{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"DE\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181229/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/carper-coons-carney-to-host-kent-county-job-fair", "Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair", "2013-12-27", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 27, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Brian Cunningham at 302-573-6054 \n\t\t\t\t\t Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Delegation will host first job fair of 2014 at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDOVER, Del. \u2013 Committed to continuing to help out-of-work Delawareans find employment, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney in partnership with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, announced Friday that they will host their first job fair of the year in Kent County.\u00a0\nThe job fair will take place on Thursday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delaware Technical Community College on the Terry Campus (North Delaware Tech Drive, Dover, DE 19904) at the Education Technology Building Conference Center. Interested companies seeking to fill positions can contact Senator Coons\u2019 office at 302-573-6345 or via email at workshop@coons.senate.gov.\u00a0\nBusinesses will be on hand at the fair to interview potential new employees. Delawareans are encouraged to come dressed for success with resumes in hand.\n\u201cLast year, we held job fairs in all three counties to connect out-of-work Delawareans with good-paying jobs, and we\u2019re doing it again in 2014,\u201d said Senator Tom Carper. \u201cI always say the role of government is not to create jobs, but to provide a nurturing environment for job creation and job growth, and I\u2019ll continue my work to do just that in Washington each and every day.\u201d\n\u201cWith continued gridlock in Washington making it harder and harder to pass legislation that would meaningfully help the tens of thousands of Delawareans still looking for work, this job fair is a small way to make a difference in our neighbors\u2019 lives,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cLike the job fairs we've hosted in previous years, our goal for these fairs is to help Delawareans connect with real job opportunities.\u201d\n\u201cPutting Delawareans back to work is my top priority.\u00a0Too many qualified Delaware workers are having trouble finding the jobs they need to support themselves and their families,\u201d said Congressman Carney.\u00a0\u201cJust as we have the last few years, Sen. Carper, Sen. Coons, and I are organizing job fairs to connect Delawareans with employers ready to hire.\u00a0I hope that all those looking for their next job opportunity can make it to Dover next month.\u201d\nSince 2011, the Congressional delegation has hosted 16 job fairs in Delaware, including four specifically for veterans.\nFor more information on how to participate as an employer or job seeker, please call Senator Coons\u2019 office at 302-573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov. Pre-registration is not required.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Job Fair,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Delaware Technical Community College,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5f1e6585-cb96-4020-b587-e8afbec007ed", "Chairman Carper Commends Marine Corps on Clean Financial Audit", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) commended the United States Marine Corps following its announcement that it received a clean financial audit for its Fiscal Year 2012 Statement of Budgetary Activity, the first step toward a full clean financial audit . The Marine Corps is the first military service to successfully complete this type of audit.   \u00a0   \u201cI would like to give a loud \u2018Bravo Zulu\u2019 to the Marine Corps for this important achievement in safeguarding taxpayer funds. For many of us who served in the military, we know the Marines are often the first ones on the beach, so it is fitting that the Marine Corps is leading the way in this significant financial quest for the Department of Defense, the last federal agency yet to receive a clean financial audit. I will continue to work with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Acting Deputy Secretary Christine Fox and the rest of the administration on getting across this financial finish line. After all you can't manage what you can't measure and, in these challenging financial times, a clean audit is an important first step.   \u00a0   \u201cI am a firm believer that we can always do better, so I was happy to see the Marine Corps identify several areas in the audit where they can improve and note that efforts to address these weaknesses are already underway. This is an accomplishment worthy of applause and emulation from the rest of the military.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181848/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-coons-durbin-condemn-passage-of-anti-lgbt-legislation-in-uganda", "Senators Coons, Durbin condemn passage of anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Coons, Durbin condemn passage of anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Measure would make \u201caggravated homosexuality\u201d punishable with life in prison \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Assistant Majority Leader and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement Friday after the Ugandan parliament approved legislation to make homosexual acts punishable with life imprisonment.\u00a0\n\"No individual should be imprisoned simply on the basis of his or her race, religion or sexual orientation. We are deeply concerned that the Ugandan parliament has passed legislation that would place LGBT individuals at risk of life imprisonment. By criminalizing the 'promotion' of homosexuality and failure to report such activities to the police, the bill would also further open the door to additional harassment and the arrest of human-rights defenders. If signed into law, this legislation would add to a disturbing trend in Uganda of closing space for free expression and restricting dissent. We understand there are still steps President Museveni could take to try to prevent the law from taking effect, and we stand firmly with those urging him to reject this law.\u201c\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Uganda,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                LGBT,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181916/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senate-passes-ndaa-with-protection-for-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions", "Senate passes NDAA with protection for National Guard role in cyber missions", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senate passes NDAA with protection for National Guard role in cyber missions \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Language authored by Senator Coons will protect Delaware\u2019s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 A week after the bill was passed by the House of Representatives, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with language written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to protect the Delaware National Guard\u2019s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to continue carrying out cybersecurity missions. The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature.\nThe New Castle-based 166th\u00a0Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation\u2019s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America\u2019s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 933 of the House-Senate NDAA committee agreement, the language would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the Squadron, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard.\u00a0\n\u201cFrom banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control systems to power grids, our nation\u2019s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSecuring this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th\u00a0Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. These provisions will ensure that our nation\u2019s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.\u201d\nCosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), the legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA in November and subsequently included in an updated version of the underlying bill written by the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week.\nThe language requires DoD to develop a strategy on the use of the Reserve Components in cyber missions. The amendment provisions include:\n \nProviding for an inventory of the existing cyber skills of reserve component personnel, including the skills of units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to cyber missions;\nProviding for an inventory of the existing infrastructure of the reserve components that contribute to the cyber missions of the United States Cyber Command, including the infrastructure available to units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to such missions;\nDeveloping an estimate of the personnel, infrastructure and training required, and the costs that would be incurred, in connection with implementing the strategy for integrating the reserve components into the total force for support of the cyber missions of the Department and United States Cyber Command. The estimate will examine whether there are any misalignments between unit mission and facility readiness to support such missions; and\nProtecting against unintended duplicate spending and preventing reduction in personnel of a cyber unit of the Air National Guard of the United States from being implemented or carried out in fiscal year 2014 before the submittal of the strategy.\n \nThe legislative text, beginning on page 394, can be downloaded here:\u00a0http://1.usa.gov/1kVKNHY\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Armed Services,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                166th Network Warfare Squadron,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Cybersecurity,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Guard,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Infrastructure,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                United States Cyber Command,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182131/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-votes-to-approve-national-defense-authorization-act", "Senator Coons votes to approve National Defense Authorization Act", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons votes to approve National Defense Authorization Act \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senate approves bill including four important Coons amendments \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) voted Thursday to approve the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA), the legislation authorizing Department of Defense operations for the coming fiscal year. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week and now heads to President Obama for his signature.\u00a0\nThe final version of the NDAA includes several measures originally authored or proposed by Senator Coons as amendments, including a provision to protect and strengthen the Delaware National Guard\u2019s cybersecurity team, an amendment by Senator Coons and Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) to ensure that small businesses are not subject to conflicting guidance from federal agencies, and measures to promote trade with Africa and require the administration to present a strategy for stability, security, and good governance in Somalia.\n\u201cThe Senate has come together to pass bipartisan legislation that takes positive steps to make our nation more secure and strengthen our relationships abroad,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cThe NDAA authorizes funding for U.S. military and security operations that protect the safety of Americans and promote peace at home and abroad. The bill includes a provision that will ensure the Delaware National Guard\u2019s 166th National Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard can continue their critical mission to secure our nation\u2019s cyber infrastructure. A rule clarification I sponsored with Senator Blunt will ensure small businesses do not receive conflicting guidance on federal contracts from the Department of Defense and Small Business Administration. Finally, two measures I have long supported will strengthen our ties to Africa \u2013 one by ensuring we have a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy to help Somalia develop the democratic institutions necessary for long-term stability, and the other by requiring an interagency strategy that strengthens our trade relationships with Africa. Each of these measures is good for our economy, national security, and partnerships with other nations and I am thankful to my colleagues for working with me to make them law.\u201d\nThe New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation\u2019s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America\u2019s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber-attacks. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 933 of the House-Senate NDAA agreement, the language authored by Senator Coons would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the Squadron, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard.\u00a0\nThe bill also includes a measure to clarify conflicting guidance for small businesses from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Defense. Occasionally, conflicting rules from each agency both apply to a small business contracting with the federal government. The provision by Senator Coons and Senator Blunt makes it easier for small businesses to comply with these rules by dictating that when both sets of rules apply to a small business contract, only the SBA rule will be enforced.\nSenator Coons, chair of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, introduced the Somalia Stabilization Act in October to promote security, stability, and good governance in Somalia. The legislation requires a coordinated, interagency U.S. government strategy for consolidating recent security and political gains in the troubled country.\nLastly, the NDAA includes an amendment cosponsored by Senator Coons to boost trade with Africa. The measure will require a senior administration official to develop a strategy for improving coordination between U.S. government agencies with a role in trade and increasing U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                National Guard,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                166th Network Warfare Squadron,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Somalia,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Businesses,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Small Business,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Trade,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Cybersecurity,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182150/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-sponsors-bill-to-repeal-cuts-to-military-retiree-benefits", "Senator Coons sponsors bill to repeal cuts to military retiree benefits", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons sponsors bill to repeal cuts to military retiree benefits \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Military Retirement Restoration Act would repeal and replace cuts to military retiree benefits \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 With some military-retiree pensions now facing temporary reductions to their cost-of-living-adjustments in 2015, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) has cosponsored legislation that would repeal and replace those changes.\u00a0\nThe Bipartisan Budget Act adopted by the Senate this week included $6 billion in savings over 10 years obtained by reducing the cost-of-living adjustments for working-age military retirees younger than 62 by 1 percent beginning January 1, 2015. The\u00a0Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace this provision with new legislation that could raise as much as $6.6 billion over ten years by preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes through the use of foreign tax havens.\n\u201cThere is no question that the fiscal challenges facing our nation require shared sacrifice, but this budget unfairly singles out military families,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cI\u2019ve said repeatedly that the budget the Senate passed this week was not perfect, and this was one of its major flaws. Fortunately it is not too late to replace these cuts with more responsible savings, and that\u2019s what the Military Retirement Restoration Act aims to do. With a year before these changes take effect, it is my hope that Congress passes this bill and more responsibly finds the savings it needs to move forward.\u201d\nThe Military Retirement Restoration Act \u2014 S. 1844 \u2014 was introduced by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and now has 19 cosponsors. It has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY-24) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                retirement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                pensions,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014329/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-new-reasons-to-invest-in-manufacturing-jobs", "Floor Speech: New reasons to invest in manufacturing jobs", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 20, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Floor Speech: New reasons to invest in manufacturing jobs \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As Delivered on the Senate floor on December 19, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nMr. President, I come to the floor once again to talk about manufacturing jobs. This week, under Senator\u00a0Amy Klobuchar's leadership, the Joint Economic Committee released a report that thoroughly and thoughtfully lays out why manufacturing jobs have such promise and how Congress can act to help spur manufacturing job creation now and into the future.\nThe report shows that today manufacturing jobs are high-quality jobs, that they pay better than jobs in any other sector in wages and benefits, and that they help create more local service sector jobs, that they contribute more to the local economy, and that manufacturers invest the most in private sector R&D of any sector in our country.\u00a0\nManufacturing, as the Presiding Officer well knows, has long played an important role in our Nation's economy, has served as our economic backbone, and has built the American middle class. But over the past 60 years, manufacturing in our country has changed, gradually and then dramatically. As our economy and the world have changed, so has the nature of manufacturing and the playing field on which we can and must compete.\nDue to global competition and the worst recession since the Great Depression, we lost 6 million manufacturing jobs in the United States in the first decade of this century. We are now on our way back, but we are well short of where we were in 2000. We have gained 550,000 manufacturing jobs over the last 3 years, and that gives me real hope. In just the last 6 months, we have seen new signals that our manufacturing sector continues to be on the rebound.\u00a0\nA new report from the Institute for Supply Management shows the U.S. manufacturing sector grew last month at its fastest pace in 2 1/2 years, and hiring has reached an 18-month high. The value of our manufacturing exports has grown 38 percent in the last 4 years, and those exports now account for nearly 3 million jobs on American shores.\nBut, as the Presiding Officer and I well know and as many of our colleagues know, we need to invest more in that success and in that growth, in the private sector and in the public sector.\nOverall, this is great news, about the slow, but real, steady recovery of our manufacturing sector. The reason we are coming back is the United States is actually poised to compete in advanced manufacturing, in the manufacturing economy of this century. In the 21st century, manufacturing is fundamentally different than it was in our past. Rather than repeating the same simple tasks over and over, workers must now carry out far more complex and varying tasks. They need to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. They have to do math and communicate with each other in writing and as a team and work in ways simply not expected 20 or 30 years ago. Crucially, they need to understand the entire manufacturing process in a way that wasn't necessary before. Yes, there are machines doing a lot of work, but we need workers who can oversee them and understand them to keep our steady, growing benefits to increase productivity.\nManufacturers can't rely on someone from outside our country to fix a problem every time there is one. Today they rely on their workers to troubleshoot on the fly. Our workers need to continue to be some of the most productive in the world and, to do that, they need to be more skilled than ever, particularly because they are overseeing highly complex operations.\nThe manufacturing floor today, as this report reminds us, is no longer the dirty, dingy, dangerous manufacturing workplace of 150 years ago. Today it is clean, high tech, highly productive, and it needs a highly skilled workforce. We can win by training our workers for these jobs.\nWhile some nations engage in a race to the bottom on environmental labor and wage standards, this isn't the playing field we can or should try to win. Fortunately, we already have the tools to lead the way in manufacturing, in an innovation-centered economy.\nThis Joint Economic Committee report outlines how low-energy costs, due to greatly expanded natural gas supplies, a highly skilled workforce relative to much of the rest of the world, and having still the world's best universities, all in combination give us a real fighting chance. American manufacturing, I am convinced, is poised for a takeoff.\nNow we have this report from the Joint Economic Committee which shows us just that. It shows why we should remain optimistic about American manufacturing, if we can simply in this body harness the will to act. This report frankly lays out a lot of why we have created Manufacturing Jobs for America.\u00a0\nManufacturing Jobs for America is a campaign. It is a campaign to build support for good manufacturing legislation that Democrats and Republicans can agree on. So far, 26 Democratic Senators have come together to contribute 44 bills to a conversation; 31 of those bills have already been introduced in this body, and almost half of them have bipartisan cosponsors. We are actively seeking Republican cosponsors on the rest.\u00a0\nOur goal overall is to generate more and work more closely with Republicans to build consensus for bills that can pass the Senate, pass the House, and go to the White House to become law. We want to see manufacturing bills that can really help put Americans back to work.\u00a0\nI am grateful for the leadership of Senator\u00a0Debbie Stabenow\u00a0who, along with her cochair, Senator\u00a0Lindsey Graham, led the bipartisan manufacturing caucus that is helping take great ideas and bills generated through this initiative and turn them into solid, bipartisan bills.\nThis Joint Economic Committee report emphasizes that there are four key areas where we have to focus to create manufacturing jobs now and in the future and they are exactly the areas that the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative centers on as well.\u00a0\nFirst, we have to strengthen America's workforce. Second, we have to fight for a more level global playing field so we can open markets abroad and compete successfully. Third, we need to make it easier for manufacturers--especially new and small businesses \u2014 to access capital, to invest in research and development as well as new equipment and products. Fourth, we can and should do more to ensure a coordinated, all-of-government effort in supporting manufacturing by insisting on a stronger, clearer national manufacturing strategy. Together, across these four areas, the bills in Manufacturing Jobs for America can have a real and substantial impact if they become law.\nI believe in the power of this initiative because I have seen the potential of manufacturing up close. In my time in the private sector, I developed a fierce belief in how we can and must act here in Washington to support and spur American private sector manufacturing. Before I came here, much of my work in the private sector was at a manufacturing company, a materials-based science company that makes hundreds of products. At one point I was part of a site location team that had to decide where to locate a new state-of-the-art semiconductor chip packaging manufacturing plant.\nWhat made the difference? In the ultimate decision it was first and foremost we needed a skilled and reliable workforce. Second, we wanted the State, county, and city governments to be responsive and have made investments in infrastructure. While we also of course considered tax credits and training grants, the first two really were the main factors--the skills and capabilities of the workforce at all levels and the responsiveness of the local government, the State government, and the Federal Government in investing in infrastructure.\nThis experience taught me two things: that the advanced manufacturing sector can thrive in the United States--that facility was located in America, not overseas; and there is a critical role for government to play. So if this Congress makes a concerted, across-the-board push to help create manufacturing jobs in America, I am convinced we can lay a strong foundation for growth today and tomorrow. The opportunity is there, just in front of us. We just need to stop the endless partisan struggles that have dominated this Congress in the last few years and seize the very real, very positive opportunity in front of us--to lay out a bipartisan path forward to strengthen the manufacturing sector in our country.\nTogether, we can keep our factories humming and lead the way in new industries in the future. We just need the political will to try. That is what this effort, Manufacturing Jobs for America, is all about.\u00a0\nI am so grateful to Senator\u00a0Klobuchar\u00a0and the Joint Economic Committee for the Manufacturing Jobs for The Future report and for the vision it lays out, and I appreciate the effort of all of my colleagues who contributed great and strong and clear ideas to this Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Labor,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing Jobs for America,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Research,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Floor Speech,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Middle Class", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=c2b14ffe-69ad-4541-82b4-7d76d91b9471", "Sen. Carper to Welcome CDC Director Frieden to Delaware to Discuss Diabetes Prevention at YMCA", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 On Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with Deborah Bagatta Bowles, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware, will welcome Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden to Delaware to discuss the\u00a0diabetes\u00a0epidemic\u00a0in Delaware, as well as nationally, and the impact the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program has demonstrated in Delaware. Joining the discussion will be Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf, Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Chair of Family and Community Medicine at Christiana Care Health System, and participants from the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \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\nThe goal of this roundtable is to examine the program\u2019s progress and explore how to create new partnerships and strengthen current partnerships\u00a0throughout\u00a0the state with the medical community, insurance providers,\u00a0community organizations and government legislation to affect change.\u00a0\r\nWHO:\r\nGovernor Jack Markell\r\nU.S. Sen. Tom Carper\r\nDeborah Bagatta Bowles, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware\r\nDr. Tom Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\r\nRita Landgraf, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services\r\nDr. Karyl Rattay, Delaware Public Health Director\r\nDr. Michael Rosenthal, Christiana Care Health System\r\nHeather Hodge, YMCA of the USA, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention Programs\u00a0\r\nParticipants from\u00a0the\u00a0YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program\r\nWHEN: \r\nFriday, Dec. 20, 2013, 9:30 \u2013 11 a.m.\r\nWHERE:\r\nCentral YMCA, 501 West Eleventh St., Wilmington, DE 19801\r\nRSVP:\r\nPress should RSVP to Katie Wilson at\u00a0Katie_Wilson@carper.senate.gov and Sharon R Kaplan at\u00a0skaplan@ymcade.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=33f1901b-e8b5-47b8-a90a-f64a843cec40", "Senator Carper Urges the Senate to Confirm Alejandro Mayorkas", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. President\u2014 During my years of public service, I\u2019ve learned that the most important ingredient in enabling organizations to work is leadership. That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small. Part of our shared responsibility here, then, is ensuring that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government.\r\n\r\nAnd, it is every Senator\u2019s constitutional role to provide advice and consent on the President\u2019s nominations in a thorough and timely manner as part of the confirmation process.\r\n\r\nToday we have the opportunity to fill a key leadership post in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)\u2014the role of Deputy Secretary.\r\n\r\nThis Department plays a critical role in protecting our nation from harm. Because of its essential mission, I have been very concerned for many months about the high number of senior level vacancies at DHS. In fact, the Department has been without a Senate confirmed Deputy Secretary since April\u2014or eight full months\u2014and without a Senate confirmed Secretary since early summer.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week we took an important step to address this problem by voting to confirm Jeh Johnson as the next Secretary of DHS with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now we need to keep building that leadership team by confirming Alejandro \u201cAli\u201d Mayorkas as his Deputy.\r\nEverything I have learned about Director Mayorkas over the past year has led me to conclude that he is an exceptional candidate to be the next Deputy Secretary at DHS.\r\n\r\nSome of our Republican friends say that we cannot move forward with consideration of Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination until the Office of the Inspector General finishes an investigation it began in September 2012 \u2014 15 months ago \u2014 into his management of the complex EB-5 investor visa program. And yesterday we also heard Republicans put forward a new argument that the results of an OIG audit of the broader EB-5 program should somehow disqualify Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nRespectfully, I disagree. We have waited long enough. First, I will explain why we can no longer continue to wait for the Office of Inspector General to finish its investigation. And then I will shed some light on why the OIG audit of the EB-5 program is flawed, and in no way disqualifies Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nFirst things first: just three days before his confirmation hearing in July, we learned about the Office of the Inspector General investigation into Director Mayorkas in a highly irregular manner, through a leaked email to Congress. In fact, the Inspector General subsequently apologized to Senator Leahy, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for this leak.\r\n\r\nThe information that was leaked indicated that in September 2012, the OIG had received allegations about conflicts of interest, misuse of position, and an appearance of impropriety by Director Mayorkas and other agency officials. Importantly, the OIG confirmed that this was not in any way a criminal investigation.\r\n\r\nWe now know that the OIG did not begin investigating these allegations for almost a year after receiving them.\r\n\r\nIdeally I would have preferred that the investigation be completed before moving forward \u2013 and at one point I thought it might be. But based on my staff\u2019s conversations with the Office of the Inspector General I believe that this investigation still has months to go.\r\n\r\nDr. Coburn has said that it is improper for me to inquire about the status of an investigation. That is simply absurd. There is absolutely nothing improper about the Chairman of a Committee seeking an update on the status of, and resources for, a pending investigation.\r\n\r\nAccordingly, in July, Dr. Coburn and I wrote to the IG and urged him to make this investigation a priority. In August, the IG responded and said it would be a priority. The OIG also told my staff that the investigation would be completed in October. In October, Dr. Coburn and I again wrote to the IG asking for a status update. My staff was informed that it would now be completed in December.\r\n\r\nOn December 2nd, a bipartisan group of Committee staff participated in a telephone call with the head of investigations at the OIG to receive another status update. They were told it would likely take two or three more months to complete the investigation.\r\n\r\nTo recap, every time we have spoken with the Office of the Inspector General, we have been told they are just two or three months away from completing this investigation.\r\n\r\nI respect that the OIG must do its job, but we must do ours as well, and we cannot afford to keep waiting two months, every other month, to fill a position as critical as this one.\r\n\r\nDuring this most recent call with the Office of the Inspector General, with bipartisan Committee staff, the OIG once again confirmed that, to date, they have found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by anybody at DHS, including Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nGiven that the investigation appears to be months away from conclusion and that its completion date has already slipped several times -- and given the confirmation by the OIG that there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing -- it is time to move forward.\r\n\r\nNow, some of my colleagues continue to say that the allegations they have heard from anonymous sources, or so-called whistleblowers, are very concerning. I wish I could tell you that we were able to investigate these allegations in full. But unfortunately, these anonymous sources have refused to provide any information to the Majority on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. This is, as I understand it, unprecedented.\r\nAccording to Dr. Coburn, his staff has met with six individuals who have raised a number of allegations that he is concerned about. Unfortunately, rather than question the nominee about this matter and give him a chance to respond, Republican members of our Committee boycotted his confirmation hearing and have refused to meet with Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve said this to Dr. Coburn before, but I simply do not understand how my Republican friends can refuse to offer Director Mayorkas what I consider to be a simple, common, courtesy: a face to face meeting.\r\n\r\nAgain, we have been denied the opportunity to meet with these anonymous sources. My staff has, however, thoroughly looked into the allegations that have made been made public in a number of letters by Senator Grassley. These allegations cluster around Director Mayorkas\u2019 administration of the EB-5 visa program. It is an extremely complicated program that provides foreign investors an opportunity to immigrate to the United States in exchange for significant investments in job-creating enterprises here.\r\n\r\nThe primary complaint about Director Mayorkas centers around an EB-5 related application by the Gulf Coast Funds Management regional center which has ties to Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe.\r\n\r\nAnonymous sources have reportedly alleged that Director Mayorkas improperly intervened to help change a draft legal decision so that it would come out in favor of Terry McAuliffe\u2019s former company, Greentech Automotive.\r\n\r\nFirst of all, I think it is important that everybody understands that Greentech did not get what they wanted. I say again, the final decision in this case DID NOT come out in Greentech\u2019s favor.\r\n\u2003\r\nSecond, it is important to note that the author of the Greentech decision -- the former head of the Administrative Appeals Office at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mr. Perry Rhew told my staff just last week that he strongly disputed the allegation that Director Mayorkas had inappropriately influenced this decision. \u2003\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s right. The one person that my staff was able to identify in Senator Grassley\u2019s letters directly contradicted the comments attributed to him, and the main allegations raised against Director Mayorkas in those letters.\r\n\r\nSome of the other allegations that have been made public about Director Mayorkas\u2019 management of the EB-5 program contend that applications appear to have been processed without sufficient regard to security concerns. \u2003\r\nHowever, in reviewing the leaked emails that were attached to these accusations, Director Mayorkas actually says the exact opposite. For example, in an email to subordinates on January 30 this year concerning an application for a Regional Center in Las Vegas, Director Mayorkas says: \u201cwe will take the time needed to resolve the security issue and we will not act until we have achieved resolution. I agree that we need to run enhanced security and integrity checks.\u201d\r\n\r\nAre these the actions of someone who is trying to exert improper influence or subvert security checks? I think any fair minded person would agree that the answer is NO!\r\n\r\nEven our Committee\u2019s Ranking Member, Dr. Coburn has said that the allegations against Mr. Mayorkas, although serious, are most likely not grounded in reality. In reference to the allegations against Mr. Mayorkas, Dr. Coburn said last week, \u201cI doubt they are true, but we do not have the facts.\u201d\r\n\r\nI agree with Dr. Coburn. We don\u2019t have any facts pointing to any sort of wrong doing by Director Mayorkas at all. Once again, none of the anonymous sources have presented information to the Majority regarding their concerns.\r\n\r\nWe do know the names of the dozens of people\u2014people with impeccable credentials from both sides of the aisle\u2014who think the world of Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nOne of them is Jane Holl Lute, the last Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. She said: \u201cAs I have come to know Ali, I can tell you that he asks no more of others than he does of himself, and, in leading by example, sets a standard of excellence for all who consider themselves committed to public service. In my view, Homeland Security could be in no better hands.\u201d\r\n\r\nWe also heard from a number of officials in the George W. Bush Administration, including the last Senate-confirmed Inspector General, Richard Skinner, President Bush\u2019s Homeland Security Advisor, Kenneth Wainstein, and the three most senior border security officials for President Bush\u2014Robert Bonner, Ralph Basham, and Jason Ahern.\r\n\r\nIn fact, Ralph Basham, the last Senator-confirmed Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection\u2014and the former head of the Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration\u2014urged us to move forward with Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination despite the OIG\u2019s investigation.\r\n\r\nHe said, and I quote: \u201cThere is no reason to wait. If this were an investigation of criminal wrongdoing by a competent investigative law enforcement agency, the Committee might be justified in delaying action. But the allegations, as I understand them, are at most as to whether an agency head used his discretionary authority to take a meeting and review a case and a program that was under his supervision.\u201d\r\n\r\nThis is what one of the most distinguished national security voices in the George W. Bush Administration\u2014a man who has led four different component agencies within DHS\u2014thinks. I could not agree more. It is time to move forward.\r\n\r\nLastly, I\u2019d like to discuss this new OIG audit of the EB-5 program that was released to Congress yesterday. I specifically want to address my Republican colleagues\u2019 contention that this flawed audit somehow confirms that Director Mayorkas failed to take national security seriously.\r\n\r\nThe truth is that for years Director Mayorkas has been proactively addressing national security and fraud concerns in the EB-5 program.\r\n\r\n18 months ago, in June of 2012, Director Mayorkas and his team approached the Chairman and Ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee with concerns about potential national security vulnerabilities in the EB-5 program. Director Mayorkas asked Congress, again 18 months ago, for the legal authority that he needed to fully address these vulnerabilities \u2013 authority only Congress could provide.\r\n\r\nDo you know what Congress did? Nothing! Congress dealt Director Mayorkas and his agency a bad hand when we reauthorized the EB-5 program in September 2012. We failed to give the agency the legal authorities that Director Mayorkas and his team at USCIS specifically requested to enable them to address the national security and fraud vulnerabilities that it could not address on its own.\r\n\r\nEarlier this year, I was glad to see that Senator Leahy added an amendment to the Immigration Reform bill that made virtually all of the national security fixes that Director Mayorkas had requested 18 months ago. While the bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, it is unfortunately stalled in the House.\r\n\r\nIt strikes me as grossly unfair to punish Director Mayorkas for Congress\u2019 inability to address the vulnerabilities in the EB-5 program that Director Mayorkas and his team brought to our attention and asked us to fix.\r\n\r\nKeep this in mind when you hear my colleagues across the aisle say that Director Mayorkas failed to take national security concerns seriously. The people who failed to take these concerns seriously are those of us here in Congress.\r\n\r\nI think this is a good time to set the record straight regarding some of the Office of the Inspector General\u2019s findings in this recently completed EB-5 audit report\u2014because this audit remarkably misses some key facts.\r\n\r\nFirst of all, the report says the EB-5 program is vulnerable to fraud and national security risks, and that the legislation that created the program makes it difficult to fully address these risks. Incredibly, the OIG Audit report makes no mention of the efforts that Director Mayorkas undertook \u2013beginning 18 months ago -- to get Congress to pass legislation to address these vulnerabilities.\r\nIn the absence of being granted those authorities by us \u2013 Congress \u2013 Director Mayorkas took it upon himself to implement whatever reforms he could with his agency\u2019s current legal authorities. Again, many of these reforms took place before, or during, this audit\u2014and yet, once again incredibly, they are not even mentioned in the report.\r\n\r\nOne of Director Mayorkas\u2019 first actions was to elevate the Fraud Detection and National Security office to a Directorate, reporting directly to him. This ensured that national security professionals had a seat at the management table, and a voice in all major decisions.\r\n\r\nHe expanded reporting requirements and security checks for Regional Centers, which led USCIS to increase the number of national security investigations in the EB-5 program by more than 50 percent in the past four years.\r\n\r\nHe increased EB-5 staffing from nine people in 2009 to more than 80 today, and hired senior economists and national security officers to work with immigration specialists.\r\n\r\nAnd, he proactively engaged other agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBI, and the Treasury Department to help police the program.\r\n\r\nIn fact, Senator Grassley noted this week that Director Mayorkas convened a National Security Staff working group to examine the program last year. That\u2019s right, Director Mayorkas was the impetus for the very national security working group that Senator Coburn has cited as evidence that he is somehow ignoring national security concerns. Talk about no good deed going unpunished.\r\n\r\nThe audit report says that the program is fraught with the perception of outside influence. It\u2019s true. USCIS receives 1,500 queries about the EB-5 program each year from Congress\u20141,500! In fact almost half of my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle have inquired about EB-5 cases since 2009.\r\n\r\nBut let me be clear. The fact that this program garners a lot of attention and that Members of Congress and other high level elected officials from both parties inquire frequently about the status and prospects of pending applications does not mean that USCIS adjudicators are swayed by the attention. Perception is not always reality.\r\n\r\nContrary to what some have suggested or assumed, the OIG reported in its audit that all of the files they reviewed in their audit \u2013 including the ones associated with Terry McAuliffe\u2019s company \u2013 appeared to support the final decisions.\r\n\r\nLet me say that again\u2014the OIG audit concluded that the evidence it reviewed in the Terry McAuliffe case supported the final decision. The final decision that Mr. Perry Rhew told my staff that he made, without being influenced by Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nBased on the evidence that we have before us, it is clear that Director Mayorkas has taken strong steps to improve the EB-5 program. These are the actions of a dedicated, thoughtful, and committed public servant.\r\nThey are the actions of a leader who is willing to make tough \u2013 but necessary \u2013 decisions in order to shake things up and improve a program. That is exactly the kind of leadership we need at DHS and across the federal government.\r\n\r\nLet me close by once again pointing out that we have been unable to meet with the six individuals who have made these anonymous allegations. And it is frankly impossible for us to interview all 18,000 employees at USCIS. But just the other day, the Partnership for Public Service issued its rankings of the best places to work in the federal government in 2013, based on interviews it undertook with federal employees in 300 agencies.\r\n\r\nI was dismayed to find out that the Department of Homeland Security ranked last in employee morale on their list of Cabinet Departments. However, one of the bright spots for DHS was U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In fact, it was one of the highest ranked components within DHS, coming in at 76 out of 300 federal agencies. And after Alejandro Mayorkas took over in 2009, employee satisfaction with senior leadership increased by more than 20 percent.\r\n\r\nThat says a lot about the kind of leadership that Alejandro Mayorkas has brought to USCIS and will bring to the Department of Homeland Security if he is confirmed. I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting yes today.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8870014f-ed44-44b8-974a-8fedd6dc5cd2", "Senate Confirms Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate confirmed Director Mayorkas by a vote of 54 to 41. Director Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April.\r\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission \u2013 to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThis is a difficult mission under any circumstances, and one that requires strong leadership in key positions such as Deputy Secretary. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.\u00a0 Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. I thank my colleagues for confirming Director Mayorkas and helping to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. I look forward to working with him in his new role.\u201d\r\nChairman Carper spoke on the floor in support of Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination throughout the week:\r\nDecember 18: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.\r\nDecember 19: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.\r\nDecember 20: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.\r\nPrior to being nominated to this position, Mr. Mayorkas served as the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where he oversaw the largest immigration system in the world. He has also served as the U.S. Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice.\r\nSince his nomination, Director Mayorkas has received an outpouring of bipartisan support from law enforcement agencies, former members of DHS leadership in both Republican and Democratic administrations and others. In total, the Committee has received over 30 letters of support for Director Mayorkas. The letters of support can be accessed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=91f2be72-6f85-4bc8-922d-5947975fb9a6", "Sen. Carper Reminds Delawareans that Monday is Deadline to Enroll in Healthcare Insurance for Jan. 1", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) reminded Delawareans that the upcoming deadline for enrolling in a health insurance marketplace plan is Monday, Dec. 23 for coverage beginning on beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. As the Washington Post reported this week, many insurers have extended the deadline to pay premiums to Dec. 31, but participants in these plans must enroll by Dec. 23.\r\n\u201cIf you haven\u2019t already, the time is now to review options and determine what plans work best for you and your family.\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cIn Delaware, visit http://www.choosehealthde.com for more information on available health insurance plans and to enroll.\r\n\u201cThis month, I joined hundreds of thousands of Americans and many of my staff in enrolling in health insurance on the health insurance marketplace.\u00a0We\u2019re covered starting January 1 and I want to make sure you are as well. Enroll today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=d7768a2e-e247-4428-ae1c-f620f8972e4f", "Diabetes Prevention Program Highlighted in Delaware", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 Today, the YMCA of Delaware convened a group of state and national leaders, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden, Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Representative John Carney (D-Del.) at a roundtable discussion in Wilmington to discuss the impact of type 2 diabetes in Delaware and across the nation and how the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program is helping to reduce diabetes rates nationwide at the Central Downtown YMCA.\r\nAt the event, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA of Delaware highlighted the good work Delaware is doing to prevent type 2 Diabetes, and highlighted Sen. Tom Carper\u2019s (D-Del.) efforts to prevent diabetes and encourage Medicare and Medicaid coverage of evidence-based diabetes prevention programs like the Y\u2019s.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s going to take a coordinated approach where the public and private sector work with community-based organizations like the Y to reduce its impact,\u201d said Matt Longjohn, MD. MPH, YMCA of the USA\u2019s National Health Officer. \u201cThe Y thanks Senator Carper for his support in working to ensure coverage of this important program. Ys nationwide look forward to working with Congress, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others to make this program accessible to as many people as possible.