Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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681 rows where chamber = "House", state = "DE" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-the-confirmation-of-sean-o-donnell | Carper Statement on the Confirmation of Sean ODonnell | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Senate last night confirmed by voice vote Sean O'Donnell to be Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Communities in Delaware and throughout the country rely on the EPA to safeguard families from hazardous waste, toxic chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air and water pollutants,said Senator Carper.Given EPA's critical mission, the agency itself must be protected from waste, fraud, andother abuses of power that could impair its important work. As we've seen over the last few years, misconduct and ethical violations have been far too frequent at this EPA. From the outstanding questions surrounding Scott Pruitt's litany of scandals to former Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum's questionable ethics, it's critical we hold public servants accountable to their actions, even if they resign from office. That was an important commitment that I secured from Mr. O'Donnell during his confirmation hearing. We need an EPA Inspector General who will see investigations through to their completion, root out corruption and protect the integrity of the agency and its mission. We need an EPA Inspector General who will be partner in oversight, and help Congress hold the agency accountable. After more than a year without a Senate-confirmed EPA Inspector General, I'm glad that Mr. O'Donnell is up to the task. And after meeting with the nominee, hearing his testimony and reviewing his answers to senators' questioning, I'm hopeful that Mr. O'Donnell is ready for the job. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/the-fight-is-far-from-over | The fight is far from over | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, For decades, the Department of Defense used specialized foams containing polyflouroalkyl substances most commonly known as PFASto put out fires ignited by aviation fuels, including during regular firefighting drills and training exercises. While effective at extinguishing fires, over the years, we came to learn that the two PFAS chemicals in those foams, PFOA and PFOS, are harmful to human health. These chemicals are linked to adverse health impacts, including life-threatening cancers, liver damage and thyroid disease. Last week, I had the honor of welcoming two heroes who have been gravely impacted by PFAS on military bases, Jim and Richelle Holmes. Toward the end of his 30 year career as both an Army and Air Force helicopter pilot, Jim and his family lived at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida while he flew combat operations in Iraq. Unbeknownst to Richelle and their daughter, Kaela, they were also facing a daily threat right there at home. After years of use in military drills, Patrick AFB has the third highest maximum PFAS detection of any military installation in the country, with levels of PFOS and PFOA at more than 4 million parts per trillion more than 57,000 times as high as EPA's drinking water health advisory. Following four years of living on the base, their daughter Kaela was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Tragedy struck earlier this year when Kaela lost her life to this horrible disease. Sadly, I fear that the Holmes family is not alone. Military communities throughout the country are still drinking water with high levels of PFOA and PFOS. We've seen the problem right in our own backyard, with the chemicals impacting drinking water quality in and around both Dover Air Force Base and the New Castle Air National Guard Base. There are almost 300 known U.S. military installations with water systems impacted by PFAS contamination. But the threat of these chemicals are felt well beyond military installations. PFAS contamination stemming from non-military in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-announces-support-for-nafta-update | Senator Coons announces support for NAFTA update | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today announced his support for the final text of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), an update to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Both Canada and Mexico are major trading partners and allies. Any new trade deal must address some of the shortcomings of NAFTA by raising labor and environmental standards. I'm satisfied with the progress in updating the labor and environmental provisions, and I will work to advance the deal's passage in Congress,said Senator Coons. Delaware clearly benefits from this NAFTA update. Our organized labor members, poultry farmers, and financial services workers will all see economic benefits as a result. Under the agreement, the U.S. will gain expanded access to Canada's poultry market, and a barrier to trade in financial services, known as data localization, will be removed. The agreement also ensures robust enforcement mechanisms for environmental obligations, including the creation of a new interagency committee to coordinate U.S. monitoring and enforcement, new environmental attachs in Mexico, and a trigger for environmental reviews by an array of stakeholders. Two years ago, President Trump threatened to unilaterally withdraw from our trading relationship with our Canadian and Mexican allies, a move that would have jeopardized the security and economic prosperity of the United States,said Senator Coons. Only after persistent demands from organized labor and Democratic leaders did the Administration meaningfully change the President's proposed agreement to strengthen our economic ties. I have reviewed the changes, and the result is clear: Democrats made this deal stronger for the American worker. The agreement text also includes labor-related changes that guard against forced labor, allow the U.S. to monitor Mexico's labor obligations, and enable the U.S. to hold Mexico accountable for failing to meet its labor commitments. The agreement raises wage standards for autoworkers in Mexico, whic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-co-sponsor-safe-gun-storage-act | Sens. Carper, Coons co-sponsor Safe Gun Storage Act | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-DE), along with nineteen other senators, introduced new legislation directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes. U.S. Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year. An estimated 4.6 million American minors live in a household with a firearm. According to a 2018 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health survey, more than half of all gun owners report storing their firearms in an unsafe manner. This bill is designed to stop these totally preventable gun injuries by improving the safety standards for how Americans store firearms in their homes. Today, I'm joining my colleagues to introduce a bill to better ensure that firearms are safely stored in the homes of gun owners and kept away from children who can harm themselves or others,said Senator Carper.Despite nearly 400 mass shootings in 2019 alone, Congress has failed to pass a single piece of common sense gun safety legislation, including universal background checks that are supported by 90 percent of Americans. We can and must do better for our children. We can use common sense to make our communities safer without infringing on the Second Amendments rights of law-abiding Americans. The Safe Gun Storage Act does just that. We need to do everything we can to stop gun-related deaths in the United States, from big, bold reforms to smaller, targeted efforts like this one,said Senator Coons.While we work to get weapons of war off of our streets and keep guns out of the hands of criminals, we can also work to ensure that firearms in Americans' homes are stored safely and away from children. The bill includes incentives for states to pass, and enforce compliance of, their own safe gun storage laws. The bill is named for Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, Connecticut who was tragically killed after accidentally shooting himself … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/blumenauer-carper-applaud-environmental-improvements-in-house-passed-usmca | Blumenauer, Carper Applaud Environmental Improvements in House-Passed USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the environmental improvements they helped to secure in the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Specifically, Blumenauer and Carper worked together to develop a new enforcement mechanism that gives environmental stakeholders a direct role in environmental enforcement matters to ensure greater accountability for the Administration in environmental enforcement actions under USMCA. The new trade agreement passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 385-41. We are proud that thedeal that has passed the House today by an overwhelming margin includes important environmental improvements that we worked together to craft. These improvements include a new mechanism to more effectivelyenforce this new agreement's environmental goals.After all, an agreement that can't be enforced isn't worth much. The provision we developedgivesenvironmentalstakeholders the people seeing potential violations firsthand an expanded role in enforcement mattersand ensures that environmental violations cannot onlybe investigated, but also remedied in a substantive and timely manner. The inclusion ofthis new mechanism strengthens the overall agreement, holds the Administration accountable for pursuing enforcement of the deal's environmental obligations and will help to ensure those that break the rules can be held accountable.The Senate should consider USMCA in short order so that this and otherimportant environmental provisions can take effect. Background: Under the existing NAFTA, non-governmental organizations and individuals in NAFTA countries can submit allegations of environmental violations to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Submissions undergo a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-end-of-the-year-spending-bills | Carper Statement on End of the Year Spending Bills | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after voting against the end-of-the-year appropriations bills. First and foremost, I want to thank my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee,particularlyChairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy, as well asLeader Schumertheir staffs, for all the hard work they have done to put this package together and make sure that our government does not shut down. That may seem like a low bar, but the task before them is never an easy one, and they should be applauded for their efforts. It's also important to note that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have secured important measures in this year's appropriations package that I support, including resources to help secure our elections, funding for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and a provision that raises the age for tobacco purchases from 18 to 21. With that being said, I believe that there are some real missed opportunities and misguided provisions in these spending bills. I am disappointed thatsmart clean energy priorities,on which I've worked for many years,were ultimately not included. These tax incentiveswouldhelp to create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation, while also protecting our environment. Byinvesting in technologies like thosethatharness offshore wind energy and convert wasted heat to clean electricity, we not only reduce emissions, but help to grow our economy, reduce energy costs for consumers and create thousands of good-paying American jobs in the process. Even more disheartening are the provisions in this package pertaining to the Affordable Care Act. It should surprise no one that one of my proudest accomplishments in the U.S. Senate was helping to write and pass the Affordable Care Act.The health care law has expanded quality, affordable health care coverage to more than 20 million Americans, provided critical protections for 133 million Americ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-house-impeachment-vote | Carper Statement on House Impeachment Vote | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump: I first swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States at the age of 17 when I became a Navy ROTC midshipman at Ohio State. Since then, I have taken that same oath many times over when I was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy during the Vietnam War, when I was elected and re-elected to Congress, and, most recently, when Vice President Pence administered the oath this past January to the newly elected and re-elected senators on the floor of the United States Senate. It is an oath that I take seriously. It is a solemn promise to every Delawarean and every American that I will do everything I can to make sure the longest running experiment in democracy continues to serve as an example for the rest of the world and that the rights enshrined in our Constitution continue to be protected for each and every one of us. Last night, the House has voted to approve serious charges brought against President Trump. Now, those charges will be sent to the Senate for a trial. As part of an impeachment trial, my Senate colleagues and I will be asked to take an additional oath one that asks us, as jurors in that impeachment trial, to swear to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.' I intendtouphold that oath. I intend to listen to all of the evidence presented, and I intend to render a fair verdict based upon all available facts and evidence. I hope that all my Senate colleagues will do the same. The oath we all take is not to a political party. It is not to a President. It is to the Constitution of the United States. The Senate, and those who serve in this body, must meet this moment with the seriousness it deserves. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2020-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-delaware-manufacturing-institute-small-businesses-and-other-priorities-to-spur-economic-and-workforce-development | In 2020 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for Delaware manufacturing institute, small businesses, and other priorities to spur economic and workforce development | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 federal spending bill for key economic and workforce development priorities, including support for small businesses and advanced manufacturing. The bill passed Congress today. I'm pleased that this appropriations bill provides critical investments in our communities and the small businesses, innovators, and families that keep our state strong and vibrant,said Senator Coons.This bill supports programs that boost economic and workforce development, like the Manufacturing USA program and the Small Business Administration. I'm committed to ensuring that Delaware's businesses have the resources and facilities they need to create good jobs and grow the economy. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly benefit manufacturing, Delaware's small businesses, and workers: The bill provides $16 million for the Manufacturing USA program, directly benefiting NIIMBL, one of the nation's 14Manufacturing USA Institutes based in Newark,Delaware.The bill also includes funding for a new grant program to seed potential institutes. The bill rejects thepresident's attempts to defund the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, and instead increases its funding to $146 million so it can carry out its important mission and further support small manufacturers with new cybersecurity and digitalization challenges. The bill rejects thepresident's proposal to eliminate the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and instead increases the program's funding to $262 million to promote economic development in low-income communities. $2 million of this funding will be used to create the Economic Mobility Corps grant program, a new initiative that Senator Coons advanced to connect national service members to CDFIs. The bill provides $998 million for the Small Business Administration, 40 percent above the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2020-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-delawares-law-enforcement-first-responders-military-and-veterans | In 2020 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for Delaware’s law enforcement, first responders, military and veterans | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, fought to secure funding for the men and women who keep Delawareans safe in the federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed Congress today. The bill includes critical funding that will support law enforcement, first responders, military, and veterans. Specifically, the bill includes $21 million for a new Army Reserve Center in Newark and adds $28 million above the president's request for the Army's Chinook Block II helicopter program that employs Delawareans across the Delaware Valley. The men and women of law enforcement and our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Delaware's communities. I'm committed to doing everything I can to ensure they have all the resources and support they need to do their jobs and come home safely at the end of their shifts,said Senator Coons.Service members, veterans, and their families are part of the basic fabric of Delaware and make unmatched contributions to our country. I am proud to have secured funding for university and military projects that produce quality jobs for veterans and their families as well as newer, safer facilities for service members. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly benefit Delaware's law enforcement, first responders, military, and veterans, including: $28 million above the president's requestto upgradetheArmy'sChinook Block IIhelicopters. This programemploys Delawareans across the Delaware Valley. $310 million for additional V-22 aircrafts for the Marine Corps. The V-22 program is another important source of jobs for Delawareans. $27 million for the Victims of Child Abuse Act, an increase of $4.5 million abovetheFiscal Year 2019 level. This benefits Delaware's three Child Advocacy Centers, which protect children and help law enforcement bring justice to criminals. $710 million for Assistance to Firefighter and Staffing for Adequate Fire … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2020-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-national-security-and-international-development-priorities | In 2020 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for national security and international development priorities | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 federal spending bill to ensure the United States remains a global leader by investing in programs to promote national security, cultivate international development, and provide lifesaving global health assistance around the world. Senator Coons worked on a bipartisan basis to reject the president's proposal to slash funding for U.S. national security and development agencies by 30 percent for the third year in a row. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Appropriations subcommittee that funds foreign assistance, I am reminded every day of the importance of U.S. leadership in building peaceful societies, promoting economic development and opening markets for U.S. business abroad, and advocating for good governance and human rights,said Senator Coons.I am especially pleased to see the Global Fragility Act, a bipartisan bill that I introduced with Senator Lindsey Graham, included in this spending bill. The Global Fragility Act will save the United States trillions of dollars by enabling us to get ahead of the challenges and threats including terrorism that thrive in unstable environments. Senator Coons also secured the necessary resources to stand up the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation authorized by the BUILD Act, which he co-authored and Congress passed in 2018. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will ensure the United States remains globally engaged and continues to safeguard national interests and values around the world, including: The Global Fragility Act, Senator Coons' bipartisan legislation to improve U.S. government efforts to prevent terrorism from taking root in developing countries around the world. $301 million to stand up the new Development Finance Corporation and implement the BUILD Act, Senator Coons' bipartisan legislation to modernize U.S. devel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2020-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-to-fight-the-opioid-epidemic-invest-in-public-service-childrens-development-and-education | In 2020 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding to fight the opioid epidemic, invest in public service, children’s development, and education | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, applauded the passage of the federal funding bill for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed Congress today, that includes funding to fight the opioid epidemic, improve college affordability and completion, and support public service in Delaware. There is no state in the country that has not been impacted by the devastating opioid epidemic. One of the most tragic things about this crisis is that it is both preventable and treatable. Strengthening our nation's ability to combat this epidemic is a top priority for me. I'm proud that we were able to include $1.5 billion for opioid response grants to ensure that opioid addiction prevention programs and resources are available and properly funded,said Senator Coons.I'm also thrilled this appropriations bill includes investments to expand access to and improve the affordability of college, so that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals. The federal funding bill includes provisions that will support health, education, and public service in Delaware and across the country, and provides: $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants, which support prevention programs and bolster resources to help address the opioid crisis. $5.826 billion forChild Care and Development Block Grants and $10.6 billion for Head Start to enhance access to high-quality childcare and school readiness programs for American children and families. $41.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support discovery and research that enhances national capacity for improving biomedical and public health. $386.6 million, a $25 million increase, for the Institutional Development Award program at the National Institutes of Health, grants from which help to expand research capacities across the state, including at the University of Delaware and Delaware State Universitythe largest one in DSU's history. A $2 million inc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-the-2020-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-amtrak-other-delaware-housing-and-transportation-priorities | In the 2020 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for Amtrak, other Delaware housing and transportation priorities | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, successfully secured funding for key Delaware housing and transportation infrastructure priorities in the federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed Congress today. The bill includes funding for Amtrak, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, homeless assistance grants, and more. I've been working hard on the Appropriations Committee to ensure the final federal spending bill continues to include funding for critical Delaware priorities, like affordable housing and transportation infrastructure,said Senator Coons.I'm pleased that Republicans and Democrats were able to work together this year to fund programs that both sides of the aisle support and reject the President's dangerous budget cuts. I'm looking forward to continue working with my colleagues to deliver for Delawareans up and down the state. