Video: Chris previews the State of the Union on CNBC

Senator Coons appeared on CNBC’s Kudlow Report last night to preview the State of the Union. You can watch below.

Senator Coons to host free job skills workshop

Senator Coons will host his second free job skills workshop this Thursday, January 26th at 5:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Job Resource Center in Wilmington.  Chris hopes that a broad range of job seekers will attend, including those looking to learn the art of networking, fine-tune their resumes and master the interviewing process.

This job skills event is one in a series of workshops Chris is hosting as he continues to focus on helping Delawareans get back to work.  Career coach Yusuf Wilson will be on hand  Thursday evening to present a seminar titled, “The Art of Networking:  Leveraging Traditional and Social Media Networking Strategies to Get Hired.”  The workshop was developed in response to feedback received at job fairs hosted by Senator Coons and the rest of the Delaware Congressional delegation earlier this year.

Since taking office, Chris has hosted three job fairs attracting more than 4,900 job seekers and well over a hundred employers total.  

If you’re looking for work, please come out this Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The Job Search Workshop will be held at the Goodwill Job Resource Center, 300 E. Lea Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802. No RSVP is required, but if you have questions, please contact (302) 573-6345.

State of the Union and manufacturing jobs

All eyes turn to Capitol Hill tonight, where the President of the United States will deliver the State of the Union address at 9:00 p.m. One of the themes Senator Coons expects the President to discuss is the critical importance of ensuring American manufacturers stay competitive. 

Chris has been a leader on this issue, fighting to make sure quality products are “Made in America, Manufactured in Delaware.” He has reached across the aisle to build bipartisan support for legislation he drafted with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, called the AGREE Act, which will help local small businesses access capital and recruit talented, high-skilled workers, and invests in research and development by making that tax credit permanent.

In the President’s address to the nation tonight, Chris hopes to hear a continued commitment to American manufacturing, following up on the Administration’s recent report on “insourcing” and previous launch of a new Office of Manufacturing Policy. Specifically, Chris would like to hear the President call on Congress to quickly pass tax incentives for companies that bring manufacturing jobs back to America and lay out plans for job training initiatives and education, particularly for students perusing technical degrees.     

Click here to read more about Chris’ ideas for promoting job creation. 

What We’re Reading: CQ: “Coons finds bipartisan backing for tax cut extenders package”

On Tuesday, previewing tonight’s State of the Union address, Congressional Quarterly featured a front-page story highlighting the prospects of legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware has forged a bipartisan coalition to push for passage of a package of tax cut extensions and other measures meant to spur job creation.

Coons is working with Republican Marco Rubio of Florida to rally support from at least 10 other senators for his proposal, which includes small- business incentives.

In his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, President Obama is expected to tip his hat to some of the provisions included in Coons’ bill. Steve Case, the founder of America Online and a member of Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, said Jan. 17 during a White House news conference that the Coons bill reflects some of the panel’s concerns about “access to capital” and gets to the issue of “talent and high-skilled workers.”

The bill (S 1866) would extend full expensing, or bonus depreciation, for business equipment and property investments through 2012. The research and development tax credit would be in place through 2013. The legislation would provide veterans with a tax credit equal to 25 percent of a franchise fee of up to $100,000 for a new venture and give select new public companies an exemption for five years from some reporting requirements under the 2002 law (PL 107-204) that strengthened corporate governance and accounting industry standards. It also would eliminate some limits on visas for skilled foreign workers.

The bill is supported by a bipartisan array of senators, including Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.;Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; John Boozman, R-Ark.; Scott P. Brown, R-Mass.; and Mike Lee, R-Utah. Coons also has the backing of Mark Begich, D-Alaska, and Bob Casey, D-Pa.

Schumer, who as conference vice chairman is the third-ranking Democrat, is expected to help promote the bill. A senior Democratic aide said Schumer may try to advance its provisions in other tax legislation such as a proposed extension (HR 3630) of the Social Security payroll tax cut, benefits for the long-term unemployed and Medicare physician reimbursement rates that is the subject of conference committee negotiations.

Blunt said the Coons bill could move on its own. “It might be better as a stand-alone. It only consists of things both parties are for,” Blunt said.

Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., one of the negotiators on the payroll tax cut package, said a number of other tax cut extensions may advance after the payroll tax cut conference is settled. “When we get our business done, then we can talk about doing extraneous business,” Kyl said.

Coons has been working with No Labels, a nonprofit group that encourages centrist compromises on domestic policy issues. “We don’t have enough genuinely bipartisan vehicles,” Coons said.

Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who is retiring at the end of the year, says Coons is among a new generation of centrist leaders in the Democratic Party. “He’s shown a great deal of interest in working across party lines,” said Nelson, adding that Coons gained experience “trying to make things work” when he served as Delaware’s New Castle County executive, a seat once held by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Subscription is required to view the CQ article online.

Click here to learn more about the AGREE Act. 

Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation seeks nominations for civilian service award

 The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognizes and honors American civilians who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, leadership and selflessness in their communities and for their country.

Every year, in conjunction with the National Medal of Honor Day, three United States citizens will be awarded the Citizen Service Before Self Honors near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery. They will receive this award from a group of Americans whose actions have defined the word courage – the members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society who have received our nation’s highest and most prestigious award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

Senator Coons encourage Delawareans to nominate fellow citizens of the First State who have clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others whether through a single act of extraordinary heroism or through a prolonged series of selfless acts. The nominee’s actions must epitomize the concept of “service before self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional area of responsibility or conduct.

Please note that the deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 10, 2012. 

What We’re Reading: Washington Post editorial echoes Senator Coons’ comments on online piracy

On Sunday, The Washington Post published an editorial on the still-urgent need for legislation to combat online piracy by foreign-operated websites. The editorial agreed with comments made earlier in the week by U.S. Senator Chris Coons that the House’s Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) went too far, but that the Senate’s PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) was measured and appropriate. Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the PROTECT IP Act, and after leaders announced this week that a vote on the bill would be delayed, the Senator pledged to support continued efforts to reach a consensus that protects both American intellectual property and Internet freedom.

Internet giants such as Google railed against the bills [PROTECT IP and SOPA], arguing they sanctioned government censorship and threatened the viability and security of the Internet. The protests culminated last week in a remarkable, largely unprecedented protest during which sites such as Wikipedia temporarily went dark. Millions of individuals — many of them armed with distorted descriptions of the bills — phoned, e-mailed, and used social networks to demand that they be quashed.

 …

Some opponents will fight any regulation of the Internet. This should not be acceptable. A free and viable Internet is essential to nurturing and sustaining the kinds of revolutionary innovations that have touched every aspect of modern life. But freedom and lawlessness are not synonymous. The Constitution does not protect the right to steal, and that is true whether it is in a bricks-and-mortar store or online.

Click here to read the full editorial on the Washington Post’s web site.

Click here to read Senator Coons’ recent statement on the PROTECT IP Act.

Reaffirming my commitment to women’s health

Thirty-nine years ago, the United States Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to make her own decisions about starting a family and protecting her body. As we mark today’s anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must recommit ourselves to defending against attempts to erode this fundamental constitutional principle and deny women their reproductive rights.

In my first year in the Senate, I often witnessed the tenacious commitment of those who prioritize rolling back reproductive rights above everything else. For some members of Congress, the anti-choice agenda has even trumped job creation.

In April, some members of the House nearly caused the federal government to shut down in their effort to defund Title X, a program which dates back to 1970 and provides a range of critical health services to women across the country. In October, the House passed a bill that prohibits women from buying health insurance plans that cover abortion under the Affordable Care Act and makes it legal for hospitals to deny abortions to pregnant women with life-threatening conditions.  I will do everything I can to make sure this draconian bill is not passed by the Senate.

While we have been largely able to fend off anti-choice attacks, we must remain vigilant in the preservation of reproductive rights and ensure all women in this country have access to the highest-quality health care available.

Today, on the 39th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, I pledge to continue fighting for accessible and affordable reproductive care for Delawareans and all Americans.

