{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"DE\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=7289aad4-945f-40a7-b232-4e54488a252f", "Finally: A national park to call our own", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends, \r\nLast week it proved true that hard work, commitment, and patience pay off! I was thrilled when legislation to create the First State National Historical Park finally passed through Congress on December 12. It creates Delaware\u2019s first national park, joining it to the network of states which boasts a total of 58 national parks that attract millions of visitors each year.\u00a0\r\nAs a celebration of Delaware\u2019s rich cultural history, sites from early American Dutch, Swedish, and English settlements will be included in the First State National Historical Park. Others, such as the Dover Green, will highlight our state\u2019s vital role in the founding of our nation. The park will incorporate existing landmarks from the First State National Monument and add new sites in each of Delaware\u2019s three counties.\u00a0To see more details about the sites that will make up the First State National Historical Park, visit carper.senate.gov/nationalpark.\u00a0\r\nI\u2019ve been asked again and again as we\u2019ve pushed for this park in Congress, \u201cWhat makes having a national park in Delaware so important?\" The answer is that having a designated national park ensures Delaware's complete unique\u00a0story about its contributions\u00a0to our nation's history will be preserved for generations to come. This national park gives our entire state a number of powerful tools to help spread the word about our story and reach out to people across the country and around the world who might be interested in visiting Delaware and learning more about our state's integral role in our nation's history.\r\nNational parks are an important part of America. They are the destinations of family summer vacations, family reunions, or school field trips, drawing crowds from across America to see our country\u2019s natural beauty and learn about its history. National\u00a0parks are also the\u00a0top attraction for foreign tourists coming to this country on vacation. All these visit result in real economic gains for local economies.\u00a0In 2013, park visitors spent an estimated $14.6 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands. Even the smallest national park resulted in more than $1 million in tourist revenue. As Delawareans, we stand to benefit from the added tourism from the park, but we also have the unique opportunity to influence the experience and memories of those visiting our state. \r\nSo if you\u2019re proud of our state like I am, bring your family and friends to enjoy our new national park soon! \r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3864b091-3f0e-450f-b5c1-d55f29b3bc2a", "President Signs Critical Cyber Security Bills into Law", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 President Obama signed into law Thursday four bipartisan bills that will modernize, strengthen, and improve our nation\u2019s cyber security defenses. The measures are the first major cyber security bills to become law in several years.\r\nThe bills \u2013 now law \u2013 reflect the work of Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.); House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss), and Subcommittee Chair Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY); and House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.).\r\nChairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee: \u201cThe President took a historic step in bolstering our national security by signing four cyber security bills into law. These measures make significant strides to modernize our nation\u2019s cybersecurity defenses and help the public and private sectors work together to tackle cyber threats more effectively. I\u2019d like to thank my colleagues in the Senate and House, particularly my Ranking Member Dr. Coburn and his staff, for their tireless efforts and dedication. While we\u2019ve made progress, we cannot end our efforts now. The threat is too great and continues to grow. Cybersecurity remains a top priority for me in the 114th Congress, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on additional measures to enhance our nation\u2019s cybersecurity efforts.\u201d\r\nRanking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee: \u201cOur nation faces serious cybersecurity threats, including foreign nations and other adversaries that continue to compromise our networks and steal the America people\u2019s sensitive information. These bills will help the nation address these threats. Updating the law for federal information security will ensure that agencies are accountable to Congress and the public for data breaches. Codifying the NCCIC will require DHS to improve its programs for assisting the private sector and sets the stage for future legislation to provide liability protection for sharing cyber threat information. I thank and applaud Chairman Carper for his dedication and leadership.\u201d Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), House Homeland Security Committee:\u00a0\u201cWith these bills we have laid the foundation for the fight against cyber-attacks and I am please the president has signed them into law. Every day Americans\u2019 private information is lost, money is stolen, sensitive information is leaked and vital systems are disrupted in data breaches. But as we have seen with the Sony hack, cyber-attacks can be more than just theft \u2013 they can destroy. These bills are an important step in the right direction to protecting our vital networks, but there is more work to be done. Cybersecurity will be a top focus of my committee next Congress and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate on a renewed effort.\u201d Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss), House Homeland Security Committee: \u201cAt the beginning of this Congress, expectations were high for some legislative action in the area of cybersecurity. It has taken some time to get here but what we have before us is something solid that sets forth what DHS must do, as the lead civilian agency for cybersecurity. With this cybersecurity legislation, simply put, we will raise the level of cybersecurity, particularly within the Federal government and protecting our nation\u2019s critical infrastructure. I want to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate, both Democrat and Republican, for pushing hard to get this legislation passed.\" Chairman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies: \u201cThis legislation is the first significant cyber legislation in a decade and among the most important legislation that has been passed this Congress. Cyberattacks against government agencies, corporations and consumers have grown exponentially over the past year, and losses from these breaches have reached into the billions of dollars. Cyber capabilities of our adversaries -- both states and non-state actors -- continue to grow and outpace our efforts to defend against them. This legislation is a major achievement to improve our nation\u2019s cybersecurity defenses, improve coordination between government and private sector and protect the personal data of millions of American consumers.\u201d Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY), House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies: \u201cFor the Department of Homeland Security to be effective in its cybersecurity mission, it must have a workforce in place to meet this challenge. The legislation the President signed includes language I included to help ensure that DHS has the \u2018boots-on-the-ground\u2019 it needs to meet its diverse cybersecurity mission by requiring it to develop and issue a comprehensive workforce strategy. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support and the spirit of collaboration they have shown this Congress.\" Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), House Oversight and Government Reform Committee: \u201cThe increasing number of cyber-attacks is unprecedented and poses a clear and present danger to our nation and our citizens, and together these laws are a critical first step toward addressing this growing threat.\u00a0The Federal Information Security Modernization Act in particular will help ensure that federal agencies take a smart, risk-based approach to securing their networks.\u201d\r\nThe following measures were enacted:\r\nThe National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014 (S. 2519) will codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. It calls on the \u00a0Center to serve as a federal civilian information sharing interface for cybersecurity. The new law will authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity. The law was originally introduced as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014 by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced a bill with similar provisions in the House of Representatives.\r\nThe Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (S. 2521), introduced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), which updates the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to better protect federal agencies from cyber attacks. The newly enacted law, which updates a 12-year-old law to meet the federal government\u2019s current cybersecurity needs, establishes real-time monitoring of federal computer networks, and enhances oversight of federal data breaches.\r\nThe Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013 (S. 1691) included language from Senator Carper\u2019s DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act, which will help the Department of Homeland Security recruit and retain cyber professionals who are in high demand across the government and private sector. The newly enacted law will help address critical challenges that the Department faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced a bill with similar provisions in the House of Representatives.\r\nThe Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act (H.R. 2952) will examine where critical cyber positions are located within the Department, the Department\u2019s readiness and capacity to meet its cyber missions, and the types of positions. The goal of the strategy will be to enhance the readiness, capacity, training, recruitment, and retention of the cybersecurity workforce, and will include a recruitment and implementation plan. The bill was originally introduced by House Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4ec4b51b-d924-4aad-9615-77f2c33f5948", "Casey, Carper, Collins, Begich, McCaul Release GAO Report Laying Out Gaps In U.S. Emergency Preparedness, Opportunities to Close Capability Gaps", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Co-Chair of the National Security Working Group; Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Susan Collins (R-ME), former Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee; Mark Begich (D-AK); and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report laying out gaps in the nation\u2019s emergency preparedness and identifying opportunities to close capability gaps. The GAO analyzed the federal government\u2019s preparedness for so called \u2018no-notice\u2019 catastrophic disasters which pose one of the greatest challenges to national emergency preparedness. The report finds that steps need to be taken to increase coordination among federal agencies so that federal officials are more consistently carrying out emergency preparedness activities. The Department of Homeland Security said that it will implement GAO\u2019s recommendations, in coordination with other agencies.\r\n\u201cThis report shows that additional steps and better coordination are needed at the federal level to make sure our agencies are prepared to respond to emergencies,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cI\u2019m hopeful that the Administration will use this report to improve current policies and ensure that federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction are working with one another to enhance our nation\u2019s preparedness.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cDisasters can strike at any time and at any place. Whether a disaster is natural or man-made, large or small, our federal government needs to be prepared,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThis report makes it clear that federal agencies need to do a better job of coordinating and sharing information with each other and providing that information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Responding to a disaster is a shared responsibility by a number of agencies. While FEMA plays a central role in this effort, it\u2019s crucial that other agencies are prepared and coordinate their response. I will continue to monitor agencies\u2019 progress in implementing the Government Accountability Office\u2019s (GAO) recommendations to improve overall coordination and collaboration. I will also continue to work with our partners at GAO as the agency conducts follow-up work to this report.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has not been tracking the efforts by agencies to address their capability gaps in responding to \"no-notice\u00a0emergencies,\" Senator Collins said. \u201cAs the name implies, these emergencies come with no advance warning and no time to prepare. \u00a0It is vitally important that DHS address the findings of this report to ensure that we are as prepared as we possibly can be for any disaster. \u00a0After observing the poor response at all levels of government to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, especially by FEMA, I led the effort to reshape and improve FEMA's response to emergencies with limited notice.\u00a0 I hope this report will act as a catalyst for similar improvements in the \u2018no-notice\u2019 area.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Secretary of Homeland Security is the principal federal official responsible for domestic incident management. Yet, according to GAO, cross-government coordination on preparedness efforts between DHS and other federal agencies are insufficient,\u201d said Chairman McCaul. \u201cAs such, there is no way to know just how prepared the whole of our federal government is to respond to a terrorist attack or natural disaster. More than thirteen years after the terrorist attack on 9/11, this is unacceptable. I look forward to working with the Secretary and FEMA Administrator to address GAO's recommendations, including through my committee's efforts to authorize the Department of Homeland Security next year.\"\r\nGAO\u2019s report can be found here: LINK", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=715cef86-ee1b-4298-81c9-b507eef923d9", "Chairman Carper Statement on Sony Cyber Attack", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the announcement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that the North Korean government is responsible for launching a destructive cyber attack against Sony Pictures Entertainment:\r\n\u201cThe recent destructive cyber attacks on Sony and related threats of violence on American moviegoers are deeply disturbing. Whether the perpetrator is North Korea or another bad actor, the United States takes these actions seriously. In light of this attack, it is critical that Congress continues to work with the Administration and stakeholders to bolster our defenses in cyberspace and better protect our citizens, businesses, and the values that we cherish. Part of that effort includes working on ways to strengthen our cybersecurity laws. While we have made important progress on cybersecurity legislation this year, we still need to take additional steps to keep up with this evolving cyber threat. I will stay in contact with the Administration as our nation addresses this latest attack and will continue to work with my colleagues in the 114th Congress on our nation\u2019s evolving cybersecurity needs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=98c89e6b-4972-440b-bb71-7e5a2def0e9f", "Chairman Carper Statement on the Independent Review of the U.S. Secret Service", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the recommendations produced by an independent review of the U.S. Secret Service:\r\n\u201cThe U.S. Secret Service is a critical agency and its mission is an essential part of our national security. However, incidents over the past several years, including some as recently as this fall, have raised serious questions about the agency and its ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Today, an independent panel, appointed by Secretary Johnson, issued a number of recommendations to improve the Secret Service. While my staff and I are still reviewing the panel\u2019s full report, its recommendations offer substantive, corrective, and common-sense steps that the Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service should carefully review and build into the agency\u2019s operations, training, and mission. Change at the agency won\u2019t happen overnight. As the panel noted, it will take strong, stable leadership and an unwavering commitment by the Department, the Secret Service, and its agents. It will also take resources, and those of us in Congress must be mindful of this need when determining the Department\u2019s budget early next year. Given the importance of leadership to any organization, particularly one like the Secret Service, I urge Secretary Johnson to work with the President to find a permanent director as soon as possible so he or she can help guide the agency into this new chapter.\u00a0Our committee will continue to monitor the Secret Service\u2019s progress closely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5dc5fb11-05af-47cb-a599-e6ae75287be1", "Sen. Carper Applauds Release of Alan Gross, Encouraged by Policy Shift Toward Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement\u00a0after President Obama announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and the release of Alan Gross, an American who has been held in a Cuban prison for the past five years for traveling to the country on a humanitarian mission.\r\n\u201cI am elated that Alan Gross is now safely back in the United States and reunited with his family. I wish him and his family a healthy recovery from what must have been an excruciatingly long and difficult five years. I applaud the president and my colleagues in Congress who worked tirelessly to bring him home. \u00a0\r\n\u201cI am also very encouraged by President Obama\u2019s announcement that our government will be pursuing a new course with Cuba. After more than 50 years of strained relations, it\u2019s about time we move on from this \u2018outdated approach\u2019 as the president said today. Years ago, I was proud to play a small part in normalizing our relationship with Vietnam, after 55,000 lives were lost in a war there. I am confident we can take a balanced approach to doing the same in Cuba that opens up economic opportunities for both countries while still applying pressure for Cuba to establish a more democratic government and end the human rights abuses that have plagued the country for decades.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=afb19f3a-c4c7-4ffc-8ba9-ce0c20dfbd28", "Senate Confirms Sarah Saldana to lead  Immigration and Customs Enforcement within DHS", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "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.) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate confirmed Ms. Salda\u00f1a by a vote of 55 to 39.\r\n\u201cImmigration and Customs Enforcement has been without a presidentially appointed leader for more than 16 months \u2013 that is far too long, particularly considering the challenges we face along our borders,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cSarah Salda\u00f1a will provide the leadership our country needs in this critically important and particularly challenging position. Ms. Salda\u00f1a is a respected member of the law enforcement community who comes highly recommended, with bipartisan support. Thankfully, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has graciously stepped up to the plate to assume this demanding appointment. She undoubtedly has a tough job ahead of her, but I believe that she is up to the task.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ff70c9ef-e758-4c92-9ade-36b92c096284", "Chairman Carper Recognizes Exemplary DHS Employee on the Senate Floor", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to recognize Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) employee, Mr. Don Marfisi, for his exemplary dedication to public service.\r\n\r\nTo watch a recording of the speech on the Senate floor, click here or below:\r\nChairman Carper\u2019s statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cMr. President, over the past two years, I\u2019ve had the great privilege to chair the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Our Committee has many responsibilities, one of those being oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n\u201cThe Department is just shy of 12 years old, which is pretty young compared to other agencies. It was established in 2003, following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, and brought together 22 agencies under one new Department.\u00a0 Trying to form one, unified agency has not been easy. There have been growing pains.\u00a0However, Secretary Jeh Johnson, Deputy Secretary Ali Mayorkas, and their leadership team have made great strides in addressing these challenges and I am confident that their hard work will continue\u2026 and pay off.\r\n\u201cBut behind the leadership team at DHS are the more than 200,000 men and women who go to work each day to fulfill one critical mission: to create a safe, secure and resilient place where the American way of life can thrive. Whether these employees are countering terrorism, securing our borders and airports, responding to natural disasters or bolstering our defenses in cyber space, few other federal agencies and employees touch the lives of Americans on a daily basis more than the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I have had the great pleasure of meeting with many of these men and women and learning more about their work, their families, and their dedicated service to our nation. I\u2019ve also heard DHS leadership from across the Department, including Secretary Johnson, sing their praises and describe the mission-critical work they perform day in and day out in communities across our nation.\r\n\u201cMr. Don Marfisi of Kansas City, Missouri is one of those employees, and I would like to acknowledge his service here today. Don grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and is the son of a civil servant and homemaker. His father worked for the City of Omaha, his brother worked for the Department of Justice and his son currently works for the Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. Clearly, public service is a deep tradition in his family \u2013 and from what I hear, something Don takes to heart.\r\n\u201cDon began his federal service more than 24 years ago as a Supply Clerk with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Lincoln, Nebraska. Four years later, in August 1998, he joined the Immigration and Naturalization Services in the Department of Justice. After a little over a year there, he was transferred to Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWithin Citizenship and Immigration Services, Don works at the National Records Center where he is responsible for logistics, procurement and property management. You can still find him there today. In fact, his colleagues consider him a \u2018Cave Pillar,\u2019 having worked at the Center since opening day. What does the National Records Center do, exactly? According to the Department, it is the keystone to USCIS\u2019 recordkeeping -- housing millions of paper records that have been centralized into a single, state-of-the-art facility. The Center where Don works improves the integrity of USCIS' recordkeeping and dramatically reduces the time it takes to retrieve a file or paperwork, meaning faster application processing for an agency charged with overseeing our nation\u2019s immigration system.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDon\u2019s current job title -- Missions Support Specialist -- doesn\u2019t quite do his work justice. His colleagues tell me that Don is not just a \u201csupport specialist\u201d but an integral part of the National Records Center\u2019s mission support team and plays an important role in nearly all of the logistics-related projects executed at the Center. In this position, he develops and administers best-practices for federal procurement and property management. While he avoids the spotlight, he is highly valued and sought-out for his expertise in the asset management field. Don\u2019s colleagues tell me that: \u2018Through his painstaking attention to detail and timely responsiveness \u2026 he has provided a superior level of customer service to local employees and other stakeholders.\u2019\r\n\u201cDon\u2019s attention to detail ensures that folks within Citizenship and Immigration Services have the tools and resources they need to get their job done. But Don\u2019s critical eye and expertise in procurement is also credited for saving the government and taxpayers over $500,000 in fiscal year 2013 and over $800,000 to date in fiscal year 2014.\u00a0 Let me repeat that: Don has saved American\u2019s taxpayers $1.3 million dollars over two years. But his service and stewardship doesn\u2019t end there. At the same time he\u2019s saving the Department hundreds of thousands of dollars -- he\u2019s finding a way to give back.\r\n\u201cAlong with the money he\u2019s been able to trim off the federal deficit, he has managed to arrange the contribution of nearly $800,000 in equipment to local schools through the General Services Administration Property Disposal program. Through this program he ensures that unused or older government equipment goes directly to local schools. Because of his efforts, computers and other equipment that would otherwise be trashed or recycled are used to boost education. As you can imagine, the educators, communities, and students who receive the equipment have been overjoyed with the generous donations. But don\u2019t just take my word for it.\r\n\u201cIn 2012, Miami R-1 School District, in Amoret, Missouri, a small K-12 school located on the Missouri border in the middle of corn fields and cow pastures received $45,259.66 worth of recycled technology equipment. Sharon Knuth, the school\u2019s technology administrator wrote to Don, saying that her District was \u2018blessed by the GSA Property Disposal program.\u2019 Adding, \u2018we are limited in our funds and budgets so we do not always have the chance to purchase the latest technology equipment. Because of your generosity, we will put the computers, monitors, speakers and plugs, to good use\u2026 We will grow and prosper only because we found some great friends like you who gave us support along the way.\u2019 Another school in Chadwick, Missouri thanked Don for the \u2018blessing\u2019 of new technology they received through his efforts.\r\nBut there\u2019s more. Don was also a member of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Inclusion\u2019s (OEOI\u2019s) Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Program team which facilitated more than $1 million in computer equipment donations in fiscal year 2014.\r\n\u201cDon has been recognized for his extraordinary accomplishments in years past.\u00a0 In\u00a0 2013, for example, he was recognized as \u2018USCIS Employee of the Year\u2019 and as one of the National Record Center\u2019s\u00a0 \u2018Employees of the Quarter.\u2019 Yet despite these great accomplishments and high praise from his colleagues, Don insists that every award is a \u201cteam award.\u201d And when he learned he was gathering such high praise for his work, his response was that \u201cBeing recognized for your efforts is appreciated, however, I\u2019m the fortunate one, I get to reuse items and give \u2013 two things I enjoy doing.\u201d Like a true leader, he is humble.\r\n\u201cDon reminds me of something I learned from Department Secretary Jeh Johnson during his confirmation. I learned that one of Secretary Johnson\u2019s guiding principles is a lesson from Dr. Benjamin \u201cBennie\u201d Mays, the former President of Morehouse College, who said, \u2018you earn a living by what you get; you earn a life by what you give.\u2019 Think about that for a second, and then think about Don and all the giving he has done throughout his career.\u00a0Mr. Secretary, you have a remarkable employee in your ranks. \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cBut Don\u2019s service doesn\u2019t end at the Department \u2013 he has a couple of other critical roles: husband and father. He has been married to his wife, Pam, for 30 years and has a son, Josiah and daughter, Anna. And when he\u2019s able to find some well-deserved downtime, he enjoys watching Nebraska Cornhuskers football with his family. To Pam, Josiah and Anna: thank you for sharing your husband and father with us. He\u2019s done some extraordinary work for his country and community. We are incredibly proud of him and we bet you are too.\r\n\u201cTo Don Marfisi: On behalf of my colleagues here, and the nation, I want to thank you for what you do each day, for your tireless service and your immeasurable generosity to our great nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=368c5f09-db32-4881-874a-084f58cc10c1", "Chairman Carper Urges his Senate Colleagues to Support Critical DHS Leadership Nominations", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to support two critical nominations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Russ Deyo to be Under Secretary for Management at the Department and Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).\r\nChairman Carper\u2019s statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cMr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support two critical nominations for the Department of Homeland Security: Russ Deyo to be Under Secretary for Management at the Department and Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Committee which I am privileged to chair \u2013 the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee \u2013is responsible for working with the Administration and others to help protect our nation\u2019s security at home and abroad.\u00a0 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\n\u201cDuring my years of public service, I\u2019ve learned that the most important ingredient in helping organizations to work is leadership.\u00a0 \u00a0That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small.\u00a0 Part of our responsibility here in the Senate is to ensure that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government. While Congress will soon wrap up the 2014 session, the Senate has the opportunity and obligation to fill two key leadership posts in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Under Secretary for Management and Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.\r\n\u201cThis Department, as we all know, plays a critical role in protecting our nation from a number of threats, including terrorism, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters to name a few. Given the Department\u2019s significant role in the security of our country, it is critical that Secretary Johnson has a full leadership team in place. That includes Russ Deyo as his Under Secretary for Management, the third-highest position in the Department. I\u2019d like to take some time to explain why Mr. Deyo\u2019s nomination is so important.\r\n\u201cAs of this week, more than ten months will have passed since the last Senate-confirmed Under Secretary for Management, Rafael Borras stepped down from his post. Again, it\u2019s been nearly a year since the Department\u2019s third-highest position has had permanent leadership. Under-Secretary Borras was widely respected by members of my Committee and others for his leadership, management expertise, and candor.\u00a0 He helped the Department make strides in many areas and led the Department to its first clean financial audit \u2013 something the Department was able to achieve again this year. I think it\u2019s safe to say that the Department needs somebody with this same kind of commitment and leadership. I believe Russ Deyo is that person.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMr. Deyo had an impressive 27-year career with Johnson & Johnson, where he served in several top positions, including General Counsel and Vice President for Administration. He also spent the last 15 years serving on the \u201cExecutive Committee\u201d at Johnson and Johnson, which is the principal management group responsible for the Company\u2019s global operations.\u00a0 He was also a partner at a major U.S. law firm. Russ Deyo is also no stranger to public service and working with law enforcement organizations. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey for eight years, including a period as chief of the public corruption unit. His perspective from the private and public sectors will be an invaluable asset to Secretary Johnson. Particularly, as the Secretary implements his \u201cUnity of Effort\u201d initiatives at the Department, which strives to help the Department operate in a more unified and cohesive manner across all components.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, Mr. Deyo will have a number other challenges on his plate. For example, our friends at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) continue to remind us that the acquisition and budgeting systems at DHS are not fully mature. In fact, the overall management of the Department remains on GAO\u2019s \u201cHigh Risk\u201d list of government operations that need urgent attention. And, of course, if confirmed, Mr. Deyo will inherit the challenge of improving the morale across the Department.\r\n\u201cThese are tough challenges and some have been around since the creation of the Department. But I believe Mr. Deyo has the leadership experience and skills necessary to tackle these challenges and really make a difference. And I\u2019m not the only one. Mr. Deyo has received glowing accolades from a number of our colleagues who have worked closely with him. In fact, here\u2019s what former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff had to say when he introduced Mr. Deyo at his confirmation hearing before my Committee: \u2018Russ brings to the position he has been nominated for a broad range of experience with one of the best enterprises in the world . . . You will find him to be a smart, experienced, and devoted public servant who will actually bring a unique set of skills to this job which are very critical. I could not give a stronger endorsement to Mr. Deyo for this position.\u2019\r\n\u201cRuss Deyo also received a strong endorsement from the three former Under Secretaries for Management at DHS \u2013 Paul Schneider, Elaine Duke, and Rafael Borras. Here\u2019s what they had to say: \u2018Russ Deyo is an outstanding choice by the President to be the Under Secretary for Management. An impressive leader, he brings the requisite skills, experience, and leadership to this important position. He is recognized as a professional, unflappable statesman who can meet the challenges that this position faces head on and get results.\u2019\r\n\u201cEverything I have learned about Mr. Deyo over the past several months has led me to conclude that he is an exceptional candidate to be the next Under Secretary for Management at DHS. I urge all of my colleagues to support the nomination of Russ Deyo.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d now like to discuss the nomination of Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or \u201cICE\u201d is a vital law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security and has been without a presidentially appointed leader for more than 16 months. That is far too long \u2013 particularly considering all the issues we face along our borders and the more than 400 laws ICE enforces.\r\n\u201cSome of my colleagues may not be familiar with what ICE does, and why it is so critical for the agency to have Senate-confirmed leadership in place. ICE is one of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies, with more than 19,000 employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 48 foreign countries. What do all these people do? Well, in 2013, ICE special agents initiated 126,425 new investigations, made over 40,000 criminal arrests, seized $1.3 billion in currency and assets, and took 1.6 million pounds of narcotics and other dangerous drugs off our streets. And on any given day, ICE arrests 370 criminal aliens in the interior of the country, has 34,000 people in detention, and removes nearly 500 criminal aliens from our country.\r\n\u201cManaging such a large agency, with one of the most complex missions in the federal government, is a tall order. Thankfully, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has agreed to step up to the challenge. Ms. Salda\u00f1a is a true American success story. She rose from humble beginnings in South Texas as the youngest of seven children to become an accomplished partner at a major law firm.\u00a0 She is now one of the nation\u2019s top law enforcement officers.\u00a0 Ms. Salda\u00f1a was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2011 to her current position as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. She has a distinguished record, representing the U.S. government as the senior law enforcement officer in one of the largest districts in the nation, spanning some 100 counties. In this role, she deals as closely and extensively as anyone else with the threats this country faces every day from transnational criminal networks. This experience will serve her well at ICE.\r\n\u201cBut don\u2019t take my word for it. One of my good friends here in the Senate, Senator Cornyn, felt strongly enough about her qualifications that he introduced Ms. Salda\u00f1a at her confirmation hearing before the Committee I chair, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Here\u2019s what Senator Cornyn had to say: \u2018In her role as U.S. Attorney and prosecutor over the past decade, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has served our State with honor, fighting corrupt public officials, organized crime, sex traffickers, and other dangerous criminals.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat certainly sounds like a highly qualified candidate to me.\u00a0 But that\u2019s not all Senator Cornyn had to say about Ms. Salda\u00f1a.\u00a0 He went on to say: \u2018If respect for the rule of law is our standard, and I think it should be, we would be hard pressed to find a person more qualified to enforce the law than Ms. Salda\u00f1a.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat is high praise indeed\u2014and I couldn\u2019t agree more. Now, some are arguing that we should not confirm Ms. Salda\u00f1a because of the President\u2019s recent executive action on immigration. This decision will provide relief from deportation for as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows today, law-abiding people who are productive members of our communities. Still, some argue that the President\u2019s actions should preclude the Senate from confirming even a highly qualified candidate like Sarah Salda\u00f1a to this critical position.\r\n\u201cI think that is absurd. We have before the Senate a highly qualified candidate who, according to her neighbor and senior Senator from Texas, is fiercely independent, has served with honor in her current role, and respects the rule of law. It does not punish the President to leave this position unfilled; it punishes our citizens. It makes it harder for ICE to accomplish its mission. And it hurts the men and women at ICE, who deserve a leader to ensure this important agency runs as effectively as possible. I believe that the President acted within the bounds of the law in announcing his executive actions. Whether you agree with me or not, opposing Ms. Salda\u00f1a\u2019s nomination will do nothing to change what the President has done.\u00a0\r\n\u201cSo I hope that Ms. Salda\u00f1a\u2014the first Hispanic person and second woman to be nominated to run Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2014does not fall victim to politics as usual in the Senate.\u00a0She is by all accounts exactly what this critical agency needs: a proven leader and respected member of the law enforcement community. Ms. Salda\u00f1a will have a tough job ahead of her if she is confirmed this week, but I believe that she is up to the task. I urge all of my colleagues to support her, as I do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a1ee37cc-e9d4-4486-8d21-c810f3e4da45", "Chairman Carper Urges his Senate Colleagues to Support Critical DHS Leadership Nominations", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to support two critical nominations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Russ Deyo to be Under Secretary for Management at the Department and Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).\r\nChairman Carper\u2019s statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cMr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support two critical nominations for the Department of Homeland Security: Russ Deyo to be Under Secretary for Management at the Department and Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Committee which I am privileged to chair \u2013 the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee \u2013is responsible for working with the Administration and others to help protect our nation\u2019s security at home and abroad.\u00a0 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\n\u201cDuring my years of public service, I\u2019ve learned that the most important ingredient in helping organizations to work is leadership.\u00a0 \u00a0That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small.\u00a0 Part of our responsibility here in the Senate is to ensure that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government. While Congress will soon wrap up the 2014 session, the Senate has the opportunity and obligation to fill two key leadership posts in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Under Secretary for Management and Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.