Video: Senator Coons’ floor speech on repeal of DADT
Senator Coons spoke on the floor of the Senate Tuesday to celebrate the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
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Senator Coons applauds the final enactment of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal
After 18 long years, we have put an end to the military’s discriminatory policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. To mark the day, Senator Chris Coons, an outspoken advocate and cosponsor of the Senate legislation that repealed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, released the following statement:
“Today is a momentous day, and I am proud to stand with the millions of Americans for whom the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell means the beginning of a new era of equality for our nation. Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell wasn’t just about our pursuit of equal rights, but the pursuit of equal responsibility. The nearly 14,000 service members discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell simply wanted to serve their country, but were deemed unfit to serve not because of what they did, but because of whom they loved. Thousands more were forced to serve in silence, proud of their uniform but made to feel ashamed of the person underneath. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was discrimination, plain and simple… but I’m proud to say it is no more.”
Photo displayed above is Chris at a Senate press conference in December showing his support for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal legislation, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 22, 2010.
To learn more about Chris’ work on civil rights click here.
Bipartisan agriculture research bill will drive American agricultural innovation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons joined eight of his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Charitable Agricultural Research Act, which will spur new agricultural research, leveraging private dollars to create charitable partnerships between universities and private entities to strengthen and improve American agriculture. The bill amends the tax code to allow for the creation of a new type of charitable, tax-exempt organization, agricultural research organizations, similar to medical research organizations which have been in existence since the 1950s
“In order for our rural communities to remain vibrant and sustainable, we must invest in agricultural research,” Chris said. “Partnering university research with private sector innovation allows both our institutions and industries to work collaboratively to grow our economy. I am pleased that I could join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to fight for the future of one of America’s most important economic sectors, our farming industry.”
Over the last 60 years, agricultural research has expanded food production significantly. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, farm productivity has risen 158% since 1948; this increase can be largely attributed to research, through the implementation of improved farming practices and the use of new agricultural technologies. Today, the United States produces $312 billion in agricultural products and exports $108 billion annually.
However, agricultural scientists warn that failing to invest in agricultural research could spell disaster for the future of American food security and safety. Agricultural research funding has become stagnant and has fallen far behind other federal agencies since the 1970s. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act seeks to address these challenges by creating agricultural research organizations (AROs) that would work in conjunction with agricultural and land-grant colleges and universities to conduct research in the field of agriculture. To accomplish this, a new section allowing for donations to agricultural research would be added immediately below the portion of the current tax code that provides for charitable contributions to medical research organizations.
Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Thune (R-SD) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is a cosponsor.
To learn more about Senator Coons’ work to protect America’s agriculture, click here.
The Senator’s week ahead schedule: September 19 to September 25
Monday, September 19 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Widener Law School Faculty Breakfast. During the breakfast, Senator Coons will discuss issues currently facing the Senate, including job creation and deficit reduction, with Widener Law faculty, students and alumni. 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.
Monday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at Georgetown University about our need to reclaim leadership in Africa and capitalize on a limited opportunity to deepen mutually beneficial ties with African nations. His remarks to Georgetown University students, faculty, and staff will explore several of the United States’ top policy priorities for the continent. Riggs Library, Healy Hall, Georgetown University, Washington, DC – Open to press.
Monday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the gallery.
Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. 251 H Street NW, Washington, DC – Closed to press.
Tuesday, September 20 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD – Closed to press.
Tuesday, September 20 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will join Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) for a press conference on their effort to persuade other nations to oppose the upcoming United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood. All are members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Room S-116, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press.
Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Day Celebration. K Street Lounge, 1301 K St. NW, Washington, DC – Open to press.
Wednesday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will meet with pulmonary fibrosis patients and their families. In honor of National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Week, the Senator will meet with Americans affected by this relentlessly progressive, ultimately fatal disease that claims the lives of 40,000 Americans each year. Senator Coons is the lead sponsor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act of 2011, which was introduced in July. Washington, DC – Closed to press.
Wednesday, September 21 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at a briefing hosted by the TechAmerica Foundation and Congressional High-Tech Caucus on the Cloud2 Commission report. The focus of the event is on cloud computing operation as an American business model, the benefits government and industry can realize from cloud computing, as well as the obstacles and challenges that need to be addressed in order to spur adoption and growth. 325 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.