\u201d\r\nOther participants included Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf; Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay; Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Chair of Family and Community Medicine at Christiana Care Health System; Dr. Stephen Permut, American Medical Association Board of Trustees; representatives from YMCA of the USA and participants from the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program.\r\nThe YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program, which is part of the CDC\u2019s National Diabetes Prevention Program, helps adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.\r\n\u201cWe are pleased that the YMCA in Delaware's success and progress with\u00a0the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program, coupled with Senator Carper's advocacy, made the YMCA of Delaware a focal point for this critical national issue,\u201d said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, CEO of\u00a0the\u00a0YMCA in Delaware.\u00a0\r\nThe YMCA of Delaware is part of a 17 community demonstration project to show that an evidence-based prevention program delivered by a community-based organization can lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and reduce medical costs incurred by Medicare. If successful, the program could become a model for how the nation\u2019s largest payer of health care claims reimburses community-based organizations as providers of evidence-based preventive services. \u00a0\r\nIn these 17 communities, the Y is offering the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention at no cost to 10,000 qualifying Medicare enrollees over the next three years. The initiative is expected to save Medicare an estimated $4.2 million over three years and $53 million over six years. The project is funded through a Health Care Innovation Award from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).\r\nSenator Carper recently supported coverage of programs that are part of the CDC\u2019s National Diabetes Prevention Program by Medicare and Medicaid by offering an amendment to a bill repealing and replacing the current Medicare physician payments system so that physician payment rates are not subject to annual cuts. \u00a0The amendment was withdrawn in exchange for a commitment by the Congressional Budget Office to prioritize scoring the potential cost-savings to Medicare and Medicaid of diabetes prevention programs like the Y\u2019s. \u00a0While the amendment was not ultimately voted on, the Senator\u2019s effort builds bi-partisan support for the program with his Senate colleagues and may help to pave the way for eventual passage.\r\n\u201cWe all know that obesity and diabetes are two of the main drivers of poor health and increasing health care costs in our country,\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cIf we do not rein in the growth of obesity and diabetes, this may be the first generation of Americans with a shorter life span than earlier generations. \u00a0To get this epidemic under control, we need to ensure that we are supporting a full range of therapies and programs, like the YMCA\u2019s program, that might help lower our country\u2019s obesity rates and better prevent chronic diseases like diabetes.\u201d\r\nOver the past several years, the Y has worked with CDC to expand the National Diabetes Prevention Program.\u00a0\u00a0 Currently, the YMCA\u2019s Diabetes Prevention Program is offered in more than 700 locations in 39 states\r\n\u201cPrevention is critical to reducing the nation\u2019s healthcare costs and helping people live longer, more productive lives,\u201d said Congressman Carney.\u00a0 \u201cEating healthier and getting more physical activity greatly reduces someone\u2019s risk of developing diabetes and many other chronic diseases.\u00a0 The key is getting people the information early and providing them with the support to make real progress.\u00a0 We had a good discussion, and I\u2019m looking forward to continuing our work with both state and national partners to help Delawareans fight this disease.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe know that we can be effective in preventing diabetes for people at high risk by helping them make lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition, increased physical activity and weight loss,\u201d said Governor Jack Markell. \u201cThe National Diabetes Prevention Program provides another opportunity to help make Delaware a safer and healthier place, building on efforts like our improved trails for walking or biking, and our smoking ban on state property.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday, about 70,000 Delawareans are living with diabetes, with the trend rising dramatically from 7.6 percent of Delaware adults in 2003 to 9.6 percent in 2012,\u201d Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. \u201cThis reality, coupled with the fact that Delaware\u2019s population is aging faster than that of the nation as a whole, makes it even more critical that we find ways to prevent and control diabetes in Delaware.\u201d\r\nBy 2030, one-third of Delaware residents will be 60 or older and the state also is projected to have the ninth-highest proportion of people age 65 and older among all states.\r\n\u201cWe must focus more on prevention and on healthy lifestyles throughout the lifespan,\u201d said Dr. Karyl Rattay.\u00a0 \u201cStarting with young children and educating them on healthy eating and physical activity, and evolving the supports throughout their lifetime.\u201d\r\nThe Y is committed to making the program available to everyone who meets program criteria in communities offering the program and is working with CDC and others to bring more payers and program providers to the table.\u00a0 To date, more than 15,000 individuals have completed or attended at least one session of the program, and participants have attained an average of nearly 5 percent weight loss.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182214/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-legislation-to-enhance-successful-wetland-conservation-program", "Senator Coons introduces legislation to enhance successful wetland conservation program", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons introduces legislation to enhance successful wetland conservation program \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill will increase the Federal Duck Stamp to protect waterfowl habitat \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced legislation Thursday to restore and improve the popular and successful Duck Stamp program, which provides funding to conserve wetlands habitat needed for waterfowl.\n\u201cIt\u2019s up to all of us to protect and preserve Delaware\u2019s precious natural resources for future generations,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cHunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation contribute billions of dollars each year to our local economy and enhance the quality of life of thousands in our state. The Federal Duck Stamp makes these activities possible by funding efforts to conserve critical waterfowl habitat across Delaware. This bill will ensure this effective program can continue to play an important role in restoring and preserving our wetlands.\u201d\nIntroduced today, the Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act would authorize the secretary of the Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, to increase the price of the stamp from the current $15 up to $25, and consider an additional increase of up to $30 in five years. The price increase, the first since 1991, will compensate for lost purchasing power due to inflation and restore the effectiveness of the program.\n\"The federal duck stamp is an incredibly important financial tool that helps conserve critical wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Delaware and across the country,\u201d said Louis Caputo, Jr., state chairman of Delaware Ducks Unlimited. \u201cThese funds and the work that can be done with them, will continue to assist the ducks, geese and other migratory birds to \u2018Complete the Cycle\u2019 of migration up and down the Atlantic Flyway. These areas provide necessary and essential feeding and resting grounds for the birds during their migratory cycles. In addition to this important work, the program provides artists of all ages the opportunity to enter their work each year in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. This artwork is purchased by outdoor enthusiasts and collectors, furthering marketing and branding of this worthwhile and essential program to people of all walks of life that enjoy the beauty of the birds and the outdoors. I am hopeful that this legislation can pass the Congress and ensure that the migration of birds continues here in the Atlantic Flyway and all throughout the United States.\"\u00a0\nEstablished in 1934, the Duck Stamp program has raised $750 million and preserved over five million acres of wetlands critical for waterfowl conservation. Wetlands also support the activities of sportsmen, birders, and subsistence users. The bill also allows for the consideration of limited waivers of stamp fees as long as they have a minimal impact on program revenues.\nThe legislation is supported by Ducks Unlimited and is also sponsored by Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Conservation,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Fishing,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of the Interior,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Hunting,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Ducks Unlimited,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Wildlife,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Delaware,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Water", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182229/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-praises-increase-in-us-aid-to-central-african-republic", "Senator Coons praises increase in U.S. aid to Central African Republic", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons praises increase in U.S. aid to Central African Republic \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Ambassador Power announces $23 million in additional aid \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, welcomed today\u2019s announcement of additional humanitarian and conflict prevention funding from the United States to assist the people of the Central African Republic.\n\u201cStopping the violence in the Central African Republic requires the support and engagement of the entire global community. There are clearly no easy solutions, but we cannot stand aside as innocent civilians are targeted for slaughter. I strongly support the nearly $23 million in additional American support announced by Ambassador Power today aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs and helping end the brutal intercommunal violence in the Central African Republic. I welcome the decision to support local leaders\u2019 efforts to build peace in their communities and to improve access to accurate information by training local journalists and helping local radio stations \u2014 many of which have been destroyed in the violence \u2014 resume operations. It is imperative that this additional support be deployed quickly to help break the spiraling cycle of violence, promote reconciliation among communities that previously lived together peacefully, and prevent mass atrocities.\u201d\nU.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power announced that the United States would provide $7.5 million to support conflict mitigation, reconciliation, and peace-building, $15 million in new humanitarian support, and $200,000 to support justice for victims of gender-based violence. Since November, the United States has agreed to provide up to $124 million in support. More information can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/1fIHByY\u00a0\u00a0\nCAR has experienced escalating violence and lawlessness since a March 2013 coup.\u00a0 The violence has forced at least 700,000 to flee their homes, many hiding in the bush or taking refuge in dangerous conditions around churches and schools, and half the population of 4.6-5 million needs humanitarian assistance. Senator Coons chaired a hearing on the situation in CAR on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                United Nations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Central African Republic", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012046/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-the-nuclear-weapon-free-iran-act", "Statement from Senator Coons on the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the introduction of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act on Thursday:\n\u201cI share the President\u2019s sincere hope that the interim agreement with Iran may result in a comprehensive final agreement that eliminates the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon capability and protects the national security interests of the United States and our vital allies.\u00a0The bipartisan legislation introduced today, of which\u00a0I\u00a0am an original cosponsor, gives the\u00a0administration the flexibility it needs to continue negotiating with Iran and our international partners, but also ensures Congress will have sanctions at the ready should Iran violate the agreement or negotiations fail.\n\u201cAfter an array of classified briefings and discussions with U.S. and international leaders, I am convinced that the strong sanctions imposed by the U.S. and international community brought Iran to the negotiating table,\u00a0and I remain strongly supportive of their ongoing implementation and enforcement.\u00a0\u00a0 This is why I support legislation proposing additional sanctions to be implemented by the administration if Iran breaches the Joint Plan of Action, takes other action inconsistent with the agreement, or if no final agreement is reached.\u00a0\n\u201cThe bill provides the administration with an opportunity to suspend and eventually waive sanctions for up to a year, so long as Iran continues to negotiate in good faith and does not violate the interim deal. If a final agreement is reached that dismantles Iran\u2019s illicit nuclear infrastructure, brings Iran into compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, and satisfies other conditions, new sanctions may be suspended.\n\u201cAs lawmakers, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure that the United States pursues policies that maximize our security interests, as well as those of our allies.\u00a0This legislation is consistent with that responsibility, and I believe, will improve the chances of reaching a final agreement with Iran that will eliminate its illicit nuclear program.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Iran,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nuclear Weapons,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sanctions", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=8396f763-383e-4e4d-93cc-e47595497c52", "Senator Carper's Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. President\u2014 The Committee which I am privileged to chair \u2013 the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee -- is responsible for working with the Administration and others to help protect our nation\u2019s security at home and abroad. At the same time, we strive to make sure that federal agencies work better and more efficiently with the resources we entrust to them.\r\nDuring my years of public service, I\u2019ve learned that the most important ingredient in enabling organizations to work is leadership. That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small. Part of our shared responsibility here, then, is ensuring that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government.\r\n\r\nAnd, it is every Senator\u2019s constitutional role to provide advice and consent on the President\u2019s nominations in a thorough and timely manner as part of the Senate\u2019s confirmation process.\r\n\r\nWhile Congress will soon wrap up the 2013 session with far less to show for it than many of us would have liked, the Senate will soon have the opportunity to fill a key leadership post in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)\u2014the role of Deputy Secretary.\r\n\r\nThis Department, as we all know, plays a critical role in protecting our nation from harm\u2014whether the threat relates to terrorism from abroad, home grown extremists, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.\r\n\r\nBecause of the Department\u2019s significant role in the security our country, I have been very concerned, as my colleagues well know, for many months about the high number of senior level vacancies at DHS. In fact, the Department has been without a Senate confirmed Deputy Secretary since April and without a Senate confirmed Secretary since early September.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week we took an important step to address this problem by voting to confirm Jeh Johnson as the next Secretary of DHS with overwhelming bipartisan support. That\u2019s good news but we shouldn\u2019t stop there. We need to ensure that Secretary Johnson has a Senate-confirmed leadership team in place, including Alejandro \u201cAli\u201d Mayorkas as his Deputy.\r\n\r\nThis evening I\u2019d like to take some time to speak in strong support of the nomination of Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination and explain why I firmly believe that he\u2019s one of the leaders we so desperately need at the DHS.\r\nAs of this week, more than eight months have passed since Deputy Secretary Holl Jane Lute stepped down from her post. And, nearly six months have passed since the President nominated Alejandro Mayorkas, currently the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, for that post. It\u2019s time to put in place Senate confirmed leadership in this very important Deputy Secretary position.\r\nThe former Deputy Secretary, Jane Holl Lute, was widely respected by the Members on my Committee and many of my other colleagues in the Senate for her leadership, management, expertise, and candor. She made great strides in many areas \u2013 for example, in narrowing the operational and management issues identified as \"high risk\" by the Government Accountability Office.\r\n\r\nI think it\u2019s safe to say that the Department needs somebody with her same level of commitment to tackling problems head-on.\r\n\r\nAnd I also think it\u2019s safe to say that Director Mayorkas understands and is well-prepared to tackle these management challenges and is committed to continuing these reform efforts needed to move the Department further forward.\r\n\r\nDirector Mayorkas has a distinguished record of leadership and public service. In fact, he has been confirmed by the Senate not once but twice \u2013 first as the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, the youngest U.S. Attorney in the country at that time, and again, in his current capacity, as the leader of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). He has also served as a partner at a major U.S. law firm, O\u2019Melveny and Myers.\r\n\r\nDirector Mayorkas has a long and distinguished record in law enforcement. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he aggressively prosecuted drug traffickers, human smugglers, and violent criminals.\r\n\r\nAs U.S. Attorney, Mr. Mayorkas led the largest federal judicial system in the United States and was appointed by the U.S. Attorney General, Janet Reno, to serve on her advisory committee on ethics and government.\r\n\r\nSince his confirmation\u2014by voice vote\u2014-by the Senate in 2009, Director Mayorkas has served as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services since 2009, skillfully leading the largest immigration system in the world. In this capacity, Director Mayorkas has been responsible for an 18,000 member workforce that maintains more than 200 offices worldwide and is supported by a $3 billion budget.\r\n\r\nAnd Director Mayorkas has led the effort to turn around an agency that was widely considered to be foundering and helped put it on the path to professionalism and competence.\r\n\r\nHis first action after being confirmed was to order a top to bottom review of the agency to identify its strengths, and weaknesses. When the review concluded, Director Mayorkas became concerned that Citizenship and Immigration Services was prioritizing speed over security when it came to processing visa applications.\r\n\r\nIn order to make sure that national security concerns were getting the proper attention, he created an entire new Directorate responsible for policing visa issuance, reporting directly to him. This ensured that national security professionals would have a seat at the management table, and a voice in all major decisions.\r\n\r\nDirector Mayorkas has proven that he is an exceptional manager during his time at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Let me give you some concrete examples of how he has made the agency more effective.\r\n\r\nHe dramatically improved what I believe is one of the most important programs in all of DHS, e-Verify. This is the voluntary program that allows employers to check whether prospective employees are eligible to work in the United States.\r\n\r\nI was pleasantly surprised to learn that, under Director Mayorkas leadership, the number of employers using e-Verify tripled\u2014from 156,000 employers in 2009 to 473,000 today. The number of people processed by E-Verify also increased from 8.7 million to 20.5 million. That is just tremendous improvement in this important program.\r\n\r\nHis implementation last year of the President\u2019s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program\u2014a hugely complicated and challenging undertaking that brought hundreds of thousands of people out of the shadows\u2014 has also been widely praised.\r\n\r\nWithin 60 days, Director Mayorkas managed to implement a program that processed hundreds of thousands of people, while ensuring that the appropriate security checks were performed. That is simply stunning.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s something else that I found interesting. Just yesterday, the Partnership for Public Service issued its rankings of the best places to work in the federal government in 2013. I was dismayed to find out that the Department of Homeland Security ranked last on their list of Cabinet Departments. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was one of the highest ranked components within DHS, coming in at 76 out 300. And when Alejandro Mayorkas took over in 2009, employee satisfaction with senior leadership increased by 21 percent.\r\n\r\nWe need more of that kind of proven and committed leadership at DHS.\r\n\r\nEverything I have learned about Director Mayorkas over the past year has led me to conclude that he is an exceptional candidate to be the next Deputy Secretary at DHS.\r\n\r\nBut don\u2019t just take my word for it. Director Mayorkas has received glowing accolades from a number of our colleagues who have worked closely with him. Among them are Senators Mary Landrieu, a valued member of this committee, and Dianne Feinstein, who recommended Director Mayorkas for his positions in both the Clinton and Obama Administrations.\r\n\r\nWe have also received dozens of letters from a distinguished, bipartisan group of individuals and organizations asking us to move forward with this nomination. I would like to take a little bit of time right now to share with you what some of these distinguished people have been saying about Director Mayorkas.\r\nAmong those writing on Director Mayorkas\u2019 behalf are many individuals whom a lot of us deeply respect -- Jane Holl Lute, the former Deputy Secretary, and Richard Skinner, the last Senate-confirmed Department of Homeland Security Inspector General who was nominated by President George W. Bush.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI particularly value what Jane Holl Lute has to say, given that she has an unparalleled perspective on what it takes to be an effective Deputy Secretary\u2014having been one herself. She said this about Director Mayorkas: \u201cAs I have come to know Ali, I can tell you that he asks no more of others than he does of himself, and, in leading by example, sets a standard of excellence for all who consider themselves commited to public service. In my view, Homeland Security could be in no better hands.\u201d\r\n\r\nThat is what the last Deputy Secretary has to say about Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\nIn one of two support letters Mr. Skinner sent our committee \u2013 including one earlier this month \u2013 he said of Director Mayokas: \u201cDuring my tenure as Inspector General, Mr. Mayorkas demonstrated that he possessed the intellectual wherewithal to make objective and oftentimes very tough decisions on complex, multifaceted issues, and a genuine commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a strong leader who will be able to bring together diverse interests in collaborative efforts.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe list of supporters for Director Mayorkas also includes other senior officials in the George W. Bush Administration such as Kenneth Wainstein, who was President Bush\u2019s Homeland Security Advisor.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s what Mr. Wainstein had to say: \u201cAli has consistently shown an exceptional ability to mobilize, manage, and lead people and organizations\u2026.as USCIS Director, he has effectively led a large and complex organization during a time of continuing change and challenge. His marked success in that difficult role is a stong predictor of his performance in the Deputy Secretary position.\u201d\r\n\r\nI could not agree more.\r\n\r\nThose from the law enforcement community also laud Director Mayorkas\u2019 leadership. For example, we received strong letters of support from the people charged with securing our borders during the George W. Bush Administration\u2014Robert Bonner, Ralph Basham and Jason Ahern\u2014who all served as Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection\r\n\r\nMr. Bonner wrote: \u201cIt is not merely his willingness to serve the public good that impels me to write this letter of support for his nomination, it is rather my firm belief that Ali has the experience, skills, talents, and plain old good judgment to be an effective Deputy Secretary, perhaps the best DHS has ever had.\u201d\r\n\r\nMr. Basham wrote: \u201cMr. Mayorkas has already served the Department well and honorably in the role of Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. I also believe Mr. Mayorkas to be a public servant of integrity with a clear and distinguished track record of leadership.\u201d-\r\n\r\nAnd Mr. Ahern said: \u201cit is my strong opinion that Director Mayorkas\u2019 experience and leadership will be invaluable as DHS continue the work of protecting the homeland against threats of all kinds. As the Department of Homeland Security continues to mature, Alejandro Mayorkas is the right leader to continue that development and also meet the many critical mission challenges faced every day.\u201d\r\n\r\nSo the three most senior border security officials who served under President George W. Bush all agree that Director Mayorkas would make an outstanding Deputy Secretary.\r\n\r\nBut it is not just former DHS officials who feel that way. Chuck Canterbury, the National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, said that Director Mayorkas\u2019 \u201cprofessionalism, leadership skills and integrity make him an ideal candidate for this post.\u201d\r\nAll of these individuals who have worked closely with Director Mayorkas have spoken highly of him, citing his integrity, his commitment to excellence, and his tenacity.\r\n\r\nIn his confirmation hearing, Director Mayorkas said that his goal in life has always been to bring honor to his parents. His parents brought him to this country as a refugee from Cuba. They worked hard every day to give him the opportunity to go to school and make a better life for himself. Like them, he has worked hard all of his life.\r\n\r\nI believe that he has brought great honor to his parents and to this country and would continue to do so as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n\r\nI urge all of my colleagues to support Alejandro Mayorkas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=fafab49f-3f2e-4021-b460-3ff6b7e8c670", "Senator Carper on the Nomination of Mayorkas, Continued", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cMr. President \u2013 I rise today to speak again in strong support of the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I spoke yesterday about Director Mayorkas\u2019 impeccable credentials and experience that have prepared him for this important position. My colleague from Louisiana, Senator Landrieu, did the same. Today, I\u2019d like to address some of the concerns about Director Mayorkas that have been raised by my friends on the other side of the aisle and set the record straight.\r\n\r\n\u201cNow, I understand that some of our Republican colleagues believe that we cannot move forward with consideration of Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination until the OIG finishes its investigation begun in September 2012 into his management of the complex EB-5 investor visa program.\r\n\r\n\u201cRespectfully, I disagree. We have waited long enough. Let me explain why.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, the Department of Homeland Security has been without a Deputy Secretary since April\u2014eight full months. And six months have passed since Director Mayorkas was nominated. Just three days before his confirmation hearing in July, information about the OIG investigation was leaked to Congress and the media in a highly irregular manner.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cThe information that was leaked indicated that in September 2012, the OIG had received allegations about conflicts of interest, misuse of position, and an appearance of impropriety by Director Mayorkas and other agency officials. We also now know that the OIG did not actually begin investigating these allegations for almost a year after receiving them.\r\n\r\n\u201cImportantly, the OIG confirmed that this was not in any way a criminal investigation.\r\n\r\n\u201cLet me say that again because some of my friends on the other side of the aisle seem to be confused about this: the OIG confirmed in July and reconfirmed in December that this is not, and never has been, a criminal investigation.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cTo my amazement, Director Mayorkas has never been contacted by, nor interviewed by, the OIG about this investigation. No phone call. No letter. No email. Nothing. He only learned of it after its existence had been leaked to Congress in July just days before his committee hearing. Even then, he ably and vigorously disputed the allegations in his interviews with Committee Members and staff, as well as at his confirmation hearing in July.\r\n\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, rather than question the nominee about this matter and give him a chance to refute these anonymous allegations, Republican members of our Committee boycotted his confirmation hearing and have refused to meet with Director Mayorkas to give him an opportunity to respond to these allegations from people whose names and faces we don\u2019t even know.\r\n\r\n\u201cSenator Grassley said this week that Director Mayorkas has been given a chance to defend himself and has \u201cutterly failed\u201d to reply to his letters. On the contrary \u2013 Director Mayorkas did in fact respond to Senator Grassley\u2019s letters this past August 20th. In fact, he would have gladly spoken with Senator Grassley \u2013 or any other Senator \u2013 about these allegations face to face.\r\n\r\n\u201cI am perplexed that an even better option, speaking to Director Mayorkas himself, was not taken advantage of by Senator Grassley. In fact, I offered to fly to Iowa with Director Mayorkas in August to meet with Senator Grassley\u2014but Senator Grassley declined.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cSo I think the record shows that Director Mayorkas has been eager to meet with Senators to answer their questions, but our colleagues across the aisle have been unwilling to give him what seems to me should be a common courtesy.\r\n\r\n\u201cGetting back to the OIG investigation, of course in a perfect world I would prefer it be completed before moving forward \u2013 and at one point I thought it might be.\r\n\r\n\u201cFirst let me make clear to all that there is nothing improper about the Chairman of a Committee to ask for an update on the status of a pending investigation.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cAccordingly, in July I inquired about the status of this investigation and was told that it would be completed in October. In October, I inquired again about the status and was told it would be completed in December.\r\n\r\n\u201cOn December 2nd, a bipartisan group of Committee staff participated in a telephone call with the head of investigations at the OIG to receive a status update. They were told it would likely take two or three more months to complete the investigation. In fact, every time we have spoken with the OIG, we are told they are just two or three months away from completing this investigation. I respect that the OIG must do its job, but we must do ours as well, and we cannot wait another two months every other month, especially for a position as critical as this one.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cDuring this call with bipartisan Committee staff, the OIG confirmed that, to date, they have found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by anybody at DHS, including Director Mayorkas. That\u2019s right. No evidence. None. Nada.\r\n\r\n\u201cGiven that the investigation appears to be months away from conclusion and that its completion date has already slipped several times -- and given the confirmation by the OIG that there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing -- it is time to move forward.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cThe allegations that have made been made public cluster around Director Mayorkas\u2019 administration of the EB-5 visa program. It is an extremely complicated program that provides foreign investors an opportunity to immigrate to the United States in exchange for significant investments in job-creating enterprises here.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security OIG just completed an audit of the program, as a matter of fact. But I will get to that a bit later.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe primary complaint about Director Mayorkas concerns an EB-5 related application by the Gulf Coast Funds Management regional center which has ties to Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cAnonymous sources have reportedly alleged that Director Mayorkas improperly intervened to help change a draft legal decision so that it would come out in favor of Terry McAuliffe\u2019s former company, Greentech Automotive.\r\n\r\n\u201cFirst of all, I think it is important that everybody understands up front that Greentech did not get what they wanted. I say again, the final decision in this case DID NOT come out in Greentech\u2019s favor.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cSecond, it is important to note that the author of the Greentech decision -- the former head of the Administrative Appeals Office at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mr. Perry Rhew told my staff just last week that he strongly disputed the allegation that Director Mayorkas had inappropriately influenced this decision. \u2003\r\n\r\n\u201cMany of the other allegations that have been made public about Director Mayorkas\u2019 management of the EB-5 program contend that applications appear to have been processed without sufficient regard to security concerns.\r\n\r\n\u201cHowever, in reviewing the leaked emails that were attached to these accusations, Director Mayorkas actually says the exact opposite.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cI found this disconnect between the allegations and the emails presented as evidence so striking that I am going to read exactly what Director Mayorkas said in his email to subordinates on January 30 this year concerning an application for a Regional Center in Las Vegas: \u201cwe will take the time needed to resolve the security issue and we will not act until we have achieved resolution. I agree that we need to run enhanced security and integrity checks.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThis email directly refutes the claim that Director Mayorkas was pushing to expedite applications despite the security concerns raised by his subordinates.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cIn another email attached to one of the letters making accusations against Director Mayorkas, Director Mayorkas forwards a question about Mr. McAuliffe\u2019s company to subordinates and notes \u201cI want to make sure that we are providing customer service consistent with our standards, but that we are not providing any preferential treatment.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAre these the actions of someone who is trying to exert improper influence or subvert security checks? I think any fair minded person would agree that the answer is NO!\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cEven our Committee\u2019s Ranking Member, and my friend, Dr. Coburn indicated that the allegations against Mr. Mayorkas, although serious, are most likely not grounded in reality. I don\u2019t want to mince his words, so I will quote him directly. In reference to the allegations against Mr. Mayorkas, Dr. Coburn said at a Committee meeting, \u201cI doubt they are true, but we do not have the facts.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI agree with Dr. Coburn. We don\u2019t have any facts pointing to any sort of wrong doing by Director Mayorkas at all. None of the anonymous sources or so-call whistleblowers have presented information to the Majority regarding their concerns, something that is unprecedented in these types of circumstances for our Committee.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cOn the one hand, we have over 30 people \u2013 from both sides of the aisle -- who are well know and hugely respected citizens have gone on the record with glowing support for Director Mayorkas. On the other hand, not one person\u2014not one\u2014has stepped forward publicly opposing Director Mayorkas.\r\n\r\n\u201cSome of the people who have written in strong support of Director Mayorkas include the last Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, the last Senate confirmed IG, Richard Skinner, and the three most senior border security officials in the George W. Bush Administration, Robert Bonner, Ralph Basham and Jason Ayhern.\r\n\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cThe fact of the matter is that Director Mayorkas has been proactively addressing national security and fraud concerns in the EB-5 program for years. Soon after being confirmed, Director Mayorkas took a number of administrative and operational steps to address national security concerns. Where he lacked the administrative authority to improve the EB-5 program, he repeatedly appealed to Congress for the legislative authority that he needed.\r\n\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, Congress dealt Director Mayorkas and his entire agency a bad hand when we reauthorized the EB-5 program in 2012. We failed to give the agency any of the legal authorities that Director Mayorkas and his team at USCIS had specifically requested in order to enable them to address the national security and fraud vulnerabilities that it could not address on its own. \u2003\r\nEarlier this year, during the Judiciary Committee debate on S. 744, the immigration reform bill, Senator Leahy introduced an amendment that made virtually all of the national security fixes that Director Mayorkas had requested.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhile the comprehensive immigration reform bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, it is unfortunately stalled in the House.\r\n\r\n\u201cFortunately, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Pat Leahy is working on a stand-alone bill to address these national security and fraud concerns. I would urge all of my colleagues concerned about security issues in the program to join me as a cosponsor of that bill.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cIt strikes me as grossly unfair to punish Director Mayorkas for the inability of Congress to address the vulnerabilities in the EB-5 program that Director Mayorkas and his team brought to our attention and asked us to fix. In essence, those of us in Congress failed to do our job, yet Director Mayorkas is taking the fall for our failure. How is that fair? It isn\u2019t!\r\n\r\n\u201cI mentioned previously that the OIG completed an EB-5 audit and although that report has not yet been publically released, some of my colleagues have been discussing the OIG\u2019s findings earlier today. In light of that, I think this is a good time to get some facts straight\u2014because this audit remarkably misses some key facts.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cFirst of all, the report says the EB-5 program is vulnerable to fraud and national security risks, and that the legislation that created the program makes it difficult to fully address these risks. That is something that has been well known by Congress and the Administration long before this report and long before Director Mayorkas took over US Citizenship and Immigration Services in August of 2009. The emails I just discussed demonstrate that Director Mayorkas did not take national security and fraud matters lightly.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cDespite the widespread knowledge about the national security and fraud vulnerabilities in the EB-5 program \u2013 and all visa programs for that matter -- USCIS did not, and does not still, have the authorities that it asked Congress for in order to adequately police Regional Centers and the EB-5 program. I find it incredible that the OIG Audit report makes no mention of Director Mayorkas\u2019 efforts to get Congress to pass legislation since June 2012.\r\n\r\n\u201cIn the absence of being granted those authorities by us \u2013 Congress \u2013 Director Mayorkas took it upon himself to implement other reforms. Again, many of these reforms took place before, or during, this audit\u2014and yet, incredibly, they are not even mentioned in the report.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cOne of his first actions as Director was to elevate the Fraud Detection and National Security office to a Directorate, reporting directly to him. This ensured that national security professionals had a seat at the management table, and a voice in all major decisions.\r\n\r\n\u201cHe expanded reporting requirements and security checks for Regional Centers, which led USCIS to increase the number of national security investigations in the EB-5 program by more than 50 percent in the past four years.\r\n\r\n\u201cHe increased EB-5 staffing from nine people in 2009 to more than 80 today, and hired senior economists and national security officers to work side by side with immigration specialists.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cAnd, he proactively engaged other agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBI, and the Treasury Department to help police the program. In fact, Senator Grassley himself noted this week that Director Mayorkas convened a National Security Staff working group to examine the program last year.\r\n\r\n\u201cThese are not the actions taken by someone who does not care about national security.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe audit report says that the EB-5 adjudication process is ambiguous. USCIS recognized there was a need for a consolidated adjudication manual, and published one in May 2013 -- one more fact that is not even mentioned in the audit report.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cThe audit report says that the program is fraught with the perception of outside influence. There is no denying the fact that this program gets a lot of attention -- including from Congress. In fact, USCIS receives 1,500 queries about the EB-5 program each year from Congress\u20141,500! In fact almost half of my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle have inquired about EB-5 cases since 2009. That is just an enormous amount of interest from Congress in this program.\r\n\r\n\u201cBut let me be clear. The fact that this program garners a lot of attention and that Members of Congress and other high level elected officials from both parties inquire frequently about the status and prospects of pending applications does not mean that USCIS adjudicators are swayed by the attention. Perception is not always reality.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cContrary to what some have suggested or assumed, the OIG reported that all of the files they reviewed in their audit \u2013 including the ones associated with Terry McAuliffe\u2019s company \u2013 appeared to support the final decision.\r\n\r\n\u201cLet me say that again\u2014the OIG audit concluded that the evidence it reviewed in these cases supported the final decision.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cBased on the evidence that we have before us, it is clear that Director Mayorkas has taken strong steps to improve the EB-5 program. These are the actions of a dedicated, thoughtful, and committed public servant. They are the actions of a leader who is willing to make tough \u2013 but necessary \u2013 decisions in order to shake things up and improve a program. That is exactly the kind of leadership we need at DHS and across the federal government.\r\n\u2003\r\n\u201cI also believe that we need leaders who are committed to doing what they believe in their hearts is the right thing to do. At his confirmation hearing in July, I specifically asked Director Mayorkas about the allegations raised by some of these anonymous sources. Director Mayorkas testified before this Committee\u2014under oath\u2014that he has never put his finger on the scales of justice. I have seen no evidence since then that would lead me to question his veracity.\r\n\r\n\u201cI do not believe that we can let rumors spread by anonymous sources rule the day.\r\n\r\n\u201cSome of our colleagues have been very critical of DHS\u2019 shortcomings and are quick to point out its failures.\r\n\u201cHowever, one of the major reasons the Department fails to live up to expectations more than they \u2013 and the rest of us \u2013 would like is because their top leadership ranks have been riddled with vacancies for much of this year. And, the same is true of too many other federal agencies!\r\n\r\n\u201cAgain, it\u2019s just not fair to criticize the agency on the one hand, and yet seem content, on the other to leave them without any Senate-confirmed leadership for months on end. We can\u2019t have it both ways. It\u2019s time to stop playing political games. It\u2019s time to vote to confirm Ali Mayorkas for the Deputy Secretary position at DHS.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182324/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-passage-of-bipartisan-budget-agreement", "Statement from Senator Coons on passage of bipartisan budget agreement", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on passage of bipartisan budget agreement \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senate passes budget conference committee agreement, 64-36 \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, voted Wednesday to approve the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The Senate voted 64-36 to approve the budget agreement, which will now head to the President for his signature.\u00a0\n\u201cCongress has finally fulfilled one of its most fundamental duties \u2013 agreeing to a budget for the federal government that reduces our deficits and invests in our long-term competitiveness,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cThe bipartisan budget passed today replaces the reckless structure of the across-the-board sequester cuts with smarter savings \u2013 found through a mix of targeted spending cuts and new revenue \u2013 that allow us to continue to invest in important priorities.\n\u201cThis budget is by no means perfect,\u201d Senator Coons continued. \u201cIt does not address all of our nation\u2019s fiscal challenges and difficult debates remain over how best to restore economic certainty to our country. I also remain concerned about the 3,600 Delawareans who will lose their unemployment insurance benefits in 10 days if Congress fails to act. However, I am hopeful that the passage today of a bipartisan budget marks the beginning of a renewed effort in Congress to return to regular order and end the destructive practice of governing from crisis to crisis. The American people deserve a functional Congress and this is an important step in that direction.\u201d\nThe Senate Appropriations Committee, on which Senator Coons also serves, is now responsible for producing a spending bill at the levels set in the budget approved Wednesday. The current continuing resolution funding the federal government expires on January 15, 2014.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Appropriations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Conference Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Deficit,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Competitiveness,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sequester,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment Insurance,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Spending Cuts,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Appropriations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182339/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/national-defense-authorization-requires-administration-strategy-on-somalia", "National Defense Authorization requires administration strategy on Somalia", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t National Defense Authorization requires administration strategy on Somalia \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill being considered by Senate includes legislation drafted by Senator Coons \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House and being considered by the Senate this week includes language from legislation written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, requiring the administration to present a strategy for stability in Somalia.\nThe Somalia Stabilization Act, which was introduced in October, aims to promote security, stability, and good governance in Somalia by requiring a coordinated, interagency U.S. government strategy for consolidating recent security and political gains there. The legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA in November and subsequently included in an updated version of the underlying bill written by the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week.\n\u201cFollowing the U.S. withdrawal from Somalia, and after 20 years of lawlessness, recent developments have finally given us reason for hope,\u201d Chairman Coons said.\u00a0\u201cWhile African Union-led forces have deprived al-Shabaab of territory and revenue, and created much-needed space to begin building functioning state structures, significant challenges remain. The Somali people are increasingly frustrated with the government\u2019s failure to provide basic services \u2013 such as education and health care \u2013 and the humanitarian situation remains severe. I am concerned that despite significant financial investment, the United States\u2019 strategy has not kept pace with changing realities on the ground and would benefit from clearer benchmarks for measuring progress, as well as a timeline for implementation.