\r\n\u201cThis Department, as we all know, plays a critical role in protecting our nation from a number of threats, including terrorism, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters to name a few. Given the Department\u2019s significant role in the security of our country, it is critical that Secretary Johnson has a full leadership team in place. That includes Russ Deyo as his Under Secretary for Management, the third-highest position in the Department. I\u2019d like to take some time to explain why Mr. Deyo\u2019s nomination is so important.\r\n\u201cAs of this week, more than ten months will have passed since the last Senate-confirmed Under Secretary for Management, Rafael Borras stepped down from his post. Again, it\u2019s been nearly a year since the Department\u2019s third-highest position has had permanent leadership. Under-Secretary Borras was widely respected by members of my Committee and others for his leadership, management expertise, and candor.\u00a0 He helped the Department make strides in many areas and led the Department to its first clean financial audit \u2013 something the Department was able to achieve again this year. I think it\u2019s safe to say that the Department needs somebody with this same kind of commitment and leadership. I believe Russ Deyo is that person.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMr. Deyo had an impressive 27-year career with Johnson & Johnson, where he served in several top positions, including General Counsel and Vice President for Administration. He also spent the last 15 years serving on the \u201cExecutive Committee\u201d at Johnson and Johnson, which is the principal management group responsible for the Company\u2019s global operations.\u00a0 He was also a partner at a major U.S. law firm. Russ Deyo is also no stranger to public service and working with law enforcement organizations. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey for eight years, including a period as chief of the public corruption unit. His perspective from the private and public sectors will be an invaluable asset to Secretary Johnson. Particularly, as the Secretary implements his \u201cUnity of Effort\u201d initiatives at the Department, which strives to help the Department operate in a more unified and cohesive manner across all components.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIf confirmed, Mr. Deyo will have a number other challenges on his plate. For example, our friends at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) continue to remind us that the acquisition and budgeting systems at DHS are not fully mature. In fact, the overall management of the Department remains on GAO\u2019s \u201cHigh Risk\u201d list of government operations that need urgent attention. And, of course, if confirmed, Mr. Deyo will inherit the challenge of improving the morale across the Department.\r\n\u201cThese are tough challenges and some have been around since the creation of the Department. But I believe Mr. Deyo has the leadership experience and skills necessary to tackle these challenges and really make a difference. And I\u2019m not the only one. Mr. Deyo has received glowing accolades from a number of our colleagues who have worked closely with him. In fact, here\u2019s what former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff had to say when he introduced Mr. Deyo at his confirmation hearing before my Committee: \u2018Russ brings to the position he has been nominated for a broad range of experience with one of the best enterprises in the world . . . You will find him to be a smart, experienced, and devoted public servant who will actually bring a unique set of skills to this job which are very critical. I could not give a stronger endorsement to Mr. Deyo for this position.\u2019\r\n\u201cRuss Deyo also received a strong endorsement from the three former Under Secretaries for Management at DHS \u2013 Paul Schneider, Elaine Duke, and Rafael Borras. Here\u2019s what they had to say: \u2018Russ Deyo is an outstanding choice by the President to be the Under Secretary for Management. An impressive leader, he brings the requisite skills, experience, and leadership to this important position. He is recognized as a professional, unflappable statesman who can meet the challenges that this position faces head on and get results.\u2019\r\n\u201cEverything I have learned about Mr. Deyo over the past several months has led me to conclude that he is an exceptional candidate to be the next Under Secretary for Management at DHS. I urge all of my colleagues to support the nomination of Russ Deyo.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d now like to discuss the nomination of Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or \u201cICE\u201d is a vital law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security and has been without a presidentially appointed leader for more than 16 months. That is far too long \u2013 particularly considering all the issues we face along our borders and the more than 400 laws ICE enforces.\r\n\u201cSome of my colleagues may not be familiar with what ICE does, and why it is so critical for the agency to have Senate-confirmed leadership in place. ICE is one of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies, with more than 19,000 employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 48 foreign countries. What do all these people do? Well, in 2013, ICE special agents initiated 126,425 new investigations, made over 40,000 criminal arrests, seized $1.3 billion in currency and assets, and took 1.6 million pounds of narcotics and other dangerous drugs off our streets. And on any given day, ICE arrests 370 criminal aliens in the interior of the country, has 34,000 people in detention, and removes nearly 500 criminal aliens from our country.\r\n\u201cManaging such a large agency, with one of the most complex missions in the federal government, is a tall order. Thankfully, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has agreed to step up to the challenge. Ms. Salda\u00f1a is a true American success story. She rose from humble beginnings in South Texas as the youngest of seven children to become an accomplished partner at a major law firm.\u00a0 She is now one of the nation\u2019s top law enforcement officers.\u00a0 Ms. Salda\u00f1a was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2011 to her current position as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. She has a distinguished record, representing the U.S. government as the senior law enforcement officer in one of the largest districts in the nation, spanning some 100 counties. In this role, she deals as closely and extensively as anyone else with the threats this country faces every day from transnational criminal networks. This experience will serve her well at ICE.\r\n\u201cBut don\u2019t take my word for it. One of my good friends here in the Senate, Senator Cornyn, felt strongly enough about her qualifications that he introduced Ms. Salda\u00f1a at her confirmation hearing before the Committee I chair, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Here\u2019s what Senator Cornyn had to say: \u2018In her role as U.S. Attorney and prosecutor over the past decade, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has served our State with honor, fighting corrupt public officials, organized crime, sex traffickers, and other dangerous criminals.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat certainly sounds like a highly qualified candidate to me.\u00a0 But that\u2019s not all Senator Cornyn had to say about Ms. Salda\u00f1a.\u00a0 He went on to say: \u2018If respect for the rule of law is our standard, and I think it should be, we would be hard pressed to find a person more qualified to enforce the law than Ms. Salda\u00f1a.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat is high praise indeed\u2014and I couldn\u2019t agree more. Now, some are arguing that we should not confirm Ms. Salda\u00f1a because of the President\u2019s recent executive action on immigration. This decision will provide relief from deportation for as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows today, law-abiding people who are productive members of our communities. Still, some argue that the President\u2019s actions should preclude the Senate from confirming even a highly qualified candidate like Sarah Salda\u00f1a to this critical position.\r\n\u201cI think that is absurd. We have before the Senate a highly qualified candidate who, according to her neighbor and senior Senator from Texas, is fiercely independent, has served with honor in her current role, and respects the rule of law. It does not punish the President to leave this position unfilled; it punishes our citizens. It makes it harder for ICE to accomplish its mission. And it hurts the men and women at ICE, who deserve a leader to ensure this important agency runs as effectively as possible. I believe that the President acted within the bounds of the law in announcing his executive actions. Whether you agree with me or not, opposing Ms. Salda\u00f1a\u2019s nomination will do nothing to change what the President has done.\u00a0\r\n\u201cSo I hope that Ms. Salda\u00f1a\u2014the first Hispanic person and second woman to be nominated to run Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2014does not fall victim to politics as usual in the Senate.\u00a0She is by all accounts exactly what this critical agency needs: a proven leader and respected member of the law enforcement community. Ms. Salda\u00f1a will have a tough job ahead of her if she is confirmed this week, but I believe that she is up to the task. I urge all of my colleagues to support her, as I do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7d0b25b5-d239-4113-808e-c6933f0ec6fd", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Fix to the Affordable Care Act to Save Jobs in Delaware", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Senate voted Saturday night to approve the omnibus spending package, which included bipartisan legislation written by Congressman John Carney (D-Del.) and Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) to improve the\u00a0Affordable Care Act,\u00a0help protect jobs in Delaware, and ensure access to quality health insurance coverage for expatriates working in the U.S. and abroad.\u00a0 The legislation \u2013 also led by Rep. David Nunes (R-Calif.) in the House and Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Penn.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in the Senate \u2013 clarifies how the Affordable Care Act applies to expatriate health insurance plans, ensuring that U.S. based expatriate insurance carriers can compete on a level playing field with their foreign competitors and that American jobs stay here in America. In February 2014, Cigna implemented a hiring freeze at its Delaware facility and has warned of potential layoffs should this legislation not be signed into law. Cigna employs 500 people in Delaware who write the plans affected by this legislation. The Delaware delegation has been working for the past three and a half years to ensure these jobs are protected.\r\n\u201cFor more than three years, Congressman Carney and Senator Coons have been my steadfast and tireless partners as we worked together to improve the\u00a0Affordable Care Act\u00a0and its treatment of expatriate health insurance plans,\u201d\u00a0Sen. Carper\u00a0said. \u201cEarlier this week, Congressman Carney led us to a tremendous victory in the House of Representatives and, today, we pushed this important fix across the finish\u00a0line in the Senate. This bill ensures that American insurance carriers can compete on a level playing field with their foreign competitors and will likely save hundreds of American jobs in Delaware and even more across the country. I was proud to author a number of key provisions in the health care reform law; however I\u2019ve long said it is not written in stone, and it\u2019s not perfect, so we should work together to make improvements where they are needed.\u00a0That\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ve done with this common-sense fix for expatriate insurance plans. I'm hopeful that the bipartisan, bicameral cooperation displayed in successfully passing this legislation serves as a blueprint for members of Congress to work together on other common sense legislation moving forward\u200e.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Affordable Care Act has already done a tremendous amount of good for a lot of Delawareans, but it isn\u2019t perfect and it needs to be repaired,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cAs we discover mistakes that need to be fixed and opportunities to make it work better for even more Americans, it is Congress\u2019 responsibility to act. An error written into the law pertaining to specialized insurance plans for Americans who work abroad threatened the viability of American-issued expatriate health plans in the global market and jeopardized the jobs of the more than 500 Delawareans who service those plans. Our legislation levels the playing field for these American companies and their foreign competitors, ensuring Cigna will keep these jobs in Delaware. It has taken more than three years of relentless work by Congressman Carney, Senator Carper, Governor Markell, and me, who have met hundreds of times and worked to develop legislation to narrowly and responsibly fix the problem. It was because of the bipartisan, bicameral support that we methodically built for this bill that the leadership of both parties in both chambers agreed to include this measure in the omnibus spending bill that the Senate passed tonight. This is an important victory for our state and I am proud to have been able to help.\u201d\u00a0\r\nCigna employees in Delaware sell, write, manage and service expatriate health insurance plans, which offer robust coverage to people working outside their home country, giving them access to a global network of health care providers. Individuals on the plan could be foreign employees working here in America, Americans working abroad, or, for instance, a German working in France. Expatriates can be NGO and foreign aid workers, pilots, cruise ship workers, and contractors sent to support our troops on deployment around the globe.\r\nInadvertently, the\u00a0Affordable Care Act\u00a0was written in a way that subjects U.S. expatriate health insurance plans to all the provisions of the health care reform law, which placed a unique burden on these types of plans, given that their foreign competitors are not subjected to the same requirements. Several U.S. health insurance companies -- Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, and United Health \u2013 compete with foreign insurers to offer expatriate health insurance plans to globally mobile workforce. Since foreign insurers are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act, they often had an unfair advantage over Cigna and other U.S. health insurers.\u00a0 This bill helps to remove this unfair advantage for foreign insurers and to ensure that U.S. and foreign expatriate health insurers can compete on a level playing field.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=dfe99ebb-eca2-4652-80c9-c84c3ba81e3d", "Senator Carper Votes for FY15 Spending Bill", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015.\u00a0The legislation provides funding for federal agencies for fiscal year 2015 but only funds the Department of Homeland Security until February 27, 2015.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s should be clear to Congress that Americans want us to work together, get things done, and grow and strengthen our economy. The 2015 fiscal year spending bill is an important step toward doing what Americans expect us to do. I\u2019d like to commend the efforts of my colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, for bringing a full year appropriations bill for nearly the entire government to the Senate floor. As a former Governor and now as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I know how important it is to provide timely and predictable budgets for our government agencies.\r\n\u201cThis bill provides much-needed resources to address the underlying causes of the increase in migration we\u2019ve seen from Central America. Specifically, it includes an increase of $130 million to address what I believe to be the root causes of this surge: the lack of economic opportunities, jobs, and hope in the nations of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, combined with increasing violence and insecurity in the region. While this money is not a silver bullet, I hope it is the beginning of a sustained focus on \u2013 and investment in\u2014\u00a0\u00a0 the region by the U.S. and our partners in the region.\r\n\u201cThe measure also contains emergency funding to help meet our immediate and long term needs related to the Ebola epidemic.\u00a0 This includes needed funding to ensure the faster development of vaccines and medicines to treat the disease and more training and supplies for our nation\u2019s healthcare workers and first responders. I am also pleased to see this bill dedicates funds to help our nation as we continue our campaign to defeat terrorism, including ISIS and other Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, one agency vital to our overall national security will not receive its full year funding. I am deeply disappointed that the funding for the Department of Homeland Security is now the subject of partisan politics and political gamesmanship.\u00a0 The Department is charged with keeping our nation and Americans safe.\u00a0 Putting it on a short-term continuing resolution degrades employee morale, hurts day-to-day operations, hinders its ability to plan for the future, and creates inefficiency and uncertainty throughout its components. For example, it will hurt the Secret Service\u2019s ability to hire and train new agents as it prepares for the 2016 presidential election. It will also negatively affect state and local governments who receive support from the Department for emergency response and law enforcement needs.\u00a0Doing this to such a key national security agency is dangerous and counterproductive.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, I believe the best route we can take when it comes to funding our government is to pass a comprehensive, bipartisan budget plan that gives agencies and business certainty and shows the American people that we can lead. Then we need to translate those plans into timely appropriations bills that will let agencies and their partners spend their time trying to get better results for the taxpayer dollar, not hastily putting together contingency plans.\r\n\u201cWhile I commend all of the progress our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee have made with this bill, we still have a ways to go. I think we all agree that it\u2019s time for this partisan, stopgap budgeting to end on all levels. It\u2019s time for Congress to put politics aside, work together, and do what\u2019s right for our country.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f5153c02-ac19-4eb8-9bba-360a7b3940be", "Chairman Carper Urges Senate to Move Forward on Critical Nominations", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to support the critical nominations approved by the committee and waiting for consideration on the full Senate floor. His statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cMr. President\u2014 I rise today to discuss a number of nominations that have been considered and approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm them before we adjourn for the year.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI have spoken repeatedly about the large and very troubling backlog of nominations in the Senate.\u00a0 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. We do our country no service \u2013 and ourselves no honor \u2013 when we leave key institutions without proper leadership and leave honorable men and women willing to serve in government twisting in the wind.\r\n\u201cDuring my time as Chairman of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I\u2019ve made it one of my top priorities to work closely with our Ranking Republican, Tom Coburn, to consider and move the President\u2019s nominees as quickly as possible.\u00a0 We\u2019ve had a tremendous amount of success.\u00a0 Majority Leader Reid, Senator McConnell, and their staffs have been valuable partners in this effort.\r\n\u201cJust yesterday, our Committee reported out three more outstanding nominees \u2013 Sarah Saldana to be head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, Russell Deyo to be the top management official at the Department, and Mickey Barnett to serve another term on the Postal Service\u2019s Board of Governors.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI believe Ms. Saldana and Mr. Deyo will almost certainly be confirmed in short order.\u00a0 I urge my colleagues to review their qualifications and work with me to fill these two vacancies at the Department of Homeland Security in the coming days.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to spend some time on the floor today discussing Mr. Barnett\u2019s nomination, and those of several other lower-profile nominees that we urgently need to confirm as soon as we can. Mr. Barnett is among a group of five bipartisan nominees to the Postal Board of Governors \u2013 two Republicans and three Democrats.\u00a0 If we don\u2019t confirm Mr. Barnett and his colleagues by December 8th, Mr. Barnett \u2013 currently the Board\u2019s chairman \u2013 would be forced the leave the Board.\u00a0If that happens, the Board will no longer have enough members to achieve a quorum and won\u2019t be able to conduct business.\u00a0 At a time when the Postal Service is struggling to address a number of financial challenges and to adapt to the digital age, this would be an avoidable disaster.\r\n\u201cToday, because of our inability here in Congress to come to consensus on postal reform legislation, the Postal Service is just twisting in the wind, able to do only so much to address the financial challenges it faces and transform itself for the digital age.\u00a0 Customers are left with uncertainty, then, about what the future holds for the Postal Service.\u00a0 We would make that uncertainty even worse if December 8th comes and goes and our five Postal Board nominees are still waiting for us to act.\r\n\u201cThe same goes for our nominees to fill vacancies on the Postal Regulatory Commission, Nanci Langley and Tony Hammond.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been waiting since the spring of 2013 to be confirmed, and the Commission has been working with only three commissioners as a result.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAlso pending before the Senate are two nominations to the D.C. Superior Court: Judge William Nooter and Judge Steven Wellner.\u00a0 These are both qualified nominees who, like the Homeland Security and postal nominees I\u2019ve discussed, won bipartisan support in Committee and are needed to fill vacancies on the District of Columbia\u2019s busy trial court.\u00a0Judge Nooter and Judge Wellner were reported out by our committee with unanimous, bipartisan support months ago. In Judge Nooter\u2019s case, more than a year ago.\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve discussed, these men are not alone in waiting so long for confirmation.\u00a0 But the problem is particularly unfair when it comes to the District of Columbia court system. Earlier this fall, during the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on D.C. Statehood, the current vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court were included as one of the many injustices the District faces simply because it serves as the nation\u2019s capital. The District of Columbia already suffers from not having control over its own laws or local tax dollars. The citizens of this city should not also have to face a compromised legal system as well. While we in Congress may not be able to fix everything, I do think this is one of the few issues that we can and must address now.\r\n\u201cThe D.C. Superior Court is a local court that hears primarily local matters.\u00a0 Most nominees are entirely uncontroversial and used to go through the Senate without a recorded floor vote. But because these local judges go through Senate confirmation, they have been caught up in the broader politics and stalemate of the Senate floor.\u00a0 No other local or state jurisdiction must have its non-federal judges approved by Congress. And no other state or locality is without a vote in the Senate to help push for action on nominations of concern to that community.\r\n\u201cThe D.C. Superior Court is operated by the federal government and its judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for 15 year terms. It is important to note that, although this court is operated by the federal government, it is separate from the federal government.\u00a0 Instead, the Superior Court is the local trial court for the District of Columbia and handles matters such as local crimes, and domestic and civil disputes. Nevertheless, because this Court is operated by the federal government, the President nominates candidates for judicial vacancies from a slate prepared by a non-partisan nomination commission, and the Senate must confirm the nominees.\r\n\u201cCurrently, there are four vacancies on the Superior Court; due to planned retirement and medical leave, this number will rise by the end of this year.\u00a0 These vacancies hinder the Superior Court\u2019s ability to administer justice for D.C. residents. Superior Court judges already carry heavy caseloads. The existing vacancies, the majority of which are in the family court division, threaten to undermine the Judges\u2019 ability to give proper attention to each case, including those cases in family court that affect the welfare of children.\r\n\u201cRecently, the Chief Judge of the Superior Court and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia have sent myself and both Senate leaders a letter raising these concerns and ultimately seeking a Senate vote on Judges Nooter and Wellner.\r\n\u201cJudge Nooter is currently the Presiding Magistrate Judge on the Superior Court and has served as a Magistrate Judge for the past 14 years. As Presiding Magistrate Judge, he manages 23 fellow magistrate judges and serves on the Leadership Team of the Chief Judge of the Superior Court. Judge Wellner currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. Since 2011, he has led the Unemployment Insurance Division, by all accounts skillfully coordinating a team of ten Administrative Law Judges and support staff to adjudicate over 3,000 unemployment insurance cases per year.\r\n\u201cMr. President, given the caliber of these nominees, the lack of controversy over their nominations, and the bi-partisan support received, I urge this body to move their confirmations forward as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=9abd444c-c5e1-4ca2-8622-e957ec08de6b", "The Clock is Ticking.", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2014\r\nDear Friends,\r\nOn January 1, 2015, millions of Americans and thousands of Delawareans will be enrolled in high-quality, dependable health insurance plans. Will you be one of them?\r\nI hope you already are, but if you don't have health insurance secured for next year yet, the clock is ticking! Any Delawareans who want coverage that begins January 1 must enroll by December 15. That's Monday! With only a few days left before time runs out, I encourage you to stop and think about whether you still need to enroll or re-enroll in a health plan for the coming new year. If you're set, then please check with your friends and family to be sure they are, too.\r\n\r\nI\u2019d like to introduce you to Ray Halbach, one Delawarean who does have health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act. I recently met Ray at my office where he told me about how he was diagnosed with cancer after losing his job and his health insurance. He was forced to eat into his savings to pay out of pocket for his cancer treatment until the Affordable Care Act enabled him to get covered at a reasonable rate, despite his pre-existing condition.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDelawareans who want to get covered like Ray\u00a0can get online and select a health plan through the Choose Health Delaware\u00a0health insurance marketplace.\u00a0Even if you have insurance through the marketplace, it's also crucial that that those who enrolled last year go online to examine whether their plan is still the best fit for them and find out if anything has changed about the\u00a0financial subsidies\u00a0they're eligible to receive.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019d prefer to sign-up in person or over the phone, then there are marketplace guides who can help. Find out more information here\u00a0(y en espa\u00f1ol tambi\u00e9n\u00a0aqu\u00ed).\r\n \r\n\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \r\nIn its first year, more than 14,000 Delawareans have\u00a0signed up for a health plan that works for them.\u00a0I'm\u00a0thrilled that Delawareans are enrolling in plans that can help them live a healthier life and perhaps leave a little extra change in their pocket.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nDon\u2019t let precious\u00a0time\u00a0pass you by. Be sure to log on to\u00a0ChooseHealthDE.com as soon as possible and get covered!\r\n\u00a0\r\nDutifully Yours,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=06f97feb-4c3e-4867-9790-e738a35e2125", "Four Bills to Strengthen Nation's Cyber Defenses Head to President's Desk", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Four bipartisan bills that will modernize, strengthen, and improve our nation\u2019s cyber security defenses were approved by the House of Representatives and are now headed to President Obama\u2019s desk. The measures, which are the results of bipartisan and bicameral compromise, are the first major cyber security bills to become law in several years. The bills reflect the work\u00a0of Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and\u00a0Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.); House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss), and Subcommittee Chair Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Yvette Clarke (D-NY); and House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.).\r\n\u201cCybersecurity is one of our nation\u2019s biggest challenges,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cIt is more than clear that the federal government needs to address this 21st century threat with a 21st century response. While our work in this area is far from finished, these bills are an important step in our effort to modernize our nation\u2019s cybersecurity programs and help the public and private sectors work together to tackle cyber threats more effectively in the future. I\u2019d like to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Coburn and his staff for their tireless hard work on these measures. This achievement wouldn\u2019t have been possible without their dedication. I\u2019d also like to thank our colleagues in the House \u2013 Chairmen McCaul, Issa, and Meehan, and Ranking Members Thompson, Cummings and Clarke -- for their efforts and compromise. But we cannot rest on our laurels. I will make cybersecurity a top priority for the 114th Congress and continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a long-term solution to enhance our nation\u2019s cybersecurity efforts.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur nation faces serious cybersecurity threats.\u00a0Including foreign nations and other adversaries that continue to compromise our networks and steal the America people\u2019s sensitive information,\u201d said Ranking Member Coburn. \u201cThese bills will help the nation address these threats. Updating the law for federal information security will ensure that agencies are accountable to Congress and the public for data breaches.\u00a0Codifying the NCCIC will require DHS to improve its programs for assisting the private sector and sets the stage for future legislation to provide liability protection for sharing cyber threat information. I thank and applaud Chairman Carper for his dedication and leadership.\u201d\r\nEarlier today,\u00a0Congress passed a bill that will codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014 (S. 2519) calls on the Center to serve as a federal civilian information sharing interface for cybersecurity. It also authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity. It\u00a0was originally introduced as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014 by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.).\r\nYesterday, the House of Representatives passed critical legislation that would help federal agencies thwart cyber attacks. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (S. 2521), introduced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would update the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to better protect federal agencies from cyber attacks. The bill, which updates a 12-year-old law to meet the federal government\u2019s current cybersecurity needs, establishes real-time monitoring of federal computer networks, and enhances oversight of federal data breaches, now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\nIn addition to FISMA, the House of Representatives passed a piece of legislation that would save taxpayers almost $80 million a year while enhancing the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s ability to secure federal computer networks and respond to attacks. The Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013 (S. 1691) included language from Senator Carper\u2019s DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act, which would help the Department of Homeland Security recruit and retain cyber professionals who are in high demand across the government and private sector. The approved legislation will help address critical challenges that the Department faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense.\r\nFinally, the House of Representatives also passed Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act (H.R. 2952) yesterday. The assessment would examine where critical cyber positions are located within the Department, the Department\u2019s readiness and capacity to meet its cyber missions, and the types of positions. The goal of the strategy would be to enhance the readiness, capacity, training, recruitment, and retention of the cybersecurity workforce, and would include a recruitment and implementation plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3d029a26-aa65-4c33-90e6-0d2c7d032f00", "Chairman Carper Responds to Senate Passage of Critical IT Management Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the Senate approved the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), as part of the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). FITARA will improve how the federal government acquires, implements and manages its information technology investments by giving agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) more authority over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for agency IT investments, and by improving transparency and review processes of such investments. FITARA was co-sponsored by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.).\r\nAs the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly pointed out in recent years, the federal government spends approximately $80 billion annually on IT, yet those investments continue to underperform, often incurring considerable cost overruns and delays.\r\n\u201cFITARA is the product of meaningful bipartisan, bicameral compromise that will help reduce waste in federal spending and increase agency accountability to American taxpayers,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThis bill will address many of the operational difficulties facing information technology management today and save money without degrading our national IT capabilities. By empowering Chief Information Officers throughout the budget, planning and spending processes, this bill enhances transparency and oversight of agency IT investments. In addition, this important bill requires federal departments to take an enterprise-wide view of IT programs and investments, and continues the promising work that has been done to right-size agency data centers. I thank the leaders of the Armed Services Committee for including this language in the National Defense Authorization Act and appreciate the hard work of Congressmen Issa, Cummings, Connolly, and Dr. Coburn to make these important reforms into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=77cda1f2-b927-4004-9f7d-89bde00f8ed4", "Carper, Coons, Carney Celebrate Passage of Delaware National Park Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u00ad\u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.) celebrated Congressional\u00a0passage of historic legislation to authorize the creation of a national park in Delaware. The language passed today mirrored bills introduced in 2013 by\u00a0Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Rep. John Carney\u2013 the First State National Historical Park Act of 2013.\r\nThe legislation\u00a0authorizes the First State National Monument in Delaware to become the First State National Historical Park and\u00a0expands the current First State National Monument to include park sites in all three counties of Delaware.\u00a0\u00a0Similar to the national monument, the First State National Historical Park will celebrate\u00a0early American Dutch, Swedish and English Settlements located throughout Delaware, and Delaware\u2019s role in the events leading up to\u00a0 the founding of our nation.\r\n\u201cFor over a decade, I have been working with federal officials, state officials, community leaders and everyday citizens to establish a national park in Delaware,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cToday, I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for approving this legislation. Now, Delaware can have a national park that preserves and teaches the lessons of\u00a0our state\u2019s heritage and our country\u2019s history. I cannot wait for the day when families from all across this country and the world will plan their vacations around the First State National Historical Park to learn how Delaware helped launch the most enduring experiment in democracy that the world has ever known \u2013 the United States of America.\u00a0I must also give special recognition and thanks to\u00a0Senators Coons, Casey (D-Pa.) and Toomey (R-Pa.) and Representatives Carney and Meehan (R-Pa.) for their continued support and efforts during this process, as well as the many state and local government and community leaders who have worked hard to make this a reality.\u201d\r\n\u201cA national park will preserve and celebrate our state\u2019s vibrant history, while boosting Delaware\u2019s economy and creating jobs,\" Senator Coons said. \"For more than a decade, Senator Carper has worked tirelessly to finally bring a national park to our state, and with final passage in the Senate today, he has succeeded. National parks are an important part of our national culture and heritage, and it's long past time that Delaware's rich history and resources were\u00a0recognized with official national park status.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis is a tremendous achievement for Delaware,\u201d said Congressman Carney. \u201cAfter years and years of hard work by so many in our state, Delaware will join the ranks of nearly all other states with a National Park. I look forward to taking my family and visitors from out of state to visit the natural and historic sites in our park. And I\u2019m gratified that our neighbors around the country will be able to enjoy the historic attractions our great state has to offer. Today\u2019s a proud day for Delaware.\u201d\r\nThe legislation allows the Park Service to work with other historically significant sites that are not included in the National Park, but can be included in the National Park materials, tours and other related items.\u00a0Additionally,\u00a0the legislation authorizes a study to assess historical significant properties that should be listed as national landmarks and be associated with the national park.\u00a0The management and headquarters\u00a0of the national monument willcontinue to be the same for\u00a0the\u00a0newly-designated\u00a0national park.\u00a0\r\nThe\u00a0following sites\u00a0have been\u00a0authorized to be\u00a0included in the park:\r\nNew Castle County, DE / Delaware County, PA:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Woodlawn Trustees Property\r\nNew Castle County, DE:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Old Sheriff's House\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Old New Castle Courthouse\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0New Castle Green\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Old Swedes Church National Historic Landmark\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fort Christina National Historic Landmark\r\nKent County, DE:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dover Green\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0John Dickinson Plantation National Historic Landmark\r\nSussex County, DE:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ryves Holt House\r\nFor over a decade, Senator Carper has worked with the Delaware delegation, federal officials, state officials, and community leaders to identify a theme and a park concept that fits well within our federal budget and is worthy of designation as a national park. \u00a0In January 2009, the Bush Administration finalized a National Park Service Special Resource Study concluding that a national park should be placed in Delaware and every year since Senator Carper has introduced legislation authorizing a national park. \u00a0Since 2009, there have been over a dozen public meetings on the national park effort \u2013 including legislative hearings in both chambers of Congress \u2013 which have shown overwhelming support for the national park idea. \u00a0\r\nThe Senate approved the First State National Historical Park as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. It passed the House last week. It will now go to the President for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=d5d26d17-4c33-42c6-8262-d76ba34f649a", "Congress Passes Bill to Improve Chemical Security Nationwide", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, the House of Representatives approved legislation that would take a number of steps to update and improve the government\u2019s chemical security program. The bipartisan H.R. 4007, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2014, reauthorizes the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards Program (CFATS) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and implements a series of important changes to make the program more efficient and effective.