{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"DE\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=45B750B4-47BE-42AF-8583-998B7C0419C6", "Delaware is at Refusal Speed", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the Navy, we had the term Refusal Speed  the speed at which an aircraft heading down the runway can either take off, or slow down. While 2017 was a contentious year for our country, Delaware remained focused on the mission at hand, continuing our work to make the First State a great place to live, raise a family, and start and grow a business. Together, with my partners in Congress, Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, state and community leaders, and engaged Delawareans, we have made progress by following what I like to call the Three Cs: Communication, Compromise and Collaboration. Throughout 2017, Delaware had a number of wins to help sustain and grow our economy and set Delaware up for success in the years to come. I believe our collective hard work this year has brought Delaware to Refusal Speed, and we are ready to take flight in 2018.\r\nAfter the announcement that Dow and DuPont would merge, the entire state came together to make the best of a difficult situation. Highlighting Delawares unmatched workforce and generational ties to DuPont, we secured DowDuPonts new Agriculture Division and Specialty Products Division headquarters here in Delaware. We then found innovative ways to protect and foster one of Delawares most incredible resources  world-class scientists. In October, we secured a $3 million Economic Development Administration grant to secure the Delaware Innovation Space, combining Delawares scientists with the resources of DuPont and the University of Delaware to help our scientist-entrepreneurs build new businesses and foster a community of scientific innovation right here in Delaware.\r\nWe've also continued to foster science, technology and future manufacturing growth in Delaware. Plans are underway for two multi-modal rail stations in Newark and Claymont that will better connect Delaware to our surrounding regions and serve as a catalyst for development. At the University of Delawares STAR Campus, where thousands of workers once made cars and trucks at the old Chrysler plant, we broke ground on the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, and Chemours Discovery Hub. The development were seeing where shuttered manufacturing plants used to stand gives us hope for future job growth in the First State.\r\nAlong Delawares 21 miles of oceanfront, we have more 5-star beaches than any other state.Over the past few years, our beaches have seen terrible damage from Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, a number of Noreasters, and Winter Storm Jonas in January 2016. Our beaches are more than environmental treasures, they generate more than $6.9 billion in coastal tourism annually and support 10 percent of Delawares workforce. Thats why its so important to invest in building up our dunes and beaches so they can protect our homes, businesses and infrastructure along the coast from rising seas and more frequent, larger storm damage. This year, we secured federal funding to begin replenishing the beaches in Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, all damaged from these powerful storms.\r\nIn the Delaware River itself, we secured the final $29 million needed to complete the decades-long project to deepen the waters around the Port of Wilmington. The Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is scheduled to be completed next year and will allow larger ships from all over the world to utilize our port, and keep Delaware competitive in the 21st Century global economy. Completing the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the Greater Philadelphia area.\r\n\r\nWeve also continued our constant efforts to support our men and women in uniform and our military community that calls the First State home. The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, (NDAA) authorizing funding for the Department of Defense, included much needed funding to support the National Guards air fleet across the country, including $96.11 million for C-130H modernization and $26.8 million for general upgrades. This is crucial funding to keep the Delaware National Guards C-130s on pace and ready to go at a moments notice. We also made progress in our never-ending duty to care for those who have borne the battle, opening a new 10,000-square-foot Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Georgetown, bringing health care closer to our veterans in Sussex County.\r\nAll across the First State, Delawareans worked together  regardless of politics  to support their communities, grow our economy and make 2017 a remarkable year. All of these accomplishments, and more, make me confident that Delaware is at Refusal Speed and ready to take flight in 2018.\r\nHappy New Year, and God bless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-11-14-us-global-leadership-coalition-conference", "2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet Chris\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Issues\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Newsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t      \n\t    \n\t  \n\t\n Page Top \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t12.22.17\n\t\t\t\t 2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CCAC33D1-6ABF-4CB0-A108-C308A509577C", "We should have traveled this road together", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Republicans in Congress approved, then celebrated, a $1.5 trillion partisan tax reform bill that begins repealing the Affordable Care Act and makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of middle class tax relief. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top one percent of earners in our country will receive 83 percent of this bills tax benefits.\r\nAfter seeing a modest tax cut, Americans with middle to lower incomes will actually start to see their taxes rise two or three years from now. By 2027, Americans earning less than $75,000 will pay higher taxes than they do now. To add insult to injury, according to non-partisan analyses, this bill will causehealth carepremiums to skyrocket and 13 million people to lose their health insurance over the next decade. Short-term gain, long-term pain.\r\nFor years, Ive called on my colleagues to enact reforms to our tax system that are fair, encourage economic growth and job creation, simplify the tax code and do it all in a way thats fiscally responsible. From doubling the standard deduction for families, to increasing the child tax credit and making it refundable, to making common sense changes to our tax code that ensure businesses large and small can compete and win in todays global economydone right, a number of things in this bill couldve provided the basis for a historic, bipartisan agreement on tax reform legislation.\r\nBut we never really had a fair chance.\r\nFrom the start, my Republican colleagues were in a desperate race to get their own tax reform across the finish line and declare victory, at any cost. On the bicameral conference committee for this proposal, Republicans didnt even allow Democrats to offer amendments. It was a farce.In their haste, my Republican colleagues robbed Delawareans and all Americans of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a bill that will shake up our entire economy and cripple our nations spending power for decades to come.They also snuck in a partisan, dangerous provision that begins to repeal the Affordable Care Act without any plans to protect the 13 million Americans who will lose health insurance because of it. In the years to come, this bill will blow up our deficits, squeeze our budgets and raise taxes on millions of Americans. It wont be long before Delawareans and Americans across the country see that this bill is grossly unfair.\r\nIt didnt have to be this way. If we had traveled this road together and Republicans had allowed Democrats to come to the table, we couldve worked together to enact bipartisan tax reform. Sadly, its a missed opportunity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4640DBDF-1A0A-4FA9-AB6E-E2681D833D78", "Carper Statement On Passage of the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), released the following statement after voting to approve a short-term spending bill that will fund the government through January 19, 2018.\r\nEnsuring the federal government has the funding it needs to operate is one of the most fundamental duties of Congress, which is why I reluctantly voted today to prevent a government shutdown. Yet again, Congress scrambled to keep the lights on for another month, kicking the can down the road on a number of critical decisions, including protecting our Dreamers, funding health care for millions of children and providing disaster recovery funding. Our failure to enact thoughtful bipartisan policies to address these challenging issues and fund the government in a responsible way is an embarrassment.\r\nFrankly, its shameful the way we are concluding the last votes of the 115thCongress in 2017. This year was marked by many missed opportunities as Republicans in Congress wasted precious time and political capital with a purely partisan approach to governing. Their fruitless attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act yielded higher premiums, fewer insurance options and fear for millions of Americans who depend on the law for health care. After those repeated failures, Republicans got their win this week by passing a$1.5 trillion billthat wounds, but does not repeal, the ACA, raises taxes on millions of middle class families and disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Americans. All the while, urgent issues facing our nation, demanding Congresss attention and action, were put on the back burner.\r\nMillions of families are desperately waiting on Congress to pass long-term funding solutions for CHIP, health centers and other critical health programs. Nearly 800,000 young men and women are waiting on Congress to act with common sense and common decency to renew DACA protections, and allow them to live, work and study in the only home theyve ever known. At a time when millions of jobs remain unfilled, it baffles me that my Republican colleagues would turn their backs on these impressive young people who embody the American dream. Leaving Washington with these and so many other critical issues unresolved brings me no joy, but Im leery to shut down the government at this juncture, and I remain hopeful that this continuing resolution gives us the time needed to craft a bipartisan solution to address all of these priorities in a comprehensive manner that funds these programs and secures permanent protections for these deserving young people. Today we leave Washington, and a great deal of work unfinished.While weve managed to keep the government up and running for now, I would remind my Republican colleagues that another deadline is looming, and its critical we conclude our negotiations before the clock runs out. Im hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will return in the New Year with a renewed commitment to working together on truly bipartisan priorities for the American people.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB94F5AB-7D4F-4AF7-B4CD-C2183C61A101", "Carper Ensures Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination is Sent Back to the White House", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, released the following statement after the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was returned to President Trump as the Senate closed the first session of the 115th Congress. Earlier this week, Senator Carper announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow Whites nomination to be held over into this Congress second session.\r\nWhile we have been able to make progress in recent weeks on several qualified and reasonable environmental nominees, others, like Kathleen Hartnett White and Michael Dourson, have proven far too extreme to hold such important positions or be confirmed by the Senate. \r\nMs. Whites concerning record, unacceptable statements and shockingly poor performance before the EPW Committee last month have elicited serious concerns on both sides of the aisle and all across the country. I am pleased that Ms. Whites nomination has been returned to the White House, and I am hopeful that President Trump will seize on the opportunity to start the new year and the new session of Congress off on the right foot by nominating a new and better qualified candidate to lead this consequential office. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-15-signing-day-for-service-academies", "2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet Chris\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Issues\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Newsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t      \n\t    \n\t  \n\t\n Page Top \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t12.21.17\n\t\t\t\t 2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senator Chris Coons surprised three Delaware students with principal nominations to U.S. service academies for the Class of 2022. Senator Coons visited the Delaware Military Academy, Cape Henlopen High School and Saint Marks High School. Competitive alternate nominees were notified the following week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-december-20-2017", "Senator Coons joins MTP Daily December 20, 2017", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/carper-coons-judicial-candidates-nominated-for-us-district-court-bench", "Carper, Coons\u2019 Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.17\n\t\t\t Carper, Coons Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t White House nominates Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly for bench positions\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WILMINGTON, DE  Today, the White House announced that Maryellen Noreika and Colm F. Connolly, who were recommended by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) for judgeships on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, will be nominated for the bench. Ms. Maryellen Noreika and Mr. Colm Connolly, both of Wilmington, will be nominated for the two judicial vacancies created when Judge Sue L. Robinson (now retired) and Judge Gregory M. Sleet took senior status.  Delawares courts are renowned for their judges expertise. Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly are two highly-respected, sought-after attorneys who have displayed a vast knowledge of the law and a thorough understanding of the courts during their extensive careers working in the Delaware judicial system, said Senator Carper. Now that the White House has put forth their nominees, I hope we can swiftly move through the Senate confirmation process so that Delawares courts are running at full strength once again.    Im pleased that the White House consulted with Senator Carper and me and accepted our recommendations for the U.S. District Court bench. I am also grateful for our Judicial Nominating Committees hard work in evaluating several excellent candidates. said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Colm Connolly and Maryellen Noreika are seasoned attorneys, with impressive trial skills, deep experience in federal practice, and profound respect for the law. I am confident that they will both be capable jurists, and I look forward to their confirmation hearings. Ms. Noreika has practiced law in Delaware for nearly 24 years at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, in Wilmington, where she is a partner and represents plaintiffs, defendants, individuals, and companies large and small. She began her career litigating corporate and commercial disputes, and later focused on intellectual property matters and complex litigation in federal courts. Ms. Noreika has been appointed to multiple advisory committees assisting the court and has served as a mentor for young attorneys in a federal judges training program. She has a B.S. in Biology from Lehigh University, an M.S. in Biology from Colombia University and a J.D. from University of Pittsburgh.  Mr. Connolly has been a partner with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, in Wilmington where he is a member of the litigation and intellectual property groups. He was a United States Attorney from 2001 to 2009, during which he established the Delaware Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council consisting of 25 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to coordinate training and the collection and dissemination of intelligence information. Connolly was previously a partner at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP. He has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in Political Philosophy from the London School of Economics and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tKatie Wilson (Carper) 302-598-4915 or katie_wilson@carper.senate.gov  Brian P. Cunningham (Coons) 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1D318F1F-741E-426E-BB89-BD1F7095FEF1", "Carper Statement After Voting Against Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement after voting against the Republican tax bill in the Senate.\r\nWhen I served in the U.S. House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to sit on several bicameral conference committees tasked with finding consensus on various pieces of legislation. On the conference committee for the Republican tax reform proposal, Republicans running the show didnt even permit amendments to be offered. It was a farce. From the start, Republicans race to get partisan tax reform across the finish line has made a mockery of our legislative process. The American people have been robbed of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a $1.5 trillion bill that will shake up our entire economy and cripple our nations spending power for decades to come.\r\nTonight, after stripping provisions that didnt meet Senate rules, Republicans approved a proposal that makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top 1 percent of earners will receive 83 percent of this bills tax relief. By the same time, Americans earning less than $75,000 will actually see their taxes go up.\r\nMy Republican colleagues are desperate for a win, and clearly willing to call anything a win. But people in Delaware and across the country will soon see that this bill is grossly unfair. In the years to come, as the Republican tax bill blows up our deficits, squeezes our budgets and raises taxes on millions of Americans, it will hang like an albatross around the neck of every member of Congress who voted for it.\r\n It didnt have to be this way. From doubling the standard deduction for families, to increasing the child tax credit and making it refundable, to making common sense changes to our tax code that ensure businesses large and small can compete and win in todays global economydone right, a number of things in this bill couldve provided the basis of a historic bipartisan agreement on tax reform. If Republicans had allowed Democrats to come to the table, we couldve worked together to enact reforms to our tax system that are fair, encourage economic growth and job creation, simplify the tax code and do it all in a fiscally responsible way.\r\nSadly, its a missed opportunity.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4BADE157-F13B-4FA4-82A4-B20AE16A912B", "EPW Hearing Statement: Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee: Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are and Where We Need to Go", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held the hearing, Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are Now And Where We Need To Go. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:\r\nSubcommittee Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Cardin, before we begin, I just want to take a moment and personally thank you for holding this oversight hearing on the movement of freight on our nations water and transportation infrastructure. Our nations freight transportation network -- which includes an interconnected network of trucks, trains, aircrafts, ships and barges -- moves 55 million tons of goods worth more than $49 billion each day.In addition, freight supports 44 million jobs.\r\nSeaports and highways are economic engines and vital freight gateways to the global marketplace for American farmers, manufacturers and consumers and serve as critical infrastructure for the U.S. military. It is, therefore, appropriate that this Subcommittee is examining the operation of our freight system because the safe and efficient movement of goods, both into and out of the United States, is the backbone of our economy. In my home state of Delaware, the Port of Wilmington has the largest dock-side refrigerated complex in North America and is the top North American port for imports of fresh fruit, specifically bananas, and juice concentrate. So think of Delaware the next time you are having breakfast! Our port also handles automobiles, steel, forest products, livestock, petroleum and other cargo.\r\nThis hearing is coming at a critical time. The amount of freight in the U.S. is projected to grow 40 percent by 2045, including by 44 percent for truck tonnage and 38 percent for water. Americas trade volume is also expected to quadruple after 2030, with the U.S. projected to export more than 52 million shipping containers through U.S. seaports each year. We must prepare the nations infrastructure to meet this growing demand for the safe and efficient movement of freight. \r\nAs you know, the President has raised the issue of America needing to modernize and rebuild aging infrastructure. Democratic Senators released a blueprint for addressing infrastructure challenges earlier this year. I believe that members on both sides of the aisle are supportive of addressing our freight infrastructure needs, but before we can really understand the scope of the problem and what needs to be part of a bill, we need to have discussions such as we are having today. We must work in a bipartisan fashion to really address these concerns and build consensus on a path forward for our economy. Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FDCAEF03-6BF1-47C3-812B-74E816375E2C", "Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Congratulate Dover Air Force Base on Outstanding Unit Award", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) congratulated Dover Air Force Base for recently earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award citation recognized the 436th Airlift Wing for its operation of the Department of Defenses largest aerial port, flying more than 8,900 C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III sorties and delivering more than 196 million pounds of cargo and transporting 37,000 passengers. This award reflects the wings outstanding service during the time period of Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2017.\r\nAdditionally, during this time period, the wing conducted the Air Forces largest runway reconstruction project worth $114 million, which replaced 90-year-old infrastructure with new materials extending the life expectancy by at least 50 years.\r\nI am thrilled that the men and women of Team Dover have won this honor for their hard work and dedication to maintaining an excellent base,\" said Senator Carper. Maintaining the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense is no easy task, but these patriots continue to be successful at making Dover Air Force Base a superior military installation that the rest of the Air Force can emulate. Our congressional delegation will continue to support infrastructure improvements at the base so it can continue its important mission.\r\nIts wonderful to see the talented airmen and women of Dover Air Force Base recognized for their hard work and dedication to excellence as an Air Force Outstanding Unit, said Senator Coons. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to fight for continued investment. The outstanding men and women of Team Dover deserve nothing less.\r\nNo one is more deserving of this honor than the outstanding men and women of Team Dover, said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. As a unit, their unmatched dedication is vital to maintaining a successful operation at Dover Air Force Base. We see the results of their hard work day in and day out, but it is great to see them garnering the national recognition that they merit.\r\nThe Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to U.S. Air Force units that demonstrate exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. This is the 19th time Dover Air Force Base received this award.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-with-chuck-todd-december-20-2017", "Senator Coons joins MTP Daily with Chuck Todd December 20, 2017", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-wolf-blitzer-december-19-2017", "Senator Coons joins Wolf Blitzer December 19, 2017", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-reps-lujn-wilson-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-help-drive-investment-in-new-energy-technologies", "Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Luj\u00e1n, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Lujn, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill establishes a non-profit foundation to facilitate stronger partnerships between the Department of Energy and the private sector.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy.\r\nResearch and development (R&D)drivesinnovation and accounts for nearly 7% of the United States real GDP growth. However, recent declines in research funding have jeopardized U.S. economic competitiveness. For example, from 2008 to 2013, venture capital funding in energy startupsfellby 60% and resulted inasteep decline in thedevelopment of theseimportant startup companies. Unlike other sectors, the energy sector has several unique challenges to innovation including requiring high capital needs, long development times, theneedto overcome incumbent technologies, and operating within a shifting regulatory environment. Addressing these challenges requirespartnerships with government, industry, startups, and outside funding organizations.\r\nThis bill establishesa nonprofit foundationtoengage with the private sector to raise funds that support the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that address tomorrows energy challenges.\r\nThe IMPACT for Energy Act would bolster efforts to support private-sector investment, accelerate commercialization by facilitating public-private partnerships and prize competitions, and would serve as an agent in convening industry leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate, share ideas, and solve some of your most complex and challenging problems,said Senator Coons.I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Graham and my co-authors in the House that helps drive innovation in the energy sector and helps bring the next generation of energy technologies.\r\nInvesting in research and development  particularly as it pertains to energy  is a wise move. The IMPACT for Energy 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 my long-time friend and colleague Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina, along with Senator Coons, and Congressman Lujn, 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.\r\nThe non-profit foundation created by this bill will serve as the ideal framework to organize, connect, and coordinate a diverse group of partners from government, industry and the venture capital sectors,said Congressman Lujn.Similar foundations at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have all demonstrated that they can raise tens of millions of private sector dollars towards cutting-edge research and innovation. This foundation will complement and enhance the agencys mission, leverage the work of our national laboratories and enable new products and services to come to market more quickly.\r\nThe IMPACT for Energy Act will provide a great opportunity to work towards solving our nations complex energy needs. This bill will help channel private sector investment and aid in the development of meaningful technologies that can grow our economy and create jobs,said Congressman Joe Wilson.I am grateful to have the opportunity to work on this important bipartisan, bicameral legislation with my colleague in the House, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, and my colleagues in the Senate, Senator Chris Coons and fellow South Carolinian Senator Lindsey Graham.\r\nTheIncreasing and Mobilizing Partnerships to Achieve Commercialization of Technologies (IMPACT) for Energy Actwould:\r\n \r\nSupport private-sector investment.Provides a mechanism to channel private-sector investment into commercializing energy technology.\r\nAccelerate commercialization.Facilitates public-private partnerships and encourages new ideas such as increased regional economic development and prize competitions.\r\nConvene industry leaders. Supports events, briefings, and symposia to create a forum for stakeholders to share ideas and collaborate on complex energy problems. \r\n \r\nThe bill text can be foundhere. A one-pager on the bill can be foundhere.\r\nSupportive quotes for the IMPACT for Energy Act can be foundhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit (Coons) at 202-224-5042 orSean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-tax-bill-this-is-a-huge-giveaway-to-the-very-wealthiest-americans-and-the-most-profitable-corporations", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: \u201cThis is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations\u201d", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: It will benefit corporations, but not the middle class, which is what President Trump campaigned on.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday joined CNNs Wolf Blitzer to discuss the GOP tax bill.\r\nThe problem with that is, who's going to end up paying for these tax cuts? The way it's structured, taxes will go up on many of the middle classand more importantly, right up-front, Republicans said, it was their intention to cut Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for these tax cuts.\r\nMy hope is that corporations will use those newfound profits or repatriated profits to invest in hiring people and in capital equipment, but there's no indication that they will. Most will, instead, do stock buybacks or provide dividends or boosts to their senior management. I do think we could have structured this build differently, so that some of the new corporate revenue would end up being invested in infrastructure or being spent more likely on hiring people and on capital. But this is just a straight corporate rate cut and corporate leaders and corporate shareholders will do with it what they will.\r\nFull audio and video availablehere.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\r\nSenator Coons on the House revote:Well, I expect every Democrat in the Senate will vote against this tax package. Both because of the process that got us here and because of the result and the likely impact on the American people. This did not have to be a one-party-only bill. I worked hard across the aisle to propose alternative paths that would have led us to a significant middle-class tax cut, the sort of thing the president ran on, but that is not what this bill is. This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations. I think there's no doubt that it specifically benefits real estate investors and those who earn their income from real estate. And in many cases, the modest tax cuts for the middle class are temporary and the big tax cuts for shareholders of corporations and for the wealthiest families, those will go on long-term.\r\nMore on the tax bill:And, as I've said both at home and here, the problem with that is, who's going to end up paying for these tax cuts? The way it's structured, taxes will go up on many of the middle class after five years and more importantly, right up-front, Republicans said, it was their intention to cut Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for these tax cuts. We've already got House Republican leadership talking about entitlement cuts in the coming year, in order to be sort of their next step towards fiscal sanity. I did work hard with Republicans, those who were concerned about the debt and deficit to propose an alternative path that wouldn't have cost $1.5 trillion. But ultimately, this turned into a straight party line vote.\r\nSenator Coons on the impact on Delaware corporations:Well, my hope is that corporations will use those newfound profits or repatriated profits to invest in hiring people and in capital equipment, but there's no indication that they will. Most will, instead, do stock buybacks or provide dividends or boosts to their senior management. I do think we could have structured this build differently, so that some of the new corporate revenue would end up being invested in infrastructure or being spent more likely on hiring people and on capital. But this is just a straight corporate rate cut and corporate leaders and corporate shareholders will do with it what they will.\r\nMore on the tax bill:That's right, there will be more money flooding into corporations and into the wealthiest families in the United States. And I can only hope that they will make up some of the projected drop in charitable giving and some of the projected needs that we have in terms of increasing skills, investment in infrastructure, and investment in capital equipment. That would be a good outcome. And frankly, I don't hope that this fails. I hope that this succeeds. And that surprisingly, we'll see 4.5% growth in the next couple of years. But as you said in the opening to this section, most Americans who have been polled on this bill oppose it and most economists who have studied it think it will simply add to the deficit and debt.\r\nSenator Coons on the impact on his constituents: Well, it is true that those who have 401(k)s have already benefited from the rise in the stock market. It is unusual to do a tax cut of this size and this breadth at a time of near full employment and record corporate profits. Typically, a big tax cut like this is done in order to strengthen economy that is failing, not to add on top of it. But if that's what happens, that the total capital markets, the equity markets go up, then it should benefit those who have got 401(k)s, that's right.\r\nSenator Coons on the impact of the bill on 2018 elections:Well, it depends how the average American feels about this bill once they really learn all the details and all the different provisions. It was rushed through in a process that made it hard to really follow what was ultimately in the bill, once voted on by the Senate, and what was in the bill when it came back from conference. Most surveys that I've seen nationally, suggest that a majority of Americans dislike this bill, and they believe that it is designed to benefit the wealthiest. That it will benefit Donald Trump, President Trump, personally. And that it will benefit corporations, but not the middle class, which is what President Trump campaigned on. We'll have to see. We'll see the actual impacts and then the American people will judge for themselves.