\u201d\nSince 2006, the U.S. has provided nearly $700 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali National Army to support their efforts to combat al Qaeda affiliate al-Shabaab.\u00a0The U.S. has also spent nearly $140 million in the past two years to support stabilization, democracy, and economic growth.\nChairman Coons convened a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs on the security and governance situation in Somalia on October 8.\nThe legislative text, beginning on page 574, can be downloaded here: http://1.usa.gov/1kVKNHY\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                al Qaeda,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                democracy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                African Union,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Armed Services,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Somalia", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010308/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-congressional-leaders-urge-comprehensive-response-to-wildlife-trafficking", "Congressional leaders urge comprehensive response to wildlife trafficking", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Congressional leaders urge comprehensive response to wildlife trafficking \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Send bipartisan, bicameral letter to co-chairs of Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 A group of bipartisan leaders from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee have sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and Attorney General Eric Holder urging the full use of available government resources to comprehensively combat wildlife trafficking. The letter was signed by Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs Chairman Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio).\n\u201cWe are writing to ensure that the National Strategy the Task Force produces is bold, goal-oriented and implemented through a whole-of-government approach,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cWe believe for the National Strategy to be effective it must include elements to dismantle illicit transnational networks, incorporate security and intelligence resources, and ensure local security forces have the capacity to combat poaching.\u201d\u00a0\nSecretaries Kerry and Jewell, and Attorney General Holder\u00a0are co-chairs of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, established by President Obama in July to develop a national strategy for addressing the growing problem of illicit wildlife trafficking. The task force, along with an Advisory Council made up of non-governmental experts, is working to enhance coordination among existing U.S. programs and policies to combat wildlife trafficking, and assist other nations to do the same. The national strategy is expected to be released in early 2014.\nDriven primarily by consumer demand in Asia, poaching of elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife across the globe has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. The crisis is particularly acute in Central Africa, where heavily armed poachers have decimated elephant populations, and in South Africa, which houses the continent\u2019s largest proportion of rhinos. Profits from the multi-billion dollar wildlife trade are frequently funneled to transnational crime syndicates, whose activities threaten to disrupt the rule of law in developing countries across the globe.\u00a0\nTo combat these illicit networks, the members emphasized that U.S strategy must \u201cidentify steps to build capacity of law enforcement systems in key countries, including the training and equipping of government eco-guards and rangers, and use of technological innovations.\u201d \u201cTo ensure effectiveness,\u201d the members wrote, \u201cprograms must include methods to aggressively deal with the pervasive corruption that prevents effective wildlife law enforcement in many countries. Another portion of the strategy should focus on building prosecutorial, judicial and investigative capacity to prosecute wildlife crime cases more effectively.\u201d\nThe text of the letter is below. It can be downloaded as a PDF here: http://1.usa.gov/1bdssQZ\nDecember 17, 2013\u00a0\nThe Honorable John F. Kerry \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  Secretary of State \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  U.S. Department of State \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  2201 C Street, N.W. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  Washington, DC 20515 \u00a0\nThe Honorable Eric H. Holder  Attorney General  U.S. Department of Justice  950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  Washington, DC 20530 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nThe Honorable Sally Jewell  Secretary of the Interior  U.S. Department of the Interior  1849 C Street, N.W.  Washington, DC 20240\nDear Mr. Secretary, Mr. Attorney General, and Madam Secretary:\nAs Co-Chairs of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, you are charged with developing and implementing a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. As you are well aware, the current poaching and wildlife trafficking crisis is severely impacting communities and species globally and has become within our national security interest to help quell. We appreciate the efforts thus far of the Task Force to respond to Executive Order 13648.\nWe are writing to ensure that the National Strategy the Task Force produces is bold, goal-oriented and implemented through a whole-of-government approach. An important objective of the Task Force is to create greater coordination between existing activities of the various agencies working on wildlife trafficking, while also bringing new agency partners to the table to strengthen the U.S. Government response. We also believe for the National Strategy to be effective it must include elements to dismantle illicit transnational networks, incorporate security and intelligence resources, and ensure local security forces have the capacity to combat poaching.\u00a0\nThe linchpins of illegal wildlife trafficking are the large-scale criminal syndicates that enjoy significant profits because of the strong demand for rhino horns and elephant tusks. These criminal organizations most often utilize existing drug, arms, and human trafficking networks and infrastructure to successfully move wildlife products to market. We must combat wildlife trafficking networks with similar methodologies, tools, and resources as other illicit networks.\u00a0 An effective National Strategy must include strong elements aimed at breaking up these wildlife networks, with a focus on high-level personnel within the networks, as well as clear and measurable indicators to measure progress.\u00a0\nThere are clear connections between criminal wildlife trafficking activities and threats to national security interests in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. General James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, noted in his March 2013 Worldwide Threat Assessment that \u201cillicit trade in wildlife\u2026threatens to disrupt the rule of law in important countries around the world. These criminal activities are often part of larger illicit trade networks linking disparate actors \u2013 from government and military personnel to members of insurgent groups and transnational organized crime organizations.\u201d Given the evidence and implications of this connection, we would like to see the National Strategy actively engage and utilize the security and intelligence resources of the U.S. Government in providing solutions. The scale of criminal financing through wildlife trafficking operations has risen to unprecedented levels, and the National Strategy should strive to employ the best intelligence, data, and technology at our disposal in order to combat it.\u00a0\nAdditionally, the National Strategy should identify steps to build capacity of law enforcement systems in key countries, including the training and equipping of government eco-guards and rangers, and use of technological innovations. To ensure effectiveness, programs must include methods to aggressively deal with the pervasive corruption that prevents effective wildlife law enforcement in many countries. Another portion of the strategy should focus on building prosecutorial, judicial and investigative capacity to prosecute wildlife crime cases more effectively.\nAs you enter the final stages of developing the National Strategy, we urge you not only to rely on traditional conservation approaches but to produce a strategy that strongly reflects the criminal, financial, and security aspects of wildlife trafficking and contains ambitious measures to address them. Failure to do so will inevitably limit the effectiveness of the U.S. response and do little to properly combat wildlife trafficking and poaching.\nWe thank you for your leadership on this issue and for your attention to our suggestions. We look forward to reviewing the forthcoming National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking and working with you on this critical issue going forward.\nSincerely,\nCHRIS COONSChairmanSubcommittee on African AffairsCommittee on Foreign RelationsUnited States Senate\nEDWARD R. ROYCEChairmanCommittee on Foreign AffairsU.S. House of Representatives\nBEN CARDINChairmanSubcommittee on East Asian and Pacific AffairsCommittee on Foreign RelationsUnited States Senate\nSTEVE CHABOTChairmanSubcommittee on Asia and the PacificCommittee on Foreign AffairsU.S. House of Representatives\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Technology,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Trade,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Conservation,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of Justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Wildlife,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of the Interior,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012640/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-cosponsors-bill-to-continue-support-for-older-americans", "Senator Coons cosponsors bill to continue support for older Americans", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons cosponsors bill to continue support for older Americans \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan bill would fund supportive services for seniors \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is working with a bipartisan group of senators to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), legislation that funds social and nutritional services for America\u2019s seniors. First passed by Congress in 1965, the OAA has long provided critical support for meal programs, transportation services, job training, and safeguards to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older Americans. The five-year OAA reauthorization includes strengthened protections for vulnerable seniors and expanded support for family caregivers.\n\u201cWe owe it to our seniors to ensure they have the resources they need to age with dignity and security,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cAs the population of Americans age 60 and older continues to grow, it\u2019s imperative that we invest in the health and welfare of older Americans. The OAA funds vital programs that support seniors and their caregivers, and its reauthorization will ensure they can continue serving those in need.\u201d\nThe OAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 includes a number of important updates to strengthen existing OAA programs. New provisions will bolster the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which provides advocates for residents of adult care facilities, and strengthen elder abuse screening and prevention efforts. The reauthorization bill also features improvements to facilitate the efficient use of transportation services, promote the delivery of evidence-based programs, and improve coordination between programs at the federal, state, and local levels.\nInvestments in programs for seniors yield significant cost savings for the federal government. According to one study, every $1 in federal spending on Meals on Wheels yields as much as $50 in Medicaid savings alone. Another program to prevent falls, the leading cause of injuries for people 65 and older, has been credited with reducing accidents that necessitate costly hospital and nursing home care.\nThe OAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and is also supported by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Mark Begich (D-Ark.), and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).\u00a0\nMore than 50 organizations devoted to senior welfare have endorsed the bill, including AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the National Council on Aging, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, and the Meals on Wheels Association of America.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Transportation,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Seniors,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Older Americans,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nutrition,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Medicaid,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012645/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-sponsors-legislation-to-exempt-volunteer-fire-companies-from-healthcare-mandate", "Senator Coons sponsors legislation to exempt volunteer fire companies from healthcare mandate", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons sponsors legislation to exempt volunteer fire companies from healthcare mandate \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Law is currently unclear about whether Delaware\u2019s volunteer firefighters will be considered \u201cemployees\u201d \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) announced his support Wednesday for the Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which aims to clarify the \u201cShared Responsibility\u201d provision of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that Delaware\u2019s 6,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency responders will not be counted as \u201cemployees\u201d in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service, potentially triggering the law\u2019s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees.\n\u201cAlthough the Affordable Care Act was designed to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable than ever before, unintended impacts have emerged and need to be fixed. This is one of them,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cDelaware\u2019s volunteer firefighters do not receive compensation or financial benefits and should not be considered \u2018employees\u2019 of their departments in the eyes of the federal government. This bill would ensure that Delaware\u2019s 60 volunteer fire companies are not considered employers large enough to qualify for the coverage mandate. It is my hope that Republicans in the Senate and House will work with us in implementing these repairs instead of clinging to their demand for repeal of the Affordable Care Act.\u201d\n\u201cThe Volunteer Firefighters in the State of Delaware appreciate the work by Senator Warner, Senator Coons and all of the Senate sponsors of this important legislation,\u201d Warren Jones of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter\u2019s Association said.\u00a0\u201cWe are greatly concerned of the possible inclusion in the PPACA, what the implications of that inclusion could be and, overall, how that would affect the communities we serve.\u00a0The volunteer fire service has been part of the thread of our country since before the American Revolution. We would hate to see that put in jeopardy.\u00a0We would also hope the House would move similar legislation out of their committee and onto the floor for a vote, as well.\u00a0The volunteer firefighter provides service every day to the citizens of America no matter their race, creed, religion or political affiliation.\u00a0He or she deserves bipartisan support and passage of this legislation.\u201d\nMost volunteer first responders have other full-time employment, and few receive even nominal compensation or financial benefit. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers, nor do most volunteer first responders expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service.\nOn Monday, Senator Coons sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urging the Administration to explore a fix for this issue independent of Congress. It can be downloaded as a PDF here: http://bit.ly/Jsz2g7\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                First Responders,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Affordable Care Act,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Internal Revenue Service,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Healthcare,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Letter,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Firefighters", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=401793c2-31fd-48ce-b815-648b2a48c554", "Sen. Carper Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Budget Act", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a vote of 64 to 36. The legislation now heads to the White House for the president\u2019s signature.\r\n\u201cToday I joined 63 of my colleagues to pass the Bipartisan Budget Act to return the appropriations process to regular order over the next two years. I\u2019m hopeful this bipartisan bill will prevent another harmful and unnecessary government shutdown, like the one this fall that cost our economy $24 billion and rattled the confidence of the American people. \u00a0I applaud my Senate colleague Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) for working tirelessly with House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to broker a budget deal that could gain support from both sides of the aisle.\u00a0 This deal isn\u2019t perfect in anyone\u2019s estimation, but it is a balanced approach to replace the draconian and thoughtless sequestration cuts and bring some normalcy back to the budget process.\u201d\r\n\u201cGetting our nation\u2019s deficit and debt under control is critical for the well-being of our nation and economy. I have long advocated for a three-pronged approach to reducing our nation\u2019s deficit and debt by raising revenues, reforming entitlement programs in a humane way that preserves these programs for future generations and adopting policies that enable federal agencies and programs to get better results for less money.\r\n\u201cCongress and the Administration must continue to work together to sustain and strengthen our economic recovery and put our country on a sustainable fiscal path. \u00a0I hope we can build on the momentum of this small deal so that we can tackle much tougher issues in 2014 and beyond.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020111/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/opening-statement-chairing-foreign-relations-committee-hearing-on-ambassadorial-nominations", "Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Committee hearing on ambassadorial nominations", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 17, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Committee hearing on ambassadorial nominations \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As Prepared for Delivery  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tI am pleased to chair this hearing for the ambassadorial nominees to Angola, Mauritania, Zambia, and Gabon, a post which also includes the islands of S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe. All four nominees have impressive records of accomplishment in the Foreign Service and I look forward to hearing their priorities for advancing U.S. interests and goals. If confirmed, the four nominees will serve at a particularly significant moment in which the United States seeks to strengthen its economic ties with Africa and as it engages even more deeply to combat regional challenges in security, development and health. \u00a0\nOur first nominee is Ambassador Helen La Lime for Angola. While it is one of the largest oil producers and diamond exporters on the continent and an important regional power, Angola faces extreme socioeconomic inequality, with an astonishingly low ranking on the UN Human Development Index. It continues to struggle with the lasting ramifications of a 27-year civil war; political and economic dominance by a small, wealthy elite; lack of political will and capacity to achieve transparency and accountability in governance; and a poor human rights record. The U.S.-Angola relationship is not an easy one, and I am particularly interested in how we can promote improved governance, respect for human rights, and diversified trade while also exploring ways to strengthen ties with Angola\u2019s relatively capable military.\u00a0 \u00a0\nFor this important post, the President has nominated Ambassador La Lime, who is no stranger to diplomacy and Angola. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State with the rank of Minister Counselor, Ambassador La Lime most recently served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Charg\u00e9 d\u2019 Affaires in South Africa. She also has served as Consul General in Cape Town, U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Deputy Chief of Mission to Morocco, and Director of the Office of Central African Affairs. \u00a0\nJust north of Angola lies Gabon and the islands of S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe.\u00a0 Thanks to its rich natural resources and small population, Gabon has the fourth highest per-capita income in sub-Saharan Africa. \u00a0However, a third of its population lives in poverty. While Ali Bongo, son of Gabon\u2019s long-serving autocratic president Omar Bongo, has shown some reformist inclinations, political opposition has been suppressed and impunity for corruption continues. S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe are located off the coast in the Gulf of Guinea where maritime security cooperation has become a critically important issue that Senator Flake has championed with my strong support and partnership.\nWe are considering Cynthia Helen Akuetteh for both Gabon and the Democratic Republic of S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe. Ms. Akuetteh, a career member of the Foreign Service, has wide-ranging experience in Africa and strong mentoring skills. She most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs and has previously served as Director, Office of Europe, Middle East, and Africa in the Bureau of Energy Resources and as a Peace Corps staff member. \u00a0\nNext we consider Mauritania, located on the Western edge of the Sahel, where regional security threats include AQIM and splinter organizations active in neighboring Mali, Algeria and Niger. In addition to challenges relating to transnational security threats, Mauritania faces pressing socioeconomic challenges with an impoverished society that continues to recover from a devastating regional drought in 2011. While Mauritania is one of our leading counterterror partners in the Sahel, bilateral relations are complicated by Mauritania\u2019s problematic record relating to democracy and human rights, including the persistence of slavery.\u00a0\nLarry Andr\u00e9, the nominee for Mauritania, most recently served as Director of the Office of the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan.\u00a0 Given the long history of development, governance and human rights problems in Mauritania, Mr. Andr\u00e9\u2019s recent experience with Sudan will be especially relevant.\u00a0 A two-time Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Andr\u00e9 will bring strong leadership, mentoring, and policy skills, as well as extensive regional knowledge, to this small isolated mission.\u00a0\nLast but certainly not least, we consider Eric Schultz to be Ambassador to Zambia. Home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, Zambia draws tourists not only because of its UNESCO World Heritage sites, but also for its peace and stability since independence. \u00a0Like the other three countries we are considering today, Zambia faces challenges, including some backsliding on democracy, widespread poverty, corruption, and poor health conditions, largely due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.\nMr. Schultz is a three-time Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) with regional experience and an extensive background in economics, security issues, and democratization.\u00a0 At State, he has led interagency teams on coordinating extensive assistance programs.\u00a0 He has broad experience in key Zambian economic sectors, especially finance, agriculture, mining and energy.\u00a0\nI would like to welcome all of our nominees to today\u2019s hearing and encourage you to take the time to introduce your families who are an essential part of your service in government.\u00a0 We are grateful for their sacrifices and ongoing support.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020143/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/opening-statement-chairing-foreign-relations-subcommittee-hearing-on-crisis-in-the-central-african-republic", "Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing on crisis in the Central African Republic", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 17, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing on crisis in the Central African Republic \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As Prepared for Delivery  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGood afternoon. Today, the African Affairs Subcommittee will focus its attention on the Central African Republic, or \u201cCAR.\u201d CAR is a resource-rich but desperately poor country that seldom catches the attention of international policy makers, but today is in the midst of an appalling manmade crisis.\u00a0\u00a0 The violent crisis is a stark reminder of the very real human cost of fragile states, weak governance and corruption.\u00a0\nTo this sobering discussion, I would like to welcome my partner on the subcommittee, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona. Senator Flake brings a deep commitment to Africa and I look forward to working with him to promote lasting solutions to this multi-faceted crisis.\u00a0\nI would also like to welcome other members of the Committee, as well as our distinguished witnesses: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa; Earl Gast, Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID; Alexis Arieff, Africa Analyst at the Congressional Research Service; Lisabeth List, Medical Coordinator, Medecin sans Frontieres; and Mark Schneider, Senior Vice President, International Crisis Group. I look forward to hearing your insights and thank you all for being here.\u00a0\nThe voices of the Central Africans must also inform our policy decisions, and I am grateful to have recently spoken with Central African officials for a firsthand account, which helped to inform my perspective.\u00a0 While I regret that no Central Africans could join us today, I would like to enter into the record a joint statement from Archbishop Dieudonne NzapalaingaImam Omar Kabine Layama, and Rev. Nicolas Guerekoyame-Bgangou from Bangui. I would also like to enter into the record statements from Catholic Relief Services and Mercy Corps, which reflect recommendations from their experiences working in CAR. \u00a0\nCAR has a long history of instability and conflict, and has been the focus of periodic United Nations and regional efforts to support peace and security, with little lasting effect.\u00a0\u00a0 As difficult as CAR\u2019s history has been, the current crisis is far different in terms of brutality and scope.\u00a0 Following a March 2013 coup by a loose coalition of rebels collectively known as Seleka, little more than a fa\u00e7ade of a transitional government exists in CAR, and the already-weak national security forces have all but disintegrated.\u00a0 The people of CAR have been left nearly powerless against a multitude of violent armed groups. \u00a0\nOpportunists, many from Chad and Sudan and seemingly motivated by little more than greed, have swelled the ranks of Seleka factions from 4,000 to 20,000, engaging in horrific violence across the country.\u00a0 In response to Seleka attacks, local defense groups, known as \u201canti-balaka,\u201d have retaliated spurring a vicious cycle of murder, maiming, rape, and destruction of property and livelihoods. \u00a0More than 500,000 people, a tenth of CAR\u2019s population have been displaced and at least half are in need of humanitarian assistance, but many are beyond the reach of help due to insecurity.\nWe lack reliable and comprehensive data on the deaths and injuries, but civil society groups on the ground have provided chilling evidence of entire families slashed to death by perpetrators wielding machetes, babies suffering gunshot wounds, and villages burned to the ground.\u00a0\nCompounding the crisis is the growing interreligious nature of the violence. Seleka rebels are primarily Muslim and have reportedly targeted Christians, and the anti-balaka are primarily Christian and are reportedly targeting Muslims.\u00a0 Civilians are seeking refuge around churches and mosques. While ethnic divisions are not new in CAR, open interreligious violence, significant participation of foreigners in attacks, and the large-scale targeting of civilians are unprecedented.\u00a0 They increase the risk of regional spillover and may create deeper, long-lasting societal divisions. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\nToday\u2019s hearing will look at the how the United States and international partners can deepen their engagement in order to help stop the violence, prevent regional spillover, and begin the process of establishing sustainable democratic governance.\u00a0\nThere are clearly no easy solutions, but we cannot stand aside as innocent civilians are targeted for slaughter.\u00a0 The recent UN Security Council decision to impose an arms embargo on CAR, create a commission to investigate human rights violations, and authorize France to provide military support to the African-led International Support Mission in CAR was a welcome and necessary step.\u00a0 France has very helpfully moved quickly to bolster its troop presence in CAR. I am interested to hear from witnesses about what more the United States can do to support multilateral efforts to ensure the AU troops have the capacity necessary to end the violence and sustain security. \u00a0\nI look forward to working with the Administration and civil society to ensure that we do everything we can to stop the suffering in CAR, hold perpetrators accountable for atrocities, and help CAR\u2019s people build a stable and democratic future.\u00a0 I strongly support ongoing efforts by the Administration to increase security assistance to MISCA troop contributing countries and look forward to hearing about next steps for the U.S. role, including the possibility of U.S. support for a UN peacekeeping operation.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                United Nations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                African Affairs Subcommittee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                USAID,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Central African Republic,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                peacekeeping,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221073638/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/national-defense-authorization-includes-coons-authored-protection-for-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions", "National Defense Authorization includes Coons-authored protection for National Guard role in cyber missions", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t National Defense Authorization includes Coons-authored protection for National Guard role in cyber missions \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Amendment will protect Delaware\u2019s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House and being considered by Senate this week includes a bipartisan amendment written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that would support the Delaware National Guard\u2019s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to carry out cybersecurity missions.\nThe New Castle-based 166th\u00a0Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation\u2019s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America\u2019s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 933 of the House-Senate NDAA committee agreement, the language would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the Squadron, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard.\n\u201cFrom banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control systems to power grids, our nation\u2019s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSecuring this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th\u00a0Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. This amendment would ensure that our nation\u2019s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.\u201d\nCosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) the legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA in November and subsequently included in an updated version of the underlying bill written by the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week.\nThe language requires DoD to develop a strategy on the use of the Reserve Components in cyber missions. The amendment provisions include:\n \nProviding for an inventory of the existing cyber skills of reserve component personnel, including the skills of units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to cyber missions;\nProviding for an inventory of the existing infrastructure of the reserve components that contribute to the cyber missions of the United States Cyber Command, including the infrastructure available to units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to such missions;\nDeveloping an estimate of the personnel, infrastructure and training required, and the costs that would be incurred, in connection with implementing the strategy for integrating the reserve components into the total force for support of the cyber missions of the Department and United States Cyber Command. The estimate will examine whether there are any misalignments between unit mission and facility readiness to support such missions; and\nProtecting against unintended duplicate spending and preventing reduction in personnel of a cyber unit of the Air National Guard of the United States from being implemented or carried out in fiscal year 2014 before the submittal of the strategy.\n \nThe legislative text can be downloaded here: http://1.usa.gov/1cz8Rfe\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                United States Cyber Command,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                STEM,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                166th Network Warfare Squadron,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                skills,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Armed Services,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Cybersecurity,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Guard,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222181026/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-vote-to-advance-bipartisan-budget-agreement", "Statement from Senator Coons on vote to advance bipartisan budget agreement", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on vote to advance bipartisan budget agreement \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senate advances budget conference committee agreement, 67-33. \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, voted Tuesday to advance the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The Senate voted 67-33 to invoke cloture on the budget agreement, clearing the way for a vote on final passage on Wednesday.\n\u201cThe budget we advanced today represents a commitment to compromise and shared sacrifice that has been absent from this chamber for far too long. While this agreement is not perfect, it represents a critical first step toward addressing the broader fiscal challenges facing our nation. This budget agreement will reduce our deficits, replace the harmful structure of the sequester for the next two years, and pave the way for restored funding in critical priority areas through a balance of targeted spending cuts and new revenue.\n\u201cYet, like any compromise, this agreement could not accomplish everything we hoped. I am disappointed that a week after the agreement was announced, there is still no path forward in Congress for the preservation of unemployment insurance for millions of American jobseekers. With 3,600 in Delaware scheduled to lose their benefits in 11 days, Congress must act quickly to restore this vital lifeline. I am hopeful that the bipartisan progress made today is evidence that Congress can come together once again to address this and other important priorities for the American people.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Congress,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sequester,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Spending Cuts,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Deficit,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Conference Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223015525/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/new-congressional-report-details-revitalization-of-american-manufacturing-sector", "New congressional report details revitalization of American manufacturing sector", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t New congressional report details revitalization of American manufacturing sector \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Report shows manufacturing exports up 38 percent since 2009, now exceed pre-recession peak \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 A new congressional report released Tuesday found that after a decade of devastating declines, the American manufacturing sector is recovering, and that now is the time for Washington to invest in its confirmed growth. The report, authored by Joint Economic Committee Democratic staff, concluded that \u201cmanufacturing is the most innovative sector of the economy and is vital to U.S. competitiveness\u201d and found that the value of U.S. manufacturing exports has surpassed the country\u2019s pre-recession peak.\u00a0\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s manufacturing sector is already coming back and is a critical part of our nation\u2019s economic recovery,\u201d said U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), who leads the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative in the Senate. \u201cThis report makes clear why it is so important that Washington focuses on manufacturing jobs instead of manufactured crises. Manufacturing jobs are high-quality jobs \u2014 they pay more in wages and benefits, create local service jobs, and contribute significantly to the local economy. This report thoroughly and thoughtfully lays out how Congress can make a difference in helping American manufacturers grow and create these good jobs, and I appreciate the excellent work by Senator Klobuchar and the Joint Economic Committee in putting it together.\"\n\u201cAmerica is a country that innovates, makes things, and exports to the world, and manufacturing has long been an engine of economic growth and a key source of good jobs,\u201d said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee. \u201cThis report highlights immediate, bipartisan actions Congress can take to strengthen American manufacturing, from cutting red tape to increase U.S. exports to boosting STEM education, and I will continue to work to move these initiatives forward so we can move our economy forward.\u201d\nAmong the report\u2019s most compelling findings about American manufacturing:\n \nManufacturing exports are up in value 38 percent since 2009 \u2013 beating their pre-recession peak\nRoughly 600,000 high-skilled positions went unfilled in 2012 because of a lack of qualified workers\nManufacturing accounts for 12 percent of the nation\u2019s gross domestic product\nManufacturers provide nearly 12 million jobs\nThe manufacturing sector has grown by 554,000 jobs since February 2010, adding jobs in 36 of the last 45 months\n \n\u201cManufacturing in America is fundamentally different today than it was when it fueled the post-war boom and built our middle class,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cAs the report shows, one of the areas that has changed is the nature of manufacturing work itself. Today, workers need to be better educated and more skilled \u2013 especially in science, technology, engineering, and math. Rather than relying on assembly lines made up of many workers repeating the same task over and over again, modern manufacturers are increasingly requiring workers to carry out more complex and varying tasks. Our workers need to be more productive and more skilled because they are overseeing highly complex operations. Manufacturing still holds the same potential as it did before \u2013 we just need to modernize our manufacturing sector for the 21st century.\u201d\nSince its debut in October, Manufacturing Jobs for America has grown to include 44 bills from 26 senators. Thirty of the bills have already been introduced, many with bipartisan support, around four principles:\n \nStrengthening America\u2019s 21st century workforce\nOpening markets abroad\nCreating the conditions necessary for growth\nExpanding access to capital\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Middle Class,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                STEM,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Technology,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Competitiveness,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                workforce,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Education,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing Jobs for America", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301110623/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-silver-alert-bill-to-help-locate-missing-seniors", "Senator Coons, colleagues introduce Silver Alert bill to help locate missing seniors", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons, colleagues introduce Silver Alert bill to help locate missing seniors \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t System based on AMBER Alert is designed to locate missing adults with dementia \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, introduced legislation today to help law enforcement locate missing adults and senior citizens with dementia. The National Silver Alert Act would create a nationwide network for missing seniors modeled after the successful AMBER Alert system for abducted children. The bill would provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies, similar to the Gold Alert system currently in place in Delaware.\u00a0\n\u201cEvery day, the families of those suffering with dementia live with the fear that their loved one will go out and forget the way home,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cLost seniors and adults with medical conditions are especially susceptible to illness, injury, or death if they are not found within 24 hours. Since 2008, Delaware\u2019s Gold Alert program has coordinated state and local efforts to quickly locate missing seniors and persons with disabilities. This bill will ensure law enforcement officials across the nation have the resources they need to bring lost loved ones home safely.\u201d\nEach year, vulnerable adults go missing who are prone to wandering due to a physical or cognitive disability or medical condition such as Alzheimer's. As many as five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, and about 60 percent of those will wander away from their homes or health care facilities. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 50 percent of wanderers not recovered within 24 hours die or suffer serious health consequences before they are found.\nUsing the successful AMBER Alert system as a model, the National Silver Alert Act supports the creation of a national system to rapidly mobilize law enforcement and news media to locate seniors and adults who have gone missing. The legislation authorizes $500,000 for the Department of Justice to coordinate the Silver Alert network.\u00a0\nThe bill is led by Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and is also supported by Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\u00a0\nThe National Silver Alert Act is endorsed by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Alzheimer\u2019s Foundation of America, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Sheriffs\u2019 Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=d3b47c51-9920-4969-895d-bdeb72824463", "Hearing Statement: EPW Nominations Hearing for Department of Interior, EPA and Department of Commerce", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, participated in a nominations hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.\r\nA copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cBefore I begin, I would like to warmly welcome all of our nominees to today\u2019s hearing and thank you for wiliness to serve and go through the nomination process.\u00a0 As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee \u2013 I know how time consuming the nomination process can be for not only the nominee, but also the Committee. That\u2019s why I would also like to thank the Madame Chairman for her tireless work to move the nominees in our Committee\u2019s jurisdiction \u2013 like the ones before us today - forward in a timely fashion.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing highlights the fact that we are lacking critical leadership in numerous positions in just about every agency, undermining the effectiveness of our government. This has been a problem that has plagued the executive branch through both Democratic and Republican administrations \u2013 a problem so prevalent that I\u2019ve started referring to it as \u2018executive branch Swiss cheese.\u2019 While Congress and the Administration have taken steps to address this problem, the fact remains that we still have more work to do to ensure that we have talented people in place to make critical decisions.\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s one of the reasons why today\u2019s confirmation hearing is so important.\u00a0 I believe all of the nominees before us are extremely qualified and look forward to working with all of them in their respected agencies if confirmed.\r\n\u201cI especially look forward to working with Ms. Rhea Sun Suh, who, if confirmed, will oversee two very important divisions within the Department of Interior \u2013 the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. Wildlife conservation is important to me and to all Delawareans, and we\u2019ve been particularly thankful to the Fish and Wildlife Service for undertaking extensive plans to overhaul Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.\r\n\u201cThe dynamic environment within the Refuge and the wildlife that depend on this habitat it is extremely vulnerable to rising seas and coastal storm, and has been badly damaged by coastal storms in recent years. Along with the rest of our Delegation and Governor Markell, I will look forward to continuing our close relationship with the Fish and Wildlife Service \u2013 and working with Ms. Suh if confirmed - as we implement the Refuge\u2019s new Conservation Plan.\r\n\u201cAnd if confirmed, Ms. Suh will also be working with Director Jon Jarvis to oversee the National Park Service \u2013 which, as many of you know, is of most interest to me. After a 10-year effort, Delaware finally became part of the National Park System in April of this year with the designation of the First State National Monument.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDirector Jarvis has already assigned a superintendant to the First State National Monument \u2013 Delaware native, Mr. Russ Smith.\u00a0 Mr. Smith has already hit the ground running; I do not believe there could be have been a better choice for our first superintendant.\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, Ms. Suh, I look forward to working with you to ensure the First State National Monument is another success story of the National Park System despite the limited budgets.\u00a0 I also plan on continuing legislative efforts to authorize a national park in place of the national monument \u2013 and look forward to working with you on these efforts.\r\n\u201cThank you again to Ms. Suh and the other nominees before us today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5770fe3d-2ef3-49af-a230-eb80aac6c043", "Chairman Carper Highlights FY 2013 Medicare and Medicaid Improper Payments", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, highlighted the FY 2013 Improper Payments Rates for the Medicare and Medicaid programs, released in the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) FY 2013 Agency Financial Report. The numbers show that both Medicare and Medicaid remain at risk of improper, or mistaken, payments. The report found that $49.9 billion in Medicare payments in 2013 can be considered improper, an increase from $44.3 billion in 2012. The Medicaid program, however, has shown progress in cutting improper payments from $19. 2 billion in 2012, to $14.4 billion in 2013.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s disclosure by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is an important reminder that these programs remain at risk of improper payments,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cWhile I\u2019m encouraged that the Medicaid program has taken significant steps to cut down on mistaken payments, I\u2019m concerned that there has been an increase in the improper payments made in Medicare. I often like to say that the road to improvement is always under construction, and the same is true for improving accuracy in Medicare and Medicaid payments. Just last week my colleagues on the Finance Committee approved legislation, based largely on the bipartisan PRIME Act, which I introduced with Dr. Coburn, that would help cut down on waste, fraud and abuse. I\u2019m hopeful that we can soon enact these bipartisan reforms to help Medicare better manage its funding in the long run.\u201d\r\nThe PRIME Act was introduced by Senators Carper and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Ranking Member\u00a0 of the Homeland Security and Government Committee, and Representatives Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and John Carney (D-Del.) in June 2013. On December 12, 2013, the Senate Finance Committee included portions of the PRIME Act as an amendment to the SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2013. Among its provisions, the amendment would: curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establish stronger fraud and waste prevention strategies within Medicare and Medicaid to help phase out the practice of \"pay and chase\u201d; take steps to help states identify and prevent Medicaid overpayments; and improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal agencies and programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223043046/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-urge-irs-to-exempt-volunteer-first-responders-from-healthcare-mandate", "Senator Coons, colleagues urge IRS to exempt volunteer first responders from healthcare mandate", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 16, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons, colleagues urge IRS to exempt volunteer first responders from healthcare mandate \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Law is currently unclear about whether Delaware\u2019s volunteer firefighters will be considered \u201cemployees\u201d \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and seven of his colleagues wrote to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Monday to clarify the \u201cShared Responsibility\u201d provision of the Affordable Care Act for volunteer first responders. Senator Coons is seeking to ensure that Delaware\u2019s 6,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency responders are not counted as employees under the provision, potentially triggering the law\u2019s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees.\n\u201cMany combination and volunteer fire departments are lacking the necessary guidance as to how they may be affected by Employer Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe believe that it is critical that volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel not be counted as employees as it relates to the ACA and any employer responsibilities to ensure the continuation of this important aspect of our public safety infrastructure.\u201d\n\u201cNominally compensated volunteers often have other full-time jobs which offer health insurance and generally do not have any expectation of receiving health insurance in exchange for their volunteer service.\u201d\nMost volunteer first responders have other full-time employment, and few receive even nominal compensation or financial benefit. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers, nor do most volunteer first responders expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service.\n\u201cThe Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and section 457(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allow volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel to be nominally compensated for their service,\u201d the senators explained. \u201cHowever, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also tends to treat volunteers firefighters and emergency medical personnel as employees of the agencies that they serve for the purpose of taxing their nominal benefits. This however, leads to some confusion as to whether the classification of volunteer firefighters as \u2018employees\u2019 will also apply for the purposes of the Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA.\u201d\n\u201cWe believe that it would be fair to use existing standards in the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that \u2018bona fide volunteers performing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, or ambulance services\u2019 are not defined as employees for purposes of calculating the shared responsibility provisions of the ACA,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cProperly distinguishing between full-time, paid emergency responders and volunteers is necessary if we want to protect essential emergency response agencies that keep our communities safe and protect over one-third of the U.S. population.\u201d\u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below. It can be downloaded as a PDF here: http://bit.ly/Jsz2g7\nDecember 16, 2013\nThe Honorable Jacob Lew  Secretary  Department of the Treasury  1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, D.C. 20220\nDear Secretary Lew:\nWe write regarding the treatment of nominally compensated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (P.L. 111-148). Many combination and volunteer fire departments are lacking the necessary guidance as to how they may be affected by Employer Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA.\u00a0 We believe that it is critical that volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel not be counted as employees as it relates to the ACA and any employer responsibilities to ensure the continuation of this important aspect of our public safety infrastructure.\nApproximately 780,000 volunteer firefighters serve in 20,000 all-volunteer and 7,000 combination career-volunteer fire departments throughout the United States. Many communities rely exclusively upon volunteer fire departments for fire protection and emergency medical services.\u00a0 In fact, ninety-two percent of the nation\u2019s fire departments utilize volunteer personnel, whose donated services are estimated to be worth approximately $140 billion annually.\nMany volunteer fire and emergency medical personnel receive nominal benefits, which boost recruitment and retention by demonstrating that their efforts are appreciated. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and section 457(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allow volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel to be nominally compensated for their service. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also tends to treat volunteers firefighters and emergency medical personnel as employees of the agencies that they serve for the purpose of taxing their nominal benefits.\u00a0 This however, leads to some confusion as to whether the classification of volunteer firefighters as \u201cemployees\u201d will also apply for the purposes of the Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA.\nWe believe the allowances made in the FLSA and the IRC for individuals to receive nominal compensation in return for their service while still being classified as \u201cvolunteers\u201d are critically important in the public safety community. Nominally compensated volunteers often have other full-time jobs which offer health insurance and generally do not have any expectation of receiving health insurance in exchange for their volunteer service.\nWe believe that it would be fair to use existing standards in the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that \u201cbona fide volunteers performing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, or ambulance services\u201d are not defined as employees for purposes of calculating the shared responsibility provisions of the ACA.\u00a0 Properly distinguishing between full-time, paid emergency responders and volunteers is necessary if we want to protect essential emergency response agencies that keep our communities safe and protect over one-third of the U.S. population.\nIt is imperative that clarifying guidance be issued as soon as possible in order to provide clear guidance to combination and volunteer fire departments.\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\nSincerely,\nMark R. Warner\nJoe Manchin\nChris Coons\nMary Landrieu\nMark Begich\nSusan Collins\nRobert Menendez\nRobert Casey, Jr.\nCC: Thomas E. Perez, Secretary of Labor\nDaniel I. Werfel, Acting IRS Commissioner\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Affordable Care Act,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Internal Revenue Service,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Firefighters,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                First Responders,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Healthcare", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=607bd4a4-fbde-4801-9e4e-0e6ff01a3a89", "Senate Confirms Jeh Johnson as DHS Secretary", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Jeh Johnson as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed Mr. Johnson by a vote of 78 to 16. He is the fourth Secretary of the Department, which was established in March 2003. Chairman Carper released the following statement after Mr. Johnson\u2019s confirmation:\r\n\u201cAs we all know, the President has asked Jeh Johnson to take on a difficult and demanding job,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cFortunately, for our nation, he is a strong leader and well-prepared to face the challenges that await him. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for quickly confirming this critical nomination. He brings experience from the public and private sectors, as well as an impeccable character. He served as the top lawyer for both the Air Force and the entire Department of Defense. There, he was a major player in the management team that ran the Defense Department, where he provided key advice to two exceptional Defense Secretaries \u2013 Bob Gates and Leon Panetta \u2013 giving him invaluable experience for the huge task to which he has been nominated. I appreciate his willingness to serve the people of this country and look forward to working with him in his new role.\u201d\r\nChairman Carper spoke on the Senate floor in support of Mr. Johnson\u2019s nomination earlier today. To watch his floor speech, click here. To read a copy of his remarks, as prepared for delivery, click here.\r\nIn November, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held the nomination hearing on Jeh Johnson.\r\nMr. Johnson has received bipartisan support and letters from a number of prominent former government officials, including former DHS Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, former DoD Secretaries Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, former Homeland Security Advisor for President George W. Bush, Frances Townsend, and several law enforcement groups. Click here to read the letters.\r\nMr. Johnson\u2019s career has included both private practice and distinguished public service, including serving as Assistant United States Attorney from the Southern District of New York, General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, and General Counsel of the Department of Defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=1e5c4c47-8d80-491a-90cf-8f8fbd3f0ca2", "Sen. Carper's Saturday Events", "2013-12-14", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be in Delaware for the following events: \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will attend the groundbreaking of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare. Beebe received federal funding championed by Sen. Carper to help with the $10 million building expansion and renovation that will help address the regional shortage of nurses, and provide classroom and clinical experiences for the students.\r\nTime: 1 p.m.\r\nLocation: 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will attend the Citizens\u2019 Hose Company No. 1 Annual Holiday Banquet at the Clayton Fire Hall. \r\nTime: 6 p.m.\r\nLocation: Clayton Fire Hall, 214 Railroad Avenue, Clayton, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will attend Delaware State University President's Scholarship Ball at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. This black-tie event benefits the DSU student scholarship fund.\r\nTime: 6:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will attend the Harry K. Foundation Christmas Ball, which raises money for children\u2019s nutritional programming in Sussex County. The Help Harry Halt Hunger (H4 Initiative) supports the Food Bank of Delaware.\r\nTime: 7:45 p.m.\r\nLocation: Rehoboth Beach Country Club, 221 West Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will attend an event honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Delaware State Dental Society. \r\nTime: 10:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030124/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-cosponsors-new-bill-to-preserve-assistance-for-jobseekers", "Senator Coons cosponsors new bill to preserve assistance for jobseekers", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 13, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons cosponsors new bill to preserve assistance for jobseekers \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act would extend UI benefits for one year \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 With 3,600 Delawareans scheduled to lose their federal unemployment insurance on December 28th and another 4,800 to follow within the next six months, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is cosponsoring a bill to preserve vital assistance for jobseekers. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Extension Act of 2013 would provide relief for states and struggling families by extending federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through 2014.\n\u201cAmericans who have lost their jobs should not be left to slip into poverty as they search for employment,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cUnemployment insurance provides jobseekers and their families with a lifeline, so they can maintain their financial stability and get back to work faster. It is unfortunate that the budget agreement reached by Senator Murray and Representative Ryan did not include an extension of UI benefits, but now Congress must act to ensure millions of Americans and thousands of Delawareans do not face unnecessary hardship. Preserving UI benefits is the right thing to do for our economy, our businesses, and our middle class, and I am glad to join my colleagues in this important effort.\u201d Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.\u00a0\nThe unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who have lost their jobs and are seeking employment. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker\u2019s past earnings.\nFailure to preserve UI will hurt 1.3 million American families, who will be cut off at the end of the year, and nearly 1.9 million more who will be denied access to the emergency program during the first six months of next year.\u00a0If Congress does not renew the law, individuals who file for unemployment next year will qualify for state benefits only, which last a maximum of 26 weeks.\nThe bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and is also supported by Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.\nAlthough the economy has been expanding for over four years, unemployment remains unacceptably high.\u00a0A new\u00a0report\u00a0by the National Employment Law Project shows long-term unemployment remains higher than during any other downturn since the Great Depression, with 4.1 million job-seekers, or 36.1 percent of all the unemployed, remaining out of work for six months or more.\nThe Economic Policy Institute estimates that the failure to renew UI\u00a0could cost our economy 310,000 jobs in 2014.\nOver the years, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that extending UI is among the most cost-effective programs for reducing unemployment and stimulating the economy.\nLast month, the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities\u00a0reported: \u201cthe premature turn towards budget austerity since 2010 has been a drag on economic growth and job creation.\u00a0 Extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) would help offset that drag as well as reduce hardship among jobless workers and their families.\u00a0 In contrast, letting EUC expire would increase hardship and cost the economy jobs.\u201d\u00a0\nSenator Coons and 31 of his colleagues sent a letter to Senate leadership on December 6th calling for the continuation of federal unemployment insurance through next year.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Conference Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Middle Class,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                families,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Labor,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Poverty,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Insurance", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175522/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-congressional-leaders-push-to-increase-effectiveness-of-agoa-landmark-legislation-to-boost-us-africa-trade", "Bipartisan congressional leaders push to increase effectiveness of AGOA, landmark legislation to boost U.S.-Africa trade", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 12, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan congressional leaders push to increase effectiveness of AGOA, landmark legislation to boost U.S.-Africa trade \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Today, a group of bipartisan leaders from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee,\u00a0sent a letter to the U.S. Comptroller General\u00a0requesting a study to examine the effectiveness of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in an effort to better increase investment, trade and job growth between African countries and the United States.\nThe landmark AGOA legislation, passed in 2000, provides economic opportunities to countries that show a commitment to good governance and democratic principles.\u00a0\nAs the law comes up for renewal, the group of bipartisan leaders from key committees with jurisdiction over AGOA, wrote to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro:\u00a0\u201cIssues of primary interest to policy makers include the effectiveness of AGOA in enhancing economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, the ability of African businesses to utilize the full range of opportunities available under AGOA, and the efficacy of AGOA in increasing two-way U.S.-sub-Saharan African trade.\u201d\nThe letter to Comptroller Dodaro is signed by: Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman; Rep. David Camp (R-MI), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman; Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman; Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), Senate Finance Committee Chairman; Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member; Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member; Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member; Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member; Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Chairman; Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), Subcommittee on Trade Chairman; Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Subcommittee on African Affairs Chairman; Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness Chairman, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Ranking Member; Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Subcommittee on Trade Ranking Member, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Subcommittee on African Affairs Ranking Member; Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness Ranking Member.\nA signed copy of the letter to Comptroller Dodaro is available\u00a0HERE.\nText of the letter follows:\nDecember 12, 2013\nMr. Gene L. Dodaro  Comptroller General of the United States  U.S. Government Accountability Office  441 G Street, N.W.  Washington, DC 20548\u00a0\nDear Mr. Dodaro:\nThe African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted in 2000, seeks to encourage African countries to further open their economies and build free markets in hopes of achieving economic development, increasing new investments, trade and job creation throughout the continent. The original, as well as subsequent legislation, sought to promote these goals by reducing U.S. tariffs for most products exported from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including apparel, and providing economic development assistance and aid.\u00a0\nIssues of primary interest to policy makers include the effectiveness of AGOA in enhancing economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, the ability of African businesses to utilize the full range of opportunities available under AGOA, and the efficacy of AGOA in increasing two-way U.S.-sub-Saharan African trade. As AGOA comes up for renewal in 2015,\u00a0we request that GAO conduct a study reviewing the following issues:\n1. \u00a0How has AGOA contributed to economic growth and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa?\n2. \u00a0Have U.S. trade capacity-building programs improved sub-Saharan African countries\u2019 economic competiveness and diversification? If so, to what extent?\n3. \u00a0How have AGOA and U.S. trade capacity-building programs improved regional integration within sub-Saharan Africa and integration of sub-Saharan countries into global supply chains?\n4. \u00a0Is a lack of infrastructure development, including in the energy sector, preventing sub-Saharan African countries from fully utilizing AGOA? If so, to what extent? Can measures under AGOA and other U.S. programs further improve infrastructure development?\n5. \u00a0What steps have AGOA-eligible countries taken to utilize and maximize the effectiveness of AGOA within\u00a0their respective countries?\n6. \u00a0To what extent has the AGOA eligibility and certification process supported reform efforts and rule of law objectives in sub-Saharan African countries?\n7. \u00a0How have actions by Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRICs) and the European Union (EU) in Africa, including the imposition of EU Economic Partnership Agreements and bilateral trade initiatives, such as the EU-South Africa Trade, Development, and Cooperation Agreement, affected the effectiveness of AGOA?\n8. \u00a0Section 116(a) of AGOA provides that \"Congress declares that free trade agreements should be negotiated, where feasible, with interested countries in sub-Saharan Arica, in order to serve as the catalyst for increasing trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa and increasing private sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa.\u201d Are there impediments to the participation of AGOA countries in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, including trade agreement negotiations with the United States and at the World Trade Organization?\u00a0 If so, please identify them.\n9. \u00a0 To what extent has the AGOA Forum facilitated the achievement of AGOA\u2019s objectives?\n10.\u00a0\u00a0What factors have affected AGOA\u2019s ability to increase two-way trade and investment flows between sub-Saharan Africa and the United States?\n11.\u00a0\u00a0What changes or additions to AGOA would enhance its ability to stimulate economic growth and development and increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa?\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Letter,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Businesses,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                AGOA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222192720/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-hosts-roundtable-with-manufacturing-industry-leaders", "Senator Coons hosts roundtable with manufacturing industry leaders", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 12, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons hosts roundtable with manufacturing industry leaders \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Discussion featured two Delawareans and focused on policies to help manufacturers grow and create jobs \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), leader of the Senate\u2019s Manufacturing Jobs for America campaign, led a roundtable discussion with manufacturing leaders in the Capitol Thursday focused on policies to help manufacturers grow and create jobs.\nChet Benham, the vice president and general manager of MEDAL, a subsidiary of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies in Newport, and David St. Clair, chairman of Sanosil International in New Castle, were among the participants who shared their perspectives on how best to capitalize on recent growth in America\u2019s manufacturing sector. Participants detailed the challenges they face in growing and remaining profitable, including the shortage of skilled labor and difficulty accessing the capital they need to expand their businesses.\n\u201cManufacturing jobs are high quality jobs that pay more in wages and benefits and contribute more to local economies than jobs in any other sector,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cWith targeted policy action, we can help facilitate robust growth in the manufacturing sector that will create new jobs and accelerate our economic recovery. I am thankful to all the industry leaders who participated in today\u2019s conversation for lending their insights to this effort.\u201d\nThe roundtable discussion centered on Manufacturing Jobs for America\u2019s four primary focus areas: opening markets abroad, investing in skills training, expanding access to capital, and creating the conditions necessary for growth.\nDavid St. Clair, whose company, Sanosil International, manufactures widely used disinfectants, shared his enthusiasm for the Startup Innovation Credit Act. The bill, introduced by Senator Coons, would help startup manufacturers access the R&D tax credit. \u201cI really appreciated being here today and having the opportunity to talk about how small startups could in fact use the R&D credit to pay for federal employment taxes,\u201d St. Clair said. \u201cIt all comes down to capital, and this is a terrific idea because it would help us conserve capital at a time when most startups really need it.\u201d\n\u201cIt\u2019s great to have a representation from Senator Coons that\u2019s so actively engaged in building manufacturing and so in tune to the science and the technology behind the businesses in Delaware,\u201d said Chet Benham of Air Liquide. Benham discussed his company\u2019s need for high-skilled laborers to manufacture products like hollow fiber membranes, which contain holes small enough to separate gasses.\nManufacturing Jobs for America is a campaign by 26 senators to rally bipartisan support for legislation that would help manufacturers grow and create jobs. Together, the lawmakers have contributed 45 bills \u2014 many with bipartisan support.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                industry,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Startup Innovation Credit Act,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Businesses,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                capital,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Labor,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing Jobs for America", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=280b5090-0cbf-4920-9e14-53768a9c9a6b", "Hearing Statement: \"Senate Finance Committee Markup of Medicare Physician Payment Legislation\"", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, participated in the Senate Finance Committee markup hearing of the Medicare physician payment legislation, including the repeal and replace of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR).\r\nA copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\nI would like to thank Chairman Baucus, Ranking Member Hatch, and their staffs for the enormous work they have all done to get our committee to this markup of a permanent bill to repeal and replace the SGR. I think almost all of us on this committee have long argued for the need to move away from fee-for-service payments towards performance-based payments in Medicare as quickly as possible.\r\nThis bill does just that by encouraging our country\u2019s health care providers to participate in Accountable Care Organizations, patient-centered medical homes and other innovative payment and delivery models. Instead of paying physicians and other health care providers for the number of services they provide, this bill encourages our country\u2019s health care providers to improve health outcomes and drive down costs by keeping patients as healthy as possible. We cannot afford to continue to kick the can down the road on the issue of physician payment.\r\nI also want to thank the Chairman and his staff for including some of my amendments in the revised mark, including important legislation to curb waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.\u00a0 The Committee has accepted most of the provisions of the bipartisan \u201cPreventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act\u201d or PRIME Act. This amendment is based on legislation coauthored by Dr. Coburn, and cosponsored by 25 of our colleagues including Senators Bennet, Enzi, Isakson, Nelson and Thune.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing work with the Committee on measures to save taxpayer dollars through stronger program integrity efforts.\r\nI have some other waste and fraud ideas that I may raise during the this morning\u2019s discussions, including an amendment with Senator Toomey and Brown to address the fraudulent diversion of controlled substances \u2013 drugs such as painkillers - from Medicare\u2019s prescription drug program.\r\nLastly, I want to take a second to note the importance of the Commission on Patient Directed Healthcare to help us advance our national conversation on how to ensure that each individual\u2019s care preferences are fully respected in the course of their healthcare treatment. I believe this Commission will provide a tremendous service to our country by giving Americans the opportunity to have an honest discussion about our individual health care choices and expectations, and how to ensure these choices are respected at every stage of our lives.\r\nThese conversations can be incredibly difficult and even heartbreaking, but the repercussions of avoiding these discussions are far worse. Chairman Baucus and Ranking Member Hatch, I want to thank you for including the Commission on Patient Directed Healthcare in this bill and commend you for your leadership on these issues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=27490378-6e3b-4c0b-b34d-82c75b838cd1", "Chairman Carper Commends DHS on First Clean Financial Audit", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) commended the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following its announcement that it will pass a clean financial audit for the first time since its establishment in 2003.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is a milestone for the Department of Homeland Security and represents an important step in helping the Department be a responsible steward of taxpayer funds,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cGiven the size of the Department, the fact that it encompasses 22 separate agencies, and the scope and importance of its mission, producing a clean financial audit is no small task. I credit the Department\u2019s past and current leadership for making financial management a priority and taking the steps necessary to realize this important goal.\u201d\r\nFor years, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has worked with DHS, the Administration and members of Congress to improve the Department\u2019s financial management systems. In 2011, Chairman Carper joined Senators Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Ron Johnson (R- Wisc.) in introducing the DHS Audit Requirement Target (DART) Act, which requires DHS to obtain and pass full audits for its financial statements. By earning this clean bill of health from an independent auditor, DHS is now in compliance with this law and is on track to continue to do so. The Department of Defense is now the only large federal department that is unable to conduct a financial audit.\r\nThe formation of DHS in 2003 involved merging 22 agencies, each with its own way of conducting financial reports and practices. This week\u2019s financial auditing announcement is a key milestone in consolidating these practices into one, cohesive financial report. This announcement comes in the wake of a November Government Accountability Office report that highlighted key areas that DHS should target to improve its financial management. Many of the recommendations in that report have been or are being implemented by DHS.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=47f23301-dff2-40fd-a4cb-f56e0d11f7b8", "Senate Finance Committee Reports Out Bipartisan Fix to Medicare Physician Payment with Several Amendments Championed by Sen. Carper", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, voted to report out of the Senate Finance Committee Medicare physician payment legislation, including the repeal and replacement of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR).\r\n\u201cToday we took a positive step forward by reporting out a bill to permanently repeal and replace the current Medicare fee-for-service system,\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cThis bicameral and bipartisan bill will help improve health outcomes and drive down costs by encouraging our country\u2019s health care providers to participate in accountable care organizations, patient-centered medical homes and other innovative payment and delivery models. Instead of paying physicians and other health care providers for the number of services they provide, this legislation encourages our country\u2019s health care providers to keep patients as healthy as possible. \u00a0With the cost of repealing the SGR at a historic low, we cannot afford to continue to kick the can down the road on reforming Medicare physician payments. Today we took an important step towards improving and stabilizing Medicare payments to physicians, and I am hopeful that we will be able to enact this bicameral and bipartisan solution.\u201d\r\nIn addition to reporting out the SGR fix, the Senate Finance Committee approved a number of provisions to enhance the Medicare program, several of which Sen. Carper introduced or co-sponsored. They include:\r\nPreventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures (PRIME)\r\nAmong its provisions, the PRIME Act would: enact stronger penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud; curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establish stronger fraud and waste prevention strategies within Medicare and Medicaid to help phase out the practice of \"pay and chase;\u201d take steps to help states identify and prevent Medicaid overpayments; and improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal agencies and programs.\r\nWaiver Authority for Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to participate in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center programs.\r\nThe amendment allows PACE to participate in demonstration programs under Section 1115 Research & Demonstration Projects and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).\u00a0 This amendment would allow the CMMI to test and improve the PACE program\u2019s ability to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room use, manage chronic illness, and improve functioning and quality of life; and also encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to increase operational flexibility and reduce administrative barriers that hinder PACE enrollment.\r\nQuality Measurement to Encourage Health Care Providers\u2019 Transfer of Existing Patient Care Preferences\r\nUnder current law, hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies frequently fail to transfer existing patient health care information and preferences when patients are discharged from the hospital or move into a new care setting.\u00a0 As a result, patients may receive inadequate or inappropriate services that do not follow the patients\u2019 own preferences and decisions. The amendment would create a Medicare quality measure based on the transfer of patient health information and care preferences as they move to other care settings or return home.\r\nAn amendment to allow physician assistants to provide and manage hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries\r\nThis amendment seeks to amend the Social Security Act to allow physician assistants to provide and manage hospice care services for Medicare beneficiaries.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=eec4dbc9-77af-4007-80d5-f1203ed91716", "Members Commend Senate Finance Committee Inclusion of PRIME Act Amendment", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Representatives Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and John Carney (D-Del.) commended the Senate Finance Committee for including an amendment to the SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2013. The amendment, titled \u201cPreventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures,\u201d is based on the bill, \u201cPreventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act of 2013\u201d (PRIME Act), which was originally introduced as a bill by Senators Carper and Coburn and Representatives Roskam and Carney in June 2013. Senators Bill Nelson (D- FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Enzi (R- WY), John Thune (R- SD), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Johnny Isakson (R- GA) joined as cosponsors of the Finance Committee Amendment.\r\nAmong its provisions, the amendment would: curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establish stronger fraud and waste prevention strategies within Medicare and Medicaid to help phase out the practice of \"pay and chase\u201d; take steps to help states identify and prevent Medicaid overpayments; and improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal agencies and programs. \r\n\u201cI want to thank my colleagues on the Finance Committee for including key provisions of the PRIME Act as an amendment to the bill we considered today,\u201d said Senator Carper, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. \u201cI have been working with my House and Senate colleagues on this legislation for years. I believe this measure will make some commonsense reforms to Medicare and Medicaid that will, ultimately, save taxpayers a lot of money. By cracking down on vulnerabilities that put tax dollars at risk of waste, fraud and abuse, we can ensure that these programs remain sustainable for years to come and continue to provide quality care and services to our nation\u2019s poor, disabled, and elderly.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am pleased the Finance Committee included provisions of the PRIME Act as an amendment to the Medicare physician legislation the Committee considered today,\u201d Dr. Coburn said. \u00a0\u201cThe PRIME Act represents a positive step forward to reducing waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid payments, meaning scarce resources will be better preserved for those that need them most.\u201d\r\n\u201cMedicare waste, fraud, and abuse is a serious problem that takes billions of dollars each year away from providing needed health services to our nation\u2019s seniors. Our common-sense PRIME Act uses the kind of protections against fraud and abuse that for years the private sector has used to great effect,\u201d said Congressman Roskam, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. \u201cBy replacing the antiquated system of pay-and-chase, we can strengthen Medicare for current seniors and future generations. I am pleased that this effort continues to gain steam both in the House and Senate, and will continue our work to push PRIME across the finish line to save seniors and taxpayers billions.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe provisions in the PRIME Act will strengthen Medicare and Medicaid while protecting our nation\u2019s seniors from becoming victims of fraud,\u201d said Congressman Carney. \u201cIt\u2019s not easy to find something that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, but combating waste, fraud and abuse while saving billions of taxpayer dollars is a no-brainer. I\u2019m pleased to partner with Senator Carper on this bipartisan proposal and encouraged that the Senate Finance Committee recognized the importance of taking these steps. I\u2019m hopeful the House will do the same.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012951/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse", "Floor Speech: Introducing bipartisan bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 11, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Floor Speech: Introducing bipartisan bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As Delivered on the Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nIf I might, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about why I initially came to the floor today; that is, to talk about the power of children's advocacy centers. Children's advocacy centers exist across the country today in large part because this Congress, on a bipartisan basis, passed back in 1990 the Victims of Child Abuse Act--a bill that for the first time authorized funding for an important nationwide network of what are called children's advocacy centers. These centers help deliver justice, they help heal victims of violence and abuse, and we must act to continue empowering their service to our nation.\nToday is a time when we could work together to reauthorize that initial landmark bill from 1990 and rededicate ourselves on a bipartisan basis to something that is one of our most sacred obligations: protecting our children, protecting the victims of child abuse and delivering justice for them. That is what this bipartisan bill does that was introduced earlier today along with my colleagues, Senators Blunt and Sessions and Hirono--a great example of being able to work together across the aisle.\u00a0\nAs parents, as neighbors, as leaders of our nation, we have no more sacred obligation than protecting our children. In most of our cases, we dedicate everything we have as parents to ensuring our children's safety, to providing for their future, and that is what this bill is all about--that responsibility.\nTragically, too often, despite our best efforts, too many of our children fall victim to abuse. We cannot guarantee their safety, but what we can do is ensure that when children in this country are harmed, we can deliver justice without further harming them. Thankfully, children's advocacy centers, for which this bill reauthorizes funding, are critical and effective resources in our communities that help us perform this awesome and terrible responsibility. Through this bill, we can continue to prevent future tragedies and deliver justice in ways that are effective and less costly than communities can deliver alone.\nThis bill helps prevent child abuse proactively. Just last year its programs trained more than 500,000 Americans, mostly in school settings, in how to spot and prevent child sexual abuse.\nSecondly, and in my view most importantly, this bill delivers justice. Children's advocacy centers increase prosecution of the monsters who perpetrate child abuse. One study showed a 94-percent conviction rate for center cases that carried forward to trial.\nThird, and in many ways equally as important, this bill helps to heal. Child victims of abuse who receive services at a child advocacy center are four times more likely to receive the medical exams and mental health treatment they desperately need compared to children who are served by non-center supported communities. No parent ever wants to go to one of these places or have to bring their child to one of these places, but those parents who have under these tragic circumstances, nearly 100 percent of them say they would recommend seeking this help to other parents.\nHow do these advocacy centers achieve all these different results of prevention, of justice, and of healing? Well, they are unique because they bring together under one roof everybody who needs to be present to help deal with the tragedy of child abuse: law enforcement, prosecutors, mental health and child service professionals--all focused on what is in the best interest of the child.\nThrough a trained forensic interviewer, they interview the child to find out exactly what happened. They ask difficult, detailed questions, and they structure the conversation in a trained and non-leading way so the testimony can be used later in court, preventing what otherwise is re-traumatization, making it possible for child victims to testify in a way that will lead to justice but without forcing those children to take the stand and to repeat over and over what they testified to once at a center.\nProsecutors take the information obtained in the interview all the way through the court system, while doctors and other child service professionals ensure the child is getting the help he or she badly needs to begin the process of healing.\nOne place, one interview, with all the resources a victim would need to move forward to secure justice and to heal.\u00a0\nIn my home State of Delaware, we have three children's advocacy centers, one in each of our counties. In the last year, I visited the centers in Wilmington and in Dover and saw firsthand the extraordinary work the professionals there do. These are places haunted by the tragedies that are described and recorded there, but the staff are welcoming, nurturing professionals, and the law enforcement and mental health and child service professionals who are there are deeply dedicated to making sure that they achieve justice and that they promote healing.\nIt was striking on my tours, my visits, to see how strategically and thoughtfully each of these centers has been put together, how they have worked through every possible detail to enable obtaining the testimony needed to secure justice while enabling healing of child victims. This is critical in order to avoid re-traumatization--a threat that is real for victims and for their long-term healing process. The centers in Wilmington and Dover and Georgetown in my home State show over and over how these centers create the sort of nurturing but effective space to ensure that we both meet the needs of victims and secure justice.\nAs I am sure the Chair knows, in my home State of Delaware just a few years ago we saw exactly the kind of evil we most dread in this world when a pediatrician, a man named Earl Bradley whom many Delawareans trusted with their children's health and safety, was found to have sexually assaulted more than 100 of our children. Delaware is a State of neighbors, and his horrific crimes against our children, our families, and our communities affected all of us. Attorney general Beau Biden and his team effectively led the investigation and prosecution of this monster. Thankfully, children's advocacy centers were able to play a key role in ensuring that the interviews and the assistance provided to the victims and their families were effective and that ultimately justice was rendered.\nRandy Williams, the executive director of Delaware's Children's Advocacy Center in Dover, wrote to me: \u201cOur multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly and seamlessly in providing forensic interviews, assessments, medical evaluations and mental health services for every child referred to our centers.\u201d\nRandy went on to say: \u201cI feel confident that our team's outstanding collaborative response was a direct result of the financial and technical assistance and training resources made possible over many years through the Federal Victims of Child Abuse Act.\u201d\nIn the end, Dr. Bradley was convicted on multiple counts. Over 100 victims were involved. He is now serving 14 life sentences plus 164 years in prison.\nAs a nation, we have no greater responsibility than to keep our children safe. As a father, there is nothing that keeps me up at night more than concerns about the safety and security and health of my own children. We must do everything we can to prevent sexual abuse of those most vulnerable and those most precious members of our society--our children. When that tragedy strikes, we need to be prepared with the best services we have to foster healing and deliver justice.\nThis specific bill is about upholding our responsibility to our children, to our families, and to this nation's future. It is at the very core of why we serve and of what we believe. I am grateful that this is a bipartisan bill, that this is a bill which can demonstrate the best of what this Senate, this Congress, and this country is capable of. It represents the best of our Federal commitment to targeted, effective, and essential assistance to State and local law enforcement, to our communities, and to our children.\nI urge my colleagues to join with us because in the end, no child should fall prey to physical or sexual abuse. No mother or father should have a haunting experience of finding that an adult they trusted took advantage of that trust and horribly hurt their child. No country should tolerate these crimes when there are things we can do now, today, on a bipartisan basis, to protect and to heal our children and to ensure that justice is secured.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                families,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Georgetown,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Dover,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Advocacy Centers,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Wilmington,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Mental Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Health", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013010/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse", "Senator Coons introduces bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons introduces bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Victims of Child Abuse Act reauthorization would secure funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers that help solve child-abuse cases while protecting child victims of violent crimes \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to reauthorize the\u00a0Victims of Child Abuse Act\u00a0(VOCAA), which provides funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Though the success of these federal-state and public-private partnerships have earned them broad bipartisan support, Congressional authorization for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers lapsed in 2005, and most recently the President\u2019s proposed budgets for 2013 and 2014 have zeroed out federal funding. The\u00a0VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013\u00a0would restore funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers and strengthen oversight of this critical program.\n\u201cWhen a child is the victim of physical or sexual abuse, his or her life will never be the same,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSeeking justice should be a part of the healing process \u2013 not a source of further trauma. Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers provide a safe, supportive space for young victims and help law enforcement officers bring perpetrators to justice faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. These facilities are a critical asset to law enforcement, to our criminal justice system, and to the children in our community who have been the victims of truly horrific crimes. I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure they can continue to serve children in need.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThere are 22 Child Advocacy Centers located in Missouri, which serve around 7,000 of our state\u2019s most vulnerable children each year by coordinating the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases,\u201d Senator Blunt said. \u201cThis bill allows Child Advocacy Centers in Missouri and across the country to continue to provide a safe haven for child abuse victims and helps law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.\u201d\n\"The Victims of Child Abuse Act funding received by the Children\u2019s Advocacy Center of Delaware is critically important in our efforts to ensure that our CACs and our multidisciplinary team partners are able to provide the very best response possible when presented with allegations of child abuse,\u201d said Randall E. Williams, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Delaware, Inc. \u201cOur child victims deserve to receive the very best services available, and VOCAA funding has allowed our CACs and multidisciplinary team partners to receive the training, technical assistance, and support necessary to employ nationally recognized\u00a0 \u201cbest practices\u201d and ensure child victims are not further traumatized by the very systems designed to protect them.\"\n\"Nothing is more important than protecting children,\" said Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. \"Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers are on the front lines in the fight against predators. This funding will make our children safer.\"\nChildren\u2019s Advocacy Centers employ a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court, preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their stories multiple times. In 2012 alone, more than 286,000 children were served at over 800 Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers across the United States, with over 197,000 cases reporting sexual abuse. Their use in child abuse cases saved, on average, more than $1,000 per case in court, child protection, and investigative fees.