\r\nThe bill, which now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law, reauthorizes the CFATS program for four years, establishes a voluntary new expedited approval procedure for site security plans for certain chemical facilities, improves aspects of information sharing with state and local officials, and enhances the Department\u2019s ability to identify high-risk chemical facilities that otherwise go unmonitored. H.R. 4007, which passed the House with bipartisan support earlier this year, includes measures based on a substitute amendment by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). The Committee held a hearing examining the program earlier this year.\r\n\u201cFirst and foremost, I thank my colleague and partner in leading the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Dr. Coburn, for his tireless efforts and leadership on this bill. This compromise would not have been possible without Dr. Coburn and the diligent work and dedication of him and his staff,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cChemicals \u2013 including dangerous ones \u2013 play a vitally important role in our economy and our daily lives. That\u2019s why it is so crucial that the federal government and industry work together to ensure the security of facilities and substances that could become weapons in the hands of terrorists or others who wish to do harm. This bipartisan bill will take critically important steps and provide necessary adjustments to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards Program bolsters our national chemical security and sets out an efficient and effective path to help chemical facilities safeguard their premises and hazardous materials against the risk of a terrorist attack. It also provides much-needed certainty for both the Department of Homeland Security and the chemical industry. I commend my colleagues in the House helping take it across the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is essential that we secure our chemical facilities against terrorist attack,\u201d Ranking Member Coburn said. \u201cFor the last seven years, the Department of Homeland Security has struggled to implement a program designed to do just that \u2014 its Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. My report on CFATS earlier this year, as well as countless reports from GAO and the DHS Inspector General, revealed the CFATS program was simply not working. This bill would overhaul CFATS, adopting recommendations in past reviews and putting CFATS on track to reducing our nation\u2019s vulnerabilities to chemical terrorism.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f99bf807-caa4-470f-8b96-b0ef029f6e60", "Chairman Carper Bids Farewell to Dr. Coburn on the Senate Floor", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) took to the Senate floor to thank and bid farewell to his colleague and Ranking Member, Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.).\r\nClick here\u00a0to watch the speech.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3348c913-ea22-4d16-9c7b-bb10d825c72b", "Senate Approves Bill to Codify National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, the Senate approved the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014.\u00a0The legislation would codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The bill calls on the Center to serve as a federal civilian information sharing interface for cybersecurity. It also authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity.\r\n\u201cCyber security is one of the biggest national security challenges our country faces.\u00a0Our laws should reflect that reality,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cBy codifying the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s existing cybersecurity operations center, the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014 bolsters our nation\u2019s cybersecurity while providing the Department with clear authority to\u00a0more effectively carry out its mission and partner with private and public entities.\u00a0It is critical that the Department continues to build strong relationships with businesses, state and local governments, and other entities across the country so that we can all be better prepared to stop cyber attacks and quickly address those intrusions that do occur. I would like to thank Dr. Coburn and his staff for their hard work on this important piece of legislation and my colleagues in the Senate for their support.\u201d\r\n\u201cCyber attacks are one of the biggest national security threats facing our nation,\u201d said Ranking Member Coburn.\u00a0\u201cEvery day, adversaries are working to penetrate our networks and steal the American people\u2019s information at a great cost to our nation. One of the best ways that we can defend against cyber attacks is to encourage the government and private sector to work together and share information about the threats we face.\u00a0By codifying DHS\u2019s cyber security information sharing center, this bill sets the stage for future legislation for cyber security information sharing that includes liability protections for the private sector.\u201d\r\nS. 2519, the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014, was originally introduced as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014 by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act in June 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4fa1e0ff-2319-407a-9194-a2a875b9c696", "Congress Passes Bill to Address Cyber Attacks on Federal Agencies", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, the House of Representatives passed critical legislation that would help federal agencies thwart cyber attacks. The bill, which updates a 12-year-old law to meet the federal government\u2019s current cybersecurity needs, establishes real-time monitoring of federal computer networks, and enhances oversight of federal data breaches, now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\nThe Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, introduced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would update the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to better protect federal agencies from cyber attacks. The bill would better delineate the roles and responsibilities assigned to agencies charged with securing the \u201c.gov\u201d domain, move agencies away from the current paperwork-heavy security review processes, and place greater management and oversight attention on data breaches at federal agencies. The bill is more than overdue: cyber attacks reported by federal agencies have increased by nearly 680 percent over the past six years, according to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office.\r\n\u201cCybersecurity is one of our nation\u2019s biggest challenges,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cRecently, several federal agencies, from the Postal Service to the Office of Personnel Management to the State Department to the White House have been hit with serious cyber attacks.\u00a0 It is more than clear that the federal government needs to address this 21st century threat with a 21st century response. This bill will modernize our outdated federal network security laws, provide the tools and authorities needed to improve security at our federal agencies, and increase transparency and accountability for data breaches at federal agencies. On top of that, it allows taxpayer dollars to be better spent on improving network security by reducing unnecessary and burdensome paper-based reporting.\u00a0I commend my colleagues in the House of Representatives for voting to bring this critical bill across the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\n\u201cFor too long, the federal government has struggled with poor cybersecurity practices, which puts the American people\u2019s sensitive information at risk,\u201d said Dr. Coburn. \u201cThis bipartisan reform bill is a small but significant step to address the problem.\u00a0 It requires agencies to be accountable to Congress and the public for data breaches and other incidents to protect the public\u2019s information.\u201d\r\nToday, the House of Representatives also passed the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013, a bill that contains provisions from the DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act of 2014. The bill, which now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law, helps address critical challenges that the Department of Homeland Security faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense.\r\nToday, the Senate unanimously passed the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014. The bill would codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security, known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The bill authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5ce6749a-f7af-4233-920a-3a7ee2dcf810", "Senate Passes Bill to Improve Chemical Security Nationwide", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, the Senate approved legislation that would take a number of steps to update and improve the government\u2019s chemical security program. The bipartisan H.R. 4007, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2014, reestablishes the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards Program (CFATS) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and implements a series of important changes to make the program more efficient and effective.\r\nThe bill would reauthorize the CFATS program for four years, establish a voluntary new expedited approval procedure for site security plans for certain chemical facilities, improve aspects of information sharing with state and local officials, and enhance the Department\u2019s ability to identify high-risk chemical facilities that otherwise go unmonitored. H.R. 4007, which passed the House with bipartisan support earlier this year, includes measures based on a substitute amendment by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). The Committee held a hearing examining the program earlier this year.\r\n\u201cChemicals \u2013 including dangerous ones - play a vitally important role in our economy and our daily lives. That\u2019s why it is crucial that the federal government and industry work together to ensure the security of facilities and substances that could become weapons in the hands of terrorists or others who wish to do harm,\u201d Chairman Carper said. \u201cThis bipartisan bill takes important steps and provides necessary adjustments to ensure that this program within the Department of Homeland Security sets out an efficient and effective path to help chemical facilities safeguard their premises and hazardous materials against the risk of a terrorist attack. More important, this legislation provides a longer term authorization, increasing certainty and stability for both the Department of Homeland Security and the chemical industry. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for supporting this critical piece of bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support its passage into law.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is essential that we secure our chemical facilities against terrorist attack,\u201d Ranking Member Coburn said. \u201cFor the last seven years, the Department of Homeland Security has struggled to implement a program designed to do just that \u2014 its Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. My report on CFATS earlier this year, as well as countless reports from GAO and the DHS Inspector General, revealed the CFATS program was simply not working. This bill would overhaul CFATS, adopting recommendations in past reviews and putting CFATS on track to reducing our nation\u2019s vulnerabilities to chemical terrorism.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6169297b-e877-483f-8a72-ba0699496919", "Congress Passes Legislation to Reform Border Patrol Overtime System, Enhance DHS Cyber Personnel Authorities", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives approved a measure (S.1691) that would save taxpayers almost $80 million a year while enhancing the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) ability to secure our borders and respond to the growing threat posed by cyber attacks. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statements highlighting the legislation\u2019s passage.\r\nThe\u00a0Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013\u00a0would dramatically simplify the current pay system for Border Patrol agents and addresses concerns raised by the Office of Special Counsel about the misuse of Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime by the agency. The bill was originally introduced by Sen. Tester and is cosponsored by Sens. McCain, Heitkamp, Cornyn, Ayotte, and Flake.\r\n\u201cThis legislation, originally introduced by Sens. Tester and McCain, takes some commonsense steps to make some badly needed reforms to the overtime system at the Border Patrol, which is currently too complicated, too difficult to manage, and enables waste and abuse,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThis legislation will save millions of taxpayer dollars and curb misuse of the system \u2013 all while increasing the ability of the Border Patrol\u2019s ability to secure our borders. In fact, one estimate I have seen shows that this bill would add the equivalent of 1,500 agents to the border. That\u2019s what I like to call a win-win. I thank my colleagues, Sens. Tester and McCain, for their hard work on this issue and I applaud the House for passing this bipartisan piece of legislation.\u201d\r\nIncluded in this measure was language from Senator Carper\u2019s DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act, which would help the Department of Homeland Security recruit and retain cyber professionals which are in high demand across the government and private sector. Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals is challenging for DHS due to competition for talent from both the private sector and other government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Security Agency (NSA).\u00a0Under existing law, DOD and NSA have special personnel authorities that have enabled them to build and maintain a strong cybersecurity workforce\r\nThe approved legislation will help address critical challenges that the Department faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense. The new tools will allow DHS to hire at the same speed and with comparable salaries to DOD. The bill would also require DHS to report annually on the progress of the program and to ensure adequate transparency and oversight of the recruitment and retention program.\r\n\u201cKeeping our nation safe and secure in the 21st century relies on our ability to attract and retain an innovative and dedicated workforce,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cIt is critical that the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to build a cyber workforce that can respond to the evolving cyber threats facing our nation today. This legislation will give the Secretary of Homeland Security personnel authorities that will improve its ability to compete with the private sector and other agencies to hire and retain the people it needs to combat the cyber threats our country faces. I thank my colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives for supporting this bipartisan bill that will help the Department better secure our nation from the evolving cyber threat.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=e7bbf658-1951-4a47-8cef-3c086db1b246", "Sen. Carper Re-enrolled in the Health Care Marketplace. Have You?", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2014\r\n\r\nDear Friends,\r\nStarting today, Delawareans can enroll or re-enroll in a health plan through the\u00a0Choose Health Delaware health insurance marketplace. It is the second year of the marketplace and it's critical that you get covered now if you haven't already.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFor too long, Americans have spent more on health care than any other nation and worse yet did not always get better results. As a key piece of the Affordable Care Act, the health insurance marketplace provides a gateway to more affordable and higher quality health coverage by increasing consumer choice in health care options.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn its first year, more than 14,000 Delawareans have used Choose Health Delaware to find a health plan that works for them.\u00a0I'm\u00a0proud that Delawareans are enrolling in plans that can help them live a healthier life, perhaps leave a little extra change in their pocket and help to bring down the long-terms costs for our country in this sector, which has long been a drag on the American economy.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nI urge Delawareans without insurance to protect themselves and their loved ones by choosing a health care plan for the coming year through the marketplace at\u00a0ChooseHealthDE.com. It's also crucial that that those who enrolled last year go online to examine whether their plan is still the best fit for them and find out if anything has changed about the tax subsidies they're eligible to receive.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDon\u2019t have access to a computer? You can also call any of Delaware\u2019s own \u201cMarketplace Guides,\u201d who\u00a0can walk you through the process of choosing and enrolling in the best healthcare plan for you.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCounties\r\nOrganization\r\nLanguages\r\nPhone\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nBrandywine Women's Health Associates\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-658-8545\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nChristiana Care\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-320-6586\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nWestside Family Healthcare\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-472-8655\r\n\r\n\r\nKent, Sussex\r\nDelmarva Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-365-8270\r\n\r\n\r\nKent, Sussex\r\nWestside Family Healthcare\r\nEnglish, Spanish, Haitain Creole\r\n302-678-2205\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe deadline\u00a0for open enrollment is\u00a0February 15, 2015; if you want to get coverage by January be sure to enroll by December 15.\u00a0But don\u2019t let precious\u00a0time\u00a0pass you by. Be sure to log on to ChooseHealthDE.com as soon as possible.\r\n\u00a0\r\nHere's to your health,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=27791239-67a9-467f-a2b3-446196e8a927", "Chairman Carper Responds to Record Low Federal Employee Morale", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "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.) reacted to the annual \"Best Places to Work in the Federal Government\" rankings released by the Partnership for Public Service. Each year, the Partnership for Public Service releases federal agency rankings based on surveys conducted by hundreds of thousands of federal workers. This year, the report shows that employee morale across the board has dropped to its lowest point since the organization started conducting the survey.\r\nChairman Carper: \u201cThis Partnership for Public Service report confirms the hard reality that federal employee morale continues to drop and is now at the lowest point since we began keeping track 11 years ago. We know all too well that far too many federal workers are feeling demeaned, unappreciated, and under siege in the workplace today. Year after year, these public servants are used as political targets or to prove a political point. On top of the attacks, the sheer dysfunction of Congress makes a challenging work environment even worse. Federal employees are the first to suffer from Congressional gridlock, short-sighted budget cuts, and government shutdowns. Along with the instability of politics, federal workers feel the impact from our nation\u2019s fiscal challenges and are increasingly charged to get better results with fewer dollars. Compounding the lack of morale is what I call \u2018Executive Branch Swiss Cheese\u2019 \u2013 too many branch positions are left vacant under the Senate\u2019s watch. Permanent leadership is key to the success of any agency and without it, results and morale suffer. While our Committee has worked hard to fill key leadership vacancies in our jurisdiction, the Senate must do a better job confirming strong and steady leadership for our federal agencies in a timely manner.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile the report shows that a number of agencies have improved morale since last year, I was disheartened to see that employee morale at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains the lowest among major federal agencies. The Department still lacks a strong sense of cohesion and a sense of team. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with the DHS Employee Engagement Steering Committee to learn more about what Department leadership is doing to improve morale. I am encouraged by the steps Secretary Johnson, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas, and other top managers at the Department are taking to make DHS a better place to work for current and future employees. I am hopeful this effort will soon yield results. But Congress too has a responsibility to help morale. That includes providing the large and complex agency with full fiscal year funding, the clearer authorities it needs to more effectively carry out its missions, and a work environment at a consolidated headquarters that will improve coordination and communication across the various components.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn order to have a government that works well and sees results, we need good people. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important that we work together across party lines to the make the federal government a better place to work.\u00a0Today, President Obama announced a few new initiatives dedicated to supporting the professional development of public servants and finding ways to improve the recruitment, retention, and assignments of our senior executives. The Administration will also put together a program to properly recognize outstanding federal employees and the hard work they do to serve the people of this country. Like turning an aircraft carrier, improving morale at our federal agencies will take time. Some issues may be easy to address, while others may be more deeply rooted. But in order to right this ship, Congress, the Administration, and the public need to work together.\u201d\r\nEarlier today, President Obama announced three initiatives to recognize outstanding federal service and provide additional opportunities for federal employees:\r\n\u2022 \u00a0White House Leadership Development Program for Future Senior Career Executives.\r\n\u2022 \u00a0White House Advisory Group on Senior Executive Service (SES) Reform.\r\n\u2022 \u00a0Customer Service Awards Program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=485c5771-01f7-48e7-aa0a-2b00fe499e65", "Chairman Carper Highlights GAO Report on Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act Implementation", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that examined the implementation of the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA) within 24 federal agencies. The report, Improper Payments: Inspector General Reporting of Agency Compliance under the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA), found that while agencies have made significant progress since IPERA\u2019s passage in 2010, more can be done to ensure effective implementation.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s GAO report is a reminder that Congress has more work ahead to ensure that taxpayer funds are spent wisely, and waste and fraud is eliminated,\" said Chairman Carper. \u201cThe Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA) requires agency officials to sharpen their pencils and do a better job keeping track of the taxpayer dollars that we entrust to them. I am pleased that a majority of federal agencies have successfully implemented key aspects of the law. However, this report shows that there is more room for improvement.\u00a0 Cleary, federal agencies have a number of tools at their disposal to identify, reduce and recover improper payments, but they need to use those tools properly in order to achieve results.\u201d\r\nThe GAO rated each federal agency based on their execution of a series of seven criteria outlined by IPERA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).\u00a0These implementation steps range from an estimate of the amount of improper payments to establishment of mechanisms for recovery and prevention of improper payments. Overall, the report found that most agencies had made significant improvements in reporting their improper payments and taking action to curb them. For example, 22 agencies reported on their efforts to recover overpayments in FY 2013, compared to only 15 agencies in FY 2011.\u00a0However, the GAO report also detailed key shortcomings, particularly in lowering improper payments error rates. The report also showed the important role of Congress to ensure that agencies have the legal authority and resources to lower improper payment levels.\r\n\u201cThis report shows that Congress still has an important opportunity to work on a bipartisan basis in order to curb billions of dollars in waste and fraud,\u201d Chairman Carper continued. \u201cFor example, Congress has yet to pass into law the Improper Payments Agency Cooperation Enhancements Act (IPACE), a commonsense bill to stop improper payments to people who are deceased.\u00a0 I hope that my colleagues in the House of Representatives will work with me to take up this bill and other important legislation aimed at reducing government waste.\u201d\r\nIn 2010, Senators Carper, Susan Collins (R-Maine) and a bipartisan group of colleagues introduced the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), which was designed to save taxpayers money by reducing unnecessary payments throughout the federal government. The measure, signed into law by President Obama in 2010, requires all federal agencies to adopt a robust process to identify and recover improper payments made to federal contractors. In 2012, Congress enacted and the President signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act, which further strengthened the rules requiring federal agencies' to curb improper payments and mandated the establishment of a government-wide \"Do Not Pay List\".", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8e78931f-36f1-451e-8dc5-b4e0915c106a", "Senate Approves Bill to Address Cyber Attacks on Federal Agencies", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Last evening, the Senate approved critical legislation that would help federal agencies thwart cyber attacks.\r\nThe Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, introduced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would update the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to better protect federal agencies from cyber attacks.\u00a0 The bill would better delineate the roles and responsibilities assigned to agencies charged with securing the \u201c.gov\u201d domain, move agencies away from the current paperwork-heavy security review processes, and put greater management and oversight attention on data breaches at federal agencies. The bill is more than overdue: cyber attacks reported by federal agencies have increased by nearly 680 percent over the past six years, according to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office.\u00a0\r\n\u201cCybersecurity is one of our nation\u2019s biggest challenges,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cRecently, several federal agencies, from the Postal Service to the Office of Personnel Management to the State Department to the White House have been hit with serious cyber attacks.\u00a0 It is more than clear that the federal government needs to address this 21st century threat with a 21st century response. This bill will modernize our outdated federal network security laws, provide the tools and authorities needed to improve security at our federal agencies, and increase transparency and accountability for data breaches at federal agencies. On top of that, it allows taxpayer dollars to be better spent on improving network security by reducing unnecessary and burdensome paper-based reporting.\u00a0 But Senate passage of this bill only gets us part of the way there. We now need our colleagues in the House to bring this critical bill across the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk. With the clock ticking on the 113th Congress, we can\u2019t afford to wait. Our nation\u2019s cybersecurity is counting on it.\u201d\r\n\u201cFor too long, the federal government has struggled with poor cybersecurity practices, which puts the American people\u2019s sensitive information at risk,\u201d said Dr. Coburn.\u00a0 \u201cThis bipartisan reform bill is a small but significant step to address the problem.\u00a0 It requires agencies to be accountable to Congress and the public for data breaches and other incidents to protect the public\u2019s information.\u201d\r\nIn September, the Senate passed the DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act of 2014, which would help address critical challenges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense.\r\nIn June, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014. The bill would codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The bill authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b380fb11-1959-4a88-a78b-61140b2c1205", "Carper Joins EPA to Announce Clean Air Technology Upgrades to Cape May-Lewes Ferry", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWES, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del) joined officials from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to announce a $975,000 Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant to the Delaware River and Bay Authority that will help bring new clean air technology to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and reduce toxic air emissions. Sen. Carper has been a champion for clean air and co-authored the Diesel Emission Reduction Act, which the president signed into law in 2011.\r\n\u201cFor every $1 invested through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return,\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cThe good thing about diesel engines is that they last a long time, and the bad thing about diesel engines is that they last a long time. Retrofitting or replacing older diesel engines can dramatically reduce harmful\u00a0emissions\u00a0but, despite the long-term economic benefits of these upgrades, there are\u00a0few direct and immediate\u00a0economic incentives. Programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act help\u00a0encourage critical investment in updating our diesel fleets so they are cleaner and\u00a0friendlier for our environment.\u00a0The changes made to these ferry engines will be a breath of fresh air for the folks that live here in Lewes and in New Jersey.\u201d\r\nThe grant will support repowering the propulsion engines in the ferry boat M/V Delaware with EPA certified engines that are anticipated to annually reduce fuel use by 39,600 gallons and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 443 tons.\u00a0 In addition, the upgrade will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 39.7 tons and particulate matter (PM) emissions by nearly half a ton.\u00a0\r\nThe year-round Cape May-Lewes Ferry service is a critical part of the Mid-Atlantic regional transportation infrastructure, carrying about 800,000 passengers and 300,000 vehicles annually on a 14-mile route between Lewes, Del. and Cape May, N.J.\u00a0 For more than 40 years, the ferry has offered customers economical and efficient transportation. DERA funds are used to clean up the legacy fleet of diesel engines that were produced before more recent environmental standards. The DERA grant program is intended to help solve some complex air quality issues in port communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=fc3d54bc-76d3-4f0d-b31b-b5818676b39b", "Today Is Delaware Day", "2014-12-07", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 7, 2014\r\nDear Fellow Delawarean,\r\nOn December 7, 1787, Delaware\u2019s elected delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover and unanimously voted to become the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Now, I like to imagine Delaware\u2019s Founding Fathers enjoying some hot chocolate on that chilly day, but, whatever beverage it was, they made the right decision! More than 200\u00a0years later, our nation still enjoys the freedoms granted by that historic document. And our state enjoys that unique place in American history as \u201cThe First State\u201d \u2014 something no other state can claim. On Delaware Day, we not only honor this special day for our state, but we also pause to honor the fallen heroes of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.\r\nToday, Delaware remains at the forefront of American ingenuity and progress. The success of Delaware\u2019s economy can be traced back centuries to the early gunpowder factories of Irenee DuPont to the Fortune 500 companies that light up Wilmington\u2019s skyline today. Delaware\u2019s a great place for small businesses and startups, too, and we haven\u2019t forgotten our agricultural roots. Delaware farmers are internationally renowned for their high quality corn, apples, and poultry.\r\n This week, I was able to take part in a special event showcasing some of the best food and beverages Delaware has to offer at the 4th annual \u201cTaste of Delaware\u201d reception in Washington, DC. The event was made possible thanks to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and my friend and fellow Delawarean, Senator Chris Coons. Each year more and more folks come out and rave about Delaware. It fills me with a lot of state pride, and I hope today you\u2019re feeling similar pride in our state\u2019s past, present, and future.\r\nSo on this Delaware Day, let us remember Delaware\u2019s Founding Fathers and cheers our hot chocolate to the First State and the United States that followed!\r\nCheers,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8686ce45-3781-4a51-9cf6-68151c00b12f", "Chairman Carper Statement on the Nomination of Ashton Carter to be Secretary of the Department of Defense", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement reacting to the announcement by President Obama on the nomination of Ashton Carter to be Secretary of the Department of Defense. Chairman Carper: \u201cThe president has asked Dr. Ashton Carter to take on a difficult and demanding job. Fortunately for our nation, he has accepted this challenge. The Secretary of Defense has a long list of complex, yet critical responsibilities, from ably navigating the details of the colossal defense budget to maintaining troop readiness and preparation. As the department\u2019s former deputy secretary under Secretary Panetta, Dr. Carter already knows the ins and outs of the agency. He has extensive leadership experience in management and acquisition within the Department of Defense, and his ability to scrutinize the defense budget will be a critical asset to curbing financial waste, fraud and abuse within the department. I hope he continues the important progress made by his predecessors to strengthen the department\u2019s financial management efforts. Along with his extensive public service experience, Dr. Carter is a top-level expert in defense, intelligence and international security policy, with decades of experience in academia and the private sector. His experience and insight will be a critical asset as we continue our campaign to defeat ISIS\u00a0and other Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria, as well as other adversaries abroad and in cyberspace. Given the myriad challenges facing the department and the nation today, at home and abroad, it is critical that the Department of Defense has an effective leader in place who can hit the ground running. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move forward with considering Dr. Carter\u2019s nomination 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=356893fe-13e0-476b-8f5e-4ce7ad76b4c1", "Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Coburn Highlight New Agency Rules to Curb Medicare Waste, Fraud, and Abuse", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced new rules that will enhance oversight on Medicare in an effort to curb waste, fraud and abuse. The announcement comes after Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) wrote a letter to CMS urging stronger action to screen and remove Medicare providers who are convicted of felonies that should result in exclusion from the program.\u00a0Today\u2019s new rules, which mirror measures previously introduced by the Senators, would address the concerns raised in their letter.\r\n\u201cThis announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) demonstrates that officials are taking important steps to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cMillions of Americans rely on Medicare for quality health care. But every year, this vital program loses billions of taxpayer dollars to errors and criminal activity. These new authorities will allow CMS to stop wasteful and fraudulent payments before they are made and help preserve the program for years to come. I commend CMS for taking action and for its renewed commitment to curb waste, fraud and abuse.\u00a0I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and the Administration to fortify the integrity of our Medicare and Medicaid programs.\u201d\r\n\u201cCMS has taken another positive step forward in better protecting the Medicare program from providers and suppliers who are abusing the system,\u201d said Ranking Member Coburn.\u00a0\u201cDeadbeat doctors and felons should have no place in treating beneficiaries or receiving federal payments.\u00a0 It is my hope CMS continues to identify and implement commonsense tools to shore up the integrity and service of Medicare.\u201d\r\nAccording to CMS, the new authorities will:\r\n \r\nDeny enrollment to providers, suppliers and owners affiliated with any entity that has unpaid Medicare debt. This will prevent people and entities that have incurred substantial Medicare debts from exiting the program and then attempting to re-enroll as a new business to avoid repayment of the outstanding Medicare debt.\r\nDeny or revoke the enrollment of a provider or supplier if a managing employee has been convicted of a felony offense that CMS determines to be detrimental to Medicare beneficiaries. The recently implemented background checks will provide CMS with more information about felony convictions for high-risk providers or suppliers.\r\nRevoke enrollment of providers and suppliers engaging in abuse of billing privileges by demonstrating a pattern or practice of billing for services that do not meet Medicare requirements.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=490ee0b1-0f98-4e35-afce-47c737949911", "Delaware's Congressional Delegation Announces USDA Grant to Colonial School District to connect local students and farmers", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2014 Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) announced that Colonial School District has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School grant to help students connect with local farms and ensure that they have access to healthy foods.\u00a0\r\nColonial School District will receive $100,000 to partner with Historic Penn Farm in New Castle.\u00a0 Students at William Penn High School will have access to the farmland, and will participate in the entire process of planning, growing, and processing foods.\u00a0 That food will reach approximately 10,000 students in Colonial School District through its breakfast and lunch programs.\u00a0\r\n\u201cTeaching students hands-on skills when it comes to growing and preparing healthy food is a skill that will serve them well over a lifetime,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cIt was not that long ago that I toured William Penn and got a chance to see its first-class culinary program. With the addition of this federal grant to help the farm to school table program, it will be even better, serving healthy food choices to nearly 10,000 students. This is a great use of federal dollars and a program I am happy to support.\u201d\r\n\u201cLearning by doing is one of the great pleasures in education,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cMaking sure to eat healthy meals every day is challenging and this grant will help students make healthier choices by building nutritional learning into their education. William Penn High School students will gain the hands on experience of not just growing crops, but the experience of planning, growing and processing foods, creating new menus, and placing healthy foods directly into school nutrition programs throughout the district.\u201d\r\n\u201cColonial School District has put together a very innovative plan that teaches students important lessons in agriculture and business,\u201d said Congressman Carney.\u00a0 \u201cThis partnership with Penn Farm gives students more access to fresh, healthy food, teaches them where that food comes from, and supports the local agriculture industry.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to visit and try some of it myself.\u201d\u00a0\r\nDr. Dusty Blakey, Colonial School District Superintendent, added, \u201cThis is a great opportunity to promote career readiness to our students, connecting our Agriculture and Culinary Arts degree programs with our own District Division of Nutrition to promote nutrition in our schools \u2013 a true farm to school to table program. In short, William Penn High School will plan, operate and grow crops, bring to our culinary students for food preparation, and sell to our school cafeterias. This grant represents the true food cycle, connecting agriculture to business, all while promoting healthy living styles.