\r\nSenator Coons on President Trump:I don't know. I hope that he will. President Trump, when he announced that he was going to end the DACA -- the deferred program, said that he wanted to see some bipartisan legislation to address it. And there have been diligent efforts by a bipartisan group of senators to try to come to a consensus bill that would put in statute, in law, the protection that the DACA beneficiaries, about 800,000 of them, previously enjoyed. We've got a lot of other end-of-year issues here that haven't yet been resolved. We have about 9 million children who benefit from the Children's Health Insurance Program. That ran out three months ago and states are going to have to begin shut down health care benefits through that program. Community Health Center funding has run out. That's also something that needs to be extended. And there's a program that helps our intelligence community, the FISA program, that also runs out at the end of this calendar year. There's a lot on our agenda here, wolf, that hasn't been dealt with, and as we get to the end of this calendar year, there is a risk that a miscalculation or a failure to negotiate in good faith between the parties could lead to a government shutdown, which I think would be a big mistake.\r\nSenator Coons on whether this will all be passed between now and the end of the year:What I'm expecting is that we will, instead, have a clean extension of the current spending bill until January. And by the end of January, that whole package we just talked through will get taken up, negotiated and passed.\r\nSenator Coons on President Trumps national security strategy:That's the real challenge of the president's remarks yesterday. There was a real tension between the national security strategy document that was released, which I have not read in full. Ive only gotten an executive summary of it, and the remarks that President Trump made in releasing it. He made remarks that were very -- much more campaign-like, more typical of his nationalistic and isolationist stance during the campaign. But it's really at difference and variants with what was released in print. The national security strategy in print recognizes that Russia is an adversary, an aggressive form power, and has interfered in a number of elections across democracies, including our own. President Trump has not said that. That is not something he has said as a major challenge in the US/Russia relationship. The national security strategy also, for example, talks about China as a revisionist power that is seeking to grow its influence in the indo pacific at our expense. Yet one of Trump's first steps was to withdraw from the transpacific partnership, which was principally designed in order to strengthen the United States' role in the pacific and to diminish China's future opportunities for trade. So, there's a number of ways in which the rhetoric doesn't meet the reality. It is my hope that the printed security strategy reflects the direction that the Trump administration will go.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C1FCD2A4-735C-4AF3-B3D3-C2BDD84114AE", "Carper Says Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination Must be Sent Back to the White House", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to serve as Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to be held over into the second session of the 115th Congress.\r\nAt the close of the first session, or first year, of a congress, Senate rules require all unconfirmed nominations pending before the Senate be sent back to the White House. The president may re-nominate any of these individuals once the next Senate session begins. Traditionally, the Senate agrees to a unanimous consent request that allows any number of pending nominees to be held over into the next session so consideration may continuewithout re-nomination. Senator Carpers objection would send Kathleen Hartnett Whites nomination, which was opposed by every minority member of the EPW Committee, back to President Trump and give the White House an opportunity to nominate another, better-qualified candidate for the position.\r\nThroughout her nomination process, Kathleen Hartnett White has confirmed what her record clearly shows: her views are extreme, her words are staggeringly inappropriate and her disrespect for science and our nations chief environmental laws is a danger to public health, said Senator Carper. When given the chance to clarify her confounding performance at her confirmation hearing through numerous questions for the record submitted by every minority member of the EPW Committee, Ms. White chose instead to copy and paste the work of other nominees and, in other instances, to double down on some of her most concerning stances. The Senates rejection of Dr. Dourson should serve as a lesson  unqualified or controversial nominees will not simply be rubber-stamped by the Senate. Lets start the new year off with a clean slate and allow President Trump the opportunity to nominate a leader for the Council on Environmental Quality who takes environmental laws and public health protections seriously.\r\nKathleen Hartnett White is one of the most controversial nominees to come before the EPW Committee this year. She has consistently and repeatedly expressed radical views on environmental protection, climate science and the science underpinning fundamental public health protections. She has contradicted the accepted views of the health effects of air pollution, saying that people do not die of particulate matter levels, that ozone isnt harmful unless you put your mouth over the tailpipe of a car for eight hours a day, and that the Clean Air Act no longer provides an effective, scientifically credible, or economically viable means of air quality management. She has compared the views of those who believe that human activity is causing climate change to those of pagans and communists. She has suggested that policies to reduce global warming pollution could lead to extreme poverty and even concentration camps. She has said  several times  that fossil fuels ended slavery.\r\nWhen given the opportunity to clarify her past statements in questions for the record submitted by minority members of the EPW Committee, Ms. White submitted at least 18 separate responses that were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and EPAs Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Bill Wehrum. When minority members asked Ms. White to submit new and original answers that represented her own views, Ms. White chose not to, instead sending a dismissive response to the Ranking Member.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=689488D6-D04C-4492-958E-2DEABA098B41", "Following Reports of Pruitts $40,000 Trip to Morocco, Carper Asks Inspector General to Expand Investigation into EPA Administrators Travel", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, sent aletterto Arthur Elkins, Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting he expand his current audit of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitts travel to include Administrator Pruitts recentlyreportedfour-day trip to Morocco to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports  an issue that does not fall within the jurisdiction of the EPA.\r\nInspector General Elkins first opened a formal audit into Administrator Pruitts travel following a request from Senator Carper to investigate mediareportsthat during the first three months of Administrator Pruitts tenure, he spent nearly half his time in his home state of Oklahoma. Inspector General Elkins originalresponseto Senator Carper in August stated that EPAs Office of Inspector General would review Administrator Pruitts travel through July 31, 2017. On October 6, 2017, Inspector General ElkinsannouncedEPA OIG would expand the scope of the audit to include all travel by the Administrator through September 30, 2017.\r\nSenator Carper wrote,I write to ask you to expand the scope of your current audit regarding Administrator Pruitts travel in light of his recent trip to Morocco. This trip reportedly cost taxpayers $40,000, and one purpose of the trip was to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. Specifically, I request that you review the purpose of Administrator Pruitts travels to determine whether his activities during each trip are in line with EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment.\r\nHe continued,In light of the Administrators recent trip to Morocco, I request that you further expand the scope of your audit to include all travel up to the present, with an examination of whether the purpose of travel is consistent with the EPAs mission.\r\nThe text of the letter to Inspector General Elkins can be found below and in pdf formhere.\r\nDecember 18, 2017\r\nDear Mr. Elkins,\r\nI write to ask you to expand the scope of your current audit regarding Administrator Pruitts travel in light of his recent trip to Morocco. This trip reportedly[1]cost taxpayers $40,000, and one purpose of the trip was to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports.[2]Specifically, I request that you review the purpose of Administrator Pruitts travels to determine whether his activities during each trip are in line with EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment.[3]\r\nI first wrote to you on August 4, 2017 and asked you to examine Administrator Pruitts travel with regard to frequency, cost and purpose of his travel, the extent to which he is accompanied by staff, and include a review of both his domestic and international travel. On August 28, 2017, you announced that you would undertake an audit of the Administrators travel that included trips to Oklahoma, through July 31, 2017. On October 6, 2017 you then announced that you would expand the scope of the audit to include all travel by the Administrator through September 30, 2017.[4]\r\nIn light of the Administrators recent trip to Morocco, I request that you further expand the scope of your audit to include all travel up to the present, with an examination of whether the purpose of travel is consistent with the EPAs mission.\r\nThank you very much for your attention to this important matter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-reuters-journalists-arrested-in-burma", "Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement about the Reuters journalists who were arrested in Burma on Tuesday.\r\nAs co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we are gravely concerned about the arrests of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo,in Burma who werewritingstories about the crisis in Rakhine State following the militarys brutal crackdown on the Rohingya. We join the U.S. Embassy in Burma in calling for the Burmese government to explain the arrests and allow access to the journalists. Freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic value and critical to ensuring accountability for violence against the Rohingya. We urge the Burmese government torespect press freedom and protectall journalistsinstead of preventing them from accurately reporting facts on the ground andbringing atrocities to light.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=0F5A26EA-5160-40DB-8E51-21E95A371981", "Only two days left!", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Affordable Care Act\u00a0marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year\u2019s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace.\r\nOn Monday, I visited Westside Family\u00a0Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate\u00a0healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018.\r\nHealth insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA\u00a0marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance.\r\nFor anyone who still needs\u00a0to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside\u00a0Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC.\u00a0Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you.\r\nDon\u2019t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2353D241-B946-4DAC-9F69-C897CCEC6E5B", "Carper Statement at Tax Bill Conference Committee", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement on the committee\u2019s first meeting.\r\n\u201cPresident Trump made a number of promises to the American people about his plans to reform our tax system. He told us that his proposal wouldn\u2019t enrich people like him. He said it would help middle income families. And he also said it would help foster economic growth and create jobs. Well, the tax bills passed by Republicans in the House and the Senate break all these promises. Just how much worse the so-called deal that my Republican colleagues announced today will be for the American people has yet to be seen as it was written in secret before the conference committee even met.\r\n\u201cThis whole process has been a farce. House and Senate Republicans have rushed through bills that create temporary tax breaks for individuals, with benefits for lower- and middle-income families that phase out over the next year. Some of those benefits start going away as soon as 2019! Meanwhile, the plans make permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, it will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI know a little bit about managing a budget and designing a tax plan. I was privileged to serve as governor of Delaware for eight years. We cut taxes in seven out of those eight years and we balanced the budget eight years in a row. We paid down our debt and earned triple AAA credit ratings. More jobs were created in those eight years than in any other eight-year period in the history of the state of Delaware. It wasn\u2019t just our tax policy, it was because we focused on creating a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Republican tax proposal has a price tag of about one and a half trillion dollars. Couple that with the interest the federal government will owe on the money it has to borrow to pay for these tax cuts, and the price tag\u00a0exceeds\u00a0$2 trillion over the next ten years. If my Republican colleagues want to spend that kind of money to grow the economy and put people back to work, they could get a lot better bang for the American buck. In fact, making an investment of that size in our roads, highways, bridges, rail, airports, broadband, water and sewer infrastructure, would stimulate the economy and make us more competitive around the globe, all the while growing our GDP by hundreds of billions of dollars and creating millions of jobs. I hope my colleagues with think about that, perhaps, benefit from a little bit of perspective.\r\n\u201cIn any case, I always look at tax reform proposals through a prism of four questions: Is it fair? Does it encourage economic growth and job creation? Does it simplify the tax code, or make it more complicated? Is it fiscally responsible? The Republican plan fails all of those tests, but, for me, its impact on our federal deficit is among the most painful. There are times when we have to deficit spend \u2013 drastic economic downturns, wars, national calamities \u2013 but paying for tax cuts that disproportionately advantage the richest of the rich just doesn\u2019t make sense. Eight years into the largest economic expansion in the history of our country, we should be paying down the debt, not adding to it.\r\n\u201cThe good news is, I\u2019m an optimist, and even though I\u2019m incredibly discouraged by how this process has played out over the past few weeks, I know it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. There\u2019s an African proverb that says, \u2018if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.\u2019 It\u2019s a shame that we have not traveled together so far, but there\u2019s time to change course. I hope we will.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=716E83F6-E03D-4377-9DEB-8DE104434076", "Carper Statement on Withdrawal of Dourson Nomination", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding news that the nomination of Dr. Michael Dourson to lead the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention has been withdrawn.\r\n\u201cMy staunch objections to Dr. Dourson\u2019s nomination were never a matter of partisanship. I sincerely believe he is the wrong person to hold this important position, and it\u2019s become clear that, even with a Republican majority in the Senate, he could not be confirmed. Dr. Dourson, an individual who has spent most of his career promoting less protective chemical safety standards, had no business overseeing our nation\u2019s chemical safety laws. The withdrawal of his nomination, and his removal from serving in a non-confirmed position at EPA, is in the best interest of all Americans.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMoreover, the withdrawal of Dr. Dourson\u2019s nomination should serve as a lesson to the Senate. In this body, our responsibility is to provide advice and consent \u2013 not to rush to approve unqualified or controversial nominees or ill-advised legislation for shortsighted political wins. I hope that we can all learn from this moment, and I hope the administration will work swiftly to find an independent, credible chemical safety regulator \u2013 one who will protect public health and lead the implementation of the bipartisan Toxic Substances Control Act reforms we worked so hard to enact last year.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CD1E110D-0388-4DA9-BE41-330CC2F1E1F5", "EPW Hearing Statement: Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -\u00a0Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, \u201cOversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Committee.\u201d Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cMr. Chairman, thank you for holding today\u2019s important hearing. Oversight is a critical part of this committee\u2019s work. The subject of this hearing is also very timely, as the nuclear industry faces significant challenges.\u00a0The nuclear industry is at a crossroads. The path the industry decides to take will have ramifications for our country and its citizens for decades to come.\r\n\u201cLet me begin by noting that it is important to examine the benefits \u2013 and drawbacks \u2013 of nuclear energy. First, and foremost, nuclear power helps curb our nation\u2019s reliance on dirty fossil fuels and reduces air pollution that threatens our health and climate. Second, nuclear energy has been \u2013 and can continue to be \u2013 a real economic driver. It creates construction, manufacturing and operations jobs for communities across this nation.\r\n\u201cDespite all the benefits of nuclear power, I would be remiss not to mention some of the potential consequences of nuclear energy. We have seen, from serious incidents in places like Fukushima, the damage that nuclear power can cause if the proper safety precautions are not in place, not up to date, or not strictly followed. With nuclear energy, safety has been and must remain a top priority in the operation of nuclear reactors.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, the costs of safety precautions \u2013 along with the costs of construction, operation and maintenance \u2013 for current nuclear reactors can be expensive, especially when compared to the costs of other sources of energy, such as natural gas. In fact, some U.S. reactors are retiring sooner than expected due to market forces. At the same time, our country\u2019s nuclear reactors are getting older and will need to be replaced in the years to come. Building new reactors \u2013 as we\u2019ve seen in Georgia and in South Carolina \u2013 has proven more difficult than predicted a decade ago.\r\n\u201cAs most of my colleagues know, I often try to see the glass half-full, and I believe that the challenges the nuclear industry faces today can make it stronger and more efficient tomorrow. If our country is smart, we will replace our aging nuclear reactors with new technology developed in this country that is safer, produces less spent fuel and is cheaper to build and operate.\u00a0If we seize this opportunity, the U.S. can be a leader in nuclear energy again, reaping the economic and clean air benefits that flow from that leadership. In order to do so, though, we must make sure that the NRC has the resources it needs to review these new technologies and make certain our current nuclear reactor fleet continues to operate safely.\r\n\u201cSince joining the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have worked closely with my colleagues to strengthen the \u2018culture of safety\u2019 within the U.S. nuclear energy industry. In part due to our collective efforts, and to the NRC leadership and the Commission\u2019s dedicated staff, the NRC continues to be the world\u2019s gold standard for nuclear regulatory agencies.\r\n\u201cSuccess at any organization starts with the leadership at top, and I must say I have been quite impressed with the current Commission at the NRC and its members\u2019 ability to work with each other. Each Commissioner brings a unique set of skills to the Commission, which has served the NRC \u2013 and our country \u2013 well. These three Commissioners have done an excellent job; however, having a full complement of NRC Commissioners would be ideal.\r\n\u201cAs my colleagues know, the committee has reported out some quality NRC nominees, including Jeff Baran\u2019s renomination, that await Senate confirmation. I hope we can quickly confirm all three of the NRC nominees, giving the nuclear industry critical regulatory certainty at a time when there is so much uncertainty in other areas.\r\n\u201cAn organization also needs a strong and dedicated workforce, with the necessary resources, in order to be successful. At one time, employees ranked the NRC as the top place in the federal government to work, but now the NRC is 11th. Budget cuts and uncertainty in the nuclear industry play a big role in this change. I look forward to hearing from the Commissioners today about all of these issues, but most importantly, would like to hear what more we can do to better retain and recruit a quality workforce at the NRC, which is still revered across the globe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F57FC2B1-E743-4E51-B475-E0A95B6988A7", "Only two days left!", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Affordable Care Act\u00a0marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year\u2019s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace.\r\n\r\nOn Monday, I visited Westside Family\u00a0Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate\u00a0healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018.\r\nHealth insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA\u00a0marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance.\r\nFor anyone who still needs\u00a0to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside\u00a0Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC.\u00a0Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you.\r\nDon\u2019t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-gives-nea/neh-floor-speech-december-13-2017", "Senator Coons gives NEA/NEH floor speech, December 13, 2017", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-13-2017", "Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 13, 2017", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-blunt-co-chairs-of-the-law-enforcement-caucus-thank-the-capitol-police-for-their-service", "Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, hosted a holiday event to thank the Capitol Police for their service.\r\n\u201cThe openness and accessibility of the U.S. Congress is a hallmark of our democracy \u2013 and a testament to the efforts of the Capitol Police. Their hard work and professionalism are exceptional, and I greatly appreciated this opportunity to thank the members of the Capitol Police for their service,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cMy co-chair, Senator Blunt, and I are extremely pleased that the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus now has twenty-six members, which is representative of the fact that Senators from both parties share a deep admiration and gratitude for the work of the Capitol Police.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly to keep members, staff, and visitors safe,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Blunt.\u00a0\u201cDuring the holiday season, many officers will sacrifice time with their loved ones to fulfill their duties, and we are extremely grateful to them and their families for their service. I\u2019m glad to join Senator Coons, co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, in expressing our appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police force, and for all of our law enforcement personnel across the country.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43C335EA-5F81-42FC-AFF1-84400CD829FB", "Amid Evidence of Plagiarism, Carper Leads EPW Minority in Calling on CEQ Nominee to Submit New and Original Answers", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Today, the minority members of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee called on Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality and serve as his most senior environmental advisor, to submit new and original responses to questions for the record after it was discovered that at least 18 of her responses were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee. Repeatedly, Ms. White\u2019s answers to questions of opinion \u2013 on issues including climate change, hazardous air pollutants and environmental justice \u2013 matched answers previously provided by President Trump\u2019s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominees, including EPA Administrator Pruitt and EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum.\r\nIn a\u00a0letter\u00a0led by Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), the lawmakers wrote,\u00a0\u201cWe write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing\u2026We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.\u201d\r\nThe senators requested that Ms. Hartnett White identify and give appropriate citation to all responses that include someone else\u2019s work and submit new answers to each of the plagiarized responses that represent her own views by December 22, 2017.\r\nSenator Carper was joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).\r\nThe text of the letter is available below and\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\nDecember 12, 2017\r\nDear Ms. White:\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record[1]\u00a0sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing.\u00a0 In at least 18 instances (attached), your responses to these questions included language that also appeared verbatim in responses to questions for the record received from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt[2], and EPA\u2019s Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Bill Wehrum[3].\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFor example, when asked a question about EPA\u2019s Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) rule, you stated:\r\n\u201cThe quantifiable monetized benefits of the HAP reductions predicted to occur under MATS measured only a few million dollars. I understand that EPA has recalculated the benefits attributable to MATS in response to the Supreme Court remand. I am not familiar with the new estimates and I cannot prejudge any decision that might be made by EPA as it conducts its ongoing review of the rule.\u201d\r\nMr. Wehrum stated the following in response to a similar question:\r\n\u201cThe quantifiable monetized benefits of the HAP reductions predicted to occur under MATS measured only a few million dollars. I understand that EPA has recalculated the benefits attributable to MATS in response to the Supreme Court remand. I am not familiar with the new estimates. If confirmed, I intend to consider them objectively.\u201d\r\nSimilarly, in response to five questions about climate change submitted to you by Senators Merkley, Sanders and Whitehouse, you stated:\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, I will work to ensure that any regulatory actions are based on the most up to date and objective scientific data, including the ever-evolving understanding of the impact that increasing greenhouse gases have on our changing climate.\u201d\r\nMr. Pruitt responded to a similar question as follows:\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, I will work to ensure that any regulatory actions are based on the most up to date and objective scientific data, including the ever-evolving understanding of the impact increasing greenhouse gases have on our changing climate. I will also adhere to the applicable statutory authorities to fulfill EPA\u2019s mission to protect human health and the environment consistent with the process and rule of law established by congress. I also believe the Administrator has an important role when it comes to the regulation of carbon dioxide, which I will fulfill consistent with\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA\u00a0and the agency's Endangerment Finding on Greenhouse Gases respective of the applicable statutory framework established by Congress. I believe the most effective path towards achieving these objectives is through close partnership with the states granting them regulatory leeway as ascribed by the rule of law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.\u00a0 We request that you promptly provide responses to the following questions:\r\n \r\nPlease list each response to a question for the record submitted to you by any Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee for which you either plagiarized someone else\u2019s work or that you did not write part or all of the answer yourself.\r\nFor each item listed in your response to question 1, please list the source or person from which you derived part or all of your response.\r\nPlease submit a new answer to each such item that represents your own views and effort.\r\n \r\nThank you very much for your attention to this important matter.\u00a0 Please provide your response no later than close of business on Friday December 22, 2017.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-foreign-relations-committee-zimbabwe-december-12-2017", "Senator Coons, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Zimbabwe, December 12 2017", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-december-12-2017", "Senator Coons, Senate Judiciary Committee, December 12, 2017", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-sfrc-qanda-on-zimbabwe-december-12-2017", "Senator Coons SFRC Q&A on Zimbabwe, December 12, 2017", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-discusses-delaware-opioid-crisis-in-judiciary-committee-hearing", "[VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: \u201cJust my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, \u201cOversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.\u201d The purpose of the hearing was to examine the effectiveness of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, passed in 2016, and potential unintended consequences.\r\n\u201cDelaware, under the leadership of our Attorney General, Matt Denn, recently enacted new regulations that allow prescribers to better monitor each opioid prescription and limit an adult from receiving a first-time prescription for more than seven days, except under exceptional circumstances. That's led to a 12% decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions just since April 1. Shouldn't we be looking at some of the positive, innovative work that's being done in states like Delaware?\u201d\r\nFull and audio available\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\nExcerpts from Senator Coons\u2019 Q&A are below:\r\nSenator Coons:\u00a0Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to ask the committee and I'd like to, on behalf of all of us on the committee, thank those of you on the panel who have testified today. The ongoing opioid addiction crisis is something that has harmed every single community, has affected every state. Just my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year, and what we are trying to do is strike the right balance between making sure that people who suffer from persistent and chronic pain, like Ms. Chambers, can get access to appropriately prescribed and managed opioids and those who are abusing or misusing them are appropriately held to account. So, striking that balance is the purpose of our hearing here today, and I'd appreciate a few pointed answers to some simple, hopefully pointed questions. To Attorney General Frosh, Delaware, under the leadership of our Attorney General, Matt Denn, recently enacted new regulations that allow prescribers to better monitor each opioid prescription and limit an adult from receiving a first-time prescription for more than seven days, except under exceptional circumstances. That's led to a 12% decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions just since April 1. Shouldn't we be looking at some of the positive, innovative work that's being done in states like Delaware?\r\nAttorney General Frosh, State of Maryland: Yes, absolutely. A number of states have prescription drug monitoring programs, they can be extraordinarily effective. Despite the fact that laws like those have been enacted in Delaware and across the country, we still have this tidal wave of opioids washing across, and those are important steps forward, but we have a lot of work that remains to be done.\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons:\u00a0So, help me, Attorney General Frosh, Dr. Catizone, if you would, the DEA's use of immediate suspension orders has dropped, but other enforcement tools like orders to show cause have increased. Are these other tools sufficient to combat the misuse or mis-prescription of opioids?\u00a0\r\nAttorney General Frosh, State of Maryland:\u00a0I don't think\u00a0they are. I mean, and you only have to look through results to come to that conclusion. DEA has essentially had the same tools for four decades, and they have not been sufficient to overcome the wave of opioids that has washed across the country, so I would say not. Now, the prescription I would give is holistic: we not only need effective law enforcement, interdiction of illegal supply, but we also need treatment, we need prescription drug monitoring, we don't have nearly enough treatment beds in our country, and we're not making forward progress. We are making progress, but it's incremental. It needs to be much more rapid.\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons:\u00a0I agree. Dr. Catizone, what else do you think DEA should do or what else can we do as a committee and a society to address the significant problem of opioid addiction?