\u00a0\nThe VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would increase authorization levels for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers for the first time since the VOCAA was enacted in 1990. Acknowledging current fiscal constraints, this moderate increase, from $20 million to $22.5 million, is still below an amount that would keep pace with inflation and population growth. The reauthorization would also strengthen the programs through enhanced accountability provisions, non-profit requirements and limitations on conference expenditures.\nSenator Coons has been an outspoken advocate for Delaware\u2019s three Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers. He visited the Wilmington Children\u2019s Advocacy Center in October 2012 and the Dover Children\u2019s Advocacy Center this past April. In April, he wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder requesting the administration\u2019s support for the Victims of Child Abuse Act in the fiscal year 2014 budget and, separately, led 30 of his Senate colleagues in a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging a restoration of funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers.\nThe following organizations have endorsed the VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013: National Association of Police Organizations, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Major County Sheriffs\u2019 Association, National Criminal Justice Training Center, Major Cities Chiefs\u2019 Association, National Children\u2019s Alliance, National Children\u2019s Advocacy Center, National Center for Victims of Crime, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, and the National Child Protection Training Center.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Senate Law Enforcement Caucus,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Police,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Criminal Justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Delaware,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Advocacy Centers", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013017/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-introduce-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse", "Senators introduce bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski (Coons) at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senators introduce bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Victims of Child Abuse Act reauthorization would secure funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers that help solve child-abuse cases while protecting child victims of violent crimes. \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Though the success of these federal-state and public-private partnerships have earned them broad bipartisan support, Congressional authorization for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers lapsed in 2005, and most recently the President\u2019s proposed budgets for 2013 and 2014 have zeroed out federal funding. The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would restore funding for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers and strengthen oversight of this critical program.\n\u201cWhen a child is the victim of physical or sexual abuse, his or her life will never be the same,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSeeking justice should be a part of the healing process \u2013 not a source of further trauma. Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers provide a safe, supportive space for young victims and help law enforcement officers bring perpetrators to justice faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. These facilities are a critical asset to law enforcement, to our criminal justice system, and to the children in our community who have been the victims of truly horrific crimes. I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure they can continue to serve children in need.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThere are 22 Child Advocacy Centers located in Missouri, which serve around 7,000 of our state\u2019s most vulnerable children each year by coordinating the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases,\u201d Senator Blunt said. \u201cThis bill allows Child Advocacy Centers in Missouri and across the country to continue to provide a safe haven for child abuse victims and helps law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I have seen firsthand the dramatic impact that Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers have made in improving our nation\u2019s response to these terrible crimes,\u201d Senator Sessions said. \u201cSince the Victims of Child Abuse Act was introduced more than two decades ago, we have seen substantial improvements in the investigation of these heinous acts and the vital care provided to child victims.\u00a0 Protecting our children is the highest moral duty we have. I am proud that the first Children\u2019s Advocacy Center is in Huntsville\u2014this amazing organization does such crucial work on behalf of our nation\u2019s children. The Victims of Child Abuse Act plays a critical role in protecting our nation\u2019s children and we must reauthorize it.\u00a0 I am grateful to Senators Coons, Hirono, and Blunt for joining in this effort.\u201d\n\u201cWhile we want to give our keiki the best possible start in life, free from violence and abuse, we need to have protections for those who are victims of these terrible crimes. The Victims of Child Abuse Act helps fund Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers where children are interviewed about abuse in a comfortable and safe setting. I recently visited one, the Children\u2019s Justice Center of East Hawaii, and learned from staff, child welfare professionals and law enforcement how the Center supports our keiki. I am pleased to join this bipartisan effort with Senators Coons, Blunt and Sessions to restore this imperative funding for these Centers on behalf of hundreds of thousands of children throughout the nation,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\u00a0\n\u201cFor nearly two decades, Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers have existed in communities across the country \u2013 however, there remain many children who do not have access to these critical services in times of need\u201d remarked Teresa Huizar, executive director of the National Children\u2019s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers. \u201cThe VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 is the first step in the continued evolution and growth of the Children\u2019s Advocacy Center model. With this ongoing support we can hope to one day not only meet the needs of every child victim of abuse, but work together on prevention efforts that will ultimately eradicate child abuse from our society.\u201d\n\"Nothing is more important than protecting children,\" said Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. \"Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers are on the front lines in the fight against predators. This funding will make our children safer.\"\nChildren\u2019s Advocacy Centers employ a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court, preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their stories multiple times. In 2012 alone, more than 286,000 children were served at over 800 Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers across the United States, with over 197,000 cases reporting sexual abuse. Their use in child abuse cases saved, on average, more than $1,000 per case in court, child protection, and investigative fees.\nThe VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would increase authorization levels for Children\u2019s Advocacy Centers for the first time since the VOCAA was enacted in 1990. Acknowledging current fiscal constraints, this moderate increase, from $20 million to $22.5 million, is still below an amount that would keep pace with inflation and population growth. The reauthorization would also strengthen the programs through enhanced accountability provisions, non-profit requirements and limitations on conference expenditures.\nThe following organizations have endorsed the VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013: National Association of Police Organizations, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Major County Sheriffs\u2019 Association, National Criminal Justice Training Center, Major Cities Chiefs\u2019 Association, National Children\u2019s Alliance, National Children\u2019s Advocacy Center, National Center for Victims of Crime, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, and the National Child Protection Training Center.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Senate Law Enforcement Caucus,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Criminal Justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Police,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children's Advocacy Centers", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014349/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-calling-for-an-end-to-partisan-obstruction-of-nominees", "Floor Speech: Calling for an end to partisan obstruction of nominees", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 11, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Floor Speech: Calling for an end to partisan obstruction of nominees \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As Delivered on the Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nI came to speak to a bipartisan bill, which I hope to take a few minutes to talk about, but first I wish to comment on what is happening or not happening on the floor and the comments of the majority leader.\nI have been a Senator for only three years, as the Presiding Officer well knows. We were sworn in as a group of those elected to the class of 2010. I just came from an inspiring event where the Vice President, who previously held this seat on behalf of Delaware, gave an award to the former majority leader, a real patriot, a veteran, former Senator Bob Dole. They talked about how compromise, principled compromise, made it possible for Senator McGovern and Senator Dole, folks from opposite ends of the political spectrum, to work together in the interests of hungry children in the United States.\nFrankly, what I have seen in the three years that I have been in the Senate, the three years that we have served together on the Judiciary Committee, has been a slow walk.\nThere are minority rights in this body, but there are also minority responsibilities. There are majority rights but also majority responsibilities.\nI wish to add to the comments of the majority leader that the nominees to serve on the DC Circuit, the nominees to many district court seats, whose confirmations I have either presided over or attended, were not objected to on substantive grounds. I have trouble with the idea that the three empty seats on the DC Circuit do not need to be filled.\u00a0\nI have listened at great length to the arguments about caseload and about workload. As the chair of the courts subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, I presided over the presentation of the Judicial Conference's report on where we need additional judgeships and where we don't.\nI will note briefly and in passing that Judge Tymkovich, who presented this report, did not suggest there was some need to reduce the DC Circuit by eliminating these currently vacant spots.\u00a0\nWe could go through this chapter and verse. This has been debated to death on this floor. In my view, we have three excellent, qualified candidates. I regret that we have spent so much time burning the clock and that we have had to make changes that ultimately will make it possible for qualified nominees to be confirmed.\u00a0\nIt is, to me, a subject of some deep concern that we cannot work better together, Republicans and Democrats, to move work forward.\nIf I might, I would like to move for a moment to an example of exactly the sort of bipartisan bill that we should be able to move to here, that if there weren't this endless obstruction, if we weren't running out the clock on nothing, we might be able to get done together. This is an example of the sort of reaching across the aisle that used to dominate this body when giants such as Dole and McGovern served here but is no longer the case. They are no longer the daily diet of this body. We are no longer reaching across the aisle and finding ways to make our country more competitive, create more manufacturing jobs in partnership with the private sector, and responsibly reduce our deficit.\nI was encouraged as a member of the budget conference committee that we seemed to be moving toward enacting a significant--small in scale but significant in its precedence--deal for the Budget Committee that could allow us to go back to regular order for appropriations. But here, as we waste hour after hour running out the clock to confirm nominees, I wonder. I wonder whether we are going to be able to take up, consider, and pass substantive legislation.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                obstruction,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Courts,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nominations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=f44cda3a-e1b5-4ac1-a4fc-9d770f2d23a3", "Hearing Statement: \"Oversight Hearing on Domestic Renewable Fuels\"", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, convened the joint hearing, \"Oversight Hearing on Domestic Renewable Fuels.\"\r\nA copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cIn 2007, our nation\u2019s energy future did not look good. Consumption of gasoline and diesel was expected to grow exponentially and feeding this growth was oil from other nations \u2013 many of which didn\u2019t like us very much.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s why in 2007, Congress took several steps to try to change our energy future. For example, Congress increased the fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and vans for the first time in 32 years. As someone who worked very hard with Senators Feinstein and Stevens to help us find an agreement, I am very proud of this achievement.\u00a0 I know our efforts laid the groundwork for future efficiency increases by the Administration.\r\n\u201cIn 2007, Congress also amended the Clean Air Act by more than doubling the domestic biofuel mandate to 36 billion gallons by 2022.\u00a0 We included new incentives for advanced fuels that were better for the environment and were not derived from the food we eat or the food our chickens and cattle eat. Since 2007, we have seen a change in the energy trend lines \u2013 and our energy future looks better than it has in decades. \u00a0\r\n\u201cToday, for the first time in two decades we are producing more oil than we are importing. That\u2019s because production at home has increased, consumption has gone down and biofuel use has increased \u2013 replacing oil-based fuels. And finally today, we are seeing the first commercial scale advanced biofuel facilities being built \u2013 providing an alternative to traditional corn ethanol.\r\n\u201cTo keep us on the path toward a brighter, greener energy future, I believe it is important for this country to continue to invest in biofuels \u2013 especially in advanced biofuels. I believe the Renewable Fuel Standard is a crucial policy tool to keep these investments flowing. Biofuels done right is crucial to our energy security, but we cannot ignore the unintended consequences of increasing our biofuel mandates.\r\n\u201cSupporting investments in the next generation of renewable fuels, while still protecting our environment and economy is no small feat, but it can be achieved. I look forward to today\u2019s discussion to see how we can strike that balance.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAnd on that note, I look forward to having an open and thoughtful dialogue with our witnesses and colleagues today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6c8972fe-a490-4087-91f8-6001cb36ccb5", "Committee Reports Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS to Full Senate", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), reported out the nomination of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Director at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April. His nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration. To watch the meeting, please click\u00a0here. Chairman Carper\u2019s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, can be found\u00a0here.\r\nPrior to being nominated to this position, Mr. Mayorkas served as the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where he oversaw the largest immigration system in the world. He has also served as the US Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice.\r\nSince his nomination, Mr. Mayorkas has received an outpouring of bipartisan support from law enforcement agencies, former members of DHS leadership, administration officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations, former colleagues and others. In total, the Committee has received over 30 letters of support for Mr. Mayorkas. The letters of support can be accessed\u00a0here.\r\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission \u2013 to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror. This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, but it is made all the more challenging by the fact that the Department has several vacancies in critical Senate-confirmed leadership positions.\u00a0 To be successful, the Department needs strong leadership and I believe that it is unacceptable to have so many vacancies, including in the Deputy Secretary position. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.\u00a0 Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. It is time to move forward with Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. I urge all of my colleagues to support Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Chairman Tom Carper\r\n\u201cAs I have come to know Ali, I can tell you that he asks no more of others than he does of himself, and, in leading by example, sets a standard of excellence for all who consider themselves committed public service. In my view, Homeland Security could be in no better hands. I urge his rapid confirmation.\u201d\u00a0\u2013Jane Holl Lute, Former Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (2009-2013)\r\n\u201cAs you know, Mr. Mayorkas has already served the Department well and honorably in the role of Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I also believe Mr. Mayorkas to be a public servant of integrity with a clear and distinguished track record of leadership.\u201d-\u00a0W. Ralph Basham, Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (2006-2009) and Former Director, United States Secret Service (2003-2006).\r\n\u201cFrom what I have seen of Alejandro Mayorkas in his Role as Director of USCIS, I think he can fulfill this role well. Of course he has run some significant institutions including the largest U.S. Attorney\u2019s office and USCIS, and that matters. But what I find more meaningful are his probing intellectual curiosity, his incisive sparring among proponents of divergent views, his respect for rigorous process, and his willingness to put the right people in chard. Not many people have that kind of ability and drive, sorely needed in the DepSec role.\u201d\u00a0\u2013Robert Divine, Former Chief Counsel at USCIS (2004-2006).\r\n\u201cAli Mayorkas impresses me as a man of fine character, high honor, and an impeccable sense of duty. In short\u2026 trust his word!\u201d-Eduardo Aguirre, Former Director, USCIS (2003-2005)\r\n\u201c\u2026I feel somewhat qualified to evaluate the necessary blend of leadership skills, knowledge, wisdom, integrity, interpersonal skills, and common sense that are essential to the job. In my opinion, Director Mayorkas meets and exceeds the job requirements of this highly important post. As a private citizen, I would sleep better knowing that Ali is \u2018on the job\u2019\u201d\u00a0- Eduardo Aguirre, Former Director, USCIS (2003-2005)\r\n\u201cHis professionalism, leadership skills and integrit make him an ideal candidate for this post.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Chuck Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order of Police.\r\n\u201cDirector Mayorkas\u2019 strong leadership, extensive experience, and strong commitment to law enforcement and national security clearly demonstrate that he has the skills to effectively lead the Department of Homeland Security.\u201d\u00a0-Ahern, Bonner, Chapa, Hensley, Iden, Wainstein. Jayson P. Ahern\u00a0is the Former Acting Commissioner, CBP.\u00a0Robert C. Bonner\u00a0is the Former Commissioner, CBP.\u00a0Anthony Chapa\u00a0is the former Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service.\u00a0John Hensley\u00a0is the Former Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement and Investigations, U.S. Customs Service.\u00a0Robert L Iden\u00a0is the Former Assistant Director in Charge of Los Angeles Office, FBI.\u00a0Kenneth Wainstein\u00a0is the Former Assistant to President Bush for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ca6cc5d4-5b9f-4a57-a176-a2bb9dc6b5ea", "Opening Remarks of Chairman Carper: Business Meeting for the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) held a business meeting to consider the nomination of Alejandro N. Mayorkas, President Obama\u2019s nominee to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. A selection of Chairman Carper\u2019s statement follows.\r\nTo read statement in its entirety, please click here. To watch the meeting, please click here.\r\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission \u2013 to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror. This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, but it is made all the more challenging by the fact that the Department has several vacancies in critical Senate-confirmed leadership positions.\u00a0 To be successful, the Department needs strong leadership and I believe that it is unacceptable to have so many vacancies, including in the Deputy Secretary position. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.\u00a0 Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. It is time to move forward with Director Mayorkas\u2019 nomination to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. It is time for this Committee to vote on the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas and send his nomination to the floor for consideration by the full Senate. I urge all of my colleagues to support Alejandro Mayorkas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010716/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-budget-conference-committee-agreement", "Statement from Senator Coons on budget conference committee agreement", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 10, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on budget conference committee agreement \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, issued the following statement on the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).\n\u201cCongress\u2019 inability over the last few years to agree on something as fundamental as a budget has undermined its ability to effectively confront the challenges facing our nation. The agreement announced Tuesday is the product of months of negotiation and years of political obstruction, and it is a critical first step in what must be a sustained effort to restore economic certainty, create jobs, and reduce our dangerous annual deficits.\n\u201cThis agreement accomplishes perhaps the most important thing it could have: temporarily curbing the destructive nature of the reckless sequester. In addition to increasing overall funding to a more responsible level while still reducing our deficit, the agreement restores our ability to prioritize investments and find savings.\n\u201cWhile I do not agree with everything in this agreement, compromise was the only way an agreement was even possible. It is regrettable, for example, that federal workers will see their pensions trimmed as a means of finding cost savings, and that the agreement did not include an extension of unemployment insurance, but any deal that could pass in both chambers would require both sides to accept choices with which it may not agree. Shared sacrifice was inevitable and necessary, and to pretend otherwise would be to continue an unproductive trend in our recent political history.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is my hope that this agreement will be the first step on a positive, productive, bipartisan path forward, and that Congress will use the momentum the deal creates to pursue a larger agreement on the broader fiscal challenges facing our nation. Congress must come together on policies that will create jobs and grow our economy, while responsibly reducing our deficits.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Conference Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sequester,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Deficit,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Budget Committee", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011027/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-bill-to-fight-discrimination-against-those-with-hiv/aids", "Senator Coons introduces bill to fight discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 10, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons introduces bill to fight discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act would encourage states to repeal outdated laws  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at helping end the 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\u00a0would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV.\n\u201cIt\u2019s simply not fair that someone having been diagnosed with a chronic, treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,\u201d\u00a0Senator Coons\u00a0said. \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, 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 this bill would take an important step in that direction.\u201d\nThirty-two states have criminal statutes based on perceived exposure to HIV, regardless of the actual risk of transmission, and 13 states have laws that criminalize certain acts \u2014 like spitting \u2014 by people with HIV/AIDS, even though it is not possible to transmit HIV by saliva. Aside from being charged under HIV-specific criminalization statutes, people living with HIV have been charged under aggravated assault, attempted murder, and bioterrorism statutes.\u00a0\n\u201cThe REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act is a common-sense, no-cost measure that will help local states to save taxpayer dollars by ensuring that criminal laws relating to HIV exposure are based on the best and most recent science and knowledge about HIV, including the recent advances of effective HIV treatments,\u201d William McColl, Political Director of AIDS United and co-chair of the Federal Working Group of the Positive Justice Project, said.\u00a0\n\u201cThere is little doubt that current HIV-specific criminal laws do not reflect current knowledge about the actual routes, risks and consequences of HIV transmission,\u201d Catherine Hanssens, Executive Director of the Center for HIV Law and Policy and co-chair of the Federal Working Group of the Positive Justice Project, said.\u00a0 I hope we can agree that something is terribly wrong when individuals serve less time for vehicular manslaughter and rape convictions than for consensual sex while HIV positive.\u00a0 Our national Positive Justice Project coalition supports this opportunity to review the many HIV criminal laws that are an outdated waste of money when resources for survivors of real crimes such as sexual assault are so limited.\"\nU.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in May. H.R. 1843 has 34 cosponsors. More than 150 HIV/AIDS, LGBT, military, public health, racial justice, religious, and women\u2019s organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the Center for HIV Law and Policy, AIDS United, Sero Project, National Minority AIDS Council, American Civil Liberties Union, OutServe - Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Human Rights Campaign, American Academy of HIV Medicine, Black AIDS Institute, American Psychological Association, Lambda Legal, and National Council of Jewish Women.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                HIV/AIDS,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                discrimination,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary Committee", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f62fef9f-314b-44c0-a440-d7f25f6cc775", "New GAO Report Shows Agencies Can Do More to Increase Contract Savings with Reverse Auctions", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), today highlighted a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled, \u201cReverse Auctions: Guidance Is Needed to Maximize Competition and Achieve Cost Savings.\u201d\u00a0 In the report, GAO found that agencies can save money by better utilizing reverse auction services, a tool that, when used properly, can increase competition and drive down prices. While GAO found that 65% of the auctions conducted by the Army, Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Interior, and Department of Veterans Affairs involved some level of interactive bidding where multiple vendors submitted multiple bids, GAO also found one third of the reverse auctions did not have fully interactive bidding, meaning that the potential benefits of competition weren\u2019t fully realized. For example, the report also shows agencies conducted 3,617 auctions costing $1.7 million in service fees where only one vendor participated and submitted only one bid.\r\n\u201cReverse auctions are a promising, innovative way for agencies to save taxpayer dollars. As with any tool, though, there is a right way and a wrong way to use it,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cToday\u2019s Government Accountability Office (GAO) report makes it clear that agencies need better, government-wide guidance to eliminate confusion on when reverse auctions should be used and to ensure that reverse auctions are used properly to maximize competition and savings. \u00a0I look forward to working with the Office of Management and Budget to see that it implements GAO\u2019s recommendations and issues guidance in a thorough and timely manner.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s report shows that while reverse auctions are one of the many valuable tools available to assistant agencies in saving taxpayers millions of dollars when awarding contracts, much more work is needed to ensure this tool is used the right way,\u201d Dr. Coburn said.\u00a0 \u201cAgencies should always weigh the potential savings benefits against the cost of tools like reverse auctions to determine how to get the best deal for the taxpayer. I hope that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implements GAO\u2019s recommendations to help federal agencies make better use of this innovative approach to saving money.\u201d\r\nAdditional highlights of the GAO report include:\r\n \r\nGAO calculated savings from reverse auctions in 2012, defined as the difference between the target price set by the agency at the beginning of the auction and the final award price of the contract, of $98 million.\r\nGAO also noted that, in some cases, agencies are actually paying two fees to use reverse auctions. When agencies buy goods and services under the GSA Schedules contracts, for example, they pay a 0.75% fee that is built into the pricing. If they use a reverse auction to buy off the Schedules, they may also pay an additional fee to the reverse auction vendor. For example, agencies paid a total of $1.3 million to GSA and VA in fees to use their contracts, and an additional $2.8 million in reverse auction fees.\r\nGAO found that agencies are also not analyzing the full costs and benefits of reverse auctions effectively and identified a lack of guidance on how to use this tool effectively. As a result, GAO recommended that OMB update federal acquisition regulations and issue guidance to federal agencies to improve their use of reverse auctions.\r\n \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8bdd99ce-5b60-4460-9aba-8337190f4edc", "Sen. Carper Highlights Report Detailing Positive Impact of Farm Bill Conservation Practices on Chesapeake Bay Watershed", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, DE \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which shows voluntary conservation practices being adopted by Chesapeake Bay farmers have led to a drastic reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment leaving cropland.   \u00a0   Throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed since 2006, runoff levels have decreased 26 percent for nitrogen, 46 percent for phosphorus, and about 60 percent for eroded soil. Through the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), the report noted the majority of the conservation practices we made possible by the Farm Bill, now expired.   \u00a0   \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of all the work Delaware farmers do to not only help feed the world but also for their efforts to be true environmental stewards for themselves, their neighbors, and future generations,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cUSDA's report shows what my Chesapeake Bay colleagues and I have known for a long time - agriculture conservation practices work and are crucial for the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay. That is why we have fought so hard to ensure the federal government continues to invest in these projects - and why we support the Senate Farm Bill language that continues these investments in the Bay. I urge my colleagues to work in a bipartisan fashion so we can pass a Farm Bill that will continue funding conservation practices like these because when we all work toward a common goal, together we can generate results and continue to improve the environmental and economic health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and areas like it all across this country.\u201d   \u00a0   Sen. Carper has long supported the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, a program launched in 2008 that helps direct funding to priority watersheds and conservation practices that would have the biggest impact on overall watershed health. And as Governor of Delaware, Sen. Carper started a nutrient management commission, bringing together the agriculture, government and science communities to work together to tackle conservation issues.\r\nIn Delaware, nearly $8.9 million has gone toward the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative to help properly store poultry manure, apply best nutrient management practices, reduce pesticide use, and increase proper irrigation water management practices. All of these practices implemented by farmers reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients entering Delaware\u2019s streams and ditches.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay watershed touches six states and is home to 17 million people and almost 84,000 farms and ranches. Agriculture contributes about $10 billion annually to the region\u2019s economy. Conservation practices have other environmental benefits, such as sequestering carbon and making farms more resilient to extreme weather events linked to climate change.   \u00a0   To learn more about the USDA\u2019s Conservation Effects Assessment Project, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=c6f57e59-e021-4f12-95ed-a33adf806588", "Delaware, seven other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states seek to curb air pollution from upwind states", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER (Dec. 9, 2013) \u2013 With Delaware at the forefront, eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States today petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require upwind states to reduce air pollution generated within their borders, which causes asthma, respiratory disease, and other public health problems downwind.\r\nThe multi-state action is aimed at requiring nine upwind states \u2013 Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia \u2013 to reduce air pollution emissions that are carried by prevailing winds and contribute to the formation of ozone to the north and east. The petition seeks long-overdue commitments from the upwind states to protect the health of downwind residents and to level the playing field for businesses.\r\n\"Delaware\u2019s air quality remains overwhelmed by air pollution from upwind states \u2013 even though we have reduced emissions within Delaware of ozone-forming pollution by more than 70 percent since 1990,\" said Governor Jack Markell.\u00a0 \"While Delaware's in-state sources are well-controlled with state-of-the-art technology, this is simply not true of our upwind neighbors. As a result, Delaware pays more for healthcare resulting from respiratory illnesses and our industries are forced to do more than those in the states causing the pollution, and that's\u00a0 simply unfair. We need a level playing field among states to ensure that all states can enjoy healthy air.\"\r\nThe petition cites decades of inaction by the upwind states during which time the eight Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states have spent tens of billions of dollars to reduce their own air emissions. The petition asks EPA to require the nine upwind states to join them in what is known as the \u201cOzone Transport Region\u201d (OTR).\u00a0 Under the federal Clean Air Act, states added to the OTR would have to take actions consistent with the air pollution efforts of the downwind states through use of readily available control technologies and reliance on cleaner fuels to generate power.\r\nStates filing the petition \u2013 all current members of the OTR \u2013 are: Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDelaware has made great strides in cleaning up its own air pollution; but unfortunately, Delaware \u2013 along with other Northeast states \u2013 is located at the end of what I call \u2018America's tailpipe,\u2019\u201d said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. \u201cOther states' dirty emissions from cars and power plants drift east, causing pollution that Delaware cannot stop or regulate. At the end of the day, downwind states can only do so much without the cooperation and investment of upwind states. EPA has tried to implement new policies that would make all states be good clean air neighbors \u2013 but right now these policies are delayed in our court system. As we wait for a final decision, downwind states continue to suffer. Bringing in additional upwind states into the Ozone Transport Region is something the EPA Administrator can do now while we wait for a broader approach. It makes good sense and ensures cleaner air for downwind states like Delaware - which is why I hope the EPA Administrator will consider such a proposal.\u201d\r\n\"Pollution doesn't just hurt the public's health, but the health of our state's economy,\" said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. \"Upwind states' reluctance to invest in the necessary pollution controls imposes on Delaware's ecosystem and forces Delawareans to absorb additional health care costs. These upwind states should act as good neighbors by integrating existing available pollution control technology, and utilize cleaner fuels to reduce the emissions crossing into Delaware.\"\r\n\u201cDelaware has made significant progress in transitioning to a cleaner energy economy.\u00a0With the state, residents, and private businesses working together, Delaware\u2019s dirtiest coal-fired burners have either been shut down or improved with pollution controls that significantly reduce the amount of toxins they produce.\u00a0The results have been dramatic \u2013 better air quality and a reduced risk of Delawareans developing chronic health problems,\u201d said U.S. Congressman John Carney. \u201cBut we can\u2019t control the pollutants that pass over Delaware from the states to our west. These states are upwind of us and rely on the power they obtain from one of the dirtiest energy sources: coal. It\u2019s time for these states to step up and make the investments in cleaner energy that have been so productive here in Delaware.\u00a0The health of current and future generations of Americans in this region depends on it.\u00a0I\u2019m hopeful they will make progress on a healthier, cleaner environment in the near future.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\"Clean air matters and we are petitioning EPA because Delaware and our sister downwind states are in the world-turned-upside-down position of paying to import air pollution,\" said DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara. \"More than 90 percent of the air pollution that comes into Delaware is produced by outside sources. Meanwhile, those outside sources - most of them in the upwind states - aren't paying our health care bills, or paying for improvements to our air quality, as Delaware's industrial sector and power plants have done through adopting cleaner fuels, installing state of the art pollution controls, and building new low- and zero-emission generation. Instead we continue to pay - literally through the nose, as in respiratory illnesses and breathing problems such as asthma - for what other states send our way in the form of pollution and ozone transport. We're asking the EPA that cleaner air for Delawareans - and for all Americans in upwind or downwind states - be an equitable fight and a fair-share responsibility.\"\r\nOzone is created in the atmosphere by a reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and all non-trivial Delaware sources that emit VOC and NOx are well-controlled. In fact, Delaware has reduced statewide VOC and NOx emissions each by about 70 percent since 1990 \u2013 ranking the state among the highest in the country\u00a0 at having achieved emissions reductions.\r\nMeanwhile, reducing emissions has improved the state\u2019s air quality considerably. Since 1990 Delaware has attained the pervasive 0.12 parts per million (ppm) 1-hour ozone standard and the 0.080 ppm 8-hour ozone standard. However, New Castle and Sussex counties fail to meet the current federal ozone standard of 0.075 ppm, and further in-state emission reductions will not change this. Science has shown that more than 95 percent of Delaware\u2019s ozone problem is caused by emissions from outside of Delaware, and many of these emissions are completely uncontrolled. Delaware VOC and NOx emissions could be reduced to zero, and Delaware would still have unhealthy air so long as the state remains on the receiving end of upwind emissions. \u201cThe only thing that will fix our unhealthy air problem is to reduce emissions that are generated outside the borders of Delaware,\u201d said Ali Mirzakhalili, director, DNREC Division of Air Quality.\r\nUnder Section 176A of the federal Clean Air Act, states can petition the EPA to add any state to an air quality region such as the OTR if there is reason to believe it is the source of pollution causing violations of air quality standards elsewhere. The EPA Administrator is required to approve or disapprove of such a petition within 18 months.\u00a0\r\nIn submitting the petition to EPA, the eight downwind states told EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, \u201cWe believe expansion of the transport region and implementation of the required controls in upwind states are necessary for all of the OTR to achieve attainment in a timely manner. We also believe that the consultation process that is such an important part of the OTC\u2019s activities can benefit all states in an expanded OTR in the assessment of the ozone transport problem and result in the development of effective solutions.\u201d\u00a0\r\nMillions of residents in the downwind states petitioning EPA are exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone, which can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation and chest pains and aggravating asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Ozone and other air pollutants have also been linked to premature death.\r\nDespite aggressive actions taken by downwind states to reduce air pollution generated in-state, EPA modeling shows that interstate transport of air pollution contributes significantly to violations of health-based air quality standards for ground-level ozone within their borders. As much as 70 to 98 percent of this ozone air pollution problem is blown in from upwind states \u2013 and parts of some downwind states would remain in violation of federal standards even if they eliminated all of the pollution generated within their borders.\r\nIndustries and electric power plants in downwind states have invested heavily in pollution control technologies and additional emissions reductions would come from smaller sources at greater cost. The cost of removing an additional ton of pollution in downwind states is estimated at between $10,000 to $40,000 \u2013 compared to as little as $200-$500 a ton in upwind states, where even some basic control technologies have not been installed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=61bfad98-e609-47d8-ae8b-71f6f17914e0", "The Delaware Way", "2013-12-07", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It was 226 years ago, on December 7, 1787,\u00a0that a group of 30 elected delegates met at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover to decide the future of Delaware and our nation. On that day, Delawareans made the unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution and officially become the First State of our new nation.\r\n\r\n\r\nToday, from Wilmington to Georgetown and everywhere in between, Delawareans continue to work together to find ways, regardless of political party, to build bridges across partisan divisions to find a path forward and do what\u2019s best for our state and Delawareans. It\u2019s a tradition started all those long years ago that I like to refer to as the \"Delaware Way\".\r\nIn Washington, we strive to live up to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, but lately we haven\u2019t done such a great job. I remain determined to\u00a0to work together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to communicate and compromise and, I hope, bring a bit more of Delaware to our nation\u2019s capital.\r\nHappy Delaware Day,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222182151/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-urges-preservation-of-assistance-for-delaware-jobseekers", "Senator Coons urges preservation of assistance for Delaware jobseekers", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 6, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons urges preservation of assistance for Delaware jobseekers \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t 3,600 Delawareans will lose their federal unemployment insurance on December 31 \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 With 3,600 Delawareans scheduled to lose their federal unemployment insurance at the end of the month and another 4,800 to follow within the next six months, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is urging Congress to take action to preserve this critical support for jobseekers. In a letter sent to Senate leadership Friday, Senator Coons, Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and 30 of their colleagues called for the continuation of federal unemployment insurance through next year.\nWith just 23 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the senators wrote: \u201cWe are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy. As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans.\u201d\u00a0\nThe unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who have lost their jobs and are seeking work. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker\u2019s past earnings.\nFailure to preserve UI will hurt 1.3 million American families, who will be cut off at the end of the year, and nearly 1.9 million more who will be denied access to the emergency program during the first six months of next year.\u00a0If Congress does not renew the law, individuals who file for unemployment next year will qualify for state benefits only, which last a maximum of 26 weeks.\nAlthough the economy has been expanding for over four years, unemployment remains unacceptably high.\u00a0A new\u00a0report\u00a0by the National Employment Law Project shows long-term unemployment remains higher than during any other downturn since the Great Depression, with 4.1 million job-seekers, or 36.1 percent of all the unemployed, remaining out of work for six months or more.\nThe Economic Policy Institute estimates that the failure to renew UI\u00a0could cost our economy 310,000 jobs in 2014.\nOver the years, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that extending UI is among the most cost-effective programs for reducing unemployment and stimulating the economy.\nLast month, the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities\u00a0reported: \u201cthe premature turn towards budget austerity since 2010 has been a drag on economic growth and job creation.\u00a0 Extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) would help offset that drag as well as reduce hardship among jobless workers and their families.\u00a0 In contrast, letting EUC expire would increase hardship and cost the economy jobs.\u201d\u00a0\nText of the letter follows:\nDecember 6, 2013\nDear Majority Leader Reid, Republican Leader McConnell, Chairman Baucus, and Ranking Member Hatch:\nWe are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy.\u00a0 As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans.\nDespite the tremendous uncertainty caused by the brinksmanship over funding the government and near-default, the economy has had 45 straight months of private sector job growth and created a total of 8.1 million jobs over that period.\u00a0 However, we are still far from regaining the ground lost during the Great Recession.\u00a0 The national unemployment rate has hovered around and over 7 percent and 10.9 million Americans are out of work and looking for a job.\u00a0 Unemployed workers continue to face a daunting labor market, where for every one job opening, there are approximately 3 unemployed workers.\u00a0 That\u2019s why it\u2019s imperative that we pass legislation that will get Americans back to work and that we don\u2019t let unemployment insurance terminate at the end of the year.\u00a0\nFederal support for unemployment insurance has been a major boon to millions of Americans that have been laid off through no fault of their own.\u00a0 Since July 2008 unemployment insurance has provided over $255 billion in direct support.\u00a0 Over that period of time, we have made significant reforms, like those that avert layoffs and help people find work faster.\u00a0 Our constituents and the economy still need the support; the Economic Policy Institute estimates that the expiration of unemployment insurance will cost the economy 310,000 jobs and slow growth by 0.2 percent over the course of next year.\nContinuation of unemployment insurance has traditionally passed on a bipartisan basis because of the tremendous support it provides to the unemployed, their families, and the economy.\u00a0 We urge you to ensure that unemployment insurance is continued before its expiration at the end of the year.