\u201d\r\nColonial School District\u2019s proposal was one of 82 projects selected spanning 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\u00a0 According to the USDA, school districts participating in farm to school programs purchased and served over $385 million in local food in school year 2011-2012.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=85eb06ac-9a8c-41af-8d62-6578a8708571", "Sen. Carper Hails Report on Wind Power Potential, Calls for Extension of Tax Credits", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), member of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, hailed a new report released by Environment America, More Wind, Less Warming, that underscores the potential wind energy holds in America as a clean, domestic energy source. Sen. Carper also called for a meaningful extension of the tax credits that are crucial to the wind energy industry\u2019s future.\r\n\u201cThe latest report on wind power from Environment America reminds us of the great potential offshore wind has to protect our environment, grow our economy and bolster our energy security,\u201d Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said. \u201cIf we are serious about tapping this clean, domestic form of energy, we must foster investment by the energy companies looking to harness it. The best way to do this is by extending the investment and production tax credits,\u00a0but the extension must be long enough\u00a0for companies to seize on the incentive \u2013 especially for new start-up industries like offshore wind. \u00a0This report reflects what I have been saying for years: our nation\u2019s fledgling offshore wind industry needs certainty beyond a year to make the investments necessary to build and operate the wind turbines off our shores.\u00a0 As Congress amends our tax code now and into the future, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on providing long-term tax certainty for the first investors of offshore wind energy.\u201d\r\nIn 2013, Sen. Carper, who is also a member of the Senate Finance\u00a0Committee, was joined by\u00a0Susan Collins (R-Maine) to introduce the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act, which would provide a long-term extension of the investment tax credit for the first 3,000MW of offshore wind generated in this country. Sen. Carper offered this same text as an amendment earlier this year along with Sens. Collins, Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).\r\nAmong other findings, Environment America\u2019s report reveals that expanding wind power across the country could cut as much global warming pollution as 254 coal plants produce in a year and if wind power kept its recent pace of development, it could supply 30 percent of the nation\u2019s electricity needs by 2030, providing more than enough carbon reductions to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s proposed Clean Power Plan, and a third of the reductions the U.S. committed to achieving in its agreement with China.\r\nEnvironment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-funded advocacy organizations working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ca4e1fd5-ee9c-4f09-8758-f4cb64935a94", "Carper Statement on House Passage of Measure to Protect the Delaware Air National Guard", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement\u00a0after the U.S. House of Representatives approved\u00a0language that allows the\u00a0Delaware Air National\u00a0Guard and Reserve\u2019s C-130s to be modernized to be compliant with the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) requirements\u00a0in the bipartisan\u00a0National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very pleased that the House has passed legislation that will put the Delaware Air National Guard on\u00a0a\u00a0path\u00a0toward the\u00a0modernization of C-130 aircrafts in\u00a0a\u00a0more cost-effective and efficient way. While no legislation is perfect, this agreement reflects years of hard work and bipartisan compromise that will allow the Air Force to upgrade its badly outdated fleet while saving taxpayer dollars. Just as important, it will allow the Delaware Air National Guard to continue its critical flying mission. In an era of shrinking budgets, we need to figure out how to do more with less without sacrificing results. This compromise does just that. I thank the leaders of the Armed Services Committee for including this language in the National Defense Authorization Act and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass this critical bill.\u201d\r\nThe Guard\u2019s fleet of more than 180 C-130H aircraft will require avionics upgrades in order to comply with FAA mandates by 2020. The language included in the NDAA will give the Air Force the option to modernize the planes cost effectively, instead of replacing them with newer models. This could help protect the Delaware National Guard\u2019s flying mission and the jobs that go along with it. The Senate is expected to approve the legislation before adjourning.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e232d480-c051-43a0-af7e-557dce292c74", "Sen. Carper Hails Report on Wind Power Potential, Calls for Extension of Tax Credits", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), member of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, hailed a new report released by Environment America, More Wind, Less Warming, that underscores the potential wind energy holds in America as a clean, domestic energy source. Sen. Carper also called for a meaningful extension of the tax credits that are crucial to the wind energy industry\u2019s future.\r\n\u201cThe latest report on wind power from Environment America reminds us of the great potential offshore wind has to protect our environment, grow our economy and bolster our energy security,\u201d Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said. \u201cIf we are serious about tapping this clean, domestic form of energy, we must foster investment by the energy companies looking to harness it. The best way to do this is by extending the investment and production tax credits,\u00a0but the extension must be long enough\u00a0for companies to seize on the incentive \u2013 especially for new start-up industries like offshore wind. \u00a0This report reflects what I have been saying for years: our nation\u2019s fledgling offshore wind industry needs certainty beyond a year to make the investments necessary to build and operate the wind turbines off our shores.\u00a0 As Congress amends our tax code now and into the future, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on providing long-term tax certainty for the first investors of offshore wind energy.\u201d\u00a0\r\nIn 2013, Sen. Carper, who is also a member of the Senate Finance\u00a0Committee, was joined by\u00a0Susan Collins (R-Maine) to introduce the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act, which would provide a long-term extension of the investment tax credit for the first 3,000MW of offshore wind generated in this country. Sen. Carper offered this same text as an amendment earlier this year along with Sens. Collins, Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).\r\nAmong other findings, Environment America\u2019s report reveals that expanding wind power across the country could cut as much global warming pollution as 254 coal plants produce in a year and if wind power kept its recent pace of development, it could supply 30 percent of the nation\u2019s electricity needs by 2030, providing more than enough carbon reductions to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s proposed Clean Power Plan, and a third of the reductions the U.S. committed to achieving in its agreement with China.\r\nEnvironment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-funded advocacy organizations working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ffdd29d1-872f-4247-b6c9-15ffdfb6e75a", "Chairman Carper Responds to New Administration Strategy to Improve Federal Contracting and Cut Costs", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding an executive memorandum that lays out a strategy for improving performance and innovation in federal contracts while driving down costs. You can read more about the Office of Federal Procurement Policy memo, \u201cTransforming the Marketplace: Simplifying Procurement to Improve Performance, Drive Innovation and Increase Savings,\u201d here.\r\n\u201cWhile the federal government has made important progress in reducing costly contracts over the past several years, there is broad consensus that there\u2019s more we can do to cut costs and get better results,\u201d Chairman Carper said. \u201cThe strategy laid out by the Administration today shows a commitment to reducing wasteful duplication in government contracts and to providing contract officers with the information they need to negotiate the best deals possible. It also takes a fresh look at outdated rules that may stifle competition and innovation by implementing a 180-day review period for current policies and practices.\r\n\u201cI look forward to learning more about the strategy, including new approaches to acquisition workforce training and the management of relations between vendors and government,\u201d Chairman Carper continued. \u201cWhile the Administration has taken an important step today, it can\u2019t transform the government\u2019s procurement process on its own. As we look toward the 114th Congress, I plan to work with my colleagues and the Administration to explore possible legislative changes that may be needed to help enhance and move this initiative forward. At the same time, I expect the Administration to keep Congress apprised of goals, metrics for success, and outcomes for the American taxpayer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=160cc4ef-7aae-4e99-9535-fbdd66bd3b86", "Sen. Carper Praises Reps. Petri and Blumenauer for Bipartisan Gas Tax Proposal, Calls for Congress to Act", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Environment & Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, released the following statement after Congressman Tom Petri (R-Wis.) joined Congressman Earl Blumenauer\u2019s (D-Ore.) \u201cUpdate, Promote and Develop America\u2019s Transportation Essentials (UPDATE) Act\u201d to restore the purchasing power of the gas tax.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see that Congressman Tom Petri has joined Congressman Earl Blumenauer in endorsing the idea of gradually restoring the purchasing power of the federal gas tax to ensure that we can continue to maintain and invest in our nation\u2019s roads, bridges, and transit systems. As a governor I saw firsthand how user fees, like the gas tax, are the most efficient and fairest way to pay for infrastructure investments. Both Congressman Petri and Congressman Blumenauer are leaders who carry clout on this issue, in particular, and I hope that their voices, along with the chorus of diverse groups calling for passing and funding a long-term transportation bill will get us that much closer to action in Congress.\u201d\r\n\u201cOver the past few months, there has been a groundswell of support from people of all political stripes for a long-term funding solution for our nation\u2019s infrastructure needs, including from key stakeholder groups and editorial boards. The time to act is now, but unfortunately this session is shaping up to be the lamest of lame ducks and I\u2019m concerned Congress won\u2019t do its job. If that proves true, then this is will be a huge missed opportunity to responsibly address our growing transportation funding crisis.\r\n\u201cRegardless of what happens between now and the end of the year, I am not giving up on solving this problem, and neither is the growing coalition of supporters across the country. If we fall short in getting a long-term highway transportation bill done in this Congress, the progress we\u2019ve made in building a strong coalition and making the argument to the American people that we have to increase the gas tax to fund our infrastructure needs will be the foundation for success in the next Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43ee73b8-fd54-469e-b35d-305630b1be19", "HEARING STATEMENT: NRC's Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "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 Committee on Environment & Public Works, released the following statement regarding the committee\u2019s hearing on \u201cNRC\u2019s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety.\u201d\r\n\u201cThank you Chairman Boxer for this hearing.\u00a0 I want to welcome back the commissioners from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the committee and welcome the witnesses on the second panel.\r\n\u201cI believe this is Chairman Macfarlane\u2019s last time to appear before our committee.\u00a0 Before I get started, I want to thank you for your service and wish you luck on your new endeavors.\r\n\u201cFor our country to meet its climate and clean air goals \u2013 we must have nuclear in the energy mix for the foreseeable future. For our country to have nuclear energy, we must continue to have a safe nuclear industry in the United States and around the world.\r\n\u201cFortunately, the NRC is considered the gold standard when it comes to nuclear safety regulatory agencies.\u00a0 As a result, we have some of the safest nuclear plants in the world.\r\n\u201cHowever, with nuclear safety we can never rest on our laurels. Science and technology are constantly evolving \u2013 and in response the NRC must adapt to ensure the public continues to be protected.\u00a0That is especially true when it comes to incorporating lessons learned from the accident in Fukushima into our safety regulations.\r\n\u201cI believe the NRC is up to the challenge.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI look forward to hearing how the NRC is updating our nuclear safety regulations to reflect the insight gained through the accident at Fukushima and the many other challenges the commission faces on a day-to-day basis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a3afe38a-95d8-4cf5-b056-ecda49a91bea", "FITARA Included in NDAA Bill", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), co-sponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) will be included in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). FITARA would improve how the federal government acquires, implements and manages its information technology investments by giving agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) more authority over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for agency Information Technology investments, and by improving transparency and review processes of agency IT investments.\r\nAs the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly pointed out in recent years, the federal government spends approximately $80 billion annually on IT, yet those investments continue to underperform, often incurring considerable cost overruns and delays.\r\nHouse and Senate leaders made the following statements on the bill\u2019s inclusion into the NDAA:\r\nSenate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Carper: \u201cFITARA is the product of meaningful bipartisan compromise that will help address many of the operational difficulties facing federal IT management today. This piece of legislation empowers agency Chief Information Officers throughout the budget, planning and spending processes, enhances transparency and oversight of agency IT investments, requires federal departments to take an enterprise-wide view of IT programs and investments, and continues the promising work that has been done to right-size agency data centers. These new authorities would transform federal agencies\u2019 ability to reduce waste and increase agency accountability to American taxpayers. I thank the leaders of the Armed Services Committee for including this language in the National Defense Authorization Act and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this critical bill.\u201d\r\nHouse Oversight Committee Chairman Issa: \u201cEach year, the federal government spends $80 billion on federal IT systems, yet much of that is wasted on cost overruns, long delays and outdated programs. By giving decision makers the ability to make changes appropriate for their agency, we can ensure that the most knowledgeable will now be able to enact solutions that had otherwise plagued their agencies. As technology changes, Chief Information Officers were previously prevented from adopting new technologies, and often the American taxpayer missed out on more cost effective options. FITARA fixes this crisis of leadership and ensures that the contracting standard is modernized to handle a changed tech landscape.\u201d\r\nHouse Oversight Committee Ranking Member Cummings: \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will bring much-needed changes to federal information technology purchasing.\u00a0 Enhanced Chief Information Officer authority over agency IT budgets and greater accountability of individual projects will be critical tools to help agencies spend Americans\u2019 tax dollars more effectively.\u201d\r\nHouse Oversight Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs Ranking Member Connolly: \u201cIn the 21st century, effective governance is inextricably linked with how well government leverages technology to serve its citizens,\u201d said Connolly, Ranking Member of the Government Operations Subcommittee. \u201cYet the federal government remains hamstrung by antiquated laws and bureaucratic cultures that stifle innovation and lead to mission-critical IT failures that waste taxpayer dollars and jeopardize our Nation\u2019s safety, security, and economy. FITARA will be a critical first step towards ending this unacceptable status quo by empowering agency CIOs to champion best practices in IT management, accelerating data center optimization efforts, and prioritizing incremental development for major IT systems.\u201d \u00a0\r\nFITARA would build on the statutory framework established by the seminal Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 by enhancing agency CIOs\u2019 authorities and strengthening key initiatives proposed in the Administration\u2019s 25 Point Implementation Plan to Reform Federal Information Technology Management.\r\n \r\nCIO Authority Enhancements - Give civilian agency CIOs more authority over the budget, governance and personnel processes for agency IT investments.\u00a0 One central CIO in each agency shall approve the appointment of any other component-level CIOs within the agency.\u00a0 This, along with the corresponding empowerment of the CIO in the Department of Defense, would significantly enhance CIO's role throughout the government.\r\n \r\n \r\nTransparency & Risk Management - Make agency IT investments more transparent to the public and require agencies to review troubled investments.\r\n \r\n \r\nGovernment-wide Software Purchasing - Require development of an enhanced government-wide software purchasing program that agencies may use to lower acquisition and management costs.\r\n \r\n \r\nPortfolio Review - Require agencies to annually review all of their IT investments to eliminate duplication and waste.\u00a0 For example, in fiscal year 2011 budget submissions, agencies reported 622 separate investments totaling $2.4 billion in human resource management systems, and 580 investments totaling $2.7 billion in financial management systems.\r\n \r\n \r\nData Center Consolidation - Require more than 9,000 federal data centers to be consolidated and optimized to achieve greatest usage, efficiency and cost savings as recommended by GAO.\r\n \r\n \r\nAcquisition Workforce - Develop an IT acquisition cadre, including highly-skilled program and project managers.\r\n \r\n \r\nStrategic Sourcing - Require proper consideration of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) by contracting personnel to encourage the government to purchase through enterprise-wide contracts that leverage the purchasing power of the entire federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8c9d258d-0747-4843-97b9-ec74a8c3963a", "Sen. Carper Statement on Super Pollutants Act of 2014", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement on the Environment and Public Works Committee\u2019s consideration of the Super Pollutants Act of 2014, a\u00a0bipartisan piece of legislation co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).\r\n\u201cI would like to thank Senators Murphy and Collins for their legislation that addresses so-called short-lived climate pollutants.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been working across the aisle for years to address many of these pollutants, championing legislation like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). This bipartisan proposal builds on that work to curb pollutants that contribute to climate change and I welcome this important effort.\r\n\u201cPollutants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and black carbon are called short-lived climate pollutants because they don\u2019t stay in the air for a long time, but the damage they can do to our health and to our climate can be long lasting. Reducing these harmful pollutants is a win-win-win\u00a0\u2013\u00a0we lessen the threats posed by climate change; we improve public health; and we create well-paying American jobs responsible for the retrofitting that can have the greatest impact in curbing these emissions.\r\n\u201cThe Murphy-Collins legislation is an important next step to building on the work we\u2019ve done here at home \u2013 through programs like DERA \u2013 and globally to reduce short-term climate pollutants.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=fa86c5aa-e2bb-47fb-892d-3b29cb5710ab", "Giving Thanks by Giving Back", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 26, 2014\r\nDear Friends,\r\nThis week we take a break from our busy lives to give thanks. Sure,\u00a0there is also a lot offood, football and shopping\u00a0mixed in, but it shouldn\u2019t mask\u00a0the day\u2019s true meaning.\r\nWhile many of us have a feast waiting for us at home, there are thousands of Delawareans and millions of Americans who do not have enough food to put on the table. As we gather with our loved ones and count our blessings, one of the best ways we can give thanks for our good fortune is to give back.\r\n\r\nEach year, I head down to the Emmanuel Dining Room in Wilmington and\u00a0join former Governor and Congressman Mike Castle to\u00a0make sure\u00a0our\u00a0neighbors are able to enjoy a hot and delicious Thanksgiving meal.\u00a0This tradition is my way of keeping in touch with what I believe to be the spirit of this holiday.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis Thanksgiving, let\u2019s embrace that spirit of gratitude and reflect on the blessings in our lives\u00a0that\u00a0we are most thankful for. Better yet, let\u2019s do something good to ensure that our friends and neighbors have something to be thankful for as well.\r\nWishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=372eeaeb-947f-43b7-8d4f-acd64f48f16d", "Carper Applauds Historic New Ozone Pollution Standards to Protect Public Health", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is purely a statement of fact \u2013 to protect our health, we need less ozone pollution in the air,\u201d Senator says\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) announcement that it will implement stricter standards to curb ozone pollution that poses a serious threat to public health and has been linked to asthma, heart disease and premature death.\u00a0The Senator has been a long time champion of efforts to reduce dangerous emissions that contribute to ozone pollution.\r\n\u201cAs a parent, I\u2019ve spent a lot of time worrying about my own children\u2019s health, but as a U.S. Senator, I worry about every child\u2019s health. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve worked so hard with my colleagues \u2013 Democrats and Republicans alike \u2013 to make sure that all our children have clean air that's safe to breathe. We have made remarkable progress in cleaning up harmful air pollution, but \u2013 if truth be told \u2013 we still have a long way to go in many parts of America.\r\n\u201cAs medical science\u00a0evolves,\u00a0so too does our understanding of \u2018healthy air.\u2019 For decades, we have known that ozone pollution caused by dirty power plants, automobiles, and other sources is linked to serious health problems like asthma, strokes, heart attacks, and even early deaths. We have also known that ozone pollution is especially dangerous for our children. Parents who have watched their kids with asthma suffer on high ozone days know this better than anyone. Our understanding of the extent to which ozone pollution in the air makes us sick, however, has changed over the years as our research has become more\u00a0advanced.\r\n\u201cThrough the Clean Air Act, Congress required the EPA to base air quality and public health standards on the best science available and to review these benchmarks every five years. After reviewing more than a thousand scientific studies, the EPA announced today that our current ozone health standards are too weak\u00a0and no longer adequately protect our health.\u00a0Despite what many may say, today\u2019s announcement is purely a statement of fact \u2013 to protect our health, we need less ozone pollution. I urge the EPA\u2019s Administrator to move quickly to finalize plans for the new ozone air quality standards so our nation can finally move forward in making the pollution reductions we need to achieve cleaner, healthier air.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=17a01227-3f02-4f80-b5f8-32e5e649f341", "Sens. Carper, Coons support DOD plan to better protect military families from abusive financial practices", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons today joined a group of 40 Senate colleagues in supporting the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led the letter.\r\n\r\nFollowing a 2006 Pentagon report that found that \u201cpredatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force,\u201d Congress passed the MLA. This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36 percent while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered. The DOD\u2019s 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit.\r\nIn the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule. Today\u2019s letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a better balance between protecting service members and their families while maintaining access to good credit.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\u201d\r\nIn addition to Sens. Carper and Coons, Sens. Reed and Durbin were joined by Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Levin (D-MI), Brown (D-OH), Hirono (D-HI), Manchin (D-WV), Warner (D-VA), Franken (D-MN), Baldwin (D-WI), Nelson (D-FL), Murphy (D-CT), Blumenthal (D-CT), Merkley (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Warren (D-MA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Murray (D-WA), Whitehouse (D-RI), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kaine (D-VA), McCaskill (D-MO), Shaheen (D-NH), Schatz (D-HI), Markey (D-MA), Bennet (D-CO), Donnelly (D-IN), Feinstein (D-CA), Cardin (D-MD), Wyden (D-OR), Heitkamp (D-ND), Tester (D-MT), Boxer (D-CA), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), and Schumer (D-NY) in signing onto the letter.\u00a0 The signatories include every Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nThe comment period, which was recently extended, for the proposed rule ends on December 26, 2014.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows:\r\nThe Honorable Chuck Hagel\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Defense\r\n1000 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, D.C. 20301-1000\r\nRe: Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service members and Dependents\r\nDocket ID: DoD-2013-OS-0133\r\nDear Mr. Secretary:\r\nWe are writing in response to the Department of Defense (DOD) proposal to update the implementing rules for the Military Lending Act (MLA).\r\nBy enacting the MLA as part of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Congress sent a clear bipartisan message that protecting service members and their families from predatory and high cost lending was of paramount importance to their financial security and military readiness.\r\nThis concern was reiterated in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which stated that \u201cthe conferees are concerned that the Department must remain vigilant to eliminate continuing, evolving predatory lending practices targeting service members and their families, and believe the Department should review its regulations implementing section 987, to address changes in the industry and the evolution of lending products offered since 2007, continuing use of predatory marketing practices, and other abuses identified by consumer protection advocates, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s Office of Servicemember Affairs.\u201d\r\nAs a result of this required review of the current MLA rule, DOD in its proposal now recommends closing existing MLA loopholes. We believe this strikes a significantly better balance than the current MLA rule between protecting service members and their families on the one hand and maintaining access to non-predatory credit on the other. As such, this proposal also does a much better job of reflecting Congressional intent.\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, we support the proposal to expand the MLA\u2019s \u201cdefinition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 to cover a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products.\u201d In so doing, the rule proposes that these products be treated in a manner generally consistent with the decades-old requirements of the Truth in Lending Act.\u00a0\r\nThis comprehensive approach is essential to preventing future evasions. As DOD notes in its proposed rule, \u201cthe extremely narrow definition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 permits creditors to structure credit products in order to reduce or avoid altogether the obligations of the MLA.\u201d For example, MLA protections currently can be avoided by simply adding a day to the term of a payday loan or by lending just one additional cent so that the payday loan no longer qualifies as \u201cconsumer credit\u201d subject to the MLA protections.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nContrary to Congressional intent, these evasions threaten military readiness. According to DOD, \u201ceach separation of a service member is estimated to cost the Department $57,333, and the Department estimates that each year approximately 4,703 to 7,957 service members are involuntarily separated due to financial distress.\u201d In addition to the estimated cost savings DOD has identified, we give great weight and deference to DOD\u2019s statement that the proposed MLA rule \u201cwould reduce non-quantifiable costs associated with financial strains on service members. High-cost debt can detract from mission focus, reduce productivity, and require the attention of supervisors and commanders.\u201d As a result, we strongly agree with DOD\u2019s view that the proposed MLA rule not only has the potential to produce substantial cost savings, but also enhance military readiness.\r\nIn August of last year, a number of us wrote, \u201cservice members and their families deserve the strongest possible protections and swift action to ensure that all forms of credit offered to members of our armed forces are safe and sound.\u201d Indeed, as our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders.\u00a0\r\nFor all these reasons, we strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ed0649b3-62fe-4a2e-9043-de3865860bde", "Carper Initiative Giving Consumers More Information About Food Choices Enacted", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement applauding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for finalizing menu-labeling requirements mandated by a\u00a0bipartisan\u00a0provision he\u00a0co-authored in the Affordable Care Act. The new regulations will require chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments, and vending machines with 20 or more locations to provide consumers with nutritional and caloric information about the foods they sell.\r\n\u201cOur country is facing an obesity epidemic that adversely affects the quality of life of millions Americans and puts a tremendous strain on our health care system. That's why l worked closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Affordable Care Act included this provision to give consumers the tools they need to make smarter and healthier food choices at many of the places they dine\u00a0outside of their homes. Requiring chain restaurants and vending machines to list nutritional information is by no means a cure-all, but it is a\u00a0long-awaited and positive\u00a0step forward in establishing a national standard for nutritional information disclosure. I commend the Administration for finalizing these rules and I will continue to look for common sense ways to empower Americans to make more informed and hopefully healthier food and lifestyle choices.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=af8be2b7-6189-478e-9f9f-ebc313529ab8", "Chairman Carper Statement on Resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement reacting to the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.\r\n\u201cFrom his time as an enlisted man in the Vietnam War to his pragmatic days in the Senate, Secretary Hagel has shown himself to be a courageous leader who is ready and willing to put his country above all else. I appreciate his leadership at the Department of Defense during this challenging period abroad and at home. I commend his stewardship of the defense budget, maintaining troop readiness and preparation despite sequestration and ongoing fiscal uncertainty. I particularly appreciated Secretary Hagel\u2019s efforts to strengthen the department's financial management \u2013 a critical step toward curbing waste and fraud. I hope his successor continues to makes this issue a top priority. Finally, I thank him for his leadership and dedication to combating the murderous and ruthless group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Given the myriad challenges our nation faces abroad, especially as we continue our campaign to defeat ISIS and other Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria, it is critical that we have Senate confirmed leadership in place at the Department of Defense. I urge the president to nominate a new secretary as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=f7b20975-f6fc-454d-bb41-795dddbbe832", "How ready are we for a public health threat?", "2014-11-22", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nSince February, the public has watched the countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and now Mali struggle with a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus. There are more than 15,000 confirmed cases of Ebola so far in these countries. To date, roughly 5,800 people in West Africa are believed to have died from the virus, including two here in the United States. The severity and scale of this outbreak has challenged the world public health community. In light of what they have seen and read in the news, many Americans and Delawareans have asked an important question: how prepared is our nation to handle a major public health threat?\r\nOn Nov. 19, the committee I chair \u2013 the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs \u2013 tried to answer that question by examining our nation\u2019s response to the ongoing Ebola epidemic and our overall preparedness for other public health threats. The goal of the hearing was to identify lessons learned from our Ebola response and to use those lessons to inform our future response to this disease and others that could threaten our country.\r\n\r\nClick to watch the hearing, \"Preparedness and Response to Public Health Threats: How Ready Are We?\"\u00a0\r\nAs we learned from our panel of experts, we must have a well-coordinated response at the federal, state and local levels. The Centers for Disease Control and other public health officials must establish clear guidance and protocols so that everyone \u2013 from health professionals and first responders to school teachers and moms and dads \u2013 knows exactly what to do and what not to do. We must also ensure that our state and local health and emergency response professionals have the training and tools they need to succeed, and also to protect themselves. It\u2019s also essential to have a strong screening process in place at our airports and borders so we can better identify and monitor high-risk travelers. Just as important, we must guarantee the availability of vaccines and other medicines that can treat this virus.\u00a0\r\nAt the hearing, I was also heartened to learn about the dedication and courageous acts of the health care professionals and others that are tackling this deadly disease at home and abroad. These brave men and women are truly looking out for the \u201cleast of these\u201d and are to be commended for their work.\u00a0\r\nWhether it\u2019s the Ebola virus, influenza, or a disease we have yet to hear about, the bottom line is the same: we need to be prepared and ready to respond. Our witnesses made it clear that the steps we are taking now to curb the Ebola epidemic here at home and abroad are showing positive results, and should be applied to combat all public health threats. In other words, we are figuring out what works and trying to do more of it \u2013 one of my keys to success for any mission.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=1e9602a3-c56b-463b-a457-621e0833b01e", "Opening Statement of Chairman Tom Carper: Preparedness and Response to Public Health Threats: How Ready Are We?", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "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 the hearing, \u201cPreparedness and Response to Public Health Threats: How Ready Are We?\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\nToday, we will examine our nation\u2019s response to the ongoing Ebola epidemic and our overall preparedness for other public health threats.\u00a0 We are very fortunate to have a great panel of witnesses with us today and I would like to thank all of them for their public service.\r\nSince February, the public has watched an epidemic of the Ebola virus grip the countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and now Mali. To date, roughly 5,200 people in west Africa are believed to have died from the Ebola virus.\u00a0 The actual number of deaths may be significantly higher.\r\nThe severity and scale of this outbreak has challenged the world-wide public health community.\r\nWhen I think about the tragedy that is playing out in west Africa and what role we should play, I am reminded of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, where we learn that we should \u2018Love our neighbors as ourselves.\u2019\u00a0\r\nIf we don\u2019t take care of our neighbors in Africa, then we may see this deadly disease spread even faster across the world.\u00a0 That is why I believe it is vital that we \u2013 along with our international partners \u2013 continue to battle Ebola at its epicenter.\u00a0\r\nEbola, however \u2013 like all infectious diseases \u2013 knows no borders.\u00a0 It has even reached our shores. Over the weekend, the United States began treating its tenth patient for Ebola, who sadly passed away on Monday.\u00a0 His death marks the second Ebola-related death here at home.\u00a0\r\nIn light of the Ebola virus epidemic, many Americans have asked the important question:\u00a0 how prepared is our nation to handle a major public health threat? That\u2019s what we hope to answer at today\u2019s hearing.\u00a0\r\nOur goal for this hearing is not to create needless confusion.\u00a0 Doing that would be counterproductive, potentially putting more people at risk and exacerbating the public\u2019s understandable fear of the disease. Instead, I hope we are able to find lessons learned from our Ebola response, and use them to inform our future response to this disease and others that could threaten our country.\r\nWhile I know the disease is far from being defeated and has even, as I mentioned earlier, spread to Mali, it\u2019s my understanding the number of cases in Liberia has substantially declined.\u00a0 This is welcome news.\u00a0 However, I know we could see a spike in cases with little notice.\u00a0 As a result, we must continue to pay close attention to the changing dynamics in Africa. And we must continually reassess the scale of the response needed overseas and here in the United States to end this epidemic.\r\nWhether it\u2019s the Ebola virus, influenza, or a disease we have yet to hear about, the bottom line is the same:\u00a0 we need to be better prepared and ready to respond. To be most effective, we of course must have a well-coordinated response at the Federal, State and local levels.\u00a0\r\nWe must also have clear guidance and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and other public health officials so that everyone knows exactly what to do and what not to do. We must also ensure that our state and local health and emergency response professionals have the training and tools they need to succeed. Finally, we must have a strong screening process in place at our ports of entry so we can better identify and monitor high-risk travelers.\r\nI also believe that a critical part of addressing any public health threat is the availability of antivirals, therapeutics and other medical countermeasures. In the case of Ebola, I have been encouraged by the significant progress we have made in the last few months on a vaccine for the virus, as well as therapeutics to treat the disease.\u00a0 I look forward to hearing about the status of these countermeasures and the plan for quickly getting them to people in need.\r\nTo help meet the immediate and long term needs of the Ebola epidemic, President Obama recently submitted an emergency funding request of nearly $6.2 billion dollars. I look forward to hearing more about the request, particularly in light of the changing situation on the ground in Africa.\u00a0\r\nAs we discuss the funding request, I believe we should keep in mind our moral obligation to help \u201cthe least of these\u201d in society, and doing so in an effective and fiscally responsible way.