\u00a0\r\nDr. Carmen Catizone:\u00a0I think the answer is the balance that you spoke about. We need to have a balance between access of effective law enforcement, and to the prior question, we haven't had time to analyze the data the committee presented today, but if you look at the overview, the DEA has taken action in other areas to compensate for the inability or their concern about trying to take an ISO. So, there has to be some balance there as well. ISOs should be restricted the most serious, egregious cases, where the patients are going to be killed. If that pharmacy, that distributor, that doctor continues to operate. In those cases, the standard worked, you saw by the data the amount of times the ISOs were used was very limited. So, we think restoring or eliminating that data, that new standard, is a means that would give the DEA that important tool back to use that in very limited, but very serious situations.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-delivers-the-weekly-democratic-address-december-11-2017", "Senator Coons delivers the Weekly Democratic Address, December 11, 2017", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-new-day-december-11-2017", "Senator Coons joins CNN New Day December 11, 2017", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-rep-sewell-op-ed-on-key-alabama-court-nominee-brett-talley", "ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.17\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Brett Talley, current Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, has been nominated for an open seat on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representative Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) today published an op-ed on the nomination of Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama.\r\nThe Hill: Senate must reject Brett Talley\u2019s nomination for federal district court in Alabama\r\nBy Chris Coons and Terri Sewell\r\nIt\u2019s no secret that Americans all over the country are watching Alabama this week. The candidacy of former Alabama judge Roy Moore for the vacant U.S. Senate seat, particularly in light of appalling allegations raised by several women, has made the state the epicenter for our national conversations about not just politics, but race, the rule of law, and even basic morality.\r\nBut the Senate is quietly considering another critical issue that impacts Alabama and the rest of the country too: the nomination of a 36-year-old man named Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Alabama\u2019s only member of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are deeply concerned \u2013 disturbed even \u2013 by the prospect of Mr. Talley becoming a federal judge in Alabama, and we believe all Americans should be, too.\r\nFirst, the context and history of the seat Mr. Talley is nominated for in the Middle District of Alabama is critical to understanding why his potential confirmation could be so damaging.\r\nThe Middle District of Alabama has played a central role in our nation\u2019s progress on civil rights over the past half century.\u00a0 For example, it was a decision from the Middle District of Alabama that allowed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s marchers to continue their journey to Montgomery.\u00a0 It was a decision from the Middle District of Alabama that declared Montgomery\u2019s segregated buses unconstitutional following the boycotts galvanized by Rosa Parks\u2019 arrest.\u00a0 The Middle District of Alabama ruled that African American men and women must be allowed to serve on Alabama juries, struck down Alabama\u2019s poll tax, and mandated integration of public schools.\r\nIt is within this context and history that we must view the nomination of Mr. Talley, whose background and lack of experience are, frankly, shocking.\u00a0\r\nMr. Talley\u2019s behavior and history outside of the courtroom paints a portrait of someone almost uniquely unfit to serve as a federal judge in Alabama.\u00a0 Thousands of Internet posts and comments \u2013 which Mr. Talley failed to even disclose \u2013 reveal a prejudice that has no place in the nation\u2019s judiciary.\r\nThe full column is available\u00a0here.\r\n\u00a0###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=D41245E2-DD30-4B32-A7EE-23515A93CB22", "Wishing you a happy, healthy 230th Delaware Day", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "History was made 230 years ago today, when a group of 30 elected delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover to debate and decide the fate of our state and country. After three days of deliberation, those delegates made the unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution and make Delaware the First State of what would eventually become our union.\r\nThroughout Delaware\u2019s unique history, our caring, welcoming community has endured, and each Delaware Day, I am excited to celebrate the dauntless spirit of the \u201cDelaware Way.\"\r\nThe \u201cDelaware Way\u201d means working together to continuously improve our state and our country. It also means caring for our neighbors as we care for our family. The Affordable Care Act allows us to care for our family, friends and neighbors by guaranteeing health care for every Delawarean and every American. Anyone who doesn\u2019t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month.\r\nUnfortunately, Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces ends on December 15th \u2013 a little more than a week away. So, on this Delaware Day, I hope we will all be inspired by the \u201cDelaware Way\u201d and reach out to our friends, neighbors and co-workers to make sure that every one of them has health care in 2018.\r\nAlong with my partner in the Senate, Chris Coons, and Delaware\u2019s Congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester, we are working to spread the message that every Delawarean and every American has access to affordable health care for the new year. I hope you\u2019ll join us and spread the word that the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace is open at healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com until December 15th only.\r\nI wish you all a happy, healthy Delaware Day! God bless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C5CA474E-9442-4F2B-8B2C-C87F7E726835", "Senator Carper on Confirmation of Susan Bodine to Serve at EPA", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor before the Senate approved, by voice vote, Susan Bodine\u2019s nomination to serve as the assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). Senator Carper\u2019s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:\r\n\u201cMr. President, I rise today to speak about the confirmation of Susan Bodine to lead the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA).\r\n\u201cFor those who may not know, that is a big job and an incredibly important one. The EPA\u2019s enforcement office protects the health of our citizens and our environment by ensuring that everyone is playing by the same rules. When bad actors don\u2019t follow the rules that we have put in place to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all Americans, it is EPA\u2019s enforcement office that holds them accountable. In the past, the actions taken by this office at EPA have led to reductions in toxic air pollution, as well as the clean up of contaminated land and waterways. In fact, last year alone, EPA\u2019s enforcement work required companies to invest $13.7 billion dollars in similar clean up efforts.\r\n\u201cI have said from the time she was nominated that Susan Bodine\u2019s resume would be very helpful if she were confirmed to serve as the head of EPA\u2019s enforcement office. Ms. Bodine has served as a staffer in the House and the Senate for over a decade and also spent time working in the Bush Administration. Given this experience, I believe she has a good understanding of the relationship that should exist between the separate, but equal branches of our government and the critical role that EPA\u2019s enforcement office plays.\r\n\u201cWhen she was nominated for this position, Ms. Bodine was kind enough to come to my office to discuss the job and her qualifications, which I appreciated. She talked about the work that she had done for Senators Inhofe and Barrasso \u2013 both of whom have taken their oversight roles on the EPW committee very seriously. From the day we met in my office, I made explicitly clear to Ms. Bodine that, while I think she is qualified for this job, I also take my oversight role seriously.\r\n\u201cFrom the day of that meeting with Ms. Bodine until now, my request has been consistent, yet simple: EPA should provide complete, adequate and timely responses to the committee that oversees its work.\r\n\u201cAbsent a serious commitment to do so, I have consistently said that I would be unable to support moving forward on any EPA nominees.\r\n\u201cI have also said from the very beginning that I do not make such statements lightly or with any sense of joy. But I believe firmly that this body and its members have a constitutional duty to perform rigorous oversight and that we must protect that responsibility, regardless of which party happens to be in power. And over 200 days is far too long to wait for a response to serious inquiries, like those about a toxic pesticide that this EPA has deemed safe after the previous administration proposed banning it. I know that, no matter who\u2019s in charge, we can do better than that.\r\n\u201cNow, as my Democratic colleagues and I know all too well, we are not the majority party. We don\u2019t control the Senate or its activities, who\u2019s confirmed here or even who\u2019s debated on the floor. For instance, despite my many objections and those of my colleagues, Bill Wehrum was confirmed to serve as the head of EPA\u2019s Office of Air and Radiation. So my repeated requests have been just that: an ask, with the hope that all of us, as members of this body, could agree that certain responsibilities are more important than political wins. Some of my Republican colleagues have supported me in this, and I thank them for that support.\r\n\u201cAs of late, I see that EPA is making a good faith effort to respond to our requests. I am now satisfied with many of the responses they have sent so far, I am pleased that we are seeing progress, and I am hopeful that this progress will continue.\r\n\u201cI have served in this body for 17 years now. My colleagues know me, and I think that they know that I try to be fair. I have voted for President Trump\u2019s nominees and for the nominees of past Republican presidents.\u00a0 I do not have \u2013 and have never had \u2013 an interest in delay for delay\u2019s sake.\r\n\u201cIn fact, I said just last week that if a sub-set of the letters that were due back from EPA were completed in short order and were truly responsive, we would make progress on nominations. The agency has done its part and now we are here, with Ms. Bodine set to be confirmed by this body today.\r\n\u201cI hope that this is the beginning of a new chapter and that EPA\u2019s responses to our oversight requests will be more timely going forward. Having said that, a sincere congratulations to Ms. Bodine and her family. I look forward to continue working with her in her new role to ensure EPA\u2019s enforcement office remains an indispensable and credible \u2018cop on the beat.\u2019\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-06-taste-of-delaware", "2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet Chris\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Issues\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Newsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t      \n\t    \n\t  \n\t\n Page Top \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t12.07.17\n\t\t\t\t 2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUnited States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, hosts the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) organized the free and public event that was held in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The Taste of Delaware celebrates the history of the state\u2019s food and beverage industry as well as Delaware becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Dec. 7, 1787.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-chuck-todd-december-6-2017", "Senator Coons joins Chuck Todd December 6, 2017", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-jake-tapper-december-6-2017", "Senator Coons joins Jake Tapper December 6, 2017", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-and-tillis-rep-lowenthal-introduce-resolution-honoring-human-rights-day", "Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47) today introduced companion resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 69th\u00a0Anniversary of the 1948 ratification by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.\r\n\u201cOn Human Rights Day, we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honor those around the world who work tirelessly to advance fundamental rights like freedom, justice, and equality,\u201d \u00a0said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I call for passage of this resolution and recommit myself to advocating for the freedom of all those who suffer from violence and persecution.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am proud to introduce the Human Rights Day resolution that honors the adoption of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 affirming the rights of individuals and setting the standard for human rights protections,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Tillis.\u00a0\u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to fight on behalf of those who advocate for basic human rights and ensure that the United States continues to be the standard for promoting freedom across the world.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe promotion of respect for human rights as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key component of the leadership role the United States plays around the world,\u201d\u00a0Congressman Lowenthal said.\u00a0\u201cThe Congress, and the world, must recognize that those who are denied basic human rights, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, and political expression, are also denied basic human respect and dignity. It diminishes our shared humanity when people are denied these basic and universal rights. The world would be a safer place if human rights were universally protected.\u201d\u00a0?\r\nJoining Senators Coons and Tillis in introducing the resolution were Senators Blumenthal, Inhofe, Baldwin, Rubio, Brown, Young, Franken, McCain, Van Hollen, Murkowski, Menendez, Merkley, Casey, Wyden, and Klobuchar.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nJoining Congressman Lowenthal in introducing the resolution were Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, Raul Grijalva, Jerry McNerney, Jimmy Gomez, Suzanne Bonamici, Jackie Speier, Ro Khanna, Trent Franks, Gerry Connolly, Luis Gutierrez, Mark Pocan, David Cicilline, Bill Foster, Zoe Lofgren, Salud Carbajal, Jan Schakowsky, Barbara Lee, James McGovern, Katherine Clark, Betty McCollum, Michael Capuano, Dwight Evans, Lou Correa, Brian Higgins, Joseph Crowley, Scott Peters, Alcee L. Hastings, Darren Soto, Marcy Kaptur, Sheila Jackson Lee, Keith Ellison, Doris Matsui, Sander Levin, Grace Napolitano, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Norma Torres, Frank Pallone, Judy Chu, Gwen Moore, Jamie Raskin, Adam Schiff, John Yarmuth, Jared Huffman, Eric Swalwell, Seth Moulton, Randy Hultgren, Val Demings, Matt Cartwright, Anna Eshoo, Andre Carson, Linda Sanchez, Dina Titus, Joyce Beaty, Tom Garrett, Peter King, Brenda Lawrence, Debbie Dingell, and Susan Davis.\u00a0\r\nThe text of the resolution is available\u00a0here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-pres-trump-we-are-seeing-more-and-more-evidence-that-would-lead-to-an-obstruction-charge", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: “We are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.”", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: \u201cWe are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined CNN\u2019s Jake Tapper to discuss former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Donald Trump, Jr., and President Trump.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cBut, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and, in part, Russia's interference in our elections in 2016.\u201d\u00a0\r\nFull audio and video available\u00a0here.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\r\nSenator Coons on Flynn's comment on Russian sanctions:\u00a0Well, this is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating. But, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and, in part, Russia's interference in our elections in 2016.\r\nMore on Flynn:\u00a0The two aren't mutually exclusive. Sadly, what seemed to be a pattern with General Flynn was that he was both advancing a partisan political interest in his role on the Trump campaign and continuing to advance his own personal enrichment as someone who was representing Turkey or representing groups from Ukraine, groups aligned with Russia's interests. So, the idea that he could have been advancing both an enrichment goal and a narrow or partisan goal, it seems to me they're not in conflict.\r\nSenator Coons on Trump, Jr.:\u00a0Well, Donald Trump, Jr., was a participant in a very important meeting in Trump Tower, it's important to get clarity on what was the foundation for that meeting, why was it taken, what were the questions asked and what information was reported back up to President Trump if any. So, those are just a few of the questions I would expect might have been asked today in front of the House Intelligence Committee.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons on obstruction of justice:\u00a0Well, that's a legal conclusion I don't think we have yet fully reached, but the evidence supporting an obstruction of justice claim just keeps building up. I'll remind you, it was recently that there was public reporting that, in the past couple of months, President Trump personally reached out to Senator McConnell, to Senator Burr, to Senator Blunt, urging them to wrap up the Russia investigation early. This just follows a pattern that goes back to his early days of meeting with FBI Director Jim Comey, seeking some commitment of personal loyalty and asking him to go easy on Mike Flynn, former National Security Advisor. So, I do think we are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge. I also think there was a striking development this week in that President Trump's own lawyers are now making the argument that the President can't commit obstruction of justice because he is in charge of all law enforcement. That is not a tenable argument. We would no longer have rule of law in this country if the President were utterly unrestrained to interfere in any way he chose in an investigation.\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=271BB88A-7AB5-4365-B171-C39596BD5D3F", "EPW Hearing Statement: Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, \u201cHearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.\u201d Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as submitted for the record:\r\n\u201cMr. Chairman, before we begin, I just want to take a moment to thank you personally for holding this nomination hearing for Mr. R.D. James to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. As you know, this is a critical leadership position at the Corps of Engineers. As we have seen in the recent months with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Corps\u2019 role in protecting and rebuilding critical infrastructure in disaster- affected communities is one that cannot be understated.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThank you, Mr. James, for joining us today, and for your willingness to serve.\u00a0 I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to your wife Jennye for sharing you with us. The families of our nominees are often the unsung heroes of public service, and I would also like to recognize their sacrifices and contributions to our country.\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, Mr. James, you will be overseeing the Army\u2019s Civil Works Program. Through this important program, the Corps is responsible for responding to and reducing the likelihood of flood damage. The Civil Works Program also includes the construction, operation and maintenance of our nation\u2019s ports and inland waterways, which are the gateway to both domestic and international commerce. It also includes shoreline and coastal protections for the areas of this country dramatically affected by large bodies of water, such as my home state of Delaware. If confirmed, you will also oversee the Corps of Engineers\u2019 activities for environmental regulation and permitting.\r\n\u201cMr. James, the responsibilities of the position to which you have been nominated are daunting. If confirmed, you will be leading efforts that dramatically affect every part of this country. As such, we on this Committee must take your nomination very seriously. In your role as a member of the Mississippi River Commission for the last 36 years, you have had a direct impact on a number of successful initiatives for that region. The geographic scope that the Commission manages, however, is a relatively narrow one. When I met with you earlier this week, you committed to coming with me to visit Delaware to learn about the needs of a geographic region much different from that of the Mississippi River. As you know, 80 percent of the Country\u2019s population lives within 150 miles of a coastline. In fact, as of the 2010 census, 39 percent of the nation's population, some 123 million people, live in a county that directly borders a shoreline.\r\n\u201cThis country, much like this Committee, has a very diverse and broad geographic make-up \u2013 from coastal communities such as those represented by Senators Booker and Whitehouse \u2013 to rural communities such as those represented by Senators Ernst and Rounds \u2013 to inland communities such as those represented by Senators Barrasso and Duckworth. All of these regions have various water interests managed by the Corps of Engineers. In your new role, should you be confirmed, you will have to balance a wide range of competing interests. It is extremely important that you visit these different types of communities to garner a broader understanding of the challenges each faces.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs you know, the President has said that America\u2019s aging infrastructure should be modernized and rebuilt. Democratic Senators released a blueprint to rebuild our infrastructure earlier this year. Senators on both sides of the aisle are supportive of investing in infrastructure, and such an investment should include funding that would allow the Corps to address our country\u2019s water infrastructure needs.\r\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m interested in learning how the Corps can be more efficient with the appropriated funds it receives to get the most out of every taxpayer dollar, I also believe that the Corps has been considerably underfunded for a number of years. Water infrastructure investment is a shared responsibility with state and local governments, and I want to make sure these jurisdictions get the help they need. I also want to learn more about how we can make sure that we prioritize the most critical investments that need to be made in our nation\u2019s aging infrastructure.\r\n\u201cWith that said, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving this problem. Should you be confirmed, you will be a central figure for making sure these bipartisan concerns are addressed. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these important matters. Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing today and I look forward to learning more about this nominee.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-at-the-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-firearm-accessory-regulation", "Sen. Coons at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Firearm Accessory Regulation", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-questions-panel-senate-judiciary-cmte-firearm-accessory-restrictions", "Sen. Coons questions panel Senate Judiciary Cmte Firearm Accessory Restrictions", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-floor-speech-on-rich-heffron-december-6-2017", "Senator Coons Senate floor speech on Rich Heffron December 6, 2017", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-isakson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-college-access-and-graduation-rates", "Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation in the Senate to incentivize colleges to expand access for low-income students and increase graduation rates for all students.\u00a0\r\nThe\u00a0Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education Act, or ASPIRE Act for short, will spur the nation\u2019s institutions of higher education to enroll more low-income students and to ensure that these students actually graduate with a degree. The bill devotes resources to help boost completion rates at institutions that serve disproportionately high numbers of low-income students.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn today\u2019s economy, access to higher education is one of the best ways to provide students from all backgrounds a ladder to success,\u201dsaid Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s why the federal government invests significant resources into helping low-income and first-generation college students succeed in college. Yet despite this investment, our higher education system is failing to deliver results for the students who need it most. Our graduation rates are too low and too many resource-rich colleges have failed to expand access to qualified students who come from low-income backgrounds. Our bill will address both of these issues by holding selective colleges accountable on improving low-income student access, and by providing resources to increase graduation rates at colleges struggling to support their high numbers of low-income students.\u00a0 We can and must do more to address resource disparities and ensure colleges help all students access and complete a high-quality education.\u201d\r\n\u201cGeorgia universities such as Georgia State University have seen success using innovative approaches in reaching more students and helping them graduate,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Education Committee.\u00a0\u201cThis legislation will help incentivize other colleges and universities to follow suit to ensure quality education is accessible for all who chose to pursue it.\u201d\r\nCurrently, the U.S. government spends roughly $180 billion each year in federal student aid and tax benefits to help low- and middle-income students. This aid includes little accountability or basic benchmarks to be met. In addition to basic benchmarks, the federal government does not do a good job targeting resources to where they are needed most.\u00a0 Despite the significant federal investment in the higher education system, U.S. college graduation rates are currently among the lowest in the developed world.\u00a0\r\nThe\u00a0Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education Act\u00a0would help set benchmarks and priorities while also rewarding institutions that are already on the right track when it comes to access and completion. The bill would make additional competitive funding available for completion efforts, with priority for minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.\u00a0Finally, it enables high-performing institutions on access and completion to apply for non-financial rewards, such as bonus points in federal competitive grants or a reduced regulatory burden.\r\nHighlights of the\u00a0Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education (ASPIRE) Act:\r\n \r\nCompletely self-financing, requiring no new appropriations.\r\nThe bottom 5 percent of institutions based on percentages of enrolled first-time, full-time Pell Grant recipients are given at least four years to improve access, or risk paying a penalty.\u00a0 Penalties collected are then used to fund completion improvement efforts.\r\nThe bottom 5 percent of institutions based on six-year graduation rates that choose to opt-in to the bill\u2019s completion standards would receive significant funding and at least five years to develop and implement plans to improve completion, or risk paying back that funding plus a fine.\r\nUp to $200 million a year would be devoted to graduation efforts.\r\nInstitutions would not prescribe improvement strategies\u2014institutions must create their own plans.\r\n \r\nClick\u00a0here\u00a0for the full bill text.\r\nClick\u00a0here\u00a0for a one-pager on the bill.\r\nClick\u00a0here\u00a0for a section-by-section summary of the bill.\r\nFull list of supporting organizations:\r\n \r\nAmerican Student Assistance\r\nEducation Reform Now\r\nHBCU Collective\r\nInstitute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP)\r\nNational Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO)\r\nNational College Access Network\r\nNational Education Association (NEA)\r\nSoutheast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)\r\nThe Education Trust\r\nThird Way\r\nThurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)\r\nGeorgia State University\r\nDelaware Charter Schools Network\r\nDelaware State University\r\nGoldey-Beacom College\r\nWesley College\r\nWidener University\r\nWilmington University\u00a0\r\n \r\nWHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT\u00a0ASPIRE:\r\nAmerican Student Assistance Director of Consumer Advocacy, Kevin Fudge:\r\n\"To survive and thrive in the changing workplace of the 21st century, Americans need the skills gained from postsecondary education more than ever before. For the greater economic strength of both our citizens individually and our nation collectively, it is imperative that all students in the US, regardless of income, have the opportunity for access, success and persistence in education beyond high school.\"\r\nEducation Reform Now Advocacy President, Shavar Jeffries:\r\n\u201cSenator Coons' and Isakson's ASPIRE higher education access and accountability plan is thoughtful and nuanced. The Coons-Isakson plan is thoughtful in using the federal investment in higher education to prod elite colleges to open their doors wider to talented students from low-income families. It's thoughtful in providing additional financial help to under resourced colleges, particularly HBCUs, that currently serve a substantial number of students from low-income families. But the Senators are also tough and nuanced in demanding better performance from colleges, including for those who fail to improve requiring a return of funds.\u00a0Higher education should not be an accountability-free zone. It's heartening to see bipartisan agreement on the fundamental idea that in higher education, like in K-12 education, we need increased resources and reform in order to get markedly better results for students, families, and the country.\u201d\u00a0\r\nHBCU Collective Founder, Robert T. Stephens:\r\n\u201cThe HBCU Collective applauds Sen. Coons and Sen. Isakson for introducing legislation that expands access to higher education for low-income students. Education continues to be one of the best pathways low-income students use to pull themselves out of poverty, increase opportunities, and achieve their dreams.\"\r\nInstitute for Higher Education Policy President,\u00a0Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D:\r\n\u201cSmart policy solutions that help more of today\u2019s students access a college education and earn high-quality degrees can cultivate thriving communities. The ASPIRE Act will help to narrow the access and degree completion inequities that stubbornly persist within our higher education system and enable more hardworking students, regardless of economic status, to pursue a college education. We thank Senator Coons and Senator Isakson for their leadership and commitment to expanding college access and fostering degree completion.\u201d\r\nNational Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) President and CEO, Dr. Lezli Baskerville:\r\n\u201cThe National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, NAFEO, is appreciative to Senators Coons and Isakson for heeding NAFEO\u2019s appeal for a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to explore ways of incentivizing a greater number of colleges and universities to educate the growing populations of this nation\u2014low-income and racial and ethnic minority students, and rewarding those institutions graduating disproportionate percentages of the growing populations of the states. The ASPIRE legislation will move the nation toward acknowledging and rewarding institutions like HBCUs and MSIs graduating disproportionate percentages of low-income students, first generation students, and students of color.\"\r\nNational College Access Network Executive Director, Kim Cook:\r\n\u201cNCAN supports the goal of the ASPIRE Act to encourage institutions to increase access for low-income students and to incent completion. Students who attend their best academic fit are most likely to succeed, and encouraging students to expand the number of seats available to low-income students will help more low-income students reach both college and graduation.\u201d\r\nSoutheast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) Executive Director, Quyen Dinh:\r\n\u201cSEARAC strongly supports the ASPIRE Act and its goals to increasing low-income students\u2019 access to a post-secondary education and the graduation rates for all students. This proposal helps to address the compounded socio-economic and educational disparities that we know are persisting in Southeast Asian American communities who experience both poverty and lack-of higher education degrees at higher rates than the national average.\u00a0 We applaud Sen. Coons for introducing a policy solution to stand up for vulnerable students such as Southeast Asian Americans from refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities\"\r\nThe Education Trust Vice President of Higher Education Policy and Practice, Wil Del Pilar:\r\n\u201cThe urgent question for higher education right now is \u201cHow can we dramatically increase high-quality degree completion while expanding \u2013 not limiting \u2013 access among low-income students and students of color?\u201d The ASPIRE Act represents an attempt to answer that question in a cost-neutral way that puts students first and pushes institutions to focus on getting students to graduation.\u00a0 It will spur wealthier institutions to increase access for low-income students, and it will provide additional resources to drive improvements in colleges and universities -- including minority-serving institutions -- that make commitments to significantly improving outcomes for their students. This kind of forward-thinking legislation is an important step toward making higher education more equitable and effective.