\nSincerely,\nJack Reed (D-RI)\nTom Harkin (D-IA)\nTim Kaine (D-VA)\nEd Markey (D-MA)\nKirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)\nJeanne Shaheen (D-NH)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)\nRobert Menendez (D-NJ)\nCarl Levin (D-MI)\nBarbara Boxer (D-CA)\nChris Coons (D-DE)\nMazie Hirono (D-HI)\nElizabeth Warren (D-MA)\nJeff Merkley (D-OR)\nBob Casey (D-PA)\nAl Franken (D-MN)\nSherrod Brown (D-OH)\nRon Wyden (D-OR)\nJay Rockefeller (D-WV)\nBrian Schatz (D-HI)\nPatty Murray (D-WA)\nDebbie Stabenow (D-MI)\nBernie Sanders (I-VT)\nDick Durbin (D-IL)\nRichard Blumenthal (D-CT)\nAmy Klobuchar (D-MN)\nPatrick Leahy (D-VT)\nDianne Feinstein (D-CA)\nChristopher Murphy (D-CT)\nTom Udall (D-NM)\nBill Nelson (D-FL)\nCory Booker (D-NJ)\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Insurance,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                families,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Letter,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=0d7f77d6-467b-4968-bd73-ce9bb83d66d8", "Friday: Sen. Carper in Middletown", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIDDLETOWN, Del. \u2013 On Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will be in Middletown for the following event: \u00a0 \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will talk to seniors about Medicare Part D benefits and open enrollment, which ends tomorrow, Dec. 7, at the Middletown Senior Center. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap \u2013 or \u201cdonut hole\u201d \u2013 as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments.\r\nTime: 11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: Middletown Senior Center, 300 S Scott St, Middletown, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will tour Christiana Care\u2019s Middletown Emergency Department facility. The $37 million, 36,500-square-foot facility opened last spring. The facility includes 18 treatment bays and eight observation-unit beds staffed by board-certified physicians and specially trained nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The emergency department serves a population of approximately of 86,000 residents of lower New Castle County and upper Kent County. \u00a0\r\nTime: 1 \u2013 2 p.m.\r\nLocation: 621 Middletown Odessa Road, Middletown, Del.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=355f34e9-3059-4ef7-a78a-81bc87a0caf5", "Markell, Carper, Coons and Carney Announce $1 Million for Delaware Historic Properties Damaged by Superstorm Sandy", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, Del. \u2013 Today, Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, along with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs announced that the National Park Service has awarded $1 million in federal funds help Delaware historic properties that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy.\r\n\u201cI thank the Congressional Delegation for their continued and tireless advocacy to ensure we have the resources necessary to address Hurricane Sandy\u2019s devastation, from our beaches and dikes to our invaluable historic properties,\u201d said Governor Markell. \u201cThe types of sites served by this grant not only preserve our storied past, but are a vital part of our culture today, while offering lessons and inspiration for generations to come.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis federal funding will help restore Delaware\u2019s important historic landmarks, which takes a group effort of local, state, federal leaders and concerned citizens to keep alive,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the hard work Delaware\u2019s Congressional Delegation put in to secure this funding to restore the damage to Delaware created by Superstorm Sandy so that these landmarks can be preserved for years to come.\u201d\r\n\u201cDelaware\u2019s identity is entwined with Delaware's history,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cSuperstorm Sandy caused significant damage in Delaware, and thanks to the response from my Congressional colleagues, this award will help us rebuild and repair those historic sites so that Delawareans and non-Delawareans alike can continue to be inspired by our rich history.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cHistorical landmarks in our state are not only meaningful to Delawareans, but shed light on important chapters in the story of our nation,\u201d said Congressman Carney.\u00a0 \u201cThanks to this funding, sites that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy will be restored and preserved so that visitors today and for many years to come can learn from Delaware\u2019s history and appreciate the many contributions we have made to our nation.\u201d \u00a0\r\nHurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Grants for Historic Properties are funded under the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013, a $50.7 billion package of disaster assistance largely focused on responding to the effects of the destructive hurricane which struck the East Coast of the United States in late October 2012. The storm prompted major disaster declarations in the District of Columbia and 12 states, including Delaware. As part of the act, Congress appropriated $50 million to cover the costs of preserving and/or rehabilitating historic properties damaged by Hurricane Sandy. In the state of Delaware, the grant program is being administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs\u2019 State Historic Preservation Office.\r\nTo be eligible for funding, a storm-damaged property must be: listed, or eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places; owned by private individuals or organizations (excepting religious entities), local governments or the state; and have documented damage that resulted from the effects of the storm.\u00a0 Repair work funded by the grants must also be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and in compliance with a number of other state and federal regulations.\r\nAfter securing details on the award from the National Park Service, the State Historic Preservation Office will publish program and application guidelines for the grants in early 2014. Grant Information will be posted on the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs website at http://history.delaware.gov. For additional information, call the division office at (302) 736-7400.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175553/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-passing-of-former-south-african-president-nelson-mandela", "Statement from Senator Coons on passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement on the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela:\n\u201cThe world has lost a true hero. It is hard to overstate Nelson Mandela's transformative impact on his country and the world. The lesson of his personal determination in the face of decades of imprisonment and oppression, followed by his unwavering grace and forgiveness towards his former captors is one of the great reconciliation stories in human history.\u00a0\n\u201cIn my work with the South African Council of Churches in the 1980\u2019s, I saw firsthand the terrible cruelty and fundamental injustice of an apartheid system that attempted to determine the destiny of South Africans based on the color of their skin. Nelson Mandela refused to accept the destiny that was handed to him, and instead led a movement to remake South Africa into a flourishing, multiracial democracy. His integrity and personal commitment to the progress of that democracy was exemplified in his willingness to relinquish power after just one term as president of a post-liberation South Africa, which set an important standard for democratic leaders in Africa and around the world.\n\u201cLong after his presidency, he continued to inspire people seeking freedom and justice around the world. He helped forge renewed bonds between the United States and South Africa, which remains part of his enduring legacy. Today, the American people join with the South Africans in grieving the loss of this extraordinary man, and in remembering the legacy of freedom, justice and equality he leaves behind.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nelson Mandela", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175625/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-applauds-un-security-council-action-on-central-african-republic", "Senator Coons applauds U.N. Security Council action on Central African Republic", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons applauds U.N. Security Council action on Central African Republic \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, welcomed the unanimous decision by the U.N. Security Council on Thursday to strengthen efforts to establish peace and civilian protection in the Central African Republic (CAR).\n\u201cFor nearly a year, the people of the Central African Republic have been caught in a brutal cycle of violence between armed groups. Efforts by countries in the region to stop the violence are commendable, but have lacked essential capacity and resources. The international community has been slow to awaken to the severity of the governance and humanitarian crisis there, and I welcome the unanimous decision by the U.N. Security Council to bolster the international response to this grave and growing conflict. \u00a0\n\u201cThe Security Council resolution imposes an arms embargo on the CAR, creates a commission to investigate violations of human rights, and authorizes France to provide military support to the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). These are critically important steps to establishing sustainable peace and security, and I welcome the commitment demonstrated by our African Union and French partners.\u201d\nThe Central African Republic has experienced expanding violence and lawlessness since a March 2013 coup. The violence, which is increasingly intercommunal and interreligious, has forced at least 460,000 to flee their homes, many hiding in the bush or taking refuge in dangerous conditions around churches and schools. More than a quarter of CAR\u2019s population of 4.6 million is seriously food insecure, and a lack of security has impeded delivery of humanitarian relief.\nIn addition to providing authorization for MISCA and French activities, the U.N. Security Council resolution calls on the Secretary General to prepare contingency plans for possible transition to a U.N. Peacekeeping Operation.\u00a0 The United States recently committed to provide $40 million to support MISCA.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Central African Republic,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                African Union,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                peacekeeping,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                United Nations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011910/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-applauds-extension-of-energy-efficiency-initiative", "Senator Coons applauds extension of energy efficiency initiative", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 4, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons applauds extension of energy efficiency initiative \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.),\u00a0Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) applauded the decision by the Obama Administration Tuesday to extend President Obama\u2019s federal buildings energy efficiency initiative.\nThe Administration announced yesterday\u00a0that federal agencies will \u201cwork with the Energy Department\u2019s Federal Energy Management Program in early 2014 to identify a pipeline of additional project commitments to further reduce energy use through 2016.\u201d\nGardner, Welch, Coons, and Boozman \u2013 \u00a0joined by 118 House colleagues and 26 Senate colleagues \u2013\u00a0sent a letter last month\u00a0to President Obama requesting an extended residential initiative setting a goal of $1 billion a year for the next five years for the federal government to utilize performance contracts to achieve energy savings.\n\"Investments in energy efficiency upgrades\u00a0promote energy independence, help our environment, and support American jobs,\"\u00a0Senator Coons\u00a0said. \"Outdated federal facilities spend billions in\u00a0taxpayer\u00a0dollars every year on energy use alone. In just two years, the\u00a0federal buildings energy efficiency initiative\u00a0has already yielded\u00a0significant\u00a0energy and cost savings for the federal government, and\u00a0I\u00a0am pleased the\u00a0administration has chosen to extend this valuable program.\"\u00a0\n\u201cAmericans are tired of a Congress that has a seemingly endless inability to work together,\u201d\u00a0Rep. Gardner\u00a0said. \u201cA growing bipartisan group of Members of Congress have come together to achieve a simple goal: save taxpayer money, and reduce the amount of energy the federal government uses. I am glad the Obama Administration had made the decision to extend this commonsense initiative.\u201d\n\u201cEnergy efficiency is a practical idea that cuts through partisan gridlock in Washington and achieves real progress for the American people by creating jobs and saving taxpayer dollars.\u00a0 There is broad bipartisan and bicameral support for energy efficiency investments and the Administration\u2019s announcement today reflects that support.\u00a0 I applaud their decision to extend this program and look forward to working with them achieve even more energy savings,\u201d\u00a0Rep. Welch\u00a0said.\n\u201cI applaud this commonsense effort to use public-private partnerships to achieve both energy efficiency and savings for American taxpayers. While debate and disagreement are part of a healthy democracy, our bipartisan letter and today's announcement show that we can also find areas of common ground and agreement to tackle challenges our nation faces,\u201d\u00a0Senator Boozman\u00a0said.\nIn 2011, the President kicked off a\u00a02-year initiative\u00a0to achieve $2 billion in energy savings in federal buildings. The 2011 executive order employed the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) to achieve energy savings in federal buildings.\u00a0Under an ESPC or UESC, an energy services company or a utility negotiates a contract with a federal agency that specifies the amount of energy savings it will achieve through retrofits and other measures. The company or utility is then paid for its performance out of the savings it achieves rather than through appropriated funds.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Energy Efficiency,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Environment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Energy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                President Obama", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011923/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-urges-epa-administrator-mccarthy-to-reduce-use-of-harmful-climate-change-causing-pollutant", "Senator Coons urges EPA Administrator McCarthy to reduce use of harmful climate change-causing pollutant", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 4, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons urges EPA Administrator McCarthy to reduce use of harmful climate change-causing pollutant \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined a group of 16 lawmakers, led by\u00a0Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, and Representative Scott Peters (CA-52), who signed\u00a0a bicameral letter urging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to use the agency\u2019s authority to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) compounds. The use of HFCs could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. Other signers of the letter include Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Cal.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).\n\u201cWe are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.\u00a0 We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down\u2026Recognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.\u00a0 We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.\u00a0 The agency should look to where market transitions are already underway and where EPA action could hasten the pace of those transitions, both domestically and elsewhere. We think that such actions would not only have significant cost-effective environmental benefits but would also strengthen the Administration\u2019s hand in the Montreal Protocol negotiations.\u201d\nTo view a copy of the letter, please click here.\nThe Montreal Protocol is an example of a very successful multi-national environmental initiative.\u00a0 Since the United States ratified the Protocol in 1988 there has been a 97% reduction in the global consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances such as those found in our refrigerants, aerosols and solvents. However, a majority of the ozone-depleting substances are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) compounds.\u00a0HFCs are easy to use, efficient and are safe for the ozone but they can have a high potential to contribute to global warming.\u00a0 If global use of HFCs continues to go unchecked, it is estimated that HFCs could account for approximately 20% of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.\nIn response to this problem, the United States had proposed an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to include a phasedown for HFCs along with the other refrigerant gases already regulated under the Protocol.\u00a0 While there has been some momentum to amend the Montreal Protocol \u2013 such as recent agreements between China and the United States -- some in the international community are still resisting moving forward to amend the Protocol.\u00a0 As the international negotiations continue, there are commonsense steps the EPA can take now to start the phaseout of HFCs, helping our environment and sending a powerful signal to the international community that the United States is serious about transitioning away from HFCs.\u00a0\nThis letter supports the Administration\u2019s efforts to use the Montreal Protocol and urges the EPA to use their authority to start phasing out HFCs where there is a clear alternative.\nA copy of the letter text follows:\nThe Honorable Gina McCarthy  Administrator  Environmental Protection Agency  Ariel Rios Federal Building  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Room 3000  Washington, DC 20460\nDear Administrator McCarthy,\nWe are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.\u00a0 We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down.\nSince its ratification in 1989, the Montreal Protocol has been an example of a highly successful multi-national environmental initiative.\u00a0 Under the Montreal Protocol, U.S. corporations and corporations in participating countries agreed to replace ozone depleting products -\u00a0 such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - used globally used in refrigerants, aerosols and solvents.\u00a0 As a result, we have seen a 97% reduction in the global consumption of controlled ozone depleting substances.\u00a0\nToday, most countries are choosing to replace CFCs and HCFCs with HFC compounds because HFCs have been found to be a safe and efficient alternative.\u00a0 The United States has already made the transition to HFCs, meaning HFCs are now used in a majority of our air conditioners and refrigerants found in our homes, cars, hospitals, and supermarkets.\u00a0 Developing countries participating in the Montreal Protocol are now starting to make their transitions - ramping up their use of HFCs.\u00a0 As a result, the global use of HFCs is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.\u00a0 The increased HFC use is good for the ozone layer, but evidently not good for our climate.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it is now determined that HFC compounds can have a very high global warming potential.\u00a0 Should their use go unchecked, it is estimated that HFCs could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.\u00a0 So by using HFCs, we are addressing one global environmental problem, while contributing to another.\u00a0\nOur experience with the Montreal Protocol has shown the global community can work together to save the environment without disrupting the market place.\u00a0 That is why using the Montreal Protocol regime to transition the global use of HFCs to materials that are safe for the ozone and safe for our climate makes sense and why we applaud the Administration\u2019s efforts to do so.\u00a0 We believe this process will give our country and the world the most flexibility and cost-effective path toward reducing HFCs.\nAs we wait for global action, some sectors in this country and in other countries are already beginning to transition away from HFCs, influenced by regulation, voluntary programs and a growing suite of alternatives.\u00a0 For example, many home refrigerators and window air conditioning units have [largely] changed over to hydrocarbon refrigerants. Transitions are also being seen in vending machines, supermarkets, motor vehicle air conditioning, and insulating foams.\u00a0 It is estimated that the new system will reduce the store\u2019s carbon footprint by 3.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent every year and will save the store money in the long run in repair and energy costs.\u00a0 Not all sectors have a clear transition, but for some sectors there are clear, safe alternatives to HFCs.\u00a0\nRecognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.\u00a0 We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.\u00a0 The agency should look to where market transitions are already underway \u2013 like in Turner, Maine - and where EPA action could hasten the pace of those transitions, both domestically and elsewhere. We think that such actions would not only have significant cost-effective environmental benefits but would also strengthen the Administration\u2019s hand in the Montreal Protocol negotiations.\nThank you for your efforts in this area and we look forward to working with you on this issue in the future.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Letter,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Environment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Environmental Protection Agency,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Climate Change,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                hydrofluorocarbon", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9ba17d67-633c-466f-92c9-6827a6a205e3", "Members of Congress Urge EPA Administrator McCarthy to Reduce Use of Harmful Climate Change-Causing Pollutant", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), led a group of 16 lawmakers who signed a letter in a bicameral effort urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to use the agency\u2019s authority to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) compounds which could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. Signers of the letter included Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Cal.), Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).\r\n\u201cWe are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.\u00a0 We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down\u2026Recognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.\u00a0 We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.\u00a0 The agency should look to where market transitions are already underway and where EPA action could hasten the pace of those transitions, both domestically and elsewhere. We think that such actions would not only have significant cost-effective environmental benefits but would also strengthen the Administration\u2019s hand in the Montreal Protocol negotiations.\u201d\r\nTo view a copy of the letter, please click here.\r\nThe Montreal Protocol is an example of a very successful multi-national environmental initiative.\u00a0 Since the United States ratified the Protocol in 1988 there has been a 97% reduction in the global consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances such as those found in our refrigerants, aerosols and solvents. However, a majority of the ozone-depleting substances are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) compounds.\u00a0HFCs are easy to use, efficient and are safe for the ozone but they can have a high potential to contribute to global warming.\u00a0 If global use of HFCs continues to go unchecked, it is estimated that HFCs could account for approximately 20% of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.\u00a0In response to this problem, the United States had proposed an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to include a phasedown for HFCs along with the other refrigerant gases already regulated under the Protocol.\u00a0 While there has been some momentum to amend the Montreal Protocol \u2013 such as recent agreements between China and the United States -- some in the international community are still resisting moving forward to amend the Protocol.\u00a0 As the international negotiations continue, there are commonsense steps the EPA can take now to start the phaseout of HFCs, helping our environment and sending a powerful signal to the international community that the United States is serious about transitioning away from HFCs.\u00a0 This letter supports the Administration\u2019s efforts to use the Montreal Protocol and urges the EPA to use their authority to start phasing out HFCs where there is a clear alternative.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letter text follows: \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Gina McCarthy\r\nAdministrator\r\nEnvironmental Protection Agency\r\nAriel Rios Federal Building\r\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nRoom 3000\r\nWashington, DC 20460\r\nDear Administrator McCarthy,\r\nWe are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.\u00a0 We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down.\r\nSince its ratification in 1989, the Montreal Protocol has been an example of a highly successful multi-national environmental initiative.\u00a0 Under the Montreal Protocol, U.S. corporations and corporations in participating countries agreed to replace ozone depleting products -\u00a0 such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - used globally used in refrigerants, aerosols and solvents.\u00a0 As a result, we have seen a 97% reduction in the global consumption of controlled ozone depleting substances.\u00a0\r\nToday, most countries are choosing to replace CFCs and HCFCs with HFC compounds because HFCs have been found to be a safe and efficient alternative.\u00a0 The United States has already made the transition to HFCs, meaning HFCs are now used in a majority of our air conditioners and refrigerants found in our homes, cars, hospitals, and supermarkets.\u00a0 Developing countries participating in the Montreal Protocol are now starting to make their transitions - ramping up their use of HFCs.\u00a0 As a result, the global use of HFCs is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.\u00a0 The increased HFC use is good for the ozone layer, but evidently not good for our climate.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it is now determined that HFC compounds can have a very high global warming potential.\u00a0 Should their use go unchecked, it is estimated that HFCs could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.\u00a0 So by using HFCs, we are addressing one global environmental problem, while contributing to another.\u00a0\r\nOur experience with the Montreal Protocol has shown the global community can work together to save the environment without disrupting the market place.\u00a0 That is why using the Montreal Protocol regime to transition the global use of HFCs to materials that are safe for the ozone and safe for our climate makes sense and why we applaud the Administration\u2019s efforts to do so.\u00a0 We believe this process will give our country and the world the most flexibility and cost-effective path toward reducing HFCs.\r\nAs we wait for global action, some sectors in this country and in other countries are already beginning to transition away from HFCs, influenced by regulation, voluntary programs and a growing suite of alternatives.\u00a0 For example, many home refrigerators and window air conditioning units have [largely] changed over to hydrocarbon refrigerants. Transitions are also being seen in vending machines, supermarkets, motor vehicle air conditioning, and insulating foams.\u00a0 It is estimated that the new system will reduce the store\u2019s carbon footprint by 3.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent every year and will save the store money in the long run in repair and energy costs.\u00a0 Not all sectors have a clear transition, but for some sectors there are clear, safe alternatives to HFCs.\u00a0\r\nRecognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.\u00a0 We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.\u00a0 The agency should look to where market transitions are already underway \u2013 like in Turner, Maine - and where EPA action could hasten the pace of those transitions, both domestically and elsewhere. We think that such actions would not only have significant cost-effective environmental benefits but would also strengthen the Administration\u2019s hand in the Montreal Protocol negotiations.\r\nThank you for your efforts in this area and we look forward to working with you on this issue in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=ae41e742-3874-4b06-be70-5e406458f705", "Tuesday: Sen. Carper in Sussex County", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GEORGETOWN, Del. \u2013 On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Sussex County: \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\nSen. Carper will talk to seniors about Medicare Part D benefits and open enrollment, which runs now until Dec. 7, at the Long Neck CHEER Center. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap \u2013 or \u201cdonut hole\u201d \u2013 as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments.\r\nTime: 11:15 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: CHEER Center, 26089 Long Neck Road, Long Neck, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will visit Shields Elementary School, a newly designated Blue Ribbon School. Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement.\r\nTime: 1-2 p.m.\r\nLocation: 910 Shields Avenue, Lewes, Del.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=9527b8fb-aa7b-4aae-afe4-2db16ec1b942", "Monday: Sen. Carper in Kent County", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, Del. \u2013 On Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Kent County: \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will host his annual Farm Bureau Breakfast.\u00a0 Sen. Carper will address the crowd of approximately 100 people from the agriculture community and take questions from attendees.\r\nTime: 7:30 \u2013 9 a.m.\r\nLocation: Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave., Dover, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will visit the Milford Senior Center and talk to seniors about Medicare Part D open enrollment, which runs now until Dec. 7. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap \u2013 or \u201cdonut hole\u201d \u2013 as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments.\r\nTime: 11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: 111 Park Avenue, Milford, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will ring the Salvation Army Bell at Acme as part of the Salvation Army\u2019s Red Kettle Bell Campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign runs from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve and is the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind. It provides toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army volunteers throughout the country ring bells and solicit donations to the red kettles.\r\nTime: 3 \u2013 4 p.m.\r\nLocation: Acme, Route 13, Dover, Del.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=106473a3-252e-413b-9190-671c16426d34", "Sen. Carper Highlights Medicare Open Enrollment Season", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) reminded seniors that Medicare\u2019s open enrollment season ends on Dec. 7, 2013, and encouraged those with Medicare to review drug and health plan coverage options for 2014. During the open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage to find the plan that will work best for them.\u00a0Medicare beneficiaries will need to make their benefit elections by Dec. 7, 2013.\r\nThanks to the Affordable Care Act, since 2012 Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware included lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap \u2013 or \u201cdonut hole\u201d \u2013 as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments. As a result, Medicare beneficiaries have been able to get free preventive screenings for heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s, and other chronic conditions. In 2012, an estimated 34.1 million people benefited from Medicare coverage of preventive care with no cost-sharing. And in the first six months of 2013, 16.5 million people with traditional Medicare took advantage of at least one free preventive service.\r\n\u201cDecember 7th marks the end of Medicare\u2019s Open Enrollment period,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cNow through Saturday, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage to find the plan that will work best for them in 2014. This is a critical time of year for Delaware seniors to make sure they are getting the best benefits Medicare has to offer.\u201d\u00a0\r\nBeneficiaries should review the 2014\u00a0Medicare & You\u00a0handbook before making benefit elections. It is accessible online at\u00a0http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf.\r\nTo protect against Medicare fraud and identity theft during the Open Enrollment Period, beneficiaries should treat their Medicare number as they do their Social Security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.\r\nFor more information on the Medicare open enrollment process, please click\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e7410c57-4471-41b0-ab05-089787efcfa0", "Chairman Carper's Reaction to DHS OIG Report on Information Security at the Department", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Carper works hard to ensure that Delawareans are kept informed of the debates and decisions that are made in our nation's Capitol, as well as the work he does for the First State every day.\u00a0\nThis section offers a variety of resouces to stay up to date with Senator Carper's work in Delaware and Washington, D.C. You will find press releases, upcoming events, op-eds, pictures, videos and notable articles from the state and national media.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=2f34f1d6-54eb-4492-935c-6c8c68d8b326", "Sen. Carper's Thanksgiving Day Schedule", "2013-11-28", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 On Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend two longstanding traditions in Wilmington: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nSen. Carper will run in the 35th Annual PNC Bank Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk for Multiple Sclerosis.\r\nTime: 9 a.m.\r\nLocation: PNC Bank, 222 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE \u00a0\r\nSen. Carper will serve Thanksgiving meals to those most in need at Emmanuel Dining Hall.\r\nTime: 12 \u2013 1:15 p.m.\r\nLocation: Emmanuel Dining Hall, 121 North Jackson Street, Wilmington, DE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=54adf075-806d-4f7f-a5b4-d5b1675c53d6", "FOX News: The Speaker's Lobby: Whatisthebitcoin?", "2013-11-28", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Chad Pergram \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWhatisthebitcoin?\r\nUnfortunately, no one can be told what Bitcoin is. You have to see it for yourself\u2026\r\nWellll\u2026..not quite.\r\nBut Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) sure wants to learn more.\r\n\u201cVirtual currencies, perhaps most notably Bitcoin, have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others and confused the heck out of many of us,\u201d Carper said. \u201cIncluding me.\u201d\r\nCarper gaveled the first ever Congressional hearing on Bitcoin to order last week. No, he didn\u2019t invite attendees to take the red pill or the blue pill as the panel explored the dangers and risks posed by computer-generated cryptocurrencies. The signature \u201cMatrix\u201d green lines of computer code didn\u2019t drip down the committee room walls during testimony from witnesses. Nor did Agent Smith work security at the door. But Carper certainly probed a virtual marketplace of determining what\u2019s real, what \u2018s valuable and what lurks in the shadows of digital money.\r\nIn the movie \u201cThe Matrix,\u201d the character Morpheus asks \u201cWhat is real? How do you define real? If you\u2019re talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electronic signals interpreted by your brain.\u201d\r\nAnd that\u2019s the question which lingers around Bitcoin. How real is it?\u00a0 Is it a currency which can be used in financial transactions? Or is it a commodity which can be mined and monetized at a market rate?\r\n++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\r\nFirst of all, an explanation on Bitcoin.\r\nCreated four years ago, Bitcoin is essentially very complex computer code, thus assigning it value. The algorithm is set up to continue to \u201cmine\u201d additional Bitcoins between now and 2140. That limits the potential for \u201cinflation\u201d and imposes traditional \u201csupply and demand\u201d rules of the market.\u00a0\r\nPeople who acquire Bitcoins may store them in a digital \u201cwallet,\u201d accessing the currency much the way people would access traditional reserves in their bank account, protected by private \u201ckeys.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s like email for money,\u201d testified Patrick Murck of the Bitcoin Foundation.\r\nAnd it\u2019s this potential for \u201coff-the-books\u201d transactions and unique anonymity which make Bitcoin so controversial \u2013 and simultaneously fascinating.\r\n+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\r\n\u201cCriminals will always seek to hide their crimes,\u201d said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman to the committee. \u201cThis will be another vehicle through which criminals may try to launder proceeds or commit additional crimes.\u201d\r\nJennifer Shasky Calvery, who heads the Treasury Department\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), noted that \u201cvirtual currency has been exploited by criminal actors\u201d and that regulation is essential to probe potentially questionable transactions.\r\nAll of this comes a little more than a month since the FBI took down the \u201chidden\u201d service called the Silk Road, an anonymous underground website decried as the \u201ceBay of drug sales.\u201d The Silk Road was a digital venue, virtually untraceable via its coding. In addition to drugs, customers could purchase child porn, stolen credit card numbers, cigarettes, and even weapons on the Silk Road. The Feds contend that cybercurrencies served as the Bitcoin of the realm in this blackest of markets.\r\nBut Murck disputes suppositions about Bitcoin\u2019s potential as the preferred medium for vice and lawlessness.\r\n\u201cBitcoin is not some magical cloaking device that simply allows criminals free rein,\u201d he said.\r\n++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\r\nAt the hearing, Carper told the story of watching the movie \u201cDillinger\u201d some years ago about legendary gangster John Dillinger. Carper described a scene where Dillinger seeks out one of his old bank robbing buddies and discovers that his pal retrofitted the lair he once used. It\u2019s now lined with long tables and telephones, populated by men in suits and jackets. Dillinger\u2019s friend tells him he doesn\u2019t knock off banks any longer. He\u2019s upgraded to bookmaking. He tells Dillinger that this is the emerging wave of criminal activity and scams.\r\n\u201cI suspect for some people, they see this (Bitcoin) as the future to make them money,\u201d said Carper. \u201cWe figured out how to deal with those guys in that film, wearing their shirts and ties and doing illegal activities, not robbing banks any more, not shooting people any more.\u201d\r\nThe question Carper had for the panel, is how does the U.S. government deal with a new criminal enterprise, much of which could be rooted in secret currencies like Bitcoin? And that\u2019s to say nothing of everyday consumers and businesses.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s still very much an experimental currency,\u201d said Murck. \u201cIt\u2019s not quite ready for mass consumption. It\u2019s coming. But not today.\u201d\r\nWhich is why Murck asserts that efforts to integrate Bitcoin into traditional financial services systems are met with suspicion.\r\n\u201cThere is currently a chill in the banking system and in the banking industry that is preventing businesses from getting just simple checking accounts,\u201d Murck said. \u201cThere are stories that if you have the word Bitcoin anywhere in your name, your applications will be immediately placed in the circular file.\u201d\r\nIt\u2019s not clear if that\u2019s a virtual trash can as a part of some Windows program\u2026or perhaps an actual metallic one sitting underneath a banker\u2019s desk.\r\nNo one is really sure who invented the \u201ccircular file,\u201d as Murck put it. And the same goes for who crafted Bitcoin.\r\n\u201cWho was the creator? Who were the creators?\u201d questioned Carper of the panel.\r\nSomeone (or someones) using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto conjured up the first Bitcoin. No one knows if Nakamoto is male or female and whether or not they\u2019re even Japanese. The only certainty is that they know a lot about cryptography, economics and writing computer code.\r\n\u201cWho Satoshi is is largely irrelevant to the story of Bitcoin going forward and I think that was intentional and possibly why a pseudonym was chosen in the first place,\u201d said Murck.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a little strange that with the Bitcoin, we don\u2019t know who the creator is,\u201d replied witness Jerry Brito of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.\r\n\u201cYou don\u2019t think it was Al Gore, do you?\u201d deadpanned Carper, eliciting laughter.\r\nCarper closed the hearing a few minutes later. Two-and-a-half hours had passed and the Delaware Democrat was the only senator to attend the hearing, virtually or otherwise. Carper gaveled the hearing out by quoting Albert Einstein\u2019s wife. She once told him that when her husband spoke about complex quantum theories, she \u201cunderstood the words but not the sentences.\u201d\r\nCarper said that with the hearing on virtual currency, \u201cI\u2019m starting to understand more than the words, but a few of the sentences, too.\u201d\r\nIn the 1999 movie The Matrix, Morpheus asks \u201cWhat is real? How do you define real?\u201d\r\nThe potential for virtual currencies opens up new questions about what is \u201creal money\u201d and whether it actually carries monetized value. Value which could be converted into dollars or Euros or pounds or krone.\r\nIs that money you\u2019re holding in your hand which you can feel? Or is it something tucked away in a digital wallet? Which may have value \u2013 because other people want it.\r\nThe Treasury Department\u2019s Jennifer Shasky Calvery told the hearing that despite Bitcoin\u2019s arrival on the scene, \u201ccash is probably the best medium for money laundering.\u201d\r\nAnd despite the criminal attraction of virtual currencies,\u00a0 Shasky Calvery\u2019s words form a sentence which most on the black market can understand.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=ad0f2a5e-ceb3-491e-bef5-3243c68205b4", "This Thanksgiving...", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Thanksgiving, it\u2019s easy to get caught up in the food, football and shopping, but\u00a0it\u2019s important to not lose sight of this day\u2019s true meaning.\r\nTo me, it means giving back to the community that I call home. Each year, I head down to the Emmanuel Dining Room in Wilmington and make sure my neighbors are able to partake in not only a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but also invaluable fellowship.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDuring Thanksgiving, let\u2019s take time to reflect on our own lives, be thankful for what we\u2019re lucky enough to have, and ensure our families, friends, and neighbors have plenty to be thankful for as well.\r\nWishing you and yours a joyous holiday season,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=64fc55d8-b1b2-4f8e-b124-053f10d4f307", "Wednesday: Sen. Carper in Kent County", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dover, Del. \u2013 On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Kent County: \u00a0 \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will join Kent County representatives to see the UH-1 Huey Helicopter that he helped secure for the Veterans Memorial Park in Dover. Although formally dubbed the Iroquois, this workhorse of the Indochina war was more familiarly known as the \u201cHuey,\u201d primarily because of its original Army designation as a \u201chelicopter, utility\u201d or \u201cHU-1.\u201d\r\nTime: 10 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\r\nLocation: Carey\u2019s Diesel, 168 Denny St., Dover, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will visit several Downtown Dover businesses to support the fourth annual Small Business Saturday initiative. Small Business Saturday is a national movement that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to encourage folks to shop at local, independently-owned merchants.\u00a0\r\nTime: 10:45 \u2013 11:45 a.m.\r\nLocation: Tour will begin at Parke Green Gallery/Delaware Store, 325-331 S. State Street, Dover, Del.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011045/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-to-introduce-bill-to-combat-discrimination-against-those-with-hiv/aids", "Senator Coons to introduce bill to combat discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 26, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons to introduce bill to combat discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act would encourage states to repeal outdated laws  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will introduce legislation aimed at helping to end the stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS, the senator announced Tuesday. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (\u201cREPEAL\u201d) HIV Discrimination Act, which would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV, will be introduced when the Senate reconvenes in December.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s simply not fair that someone having been diagnosed with a chronic, treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,\u201d Senator Coons said. \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, 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 this bill would take an important step in that direction.\u201d\nThirty-two states have criminal statutes based on perceived exposure to HIV, regardless of the actual risk of transmission, and 13 states have laws that criminalize certain acts \u2014 like spitting \u2014 by people with HIV/AIDS, even though it is not possible to transmit HIV by saliva. Aside from being charged under HIV-specific criminalization statutes, people living with HIV have been charged under aggravated assault, attempted murder, and bioterrorism statutes.\u00a0\n\u201cThe REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act is a common-sense, no-cost measure that will help local states to save taxpayer dollars by ensuring that criminal laws relating to HIV exposure are based on the best and most recent science and knowledge about HIV, including the recent advances of effective HIV treatments,\u201d William McColl, Political Director of AIDS United and co-chair of the Federal Working Group of the Positive Justice Project, said.\n\u201cThere is little doubt that current HIV-specific criminal laws do not reflect current knowledge about the actual routes, risks and consequences of HIV transmission,\u201d Catherine Hanssens, Executive Director of the Center for HIV Law and Policy and co-chair of the Federal Working Group of the Positive Justice Project, said.\u00a0 I hope we can agree that something is terribly wrong when individuals serve less time for vehicular manslaughter and rape convictions than for consensual sex while HIV positive.\u00a0 Our national Positive Justice Project coalition supports this opportunity to review the many HIV criminal laws that are an outdated waste of money when resources for survivors of real crimes such as sexual assault are so limited.\"\nU.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in May. H.R. 1843 has 34 cosponsors. More than 150 HIV/AIDS, LGBT, military, public health, racial justice, religious, and women\u2019s organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the Center for HIV Law and Policy, AIDS United, Sero Project, National Minority AIDS Council, American Civil Liberties Union, OutServe - Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Human Rights Campaign, American Academy of HIV Medicine, Black AIDS Institute, American Psychological Association, Lambda Legal, and National Council of Jewish Women.\nWorld AIDS Day is Sunday, December 1.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                discrimination,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Civil Liberties,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                LGBT,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                HIV/AIDS,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Human Rights Campaign,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary Committee", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=31836fd3-2e89-4625-9246-3e8ae81199aa", "Sen. Carper Encourages Shoppers to Buy Local this Holiday Season", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Carper stopped by Mod Cottage on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, in Rehoboth Beach to purchase holiday gifts. Owners Brad Holsinger and Ed Moore will participate in Small Business Saturday this Nov. 30.\r\nREHOBOTH BEACH, Del. \u2013 This week, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) encouraged Delawareans to remember to \u201cshop local\u201d this holiday season by checking out Delaware\u2019s many small businesses in Sussex and Kent Counties. In its fourth year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to encourage folks to shop at local, independently-owned merchants.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn communities up and down Delaware, we\u2019re lucky to have many locally-owned businesses to visit as the holiday shopping season approaches,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cI encourage shoppers to visit their neighborhood small businesses in Delaware every day, but especially November 30, Small Business Saturday. We need to boost our national economy, but we can\u2019t forget to also lend a hand to the main street businesses right here in the First State.\u201d\r\nNationwide, small businesses employ more than 49 percent of the employees in the private sector. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 247 million shoppers spent $59.1 billion on consumer purchases during Thanksgiving weekend in 2012. By designating Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday, shoppers are encouraged to make purchases from small businesses, increasing the share of the profits small businesses will enjoy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5fcc5058-0759-4322-a74e-1cd0c832e963", "Sen. Carper announces Delaware seniors saved more than $40 million on prescription drugs since Affordable Care Act was enacted", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. - Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare prescription drug plan coverage in Delaware saved $40,950,471 on prescription drug costs thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to new data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).