Thursday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC—Open to press.
Thursday, September 22 at 1:45 p.m. – The Senator will speak to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. This meeting will include 70 business leaders and key executives from northern Delaware and Greater Philadelphia discussing a number of major issues affecting the business community such as the state of the economy, healthcare, transportation, energy independence, and national security. Washington, DC — Closed to press.
Friday, September 23 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference entitled, “Africa: An Emerging Power.” Convention Center, Washington, DC
Friday, September 23 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate (if in session). Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate gallery.
Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will serve as the auctioneer at the 5th Annual Kalmar Nyckel Neptune Gala. Chase Center, Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE– Open to press.
Note: Schedule is subject to change.
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Chris joins Delaware veterans for remembrance ceremonies at DC memorials
Senator Coons had the pleasure of welcoming more than 150 Delaware veterans to Washington, DC, during the veterans’ stop at the World War II and Korean War memorials on Thursday. The trip was sponsored by the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council, the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Foundation, the Delaware State Troopers Association, and the State Lodge- Fraternal Order of Police. During his visit, Chris expressed his gratitude for the Delawareans’ service, sacrifice, and commitment to our country.
“Congress must meet its commitment to the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Chris said in brief remarks to the group. “This includes ensuring that veterans have access to quality, affordable health care and that military retirees receive their promised retirement benefits. The members of our armed services protect our nation and our liberties every day. We must support them while they serve and after they return home.”
Following his welcome, a small group of veterans were asked to assist in the placing of a wreath at the Delaware Pillar of the World War II Memorial, while members of the Delaware State Police played the bagpipes and bugle.
A similar ceremony was then held at the Korean War Memorial to honor the Delaware veterans who served in Korea. A wreath was placed at the memorial and the veterans heard from retired Colonel Warren Wiedhahn of the United States Marine Corps.
To learn more about Senator Coons’ work to help veterans, click here.
Timing is running out for mortgage assistance program
Unforeseen financial hardships can bring the threat of foreclosure to even the most responsible of homeowners, and during these difficult economic times, many Delaware homeowners are finding it hard to keep up with their mortgage payments.
Fortunately, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has created the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP) to assist Delaware homeowners who are three or more months behind on their mortgage payments as a result of unemployment, reduced hours, illness or injury by providing a no-interest, forgivable loan of up to $50,000 for payments and back taxes.
The window of opportunity to take advantage of this forgivable loan program is closing: applications must be approved and closed by September 30, 2011.
To be eligible for the DEMAP loan program, the homeowner must be a Delaware resident, be 90 or more days delinquent on their first mortgage payments, and face a risk of foreclosure. They must demonstrate a reasonable prospect of being able to resume payments in the near future, meet income eligibility requirements, and contribute 31% of monthly income towards their mortgage payments during the monthly payment assistance period.
If you are a Delaware homeowner who is behind on their mortgage because of unexpected hardships, know that you aren’t alone. For more information on the program, call 888-363-8808 or visit destatehousing.com.
Fighting to stop domestic violence
Seventeen years ago today, President Clinton signed into law the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has enhanced law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.
The milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made to protect women from violence, as well as reflect on the work that still needs to occur to put an end to abusive behavior.
“As a Delawarean, I am proud of my state’s long tradition of support for the Violence Against Women Act,” Senator Coons said. “When then-Senator Biden first introduced VAWA in 1990, he was among the first to recognize domestic violence as a national issue that demands a national response.”
Still today, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and here in Delaware, police respond to over 14,000 reports of intimate partner violence each year.
“We still have a long road ahead of us to eradicating domestic abuse,” Chris said. “Abuse isn’t confined to one demographic; it inflicts harm to all ages, races and socioeconomic classes. It is occurring in our state and our neighborhoods. I encourage all Delawareans, who think they are victims of abuse or know someone who is being abused, to seek help. While escaping an abusive relationship is a hard and sometimes dangerous task, know that there are many individuals who are here to work with you.”
If you think you are a victim of abuse, or what to talk to someone, please call the appropriate local 24-hour hotline below.