\u201d\r\nThird Way Vice President for Social Policy & Politics, Lanae Erickson Hatalsky:\r\n\u201cWe are grateful to Senator Coons and Senator Isakson for recognizing that a large number of our nation\u2019s postsecondary institutions are failing to serve as true mobility machines for millions of low- and moderate-income students. Far too many students who enter college today do not graduate, and too many of our elite institutions aren\u2019t doing enough to take in the Pell students who could benefit from their high graduation rates and solid post-graduation outcomes. While the ASPIRE Act may not be able to fix all of these problems overnight, it refocuses attention on both access\u00a0and\u00a0completion by incentivizing good schools to open their doors to more low-income students while holding accountable those schools that fail to better their students\u2019 lives.\u201d\r\nGeorgia State University President, Mark P. Becker, PhD:\r\n\u201cI congratulate Senators Isakson and Coons for their bipartisan efforts to craft legislation tackling the difficult task of increasing access for students who would otherwise not attend college. \u00a0Thousands of qualified students are not entering college, and thousands who do enter leave without a degree. \u00a0There is no more important challenge facing higher education today than leveling the playing field for all students. \u00a0I thank Senator Isakson for his continued support of Georgia State University and our success in increasing graduation rates by 22 percentage points\u00a0in recent years. \u00a0I look forward to working with Senator Isakson and Senator Coons to make our nation once again the most educated and innovative nation in the world.\u201d\r\nDE Charter Schools Network\u00a0Executive Director, Kendall Massett and Board President, Chuck Taylor:\r\n\u201cWe have charter school leaders that spend 12 years preparing low-income students for college. The ASPIRE Act would help fulfill the promise we make to these students, and show that hard work, discipline and resilience have their rewards.\"\u00a0\r\nDelaware State University President, Dr. Harry L. Williams:\r\n\"At Delaware State University, we are committed to retaining and graduating first-generation college students. This commitment is further evidenced by our steady progression on these most-important metrics and our partnerships with private foundations to expand our innovative efforts to retain and graduate our students.\u00a0\u00a0The Completion Bonus Program within the ASPIRE Act further incentivizes institutions to redouble their efforts to boost retention and graduation rates to help make the United States #1 in college completion.\"\r\nGoldey-Beacom College President Gary L. Wirt\u00a0Letter of Support\r\nUniversity of Delaware President Dennis Assanis:\r\n\u201cThe intent\u00a0of the ASPIRE Act aligns with\u00a0the University of Delaware\u2019s commitment to\u00a0provide an accessible and affordable world-class\u00a0education to every student, especially those with the greatest financial need. Thousands of Delawareans benefit\u00a0from UD\u2019s financial aid and academic support, which contribute to above-average\u00a0retention and graduation rates. We applaud the senators\u2019 efforts to address\u00a0this complex\u00a0challenge.\u201d\u00a0\r\nWesley College Provost, Dr. Jeffrey Gibson:\r\n\u201cThe ASPIRE Act is key to promoting educational opportunity and access to the nation\u2019s colleges and universities, and Wesley College is proud to support initiatives that increase the higher education options available to students.\u00a0 Better still, the legislation introduced by Senators Coons and Isakson will further bolster efforts to enhance student success and increase graduation rates.\u00a0 Each student who succeeds benefits our local communities and the country as a whole.\u201d\u00a0\r\nWidener University President Julie E. Wollman:\r\n\u201cAs a university leader, I believe it is vital to increase degree completion rates by providing the comprehensive support necessary to achieve this goal.\u00a0 Furthermore, we must continue our work to optimize access to higher education for all students.\u00a0 Access and degree completion are essential to the quality of our society and the strength of our nation.\u201d\u00a0\r\nWilmington University President, Dr. LaVerne Harmon:\r\n\u201cThe ASPIRE Act is supported by Wilmington University because the intent of this bill is to increase access for low-income and marginalized students to close the completion gap in institutions of higher education. This is critically important to us, since approximately 46 percent of our first-time, full-time students are PELL Grant recipients, and the ASPIRE Act gives students the opportunity to experience a quality education they can afford. Wilmington University is a student-centered organization, and we work diligently to provide for our students sound financial counseling as well as rigorous academic programs that prepare them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and in the workforce. We are committed to offering education to all who seek it, and the ASPIRE Act aligns with our commitment to excellence in teaching, relevancy of curriculum, and individual attention to all students, regardless of their economic limitations.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-aspire-act", "Senator Coons discusses the ASPIRE Act", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-repeal-hiv-discrimination-act-of-2017", "Senator Coons discusses the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2017", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-speaks-on-the-senate-floor-about-the-gop-tax-plan", "Senator Coons speaks on the Senate floor about the GOP tax plan", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-delaware-state-chamber-of-commerce-to-host-7th-annual-taste-of-delaware-", "Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWILMINGTON, DE \u2013 United States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, will host the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware event on Wednesday, December 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are encourages to register as the guest list annually reaches capacity. To register, click HERE.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to be the honorary host for the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware, and to be working with the State Chamber to celebrate our state on Capitol Hill,\u201d said Coons. \u201cThis event is a tremendous showcase of the talented and gifted restauranteurs, chefs, bakers, distillers and brewers who make Delaware a great place to live, visit and do business.\u201d\r\nTaste of Delaware made its first appearance in 2010, featuring Grotto Pizza, Capriotti\u2019s, and Dogfish Head in a small conference room. The event has grown into an annual event among government officials, restauranteurs and food-fans alike, dubbed Delaware\u2019s \u2018party on the Hill.\u2019\r\n\u201cThis event has become one of the Chamber\u2019s favorite events over the years,\u201d said DSCC President Rich Heffron. \u201cWe enjoy the partnership with Senator Coons\u2019 office and staff, and have fun giving the spotlight to Delaware\u2019s wide variety of talent in the hospitality industry to the hundreds of people who attend.\u201d\r\nThis year\u2019s event will include some of Delaware\u2019s best restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bakeries and representing all three counties. Scheduled to attend are: Bluecoast Rehoboth, Brick Works, Chic Treats,\r\nCivil Cider, De La Coeur Caf\u00e9, Delaware Technical Community College's Culinary Arts Program, Delcastle Technical High School's Culinary Program, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Grandpa (MAC), Home Grown Caf\u00e9, Johnnies Dog House, Maiale Deli and Salumeria, Mispillion River Brewing, Painted Stave Distilling,\r\nPo' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch Restaurant, Sea Watch International, Ltd., The Starboard, Twin Lakes Brewing Company, UDairy Creamery, University & Whist Club, Waggies by Maggie & Friends, WiLDWiCH and William Penn High School's Culinary Program.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tBrian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-demand-review-of-federal-state-laws-that-discriminate-against-those-with-hiv/aids", "Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation aimed at helping end stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (\u201cREPEAL\u201d) HIV Discrimination Act of 2017 would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s simply not fair that someone with a treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,\u201d said\u00a0Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cA disturbing number of state and local criminal laws pertaining to individuals with HIV/AIDS are rooted not in science, but in outdated fear. They run counter to effective public health strategies, discourage HIV testing, and perpetuate unfair stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS \u2013 people who are our friends, family members, and neighbors. Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals. Our laws need to catch up to our science and our morals, and this bill would take an important step in that direction.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe should not have policies or laws on the books that discriminate, perpetuate stereotypes, or aren\u2019t based in sound science,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThe REPEAL Act will help ensure that individuals with HIV/AIDS are not criminalized for having a treatable medical condition, and that all Americans are subject to the same set of laws.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, too many individuals living with HIV and AIDS still face stigma and discrimination despite great advances in prevention, treatment and awareness,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cThat is why I am proud to join Senators Coons and Markey in advancing this critical measure to ensure that federal and state criminal laws are grounded in sound medical science and do not place an undue burden on individuals with HIV and AIDS. To truly break down barriers and improve access to testing, support and treatment, we must continue to fight the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.\u201d\r\n\u201cToo many state and federal laws target people living with HIV/AIDS and unfairly criminalize their actions. These laws have no basis in science and no place in our country,\u201d said Senator Murphy. \u201cThis bill will force our nation to take a hard look at the stigmas and barriers we impose on people living with HIV/AIDS.\u201d\r\n\u201cThere are more than 45,000 individuals with HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania, and I believe that we must make every effort to ensure that they are treated fairly,\u201d said Senator Casey. \u201cThis means that laws and regulations must reflect the most up-to-date knowledge available. The REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act is a commonsense measure that will help states and communities throughout the Nation enact modern policies, that align with current knowledge. I am pleased to cosponsor this measure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to see it advance. \u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cDiscriminating against Americans because of their HIV/AIDS status is simply wrong,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cOur laws should never treat someone differently based on their private medical history. This bill is an important step to stop perpetuating damaging misperceptions about HIV/AIDS and to create a fairer, more just nation.\u201d\r\nToday, 33 states and 2 U.S. territories have criminal statutes based on outdated information about perceived exposure to HIV, rather than actual transmission.\u00a0\u00a0These laws often do not take into account\u00a0the medical advances and scientific discoveries in the fight against HIV/AIDS. \u00a0In the last decade, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have affirmed that condom use, antiretroviral drug regimens, and other prevention strategies can drastically reduce the rate of HIV transmission.\u00a0 However, most of these laws do not treat condom or antiretroviral use as a mitigating factor.\u00a0 These laws breed fear, discrimination, and distrust, and undermine our ability to fight the disease and provide care for those living with HIV. \u00a0Laws that single out people with HIV for severe punishment in the absence of intentional wrong-doing and treat a positive HIV test as evidence of a crime discriminate on the basis of outdated fear and misunderstanding.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit (Coons) at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-banking-consumer-protections-help-local-banks-and-credit-unions", "Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) tonight announced their support for bipartisan legislation authored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), to enhance consumer protections and reduce regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions.\u00a0\r\nThe bill, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which has 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, will be voted on in the Senate Banking Committee tomorrow.\r\n\u201cAfter the financial crisis, Congress passed much-needed reforms to strengthen the banking system and help protect consumers by reining in predatory and reckless behavior. Seven years later, we know that many of those reforms are working well, while others require adjustments to ensure community banks and credit unions continue to be a valuable source of affordable loans for families and small businesses,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Carper and Coons.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAfter extensive discussions with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we have decided to join this bipartisan effort to further protect everyday American families and support community banks and credit unions.\u00a0 Our support for this bill, however, only came once we were able to make important changes to it, including the addition of a provision that allows all active-duty service members to receive quality, free credit monitoring, an important service they deserve but don\u2019t currently\u00a0receive. When it comes to banking legislation, our first priority is to ensure strong consumer protections. This legislation will further protect American consumers and help local banks and credit unions successfully serve their communities.\r\n\u201cFinally, we don\u2019t believe this bill is perfect, but we do believe that it is a step in the right direction for both consumers and community banks and credit unions.\u00a0 We also believe this is the product of both bipartisan compromise and regular order, two things in far too short supply in the Senate today.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at\u00a0sean_coit@coons.senate.gov\r\nMeghan Pennington at\u00a0Meghan_pennington@carper.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-gop-tax-bill-while-the-gospel-is-good-news-to-the-poor-this-tax-bill-surely-is-not", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: “While the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not”", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: \u201cWhile the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: \u201cWhen we listen to each other and compromise, we produce better legislation, better laws, better justice\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday evening, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor about the Senate Republicans\u2019 tax bill that was passed late Friday night.\r\n\u201cIt seems to me that while the Bible, the New Testament, and the Torah teach these things about God's deep preference that we would be kind to one another, that we would care for one another, that we would support those in need around us, that doesn't inevitably lead to one party's position or another, it doesn't inventively lead to one clear economic theory or policy than another, but it does say that before we take dramatic action that will reset the ground for a generation that I believe will inevitably lead to a loss of security and stability and opportunity for those in need in our country, we should have reflected,\u201d said Senator Coons.\r\n\u201cIn moving this bill forward, we have failed in our must fundamental call to hear each other, to work together, and to be mindful that we do not cause harm to those in our society who look to us to make the future brighter, to open the doors of opportunity wider, and to listen to some of the most ancient and profound voices in the traditions that laid the foundation of this free society: that we legislate worst when we legislate against the least of our brethren,\u201d said Senator Coons.\r\nFull audio and video available here.\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons\u2019 full speech, as delivered, is below:\r\nMr. President, when we were last here together, it was roughly 2:00AM Saturday morning.\u00a0 As this Chamber took up and passed by a very narrow margin, I believe 41 to 49, one of the biggest, broadest, most comprehensive pieces of financial legislation likely in our lifetimes.\u00a0\r\nThe last time this Congress took up and passed comprehensive tax reform, I was 21 years old.\u00a0 It has been a long time since a bill of this scope and reach and impact has been considered, debated, and passed in this chamber.\u00a0 And I wanted to give some reflections this evening on what happened very early Saturday morning and what it means.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFirst, it did not have to be this way.\u00a0 That bill passed on a straight party-line vote.\u00a0 Not one Democrat voted for it and all but one Republican Senator voted for it.\u00a0 I joined more than a dozen of my colleagues in a press conference I think two weeks ago saying we wanted to work across the aisle and we were trying, yet getting no opportunity to do so.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWeeks and weeks ago, a group of us put out a letter to our colleagues saying we wanted to work together on tax reform that would make our country more competitive, that would deal with some of the long unaddressed issues in our tax code, yet be fiscally responsible.\u00a0\r\nAnd, right up until Saturday, I was working with a group of Republicans and Democrats to try and find a way to move forward on tax reform that would not blow up our deficit and debt, give real tax relief to middle-class Americans, and significantly reduce the corporate tax rate.\u00a0 Yet, alas we came up short.\u00a0\r\nI wanted to give just a few moments of reflection on how I see the tax bill that ultimately moved through this Chamber last week.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFirst, on the process. The idea that you do your best work at something like 2:00AM in the morning, adopting a nearly 500 page piece of legislation without anyone having had the chance to really read it and understand it I think defies common sense.\u00a0\r\nSecond, the idea that the best legislating is done by one party only I think has been proven to be incorrect.\u00a0 Whether it's big pieces of legislation done only by Democrats or big pieces done only by Republicans, part of the point of this Chamber and the balance and the separation of powers that our Founders crafted into the Constitution was the idea that when we listen to each other and compromise, we produce better legislation, better laws, better justice.\u00a0\r\nBut last, I wanted to just talk for a moment about the values that underlie not just this process, but this outcome, this bill.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nBecause, in speeches and comments, in debates here on the floor, and in materials put out over the last two weeks, there has been lots and lots of talk about financial matters, about percentages, about numbers, about the Joint Committee on Taxation or the Congressional Budget Office, there has been lots of jargon and lots of insider talk that has frankly left a cloud that has made it difficult for most Americans to understand what was at stake and what was at work in the steady progress towards that partisan passage of the tax bill so early on Saturday morning.\u00a0\r\nLet's talk for a moment if we could about the human values implicated by this bill.\u00a0 Let's talk less about fiscal jargon and financial details and more about where it will land.\u00a0\r\nI'm sure, Mr. President, it comes of no surprise to you that ultimately I voted against the bill.\u00a0 I was willing to do bipartisan tax reform that would allow President Trump to meet his expressed goal of delivering a Christmas gift to the American people, in particular to the American middle-class.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nYet, I wasn't willing to sign off on a bill that will add a trillion dollars to our national debt and lay the groundwork we are already hearing for calls to slash Medicare and Medicaid and where once this Christmas package is opened, the middle-class will realize its real impact is the steady increase of the tax burden on them and the steady decrease over years ahead of critical, vital federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid that have made such a difference to so many in need over so long.\u00a0\r\nFor reasons that elude me, most of this country was not actively engaged in this tax debate.\u00a0 I got about 230 calls from Delaware last Friday, 200 opposed and 20 in favor, so 10 to 1 against.\u00a0 But I didn't hear from folks who might have understood and might have spoken up about the long-term grinding impact this tax bill would have on those in real need in our country.\u00a0 And I wanted to take a moment here on the floor and reflect on something that happened late last week on the Budget Committee as they were marking up the bill.\u00a0\r\nAs several dozen clergymen, men and women of different faiths, gathered together outside in a moment of civil disobedience.\u00a0 A few of them, friends of mine, were arrested, arrested in a cry they had hoped would be heard to express their concern about the impact of this tax bill on the poor and needy in our nation.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI stand tonight as a Senator, I stand tonight as someone who represents Delaware, I stand tonight as someone who is elected not to serve one particular faith tradition, but who is deeply informed by my faith tradition.\u00a0 And the gospel that I read and the gospel according to Luke: \"Jesus said he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.\"\u00a0 And I just wanted to stand here for a moment and say while the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSome of the best known simple passages in the New Testament of the Christian Bible say you cannot serve both God and wealth, and in Jesus' call in Matthew 25: \" In is much as you did this to the least of these you did it unto me.\"\u00a0\u00a0\r\nBut, this preference for the poor, this focus on the least among us is not new to the so-called New Testament,\u00a0it's deeply rooted in Torah and in the Judeo-Christian values that underlies all of Christianity.\u00a0\r\nIn proverbs the Torah teaches: \"Those who oppress the poor insult their maker.\"\u00a0 And in Deuteronomy Chapter 15, it teaches: \"You should open your hand to the poor and needy, the neighbor in your land.\"\u00a0\r\nAnd last, it seems to me that while the Bible, the New Testament, and the Torah teach these things about God's deep preference that we would be kind to one another, that we would care for one another, that we would support those in need around us, that doesn't inevitably lead to one party's position or another, it doesn't inventively lead to one clear economic theory or policy than another, but it does say that before we take dramatic action that will reset the ground for a generation that I believe will inevitably lead to a loss of security and stability and opportunity for those in need in our country, we should have reflected.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe should have listened to each other.\u00a0 We should have respected the greatest traditions of this country that say that we are most America, we are most Americans, when we open the doors of opportunity to all, when we create chances for those who are struggling amongst us to have a brighter future and as I searched through what I understood of this 500 page bill thrust upon us late on a Friday night, marked up and voted early on a Saturday morning, I found none of that.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI found an incredibly expensive bill that even some titans of industry have said will add little to the growth of this economy and much to the burden of debt of this country.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI know people of good faith on both sides have differing views about the impact of this bill, but I for one felt called tonight to come to this floor and say I think we have made not just a mistake of fiscal policy, but I think in moving this bill forward we have failed in our must fundamental call to hear each other, to work together, and to be mindful that we do not cause harm to those in our society who look to us to make the future brighter, to open the doors of opportunity wider, and to listen to some of the most ancient and profound voices in the traditions that laid the foundation of this free society: that we legislate worst when we legislate against the least of our brethren.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThank you.\u00a0 With that, Mr. President I yield the floor.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=84D53359-255E-4051-8FBF-F8A144975FE7", "In the eleventh hour, a secret tax bill", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For each of the nine years that I\u2019ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I\u2019ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy.\r\n\r\nIt stands in stark contrast to what we witnessed on the Senate floor early Saturday morning. In the eleventh hour\u2014with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order\u2014Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost.\u00a0The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan\u00a0has somehow come to fruition in mere hours\u00a0makes a mockery of our legislative process.\u00a0\r\nPresident Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises.\r\n\r\nLate last week, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan will actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year. By 2019, the CBO found that Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off.\r\n\r\nWithin ten years, more than three-quarters of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest five percent of Americans\u2014nearly two-thirds of the tax breaks would go to the wealthiest one percent. To add insult to injury, it also begins repealing the Affordable Care Act, causing premiums to skyrocket and 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance over the next decade.\r\nIt doesn\u2019t have to be this way. As I\u2019ve reminded my Republican friends time and time again, there are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together to lift families up, keep our businesses competitive and simplify the tax code\u2014from strengthening the child tax credit, to lowering the corporate rate,\u00a0to doubling the standard deduction.\r\nAs the Senate heads to conference with the House of Representatives on\u00a0this proposal, I urge my Republican colleagues to abandon partisanship and work with Democrats to transform this bill into one that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, simplifies the tax code and doesn\u2019t blow a hole in the deficit.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=79207F04-0B56-4BEF-8642-ABB0443698B3", "Carper Statement on President Trumps Unprecedented Move to Strip Protections from Existing National Monuments", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump\u2019s unprecedented announcement that he will shrink two existing national monuments in Utah \u2013 Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Bears Ears, established under the Antiquities Act by President Obama, is not only majestic, but also contains 100,000 sites of significant cultural importance to five Native American tribes, including grave sites, ceremonial grounds and ancient cliff dwellings. President Trump\u2019s decision to strip protections from these monuments is the largest elimination of protected area designation in U.S. history.\r\n\u201cFor more than a century, the Antiquities Act has successfully protected the most treasured spaces across our country that tell the incredible, unique story of America. The Antiquities Act helped to establish Delaware\u2019s First State National Park, which has preserved the historic sites where our Founding Fathers fought for independence, ratified our Constitution and began to build this nation. The Antiquities Act ensured that future generations could visit the Statue of Liberty, see Harriet Tubman\u2019s Underground Railroad firsthand and experience California\u2019s giant sequoias. These monuments inspire awe and showcase our heritage, which is why protecting them, as so many past presidents have recognized, is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good environmental and economic sense.\r\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to shrink existing national monuments flies in the face of that tradition dating back to President Teddy Roosevelt. President Trump\u2019s announcement today will open up over 2 million acres of cherished, public spaces and cultural sites to those who want to develop the land for financial gain. What\u2019s more, he is choosing to do so after the public submitted more than 2.8 million comments on Secretary Zinke\u2019s proposal \u2013 with more than 98 percent of those comments urging the Interior Department to keep existing protections in place.\r\n\u201cThe classic Woody Guthrie song reminds us that \u2018This land was made for you and me\u2019 \u2013 not the highest bidder. Protecting these lands for the enjoyment and education of future generations was truly one of our country\u2019s best ideas, and President Trump\u2019s short-sighted decision threatens that bipartisan legacy. I will keep fighting to ensure that all Americans are able to enjoy these spectacular landmarks like we have for over a century.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-4-2017", "Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 4, 2017", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-suggestion-that-president-cant-obstruct-justice-is-a-laughable-propositionno-one-is-above-the-law", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can’t obstruct justice “is a laughable proposition…No one is above the law”", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can\u2019t obstruct justice \u201cis a laughable proposition\u2026No one is above the law\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: Manafort is either \u201cnot listening to his lawyers or he's more afraid of the Russians than he is of federal prosecution in the United States\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined CNN\u2019s Wolf Blitzer to discuss recent news regarding Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort.\r\n\u201cThere are recent reports that\u00a0over the summer the president\u00a0also reached out to a number of\u00a0senior Republican senators,\u00a0chair of the Intelligence\u00a0Committee, majority leader and\u00a0others to urge them to wrap up\u00a0this investigation quickly,\u201d said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cIt suggests an ongoing deeply\u00a0troubling pattern of personal\u00a0intervention in an ongoing\u00a0investigation by the president.\u00a0And the suggestion today by the president's lawyers that\u00a0he can't be charged with\u00a0obstruction of justice, that he\u00a0can't commit obstruction of\u00a0justice because he oversees the\u00a0Department of Justice and the\u00a0federal law enforcement\u00a0infrastructure, I think is a\u00a0laughable proposition.\u00a0It would mean that the president\u00a0would be above the law.\u00a0And one of our core foundational\u00a0constitutional principles in\u00a0this country is that no one is\u00a0above the law.\u201d\u00a0\r\nFull video and audio available here.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons on Flynn: Well, that's a legal\u00a0conclusion for others to reach,\u00a0but it certainly strongly\u00a0suggests that the president was\u00a0aware that in reaching out to\u00a0Jim Comey, the former FBI\u00a0director, and urging him to go\u00a0easy on Flynn that he was\u00a0engaging in an inappropriate\u00a0intervention in an ongoing\u00a0investigation.\u00a0There are recent reports that\u00a0over the summer the president\u00a0also reached out to a number of\u00a0senior Republican senators,\u00a0chair of the Intelligence\u00a0Committee, majority leader and\u00a0others to urge them to wrap up\u00a0this investigation quickly.\u00a0It suggests an ongoing deeply\u00a0troubling pattern of personal\u00a0intervention in an ongoing\u00a0investigation by the president.\u00a0And the suggestion today by the president's lawyers that\u00a0he can't be charged with\u00a0obstruction of justice, that he\u00a0can't commit obstruction of\u00a0justice because he oversees the\u00a0Department of Justice and the\u00a0federal law enforcement\u00a0infrastructure, I think is a\u00a0laughable proposition.\u00a0It would mean that the president\u00a0would be above the law.\u00a0And one of our core foundational\u00a0constitutional principles in\u00a0this country is that no one is\u00a0above the law.\u00a0 More on Flynn: I don't buy that one bit, Wolf.\u00a0I think it's Nixonian to argue\u00a0that somehow the president has\u00a0carte blanche to do whatever he\u00a0wants with regard to law\u00a0enforcement and ongoing\u00a0investigations; in particular, an investigation\u00a0into his conduct.\u00a0That would create a presidency\u00a0that is completely above the law\u00a0and unaccountable.\u00a0I do think there is a debatable\u00a0proposition about whether\u00a0impeachment is the only means of\u00a0removal of a president, but I\u00a0don't think it's debatable\u00a0whether the president has\u00a0impunity to interfere with\u00a0whatever investigations he\u00a0chooses.\u00a0 Senator Coons on whether the president can pardon himself: That's also something that's\u00a0never been tested before.\u00a0But I think going back to the\u00a0Federalist Papers, to the very\u00a0founding of our country, there\u00a0has often been asserted the\u00a0principle that you cannot be\u00a0both judge and jury in a case.\u00a0And if the president were to\u00a0pardon himself, he would\u00a0literally be acting as both\u00a0judge and jury in a case against\u00a0himself.\u00a0    Senator Coons on Trump\u2019s tweet: Well, first, I've been\u00a0encouraging the president since\u00a0his inauguration to stop\u00a0tweeting so much.\u00a0It is not good for him or for\u00a0our country.\u00a0Second, if his lawyer crafted\u00a0that tweet, he might want to\u00a0reconsider his representation\u00a0because that certainly didn't\u00a0serve the president's interests.