\u00a0\r\nToday, Sen. Carper spoke to seniors at St. Anthony\u2019s Senior Center about Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) open enrollment, which ends Dec. 7, and the important benefits they are eligible to receive.\r\n\u201cThe Medicare Part D program provides substantial assistance to seniors with high out-of-pocket drug costs,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cThanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors who fall into the Medicare \u2018donut hole\u2019 of coverage are saving 50 percent on prescription drugs and 7 percent on generic drugs. Those discounts will increase every year until the \u2018donut hole\u2019 is completely filled in and those costs are eliminated in 2020. I encourage all Delawareans eligible for this program to make sure they are not leaving any money on the table when it comes to benefits for next year.\u201d\r\nFor many people enrolled in Medicare Part D, the Medicare \u201cdonut hole\u201d is the gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit before catastrophic coverage for prescriptions takes effect. Without assistance from the Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries would pay out-of-pocket for the entire cost of prescription drugs once they hit the donut hole, until they reach catastrophic coverage. Thanks to the discount program in the Affordable Care Act, Medicare coverage will gradually increase until 2020, when the donut hole will be closed.\r\nIn 2010, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan who reached the prescription drug donut hole got a $250 rebate, and beginning in 2011, beneficiaries who landed in the donut hole began receiving discounts on covered brand-name drugs and savings on generic drugs. Since the Affordable Care Act was enacted, more than 7.3 million seniors and people with disabilities nationwide who reached the donut hole in their Medicare Part D plans have saved $8.9 billion on their prescription drugs, an average of $1,209 per person since the program began.\u00a0In Delaware, 16,879 seniors and people with disabilities saved $17,060,471, or an average of $1,011 per beneficiary, during the first 10 months of 2013. Overall, seniors in Delaware have saved $40,950,471 since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. Next year, Medicare Part D participants who fall into the donut hole will receive savings of about 53 percent on the cost of brand name drugs and 28 percent on the cost of generic drugs.\r\nIn addition to the continued savings in Medicare\u2019s prescription drug program, new information from CMS details other savings for Medicare beneficiaries thanks to the Affordable Care Act including:\u00a0\r\n \r\nMedicare\u2019s Part B premium will not increase in 2014 and the last five years have been among the slowest periods of average Part B premium growth in the program\u2019s history.\r\nThe Medicare Part B deductible will also not increase, having decreased in 2014.\u00a0 The Part B premium and deductible for 2014 are 15 percent below what was projected in 2010, the year the Affordable Care Act was enacted.\r\nAlso as a result of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans remain stable and strong. Earlier this year, CMS announced that the average Medicare Advantage (MA) premium in 2014 is projected to be $32.60. CMS also estimated that the average basic Medicare prescription drug plan premium in 2014 is projected to be $31 per month, holding steady for 4 years in a row. The deductible for standard Part D plans will decline by $15 in 2014, to $310. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, average MA premiums are down by 9.8 percent.\u00a0\r\nSince enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the life of the Medicare trust fund has been extended by nearly ten years, till 2026.\r\n \r\nFor more information about Medicare\u2019s prescription drug benefits, please visit:\u00a0 http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/.\u00a0\r\nThe Annual Open Enrollment period for health and drug plans began on October 15 and ends on December 7. For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment and to compare benefits and prices of 2014 Medicare health and drug plans, including state-by-state fact sheets, please visit: http://www.cms.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open-Enrollment-Center.html.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=7886a3b4-261c-423e-b47f-57bb86544693", "Monday: Sen. Carper in Sussex County", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SELBYVILLE, Del. \u2013 On Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events: \u00a0 \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will join 300 volunteers to pack boxes at Mountaire for its Thanksgiving for Thousands initiative. Mountaire Farms\u2019 19th Annual Thanksgiving for Thousands will provide 7,500 boxes of food to feed more than 50,000 people in need in Delaware and Maryland.\r\nTime: 10 \u2013 11 a.m.\r\nLocation: Mountaire Warehouse, Railroad St. and Hosier St., Selbyville, Del.\r\nSen. Carper will visit several Rehoboth Beach businesses and encourage Delawareans to shop local this holiday season as a part of the 4th Annual Small Business Saturday initiative. He will join representatives from the Small Business Administration and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and make stops along Rehoboth Avenue, starting at Mod Cottage. Sen. Carper recently signed on to a Senate Resolution to mark Nov. 30, 2013, as Small Business Saturday.\r\nTime: 11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:45 p.m.\r\nLocation: Mod Cottage, 247A Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Del.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=e3eb8ac3-ced0-49b3-bd2f-3583c3b580be", "The Huffington Post: Op-Ed: November Reminds Us to Invest in America by Recycling", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Sen. Tom Carper and Sen. John Boozman \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tEvery year as summer turns to fall, it's hard not to stop, look around, and contemplate the beauty of our country. From the splendor of the forests and farmlands of Arkansas and the Southeast, to the cool, crisp scenes of Delaware and the mid-Atlantic, the U.S. is filled with natural beauty and it's important to keep it that way. That's why every November, folks across the nation take part in an effort to maintain America's natural beauty by participating in America Recycles Day -- a time to think about what each of us can do to be better environmental stewards while simultaneously strengthening our economy for future generations.\r\nAs co-chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, we are working with our colleagues and stakeholders to raise awareness of the many benefits of recycling. Most Americans are familiar with traditional municipal recycling efforts that encourage individuals to recycle household or office goods such as paper or soda cans and bottles. Every little bit helps when it comes to recycling and we are encouraged that municipal recycling rates are increasing year after year, and we strongly encourage further participation in these programs.\r\nBut there's more to recycling than just traditional municipal recycling programs. The United States is home to robust and growing commercial recycling and re-manufacturing industries. For example, the recycling and re-manufacturing industries generated more than $236 billion in annual revenue in past years and created more than one million good-paying American jobs. Also encouraging, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries notes that scrap recycling generates $4 billion in state and local revenues annually. Increasing recycling rates and collection programs continue to contribute to the economic growth of these industries which in turn helps the larger American economy.\r\nThese statistics offer a window into the benefits of recycling nationally, but we have also seen recycling success stories first hand in our home states. In Arkansas, this success story is found in the rebirth of the American steel industry. Today more than 60 percent of the steel in the United States is produced by recycling scrap metal. Innovation in steel recycling technology has enabled the U.S. steel industry to reduce its energy intensity by 28 percent since 1990. One Arkansas company, Nucor, has the capacity to recycle 6 million tons of steel per year in Arkansas, and over 27 million tons nationwide, making it North America's largest recycler. Recycling and re-manufacturing enables American workers to compete in a global market flooded with subsidized foreign steel.\r\nSimilarly, Delaware has realized significant economic and environmental benefits since Delaware's Universal Recycling Law was passed in 2010. A recent report showed that in 2012, more than 40 percent of recyclables in the state were diverted from landfills and Delaware's recycling, reuse, and re-manufacturing industry contributed $346 million to the State's economy in 2009. For example, the recycling boost has spawned opportunities in the poultry industry. In 2001 Perdue Farms created -- with the encouragement and support of the State of Delaware -- the Perdue AgriRecycle plant in southern Delaware. It takes raw poultry litter and processes it into an pelletized, organic fertilizer sold to Scotts and Holly Tone for use on lawns, park land and golf courses throughout the First State and beyond. Recycling poultry litter amounts to a \"win-win\" situation by enabling poultry producers to responsibly manage the disposal of poultry litter - which benefits the surrounding watershed and fishing economy -- while also creating a valuable organic fertilizer.\r\nAdditionally, a number of Delaware restaurants are now recycling compostable food waste. This lowers their waste disposal costs and nurtures a growing industry utilizing yard waste to make rich mulch and compost soil.\r\nIn short, our country is recycling everything from aluminum cans, cardboard, and glass bottles to electronics, cars, and refrigerators. The recycling and remanufacturing industries give our country access to valuable raw materials -- including rare and expensive materials - while reducing energy use, air and water pollution, and the need for old methods of waste disposal.\r\nIn honor of America Recycles Day, we invite you to join us in making a concerted effort to recycle. When you recycle, you literally reinvest in American manufacturing, providing raw materials for America's factories and economic opportunity for your community. You can be a part of the solution, helping to responsibly support and preserve both our environment and economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222190915/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-interim-nuclear-agreement-with-iran", "Statement from Senator Coons on interim nuclear agreement with Iran", "2013-11-24", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, November 24, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on interim nuclear agreement with Iran \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2014 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued on the following statement on this weekend's P5+1 agreement on Iran's nuclear program.\n\"While I welcome the progress made by the Administration and the international community in engaging with Iran to negotiate a possible end to its illicit nuclear program, I remain deeply concerned about the still-unspecified details of implementation and enforcement, as well as the interim agreement's lack of a requirement that Iran comes into compliance with mandatory U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding a suspension of all enrichment activities. Achieving a diplomatic solution that ends Iran\u2019s efforts to achieve a nuclear weapons capability depends on the continued vigorous enforcement of current economic sanctions and retaining a credible threat of military force. The stakes are too high to take any options off the table.\u00a0\n\"The interim agreement reached in Geneva this weekend was made possible because existing comprehensive sanctions successfully forced an economically crippled Iran to the negotiating table. Reducing these sanctions now may weaken our leverage to solidify a permanent agreement once this six-month interim period ends.\u00a0 It is essential to ensure the implementation of agreed-upon safeguards and inspections in order to strictly enforce the terms of this deal.\n\"We should pass additional sanctions to be enforced promptly if Iran violates the interim agreement or fails to reach a permanent deal, which is why I have committed to working with Senator Menendez and others to pass a new sanctions bill in December. The bill should include a conditional waiver for the Administration within this six-month window as it attempts to negotiate a final agreement that aims to dismantle Iran\u2019s enrichment infrastructure.\n\"Over decades, the Iranian regime has earned the distrust of the United States, our vital ally Israel and the world community by supporting terrorism through its proxies Hezbollah and Hamas, violating the rights of its citizens and conducting secret nuclear development programs in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 Iran\u2019s actions during this interim period must be subject to intrusive inspections and verification.\u00a0 Until Iran has verifiably terminated its illicit nuclear program, we should continue to enforce sanctions and make clear to Tehran that there will be harsh consequences for failure to comply with the deal.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Iran,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sanctions,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nuclear Weapons,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Israel", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=931e8945-eebc-42e4-b126-3b93f01c71a2", "Friday: Sen. Carper in New Castle County", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 On Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will be at the following events: \u00a0 \u00a0 \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\nSen. Carper will speak at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Policy Makers Speaker Series.\r\nTime: 8 \u2013 9 a.m.\r\nLocation: Sheraton Wilmington South, 365 Airport Rd., New Castle, DE\r\nSen. Carper, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, will tour Delaware Solid Waste Authority\u2019s new Materials Recovery Facility. This facility handles all of Delaware\u2019s recycling and has been made possible by the Universal Recycling Law.\u00a0 \r\nTime: 9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\r\nLocation: 1101 Lambsons Lane, New Castle, DE\r\nSen. Carper will attend the departure ceremony for the 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Delaware Army National Guard. \u00a0This 62-member unit is deploying to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.\u00a0\r\nTime: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.\r\nLocation: Army Aviation Support Facility, 33 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE\r\nSen. Carper will tour the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Newark. He will meet with staff and see the facility, which opened last year.\r\nTime: 2:30 \u2013 3:30 p.m.\r\nLocation: 1001 Ogletown Rd., Newark, DE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131213061140/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-votes-to-end-gridlock-on-nominations", "Senator Coons votes to end gridlock on nominations", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons votes to end gridlock on nominations \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted on Thursday to end Republican obstruction of President Obama\u2019s nominees. After filibustering two highly qualified and non-controversial nominees for the D.C. Circuit Court last week, Senate Republicans blocked a third on Monday. He released the following statement:\n\u201cAmericans expect and deserve a Senate that is capable of performing \u2014 at a minimum \u2014\u00a0its constitutional responsibility of voting on the president\u2019s nominees. Right now, the Senate is broken. The Senate has a proud tradition of respecting minority rights, and with rights come responsibilities.\u00a0 Republicans have so badly abused the rules that govern the Senate\u2019s operations that to let this continue would be an historic disservice to the nation. I\u2019d hoped that respect for the institution, reverence for the Constitution, and basic fairness would make reforms to the basic processes of the Senate unnecessary, but sadly, the gridlock has only worsened. It has to end.\n\u201cOver the past several years, we have seen nominees for the cabinet, agencies, judgeships, and even ambassador filibustered and threatened with filibuster time and again. In just the last month, simple up-or-down votes have been blocked on Patricia Millett, Nina Pillard, and Robert Wilkins \u2014 three eminently qualified and politically non-controversial nominees for the D.C. Circuit Court \u2014\u00a0and on Congressman Mel Watt\u2019s nomination to run the Federal Housing Finance Authority. No serious questions have been raised about the qualifications of any of the nominees and the trumped-up caseload argument about the D.C. Circuit flies in the face of recent history when, during the previous administration, a Republican-led Senate confirmed controversial nominees on four different occasions to fill the very same seats they are now filibustering. The range and duration of obstruction of nominations has made clear that simply hoping for an end to the Republican strategy of gridlocking the Senate is not enough.\u00a0\n\u201cI cast my vote in favor of these reforms today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. The current system just is not working for the American people. We took a step today toward fixing it.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                President Obama,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Nominations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Filibuster,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Senate", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222193929/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-statement-on-iran-sanctions", "Bipartisan statement on Iran sanctions", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan statement on Iran sanctions \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. Senators today released the following statement regarding the Senate's consideration of Iran sanctions legislation:\n\u201cA nuclear weapons capable Iran presents a grave threat to the national security interest of the United States and its allies and we are committed\u00a0to preventing Iran from acquiring this capability. \u00a0We will work together to reconcile Democratic and Republican proposals over the coming weeks and to pass bipartisan Iran sanctions legislation as soon as possible.\"\nThe statement was signed by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA),\u00a0John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH),\u00a0Bob Corker (R-TN) and John McCain (R-AZ).\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Nuclear Weapons,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Iran,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sanctions,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222193945/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-offers-bipartisan-amendment-to-protect-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions", "Senator Coons offers bipartisan amendment to protect National Guard role in cyber missions", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons offers bipartisan amendment to protect National Guard role in cyber missions \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Amendment will protect Delaware\u2019s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in introducing a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would support the Delaware National Guard\u2019s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to carry out cyber missions in support of DoD.\nAs part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 945 of the Senate version of the NDAA, passage of this amendment would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the 166th Network Warfare Squadron based out of New Castle, Delaware, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation\u2019s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America\u2019s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks.\n\u201cFrom banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control to power grids, our nation\u2019s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cSecuring this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. This amendment would ensure that our nation\u2019s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.\u201d\nThe amendment would enhance Section 945 of by requiring DoD to develop a strategy on the use of the Reserve Components in cyber missions. The amendment provisions include:\n \nProviding for an inventory of the existing cyber skills of reserve component personnel, including the skills of units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to cyber missions;\nProviding for an inventory of the existing infrastructure of the reserve components that contribute to the cyber missions of the United States Cyber Command, including the infrastructure available to units and elements in the reserve components that are transitioning to such missions;\nDeveloping an estimate of the personnel, infrastructure and training required, and the costs that would be incurred, in connection with implementing the strategy for integrating the reserve components into the total force for support of the cyber missions of the Department and United States Cyber Command. The estimate will examine whether there are any misalignments between unit mission and facility readiness to support such missions; and\nProtecting against unintended duplicate spending, preventing reduction in personnel of a cyber unit of the Air National Guard of the United States from being implemented or carried out in fiscal year 2014 before the submittal of the strategy.\n \nClick here to read the full text of the amendment #2365.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                166th Network Warfare Squadron,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Cyber Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                skills,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                United States Cyber Command,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Infrastructure,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Guard", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=c24140d8-f681-47a0-92ee-bbf559134d38", "Bit... What?", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends, \r\nEarlier this week, I chaired\u00a0the first ever Congressional hearing\u00a0on virtual currencies, like Bitcoin. Like many of you, I had never heard of Bitcoin until a few months ago. To this day, I won\u2019t profess to be an expert, but\u00a0I am trying to learn as much as I can.\r\nAt Monday\u2019s hearing I learned that this technology has, at times, been\u00a0co-opted by some criminals as a way to finance illegal activities online.\u00a0I also gathered, though, that this new technology has a tremendous amount of potential.\r\n Click to watch Senator Carper's Opening statements at the virtual currencies hearing. \r\nOne way I like to think of the current state of virtual currencies is to think of the internet itself. At the beginning, many people were concerned that the internet would be nothing more than a meeting place for tech savvy criminals. Since then, though, it has proven to be so much more. The internet has become a hub of innovation and ingenuity, it has made our everyday lives simpler, it has grown our economy and served as an equalizer to those with access. On Monday, I learned that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies may have that same user-driven value that should be cultivated, not feared.\r\nMonday\u2019s hearing taught me that we have to approach digital currencies with a level head.\u00a0We need to make sure that our government does not overreact and harm this potentially revolutionary technology. At the same time, though, it is critical that we make sure Bitcoin and other digital currencies are being used responsibly and within the framework of the law.\u00a0By bringing Bitcoin out of the shadows, we can help it to grow responsibly.\u00a0Monday\u2019s hearing was a great first step.\r\nThis is a formative time for this technology; how the government, and Congress, react now may affect whether Bitcoin, and the economic benefits that may come along with it, thrive here in the United States.\r\nFor now, I think we all need to learn more and see what the future has in store.\r\nI'd love to hear what you have to say about this, please connect with me on twitter:@SenatorCarper\u00a0or\u00a0@SenateHSGAC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=93625940-ee00-46e7-aada-6a72d1730395", "Thursday: Joint Hearing: Full Committee and Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works\u00a0\r\n*Joint Hearing: Full Committee and\r\nSubcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety*\u00a0\r\n\u201cOversight Hearing: NRC\u2019s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety\u201d\r\nBACKGROUND:\u00a0U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, will convene a joint hearing to discuss the Nuclear Regulatory Commission\u2019s (NRC) progress on implementing the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force recommendations and other safeguards related to nuclear facilities.\u00a0\r\nWHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013,\u00a010:15 AM ET\r\nLOCATION: EPW Hearing Room 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building   Washington, DC\r\nWEBCAST:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Webcast will be available at http://www.epw.senate.gov starting at 10:15 AM ET\r\nWITNESSES:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Order subject to change)\r\nPanel I:\r\n \r\nThe Honorable Allison M. Macfarlane, Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Honorable Kristine L. Svinicki, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Honorable George Apostolakis, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Honorable William D. Magwood, IV, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Honorable William C. Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission\r\n \r\nJust a reminder:\u00a0 If you would like us to save a seat for you, please let your Senate Press Gallery know, and drop Nathan McCray a note at Nathan_mccray@epw.senate.gov to let us know you\u2019re coming.\u00a0 Please note that media are required to display current Senate press credentials.\u00a0 In order to guarantee that a seat can be saved, please plan to arrive promptly, prior to the scheduled start time of the hearing. Television producers should contact the Senate Radio and TV Gallery in advance if possible to ensure that we\u2019re ready to accommodate you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=bf6f1644-17d1-499c-b2e3-7fd2f0ddf334", "Hearing Statement: NRC's Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Safety, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, convened the joint hearing, \"Oversight Hearing: NRC\u2019s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety.\"\r\nA copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\nThank you, Senator Boxer, for holding this very important hearing.\u00a0 We are mindful of the critical role the Nuclear Regulatory Commission plays in protecting the public and the environment.\u00a0 Nuclear energy provides one fifth of our nation\u2019s electricity and as our country\u2019s demand for electricity continues to grow, nuclear energy is also one of the cleanest energy sources available.\r\nI want to welcome our witnesses and thank them for taking time to come before us today.\u00a0\r\nJust over a month ago, we returned to work after a handful of our Republican colleagues forced the shutdown of our government. The shutdown jeopardized our economic recovery and unnecessarily caused great hardship to thousands of hard working Americans.\r\nWhile most of our government was shutdown and hundreds of thousands of federal workers sent home without pay, the American people could rest assured knowing that the NRC continued its 24/7 oversight of our nation\u2019s nuclear power plants, ensuring that at least two inspectors were present at all times at each facility. We thank you for your leadership during this challenging period and thank the NRC employees for their service and for making nuclear safety the overriding priority.\r\nAs we enjoy the promises of nuclear energy and work constantly to ensure that safety is its cornerstone, the catastrophe at the Fukushima-Daiichi plant in 2011 was not only devastating to the Japanese people, but it remains a powerful reminder of the need to remain ever vigilant in pursuing nuclear safety here and around the world.\u00a0\r\nWhile Japan works to stabilize the Fukushima plant, the NRC is engaged in a thorough process to identify any lessons learned from this tragic event and make the necessary changes to have a more fortified nuclear energy fleet moving forward.\u00a0 Already, I know much has been done by the NRC and the nuclear energy industry. I look forward to hearing about the progress you have made in implementing the recommendations of the NRC\u2019s near term Task Force.\u00a0\r\nBeyond the Fukushima challenges, the nuclear industry continues to face old challenges, as well as some new ones, that I\u2019m interested in hearing about today as well.\u00a0 Two challenges that immediately come to mind are emergency preparedness and nuclear waste confidence.\r\nOn emergency preparedness \u2013 I\u2019m reminded that just last year my home state and others along the East Coast were hit with one of the largest storms we\u2019ve seen in this country: Superstorm Sandy.\u00a0 Unfortunately, scientists tell us these types of storms are expected to be the norm, not the outlier.\u00a0 That\u2019s why today I\u2019m interested in hearing an update on our nuclear plants that were hit by Superstorm Sandy and what is being done to ensure our nuclear plants around the country are prepared to withstand more violent weather.\u00a0\r\nOn waste confidence \u2013 I realize that because our country continues to grapple with national waste policy, our nuclear power plants have been required to hold nuclear spent fuel at their facilities much longer than expected. The NRC is in the process of updating the regulations for the long-term storage of this spent fuel and cannot make new decisions on licensing or relicensing until this process is complete.\u00a0 I\u2019m interested in hearing how that process is going and how quickly we shall see this issue resolved. \u00a0\r\nMoving forward, I want to reiterate my hope that the NRC continues to talk to stakeholders and get public input \u2013 from all sides of issues \u2013 as it makes progress on the various initiatives on its plate. I believe our nuclear power plants are some of the safest in the world \u2013 but with the challenges before us, we must work even harder to \u201ckeep our eye on the ball\u201d when it comes to safety.\u00a0\r\nI look forward to working with the Commission, my colleagues and the nuclear industry to ensure that safety continues to be our number one priority.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5c28659d-e0cb-4a34-9540-0f472828b785", "Sens. Carper, Boozman Lead Bipartisan Group of Colleagues in Introducing Resolution in Support of Recycling", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, introduced a sense of the Senate resolution expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing and use of recyclable materials throughout the United States. Joining Sens. Carper and Boozman on the resolution are Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.),Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.).\r\n\u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I strive to be a friend of the environment by not only recycling in my personal life, but also by raising awareness of the economic benefits of recycling, such as the $346 million the industry contributed to our state\u2019s economy in 2009,\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cIn a smaller state like Delaware, it\u2019s important to remember that we have a limited amount of open space and it would be a shame to waste it. Delaware has made considerable progress in improving our recycling practices and reducing what we put in our landfills. Today we divert 40 percent of recyclables from landfills, but I know we can do even better. I am proud to introduce this resolution today with my Senate colleagues to show our support for recycling and recognize its tremendous value to our economy and our environment.\u201d\r\n\u201cRecycling includes industrial scale recycling, retrieving rare and precious metals from electronics, recycling cans, plastics and glass, and so much more,\u201d Sen. Boozman said. \u201cIt provides environmental and economic benefits -allowing us to reuse valuable materials while creating jobs. Promoting recycling helps encourage us all to be good stewards of the environment and drives us to explore opportunities to reinvest in our businesses.\u201d\r\nThe resolution reinforces the importance of recycling to the U.S. economy. It is estimated that the recycling industry is responsible for well over $200 billion in annual revenues nationally and more than $4 billion on the state and local level.\r\nThe resolution also highlights the environmental benefits of recycling. Recycling not only safeguards natural resources and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the use of recycled aluminum can save as much as 92 percent of the energy that would have been needed to make that can from new aluminum.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e7519808-63f5-43f4-824b-a63b04fddd45", "Senator Carper's Statement on Vote to Change Senate Rules", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released following statement regarding the vote to change the Senate\u2019s rules:\r\n\u201cI approached today\u2019s vote with a very heavy heart, but with one overriding goal: I want this place to work. Whether Democrats are in the majority or the Republicans, or whether the President is a Democrat or a Republican; I just want this place to work. We\u2019ve got to figure out how to get things done. I was hopeful this day would never come, that our Republican friends would find a way to work with us \u2013 to communicate and compromise. But it has become abundantly clear that the Senate isn\u2019t working.\u00a0\u00a0As Leader Reid pointed out, our job as Senators as dictated by the Constitution is to \u2018advise and consent,\u2019 not \u2018deny and obstruct\u2019. Filibusters should be used under extraordinary circumstances.\u00a0 Instead, they\u2019ve become ordinary and commonplace, resulting in a Senate that no longer works the way it should.\r\n\u201cDemocrats and Republicans should agree that our executive branch of government is riddled with holes. We have too many acting secretaries, too many acting deputy secretaries, and too many judgeships that are vacant.\u00a0 We have failed to confirm far too many positions in leadership that need to be filled and not because the nominees weren't qualified but because some would rather score political points. This is not the right way to run our government or any kind of government. People say \u2018well, this will really make matters bad,\u2019 but, honestly, it\u2019s hard to imagine things getting much worse. As it is, we\u2019re not getting stuff done, even though we really need to.   \u00a0   \u201cAfter thinking long and hard about the ramifications of such a rule change, I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that we must fix this broken system. We need to demonstrate that we can govern, be fiscally responsible, and provide certainty and predictability in all kinds of areas. There\u2019s too much uncertainty for families and businesses and that's bad for our country. That\u2019s why we need to reform the rules so the Senate can work once again. Obstruction for the sake of obstruction cannot be an option from either party any longer. Maybe this will be the wake-up call that we need to behave more like adults and do what the people want us to do, which is to cooperate, collaborate, and get things done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013025/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-urging-reform-of-broken-military-justice-system", "Floor Speech: Urging reform of broken military justice system", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 20, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Floor Speech: Urging reform of broken military justice system \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As delivered on November 20, 2013  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nI come to the floor today to speak on the tragedy, on the ongoing crisis of sexual assault in our armed forces and what I believe we must do. There are several options before us, each of which have been the subject of lengthy and passionate debate, a debate that I think is healthy, and needed, and welcome in this chamber.\nI commend my many colleagues, Chairman Levin and Senator Inhofe, Senator McCaskill and Senator Ayotte, for the very real progress, the very significant steps taken both in the base bill, the NDAA and in the amendment offered by Senators McCaskill and Ayotte. Serious and important steps forward to protect victims, to ensure that commanders are held accountable and to criminalize retaliation.\nA wide range of important and significant reforms that will make real progress towards addressing the ongoing decades-old scourge of sexual assault in the United States military.\nAs was said recently on the floor by another of my colleagues, this disagreement today is over one of more than a dozen important and needed reforms. But in the end, we have to decide, and I believe the measure offered by Senator Gillibrand of New York, of which I am a cosponsor, is the right additional path forward.\nBecause at the end, here's the bottom line: sexual assault has been a disease, a corrosive and widespread and horribly negative influence on our military that has simply not been effectively treated. And I think this significant, this dramatic step is the needed driver for extensive reform. I understand that the chain of command is essential, that it is central to the proper functioning and order of the military, especially during wartime. In fact, the chain of command is nearly sacred. But ensuring that our spouses and our siblings and our children can serve with honor and not have to face another enemy within our ranks is sacred.\u00a0\nThis is, in the end, a debate about justice. Justice within our own armed forces, justice so that we can fulfill that sacred duty of protecting men and women in uniform as well as they protect us. And despite many years of good-faith efforts by leaders in our armed forces to work within the parameters of our current system, literally tens of thousands of sexual assaults are still occurring annually within our armed forces.\nThat is, frankly, unacceptable and reflects a fundamental breakdown in order and discipline that we cannot tolerate anymore. This current system, in this important and vital way, is failing. I understand the intense desire our leaders feel to fix what was broken and for our military leaders to atone for taking their eyes off the ball, to paraphrase the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. But once again this debate is not about them, their commitment, their strategy, or their determination. It is about justice, and justice should be blind. Whether someone receives it should not depend on whether or not he or she serves in the military rather than in other workplaces.\nAnd we know the chilling facts, according to the Department of Defense's own Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, 50 percent of female victims state they did not report the crime in the first place because they believed nothing would be done and a quarter, or 25 percent, who received unwanted sexual contact indicated the offender was in their chain of command.\nIn my view, we strengthen our military when victims of sexual assault have the confidence to come forward and to report crimes, and when we remove fear and stigma from the process. And we strengthen our military when we're able to deliver fair and impartial justice on behalf of victims. When we know the military chain of command in this one area is failing, we should not continue to tolerate an exception we wouldn't make in other settings.\u00a0\nMr. President, I came to this decision with great reluctance. Recognizing, as many in my family have, that the importance of the chain of command, the importance of respecting the unique and different traditions and structure of the military, is something that we should only come to with great hesitation.\nOne of the responsibilities of serving in the Senate that I take seriously is my annual responsibility to review and approve candidates for the military academies who are selected by my independent military academy advisory board. And personally calling the top candidates to inform them that they will be the ones \u2013 of the dozens and dozens of highly qualified competitors \u2013 they will be the ones selected to go to the Merchant Marine Academy, the Air Force Academy, to Annapolis to the United States Naval Academy, or to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This was a moving experience each of the three years I\u2019ve had the chance to do that.\nBut this past year, the three top candidates for West Point, for Annapolis, for the Air Force Academy were all women \u2013 impressive, compelling, determined to serve our nation \u2013 and meeting with them and their families, the nervous and proud parents and these confident cadet candidates is also a great thing to experience and it reminds me always of my responsibility to them.\nI promise their parents that we will support and respect them and their service, and when we speak to the cadets and thank them for their willingness to serve, I'm reminded we have a responsibility to not send them into an institution where they'll face threats that we can and should address. I believe I have a responsibility to send them into an institution I know is well equipped to respond strongly and swiftly to threats to their safety.\u00a0\nYet today, I\u2019m not able to uphold that responsibility because we have not protected our men and women in uniform from sexual assault.\nI thought of my picks for the service academy when I heard another senator say to General Dempsey that that senator would not advise a parent to encourage his or her daughter to join the military.\nWhat made this decision, this difficult decision for me to join Senator Gillibrand on this particular amendment was an unfortunate \u2013 it was a tragic case.\nLast spring while I was trying to decide which path to follow in this bill my office received a gut wrenching call from the father of a young woman serving honorably in our military. He was calling against his daughter's wishes and only as a desperate last resort. She had been the victim of sexual assault and, like so many others, reported it to her commanding officer up the chain of command. But like too many others, the case went nowhere. Her by the book reporting and patient waiting for results was met by delays, excuses, nonresponse, and ultimately during these repeated delays she was physically assaulted after she had warned leadership she feared for her safety.\nWe took action and ultimately, in this instance, justice was done.\nBut a chain of command like that isn't strengthening unit cohesion and morale, it's harming it.\nAnd so after this particularly troubling case I made a decision to join Senator Gillibrand as a cosponsor, to say, Mr. President, to all of us, how can we accept this? How can this situation that's gone on for years be tolerable? How can we justify the status quo?\u00a0\nI am grateful for the leadership of the many senators on the Armed Services Committee and throughout this body who have taken real steps to add significant improvements to the UCMJ and to the code that underlies our military and the requirements for leadership and service to take on and tackle these very real problems of sexual assault in the military.\nIn my view, taking decisions out of the chain of command should only be done in the most serious of circumstances, but that is exactly what we have here.\u00a0\nWe wouldn't find justice if this was the way that any other workplace in America operated. How can we argue that we have justice today for these thousands of victims in our military?\u00a0\nThe men and women who dedicate themselves to keeping us safe and protecting our rights deserve equal dedication on our part to their safety and to those same rights.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Women,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Armed Services,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Floor Speech,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013706/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-works-to-boost-hiring-of-veterans", "Senator Coons works to boost hiring of veterans", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons works to boost hiring of veterans \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Delaware-based JPMorgan Chase representative joins senators in conversation about efforts to hire more veterans  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) participated in a roundtable discussion in the Capitol on Wednesday focused on initiatives to expand career opportunities for veterans. The meeting featured leaders from businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to employing veterans and providing them with the resources and support necessary for success.\nMaureen Casey, JPMorgan Chase\u2019s Director for Military and Veterans Affairs, was among the participants and briefed senators on the company\u2019s successful practice of hiring veterans as part of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, a coalition of companies committed to providing job opportunities for veterans. Other participants shared their perspectives on how private organizations can work with the Senate to strengthen programs that help veterans successfully transition to civilian employment.\u00a0\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s highly trained veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the civilian workforce,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cYet too many veterans come home to find their opportunities limited rather than enhanced by their time spent serving our nation. No veteran should return from defending our country abroad only to face unemployment or underemployment at home. Today\u2019s discussion highlighted successful programs that have helped businesses, like JPMorgan Chase in Delaware, recruit more of our nation\u2019s talented veterans. I look forward to working with my colleagues to build and expand upon these important efforts so we can get more of our veterans back to work.\u201d\nAt 10 percent, the national unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans is significantly higher than the overall national rate of 7.3 percent. In October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 750,000 veterans were without jobs of approximately 11 million of working age.\n\u201cIt\u2019s important for the public and private sectors to continue working together to position our nation\u2019s military veterans for success in their post-service careers,\u201d Casey said.\u00a0 \u201cVeterans have the knowledge, skills and experience employers need, so hiring them isn\u2019t just the right thing to do for veterans, it\u2019s also the right thing to do for our business. That\u2019s why JPMorgan Chase has hired more than 6,000 veterans since 2011 and why we are proud to be part of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, whose members have collectively hired nearly 93,000 veterans so far.\u201d Casey is JPMorgan Chase\u2019s Director for Military and Veterans Affairs.\nThe 100,000 Jobs Mission\u00a0was\u00a0launched in 2011 as a coalition of 11 companies committed to hiring 100,000 veterans by 2020, and has since grown to 126 members representing nearly every sector of the U.S. economy. After hiring a combined 92,869 veterans in less than three years, coalition members have doubled their goal to hire 200,000 veterans.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Economy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Military,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                workforce,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Veterans,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                skills,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Unemployment", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014358/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-offering-amendments-to-support-job-creation-national-security", "Floor Speech: Offering amendments to support job creation, national security", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 20, 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\t Floor Speech: Offering amendments to support job creation, national security \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t As delivered on November 20, 2013  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nMr. President, if I might, I\u2019d like to speak about three bills that I\u2019m offering as amendments to the NDAA that all relate to a topic that I\u2019ve spoken to many times here on the floor \u2013 to manufacturing and manufacturing jobs.\nThe first is the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, a bill I introduced last week with Illinois Senator Mark Kirk that enjoys the support of the Presiding Officer as well as Senators Blunt and Stabenow.\nIt has a simple but important objective: to require the creation of a national manufacturing strategy. We need to know our country's direction, as we try to support the growth of manufacturing. We\u2019ve grown more than half a million manufacturing jobs in the last three years \u2013 an encouraging sign, but one we need to strengthen and support with a coordinated strategy between the federal government, state governments, and private sector to align our investments in research and development, in new skills, and in new infrastructure to make sure they're all heading in the right direction.\nOur leading competitors all have successful and well-deployed national manufacturing strategies, whether Germany, China, India, South Africa, Russia, they've all got thoroughly developed, deeply researched, and prominently successful strategies, which we lack.\nOur amendment would require that every four years the Secretary of Commerce, advised by a board of 15 different folks, pull together and think through research and then deliver a national manufacturing strategy.\nThis amendment is bipartisan, simple, does not cost the federal government a dime, and does not create a new program. Like the next two amendments I plan to speak about, it is a common sense measure I hope we adopt.\nSecond, I\u2019d like to speak on the amendment I\u2019m cosponsoring with Senator Blunt to ensure small businesses are not subject to conflicting guidance from federal agencies. In the 1970's, Congress passed a measure for the Small Business Administration to ensure small businesses that get contracts from the federal government aren\u2019t actually fronts for much larger companies. And last year we passed similar, but distinctly different rules for the Department of Defense.