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly benefit housing and transportation in Delaware: The bill increases funding for Amtrak to $2 billion, of which $700 million is for the Northeast Corridor that runs through Wilmington, Delaware. The bill also rejects the president's proposal to eliminate theFederal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair (SOGR) program, and instead includes $200 million to help address the maintenance backlog on the Northeast Corridor. This bill rejects the president's dangerous budget proposal to cut $11.96 billion in important Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing programs at a time when Americans are experiencing skyrocketing rents, wage stagnation, and a shortage of affordable housing. The bill includes $1.35 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, $3.425 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, and $175 million for the HUD Choice Neighborhood grants, which benefit the Wilmington Housing Authority and REACH Riverside. The bill includes $2.77 billion f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-agriculture-and-environmental-priorities-included-in-2020-spending-bill | Sen. Coons’ agriculture and environmental priorities included in 2020 spending bill | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, secured funding for agriculture and environmental priorities in the federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed Congress today. Delaware's natural resources help drive our economy and make our state a great place to live and work,said Senator Coons.I'm pleased that we secured funding for conservation and recreation programs that will have a direct impact on our region. Delaware also plays a critical role in feeding America's families, and I'm proud that we provided strong funding to support Delaware farmers and our poultry industry. This funding will help create a cleaner environment and a stronger local economy, and I'm glad my colleagues came to a bipartisan agreement on this bill so we can support Delawareans and Americans across the country. The federal spending bill includes funding for agriculture and environmental priorities that will directly benefit Delaware: The bill increases funding for the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative to $425 million, supporting research at Delaware universities on agriculture, natural resources, clean energy production, rural development, and nutrition. The bill provides $62.8 million for Avian Health programs, which fund critical monitoring and research to prevent and control the spread of poultry diseases in the commercial poultry industry. Full funding is provided for key Department of Agriculture programs that help Delaware farmers protect water quality, preserve land, and improve soil health. The bill increases funding to $87 million for the National Sea Grant College Program. The University of Delaware's Lewes campus is a member of this program. The bill provides an increase to $9.7 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, which funds conservation projects focusing on clean water, habitat, recreation, and flow management in the Delaware River watershed, benefitting Delaware, New Jerse… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-aca-court-decision | Carper Statement on ACA Court Decision | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.)released the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling on the Texas v. Azar lawsuit brought by the 18 Republican Attorneys General and Governors and the Trump Administration in an effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in its entirety. From the start, theTexas v. Azarlawsuit, brought by the Trump Administration and 18 Attorneys General and Governors in an effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act in its entirety, was another outrageous attack on Americans' health care. Tonight, in a long overdue decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, President Trump and Republicans have managed to keep this dangerous lawsuit alive. Make no mistake: if they are ultimately successful, this lawsuit would completely scrap the law that is providing critical health care coverage for millions of families across our country. It would meanmore than20 million Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act for quality, affordable health insurance could be stripped of their coverage. It would mean protections for 400,000 Delawareans living with pre-existing conditions, and nearly 133 million Americans, could be taken away. It would mean young people under the age of 26 would be kicked off their parents' health insurance plans. It would mean no more funding for Medicaid expansion that has allowed millions of Americans to access health care for the first time. It would mean elimination of financial assistance that helps millions of families afford their coverage. And it would mean higher Medicare costs for seniors. Regrettably, today's decision creates more uncertainty for millions of Americans who are left wondering if their family will have their health care coverage ripped away. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that the Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land. Now, more than ever, we must make clear that we will not stand for attacks on the life-saving care on which millions depend. We cannot move backward and all… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-murkowski-introduce-bill-to-help-surviving-spouses-of-veterans-who-died-from-als | Sens. Coons, Murkowski introduce bill to help surviving spouses of veterans who died from ALS | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced theJustice for ALS Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure surviving spouses and families of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receive the full benefits they are owed. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). Our current policy denies benefits to spouses and families of veterans with ALS if they did not survive at least eight years with the disease. This is a cruel policy that fails to recognize the significant sacrifices these veterans and their families have made for this country,said Senator Coons.I'm proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Murkowski to solve this glaring problem. People living with ALS and their families face challenges that demand more from all of us. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. The average life expectancy for a person living with the disease is short only two to five years from the time of diagnosis. But the impact this disease and the loss of a loved one can have on spouses and family will remain far beyond their passing,said Senator Murkowski.We have a responsibility to do all we can to care for our veteransandtheir families, regardless of how long the veteran lived with ALS prior to their passing. I am proud to stand in support of the ALS community by joining Senator Coons in leading this legislation. According to the ALS Association, military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as those who haven't served in the military.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an additional monthly financial benefit to the surviving spouse andfamily of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. The additional benefit is a part of a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payment and is crucial funding that helps widows and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/epw-business-meeting-statement | EPW Business Meeting Statement | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held abusiness meetingto considerS. 3051, America's Conservation Enhancement Act; Robert J. Feitel, to be Inspector General of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and 19 General Services Administration resolutions. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: We have 19 General Services Administration resolutions on our agenda, as well as the nomination for Robert Feitel to be Inspector General of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Before I begin, I will say that I am encouraged our committee is moving expeditiously to advance this nomination. We cannot be complacent when it comes to nuclear safety, and we need to ensure that our nation's nuclear industry is held to the highest standard. That means we need a strong and independent NRC Inspector General. I believe Mr. Feitel is well qualified and prepared to take on this important responsibility. I also want to use this opportunity to focus on the bipartisan legislation we have before us today: America's Conservation Enhancement, or ACE' Act. This Congress, our committee has examined a number of wildlife conservation challenges, including invasive species and wildlife disease. At each hearing, our witnesses emphasized the need for federal action to address these conservation challenges. After weeks of negotiation, Chairman Barrasso and I introduced the bipartisan ACE Act late last week to enable some of those actions. In addition to creating innovative new programs, the ACE Act will reauthorize existing wildlife and habitat conservation programs that have a demonstrated history of success. Many of these programs leverage private dollars and local partnerships, and several create tremendous opportunity in my home state of Delaware. One example is the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which has, in the 30 years since its enactment, led to the conservation of more than 30 million acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat nationwi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-bill-enabling-ongoing-funding-for-newark-led-manufacturing-innovation-institute-to-become-law | Sen. Coons' bill enabling ongoing funding for Newark-led manufacturing innovation institute to become law | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that passed the Senate today includes U.S. Senator Chris Coons' (D-Del.) bipartisan bill to eliminate a federal funding limit on the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, or NIIMBL, which is headquartered in Newark, Delaware. Currently slated to exhaust a stream of federal dollars after 2021, NIIMBL, under this legislation, could continually earn valuable federal funding, which to date has leveraged $129 million from industry. The bill, which passed the House Dec. 11, now heads to the president's desk and is expected to become law this week. Newark-based NIIMBL supports industry-leading research with 130 members from industry, academic institutes, nonprofit organizations, and states. The manufacturing hub, which could extend its $70 million federal grant thanks to Sen. Coons' bill, connects local manufacturers to national resources to spur local innovation. Many of the nation's top companies and universities in the biopharmaceutical field have organized through Delaware to develop vaccines, gene therapies, and cancer drugs that aim to result in lifesaving cures and medical treatments. These innovations have the potential not only to save lives, but create new high-skill, high-paying jobs for Delawareans. "It brings me great pride that Delawareans are leading the world in the development, testing, and production of medicines of the future,"Senator Coons said."With this bill, and the vital federal funding opportunity it creates, Delaware's innovators will continue to not only save lives, but also create jobs for generations of high-skilled Delawareans who will manufacture these lifesaving drugs. Also, other states are empowered to follow Delaware's lead by forming new institutes specializing in other vital areas of manufacturing." "Passage of this Act continues our country's investment in U.S. advanced manufacturing competitiveness, supports our long-term leadership in innovation, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-provision-to-provide-equal-retirement-benefits-for-guardsmen-and-reservists-included-in-annual-defense-bill | Sen. Coons’ provision to provide equal retirement benefits for Guardsmen and Reservists included in annual defense bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) was proud to support the passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes early retirement benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserves who deploy on certain missions overseas under what's called 12304b authority.Since the authority was created, over 18,000 Guardsmen, including members of the Delaware National Guard, have deployed in support of critical missions around the world.Yet, these service members don't receive the same benefits as active duty service members who deploy alongside them. Last Congress, Senator Coons introduced the bipartisanNational Guard and Reserves Benefits Parity Act,which aimed to ensure that members of the Guard and Reserve forces who deploy under 12304b authority receive the same benefits as their active duty counterparts.Two of the bill's provisions passed into law in last year's defense bill, but the third -- which would reduce the age at which members of the Guard and Reserves can receive retirement pay by three months for every 90 days they are deployed under 12304b authority -- was not included.Senator Coons is proud to see that this third provision is included in the fiscal year 2020 defense bill. Members of the Guard and Reserves in Delaware and around the country should have access to the full range of benefits they deserve.This includes early retirement benefits for those who deploy under 12304b authority,Senator Coons said.The defense authorization bill is critical to our national security and our service members, and I'm glad to see that this year's bill helps to ensure that Guardsmen and Reservists are fairly compensated. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-surprises-delaware-students-with-service-academy-nominations | Senator Coons surprises Delaware students with service academy nominations | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | DOVER, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) surprised Delaware students with principal nominations to U.S. service academies during a ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base on Dec. 14. Senator Coons named four high school seniors, all from Kent or Sussex Counties, as principal nominees for appointment to service academies should they meet all medical, physical, and academic requirements. Amanda Carey, the principal nominee to theU.S. Naval Academyat Annapolis, Maryland, lives in Dover and serves as the executive officer of the JROTC atDover High School. She is the commander of the color guard and is a member of the drill team. Carey, who takes advanced placement (AP) and honors classes, is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers with the Dover Fire Department. Andrew Garza, a principal nominee to theU.S. Air Force Academyin Colorado, is from Dover and is active with the JROTC atPolytech High School. He runs track, take AP classes, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a self-proclaimed Air Force brat since his father works at the base mortuary. Garza, a member of the Civil Air Patrol with a private pilot license, wants to fly F-22 Raptors for the Air Force. Donald Mendoza, a principal nominee to theU.S. Air Force Academy, resides in Dover and attendsCaesar Rodney High School. Mendoza, who was born in the Philippines, serves as the executive officer with the JROTC and leads the drill team. He is an eagle scout in the Boy Scouts of America and has participated in Boys State. Mendoza, who is a member of the National Honor Society, wants to be a C-5 Galaxy pilot in the Air Force. Mackenzie Irelan, the principal nominee to theU.S. Military Academyat West Point, New York, is from Harbeson in Sussex County and attendsCape Henlopen High School. She takes AP classes and is an all-conference captain of the softball team. Irelan has completed mission trips to Kenya and the Dominican Republic with Foundation for Peace. She… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-rep-blunt-rochester-secure-major-wins-for-delaware-in-annual-defense-bill-including-21-million-for-a-new-army-reserve-center-in-newark | Sens. Carper, Coons, Rep. Blunt Rochester secure major wins for Delaware in annual defense bill, including $21 million for a new Army Reserve Center in Newark | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) applauded the passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which each of them voted in support of.The bill includes a number of wins for Delaware and the country, such as funding for a training center for Army Reservists in Newark, support for service members who have been exposed to toxic chemicals, and twelve weeks of paid parental leave for all federal workers. The bill passed both chambers of Congress and is now headed to the President's desk for signature. One of our most serious responsibilities is to ensure that our troops have the resources necessary to help keep our country and our citizens safe,said Senator Carper, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves.This year's defense bill makes criticalinvestments to support the men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families, strengthen our military capabilities, bolster our nation's cyber defenses, and counterever-evolving threats to our national security. Thisbill also authorizes $21 million for a new Army Reserve Center in Newark funding I'm proud to have worked alongside Senator Coonsand Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochesterto secure. However, our support for the men and women serving in the military must extend beyond just dollars and cents. I regret that the bipartisan amendment I worked on with Senator Udall which would prevent the Trump Administration from taking military action against Iran without the approval of Congress was left out of this final package.I also remain incredibly disappointed that, while this bill will enact several important bipartisan provisions dealing with PFAS chemicals,this Congress failed to protect the tens of thousands of servicemen and women living on or near military sites, including two in Delaware, whosedrinking water systems have PFAS contamination.I believe we have a sworn and solemn duty to protect the brave men and women who serve our country. Ourmen and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-lankfords-lift-for-charities-act-included-in-tax-bill | Sens. Coons, Lankford’s LIFT for Charities Act included in tax bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Bipartisan legislation from U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) to protect churches, charities, and other nonprofit organizations is expected to become law as part of a bipartisan tax bill agreed to by House and Senate negotiators late yesterday. The Lessening Impediments from Taxes (LIFT) for Charities Act repeals a section of the tax code that requires some tax-exempt organizations to pay federal taxes on employee benefits, such as parking, meals, or transportation benefits. I believe that we have a moral obligation to support our neighbors most in need, and nonprofits play an essential role in doing just that,said Senator Coons.Requiring these organizations to pay a federal tax on employee benefits, something they have never been required to do before, causes them to not only face an increased operating cost, but also an administrative burden. The passage of this bill will help to ensure that America's charitable nonprofits and houses of worship are able to continue providing critical services to communities without undue burden. It is welcome news that the LIFT for Charities Act has been included the annual appropriations bill to be considered later this week,said Senator Lankford.Several of us have worked for months to correct a small provision in the 2017 tax reform bill that required some churches and nonprofit organizations to pay a tax on employee benefits, which could include items that have never been previously accounted for, such as a parking space. Most nonprofits were neither equipped to handle the additional administrative burdens or compliance costs, nor intended to be a source of revenue for the federal government.The fix included in this week's appropriations bill is a huge win for our nation's churches, charities, and other non-profits who are dedicated to serving our neighbors and meeting the needs of our communities.We should protect our non-profits, not tax them. The 2017 tax law created the provision requiring charities to pay the new tax on employ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-wicker-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-fishing-passes-senate | Sens. Coons, Wicker bipartisan bill to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing passes Senate | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today includes the bipartisan Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement (Maritime SAFE) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), that would promote a whole-of-government strategy to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing threatens the national security of the United States and food security around the world. Actors involved in IUU fishing have been known to conduct other illicit activities such as weapon, drug, and human trafficking. IUU fishing is an issue that not only poses a serious threat to national security, but also contributes to instability in regions important to U.S. interests,said Senator Coons.As a coastal state with vibrant marine ecosystems, Delaware is susceptible to the far-reaching effects of IUU fishing. I'm pleased the Senate passed this important legislation that will give us the tools to combat a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that undercuts the economic livelihoods of fishermen and threatens food security for communities around the world. The Maritime SAFE Act would give federal agencies greater tools to protect maritime security, lawful fishing, and the global seafood supply chain,said Senator Wicker.We cannot let illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing jeopardize the livelihoods of America's honest fishermen or fund other criminal activities. The bipartisan Maritime SAFE Act establishes an interagency working group to provide federal agencies with a coordinated framework to effectively combat IUU fishing and authorizes a range of agency activities, including building capacity for law enforcement and port security, reducing illegally-sourced product circulating within the seafood supply chain, promoting the use of technology to combat IUU fishing, and encouraging better information sharing among agencies and other organizations. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-dupont-s-nutrition-unit-merger | Carper Statement on DuPonts Nutrition Unit Merger | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.)released the following statement regarding the announcement that DuPont de Nemours Inc. will merge its Nutrition unit with International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.: As we learn more about how this DuPont deal will affect the company's presence and employees in Delaware, I am hopeful that the work our Governor and Congressional Delegation have done to encourage DuPont to keep its businesses in the First State will continue to resonate. There is potential here as DuPont develops its plan to invest the $7 billion cash payout into its company, and I remain cautiously optimistic that this will bring good things to the company and its presence in Delaware. The Delegation and the Governor will continue to stay in close contact with the company to ensure its growth in the First State. ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-votes-against-ending-debate-on-the-national-defense-bill | Carper Votes Against Ending Debate on the National Defense Bill | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. After working for weeks to find agreement to include provisions in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would address widespread PFAS contamination, and after some Congressional leaders failed to come to agreement, today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves and top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after voting against closing debate on the NDAA. At this very moment, as my colleagues and I cast our votes deciding whether to end debate on our nation's annual defense funding bill, we know that there are tens of thousands of servicemen and women living on or near military bases whose drinking water is contaminated with PFAS. We cast our votes knowing full well that there are almost 300 military sites across the country that have PFAS contamination in their water systems, including two in Delaware. And as the clerk counts our votes, and debate on the annual defense bill comes to a close, we know that hundreds of communities will continue to have no recourse to hold the Department of Defense accountable for the PFAS contamination it caused. Given what we know about the widespread contamination of these harmful chemicals in groundwater and drinking water systems, and the clear opportunity we still have to get something done, I cannot bring myself to vote yes' on ending the debate tonight. As a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves, this decision is not one that I take lightly. I believe we have a sworn and solemn duty to protect the brave men and women who serve our country. I also believe that our men and women in uniform and the people who love them have sacrificed enough already, and we ought to do everything we can to ensure they have clean, safe drinking water. The must-pass' annual defense authorization bill was a clear opportunity for Congress to clean up widespread PFAS contamination. We had broad bipartisan agreement to designate PFOS and PFOA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-global-fragility-act-included-in-spending-deal-bill-prevents-terrorism-and-instability-in-fragile-countries | Sen. Coons’ Global Fragility Act included in spending deal; bill prevents terrorism and instability in fragile countries | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons' (D-DE) bipartisan legislation, the Global Fragility Act, which will improve U.S. government efforts to prevent terrorism from taking root in developing countries around the world, is expected to become law after being included in the bipartisan appropriations package to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2020. The United States has spent $5.9 trillion fighting terrorism since 9/11. We need a new strategy to address the conditions that enable terrorism to thrive. The passage of this legislation is an important first step towards a strategy to get ahead of the curve and prevent this national security threat. The United States has spent nearly $5.9 trillion in the 18 years since 9/11 to combat extremism and terrorism around the world, and it's clear we need a new strategy to do that more effectively. This legislation is a genuinely bipartisan effort to prevent terrorism from taking hold in the first place, and, by doing that, save American lives and taxpayer dollars. This bipartisan legislation will promote the stabilization of fragile environments where terrorists thrive, build peace, and maximize the impact of U.S. foreign assistance.said Senator Coons.Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation, especially Senator Graham, Senator Leahy, Senator Risch, and Senator Menendez, as well as Representative Engel and Representative McCaul. I am also grateful to the United States Institute of Peace for their leadership on this important issue as well as the coalition of organizations led by the Alliance for Peacebuilding and Mercy Corps for their support of this effort. I am looking forward to working with the Trump administration, the private sector, foreign governments, and a wide-range of NGOs to realize the goals of this bill. Fragile states can become threats to the security of the United States because their governments are seen as ineffective or illegitimate by their citizens, heightening the risk of terrorism and terroris… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-secures-425-million-for-election-security-in-spending-bill-poised-to-become-law | Sen. Coons secures $425 million for election security in spending bill poised to become law | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the top Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, led the successful effort to include $425 million in funding for election security grants to help states protect their election systems in the Fiscal Year 2020 federal funding bill poised to pass Congress and become law in the coming days. We know that foreign adversaries are actively planning to attack our elections once again in 2020, so we have to make investments now in updated voting systems that the American people can trust and rely on,said Senator Coons.As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I've been fighting for years to ensure that the federal government provides states with the funding they need to replace outdated election machinery and invest in cybersecurity. This is a responsible investment, and I'm pleased that, on a bipartisan basis, we were able to come to this agreement. Senator Coons also led the successful effort to include $380 million in funding for election security grants in the Fiscal Year 2018 federal funding bill. Recently, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a report that outlined Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and target our nation's election infrastructure in all 50 states, conducting reconnaissance, probing and mapping systems, and looking for vulnerabilities to exploit.According to the report, the Russian government was able to gain access to election systems in two states, including successfully accessing and extracting up to 200,000 voter registration records in Illinois. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-usmca-agreement | Carper Statement on USMCA Agreement | 2019-12-15 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee,released the following statement regarding the agreement reached on the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Senator CarperhaspressedU.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer on the importance of making sure USMCA's environmental rules can be fully enforced. Every week, I travel around Delaware doing customer calls' with the local businesses that drive our state's economy. In those meetings, I always ask three questions: How are you doing? How do you think your local, state and federal leaders are doing? And what can we do to better help you run a successful operation in the First State? The feedback I hear time and time again is that businesses want certainty and predictability. They want to know the rules of the road and to know that those rules will be followed. After years of uncertainty thanks to the President's haphazard trade wars, it is good news for American farmers, manufacturers, producers and retailers that we were able to get to yes on USMCA. After all, our economy depends on making sure other countries can sell to us and that we can sell to other countries, especially close allies like Canada and Mexico. I would much prefer that the President be working towards more comprehensive agreements, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multilateral agreement designed to lower tariffs for the 12 participating nations, counter China's growing influence in the region and help American workers and businesses compete and win in our global economy. But instead, President Trump foolishly pulled out of that deal and has shortsightedly opted for a piecemeal approachthat leaves opportunities for American goods and services to reach overseas markets on the table.That being said, I am glad that an agreement could finally be reached, and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-coons-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-recognize-critical-role-of-census-importance-of-full-and-accurate-count | Carper, Coons, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Full and Accurate Count | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and 39 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolutionto ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. Getting an accurate census count is critical to our country's economy and our democracy, said Senator Carper. In the First State, for each person uncounted we lose more than $2,000 in annual federal funding. In order for our government and the businesses that drive our economy to work for Delawareans and Americans across the country, it's imperative that we have a full and accurate count of those we serve. I'm pleased to be joining over 40 of my Senate colleagues in recognizing the importance of the 2020 Census and will continue working with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure a fair and complete count because our communities and businesses depend on it. Ensuring that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate will make a real difference for Delaware, said Senator Coons. It's only with unbiased, accurate census data that we can ensure we're making smart, targeted decisions about how to make federal investments in our communities, from transportation infrastructure to locating schools, hospitals, emergency response operations, and more. This isn't about politics, this is about good government, and I'm proud to join my colleagues in fighting for a fair, accurate census in 2020. The 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. The resolution recognizes theimportanceand significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of ev… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/only-two-days-left | Only TWO DAYS left! | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | December 13, 2019 Dear Friend, Did you know that health care open enrollment in Delaware ends in just TWO DAYS? That's why this week, I spoke on theSenate floorto remind Delawareans it's time for you, your family and your friends to sign up for quality, affordable health insurance before it's too late. I alsoteamed upwith Westside Family Healthcare and the Rehoboth Art League to remind Delawareans: if you don't get health insurance through your employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children's Health Insurance Program, you can find a plan that works for you in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace onhealthcare.govorchoosehealthDE.comfrom now until December 15th. Five years ago, the Affordable Care Act began offering every American in the First State and across the country access to high-quality, affordable health care. Since then, millions of Americans have gained comprehensive health care coverage from the ACA marketplace. At Westside, I hearddirectlyfrom one of those people Delawarean G.W. Thompson, an artist in Lewes who, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, has access to quality health insurance for his entire family. When he and his wife were expecting their first child, they were able to find a plan and rate that worked for them and when his family faced health woes and high hospital bills, Thompson was able to breathe a sigh of relief because of his coverage from the ACA and he isn't alone. From stay at home parents, to entrepreneurs and artists like Thompson, thousands of Delawareans have relied on the ACA for quality coverage. I also heard fromSara Cruz, a Westside Health navigator, who talked about her experience enrolling Delawareans and discussed helpful tools for families looking to get covered. When Anita from Millsboro needed help navigating the ACA marketplace, Sara drove to a local public library close to Anita's home and went over her health insurance options, how to complete the application and even how she could use the insurance once she was covered. If you need help finding a plan t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-meets-with-military-family-impacted-by-pfas-contamination | Carper Meets with Military Family Impacted by PFAS Contamination | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, met today with Army and Air Force veteran Jim Holmes and his wife, Richelle, who recently lost their 17-year-old daughter, Kaela, to brain cancer after living for years at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida one of the nation's military installationsmost severely impactedby PFAS contamination. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are on Capitol Hill today to share their daughter's story and to advocate for Congress to hold the Department of Defense accountable for cleaning up PFAS contamination that was caused by the Department of Defense. Read more about Kaela's storyHERE. I thank Mr. and Mrs. Holmes for sharing their story with members of Congress and me today. Losing a child is something that no parent should have to endure. Their bravery and advocacy will help my colleagues understand the magnitude and urgency of the very real problem before us,said Senator Carper, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves.Sadly, I fear that the Holmes family is not alone. We have military communities throughout the country that are still drinking water with high levels of PFOA and PFOS, two harmful PFAS chemicals. Recent studies show that there are almost 300 known U.S. military installations with water systems impacted by PFAS contamination including two in Delaware. Our men and women in uniform and the families who love them sacrifice enough already. They should be able to serve our country with the peace of mind that our military will do the right thing and protect families from harmful water contamination. Carper continued,At this very moment, there is widespread, bipartisan agreement in Congress that we need to speed up Scott Pruitt and Andrew Wheeler's long-promised plans to list PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, which would force liable pollutersincluding the Department of Defenseto clean up contamination of these two chemicals present in and around Patrick Air Force … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-reminds-delawareans-and-all-americans-to-sign-up-for-quality-affordable-health-care-ahead-of-dec-15-deadline | Carper Reminds Delawareans and All Americans to Sign Up For Quality, Affordable Health Care Ahead of Dec. 15 Deadline | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Finance Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to remind Delawareans of the upcoming Affordable Care Act open enrollment deadline of this Sunday, December 15th. Some may be wondering if the ACA marketplace is the right choice for you or your loved ones,said Senator Carper.The marketplace provides quality, affordable health care coverage for Americans who don't receive affordable health insurance through their employer. Senator Carper continued,For instance, last Friday, I met G.W. Thompson, a self-employed artist from Lewes, Delaware, whose life was forever changed by the Affordable Care Act, when he was able to find affordable and comprehensive health insurance.Earlier this year, I met a widow in Delaware named Marie who lives with a pre-existing condition. As it turns out, there are tens of millions of people in this country who live with pre-existing conditions and for many years they did not have access to health care. That's not the case anymore. Thanks to the excellent staff at Westside Family Healthcare in Dover, Delaware, Mari e was able to enroll in an ACA plan that covers her pre-existing condition and keeps her healthy. If you are one of the 133 million Americans living with a pre-existing condition, I urge you to visit HealthCare.gov today, and find a plan that works for you.If you are a young person who has just turned 26 and can no longer stay on your parents' health care plan, visit HealthCare.gov today, and find a plan that works for you. If you or your family have tried to enroll in Medicaid, but did not qualify, visit HealthCare.gov today, and find a plan that works for you.Senator Carper concluded,And don't forget, nearly 9 out of 10 customers are eligible for financial help, which could mean big savings for you and your family. Senator Carper also highlighted the recent addition of new insurers on the ACA marketplace and average premium decreases nationwide. Premiums for the most popular ACA plans ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-statement-on-skipwith-confirmation | Carper Statement on Skipwith Confirmation | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted 52-39 to confirm Aurelia Skipwith to serve as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In order for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional role to provide advice and consent' on presidential nominees, those nominated individuals must cooperate during the confirmation process. To my deep disappointment and dismay, Aurelia Skipwith has failed to cooperate, and that is the main reason why I was unable to vote for her nomination today. Despite my repeated requests for information since August requests made twice in writing and twice in person Ms. Skipwith has refused to provide information pertaining to her activities as a Department of Interior official. This is information that is routinely provided by other nominees. Instead, she suggested that I file a Freedom of Information Act request for the basic information I'm seeking. Ms. Skipwith's lack of candor has elevated questions that already existed about her qualifications and her commitment to environmental conservation. The nominee's evasiveness has left serious questions unanswered as to whether she can ethically lead the Fish and Wildlife Service. And, her failure to cooperate gives me little confidence that she will be more transparent once sworn into office. I worry that Ms. Skipwith's failure to be forthright as a nominee is a harbinger of her tenure at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as director. But, on behalf of the thousands of men and woman who work at the Service, I hope I am wrong. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-flavors-of-first-state-featured-at-9th-annual-taste-of-delaware | PHOTOS: Flavors of First State featured at 9th Annual Taste of Delaware | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2019CONTACT:Brendan Mackie at 302.468.0545 WASHINGTON More than 650 people joined U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and the Delaware State Chamber for the 9th Annual Taste of Delaware at the Russell Senate Office Building on December 11. The annual event, which was free and open to the public, featured food and drinks from the First State. The Taste of Delaware, which celebrates Delaware ratifying the Constitution in 1787, showcased some of the First State's best flavors from destinations such as Brick Works (Millsboro), Capriotti's (Wilmington), Dogfish Head (Milton), Double Spiral Chocolate (Ardentown), Home Grown Caf (Newark), Kee's Cookies & Cupcakes (Clayton), SoDel Concepts (Rehoboth Beach), The Starboard (Dewey Beach), and Sea Watch (Milford). To download this released image and other hi-resolution photos, visit https://bit.ly/2P9BTzP. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nemours-supports-sen-coons-bipartisan-bill-prioritizing-childrens-health-care-research | Nemours supports Sen. Coons’ bipartisan bill prioritizing children’s health care research | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Followingsharp reductionsin pediatric medical researchers at theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase pediatric-focused research at the NIH by addressing challenges in researcher recruitment and retention and by creating a pipeline of early-career pediatric researchers. I applaud Senator Coons and Senator Ernst for their bipartisan leadership in introducing a bill that includes critical provisions needed to support the development of the next generation of pediatric researchers,said Larry Moss, MD, president and CEO of Nemours Children's Health System.Supporting early career investigators is a key priority for the research community, and this bill is an important step forward. I am proud to support investments in pediatric scientists and research that will helpreduce the suffering experienced byour nation's children,said Senator Coons.By bolstering the pediatric-scientist workforce, we are creating opportunities forscientificadvancementsthat will not only improve the health and livelihood of kids across the country but also reduce the burden of disease faced by Americans in later-life. In addition to Coons and Ernst, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Background:In the past several years, pediatric research slots have seensharp reductionswithin the NIH. This includes reductions of Child Health Research Center Awards, which supports fewer than half of the young investigators that it did in 2010. The Pediatric Scientist Development Program has also seen cuts, having been reduced from supporting 17 training slots per institution down to 10 per institution. These reductions contrast with the consistent increases Congress has provided to the overall NIH budget. ThePediatriciansAccelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Actwould establish an NIH-wide grant to support early-car… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-bipartisan-deal-backed-by-sen-carper-to-permanently-fund-dsu-and-other-hbcus-headed-to-the-presidents-desk-to-become-law | Sen. Coons’ bipartisan deal, backed by Sen. Carper, to permanently fund DSU and other HBCUs, headed to the President’s desk to become law | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Late yesterday, both chambers of Congress passed the bipartisan agreement brokered byU.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and several leading Republican and Democratic Senators, also supported by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.),to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutionslike Delaware State University. The legislation will alsosimplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers.Funding for the institutions had lapsed on September 30. The bill is now headed to the President's desk for signature. This is a historic day for Delaware State University and HBCUs across the country, which have played a critical role in helping to ensure that every Delawarean and every American is able to access higher education,Senator Coons said.HBCUs like Delaware State are among our nation's most important and cherished institutions, and I'm proud that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement to permanently provide them with the federal funding they deserve. Senator Coons added:This bill doesn't only support DSU and HBCUs it will also simplify the federal student aid process so that millions of American students can access the federal student aid available to them. I'm pleased that this bipartisan agreement is now one step closer to being signed into law. It will bring permanent federal funding to Delaware State University and other HBCUs across the country and enable these universities to focus on what they do best: educating our students in the classroom and preparing them for lasting careers in today's workforce,said Senator Carper.In Delaware, we know that the money provided through the Higher Education Act is a smart investment that will bolster our workforce and our economy. Last month, I visited Delaware State University and heard directly from students and faculty members about how important this federal funding i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-ag-barr-is-acting-as-president-trumps-personal-attorney-instead-of-nations-top-law-enforcement-officer | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: AG Barr is “acting as President Trump's personal attorney” instead of nation’s top law enforcement officer | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning to discuss the Justice Department inspector general's report. President Trump since he became president has been claiming that the investigation into his campaign's activities was a witch hunt and a hoax. That's an investigation that produced six convictions of some of his most senior folks, his campaign manager, his personal attorney, his national security advisor, and this inspector general report shows that it was without bias and well-founded,said Senator Coons. President Trump's got one personal attorney who is currently serving jail time, another one who is mucking around in Ukraine again and has frankly become somewhat of a laughingstock, despite his respected tenure as mayor of New York, and so if Attorney General Barr wants to join that company, I think ultimately, he will go down in history as a discredited attorney general,said Senator Coons. Video and audio availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Q: What did you make of Attorney General Barr's comments denouncing the DOJ Inspector General? Senator Coons:This was a striking action by the Attorney General to try and continue to pump up these fake conspiracy theories that Republicans in support of Trump's campaign to discredit the ongoing impeachment inquiry have been spreading. Later this morning, we are going to have a hearing on the Senate Judiciary Committee about Inspector General Horowitz's investigation an investigation that concluded that the FBI was without bias and properly and well-founded as they launched the investigation into the then-Trump campaign and Russian interference into the 2016 election. That Attorney General Barr dismisses that out of hand, in sharp contrast to the FBI Director, Chris Wray, who stands by the conclusions of the inspector general, is to me just one more piece of evidence to me that the attorney general is not our nation's top law enforcement officer, but is instead acting as Pres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-calls-for-transparency-from-nominee-to-lead-white-house-regulatory-office | Carper Calls for Transparency from Nominee to Lead White House Regulatory Office | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) senior Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC),urged Paul J. Ray, President Trump's nominee to be Administrator of Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), to cooperate with relevant Congressional records requests regarding his nomination. Senator Carper also raised concerns about the potential precedent being set by Mr. Ray's failure to adequately provide information from the Committee related to his tenure at OIRA. Throughout the Committee's vetting process, Mr. Ray has asserted some type of privilege or deferred to the OMB General Counsel more than any past OIRA nominee who has appeared before the Committee. In fact, he asserted privilege or deferred to counsel 19 times in his pre-hearing questionnaire responses. OIRA is the office within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) charged with reviewing of Executive Branch regulations, approving government information collections, establishing government statistical practices, and coordinating federal privacy policy, which includes review of additions to the census. Mr. Ray has presided over or been involved with dozens of controversial rulemaking decisions in the past year and a half in which he has worked at OIRA. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is an oversight committee. We do oversight over the whole federal government. That's the responsibility of this committee. The only way we can do our jobs effectively is to make sure that folks like you, if you're confirmed, are forthcoming -- not asking for privilege and not declining to provide us with critical information we need to fully evaluate your record and qualifications, said Senator Carper. Eventually we're going to have an election, who knows who is going to win next time, who is going to be in the majority, or who is going to be in the administration. But this could come back to bite folks on both sides of the aisle. Now, I know our chairman cares a lot about oversight and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-coons-blunt-rochester-to-host-grants-seminar-on-dec-19-in-dover | Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester to Host Grants Seminar on Dec. 19 in Dover | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | On Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, Delaware's Congressional Delegation of U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) will host a seminar for Delawareans interested in learning the nuts and bolts of applying for federal and local grant awards. The free event will be held at Delaware Technical Community College's Terry Campus in the Education and Technology Building from 12 4:30 p.m. for businesses, organizations and individuals seeking to obtain funding through government grants. Participants will learn about the grant awards available to them and how to complete a successful application, as well as how to tell their organization's story, leverage funding and work with Congressional staff. Participants will learn from Sheila Bravo of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Cynthia Pritchard of Philanthropy Delaware and Stuart Comstock-Gay of the Delaware Community Foundation. While the event is a free service to the public, registration is required. To register, email federalgrants_carper@carper.senate.gov by Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-introduce-resolution-to-honor-human-rights-day | Sens. Coons, Tillis introduce resolution to honor Human Rights Day | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate to recognize the 71stanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive agreement among countries regarding the specific rights and freedoms of all human beings. As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we are proud to introduce a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 71st anniversary of this important Declaration and designating December 10 as Human Rights Day,said the Senators.The values espoused in the Declaration reflect America's own founding documents, and they are integral to U.S. efforts to defend and promote the rights and freedoms of all people around the world. We applaud the work of human rights defenders and commit to supporting them today and in the years to come. The text of the resolution is availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wdel-story-on-sen-coons-trying-to-stop-drug-diversions-in-the-us | WDEL story on Sen. Coons: ‘trying to stop drug diversions in the US’ | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. In case you missed it, WDELfiledastorytoday about U.S. Senator Chris Coons' (D-Del.) bipartisan bill,the Suspicious Order Identification Act of 2019,that would prevent diversion of large drug shipments in real time before it has the ability to inflict damage in our communities. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is the onlyfederalentity that can track suspicious orders of opioids, but under the current system, by the time the DEA flags one, it's too late, and oftentimes, drugs have been diverted to the streets.This lack of real time tracking capability makes it far too easy fordealers to get their hands on opioids that they should not have access to. When you order a pizza or buy something on Amazon, you can follow your shipment in real time, so there's no reason the DEAand industryshouldn't be able to track massive shipments of dangerous opioids,said Senator Coons.This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that would help ensure that the DEA is able to track large shipments of opioids and keep our communities safe. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-defense-bill-pfas-measures-represent-a-missed-opportunity | Carper: Defense Bill PFAS Measures Represent a Missed Opportunity | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, reiterated his strong rebuke of the failure to include bipartisan, broadly supported measures to address PFAS contamination in communities throughout America, including hundreds of communities in or near military bases in the Defense Authorization bill. A majority of members in both theHouseand theSenatesupport the designation of all 4,000 PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Superfund law. But a much more modest measure one that would provide a path to designate just two PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances, ensuring cleanup at federally contaminated sites and in communities across the country was unable to be included in the Conference Report. It should be lost on no one that both former EPA AdministratorScott Pruittand EPA AdministratorAndrew Wheelerhave said they would make that designation for those same two PFAS chemicals,said Senator Carper, who is also a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and the only Vietnam veteran currently serving in the U.S. Senate. Moreover, removal of a bipartisan Senate measure that would have set a drinking water standard for harmful PFAS a measure that passed the Senateunanimously will leave unprotected millions of Americans whose drinking water is currently contaminated,Carper continued,It is hard to understand how the joint House-Senate negotiation managed to yield less protective PFAS measures than were inbothchamber's bills. Despite having the support of hundreds of Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and from all parts of the country, key PFAS provisions were either weakened or removed entirely from the final conference report. Instead of seizing the clear opportunity to get these important provisions across the finish line, Congress has managed to seize defeat from the jaws of victory. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS has beendetectedin the drinking water of 19 million Americans across 49 states. Nation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/open-enrollment-begins-today | Open enrollment begins today! | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | November 1, 2019 Dear Friend, Today is the day! Health care open enrollment in Delaware and all 50 states begins today, which means you, your family and your friends can sign up for quality, affordable health insurance. This week, Ijoinedmy some of Democratic colleagues in the Senate to help get the word out and remind Americans across the country that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace is open for business. I also joined Senator Coons, Governor Carney and state officials toannouncethat Delaware's Health Insurance Marketplace is open with premiums declining for the first time since it first opened in 2013! Plans, prices and financial assistance vary from year to year and state by state. In Delaware, premiums will see a whopping 19% decrease in rates compared to 2019. Why? In large part because our state announced a reinsurance program designed to help insurers pay for some of their costliest patients. This new program will help keep premiums down for everyone else in the state's marketplace. I believe that every family in the First State and across our country deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Despite Republicans' endless efforts to sabotage health care for millions of Americans, the Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land. Today, the ACA is more popular than ever. After all, more than 20 million Americans have gained health care coverage through the law. Nearly 130 million Americans living with pre-existing conditions have critical protections they didn't have before. The law has expanded Medicaid coverage for 12.6 million more Americans and extended the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 11 years. And this progress was made all while reducing the federal deficit by more than $1 trillion. If you don't get health insurance through your employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children's Health Insurance Program, you can find a health care plan that works for you in the ACA marketplace onhealthcare.govorchoosehealthDE.com. Enrollment is easy, and help is standi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-rep-johnson-honor-dr-christine-darden-hidden-figures-inspiration-in-the-capitol | Sen. Coons, Rep. Johnson honor Dr. Christine Darden, ‘Hidden Figures’ inspiration, in the Capitol | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today in the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), and the Sloan Foundation honored Dr. Christine Darden, CongressionalGold Medal recipient and former NASA mathematician, data analyst and aeronautical engineer. Katherine Johnson and her family and the families of Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson were also recognized at the event. The event celebrated thepassageof bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senator Coons and Representative Johnson, along with U.S. SenatorsLisaMurkowski (R-Alaska)and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)and U.S. RepresentativeFrank Lucas (R-Okla.), that will award Congressional Gold Medals to Katherine Johnson and Dr. Christine Darden and posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. The bill willalso award a fifth Congressional Gold Medal to honor all women who contributed to NASA during the Space Race. I'm thrilled that we had the opportunity to honor Dr. Christine Darden,Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all the women who contributed to NASA during the Space Race in the Capitol today,said Senator Coons.Their accomplishments have had a tremendous impact on the United States' role as the world leader in science and technological innovation and are an inspiration for women, especially women of color, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since the book was published, the phrase hidden figures' has taken on a life of its own,said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.Society is discovering the legacies of hidden figures' across all fields of work. National recognition of Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and the hundreds of other women mathematicians and engineers working at NASA, of their contributions to the space program, and their inspiring legacies is long overdue. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-delaware-state-chamber-of-commerce-to-host-9th-annual-taste-of-delaware | Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 9th Annual Taste of Delaware | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce will bring food and drinkfromthe First State to Capitol Hillon Wednesdayfor the 9th Annual Taste of Delaware. The annual event, held in the Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building,willtake place on Wednesday, December 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event is a celebration of the talented and passionate restauranteurs, chefs, bakers, distillers, and brewers who make Delaware truly unique, said Senator Coons. As the honorary host for the 9th Annual Taste of Delaware, I'mexcitedtobe working with the State Chamber again to showcase the state of Delaware on Capitol Hill. The Taste of Delaware commemorates the anniversary of Delaware ratifying the Constitution in 1787 and will showcase some of the state's best flavors from more than 20 food and beverage vendors such as The Starboard, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Mispillion River Brewing, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, SoDel Concepts, Home Grown Caf, Brick Works, Kee's Cookies & Cupcakes, and UDairy Creamery. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, clickHERE. MEDIA AVAILABILITY WHO:U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce WHAT:9th Annual Taste of Delaware WHEN:Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 WHERE: Kennedy Caucus Room Russell Senate Office Building CONTACT: Brendan Mackie (Coons) at 302.468.0545 orKelly Basile (DSCC) at 302.576.6564 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-the-doj-inspector-general-report-on-the-russia-probe | Senator Coons’ statement on the DOJ Inspector General report on the Russia probe | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the release of the Justice Department's Inspector General (IG) report on certain actions taken during the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. After an exhaustive investigation, the DOJ Inspector General's report makes clear that this was a legitimate investigation into Russian interference, not some conspiracy to get the President. Based on the unanimous conclusion of our intelligence community, we know that Russia engaged in an unprecedented attack on our elections hacking into computers, strategically releasing stolen materials, and conducting a massive disinformation campaign to sow division in American society and to help the Trump campaign. It was the FBI's job to investigate. Far from a hoax' or a witch hunt,' the Special Counsel investigation produced 37 indictments, guilty pleas, and convictions, including from President Trump's campaign manager, his national security advisor, and his personal attorney. This was a legitimate, warranted investigation into serious wrongdoing. I am glad that the IG report found no evidence of political bias or improper motivation in opening the investigation into Russian interference. That said, we must hold our law enforcement to the highest standards. I appreciate the FBI's full cooperation with the investigation and Director Wray's prompt action to address the errors that the Inspector General identified, promote accountability, and implement the IG's recommendations. As the FBI moves forward in implementing these changes, we as a nation should not be distracted from the threat of foreign interference in our elections. We must confront these ongoing attacks on a bipartisan basis, and it is my hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in doing just that. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-harris-colleagues-call-for-stephen-miller-to-be-fired | Sens. Coons, Harris, colleagues call for Stephen Miller to be fired | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and other Senate Democrats in a letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump, demanding the immediate removal of Stephen Miller from his position as a White House senior adviser. The letter follows recent reports detailing over 900 e-mails, sent from Mr.Millerto far-right Breitbart News between 2015 and 2016, which confirm that Mr.Millerworked to advance whitesupremacist, anti-immigrant ideologies. In the letter, the senators connect the e-mails to specific immigration policies Mr.Millerhas implemented in his current position. In addition to Coons and Harris, Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) signed the letter. Mr.Miller's demonstrable white nationalist ideology has directly translated into your administration's policies, which have been widely criticized for systematically targeting communities of color,wrote the senators.The Muslim ban targeted individuals of color and caused chaos at U.S. airports around the country, wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals and families.The family separation policy tore children from their families, resulting in widely reported mistreatment and human rights abuses of immigrants in detention facilities nationwide. The senators continued,When someone takes an oath to work in the White House and earn a taxpayer-funded salary, they work for the people, not a divisive, harmful, and hateful ideology. These e-mails clearly show what is driving … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-says-congress-should-be-ashamed-by-its-failure-to-lead-on-pfas-provisions-in-ndaa | Carper says Congress Should Be Ashamed by Its Failure to Lead on PFAS Provisions in NDAA | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, slammed congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their jettisoning of bipartisan, widely agreed-upon provisions in the nation's defense authorization bill that would have taken key steps to address PFAS contamination in communities throughout America, including hundreds of communities in or near military bases. Despite a voice vote in the House and 53 senators on record as supporting the designation of all 4,000 PFAS as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, it is appalling that Senate Republicans opposedand some senior House Democrats did not insist ona principled, compromise measure to begin cleanup at military sites and in communities throughout the country for just two of the most harmful legacy PFAS chemicals, said Senator Carper. Carper continued, Similarly, the insistence by some senior House Democrats to remove a bipartisan Senate provision adopted on a 100-0 basis to require a drinking water standard for these harmful chemicals flies in the face of our obligation to protect every American's right to have access to clean, drinkable water. Congress had a key opportunity to give these hundreds of American communities the help they so desperately need and deserve. But because of behind-the-scenes, beltway politics we are about to miss that opportunity. This outcome betrays the solemn responsibility we have as lawmakers to protect our military families and all residents of this country, and Congress should be ashamed by its failure to lead, said Carper. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS has been detected in the drinking water of 19 million Americans across 49 states. Nationwide, EWG data from September shows that there are nearly 300 military installations with known contamination, including two in Delaware at Dover Air Force Base and New Castle Air National Guard Base. In July, the Senate passed an amendment to NDAA that was introduced by Sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/delawareans-encouraged-to-enroll-in-aca-health-insurance-marketplace-by-dec-15-deadline | Delawareans Encouraged to Enroll in ACA Health Insurance Marketplace by Dec. 15 Deadline | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. With the Dec. 15thdeadline quickly approaching, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) teamed up with Westside Family Healthcare today to remind Delawareans and all Americans in need of health insurance to find a plan that fits their needs and budget through the Affordable Care Act's health insurance marketplace. Hosted by the Rehoboth Art League, the event highlighted artists who, along with other entrepreneurs, often need to find their own health insurance. Carper highlighted that, in Delaware, the average premiums have decreased by 19 percent for insurance beginning in 2020, making the marketplace a more affordable choice for folks who need health insurance. This is great news for Delawareans who get their health insurance on the ACA marketplace,said Senator Carper.The ACA is still the law of the land and, in Delaware, it's working to provide more affordable health insurance and increase access to health care. I encourage everyone in need of health insurance: don't delay a day more! Go to healthcare.gov right now before time runs out. Federal tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2020, that's between $17,236 and $49,960 for an individual, or between $35,535 and $103,000 for a family of four. For coverage in 2019, about 85 percent of enrollees in Delaware were eligible for tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium. Delawareans who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare. As a community health center, Westside Family Healthcare continues to play a critical role in ensuring our most vulnerable populations have access to affordable health coverage,said Lolita Lopez, president & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare.Our enrollment specialists are here to help Delawareans enroll before the December 15th deadline. I encourage Delawareans to schedule an appointmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/photo-release-carper-accepts-award-with-delaware-leaders-and-students-at-jobs-for-america-s-graduates | Carper Accepts Award with Delaware Leaders and Students at Jobs for Americas Graduates | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined Delaware leaders at the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) 2019 Luncheon & National Leadership Awards ceremony. Senator Carper and state leaders, includingstate Senator and President of Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) Nicole Poore, accepted the First State of JAG Award on behalf of the many Delaware leaders and students who have contributed to the program's success. Every year, this event renews my confidence in our country when I get the chance to see and hear from the remarkable range of leaders and committed supporters who work so hard on behalf of America's young people,said Senator Carper.You have made an investment of your time and your talent in one of America's great success stories - and one that Delaware is especially proud to claim, since Delaware is not only the state that founded America but also the state that started Jobs for America's Graduates.One of the things I focused on when I was governor of Delaware was trying to create a nurturing environment for job creation and preservation. More jobs were created in the eight years when I was governor than any eight-year period in the history of the state of Delaware. I did not create one of those jobs. Governors, Senators, Mayors, and Presidents always talk about the jobs they created. We do not create jobs. We help create that nurturing environment for job creation that's the key. A big part of that nurturing environment is workforce.Yesterday, nearly 160 million Americans went to work. At the same time 5 million jobs had nobody to fill them. We cannot afford to leave our children behind and we cannot afford to leave jobs going unfilled. The future leaders I have met through the JDG program in Delaware schools are gaining the necessary skills to fill the jobs of tomorrow and I cannot think of a more worthy cause to support. The magic behind JDG are the job specialists here today. You're making a difference in the lives of so many. The most rewarding part of my job is that eve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-bipartisan-colleagues-demand-ed-dept-ig-investigation-into-loan-forgiveness-process-following-alarming-npr-report | Sen. Coons, bipartisan colleagues demand Ed Dept. IG investigation into loan forgiveness process following alarming NPR report | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the department's acting inspector general, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process forAmericans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). Themembers' letter comes after an alarming report fromNational Public Radio (NPR), aired earlier this week, that found that hundreds of thousands of Americanswith qualifying disabilitieshave not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. In addition to Senator Coons, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) along with U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Don Young (R-Alaska).Since 2016, Senator Coons has been the leading voice in the Senate on this issue. In 2017, hisStop Taxing Death and Disability Act, a bill to remove the federal tax penalty for federal student loans that are discharged due to death or total and permanent disability, was passed into law. Senator Coons has led several letters, sent onFebruary 15, 2018andOctober 9, 2019respectively, to the Department of Education urging the department tomake the student loan discharge process automatic upon a borrower being matched in the database. We are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED,Senator Coons and his colleagueswrote.We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. The letter is copied be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/carper-and-whitehouse-epa-is-redefining-ambient-air-to-fit-industry-s-definition | Carper and Whitehouse: EPA Is Redefining Ambient Air to Fit Industrys Definition | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), top Democrat on the EPW Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, slammed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s final guidance that redefines ambient air under the Clean Air Act and EPA's regulations, a policy change that will exempt more outdoor air from pollution protections and was specifically sought out by a secretive industry group formerly represented by EPA officials. This seemingly small and esoteric policy change will have serious implications for public health and the environment. By narrowing the definition of ambient air' under the Clean Air Act, EPA risks exposing more people across the country to harmful pollution,the senators said.What we're really seeing here is that EPA is redefining air' to suit the specific needs of industry. What was part of former Air Administrator Wehrum's wish list is now his legacy. In July, following a months-long investigation, Senators Carper and Whitehouse unveiled their report, Redefining Air: Industry's Pipeline to Power at EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. The report detailed efforts by former EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum and his senior counsel, David Harlow, to achieve policy outcomes to the benefit of several industry organizations represented by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, the law firm at which Wehrum and Harlow worked prior to their tenures at EPA. This newly issued EPA policy appears to have been first recommended to the EPA in March 2018 by one of those Hunton-represented organizations, the NAAQs Implementation Coalition, which is comprised of at least nine industry groups. The Coalition asked EPA to redefine and narrow the meaning of ambient air, which would reduce the amount of outdoor air protected by the Clean Air Act in the first instance precisely what EPA is doing here. At the time this policy change was proposed, Mr. Wehrum was recused from meeting with his former clientsat … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/epa-ig-pruitt-led-glider-trucks-rollback-ignored-rulemaking-process-lacked-transparency | EPA IG: Pruitt-led Glider Trucks Rollback Ignored Rulemaking Process, Lacked Transparency | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) and Tom Udall (D N.M.), top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, made a joint statement after the EPA Inspector General released the findings of its probe into EPA's November 2017 proposal to repeal air emission standards for heavy-polluting glider trucks. This new report, requested by Senators Carper and Udall, revealed the troubling extent to which the Trump EPA went to break the law and abuse the regulatory process in order to benefit individual political benefactors from the glider truck industry. The report relates to a November 2017 proposal by then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, which would have repealed all federal emission standards for so-called glider vehicles. New glider trucks are often referred to as zombie trucks because, while they look new on the outside, on the inside they have old, dirty diesel engines that emit exponentially more pollution than modern trucks do. As part of its investigation, the IG also obtained access to Scott Pruitt's emails, including some but potentially not all emails deleted from his account. According to the Inspector General, Scott Pruitt personally directed that this proposal be done as quickly as possible without conducting the analyses required by [Executive Orders] 12866 and 13045, which require cost-benefit analyses and analyses of the impacts on children's health. Emails from another EPA political appointee show that the agency did not conduct those economic or health analyses in part because they would most likely not be as supportive' of the proposal as OMB and others, presumably Pruitt, might like. As the IG wrote, the Trump EPA lacked transparency and deprived the public of required information. As the EPA Inspector General made clear, Scott Pruitt secretly orchestrated a legally and scientifically flawed process to undo protections against dirty glider trucks, a mov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/permanent-funding-for-dsu-sen-coons-bipartisan-bill-backed-by-sen-carper-to-permanently-fund-dsu-and-other-hbcus-passes-the-senate | Permanent funding for DSU: Sen. Coons’ bipartisan bill, backed by Sen. Carper, to permanently fund DSU and other HBCUs, passes the Senate | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate passed a bipartisan agreement brokered byU.