The Senator’s week ahead schedule: January 23 to January 29

Monday, January 23 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will participate in a meeting on poultry with Delaware and Maryland congressional, state and industry leaders.  The event, which will be moderated by Delaware Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee, is designed to provide a unique opportunity to openly discuss key topics facing the poultry industry today, including domestic and export sales, labor needs, operating costs, and environmental issues. Delmar Volunteer Fire Company, Bi-State Blvd. and Grove Street, Delmar, DE. The meeting is closed to press and the public, but participants will hold a media availability immediately following the event, from 12:15 – 12:30 pm.  

Monday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m.—The Senator will host speak at a press conference announcing Small Business Association (SBA) funding for the Holiday Inn Express in Seaford. The hotel received a $3 million SBA 7(A) loan to assist in purchasing and renovating the hotel. Holiday Inn Express, 24058 Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE  – Open to the Press.

Monday, January 23 at 5:00 p.m. —The Senator will preside over the Senate. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, January 24 at 9:00 p.m.—The Senator will attend the State of the Union Address.  U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.

Thursday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. — The Senator will attend the 41st Annual Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner at Dover Downs. The event provides an opportunity to celebrate Delaware farmers and honor the state’s agricultural industry. The keynote speaker will be the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.  Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE  — Open to the press.

Friday January 27 at 8:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend the Delaware Mentoring Council’s Business Mentoring Alliance Breakfast. Hosted by the Delaware Mentoring Council and its partners, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of experts about the outcomes and best practices of youth mentoring, including examples of how businesses in Delaware have structured programs to pair their employees with Delaware youth. M&T Bank, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE — Open to press.

Saturday January 28 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend the Delaware FIRST LEGO League/ FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics State Tournament. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has developed programs that allow students to connect with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through robotics. First State Robotics coordinates programs and sponsors teams that motivate students to pursue STEM careers. Hundreds of students in the area from elementary through high school will be competing in this year’s tournament.  University of Delaware, Newark, DE—Open to press. 

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

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Protecting intellectual property and Internet freedom

Senator Coons, a leader on protecting American innovation, has worked with Delaware businesses large and small on solutions to prevent foreign criminals from pirating their products, designs or ideas. This type of intellectual property theft affects tens of thousands of jobs in Delaware.

After a Senate vote on the PROTECT IP Act was delayed, Chris said “I have heard from a significant number of Delawareans on the issue this week through both digital and traditional channels and I deeply appreciate their engagement. I passionately share their concern for protecting Internet freedom and will bear it in mind as we move forward on this and future legislation.”

 In a statement to the press, Chris continued “We cannot pretend that online piracy isn’t an issue, nor can we pretend that the Internet can be a lawless domain. Tech companies cannot blindly profit from the theft of American intellectual property, just as content providers cannot pretend that their products exist in a vacuum. They must learn to cohabitate the Internet space, and to work constructively with Congress on a fair legal infrastructure for policing that space. Congress will not turn away from its role in crafting a responsible balance that accommodates both property and freedom. “ 

What We’re Reading: Washington Post on what won’t “break” the Internet

Cutting through the online chatter today, the Washington Post’s PostPartisan blog makes clear that the PROTECT IP Act “won’t ‘break’ the Internet.”

In the piece, Post Editorial Writer Eva Rodriguez highlights how the bill works to defend intellectual property rights without censoring legitimate companies.    

To hear some critics tell it, SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and its non-identical – and in my opinion, far better – Senate twin PIPA (Protect IP Act) would “break” the Internet, turn Google and its cohorts into full-time Internet cops, and would end the freedom of speech as we know it.

Not only is this hyperbolic, it’s based on what I’ll charitably call misinformation. 

For instance, some critics howl that legitimate enterprises such as Google could face ruin if they fail to spot and then bring down rogue sites that peddle counterfeit goods. 

Not true. PIPA, for example, specifically shields such companies from liability. It does not require Google or Yahoo! or any other legitimate Internet entity to scour the universe for infringing actors. The Justice Department – and probably more often than not – the rightful copyright holders will do that. Keep in mind, that the legislation targets foreign websites that would otherwise be out of reach of U.S. law enforcement.

Click here to read the full story from the Washington Post.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ role on the Senate Judiciary Committee.