\u00a0 In closing, I would just like to acknowledge the work of our witnesses and the countless first responder and health professionals who have stepped up to fight this most recent challenge, and\u00a0 all public health threats. I also want to recognize and thank the non-governmental organizations who are so critical in this world-wide effort to stem the epidemic of Ebola.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206035625/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-the-presidents-executive-actions-on-immigration", "Statement from Senator Coons on the President’s executive actions on immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 20, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on the President\u2019s executive actions on immigration \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, issued the following statement Thursday on President Obama\u2019s executive actions on immigration.\n\"Immigration is one of the most pressing issues we face. The work I did last year alongside Democrats and Republicans in the Senate produced a bipartisan bill that offered a clear path that would improve border security, grow our economy, keep families together, and address our humanitarian values. Although it passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, House Republicans have refused to allow a vote or offer a comparable alternative for nearly 18 months.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s immigration system has been broken for too long. \u00a0President Obama\u2019s executive actions will address some of our system\u2019s problems and start to move us in the right direction by focusing law enforcement resources on deporting dangerous criminals rather than on breaking up loving families. They will protect American workers by moving us away from a status quo where undocumented men and women accept substandard pay and worker protections. Crucially, in a time of scarce resources, the President\u2019s actions will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent where they can be most effective, including on enhancements to border security.\n\u201cWe cannot continue to wait for House Republicans to act while some of our most pressing challenges go unmet. Although I wish it were not necessary, the President is acting within his legal authority. It is my hope that in the new Congress, House Republicans will come to the table to finish this crucial work.\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                                Judiciary Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Immigration,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Border", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206035633/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-nuclear-negotiations-with-iran", "Statement from Senator Coons on nuclear negotiations with Iran", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 20, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement from Senator Coons on nuclear negotiations 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\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday on negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on Iran\u2019s nuclear program:\n\"With the security of the United States, Israel, and our allies on the line in the P5+1 negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, I believe that no deal is better than a bad deal. In any agreement, Iran must fully submit to intrusive inspections of its illicit nuclear program, fully disclose its past military work, and dismantle any capacity to develop and build a nuclear weapon in the future. If Iran and the P5+1 reach a comprehensive agreement, it must definitively close all pathways toward an Iranian nuclear weapon. Congress must be closely consulted on a potential accord and should one be reached, any sanctions relief should only be granted as Iran demonstrates full compliance, with hesitation or backsliding met with swiftly reinstated sanctions. We cannot be afraid to walk away from the bargaining table if Iran does not agree to these basic terms.\u00a0\n\"Congress has enacted and the Administration has effectively implemented biting sanctions and sustained diplomatic efforts that ultimately brought Iran to the negotiating table. I am ready to support the Administration's efforts to conclude a strong deal that guarantees our security and the region's, but we must remain firm on what it will take to achieve that goal.\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                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Israel,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Iran,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Sanctions", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=fde8bafb-76ea-47cc-9759-f57e0e576828", "Chairman Carper Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This evening, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following reaction to President Obama\u2019s executive action on immigration:\r\n\u201cAmerican voters sent Congress a clear message on Election Day: They want us to grow the economy, cut the deficit, and work together.\r\n\u201cA year and a half ago, the Senate overwhelmingly approved bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform legislation that would modernize our broken immigration system, strengthen our borders and ports of entry, and enhance our national security in a manner that is practical, tough, and fair. While it isn\u2019t perfect, the Senate\u2019s bill, which I championed, is a significant improvement over the status quo. It also does what the voters told Congress to do: it grows our Gross Domestic Product by as much as five percent over the next 20 years and reduces our budget deficit by nearly a trillion dollars over the next 20 years.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, the House of Representatives did not follow the Senate\u2019s lead and has left this critical issue unresolved for 17 months. Even more disappointing, the leadership in the House has stated over and over again that they will not act on the Senate bill.\r\n\u201cThe President is rightly frustrated that Congress has failed to send him comprehensive immigration reform legislation he can sign into law.\u00a0 In fact, the House has failed to debate immigration reform at all, or offer any alternatives of its own to the work the Senate has done.\u00a0 Their inaction on such an important issue is inexcusable, and I share the President\u2019s frustration. Given Congress\u2019 inability to act, it is understandable for the President to examine ways the Administration can legally address the current needs of our country and the realities of the estimated 11 million undocumented people living in the shadows.\r\n\u201cBut let me be clear: this executive action is not the final word on this issue.\u00a0 It is just a temporary Band-Aid that does not fully or permanently address the deep-rooted problems with our current immigration system, or the violence and lack of economic opportunity in Central America that led to a humanitarian crisis on our southern border this past summer.\r\n\u201cWhile I support the President\u2019s goals in the executive action, my first, second, and third choice is to have a permanent, bipartisan solution to our broken immigration system. It is crucial that Congressional leadership, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and the Administration put politics aside and work together to pass a sensible, comprehensive, and permanent solution that addresses the underlying root causes of unauthorized immigration, and modernizes our immigration laws to enhance our national and economic security as soon as possible.\r\n\u201cI hope that bipartisanship and action on other critical issues that must be resolved before the end of the year do not suffer as a result of this announcement\u2019s timing. It would be irresponsible for members of Congress to use the Administration\u2019s action as an excuse to thwart progress on other important matters in the weeks ahead.\u00a0We still have important work to accomplish in the lame duck \u2013 from funding the day-to-day operations of our government to strengthening our nation\u2019s cyber defenses to confirming critical nominations to reforming the U.S. Postal Service. I am hopeful that our Republican colleagues will continue to work with Democrats to address these critical issues for our nation before the end of the year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5a3ecbdd-7398-4905-b28a-97ec1bfec230", "Chairman Carper Commends DHS on Clean Financial Audit", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "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.) commended the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following its announcement that it has obtained a clean financial audit for the second year in a row:\r\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news of progress and demonstrated sustainment for the Department of Homeland Security, and illustrates that the Department is taking important, consistent steps toward strong stewardship of taxpayer funds,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cProducing a clean financial audit is certainly no small or easy task for any agency, let alone one of the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s size and complexity. I commend the Department and its leadership for its commitment to financial management.\u201d\r\nIn 2012, Chairman Carper joined Senators Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Ron Johnson (R- Wisc.) in seeing passage into law of the DHS Audit Requirement Target (DART) Act, which requires DHS to obtain and pass full audits for its financial statements. By continuing to earn this clean bill of financial health from an independent auditor, DHS continues to be in compliance with this law. The Department of Defense is the only large federal department that is unable to conduct a financial audit.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141121210259/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/senate-to-vote-on-historic-bill-to-ban-bulk-data-collection", "Senate to vote on historic bill to ban bulk data collection", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 17, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senate to vote on historic bill to ban bulk data collection \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons helped introduce the USA Freedom Act to end the government\u2019s dragnet collection of phone records \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 Senate will take a procedural vote Tuesday on bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to restore Americans\u2019 privacy rights by ending the government\u2019s dragnet collection of phone records. The bill also requires greater oversight, transparency, and accountability with respect to domestic surveillance authorities. \u00a0\n\u201cAmericans expect and deserve a government that can keep our nation safe without compromising our privacy,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cThe government\u2019s warrantless surveillance program represents an unacceptable and unjustifiable violation of Americans\u2019 privacy rights that cannot be allowed to continue. The bipartisan\u00a0USA FREEDOM Act\u00a0would end the bulk collection of Americans\u2019 phone records and other data and reintroduce transparency and accountability into government surveillance activities. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in passing these important reforms and restoring protections for Americans\u2019 privacy.\u201d\nThe Senate will vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2685, the USA FREEDOM Act,\u00a0on Tuesday evening. If it earns 60 votes, the Senate could vote on final passage of the bill as early as Thursday.\u00a0\nThe USA FREEDOM Act\u00a0bans bulk collection under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and other surveillance authorities, requires the government to narrow the scope of a search to a clearly defined \u201cspecific selection term,\u201d adds needed transparency and reporting requirements, and provides key reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court. The\u00a0New York Times\u00a0wrote\u00a0in July that, \u201cthe bill represents a breakthrough in the struggle against the growth of government surveillance power.\u201d\nThe legislation provides significant reforms of surveillance authorities, while carefully maintaining the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies and their responsibility to protect national security.\nAn outline of the\u00a0USA FREEDOM Act of 2014\u00a0can be found\u00a0here, and text of legislation can be found\u00a0online. A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found\u00a0online.\nIn August 2013, Senator Coons cosponsored the\u00a0FISA Court Reform Act of 2013, which would create an Office of the Special Advocate tasked with advocating in the FISA courts\u2019 closed proceedings for legal interpretations that minimize the scope of intrusion into Americans\u2019 privacy. He also cosponsored the\u00a0FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013\u00a0to require the government to be more transparent in how it publicly reports on its surveillance activities. Read more about them here:\u00a0http://1.usa.gov/1j8UJ1L\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                                Judiciary,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Surveillance,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Patriot Act,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                FISA,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Privacy,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Judiciary Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                USA FREEDOM Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=c88f51dd-ffc2-4a2d-a097-729e0811c8ee", "Choosing Better Health Care for Delaware", "2014-11-15", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2014\r\n\r\nDear Friends,\r\nStarting today, Delawareans can enroll or re-enroll in a health plan through the\u00a0Choose Health Delaware health insurance marketplace. It is the second year of the marketplace and it's critical that you get covered now if you haven't already.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFor too long, Americans have spent more on health care than any other nation and worse yet did not always get better results. As a key piece of the Affordable Care Act, the health insurance marketplace provides a gateway to more affordable and higher quality health coverage by increasing consumer choice in health care options.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn its first year, more than 14,000 Delawareans have used Choose Health Delaware to find a health plan that works for them.\u00a0I'm\u00a0proud that Delawareans are enrolling in plans that can help them live a healthier life, perhaps leave a little extra change in their pocket and help to bring down the long-terms costs for our country in this sector, which has long been a drag on the American economy.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nI urge Delawareans without insurance to protect themselves and their loved ones by choosing a health care plan for the coming year through the marketplace at\u00a0ChooseHealthDE.com. It's also crucial that that those who enrolled last year go online to examine whether their plan is still the best fit for them and find out if anything has changed about the tax subsidies they're eligible to receive.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDon\u2019t have access to a computer? You can also call any of Delaware\u2019s own \u201cMarketplace Guides,\u201d who\u00a0can walk you through the process of choosing and enrolling in the best healthcare plan for you.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCounties\r\nOrganization\r\nLanguages\r\nPhone\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nBrandywine Women's Health Associates\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-658-8545\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nChristiana Care\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-320-6586\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Castle\r\nWestside Family Healthcare\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-472-8655\r\n\r\n\r\nKent, Sussex\r\nDelmarva Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.\r\nEnglish, Spanish\r\n302-365-8270\r\n\r\n\r\nKent, Sussex\r\nWestside Family Healthcare\r\nEnglish, Spanish, Haitain Creole\r\n302-678-2205\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe deadline\u00a0for open enrollment is\u00a0February 15, 2015; if you want to get coverage by January be sure to enroll by December 15.\u00a0But don\u2019t let precious\u00a0time\u00a0pass you by. Be sure to log on to ChooseHealthDE.com as soon as possible.\r\n\u00a0\r\nHere's to your health,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=85fcb7d1-f44e-4bbb-a8bd-c80273a71051", "Chairman Carper Urges Senate to Move Forward on Critical Nominations", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to support the critical nominations approved by the committee and waiting for consideration on the full Senate floor. His statement, as prepared for delivery, follows:\r\n\u201cMr. President\u2014 I rise today to discuss a number of nominations that have been considered and approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm them before we adjourn for the year.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI have spoken repeatedly about the large and very troubling backlog of nominations in the Senate.\u00a0 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. We do our country no service \u2013 and ourselves no honor \u2013 when we leave key institutions without proper leadership and leave honorable men and women willing to serve in government twisting in the wind.\r\n\u201cDuring my time as Chairman of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I\u2019ve made it one of my top priorities to work closely with our Ranking Republican, Tom Coburn, to consider and move the President\u2019s nominees as quickly as possible.\u00a0 We\u2019ve had a tremendous amount of success.\u00a0 Majority Leader Reid, Senator McConnell, and their staffs have been valuable partners in this effort.\r\n\u201cJust yesterday, our Committee reported out three more outstanding nominees \u2013 Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, Russell Deyo to be the top management official at the Department, and Mickey Barnett to serve another term on the Postal Service\u2019s Board of Governors.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI believe Ms. Salda\u00f1a and Mr. Deyo will almost certainly be confirmed in short order.\u00a0 I urge my colleagues to review their qualifications and work with me to fill these two vacancies at the Department of Homeland Security in the coming days.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to spend some time on the floor today discussing Mr. Barnett\u2019s nomination, and those of several other lower-profile nominees that we urgently need to confirm as soon as we can. Mr. Barnett is among a group of five bipartisan nominees to the Postal Board of Governors \u2013 two Republicans and three Democrats.\u00a0 If we don\u2019t confirm Mr. Barnett and his colleagues by December 8th, Mr. Barnett \u2013 currently the Board\u2019s chairman \u2013 would be forced the leave the Board.\u00a0If that happens, the Board will no longer have enough members to achieve a quorum and won\u2019t be able to conduct business.\u00a0 At a time when the Postal Service is struggling to address a number of financial challenges and to adapt to the digital age, this would be an avoidable disaster.\r\n\u201cToday, because of our inability here in Congress to come to consensus on postal reform legislation, the Postal Service is just twisting in the wind, able to do only so much to address the financial challenges it faces and transform itself for the digital age.\u00a0 Customers are left with uncertainty, then, about what the future holds for the Postal Service.\u00a0 We would make that uncertainty even worse if December 8th comes and goes and our five Postal Board nominees are still waiting for us to act.\r\n\u201cThe same goes for our nominees to fill vacancies on the Postal Regulatory Commission, Nanci Langley and Tony Hammond.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been waiting since the spring of 2013 to be confirmed, and the Commission has been working with only three commissioners as a result.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAlso pending before the Senate are two nominations to the D.C. Superior Court: Judge William Nooter and Judge Steven Wellner.\u00a0 These are both qualified nominees who, like the Homeland Security and postal nominees I\u2019ve discussed, won bipartisan support in Committee and are needed to fill vacancies on the District of Columbia\u2019s busy trial court.\u00a0Judge Nooter and Judge Wellner were reported out by our committee with unanimous, bipartisan support months ago. In Judge Nooter\u2019s case, more than a year ago.\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve discussed, these men are not alone in waiting so long for confirmation.\u00a0 But the problem is particularly unfair when it comes to the District of Columbia court system. Earlier this fall, during the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on D.C. Statehood, the current vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court were included as one of the many injustices the District faces simply because it serves as the nation\u2019s capital. The District of Columbia already suffers from not having control over its own laws or local tax dollars. The citizens of this city should not also have to face a compromised legal system as well. While we in Congress may not be able to fix everything, I do think this is one of the few issues that we can and must address now.\r\n\u201cThe D.C. Superior Court is a local court that hears primarily local matters.\u00a0 Most nominees are entirely uncontroversial and used to go through the Senate without a recorded floor vote. But because these local judges go through Senate confirmation, they have been caught up in the broader politics and stalemate of the Senate floor.\u00a0 No other local or state jurisdiction must have its non-federal judges approved by Congress. And no other state or locality is without a vote in the Senate to help push for action on nominations of concern to that community.\r\n\u201cThe D.C. Superior Court is operated by the federal government and its judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for 15 year terms. It is important to note that, although this court is operated by the federal government, it is separate from the federal government.\u00a0 Instead, the Superior Court is the local trial court for the District of Columbia and handles matters such as local crimes, and domestic and civil disputes. Nevertheless, because this Court is operated by the federal government, the President nominates candidates for judicial vacancies from a slate prepared by a non-partisan nomination commission, and the Senate must confirm the nominees.\r\n\u201cCurrently, there are four vacancies on the Superior Court; due to planned retirement and medical leave, this number will rise by the end of this year.\u00a0 These vacancies hinder the Superior Court\u2019s ability to administer justice for D.C. residents. Superior Court judges already carry heavy caseloads. The existing vacancies, the majority of which are in the family court division, threaten to undermine the Judges\u2019 ability to give proper attention to each case, including those cases in family court that affect the welfare of children.\r\n\u201cRecently, the Chief Judge of the Superior Court and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia have sent myself and both Senate leaders a letter raising these concerns and ultimately seeking a Senate vote on Judges Nooter and Wellner.\r\n\u201cJudge Nooter is currently the Presiding Magistrate Judge on the Superior Court and has served as a Magistrate Judge for the past 14 years. As Presiding Magistrate Judge, he manages 23 fellow magistrate judges and serves on the Leadership Team of the Chief Judge of the Superior Court. Judge Wellner currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. Since 2011, he has led the Unemployment Insurance Division, by all accounts skillfully coordinating a team of ten Administrative Law Judges and support staff to adjudicate over 3,000 unemployment insurance cases per year.\r\n\u201cMr. President, given the caliber of these nominees, the lack of controversy over their nominations, and the bi-partisan support received, I urge this body to move their confirmations forward 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=30a8cef2-ea28-42d6-89ad-d337ed565d65", "Congress Passes Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Unused and Outdated Government Reports", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Today, a bipartisan group of Senators highlighted the passage of common-sense legislation to modify or eliminate more than 50 unnecessary, duplicative, or outdated reports and notification requirements produced by federal agencies and departments, that are required by law to be submitted to Congress.\r\nThe Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014 (H.R. 4194) was reported out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in July 2014 with a substitute amendment sponsored by Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), and Federal and Contracting Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). The measure eliminates or modifies 51 Congressionally mandated reports. Eliminating these reporting requirements will free up resources so that agencies can better focus on accomplishing their missions. H.R. 4194 was introduced in the House by Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Okla.) in March 2014. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).\r\n\u201cThis common-sense, bipartisan bill carries on the past good work of our Committee in finding ways to increase efficiency in the federal government and save taxpayer dollars,\u201d Chairman Carper said. \u201cThis bill follows up on the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, which I introduced with Sens. Warner and Akaka, by ensuring that agencies are not spending resources and taxpayer dollars producing reports that are submitted to Congress and not used. Those of us in Congress have a responsibility to be judicious stewards of the resources taxpayers invest in federal programs, and ensure those resources are managed honestly, transparently and effectively. This bill helps us do just that. I\u2019d like to thank Sens. Coburn, McCaskill, and Warner, and Chairman Darrell Issa for their leadership on this effort.\u201d\r\n\u201cCutting government reports that no one reads is a no-brainer,\u201d Ranking Member Coburn said. \u201cCongressman Issa and his staff deserve credit for their hard work over a year preparing this list of unread reports. I hope that the Administration and the incoming Congress use this effort as a model for working together not just to eliminate reports, but to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative programs.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis is another step toward a commonsense goal,\u201d Senator McCaskill said. \u201cOnce we get this bill across the finish line, I hope Americans gain a little more confidence in government knowing that Congress took action to trim fat from the federal government by reducing the tax dollars spent on costly and unnecessary reports.\u201d\r\nThe legislation, now pending a signature by the President, would reduce the amount of reports mandated by Congress for the following federal agencies:\r\n \r\nDepartment of Agriculture\r\nDepartment of Commerce\r\nCorporation for Community Service\r\nDepartment of Defense\r\nDepartment of Education\r\nDepartment of Energy\r\nEnvironmental Protection Agency\r\nExecutive Office of the President\r\nGovernment Accountability Office\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\r\nDepartment of Interior\r\nDepartment of Labor\r\nOffice of the Director of National Intelligence\r\nDepartment of State\r\nDepartment of Transportation\r\nDepartment of Treasury\r\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9de6f428-0fba-41ec-a1a9-a6a0e762c0e1", "Congress Passes Historic Bipartisan Legislation to Streamline Federal Records Reporting", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, a bipartisan group of members of Congress highlighted the passage of legislation that modernizes the Federal Records Act and clarifies how former Presidents\u2019 records are to be released to the public. H.R. 1233 would amend the Presidential Records Act of 1978 to establish a process by which incumbent and former Presidents can review Presidential records to determine whether to assert that executive privilege limits the release of those records. H.R. 1233 would also make a number of reforms to the Federal Records Act to modernize federal recordkeeping statutes and additional changes to improve the federal government\u2019s ability to capture and archive electronic records.\r\nH.R. 1233, the Presidential and Federal Records Act was introduced by House Government Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and passed both the Senate and the House with an amendment authored by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). The bill now goes to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nSenator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee: \u201cCongress passed the Presidential Records Act to ensure that Americans have unfettered access to presidents\u2019 files and records and to help preserve our nation\u2019s history. This bipartisan legislation updates the law and creates a more transparent and timely process for the release of these important historical records. I commend my colleagues in Congress for passing this common-sense legislation.\u201d\r\nRepresentative Darrell Issa, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: \u201cTime and again, oversight investigations have uncovered a troubling practice \u2013 officials and bureaucrats using personal email accounts to conduct official business. This bill takes an important first step to address this misuse of resources that puts sensitive data at risk and dodges transparency laws.\u00a0This legislation creates a new dynamic: federal employees must disclose official business conducted on non-official accounts or they will face repercussions.\u201d\r\nRepresentative Elijah Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: \u201cI introduced this legislation to give the American people access to the records presidents create while they are in office, which is an important step forward in protecting our historical record.\u00a0I appreciate the bipartisan support of this bill \u2013 which has passed the House and Senate with no opposition \u2013 and look forward to the President signing it into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=14a9b038-f47a-41f5-9b18-2250e54358c5", "Committee Approves Critical Leadership for Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved three critical nominations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors. The three nominees were ordered reported favorably en bloc by vote.\r\nSarah Salda\u00f1a is the nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Salda\u00f1a has been a United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas since 2011; prior to that position, she was the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Fraud and Public Corruption section within the same office.\r\n\u201cImmigration and Customs Enforcement has been without a presidentially appointed leader for 16 months - that is far too long, particularly considering the challenges we face along our borders,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cSarah Salda\u00f1a will provide the leadership our country needs in this critically important and particularly challenging position. Ms. Salda\u00f1a is a respected member of the law enforcement community who comes highly recommended, with bipartisan support. Thankfully, Ms. Salda\u00f1a has graciously stepped up to the plate to assume this demanding appointment. I urge my colleagues to act swiftly and approve her nomination.\u201d\r\nRussell Deyo is the nominee for Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Deyo retired from Johnson & Johnson in 2012 after 27 years of service, during which he held a number of positions, including Vice President, General Counsel, and member of the Executive Committee.\r\n\u201cGiven the challenges associated with fusing 22 separate agencies into one cohesive department, the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security is an enormously important position,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cRussell Deyo has extensive management experience and will enable the Department to continue making progress in challenging areas. Mr. Deyo\u2019s perspective from the private sector will be an important asset to Secretary Johnson as he works to unify the Department and continue its critical mission. I believe the Department and the American people have a lot to gain from Mr. Deyo and I urge my colleagues to support his nomination to this important role.\u201d\r\nMickey Barnett is the nominee to be a Governor of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. Mr. Barnett was first appointed to the USPS Board of Governors in 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.\r\n\u201cMickey Barnett\u2019s nomination comes at a very challenging time for the Postal Service,\u201d said Chairman Carper, \u201cbut in adversity lies opportunity. Mr. Barnett knows that Americans want a Postal Service they can rely on, one that will take full advantage of the countless opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that, if confirmed, Mr. Barnett will continue to work diligently with the other members of the Board as they work towards a brighter future for the Postal Service. Congress holds the keys to the Postal Service\u2019s future, but the Board of Governors serve a vital role in setting the direction of this large organization \u2013 I urge my colleagues in the full Senate to support Mr. Barnett\u2019s continued service on the Board.\u201d\r\nAll three nominations now move to the Senate floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=25c8db73-1d54-43a5-a87f-da82a88d7b4d", "Senator Carper Applauds U.S.-China Joint Announcement on Climate Change and Clean Energy Cooperation", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions for the United States and China \u2013 which account for more than one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. \u00a0President Obama said the United States would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.\u00a0 At the same time, the Chinese government said it would increase domestic clean energy production by 20 percent by 2030 and achieve peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 or earlier.\u00a0 This announcement was made almost one year before the global community is scheduled to meet in Paris to negotiate a new global climate agreement. Sen. Carper issued the following statement in reaction to the agreement.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cI congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the rest of the State Department for negotiating this historic agreement with China. Together, the United States and China produce more than one-third of the planet\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions, so this agreement is significant progress for those of us who have long been advocates for trying to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Even more significant, China has long refused to commit to any greenhouse gas targets, a fact that has stymied our efforts in Congress and around the globe to bring both the developing and developed world together to address this serious problem. I am hopeful this announcement will help drive the international community toward a broader global agreement in Paris next year, so that we can finally turn the corner on addressing climate change. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cSince coming to the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of climate change legislation. But with Congress refusing to act, I fully support this administration\u2019s efforts to reduce our carbon footprint through common-sense regulations, such as those attempting to make our automobile fleet more efficient and our power plants less polluting. Like President Obama, I see the effort to curb carbon emissions and climate change as a great opportunity for our economy, not a burden. This announcement is yet another example that when the United States takes a leadership role in addressing our greatest global environmental challenges \u2013 other countries will follow.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=a8fc66ed-8d19-4ab7-a156-0a0faaede0c2", "Return Day: Celebrating \"The Delaware Way\"", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 7, 2014\r\nDear Friends,\r\nSince its founding in 1791, Delaware has practiced a culture of civility that has taken hold throughout\u00a0our villages, towns, cities and government. Each year, thousands of Delawareans gather in Georgetown on the Thursday after Election Day for Return Day \u2013 a 223-year-old political tradition that is unique to the First State. On Return Day,\u00a0Delawareans put aside our differences and recommit to the common goal of building a better Delaware for generations to come. Some refer to this display of civility as the\u00a0\u201cThe Delaware Way,\u201d and it echoes the First State\u2019s strong sense of community, carrying with it a message of unity for mutual progress.\r\nThis Return Day, I realized our nation has a lot to learn \u2013 and even more to gain\u00a0\u2013 by working together in The Delaware Way. When the 113th Congress returns to Washington next\u00a0week, I urge my colleagues to embrace the same core value of togetherness that we Delawareans embody back home. Republican or Democrat or Independent \u2013 we must renew our shared commitment to moving our nation forward.\u00a0\r\nDutifully Yours,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e09a1ebb-faf1-4178-bb05-7b440de2ee12", "New Report Shows DHS Progress on Fusion Centers, Calls for Additional Improvements", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 A new report finds that the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies are supporting critical information sharing operations but some are struggling to properly track funding. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted the findings of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, which called for continued support for federal fusion centers but called for the Department and its components to establish better guidance for operations and personnel. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.), and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) were also co-requesters of the report.\r\nFusion centers are run by state and local agencies that partner with the federal government to provide resources, expertise, and information to the center with the goal of maximizing their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. The GAO report found that fusion centers averaged a score of 92 out of 100 in a 2013 assessment, indicating that policies and procedures are in place to implement key information sharing activities. The report also found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) \u2013 the lead DHS agency responsible for grant funding \u2013 had problems with reporting the amount of federal grants used to support these centers, leading to about $60 million inaccurately categorized. FEMA is currently developing guidance to help grantees better categorize fusion center projects and improve the reliability of grant reporting.\r\nSenator Carper, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: \u201cAs GAO explains, fusion centers play a key role in sharing threat information among all levels of government and the private sector. That\u2019s why I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has developed programs to better assess fusion center capabilities and address their gaps. I am also encouraged to see that fusion centers are performing well on their assessments. However, it is clear that there is still work to be done. The Department must get a program off the ground to better test and evaluate fusion centers\u2019 performance so that we can see how effective they would be in the event of an emergency. It also needs to put into place a better method of tracking funding so we can better assess how much the federal government spends to keep these critical centers operational without wasting taxpayer dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=70bbd7a5-c54e-46a7-90d2-fa1e044cf7b6", "New Report Finds Serious Inefficiencies in Federal Homeless Assistance Program", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 A federal program meant to help homeless assistance providers is inefficient and flawed, wasting time and resources for both the federal government and the groups it is designed to help, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, highlighted GAO\u2019s findings that the federal government has evaluated more than 40,000 federal properties for use by homeless assistance providers, but has only transferred 122 properties to homeless groups in 27 years and underscored GAO\u2019s recommendations for the federal government to improve its homeless assistance program.\r\nThe report examined Title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which was established in 1987 to help identify and provide unused federal properties to homeless assistance organizations for use as emergency shelter, traditional housing, and other services. As part of the McKinney-Vento Act, federal agencies are required to report all properties that are considered excess, surplus, underutilized, and unutilized to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as potential options for usage.\r\nGAO found that a majority of the properties that are required to be screened to determine whether they are suitable to be transferred to homeless assistance organizations are not viable and should not be put forward for screening in the first place. As a result, homeless organizations spend unnecessary time and resources reviewing HUD\u2019s suitability determination to find property that they can apply for. GAO recommends that Congress should take steps to alter the broad scope of properties that are reported to HUD and identify those that are less viable options for homeless assistance. GAO also recommends reducing the number of times reporting is required.