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and several leading Republican and Democratic Senators, also supported by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.),to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutionslike Delaware State University. The legislation will alsosimplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers.Funding for the institutions had lapsed on September 30. This is a historic day for Delaware State University and HBCUs across the country, which have played a critical role in helping to ensure that every Delawarean and every American is able to access higher education,Senator Coons said.HBCUs like Delaware State are among our nation's most important and cherished institutions, and I'm proud that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement to permanently provide them with the federal funding they deserve. Senator Coons added:This bill doesn't only support DSU and HBCUs it will also simplify the federal student aid process so that millions of American students can access the federal student aid available to them. I'm pleased that this bipartisan agreement is now one step closer to being signed into law. It will bring permanent federal funding to Delaware State University and other HBCUs across the country and enable these universities to focus on what they do best: educating our students in the classroom and preparing them for lasting careers in today's workforce,said Senator Carper.In Delaware, we know that the money provided through the Higher Education Act is a smart investment that will bolster our workforce and our economy. Last month, I visited Delaware State University and heard directly from students and faculty members about how important this federal funding is to the university's success. I want to thank my colleagues Senators Murray and A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-when-youre-guilty-the-last-thing-you-want-is-a-long-trialbecause-inevitably-your-defense-falls-apart | Sen. Coons: “When you're guilty, the last thing you want is a long trial…because inevitably your defense falls apart” | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined CNN's Alisyn Camerota to discuss the impeachment inquiry and possible Senate trial. I think a full-blown defense that says this is a hoax and that there is absolutely nothing to it will be difficult for them to sustain. When you're guilty, the last thing you want is a long trial with lots of witnesses because inevitably your defense falls apart.said Senator Coons. I think it is ridiculous that [Republican Senators] are suggesting calling the former Vice President, who is the leading opponent of President Trump for the 2020 presidential election, in order to grill him about his alleged role in Ukraine,continued Senator Coons. I suspect Republicans would quickly come to regret giving him the opportunity to speak up about President Trump's role in interfering with Ukraine in such an unprecedented way. Video and audio availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Have you heard any rumblings about what Speaker Pelosi is going to say at 9 a.m.? Senator Coons:I don't know what Speaker Pelosi is going to say this morning, but I must say I have been impressed over the last few months as she has handled this very difficult, challenging issue of impeachment and how to continue passing meaningful bills that actually speak to the real issues facing Americans month in and month out. After President Trump was revealed by a whistleblower to have demonstrably interfered in our upcoming elections by asking a vulnerable ally, Ukraine, to do him a favor, I believe Speaker Pelosi did the right thing in opening an impeachment inquiry and I think following the conclusion of the House Intelligence Committee hearings over the last couple of weeks it has now been referred to House Judiciary I strongly suspect Speaker Pelosi will announce a timeline for an impeachment vote by the end of the year, but I think we will all have to stay tuned for the 9 a.m. announcement. What are your GOP colleagues planning for the Senate impeachment trial… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tillis-coons-cassidy-and-hirono-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-seize-counterfeit-products-and-protect-american-consumers-and-businesses | Tillis, Coons, Cassidy & Hirono Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Seize Counterfeit Products and Protect American Consumers and Businesses | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.CToday, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize imported merchandise that infringes a design patentand harms U.S. consumers and businesses. According to a recentstudy, the estimated value of international and domestic trade in counterfeit and pirated goodswas over $1 trillion in 2013 and the estimated value is projected to reach nearly $2 trillion in 2022. TheCounterfeit GoodsSeizure Act of 2019would help reduce the flow of counterfeit goods entering the United States and protect U.S. consumers and businessesfrom dangerous, harmful, and illegal products. The inflow of counterfeit goodsinto the United States is an issue that affects American consumers and business alike and results inthe American economy losingbillions of dollarsevery year,said Senator Tillis.I am proud to introduce thisbipartisan legislation to give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the authority to seize merchandise that infringes on design patents so we can take steps to stem the flow of counterfeit goods and protect American interests. Counterfeit goods brought into the United States from overseas cheat Americans who don't get the products they expect with their money,said Senator Coons.They also pose serious safety risks, line the pockets of organized crime, damage the reputations of legitimate American businesses, and rob them of hard-earned revenue. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that will empower U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize products for design patent infringement and safeguard American businesses and consumers. Counterfeit products undermine American businesses and put families in danger,said Dr. Cassidy.Criminal organizations sell counterfeit goods to fund illegal activity. This Legislation better enables American law enforcement to combat criminal groups and protect Americans. Counterfeit products from China and other countries flood our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/epw-hearing-statement | EPW Hearing Statement: Legislative Hearing on a bill to create a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a legislative hearing on a bill to create a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Although chronic wasting disease is an unfamiliar topic to many of us in the First State, our neighbors in Maryland and Pennsylvania are dealing with it firsthand. Therefore, in the spirit of the Golden Rule, Delaware has an interest in, and an obligation to, prevent the spread of this deadly disease. Deer are an important part of the ecosystem and link in the food chain. They're also an attraction for wildlife watching and hunting two recreational activities enjoyed by our state's residents and visitors alike. In fact, I'm told that seven out of every 10 hunters in Delaware hunt deer. Spending associated with hunting and wildlife watching provides a major boost to our state's economy. The money spent on equipment, lodging, and transportation supports jobs and local businesses, as well as many of our state's conservation efforts. Additionally, the sale of all hunting licenses, tags, and stamps, when combined with funds generated from taxes on hunting equipment, comprises approximately 60 percent of Delaware's annual budget for wildlife programs. Furthermore, hunting is Delaware's primary tool for deer management, as it is in many of our states. If chronic wasting disease spreads into Delaware, it could deter these hunters. In addition to the impact that would have on our wildlife management revenues, it would force our state to divert resources to alternative deer management tools. So, while we may not have any context for managing the impact of chronic wasting disease in the First State, we can certainly understand the major threat that it poses to states' environments, recreational opportunities, and economies. With the disease now detected in 26 states nationwide, it's more important than ever… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-featured-in-breaking-npr-report-student-loan-borrowers-with-disabilities-arent-getting-help-they-were-promised | Sen. Coons featured in breaking NPR report: ‘Student Loan Borrowers With Disabilities Aren't Getting Help They Were Promised’ | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. A National Public Radio (NPR)investigationhas found that hundreds of thousands of totally and permanently disabled (TPD) Americans have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.),theleading voice on this issue in the Senate, was featured in thereportthat was published this morning. Senator Coons expressed his concern that the Department of Education is failing to provide financial relief to hundreds of thousands of eligible TPD borrowers and hasn't provided adequate transparency to Congress in the process. "I just don't understand why the Department of Education continues to fail to make good on this opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of Americans who've already suffered enough,Senator Coons told NPR.The Department of Education simply needs to match up social security numbers and full names and send a notice of discharge, rather than make folks jump through another hoop and another layer of bureaucratic red tape. Under theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are TPD are eligible to have their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal student loans that are discharged due to death or TPD are tax exempt. The Department of Education utilizes data provided through matching agreements with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify disabled federal student loan borrowers who may be eligible for TPD loan discharge.If identified in the match, borrowers are notified through a letter in the mail and must complete and submit a discharge application. Despite the existing legal benefit for loan discharge and the removal of a federal tax penalty two years ago, many borrowers, in applying for relief, face significant challenges that are both administratively burdensome and unnecessary. According to NPR'sinvestigation, only 28% of eligible borrowers identified between March 2016 and September 2019 have either had their loans erased or … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-reaches-bipartisan-deal-backed-by-sen-carper-to-permanently-fund-dsu-and-other-hbcus-simplify-student-aid-process | Sen. Coons reaches bipartisan deal, backed by Sen. Carper, to permanently fund DSU and other HBCUs, simplify student aid process | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) reached an agreement with Senate Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), supported by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.)to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutionslike Delaware State University,simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers.Funding for the institutions had lapsed on September 30. HBCUs like Delaware State University have played a critical role in helping to ensure that every Delawarean and every American is able to access higher education,Senator Coons said.I'm thrilled that we've reached a bipartisan agreement to ensure that Delaware State and HBCUs across the country will be permanently funded and supported.He continued, I'm also proud that our agreement provides students a simpler path to accessing federal student aid and streamlines repayment processes for millions of student borrowers. I want to thank my colleagues Senators Murray and Alexander, as well as Senators Jones, Coons, Scott and Burr, and members of their staffs, for working in good faith to reach a bipartisan agreement that provides our HBCUs and students with thefundingthey deserve,said Senator Carper.In Delaware, we know that the money provided through the Higher Education Actis a smart investment that will bolster our workforce and our economy. Last month, I visited Delaware State University and heard directly from students and faculty members about how important this federal funding is totheuniversity's success.I'm pleased that today's bipartisan agreement will bringpermanent federal fundingto Delaware State University and other HBCUs across the country and enable these universitiesto focus on what they do best: educating our students in the clas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/epw-subcommittee-hearing-statement | EPW Subcommittee Hearing Statement: The Nomination of Robert J. Feitel to be Inspector General of the NRC | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Robert J. Feitel, of Maryland, to be Inspector General of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Below is the opening statement of Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the EPW Committee, who presided as ranking member at today's subcommittee hearing: Thank you, Mr. Feitel, for appearing before our committee and for your willingness to serve as Inspector General of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Since coming to the Senate almost 19 years ago, I have worked with both Democrat and Republican colleagues on this committee to strengthen the "culture of safety" within the U.S. nuclear energy industry. That includes making sure that the NRC is an independent and transparent regulator, one that prioritizes safety above all other issues. In part due to our collective oversight efforts, and in part due to the NRC's dedicated staff, the U.S. nuclear industry remains one of the safest in the world, and the NRC is the world's gold standard for nuclear regulatory agencies. Today, there are 96 nuclear reactors that are in operation in America. They are operating more efficiently than ever before, and they are producing more than 50 percent of our nation's carbon-free electricity. As our nation and other nations - look to nuclear energy to help address the climate crisis, we cannot be complacent when it comes to nuclear safety. Now, perhaps more than ever, the NRC and the nuclear industry must continue to be held to the highest standard. That means having a strong, independent NRC Inspector General. If Mr. Feitel is confirmed, he will serve as one of the first lines of defense against fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and misconduct across the NRC. If Mr. Feitel is confirmed, he will track and determine whether the NRC has the tools necessary to keep our country's nuclear power the safest in the world. And, if Mr. Feitel is confirmed, my colleagues in Congress and I will depend on him to keep u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-house-intelligence-committee-impeachment-report | Senator Coons’ statement on House Intelligence Committee impeachment report | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the release of the House Intelligence Committee report on the impeachment inquiry. During two weeks of testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, career diplomats, decorated veterans, and President Trump's own appointees all presented a consistent, straightforward set of facts: The President clearly, intentionally abused his power to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political opponent and he used foreign aid money as a bribe to do it. The hearings made clear that this wasn't just a phone call.' It was an organized, coordinated campaign by the President and his inner circle to pressure Ukraine into helping him win reelection, all while undermining U.S. national security in the process. The question now is how Congress will respond. This isn't business as usual, and it is profoundly dangerous for any of us to pretend otherwise. It is my hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in the Senate will take a moment and think about what role they want to play at this moment in our country's history. I hope the Senate will put fidelity to the country and the Constitution over loyalty to the President, consider the facts, and treat this inquiry with the seriousness it deserves. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-stand-up-for-constitutionally-protected-reproductive-rights-file-amicus-brief-in-critical-supreme-court-case | Sens. Carper, Coons Stand Up for Constitutionally Protected Reproductive Rights; File Amicus Brief in Critical Supreme Court Case | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.), along with 34 other Senators and 161 members of the U.S. House of Representatives,filed an amicus briefin the case ofJune Medical Services LLC v. Gee, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court of the United States and represents a direct challengeto the Supreme Court's landmark ruling inRoe v. Wade. June Medical Services LLC v. Geeaddresses the impact of Louisiana's Act 620, an extremeanti-abortionlaw that forces abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. The law provides no medical benefit and would harm patients by stifling access to abortion care. If the law goes into effect, only one clinic and one abortion provider would remain in Louisiana a state with over 360,000 women of reproductive age. Act 620, disguised as an effort to promote women's health, provides no medical benefit and instead will only create significant obstacles for women seeking abortions,the lawmakers wrote in the brief. Lawmakers emphasized in the brief that, just three years ago inWhole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, the Court struck down a materially identical Texas law because it imposed significant burdens on abortion access without providing health or safety benefits. Since then, the facts, the law, and the Constitution have remained the same. Lawmakers urged the court to uphold its precedent inRoe, Planned Parenthood v. Casey,andWhole Woman's Healthand strike down Act 620. There is no compelling reason here to upend this settled precedent, and no change of circumstances betweenWhole Woman's Healthand this action that justifies a different outcome Laws like Act 620, enacted in defiance of this Court's constitutional pronouncements, undermine our nation's confidence in the legislative process and the rule of law,wrote the lawmakers in the brief. Read the amicus briefhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-epa-administrator-william-ruckelshaus | Carper Statement on the Passing of Former EPA Administrator William Ruckelshaus | 2019-11-27 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement on the passing of former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator William Ruckelshaus, who served as administrator in 1970 in the Nixon Administration. Mr. Ruckelshaus later served as the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, and famously defied President Nixon's order to fire the independent special Watergate prosecutor. In 1983, when the EPA was in crisis, Mr. Ruckelshaus was again appointed to serve as EPA Administrator for the Reagan Administration. As families gather across America for Thanksgiving, we give thanks for many different things. One of the people we can be most thankful for as a nation is the first leader of the Environmental Protection Agency, Bill Ruckelshaus, a man of extraordinary courage and vision who was willing to speak truth to power and put country over party. His enduring legacy is living proof that we need more Democrats and Republicans who share his commitment to the health of our people and the health of our planet. If we had more leaders like him today, we would have a stronger democracy and a safer planet for it. Our battles for cleaner air, cleaner water and a safer planet are far from over, but if we can summon the courage and leadership today that Bill Ruckelshaus provided so long ago, we will get through our challenges much as he helped us get through equally daunting challenges forty years ago. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/happy-thanksgiving | A time to reflect and give thanks | 2019-11-27 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, we can hopefully take a small break from our busy lives to give thanks. While it's easy to get caught up in the food, football and shopping, we cannot lose sight of the holiday's true meaning. To me, Thanksgiving means giving back to the community that I call home. Each year, I start my morning running the Thanksgiving Day Multiple Sclerosis race in Wilmington then head down to the Emmanuel Dining Room to make sure my neighbors are able to partake in not only a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but also invaluable fellowship. This Thanksgiving, let's take time to reflect on our own lives, be thankful for what we're lucky enough to have, and ensure our families, friends, and neighbors have plenty to be thankful for as well. Send a letter or package to our troops overseas who are serving away from home during the holidays. Serve at a local food kitchen, giving a warm, comforting meal to those who need it most. Together, we can do our part to strengthen our community and truly connect with those around us. What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Share with me onFacebook! Wishing you and yours ahappy Thanksgivingand a warm holiday season. God bless, | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-statement-on-termination-of-navy-secretary-richard-spencer | Carper Statement on Termination of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer | 2019-11-24 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the Navy and the Naval Reserves and the only Vietnam veteran still serving in the U.S. Senate, released the following statement regarding the abrupt firing of Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer. It has been a privilege to meet and come to know Secretary Spencer and to work with him during his all too brief tenure as Secretary of the Navy. I know I speak for many of my colleagues both Democrats and Republicans in thanking him for his exemplary service and to also thank his wife and family for sharing such an extraordinary leader with our country. He has proven to be a stand up leader who always sought to do what's right, even when it's not easy. His commitment to order and his oath, even in the face of such strong external pressures, is an example of which sailors stationed around the globe can be proud. His strength of character is in much too short supply these days and will surely be missed. I wish him and his family fair winds and a following sea. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-after-this-weeks-testimony-the-presidents-defense-stands-in-tatters | Sen. Coons: After this week’s testimony, “the President’s defense stands in tatters” | 2019-11-22 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined CNN's Erin Burnett to discuss the impeachment inquiry. [It is] very clear that this was not just one phone call from President Trump to President Zelensky. This was an organized, coordinated campaign to serve the domestic political benefits of President Trump against his strongest domestic political opponent, former Vice President Biden. Something that was, as Dr. Fiona Hill put it, a domestic errand that put our national security at risk,said Senator Coons. [T]hat's what I hope my Republican colleagues will be reflecting on over this Thanksgiving break is how, in our nation's history, back in 1974, it was Republican senators, like Howard Baker of Tennessee, who put country over party and having heard the kind of evidence against President Nixon, that I think has now been presented against President Trump, went to him and said, You really should rethink whether you can survive a trial in the Senate.' Video and audio availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Have you talked to any of your Republican Senate colleagues today? What have they told you? Senator Coons:I have a number of friends in the Republican caucus in the Senate and when I try to bring up the subject of the testimony of this week, the striking developments in the House, all of them have either changed the subject or simply said they'd really rather not talk about it. It is a very difficult, sensitive subject, and one where, frankly, it has been quite difficult to get anyone to concede that the president's defense stands in tatters after this week's testimony in the House. Chairman Schiff compared Trump to Nixon in his closing remarks saying, The difference between then and now is not the difference between Nixon and Trump, it's the difference between that Congress and this oneWhere are the people who are willing to go beyond their party to look to their duty? Do you think those people exist? Senator Coons:Well, that's what I hope my Republican c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/bipartisan-progress-for-our-veterans | Bipartisan progress for our veterans | 2019-11-21 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, After serving our country in uniform, our veterans deserve the opportunity to obtain a world-class education or high quality job-training that will lead to a fulfilling civilian career and a productive life. That's why, for years, I've worked to protect our military and veteran students and safeguard their hard-earned GI Bill benefits. It's not just the right thing to do. I know first-hand how transformative these benefits can be. When I returned from Southeast Asia after three tours of duty, I used my Vietnam-Era GI Bill benefits to enroll at the University of Delaware and pursue a master's degree. Two years later, I emerged with my MBA and a job at the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO). The combination of my military service and education paid for by the GI Bill changed my life. I am deeply grateful to the people of this country for investing in me, and my desire to make sure that all our servicemembers receive a quality education that allows them to pursue their dreams is personal to me. Unfortunately, for too long,bad-actors in thefor-profiteducation sectorhave exploited a loophole in the system known as the 90/10 loophole and taken advantage of our veteransandtheir generous education benefits.The 90-10 Rule, a bipartisan federal law that was originally signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, established a market test to prevent for-profit schools from receiving 100 percent of their revenues from taxpayers. Republicans and Democrats agreed that a for-profit school should be able to get at least 1 dollar from non-federal sources, like employers, for every 9 dollars it received from taxpayers. However, the 90/10 loophole exists because for-profit schools can count GI Bill benefits as non-federal dollars. This has led to aggressive, and sometimes deceptive, recruitment and marketing to our military and veterans. Even worse, some of the schools that are the largest recipients of those taxpayer funds and GI Bill benefits have gone bankrupt and closed their doors leaving our ve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-disadvantaged-communities-poised-to-suffer-most-from-climate-crisis | Carper: Disadvantaged Communities Poised to Suffer Most from Climate Crisis | 2019-11-21 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee and co-founder of thefirst-everSenate Environmental Justice Caucus, spoke today at ahearingof the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis entitled, Perspectives From The Front Lines: How Climate Change Uniquely Impacts Environmental Justice Communities. Today's hearing was led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), top Democrat on the EPW Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife. Senators Duckworth and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Senator Carper,co-foundedthe Environmental Justice Caucus on Earth Day, 2019. The caucus has now grown to 15 members. Below are Senator Carper's remarks, as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Senator Duckworth, for convening this meeting to discuss the impacts of climate change on environmental justice communities. First, I want to thank you for your leadership on this important issue. Second, before I begin, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our witnesses here today, including Dr. Martinez and Ms. Robertstwo Fightin' Blue Hens who attended the University of Delaware. History tells us that environmental progress has not always been distributed equally. Like so many environmental issues, climate change disproportionately affects impoverished and disadvantaged communities, communities of color and indigenous communities. More often than not, low-income, minority and indigenous communities are located downstream and downwind from dangerous pollution, or near industrial facilities or factories. Not far from where I live in Wilmington, Delaware, there are neighborhoods alongside I-95 and 495 that suffer from poor air quality. Delaware is a downwind state. In these communities, interstate air pollution is compounded by dirty emissions from cars, trucks and vans stuck in traffic on the nearby interstate highways. And while the people living in these communities suffer from greater air pollution, they are also less likely to have access to quality, afford… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-very-hopeful-that-financing-our-energy-future-act-will-pass-this-year-after-being-included-in-house-package | Sen. Coons “very hopeful” that Financing Our Energy Future Act will pass this year after being included in House package | 2019-11-21 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Bloomberg Television to discuss theFinancing Our Energy Future Act, a bipartisan bill that levels the playing field for clean and renewable energy projects. The bill was included this week in a major clean and renewable energy incentive package put forward by the House Ways and Means Committee. Senator Coons also discussed government funding and trade. There is a big tax finance advantage that oil and gas and pipelines get, it's called master limited partnerships. It has been in place 40 years. This bipartisan bill opens that up to all forms of energy, renewable and non-renewable,said Senator Coons of theFinancing Our Energy Future Act.[I]t is included in what I think is the most promising package for renewables and for energy financing generally for this Congress. Video and audio availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Tell us about your bipartisan bill that would tweak the IRS code as it relates to energy policy. Senator Coons: That's right. It's theFinancing Our Energy Future Actand it takes my Republican colleagues at their word that as we look at energy of all kinds, we should have an all-of-the-above energy strategy that doesn't pick winners and losers. There is a big tax finance advantage that oil and gas and pipelines get, it's called master limited partnerships. It has been in place 40 years. This bipartisan bill opens that up to all forms of energy, renewable and non-renewable, and in a package that just came out of the Ways and Means Committee, it is included in what I think is the most promising package for renewables and for energy financing generally for this Congress. Are you confident that this gets done by the end of the year? Senator Coons: I am very hopeful. This is a bill that in the Senate has a half dozen Republican sponsors as well as Democratic sponsors, including the Chair of the Energy Committee. It's had a hearing, it's had a markup, it's been scored. I think this is exactly the sort of commonsense, manageable package of leg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-graham-murphy-rubio-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-peaceful-resolution-to-libyan-conflict | Senators Coons, Graham, Murphy, Rubio introduce bipartisan legislation to support peaceful resolution to Libyan conflict | 2019-11-21 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen U.S. policy in support of a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Libya. TheLibya Stabilization Actwould place sanctions on individuals fueling violence in the country, require a report on foreign government involvement, and require a strategy to counter Russian influence. The bill would also marshal U.S. resources, including humanitarian assistance, to support the Libyan people and an eventual unified Libyan government. The conflict in Libya is a humanitarian crisis that continues to fuel instability and present opportunities for extremist groups in the region,said Senator Coons. The United States should play a constructive role in ending the war and stemming the regional and international repercussions of the violence. My hope is that the bipartisanLibya Stabilization Actwill strengthen the Administration's efforts to bring about a diplomatic solution in Libya and signal to parties on the ground that the United States is committed to supporting peace and stability for the Libyan people. I am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan effort to focus on a peaceful solution to the conflict in Libya,said Senator Graham. Our goal is to prevent the Libyan conflict from spreading and allowing the entire region to become breeding ground for terrorists. I appreciate Senator Coons' hard work and am glad to join him in this effort to end the conflict and promote stability for the Libyan people. Absent sustained engagement by the United States, the security vacuum in Libya will continue to give space to operate for terrorists and extremists and deepen the country's humanitarian crisis,said Senator Murphy. TheLibya Stabilization Actwill telegraph to the world that the United States is committed to achieving peace in the country, and that we're ready to hold Khalifa Haftar or any bad actors who … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-merkley-alexander-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-create-monarch-and-pollinator-highways | Carper, Merkley, Alexander, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Monarch and Pollinator Highways | 2019-11-20 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today to introduce new legislation to help states create pollinator-friendly habitats along roads and highways. This legislation would help address the steep decline of pollinator populations, which poses a serious threat to Delaware farmers and the American food supply. Specifically, theMonarch and Pollinator Highway (MPH) Act of 2019would establish a federal grant program available to state departments of transportation and Indian tribes to carry out pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way. Monarch butterflies and other pollinators serve an indispensable role in our natural ecosystems, and their population decline poses a profound threat to both American food supply and to the economic success of farmers in Delaware and throughout the country,said Senator Carper.Through the use of competitive grants and assistance to communities, this bipartisan bill will take meaningful, innovative steps towards building up pollinator habitats along our nation's roads and highways helping our natural environment and our nation's agricultural industry at the same time. I want to thank Senators Merkley, Alexander and Rounds for their leadership on this urgent issue. As monarch and honeybee populations decline precipitously, we don't just risk losing these beautiful creatureswe also face an existential threat to American agriculture and our food supply,said Senator Merkley.Every state already contains thousands of miles of green space around roads and highways. If we transformed just a fraction of this land back to natural pollinator habitat, we could make a real difference to pollinator populations. This is a bipartisan, common-sense idea that the Senate should adopt without delay. Pollinators, especially bees, are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that we rely on t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/epw-business-meeting-statement | EPW Business Meeting Opening Statement | 2019-11-20 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) held abusiness meetingto consider the nomination of Sean O'Donnell to be Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: We have one item on the agenda today, and that is to vote on the nomination of Sean O'Donnell to be Inspector General of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has been without a confirmed Inspector General for over a year now. I believe that all of us here today agree that this is a job that's far too important to be vacant for this long, so I'm glad we have gathered here together now to vote on Mr. O'Donnell's nomination. As I said at his confirmation hearing, Mr. O'Donnell has a big job ahead of him. That bears repeating, because the EPA's mission is, and I quote, to protect human health and the environment.' In order for the EPA to fulfill that critical mission, the agency itself must be protected from misconduct or unethical behavior that could impair it. That oversight responsibility falls in no small part to the EPA Inspector General. I have met with Mr. O'Donnell. I have listened to his testimony before this committee. I have reviewed his answers to the Committee's questions. And, ultimately, I have concluded that Mr. O'Donnell is qualified to serve as the EPA's Inspector General. I was encouraged by Mr. O'Donnell's clear commitment to continue investigations into alleged violations of government ethics rules by political leaders, even if those leaders have resigned their positions. Unfortunately, that did not occur with all of the investigations into former Administrator Pruitt's deeply unethical behavior. And, Mr. O'Donnell also promised to protect the integrity of internal oversight functions within the EPA, especially when EPA's dedicated career staff are put into the untenable position of having to oversee or call out the improper activities of senior political … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-adopts-bipartisan-coons-scott-resolution-designating-november-national-college-application-month | Senate adopts bipartisan Coons, Scott resolution designating November National College Application Month | 2019-11-20 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the Senate adopted a resolution introduced byU.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) designating November 2019 as National College Application Month. As seniors in Delaware and across the country start to think about graduation and the adventures that come nextwhether it's heading to college, kickstarting a career, or participating in a national service programI want to encourage them to dream big,said Senator Coons. For those interested in attending college, now is the time to apply. I encourage all students to talk to teachers and guidance counselors about opportunities for scholarships, grants, or financial aidand to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. While college can be expensive, there are resources that can help students should that be the path they choose. This National College Application Month, I encourage all students to spend time considering their goals for the future, and I applaud those who are taking steps to apply to institutes of higher education,said Senator Scott. Education is a sure path to opportunity, and I wish every student who has dreams of continuing their education the very best of luck during this busy season of life. The resolution urges public officials, educators, parents, students, and communities to observe National College Application Month with activities and programs designed to encourage students to consider, research, and apply to college and for financial aid. It also commends those who support students throughout the college application process and who work to eliminate barriers to higher education. To view the resolution, please clickhere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sens-carper-coons-call-on-republicans-to-pass-funding-for-hbcus-including-delaware-state-university | [VIDEO] Sens. Carper, Coons call on Republicans to pass funding for HBCUs, including Delaware State University | 2019-11-20 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor topush for the passage ofthe FUTURE Act, which provides funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Delaware StateUniversity. Video and audio of the senators' remarks are availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/america-s-transportation-infrastructure-act-bipartisan-historic-and-substantial | America's Transportation Infrastructure Act: Bipartisan, historic and substantial | 2019-11-19 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | No matter where you live in America, people agree that our roads and bridges are long overdue for an upgrade. Our country's infrastructure needs are significant. Nearly 200,000 miles of major highways are in need of repairs, repaving or rebuilds. More than 47,000 bridges are in poor condition. Whether you live in a blue state or a red state, most Americans would agree that addressing these needs should be one of our nation's top priorities. It's time for Congress to pass significant, bipartisan surface transportation infrastructure legislation. As chairman and ranking member of the Senate committee that's responsible for our roads and bridges, we are committed to getting it done. In July, we introduced America's Transportation Infrastructure Act. Our legislation would give states the funds, flexibility and freedom to build safer and long-lasting bridges and highways. Modern highway systems power our economy, connect communities and improve quality of life. When enacted, America's Transportation Infrastructure Act will be the most substantial highway bill in history. It makes a $287 billion investment in our roads. The overwhelming majority of those funds will automatically go to state, tribal and local governments, allowing local leaders to determine which projects are top priorities. Our bill also incorporates key elements of the president's One Federal Decision policy without forgoing important environmental protections. It cuts red tape so that highway projects are completed faster, cheaper and smarter. Our legislation improves road safety by increasing funding to the successful Highway Safety Improvement Program. To update aging bridges, the bill establishes a competitive grant program to address the backlog of bridges in poor condition. It also supports state-led initiatives to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths and wildlife collisions. A large part of improving road safety is making sure America has durable highways and bridges that last. From rockslides in Wyoming to hurricanes and Nor'easters… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-portman-bipartisan-report-reveals-lack-of-federal-response-to-china-s-talent-recruitment-plans | Carper, Portman Bipartisan Report Reveals Lack of Federal Response to Chinas Talent Recruitment Plans | 2019-11-19 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), unveiled a new bipartisan report titled Threats to the U.S. Research Enterprise: China's Talent Recruitment Plans. The report documents how American taxpayers have been unwittingly funding the rise of China's economy and military over the last two decades while federal agencies have done little to stop it. The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will hold a hearing on the report tomorrow, November 19, 2019, at 10:00 am. A livestream of the hearing will be available here. Starting in the late 1990s through its talent recruitment plans, China began recruiting U.S.