\u00a0I think Mr. Dowd has already\u00a0conceded that it was certainly\u00a0sloppy.\u00a0Third, it suggests that the\u00a0president or his lawyer\u00a0representing him knew that there\u00a0was reason for the president if\u00a0he intervened with Jim Comey to\u00a0try to get him to lighten up on\u00a0Flynn.\u00a0To be doing so in a way that was\u00a0obstructing justice.\u00a0It is a truly concerning tweet\u00a0if this accurately reflects the\u00a0president's knowledge and state\u00a0of mind.\u00a0And if it doesn't, I don't know\u00a0why his lawyer representing him\u00a0would have -- would have\u00a0approved this tweet, put it in\u00a0front of the president and had\u00a0him sign off on it.\u00a0 Senator Coons on the credibility of the investigation: Wolf, what I think\u00a0strengthens the credibility of\u00a0Robert Mueller individually and\u00a0the investigation he's leading\u00a0is that we know in an instance\u00a0where there was some suggestion\u00a0of bias by a critical agent, it\u00a0was investigated, it was dealt\u00a0with and he was dismissed.\u00a0So this isn't something that is\u00a0hanging out there as an\u00a0unresolved issue, it's something\u00a0that Robert Mueller when he\u00a0became aware of it is reported\u00a0to have acted decisively to\u00a0remove any potential\u00a0interference or bias in his\u00a0ongoing investigation and I find\u00a0that reassuring.\u00a0 Senator Coons on Manafort: Wolf, this is simply stunning\u00a0news.\u00a0The idea that Paul Manafort,\u00a0President Trump's former\u00a0campaign chairman, who's facing\u00a0federal criminal charges and had\u00a0reached a plea agreement --\u00a0excuse me, a bail agreement\u00a0where he was free to move\u00a0without an ankle bracelet to\u00a0leave his home, but on the\u00a0condition that he not engage in\u00a0public statements.\u00a0He was literally drafting an\u00a0editorial with a Russian known\u00a0to American intelligence.\u00a0That is just stunning.\u00a0A word I know is now overused,\u00a0but that is deeply foolish.\u00a0Clearly he's not listening to\u00a0his lawyers or he's more afraid\u00a0of the Russians than he is of\u00a0federal prosecution in the\u00a0United States.\u00a0I mean, I have a really hard\u00a0time squaring that news\u00a0with the idea that Paul Manafort\u00a0is rational.\u00a0That's an enormous risk for him\u00a0to take and will almost\u00a0certainly lead to the\u00a0restoration of a different\u00a0arrangement for his freedom in\u00a0advance of his facing trial.\u00a0 More on Manafort: Just for those\u00a0who may have forgotten about\u00a0Paul Manafort, he was the\u00a0director, the manager, the\u00a0chairman of the Trump\u00a0presidential campaign and had\u00a0received millions of dollars\u00a0from Ukraine's former lead,\u00a0Yanukovych, who is closely\u00a0aligned with Vladimir Putin and\u00a0with Russian interests.\u00a0The idea that he would reinsert\u00a0himself into that maelstrom of\u00a0issues that compete with\u00a0American national security\u00a0interests at such a sensitive\u00a0time is really striking.\u00a0 More on Manafort: If accurate, that reporting\u00a0is deeply troubling.\u00a0It suggests that Manafort's ties\u00a0to Russians connected to Russian\u00a0intelligence services continues\u00a0and continues unabated and he\u00a0continues to work with them and\u00a0cooperate with them, even while\u00a0he faces federal criminal\u00a0charges.\u00a0That suggests a striking\u00a0indifference to the legal\u00a0situation he's in and an\u00a0unwillingness to take\u00a0responsibility for the ways in\u00a0which he deflected or impacted\u00a0the Republican platform during\u00a0their convention on issues of\u00a0Russia and Ukraine.\u00a0And impacted U.S. national\u00a0security interests while he was\u00a0the chairman of the Trump\u00a0presidential campaign.\u00a0This really is stunning breaking\u00a0news.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1B653A30-5404-4142-A6E5-EC298FC93559", "Carper Statement on GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans approved a partisan and reckless tax bill that blows a $1.5 trillion hole in our federal deficit over the next 10 years, provides only temporary relief to individual Americans and begins to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\u201cFor each of the nine years that I\u2019ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I\u2019ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt stands in stark contrast to what we\u2019ve witnessed today. In the eleventh hour\u2014with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order\u2014Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost.\u00a0The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan\u00a0has somehow come to fruition in mere hours\u00a0makes a mockery of our legislative process.\u00a0What\u2019s been approved in the Senate today\u00a0is a wildly partisan and poorly designed bill that is not only riddled with inadvertent errors, but it will also send shockwaves through our entire economy. It\u2019s no surprise that this\u00a0deeply\u00a0flawed process has created an equally\u00a0flawed product.\r\n\u201cPresident Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises.\r\n\u201cToday, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. Within ten years, more than three-quarters of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest five percent of Americans\u2014nearly two-thirds of the tax breaks would go to the wealthiest one percent. That is shameful.\u00a0\r\n\u201cTo add insult to injury, it also begins the repealing the Affordable Care Act, causing premiums to skyrocket and 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance over the next decade.\r\n\u201cWe can\u2014and, more important, we should\u2014do better than this.\r\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be this way. There are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together to lift families up, keep our businesses competitive and simplify the tax code\u2014from strengthening the child tax credit, to lowering the corporate rate,\u00a0to doubling the standard deduction. As the Senate heads to conference with the House of Representatives on\u00a0this so-called\u00a0tax reform plan, I urge Republicans to abandon their partisanship and work with Democrats to transform this bill into one that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, simplifies the tax code and doesn\u2019t blow a hole in the deficit.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-gop-tax-bill", "Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement regarding the Republican tax bill being voted on in the Senate tonight.\r\n\"Throughout the past months, I've urged my Republican colleagues to work across the aisle on a bipartisan tax reform bill that Senators from both parties could get behind. Last week, I joined more than a dozen Democratic Senators to ask our Republican colleagues to slow this process down and work together.\r\n\"Finally, over the last few days, I've been working with a handful of my Republican and Democratic colleagues to try to find a way - any way - to stop this backroom, partisan process and force both parties to work together on tax reform. We got close to an agreement, but ultimately didn't succeed.\r\n\"The bill that appears likely to pass the Senate soon is a bad one. There's no sugar coating it. This bill gives away tens of billions in corporate tax cuts with no strings attached, hurts the middle class over the long run, guts the Affordable Care Act, and adds more than $1 trillion to the national debt. It was written with no meaningful consultation between the two parties, and it is highly unpopular with the American public.\u00a0\r\n\"This process isn't finished yet, as the Senate and House bills remain very different, but I am very concerned that we're close to making our already-broken tax code even worse. As always, I remain willing to work across the aisle to pass a real, bipartisan tax reform bill for the middle class, but our opportunity to do that is quickly slipping away.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-guilty-plea-from-former-national-security-advisor-michael-flynn", "Senator Coons’ statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.17\n\t\t\t Senator Coons\u2019 statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: \u201cIt\u2019s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the F.B.I.\r\n\u201cThis morning\u2019s guilty plea from President Trump\u2019s former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, is a clear indication that Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team have found conclusive evidence of illegal activity and are actively proceeding with their investigation.\u00a0\r\n\u201cRobert Mueller is a highly respected and skilled law enforcement official, and when he was named Special Counsel, he had overwhelming support from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-0351 or sean_coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=06AB892F-F328-4B1C-A805-DD49B4C4652C", "Carper Slams Republican Tax Reform Plan On The Senate Floor, Urges Republicans To Work With Democrats On Bipartisan Tax Reform Plan", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, spoke on the Senate floor yesterday on the Republican tax reform plan.\u00a0You may watch Senator Carper\u2019s full remarks\u00a0by clicking here. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.\u00a0\r\n\u201cNine years have passed since I first joined the Senate Finance Committee. For each of those nine years, I\u2019ve looked forward to working on tax reform. As a member of the House of Representatives many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation led by President Reagan, Speaker Tip O\u2019Neill and others.\r\n\u201cBut tax reform takes a lot of time, energy and effort. In 1986, enacting tax reform in Congress took two years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan will come to fruition in mere weeks is the triumph of man\u2019s hope over experience. Any tax legislation that is purely partisan, written in the dark, and rushed to the finish line is bound to be poorly designed and riddled with inadvertent errors. A flawed process results in a flawed product.\r\n\u201cWhen considering any tax policy, I look at it through a prism of four questions: Is it fair? Does it encourage economic growth and job creation? Does it simplify the tax code, or make it more complicated? Is it fiscally responsible?\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, the Republican tax reform plan fails the test on all four of those questions. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan would actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year\u2014by 2019, Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2021, Americans earning less than $40,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off.\r\n\u201cIn fact, within ten years, more than 77 percent of the tax cuts in this bill will go to the richest 5 percent of Americans. In fact, nearly 62 percent of the tax breaks will go to the richest 1 of every 100 Americans. None of this meets a reasonable definition of \u2018fair.\u2019\r\n\u201cThis bill does little to foster economic growth\u2014and I fear, in the long run, it will actually impair growth. Last week, a survey of top economists\u2014including economists from across the political spectrum, as well as Nobel Prize winners and former presidents of the American Economic Association\u2014found that only 1 out of the 43 experts surveyed believe this type of tax reform would boost economic growth. Just one.\r\n\u201cThe truth is, any economic growth from this bill will be swamped by the deficits it creates. I\u2019ll talk more about fiscal responsibility in a moment, but an important point here is that the increased national debt will be a huge drag on economic growth. More federal borrowing means higher interest rates, which means it will cost more for businesses\u2014both large and small\u2014to borrow to finance investments. It will cost more for families to take out a mortgage. It will cost more to borrow for college.\r\n\u201cOne goal of tax reform was supposed to be simplifying the tax code, and reducing unpredictability and uncertainty. Unfortunately, this bill introduces new and complicated provisions. For example, new requirements to claim the child tax credit, and an awkwardly designed tax deduction for \u2018pass through\u2019 businesses\u2014that will make it difficult for Americans to file their taxes. As we learned from the Joint Committee on Taxation during consideration of this bill in the Finance Committee earlier this month, this tax bill will actually make the Internal Revenue Code and regulations longer. Making the tax code longer is not simplification.\r\n\u201cA large part of the additional complexity results from an enormous new \u2018fiscal cliff\u2019 created by this bill, which will make tax policy unpredictable for families and businesses. Which brings me to my third question.\r\n\u201cThis bill blows a 1.5 trillion-dollar hole in the debt, and it will be far costlier than that as the deficits grow in the years and decades ahead. With respect to the \u2018fiscal cliff\u2019 I just mentioned, almost all of the individual tax provisions expire within nine years. The bill\u2019s increase in the standard deduction, the increase in the child credit, the new tax rate for \u2018pass through\u2019 businesses, and most other provisions affecting individuals will, under this Republican bill, expire by the end of 2025. At the same time, the tax cuts for corporations in this bill are permanent.\r\n\u201cMany of our friends on the other side of the aisle are saying that all of these individual provisions will be extended and made permanent. Well, if that\u2019s the case, then why not do it now? The truth is, extending these provisions would dramatically increase the deficit\u2014adding far more to the national debt than the $1.5 trillion that this bill already costs. Making the individual provisions temporary and the corporate tax cut permanent is, at bottom, an elaborate attempt to \u2018have your cake and eat it too.\u2019\r\n\u201cAt best, making the individual provisions expire is, simply put, an elaborate scheme to hide the true cost of this tax bill, obscuring the fact that this bill will add much more to the debt\u2014possibly twice as much\u2014than the $1.5 trillion that\u2019s been advertised. At worst, making the individual tax provisions expire is a sneaky way to increase taxes on American families\u2014all in order to pay for a permanent and expensive corporate tax cut. Either way, the result is unconscionable and an affront to fiscal responsibility.\r\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Instead of rushing ahead with a partisan product that haphazardly remakes the American economy, there are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together on tax reform. One of those areas is the standard deduction. I would support a well-designed proposal to double the standard deduction, which would simplify filing for taxpayers.\r\n\u201cAnother area where we can find common ground is the corporate rate. I think many of my Democratic colleagues would agree that business tax rates should be reformed to ensure that American businesses remain competitive with our global trading partners. While lowering the rate to 20 percent is far too low and certainly too fiscally irresponsible, a more sensible and moderate proposal would bring both Democrats and Republicans together.\r\n\u201cAnother area for common ground is the child tax credit. This bill increases the child credit, but fails to deliver the benefits to the middle- and working-class families that need it the most. A better tax reform proposal would have reformed the child credit to be fully refundable and, just as importantly, permanent.\r\n\u201cDespite these many areas for bipartisan agreement, our Republican colleagues\u2019 partisan rush to the finish line leaves us with no room for negotiations on a plan that blows a $1.5 trillion hole in the debt while actually raising taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year.\r\n\u201cPresident Trump made three promises on tax reform: Not to help people like him by providing excessive tax breaks to the wealthiest people in our country, to put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and to simplify the tax code. Democrats are all-in on a tax reform plan that keeps those promises. But, from what we know, this plan does nothing to fulfill the president\u2019s three promises. I join my colleagues in urging Republicans to slow down and work with Democrats on a plan that\u2019s actually fair, fiscally responsible, encourages economic growth and job creation, and simplifies the tax code.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ll end with an African proverb: \u2018If you want to go fast: travel alone. If you want to go far: travel together.\u2019 We need to travel together. If we do, we\u2019ll go far, and we\u2019ll lift with us the economy of this country and the families who need our help.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D69DE3-299F-4FE5-AB6E-223D8812AA7D", "EPW Business Meeting Statement: Consideration of CEQ and EPA Nominees", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a business meeting to consider the nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White, of Texas, to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality, Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and 19 General Services Administration resolutions. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me begin by noting that we\u2019ll be approving 19 General Services Administration lease prospectus resolutions today. We have not acted on these resolutions previously because we\u2019ve been waiting for responses from GSA to a number of inquiries we had submitted this year. Your Democratic colleagues on this committee are appreciative of GSA\u2019s recent efforts to respond to our oversight requests. While we continue to review the content of these responses to make sure they are complete, GSA has acted with sufficient good faith to allow us to move forward today.\r\n\u201cWith that said, let me turn to the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be the Deputy Administrator of EPA. During his hearing, and in response to questions for the record, I believe that Mr. Wheeler demonstrated a more transparent and straightforward approach to engaging with Members of this Committee than any other Trump Administration EPA nominee has thus far. I find that encouraging, and I hope you do, too.\r\n\u201cHowever, to be honest with you, I remain less encouraged by Administrator Pruitt\u2019s progress in responding to the 31 letters requesting information that have been sent to him by Democratic Members of this Committee. Thus far, he has only adequately responded to 12 of those letters. Six of the unanswered letters are more than six months old. That\u2019s just unacceptable.\r\n\u201cHaving said that, it is my understanding that EPA is making an effort to respond to more of our letters and soon. We look forward to reviewing those responses, and the related documents we have requested, and to receiving responses to future oversight inquiries on a timely basis going forward.\r\n\u201cLet me say this as clearly as I know how. If the responses that are being crafted by EPA now are completed in short order and are truly responsive, we\u2019ll make progress on a number of nominations. If the responses are further delayed, or are unresponsive, that progress may not be realized.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to devote the remainder of my opening statement this morning to the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to be the White House\u2019s top environmental official. The importance of the Council on Environmental Quality cannot be overstated. It has historically played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all federal agencies on cross-cutting and important environmental issues. I know this from first-hand accounts from one of my earliest mentors, Russell Peterson who served as CEQ Chair during the Nixon and Ford Administrations.\r\n\u201cBefore serving in the White House, Russ Peterson had a distinguished career as a chemist and senior leader at the DuPont Company and went on to serve as Governor of Delaware from 1969 through the beginning of 1973. Despite his being a Republican and my being a Democrat, Russ graciously served as a mentor to me from the time we met in 1976 until his death in 2011. He spoke fondly of his time as CEQ Chair and explained to me, on more than one occasion, the real importance and influence of the job. As CEQ Chair, you are like an orchestra conductor \u2013 not playing the instruments, but making sure everyone is playing from the same sheet music and in harmony.\r\n\u201cMake no mistake about it, CEQ\u2019s role, responsibility and influence is considerable and consequential, and it has been for many years. That is why I am deeply disappointed in the nomination of Ms. White, whose views are extreme, whose words are staggeringly inappropriate, and who shows a remarkable disrespect for science, the environmental laws that are on the books, and our federal government. Let\u2019s take a look at her record.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMs. White refers to renewable energy sources as a \u2018false hope,\u2019 and \u2018parasitic.\u2019 She\u2019s called repeatedly for the repeal of the solar and wind tax credits. She\u2019s also called for the repeal of the Renewable Fuels Standard repeatedly over the past decade, stating the program is \u2018counterproductive,\u2019 \u2018ethically offensive,\u2019 and \u2018destructive.\u2019\r\n\u201cMs. White has compared the views of those who believe that human activity is causing climate change to those of \u2018pagans\u2019 and \u2018communists\u2019 \u2013 those are her words not mine. She\u2019s suggested that policies to reduce global warming pollution could lead to poverty and even concentration camps. She has said \u2013 several times \u2013 that fossil fuels ended slavery.\r\n\u201cMs. White consistently denies the cause and impacts of climate change. She has repeatedly stated that we would benefit from more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, not less, and she has actively supported groups that promote this extreme point of view.\r\n\u201cMoreover, Ms. White has repeatedly contradicted the accepted views of previous Republican and Democratic administrations alike about the health effects of air pollution, saying that \u2018people do not die of particulate matter levels,\u2019 that ozone isn\u2019t harmful \u2018unless you put your mouth over the tailpipe of a car for eight hours a day,\u2019 and that the \u2018Clean Air Act no longer provides an effective, scientifically credible, or economically viable means of air quality management.\u2019\r\n\u201cNothing that Ms. White said at her hearing or in her responses to post-hearing questions provides me with as much as\u00a0a shred of confidence in her suitability for almost any Senate-confirmed role, let alone one that carries with it the responsibilities of chairing the Council on Environmental Quality in this or any other administration.\r\n\u201cIf she is confirmed to serve in this important leadership position, I believe we will have failed in our responsibility as United States Senators to provide advice and consent, and we will have failed the people of this country. I cannot urge my colleagues more strongly to oppose her nomination.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-morning-joe-november-29-2017", "Senator Coons joins Morning Joe November 29, 2017", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-november-29-2017", "Senator Coons Senate Judiciary Committee hearing November 29, 2017", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-tax-bill-im-still-struck-by-the-difference-between-what-donald-trump-campaigned-on-and-what-this-bill-is-actually-delivering", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: “I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering”", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: \u201cI'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this morning joined MSNBC\u2019s Morning Joe to discuss the GOP tax bill.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs the Republicans barrel\u00a0towards trying to deliver on\u00a0President Trump's Christmas\u00a0promise of a big gift to the\u00a0American people,\u00a0I'm struck at the difference\u00a0between what President Trump\u00a0campaigned on, a real middle\u00a0class tax cut, and what this tax\u00a0bill seems to be, which is\u00a0something that will add $1.5\u00a0trillion to our deficits and\u00a0debt and that overwhelmingly\u00a0favors the wealthiest Americans\u00a0and the most profitable\u00a0corporations.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThere have been no public\u00a0hearings on this bill.\u00a0It was introduced and rushed\u00a0immediately to markup.\u00a0There was a Finance Committee\u00a0markup but there were no\u00a0hearings.\u00a0So, actually understanding\u00a0what's in this package is\u00a0something that will only be\u00a0known once it's passed.\u00a0When one party tries to ram\u00a0through a big piece of\u00a0legislation without including\u00a0the other, without public\u00a0hearings, the results don't\u00a0usually turn out as well, as\u00a0hopeful or as expected.\u00a0That's going to be true here as\u00a0well, I think.\"\u00a0\r\nFull audio and video available here.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons on the future of the tax bill: Well, I hope not but that\u00a0certainly seems more likely\u00a0today, after it advanced through\u00a0the Budget Committee.\u00a0I'll remind you and our viewers\u00a0that there are still significant\u00a0differences between the Senate\u00a0version and the House version\u00a0that will have to be worked out.\u00a0As the Republicans barrel\u00a0towards trying to deliver on\u00a0President Trump's Christmas\u00a0promise of a big gift to the\u00a0American people,\u00a0I'm struck at the difference\u00a0between what President Trump\u00a0campaigned on, a real middle\u00a0class tax cut, and what this tax\u00a0bill seems to be, which is\u00a0something that will add $1.5\u00a0trillion to our deficits and\u00a0debt and that overwhelmingly\u00a0favors the wealthiest Americans\u00a0and the most profitable\u00a0corporations.\u00a0 More on the tax bill: A number of real fiscal\u00a0conservatives who continue to be\u00a0concerned of deficits and debt\u00a0like Senator Corker are trying\u00a0to add into this bill some sort\u00a0of trigger mechanism that would\u00a0roll back some of the bigger tax\u00a0cuts if the growth that's\u00a0promised doesn't materialize and\u00a0deficits soar.\u00a0That might be too little, too\u00a0late to fix the hole in our\u00a0annual budget that would be\u00a0caused by this bill but I at\u00a0least commend Senator Corker for\u00a0trying to slow down this\u00a0hurdling train and look at it\u00a0and try to fix it.\u00a0I'm still struck by the\u00a0difference between what Donald\u00a0Trump campaigned on and what\u00a0this bill is actually\u00a0delivering, which will be\u00a0significant cuts that will harm\u00a0lots of middle class Americans\u00a0by eliminating all sorts of\u00a0things on which they rely and\u00a0giving permanent tax cuts to\u00a0America's corporations.\u00a0 More on the tax bill: The last time tax reform\u00a0happened under President Reagan\u00a0more than 30 years ago, there\u00a0were dozens of hearings.\u00a0It was truly bipartisan and\u00a0revenue-neutral.\u00a0There have been no public\u00a0hearings on this bill.\u00a0It was introduced and rushed\u00a0immediately to markup.\u00a0There was a Finance Committee\u00a0markup but there were no\u00a0hearings.\u00a0So, actually understanding\u00a0what's in this package is\u00a0something that will only be\u00a0known once it's passed.\u00a0When one party tries to ram\u00a0through a big piece of\u00a0legislation without including\u00a0the other, without public\u00a0hearings, the results don't\u00a0usually turn out as well, as\u00a0hopeful or as expected.\u00a0That's going to be true here as\u00a0well, I think.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-charities-and-those-who-rely-on-them-will-suffer-under-the-gop-tax-bill", "Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the potentially devastating impact of the Republican tax plan on American charities.\r\n\u201cI have serious concerns about many provisions of the Senate Republicans\u2019 tax plan, including those that will greatly increase the national debt, provide no-strings-attached tax cuts to corporations, and hurt middle class Americans who deserve a fairer tax code the most. But today, on Giving Tuesday, I also want to shed light on the devastating impacts that the GOP tax plan would have on charitable giving in the United States,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cThe non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimates that under the Republican tax plan, we will see charitable giving in the United States fall by at least $13 billion each year. Charities, including many faith-based organizations, provide countless services to Americans in need, from helping the homeless and providing health care to supporting disadvantaged young people and strengthening our communities. It is my sincere hope that my Republican colleagues will work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan tax plan that we can all support, and one that will help, not hurt, American charities. Even in times of tight budgets, I strongly believe we have a moral obligation to put a circle of protection around our neighbors most in need.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-ari-melber-on-msnbc-november-27-2017", "Senator Coons joins Ari Melber on MSNBC November 27, 2017", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein", "ICYMI: After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.27.17\n\t\t\t ICYMI: After Dana Boente\u2019s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 In case you missed it, on Wednesday, after Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein.\r\nSenator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Last Wednesday,\u00a0Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one\u00a0renewing his request to the Justice\u00a0Department for answers and a second\u00a0asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing.\u00a0\r\nThe text of the letters can be found below:\u00a0\r\nNovember 22, 2017\r\nThe Honorable Charles E. Grassley\r\nChairman\r\nCommittee on the Judiciary\r\nUnited States Senate\r\n224 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\nDear Chairman Grassley:\r\nI am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices.\u00a0 My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice.\r\nRecently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response.\u00a0 Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a federal prosecutor.\u00a0 President Trump\u2019s reported demand for his resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this resignation was not business as usual.\r\nMr. Boente\u2019s resignation is merely the latest in a series of events that have left me concerned that the President does not comply with norms honoring the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.\u00a0 From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump\u2019s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family\u2019s businesses, to the President\u2019s attempts to cultivate a loyalty relationship with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara before firing him, I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified.\u00a0\r\nI recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.\u00a0 However, I believe this pattern of events warrants the scrupulous oversight of the Senate Judiciary Committee.\u00a0 I\r\nrespectfully request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices.\r\nSincerely,\r\nChristopher A. Coons \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nNovember 22, 2017\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Jeff Sessions\r\nAttorney General of the United States\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20530\r\nThe Honorable Rod Rosenstein\r\nDeputy Attorney General of the United States\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20530\r\nDear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein:\r\nI am writing, once again, to express my concern regarding reports that U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, Dana Boente, wanted to remain in his position as a federal prosecutor but was forced to resign by President Trump.\u00a0 My November 7, 2017 letter requesting additional information about this matter has gone unanswered.\r\nAttorney General Sessions, as a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you understand how important it is for the Department of Justice to respond to congressional inquiries in a timely fashion.\u00a0 In fact, just last month, during your appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you emphasized your efforts to prioritize responding to all congressional inquiries.\u00a0\r\nI respectfully reiterate my request for information about why Mr. Boente, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign.\u00a0 Please provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente\u2019s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible.\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\nChristopher A. Coons \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=C19A3D28-88E7-459A-8FAF-C8299B833D41", "Give thanks, get covered", "2017-11-23", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. \r\nSo today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: \u201cAre you covered?\"\r\nWe are half way through this year\u2019s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year \u2013 that\u2019s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost\u00a0less than $100 a month.\r\nAnyone who doesn\u2019t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on\u00a0healthcare.gov\u00a0or\u00a0choosehealthDE.com\u00a0if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options.\u00a0\r\nThe health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don\u2019t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018.\r\nI wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless.\r\nLater today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. \r\nSo today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: \u201cAre you covered?\"\r\nWe are half way through this year\u2019s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year \u2013 that\u2019s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost\u00a0less than $100 a month.\r\nAnyone who doesn\u2019t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on\u00a0healthcare.gov\u00a0or\u00a0choosehealthDE.com\u00a0if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options.\u00a0\r\nThe health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don\u2019t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018.