantage of loopholes and tax rates.

According to the IRS, a full 22,000 households that made more than $1 million in 2009 paid less than 15 percent of their income in income taxes. Nearly 1,500 of them managed to pay no federal income taxes on their million-plus-dollar incomes.

“At the end of the day, it’s about fairness,” Senator Coons said. “It’s about fairness in our tax system, and it’s about saying to the average American that no one is above paying their fair share. We’re going to have to make some tough choices as a country these next few years as we try to bring our dangerous deficits under control, and it’s important that all Americans share in the sacrifice.”

The principle gained the moniker “The Buffett Rule” after legendary financier Warren Buffett revealed that because of inequity in the tax system, he was paying a lower effective tax rate than his secretary.

“As both I and Warren Buffett have pointed out many times now,” President Obama said last week, “he’s paying a lower tax rate than his secretary. That’s not fair. It’s not right.”

The White House has developed a simple calculator to help you figure out how many millionaires are presently paying a lower effective tax rate than you. Find out your “Buffett Number” below:

JP Morgan Chase to add 1,200 jobs in Delaware

WILMINGTON — Governor Markell announced on Friday that JP Morgan Chase was going to expand its operations in Delaware, adding 1,200 jobs here over the next 20 months.

“It’s exciting news, for sure,” Senator Coons said. “The reality is, Delaware has a unique and highly skilled workforce that makes it a natural fit when companies like Chase are looking to grow. Like Citi and Bank of America, Chase is choosing to grow in Delaware because of the talent we have here and because, frankly, as a state, we want their business. We want companies like Chase to grow here — to create jobs here — and have worked hard to nurture an economic climate that makes it possible.”

The jobs, which are expected to pay in the ballpark of $76,000 per year, will be across several of Chase’s verticals, including Treasury & Securities Services, Investment Banking, Asset and Wealth Management, Card Services, Corporate Technology, and more.

“This is exciting news, and I congratulate Governor Markell and Director Levin on making it happen and bringing these jobs to Delaware,” Senator Coons said.

Read more here in the News Journal.

Senator Coons touts Buffett Rule on Morning Joe

Senator Coons appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Wednesday to talk about his support for the Buffett Rule and other policies that promote fairness in our tax code. Watch below.

ICYMI: WSJ details urgency of Sen. Coons’ legislation on temporary bankruptcy judgeships

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday published an article on the still-urgent need for the extension of dozens of temporary bankruptcy judgeships to avert a crisis in America’s bankruptcy courts. Senator Chris Coons introduced the bipartisan Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeship Act in November to extend the authorizations for 30 temporary bankruptcy judgeships in 14 states and Puerto Rico and prevent un-fillable vacancies. The bill was voted out of the Judiciary Committee in December and now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

While legislation to ease the pain is stalled in Congress, some bankruptcy courts are bringing in visiting judges and asking judges to work more hours. And judges who are eligible to retire are grappling with whether to stay or go.

“The word guilt certainly can describe some feelings,” Judge Arthur Gonzalez told NLJ of his recent retirement from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Gonzalez’s departure means a lost judicial seat in one of the busiest bankruptcy courts in the country thanks to a pro-debtor reputation that attracts giant corporations like Borders and General Motors.

His seat is one of two judgeships lost so far upon the expiration of Congress’ temporary judgeship program, under which lawmakers created 28 temporary judicial spots. If any judges left during the five-year program, courts could fill the vacancy. But once the program ran out, the seat of any departing judge–whether permanent or temporary–would go unfilled.

The House of Representatives passed a bill to extend 30 temporary judgeships for five years, and the legislation’s counterpart remains pending in the Senate. But some lawmakers are concerned about the cost of the respective bills, sponsored by Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware and Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the Senate bill could cost about $5 million over five years, depending upon the number of vacancies to be filled.

Click here to read the full article on The Wall Street Journal’s website.

Click here to download a copy of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeship Act.

Click here to read the national press release introducing the legislation. 

The Senator’s week ahead schedule: April 9 to April 15

Monday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. — The Senator and his family will attend the White House Easter Egg Roll. More than 35,000 people will gather on the White House South Lawn for the 134th annual Easter Egg Roll, which consists of games, stories, and, of course, the traditional egg roll. The White House, Washington, D.C. – Open to press credentialed by the White House.

Tuesday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will visit the Calpine Energy Center. During the visit, Senator Coons will discuss his effort in the Senate to advance clean energy legislation that provide incentives for America’s energy sector to shift towards a cleaner more sustainable future.  198 Hay Road, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Tuesday, April 10 at 12:45 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Wilmington Friends School QUEST Lunch and Learn Program. Senator Coons will discuss the ongoing efforts by regional governments and America to capture and prosecute members of the Lord’s Resistance Army and Joseph Kony. 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE – Closed to Press.

Tuesday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will visit the Port of Wilmington. During the visit, Senator Coons will get an in-depth tour of the current facility and the Port’s vision for the future. The Port of Wilmington is critical to the state’s economy: generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region. Port of Wilmington, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 a.m. – The Senator will appear on MSNBC’s Morning Joe program. The interview will cover the issues of the day and will be some time during the 7:00 hour.

Friday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will participate in the opening ceremony for the Blue Rocks’ season-opening game against the Frederick Keys. Frawley Stadium, Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, April 14 at 9:15 a.m. – The Senator will attend the 3rd Annual National Robotics Week Event hosted by FAME, Inc. To help encourage students to pursue a career in technology, FAME (Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering, Inc.) will host an event that highlights the importance of an education in the sciences. FAME is a pre-college enrichment program that prepares and motivates traditionally underrepresented minority students andgirls to enter college and complete a baccalaureate degree in the engineering, science, math or technology related fields of study. FAME was established in 1977 by the DuPont Company to address the lack of women and minorities in engineering and science. Barclays, Wilmington Riverfront, 125 South West Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

Senator Coons meets with young Delawareans about Joseph Kony, LRA

WILMINGTON — Senator Coons met today in his office with a dozen students from several local high schools and the University of Delaware, as well as young advocates from The Resolve and Invisible Children. The group was eager to discuss the pursuit of Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army, who have terrorized Uganda and much of Central Africa for more than 25 years.

“The attention Kony and the LRA have received in Delaware schools these last few weeks thanks to the work of groups like Resolve, Enough, and Invisible Children, has shown just how important the issue is, especially to our young people,” Senator Coons said. “It’s important they know that the Senate has been working on this issue and strongly backs the U.S. mission in central Africa in support of Kony’s capture. I hope parents and teachers in Delaware who want to learn more about this so that they can engage with their kids will reach out to me or to my office to learn more.”

To aid in that effort, last week Senator Coons sent a letter, video, and four-page information kit to educators throughout the state. Those resources can be found online here.

“Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army have burned a path of destruction through Uganda and its neighbors in central Africa for the last 25 years,” Senator Coons said. “Joseph Kony represents the worst of mankind, and he and his commanders must be held accountable for their war crimes.”

Senator Coons is chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.