\r\n\u201cThis report confirms many of the concerns homeless assistance providers have told us for years \u2013 that the process to find useful properties is burdensome, costly, and ineffective,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cMuch of this results from the federal government\u2019s overall challenges managing its federal property portfolio. There is a general consensus that the federal government has to get smarter about the way it manages buildings and land. While the GAO report recommends a number of common-sense steps that should be implemented, more work remains to get a better handle of our massive federal property portfolio. Last year, Dr. Coburn and I introduced legislation that would help reduce waste and inefficiency by requiring all federal agencies to not only maintain a comprehensive inventory of their properties, but to also take a hard look at which assets they actually need and which could be sold or put to better use, including properties that could help some of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration to improve our federal property management practices, including passing this legislation.\u201d\r\n\u201cMany taxpayers wonder how so many Americans lack stable housing or are homeless when the federal government spends billions every year on housing assistance,\u201d said Dr. Coburn. \u201cThis report highlights one reason and it is not a lack of funds but rather a lack of efficient management. The federal government wasted time and resources evaluating over 40,000 federal properties for use by homeless assistance providers, but only 122 properties were transferred\u00a0 to homeless groups in 27 years. This pitiful performance demonstrates a clear lack of urgency about the plight of families in need.\u201d\r\nThe Federal Real Property Asset Reform Act of 2013, introduced by Senators Carper, Coburn, Begich, Portman, Pryor, and Tester last year, would codify a 2004 executive order and require the previously established Federal Real Property Council to oversee reductions in federal real property inventory. The bill would also require agencies to continuously survey their real property to identify excess and underutilized property and to report any excess or underutilized property to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Federal Real Property Council, a process that agencies do not always consistently follow. Finally, it would also establish a pilot program for the expedited disposal of surplus real property. The bill was also included as a provision of the Postal Reform Act of 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=00c786d5-d18c-4221-bc97-3e10616b15ce", "Fall in love with the First State", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 31, 2014 \r\n Dear Friends, \r\nI first fell in love with Delaware\u00a0as\u00a0I\u00a0was flying into Dover Air Force Base and saw how beautiful it was from the\u00a0window of my military transport aircraft.\u00a0That was back in 1973\u00a0during my first year in the U.S. Navy.\u00a0I was\u00a0instantly enamored with the First State and I have been ever since. The beauty and distinctiveness of Delaware\u2019s landscape and people is something that I deeply admire.\u00a0\r\nDelaware is a sight to see and the place to be during the fall. From the rolling hills of the Brandywine River Valley, to the storied Green in Dover, to apple farms and fall festivals in Sussex County, Delaware offers endless possibilities for travelers and families seeking the perfect travel destination.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nIt has been the greatest honor of my life to serve Delaware. I invite everyone to come and experience the state that I have come to love so much. Check out www.visitDelaware.com to learn more about what you can explore and discover in Delaware this season. \r\nI also encourage you to share your fall photos this season with me on Twitter @SenatorCarper and on Facebook at facebook.com/tomcarper. \r\nWe hope to see you soon,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141029014726/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-urges-president-of-burkina-faso-to-respect-constitutional-term-limit", "Senator Coons urges president of Burkina Faso to respect constitutional term limit", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 28, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons urges president of Burkina Faso to respect constitutional term limit \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t President Compaor\u00e9 and the National Assembly are considering amending the constitution to allow another term \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, issued the following statement following demonstrations by tens of thousands of Burkinab\u00e9 Tuesday against attempts by the president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaor\u00e9, to amend the constitution to allow for a third term in office.\n\u201cDemocratic constitutional processes are vital to ensuring free and fair societies,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cPresident Compaor\u00e9 and Burkina Faso\u2019s National Assembly should withdraw their plans to amend Article 37 of the country\u2019s constitution, which currently limits elected Presidents to two terms.\u00a0President Compaor\u00e9 stood for reelection in 2010 knowing he was eligible to serve for only one more five-year term. He should adhere to the existing constitutional limitation and agree to hand over power following next year\u2019s planned election.\u00a0\n\u201cThe African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance explicitly rejects constitutional changes in order to maintain power for the benefit of the incumbent as \u2018illegal\u2019, and an amendment to Article 37 is a clear violation of this principle,\u201d Senator Coons continued. \u201cThe Burkinab\u00e9 marching in the streets of Ouagadougou on Tuesday want their leaders to follow the rules. It is important that the government of Burkina Faso enforces a fair and credible democratic process and respects the term limits set forth in its constitution. The United States supports countries that have enshrined democratic principles, and which abide by transparency, accountability, and participation of the electorate in government institutions.\u00a0It is critical that Burkina Faso\u2019s leaders make the right choice and end this effort.\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                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Burkina Faso,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=c732a919-3389-4e83-a425-ce5d2e242622", "New GAO Report Finds Cuts to Operations, Service Delay Mail Delivery", "2014-10-27", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finds that the Postal Service\u2019s recent changes to its service standards have resulted in slower mail delivery across the country. Sen. Tom Carper, a co-requestor of the report and chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, underscored that the Postal Service\u2019s ongoing financial challenges are causing the Postal Service to make the changes to its delivery standards and operations across the country outlined in the GAO\u2019s report.\r\nIn 2012, as part of its effort to reduce overall network costs, the Postal Service announced its intent to change delivery standards for certain classes of mail over the coming years, including ending overnight delivery of First-Class Mail and relaxing delivery standards on Periodicals and Standard Mail. In its report, GAO examined the changes implemented so far to the network, and determined that the revised standards have resulted in longer delivery times for First-Class Mail in many parts of the country. While the report only examined specific delivery data for the Chicago and Dakotas postal districts, national mail volume and performance data obtained from the Postal Service by GAO supports an overall trend in longer mail delivery throughout the nation. The report also looked at delivery performance under these new standards, as well as operational changes, such as the closure of mail processing facilities, that the Postal Service has undertaken as a result of these service changes, and as part of its overall cost-cutting efforts. \u201cThis report by the Government Accountability Office tells us something we already know: the United States Postal Service is expected to provide, \u2018prompt, reliable and efficient nationwide service,\u2019 but continuous cuts to services affect the Postal Service\u2019s ability to thrive and provide a dependable service that all Americans and businesses can count on,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThese budget cuts, service changes and facility consolidations and closures have a real impact on communities across the country. But, in the absence of reform, the Postal Service will be forced to continue these painful measures and others in order to keep the lights on. To create a service that Americans can rely on \u2013 a robust institution to serve generations to come - Congress must take action. The bipartisan Carper-Coburn Postal Reform Act of 2014, reported out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee earlier this year, addresses the myriad challenges ailing the American institution and ensures it has the tools and resources it needs to thrive in the 21st century. The bill is a bipartisan and balanced solution to the Postal Service\u2019s financial crisis that would preserve key postal operations and service standards, protect millions of mailing industry jobs, and enable this critical institution to serve the American public for years to come. Before the year is done, I urge my colleagues in Congress to take up comprehensive postal reform and fix the serious, but solvable challenges facing the Postal Service.\u201d\r\nChairman Carper introduced\u00a0the Postal Reform Act of 2014 with Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) earlier this year.\u00a0The bipartisan bill, which was reported out of Committee earlier this year, seeks to address the Postal Service\u2019s financial challenges by giving it the freedom and resources it needs to restore its financial health, generate additional revenue, encourage innovation and grow. The bill does this while preserving essential services, including a two-year moratorium on the 82 postal facilities slated to close next year. To learn more about the Postal Reform Act of 2014, go to www.carper.senate.gov/postalreform.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=98431d21-f695-4132-8f66-9f095276ae1d", "Don't Catch the Flu or Let the Flu Catch You!", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2014\r\nDear Friends,\r\nAs the seasons change, the leaves fall, and temperatures drop, I urge all Delawareans to get vaccinated before the annual flu season hits. Each year, peak flu season begins as early as October and lasts until May.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis week, to prepare for the season, I received my annual flu shot and I encourage all Delawareans to do the same. We have a shared responsibility to protect our families and our communities by protecting ourselves and getting vaccinated.\r\n\r\n\r\nHere are some ways to stay healthy this flu season from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Avoid those who have the flu, and if you show symptoms, stay at home. The flu virus is transmitted from person to person and can be spread to others from about 6 feet away.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Always wash hands with soap and water. Personal hygiene is important to stop the spread of the virus and a person may get sick by touching a surface with the flu virus on it and then touching their face or mouth.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Get Vaccinated! The CDC recommends all persons six months or older get vaccinated for the flu.\r\nThe flu vaccine can be found at many locations including doctors\u2019 offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers. You can visit\u00a0 the website of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services at dhss.delaware.gov for the schedule and location of clinics offering the flu vaccine.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis season, get vaccinated to stay safe and healthy so you can enjoy all that fall in Delaware has to offer!Dutifully yours,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=cb6e7e3f-c523-4b2a-8bb3-192c4841fd47", "Sen. Carper Applauds D.C. Circuit on EPA's Clean Air Good Neighbor Rule", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "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 Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement applauding the D.C. Circuit for lifting the judicial stay on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, or the \u201cGood Neighbor Rule\u201d attempts to ensure all states are good neighbors by cleaning up their sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution from power plants that drifts across their borders and poses significant risks to public health in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This ruling follows the Supreme Court\u2019s April decision to uphold the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and reverse a previous decision by the D.C. Circuit Court to vacate the rule.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0   \u00a0   \u201cIn April of this year, I was thrilled that the Supreme Court upheld the EPA\u2019s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule \u2013 or what I like to call the Good Neighbor Rule. I am very pleased the D.C. Circuit has and I am very pleased to see the D.C. Circuit Court has finally lifted its judicial stay on the rule. I hope this ruling will finally put us on a path toward cleaner air in the near future.\r\n\u201cAir pollution doesn\u2019t stop at state boundaries.\u00a0Downwind states like Delaware can only do so much to protect against the harmful impacts of air pollution without cooperation from their neighbors.\u00a0I always try to live my life by the Golden Rule and treat others the way I want to be treated. The Good Neighbor Rule helps to ensure that states follow the Golden Rule with their air policies so we all work together to reduce pollution.\u201d\r\nThe Cross-State Air Pollution Rule is EPA\u2019s replacement of the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which also addressed interstate air pollution and was remanded by the D.C. Circuit Court in 2008.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024005509/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/sen-coons-gov-markell-wnba-superstar-elena-delle-donne-launch-vision-to-learn-delaware", "Sen. Coons, Gov. Markell, WNBA Superstar Elena Delle Donne launch Vision To Learn Delaware", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 23, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Brian P. Cunningham 302-573-6054 \n\t\t\t\t\t Sen. Coons, Gov. Markell, WNBA Superstar Elena Delle Donne launch Vision To Learn Delaware \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t 35 students presented with their own pair of glasses \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Gov. Jack Markell and WNBA superstar Elena Delle Donne joined Vision To Learn founder and chairman, Austin Beutner, to launch the organization\u2019s first public/private partnership to bring free mobile eye exams and free glasses to school children in low-income communities in Delaware. The event culminated in the distribution of free eye glasses to 35 school children at the Evan G. Shortlidge Academy.\nVision To Learn selected Delaware as the first state in a nationwide rollout to show how a close collaboration of state government, health care providers, school districts, and philanthropy can work together to meet the vision needs of school children in low-income communities.\n\u201cWhen you can improve the vision of a child, you open up an entire new world to them,\u201d Senator Coons said . \u201cToo many Delaware children who need glasses go without, so I was proud to help bring Vision To Learn to Delaware so students who are in need of glasses receive them to help them achieve their full potential.\u201d\n\u201cFrom providing high-quality early learning opportunities to increasing access to college and job training, we must be committed to ensuring cost is not an obstacle for Delaware\u2019s students to receive a great education,\u201d Governor Markell said. \u201cBut that\u2019s not possible if our children can\u2019t see what their teachers are showing them in class. I want to thank Austin and his team\u00a0for their commitment to this important initiative and Senator Coons for his leadership in making vision services available to kids who need them the most. Together, we will help develop a roadmap for all children to see a clear and bright future.\u201d\n\u201cToday\u2019s event kicks off a new chapter for Vision To Learn, combining private philanthropy and Medicaid reimbursement to provide the funds necessary to ensure all children get the glasses they need,\u201d Mr. Beutner said. \u201cOur efforts in California have been funded entirely by private donations, so this marks a new and exciting public/private partnership model for our organization and for the future.\"\nStudents who can\u2019t see have a more challenging time learning. As many as two million children across the United States lack the eye glasses they need to succeed in school and life. Vision To Learn\u2019s common sense approach allows optometrists and opticians, working out of a state-of-the-art mobile clinic, to provide service directly to the schools and the students. Established in 2012 by the Beutner Family Foundation, Vision To Learn has already helped more than 25,000 children in California receive free eye exams and free glasses.\nPhoto courtesy of Saquan Stimpson/Vision To Learn\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=10df49ed-9f9f-4f89-a874-e1633282f599", "Chairman Carper Recognizes Outstanding DHS Employees Awarded Secretary Awards", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "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 statement to congratulate and recognize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees awarded with Secretary\u2019s service awards.  \u201cEvery day, more than 240,000 men and women at the Department of Homeland Security report to work to fulfill one critical mission: to ensure that our homeland is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other threats so that the American way of life can thrive,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cThe work they do is incredibly important and, in some cases, can be very dangerous as well.\u00a0 From countering terrorism and securing our borders and airports, to responding to natural disasters and disrupting cyber intrusions, the Department\u2019s public servants dedicate their lives to the well-being of their neighbors and our country.\u00a0For that, we Americans owe them all immeasurable thanks. Today, Secretary Johnson recognized and awarded over three hundred outstanding employees based on references from their colleagues across the agency. These men and women are courageous, dedicated, and exemplary employees that embody the Department\u2019s core mission and attest to the important work being done by thousands of individuals across the Department every day. I congratulate the recipients of these prestigious awards, and I thank each and every one of them for their tireless service to our country.\u201d \r\nFor more information on the DHS Secretary Awards and the 2014 recipients, please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/2014-awards.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024005513/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-applauds-eus-increased-commitment-to-stopping-ebola-and-rejection-of-travel-ban", "Senator Coons applauds EU’s increased commitment to stopping Ebola and rejection of travel ban", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 21, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons applauds EU\u2019s increased commitment to stopping Ebola and rejection of travel ban \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, issued the following statement Tuesday after the European Union pledged to increase its contribution to $1.27 billion in assistance to fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.\n\u201cYesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared 43 Americans who had been quarantined in Texas after coming into contact with Thomas Eric Duncan, the World Health Organization announced that Nigeria is now Ebola-free, and Emory University discharged a third American who had been infected with Ebola while in West Africa. These three milestones were important steps in the worldwide response to Ebola. We can defeat this virus if we work together.\n\u201cThe European Union today doubled its commitment to stopping the Ebola epidemic, taking a more appropriate level of responsibility for halting the spread of this virus. EU member countries now must heed that call, step up, and deliver. These countries and others in the international community have the resources to do more and a responsibility to prevent this outbreak from spreading.\u00a0\n\u201cThe EU also did what the U.S. should continue to do: reject a travel ban. Leaders in the EU recognized that a ban on air passengers from West Africa would only make it harder to identify and isolate those traveling with the virus. The Obama Administration should similarly resist politicized calls for a ban here in the United States.\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                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Ebola,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141019124755/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-welcomes-appointment-of-an-ebola-coordinator", "Senator Coons welcomes appointment of an Ebola coordinator", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 17, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons welcomes appointment of an Ebola coordinator \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator called for a coordinator to be named to manage the government's response five weeks ago \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 President\u2019s appointment of Ron Klain as the coordinator of the U.S. government\u2019s response to the spread of Ebola. Senator Coons had urged the President to appoint an Ebola coordinator in a speech on the Senate floor on September 11, 2014.\n\u201cThe sheer enormity of the challenge of protecting Americans from the spread of Ebola in the United States and stopping the outbreak in West Africa requires a clearly defined coordinator tasked with managing our response. Coordinating the government\u2019s massive international response to this situation needs to be someone\u2019s full-time job, not a task competing for attention with other global crises.\n\u201cRon Klain is a qualified and capable leader respected throughout the government. He is a brilliant strategist and is known for his ability to manage large, complex operations. Ron also understands the importance of clear communications to the containment of a crisis like this. Ron has my trust and confidence, and I\u2019m glad the President has selected him for this critical responsibility.\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                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Ebola", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=46bc98c4-18a0-42a3-865c-afc2133eb851", "Principal for a Day", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\n\r\nRecently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Delaware Principal for a Day program at Lake Forest Central Elementary in Felton. This Kent County school is led by Principal Bridget Amory and for a few hours one morning, I was her shadow.The\u00a0Delaware Principal for a Day program began in 1993 by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and it connects business and community leaders with Delaware school principals. The goal is to help us all better understand how to educate our future workforce.\u00a0This year, more than 100 schools opened their doors to host a guest principal. Principal Amory led me through her\u00a04th and\u00a05th grade school, where I observed teacher meetings, met with a few parents, visited classrooms and even stepped behind the counter of the school cafeteria to see how the staff incorporates local fresh fruits and vegetables into their daily menu.The 600 students at Lake Forest Central are lucky to have Principal Amory leading their school. At the end of the day, I went back to my job and she to hers, and I had a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into educating our students.\r\nAlways learning,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f3b491b0-2539-4102-b255-2d9af15048da", "Chairman Carper Welcomes Administration Announcement on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, welcomed the President\u2019s latest Executive Order to better safeguard consumers\u2019 financial security and the creation of the Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection.\r\n\u201cNearly every day, we learn of more cyber attacks and data breaches that underscore just how vulnerable we really are to hackers seeking to steal from us or do us harm,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cAs we have learned over the years, we are unfortunately all targets in cyberspace. Given all that relies on a safe and secure Internet, it is vital that we do what\u2019s necessary to protect ourselves from these repeated attacks. That\u2019s why I welcome the President\u2019s efforts to take additional steps to tackle this problem and keep our sensitive information secure. The government and industry need to continue to work together to address this ever growing threat to our nation, and the task force the President is putting together will do just that. But the Administration can\u2019t do it alone; Congress also has the responsibility to act. I echo the President\u2019s call for Congress to come together to pass cybersecurity and data breach legislation this year. I have introduced four bills with bipartisan support that would go a long way in addressing several key challenges that all of us face online. This is an important opportunity for the government to lead by example. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the Administration, and stakeholders to build on this latest executive order and pass legislation that addresses this critical issue as soon as possible.\u201d\r\nThe DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act of 2014 would help address critical challenges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense. The measure was unanimously approved by the Senate as part of S.1691 on September 18\r\nThe National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014 would codify the existing cybersecurity and communications operations center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The bill calls on the Center is to serve as the federal civilian information sharing interface for cybersecurity. The bill authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cybersecurity information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cybersecurity. It was reported out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on June 25.\r\nThe Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 would update the Federal Information Security Act of 2002 and address critical issues that have risen over the past 12 years. The bill would better delineate the roles and responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and DHS, move agencies away from paperwork-heavy processes toward real-time and automated security, and put greater management and oversight attention on data breaches. It was reported out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on June 25.\r\nThe Data Security Act would better protect consumers by replacing the current patchwork of state laws and establishing one set of national standards. It would require entities such as financial institutions, retailers, and federal agencies to better safeguard sensitive information, investigate security breaches, and notify consumers when there is a substantial risk of identity theft or account fraud. These new requirements would apply to businesses that take credit or debit card information, data brokers that compile private information, and government agencies that possess nonpublic personal information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=e6581ea7-99aa-412a-a573-6bd26f2ddefe", "Chairman Carper on Retirement of TSA Administrator John Pistole", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the retirement of Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole:\r\n\u201cThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the challenging \u2013 but critical \u2013 mission of protecting the nation's transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Few people know this mission better than Administrator John Pistole. For nearly 5 years, he has led the agency with dedication and a forward-thinking approach.\u00a0 During his distinguished tenure at TSA, he modernized a number of agency policies to enhance the security of the traveling public while making air travel more convenient.\u00a0 A key example of Administrator Pistole's efforts was the creation of the Pre Check program, which allows trusted travelers who pass background checks to go through an expedited screening process at our nation's airports. His commitment to public service is as admirable as it has been remarkable, having served over 30 years in the federal government -- including six years as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He has forged strong relationships with Members from both sides of the aisle, and I know I speak for many of us when I say that we will miss his strong leadership at TSA and the Department of Homeland Security.\u00a0 I wish John and his family all the best as they start this new chapter in their lives, and I thank him for his service to the agency and our nation. I look forward to working with the Administration and our colleagues in the Senate to confirm a successor for this crucial leadership position 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=8a8145b2-007f-4f01-bac7-23e9b83de009", "Chairman Carper on Retirement of TSA Administrator John Pistole", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the retirement of Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole:\r\n\u201cThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the challenging \u2013 but critical \u2013 mission of protecting the nation's transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Few people know this mission better than Administrator John Pistole. For nearly 5 years, he has led the agency with dedication and a forward-thinking approach.\u00a0 During his distinguished tenure at TSA, he modernized a number of agency policies to enhance the security of the traveling public while making air travel more convenient.\u00a0 A key example of Administrator Pistole's efforts was the creation of the Pre Check program, which allows trusted travelers who pass background checks to go through an expedited screening process at our nation's airports. His commitment to public service is as admirable as it has been remarkable, having served over 30 years in the federal government -- including six years as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He has forged strong relationships with Members from both sides of the aisle, and I know I speak for many of us when I say that we will miss his strong leadership at TSA and the Department of Homeland Security.\u00a0 I wish John and his family all the best as they start this new chapter in their lives, and I thank him for his service to the agency and our nation. I look forward to working with the Administration and our colleagues in the Senate to confirm a successor for this crucial leadership position 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=8bf65468-b8cc-4543-8953-72e495182581", "Senators Wyden and Carper Welcome WTO Decision Upholding U.S. Farmer's Access to Indian Market", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senator Tom Carper, D-Del., welcomed a World Trade Organization decision today that India\u2019s ban on imports of various U.S. agricultural products - including a wide range of poultry products - without a scientific basis for doing so, violated international trade rules.\u00a0\r\nSenator Wyden said, \u201cWhen countries put up baseless barriers to American agricultural products, we need to stand up for strong enforcement of the rules.\u00a0 Today\u2019s decision is a well-deserved victory for hard-working American farmers across the country.\u201d\r\nSenator Carper said, \u201cToday\u2019s ruling is a welcome sign that trade barriers erected by unscientific restrictions on American agricultural exports will not stand. There is still work to be done to open India\u2019s enormous market to American farmers, but this decision has the potential to restore great economic opportunity for them and our country. Agriculture has always been a vital part of Delaware's economy and today about 70 percent of our state\u2019s agricultural exports come from the poultry industry. In recent years we have been successful in addressing China and Mexico\u2019s trade barriers that kept Delmarva poultry out of those important markets and my hope is we\u2019re on our way to doing the same in India.\u201d\r\nThe ruling is the first step to reopening the Indian market to U.S. ag and poultry products. The WTO now must formally adopt the report, which starts the clock for India to comply with the ruling.\r\nMore information is available from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141016133118/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-praises-wto-ruling-in-favor-of-us-poultry", "Senator Coons praises WTO ruling in favor of U.S. poultry", "2014-10-14", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 14, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons praises WTO ruling in favor of U.S. poultry \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Decision condemns India\u2019s illegal restrictions on American poultry \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, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and chair of the bipartisan Senate Chicken Caucus, praised the World Trade Organization\u2019s ruling Tuesday that India had illegally blocked imports of U.S. poultry based on unfounded claims about avian influenza. Experts estimate that India\u2019s restrictions are preventing the export of approximately $300 million in U.S. chicken annually.\n\u201cDelaware has long been a global leader in the production of poultry products that adhere to the most rigorous and comprehensive of safety measures,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cIndia\u2019s unsubstantiated claims about the risk of avian influenza in American poultry have prevented Delaware chicken-growers from exporting their high-quality products to an important and growing market. Exports play a critical role in the health of America\u2019s poultry industry, making it important that the United States fight the unfair protectionist policies of some of the biggest markets in the world. While today\u2019s WTO ruling doesn\u2019t mean automatic access to the Indian market, it is an important step forward in that fight. Delaware's poultry community is one of the largest employers in the state, providing jobs for thousands of Delawareans and generating billions of dollars for our economy. My seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee affords me a unique opportunity to fight for Delaware\u2019s poultry growers abroad, and I am committed to using that opportunity to help open new markets and increase exports. I will work with the U.S. Trade Representative and my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that this ruling is fully implemented and that these barriers to fair trade are torn down.\u201d\nDelaware\u2019s poultry industry supports more than 13,000 jobs and contributes more than $3.2 billion to the state\u2019s economy.\n\u201cIndia\u2019s ban was thinly veiled protectionism,\u201d said USA Poultry & Egg Export Council President James Sumner and National Chicken Council President Michael Brown. \u201cThis ruling should send a signal to India and other countries that have placed similar bans on U.S. poultry that they are inconsistent with WTO rules and with guidelines established by the World Organization for Animal Health.\nIn May 2012, Senator Coons hosted Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Nirupama Rao in Delaware to meet with Delaware poultry companies, as well as state and federal agriculture officials, and visit the University of Delaware College of Agriculture\u2019s Allen Lab for poultry science research. The trip was designed to show the high quality and integrity of Delaware\u2019s poultry businesses and research institutions.\nIn 2011, Senator Coons \u2014 with Senator Tom Carper and a bipartisan group of 17 of their colleagues \u2014 urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative to resolve India\u2019s longstanding, non-scientifically based policies against U.S. poultry during a meeting with India\u2019s senior government leaders. More on that letter is available here: http://1.usa.gov/1Chq4XE\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                                Agriculture,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Poultry Industry,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141017001354/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-joins-catholic-charities-to-call-on-us-health-and-human-services-for-faster-release-of-liheap-relief", "Senator Coons joins Catholic Charities to call on US Health and Human Services for faster release of LIHEAP relief", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 10, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Brian Cunningham (302) 573-6054 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons joins Catholic Charities to call on US Health and Human Services for faster release of LIHEAP relief \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\nWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons joined Richelle Vible, Catholic Charities Executive Director, and family case workers to request the release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds from Health and Human Services Department.\nFor more than 25 years, Catholic Charities has been the official state agency to administer LIHEAP funds for the state of Delaware which provides energy assistance funds for those qualifying for the program.\nA letter signed by 45 Senators across party lines was sent to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Sylvia Burwell, stressing that LIHEAP is the main federal program helping low-income households and seniors with their energy bills. LIHEAP funding is for the at-risk members of our community (over 19,000 state wide), and its absence could mean a choice between medicine, groceries, or heating the home.\nWhile the Delaware Energy Assistance Program does not pay for all heating costs, it provides a critical supplement \u2013 on average, a family receives about $600 to help with heating.\n\u201cChoosing between heating your home and buying medication for your family is a choice no one should ever have to make,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cToday we called on the HHS department to release LIHEAP funds sooner so families who qualify can receive the help that they need.\u201d\n\u201cOur clients have been filing in for the past three weeks registering for their Delaware Energy Assistance Program benefit,\u201d said Vible. \u201cHaving these funds being released from Health and Human Services as soon as possible allow us to begin serving our constituents in a timely fashion.\u201d\nSenator Coons is committed to protecting funding for LIHEAP, as well as investing in other energy efficiency programs, such as weatherization, that can keep heating costs down for Delaware families.\nIf you or someone you know are in need of assistance to heat your home this winter, please call Sen. Coons\u2019 constituent services representatives at 302-573-6345.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=46dbfcb5-4847-489e-8f33-0cde0b01d377", "Lights, Camera, Action in the First State", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThis week I had the opportunity to visit two of Delmarva\u2019s television stations, WMDT and WBOC.\u00a0I hope many of you had a chance to see the resulting stories, in which\u00a0I\u00a0discussed\u00a0a number of salient issues facing Delawareans and Americans across the country and around the world today.\r\nMy first stop was at WMDT, where I had the chance to sit down with Lenita Wesson and discuss the importance of long-term transportation funding and comprehensive postal reform.\u00a0It\u2019s critical that Congress bypasses partisan gridlock and passes both a\u00a0long-term transportation plan that our states, cities, and businesses need and a postal plan that would enable this American institution to do what it needs to do to grow and get back to financial health.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nNext stop, I visited the WBOC studios. During my time with the news team, I had the opportunity to discuss some of the\u00a0challenges facing our homeland,\u00a0including the threat of the terrorist extremists abroad and Ebola in West Africa. To hear some of my thoughts on those issues,\u00a0watch here: \u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0I\u00a0always enjoy having the opportunity to share my thoughts with Delawareans \u2013 but more important, I appreciate\u00a0hearing the thoughts of Delawareans like you. As always, I welcome hearing your views on these issues, or any other, through\u00a0email or by contacting me on Twitter\u00a0@SenatorCarper and on Facebook at\u00a0facebook.com/tomcarper.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f681aa61-5074-4f53-aa76-60ad138cc954", "Henrietta Johnson receives federal grant to hire health care workers", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del) joined Henrietta Johnson Medical Center CEO Richard Melke and staff to announce a $210,682 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help HJMC hire staff to help treat patients.