\r\nI wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-rachel-maddow-november-21-2017", "Senator Coons joins Rachel Maddow November 21, 2017", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein", "After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.17\n\t\t\t After Dana Boente\u2019s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 After Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced\u00a0resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorney\u2019s offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein.\r\nSenator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than yesterday, November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Today,\u00a0Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one\u00a0renewing his request to the Justice\u00a0Department for answers and a second\u00a0asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing.\r\nThe text of the letters can be found below:\r\nNovember 22, 2017\r\nThe Honorable Charles E. Grassley\r\nChairman\r\nCommittee on the Judiciary\r\nUnited States Senate\r\n224 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\nDear Chairman Grassley:\u00a0\r\nI am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices.\u00a0 My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice.\r\nRecently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response.\u00a0 Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a federal prosecutor.\u00a0 President Trump\u2019s reported demand for his resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this resignation was not business as usual.\r\nMr. Boente\u2019s resignation is merely the latest in a series of events that have left me concerned that the President does not comply with norms honoring the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.\u00a0 From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump\u2019s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family\u2019s businesses, to the President\u2019s attempts to cultivate a loyalty relationship with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara before firing him, I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified.\u00a0\r\nI recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.\u00a0 However, I believe this pattern of events warrants the scrupulous oversight of the Senate Judiciary Committee.\u00a0 I\r\nrespectfully request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices.\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\nChristopher A. Coons \u00a0 \u00a0 \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nNovember 22, 2017\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Jeff Sessions\r\nAttorney General of the United States\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20530\r\nThe Honorable Rod Rosenstein\r\nDeputy Attorney General of the United States\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20530\u00a0\r\nDear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein:\r\nI am writing, once again, to express my concern regarding reports that U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, Dana Boente, wanted to remain in his position as a federal prosecutor but was forced to resign by President Trump.\u00a0 My November 7, 2017 letter requesting additional information about this matter has gone unanswered.\u00a0\r\nAttorney General Sessions, as a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you understand how important it is for the Department of Justice to respond to congressional inquiries in a timely fashion.\u00a0 In fact, just last month, during your appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you emphasized your efforts to prioritize responding to all congressional inquiries.\u00a0\r\nI respectfully reiterate my request for information about why Mr. Boente, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign.\u00a0 Please provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente\u2019s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible.\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\nChristopher A. Coons\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-rachel-maddow-discuss-dana-boentes-forced-resignation", "[VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente’s forced resignation", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente\u2019s forced resignation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: \u201cWhile the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with an ongoing investigation\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, last night joined The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss the forced resignation of Dana Boente. On November 7, 2017, Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein demanding answers on why Boente was forced to resign. Today, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing.\r\n\u201cThe national security division has a central role in law enforcement matters that relate to actions by our adversaries or actions that implicate our intelligence community, and I think it would be easy to conclude why that might be specifically relevant to Russian attempts at interference in our last election or any counterintelligence matters that might be a part of that ongoing investigation. I also want to raise the matter that Dana Boente, the Eastern District of Virginia US Attorney is fourth in line of succession.\u201d\u00a0\r\nAudio and video available here.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\r\nSenator Coons on Boente: Well, I've got real questions, but I don't have a firm answer as to why Dana Boente was pushed. As I laid out in the letter that I sent to the Attorney General, which has gone without a response so far and as I laid out in my letter to the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for a hearing, this fits within a broader troubling pattern of interference with U.S. Attorneys\u2019 offices, and while the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys\u2019 resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with an ongoing investigation. And, as you pointed out in the run-up to this segment, there's some very troubling intersections between the ongoing investigation, the announcement of indictments, and, in the case of Papadopoulos, a guilty plea, and the timing of Dana Boente's now-revealed forced resignation.\u00a0\r\nMore on Boente: It is part of why I'm also concerned. The national security division has a central role in law enforcement matters that relate to actions by our adversaries or actions that implicate our intelligence community, and I think it would be easy to conclude why that might be specifically relevant to Russian attempts at interference in our last election or any counterintelligence matters that might be a part of that ongoing investigation. I also want to raise the matter that Dana Boente, the Eastern District of Virginia US Attorney is fourth in line of succession. So, if there would happen to be a set of circumstances where the Attorney General was recused, the Deputy Attorney General was ordered by the president to do something improper, refused to do so and resigned, Dana Boente would be the third in that line of succession. Those of us who know our Watergate history and the Saturday Night Massacre know that it's possible that there will be a fact pattern where the president orders folks in the senior levels at headquarters at the Department of Justice to do things which they refuse to do. The first person in that line of succession outside of DOJ headquarters is the Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney.\r\nMore on Boente: Well, it's my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue to work in a bipartisan way. It is my expectation that we'll have a chance to continue to seek the production of both documents and witnesses in the coming weeks. There are folks who I think should be appearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee because of their incomplete or misleading previous answers, and it's my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman will agree that these are folks that ought to be in front of us and that getting to the bottom of what's happening with Dana Boente is an appropriate use of committee resources, and protection of the independence of the Department of Justice. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=767299FE-71E1-421A-B9CF-FC9C71E37221", "Carper, Colleagues Conduct Oversight to Protect Servicemembers and Student Veterans", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves, joined his colleagues in conducting oversight on the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect and defend the education benefits of servicemembers and student veterans from unscrupulous for-profit institutions.\r\nOn November 9, the VA notified Ashford University that it is not in compliance with GI Bill eligibility requirements related to state approval and has 60 days to come into compliance or lose eligibility. Today, Senator Carper joined Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and seven Senate Democrats in urging DOD Secretary James Mattis and VA Secretary David Shulkin to take steps to protect servicemembers using Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits at Ashford in light of the company\u2019s impending loss of VA Post-9/11 GI Bill approval.\r\n\u201cWe are pleased with the VA\u2019s actions to enforce the law and regulations.\u00a0But the fact remains that Ashford\u2019s noncompliance threatens to interrupt the education of service members using TA benefits and some 9,000 veterans using GI Bill education benefits to attend the institution,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0\u201cWe believe additional steps must be taken to adequately protect veterans [and service members] now that it is likely Ashford will lose GI Bill eligibility.\u201d\r\nIn the letters to Secretary Mattis and Secretary Shulkin, Senators urged DOD and VA to immediately notify, through direct email and mail, all of the TA students and the more than 9,000 GI Bill students currently enrolled at Ashford of the impending disruption of benefits and provide these students with resources about their rights and high quality transfer options.\u00a0They also urged DOD and VA to prohibit new service members using TA benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits from enrolling at Ashford until further notice.\r\nThe letter to Secretary Mattis can be found here. The letter to Secretary Shulkin can be found here.\r\nYesterday, Senator Carper joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and seven Senate Democrats in urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce stricter penalties against Victory Media, Inc. after the company misled servicemembers and veterans by failing to disclose that educational institutions had paid to be included in publications falsely marketed as real reviews.\r\nVictory Media reaches servicemembers through its magazines G.I. Jobs, the Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and Military Spouse, its websites, including militaryfriendly.com, militaryspouse.com, and gijobs.com, and on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. A Veterans Education Success report found that Victory Media knowingly perpetuated deceptive and fraudulent marketing practices that unfairly targeted veterans and servicemembers by enticing them with post-secondary education opportunities.\r\n\u201cVictory Media\u2026has used its websites like \u2018Militaryfriendly.com\u2019 and its publications like GI Jobs magazine to target and prey on military servicemembers and veterans looking to utilize their hard-earned and well-deserved GI benefits to advance their education and careers after the military,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe appreciate the Commission\u2019s efforts to take swift legal action against this unscrupulous behavior, but believe FTC must take stronger steps to adequately deter future offenses by Victory Media and other bad actors.\u201d\r\nIn the letter to Chairwoman Maureen Ohlhausen, Senators called on the FTC to seek compensation for veterans harmed by Victory Media\u2019s deceptive marketing tactics, particularly those who were directed to institutions under investigation for fraudulent and predatory activity.\r\nThe letter to Chairwoman Ohlhausen can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-bbc-november-21-2017", "Senator Coons joins BBC November 21, 2017", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year since Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cLiberation Day,\u201d and Trump still owes the American people money.\n\nSen. Coons on MS NOW: \"Trump hasn\u2019t listened, hasn\u2019t learned, and is now putting us at great risk\"\n\nTrump took money out of Delawareans\u2019 pockets with his illegal tariffs. It\u2019s time to give it back.\n\nIf you need documents to vote, why shouldn\u2019t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-bbc-this-is-an-historic-moment-for-the-people-of-zimbabwei-am-hopeful-that-there-will-be-a-peaceful-transition-of-power", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: “This is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe…I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power”", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: \u201cThis is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe\u2026I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s Africa subcommittee, today joined BBC News to discuss the current situation in Zimbabwe.\r\n\u201cThe economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process to choose the future leadership of Zimbabwe that can reform the economy and repair the health of the country.\u201d\r\nAudio and video available\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\r\nSenator Coons on Mugabe:\u00a0Well, this is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe. As you've mentioned, for 37 years, Robert Mugabe has been a president who was initially a liberator, but gradually became a dictator. The economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process to choose the future leadership of Zimbabwe that can reform the economy and repair the health of the country.\r\n\u00a0\r\nMore on Zimbabwe:\u00a0Well, the United States, as you know, has imposed fairly strong sanctions against Zimbabwe many years ago against both Robert Mugabe and some of his inner circle of advisors as well as impacting the country as a whole. The United States continues to provide significant amounts of humanitarian relief because of the famine, the drought, excuse me, throughout Zimbabwe. But, we do not provide any direct government-to-government assistance. If the new government of Zimbabwe presents itself as being more transparent and more open to reform, the United States could consider lifting some or all of those sanctions. We could be a strong partner with Zimbabwe for its future development, along with our vital ally, the United Kingdom, and others throughout Europe and the world, we could create the environment for significant improvement in Zimbabwe's economy, as long as there is respect for human rights and a sort of transparency and democracy that has been lacking for the last 37 years.\r\nMore on Zimbabwe:\u00a0My hope is that the transition will be one that will allow for more openness. It seems likely that Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in as the new president and that\u00a0Morgan\u00a0Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, who was the winner of the '08 election will play\u00a0some role. It is my hope that these gentleman and others will view the transition as an opportunity to establish new standards for conduct, for rule of law, and for openness to engagement with the west, in particular the United States and UK.\r\nMore on Zimbabwe:\u00a0Yes, I'm very concerned about the lack of an active, forward-leaning presence by the United States. I think the last American delegation to visit Zimbabwe was led by my friend, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona, he and I and two other senators and a congressman, visited southern Africa in February of 2016 - we actually met with Robert Mugabe, a truly memorable, troubling long meeting, and I share your expressed concern. They think that China has a significant foothold in Zimbabwe, they trained many of the liberation struggle leaders, and they have a strong economic presence. China and the United States have a different approach to engagement in Africa. They do not advocate for democracy and free press and human rights and, instead, are much more interested in economic relationships. I think it is long past time for China to stand up for international standards in terms of how we conduct business across Africa, and for the people of countries like Zimbabwe to have a voice in the future of their nation.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=50048F34-7034-4478-84CC-FA862209DD40", "Let's do tax reform right", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, my Republican colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It\u2019s shocking. In fact, it\u2019s almost unbelievable.\r\nThis bill to overhaul the U.S. tax code was written behind closed doors, without a single public hearing, bipartisan roundtable or any negotiations with members across the aisle.\u00a0When my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they\u2019d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening.\r\nTo learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country\u2019s health care system was beyond the pale. According to the non-partisan CBO, this bill will cause health insurance premiums to skyrocket and millions of people to lose their coverage in the decade ahead.\r\nI have a great deal of respect for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, the process that\u2019s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of our committee.\r\nSince I first joined the Finance Committee more than nine years ago, I\u2019ve wanted to do bipartisan tax reform to encourage economic growth and job creation, and help our businesses compete and succeed in the global marketplace. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not the type of tax reform being considered in Congress right now.\r\nAs senators head home for next week\u2019s Thanksgiving break, Americans will have a chance, for the first time, to scrutinize this tax reform proposal.\u00a0When we return, I hope Congress can come together \u2013 Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike \u2013 and start anew on a real bipartisan basis.\r\nI\u2019m encouraging my colleagues to work together on a tax bill that can be permanent, that will endure: to write a tax reform bill that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. On behalf of all Americans, I\u2019m urging my colleagues: let\u2019s do tax reform right.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D70F0676-235E-483C-87C5-D8AAD16FEA39", "Congress Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Misuse and Abuse of Government Purchase and Travel Cards", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014In case you missed it, yesterday the Senate approved the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in federal agency travel and purchase card spending.\r\nThe Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and Travel Cards Act, now headed to the president\u2019s desk for signature as part of the 2018 NDAA, would help prevent charge card misuse and abuse by requiring agencies to take a series of steps to strengthen accountability and oversight over purchases made using federal government charge cards.\r\n\u201cFederal agencies have made progress in strengthening financial controls over government travel and purchase cards, but more needs to be done to root out waste and abuse in charge card spending. By helping agencies better track and analyze card charges, we can curb wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more wisely and effectively across the federal government,\u201d\u00a0Senator Carper said. \u201cThis bill will save taxpayer dollars, and it\u2019s a great example of what Democrats and Republicans can accomplish by working together. I thank Senators Grassley and McCaskill for their partnership on this issue.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis provision builds on my previous work to establish accountability and rein in misuse of government charge cards,\u201d Senator Grassley said. \u201cThere\u2019s no excuse for the lax standards and practices we\u2019ve seen. Government agencies are obligated to safeguard tax dollars and prevent and stop abuse.\u201d\r\n\u201cOne of my top priorities in the Senate is making sure that Missourian\u2019s hard-earned taxpayer dollars aren\u2019t wasted,\u201d said Senator McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. \u201cI\u2019m glad to have come together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to crack down on federal employees who are using government dollars for their own personal gain.\u201d\r\nThe\u00a0Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and Travel Cards Act will:\r\n \r\nEstablish Federal-Wide Charge Card Analysis and Oversight.\u00a0The legislation directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to review its existing database of charge card purchases of federal agencies for patterns of potential misuse. Under existing law, individual agencies must establish certain types of control and oversight over charge card usage, but only the GSA has government-wide data that can reveal patterns agencies might miss on their own. Under this bill, GSA would assist agencies by conducting sophisticated, federal-wide analysis of the data for potential waste and fraud.\r\nHelp Agencies Share Information and Best Practices.\u00a0Federal agencies do not routinely share information about the use and abuse of charge cards. As a result, agencies might not learn and/or establish best practices to address spending issues. Under the bill, agencies would share with each other information about fraud schemes, high-risk sellers, and other information that might help prevent charge card abuse and fraud.\r\nSupport Strategic Sourcing.\u00a0The sharing and analysis of charge card data helps agencies better leverage federal purchasing power through what is often called \u201cstrategic sourcing.\u201d This analysis helps to determine when agencies are purchasing numerous amounts of an item with purchase cards that could be bought in a more cost-effective manner, such as with negotiated discounts.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-joins-bipartisan-bill-to-enforce-current-law-regarding-the-background-check-system-for-firearms-purchases", "Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in sponsoring the Fix NICS Act to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\r\n\u201cI want to commend Senator Cornyn for leading efforts to ensure the National Background Check System works,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cI also want to commend his cosponsors, including Senators Murphy and Murkowski, as well as Senators Blumenthal, Hatch, and Feinstein. We must do all we can to ensure that individuals who are prohibited don\u2019t obtain firearms. I look forward to supporting the Fix NICS Act along with other efforts to strengthen existing laws and keep our communities safe.\u201d\r\nBackground on the Fix NICS Act\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires federal agencies and states to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading all information to the background check system showing that a person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under current law\u2014including measures to verify the accuracy of records.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Holds federal agencies accountable if they fail to upload relevant records to the background check system through public reporting and prohibiting bonus pay for political appointees.\u00a0\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rewards states who comply with their NICS implementation plans through federal grant preferences and incentives, while increasing accountability through public reporting for those who do not comply with their plans.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reauthorizes and improves important law enforcement programs to help state governments share relevant criminal record information with NICS.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Creates a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative to ensure that states have adequate resources and incentives to share all relevant information with NICS showing that a felon or domestic abuser is excluded from purchasing firearms under current law.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides important technical assistance to federal agencies and states who are working to comply with NICS record-sharing requirements.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=22D8D504-65A7-4C39-A8D8-CBB2110D20F3", "Carper Statement on Senator Franken", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cSexual harassment is always unacceptable, and the behavior attributed to Senator Al Franken a decade ago is deeply troubling and disappointing. The Senate Ethics Committee should look into this matter, and I understand Senator Franken welcomes this investigation.\r\n\u201cAssertions of deplorable behavior by President Trump have been made by many women over many years, and I deeply regret those allegations will never be scrutinized the way they should be.\u201d\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DAA9A04B-E6F6-4DFC-B907-92405C10525F", "Carper Statement on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans on the committee approved legislation to remake our entire economy and begin dismantling the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\u201cThis evening, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It\u2019s shocking. In fact, it\u2019s almost unbelievable.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they\u2019d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening. To learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country\u2019s health care system was beyond the pale.\r\n\u201cI have a great deal of respect for our chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process that\u2019s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of this committee.\r\n\u201cWe can\u2014and, more important, we should\u2014do better than this.\r\n\u201cThis process stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan efforts led by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Patty Murray on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to find principled solutions to stabilize the health care exchanges in all 50 states. If my Republican friends are motivated to work on health care legislation, we should build on those efforts.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s not surprising that a flawed process has produced a flawed product, but we can change course. I implore Chairman Hatch and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Let\u2019s go back to the drawing board and start anew on a real bipartisan basis. Let\u2019s write something that can be permanent, that will endure. Let\u2019s write a tax reform bill that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. On behalf of all Americans, let\u2019s do tax reform right.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-op-ed-try-bipartisan-tax-reform-it-worked-for-reagan", "ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: “Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.”", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.17\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: \u201cTry bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in The News Journal about his concerns with the GOP tax bill and what he believes we should do instead to pass bipartisan, revenue-neutral tax reform.\u00a0\r\nThe News Journal: Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.\r\nBy Chris Coons\r\nAs you may have heard in the newspaper or on TV, the conventional wisdom in Washington, DC is that bipartisan tax reform is too hard. According to the skeptics, the parties are simply too far apart to come together to make our tax system better for working Americans.\u00a0\r\nI disagree.\u00a0\r\nBack in 1986, the conventional wisdom was the same. Even though our tax system was broken then, too, the skeptics assured us that it couldn\u2019t be fixed.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nBut then, something unexpected happened: Republican President Ronald Reagan, Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O\u2019Neill, and members of Congress from both parties worked together to get the job done.\u00a0\r\nEven though fixing the tax code was complicated, their approach was simple. They knew they had strong disagreements, but they held lengthy public debates, compromised on both sides of the aisle, and eventually passed a major tax reform bill that was bipartisan and did not add to our deficits and national debt.\u00a0\r\nNow, thirty-one years later, our tax code is once again in need of a major overhaul. Our tax system is complicated and full of loopholes, our business tax laws are making us less competitive, and the middle class is overdue for a tax cut.\u00a0\r\nUnfortunately, this time around, Republicans in Congress and the White House are taking the exact opposite approach that President Reagan and congressional leaders took the last time we passed real tax reform.\r\nI think that\u2019s a big mistake.\u00a0\r\nThe full column is available here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=219A1084-2EA0-4E11-8D22-DA1A820BDFE7", "EPW Hearing Statement: Promoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, \u201cPromoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation.\u201d Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cI would like to thank the Chairman for having this hearing today. I believe that improving the understanding and celebrating the role that technological innovation plays in helping the country meet our clean air and climate challenges is very important, and I hope we can have more hearings like this. I also thank our witnesses for being here today.\r\n\u201cAbraham Lincoln famously said that the role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do for themselves. One of those tasks, I believe, is for government to help create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation. \u00a0Our government also has an obligation to help protect the health of the public to ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty and happiness. Luckily, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, history shows that cleaner air is good for business.\r\n\u201cToday, our country is undergoing a clean energy revolution. That didn\u2019t happen by accident. Over the past eight years, starting with the Recovery Act, the federal government has provided economic incentives, environmental targets and has supported market development to encourage investments in the clean energy of the future. This carrot and stick approach resulted in more than $507 billion dollars of investment in the clean energy sector over the last decade and in our country becoming a leader in exporting clean air and clean energy technologies. Thanks to our investments, consumers are paying less for energy, and jobs are being created here at home to keep up with the demand for the products that these technologies enable. In 2016 alone, one out of every fifty new jobs added in the United States was created by the solar energy industry.\r\n\u201cToday, we will hear from one of our witnesses about a particular manufacturing sector that has reaped the benefits of the past actions of the federal government \u2013 the automobile industry. I\u2019d like to remind my colleagues how this sector has changed over the past decade. It\u2019s a story near and dear to my heart and I think a perfect example of how American innovation and economic opportunities can be driven by federal investments AND regulations.\r\n\u201cDespite decades of federal government funding for advancements in automobile fuel efficiency technology, it wasn\u2019t until after Congress increased fuel economy standards in 2007 that consumers really started to see the benefits. The 2007 compromise crafted by my colleagues former Senator Stevens, Senator Feinstein, then-Congressman Markey and myself increased the fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and vans for the first time in 32 years. The 2007 light-duty vehicle efficiency targets were replaced by tighter efficiency targets and greenhouse gas emissions limits in 2010 and again in 2012, with the support of the major automakers, labor, environmental and health groups, and consumer groups. The results have been remarkable, but you don\u2019t have to believe me \u2013 the numbers prove it.\r\n\u201cTaken together, these car and light-duty truck standards are projected to almost double the fuel economy of cars and light-duty trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. These standards are reducing the amount of oil we import by 2 million barrels per day, and will save American drivers nearly $1.7 trillion in gasoline they will no longer have to buy.\r\n\u201cIn even better news, these regulations have not been the job killers that many would have you believe. In fact, they have been quite the opposite. Automakers found that making more fuel-efficient vehicles allowed American companies to better compete here at home and abroad. Early implementation of these standards occurred during seven years of unprecedented growth in the auto industry and record sales in 2016. The industry has also added roughly 700,000 direct auto sector jobs since 2009.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear we\u2019ve made great gains in reducing emissions in our transportation and energy sectors over the past eight years, while still growing our economy. We\u2019ve been doing something right. And, although our air is cleaner today and our economy is strong, we still need to do more to protect public health and ensure that America remains a leader in the global economy.\r\n\u201cHaving said that, I fear this Administration is taking us in the wrong direction in this arena. Walking away from the Paris Climate Agreement \u2013 leaving the U.S. the only country in the entire world not part of this historic deal - and walking away from other climate and clean air protections is beyond irresponsible. And saying that you have to do so for the good of the American economy is blatantly false. In fact, scrapping forward-looking standards will only provide more uncertainty for businesses and threaten to stifle American innovation.\r\n\u201cFor me, it is clear \u2013 this is not an either/or situation. In order for the United States to continue to be the world\u2019s leader in this new clean energy revolution, we need both federal investments in technology AND commonsense regulations. Thank you again to the Chairman for holding this important hearing. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses their ideas on how we can do that.