-based scientists and researchers and incentivizing them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded intellectual property to China for China's own economic and military gain. China pledged to spend 15 percent of its GDP, more than $2 trillion, on improving human resources from 2008 to 2020. The Subcommittee investigated China's most prominent talent recruitment plan: The Thousand Talents Plan (TTP). Launched in 2008, TTP incentivizes individuals engaged in research and development to transmit the knowledge and research they gain in the United States to China in exchange for salaries, research funding, lab space, and other incentives. Over the course of an eight-month investigation, the Subcommittee examined seven federal agencies' efforts to combat the theft of American taxpayer-funded research and technology through Chinese talent recruitment programs. While China has a strategic plan to acquire knowledge and intellectual property from researchers, scientists, and the U.S. private sector, the U.S. government does not have a comprehensive strategy to combat this threat. The seven federal agencies reviewed by PSI include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, State Department, Department of Commerce, and the Whit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-by-senators-coons-moran-to-level-the-playing-field-for-clean-energy-included-in-house-tax-package | Bipartisan bill by Senators Coons, Moran to level the playing field for clean energy included in House tax package | 2019-11-19 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan, bicameral legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Ron Estes (R-Kan.), theFinancing Our Energy Future Act, was included in a newly introduced package of clean and renewable tax incentives. Thompson, who is the House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman, today released theGrowing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now Act, which addresses climate change by using the tax code to extend renewable energy use. TheFinancing Our Energy Future Act, now a section in the Thompson package, would give clean energy projects access to a tax advantage currently available only to oil, gas, and coal projects. I am grateful to Chairman Thompson for including our bold, market-driven proposal in this effort to spur needed investments in clean and renewable energy,said Senator Coons. By providing innovators access to a unique financing tool that traditional energy sources have enjoyed for decades, our bill will unleash investments in a whole range of new energy technologies to curb global emissions and create jobs. TheFinancing Our Energy Future Actenjoys broad bipartisan support and can pass both chambers this year. It's time we give these vital clean energy technologies an immediate boost. The United States has the largest and most efficient capital markets in the world, and our sensible, bipartisan legislation makes certain that renewable energy companies have access to those markets,said Senator Moran. In order to grow our economy and further our energy independence, sound economic tools, like MLPs, should be expanded to allow additional domestic energy sources to compete on a level playing field. I am pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives agree and have worked to include this measure in a broad package of clean and renewable energy incentives. A master limited partnership (MLP) is a business structure that is taxed as a partnership, but whose ownership intere… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-hawley-demand-facebook-explain-their-privacy-practices-concerning-user-location-data | Coons, Hawley demand Facebook explain their privacy practices concerning user location data | 2019-11-19 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter calling on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to explain Facebook's privacy practices concerning user location information. In the letter, the Senators express concern that Facebook has misled its users about the company's collection of location data and how much control users actually have over their privacy settings. Location data is among the most sensitive personal information that a user can share with a company. Today, modern smartphones can reveal location data beyond a mere street address,the Senators wrote.We appreciate Facebook's attempt to proactively inform users about their privacy options. However, we are concerned that Facebook may not in fact be offering users the level of control that the company suggests these settings provide. The Senators continue,If a user has decided to limit Facebook's access to his or her location, Facebook should respect these privacy choices. The letter is copied below and is availablehere. November 19, 2019 Dear Mr. Zuckerberg, We write regarding Facebook's privacy practices concerning user location information. Recently, Facebook published a blog post in response to new updates to Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating system that are designed to provide users with greater control and information about when their location data is collected by apps on their mobile devices. Location data is among the most sensitive personal information that a user can share with a company. Today, modern smartphones can reveal location data beyond a mere street address. The technology is sophisticated enough to identify on which floor of a building the device is located. New updates to iOS and Android have been designed to give users greater insight and control over how and when they share their location with apps on their phones. In light of these developments, Facebook published a blog post, titled Understanding Updates to Your Device's Location Settings, in which Facebook describes the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/gao-report-climate-change-poses-real-threat-to-our-nation-s-superfund-sites | GAO Report: Climate Change Poses Real Threat To Our Nations Superfund Sites | 2019-11-18 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, announced a Government Accountability Office (GAO)reportthat concludes our nation's Superfund sites are woefully underprepared to withstand the worsening impacts of climate change, putting human health and the environment at risk. On December 4, 2017, Democratic Members of the EPW Committeesent a letterasking GAO to review and assess the risks posed by climate change on Superfund sites. Today, Democratic Members of the EPW Committee, along with Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, released the GAO report, EPA Should Take Additional Actions to Manage Risks from Climate Change, in which GAO found that approximately 60 percent of Superfund sites across the country are facing risks with flooding, storm surge, wildfires, and sea level rise. In the report, GAO cited some examples of Superfund sites that were damaged by Hurricane Harvey or threatened by wildfiresand concluded that many Superfund sites will be at increased risk in the coming decades. The report also found that the Environmental Protection Agency has omitted climate change from its agency strategy and planning documents, meaning these risks are not being addressed in a consistent way at all Superfund sites across the country. The report's findings make clear that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must do more now and better plan to mitigate against the worsening impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, storm surge, flooding and more frequent extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfires. These stark findings also come after the GAO's biennialHigh Risk Listreport released earlier this year concluded that neither global or U.S. efforts to mitigate the causes of climate change,approach the scales needed to avoid substantial damage to the U.S. economy, environment and human health o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-visits-dover-high-school-for-america-recycles-day | Carper Visits Dover High School for America Recycles Day | 2019-11-15 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | DOVER, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-founder of the Senate Recycling Caucus and top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, visited Dover High School to learn more about the school's recycling program on America Recycles Day 2019. Yesterday, a resolution led by Senators Carper and Recycling Caucus co-chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) recognizing America Recycles Day was approved unanimously by the Senate. Every Wednesday, a group of up to two dozen students at Dover High School, who are part of the Teen Vision community service group, spend more than half an hour of their free time between classes recycling a wide variety of items used at the school. These students are making every day America Recycles Day. Recycling is a great thing everyone can do on a daily basis to protect the environment and preserve our Earth's limited resources, said Senator Carper. In Delaware, more recycling can go a long way toward keeping our beaches clean and safe from litter that harms wildlife and could jeopardize our state's multi-million dollar tourism industry. As the American recycling industry faces new and evolving challenges, Senator Boozman and all the members of the bipartisan Senate Recycling Caucus are dedicated to promoting and advancing solutions that will encourage more recycling. Senator Carper continued, The Senators in D.C. could learn a thing or two from the Senators of Dover High! With more young leaders like this, the future of our planet is getting brighter and brighter. I applaud these students for their dedication towards conserving resources and keeping Delaware beautiful. According to the EPA, only 21 percent of recyclable waste is recycled. The American recycling industry is valued at approximately $200 billion, and it's estimated that diverting 75 percent of U.S. waste from landfills and incineration to recycling by 2030 would create 2.3 million jobs. A recent study from the World Economic Forum predicts that unless our waste management and recycling methods change signifi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/making-every-day-america-recycles-day | Making every day America Recycles Day | 2019-11-15 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | For more than two decades, communities across the country have come together on November 15th to observe America Recycles Day and celebrate their commitment to recycling. This year, I spent the morning talking about recycling with a group of students at Dover High School the home of the Senators! These students are taking the lead on recycling through Teen Vision, a community service group at Dover High that does great work like food bank drives and raising funds for breast cancer research. Every Wednesday, as many as two dozen students spend half an hour recycling bottles, cans, paper and other items at the school. I can tell you this, if Senators in D.C. have the same passion for recycling as the Senators at Dover High, we'll be in great shape. Fortunately, a number of U.S. Senators do! I've been a strong advocate for recycling for 50 years, which is what eventually inspired me to start the Senate Recycling Caucus. As co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I'm partnering with my Republican colleague, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, to lead the caucus in exploring ways in which the federal government can encourage more recycling. This year, our bipartisan caucus has held four briefings with environmental, business and local community leaders to learn more about the state of recycling in America today. Earlier this week, Senator Boozman and I introduced and successfully passed a resolution in the U.S. Senate to commemorate today, November 15th, as America Recycles Day. I believe we have a moral obligation to be devoted stewards of the environment and to leave our planet in better shape than we found it. Lately, I have been thinking about a quote from Martin Luther King: Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. This call to service reminds me of recycling because almost anyone can help protect our environment by reducing the waste they produce, and by recycling. Over the years, I have recycled almost everything you can imaginefrom a green Ford Explorer to paint cans to electronic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-boozman-resolution-recognizing-america-recycles-day-passes-senate | Carper-Boozman Resolution Recognizing America Recycles Day Passes Senate | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. To reaffirm our nation's commitment to recycling and to underscore the importance of recycling to our economy and the environment, the Senate unanimously approved aresolutionintroduced by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) that recognizes November 15, 2019 as America Recycles Day. The Senate Recycling Caucus, led by Senators Carper and Boozman, is abipartisan group of 26 senatorsengaged with environmental and industry stakeholders to find ways the federal government can more effectively encourage responsible recycling practices throughout the country. In 2019 alone, the caucus has held four briefings to hear about the state of recycling in America today and discuss ways in which the federal government can encourage more recycling. In honor of America Recycles Day, Senators Carper and Boozman are encouraging their colleagues and all Americans to remember the importance of recycling. On Thursday, theyspoke on the Senate floorto highlight the need to expand recycling practices. Really, every day should be America Recycles Day! Recycling is a small step that just about every American can take each day to improve our quality of living and protect the environment we share,said Senator Carper, co-founder of the Senate Recycling Caucus and top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee.I've been a strong advocate for recycling for 50 years, because I believe that all of us can do our part to preserve limited resources and reduce landfill input while, at the same time, protecting our environment and creating jobs. With plastic pollution projected to outweigh fish in our world's oceans by 2050, and with the mounting challenges that have come with China's new Green Fence' policy, it's more important than ever that we encourage more Americans to reduce, reuse and recycle,Senator Carper continued.I look forward to the work ahead of us in the Recycling Caucus to discuss and consider ways in which the federal government can effectively encourage innovation in recycling, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-lankford-cassidy-tester-introduce-first-ever-bipartisan-senate-bill-to-protect-student-veterans-by-closing-the-90-10-loophole | Carper, Lankford, Cassidy, Tester Introduce First Ever Bipartisan Senate Bill to Protect Student Veterans by Closing the 90/10 Loophole | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Protect VETS Act safeguards military and veteran students' hard-earned GI Bill benefits, holds predatory institutions accountable and saves taxpayer dollars Bipartisanlegislation supported bykeyveteransand military service organizations WASHINGTON, D.C. On the week of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), led a group of bipartisan senators Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy, M.D.(R-La.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in introducing theProtect Veterans' Education and Training Spending (Protect VETS) Act of 2019. TheProtect VETS Actis the first bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate that would protect military and veteran students by closing the 90/10 loophole andrequirefor-profit schoolstosecure at least 10 percent of their revenues from sources other than taxpayers. More than two decades ago, Republican President George H.W. Bush signed a bipartisan bill into law that limited how much federal funding for-profit schools may receive from taxpayers. Now called the 90/10 rule, this limit requires for-profit schools to obtain at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. However, a loophole in the law excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) education funds, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA), from being counted as federal funds. Some for-profit schools have exploited this 90/10 loophole by using aggressive recruitment practices and deceptive marketingto enroll servicemembers, veterans and other GI Bill beneficiaries. TheProtect VETS Actwould close the 90/10 loophole by counting VA and DOD funds as federal dollars. Specifically, theProtect VETS Actwould: Close the 90/10 loopholeby counting VA and DOD educational funds on the 90 percent side of the 90/10 formula rather than the 10 percent side. Requireproprietary schools toprovideupdated 90/10 datain their annual report to Congress. Move to a system of tiered penaltiesfor schools that violate the 90… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/senators-carper-coons-join-senators-in-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-support-and-expand-regional-greenhouse-gas-reduction-programs | Senators Carper, Coons Join Senators in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Support and Expand Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) today joined Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and a number of senators in introducingbipartisan legislationto support and expand regional climate change mitigation programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The RGGI is a collaborative effort across the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont that uses market-based tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. TheRegional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2019would establish an office at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the establishment of new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs and expand existing programs. In Delaware, we have seen firsthand the tremendous economic and public health benefits that come with participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative,said Senator Carper.This bill will help states expand upon the Northeast Region's success, providing all states with the financial resources and technical assistance needed to carry out regional greenhouse gas reduction programs. This legislation will result in cleaner air, a safer climate and more American jobs. I'm proud to partner with Senator Hassan on this important measure. Delaware is America's lowest lying state, which puts us on the front lines of the fight against climate change,said Senator Coons.Delaware and several other states in our region have shown real leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we've proven that this effort isn't just good for our environment it can help our economy, too. I'm proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to ensure that the federal government is working with state governments already leading the way by using market-based tools to reduce emissions and protect our environment. The EPA Office of Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs established by this legislation would provide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-isakson-kaine-portman-introduce-bill-to-help-unemployed-americans-find-good-jobs-call-for-swift-senate-passage | Coons, Isakson, Kaine, Portman introduce bill to help unemployed Americans find good jobs, call for swift Senate passage | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Today,U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation to help more unemployed Americans reenter the workforce. The Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment (BRIDGE) for Workers Act would give states more flexibility in administering existing unemployment benefits to help more Americans find good-paying jobs. These reemployment benefitswhich include job search assistance, employability assessment, job matching, financial literacy services, and assistance with resume writing and interviewinghave proved highly successful. When workers are laid off, early access to these services reduces the duration of their unemployment, strengthening both the economic security of working families and the solvency of state unemployment trust funds. U.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) introduced companion legislation in the House, which passed with bipartisan support on April 9, 2019.Senate passage of the bill will send it to the President's desk. Today's job market can be highly disruptive,said Senator Coons.A new technology or a shuttered factory can quickly put a hardworking American out of a job. Unemployment Insurance is an earned benefit that provides much-needed support, but during these uncertain times, many can benefit from additional help finding a new well-paying job. Meeting face-to-face with an expert, who can identify good job opportunities and coach people through the hiring process, can make all the difference, and the BRIDGE for Workers Act gives states the flexibility to offer that service to more workers. I call on my Senate colleagues to quickly pass this commonsense, bipartisan bill. The BRIDGE for Workers Act is commonsense legislation that would help more job-seeking Americans find valuable employment more quickly and provide states with more flexibility to aid these workers more effectively,said… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/facial-recognition-tech-sens-coons-lee-bill-requires-court-orders-for-law-enforcement-use-of-facial-recognition-technology | FACIAL RECOGNITION TECH: Sens. Coons, Lee bill requires court orders for law enforcement use of facial recognition technology | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced bipartisan legislation to require federal law enforcement to obtain a court order before using facial recognition technology to conduct targeted ongoing public surveillance. The use of facial recognition technology is a valuable tool for law enforcement to protect and ensure public safety; however, if used improperly, this technology can quickly become invasive and could violate the privacy of individual Americans. TheFacial Recognition Technology Warrant Actwill help to implement important safeguards to protect the American public from inappropriate government surveillance. Right now, there is a lack of uniformity when it comes to how, when, and where the federal government deploys facial recognition technology,said Senator Coons.I'm proud to introduce legislation with Senator Lee that would set clear rules around federal use of the technology by requiring the government to obtain a probable cause warrant if and when it wants to specifically target and track an American. This bipartisan bill strikes the right balance by making sure law enforcement has the tools necessary to keep us safe while also protecting fundamental Fourth Amendment privacy rights. Facial recognition technology can be a powerful tool for law enforcement officials,said Senator Lee.But it's very power also makes it ripe for abuse. That is why American citizens deserve protection from facial recognition abuse. This bill accomplishes that by requiring federal law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting ongoing surveillance of a target. We support the bipartisan leadership of Senators Coons and Lee to introduce meaningful reform of law enforcement's use of facial recognition technology,said Fred Humphries, corporate vice president of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft.The bill provides clarity for law enforcement to be transparent about its use of facial recognition technology, both for human review when facial recognition is in us… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/audio-ahead-of-america-recycles-day-carper-urges-delawareans-to-recycle | AUDIO: Ahead of America Recycles Day, Carper Urges Delawareans to Recycle | 2019-11-13 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Ahead of America Recycles Day on Friday, November 15, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-founder of the Senate Recycling Caucus and top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, is encouraging Delawareans to recycle by spreading the word about the positive impact recycling has on economic growth and environmental quality. Hello, this is U.S. Senator Tom Carper. And I'm reminding you that this Friday, November 15th is America Recycles Day, Senator Carper said. Recycling is good for our economy and our environment and it's something we can do every single day! It's an easy way that we can help keep our communities cleaner and healthier, too. According to the EPA, only 21 percent of recyclable waste is recycled. The American recycling industry is valued at approximately $200 billion, and it's estimated that diverting 75 percent of U.S. waste from landfills and incineration to recycling by 2030 would create 2.3 million jobs. A recent study from the World Economic Forum predicts that unless our waste management and recycling methods change significantly, we are on track to have plastic pollution outweigh fish in our world's oceans by 2050. We only have one planet. And with your help, America can lead the way in reducing, reusing and recycling, Senator Carper continued. So, let's all get out there and recycle today and every single day! Senator Carper along with Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) are co-chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, a group of 26 senators engaging with environmental and industry stakeholders to find ways the federal government can more effectively encourage responsible recycling practices throughout the country. To download and broadcast: Audio MP3: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/CARPER/111219_CARPER_3_RADIO.MP3 Audio WAV: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/CARPER/111219_CARPER_3_RADIO.WAV ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-statement-on-vote-against-wolf-as-dhs-undersecretary | Carper Statement on Vote Against Wolf as DHS Undersecretary | 2019-11-13 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), senior Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released the following statement after opposing the nomination of Chad Wolf to serve as Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Wolf has served in this role in an acting capacity since he was nominated for the job in February 2019, but has never been confirmed by the Senate. With the departure of Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan, 11 of the 18 top positions at DHS are vacant or filled by acting officials. The Trump Administration seeks to bypass the Constitutional role of the Senateto provide advice and consent regarding cabinet officialsby confirming Mr. Wolf in his current position, then appointing him toserve as Acting Secretary of the entire Department. Senator Carper has been outspoken about the need for the highest positions at DHS, the third-largest federal agency, to be filled expeditiously, and the need for the President to nominate, and the Senate to vote on, a permanent Secretary of Homeland Security. Earlier this year, in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I cast a vote in favor of Chad Wolf to serve as Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans at the Department of Homeland Security. I stand by that vote. I believed then, as I do now, that Mr. Wolf has the experience needed to fulfill that role at DHS. However, while the vote the Senate took today may have appeared in name to relate Mr. Wolf's nomination for that very same position at DHS, in reality, it was far different. Just two weeks ago, the President announcedvia Twitterhis intent to appoint Mr. Wolf to the position of Acting Secretary. Upon Mr. Wolf's swearing-in, he will serve as the fifth individual to run the Department in less than three years. Of those, only two have been confirmed to that position by vote of the Senate. My vote against Mr. Wolf today is not about the nominee himself. Now that he has be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/epw-hearing-statement | EPW Hearing Statement: Preserving and Expanding Clean, Reliable Nuclear Power: U.S. Commercial Nuclear Reactor Performance Trends and Safety Initiatives | 2019-11-13 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, Preserving and Expanding Clean, Reliable Nuclear Power: U.S. Commercial Nuclear Reactor Performance Trends and Safety Initiatives. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: Just last Friday, I had the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at a Change of Command Ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia aboard the USS Delaware, a nuclear-powered, fast-attack Virginia-class submarine that will be commissioned at the Port of Wilmington in Delaware. Our country has been building nuclear-powered vessels for a long time now. In fact, the U.S. Navy began to explore the potential of harnessing nuclear power aboard its vessels shortly after the end of the Second World War. Our first-ever nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was commissioned in 1954 and sent to sea in 1955. By the 1960s, the U.S. Navy had dozens of nuclear-powered submarines either under way or under construction. In those early days, our country invested in nuclear-powered submarines, ships, and aircraft carriers in an ultimately successful effort to stem the tide of communism around the globe. Today, we face different kind of threat, one that is a matter of survival for our planet. And just as nuclear power has been enormously important to our national defense, we need a strong, viable and safe fleet of nuclear power plants to combat a different kind of threat the growing threat of climate change and the extreme weather and rising seas that come with it. Today, there are 96 operating nuclear reactors throughout America that are running more efficiently than ever before and producing clean, carbon-free electricity. In fact, 50 percent of all of the world's carbon-free electricity comes from nuclear power. And, compared to other industrial sectors, the U.S. nuclear industry remains one of the safest in the world. That's in large part because the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or NRC, continues to be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-gardner-initiative-supporting-research-on-opioid-addiction-clears-key-senate-hurdle | Coons, Gardner initiative supporting research on opioid addiction clears key Senate hurdle | 2019-11-13 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, companion legislation to the bipartisan Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), was approved unanimously by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The legislation would support research on opioid addiction by directing the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, to fund merit-reviewed and competitively awarded research on the science of opioid addiction, allowing for further understanding of how to more effectively treat the multiple aspects of opioid addiction. The bill passed the House of Representatives in July and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Opioid-related deaths have reached epidemic levels in Delaware and across the country,said Senator Coons. We must use every tool at our disposal to address this crisis, which is why I have been proud to combat the importation of fentanyl, work to ensure better reporting of opioid shipments domestically, and support last year's bipartisan bill to strengthen the federal response. It is also why I am excited to see this bill advance and to support increased investments in critical research that will deepen our understanding of the many facets of opioid addiction. The opioid epidemic is devastating communities across the nation and has ruined too many lives in Colorado,said Senator Gardner. There's no one solution to ending this crisis, but promoting research to better understand the epidemic and encouraging the development of new tools and treatments for opioid addiction and abuse are meaningful steps. I'm proud to see the Committee approve my bipartisan legislation with Senator Coons, which will support research efforts at the National Science Foundation so we can base policy on evidence and work to stop the cycle of opioid addiction. Previous research by the NSF on opioid addiction has increased understanding of the neuroscience of addiction, substanc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-alexander-in-usa-today-the-mercury-rule-has-protected-americans-from-dangerous-pollution | Carper, Alexander in USA Today: The Mercury Rule Has Protected Americans from Dangerous Pollution | 2019-11-12 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | As former governors, we know that cleaner air means better health, a better economyand better jobs for the residents of our states. Today, thanks to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, children and families are breathing cleaner air and our waters and streams are less polluted. The mercury rule, which limits mercury emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants, has resulted in90%less mercuryin the air than a decade ago. But now, the Environmental Protection Agencyis moving forward with a proposal that asserts it is no longer appropriate and necessary to protect the public from our country's largest sources of mercury and air toxic emissions. States once warnedagainst eating fish This move could lead to the undoing of the mercury rule, which is why we're urging EPA not to go through with it. Before the rulewas proposed, half the man-made mercury in Americacame from coal-fired power plants, and as much as70%of the mercury pollutionin our waterways came from those nearby coal plants. At that time, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee was one of themost polluted national parksin America, and Delawarewarned the public against eating fishdue to high levels of mercury. In fact, by the time the mercury rule wasfinalizedin 2012,every state including Tennessee and Delaware had some type of fish consumption advisory for mercury. Add up all the advisories and, nationally, there were more fish consumption advisories for mercury than all other pollutants combined. Now, the11 million peoplewho visit the Smokies every year can seemore than 90 milesfrom Clingman's Dome, the park's highest peak, on the clearest days. Even on the haziest days, visibility has improved tomore than 30 miles. The millions of people who enjoy Delaware's five-star beaches and the rivers, streams and ponds throughout the state can also enjoy seafood without fearing high levels of mercury in their meal. In fact, across the country, there have been fewer warnings that say, "Don't eat the fish because of mercury contamination." Mercury rule h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bill-recognizing-hidden-figures-for-contributions-to-the-us-during-the-space-race-signed-into-law | Bill recognizing ‘Hidden Figures’ for contributions to the U.S. during the Space Race signed into law | 2019-11-12 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The White House announced that President Trump signedthe Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) in the Senate and U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) in the House. I am proud President Trump signed into law this bipartisan bill to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Dr. Christine Darden and all women who contributed to NASA during the Space Race with Congressional Gold Medals,saidSenator Coons.Women played an integral role at NASA during the Space Race, but for many years their accomplishments remained hidden. With the signing of this bill, we are recognizing these extraordinary women and bringing their accomplishments into the light so they can serve as an inspiration for generations of women scientists to come, particularly those of color. I am thrilled to hear that the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act has been signed into law by the President,saidCongresswoman Johnson, Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.This bill was long overdue, and I would like to thank my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for supporting this legislation. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, Christine Darden, and all the women of NASA and NACA will now receive the recognition they deserve for their great accomplishments in the successes of the United States space program. In the Senate, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) joined Senator Coons in introducing the legislation as original cosponsors. Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) was an original cosponsor in the House. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-on-gun-violence-in-the-news-journal-we-must-take-action-to-keep-our-communities-safe | ICYMI: Sen. Coons on gun violence in the News Journal: “We must take action to keep our communities safe” | 2019-11-12 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, published anop-edin the News Journal calling for federal action to prevent gun violence. The op-ed is available onlinehere.The News Journal:This bipartisan gun bill would help protect Delaware families from gun violenceBy Chris Coons Gun violence in the United States is a deadly epidemic that we cannot ignore. As an occasional hunter, I know the right to keep and bear firearms, protected by the Second Amendment, is a fundamental freedom. However, in the face of countless tragedies, including two 16-year-olds who were shot in Wilmington in recent weeksand recent deadly mass shootings in El Paso, Odessa, and Dayton, we need to offer more than thoughts and prayers. We must take action to keep our communities safe. It's clear that we need to enact laws to make it more difficult for deadly weapons to find their way into the wrong hands, and Delawareans on both sides of the issue agree. The Senator's full column is availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-jones-toomey-express-serious-concerns-over-findings-of-potential-improper-influence-during-trump-administration-s-decision-making-process-for-steel-and-aluminum-tariff-exclusions | Carper, Jones, Toomey Express Serious Concerns Over Findings of Potential Improper Influence During Trump Administrations Decision-Making Process For Steel and Aluminum Tariff Exclusions | 2019-11-08 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan lawmakers request briefing and written response on actions Commerce Department plans to take WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) sent a letter toDepartment of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Assistant Secretary for Export Administration RichardAshooh to express serious concern regarding the Department's Office of Inspector General's (OIG) findings that a lack of transparency has contributed to the appearance of improper influence in decision-making for Section 232 tariff exclusion. The Commerce Department exclusion process for the Trump Administration's tariffs on steel and aluminumcontinues to burden American businesses. The tariffs on steel and aluminum were the result of a section 232 investigation that examined whether these imports were a threat to U.S. national security. Additionally, the Senators requested a briefing and written response outlining specific actions the Department plans to take to implement the OIG's recommendations. We write to express our serious concern regarding the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General's (OIG) findings that a lack of transparency has contributed to the appearance of improper influence in decision-making for Section 232 tariff exclusion requests,the senators wrote.We have long been concerned about the lack of transparency and consistency in the Department of Commerce's Section 232 tariff exclusion process. As we wrote in our November 26, 2018 letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of the Department's process, Members of Congress and U.S. businesses have repeatedly raised concerns about the pace, transparency, and fairness of the section 232 steel and aluminum exclusion process.' The OIG's findings released on October 28, 2019 confirms that these concerns are well-founded. The lawmakers continued,Given the serious implications of the OIG's findings for the credibility of the Department of Commerce's tariff exclusion review process and the signi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-s-connection | A testament to duty, dedication and sacrifices | 2019-11-08 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Yesterday, at Norfolk Naval Base, I had the honor of participating in the Change of Command Ceremony for the USS Delaware. The Change of Command ceremony is a complete transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one Naval officer to another. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to attend many of these ceremonies, especially at Dover Air Force Base. But yesterday's ceremony was a particularly special one. It was my first with the USS Delaware the first Navy ship to be named after the First State since 1923 and the seventh vessel to bear its name overall. Yesterday, Captain Brian P. Hogan relinquished his authority to Commander Matthew Horton. Over the last several years, I've been honored to work with Capt. Brian Hogan to make sure the USS Delaware crew feels a connection to the First State from welcoming crew members at NASCAR events to giving them a warm welcome on the University of Delaware's football field during a game. Capt. Hogan has shared my vision of ensuring the crew is proud to serve aboard a vessel named after the First State, the USS Delaware. For his years of service, Capt. Hogan has received the Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy Commendation Medals, and four Navy Achievement Medals. He has been a tremendous leader who has led by his example, and I want to thank him and his family for all that they have done to get the USS Delaware to this point. Delaware's long and proud naval history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when the Delaware Bay, just off the coast of Lewes, served as the staging ground for the Continental Navy's first marine mission in 1776.Last year, Delaware's role in the U.S. Navy came full circle with the christening of the USS Delaware one of the world's most impressive vessels that can operate around the globe. That's why it was my honor to thank Capt. Hogan for his dedicated service while welcoming Commander Horton to our proud military family. Ours is a military family that already features a world-class airlift facility with world-cla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/per-delivers-address-at-uss-delaware-change-of-command-ceremony | Carper Delivers Address at USS Delaware Change of Command Ceremony | 2019-11-08 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | NORFOLK, Va. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, delivered a keynote address at the Change of Command Ceremony for the USS Delaware. This morning at the Norfolk Naval Base, Captain Brian P. Hogan relinquished command to Commander Matthew Horton as Commanding Officers of the USS Delaware (SSN 791), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine. The USS Delaware is the first Navy ship to be named for the First State since 1923 and the seventh vessel to bear its name overall. In April 2020, the USS Delaware will journey to the Port of Wilmington where a commissioning ceremony will be held. Over the last several years, I've been honored to work with Commanding Officer Brian Hogan to make sure the USS Delaware crew feels a connection to the First State from welcoming crew members at NASCAR events to giving them a warm welcome on the University of Delaware's football field during a game, said Senator Carper. Hogan has shared my vision of ensuring the crew is proud to serve aboard a vessel named after the First State, the USS Delaware. He has been a tremendous leader who has led by his example, and I want to thank him and his family for all that they have done to get the USS Delaware to this point. You'll always be welcome in the Delaware! I look forward to welcoming Commander Horton to the First State family as we plan for the USS Delaware's commissioning in Wilmington early next year. Commander Hogan is a 1998 graduate from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Masters in Arts in National Security from the Naval War College. His sea tours include service as Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, Assistant Engineer, and Operations Officer on the USS City of Corpus Christi SSN 705), Engineer Officer on USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (SSN 708), and Executive Officer on USS Wyoming (GOLD) (SSBN 742) and USS Nevad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-senate-climate-solutions-caucus-co-chairs-meet-with-bill-gates | Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus co-chairs meet with Bill Gates | 2019-11-07 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today met with Bill Gates to discuss climate change and ways to address the challenge, including investing in technology and the role that agriculture and reforestation can play in reducing emissions. Photos of the meeting are availablehere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/carper-in-cnbc-op-ed-when-we-let-the-aca-work-it-actually-does | Carper in CNBC Op-ed: When we let the ACA work, it actually does | 2019-11-06 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, authored an op-ed inCNBCmarking the start of open enrollment season, which runs November 1stthrough December 15th, 2019. When it comes to crafting effective policies for our country, I believe that we should find out what works and do more of that. As health care open enrollment begins, there is growing evidence that the Affordable Care Act is working, and it is imperative that we build on its success not tear it down,wrote Senator Carper. Senator Carper noted that, despite Republicans' repeated efforts to dismantle the ACA, the health care law is working and providing millions of American families access to quality, affordable health insurance, As we kick off the 2020 open enrollment period, 43 new insurers will be offering coverage in marketplaces of states around the country in the coming year. That gain comes on top of the 23 new insurers that were added in 2019. And as competition increases in the ACA marketplaces, premiums have begun to stabilize. Some are even decreasing. Next year, premiums for the most popular ACA plans across America are set to drop by 4 percent. Even more encouraging, multiple states will see average premiums come down by double digits in their exchanges next year. On Monday, Senator Carper joined Governor Carney, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, to announce that Delaware's Health Insurance Marketplace will have a 19 percent drop in rates for 2020. Maryland, Colorado and Montana will see similar price reductions, due in large part, to the implementation of a reinsurance program designed to help insurers pay for some of their costliest patients. More excerpts from the op-ed are below, and the full piece can be viewedhere. As it turns out, the ACA is more popular now than ever. More than 20 million Americans have gained health care coverage through the law. Nearly 130 million America… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/for-future-generations | For future generations | 2019-11-06 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, This week, the State Department announced it was beginning the formal process to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the landmark international agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit total global warming this century to less than two degrees Celsius. Climate change is the greatest threat to our planet and it is confronting humanity with a crisis that can be solved only through concerted international efforts. However, this president is not concerned with building coalitionssadly, he is concerned with breaking whatever it is that President Obama and Vice President Biden built. By breaking America's commitment to the Paris Agreement, President Trump is reducing America's standing in the world. I believe that the president's decision is shameful. It is cowardly when we need to be brave and act boldly. Once again, President Trump is abandoning our global allies for the sake of misplaced political gain. Now America stands alone nearly 200 countries have joined this global commitment to fighting climate change, even rogue states like North Korea and civil war-torn countries like Syria. It should be lost on no one that the same president who believes climate change is a hoax created by the Chinese has actually set the stage for countries like China to fill the gaping hole left behind by the United States. The president also stands alone in his denial of the profound threats posed by climate change. According to a recent report released by the Pentagon, the changing climate is increasing risks to mission-critical military bases, both coastal and inland. The 2018 National Climate Assessment prepared by scientists and experts across 13 federal agencies of the Trump Administration reported that climate change if left unchecked is on track to reduce our nation's economic output by as much as 10 percent by 2100. In Delaware, the lowest-lying state in the country, the urgency couldn't be clearer. Our state is sinking while the seas around us are rising. Homes, roads and busi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/11/republicans-and-medicare-for-all-democrats-should-stop-sabotaging-obamacare-delaware-senator-says | Republicans and Medicare for All Democrats should stop sabotaging Obamacare, Delaware senator says | 2019-11-06 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | When it comes to crafting effective policies for our country, I believe that we should find out what works and do more of that. As health care open enrollment begins, there is growing evidence that the Affordable Care Act is working, and it is imperative that we build on its success not tear it down. Since day one, Republicans have done their dead level best to undercut the ACA at almost every turn. On March 23, 2010, the ACA was signed into law marking a historic moment for our country. We were finally on our way to providing millions of American families access to quality, affordable health insurance. On that same day in 2010, 14 Republican Attorneys General challenged in court the ACA's requirement that Americans buy insurance a concept first put forth by Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee and implemented in Massachusetts by then-Governor Mitt Romney in 2006. This cynical move would mark the beginning of their years-long effort to undercut the law. Four years later, the ACA health insurance marketplaces were up and running, covering millions of Americans, many of whom, for years, could not afford insurance and, as a result, could not access much-needed health care services. Health insurers had to gain footholds in these new marketplaces. Just like turning an aircraft carrier, we knew that ensuring competition and stability would take time. Both Democrats and Republicans, though, knew that there could be steps taken at the federal level to create predictability for insurers, help stabilize the marketplace, increase competition and bring down premiums. Instead, Republicans did the opposite and deliberately cut payments intended to stabilize premiums. Then, in 2016, just as independent market analysts such as Standard & Poor's began to project improvements to the marketplace, Republicans eliminated subsidies that help lower deductibles and co-payments for consumers a move that would send premiums up by double digits yet again. Republicans were like Lucy with the football, and patients across the cou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-senate-climate-solutions-caucus-adds-new-members-hosts-first-meeting-with-ceos | Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus adds new members, hosts first meeting with CEOs | 2019-11-06 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today announced that six additional members will join the newly-formed bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus: Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Angus King (I-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The caucus is bringing together an equal number of Republicans and Democrats to craft and advance bipartisan solutions to address climate change. If we are to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward combatting climate change, both Republicans and Democrats have to be at the table, said Senator Coons. I'm proud to join my colleagues in launching this important effort to take the politics out of this discussion and work toward real solutions. We look forward to continuing to hear from business leaders, workers, farmers, and a range of experts about their priorities and ideas for how we can best address climate change and strengthen American competitiveness. As a life-long conservationist, I am proud to launch the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with Senators Coons, Shaheen, King, Bennet, Murkowski, Romney, and Graham, said Senator Braun. For too long, Washington has been paralyzed by partisan gamesmanship, unable to have productive conversations about our changing climate. Through this caucus we can have real conversations about protecting our environment, securing America's energy future and protecting American manufacturing jobs. I thank Senator Braun and Senator Coons for forming the Senate's Climate Solutions Caucus and am pleased to be part of it. I welcome the bipartisan, consensus-based approach this group has committed to and believe it will support and expand on the important work we are undertaking on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Murkowski said. Through constructive dialogue and by working together, we can advance timely, pragmatic policies that will help lower our greenhouse gas emissions and address t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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