\r\n\u201cThis funding will allow Henrietta Johnson Medical Center to expand our services in Family Practice, Women\u2019s Health and Dental by hiring additional providers,\u201d said Richard Melke, HJMC CEO. \u201cThis supports our mission by responding to the health care needs of our community by providing integrated and coordinated health care for insured and uninsured patients.\u201d\r\nHenrietta Johnson Medical Center, a federally qualified health center, serves the Wilmington population at two locations and is a cost-effective alternative to emergency room-based primary health care services. Nationwide, nearly 1,300 health centers operate more 9,200 service delivery sites that provide care to more than 21.7 million patients.\r\n\u201cThis funding is made possible by the Affordable Care Act and will help Henrietta Johnson reach out and treat patients who otherwise would not have a medical home,\u201d Sen. Carper said. \u201cI am proud of the work they are doing on the front lines to inform, care for and offer preventive medicine and treatment to Delawareans.\u201d\r\n\u201cReceiving health care in a timely fashion is critical to living a healthy and happy life,\u201d Sen. Coons said. \u201cThanks to this grant provided by the Affordable Care Act, staff at the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center will receive additional resources to achieve their mission of \u2018helping, healing and caring\u2019 for their patients.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe doctors, nurses, and staff at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center work tirelessly to provide quality, affordable care to everyone who walks through their doors,\u201d Congressman Carney said.\u00a0 \u201cThe grant announced today will help the Center hire more providers, expand its reach, and give more Delawareans the care they need, regardless of whether or not they have insurance.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=13d24449-ed95-4c5e-a333-6f9bb135db91", "Chairman Carper: Funding for Second Phase of St. Elizabeths Critical Step But We Can't Stop Here", "2014-10-06", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del) highlighted the General Services Administration\u2019s (GSA) recent announcement that it has begun the second phase of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters consolidation at St. Elizabeths West campus and commended the agency for moving forward with the project.\r\nGSA announced that it is has hired two companies, Grunley Construction Company and Shalom Baranes Associates, to renovate the Center Building at St. Elizabeths, which is slated to house nearly 700 employees. This is the second phase of the project and is funded by Fiscal Year 2014 appropriations. The next phase is completion of the Center Building Complex, intended to house the secretary, executive leadership, and additional staff. However, that phase cannot be completed without Fiscal Year 2015 funding from Congress. The President\u2019s fiscal year 2015 budget request includes $323 million combined for GSA and DHS to complete renovation of the St. Elizabeths Center Building Complex and provide necessary access road improvements. If funding for the next phase is not appropriated, it will leave the Center Building practicably unusable, wasting the $348 million already spent or appropriated for that building and forcing DHS to renew short-term leases.\r\n\u201cThe lack of a centralized headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is worse than inconvenient or inefficient \u2013 it constrains the very ability of the Department to function effectively to carry out its homeland security mission,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cA unified DHS headquarters at St. Elizabeths is vital to improving mission effectiveness, management, and efficiency. This recent announcement by the General Services Administration (GSA) is a critically important step for the project and demonstrates the agency\u2019s support and commitment to building the unified, consolidated DHS Congress envisioned when it created the Department in the wake of the September, 11 2001 terrorist attacks. But we can\u2019t stop here. As my Committee\u2019s recent report showed, continued investment in the St. Elizabeths project is fiscally prudent over the long run, with the potential to save nearly a billion taxpayer dollars. Stopping after this phase would simply waste hundreds of millions of dollars already invested in the project. Given its importance, the St. Elizabeths DHS consolidation project should remain a funding priority, and Congress and the Administration should come together on a plan to move forward with the project.\u201d\r\nLast month, the Committee\u2019s majority staff released a report, \u201cSecurity and Savings: The Importance of Consolidating the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Headquarters at St. Elizabeths,\u201d that found that the completion of a consolidated Department of Homeland Security headquarters project at the St. Elizabeths West campus would improve our nation\u2019s homeland security and save the federal government almost $1 billion over the next 30 years.\r\nIn 2006, the Bush administration proposed consolidating more than 50 DHS offices, many onto the St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. Construction began in 2009 but has significantly slowed in the face of inconsistent and inadequate funding from Congress. Today, DHS still operates out of more than 50 separate facilities in the Washington, D.C. region, many of which are physically inadequate. The current infrastructure used to house DHS has made it much more difficult to implement the vision behind the Homeland Security Act and create the collaborative approach envisioned.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=fad43860-3bf1-49e3-a4b4-8985a470c878", "Sen. Carper and SBA Administrator Contreras-Sweet  visit Bridgeville's O.A. Newton", "2014-10-06", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From left: SBA Region III Administrator Natalia Olson-Urtecho, Delaware District SBA Administrator John Fleming, O.A. Newton owner Rob Rider, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper stopped by O.A. Newton in Bridgeville to celebrate National Manufacturing Day.\r\nBRIDGEVILLE, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) toured Bridgeville Manufacturer O.A. Newton with SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and Delaware District SBA Director John Fleming. O.A. Newton is a family business that began in 1916 serving the poultry industry, and now provides material handling systems for companies around the world. Manufacturing Day brings attention to North American manufacturers, encouraging them to open their doors to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=a7972730-3bc8-4865-b133-d21b9390d4fb", "National Cyber Security Awareness Month", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThis October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.     This month underscores the responsibility that all Americans have to educate and protect themselves regarding responsible cyber practices online. In a world where we spend so much time plugged in and logged on, it\u2019s important that we stop and think before connecting to the Internet.\r\nThe Department of Homeland Security has some tips for keeping yourself, your assets and your personal information safe online:\r\n \r\nSet strong passwords and don\u2019t share them with anyone;\r\nKeep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates;\r\nMaintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety;\r\nLimit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely;\r\nBe cautious about what you receive or read online\u2014if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.\r\n \r\nThat being said, we have a shared responsibility when it comes to cyber security. As chairman on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I\u2019ve been working hard with my colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that would improve our government\u2019s cyber capabilities.\r\nNearly every day, we hear about criminals and nation states launching cyber attacks that could undermine our national security and cause wide-scale economic damage. These cyber criminals are probing our government agencies, universities, and critical infrastructure \u2013 and they are looking for weak spots in our defenses.\r\nCongress has an important role in making sure that the federal government and its partners have the tools and resources to counter these 21st century threats with a 21st century response. It is my hope that we can come together as a nation \u2013 government and industry, Democrat and Republican \u2013 and work together to tackle the growing cyber security threats we face.\r\nFor more information on National Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit DHS.gov.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=101b3378-2b34-4053-879a-3be9ebdd9d02", "Chairman Carper: Funding for Second Phase of St. Elizabeths Critical Step But We Cant Stop Here", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del) highlighted the General Services Administration\u2019s (GSA) recent announcement that it has begun the second phase of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters consolidation at St. Elizabeths West campus and commended the agency for moving forward with the project.\r\nGSA announced that it is has hired two companies, Grunley Construction Company and Shalom Baranes Associates, to renovate the Center Building at St. Elizabeths, which is slated to house nearly 700 employees. This is the second phase of the project and is funded by Fiscal Year 2014 appropriations. The next phase is completion of the Center Building Complex, intended to house the secretary, executive leadership, and additional staff. However, that phase cannot be completed without Fiscal Year 2015 funding from Congress. The President\u2019s fiscal year 2015 budget request includes $323 million combined for GSA and DHS to complete renovation of the St. Elizabeths Center Building Complex and provide necessary access road improvements. If funding for the next phase is not appropriated, it will leave the Center Building practicably unusable, wasting the $348 million already spent or appropriated for that building and forcing DHS to renew short-term leases.\r\n\u201cThe lack of a centralized headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is worse than inconvenient or inefficient \u2013 it constrains the very ability of the Department to function effectively to carry out its homeland security mission,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cA unified DHS headquarters at St. Elizabeths is vital to improving mission effectiveness, management, and efficiency. This recent announcement by the General Services Administration (GSA) is a critically important step for the project and demonstrates the agency\u2019s support and commitment to building the unified, consolidated DHS Congress envisioned when it created the Department in the wake of the September, 11 2001 terrorist attacks. But we can\u2019t stop here. As my Committee\u2019s recent report showed, continued investment in the St. Elizabeths project is fiscally prudent over the long run, with the potential to save nearly a billion taxpayer dollars. Stopping after this phase would simply waste hundreds of millions of dollars already invested in the project. Given its importance, the St. Elizabeths DHS consolidation project should remain a funding priority, and Congress and the Administration should come together on a plan to move forward with the project.\u201d\r\nLast month, the Committee\u2019s majority staff released a report, \u201cSecurity and Savings: The Importance of Consolidating the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Headquarters at St. Elizabeths,\u201d that found that the completion of a consolidated Department of Homeland Security headquarters project at the St. Elizabeths West campus would improve our nation\u2019s homeland security and save the federal government almost $1 billion over the next 30 years.\r\nIn 2006, the Bush administration proposed consolidating more than 50 DHS offices, many onto the St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. Construction began in 2009 but has significantly slowed in the face of inconsistent and inadequate funding from Congress. Today, DHS still operates out of more than 50 separate facilities in the Washington, D.C. region, many of which are physically inadequate. The current infrastructure used to house DHS has made it much more difficult to implement the vision behind the Homeland Security Act and create the collaborative approach envisioned.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=31a04328-1a2b-4639-b11c-5164a34e18ed", "Federal Funding Supports Oyster Farming in Delawares Inland Bays", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined local and state officials, representatives from the University of Delaware and the Center for the Inland Bays to announce two federal grants to support the development of oyster farming in Delaware\u2019s Inland Bays.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Commerce awarded $164,341 to the University of Delaware to study the economics of ecosystem services from aquaculture and estimating consumer willingness to pay for oysters marketed as local and marketed as improving water quality.\r\nAlso, USDA Rural Development awarded the University of Delaware\u2019s Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative a $28,287 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to work with a b + c Creative Intelligence to research and develop a branding strategy for Inland Bay aquaculture products that will be used by all the new shellfish farmers to brand and market their products to restaurants and customers.\r\nIn 2013, the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation that allowed for commercial aquaculture in the Inland Bays.\r\n\u201cThese grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce and USDA Rural Development will look into the business potential for Delaware shellfish aquaculture,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cOyster farming is a win-win for Delaware, since oysters improve water quality and farming will create another local industry that provides jobs. There is good work being done in Delaware by both public and private partners, and these grants will help further that research.\u201d\r\n\u201cDNREC has worked diligently, along with many partners, to implement measures that improve the water quality of our Inland Bays \u2013 reducing nutrients from agriculture, eliminating waste water discharges and improving stormwater management,\u201d said DNREC Secretary David Small. \u201cThe new aquaculture regulations will help assure that this industry grows in a way that preserves our native hard clam populations, is compatible with other public uses, creates economic development and improves water quality. These grants will help the industry take informed next steps.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are all extremely excited to see oyster aquaculture come to our state, because oysters have the potential to be both good for the economy and good for the environment and it is somewhat rare that you see these two things go hand in hand,\u201d said Sunny Jardine, assistant professor in the School of Marine Science and Policy at the University of Delaware. \u201cHaving oysters in the water improves water quality, because oysters filter nutrient pollutants out of the water, such as Nitrogen and Phosphorous, which come from agricultural and urban runoff and pollute our water bodies.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith funding support from USDA Rural Development, we have initiated an effort to develop a strong, local market share for Inland Bays aquaculture products,\u201d said Ed Lewandowski, UD Coastal Communities Development Specialist. \u201cCreating brand affinity with consumers and brand equity for producers will be absolutely critical to gaining successful product entry and then sustaining this market success.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cDelaware oyster farmers will be stewards of the Bays,\u201d said Chris Bason, Executive Director of the Center for the Inland Bays. \u201cTheir livelihood, like that of so many others in Sussex County, depends on clean water.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=363c816f-1449-4f60-87a3-cc4bfaa567d2", "Chairman Carper Highlights Cyber Security Awareness Month", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During the month of October, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Cyber Security Alliance, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center raise awareness about cyber security in an effort to educate Americans about how to protect themselves online. Through a series of events and initiatives across the country, National Cyber Security Awareness Month engages public and private sector partners to raise awareness and educate Americans about cyber security, and increase the resiliency of the Nation and its cyber infrastructure.\r\nChairman Carper: \u201cIn a world where we spend so much time plugged in and logged on, we need to remain vigilant about our vulnerabilities in cyber space. As Americans take greater advantage of innovations that encourage us to communicate and do business online, it is critical that we also take steps to protect our sensitive information and prevent data breaches. Cyber Security Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for Americans to learn about how to protect themselves in cyber space, and underscores the responsibility that every American has to educate and protect themselves through responsible cyber practices. But Congress has an important responsibility to address cyber security, too. Far too often, we hear about criminals and nation states launching cyber attacks that could undermine our national security and cause wide-scale economic damage or even physical harm. It is critically important that the federal government and its partners have the tools and resources to counter the 21st century threats we face today. I will continue to work with Dr. Coburn and my colleagues in the Senate on cyber security legislation to better secure our nation from evolving cyber threats.\u201d\r\nThis September, the Senate unanimously passed the Border Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013, which contained language from the DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act, reported out of Committee last May. The bill would help DHS recruit and retain cyber professionals which are in high demand across the government and private sector. The legislation would help address critical challenges that the Department faces in hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security hiring and compensation authorities for cybersecurity experts like those of the Secretary of Defense.\r\nThe Committee has also approved key pieces of legislation that would modernize and address critical challenges to the nation\u2019s cyber security capabilities. In June, the committee passed the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center Act of 2014, which would codify the existing cyber security and communications operations center at DHS, known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The bill calls on the Center is to serve as a federal civilian information sharing interface for cybersecurity. The bill authorizes the Center\u2019s current activities to share cyber security information and analysis with the private sector, provide incident response and technical assistance to companies and federal agencies, and recommend security measures to enhance cyber security.\r\nThe Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 would update the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 and address critical issues that have risen over the past 12 years. The bill would better delineate the roles and responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and DHS, move agencies away from paperwork-heavy processes toward real-time and automated security, and put greater management and oversight attention on data breaches. Both pieces of legislation await a vote in the full Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=466d8244-a76b-46a3-b0cf-974ac37e57a3", "New Report Details Millions Spent on Unnecessary Transport of Surplus Vehicles From Afghanistan", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013According to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Defense (DOD) spent tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary returns of surplus vehicles from Afghanistan to the United States during a one year period. Today, a bipartisan group of Senators on the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs highlighted the report findings.\r\nThe report, Afghanistan Equipment Drawdown: Progress Made, but Improved Controls in Decision Making Could Reduce Risk of Unnecessary Expenditures (GAO-14-768), found that during a one-year period, the United States Army and Marine Corps returned more than 1,000 military surplus vehicles from Afghanistan to the United States, even though the vehicles were not determined to be needed and therefore should not have been returned. The cost of returning a vehicle to the U.S. is upwards of $100,000 per vehicle - for a total cost as high as $100 million in unnecessary shipments during the period of time examined by GAO. The vehicles in question were no longer needed by the military. The report found that if the Army and Marine Corp had followed Department of Defense proper rules and procedures, the services would have either transferred the surplus vehicles to appropriate overseas allies or scrapped the vehicles in Afghanistan, saving a significant amount of money in logistical and shipping costs.\r\nSenator Carper, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: \u201cThis report is a troubling reminder that the Department of Defense has more work do in managing taxpayer dollars. The Government Accountability Office underscores that the DOD can and should do a much better job in preventing unnecessary costs by taking some common sense steps in managing its surplus military vehicles. We simply cannot afford this type of waste and ineffectiveness. Given the tremendous fiscal challenges our government faces, we have an obligation to look in every nook and cranny of our budgets for savings. I believe this is an area where simple yet effective improvements can be made to achieve better results for less money.\u201d\r\nDr. Coburn, Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: \u201cUntil DOD leadership gets serious about financial management and fundamentally changes the way the Department manages its business and holds itself accountable, Americans will continue to see DOD waste scarce taxpayer dollars. Despite the Department\u2019s assurances that it is making progress and working hard to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, we see examples like this time and again. Especially in this budgetary environment, actions matter more than empty promises.\u201d\r\nSenator McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight: \u201cAt a time when we\u2019re turning over every rock to find savings for taxpayers\u2014and while we\u2019re engaged in a national conversation about the use of military equipment at home\u2014this kind of waste is unacceptable. I expect military leaders to take these findings seriously and do better.\u201d\r\nSenator Tester, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Efficiency and Effectiveness of Federal Programs and the Federal Workforce: \u201cThis issue deserves the highest level of attention and oversight,\u201d Tester said.\u00a0\u201cWhile I understand the Defense Department is operating under intense time and budget pressures, we must use common-sense when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars \u2013 especially when Americans have already paid a steep price for this conflict.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=936e87fc-5d1f-452b-a578-3ab3506f861c", "Chairman Carper Statement on U.S. Secret Service", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Secret Service:\r\n\u201cSecretary Johnson has informed me that he has accepted Director Pierson\u2019s resignation. I know this was a difficult decision for Director Pierson, and I thank her for her 30 years of service to the agency and to our nation. Now, it is time to turn the page. It is critical for us to understand the obvious dissonance that exists within an agency that can secure an event with over 100 world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City for nearly three weeks without apparent incident, but simultaneously fail to keep an intruder from running into the White House.\r\n\u201cI am encouraged that Secretary Johnson has appointed Deputy Secretary Ali Mayorkas to lead the investigation into what went wrong during the September 19 incident at the White House. I also support the Secretary\u2019s decision to appoint an independent panel to investigate the Secret Service\u2019s training, operating procedures, management, and culture to determine whether\u00a0these problems are endemic and what must be done to fix them. The key to this panel\u2019s success is having the right people and the right leadership.\u00a0 I recommend that the Secretary selects a panel of members with unimpeachable integrity who are steeped in law enforcement and related areas. My committee and I will continue to stay in close contact with the Department of Homeland Security and will take appropriate next steps once these reviews are completed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141001165507/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/carper-coons-carney-host-seasonal-job-fair-at-christiana-mall-for-400-job-seekers", "Carper, Coons, Carney host seasonal job fair at Christiana Mall for 400+ job seekers", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 30, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or\u00a0brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov \n\t\t\t\t\t Carper, Coons, Carney host seasonal job fair at Christiana Mall for 400+ job seekers \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Fair featured more than 35 stores seeking to fill full-time and seasonal positions   \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNEWARK, Del. \u2013 The third annual Holiday Job Fair, hosted by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney, drew more than 400 job seekers to the Christiana Mall Tuesday afternoon. The fair, which featured more than 35 employers, was designed specifically to connect potential new hires with retail and other mall outlets looking to meet increased staffing demands ahead of the busy holiday season.\u00a0\nThe dozens of stores were seeking to fill of positions not just for the holiday retail season, but for full-time positions as well. Retailers such as JCPenney, Macy\u2019s, and Target sought to hire more than 100 employees each, and new movie theatre Cinemark Christiana was hoping to fill at least 80 part-time and full-time job vacancies.\nOther participants included LL Bean, Delaware State Police, Champs, Hallmark, GameStop, American Eagle, Sprint, Sephora, Cabela\u2019s, Kitchen Magic, Loft, Pottery Barn, JCREW, Bebe, Barnes & Noble, Banana Republic, Chick-Fil-A, Invicta and Armani Exchange. Retailers received hundreds of applications, conducted on-the-spot interviews, and in some cases, even extended job offers.\n\u201cThe uptick in business during the holidays is a great opportunity to pick up extra work, and today\u2019s fair put job candidates in front of businesses looking to hire. There is even opportunity for these jobs to turn into permanent, full-time positions,\u201d said Sen. Carper. \u201cThe Congressional Delegation will continue to hold these job fairs for all types of industries and careers so that businesses are fully staffed and more Delawareans are back to work.\u201d\n\u201cThe turnout today is proof that there are unemployed or underemployed Delawareans who are ready and willing to work if given the opportunity, and there are places who need employees,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cWe were also pleased with the number of stores looking to fill positions continue to participate in these job fairs, demonstrating that there is a continued value meeting those looking for work.\u201d\n\u201cToday was a chance to connect Delawareans with job opportunities through the holiday season,\u201d said Congressman Carney.\u00a0\u201cRetailers up and down the state look for hard workers to help them out during the busiest time of year.\u00a0More needs to be done to get Delawareans into permanent jobs, which is why we\u2019ll continue hosting our regular job fairs.\u00a0In the meantime, seasonal jobs are a great way to earn some extra income while continuing to search for long-term opportunities.\u201d\nSince 2011, the congressional delegation has hosted 25 job fairs in Delaware, of which, this is the third seasonal job fair and seven specifically for veterans. For more information on how to participate in the upcoming job fair as an employer or job seeker please call Senator Coons\u2019 office at 302-573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov.\n\u00a0\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                                Job Fair,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Businesses,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Workers,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141001165517/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/statement-of-senator-coons-on-confirmation-of-first-ebola-case-in-the-united-states", "Statement of Senator Coons on confirmation of first Ebola case in the United States", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 30, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Statement of Senator Coons on confirmation of first Ebola case in the United States \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, issued the following statement Tuesday after the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that a patient being treated at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, has tested positive for the Ebola virus \u2013 the first case in the United States.\n\u201cEbola is a grave and growing threat to populations in West Africa, where weak health infrastructures have been overwhelmed by this devastating virus. We take it for granted here in the United States that we have strong health care systems, access to clean water, and reliable electricity, but in countries where Ebola has spread exponentially \u2013 Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea \u2014 these basic resources and structures are lacking.\u00a0\n\u201cAmericans need to remain calm and listen to the precautionary measures being suggested by the CDC. Ebola cannot be contracted through the air or the water supply, and requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone already infected and exhibiting symptoms. It was only a matter of time before an Ebola case would emerge here in the United States, but as we\u2019re seeing in Dallas today, our public health system has the resources, capabilities, and knowledge to address and contain this virus quickly and safely.\n\u201cThe U.S. is doing the right thing by stepping up to the growing challenge of combatting the spread of Ebola in West Africa, and developing a vaccine and treatment. Without America\u2019s aggressive and proactive engagement, there is a real threat that this virus might become a global pandemic.\u201d\nEarlier this month, after calling for expanded U.S. resources for combatting the spread of Ebola in West Africa, Senator Coons praised President Obama\u2019s announcement of more than $750 million in resources and the planned deployment of 3,000 U.S. military personnel to help medical professionals contain the outbreak. Congress also authorized $58 million in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services to expedite development, testing, and production of a vaccine and treatment.\nAdditional medical information about Ebola is available from the CDC here:http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/qa.html\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                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health Care,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Ebola", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141001165515/http://www.coons.senate.gov:80/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-mayor-williams-announce-wilmingtons-selection-by-department-of-justice-for-violence-reduction-network", "Senator Coons, Mayor Williams announce Wilmington’s selection by Department of Justice for Violence Reduction Network", "2014-09-29", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 29, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Brian Cunningham at 302-573-6054 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Coons, Mayor Williams announce Wilmington\u2019s selection by Department of Justice for Violence Reduction Network \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Violence Reduction Network brings federal resources to local law enforcement \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 and Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams announced on Monday Wilmington\u2019s selection into the Department of Justice\u2019s new Violence Reduction Network (VRN) program. Wilmington was among just five cities selected to participate in the elite new federal network bringing all of the expertise and experience of the federal government \u2014 led by former local police leaders who have reduced crime in their communities \u2014 to help cities make their streets safer. Other participating cities include Camden, New Jersey, Chicago, Oakland and Detroit.\nIn addition to preliminary work VRN representatives have already conducted in partner cities, city representatives will take part in a three-day kickoff summit and will continue the partnership through site visits and\u00a0virtual conferencing. This is a two year partnership.\n\u201cIt's everyone's responsibility to try to make our communities safer,\" Senator Coons said. \u201cThe city of Wilmington is facing a large task of reducing violence and violent crimes, and the Violence Reduction Network, the brand new program that brings together a number of federal law enforcement agencies with the Wilmington Police Department, will work together in an all hands on deck approach curb violence in Wilmington for the safety and peace of mind for their residents.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cI want to thank Senator Coons for his gracious help on getting the Violence Reduction Network to Wilmington as it is something that is greatly needed,\u201d said Mayor Williams. \u201cI sat down with Senator Coons a year ago, and our persistence has paid off. Through the collaborative efforts of the Senator\u2019s Office, the City and other agency stakeholders VRN will hopefully reduce crime in the City of Wilmington.\u201d\nThe Violence Reduction Network begins today with a summit that will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Justice to convene agencies including ATF, DEA, Executive Office of the United States Attorneys, FBI, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women and the United States Marshals Service with local law enforcement agencies.\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                                Wilmington,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Service,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                safety,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Law Enforcement,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Police,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                justice,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                FBI,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Department of Justice", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e85b9117-1a88-4f44-b4c1-c3ced9998494", "Carper, Carney Announce $111,293 for Newark Fire Departments Firefighter Operations and Safety", "2014-09-29", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEWARK, Del. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and U.S. Representative John Carney (both D-Del.) announced a grant award of $111,293\u00a0to help support the operations and safety of firefighters at the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company in Newark. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) grant will allow the company to purchase 40 sets of protective gear, including pants, boots, helmets and coats.\r\n\u201cFirefighters are the first to arrive at emergency scenes in many of our communities and are prepared at every hour of every day to tame blazes, save lives, and protect properties,\u201d said Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. \u201cWe have an obligation to protect these brave men and women by providing them with the necessary tools to get the job done and return home to their families unharmed. This grant will help us meet that responsibility and will help ensure that our firefighters in Newark have every advantage to keep themselves and those who they are protecting safe.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe hallmark of Delaware first responders is their unfailing willingness to put the safety of others ahead of their own.\u00a0 Having joined many of them on ridealongs over the years, I know how dedicated they are to protecting our community,\u201d said Congressman Carney, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.\u00a0 \u201cI also understand how important the right training and equipment is for their protection and safety.\u00a0 The Assistance to Firefighters Grant announced today will help firefighters in the Aetna Company get the state-of-the-art equipment they need to protect all of us.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s an investment that will save lives and make all Delawareans safer.\u201d\r\nThe objective of the AFG program is to strengthen the nation\u2019s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. The program is part of a federal initiative designed to enhance fire departments and un-affiliated EMS organization\u2019s response capabilities. The funding aims to protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.6 billion in grants to first-responder operations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. This funding was part of round 17 of the FY 2013 Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=fa2149e8-9de8-4343-878d-d5f8db4722db", "Delaware Works", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nCongress may have taken a break from session in Washington, but I\u2019ve been as busy as ever, spending time in both Delaware and Washington, as I try to make headway on some of our state's and our country's biggest priorities before the year is over. While back home, I\u2019ve had the special opportunity to witness some important and impressive work that Delawareans are doing around the First State.\r\nLast week, I visited the Delaware City Refinery, where I saw the process of crude oil being unloaded off the rail cars. The refinery employs some innovative and hardworking Delawareans, whose day-to-day work makes an impact on Americans across the country.\r\nThe Delaware Fire School \u2013 with locations in all three counties - provides fire, rescue, emergency medical training and public fire safety education to the fire and rescue service, as well as to industry and citizens of Delaware. The First State is honored to have these men and women protecting us each and every day, and this school provides first-class training to the brave Delawareans responsible for keeping us safe.\r\nFinally, I had the chance to see the Wilmington skyline like I\u2019ve never seen it before: from the top of\u00a0the Delaware Memorial Bridge! I\u00a0met with the painters who keep the\u00a0bridge beautiful. It was incredible to see the meticulous work they do to paint the bridge and prevent corrosion. The\u00a0Delaware Memorial Bridge is dedicated to veterans who gave their lives in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. It is a source of great pride and that\u2019s not lost on anyone working there.\r\nAs I continue my travels throughout the First State this fall, I\u2019m looking forward to the opportunity to see more of the important work going on in Delaware. Do you know of people who are doing great work in Delaware? I invite you to tell me about it on Twitter using the hashtag #DelawareWorks.  Working hard for you,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2ae5b73b-7761-491c-b4a7-cfb6912353e7", "ILC Dover cuts the ribbon on a new test facility in Frederica", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FREDERICA, Del. \u2013 Today, ILC Dover opened a new, state-of-the-art test facility in that will be used to test technology and products for homeland security and municipal infrastructure protection.\r\nThe Security component of the facility is funded by the Department of Homeland Security and will be used to test the Resilient Tunnel Plug technology. Novel spin-off technologies for flood protection and mitigation will be tested in a second section of the facility which has been funded by ILC Dover. The Resilient Tunnel Plug program is a Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate effort to provide security to transit systems as protection from flooding in the event of a terrorist attack. The test facility is a full-scale model of a subway tunnel and was originally designed and built for DHS by West Virginia University for testing tunnel plug technologies. The initial test facility hardware was relocated to ILC Dover\u2019s Frederica facility where the development, construction and modification of the test facility to support the efforts of developing the tunnel plug and spin-off flood mitigation technologies was finalized.