\nMost of the time these two sets of rules can peaceably coexist, but in a few cases they conflict, creating compliance difficulties for real small businesses. This amendment would say that when both sets of rules apply to a small business contract, the SBA rules would apply, while the DoD rules would not.\nThis amendment is bipartisan, does not cost the federal government a dime, and helps small businesses focus on effectively delivering products and services without worrying about conflicting guidance.\nLast, I\u2019d like to speak on an amendment I\u2019m cosponsoring with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey to ensure our defense and intelligence communities maintain their vital technological edge. This is an important measure that could create more opportunities to train America\u2019s best talent and pave the way to new innovations.\nRecently, the Commission on R&D in the U.S. Intelligence Committee reviewed our current and future R&D capacity to support our intelligence community\u2019s vital work. Their unclassified report shows that in fact, we have insufficient funding and a critical deficiency of human capital \u2013 of skilled workers and the cutting-edge thinkers we need in this area. Specifically, it said we may not have the kind of people we really need to build next generation satellites, to gather and process the intelligence upon which our national security relies.\nNow, there\u2019s currently a program run by the Department of Defense designed to address one element of this problem. It\u2019s called the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship Program, or SMART Scholarship Program. The amendment calls on the Secretary of Defense to report back to Congress on two things: whether the SMART Scholarship Program, or similar fellowship and scholarship programs, are in fact providing the necessary number of undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to meet the recommendations in the Commission\u2019s report, and recommendations on how those promises can become concretely improved.\nThis amendment has already passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote and would be an important, if small, step toward paving the way for job creation and ensuring our national security now and into the future. I urge my colleagues to support these amendments and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on these important issues.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIan Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Floor Speech,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                NDAA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Defense,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Research,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Technology,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                skills,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Competitiveness,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                National Security,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                investment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Science,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Businesses,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Innovation,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Small Business,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Manufacturing", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222183608/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-coalition-of-117-house-members-and-22-senators-push-to-extend-2011-energy-efficiency-initiative-in-federal-buildings", "Bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 senators push to extend 2011 energy efficiency initiative in federal buildings", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 20, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 senators push to extend 2011 energy efficiency initiative in federal buildings \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2014 Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rep. Peter Welch, (D-VT), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), joined by 117 House colleagues and 22 Senate colleagues, are calling for a 5-year extension of President Obama\u2019s federal buildings energy efficiency initiative.\u00a0\nIn 2011, the President kicked off a 2-year initiative to achieve $2 billion in energy savings in federal buildings. The bipartisan, bicameral coalition of legislators is calling on the President to continue the successful use of performance contracting in federal facilities by launching a 5-year, $5 billion extension of the 2011 initiative.\nThe 2011 executive order employed the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) to achieve energy savings in federal buildings.\u00a0Under an ESPC or UESC, an energy services company or a utility negotiates a contract with a federal agency that specifies the amount of energy savings it will achieve through retrofits and other measures. The company or utility is then paid for its performance out of the savings it achieves rather than through appropriated funds.\u00a0\nThe federal government spends over $6 billion annually on energy use in federal facilities.\u00a0\nRep. Gardner, Rep. Welch, and Senator Coons have introduced legislation (H.R.2689 and S.1308) to advance the use of ESPCs and UESCs in the federal government that mirrors the expansion proposed in the coalition\u2019s letter to the President.\u00a0\nThe legislators point out in their letter that the 2011 initiative has led to \u201ca substantial increase in federal facility upgrades carried out by private-sector entities without any upfront cost to the taxpayer \u2026 There is still substantial potential for achieving more savings and the success of the past two years\u2019 effort has created important momentum that should now be continued.\u201d\n117 House Members, including 70 Democrats and 47 Republicans, have signed onto the Gardner-Welch\u00a0letter which can be read here. 22 Senators, including 16 Democrats and 6 Republicans, have signed the identical Coons-Boozman letter which is still open for signatures in the Senate.\nThe following Representatives and Senators have signed the Gardner-Welch-Coons-Boozman letter to date:\nHOUSE\nSENATE\nRep. Mark Amodei\nSen. Chris Coons\nRep. Andy Barr\nSen. John Boozman\nRep. John Barrow\nSen. Ron Wyden\nRep. Marsha Blackburn\nSen. Rob Portman\nRep. Earl Blumenauer\nSen. Bernie Sanders\nRep. Bruce Braley\nSen. Lamar Alexander\nRep. Paul Broun\nSen. Tom Udall\nRep. Julia Brownley\nSen. John Hoeven\nRep. Vern\u00a0 Buchanan\nSen. Jeanne Shaheen\nRep. Cheri Bustos\nSen. Saxby Chambliss\nRep. Lois\u00a0 Capps\nSen. Brian Schatz\nRep. Tony Cardenas\nSen. Jim Inhofe\nRep. Matt Cartwright\nSen. Al Franken\nRep. Judy Chu\nSen. Jeff Merkley\nRep. Howard Coble\nSen. Mark Begich\nRep. Mike Coffman\nSen. Martin Heinrich\nRep. Steve Cohen\nSen. Ed Markey\nRep. Doug Collins\nSen. Richard Blumenthal\nRep. Gerald\u00a0 Connolly\nSen. Chris Murphy\nRep. John Conyers\nSen. Robert Menendez\nRep. Jim Cooper\nSen. Jack Reed\nRep. Rodney Davis\nSen. Dick Durbin\nRep. John Delaney\nRep. Rosa DeLauro\nRep. Jeff Denham\nRep. Charlie Dent\nRep. Donna Edwards\nRep. Renee Ellmers\nRep. Anna Eshoo\nRep. Sam Farr\nRep. Stephen Fincher\nRep. Mike Fitzpatrick\nRep. Bill Flores\nRep. Trent Franks\n\u00a0\nRep. Cory Gardner\nRep. Chris Gibson\nRep. Phil Gingrey\nRep. Paul Gosar\nRep. Tim Griffin\nRep. Raul Grijalva\nRep. Brett Guthrie\nRep. Ralph Hall\nRep. Richard Hanna\nRep. Denny Heck\nRep. Jim Himes\nRep. Rush Holt\nRep. Mike Honda\nRep. Jared Huffman\nRep. Randy Hultgren\nRep. Lynn Jenkins\nRep. Pitts Joseph\nRep. Bill Keating\nRep. Joseph P. Kennedy, III\nRep. Derek Kilmer\nRep. Adam Kinzinger\n\u00a0\nRep. Anne McLane Kuster\n\u00a0\nRep. Jim Langevin\n\u00a0\nRep. Barbara Lee\n\u00a0\nRep. Zoe Lofgren\n\u00a0\nRep. Alan Lowenthal\n\u00a0\nRep. Dan Maffei\n\u00a0\nRep. Jim Matheson\n\u00a0\nRep. Doris Matsui\n\u00a0\nRep. Michael McCaul\n\u00a0\nRep. Betty McCollum\n\u00a0\nRep. Jim McDermott\n\u00a0\nRep. Jim McGovern\n\u00a0\nRep. Mike McIntyre\n\u00a0\nRep. David McKinley\n\u00a0\nRep. George Miller\n\u00a0\nRep. Jim Moran\n\u00a0\nRep. Mick Mulvaney\n\u00a0\nRep. Patrick Murphy\n\u00a0\nRep. Richard Nolan\n\u00a0\nRep. Alan Nunnelee\n\u00a0\nRep. Bill Owens\n\u00a0\nRep. Frank Pallone\n\u00a0\nRep. Bill Pascrell\n\u00a0\nRep. Erik Paulsen\n\u00a0\nRep. Ed\u00a0 Perlmutter\n\u00a0\nRep. Scott Peters\n\u00a0\nRep. Pingree Pingree\n\u00a0\nRep. Mark Pocan\n\u00a0\nRep. Jared Polis\n\u00a0\nRep. Bill Posey\n\u00a0\nRep. David Price\n\u00a0\nRep. Mike Quigley\n\u00a0\nRep. Charlie Rangel\n\u00a0\nRep. Reid Ribble\n\u00a0\nRep. Raul Ruiz\n\u00a0\nRep. Tim Ryan\n\u00a0\nRep. John Sarbanes\n\u00a0\nRep. Jan Schakowsky\n\u00a0\nRep. Kurt Schrader\n\u00a0\nRep. Robert \"Bobby\" Scott\n\u00a0\nRep. Carol Shea Porter\nRep. Mike Simpson\n\u00a0\nRep. Krysten Sinema\n\u00a0\nRep. Jackie Speier\n\u00a0\nRep. Lee Terry\n\u00a0\nRep. John Tierney\n\u00a0\nRep. Paul Tonko\n\u00a0\nRep. Niki Tsongas\n\u00a0\nRep. Fred Upton\n\u00a0\nRep. Chris Van Hollen\n\u00a0\nRep. Greg Walden\n\u00a0\nRep. Jackie Walorski\n\u00a0\nRep. Henry Waxman\n\u00a0\nRep. Daniel Webster\n\u00a0\nRep. Peter Welch\n\u00a0\nRep. Ed Whitfield\n\u00a0\nRep. Roger Williams\n\u00a0\nRep. Joe Wilson\n\u00a0\nRep. Frank Wolf\n\u00a0\nRep. Steve Womack\n\u00a0\nRep. John Yarmuth\n\u00a0\nRep. Todd Young\n\u00a0\nThe letter is backed by a broad and diverse coalition of groups including:\nABM\nAO Smith Corporation\nAlliance for Industrial Efficiency\nAlliance to Save Energy\nAmeresco\nAmerican Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)\nBoulder County Board of County Commissioners\nBusiness Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)\nConservation Services Group (CSG)\nConstellation\nDanfoss\nDigital Energy & Sustainability Solutions Campaign (DESSC)\nEnergy Future Coalition\nEnvironment America\nEnvironmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)\nFederal Performance Contracting Coalition (FPCC)\nHoneywell\nInformation Technology Industry Council (ITIC)\nInstitute for Market Transformation (IMT)\nJohnson Controls\nNational Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO)\nNational Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)\nNational Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)\nNational Grid\nNatural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)\nNORESCO\nNortheast Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC)\nSchneider Electric\nSiemens\nSierra Club\nTrane/Ingersoll Rand\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\nU.S. Green Building Council\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Letter,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Energy Efficiency,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Energy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=106b347c-223f-42be-ba51-aab55df0da7e", "Committee reports Secretary of DHS Nomination to Full Senate", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a business meeting to consider Jeh C. Johnson\u2019s nomination to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) highlighted the Committee\u2019s decision to favorably report out this important nomination by voice vote. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration.\r\n\u201cJeh Johnson\u2019s nomination comes at a critical time for the Department of Homeland Security and for our nation and I thank my colleagues on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for approving his nomination,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cIf confirmed by the full Senate, Mr. Johnson will be met with the dual challenge of combating threats to our nation while also working to further strengthen management at the Department and encourage more cohesion among the Department\u2019s components. This is no easy task, but I am confident that we have a nominee who is up to the challenge. I know this because Mr. Johnson has already served our nation with distinction in difficult jobs -- once as the Air Force\u2019s top lawyer and once as the top lawyer for the entire Department of Defense.\u00a0 He now brings the skills and experiences that helped him excel in those roles to the top post at the Department of Homeland Security, where I am certain that he will be a strong and effective leader. I now urge my colleagues in the full Senate to swiftly take up, and approve his nomination so Mr. Johnson can get to work.\u201d\r\n\u201cMr. Johnson is well-equipped to face the enormous task of DHS Secretary,\u201d Dr. Coburn said.\u00a0 \u201cWith so much at stake and with limited financial resources, DHS must work with Congress to ensure that spending on counterterrorism and intelligence programs makes us safer.\u00a0 The DHS Secretary is integral to this process and is tasked with balancing freedom, privacy and civil liberties with security.\u00a0 Mr. Johnson demonstrates the qualifications necessary to work side by side with Congress toward these goals, and I am hopeful the Senate will confirm him as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3f3c7803-b799-4d0c-8ff3-fa1faa7e7585", "Statement: Sen. Carper Lays Out Delaware Priorities at WRDA Conference Committee Meeting", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) delivered the following statement at the Meeting of Conference Committee for the Water Resources Development Act, known as WRDA.\r\nChairmen Boxer and Shuster, Ranking Members Vitter and Rahall, fellow Conferees, I\u2019d like to start by thanking you for all that you\u2019ve done to bring the Water Resources bill to this point. In today\u2019s political environment, it\u2019s a testament to your leadership and bipartisanship that we are meeting today to begin working out a final piece of legislation to send to the President.\r\nMy state of Delaware is situated between the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Delaware River and Bay. Along with our inland bays, smaller rivers, and tidal marshes, we are blessed with tremendous water resources, and the Army Corps of Engineers is a valued partner in managing them. We have every type of project in Delaware \u2013 navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration.\r\nWhether the Corps is at work deepening the main channel of the Delaware River, restoring and improving valuable coastal environments along our Bayshore, or constructing vital protective barriers against coastal storms, these projects offer benefits to all Delawareans in one way or another.\r\nHowever, I often say, everything I do, I know I can do better, and the same is true of the Army Corps.\r\nBoth the House and Senate legislation offer many ideas for how the Army Corps can complete its mission more effectively, efficiently, and cost-effectively. As we work through these provisions, it\u2019s important for us to pay close attention to the changing needs of coastal states like mine. As we have so tragically witnessed during Hurricane Sandy and numerous other disasters, Delaware and other coastal states are at the mercy of severe coastal storms. We depend in part on flood protection projects built by the Army Corps and funded jointly with state and federal funds.\r\nThese projects have spared many lives and protected hundreds of millions of dollars worth of my constituents\u2019 property.\u00a0 The authorizations for several of them will soon expire. While we can\u2019t simply let these projects lapse, leaving local communities vulnerable to the next Sandy, I\u2019d hope that we look at this bill as an opportunity to establish a more efficient process for evaluating these projects and their benefits and costs. Similarly, there are many other opportunities to take the best ideas from both bills to help chart a course that will preserve the Corps\u2019 role as a strong federal partner to our states when it comes to investing in water resource projects.\u00a0\r\nWhatever the project may be, we will continue to value our partnership with the Corps of Engineers and the work they do and look forward to continuing this strong relationship. I look forward to a productive and speedy conference.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ca710796-a487-4d69-ae8b-72ff71532bec", "Sen. Carper Reminds Delawareans of Holiday Air Travel Tips", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del), chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, reminds Delawareans about the steps they can take to be prepared for airport security this holiday season. The Transportation Security Administration screens approximately 1.8 million passengers daily at more than 450 airports across the country. During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, 25 million people are expected to travel by air, a 1.5 percent increase over 2012.\r\n\u201cTraveling to visit family and friends for the holidays should be a hassle-free experience,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cBy checking TSA\u2019s guidelines in advance, travelers can expedite the security screening process and enjoy their trip.\u201d\r\nPassenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. To alleviate misunderstandings at the security checkpoint, TSA is reminding travelers of the following tips:\r\n \r\n3-1-1 for liquids: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all bottles must fit in 1 quart size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening.\r\n \r\n \r\nGifts: While wrapped gifts are allowed, security officers may need to unwrap a gift to resolve an alarm. TSA recommends passengers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them ahead of time to avoid the possibility of having to open them during the screening process. Small snow globes are allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in a passenger's plastic 3-1-1 bag.\r\n \r\n \r\nFood: Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection.\u00a0If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance. For more detailed information, visit: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-food-or-gifts\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCheck for prohibited items: Travelers can use the \u201cCan I bring my...\u201d app on www.TSA.gov or www.TSA.gov/mobile to check what items are allowed/not allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Smartphone users can easily download the \u201cMy TSA\u201d app to quickly find helpful information about TSA policies and procedures.\r\n \r\n \r\nPrepare for security: Have a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID and boarding pass out and remove liquids and large electronics, including laptops, from carry-on baggage. Remember to remove shoes, outerwear, and bulky jewelry and empty pockets. Place valuable items in a carry-on bag.\r\n \r\n \r\nTSA\u2019s Wounded Warrior Screening program: This program allows expedited screening and curb to gate service for this trusted group of citizens. Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at (855) 787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline. In addition, at airport checkpoints nationwide, U.S. service personnel in uniform with proper identification, whether traveling on official orders or not, are not required to remove their shoes or boots unless they alarm the technology.\r\n \r\n\r\nFor further questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel, or to provide feedback or voice concerns, please call the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at (866) 289-9673.\u00a0 Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at (855) 787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=2e8620cb-a991-4da3-add3-403318432a35", "The New Yorker: Why Regulate Bitcoin?", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cWe do not think that it is in anyone\u2019s best interest for digital currency to become an offshore industry or an industry dominated by China,\u201d said Jeremy Allaire, the founder of a startup called Circle Internet Financial, in written testimony provided as part of his appearance, on Monday, at a hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the risks and benefits of digital currencies such as Bitcoin. He and other U.S. entrepreneurs are right to be concerned about their role in the growing market for digital currency\u2014that is, bits of code that function like cash and can be exchanged over the Internet. About a third of the world\u2019s bitcoin transactions now flow through a single exchange, BTC China, which is open only to Chinese users, according to Bitcoin Charts, a Web site that provides bitcoin data. BTC China recently unseated the Tokyo-based Mt. Gox as the world\u2019s largest exchange by trading volume.\r\nRecently, the exchange value of the cryptocurrency has climbed, a trend that continued Monday after news broke that BTC China had\u00a0raised five million dollars of investment capital. By one o\u2019clock on Tuesday morning in Beijing, the value of a single bitcoin had hit a record of nearly four thousand three hundred yuan, or about seven hundred dollars.\r\n\u201cThe main reason Bitcoin has become big in China is because Chinese people are savers, and more people are seeing Bitcoin as a way to store and invest their money,\u201d Linke Yang, the vice-president of BTC China,\u00a0told Agence France-Presse\u00a0on Friday at Bitcoin Singapore, a conference on the cryptocurrency.\r\nThere are other reasons. Last month, Baidu, an Internet company that operates the most popular search engine in China, began accepting bitcoins for some services offered by its subsidiary Jiasule. Also, Chinese people who chafe at strict government control of the yuan may see bitcoins as a way to speculate on currencies.\r\nIt may come as a surprise, given China\u2019s tight regulations on businesses and Bitcoin\u2019s subversive potential, that the Chinese government has not stepped in to regulate it. Instead, the television station CCTV and the newspaper\u00a0People\u2019s Daily\u2014both state-run media outlets\u2014ran positive reports on Bitcoin this past summer. The Chinese enthusiasm for digital currency has continued despite a fraud case involving Global Bond Limited, a bitcoin-trading platform that shut its doors abruptly last month, allegedly taking more than four million dollars of investor money along with it.\r\nIt\u2019s unclear how regulations for digital currencies might evolve in the U.S. Lawmakers haven\u2019t been very specific, and a staffer for Senator Tom Carper, who is chairing the hearing, told me that the senator\u2019s office is taking a neutral stance on virtual currency for the time being. One concern, she said, is that overzealous legislative action could drive innovation in financial services to other countries.\r\nIt\u2019s worth pointing out that the U.S. hasn\u2019t ever really been at the center of the Bitcoin world. It\u2019s unclear\u00a0who invented Bitcoin\u00a0and where that person\u2014or people\u2014came from. It will surely move forward with or without American investment. None of the top three exchanges are based in the United States: along with BTC China and Mt. Gox, there is Bitstamp, which is located in Slovenia.\r\nWhat\u2019s more, many observers believe Bitcoin will prove to be most beneficial in the developing world, where it can provide a kind of currency immune to government manipulation and can bring billions of people without access to traditional financial services\u2014the so-called unbanked\u2014into the global economy. The proponents of digital currencies include Ernie Allen, the president and C.E.O. of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, who said in his testimony, \u201cWe believe that the digital economy can achieve social good, particularly in bringing about real financial inclusion for the 2.5 billion adults on the planet today without access to banks, credit cards, or the mainstream financial system.\u201d\r\nAllen has another reason for wanting to see the U.S. take the lead in digital currency: he is worried about how digital currencies are used on the \u201cdark web\u201d\u2014that is, the growing network of illicit Web sites, accessible only with software that masks user identities, used for commercial child pornography, sex trafficking, and other criminal enterprises. He indicated that a \u201cdraconian\u201d federal response would make digital money the preserve of criminals, and will drive activity \u201coutside the United States to countries where there is little or no regulation.\u201d\r\nThere may, however, be good cause for regulation. There have been several high-profile thefts of bitcoins recently, including a hacker attack last week on a Czech exchange called Bitcash.cz that emptied four thousand digital wallets belonging to customers. Also this month, an eighteen-year-old man in Australia who was running a Bitcoin \u201cbank\u201d announced that more than four thousand bitcoins had been stolen from his Web site, most of them belonging to users. In any industry, one of the strongest arguments in favor of regulation is the need for consumer protection\u2014something bitcoin currently lacks.\r\nMonday\u2019s hearing also included representatives of the U.S. Justice Department, the Secret Service, and the Treasury Department\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. They see cryptocurrencies as less of a miraculous technology than a twenty-first-century headache for law enforcement. Still, the application of existing laws to digital currencies may be enough to assuage their concerns. \u201cExploitation by malicious actors is a problem faced by all types of financial services, and is not unique to virtual currency systems,\u201d Mythili Raman, the acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department\u2019s criminal division, said in her testimony. \u201cA convertible virtual currency with appropriate anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer controls, as required by U.S. law, can safeguard its system from exploitation by criminals and terrorists in the same way any other money-services business could.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=c80f2541-27d5-4a0a-8549-805d519db130", "Hearing Statement: Beyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats, and Promises of Virtual Currencies", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) convened a hearing titled, \u201cBeyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats, and Promises of Virtual Currencies\u201d. For more information on the hearing or to watch a webcast of the hearing, please click here.\r\nChairman Carper\u2019s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cOver the past several months, this Committee has engaged in an investigation into the potential implications of virtual currencies.\u00a0 During the course of this inquiry, we\u2019ve examined the issues and potential risks and threats that virtual currencies pose, as well as some of the potential promises that some believe they can bring.\r\n\u201cIn addition, we have explored with several departments and agencies throughout government how they are approaching virtual currencies as an emerging technology.\u00a0 This has included looking at how they are coordinating together to develop a \u201cwhole of government\u201d approach that is consistent and informed.\r\n\u201cVirtual currencies, perhaps most notably Bitcoin, have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others, and confused the heck out of many of us.\u00a0 Indeed, based on conversations my staff and I have had with dozens of individuals both inside and outside of government, it is clear that the knowledge and expectation gaps are wide. Fundamental questions remain about what a virtual currency actually is, how it should be treated, and what the future holds.\r\n\u201cVirtual currency can best be described as digital cash.\u00a0 It is generated by computers, lives on the internet, and can be used to purchase real and digital goods across the world.\r\n\u201cSome proponents believe virtual currencies can prove valuable to those in developing countries without access to stable financial systems.\u00a0 Others believe it could prove to be a next generation payment system for retailers both online and in the real world.\r\n\u201cAt the same time, however, virtual currencies can be an effective tool for those looking to launder money, traffic illegal drugs, and even further the exploitation of children around the world.\r\n\u201cWhile virtual currencies have seen increased attention from regulators, law enforcement, investors, and entrepreneurs in recent months, there are still many unanswered questions and unresolved issues.\r\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t the first time that advances in technology have posed challenging questions for policy makers and society as a whole.\u00a0 As we all know, technology is dynamic and changes quickly. Concepts like email and even the internet itself were once alien and difficult to understand and navigate.\u00a0 Now, most of us can read and respond to email on a device we keep in a purse or coat pocket and search the web on a multiple.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019ll be the first to admit that, like most Americans, I am no technical expert in virtual currencies.\u00a0 However, what I do know is that a number of smart people both inside and outside of government view this is as a major emerging issue that is deserving of our attention, including this committee\u2019s attention.\r\n\u201cThe ability to send and receive money over the internet, nearly anonymously, without a third party, has a lot of wide-ranging implications. The government needs to pay attention to this technology and to understand, and where appropriate, address these implications.\r\n\u201cThis was made all the more clear last month when federal law enforcement took down and seized an online marketplace called \u201cthe Silk Road\u201d on which many illegal products and services were bought and sold via bitcoin. The most popular products for sale were illegal drugs and forged documents, such as ID\u2019s and passports.\u00a0 Other services were also for sale, including hacking services.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re told that approximately $1.2 billion dollars in transactions were made through the Silk Road.\r\n\u201cThis site lived on what is often called the \u2018Dark Web,\u2019 also known as the deep web. The \u2018Dark Web\u2019 consists of web pages and data that are only available via special software that keeps users anonymous.\u00a0 Many sites and data on the \u201cDark Web\u201d have been deliberately built to be untraceable in order to protect the anonymity of the user.\u00a0 Silk Road was one of those sites.\r\n\u201cMy understanding is that individuals could navigate to Silk Road anonymously and use Bitcoin \u2013 which can be sent to someone nearly anonymously\u2014to make purchases.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe anonymity of the market place and near anonymity of the currency made it nearly impossible for law enforcement to track and, therefore made it an attractive place for criminal activity.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn fact, in the course of our investigation, the Department of Homeland Security informed us that the suspect who allegedly sent ricin to President Obama in April of this year was a vendor on Silk Road. \u00a0\r\n\u201cLaw enforcement, including the FBI, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the Secret Service should be applauded for their work in taking down a major international criminal enterprise.\u00a0\r\n\u201cBut while Silk Road was perhaps the most well-known, it is not the only marketplace where illicit goods are bought and sold through bitcoin transactions.\u00a0 Today, a number of similar enterprises that accept bitcoins are still in business, selling weapons, child pornography, and even murder-for-hire services.\r\n\u201cWhile today I suspect we will talk a lot about the well-known virtual currency Bitcoin, there are numerous other virtual currencies operating on the internet today, each with its own set of specific features. \u00a0\r\n\u201cThat said, whether it is Bitcoin or any of the other virtual currencies, the federal government and society as a whole need to come together to figure out how to effectively deal with it.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhether or not virtual currencies prove to be a boom or a bust, I think it\u2019s clear that some folks just want a chance to try and play by the rules. That\u2019s difficult to do if the rules or proper authorities aren\u2019t clear or if the future is uncertain.\u00a0 It\u2019s also difficult if a large number of bad apples are allowed to spoil the bunch.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=95d57855-6d10-41ed-a52e-87de47ba3161", "Key Senate Committee Holds First Congressional Hearing on Virtual Currencies", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) held the first-ever Congressional hearing on the emerging technology of virtual currencies. The hearing, \u201cBeyond Silk Road \u2013 Potential Threats, Risks, and Promises of Virtual Currency,\u201d explored the potential promises and risks related to virtual currency \u2013 \u201cdigital cash\u201d that can be used and transferred nearly anonymously \u2013 for the federal government and society at large.\r\n\r\n\u201cVirtual currencies have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others, and confused the heck out of many of us,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cFundamental questions remain about what a virtual currency actually is, how it should be treated, and what the future holds. It\u2019s clear that this technology presents some new and unique risks, but with it, there are clearly some who believe it has great potential.\u00a0 The federal government and society as a whole need to come together to figure out how to effectively deal with it, and this hearing was the first step. Congress and federal agencies must continue to stay engaged and informed to develop smart, sensible, and effective policies and to properly implement such policies. I will continue to work with Dr. Coburn and our staffs to follow up with the important work being done by the agencies we spoke with today.\u00a0 I believe today\u2019s hearing is just the beginning of the conversation regarding how our government is approaching virtual currencies.\u201d\r\nWitnesses from government agencies including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and representatives from private industry, including the Bitcoin Foundation and the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, discussed whether or not virtual currencies are being addressed adequately across government and examined what work remains to be done. Click here for witness testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=98aad3c7-8baa-4bcd-8f20-6cad3491a4a5", "TIME: Bitcoin Goes to Washington: Monday's Hearing Is Just the Beginning", "2013-11-17", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Jay Newton-Small \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThe first congressional hearing on how to regulate virtual currencies will take place on Monday afternoon before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs\u00a0Committee.\u00a0Called \u201cBeyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats and Promises of Virtual Currencies,\u201d the hearing comes six weeks after federal authorities took down the Silk Road, known as the \u201cAmazon for drugs,\u201d and arrested its alleged founder, 29-year-old Ross Ulbricht. (It also comes less than a month after TIME\u2019s cover story, \u201cThe Secret Web,\u201d which explored these issues.) Though the session promises to look at all virtual currencies, it will primarily focus on bitcoin, the cryptocurrency used by the Silk Web, according to advance testimony given to TIME.\r\nPages and pages of explanations and definitions mark the testimony. What are bitcoins? How are they made? How do they differ from centralized virtual currencies? It is clear Washington has a ways to go in understanding, let alone regulating, cryptocurrencies. The hearing is a first step in what will likely be a long process toward any kind of lawmaking. \u201cHonestly, the environment seems to be a game of hot potato where no politician wants to be caught being pro or anti bitcoin,\u201d says Charles Hoskinson, director of the Bitcoin Education Project. \u201cOnce the market cap gets to around $10 billion or so [it\u2019s currently just over $2 billion], then expect real hearings and a lot of lobbying.\u201d\r\nOver the summer committee chairman Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat, and ranking member Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, sent letters to nine U.S. agencies asking for guidance on what is already being done to deal with cryptocurrencies. Ahead of the hearing, the panel released five of the responses. The Securities and Exchange Commission reviewed whether bitcoin should be treated as a security, and the Department of Homeland Security has adopted an \u201caggressive posture\u201d to address the \u201cemerging threat and criminal exploitation of virtual currency systems.\u201d The Treasury\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has gone the furthest, producing two rules that define how exchanges should handle bitcoin and other virtual currencies. The Bitcoin Foundation protests these rules as too onerous as they force bitcoin exchangers to register state by state as wire services.\r\nIf anything, the letters and other testimony highlight\u00a0Washington\u2019s challenge in dealing with bitcoin. While the Treasury refuses to define bitcoin as a currency, a federal judge hearing a case about a Ponzi scheme recently ruled bitcoin was indeed currency. And noticeably absent from the agency responses were those from the Internal Revenue Service, which has been looking into virtual-currency tax shelters, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which has said it is looking into regulating bitcoin as a commodity. The question of jurisdiction will remain up in the air until Washington can settle on a definition for bitcoin. Is it a security? A currency? A commodity?\r\n\r\nThe first panel, which includes testimony from the Justice Department, the Secret Service and the Treasury, while all noting the potential benefits of online cash, spent much of its time warning of the dangers the currency embodies: money laundering, tax shelters, virtually anonymous markets for illicit items such as drugs, kiddie porn, stolen credit-card information and hacking software. \u201cThe department anticipates that virtual currency will continue to evolve and grow in popularity,\u201d Mythili Raman, acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department\u2019s Criminal Division, says in her prepared testimony given to TIME. \u201cThat growth inevitably will be accompanied by an increase in illicit transactions, which makes it critical that virtual currency services understand their legal obligations and requirements.\u201d\r\nThe second panel includes a mix of critics and advocates. Ernie Allen, president and chief executive of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, says the main way law enforcement takes down illicit sites \u2014 infiltration \u2014 is \u201cexpensive, time-consuming and often ineffective.\u201d He notes that the Silk Road is already back up and running. Allen goes so far as to say an anonymous Internet is too dangerous. \u201cYou can help us address the core challenge, Internet anonymity,\u201d he tells the panel in his prepared remarks. \u201cFor all of its importance, we simply cannot create an environment in which child exploiters, traffickers and other organized criminals can operate on the Internet with a complete veil of anonymity and no risk of being identified unless they make a mistake.\u201d\r\nAdvocates of bitcoin will testify to the potential power the currency has in helping the world\u2019s poor by giving them the ability to bank and transfer money across the globe with relatively little fees. \u201cWhether it brings people into existing financial-services systems, or if it secures people\u2019s wealth better outside of formal systems, we believe bitcoin has tremendous potential to improve the capacity of people around the world to build and store wealth,\u201d Patrick Murck, general counsel for the Bitcoin Foundation, says in his prepared testimony. \u201cIf these efforts and the underlying genius of the bitcoin protocol improve the financial situation and wherewithal of millions, hundreds of millions, or perhaps billions of people by even a small fraction, the total quantum of good done by bitcoin will be quite large.\u201d\r\nJeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle Internet Financial, a group that launched in October seeking to make bitcoin payments more broadly accepted online, went so far as to ask the government to be much more explicit in regulating bitcoin, because it is only with market certainty that the currency will truly be able to flourish. \u201cCriminals and terrorists will seek to employ digital currency if it remains unregulated, leaving bitcoin operators to operate without stringent controls and effective systems to verify identities, monitor transactions and report suspicious activity,\u201d he says in his prepared remarks, adding that uncertainty and abuse in the market will only drive innovation overseas.\r\nAllaire\u2019s and Murck\u2019s presence on the panel show how the bitcoin industry has upped its lobbying in Washington. According to Politico, Allaire recently hired Consumer Financial Protection Bureau deputy director Raj Date, and in October the Bitcoin Foundation hired Jinyoung Lee Englund, a former aide to Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, as well as law firm Perkins Coie. Perkins Coie has already earned its keep: the Federal Election Commission last week released a draft decision allowing candidates to accept, but not spend, bitcoin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=8fc7afb0-427f-42a8-9bdd-77d76ec32256", "I'm rabid about recycling", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Each fall, we get to watch the leaves change and are reminded just how beautiful Delaware truly is. During this time, it\u2019s important to take a moment to think about what we can each do to help preserve this natural beauty for generations to come. That\u2019s why today and every November 15th, I\u2019m proud to join folks across the U.S. in celebrating America Recycles Day.\r\nAs co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I strive to be a friend of the environment by not only recycling in my personal life, but also by raising awareness of the economic benefits of recycling, how it lowers our energy consumption and how it can help keep our environment clean. Yesterday, I was honored to join my friend, Senator John Boozman, at an event highlighting America Recycles Day. I took this opportunity to show industry leaders, experts and just about anyone else who would listen how I\u2019m rabid about recycling!\r\n\r\n On November 14th, Senator Carper joined Senator Boozman, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, \u00a0at an event highlighting America Recycles Day. \r\nIn a geographically-small state like Delaware, it\u2019s important to remember that we are limited for space and it\u2019s not smart to use what we do have just for landfills. That\u2019s why I take simple steps every day like composting at home and in my office because I know each little bit of effort can make a huge difference if we all work together.\r\nI hope you join me on America Recycles Day to think about your environmental impacts, become better stewards, and spread the word about the benefits of recycling.\r\nReduce, Reuse, Recycle,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=02c062c0-991a-43a2-bb92-ce00b11f7047", "Friday: Sen. Carper in Kent County", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, Del. \u2013 On Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, press is invited to join U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) at the following events in Kent County:\r\nSen. Carper will attend the Operation Caring Classroom Assembly at Welch Elementary School.\u00a0Operation Caring Classroom is a week-long program that takes place the week of Veterans Day.\u00a0 Now in its eighth year, OCC builds a bridge of understanding between military and civilian children in all 50 states by helping school children develop an understanding of the joys and hardships of life in a military family.\u00a0\r\nTime: 10 \u2013 11 a.m.\r\nLocation: Welch Elementary School, 3100 Hawthorne Dr., Dover Air Force Base, Dover\r\nSen. Carper to visit Harvest Years Senior Center and Modern Maturity Senior Center and discuss Medicare Part D open enrollment.\r\nTime: Harvest Years, 11:15 \u2013 11:45 a.m.; Modern Maturity, 12 \u2013 12:45 p.m.\r\nLocation: Harvest Years, 30 South Street, Camden; Modern Maturity, 1121 Forrest Ave, Dover\r\nSen. Carper will donate food to the Turkey Round-Up.\u00a0Presented by the ATI Physical Therapy and First State Orthopedics, Turkey Round-Up will collect frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Food Bank of Delaware from Buffalo Wild\u00a0Wings in Bear and Dover from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.\u00a0\r\nTime: 1 \u2013 1:45 p.m.\r\nLocation: Buffalo Wild Wings Parking Lot, 680 S. Bay Rd., Dover\r\nSen. Carper will visit the newly opened Dick's Sporting Goods in the Dover Mall.\u00a0\r\nTime: 2 \u2013 3 p.m.\r\nLocation: Dover Mall, 1365 North DuPont Highway, Dover", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=bd4b9764-5887-4ad6-ac1a-472e5ac14ef0", "Chairman Carper Statement on Latest USPS Financial Losses", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following reaction to the announcement that the U.S. Postal Service lost over $5 billion in the fiscal year, 2013:\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Postal Service lost over $5 billion in the fiscal year 2013 is troubling and, unfortunately, not surprising,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThis is the seventh consecutive year that the Postal Service has reported a significant and unsustainable loss.\u00a0 The sad truth is that the Postal Service continues to hemorrhage money and these losses threaten the long-term viability of this critical institution. As I\u2019ve said time and time again, the only solution to this mess is for Congress and the Administration to come together on legislation that provides comprehensive and long-term reform. We need to right-size and modernize the Postal Service so it can thrive into the future. I remain committed to working closely with Dr. Coburn, members of our Committee, stakeholders and the Administration to find a bipartisan solution that lasts. It is critical that we complete the difficult work ahead of us and find a solution to the Postal Service\u2019s serious but solvable financial crisis as soon as possible. Today\u2019s financial report should underscore that sense of urgency. We can\u2019t afford to wait any longer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013553/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-innovative-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill", "Senator Coons, colleagues introduce innovative bipartisan infrastructure bill", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 14, 2013\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons, colleagues introduce innovative bipartisan infrastructure bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t BRIDGE Act will jump-start investment, job creation, and boost U.S. competitiveness \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 A bipartisan coalition of ten U.S. senators that includes U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced legislation Thursday to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation\u2019s outdated infrastructure. The Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment Act, or BRIDGE Act, helps to address the nation\u2019s alarming investment shortfall in maintaining and improving its transportation network, water and wastewater systems, and energy infrastructure. The legislation would provide an additional financing tool for states and localities, which can create new jobs here at home while also increasing our nation\u2019s economic competitiveness.\n\"Investments in America's infrastructure are investments in American jobs,\" Senator Coons said. \"Construction jobs, production jobs, and jobs at nearly every American business all depend on functioning infrastructure. Our country needs to be investing more in its infrastructure, not less. The bipartisan BRIDGE Act is an innovative approach to getting the funding we need to sustain and strengthen America's critical infrastructure.\"\nAmerica currently spends roughly 2 percent of its GDP on infrastructure \u2014 about half what it did 50 years ago. By comparison, Europe spends around 5 percent, and China spends 9 percent of GDP on infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum\u2019s Global Competitiveness Report, the United States currently ranks 19th among 148 countries surveyed in quality of overall infrastructure compared to our global competitors.\u00a0\n\u201cWe put off and put off these investments because it\u2019s politically convenient, but when we do, we\u2019re only putting off the inevitable,\u201d Senator Coons continued. \u201cThe American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that in the next five years, our country will come up about $1.1 trillion short of what it needs to bring American infrastructure to even adequate condition. When we neglect America\u2019s infrastructure, we\u2019re actually adding to America\u2019s debt. We cannot keep kicking this can down the road, especially since this road is falling apart.\u201d\u00a0\nTo begin addressing this shortfall, the BRIDGE Act will establish an independent, nonpartisan financing authority to complement existing U.S. infrastructure funding. The authority would provide loans and loan guarantees to help states and localities fund the most economically viable road, bridge, rail, port, water, sewer, and other significant infrastructure projects. \u00a0The authority would receive initial seed funding of up to $10 billion, which could incentivize private sector investment and make possible up to $300 billion in total project investment. The authority is structured in such a way as to make it self-sustaining over time.\n \nThe BRIDGE Act includes broad eligibility for funding:\u00a0Projects would have to be at least $50 million in size, and be of national or regional significance to qualify. Five percent of the authority\u2019s overall funding would be dedicated to projects in rural regions, and rural projects would be required to be $10 million in size.\n \n \nThe BRIDGE Act addresses current gaps in infrastructure financing:The authority would finance no more than 49 percent of the total costs of the project in order to avoid crowding out private capital. Loans and loan guarantees would be subject to modest additional fees, which will allow the authority to quickly become self-sustaining over time.\u00a0\n \n \nThe BRIDGE Act establishes independent, non-partisan operations:Having project finance experts in-house will help states and localities go toe-to-toe with private sector partners to ensure that taxpayers are getting good value for our investments through public-private partnerships.\u00a0The authority would operate independently of existing federal agencies, led by a Board of Directors with seven voting members and a CEO, all of whom would be required to demonstrate proven expertise in financial management and be confirmed by a vote of the Senate.\n \nIn addition to Senator Coons, the BRIDGE Act is sponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n        \n        \n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Water,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Transportation,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                investment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Energy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                employment,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                capital,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n      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