- New Castle County: 302-762-6110
- Kent and Sussex Counties: 302-422-8058
- Bilingual Hotline in Sussex County: 302-745-9874
Senator Coons chairs hearing on oversight of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division
Senator Coons chaired Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, saying in his opening statement that, “It underpins our entire way of life because, where civil rights are not protected, equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are denied.”
The Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing the laws that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, or national origin.
During the hearing, Chris asked a number of questions on the measures the Division is taking to protect service men and women, specifically concerning the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. He highlighted the passage of the Mathew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act and the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender Americans to fully participate in our country without fear. Chris also underscored his commitment in such matters as lending and employment discrimination cases.
While Chris praised all of the work the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has done with the Fair Housing Enforcement Act and efforts to combat human trafficking, he challenged his colleagues to recognize that there are still a number of anti-discriminatory federal laws that omit protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The hearing’s lone witness, the Honorable Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, happily reported great success in the Division. Throughout the hearing, Attorney General Perez cited several statistics to illustrate the significant strides the Division has made in fulfilling its mission to protect the civil rights of all individuals; however, Hon. Perez and Sen. Coons both agree that, ultimately, it is not about the numbers, it is about the people.
“Congress has an important role to play in oversight of all Executive Branch activities,” Chris said. “But when it comes to civil rights, it is critical that both branches are on the same page—that we are working together, hand in hand, to fight for that more perfect union.”
Newly formed bipartisan Senate Caucus addresses important issues to marine and coastal ecosystems
WASHINGTON – Senator Coons joined 17 other Senators on Tuesday to form the Senate Oceans Caucus. The goal of this bipartisan caucus is to address national issues of importance to marine and coastal ecosystems and industries–a source of jobs for millions of Americans, and an integral part of Delaware’s economy. Given the national focus on getting Americans back to work, we must preserve the vitality of our oceans and the economies they support.
Our nation’s oceans contribute over $230 billion to our national economy, and so threats to oceans and coastal economies are not just local issues. Chris believes that the Senate Oceans Caucus will be an important bipartisan forum for Senators to come together to discuss issues of importance to our oceans, estuaries, and coasts, and the industries and communities that depend on them. Through the Senate Oceans Caucus, Senator Coons is committed to working with his colleagues to increase Delaware’s economic competitiveness and preserve our critical natural resources.
Delaware’s coast presents a unique opportunity to develop new energy sources that will make the U.S. more energy independent and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. NRG Bluewater Wind is in the process of developing one of the first offshore wind farms in the U.S. right off Delaware’s shores. According to the University of Delaware, wind off the Atlantic Coast has the potential to generate enough power to replace about 300 coal plants and to support the energy needs of nine states from Massachusetts to North Carolina. The Bluewater Wind and future wind projects will bring clean, reliable power to Delawareans and will help build a new manufacturing sector that will bring jobs and economic growth to families throughout Delaware and the region. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chris is exploring ways the Senate can help to develop the energy technologies of tomorrow, including offshore wind.
Delaware’s coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers are home to a diverse range of aquatic species including bass, bluefish, flounder, trout, oysters, clams, crabs, and more. These species are vital to not only the thousands of anglers who come to Delaware for recreational fishing each year, but also Delaware’s seafood industry. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2007 Delaware’s commercial seafood industry provided over 1,500 jobs and roughly $74 million in sales. Furthermore, recreational fishing in Delaware is a nearly $100 million dollar business according to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildfire-Associated Recreation.
Chris believes that research, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is integral to improving America’s global competitiveness. The University of Delaware’s Sea Grant Program as well as the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment are conducting critical, cutting edge research on estuarine, coastal, and ocean resources. These efforts serve to bolster Delaware’s educational resources and get young people engaged in the industries of tomorrow. Moreover, the work being done by these institutions will help preserve the strength of Delaware’s key coastal resources.
Senator Coons to chair hearing on civil rights
Senator Coons has been asked to chair a hearing of the full Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday focusing on oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
The hearing will give the Judiciary Committee a chance to review the Civil Rights Division’s work on prosecuting hate crimes, protecting voting rights, and preventing discrimination in housing, lending, employment, and elsewhere.
The hearing is on Tuesday at 10 am in Dirksen 226. It will also be streamed live online on the Judiciary Committee’s website.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on the civil rights issues facing our nation.