\r\n\u201cIn 2008, we were approached by the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Science and Technology Directorate to help with an effort to support our nation\u2019s security,\u201d said ILC Dover President Fran DiNuzzo. \u201cThey approached us with the idea of designing a large plug that would hold back 30 feet of water inside a tunnel in the unfortunate event of a terrorist attack. Since that time we have enjoyed a great working relationship with the team at the Department of Homeland Security and the result of these efforts is the Resilient Tunnel Plug security system that protects American lives and our infrastructure. \u00a0In addition, following Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012, we were able to leverage lessons learned from this program and work with the City of New York to develop a series of novel Flood Protection Systems that can protect national and international transit operations. New York City represents the first round of this business expansion with protection against the threats of flooding due to storm events and global warming.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe creativity and ingenuity of our partners at ILC Dover, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and West Virginia University have developed and tested several prototypes of this unique inflatable tunnel plug technology,\u201d said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Reginald Brothers. \u201cThrough their efforts and continued hard work, the nation's transportation systems will be more resilient to terrorist threats and natural disasters.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am proud of our first-class workforce and the exciting things going on right here in the First State,\u201d said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, (D-Del.). \u201cThe important and potentially life-saving work being done at ILC Dover is a great example of this. This also shows how partnerships between government, business and education have the potential to yield results that can impact not only the safety of our country, but the economy as well. I am thrilled to see this work going on right here in Delaware.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=2d05b47a-9c59-494e-812c-433087f70b91", "My Bill to Better Serve Veterans & Taxpayers", "2014-09-23", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\n\r\nEarlier this year we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the original G.I. Bill and reflected on this landmark legislation that sent millions of veterans to our nation\u2019s colleges and universities. But even as we honored its history, we recognized some of the challenges facing the current generation of veterans returning to the classroom.\r\nIn the past five years, 40 percent of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit colleges, even as questions continue to be raised about for-profit institutions\u2019 graduation, default, and job placement rates. While not every for-profit school is a bad actor, I believe that one veteran mistreated at a for-profit school is one veteran too many.\r\nTo give you an example, the for-profit chain Corinthian Colleges\u2014which received $186 million in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill dollars\u2014just announced it is selling or closing 107 campuses nationwide due to financial problems, leaving many veteran graduates wondering what value their degree will hold. It\u2019s another glaring reminder that Congress must remain diligent to protect military and veteran students, as well as taxpayers.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, there\u2019s a loophole in the law that allows for-profit schools to receive 100 percent of their funding from the federal government. Some bad actors are exploiting this loophole by aggressively recruiting veterans and G.I Bill tuition dollars, rather than obtaining 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources. It\u2019s called the 90/10 loophole.\r\nI\u2019m a big proponent of using common sense to address problems. That\u2019s why this week I introduced\u00a0 a piece of legislation\u00a0called the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act that would close the 90/10 loophole and encourage for-profit schools to better serve veterans and taxpayers. Closing the 90/10 loophole is a common sense approach that demonstrates we\u2019re serious about improving education outcomes for our veterans.\r\nI know the impact that education can have for veterans. I attended graduate school at the University of Delaware thanks to the G.I. Bill and it fundamentally changed my life. I want other veterans to be able to do the same with the confidence that they\u2019re investing their time and benefits wisely. That's why I introduced this bill and why I\u2019ll continue to look for ways to protect the military, veterans, and taxpayers from bad actors in the for-profit sector.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140920000136/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-coons-collins-rockefeller-and-isakson-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-spur-innovation-create-jobs-in-sustainable-chemistry", "Senators Coons, Collins, Rockefeller and Isakson introduce bipartisan bill to spur innovation, create jobs in sustainable chemistry", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 19, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Coons, Collins, Rockefeller and Isakson introduce bipartisan bill to spur innovation, create jobs in sustainable chemistry \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Legislation would support research to keep America competitive and benefit human health and the environment \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.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to spur innovation in the field of sustainable chemistry. The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would encourage the development and commercialization of high-performing chemicals, products, and processes that reduce or eliminate risk to human health and benefit the environment. Sustainable chemistry is an exciting field that can create jobs, keep America competitive, and spur economic growth.\n\u201cSpurring innovation to create good jobs and protect our health and environment should bring us all together,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cWe can do much more to develop new ways to ensure the things all around us \u2013 from our laundry detergent to our shoes \u2013 are produced in a way that maintains their high quality and benefits our health and our planet. By creating a cohesive vision for our nation\u2019s sustainable chemistry research and building new partnerships with the private sector, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act is an exciting opportunity to create jobs, maintain our scientific leadership, and make America healthier and cleaner. Both parties can unite behind American health and competitiveness, and I look forward to working hard, together, to see our efforts through.\u201d\n\u201cThis bill promotes research, development and education programs to develop chemical processes that minimize the impact to our environment, and that can often end up saving companies money at the same time,\" said Senator Collins. \u201cBy helping encourage innovation in \u2018sustainable chemistry\u2019 through improved coordination on research, development, and commercialization, this bill will benefit public health and the environment while educating the next generation of chemistry professionals.\"\n\u201cI am excited to join Senators Coons, Collins, and Isakson in this effort to promote sustainable chemistry,\u201d said Senator Rockefeller. \u201cI know how important it is to develop effective chemicals that minimize hazards to human health and to the environment. By coordinating Federal research efforts in this area, the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2014 will support the American ingenuity needed to help make our industries safer and more efficient, and to stay globally competitive.\u201d\nThe Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would support sustainable chemistry research, development, technology transfer, commercialization, education, and training through federal grants and loans, targeted studies, partnerships with industry, and interagency coordination. Importantly, the bill does not include any regulatory components, nor does it authorize new spending. Its goal, rather, is to increase and coordinate federal activities in sustainable chemistry and encourage the private sector, academia, nonprofits, and the general public to innovate, develop, and bring to market innovative sustainable chemistry products and processes.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) is committed to fostering sustainable innovation among key stakeholders in the public, private and academic sectors,\u201d said Lori Palmer, President and Board Chair, DESCA. We believe efforts that will incentivize research and development in new technology will enhance economic development. DESCA fully supports the Sustainable Chemistry Act of 2014 as legislation necessary for growing sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship and creating high wage jobs.\u201d\n\u201cI commend you for introducing this forward-looking bill, which will improve federal coordination and dissemination of green chemistry R&D and facilitate increased federal investment in this area,\u201d said American Chemical Society President Tom Barton, \u201cYour legislation will strengthen the government\u2019s role as a true partner in promoting greener technologies. Such an interagency approach will broaden the focus of green chemistry R&D and make it more attractive to industry sectors.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cEDF applauds Senator Coons for his leadership in promoting sustainable chemistry research and development,\u201d said Richard Denison, Lead Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund. \u201cAs we work to ensure that the chemicals in our homes, consumer products, and workplaces are safe for people and for the environment, we need to build our society\u2019s capacity to develop and commercialize safer chemical innovations.\u201d\nThe legislation is supported by the American Chemistry Council (ACC); the American Chemical Society (ACS); the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) Action Fund; the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA); the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF); the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3); the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR); The Renewable Chemicals and Materials Alliance (re:chem); Ashland; Dow Chemical; DuPont; Musea Ventures; Simply Sustain LLC; White Dog Labs; and Dr. Paul Anastas, Yale Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering.\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                                American Chemical Society,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Jobs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Research,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Innovation", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140920000146/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/united-states-senate-pledges-support-for-fight-to-contain-ebola-outbreak-and-save-lives", "United States Senate pledges support for fight to contain Ebola outbreak and save lives", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 19, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t United States Senate pledges support for fight to contain Ebola outbreak and save lives \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Unanimously passes bipartisan resolution supporting those affected by humanitarian crisis \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 United States Senate this week recognized the severe threat posed by the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and offered its support for robust efforts to combat the virus and provide humanitarian relief for those affected. In a resolution adopted unanimously Thursday night, the Senate recognized the support provided by the United States government, African partners, the United Nations, World Health Organization, and the international community to confront Ebola, as well as the additional U.S. commitment recently announced by President Obama.\u00a0\nU.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, introduced the resolution with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).\n\u201cThe Ebola virus is spreading now at an exponential rate, and the humanitarian crisis gripping West Africa clearly needs a global response,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cThe United States Senate this week expressed its support with those who have been affected by Ebola and solidarity with those who are doing everything they can to fight it. This is a grave and growing crisis with the potential to spread well beyond West Africa. It cannot be resolved without the strong support and resources of the United States, and I strongly welcome the deepening of our commitment to Ebola response in the critical weeks and months ahead.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cWe need to send a message to the people of West Africa that we will help them combat this deadly epidemic, and to the rest of the world that the U.S. is ready to lead this effort,\u201d Senator Flake said. \u201cI hope passage of this resolution, coming on the heels of the president's announcement earlier this week, will do just that.\u201d\n\u201cThe world is facing the worst Ebola outbreak in history,\u201d Senator Menendez said. \u201cThe disease is ravaging West Africa\u2014claiming thousands of lives, undermining trade and food security, and threatening regional stability.\u00a0 As the epidemic spirals, we are witnessing a devastating human toll.\u00a0 By passing this resolution, Senators acted to bring awareness to the terrible impact of this deadly virus and the importance of stopping its spread now, before more lives are lost.\u00a0 We also approved the nomination of Dr. Tom Frieden, current Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as the U.S. representative on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, which is leading the international response.\u00a0 The passage of the Continuing Resolution included an additional $88 million to help U.S. agencies continue to fight. \u00a0I welcome American leadership this week to dramatically scale up our own response, as outlined by President Obama, as well as intensified efforts announced today by the United Nations to turn the tide through a dedicated emergency health mission. Controlling and preventing Ebola overseas is the most effective way to save lives in Africa and protect Americans at home.\u201d\n\u201cThe U.S. has a vital role to play in leading the global response to defeat this deadly outbreak that is growing increasingly difficult to contain,\u201d Senator Corker said. \u201cThe international intervention needs to be scaled up to meet the scope of this challenge as research for new therapies and vaccines continues.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThe United States and the international community must stand together to help those stricken by Ebola in West Africa and to protect against the spread of this deadly virus to our own shores,\u201d Senator Durbin said. \u201cPresident Obama has wisely mobilized the best of our American expertise and generosity to help, and Congress stands ready to provide additional funding to help stem the tide of this terrible scourge.\u201d\u00a0\nThe resolution was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\nThe text of the resolution follows:\nS.Res.541\nRecognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic.\nWhereas Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an extremely infectious virus that causes severe illness with a fatality rate that can well exceed 50 percent;\nWhereas Ebola is spread through contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of infected humans and animals and can have an incubation period of up to 21 days;\nWhereas the Ebola virus first appeared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976 and has afflicted communities in Africa at least 20 times since then;\nWhereas the current Ebola outbreak first occurred in February 2014 in forested areas of southeastern Guinea and subsequently spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently discovered the outbreak of a separate strain of the virus;\nWhereas this is the first outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the biggest and most complex to date, due to its emergence in populated, transient border areas, making containment a significant challenge;\nWhereas, to date, according to the Center for Disease Control, Ebola had infected more than 4,400 people in West Africa and caused nearly 2,300 confirmed deaths;\nWhereas the current Ebola outbreak has occurred in countries with some of the weakest health systems in the world facing severe shortages of healthcare workers, laboratories essential for testing and diagnosis, clinics and hospitals required for treatment, and medical supplies and protective gear, such as latex gloves and face masks required to prevent contamination of health facilities;\nWhereas these weak and inadequate healthcare facilities, a lack of health staff trained in Ebola response, and misconceptions about the virus have resulted in numerous infections of health workers and patients unable to receive appropriate response and care;\nWhereas effective countermeasures for stemming the spread of Ebola, such as isolation, meticulous infection control practices, case investigation, and contact tracing require more trained personnel and resources than are currently available in West Africa;\nWhereas, although Ebola can be contained with good public health and burial practices, it continues to spread due to a lack of accurate public information, insufficient treatment facilities, limited local language capacities required for health education, and an unwillingness to allow those infected to be isolated from family members;\nWhereas governments are collaborating closely with international donors and taking strong measures to contain the virus, including announcing states of emergency and establishing emergency response centers;\nWhereas the limitations on transportation and travel and closing of businesses have had a devastating economic impact throughout the region and may cause social instability and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis if not properly managed and offset;\nWhereas the international community has committed to support solutions to the current limitations on air traffic and establish a common operational platform to address acute problems associated with food security, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, primary and secondary health care, and education, as well as the longer-term recovery effort that will be needed in the face of the complex social consequences of this emergency;\nWhereas the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda have sent experts familiar with such outbreaks to Liberia to assist with the outbreak response, and the Governments of Senegal and Ghana have agreed to serve as logistics and coordination centers for the international assistance effort, providing vital corridors for supplies and personnel;\nWhereas, after visiting affected communities in West Africa, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden said on September 2, 2014, \u201cThere is a window of opportunity to tamp this down, but that window is closing...we need action now to scale up the response.\u201d;\nWhereas the United States Government has provided more than $175,000,000 in support through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, the World Health Organization, and the United States Armed Forces since February 2014 and intends to mobilize additional resources and support as announced by President Obama on September 16, 2014;\nWhereas the United States Government helped to fund the development of the Zmapp biopharmaceutical experimental drug that was given to United States health workers afflicted with the virus and was recently donated to Liberian doctors with encouraging effect and has prompted calls for further research and development of such vaccines;\nWhereas, on August 5, 2014, the United States Government deployed a multi-agency Disaster Assistance Response Team composed of staff from Federal agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Forest Service to coordinate the United States Government\u2019s response efforts;\nWhereas the World Health Organization published on August 28, 2014, a roadmap for scaled-up response that aims to stop the virus in 6 to 9 months and calls for 750 international and 12,000 local health workers to contribute to the halt of the Ebola outbreak; and\nWhereas, earlier this year, the United States Government joined with partner governments, the World Health Organization, other multilateral organizations, and nongovernmental actors to launch the Global Health Security Agenda, a 5-year commitment to prevent, detect, and effectively respond to infectious disease threats such as Ebola: Now, therefore, be it\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n(1) recognizes the severe immediate threat that Ebola poses to populations, governments, and economies in Africa;\n(2) recognizes that the limited capacity of the initial outbreak countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to combat the epidemic has been exhausted and the potential threat to regions beyond Africa if this, the largest of all Ebola outbreaks, is not contained;\n(3) expresses support for those affected by this epidemic and affirms its sympathy for victims of Ebola and their families;\n(4) supports the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola virus in their countries and regionally;\n(5) urges citizens of affected countries to respect preventative guidelines provided by their governments and medical professionals from Africa and around the world in order to stem the outbreak;\n(6) supports the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of State, the Forest Service, and other United States Government agencies providing technical, logistical, and material support to address the Ebola crisis in West Africa;\n(7) encourages deepened United States and international commitments to the global Ebola response;\n(8) welcomes the delivery of assistance and increased engagement from donors such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, the World Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Canada;\n(9) expresses support for the promotion of investments in global health in order to ensure that governments can better prevent and detect, contain, and eventually eliminate outbreaks of disease while also providing other essential health services;\n(10) supports the World Health Organization\u2019s Ebola Response Roadmap and a common operational platform in response to the crisis;\n(11) encourages the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone to work together and with other nations and regional and subregional organizations to establish institutional emergency response systems to more effectively respond to this and future outbreaks of Ebola and other highly infectious diseases;\n(12) welcomes proactive measures taken by governments in West Africa to formulate national plans of action in response to the crisis; and\n(13) recognizes the work of thousands of African, United States, and international officials and volunteers on the ground in West Africa, particularly healthcare workers, who are working diligently and at great risk to help address this multidimensional crisis, and encourages other healthcare workers and logisticians to volunteer.\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,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Senator Corker,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Senator Durbin,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Ebola,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Senator Menendez,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                United Nations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140920005511/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-coons-graham-and-cardin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-private-investment-in-global-maternal-and-child-health-programs", "Senators Coons, Graham, and Cardin introduce bipartisan bill to increase private investment in global maternal and child-health programs", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 19, 2014\n                    CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 \n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Coons, Graham, and Cardin introduce bipartisan bill to increase private investment in global maternal and child-health programs \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan bill aims to expand access to maternal and child health programs through innovative financing mechanisms that could lower the cost of funding maternal and child health programs \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.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation on Thursday to create innovative financing mechanisms, such as new development impact bonds, aimed at increasing private-sector investment in maternal and child health programs in developing countries. The Accelerating Action in Maternal and Child Health Act is an innovative concept centered on the notion that even a small early investment in the care of a mother or child will reduce healthcare costs over the long term.\nAccording to the World Health Organization, 6.6 million children under the age of 5 die each year from preventable or treatable causes, and more than 800 women die every day from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The overwhelming majority of these deaths occur in the developing world, and countries in Africa have the highest burden.\u00a0\n\u201cEven after impressive progress in the quality of health care being offered to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children in some of the poorest parts of the world, it\u2019s clear that more help is needed,\u201d Senator Coons said. \u201cWe need to be investing more in USAID\u2019s remarkable public health work. America\u2019s foreign assistance needs to evolve and innovate to meet today\u2019s challenges and respect our nation\u2019s fiscal limitations. Innovative financing mechanisms like development bonds are a creative way to get the private sector more involved in global health and reduce the cost to taxpayers. This bill will help us help more young families survive and stay healthy.\u201d Senator Coons chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.\n\u201cOver the past two decades, child mortality has been reduced by nearly 50 percent and maternal mortality has been reduced by 40 percent, thanks in large part to United States Government action and intervention,\" Senator Graham said. \"In the last three years, 24 priority countries \u2014 10 of which are in Africa \u2014 have achieved an 8 percent reduction in under-5 mortality, saving 500,000 lives. This legislation is an innovative way to accelerate this trend.\"\n\u201cSubstantial U.S. investment in maternal and child health \u2014 both in the U.S. and around the globe \u2014 has saved millions of lives and delivered extraordinary results,\u201d Senator Cardin said. \u201cIn the 24 countries where USAID focuses on maternal and child health, we have reduced the number of preventable child and maternal deaths by half. But we cannot stop now. This bill ensures that our cost-effective and life-saving interventions can continue into the future.\u201d Senator Cardin chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs.\nThe Accelerating Action in Maternal and Child Health Act calls on USAID to establish a strategy to prevent maternal and child deaths in 24 priority countries in the developing world, and authorizes the design and establishment of innovative financing mechanisms. For example, USAID and private donors around the world would purchase the bonds with funds provided either to the host country or to the NGO administering the health program. Host governments or donors would pay the interest back on the bonds. As private-sector investment grows, the need for U.S. government investment would decline.\n\u201cThere is tremendous momentum on improving maternal, newborn, and child health worldwide, and we want to keep moving forward,\u201d said Mark Shriver, president of Save the Children Action Network. \u201cToo many children die on the day of their birth and too many women\u2019s lives continue to be cut short every day from causes that are entirely preventable.\u00a0It is clear we need to do more.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nAccording to the World Health Organization, the leading causes of maternal mortality in low-income countries are post-partum bleeding, infection, and hypertension. Amongst newborns, the leading causes are infections, premature birth, and asphyxia, and amongst children under age 5, the leading causes are respiratory infections (commonly from pneumonia), diarrhea, and malaria. Malnutrition is the underlying contributing factor in about 45 percent of all child deaths, making children more vulnerable to severe diseases.\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                                Health,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Africa,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations Committee,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Health Care,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Women,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Subcommittee on African Affairs,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Healthcare,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                USAID,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Foreign Relations,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Development,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Children", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140920214205/http://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=dcb0bdc4-4fe3-4da4-81e8-f177bcbe77d4", "My Bill to Better Serve Veterans and Taxpayers", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "September 19, 2014\nDear Friends,\nEarlier this year we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the original G.I. Bill and reflected on this landmark legislation that sent millions of veterans to our nation\u2019s colleges and universities. But even as we honored its history, we recognized some of the challenges facing the current generation of veterans returning to the classroom.\n In the past five years, 40 percent of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit colleges, even as questions continue to be raised about for-profit institutions\u2019 graduation, default, and job placement rates. While not every for-profit school is a bad actor, I believe that one veteran mistreated at a for-profit school is one veteran too many.\n To give you an example, the for-profit chain Corinthian Colleges\u2014which received $186 million in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill dollars\u2014just announced it is selling or closing 107 campuses nationwide due to financial problems, leaving many veteran graduates wondering what value their degree will hold. It\u2019s another glaring reminder that Congress must remain diligent to protect military and veteran students, as well as taxpayers.\n\u00a0\n As it turns out, there\u2019s a loophole in the law that allows for-profit schools to receive 100 percent of their funding from the federal government. Some bad actors are exploiting this loophole by aggressively recruiting veterans and G.I Bill tuition dollars, rather than obtaining 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources. It\u2019s called the 90/10 loophole.\n I\u2019m a big proponent of using common sense to address problems. That\u2019s why this week I introduced\u00a0 a piece of legislation\u00a0called the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act that would close the 90/10 loophole and encourage for-profit schools to better serve veterans and taxpayers. Closing the 90/10 loophole is a common sense approach that demonstrates we\u2019re serious about improving education outcomes for our veterans.\n I know the impact that education can have for veterans. I attended graduate school at the University of Delaware thanks to the G.I. Bill and it fundamentally changed my life. I want other veterans to be able to do the same with the confidence that they\u2019re investing their time and benefits wisely. That's why I introduced this bill and why I\u2019ll continue to look for ways to protect the military, veterans, and taxpayers from bad actors in the for-profit sector.\n Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=f64ab89c-9fcf-4397-a1ef-a02840f01be1", "Sen. Carper Statement on Senate Passage of Measure to Fund the Government and Support President's Plan to Confront ISIS", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after voting for the bill to fund the government and authorize President Obama to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 73 to 22 and heads to the president for his signature.\r\n\u00a0\u201cLast week, the president outlined a course for our nation and our allies to reverse the expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), dismantle and degrade its ability to threaten the region, and enable the people who live in those regions to reclaim their lives.\u00a0This evening, I voted with a bipartisan majority of my colleagues\u00a0to authorize the president to move forward with a segment of this plan, specifically to provide him with the authority to help train and equip moderate Syrian rebels to defend against ISIS.\r\n\u201cISIS is a ruthless and murderous group that has brutally beheaded two American journalists. Today\u2019s vote as well as the president\u2019s warnings, sends a strong and clear message that the United States will not allow these militants to continue their campaign of senseless violence and oppression of those who disagree with their worldview.\r\n\u201cWhile training rebel forces is an important piece of the plan, effectively addressing the threat from ISIS will require a multifaceted strategy. That strategy includes a military component and the development of a broad international coalition to execute it, but will not include combat troops on the ground. Like the president said, the goal of this approach is to take out ISIS wherever it exists and ensure that the terrorist group does not establish a long-term safe haven from which it can launch attacks against either our allies or our homeland.\u00a0I hope all of my colleagues in Congress will embrace and support this effort moving forward. As the president\u2019s plan is implemented, I expect that my colleagues and I in Congress will continue to debate this critical issue and exercise our oversight, as necessary.\r\n\u201cThis measure came as part of a larger package to fund our government through the beginning of December. I have long been critical of short-term funding patches that keep us from governing strategically and making smart investments in our future. I supported this bill because I believe we must support the president to confront ISIS and we have a responsibility to keep the government from a shutdown. But we should not pat\u00a0ourselves on the back for a job well done.\u00a0When the Senate reconvenes in November,\u00a0I sincerely hope we can return to a more responsible way of governing. Between now and then I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term, principled\u00a0compromises that address the most pressing issues facing our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0df755dd-7557-4ca2-9515-b668156c9be4", "New Report Finds Completion of DHS Consolidation Project at St. Elizabeths Important to National Security, Government's Fiscal Outlook", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The completion of a consolidated Department of Homeland Security headquarters project at the St. Elizabeths West campus would improve our nation\u2019s homeland security and save the federal government almost $1 billion, according to a new report released by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper. Read the full report here: \u201cSecurity and Savings: The Importance of Consolidating the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Headquarters at St. Elizabeths.\u201d\u00a0\r\nIn the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Congress passed the Homeland Security Act. The law pulled together 22 different agencies to form the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to foster a more unified and coordinated effort to defend our homeland. In 2006, the Bush administration proposed consolidating more than 50 DHS offices, many onto the St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. Construction began in 2009 but has significantly slowed in the face of inconsistent and inadequate funding from Congress.\r\nToday, DHS still operates out of more than 50 separate facilities in the Washington, D.C. region, many of which are physically inadequate. The current infrastructure used to house DHS has made it much more difficult to implement the vision behind the Homeland Security Act and create the collaborative approach envisioned.\r\n\u201cIn an era of shrinking budgets and economic uncertainty, figuring out which priorities to fund can be difficult,\u201d said Chairman Carper. \u201cIt may be easier to cut long-term investments that have yet to bear fruit than to make tough decisions about other pressing priorities. However, as this report concludes, completing a consolidated headquarters for the Department will not only save nearly a billion taxpayer dollars, it will help our nation better prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters. Given its importance, the St. Elizabeths DHS consolidation project should remain a funding priority, and Congress and the Administration should come together on a plan to move forward with the project.\u201d\r\nThe report, which draws from interviews with the Department\u2019s former Secretaries\u2014Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff, and Janet Napolitano - and other top former Department officials, agency documents, and independent analysis found that Department at St. Elizabeths will improve DHS\u2019s ability to carry out its mission. Specifically, consolidation would:\r\n \r\nImprove crisis management: DHS\u2019s infrastructure has hindered crisis management and prevented personnel from easily collaborating. A consolidated DHS headquarters will make it easier for DHS personnel to meet, collaborate, and interact long before a crisis.\r\nFoster unity of effort: Few of the DHS missions fall on the shoulders of just one agency or component. The Department will more effectively carry out its mission if its components are working together in one location and complementing one another\u2019s strengths and abilities;\r\nImprove morale and productivity: Well-designed and well-maintained facilities can not only improve morale, but also foster increased collaboration. Some Department of Homeland Security facilities, particularly those located at the Nebraska Avenue Complex, have subpar working conditions. For example, a recent issue with cleanliness and a rat infestation required closing the cafeteria;\r\nReduce management challenges and travel inefficiencies: The continued development of St. Elizabeths and the consolidation of DHS from more than 50 facilities to 20 or fewer will reduce inefficiencies, freeing more resources for operations and giving senior officials more time to manage the Department and coordinate across components.\r\n \r\nThe report also found that finishing the consolidated DHS headquarters makes good fiscal sense, saving as much as a billion dollars over the next 30 years.\r\n \r\nThe federal government would save nearly $700 million over 30 years by completing and moving DHS into a consolidated headquarters on a campus already owned by the government instead of renting equivalent space. \r\nNew standards that would fit more employees in office space could allow DHS to save as much as $210 million more.\r\nOther cost avoidances include the estimated $132 million it would cost to maintain St. Elizabeths over the next 30 years (a historic property the federal government owns and must maintain) and overhead costs that can be cut due to administrative and operations efficiencies gained by the consolidation.\r\n \r\nBased on these conclusions, the report recommends:\r\n \r\nCongress should fund the President\u2019s fiscal year 2015 budget requests of $323 million combined for GSA and DHS to complete renovation of the St. Elizabeths Center Building Complex and provide necessary access road improvements. If this money is not appropriated it will leave the next phase of construction\u2014the building for the Secretary and leadership staff\u2014practicably unusable, wasting the $348 million already spent or appropriated for that building and forcing DHS to renew short-term leases.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Administration and Congress must continue to work together to implement more consolidation of the Department and its components at the St. Elizabeths campus as we move forward after fiscal year 2015. A revised plan is necessary to ensure the St. Elizabeths project is well managed and implemented. Congress must work to consistently and adequately fund the plan and engage in oversight to make sure the plan is managed appropriately. The St. Elizabeths project is important and must be done the right way.\r\n \r\nRead the full report here: \u201cSecurity and Savings: The Importance of Consolidating the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Headquarters at St. Elizabeths.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 615, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "DE", "p1": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 615, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 615, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "DE", "label": "DE", "count": 615, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 615, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=DE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-09-19,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecarper~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D0df755dd-7557-4ca2-9515-b668156c9be4", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=DE&year=2014&_next=2014-09-19%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecarper~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3D0df755dd-7557-4ca2-9515-b668156c9be4&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 81.77293906919658, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}