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-flake-booker-isakson-statement-on-the-situation-in-zimbabwe", "Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s Africa subcommittee, released the following statement on the current situation in Zimbabwe.\r\n\u201cFor nearly four decades, Zimbabweans have suffered under the authoritarian rule of President Robert Mugabe, a dictator who has repressed his people and presided over the economic deterioration of his country. While a change in leadership is long overdue, we are concerned about the military\u2019s actions. We urge the leaders of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces to ensure the protection of all citizens and a transparent return to civilian control. As the country grapples with a new political reality, Zimbabwe\u2019s leaders must adhere to democratic processes and establish a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power that is consistent with Zimbabwe\u2019s Constitution and the will of its people. Finally, we urge the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to mediate a democratic process that reinforces the rule of law, promotes economic reforms, and respects the human rights of all Zimbabweans.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit (Coons) at Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/senator-coons-speaks-at-the-iam-patent-policy-event", "Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet Chris\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Services\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Issues\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Newsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t      \n\t    \n\t  \n\t\n Page Top \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t11.14.17\n\t\t\t\t Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/corker-coons-bill-to-improve-accountability-and-effectiveness-of-us-role-in-international-organizations-passes-committee", "Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.17\n\t\t\t Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Multilateral Aid Review Act Establishes Interagency Task Force to Evaluate Performance of Multilateral Institutions\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the committee, to review and improve the accountability and effectiveness of U.S. participation in international organizations. The Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017 (S.1928) would establish an interagency task force with peer review to conduct regular evaluations of how well multilateral institutions carry out their missions and how they serve American interests and taxpayers. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).\r\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve to know how our involvement in these organizations benefits this country,\u201d said Senator Corker. \u201cEstablishing a rigorous, thoughtful review process will give us a better way to evaluate the performance of these institutions. From there, we can make more informed decisions about how to prioritize scarce resources and demand better outcomes. I thank our cosponsors and the committee for supporting this good governance initiative that we believe can protect taxpayer dollars and be a useful tool for advancing U.S. interests abroad more effectively.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is in our nation\u2019s best interest to provide transparency and to maximize the impact of what we spend overseas,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cMultilateral organizations are at the forefront of the fight to alleviate global poverty. Congress owes it to the American people to review how U.S. tax payer dollars are being spent and to make sure it\u2019s done efficiently and effectively.\u00a0 I'm pleased that our bill passed the committee, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and House until it becomes law.\u201d   \u00a0\r\nFull text of the bill as approved by the committee is available here, and a one page summary is available here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit (Coons), 202-224-5042\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9CBAE2E7-A2D9-40D5-8700-2E24DE15FADF", "Carper Statement on Finance Committee Markup on Senate Republican Tax Plan", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on the committee\u2019s markup of the Senate Republican tax plan.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor more than nine years, since I first joined this Committee, I\u2019ve wanted to do tax reform. I\u2019ve always believed that a sensible, equitable, fiscally responsible tax overhaul would help grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and boost wages so more families have a better shot at the American dream.\r\n\u201cI have a great deal of respect for our Chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process used to try and force this tax bill across the finish line is not a credit to the bipartisan tradition of this Committee. We can\u2014and, more importantly, we should\u2014do better than this.\r\n\u201cI was here when this Committee wrote the Affordable Care Act. I recall that our friends on the other side of the aisle objected, claiming that Congress was moving \u2018too fast\u2019 in trying to \u2018remake one-sixth\u2019 of the economy. A closer review of the process we used then suggests otherwise. We didn\u2019t move too fast. In fact, in the year before this Committee passed the ACA, more than a dozen bipartisan hearings were held on the health reform proposal that became the ACA. We held multiple bipartisan roundtables and several bipartisan options papers were published. In addition, there were detailed, exhaustive negotiations with three senior Democratic members and three senior Republican members of this Committee that lasted for months.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, we\u2019ve had no hearings on this tax reform proposal. None. We\u2019ve held no bipartisan negotiations. None. We\u2019ve held no bipartisan roundtables. None. The proposals in this bill, which was released just four days ago, attempt to remake 100 percent of the economy. Meanwhile, the public has been told next to nothing about how this legislation affects them.\r\n\u201cA truly bipartisan effort would not involve ramming through such imperfect legislation on a partisan vote using the Reconciliation process. A truly bipartisan effort would have begun months ago. It would have been done through regular order, with bipartisan engagement, with careful and thoughtful negotiations occurring over months. A truly bipartisan effort would have been open and inclusive, with Members of both parties sitting at the table. Unfortunately, none of that applies to the process used here.\r\n\u201cThis process stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan efforts led by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Patty Murray on the HELP Committee to find bipartisan solutions to stabilizing the health care exchanges.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s not surprising that a flawed process has produced a flawed product. This isn\u2019t the kind of bipartisan tax reform we should be doing.\r\n\u201cAs my colleagues may recall, when considering any tax policy, I look at it through a prism of four questions. The first question is: Is it fair?\r\n\u201cIn answer to that question, I\u2019m afraid that this tax bill will likely increase taxes on millions of middle class families beginning next year. I fear that this bill will make it harder for many Americans to buy a home. I fear that this bill will imperil state and local funding for education and funding for health care, as well as for college aid and job training, and for transportation, and for first responders, and for so many other crucial services.\u00a0\r\n\u201cYet, there is somehow enough fiscal room in this bill to offer large tax cuts to high-income households and many corporations. This bill makes it easier for family dynasties to give inheritances to their wealthy heirs. This bill cuts the top tax rate, and eliminates the required minimum tax for the wealthiest Americans. None of this meets my definition of \u2018fairness.\u2019\r\n\u201cThe second question I always ask when faced with a tax reform proposal is: Does it foster economic growth and job creation?\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to separate the economic effects from the large deficits that this bill would create. As more and more Federal debt piles up as a result of this tax bill, interest rates are likely to rise\u2014making it harder and harder for Americans to buy a home, finance a higher education, or run a business.\r\n\u201cThis bill also includes reforms to the international tax system, but lacks the necessary guardrails to prevent the offshoring of American jobs, and the offshoring of our tax base. As more American jobs go overseas as a result of this bill, and as more corporate profits are shifted overseas as a result of this bill, Americans will be looking back at this moment\u2014at this point in time\u2014at this process in Congress\u2014and they will know who is to blame.\r\n\u201cThe third question I always ask when faced with a tax reform proposal is: Does it make the tax code simpler or more complex?\r\n\u201cI\u2019d support a well-designed proposal to double the standard deduction, as this bill does. But there\u2019s still more work to be done to make the tax code simpler. Unfortunately, this bill introduces new and complicated provisions\u2014for example, new requirements to claim the child tax credit\u2014that will make it difficult for Americans to file their taxes.\r\n\u201cThe fourth question I ask is: Is it fiscally responsible? Absolutely not. This bill blows a 1.5 trillion-dollar hole in the debt. And it will wind-up being far costlier than that, as the deficits continue to grow in the years and decades ahead. Today, we have a 666 billion-dollar federal deficit. Eight years into the longest running economic expansion of our country, the last thing we need to do is run up the deficit. When our economy is expanding, we should reduce the deficit. Truth be told, exploding our deficits to pay for a tax break for the wealthiest people in this country is not just unnecessary, it\u2019s unconscionable.\r\n\u201cNot a single senator up here is opposed to every single thing in this bill. But the bulk of this bill is, frankly, unacceptable. It is not good for the American economy, American families, American workers, American businesses, American children. And its cost will be borne by future generations.\r\n\u201cI implore the Chairman and my friends on the other side of the aisle: Let\u2019s go back to the drawing board and start new, on a real bipartisan basis. Let\u2019s write something that can be permanent, that will endure. Let\u2019s write a tax reform that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. Let\u2019s do tax reform right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CB1BC94C-5379-465F-B63B-096D3E95D22A", "Honoring our student veterans by closing the 90/10 loophole", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Veterans Day weekend, as we honor those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, we remember our continual obligations to our veterans. We owe it to our veterans to ensure they have access to high-quality health care, a place to call home and the skills they need to have a successful life as a civilian.\r\nWe also owe our veterans the opportunity to obtain a world-class education that will lead to a fulfilling career and a productive life. After serving in the U.S. Navy for five years in a hot war in Southeast Asia, I returned home to a GI Bill that provided me $250 per month, enabling me to earn my MBA at the University of Delaware. Today, veterans have access to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the most generous GI Bill in the history of our country that fully covers tuition, fees, books and housing at many of our nation\u2019s colleges and universities, like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, for veterans and their families.\r\nThe Post-9/11 GI Bill affords veterans the invaluable opportunity to attain a high-quality education here at home after their service, and they deserve nothing less. Since 2009, more than 1.7 million service members, veterans and their families have financed their higher education using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, over the past seven years, 40 percent of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit colleges, even as questions are raised about these institutions\u2019 graduation, default and job placement rates. Today, many of the top recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are currently under investigation for deceptive and misleading recruitment practices or other possible violations of state and federal law.\r\nThe 90-10 Rule is a bipartisan federal law passed by Congress in the 1990s that requires for-profit schools to derive at least 10 percent of their revenues from sources other than the federal government. However, a loophole exists that allows for-profit schools to count military and veteran education assistance as non-federal revenue. As a result, some for-profit institutions have aggressively\u2014and sometimes deceptively\u2014recruited veterans and their GI Bill benefits to receive 100 percent of their revenues from taxpayers.\r\nThat\u2019s why, yesterday, I joined with Senators Patty Murray (D-Washington), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and representatives from Student Veterans of America, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veterans Education Success to reintroduce the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act. This bill would close the 90/10 loophole, protecting student veterans by counting military and veterans\u2019 education dollars as federal dollars, which they are.\r\nWhile not all for-profit schools are bad actors, one veteran misled or mistreated by a for-profit school is one veteran too many. Our commitment to care for our veterans is a sacred obligation. On behalf of our veterans, I\u2019m urging my colleagues in Congress to come together and close the 90/10 loophole.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=16CA61FD-F7BD-4F7A-B414-2F0AFCE268CB", "Senators Reintroduce Military and Veterans Education Protection Act with Groundbreaking Support from Veterans Service Organizations", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) reintroduced the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act, legislation that would close a loophole that allows for-profit schools to avoid having to secure at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources.\r\nMore than two decades ago, Republican President George H.W. Bush signed a bipartisan law that limited how much federal funding for-profit schools may receive from taxpayers. Now called the 90/10 rule, this limit requires for-profit schools to obtain at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. However, a loophole in the law excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) education funds, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA), from being counted as federal funds. Some for-profit schools exploit this 90/10 loophole by using aggressive recruitment practices and deceptive marketing tools to enroll servicemembers, veterans and other GI Bill beneficiaries. The Military and Veterans Education Protection Act would close the 90/10 loophole by counting VA and DOD funds as federal dollars.\r\n\u201cWhile not all for-profit schools are bad actors, one veteran misled or mistreated by a for-profit school is one veteran too many,\u201d said Senator Carper. \u201cUnfortunately, too many for-profit schools are taking advantage of the 90/10 loophole and exploiting our veterans and service members for their generous education benefits. Meanwhile, schools like ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges, which together received over $1 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, went bankrupt and closed their doors for good, leaving taxpayers and thousands of veterans in the lurch. Closing the 90/10 loophole and counting G.I. Bill dollars as federal dollars, which they are, is a commonsense fix that will help us improve educational outcomes for veterans and protect taxpayers.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill is one of many commonsense reforms we need to bring greater accountability to a for-profit industry that enrolls nine percent of students, but accounts for 17 percent of Department of Education student financial aid and 33 percent of all student loan defaults,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cIt\u2019s time for Congress to get serious about addressing for-profit colleges in our higher education system. We\u2019ve been bystanders for too long as for-profit colleges have taken advantage of loopholes like the 90/10 Rule and used unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices to lure students, including veterans and service members, into enrolling while leaving them with worthless diplomas and mountains of debt.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe collapse of Corinthian and the immoral, fraudulent behavior of ITT Tech taught us that new law is necessary to protect our servicemembers and veterans from bad actors in the for-profit college industry,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cWe must stop the for-profit college industry from treating our armed services like a cash cow. Real action from Congress is necessary to stop bad actors from shamefully shaking down servicemembers and veterans, raking in in billions of dollars in VA education benefits every year. Taxpayers and our men and women in uniform deserve action.\u201d\r\n\u201cPresident Trump and Secretary DeVos have proved time and time again that students and veterans cannot count on this Administration to protect them from predatory institutions. But it is our responsibility to ensure the opportunities being presented to them will open doors, not rob them of their education and savings,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cSo I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act to simply close a loophole and ensure our veterans and our members of the military are not being taken advantage of by predatory for-profit colleges.\u201d\r\n\u201cFrom both a veteran and taxpayer perspective, this is a no-brainer,\u201d said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cToo many of our brave men and women have faced headaches and hardships in getting an education after they serve our country. This bill will help veterans get a quality education without letting for-profit schools take advantage of the system and the veterans they are supposed to serve.\u201d\r\nIn addition to Senators Carper, Durbin, Blumenthal, Murray and Tester, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nevada), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) are cosponsors of the legislation.\r\nSince 2009, more than 1.7 million service members, veterans and their families have used the Post-9/11 GI Bill to finance their higher education. However, over the past several years, about 40 percent of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit schools, even as questions continue about their graduation, default and job placement rates. Additionally, some of the largest recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill funds have closed down after years of delivering poor outcomes to students and taxpayers. Two now-shuttered for-profit colleges, ITT Technical Institutes and Corinthian Colleges, received over $1 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits before suddenly closing their doors, leaving nearly 7,000 student veterans and every American taxpayer in the lurch. Far too many veterans and service members have exhausted their hard-earned benefits at now-defunct schools. In response, a broad coalition of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and other advocacy groups are rallying behind this commonsense effort to close the 90/10 loophole to protect military and veteran students, as well as taxpayers, from bad actors in the for-profit educational sector.\r\n\u201cStudent Veterans of America (SVA) has been committed to closing the 90/10 loophole since 2011,\u201d said William Hubbard, VP of Government Affairs for the Student Veterans of America. \u201cProspective and current student veterans remain the target of predatory programs that deliver a low-quality education. We remain committed to transparency in higher education and helping student veterans become informed consumers. SVA supports closing this loophole and is pleased to be working with Congress to make that a reality.\u201d\r\nThe American Legion passed\u00a0a resolution\u00a0at their 2017 National Convention in Reno, Nevada, stating,\u00a0\u201cThe American Legion expresses its strong support for legislation and federal agency action to ensure better quality and student outcomes for institutions approved for use of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits by excluding Department of Defense and VA funds from the 90/10 calculation.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe 90/10 loophole allows predatory schools to take advantage of the benefits survivors loved ones served and died for,\u201d said Ashlynne Haycock, Manager for Education Services for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). \u201cJust like veterans, surviving family members have been taken advantage of by institutions of higher learning that want access to their educational benefits, only to be left with useless degrees and untransferable credits. If a school is not doing anything morally wrong, they should not object to the closure of the loophole. We must close the loophole to help ensure that surviving families and veterans have access to the highest quality education. These families have already sacrificed so much for this country, they should never be taken advantage of, and should be given every opportunity to pursue their dreams.\u201d\r\n\u201cJust as the Military Order of the Purple Heart fights to expand veterans' educational opportunities as we did with the recently passed Forever GI Bill, we must also make sure that those opportunities are of the highest quality possible,\u201d said Neil Van Ess, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. \u201cClosing the 90/10 loophole would be a big step toward achieving that goal, and we thank Senator Carper for introducing this important legislation.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn recent research by VES on the 90/10 loophole, we found that revenue has increased by 60% from military education benefits indicating high reliance on the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance benefits to stay in business,\u201d said Tanya Ang, Director of Policy and Outreach for Veterans Education Success. \u201cThis is concerning, at best, and something must be done to ensure service members, veterans, and their family members are protected from the predatory practices of fraudulent institutions.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe 90/10 loophole has created a reality that unjustly wastes the money of American taxpayers and deprives veterans of the education benefits they have earned,\u201d said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Legislative Director Tom Porter. \u201cWhile closing the loophole is not the only solution, it is a significant step Congress should take to improve education outcomes for veterans. Education is the best tool veterans have to transition to civilian life and develop the skills to find a new career. IAVA is committed to ensuring that every veteran can take advantage of their full earned benefits. That means refusing to allow predatory for-profit colleges from targeting GI Bill benefits and failing to deliver on promised quality education.\u201d\r\nOrganizations supporting the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act include: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition, Veterans for Common Sense, Non Commissioned Officers Association, VetsFirst, VetJobs, High Ground Veterans Advocacy, AMVETS, Wounded Warrior Project, The Retired Enlisted Association, Got Your Six, National Guard Association of the United States, Association of the United States Navy, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, National Military Family Association, Swords to Plowshares, Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6AC935E5-7AC7-47E3-804F-E114FABA0B40", "Senator Carper Decries Senate Confirmation of Bill Wehrum", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to voice his strong opposition to the nomination of Bill Wehrum to lead the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation \u2013 a position to which Mr. Wehrum was nominated in 2005, but failed to win Senate confirmation because his views were too far outside the mainstream. Senator Carper highlighted Mr. Wehrum\u2019s prior work at EPA to undermine clean air protections, disregard the rule of law and actively prevent progress to reign in mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Despite Mr. Wehrum\u2019s dangerous record, Senate Republicans voted to confirm Mr. Wehrum by a vote of 49 to 47. Every Democrat, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), voted against Mr. Wehrum\u2019s nomination.\r\nBelow are excerpts from Senator Carper\u2019s closing statement. Senator Carper also spoke earlier in the day on Mr. Wehrum\u2019s previous work at EPA to undermine rules to cut mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Last night, Senator Carper spoke on Mr. Wehrum\u2019s record, including his work suing the EPA on behalf of his industry clients and fighting against critical worker safety protections.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cMr. President, as we prepare to vote on this nominee, I implore my colleagues to take one last moment to think about the decision before them. I ask them to recall the words I said just a bit earlier this morning from that hymn my wife, Martha, and I heard at church one Sunday morning this spring: \u2018For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat powerful message reminds me of the incredible responsibility we have in this body to serve and protect the people who sent us here. We must serve as stewards also of this planet that has been entrusted to us and care for the most vulnerable among us. For me, that is not just my responsibility as a parent or as an official elected to serve the people of my state for all these years \u2013 it is a moral imperative and a sacred obligation. And there is perhaps no more basic human need than having clean air to breathe.\r\n\u201cI implore my colleagues \u2013 we have already seen Mr. Wehrum\u2019s extreme agenda at the EPA once before. It would be the height of irresponsibility and a shirking of our moral obligation to confirm him here today. I implore you \u2013 join me in voting no on Bill Wehrum.\u201d\r\nYou can view Senator Carper\u2019s floor statements here:\r\nSenator Carper on Bill Wehrum\u2019s record undermining Clean Air Act protections\r\nSenator Carper on Bill Wehrum's failure to address mercury and other air toxic pollutants\r\nSenator Carper Urges a No vote on Bill Wehrum\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=749540A6-B242-4393-BCD2-E9B14EC453BA", "Carper, Colleagues Introduce Assault Weapons Ban", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and 20 colleagues in introducing the Assault Weapons Ban of 2017, a bill to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.\r\n\u201cCongress cannot ignore our country\u2019s gun violence epidemic. The names of too many American communities and cities\u2014from Sutherland Springs to Las Vegas, Orlando to San Bernardino, Newtown to Aurora\u2014invoke painful memories of murder and mayhem inflicted by these deadly weapons,\u201d\u00a0Senator Carper.\u00a0\u201cIn the wake of these tragedies, it's time to renew\u00a0the\u00a0ban on military-style assault weapons. These deadly weapons were designed for the battlefield\u2014they have no place in our neighborhoods.\u201d\r\nJoining Senators Carper and Feinstein on the bill are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\r\nKey provisions\r\n \r\nBans the sale, manufacture, transfer and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners can keep existing weapons. \u00a0\r\nBans any assault weapon that accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and has one or more military characteristics, including a pistol grip, a forward grip, a barrel shroud, a threaded barrel or a folding or telescoping stock. Owners can keep existing weapons.\r\nBans magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, which allow shooters to quickly fire many rounds without needing to reload. Owners can keep existing magazines.\u00a0\r\n \r\nExemptions to bill\r\n \r\nThe bill exempts by name more than 2,200 guns for hunting, household defense or recreational purposes. This list will be updated to include additional weapons.\u00a0\r\nThe bill includes a grandfather clause that exempts all weapons lawfully possessed at the date of enactment.\r\n \r\nOther provisions:\r\n \r\nRequires a background check on any future sale, trade or gifting of an assault weapon covered by the bill.\r\nRequires that grandfathered assault weapons are stored using a secure gun storage or safety device like a trigger lock.\r\nProhibits the transfer of high-capacity ammunition magazines.\r\nBans bump-fire stocks and other devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at fully automatic rates.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-forced-resignation-president-trump-is-signaling-that-he-is-asserting-his-authority-over-the-department-of-justice", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: “President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice”", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: \u201cPresident Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons: \u201cI am concerned about an abrupt action by the president given ways that this investigation is closing in on his inner circle.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined Hardball with Chris Matthews to discuss his letter to Attorney General Sessions on the forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ll remind you that when\u00a0the former FBI Director James\u00a0Comey was fired initially there\u00a0were offered reasons that had to\u00a0do with his handling of Hillary\u00a0Clinton's e-mail investigation.\u00a0Then President Trump himself\u00a0went on national television and\u00a0said it had to do with the\u00a0Russia thing,\u201d said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cThe reason I sent a letter\u00a0questioning the timing and\u00a0the reasons behind the resignation\u00a0of Dana Boente was because of\u00a0this now-increasing pattern of\u00a0behavior by the president of\u00a0trying to interfere in this\u00a0ongoing investigation.\u00a0It's possible that this is\u00a0entirely without reason for\u00a0alarm, but I think the\u00a0circumstances around the\u00a0departure of Dana Boente raise\u00a0legitimate questions.\u201d\r\nFull video and audio available here.\r\nSenator Coons on Dana Boente: What concerns me, Chris, as I\u00a0mentioned in the letter that I\u00a0just sent to Attorney General\u00a0Sessions and Deputy Attorney\u00a0General Rosenstein is a whole\u00a0series of things surrounding the\u00a0abrupt firing of Dana Boente, a\u00a0popular, successful career\u00a0federal law enforcement\u00a0official, Eastern District of\u00a0Virginia, a U.S. Attorney.\u00a0According to public reports, he\u00a0had a grand jury that had issued\u00a0subpoenas against both Paul\u00a0Manafort and former National\u00a0Security Adviser Flynn, and the\u00a0timing, the proximity to when\u00a0there were indictments handed\u00a0down and the fact that it was\u00a0directed at just him rather than\u00a0others having been let go left\u00a0me with a whole series of\u00a0questions.\u00a0I expect to get answers out of\u00a0the attorney general or the\u00a0deputy attorney general, and if\u00a0I don't get a response, I will go\u00a0to the committee chair and press\u00a0for a response on behalf of the\u00a0committee.\u00a0 Senator Coons on whether this is part of President Trump\u2019s reach for more power: That's my concern.\u00a0As the investigation has gotten\u00a0closer and closer to the senior\u00a0levels of the Trump campaign,\u00a0the Trump administration, or even\u00a0members of the Trump family, I\u00a0am concerned that President\u00a0Trump will act in even more\u00a0irrational ways that may\u00a0undermine the rule of law.\u00a0That's why I have worked with\u00a0Republican Senator Thom Tillis\u00a0to introduce a bill that would\u00a0strengthen protections for\u00a0Special Counsel Robert Mueller.\u00a0I think that Senator Tillis wants to\u00a0strengthen the independence of\u00a0the Department of Justice.\u00a0I am concerned about an abrupt\u00a0action by the president given\u00a0ways that this investigation is\u00a0closing in on his inner circle.\u00a0 More on Boente: I\u2019ll remind you that when\u00a0the former FBI Director James\u00a0Comey was fired initially there\u00a0were offered reasons that had to\u00a0do with his handling of Hillary\u00a0Clinton's e-mail investigation.\u00a0Then President Trump himself\u00a0went on national television and\u00a0said it had to do with the\u00a0Russia thing.\u00a0The reason I sent a letter\u00a0questioning the timing and\u00a0the reasons behind the resignation\u00a0of Dana Boente was because of\u00a0this now-increasing pattern of\u00a0behavior by the president of\u00a0trying to interfere in this\u00a0ongoing investigation.\u00a0It's possible that this is\u00a0entirely without reason for\u00a0alarm, but I think the\u00a0circumstances around the\u00a0departure of Dana Boente raise\u00a0legitimate questions.\u00a0 More on whether President Trump is testing his authority: I am concerned about that.\u00a0Chris, let's go back to a point\u00a0you made quickly in passing\u00a0that's worth focusing on for a\u00a0moment.\u00a0If there were to be a situation\u00a0where the president orders, let's\u00a0say Rod Rosenstein to fire Robert\u00a0Mueller, he may then resign.\u00a0The leadership of the department\u00a0then passes to the number three,\u00a0and if she declines to do so, it\u00a0passes to number four.\u00a0Dana Boente was number four in\u00a0the Department of Justice.\u00a0This is since the attorney\u00a0general is recused in all\u00a0matters relating to the Mueller\u00a0investigation.\u00a0I do think, by insisting on his\u00a0own choice, President Trump is\u00a0signaling that he is asserting\u00a0his authority over the\u00a0Department of Justice.\u00a0I am equally troubled by reports\u00a0that the president has\u00a0personally interviewed\u00a0candidates for U.S. Attorney\u00a0positions in several key\u00a0jurisdictions.\u00a0That's inappropriate.\u00a0Attorney General Sessions\u00a0testified to our Judiciary\u00a0Committee in the Senate that\u00a0that was inappropriate.\u00a0I think we have got lots of\u00a0signals here that our president\u00a0doesn't understand the\u00a0appropriate boundaries.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30FF929F-CF2B-4705-BF9E-F67C2EF4C327", "EPW Hearing Statement: Nominations of Ms. Kathleen Hartnett White of Texas to be Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Mr. Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, \u201cHearing on the Nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality and Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.\u201d Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cLet me begin by thanking both of you for appearing before us today. Before I discuss your nominations, I must once again note my concern that Administrator Pruitt has yet to appear before this Committee to testify on the EPA budget request, more than a month after the start of the fiscal year. It turns out that this week, he\u2019s reportedly headed to a luxury resort in South Carolina, on yet another taxpayer-funded trip, rather than appearing before the Environment and Public Works Committee.\r\n\u201cMr. Pruitt has also yet to make additional progress in answering the mail; of the 30 public letters requesting information led by Democratic Members of this Committee, he has provided satisfactory responses to only ten.\u00a0More effort must be made before I can agree to support the confirmation of any EPA nominees.\u00a0\r\n\u201cTurning to today\u2019s hearing, we have two nominees before us who have been nominated to serve in very important capacities.\u00a0The Council on Environmental Quality is led by the White House\u2019s top environmental official.\u00a0C.E.Q. has historically played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all federal agencies on cross-cutting and important environmental issues. For example, C.E.Q. co-chaired President Obama\u2019s Climate Adaptation Task Force to help communities strengthen their resilience to extreme weather and prepare for other impacts of climate change.\r\n\u201cC.E.Q. leads the office of Federal Sustainability, which develops policies to modernize federal property and save money through increased energy efficiency and other purchasing requirements.\u00a0C.E.Q. also plays a key role in identifying ways to make sure federal agencies work together well and in a coordinated fashion.\u00a0And, C.E.Q. helped to get the almost unanimously enacted Toxic Substances Control Act over the finish line by coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders during negotiations between the House and the Senate.\r\n\u201cThe nominee to carry on this important work must be someone who can build alliances, work with Congress and be a credible leader.\u00a0Unfortunately, the nominee before us today, Kathleen Hartnett White, does not, in my opinion, meet this standard. In her years serving on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and thereafter, Ms. White has shown a disdain for science, a disregard for the laws and regulations already on the books, and a staggering disrespect for people who have views with whom she disagrees.\u00a0Ms. White \u2013 who has been asked to hold the top environmental position in the White House \u2013 has shown that she is not only a science denier, but actively promotes misinformation on climate, ozone, mercury, particulate matter and other known health hazards that impact our air and waterways.\r\n\u201cFrom describing the Renewable Fuel Standard as unethical, to comparing people who believe in climate science to pagans, to saying that environmentalism will\u00a0 lead to mass starvation or other large-scale calamities, her tone, her words and her actions are simply unacceptable.\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur second nominee, Andrew Wheeler, once occupied a seat on this side of the dais and is no stranger to the Environment and Public Works Committee.\u00a0As a longtime staffer for the senior senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Wheeler was someone with whom we didn\u2019t always agree on each and every policy, but he did prove to be one with whom we were able to work together on policies that we did agree on. Given the polarizing nature of Scott Pruitt\u2019s EPA, as well as the polarizing nature of one of Mr. Wheeler\u2019s long-time clients, Bob Murray of Murray Energy, I\u2019m anxious to hear from Mr. Wheeler about whether he can assure Members of this Committee that his confirmation to be the Deputy Administrator of the EPA would not be a \u2018more of the same\u2019 approach at the agency.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to know if Mr. Wheeler can leave his clients and conflicts of interest behind and start over with the interests of the country as his number one priority.\u00a0I also want to understand whether, unlike Ms. White, he can embrace and acknowledge accepted environmental and public health science.\r\n\u201cThank you very much Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-presses-ag-sessions-on-forced-resignation-of-us-attorney-dana-boente", "Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.08.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In letter, Sen. Coons relays concern about proximity of forced resignation to indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller and connection between Boente\u2019s Office, Russia investigation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter yesterday afternoon to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein requesting additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente. The U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is reportedly connected to the Manafort and Flynn investigations and also has a record of handling sensitive national security cases, with jurisdiction over the Pentagon, the CIA, and Dulles airport.\u00a0\r\nThe text of the letter is below:\r\nDear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein:\r\nI\u00a0am writing to request additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente. \u00a0I was disappointed to learn that Mr. Boente submitted his resignation to the President last week, but since that news,\u00a0I\u00a0have become\u00a0deeply concerned by\u00a0reports that Mr. Boente wanted to remain in his position but\u00a0was forced to resign by President Trump.\r\nI recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.\u00a0 However, this reported demand\u00a0for a single U.S. Attorney\u2019s resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this is not business as usual.\r\nMoreover, I have become increasingly troubled during this administration that the President does not comply with the norms that honor the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.\u00a0 From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump\u2019s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family\u2019s businesses, to the President\u2019s attempts to cultivate loyalty relationships with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and former FBI Director James Comey \u2013 before firing both of them when they refused to accommodate him \u2013 I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified. \u00a0\r\nMr. Boente is a career prosecutor and public servant who\u00a0has served in the Department of Justice since 1984, when he joined as part of the Attorney General\u2019s Honors Program.\u00a0\u00a0When President Obama nominated Mr. Boente to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Senate confirmed him by voice vote.\u00a0 The Department of Justice and the White House should provide their reasoning for why someone like this, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign.\r\nPlease provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente\u2019s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible but no later than November 21, 2017.\r\nSincerely,\u00a0\r\nChristopher A. Coons\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-resignation-it-makes-me-concerned-about-robert-mueller", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: “It makes me concerned about Robert Mueller”", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.08.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: \u201cIt makes me concerned about Robert Mueller\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons on yesterday\u2019s election: \u201cIt will make it clear to the president or at least members of his team that if they don't begin some real outreach to Democrats on tax reform and other priorities they have, they will not get their legislative agenda through.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON \u2013 This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, joined MSNBC\u2019s Morning Joe to discuss yesterday\u2019s election results, the latest on tax reform, and the resignation of Dana Boente.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI just was troubled that\u00a0immediately following the\u00a0release of indictments given\u00a0reporting that has suggested Mr.\u00a0Boente was running a fairly\u00a0active component of the Mueller\u00a0investigation that he was fairly\u00a0abruptly asked to resign,\u201d said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cI just wanted to ask some questions\u00a0about the timing given the troubling pattern of the\u00a0president's personal\u00a0intervention by interviewing\u00a0candidates for U.S. Attorneys in\u00a0several key jurisdictions and\u00a0given everything else going on,\u00a0it makes me concerned about Robert Mueller and his security.\u00a0Dana Boente would have been the\u00a0fourth in succession in the\u00a0Department of Justice.\u00a0I think it's an important feat\u00a0and an important role that he played that\u00a0deserves some oversight.\u201d\r\nVideo and audio available here.\r\nExcerpts from the interview:\r\nSenator Coons on Trump\u2019s trip to Asia: I\u2019m encouraged by the tone and tenor of the trip, obviously the self-promotion notwithstanding to have President Trump move towards a more diplomatic tone after some early bluster. Now that we have prepositioned three aircraft carrier groups, personnel, and material in the region, I think that President Trump is striking the right balance between having previously being overly threatening and now pursuing diplomatic alternatives \u2013 there has to be an off-ramp for North Korea to consider taking, he\u2019s going to have to be strong with Xi Jinping the next couple of days\u2014that\u2019s going to be crucial\u2014but all of us worry about our security and the human consequences and a potential confrontation going wrong have to be encouraged by President Trump\u2019s tone.\u00a0\r\nSenator Coons on last night\u2019s election: I think that's right, that's\u00a0a great question.\u00a0There is a lot of attention paid\u00a0to the big wins in Virginia and\u00a0New Jersey, just across the\u00a0Pennsylvania state line for me\u00a0are a series of counties,\u00a0so-called \u201ccollar counties\u201d of\u00a0Philadelphia, where at the county\u00a0level there were big wins for\u00a0Democrats in Bucks county, in\u00a0Delaware county, in Chester\u00a0county, Pennsylvania, there has\u00a0never been a county elected\u00a0Democrat since the 1700s and\u00a0Democrats swept the county\u00a0offices that were up for election.\u00a0What does that mean?\u00a0I think it means members of the\u00a0House that represent the\u00a0suburban districts who are Republicans will have to begin\u00a0moving towards the middle.\u00a0I think it will make it clear to\u00a0the president or at least\u00a0members of his team that if they\u00a0don't begin some real outreach to\u00a0Democrats on tax reform and\u00a0other priorities they have, they will not\u00a0get their legislative agenda\u00a0through.\u00a0I think the president slowing a\u00a0sideways grenade back at\u00a0Ed Gillespie after his loss last\u00a0night isn't very encouraging for\u00a0Republican electeds like Susan\u00a0Collins who I think will now\u00a0look forward and say their path\u00a0towards legislative success will\u00a0rely on working across the aisle\u00a0here in Congress rather than\u00a0counting on President Trump to\u00a0necessarily lead them forward as\u00a0a coherent party.\u00a0 More on elections: Well the Democratic senators who are\u00a0incumbents up for election this\u00a0time in the five states are\u00a0referencing states like Indiana,\u00a0North Dakota, Montana, Missouri,\u00a0West Virginia are terrific,\u00a0active, engaged, local\u00a0campaigners, they're very\u00a0authentic people.\u00a0They connect well in their home\u00a0states.\u00a0I'd say to them, avoid letting\u00a0your campaign be nationalized.\u00a0Don't really make this about\u00a0Democrats versus Republicans,\u00a0make it about you, your\u00a0leadership, and your capabilities.\u00a0These are folks willing to meet\u00a0with President Trump to consider\u00a0working with him across the\u00a0aisle where it makes sense, but\u00a0they've also stood firm in\u00a0sticking to core principles on\u00a0things like defending the ACA\u00a0and access to good, quality health care for folks in\u00a0their states.\u00a0We had a meeting with a group.\u00a0There were about 12 Democratic\u00a0senators yesterday evening who\u00a0met with Gary Cohn, the chief\u00a0economic adviser to President\u00a0Trump.\u00a0The president called in from\u00a0Asia.\u00a0I think it's important that these Democrats running for reelection in deeply red states show\u00a0that they continue to try to legislate\u00a0responsibly across the aisle.\u00a0 More on the Cohn meeting: The president said a number\u00a0of things and I, frankly,\u00a0just appreciated the opportunity to\u00a0sit down with some of his chief\u00a0advisers and that he took the\u00a0time from his trip to Asia to\u00a0call in.\u00a0It was an interesting\u00a0conversation.\u00a0He touched on a number of\u00a0different topics, but if there\u00a0was one theme from our side, it\u00a0was we should have been included\u00a0and consulted earlier.\u00a0We've got ideas, we want to work\u00a0across the aisle to strengthen\u00a0the middle class, to support\u00a0manufacturing, to make our\u00a0country more competitive and the\u00a0folks on the other side of the\u00a0table, including the president\u00a0calling in from Asia said, just\u00a0wait, you will see a different\u00a0tax bill in the Senate than the\u00a0House, we're at the beginning of\u00a0a process, not at the end.\u00a0 Senator Coons on Boente: Well, Dana Boente is a career\u00a0federal prosecutor who was not just\u00a0running the Eastern District of\u00a0Virginia but the acting head of\u00a0the national security division\u00a0in the Department of Justice.\u00a0I just was troubled that\u00a0immediately following the\u00a0release of indictments given\u00a0reporting that had suggested Mr.\u00a0Boente was running a fairly\u00a0active component of the Mueller\u00a0investigation that he was fairly\u00a0abruptly asked to resign.\u00a0I just wanted to ask some questions\u00a0about the timing given the troubling pattern of the\u00a0president's personal\u00a0intervention by interviewing\u00a0candidates for U.S. Attorneys in\u00a0several key jurisdictions and\u00a0given everything else going on,\u00a0it makes me concerned about Robert Mueller and his security.\u00a0Dana Boente would have been the\u00a0fourth in succession in the\u00a0Department of Justice.\u00a0I think it's an important feat\u00a0and an important role that he played that\u00a0deserves some oversight.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E31581F9-80B5-407C-BA5A-4D7FAB15C2BA", "Carper Leads Letter Requesting FTC Investigate and End RIN Market Manipulation", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, highlighted concerns regarding possible market manipulation in the compliance system used for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, known as the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nIn a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acting Chairman Maureen Olhausen, Delaware\u2019s congressional delegation of Senators Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.), as well as Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), asked the agency to investigate and end any possible RIN market manipulation under the jurisdiction of the Commission\u2019s Petroleum Market Manipulation Rule.\r\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cOver the past four years, RIN prices have fluctuated wildly. Since earlier this year alone, they have spiked over 200 percent. This price volatility creates great uncertainty for obligated parties, especially for merchant refineries like the ones along the East Coast that have limited capability to blend biofuels into their products and need RINS to comply with the RFS program\u2019s requirements.\u00a0East Coast refineries already face slim profit margins, in part, due to their dependence on international markets for crude feedstocks, high gasoline inventories and the competition they face from global refiners.\u00a0Volatility in the RIN market only adds to the East Coast refineries economic concerns.\r\nThey continued, \u201cRIN market manipulation hurts all parties and directly harms our constituents. That is why we urgently request that the Federal Trade Commission use its authority to address RIN market manipulation.\u201d\r\nThe text of the letter is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reuters-sen-coons-seeks-explanation-for-career-prosecutor-boentes-abrupt-resignation", "Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.17\n\t\t\t Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tReuters:\u00a0Senator seeks explanation for career U.S. prosecutor's abrupt resignation\r\nhttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-prosecutor/senator-seeks-explanation-for-career-u-s-prosecutors-abrupt-resignation-idUSKBN1D735P\r\nWASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic Senator said on Tuesday he wants answers from top Justice Department officials about why a career prosecutor was asked to resign days before a special counsel unveiled the first criminal charges in an investigation into Russia\u2019s role in the 2016 U.S.\u00a0Election.\r\nDana Boente was asked to quit in late October as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, whose district has played an important role in the investigation.\r\nJust days later, Special Counsel Robert Mueller\u2019s investigators charged President Donald Trump\u2019s former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another aide, Rick Gates, with conspiring to launder money and other charges.\r\nIt was also announced on Oct. 30 that a third former Trump adviser, George Papadopoulos, had pleaded guilty earlier in the month to a charge of lying to the FBI.\r\nU.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was writing to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to ask if Boente\u2019s departure was \u201cnormal or justified.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2018m concerned about the abrupt departure of Dana Boente after a career as a federal prosecutor ... There\u2019s a lot of circumstances that connect the ongoing Mueller investigation to the Eastern District,\u201d Coons said in an interview.\r\nA Department of Justice spokesman said the agency does not comment on personnel matters.\r\nBoente could not immediately be reached for comment.\r\nInvestigations into whether Republican Trump\u2019s campaign associates colluded with Russia last year to help him defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the presidency arose after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia carried out a campaign of hacking and propaganda to interfere in the election.\r\nRussia has repeatedly denied meddling allegations and Trump has denied any collusion.\u00a0\r\nA Justice Department veteran, Boente has stepped in to help stabilize the law enforcement agency in frequent periods of turmoil during the first year of the Trump administration.\u00a0\r\nBoente has also been temporarily serving as the acting assistant attorney general for the department\u2019s National Security Division. He previously was acting attorney general after Trump fired the prosecutor in that post, Sally Yates. After that, Boente also briefly was acting deputy attorney general.\r\nA person familiar with the matter confirmed that Sessions, a former Alabama Republican senator and close Trump ally, asked Boente to tender his resignation in late October.\u00a0\r\nBoente will step down as head of the National Security Division once Trump\u2019s nominee John Demers is confirmed by the Senate. After that, Boente will continue as head of the Eastern District in Alexandria, Virginia, until he is replaced.\r\nTrump has not yet nominated anyone for that post.\u00a0\r\nThe Eastern District post is the fourth most powerful position in the department\u2019s line of succession.\r\nA judge in the district approved the search warrant for the Alexandria, Virginia home of former Trump campaign manager Manafort in July.\u00a0\r\nA grand jury in the district earlier this year became part of Mueller\u2019s probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is under scrutiny for his work as a lobbyist for a Turkish businessman.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-president-trumps-trip-to-asia", "Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump’s trip to Asia", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump\u2019s trip to Asia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Trump\u2019s trip to Asia.\r\n\u201cPresident Trump is in the midst of a trip to Asia with several important goals, including addressing the threat of North Korea\u2019s nuclear program and promoting U.S. exports throughout the region.\u00a0 We have been pleased to see the President reaffirm our economic and security partnerships with our allies in Japan and South Korea.\u00a0 In the coming days, the President will also visit China, Vietnam, and the Philippines \u2013 three countries that fail to respect the human rights of all their citizens.\u00a0 In China, activists are detained and the political opposition is silenced.\u00a0 In Vietnam, basic rights such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion are restricted.\u00a0 In the Philippines, a 'war on drugs' has resulted in over 7,000 deaths, many via unlawful executions and extrajudicial killings.\u00a0 As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we urge President Trump to raise these human rights concerns and to promote the United States\u2019 commitment to human rights and democratic values during his meetings with President Xi Jinping in China, President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam, and President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. The United States must continue to stand up for the oppressed around the world.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-i-do-think-trump-should-sit-down-with-vladimir-putin", "[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin”", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.17\n\t\t\t [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: \u201cI do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSen. Coons: \u201cWithout help from China and\u00a0Russia, we don't stand a chance\u00a0of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with\u00a0North Korea\u201d\r\nSen. Coons on the Texas shooting: \u201cIt's important for us to\u00a0try to honor the tragedy here, the loss here, by finding a way to come together\u00a0as a country and address the very real\u00a0mental health, public safety, and\u00a0gun safety issues that our\u00a0Congress and federal government\u00a0has failed to address so far\u201d\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, yesterday joined CNN\u2019s Erin Burnett OutFront to discuss the Texas shooting and President Trump\u2019s trip to Asia.\r\n\u201cThe last time President Trump\u00a0met with Putin, it was on the\u00a0sides of a major conference. He did so without anyone else from the US government, without the\u00a0use of a translator.\u00a0I don\u2019t think he should follow that pattern,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cI think he should have his aides with him. But, I do think he should sit down\u00a0with Vladimir Putin to make clear to him directly that if he\u00a0interferes in our next election\u00a0the way he interfered in our\u00a0last election, he will face\u00a0serious consequences. And,\u00a0I do think it's important for President Trump to call on Vladimir Putin to work with Xi Jinping from China and the United States and our allies to bring\u00a0North Korea to account for its\u00a0reckless aggressive actions\u00a0with its missile program and its nuclear weapons program.\u00a0Without help from China and\u00a0Russia, we don't stand a chance\u00a0of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with\u00a0North Korea. So,\u00a0I'm one Democrat who will say I\u00a0think he should try to engage\u00a0with Vladimir Putin, but do it\u00a0in a responsible and measured\u00a0way.\"\r\n\u201cI think it's important that as we all\u00a0try to come to grips with this\u00a0one of the most brutal shootings\u00a0in a house of worship in America\u2019s history, that we also look straight-on at the fact that\u00a0Congress should not be paralyzed\u00a0and unable to act in the face of\u00a0yet another event,\u201d said Senator Coons.\u00a0\u201cIt seems clear that there was a\u00a0breakdown in the background\u00a0check system that the Air Force\u00a0didn't forward to federal\u00a0officials the fact that this shooter was\u00a0convicted of a domestic violence\u00a0incident, one that led to him being\u00a0imprisoned for a year. Our president has said that this is a mental health issue; yet, in February of this year, he\u00a0repealed a step taken by the\u00a0previous administration to\u00a0prevent 70,000 Americans with a history of mental health problems from\u00a0being able to access weapons.\u201d\r\nFull video and audio available here.\r\nSenator Coons on the Texas shooting: I think it's too early to\u00a0come to any conclusions about\u00a0what this particular shooter's\u00a0motive was.\u00a0But I think, as has been the case\u00a0tragically so often, we see a\u00a0pattern in elected officials\u00a0saying we need to send our\u00a0thoughts and prayers to the\u00a0families, to the victims, but then not proposing any\u00a0action.\u00a0I think it's important that as we all\u00a0try to come to grips with this\u00a0one of the most brutal shootings\u00a0in a house of worship in America\u2019s history, that we also look straight-on at the fact that\u00a0Congress should not be paralyzed\u00a0and unable to act in the face of\u00a0yet another event.\u00a0It seems clear that there was a\u00a0breakdown in the background\u00a0check system that the Air Force\u00a0didn't forward to federal\u00a0officials the fact that this shooter was\u00a0convicted of a domestic violence\u00a0incident, one that led to him being\u00a0imprisoned for a year. Our president has said that this is a mental health issue; yet, in February of this year, he\u00a0repealed a step taken by the\u00a0previous administration to\u00a0prevent 70,000 Americans with a history of mental health problems from\u00a0being able to access weapons.\u00a0After the Las Vegas shooting,\u00a0Senator Feinstein introduced a\u00a0bill, which I\u2019ve co sponsored, dozens of senators have co-sponsored, but it\u00a0hasn't moved to ban so-called\u00a0bump stocks or trigger cranks,\u00a0the tools that the shooter in\u00a0Las Vegas used.\u00a0I think it's important for us to\u00a0try to honor the tragedy here, the loss here, by finding a way to come together\u00a0as a country and address the very real\u00a0mental health, public safety and\u00a0gun safety issues that our\u00a0Congress and federal government\u00a0has failed to address so far.\u00a0 More on the shooting: I think we need to do a\u00a0better job of funding mental\u00a0health and of funding our national\u00a0background checks system.\u00a0There are a number of holes or\u00a0flaws or weaknesses in our\u00a0background check system. After\u00a0the tragic shooting in Newtown,\u00a0Connecticut, a bipartisan bill attempted to\u00a0address some of the flaws in the current background checks system.\u00a0There have been other proposals\u00a0put forward.\u00a0This particular incident may\u00a0point to another weakness where\u00a0the UCMJ or the military criminal justice\u00a0system here, there was a\u00a0breakdown in conveying the\u00a0information from the Air Force to civilian authorities.\u00a0I also get the impression that\u00a0in Texas you don't have to have\u00a0a permit to purchase and carry a\u00a0long gun, this particular rifle that this shooter was using.\u00a0He was denied a concealed carry\u00a0permit for a handgun.\u00a0I do think we need to do more to\u00a0enforce the laws that we have on\u00a0the books.\u00a0But, I also think there are loopholes and\u00a0weaknesses in how the current laws work that may require further legislation from Congress.\u00a0 Senator Coons on whether President Trump should meet with Putin: The last time President Trump\u00a0met with Putin, it was on the\u00a0sides of a major conference. He did so without anyone else from the US government, without the\u00a0use of a translator.\u00a0I don\u2019t think he should follow that pattern. I think he should have his aides with him. But, I do think he should sit down\u00a0with Vladimir Putin to make clear to him directly that if he\u00a0interferes in our next election\u00a0the way he interfered in our\u00a0last election, he will face\u00a0serious consequences. And,\u00a0I do think it's important for President Trump to call on Vladimir Putin to work with Xi Jinping from China and the United States and our allies to bring\u00a0North Korea to account for its\u00a0reckless aggressive actions\u00a0with its missile program and its nuclear weapons program.\u00a0Without help from China and\u00a0Russia, we don't stand a chance\u00a0of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with\u00a0North Korea. So,\u00a0I'm one Democrat who will say I\u00a0think he should try to engage\u00a0with Vladimir Putin, but do it\u00a0in a responsible and measured\u00a0way.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or\u00a0Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-call-for-trump-administration-to-support-additional-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic", "Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWILMINGTON, DE \u2013 U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) signed on to a letter to President Donald Trump with 21 other senators calling on the President to support additional funding necessary to combat the opioid epidemic.\r\nThe letter, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) reads, \u201cWe appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency. While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance.\u201d\r\nThe senators continued, \u201cResearchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic. The President\u2019s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees. The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.\u201d\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Carper joined law enforcement, first responders, health care industry leaders, addiction treatment representatives and patient advocate groups to discuss the opioid epidemic in Delaware and how a repeal of the Affordable Care Act would undermine the efforts Delaware is making in combating addiction.\r\nSenator Coons has been an outspoken leader in Congress on combating the opioid crisis, having hosted with Sen. Carper former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli, last summer for an opioid crisis roundtable, convened a town hall discussion with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch on federal resources to combat law enforcement challenges, and penned a column in the Delaware News Journal to ensure opioid crisis funding remains a federal priority.\r\nThe letter to President Trump can be read here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tCONTACT: Katie Wilson at 302- 573-6460 or\u00a0katie_wilson@carper.senate.govBrian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or\u00a0brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-comprehensive-approach-to-disaster-recovery", "Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.17\n\t\t\t Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWILMINGTON, DE \u2013 U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) have joined Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in calling on the Trump administration to put forward a comprehensive package to help several areas of the country recover from the onslaught of natural disasters in recent months. The administration has committed to releasing such a package in the coming weeks.\r\nIn a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Senate Democrats outlined what must be included in a comprehensive package that would ensure adequate investments in infrastructure, health, housing, education, agriculture, and conservation needs that will mitigate further damage in future disasters and make our communities more resilient.\u00a0\r\nThe text of the letter is available HERE: https://www.leahy.senate.gov/download/omb-supplemental-request-11-3-17.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nIn October, the Senate passed a $36.5 billion emergency supplemental that contained $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, $16 billion for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt forgiveness, $1.27 billion for nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico, and $576.5 million to combat wildfires.\r\nIn September, the Senate passed a $15.25 billion emergency supplemental package that contained $7.4 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and $450 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. In addition, the legislation provided $7.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.\r\nIn addition to Carper, Coons, Schumer and Leahy, other senators to sign the letter included: Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), Kirsten Gilibrand (N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Michael Bennet (Colo.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tCONTACT: Katie Wilson at 302- 573-6460 or katie_wilson@carper.senate.govBrian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 776, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "DE", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 776, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 776, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "DE", "label": "DE", "count": 776, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 776, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-06,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecoons~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsens-carper-coons-join-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-comprehensive-approach-to-disaster-recovery", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=DE&year=2017&_next=2017-11-06%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecoons~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsens-carper-coons-join-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-comprehensive-approach-to-disaster-recovery&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 243.89551114290953, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}